I must catch you up!

Well as usual...it's been a while!

To begin, I must show off my husband for a second...

Every time we come back from the grocery store, he insists on  carrying in ALL the grocery sacks at once! I don't know if this is a 'man thing' or a 'Chris thing' but he loves the challenge. Hey, I love it...means less trips for me!

I caught him in action!

My next quick topic will be Halloween! I was super excited to spend our first Halloween in our new house! I had no idea how many trick-or-treaters to expect...so obviously I bought a lot of candy! Well come to find out....we only had 13-15 trick-or-treaters, whomp whomp.  Oh well more candy for us! I also want to share this cute picture that I received from my mom.

My brother was Waldo! So cute :)

Alright moving on...

Chris and I drove up to Burleson on a Tuesday night to support out Lady Trojan volleyball team in the first round of playoffs.  This was their FIRST time in history to make play-offs! GO TROJANS!

#7 was a student of mine last year!

The next subject is BAYLOR HOMECOMING!

This picture is of Caroline and I at the bonfire....I've sure missed her! Haven't seen her since the wedding.

After a late night at the bonfire, it was time for the early morning parade! We decided to bring Mick and it was such a great idea.  He is loved by so many!

He was Baylor-ed out!

All bundled up! 

After the parade, we had lunch at Papa Rollo's with my dad and then went to Pigskin.  It was entertaining, as always! Then we sprinted over the Floyd Casey for a lil tailgatin'.  We hit up the ATO tailgate and then over to the alumni association tailgate (aka where to get free food).  So I had to share this with yall...just in case you wanted to steal our idea.  Anyway, you know how a bottle of water is $4 at the football game, well just do as we did and bring in your own! This is a soft camping style seat that rolls up and we stuffed two water bottles down the middle! It was a wonderful idea ;)

Alright moving on...last topic for today!

This past Tuesday night...we drove to Whitney! We decided to jump on some dining room furniture on craigslist!! We got a Thomasville dinning room table & leaf, 8 chairs and buffet for a great price! It is in great shape...hardly looks used! I can't wait to start decorating this room!!

PS HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST HUBBY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Pumpkin Carving

Well last night Chris and I went to our first Sunday school social, which included meeting couples, eating yummy chili and carving pumpkins.  I must say...I could never let 10 + couples carve pumpkins IN my house! No way! But I am very thankful that Amanda & Erik (the hosts) opened their home to pumpkin guts and seeds.  :)

Here are some 'in-progress' pumpkin carving shots:

about to dig in!

reppin' area code 303 (Denver, CO)

The start of my happy pumpkin

Once everyone was done carving, we lined up all the finished master pieces outside for a photo op.

I've never seen so many! 

A close up on ours.

We really had a great time and are starting to feel a part of the group!

On another note, we are looking forward to seeing Chris' parents this week!! They are flying in Thursday and staying until Monday.  It sure is great to see family!

:)

Sarah

Finally Fall!

This past weekend, Gran, Mom, and Aunt Robin came down to Waco for our annual trip to Salado! We all look forward to this weekend all year long :) They came down on Friday and we started the shopping weekend off strong.  First hit up Spice...this is a Waco must.  Then we met Chris at Schmaltz's and quickly got back to shopping.  Dillards was next, it was perfect timing because they were having an addition 40% off all sale items! Woo! We spent all day Saturday in Salado and got some great stuff.  This trip was extra special for me...because I have a house to decorate for the first time!! YAY! 

After church on Sunday, Chris and I went to the PUMPKIN PATCH! I've been looking forward to this for a couple of weeks... It was hard for me to pass by pumpkins at HEB just sitting there waiting for me to buy them.  BUT that ruins all the fun.  All throughout high school, I volunteered at the Rockwall Pumpkin Patch and think it is so much fun to go pick out your pumpkins.  Any who, we got a few big pumpkins and a lot of small ones.  I just love the tiny ones.  

Isn't my husband handsome??!

The TINY pumpkins!!

Told ya, I love them :)

And candy corn!

~Sarah

Where to begin?!

