We're already planning another NYC trip for the summer of 2012. Anyone wanna go? We have a few more friends that want to go with us this time and thought it would be fun to get a group together. That way we can split off into smaller groups of who wants to do what. We are already working on a list of things we want to do and places to go!

Heading back to Seattle this summer and I am way excited about that. This time I'm going to get my passport and head into Canada. I really want to go whale watching, too, but that would probably require some Dramamine.

I can't believe it's already almost February... the rest of the school year will fly by I'm sure. Hope y'all are all doing well!

For various reasons, I decided to deactivate my Facebook account. It was time. This post is to let those of you who are on Facebook know that I didn't defriend you, I just quit it altogether. :) If you need me, you know how to find me!

I really wanted to put up pictures, but it has been so long since I have put pictures on pleonast that I don't even remember how! I have a whole NYC album up on facebook, though, so check it out if you'd like.

I had so much fun in New York. I went with Erin, Nikki, and Kelsey and we stayed just a few blocks from Times Square. It was so nice, because we were within walking distance of so many things... and boy, did we walk everywhere!!

We saw and did a lot, and of course there was some we wanted to do but didn't get to... we just ran out of time! Here are my NYC favorites:

**Times Square at night... there's just something amazing about the sky being lit up from all the advertisements and all the people around you snapping pictures, along with "I heart NY" shirts on every corner.
** Top of The Rock... BEAUTIFUL. We stayed up there for a while just taking in the view... and then we stayed up there for a while trying to get a glimpse of Matt Damon, who was filming a new action movie one level above us :)
**Empire State Building at night... we went about 11 pm, and it was amazing... I will admit to feeling a little queasy, though, from being so high up at night. But it was awesome.
**Sunset cruise that went around Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and around Manhattan. I got some pretty cool pics from that.
** World Trade Center site tour. I realize it's 10 years later and everyone's moved on, but there was still something so weird about standing on the street corner, looking up at where the Twin Towers used to be. That was kind of an emotional tour for us, they told us lots of stories of heroes and what happened in the days right after Sept. 11.
**Today Show with Rascal Flatts- we overslept, so we couldn't really see Rascal Flatts but Meredith, Matt, and Natalie came back by where we were... Meredith actually came around and met people, so I have her on video right in front of me. And of course we could HEAR Rascal Flatts, which is all that matters!!
**Junior's Cheesecake. If you go to New York City, you HAVE to go to Junior's Cheesecake. Best cheesecake I have ever eaten in my life.
**Amadeus Pizza.... soooo good, and cheap, which is rare in NY!
**Yankees game vs. the Astros. The atmosphere in that stadium was intense. We were three rows from the top, and at one point I let out a yell for the Astros and then realized what I'd done and quickly sunk back into my seat... I didn't wanna get attacked ;)

All in all, we had a great time. It was an experience that I am so thankful to have had, and I think it's something everyone should do once in their life. Next week I'm going to Seattle for the first "family vacation" I've gone on in years... I'm meeting my parents there and we're going to check out Jenny and John's new territory. I've heard it's beautiful there, and I am excited to see for myself. Hope y'all are doing well and enjoying the summer!

7 full days and 2 half days til Summer! I am excited, but I will miss my kids. I'm working on 2nd grade memory books and ran across this poem written to parents and thought how true it was...

I've worked with your flower,
And helped it to grow.
I'm returning it now,
But I want you to know...
This flower is precious,
As dear as can be.
Love it, take care of it,
And you will see...
A bright new bloom,
With every day.
It grew and blossomed
In such a wonderful way.
In September just a bud,
January, a bloom;
Now a lovely blossom
I'm returning in June.
Remember, this flower,
As dear as can be,
Though rightfully yours,
Part will always belong to me!

This group has been really special to me, and I am going to miss them!

On another note, I am going to New York City June 7-12!!! So far we plan to see the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Empire State Building, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and also go to The Lion King on Broadway, a Yankees game vs. Houston, and the Today Show with Rascal Flatts in concert. Should be tons of fun and I will take tons of pictures!! I am also going to Seattle in July to see Jenny and John and I am really excited about seeing both the East AND West coasts this year :) Hope you are all doing well!

Blessings of my day today:

-One of my students telling me, "GOOD JOB, Miss Rabren!" when I did something she liked :)

-One of my students telling me, "Miss Rabren, you can always be a better person tomorrow than you were today." (Yes, it is a sign posted in my room that they see every day, but hey, at least it is in his head now!)

-Laughing

-Singing night tonight at church services. I needed that!

-Drinking homemade hot chocolate from my "Somebody loves me at Auburn" mug (given to me by sweet Amy.. I no longer remember how to link on here... but I miss you Amy!) It's nice to be reminded of sweet friends and wonderful memories every time you see a certain object.

-Knowing chances are looking good for Tommy Tuberville to be our next head coach. I would be so excited!!

-And most importantly... I will sum it up with the words from one of my favorite songs: "Praise the Lord! I am forgiven! And my Father up in heaven knows and hears and will be with me; Praise the Lord! I am His child!"