10 years ago...

Yesterday marked the 10 year anniversary of the tragic attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City. A single morning changed this nation, and will never be forgotten.

I was in Biology class when I first heard of the attacks.This was before the time of live streaming in classrooms - instead we turned on the radio. We listened and tried to comprehend as best we could what had taken place. I remember being utterly confused. It sounded like we were at war, but I had no idea against who? I remember switching classes and our teachers trying to talk to us and explain the situation, but nothing made sense. Kids kept guessing what happened and making up stories until we didn't know what to believe. Finally, the school was able to get a TV in the library to show what had happened. What I had pictured in my mind was not even close to what I saw as I watched the replay of each airplane hit the skyscrapers and the eventual collapse of both buildings.

Noah remembers sitting in Mrs. Wilson's Geometry class. He was actually late that day, but she didn't notice because she had the TV on.  It was turned to the news replaying the attacks. He doesn't remember much else about that day, to him it seems more real now than it did then.

Today, I talked to some of my classes about September 11th. It's crazy to think that most of them were too young to have any recollection of the day. Many of them don't remember a time when we were not sending troops to Iraq or Afghanistan, or elsewhere in the world in the fight against terrorism. So much has happened, yet it doesn't seem like it has been 10 years since that day.

"A decade after 9/11, it's clear for all the world to see - the terrorist who attacked us that September morning are no match for the character or our people, the resilience of our nation, or the endurance of our values."
-President Obama 9/10/2011


Prayers for those who lost their lives, and all who have, and are putting their lives on the line to keep this nation safe. God Bless.

Hit It Hard, Ev'ry Yard for I-S-U!!

It's no secret that we love our Cyclones. A LOT. But on Saturday, our love got a little stronger! After a great game with 3, repeat 3, overtimes, the Cyclones defeated the Hawks 44-41. Listen to those sirens (insert tornado siren noise here).

It was a great day to be a Cyclone! Here's some pictures of the fun!!

 Go Cyclones!

Canning Party

WE must really like parties. No matter what the reason, use the word "party" and we are there! Last weekend we headed up to Scott and Tina's to take part in the first annual Labor Day Canning Party :) 

Mom taught us all the basics of canning, and because of the beautiful weather, and ability to do most of the work outside, it was a ton of fun. Even Ellie and Cecilia got to take part in the fun!

#1 Tomato Picker

Teamwork

Noah's contribution: MARGARITAS :)

Final Products!

We then had some fun around the campfire! A great way to spend the weekend :)

Happy Labor Day!!

Chris and Stacy's Wedding

On August 6th we got to celebrate the marriage of Stacy and Chris. It was a great night with lots of dancing! Even though there was LOTS of black and gold, we still had a lot of fun :)

 

Movin Time

We have had a VERY busy last few weeks! We have gotten (most) everything unpacked, Noah started his job at Scheels, and I have gotten my classroom all set up for students to come on Monday. We can finally take a deep breathe and enjoy the fact that we are back! 

Noah and I were very lucky to stumble upon a town home in Ankeny that was being put up for rent 4 days before we were scheduled to move...nothing like a tight timeline :) We really think it will be a good place us for the moment. Plus, its three levels, meaning our fat cats get a little bit more activity in the day!

I didn't take near as many pictures of the moving process as I had planned, but maybe that's not necessarily a memory I want to relive.. It was A LOT of work! Fortunately, we have great family that helped out a ton!

Here's a few pics of our new Home! There's more to it than the pictures, but I guess you'll have to come visit to see the whole shebang :)

This was part of the packing...not fun!

Our Kitchen, Dining, and Living Room area.

Goin upstairs...

Bedroom

TTFN - Tah Tah for Now

During our hectic move, we were able to spend some time celebrating with our Rockford friends. I'll miss my 'Bago girls A LOT! We had a good night of food, drinks, and laughter!

Flashlight Tag

My apologize for the long absence. A LOT has happened in the last few weeks, which will show up here soon! First update: FLASHLIGHT TAG! In the words of Jenny, it gets better as you get older. We had a ton of fun, maybe a little too much! Ellie and Cece were able to join us for the night - Ellie was a trooper and went all night! 

Cousin Lovin' - Good Times :)