Well helllllllo there blogging world!  I've finally had a chance to sit down and write something on here :)

Chris and I have been sooo busy, I can't remember the last time we just sat and did nothing productive (let me rephrase- I can't remember the last time I sat and did nothing productive haha! Love you Chris)

We are coming up on the 6th week of school...now that's insane! The past 5 weeks has had its ups and downs.  I have some REALLY great and wonderful students and then...I have some students that I DO NOT understand for the life of me!!! Logical thinking does not make sense for these students.  On Wednesday, we are giving our 6 week test and I will be prepping them to take it seriously and try their best. I know they can do it!

On another note, Chris and I stumbled across the TV show "Beyond Scared Straight" on A&E (Beyond Scared Straight Preview).  This is a very fascinating show and to see the changes that these teens make after going through this program is AMAZING.

Yesterday, Chris and I took Mick to the Waco Puppy Plunge. I don't think I've seen Mick so HAPPY before!

He loved the water and mingling with other dogs

We had one tired and wet pup on the way home.

Well that's about all the fun and excitement so far at the Griesemer household! Hopefully, I'll be able to update more regularly :)

Sarah

What a whirlwind!

It's hard to believe that just a couple of weeks ago we were in Chicago!  We love going to Chicago and visiting with Chris' grandparents and hitting all the hot spots.  This was my first boarding pass with Sarah Griesemer!

We first started off at White Castle...this a burger chain known for their sliders.  Chris didn't take me last summer, so I insisted we go this summer! I wish I could say it's a place I would like to go back too...but not so much.  

Since Chicago is all about it's deep dish pizza...we went to Uno's. It's absolutely insane how filling these pizzas  make you. Also, as a side note, Chris saw one of his previous students from his school in Denver at this restaurant.  What a small small world. 

Next, we got on a train and headed to downtown Chicago for the day.  

Once we got downtown, we ate at the first place we saw.  I can't remember the name, wish I could, but they had some of the BEST burgers ever.  

We then headed straight for the Sears Tower (Willis Tower now.....).  We waited over an hour in line to get to the top, but it was worth it!

At the top

Standing in the glass box that hangs out from the top
of the tower..SCARY

We then headed over to Wrigley Field where we got free Cubs hats! Unfortunately, the game was rained out....but we got to our seats and got to experience it a little bit.

We also tried out the Weber Grill restaurant...this was located right by our hotel .  We had to go!

Two days after our Chicago trip, we officially moved down to Waco and into our new house!!! We had a busy busy few days before our first day of in-service.  We currently are still living out of some boxes, but hopefully this weekend we can tackle a few more.  We are in love with the house, what a blessing it is! 

This week of in-service was definitely a new experience, it had its ups and downs...but I'm feeling good about the first day of school this Monday.  Here are a few pictures of my room. 

Each period gets a section of the wall for student work etc.

My desk area...ignore the mess on the ground...
a ceiling tile fell through from a water leak! Ek!

God's Many Blessings

Before getting started with the blog, I wanted to share some wedding photos! We waited patiently for them and couldn't wait to re-live the day.  Here are a few of my favorites:

These people mean so much to us.

Over the past week, Chris had his orientation for UHS and we both had "Ruby Payne" training for two days.I never imagined being able to go to professional development with my husband! How lucky we are to get to teach at the same school :) God works wonders! Since we had so many things to do in Waco, we stayed at Shawn & Ashley's house Monday thru Thursday. It was a delight to spend time and get to know better my nieces and nephews. Jackie, Chris' mom, was also in town and it is always wonderful to see her bright and smiling face.  

Samuel (Left) & Benjamin (Right)

Annie was my hair stylist :)

Once we were done with all the training on Thursday, we drove back to Rockwall....Mick was missing us BIG time.  We've had a few days to chillax, wash clothes, and run errands. Once we get moved into the house in Waco, we are going to need a washer & dryer and a fridge.  Boy, these things are not cheap! 

I really really want RED ones! 

