graduation day.

My Graduate.  This was a while ago, but is very much worth a blog post.  My husband graduated from Virginia Tech with his Masters in Philosophy.  I am extremely proud.  Grad school has proven to be quite the challenge, but through it, I have seen Eric grow and develop as an educator and as a scholar. I was simply impressed by his ability to read and understand the incredibly challenging words that are in every other line of his philosophy books. And now he is going on to get his doctorate!

I am so proud of his accomplishments thus far and I can't wait to see what he'll do next.  

 

two years.

Happy 2 years of marriage to my wonderful, incredible and amazing husband.  It is exciting to start a new adventure in Columbus as we enter into our second year of marriage.  I love him.

ballet.

While visiting my sister we were able to sit in on Isla's last ballet practice.  It was pretty much the cutest thing that ever was.  Isla takes her ballet very seriously.  They showed of their real balet moves and did some fancy leaps.  It ended up with an intense game of freeze dance, incorporating scarves and everything!  It means a lot to be able to be a part of these special moments.  I am thankful to be living closer to our family, hopefully being able to be a part of even more fun times. 

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beach day.

After our celebration on the 4th, we went for a family day at the Indiana dunes.  The weather held out for us, with a short mini rain storm midway through the afternoon.  It is so much more fun going to places with kids.  Their enthusiasm for the beach, water, and dunes was pretty fantastic.  Grown-ups need to be more excited about a sand bar.  

 Model Shot.

independence day.

I love the 4th of July.  It is and has always been my favorite holiday.  My family has always done a big celebration with good food, a parade, and fireworks.  Over the years our family has grown and multiplied so that getting together for the fourth is not only a celebration of our countries independence, but also a nice family reunion with all the babies.  This makes things a little on the crazy side. Lots of children, lots of fun.  Bubbles were a big part of our celebration.  They have a magical power to entertain children for hours.  We also went to a parade and watched some spectacular fireworks (Vernon Hills knows where it's at!)   

This was for Danielle Black (Jamaican Sensation!) who is an honorary Magary on all American Holidays.  Even though she is now back in Jamaica, her American patriotism lives on during the Vernon Hills 4th of July parade!

d.c.

Back to the blog.  I'll have to do some catch up.  But better late than never.  Since the last post, Eric and I have moved to Columbus, I have found a second grade teaching job, and we have been back and forth visiting family in the Midwest three times.  Over time you will get the deets. For now here is a recap of our trip to the DC area to see my brother and his family.  I love the DC area and it was so wonderful to get to spend some long overdue time with the fam.  

Baseball Practice. Coach never showed up so the dads took over the control.  It was pretty fantastic. 

We ate a restaurant called Good Stuff Eatery.  Let's just say that it was good stuff.  It was all gourmet burgers and delicious fries.  The restaurant is one of Spike Mendelsohn's (who was on top chef).  It was a fun experience and fantastic food.  

  

We visited and ate dinner at the national harbor.  It was the perfect evening.  At sunset we took a glass elevator to the top of a fancy shmanz hotel to watch the sun go down.  

My nephews are growing a garden as a little family project.  It is extremely impressive, especially considering I have the inability to keep potted plants alive.  They were so excited to show it to us, especially because they received the metal flower (for the best and most well-kept garden).

Finally...my brother kindly took us to Georgetown Cupcake.  For those of you who are not in on the cupcake scene, this is the home of the show D.C. Cupcake.  The plan was to go to the store, eat a delicious cupcake, and then be discovered by tlc and become famous.  However, this ridiculous line prevented the dreams from coming true.  I even looked in the window to see if the sisters were there baking away, they were not!  Oh well.

It's official...

Alright y'all (notice my southern lingo I have adopted while in Virginia) Eric and I will officially be Ohio State Buckeyes as of July 2013 (though I'm not sure if my Michigan loving husband will ever be able to fully convert).  After the long and grueling application process of doom, we finally have a decision.  Eric will begin his PhD in Philosophy at the Ohio State University.  We went for a visit two weeks ago and are super pumped to be moving to Columbus, and all I can say about OSU is that it is MASSIVE! Most of all I am happy to have a bit of clarity about our future.  It has been hard to live in limbo these past few months, wondering where God may send us.  

I will be very sad to say goodbye to Blacksburg after these two years; however, I believe that is a good thing.  I will have lots of people to miss and lots of wonderful memories to reflect on. There will be a sadness to say goodbye, but joy for what's to come!    

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a duck pond date.

    We have had some really beautiful weather the past week (along with some really awful and gross weather).  Honestly anything sunny and over 45 degrees seems glorious.  Last weekend Eric and I took a walk around the duck pond. Eric surprised me by stopping at the store on the way to  buy bread, fine cheese, apple, and a Russell Stover marshmallow egg as a treat.  I felt quite luxurious sitting around the beautiful water eating my baguette and cheese...very french.  It seemed that everyone was out on such a magnificent day.  There was even a mom with her little toddler on a baby leash...I kinds love those. I hope this wonderful weather means that spring is just around the corner...although the ice on my windshield yesterday morning makes me doubt...

beauty of blacksburg.

When I first found out that we were moving to Blacksburg, I was disappointed and nervous to move so far away from my family and to such an unfamiliar place.  Over the past year and a half I have been pleasantly surprised by how I have grown to love this area.  One of my favorite things about Blacksburg is the beautiful mountains. Every season has its unique element of beauty.  Another characteristic of the Blacksburg landscape is the hills...everywhere.  Up and down, everywhere you go!  This makes walks around the neighborhood an intensive cardiovascular workout.  However, every time I go for a walk I am always overwhelmed by the beauty of God's creation. It makes me happy and it gives me joy.   

Valentines

I can't lie, I love Valentines day.  I love love. My husband is wonderful and helps to make the day special. And hey, I am a simple girl.  Flowers and a love note.  That is all I need.  And my husband, he always delivers.

 Outside of the romantic aspect of the holiday, the elementary side of Valentines can be on the chaotic side.  When you have a holiday that is focused around chocolate and candy, you are asking for trouble.  Let's just say it took more than a day to come down from the sugar high.  

A Nativity Story

Super late and after the fact, but sort presh so I had to post.  The annual Magary nativity production   Guest starring, Eric, the donkey.

Wedding and Friend Date

Again, another late post, but a necessary post.   Over Christmas break two dear friends were married and Eric was a groomsman.  I love weddings.  I love seeing people happy and in love.  I cry at almost every wedding I attend, regardless of my relationship with them.  Luckily I had a great date (and no I don't mean Eric :)  Eric had his groomsman responsibilities, but luckily my dear dear friend Traci and I were able to reunite.  It was a wonderful time. And I got to see my husband all fancy.