A hopeful reading list

I'm studying to become an elementary teacher. I would feel incredibly guilty teaching children to read and love reading when I have put it on the back burner myself. I have a million excuses but the famous "I just don't have time" seems to pop up in my mind most often. I have this goal to read a whole list of Newbery Medal and Honor awarded books. I collect them (mostly from D.I.) and they are beautiful books. The feeling of buying a great find and adding it to my collection is something I always look forward to. I've read many of them but gosh those ones I haven't read have made me feel guilty.

Last semester I had a really great teacher who put the greatest emphasis on how important it is to read to children. We hear that all the time but it really stuck with me this time around. It's not just important for us to read to children but for us as adults to read and indulge in a creative and imaginative life other than our own. So. My goal for now until ever. I want to always have a book started and on my night stand. Currently The Voyages of Dr. Dolittle is open and waiting for me to finish the last chapter. 

 Currently reading and almost done!

One of my favorites! I love any book with talking animals.

Here is my list of books I'd love to read before graduation (in three semesters!! whhaa!).

A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck

Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff 

Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery by Russell Freedman 

The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane by Russell Freedman

Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg

It's Like This, Cat by Emily Neville

Shadow of a Bull by Maia Wojciechowska 

Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate  by Jacqueline Kelly

Tuesday Paul and I finally made it to Yellowstone. I've been having a hard week (maybe life) and Paul is the sweetest to try and make it better. We spent our entire day walking around, looking at the amazing scenery. It really is so beautiful there and I'm glad we live so close. He then took me to eat at a favorite pizza place in West Yellowstone and THEN the PlayMill! We saw Mary Poppins and it was so good. It was a really good day amongst some not so great ones. 

At the end of July Paul and I set off on our adventure to Arizona. I was fully expecting our car to break down or for some crazy utahard to rear end us but we were surprisingly lucky BLESSED to have nothing but safe travels. It was a looonngg drive let me tell you that. My bum has never been so sore. 

About half-ish way there we stopped near Page Arizona to see this magnificent sight. Horse Shoe Bend really is something everyone must see at least once in there life time. It's unreal! I did think I was going to pass out while hiking to and the heat!! (oh the heeaaat is ridiculous there) but we made it and it was so worth it. 

Oh, I'm so proud of the Grand Prix

 I blended right in with all the asian tourists there! 

This is my valentine forever

I stay sane by..

Going to work.
Sometimes I just wish I could hide away in my bed and not face anything or anyone. On the days I've done this, I don't feel any better and it actually makes things worse. So. I get up and go. I work in a good environment around people and nature. It's also a plus when Paul and I get to meet each other at the dump for a quick kiss.

Doing home work.
Home work usually makes me sad but lately it's what's been holding me together. It's the key to my future and thinking about my future as a teacher makes me happy.

#tunameltsmyheart
I don't know if any one will ever understand my love for dogs. Little pups literally fill a space in my heart. My husband showed me this dog named Tuna on Instagram and I'm obsessed. Some people may think he is repulsive. The dog makes me happy. I can't explain it. He might even be my new wallpaper for my computer.. Tuna literally melts my heart!

Being with Tanner and Bree.
These two are so innocent and happy about the smallest, simplest things. They'll share their happiness with just about anyone. When I'm around them I don't have any time to be sad or angry. Stacy, you are so lucky to have these two sweethearts! And I'm so lucky to be their Aunt.

Eating well.
There's a giant difference in my mood when I have eaten I giant bowl of Reese's compared to when I have a green smoothie and a healthy dinner. But. Sometimes the Reese's make me just as happy..

Going to the temple.
I have no words for the peace that I feel there.

DIY// pretty Twig wreath

Paul and I live in a little "add on" to a house, meaning we live in the back of someone else's house. Every time I come in or out of our apartment I walk through a little passage way to get to the front and there are these giant bush-tree things that I have to dodge in order to keep both my eyes.  I was sick of these branches whacking me in the face every time so I chopped a few down with my trusty kitchen scissors. I brought a few of them inside and got to work.

There are a lot of beautiful classic holiday wreaths going up but I wanted something a little different. I really like how it turned out!

DIY// Pine cone mobile

Lately I've found myself surrounded by pine cones. It seems like every day at work I've been literally collecting truck loads of pine cones along with pine needles, sticks and leaves. It seems only appropriate to decorate my house with them too, right? Well my husband thought I lost it once and for all when I came home with a bucket of natures finest. I think he was pretty impressed with the end result.

Step 1. Go outside and find what nature has to offer. I found 5 really pretty pine cones with different sizes, shapes and colors. Also, any stick will do. 

Step 2. Cut pieces of twine with your desired length. I cut different lengths for each. 

Step 3. Wrap the end of your twine around your pine cones tightly. I didn't even have to tie it. All I did was wrap the twine around the pine cone tightly and snipped off the extra.

Step 4. Wrap the other end of your twine around the stick and tie. 

Step 5. Cut two pieces of twine at equal length, tie to the ends of the stick, then tie the other ends together at the top to create a way to hang your mobile.

Step 6. Hang on your wall with a pin where others can enjoy your unique decoration!