Top 11 in 2011 Linky Party

I haven't done a Linky Party in quite some time and they are ohsomuchfun!  I've been missing out.  Well, truly, I've been missing my blogging altogether!  Sooooo, here goes, and thank you to Kristen @ a teenytinyteacher for starting such an easy linky (meaning I don't have to think too awful hard to post--DOUBLE WHOOT WHOOT)!
11.  Favorite movie you watched:
Easily, the only movie that I've made a point to watch at least TWICE in one month since it's release:  The Help!  EVERYONE should see this movie!  EVERYONE!  I have  already downloaded the sample from iTunes so that I can read the book, so if I find that I have time to read the sample, then most likely I will purchase the full copy because this is an AMAZING story that can potentially be a life changer, if you need it and let it! 

10.  Favorite TV series:
I feel like, in this day and age, this should have two categories (or maybe even three--drama, comedy, and trashy reality tv).  Since it doesn't, I'll post the most honest answer I can give.  Crud.  I'm  normally a rule follower but I'm gonna have to go outside the parameters this time and give my three.  I'm a rebel.  There.  I said it.
Fave drama:  Grey's Anatomy (if not for the eye candy alone, lately)
Fave comedy:  Modern Family
Fave Reality TV:  X Factor (sorry American Idol, but I believe you've been replaced)

9.  Favorite Restaurant:
Longhorn Steakhouse.  And STILL, after all of these years!  I have NO shame. ;)

8.  Favorite New Thing You Tried:
I'm going to go with blogging on this one.  I started at the beginning of the school year with intentions of teaching my students as I even took a course in it.   THEN technology in my classroom decided otherwise (my projector would not work when connected to my computer and my computer would not work when connected to my projector).  HOWEVER, it was fixed in late November (THANK YOU JESUS) so I'm hoping to get started after we return from the break.

7.  Favorite Gift You Received:
I have to put this on two levels again.  I've been given the blessing of amazing students and parents this year (truly--you couldn't argue if you knew them, I promise)!  I also received an iPad2 from my superfantabulous hubby and am sosuperelated because I can use it at home, on cas (just made that up as a short word for casual experiences--Webster wants to hire me but I'm just toooooooo busy), AND IN MY CLASSROOM!!!

6.  Favorite Thing You Pinned:
This one I have deemed COMPLETELY UNFAIR!~  I'm a pinaholic and I don't care who knows it!  However, to be fair, I pulled up my pins and gave it the good ol' college try.  I failed miserably.  BUT, I'm going to answer anyway.  I think my most favorite thing I pinned was the FIRST thing I pinned because it led to such a fulfilling addiction and has saved me SOOOOO many pennies throughout our ongoing journey.  I LOVE YOU PINTEREST!  What?  You want to know what my first pin was? Oh, me too, sistah!  I have NO idea!  There are too many!  We need a Pinterest Timeline, now (get on it, Facebook)!

5.  Favorite Blog Post:
Hmmm, gimme a second because I need to look back (okay, if I'm being honest, it took A LOT longer than a second to find one I could call my favorite).  GOT IT!  It's my "Thanksgiving" post:
http://beachykeenvankampen.blogspot.com/2011/11/giving-thanks.html

4.  Favorite Accomplishment:
Being selected as a Teacher of the Year nominee at my "new" school and that was a HUGE honor for two (other than the obvious) reasons:  1. We have a FANTASTIC staff and I totally didn't see this coming.  Particularly because I was a Teacher of the Year at the school I left to come to this one.  2. The other two nominees are truly teachers that I have looked up to for YEARS!

3.  Favorite Picture:
Awwww, jeez, this one is hard.  I rarely get my picture taken but I take a TON of pics!  So, although most seem to be posting pics of themselves, I'll post a few (I think we already established that I'm breaking the rules on this one) that I'm not in but that seriously have provided me with so much joy (they're very much out of order):

Kai's smile--it makes me giggle EVERY time!

My light, my heart, my first born son, BAILEY SAMUEL FRED SAHLI-VAN KAMPEN!!!

I was so overcome with emotion here--though you probably can't tell!  I sure wish my mom could've been at the finish line.  Or anyone, for that matter.  :(  BUT, I DID IT!

My cousin, Jessica, and I at the 26.2 with Donna.  We finished our FIRST EVER 1/2 marathon (so we're only 1/2 crazy) and were SOOOOO proud of ourselves!  I figured if my mom can go through chemo, radiation, and a mastectomy and come out smiling, I could do 13.1 and come out smiling for her!  ;)

Kai giving the over-the-shoulder glance.  I can't believe he was ever that small!

Father and Son Bonding Time

The happy couple at his Homecoming from Africa

HE'S HOME!

The River Run--The 10k that 'bout killed me and broke my hip but I FINISHED!

Kai at the vet getting his Big Boy shots (rabies)

A sailor and his baby

My three Golden Delicious Babies

Maizey and I at the pet hospital.  We came VERY close to losing her from some random bug and I was SO GLAD to see her smile return!

The Mr. and I

Kai...landscaping. ;)

Family Portrait

Take your pick, because I surely can't do it!

2. My Favorite Memory:
My mom being declared cancer free, my husband coming home, and the birth of my puppies.  Three way tie.  ;)

1.  Goal for 2012:
Professionally:  Finish my Reading Endorsement and begin classes towards my next degree.
Personally:  Being ON TIME for birthday cards/gifts, Christmas Cards/gifts, etc. so that the people in my life who live far away from me realize that I DO love them (infinity) and can be proactive so that they know that ON THE SPECIFIC DAY designated as theirs.  BIG BREATH.  This will be hard.  :(  WISH ME LUCK!