Overdue update!

Good morning! It's a definite fall morning here in Spokane. After enjoying a beautiful Indian summer, today's weather is rather cooler and damp. But that hasn't stopped us from planting tulip and daffodil bulbs, transplanting lilac bushes and planting two new shade trees!

I am teaching in a wonderful first grade classroom this year. It's a very sweet change from teaching 6th grade. (I know how to do 1st grade math! Smile...) Although it's not a permanent position, I'm at Bemiss Elementary (Spokane Public Schools) until Christmas break and feel blessed to be a part of this school. I've so connected with my kiddos -- 18 girls, 7 boys -- and they've stolen my heart. My favorite quote from one of the kids is "Mrs. York, you're one lucky lady to be able to use an electric pencil sharpener!"

Other news from the homefront:

Jen says there's no room at the inn for Baby Easton and she's getting kicked in the ribs quite often. We're excited to meet Easton sometime next month! She and Brad have been busy with Goldendale's football team, getting everything prepared for Easton's arrival and enjoying married life, too!

David continues to work for Pennacle Investigations and going to Whitworth @ night. He's loving the same classes I took at Whitworth; some of the professors are the same so he's following in my footsteps. David and I celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary over Labor Day weekend by being tourists in Seattle -- Pike Place Market, Alki Beach and Lighthouse, Seattle Mariners game, IKEA. A very fun and relaxing weekend!

Ian is looking for work (if you know of anything, let us know!) and he's helping out in my classroom as a volunteer.

The four legged kids keep us laughing with their antics. Never a dull moment. We did lose one of our cats -- Gretel -- so we're trying to decide if we'd like another friend for Hans. Thinking it might be nice to have an already spayed/neutered cat to add to the family. We'll see!

Mid week check in

I'm halfway through my 7th week of teaching! Boy, is it always a learning experience for me. I was subbed out today for a grade level assessment think tank meeting. I am definitely ready to apply what I learned to my teaching and making it intentional to benefit my students. Seeing reading and math scores made me really sit up and notice where the kids are in their learning. The kids say that I already push them to succeed....they're going to see a little bit more of it, but they will show their excellence in learning as we go through this together.

Here's a picture I just found of the Beagle Boys and me. My half sister Mattie took it last spring. Enjoy~

Merry Christmas!

David and I wish you a wonderful Christmas celebration!

and so do the Beagles...

November 10 on 10

Happy November "10 on 10." I didn't get the full ten this month. I had worked all day and by the time I got home, it was dark! But here's a few pictures of my day, with the backyard shots, the Beagle Boys and my favorite place for coffee. Enjoy!

first ice on the bird bath

weeping willow tree

cold morning for the Beagle Boys

Venti Vanilla Latte', please! Non-fat, extra hot

Dieter


Ubu

Gratitude Friday

Good morning, Company Girlfriends and everyone else! It's been awhile since I've done Gratitude Friday, due to being gone at camp forever. But I'm back home and at my computer lots more, instead of checking email, facebook and voicemail at Mile Marker 43. (The nearest wide spot in the road for cell phone service!)

I'm busy cleaning the house, putting things away, dusting high and low! (Earning big points for Home Sanctuary!) I was hoping to have a full time teaching job by now.....I've applied EVERYWHERE in WA State, even sending off an application packet to my hometown district of North Kitsap. However, nothing has surfaced yet so I'm waiting impatiently for a subfinder phone call. I've got a really cute first day of teaching outfit. So far, I've worn shorts to the school where I used to work as I volunteer to help my teaching friends get ready for their first day of school. Yesterday was that day for them. Today I chose to stay home and focus a bit on me!

Gratitude List for today~

1. a VERY wonderful summer of being at Tshimakain Creek Camp! I miss my camp family lots! The memories made and the kids' lives we touched -- priceless!

2. the Beagle Boys! They turned a year yesterday. We can't imagine life without them! Perhaps it'd be a smidge quieter and less chaotic. But they're so fun. I'll see if I can get a new picture of them posted today.

3. continued sunshine! I've been able to continue working on my tan in the afternoons, to keep it from fading since I've been home from camp. It's HOT during the day, but pleasant in the evening and crisp fall feeling in the mornings.

4. my cousins! I was at my cousin Dan's wedding last weekend. It was fun to be with my mom's side of the family. I'm the oldest of the cousins and there just doesn't seem to be enough time to see all of them, plus they're ALL busy! Here's a small picture of Monica, Teresa, Dan and myself.

5. fresh farm produce! I'm planning on going up to Greenbluff to get peaches and other fresh produce. There's a new type of corn on the cob I want to try. My friend Lisa B has zucchini for me...yipppeee!! Zucchini bread, zucchini choc chip muffins, zucchini fritters...yum~

Have a great weekend, everyone! To those of you whose kiddos don't start school for a bit longer, enjoy the rest of the summer! Glad you could join me for Gratitude Friday and a big cup of coffee. I've missed you!

