My Aunt

Life is full of surprises, and the past year has proven that true.  

I'm all about feelings, I usually start an explanation with "this made me feel.." or "I feel like..." and I have to share this experience which brought up tons of POSITIVE feelings for myself.  Note that this is all my perspective.  I don't know the entirety of feelings from the rest of my family, so I speak for myself.  

Let's start at the beginning.  My father's mother passed away before I was born.  She has always been referred to as "GG" by the grand kids, Gorgeous Grandma.  All I knew of her while growing up were stories that the family told and pictures from before my existence.  Even though I never experienced her in the flesh, I've always felt a spiritual connection to her.  I feel like I know her smell, but that idea is based off of a potpourri holder that comes out at Christmas (silly, I know).  I feel like I know her energy just because of the images of her that I've seen.  But I recognize that I missed a lot and don't know even a fraction of who she was, and I'm sometimes sad that I never knew the feeling of her hugs and who she could have been to me as a grandmother.  

As said in the past, I'm not heavily "religious" but consider myself spiritual.  I've always felt like my GG is my guardian angel.  I felt like she was a part of my life even though she passed away about 4 years before I was born.  There was a period of time when I would get this sense of pressure on my mid to lower back.  A feeling like when someone puts their hand on your back, an external feeling, not internal.  The first thing that would pop into my head when I felt that was my GG.  I took that as her sign that she was there walking beside me.  Now it's very likely that I'm a nut and I'm reading into things, but it brings me comfort to think that she's with me.

Jumping ahead...

Last year my brother was contacted on Facebook by a woman who thought she could be our aunt.  I wasn't there when Dominic told my parents about it, and showed them the pictures.  I went to my parents house later that week and my mom told me she had something crazy to tell me (not sure that crazy was the word, but she said it in a way that made me run through the possibility of things she was about to tell me-in a split second).  I never imagined that she was about to tell me that my dad had a sister that no one knew about.  I cried.  I cried because it meant there was a person on this earth that could potentially resonate my grandmothers spirit that I never knew fully.  I also cried because when I saw this woman's picture, I could see my grandmother from all of the pictures I'd seen growing up.  I can't imagine the emotions my dad was feeling and the rest of the family who knew my GG.  Knowing that there was a secret like this that was held on to so tightly by my grandmother answered a lot of questions about what she was going through as a young woman.

Meeting Winnie

Winnie is the woman who contacted my brother on FB.  She is our aunt, and my dad's half sister who resembles his mother incredibly.  She and my dad began getting to know each other over the phone.  As time passed, they completed the DNA process which confirmed that they are in fact half siblings.  Winnie was born to my grandmother just days after her 18th birthday, and as we can all imagine, a teen pregnancy was not something that was as common and accepted as it is today.  Winnie was given up for adoption with very few knowing anything about it.  

I went with my parents to meet Winnie in May.  I had to be apart of that moment when my dad met his sister for the first time.  I describe it as magical, positive, exciting, emotional and strange (haha!).  Winnie is a vibrant woman who exudes light and love.  I personally felt an immediate comfort.  I wasn't comparing her to my GG (besides the physical aspect), since I didn't know my GG, but I felt like she wasn't a stranger...which was strange.  We had a nice meeting at a winery with Winnie, her husband Bob and her son Matt, such a wonderful group of people.  I found myself sitting quietly soaking it all in, a bit in disbelief that life can throw such great surprises at you.  The following day Winnie hosted a gathering with extended family members of ours and a few friends of hers.  It was a beautiful day filled with love and emotion.

First hug

The family gathered watching home videos of when my dad was a kid

I look forward to more get-togethers with Winnie and her family, and getting to know the aunt I didn't know I had.  Though there have been many missed years, it doesn't mean we can't create an abundance of memories with the time we have left!

~Alex~

This is GG as a young woman.  She's beautiful!

In one year...

On this day, next year, I will get to start my life as the wife of Nick!  I can't wait for that moment!  I am proud of what we have together and look forward to what's to come in the future.

After about 3 months of being engaged we have accomplished a decent amount of planning.  As said previously, we have our venue and date, I have my dress, I've picked out my bridesmaids dresses and bridesmaids (not all have been notified, more to come about my girls!), we have a color scheme, we have a color and an idea on style picked out for our grooms men's suits, we have our wedding bands (Nick's is awesome!!), and we have meetings scheduled with a few photographers and a caterer.  The goal is to get engagement photos and Save The Dates out by the end of summer so all of our out of town loved ones can start planning!  

