so much to say

well.  it's been a while.

I have started several posts between the last one (may?!) and this one, but never finished any.  so today I'm just going to spill.  a lot has happened and there is a lot to say.  (I'll have to add pictures later).

summer was a dream and a whirlwind.  I loved going to the cabin, teaching a class at King's English, having friends over in the huge yard, and...

we bought a HOUSE.  it's a lovely little house on a corner (now) but it didn't start out that way.  Samuel and my dad--plus lots of other friends and family-- have spent eons of time over there building and sanding and ripping out and painting.  it has definitely been a learning process for me.  I have learned patience in a major way.  I have learned how to putty nail holes, refinish floors, and kill weeds.  I have learned how to stick to things that really matter, and let things that don't matter not bug me so much.  I'm still learning how to communicate my gratitude.  I'm still learning how to not care what other people think.  Samuel and I sometimes struggle with making decisions, but we've made some and it is finally all starting to come together.  hooray!  seriously. we are having a MAJOR party when this project is done.  pie for everyone.

school is back in session, and that part of my life is starting to take shape again.  my class is adorable.  I really love being a teacher-- every time I think of different career paths I considered, I always end up so happy that I stuck to my guns with education.  we all have our days (and I have many), but I think this is something that makes me happy and that I am good at-- and that's a great feeling in a career.

this time of year--fall--is my favorite.  with the start of school, it always makes me feel like making new goals and new beginnings.  Bryttin recently made her awesome goal list, and I've been thinking about goals I have for myself over the next few months.  that will have to be its own post, though.  there are still things mulling around in my head that I need to let simmer.  hopefully I can blog more regularly to keep myself reflecting on all of this stuff.

the air is crisp today-- a happy change of the seasons.  today is Dad's birthday.  what a guy!  and Bailey's birthday is on saturday.  I'm hoping we are to a point on our house project that I can go down and visit her. that would be another post in the works.  stay tuned... and thanks for not giving up on me (even though I haven't blogged since may).  LOVE.