Conference Recap

I’m a teacher. I’m a teacher and I love it. I love teaching and I love learning. One thing about the education field is that we teachers never stop learning. Last weekend is a great example of how we never stop learning.

North Dakota United is the North Dakota Education and Public Employee union. As teachers it’s a fabulous organization to help us advance in the area of teaching and advocacy.

Last weekend, we were able to go to the NDU Bargaining and Advocacy Conference. And let me tell you, I was not excited to go. I had a very poor attitude about the entire thing.   I’m just so tired and I don’t want to be away from home. Do we really have to go? I know it’s a free conference, but still. I don’t want to be there. Kyyyylllleeeeee. See. I was a gem to be around.

But we went and I’m so glad we did. We were able to visit and connect with some of our colleagues from around the state and dive more in-depth on issues that we're interested in.

Speaking of colleagues...if you’re in District 16 in West Fargo, check out Lisa Dullum’s campaign for the ND House! Go like her Facebook page and help her get elected! Lisa has some great ideas for our state, especially in the area of education.

Alright, now that you’ve checked out Lisa’s page, let’s continue. My full day of sessions started off with a Viral Marketing and Communications session led by Kelly Hagen from NDU. We learned that in order to reach our target audience, we need to be connected to social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Let's see how well we can do with our association.

I followed that up with a session on Rights and Ethics within the education profession, led by lawyer Mike Geierman. He discussed the differences between ethics and law. He proceeded to use local (our state) examples that we can all relate to.

And we finished up with Grievance Procedures in education. It was great to hear about how to go about trying to be heard if you're not sure that "right" is being done by you. And I know, our day sounds awfully dull. But it really wasn’t. Honest. I really love to learn and when it’s information centering around my passion it’s that much more exciting.

If you’ve survived this post, you’re now fully realizing how much of a nerd I am and how much I loved these sessions. If you’re interested in what we discussed in each of these sessions, I’d be happy to talk to you about them! Shoot me an email or leave me a comment below.

As always, Happy Thursday!

And stay tuned, a special Valentine’s Day post is coming your way this weekend.

Here Comes the Bride...

...all dressed in white.

You know what that means, right? You've got it. Another wedding. Since the beginning of 2015 we've attended weddings in Fargo (1), Bismarck (1), Mayville (1),  Grand Forks (2), Montevideo (1), and Hudson (1). We were also invited to three that we couldn't attend in Fargo (1) and Grand Forks (2).

We are rounding out our 2015 wedding season with a wedding in Jamestown.

The awesome thing about the wedding this weekend, is that we don't have to pay for a hotel! We are fortunate enough that we'll be able to stay with Kyle's parents and celebrate til the cows come home (or buffalo, whichever). 

Family will be in town and it will be glorious. One thing I love about spending time with Kyle's family is that the weekend will be filled with baby snuggles from our niece, late night games, lazy mornings, and lots of coffee. All things lovely.

The thing I struggle with most when it comes to weddings is, "What do I buy them?" I know, I know...just follow the registry. And as easy as that is, some of our favorite gifts weren't on our registry. 

I mean really, how cute are these??

I don't think you can register for hand embroidered flour sack towels. Maybe somewhere, but I've never seen it.

I also loved this pitcher that we got.

We use(d) it frequently...and then someone found out that really hot water shouldn't run in/on it. Don't look at me. 

And even though we loved most of the stuff that wasn't on our registry, we did receive some things that we've not even taken out of the box yet. And because I'm not sure who all reads this here blog, I won't even show you what those items are. 

Check in on IG, Twitter, Facebook or Snapchat for updates this weekend. 

But seriously. What's your go-to wedding gift? 

I know my mom's...a glass pitcher 

like the one that broke at our house. 

Twin Cities Favorites!

Kyle and I just returned from a conference in Bloomington, MN. While we were there, we spent time with family, met some new friends, and ate some good food. We had a good time and we look forward to returning to the MSP area soon.

We always say that--but we really do mean it!

While we were in the Twin Cities (and 'burbs), I kept thinking back to my time at NWC UNWSP. I spent one year of my college career in St. Paul and I fell in love with some places in the area. Granted...I wasn't there quite long enough to find all of the hidden gems in the bustling metro, I did quickly find my favorites. It also feels like I find a new favorite almost every time we venture back. So here are my:

5 Places You Should Visit When in MSP:

Brit's Pub
Do you like: Lawn bowling? Great food? A fun atmosphere?
If you answered yes to any of these three questions, check out Brit's Pub in the Nicollet Mall.