I must say, this has been an interesting experience.  I always knew there was a lot to think about when planning such a celebration, but MAN it's a bit overwhelming.  I keep reminding myself that it will be a beautiful representation and celebration of our love, and I CANNOT wait to share the day with so many important people to us!

Nick has been such a huge part in our planning.  I'm so impressed at how he jumped right in and started researching venues and vendors.  During the school year I couldn't really devote a whole lot of time to the planning process, so Nick did all of the initial research.  

THANKS LOVE!!!

Let the year countdown begin!

~Alex~

Break Time!

Now that it's summer break I suppose I should use this extra time to blog a little more.  I love writing down what's been going on in life, and in my brain!

The last few weeks of school were jam packed with to-do's and a lot of emotional moments.  I didn't think I would get as attached to my kiddos as much as I did, since I only had them for half a year.  BUT, of course I did.  They are a wonderful group of kids and I wish I had them for a whole school year.  

One of my teammates gave me the idea to do this for each of my students as an end of the year gift.  They each sat in front of the board and the other kiddos wrote nice things about the person of the moment.  They didn't get to see what others said until the received the photo the last day of school.  They all wanted to do one for me too, so this is it!

I learned SO much between student teaching at the start of the year, and taking on my own class for the second half.  I made mistakes, had epiphanies, cried, laughed and hopefully became a little bit of a better teacher.  

I look forward to a new year in the fall, starting fresh with a new group of kiddos, right from the beginning!

I'm devoting this summer to wedding planning, getting back into a healthier life style, and spending time with the little ones that I watched before I started teaching.  

I can't decide how much of the wedding details I want to disclose on the blog before the wedding.  I want our guests to wait to enjoy the final event with me and Nick!  Our goal is to get majority of the wedding planned this summer, so during the school year I don't have much to think about.  

Let's see, what have we accomplished so far?  

We have a venue and a date!

We visited about 10-15 venues before making our final decision.  The location we decided on is not what I ever pictured for my future wedding (probably because I didn't know anything like it existed in Colorado).  I always said I wanted to get married in a meadow, but instead we are getting married someplace a little less expected and with incredible views of Colorado.  It was a toss up between the chosen location and one in Estes Park, but it came down to the proximity to our lives and those closest to us in Colorado.  It seemed stressful and expensive to have a destination wedding in our own state.  Here are a few "sneak peak" photos of our venue.  If you've been venue shopping, or know the area, you can probably guess where this is!!

I have a wedding dress!

I made appointments to try on dresses with some of the women closest to me the first Saturday after the school year ended (I was eager).  We had a fun day of trying on dresses, lunch and girl time.  Our first visit was to The Green Bride, in Downtown Littleton.  This store is very unique.  They sell new and used gowns and a portion of gown purchases goes towards supporting Dalit Freedom Network to help free young girls and women out of human trafficking.  While Karen was incredibly sweet to work with, and I found a gown that I ALMOST went back for, I didn't find my gown there.

Jessica & Katie helping me hunt!

Our next stop was Blue Bridal Boutique in Denver.  I had a wonderful experience and service at Blue Bridal, and narrowed it down to two gowns I liked.  But still, neither of the dresses made me giddy enough to buy.

I finally did what I didn't really want to do, and went to David's Bridal the following Monday…because they were having a clearance sale and I was determined to find a dress on mega sale.  After trying on a few dresses, I walked out in a style that I never imagined would look flattering on my short wasted figure.  The reaction from my mom, God mom, God sister and friend Katie were enough to sell me.  But when I saw myself I was a bit in shock.  I didn't cry or get overly expressive/emotional like I've always seen on Say Yes to the Dress, but I felt comfortable, classy, sexy, and my age!  

It's a winner, oh and Gramma approves too! ;o)

More wedding planning updates to come!

HAPPY SUMMER!

White and black bean chicken chili

It's gray and rainy out and chili sounded good, especially since we probably won't have many more cold days ahead of us for a few months.  I found a recipe for white bean chicken chili on Pinterest, and decided to use that as a base line, but to throw my own concoction together.

Unfortunately, I was tossing everything in as if I really were "concocting" a potion, so some of my measurements are guesses.  Whoops.

Ingredients:

1/2 Yellow onion chopped

2 Cloves garlic pressed or diced finely

1 Tbsp diced canned jalapeños OR 1 small fresh jalapeño diced

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 14.5oz Cans chicken broth

1 14.5oz Can navy beans rinsed

1 14.5oz Can white beans rinsed

1 14.5oz Can black beans rinsed

1  4oz Can diced green chilis

1 Rotisserie Chicken 

1/2 Cup salsa verde

2 Tsp Chili powder

2 Tsp Cumin

1/4 Cup fresh cilantro

To garnish:

1 Avocado

Fresh cilantro

Sour Cream

Let's Cook!

