Polka Dots & Sticky Glue Spots: Thirteen in '13

Although I have been possibly the worst blogger around...I am linking up for the Thirteen in '13. I plan to update what I have done the last month and a half to keep a record for myself. I have a goal of being a better blogger in 2014. I will say I am great at thinking about my posts, it's the execution of posting that needs some work. :) I digress... Here is my 13 in '13!

(you can link up too!)

[one]

In January I had the honor of co-hosting a baby shower for one of my very best friends. It was a blast getting to plan and create all the details. She is one beautiful momma.

[two]

In February, near the end we get two days off for Rodeo Break (gotta love living in the southwest). The day before break, we do a kinder rodeo breakfast. Later that day, right around lunch or so, it started to snow! We ~~never,~~ rarely get snow here in the southwest. It is beautiful to see, especially on the cactus! (no photos of cactus this time)

[three]

In March, that beautiful, handsome, amazing baby boy was born (the one we threw the baby shower for). This kid is one of my favorite people around. I adore him. I mean, really how can you not, he is so stinking adorable! I have so many pictures of this sweet face. I LOVE spending any time with him I can. He is getting so big now, and I am ready to help him make messes.

[four]

I was SO excited to see Wicked coming back to my city. It has been a time or two before, but I was not able to see it. I bought tickets around Christmas to go in March. I was supposed to go with my friend who had that sweet baby, but she had that sweet baby too close to the date of the show, so I went with my mom. It was such a fun mother/daughter day. I can say, I am looking forward to Wicked coming again soon (hopefully!) because it was awesome.

[five]

Another spectacular event from this year was finishing grad school and earning my Master's degree! Two years of full time teaching, full time grad student was exhausting...but sometimes I miss parts of it.

Not only did I get to celebrate with my friends and family. I celebrated with my littles in class as well. I got my degree through the U of A (go cats!) and the colors are red and blue (love). We we celebrated by making silly hats, playing with red and blue balloons, I arranged the desks to be in the shape of an "A," and we even had red and blue jello. I had a sub the day I had to go present to the panel as a final step towards graduation. I texted my sub when I was done, and I received a cute picture of all my littles in a cheering mode and came back to a sweet note.

[six]

Summer finally came around and I got to visit a friend of mine who had moved to San Diego back in December. I had a blast with her and her fiance going to The Hash House A Go-Go (oh.my.word. the food they brought was massive and oh so tasty). We went to the Wild Animal Park, and my favorite...the beach! It was hard to come home.

[seven]

I attended my 10 year high school reunion. I wasn't going to go, but glad I did. It was nice to catch up with a few people I hadn't seen in 10 years. This picture is of one of my best friends to this day (since middle school!) and one of our favorite teachers.

[eight]

I was so blessed to get to be a part of my friends' wedding day in Santa Barbara. For one, it was held on the beach and another, it was beautiful and just perfect for them.

[nine]

Over my fall break, I visited my sister in DC. It was incredible to not have any obligations (aka grad school homework and projects to do). I got to spend about a week with her and her husband and doggy and enjoy every second of it... and enjoy actual fall scenery!

[ten]

In November, I was able to attend another beautiful wedding.

[eleven]

At work, I was part of a committee that put together an K-8 assembly to honor the Veterans who have connections to our school. I was really proud of what came together and am looking forward to making it even better next year. Another big thank you to all the men and women who have served our country or are currently serving.

[twelve]

This year I did two Color Runs and one Run or Dye. It was a blast to do each 5k and end up very colorful by the end. The first Color Run I did was in January (it's Arizona so it's great weather) except this day it was raining. The whole time. It was still fun, but I was glad to get my shoes off and not have soggy feet. The other two were fun and dry...what a different experience. I am looking forward to more activities like this in 2014. I might try the "Kiss Me Dirty Series" or if it comes near my city, and "Cupid Run."

[thirteen]

For as long as I can remember, ever since I have had access to taking pictures myself (I think as far back as middle school with a 35mm film camera) I enjoy taking pictures of pretty skies and beautiful scenes. Here are some of the skies I have been lucky enough to see and enjoy this year.