The last week ...

I can't believe that Christmas break is almost over. It feels like I just landed in Jacksonville and now it's already almost time to get packed again and head to Germany.

It's been a good break. A bit uneventful, but fun. I was able to go to my dad's new church and I LOVE IT!! After church today we went to lunch w/Joe & Mandy McKenzie, the youth director & his wife at Dad's church. They are such a sweet couple and I have, of course, already volunteered to work with the youth when I get back to the States this summer.

Last Sunday we went tailgating w/my brother, Robin, Edna, Steven, my parents, and a few of their friends. It was nice to be doing such an "American" tradition that I hadn't done in a while. It's also nice to see American football on the tv. New Years Day is the Sugar Bowl and I will be rooting for GA!

My best friend Tammy came down from Savannah to spend the weekend on Friday and last night we got dolled up and went out to the Cheesecake Factory and then over to Steven's apartment to sing karaoke w/him & his roommate, Mark.

I have enjoyed being back in Jax and getting into the throes of American-isms again. Target trips have been few and far between but I still have a gift card that I need to use there before my plane leaves on Thursday.

So, yes, it's been a good break. Quite short but I think I will be ready to get on the plane Thursday and head back to Germany for the next 6 months. My parents will be coming over Spring Break so it's nice that I don't have to wait so long to see them again.

I will be posting pictures later of my visit...stay tuned!

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone had a great day yesterday. I got lots of fun things from Santa including the new updated version of Cranium! Last night after Christmas dinner w/dad's side, we went over to my mom's sister's house and continued our yearly tradition of playing games on Christmas Night. We played a new game called Words of Wiz-dumb which is made by the people who made Loaded Questions. It was so much fun hanging out w/my cousins and laughing and eating Reina's amazing chocolate chip cookies! I think of all my favorite Christmas traditions this is my favorite one!

Back in Florida

Hi everyone,
I landed in Jax at midnight on Thursday. This was after a 10 hr plane ride from Frankfurt to ATL, then a five and a half hr layover in ATL. Yesterday was spent going to my dad's new church and meeting the pastor and some other staff. Then I went w/my parents, my brother & his friend, Jamie, and Robin to get some sushi in The Landing. YUMMY! Afterwards, Mom & I went Christmas shopping and made it to Target which was soooo great!! I love that place!! Today I am meeting Haley for lunch and then going to see my brother coach a basketball game tonight. It's good to be home, but I must admit that I do miss Germany!

Favorite Christmas Songs

A few posts ago I did a "Favorite Christmas Movie" list. So I thought I would do one for my favorite Christmas Albums:

1. Time-Life Treasury Christmas Album
2. Joy by Avalon
3. WOW Christmas
4. Season of Love by 4Him
5. Music of Christmas by Steven Curtis Chapman
6. A Fresh Aire Christmas by Mannheim Steamroller
7. New Young Messiah
8. Home for Christmas by Nsync
9. My Kinda Christmas by Christina Aguilera
10. The Soundtrack from The Polar Express

Below Freezing

It is officially below freezing right now. This morning it was 25 degrees on the way to school and right now I believe it has only gone up to 28. There's no snow and as my friend Délice would say "This is a waste of cold weather if there's no snow!" Good news is that in 48 hours I will be on a plane to warmer weather!

Traditional Christmas Dinner & Carol Service

Yesterday was quite busy but fun! Anne & I along w/our two good friends from church, Jo & Vanessa, had a traditional English Christmas Dinner at Jo's apartment. It was sooo yummy!!! We had roasted parsnips, roasted potatoes, stuffing, brussel sprouts, turkey, & a carrot casserole. For dessert we had traditional English Christmas Cake. I don't know why everyone rags on the Brit's food so much--I'm quite the fan!!! After dinner, we headed over to the St. Pauluskirche (St. Paul's Church in English) for the Anglican Church's annual Carol Service. It was a beautiful service and it was so great to be back in the building where we used to have church back when I lived here before.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!

Tonight was RIA's production of the play "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" directed by Yours Truly! The play is based on the book by Barbara K. Robinson and if you haven't read it, I encourage you to go and get it! Anyways, the play went off without a hitch and my family I used to au pair for even came to see it!! I thought it was truly THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER! Enjoy the slide show :)

Happy St. Nikolaus Day!

Today was St. Nikolaus Day in Germany and the kids received oranges and candy in their shoes when they got to school. Today was also our dress rehearsal for "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" which opens for one night only tomorrow night!

Coffee Break

I came into my classroom today after getting my coffee at snack time to find Harriet & Tiffany in this pose at my desk! My students know how much I love my coffee!

Dresden

This weekend, Anne, myself, and two of our friends, Aubrey & Amy-Jo, took a 36 hr trip to Dresden on the eastern side of Germany. I've been wanting to go to Dresden for a while b/c they have the oldest Christmas Market in Europe and also b/c it's in the eastern part of Germany. We got a really great deal on a night train and arrived yesterday morning after traveling all night. It was a great day and Dresden is a must see for anyone coming over to this side of the world! Here are a few pictures:


Me & Mr. Snowman

Me in front of the Opera House

A statue of Martin Luther in front of one of the cathedrals

Dresden by night

I love my roomie!

A few pics of the last month...more to come soon!