1.  Place olive oil in pan and turn to medium on stove.  Add onion, garlic and jalapeños.  Cook until onions are translucent.  Add to crockpot and turn crockpot heat to high.

2.  Add the broth, beans, green chills, and salsa verde and mix.

3.  Pull the white meat off of the chicken in bite size pieces and add to the crockpot.   For more chicken, add the dark meat as well.  I save the remaining dark meat for other meals such as quesadillas, or a quick topper on salad.

4.  Add the remaining ingredients.  Bring to a boil and turn to low until ready to serve, or keep on high heat if it is not at a rapid boil.

5.  Garnish with avocado, fresh cilantro and sour cream! 

Bon Appetit! 

~Alex~

Running my teacher marathon

I've been a teacher for 5 weeks now and it feels like I've been running a 5 week marathon.

What an incredible month is has been!  I've never felt so much stress, anxiety, exhaustion and work with an equal amount of love, support, fun, and growth.  The "negative" feelings are less than the positive feelings, therefore I'm able to keep on running this marathon!  I've always heard what it was like to be a first year teacher and now I understand what everyone has been talking about.  But I'm not only "first year," I'm starting mid year which comes with the positives and negatives. 

My class is wonderful.  They have confirmed my love for children of all ages and abilities.  I have a diverse group (as does our whole school) and it makes day to day school life exciting, interesting and eye opening.  Each one of my kiddos has already taught me SO much after only 5 weeks, and I know by the last day of school my love for these sweet souls will have grown even more.  

The men and women I work with have been incredibly welcoming and helpful.  (No, I'm not just saying this because they might read this post, its true…you ALL are the best!!).  My first week I was flooded with support and continue to receive daily support in all fashions.  So, THANK YOU PE family, you've made this mid-year transition a great one.

Some funny moments so far:

• On day one I had a little lady rat on one of my boys and tell me that he wished he were older so that he could be my boyfriend.
• I've been called mom and grandma, yes grandma, about 100 times…which isn't unusual as a teacher, but after they asked if I was a teenager, I thought MOM wouldn't happen so soon let alone GRANDMA.  
• My students have an idea of how much time I've been spending in my classroom on the weekends and before school, they suggested I buy a small mattress to keep under my desk so I can just sleep there.
• …then they went on to discuss a good place for me to keep my clothes and food.  But then became really concerned when they realized I might not have a place to shower or wash my clothes.  I'm glad they care about hygiene!
• I gave them the "you don't want to see Grumpy Ms. Fanelli lecture," and then I was asked if I would turn into Grumpy Cat if I became Grumpy.
• My kiddos asked me about Nick one day and wanted to know what he looks like.  Then one kiddo admitted to knowing what he looks like.  I asked her how, and she said her mom looked me up on Facebook.  I guess I should have figured the FB snooping would start immediately. Yikes.

Kids say the darnedest things, and they make life so fun!  

It feels incredible to finally apply my studies and begin my career.  It's also so comforting to know that every day is a new day and every day is a learning experience not just for the kids, but for me too.  I love going in to school every day and I cherish my personal time more than ever.  I hope this mid year experience prepares me for an successful 2015-2016 school year.

Until next time… (which could be another 5 weeks, if I'm still running this marathon!)

-Ms. Fanelli ;o)

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Warning: This is a long one :)

Wow…like always, time flew!  It seems like we just celebrated a new year, and in just a few days we're doing it all over again.

The past several months I've experienced busy like never before.  My last post was a little over a month ago, when I was counting down to graduation.  Since that post, A LOT has happened.  I completed my Teacher Work Sample, completed my Capstone, presented my Capstone, interviewed a few times, said goodbye to my amazing CT and our sweet 2nd graders, graduated, and was hired on as a 3rd grade teacher!  Talk about whirl-wind, mostly because all of this seemed to happen within days of each other! Oh and between all of that there was Thanksgiving, my mom's birthday and Christmas.

All I can say is that being busy has lead me to great opportunities.  Let's rewind. My Teacher Work Sample:  That was a 7 week unit on habitats that I planned for the second grade team.  I had to complete a write up of our school and classroom demographics, several formal lesson plans, assessments, and data analysis, all while teaching the unit in my classroom.  As mentioned previously, there was always little time for science, but I did enjoy exposing the kids to the topics in a new way!  The completion of this project was my first check on the to-do list before graduation.  What a great feeling to finish that and what a great experience to plan a formal unit with in-depth data analysis.