Gratitude Friday

Good morning! Today's latte is from Cafe Fresca at Holy Family Hospital in Spokane. I just left there after having a follow up mammogram and ultrasound. I also got to visit with my good friend Diane who works at Holy Family. Life is good in the lump department...very benign features and I'll get checked again in a year.

I am on my way out the door to Leavenworth, WA for a relaxing weekend on the Wenatchee River. We were blessed to be able to rent a big cabin for my cousins, David and myself. Having spent six years in Germany, Leavenworth isn't much of a Bavarian type town for us but it's still a great place to visit and play. Ready to go....and guess what? There's a Starbucks in Leavenworth. Score~

Here's my gratitude list for the week:

1. suntan lotion! My nose keeps getting darker and darker so I have been putting Face 45 on it. I also lost my sunglasses so there's not the very noticeable line anymore! :)

2. Jennifer! She's home for the weekend to hang out with the Beagle Boys and kitties.

3. Ian! He's back in San Francisco going to college at Art Academy Institute. Keep him in your prayers as he searches for a job and an apartment to move into with his friends. It was nice to have him home to hang out with the beagle boys while I am at camp all week.

4. a cool place to lay my head! I've had horrid headaches due to the heat and it was nice to come home last night & be cooled off in our basement. Of course, our temps are usual for Eastern WA. Can't imagine what Puget Sound people are feeling with their super high temps.

5. watching kids laugh and play at camp! Jenny and Brian's two kids were at camp with me this week. I didn't get to be with them much but it was fun to watch them have a wonderful time!

Have a wonderful week~ miss hearing from you all!!

Gratitude Friday

Good morning! An amazing week at camp and now David, Ubu (one of the beagles) and I are headed to Long Beach, WA to hang out with my cousin and her hubbie and their three beagles. Dieter has to stay home due to having an owie on his left flank. I will do the rest of my gratitude list when I return on Sunday.....thankful for you!!

New kitties (aka new chewtoys for the Beagle Boys!)

Hans (pure white) and Gretel (grey and black striped) have joined our family since last month. The Beagle Boys love them, somtimes a little too much. Never a dull moment with the four of them running everywhere!

Gratitude Friday

Good morning! Coffee's on~ grab a cup and fill it up! I'm teaching 4th grade this morning at Fairchild AFB so I have to leave pretty soon but enjoy your cup of java. Just leave the cup on the counter, say goodbye to the Beagle Boys and be sure to shut the front door when you leave!

Here's my Gratitude list this morning:

1. ice cream, or to be exact, Skinny Cow ice cream! Low calorie yummy stuff that satisfies the want for something cold.

2. going home for the weekend! I'm headed to Hansville after work and I can't wait.

3. the little church that I attended while I was growing up! The Hansville Community Church is turning 100 years. I'm so thankful for it. I have a picture of me receiving my first Bible from Pastor Overmyer. Wow, you should see the pic...short hair, short dress. Probably about 1970 era.

4. Home Sanctuary! I picked up my floor in the bedroom, thanks to Rachel's prompting. My husband will be happy to come home tonight and not have to wander through the maze of piles.

5. the swing in the backyard! Last night I sat out on it with the hose, spraying the grass to water the areas that the sprinkler doesn't get and keeping myself cooled off, too. The Beagle Boys were out with me but they don't appreciate the water at all. They're pretty comical in all of the ways they try to escape the water spraying on them!

6. Summer plans -- working at the Union Gospel Mission Kids' Camp this summer. A free camp for kids that are from lower income families, it's a summer to just love on them and bless the socks off of them. 50 kids each week -- sunshine, the Spokane River, fun, laughter, kids and sharing Jesus! I'm sure that each weekend I come home, I'll be tired but have amazing stories to share of my adventures!

Have a super duper weekend -- a week and a half til school is out in Spokane!

This and that

Just a few random thoughts this morning....

