Groundhog's Day 2012

Yesterday was one of my favorite whimsical days! Puxatawney Phil saw his shadow so there's six more weeks of winter. But that's okay because today the sun is SHINING bright. Love, love, love it!

I've had the back door open for the dogs to go in and out. It's a chilly 38 so it's not really a good way to save heat but the sunshine comes right in on me as I type on the computer. If I could drag the big white rocking chair out of the garage, I would. I'm ready for a snooze in the sun. (But I'd have to have two sleeping bags wrapped around me to stay warm!)

This morning's activities included a physical therapy appointment (sigh...it's going to be a long journey to get moving again) and a quick trip to Costco. WOW, do they ever have Scooby Snacks on Fridays! Of course, it's the Friday before the Super Bowl so they're hoping people will buy all of their snacks there. I found a walking type of jacket for myself and two cute books for Easton. Then I had a wonderful lunch with my friend Jackie at Old European. I brought home half of my breakfast/lunch. Dishes called my name, as did the laundry downstairs. Tonight is Bunko with girlfriends so a nap is next on the agenda. I love my naps!

Happy rest of your winter wherever you are...spring is coming!

A beautiful five days in Phoenix!

I have LOVED being in Phoenix this week. Not only for the beautiful warm sunshine while it's been really cold and snowy back in Spokane, but because I've been with two of the greatest friends ever and I completed the Phoenix Rock and Roll Half Marathon.

My finishing time for the race was 4:13. It was REALLY slow for me as I just couldn't push myself past mile 5 and my right leg was being a tad difficult -- I was keeping hydrated and making sure my electrolytes were up, but when I wanted to move, I felt like I was stumbling! I had a guardian angel come alongside me at mile 6 and she stayed with me until the end. She's a coach for MS Rockstars, from Los Angeles, and she was such an encouragement. (MS Rockstars is with the National MS Society and the group I raised funds to help find a cure for MS. There were 60 of us for the first time event ever for the NMSS and I'm proud to be a ROCKSTAR!)

This is the coolest thing. Bill, a dear friend from FL, pointed out the significance of 4:13! Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" I was wow'ed when he pointed it out to me A great reminder!

Coffee, friends, sunshine and finishing a race....it's been a wonderful time and I'm energized to go home and start training for the Windermere Marathon in May! I'm betting that part of my winter and spring training will begin soon by shoveling snow. Or maybe, I'll just make a snowangel and have a little bit of fun first!

sweet pictures

Happy Birthday Boy!

Easton October 2011

Easton and Oma in December

Brad, Jennifer and Easton October 2011

Ian, Brad, Easton and Jennifer Dec 2011

It's official!

I'm officially a librarian for Spokane Public Schools! I was hired yesterday, signed all of my papers and I'll be ready to go on Monday. I'm only part time but it gives me time to still sub in the classrooms & take time off to be with Easton on Fridays.

L-O-V-E my school and the staff and the students! It's going to be a fantastic year.

This weekend I'm in Yakima with Easton so stay tuned for some more cute pictures. Ian and Brad went to Seattle to watch the Sounders and Jen is working today. So Easton and I are hanging out together. Right now he's working on a nap and I'm finally updating my blog.

Happy Fall weekend!

October 10 on 10

Hello! I had the sweetest little boy at my house this weekend so I'm going to share pictures of him for my 10 on 10. Only one photo was taken today, but that's ok! Enjoy~

Worth his weight in gold -- all 21 pounds

Easton and his daddy

Pumpkin Patch kid

Hello, Mr. Sheep!

Baa, Baa, Black Sheep

A few of Easton's friends

Checking out the pumpkin

Sleepy boy in the pumpkin patch with Oma

Just listening

Today's lunch time with Oma before Easton went home

30 Days Hath September!

Can you believe it's the end of September? Here in Spokane we are enjoying an Indian summer and I LOVE the warm afternoons & then being able to snuggle under a comforter at night when it drops down into the 40's.

I always have to share this poem for the last day of September. Enjoy the day!

Thirty days hath September,
April, June and November;
February has twenty eight alone
All the rest have thirty-one
Except in Leap Year, that's the time
When February's Days are twenty-nine

Spiced Slow Cooker Applesauce

Today was a good day for creating something yummy in the crockpot. I'd gotten a bunch of apples from the Serve Spokane Food Pantry (David and I work there twice a month.) so I wanted to make something with them. This recipe was super easy. If you could only smell my kitchen at the moment -- delicious!

Spiced Slow Cooker Applesauce (allrecipes.com)

Ingredients

• 8 apples - peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions

1. Combine the apples and water in a slow cooker; cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours. Stir in the brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice; continue cooking another 30 minutes.