After completing the TWS I was able to focus on my Capstone.  For those of you that don't know what a Capstone is, it's just another fancy word for a final project that demonstrates application of everything we have learned in our program.  We had the option of four different project types, I chose another formal unit plan because to me that is something I'll reference in the future.  I did a literature review on the use of Backwards Design for unit planning, and used that method while planning a six week weather unit.  I now have 20-something formal lessons having to do with weather, and some cute project examples to go with it.  We had to present our project on a board with our peers, supervisors and family members as our audience.  It was a casual conversation with everyone as they roamed around, so that took away some pressure.  I was proud to showcase all of my hard work and the creative bug that lurks in my bones.  After the Capstone presentation, I was officially DONE with school and just awaited our graduation ceremony.

While all of this was happening, I was putting my feelers out for potential jobs.  Since I graduated mid-school year, I planned on finding a long term sub position, a para/assistant position, or figured I'd simply substitute through spring until I was hired on for the following school year.  I interviewed at a charter school for a para position and was kindly decline for the position, but asked to apply again later in the coming year when they began interviewing for teaching positions.  I think that was the doing of a greater power because even though I would have loved to work with kids in any fashion, teaching is what I REALLY wanted.  

Shortly after getting this news that I wasn't offered a job, the principal where I did my student teaching emailed me letting me know she sent out my contact information to several schools that were on the hunt for teachers.  Almost immediately I received phone calls from secretaries wanting to set up interviews.  I scheduled an interview for a 1st grade position the Friday before my graduation.  About an hour after my interview I got a call from the school saying they loved meeting with me and they thought I'd be a great candidate for a 3rd grade position they had opening up.  So, I scheduled another interview with them the Tuesday after graduation.  I walked out of that interview with some major pep in my step, feeling like it went incredibly.  I was planning on hearing from them by the end of the night, knowing they had other candidates to interview.  About 10 minutes later, while I was still on my drive home, I received a call from the principal saying they loved me and wanted me to come in to do a "read aloud with a purpose" and a Q&A with the students and any parents that wanted to be there.  Talk about nerve racking!  My CT dug through her books for me and helped me pick out a good read aloud, she went over some key ideas she felt I should bring up with the kids, and she allowed me to practice on our second graders.  Let's just say, SHE IS THE BEST.  For more than that, but having her support during such an intimidating time was absolutely needed.  I went in to meet this class on the day before winter break.  This meant I had to leave the second graders in the middle of an emotional day (for me, because I've fallen in love with them), hurry over to the school for this extremely scary moment, and then rush back to be apart of the winter party. Like I said, this was the day before winter break…anyone that knows kids knows that this means excitement is high in anticipation for a break from school, all of the parties and goodies going around, and the holidays nearing.  I wasn't sure what I was in for and my heart was beating out of my chest.  I sat in my car for about 10 minutes before going in and focused on my breathing.  I felt silly and hoped no one was eyeing me from afar, but it calmed me down and I finally jumped out and walked in with as much confidence as I could muster up.  When I got inside, there was no lag time…I was escorted immediately into the classroom and was greeted by about 24 clapping 3rd graders and about six skeptical parents.  I heard a student say, "Is she a teenager?!" and that was my opportunity to show everyone my personality by laughing and making a joke about how young I look.  The assistant principal and one of the other 3rd grade teachers were apart of the audience as well.  I went in with tunnel vision and just focused on the kiddos in front of me and did what I had so much practice doing the past 4 months.  Kids are kids, they just need to feel loved, understood, and they need to be engaged.  With that combination, they're easily wrangled!  I felt like the students were so captivated by this book, and were so eager to learn from me.  Once I finished reading, I took questions. The kids focused on asking about things that would stay the same.  I had to reassure them that I would do all that I can to keep their classroom feeling like home, and that we would work together as a group to form our own "classroom traditions" throughout the remainder of the year.  It seemed as though everything went wonderfully, and as I walked out of the school with the 3rd grade teacher that was observing, she kindly informed me that I "nailed it" and that everyone loved me.  

Finally, I could breath!  