• Teaching 1st grade today. Yesterday was Kindergarten and I think I am glad that I have no more Kindergarten jobs this school year! Love those little guys but I'm ready to teach in some higher grades!
• Two new kitties! Jennifer and Brad decided that we needed a new kitten. Well, we're getting TWO! One is pure white (her name is Blanco) and the other is grey and white tabby (his name is Bandit) Not sure why they thought we needed one or two kittens. I guess they are coming home in a few weeks. I'll be sure to post pictures when they arrive. Wonder what the Beagle Boys will think of their new chew toys! (Mary, see?!?! You should have sent me your kitties!!)
• Job searching. I'm working on a job application for Richland School District. They have a few openings and they're only 2 1/2 hours away from Spokane. I'd love to get the 5th grade position or the 4th grade or the 2nd grade! Getting a job in Richland would mean I would have to live there during the school year but it'd be a full time teaching job and I could come home on weekends. (or David could come see me!)
• David is starting his teaching certification classes at Whitworth University in August!! He wants to get his endorsement in High School Science. After his graduation in 2012, we'll be able to move to where there's jobs!
• 21 days until I start work out at the Union Gospel Mission Kids' Camp! Lots to do between now and then -- including going home this weekend for a celebration of the Hansville Church, a wedding, continued training for the Seattle Rock and Roll Half Marathon and the Gaudy Gown Gala ladies' retreat. I live out at the camp Monday through Thursday, giving me three day weekends to be at home.

That's the odds and ends of my brain this morning..... time for a big cup of coffee! Enjoy your day~

The Doghouse...

Quick note before I head to bed:

Beagle Boys and husband -- all in doghouses! Need I say more of my mood right now? Lucky for all of them we don't have a doghouse like the one of the right!

I am more than ready for my four day weekend in TX!

Gratitude Friday

Good morning, friends! Grab a big mug of hot Starbucks coffee and join me in Gratitude Friday. I will be doing most of the listening in our conversation today because I have a very non existent voice! I taught Kindergarten yesterday and between the full day of talking with kids & the allergy problem there's zero voice. I'll share on here, though, what I'm thankful for this week!

1. cousins coming to town! They actually arrive this weekend so we're scrambling around the house, making it guest ready. Jean and Geoff are from the Vancouver, BC area and we had so much fun the last time they were with us. I have wonderful memories with my cousins growing up! Glad they are visiting again so soon.

2. time off from teaching to walk the Beagle Boys. It's not my favorite thing to do, to have time off from work because it means no paycheck. But since I didn't have many jobs this week, I was able to take the dogs on very long walks, benefitting all of us. You can see pictures of our last walk if you scroll back a day or two! The weather has been so nice that it's been great to be outside.

3. stories in the Bible that remind me that everything is going to be okay! Getting older, I'm getting more in tuned with my body and that includes those dreaded monthly periods. I finally went to the dr about a month ago and I got checked out to see if I have fibroids because things have just been horrible for me each month. I started on a new medicine to help with the cycle and boy, has it messed with my system! I am starting to relate to the lady who bled for 12 years. If I just had faith to touch the hem of His garment! Time to make sure I spend time with the Great Physician, plus call the regular dr to see what we can do to make things go a tad bit smoother. Ever try to teach when you need the restroom about every hour?!

4. this morning, I'm thankful for my cup of coffee! It means I get to spend time with Company Girls, seeing what's new in their lives this week. It's also very frosty and foggy on this Friday so the coffee mug is warming up my hands.

5. the opportunity to go back to Whitworth University yesterday and share about my experiences as a guest (aka substitute) teacher! I think the neatest thing was to be able to remind them that teaching is our mission field, whether we get to share Jesus directly or not. But it's our actions and love that we show the kids which also shows Jesus' love. I reminded the soon to be graduates of the Evening Teaching Certification program that my motto is "If I give the best of me, that becomes my legacy!", no matter which class or school or school district I'm teaching in. I also shared that I pray for my students when I'm putting their chairs down or washing their tables off. It makes a world of difference to take Jesus into the classroom with me!

Time to get ready to teach Kindergarten again today! Remember, I have no voice so it should be quite interesting. Would you just say a prayer that the day goes smoothly? thanks!! be sure to leave your gratitude list so we can rejoice over your blessings, too.

Views from a bench

This afternoon the Beagle Boys and I took a 5 mile walk on the Centennial Trail in Spokane. It follows the Spokane River, which is really high right now because of the spring run off. As we meandered our way along the trail, we found benches every so often and the views were mesmerizing. There's just something relaxing sitting on a bench out in the middle of nowhere and watching the world go by. In this case, it was the river! I thought I'd share a little bit of the Spokane world with you. The last picture is of the Deep Creek Bridge. This area to the right (looking east!) is usually quite shallow and not a lot of water running under the bridge. This spring it's very full!

For more pictures of Spokane and the surrounding area, check out "7 Wonders of Spokane!"

looking east upriver

I was enjoying the scenery with the boys happily sniffing everything on the ground!

looking east upriver to the bridge

looking west at the Spokane River

It's a long hike back up this part of the trail. The creek is on the right, river is on the left!