Last night, Mom, Danny, Daniel, Chris and I went to Pappas Bros. Steakhouse...let me just say, this is the BEST steakhouse EVER. This is our fifth annual trip--We usually always go in August right before everyone starts school and to celebrate Danny and Daniel's birthdays.  Chris said he had the best steak he has ever eaten last night.  If you ever need a place to go for a special occasion...I fully suggest Pappas. 

Inside this tiny box are chocolate truffles,
just for the ladies at the table. 

This next week, we are headed back to Waco.  I have a 5 day math training at Baylor...I must say it will be weird going back into the Math Lab as a teacher and not a Baylor student.  

Until next time,

Sarah

Welcome to Good Burger, home of the Good Burger! Can I take your order?

Burgers, burgers, burgers!

Last week, Chris, Daniel and I drove to In & Out burger in Dallas.  It took us a good 40 minutes to get there, 3 circles around the block (the parking lot was full), and another 20 minutes to stand in line to order food.  The place was PACKED and the THREE drive-thru lines were awful. Once we ordered we were able to get a seat, thankfully, and the food came out shortly.  The price was decent and the burgers were tasty! Can't wait for the one to open in Rockwall :)

  Our next burger outing was to Boot's Burgers! This hole in the wall burger joint is only about 2-3 miles from the house, yay! I have heard about this place since I was in high school, but never went...shame on me!

It is basically a house, with a little window where all the customers order. They only serve hamburgers and chips....no fries, can you believe it?

They open at 11am and stay open until they run out of meat....oh and there are signs everywhere that say you are not allowed to eat on the premise. Odd, I know, but if you want the best burger you have ever had...you'll  have to eat it in the car or take it home.

House Update: We just had the inspection yesterday.  The inspector said it was a very "clean inspection"; usually his reports are 23 pages long and ours was only 13! Everything is coming together...what a blessing. 

Until next time,

Sarah

Update: Fun Things

Well since Chris just wrote an outstanding blog about our move and some of the less fun things we have been up to lately... I thought I'd update yall on the more fun things we've squeezed in during the past week or so.

We first went to a grand opening for a Chipotle (Chris' favorite) and were 2 of the first 100 costumers, so we got free water bottles, stickers, and coupons for free burritos.

When July 4th weekend rolled around, we were soooo busy with packing and cleaning the house before the closing on the 6th.  What an exhausting process! We did, however, have time to go over to Chris' parents for a July 4th cookout and swim gathering.  We had delicious hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats that Tom (Chris' dad grilled) and tons of sugary sweets that Jackie prepared.  Chris and I loved her cupcakes! 

Later that night, we met up with Aknight at Govnr's Park for dinner and chatted until the mornin' time. Getting together with Aknight has been an all time favorite of mine... I may not add much to the conversation or understand half the stuff they talk about (it's all in code), but I sure do enjoy it.  The picture to the left is indescribable....but it definitely sums up the night. (I don't think he knows I took this picture.)

We also went and saw fireworks from Daniel's Park; we were able to see almost all the fireworks that were going off all across Denver. It was amazing and definitely a good spot.  The 3rd member of our family, however, doesn't care so much for fireworks. Mick needed a little TLC that night....

The night before the closing, Chris and I went and saw Top Gun at Red Rocks amphitheater.  This was one of our favorite dates, even though it drizzled on us a little bit. 

   

The Monkees

The next day, we had our closing which went very well and went to trivia that night with Hank.  They all knew that Chris was moving to Texas the next day, so they had a great farewell for him.  The quiz master got us bananas, a 5 hour energy, and a hamburger cake....kinda odd, but this is what trivia is all about.  Chris and Hank's team name where the Monkees (that's the reason for the bananas).

And last but not least, we went to Adam and Mallory's wedding (once we got to Texas).  It was a beautiful outdoor wedding at the Dallas Arboretum. It was very fun to see friends that we hadn't seen since the wedding, especially Nathan and Molly! We will get them to move to Waco..one of these days. :) 

That's all for now! Tomorrow I have my first teacher orientation in Waco...should be fun!

Sarah