I hurried back to my 2nd graders and Annie (my CT), because I so badly wanted those last few hours with them.  It was hard to focus on everything going on but I did manage to cherish that time and realized how much I had fallen in love with those precious souls.  I was watching the clock, thinking about when they might be making a decision.  About an hour after I left my "teaching interview," I looked at my phone and noticed I missed a call from the principal at the new school by seconds.  I ran up to the teacher lounge and called back.  The principal and assistant principal got on speaker phone and happily announced that everyone loved me and they wanted to offer me the position.  I can't even explain the emotions I was feeling in that moment.  The years of hard work between my undergraduate degree and graduate degree, the hours of unpaid student teaching, and the stress of completing final projects all while job hunting, had come to this…just 4 days after graduation!

Opening presents from the 2nd graders 

How cute is this?!

I am proud to call myself a 3rd grade teacher starting on January 5th.  

Many people roll their eyes at such an underpaid position (some even say we have an easy job because we just play with kids all day….if that's you, you better watch it!! Hah), but then there are those that realize that teachers are absolutely not in it for the money, but rather the little lives they will have the opportunity to contribute to.  I am PROUD to call myself an underpaid teacher, and I will work my butt off so these kids get the love and education they deserve!

Now, this is an interesting situation.  I'm not going in for a long term subbing position, this class is completely MINE for the remainder of the year.  The teacher I am replacing was offered a position in the district doing something she has wanted to do for years.  She had to take the opportunity when it was presented to her, and because of this, I now am a full time teacher!  The excitement and stress right now is HUGE.  I have a classroom to move in to, and lessons to plan!  The walls are bare and though I'm extremely excited to fill them up with collaborative creativity between me and my students, I'm having trouble visualizing how I'm going to get everything organized in time.

This is my classroom, soon it will be revamped with Fanelli style ;-)

I've already received so many welcoming hugs and encouraging words from the teachers and staff at my new school. The teacher that I'm replacing has been incredible with her support, too!  I've decided to do my very best to not go nuts with what needs to be accomplished before the 5th, and I've realized that I truly need to take one day at a time.  Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays are beginning to die down, I can devote my time to my classroom starting Monday.  

Rewind again:  Before I found out about my new job, I celebrated my graduation with some of the most important people in my life.  I had a group of about 14 people including my family and a few close friends come cheer me on as I was one of the few masters graduates to walk the stage.  That means that they were gracious enough to sit for another hour or so while a couple thousand other graduates followed.  

**THANK YOU GUYS, I KNOW THAT WAS LONG!!**

Trying not to trip.

My brother, Dominic.

Mom, Dad, Gramma & Nana.

My love Nick, and his mom Carol.

Look, It's JESSICA!!

The Clevelands. 

Wahoo!

Following the ceremony, we all gathered for drinks and later an amazing dinner.  The time spent with them, and the love and support from everyone was unlike anything I've felt before.  Let's just say, there were a lot of tears shed.

Nora

High school and College friends forever!

I love them.

One of the best moments was receiving a gift from my parents that took so much time, effort, and love, to compile.  They contact a number of family members and friends from all chapters of my life and asked them to contribute wise words, words of encouragement, memories, etc. that would later be compiled with pictures and published for me.  This book turned out amazing and the words on those pages were priceless.  Every page made me cry, smile, laugh, and feel so overwhelmingly loved and supported.  

**TO THOSE OF YOU THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THAT BOOK, AND WHO HAVE LOVED AND SUPPORTED ME ALONG MY JOURNEY, THANK YOU!**

There is nothing more valuable than a support system that sticks by and cheers you on through any ups and downs life has to offer.  I have one gosh-darn-incredible support team that I know will be with me through every chapter of life!

 

The Book. Simply AMAZING.

I think I better wind this post down.  There will be many more posts to come, especially as I start my new chapter as a 3rd grade teacher…Let the fun begin!

~Alex~

11 Weeks Down 7 To Go!

…and halfway through the 12th week!

Another 3 weeks came and went in a blink of an eye.  A lot has happened in those three weeks between student teaching and personal life.  

The biggest accomplishment I completed with my second grade team were our conferences.  It was the school's first year doing student led conferences.  There was a lot of push back from families, they were worried they would not get any one on one time with the teachers to discuss their child's progress.

We began preparing for conferences the week before fall break, and the week after is when we began coaching the kids.  They filled out several goal sheets for math, reading and writing, and charted their progress on bar graphs.  We helped them compile a file folder of their work and they rehearsed it several times.  It was pretty cool to see how positive this process was.  Students were proud to share their work with their peers when they practiced, and really took ownership of everything they have accomplished this far in the year.