Tea Gardens
I fell in love with this place during college. My beverage of choice: their signature Iced Royal Tea with Pearls

Target Field
Any Twins fans in the house? Even if you're not a Twins fan...maybe you're rooting for their opponents. Even still...check out the brand new stadium. It's an experience all ages can enjoy.

Minneapolis Institute of Art
One of my favorite locations in Minneapolis is MIA. This museum is FREE every day and the pieces are phenomenal! They've got exhibits which rotate and certain exhibits I count on seeing every time I'm there. Plus...it's one of the best date places! *Did I mention it's free??

Walker Art Center & Sculpture Gardens
During the winter months this location might not be at the top of your list...but during any of the warmer months (basically not late Nov-early March), you'll have a fun time!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving...

I figured that with Thanksgiving being just hours away, I should join with the masses and talk about what I'm thankful for.

Here's a very condensed list of what I'm thankful for:

family
a job
a home
friends
Jesus
Aubrey
food
a car
gas in my car
money to buy gifts for people
snow
sunshine
opportunity


Now that I've got "the list" out of the way, here's the thing... I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of two wonderful families.

Munters 2014

 Kyle & nephew 2013

 me & nephew 2014

niece & me 2014

#k2getshitched2013 

Eric, Amanda, Kyle, & me July 2014

After sharing all of these photos, I just am struck with how blessed we are. Both sets of parents are so supportive and loving. They spoil each and every one of their children (and in-laws). We seriously have the best siblings ever. Older and younger siblings alike are some of our best friends. If ya'll are reading this...we don't see some of you often enough, but we really do appreciate and love all of you. We've got the best niece & nephew ever (and one more on the way)! We LOVE being aunt and uncle to you. All-in-all, we love each and every one of you. And if we ever forget to tell you, don't hesitate to remind us.

Happy Thanksgiving and we love you all!

Can you smell it?

I can smell it. Change is coming.

Fall Break.

Dun dun dun.

Mere hours separate us from Fall Break. Here we go, By the Numbers.

1 more sleep.
2 classes I will have.
3 times I'll eat.
4 times I'll recheck my suitcase.
5 times I'll check my school mail.
6 students to see.
8 times I'll go to the bathroom
10 times I'll check my email.
12 times I'll push "Snooze".
15 times I wish I were sleeping.
18 assignments to grade.
19 hours until we are (hopefully) on the road.

I can't wait.

Summer...is it too soon?

I know, I know, I know...it's only fall. But as we've been house hunting, I've been looking forward to next summer. I REALLY want a garden next summer. I also just REALLY want a house. So...this is my list of things I'm looking forward to about next summer. By the Numbers.

via

Hydrangeas are some of my favorites!

via

--a garden

via

--spending time at a lake

via

--going to Duluth

via

--seeing family in Denver

There are so many things I want to do next summer. I'm hoping that we'll be able to do all of these things. But more than anything, I'd love to make more salsa, jelly, and apple butter!

I'll add updates as necessary. Have a happy Monday tomorrow!

At Tale of Traveling: Blogtember Challenge

 So our topic for today is to tell a tale of traveling--of somewhere we've been or a favorite vacation.

And I think I'm going to post about my desire for my next trip...in October.

There's this beautiful town on the other side of Minnesota from us. I've spent many hours there on family vacations over the years. As an adult, I've not spent as much time there as I'd like. This beautiful town is none other than Duluth, MN.

Oh my are there places to go! Like...

Canal Park (via)

And...

Glensheen Mansion (via)

And one of my FAVS...

Betty's Pies  (via)

Or what about something "nature-y"...

Gooseberry Falls (via)

There are just so many beautiful, fun things in Duluth and along the North Shore! I could keep posting, and posting, and posting, and .... you get the idea. I'm hoping we get to head on over during our fall break, come October. Pray for us, that everything works out! 

And you can bet your bottom-dollar that I'll be updating you on that trip, if it happens! :)

Vacation--Say What?!

There is one huge perk of teaching and having a flexible schedule during the summer. 

Two words: Road Trip!

Say what?!

We will be traveling a little more than 3,000 miles over 14 days.

Over those 14 days we will be traveling through 7 different states.

We'll be seeing family, friends, and each other.

I'll hopefully post a few times throughout out two weeks.

As a little teaser, here are a few photos of places we'll be visiting.

Can you guess all of the cities correctly? If you do, I'll send you a prize. There might even be some prizes if you know more than anyone else!

Oh...and no cheating!

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

#11

And from #11, we will be heading back home. The challenge will end on Sunday, July 13 at 6pm. If you think you know all or most of our destinations, comment to win! Top 3 readers with correct guesses will get a prize!