Happy New Year!

Happy 2011 to all our friends and family! I promised to make one of my New Year's Resolutions to keep up with our blog, so even though I am starting late, I am working on keeping this one. Things have been pretty busy out here in Missoula. December of course had all it's regular chaos with getting ready for the holidays and going to parties, and buying presents for everyone. This year was a big one though! My first time planning a holiday by myself! And, I must say I did a pretty good job.

I tried my best to make this year special since Paul and I were going to be away from our families. It was tough, but we had a wonderful time. Here in Montana you can pay $5 to the National Forest Service and get a Christmas tree permit. We thought that it would be fun to go and get a tree out near Lolo National Forest, so we rented snowshoes from REI and made it out of town to the Lolo Recreation area. We got about 45 minutes outside of town when we came across a huge snow storm! So, to play it safe we parked at a camp ground and attempted to snow shoe there. However, because I have feet the size of a small child's the snow shoes did not stay on very well, so that turned out to be a major FAIL! But, we did find a tree, and we brought it home and put up our lights and ornaments. It was the perfect Charlie Brown Christmas tree! It filled out pretty well once we put our presents under neath.

I also attempted to make candy this year. An annual Tuck family tradition that I look forward to every year. Doing it myself though made me appreciate all the hard work my aunts and mother put into each year in making the candy. It really is a two day process. I also messed it up a bit because I learned that powdered sugar is not the same as granulated sugar. There is a reason the recipe calls for powdered sugar and not granulated as well. At least I will know for next year. My friend Marcie came over agian and helped me dip the candies. She even added some of her own flare and made chocolate covered turtles! They were delicious! Something I will definately add into the tradition for next year. Paul made a delicious breakfast Pizza that served as the perfect starting point in our candy making festivaties (the mimosas were also a really big help).

I also got another part time job since I last posted. It is with Missoula County Public schools and I am a Noon Duty Aid. Right now they have me in charge of recess! And, it is the coolest job ever! Not only am I around some really rad kids, but I get to be in charge of recess...The best part of everyone's day! And, recess in Missoula is not like recess back in Virginia. It does not matter what the weather is like those kids go outside. As long as it is above 0 degrees those kids are allowed out, and some days it is real cold. But, needless to say I really enjoy it, everyone is really nice and it is also a great resume builder for getting my foot in the door for teaching.

Next week I will be making my way back east to visit friends and family! I can not wait, not just because I miss everyone, but because it will be a nice vacation. I have yet to start on any of my other New Year's Resolutions, because I have been so busy working. Next week will be my first day off since before Christmas. I plan to jump start things by relaxing, so that I can come back feeling refreshed and motivated! Haha! We will see how long that lasts. This weekend I am thinking of making Shrimp and Grits. I will let you know if it is any good or not, and if it is I will make sure to post the recipe. See everyone next week!