How do you like them apples?

If you fancied a look at your thermometer in the Midwest on Saturday, it would have read as 90+ degrees for most of the day. Yet, as a Midwesterner, you realized that there are only so many weekends left for one of the best fall traditions - a trip to the apple orchard - before the cream of the crop literally get picked over.

We did what anyone in their right mind would do - we hopped in the car, took a drive to the orchard, and picked ourselves some apples. (It's a good thing I remembered not to buy any at the store this week!)

So, was it hot? H*** yes.
Did it feel like fall? H*** no...even with the apple cinnamon donuts and the festive fall decor.
Did we have a good time? Absolutely.

A Grateful Heart

Only on a ND-sponsored trip do you stay in an Irish inn and pub...

I want to hang a sign like this up in my classroom...

The past few days in Milwaukee were truly wonderful. We spent time visiting a handful of high-performing schools that have truly created cultures of joy.

what I tell my students - minus the Aaron Rodgers part

Lots of focus on college...couldn't find USF though...

This reminded me I'm so torn for the upcoming football game...

The trip was a life-giving in terms of all of the amazing things and people we saw, and it was life-giving for another reason too - I spent quality time with some of my Remick classmates, and I also ran into some other familiar faces (from the ol' ACE days) who I wasn't expecting. It was a lovely surprise!

Lakefront Brewery tour - Remick leaders & instructors

the first ones to the inn!

selfie with Fr. Nate

PLC 1 excitement - can't stop this

ACE 15 :)

When I count my blessings, I count ACE twice...no, make that more like two hundred times. It's the program that keeps on giving, and I get to keep learning. I don't know exactly what the future will hold for Catholic education (or my life in general, let's be real), but I am excited to play my part here in Chicago.

We're back...

When you're sitting in class for grad school and thinking about all of the amazing ACE grads (and supporters of Catholic education) in Chicago, you can't help but realize you need to do something.

At least, that's what I thought.

And now we are officially kicking off our ACE Advocates Chicago group (after a hiatus). We've only met as a leadership team so far, but with the energy and ideas, I have faith we'll accomplish a lot this year in terms of building (intentional) community and helping out the local ACErs.

There's something to be said for energy and faith behind a group or cause - what I've experienced so far just from our first meeting is tangible...and it's infectious. (I think we can attribute some of this to the Holy Spirit.) We're a great group, if I do say so myself, ranging in representation from ACE 15 to ACE 20, and we also have Remick 14 & 15s. Woo hoo!

Some people think we're crazy, adding another "thing to do" onto an ever-growing "to do" list, but this is truly something different. Yes, it's going to take time and effort, but I believe our efforts will bear much fruit. I honestly cannot wait to see where this year leads.

Irish eyes are smiling...even though we lost

Beautiful weather, dear friends and classmates, and a close game made for a picture-perfect game day in South Bend on Saturday. It was truly the luck of the Irish that my friend had an extra ticket so that I could take a break from the daily Chicago grind and enjoy some football...

There were some changes to the stadium (and to the ticket itself) - it was fun to see the updates!

And some views never change - we could see "Touchdown Jesus" from our seats one row from the top of the North end zone!

Hungry? Ben's Pretzels is the ONLY way to go. At least, that's our humble opinion...

And what would the game be without the band?? They sounded and looked as good as ever...

In fact, during halftime, they played "Wagonwheel," where they formed into a horse and carriage. They moved across the field, wheels spinning and everything!

It was a late night to make the drive back after the game, but it was good to sleep in my own bed. I didn't get a chance to do much this morning before getting ready for my sister's school's opening Mass and celebration, which is always a good time.

Needless to say, right now I am operating on nearly empty so I think I'll be hitting the hay momentarily. Lots going on this week, especially on the volleyball court for my 8th grade girls team. Busy as always...but that's the way I operate...

And all that jazz

Come on, babe, why don't we paint the town,
and all that jazz?...

Can't you just hear the chorus of "Chicago" in your head?

Well, it wasn't quite that jazz scene this weekend at Millennium Park, but we did hear some good tunes on Sunday at the Chicago Jazz Festival, and we took delight in watching the small corner of the room with people swing dancing and having a good old time... It was a nice break and a good excuse to get out of my apartment for awhile.

What do you mean, you don't like jazz? (La La Land)

I see what you did there...

This Labor Day weekend hasn't been anything extraordinary; in fact, it's actually been filled with both school work AND grad school work for me. But it'll be nice to go into this school week prepared (and maybe just a little ahead of the game) with only four days of school till Friday at 3:30pm. (Plus, there is plenty to look forward to for next weekend - a fun race AND the ND - GA game in South Bend - woo hoo!)

Hello September! It's full speed ahead...

From middle school to...middle school?

Some photos are just always awkward... 

Photos like ones before a middle school Girl Scout father daughter dance when your mom must have insisted on a prom-like stance...or your annual yearbook photo. (Yes, even as a teacher I still have to get one done each year - crazy...)

Case in point - though, thankfully, this time my yearbook photo isn't as awkward as years gone by:

It makes me laugh to think about how I got to where I am because, let's face it, teaching middle school was never on my radar as far as I can recall. (Who wants to teach hormonal teenagers and preteens?) I fall flat on my face (metaphorically speaking) every single day. I sometimes feel like I can never get things done because chances are someone will get a bloody nose, or fall out of a chair, or feel the need to comment on everything anyone else says, or make faces to get a classmate to laugh. (Yes, all of these happen more frequently than you might expect.)

And yet, they get my corny humor. They have real and deep conversations about their faith (even though there are often 50 superficial ones in between). They ask amazing questions. And, for the most part, they work really hard.

I love them - every. single. one. of. them, quirks and all. Middle school is an awkward time, let's face it, embrace it, and shoot for the best year yet!

Wedding Bells

Wedding bells rang for two of the most wonderful people this weekend...so glad we had a chance to be a part of it!

Love, love, love!