The moment of truth was conference day when they came in with their parents, and led the whole conference. My CT and I stood back, and only jumped in to answer questions or point out something the student may have forgotten.  Parents were happily surprised at how the conferences turned out.  They were proud to see their children take the lead roll and acknowledge their own work.  They seemed especially impressed with the students personal evaluations of themselves.  They had to choose which behavioral areas they were good at and which they needed to focus on.  EVERY student made an honest evaluation of themselves, and some of their parents were blown away that they were able to honestly reflect on their behavior and performance in the classroom!

Overall, student led conferences seemed to be a success.  I am glad I was able to be apart of this type of conference, I now have experience in traditional conferences and student led…all experience is beneficial for my future as a teacher!

We had a week of fall break a couple weeks ago!  I forgot how necessary the scheduled breaks are. They always seem to come at JUST the right moment.  I was beginning to feel excessively overwhelmed, and the break was just what I needed (and I know the rest of the school needed the break as well).  I was able to spend time with my family and boyfriend, hang out with my cousin who came to town, and love on my parent's new puppy.  On top of that, I caught up on a lot of TWS work, and my Capstone!  But of course, I will feel like my head is just above water until I graduate and ALL of my assignments are submitted!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend a job fair at UNC.  I hadn't been back to Greeley since I graduated in December of 2009, wow did 5 years go by in a flash!  I met with a few counties and schools, and overall had a VERY successful visit.  What I'm most excited about is the connection I made with a local charter school's principal.  We talked casually for a bit about my background and what her charter school was about.  As we progressed, it hit me who she was…my 6th grade teacher from way back when!!  Small world, isn't it?!  Before we realized our connection, she seemed very impressed with my SLP & Aud. background and wanted me to come back a little later for a more in depth conversation.  When I went back, she told me about a paraprofessional position opening in January, which could potentially lead to a 2nd grade teaching position in the fall!  She wants me to come into the school for a tour and interview with the rest of her team.  I can't explain how EXCITING this is!  It could be a perfect situation, to have time in the school getting to know its community and culture before (1) deciding if I want to take a full time teaching position there, and (2) taking on a classroom for my first time.  It would make the transition into my first year teaching a lot more graceful already knowing the school and the people!  I'm keeping my fingers crossed, saying my prayers, and telling the universe what I want…I hope it all pans out, and I can finish student teaching and jump right back into a school!

Halloween is Friday (in case you weren't aware, haha!).  I can't wait to share our teams Halloween costume with everyone.  It sure is cute, and the kids are going to LOVE it!!

Just a few more weeks left and so much to do…back to work I go…!

Pinterest Win-Mississippi Roast

Many of us are hooked on Pinterest.  There's something fun about sharing ideas, having a way to "pin" them to a digital board for future referral, and find inspiration in other people's creations.  

I've tried MANY Pinterest ideas, as most of us have, and found that some were a complete win and others a fail.  I've decided to share my "wins" and how I altered some of them to create something slightly different.  

This first WIN is a Mississippi roast.  I was drawn to the recipe because of the few ingredients, the fact that it was a convenient crockpot meal, and like most of my food pins…it looked delicious at the time, and sounded great for fall weather!

Following the link from Pinterest, the roast was on Table For Two's blog.  

Find the complete recipe here, and let her know how it turns out!!

Mississippi Roast-Table For Two

The only thing I did differently, was the cut of meat that I used.  I couldn't find a 3 pound chuck roast, so I used a 2.15 pound rump roast.  It turned out delicious, with a lot of extra juices in the crock pot.  I served this over mashed potatoes and drizzled the extra juices over as gravy.

My version!

Thanks Table For Two for sharing such a delicious, and easy meal!

a&j snap shots

What happens when you get two gal-pals in front of a camera?…a whole lot of giggles!

Recently, Jess and I arranged a "photo sesh" with my buddy Ryan.  While the goal was to get some new shots for our blog, and promote Ryan's talents, it turned in to an hour of laughter, cacti dodging, and doing our best to look like friends and not lovers…though I do love Jess, we wanted to portray an accurate image of our relationship :-p 

Ryan was such a trooper as we acted like a couple of 18 year old girls.  He ran with our giddy and goofy personalities and caught some really cute (and funny) candids. 

The night started out a little cloudy, but by the end of the hour we were lucky enough to get one of Colorado's amazing sunsets!  Check out our favorites, and check out Ryan's website while you're at it!  He is a SUPER talented & fun photographer to work with!

Shutter / Sensor Visual Media

www.shuttersensor.com

a&j

Cutest laugh ever!

I think we look like super heroes here! 

Hey! Let's be cheesy!