Summer is here! It's amazing how much time I spend looking forward to summer and then when it comes, I don't know what to do with myself. I just began Beth Moore's new Bible study on James called Mercy Triumphs. It has been a wonderful learning experience so far. We will kick off the travel season with a cruise starting this weekend. I admit, I began packing about a week ago because I'm so excited. In the meantime, I have stocked up on paints so that I can work on soem art projects to keep me busy and out of trouble. Let the good times roll!

It's been a while! Sometimes I wonder, who are these people I am writing this for? Is anyone reading this or is this just for me? Do you mind that I don't post that much? If so, sorry.

Well, what's new with the Osters? Evan just got into a doctorate program through Virginia Tech in Instructional Design and Technology and will work on this degree part time while teaching beginning in the fall. Enzo, is doing wonderfully with a regimen of eating, sleeping, playing, and licking himself. We're pretty sure he is at full size (a whopping 11lbs.) and he has not grown out of his puppy chewing phase yet as evidenced by my mangled comforter. I have surprisingly become a runner. I may not move fast, but I can go far. My next challenge is training for a half marathon with two wonderful ladies, Jessamyn and Wendy.

Summer is approaching and with it comes 2 things- a Beth Moore Bible study with some amazing women of God and travel! This summer Wendy has hooked up the ladies of New Life with a study on James. I always learn so much and feel so refreshed in my walk with God from these studies.

As far as travel goes, wanderlust strikes again! Evan and I love to explore and with a new puppy last summer, travel was not an option. However, we are making up for it this year! To start the summer off right, we are doing a cruise with our very best friends, Steve and Amy. We'll be hitting Key West (hope to spot Jimmy B), Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Evan and I will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary while on this trip!

Next journey is with my dad, who shares in my love of travel. We are headed to the Big Easy, New Orleans. Evan and I have never been, and being geeky teachers and interested in cultural anthropology, we are stoked to learn about this amazing city. I'd be lying if beignets aren't a pull too!

The next trip is still up in the air based on how well we can budget and scrape the dough together. We would love to go to Portland, Seattle and Vancouver. The 3 cities are only about 3 hours apart each. We'll see about that one! I'll keep you posted! Until next time...

New Year!

Hello 2012!  I love the excitement and new found motivation that comes with a new year. In 2011, I finished up National Boards and found out that I passed. I've enjoyed some more free time since then, and I'm looking forward to new adventures in 2012. I'm hoping for the opportunity to travel more, create more art, read some books that have been collecting dust in the past year, and run a 10k. I want my time to truly reflect my priorities this year. I wish you love, peace and joy in everything this this year! Happy New Year! 

I love......

I love the first part of the last part of the day
I love lazy Saturdays
I love roads sheltered by a canopy of trees
I love creating something new
I love sunlight pouring through tree branches
I love the mountains
I love the sea
I love friends who feel like an old shoe
I love genuineness
Adoraría dominar bien el español
I love this time of day

Hokie-tastic weekend

My dad is in town and we have kicked the weekend up right. On Thursday, we went to the Homeplace and enjoyed a delicious meal. Last night, we got a private tour of the stadium and related facilities and even saw Coach Beamer walking to the bus! Today is all about tailgating and watching the Hokies!!

Sweet baby Sawyer

 I'm an aunt! My brother and sister-in-law welcomed Sawyer Robert Koch into the world on September 14th. After a short time in the NICU due to some ABO incompatibility issues, he is home and doing well. I can't wait to meet the little guy!

Fall is here!

Ah, fall. I have been on a scavenger hunt for several weeks to find canned pumpkin because as soon as it turns slightly cold, I crave pumpkin. I make these great (low fat, low cal) muffins using 1 can of pumpkin + spice cake mix + chocolate chips. I couldn't find any canned pumpkin and then I came home from school last Thursday to find 32 CANS that Evan bought for me at the store (expires in 2014, so I'm good). I've already had my first pumpkin latte of the season and even had a little pumpkin ice cream;) Obsessive, nah, I just say I have seasonal enthusiasm.