Gratitude Friday

This week has been a different type of week. It was the 8th year of my multiple sclerosis diagnosis and I really felt the blunt of it this week. It was sad and I guess I had to have this time to mourn what I have lost. But I know have things to be grateful for because I am truly blessed! I've just had to really look for it because I don't think I felt like it. Grab a cup of coffee (new today -- Survivor Coffee by Cravens!) and tell me how you show you're grateful even when you don't feel like being grateful. I need help in this department!

Here's my list --

1. meeting a Spokane Company Girl for coffee and yummy banana bread! We talked and shared for a few hours. What a treat!!! And we both agree, we can't wait til there's a Company Girl get together -- we are SO there! Thanks, Melissa!!

Company Girls!

2. a daytime trip with David to warm & sunny Ellensburg and Yakima. It also included lunch with Jen at Olive Garden.

3. two very long walks with the Beagle Boys at Spokane's Riverside State Park and Ellensburg's Riverfront Park. The snifferdoodle noses were working overtime at both of these places.

snifferdoodles and the Spokane River

Yakima River

Ubu sitting so nicely!

4. an amazing lunch with Lisa V. at Riverpark Square today. Salad, fries and Pink Martinis -- "pink-tini!" It was a delightful afternoon of shopping at Godiva Chocolates, Nordstrom coffee bar and the cosmetic counter, lots of window shopping, laughter and great conversation. I need more days like this!

Pink-tinis in support of the Susan Komen Foundation!

5. Spring break and no responsibility of kiddos! It was time to rest and re-charge. Armed with my laptop, cell phone and good books, I was the Princess in bed for most of the weekend. 10 hours of sleep almost every day. It's just what I needed!

6. the sunshine when it came out. We had snow here a few times (did I mention that it was supposed to be SPRING BREAK?!) and when the sun came out, I was cheering big time.

Mr. York getting the car ready for us on Thursday morning!

7. I had two dr appts today and am thankful for having such caring drs! I'm headed on Sunday to participate in the MS Walk with the staff of the MS Center at Holy Family. I love these ladies!!

Gratitude Friday

Good morning! Fresh Starbucks coffee is in the coffee pot, tea water is on for those who like Tazo teas (all decaf!) and there's cranberry juice or water, too. A delightful section today for us to share our Gratitude Friday lists with each other!

1. My car! It's back, working 100% better. I loved the paperwork "no charge, no charge, no charge!"
2. The first sign of spring in my back yard! I saw buds on my little weeping willow tree. It's beautiful!
3. Another week of wonderful teaching in three different schools, 1st grade, 5th and 6th grade and 2nd grade! I learned about bats, how to use an Evidence Circle in literature and that I was only 5 years old when the first spaceship landed on the moon. The kids were amazed. Exact date: July 20, 1969.
4. I've got my summer job all lined up already. If you haven't seen yesterday's post, I'm working at the Union Gospel Mission Kids' Camp as the Challenge Course facilitator.
5. My husband has brought me my first cup of coffee each morning and placed it on my bedside. A nice way to wake up, smelling coffee!

Beagle Boys and Puppy Boot Camp!

They survived their first night and so did their owners. Neither one got kicked out of class like Marley did in the film. (my biggest fear!) They sure barked at first, though, so our first lesson was how to get them to be "good quiet!" Here they are at the end of their first training night:

Ubu is on the left, Dieter is on the right.

Waiting, waiting...

I know exactly how the Beagle Boys are feeling...they're bored and want to go on a walk!!! That's my sock they stole. It's been a very long morning.

I'm waiting for an authorization to see the orthopaedic surgeon. Getting closer but still waiting!

Gratitude Friday

This morning I am feeling very grumpy! I have a cup of Starbucks Christmas Blend (in fact, there's a whole pot waiting for friends to pour their own cup today....yummies are in the fridge. Keep the puppies out of the fridge, though. They're sneaky!) but to be truthful, the coffee is not doing its usual thing of saying "Good Morning" to me.

Girlfriends, I need you today! I have to call my dr this morning and figure out what the game plan is for my foot. They don't open til 8:45, though!

Here's my list for today: (and it's hard to do a Gratitude List when you're feeling like an Eeyore!) Share with me your list, too!!

1. pretty toes

2. laughter with the puppies -- this peanut butter jar was good to the last lick! (no, he's not stuck in the jar, either!)

3. spending time with over 143 kiddos in four days! I love teaching and being a positive influence in their lives
4. continued health care with another great doctor and her wisdom
5. encouragement from friends all around in growing as a person (I AM a Princess!) and a teacher

I just received this "Thought for Today" from Tawni (No More Excuses!) and she blessed the socks right off of me today. She must have heard my heart's cry about disappointments and frustrations! Let me share: "So, My CHALLENGE to all of you is to knock that chip off your shoulder and don't worry about what other people are doing or how far along they are on 'their' journey.Get busy on your OWN journey. CONSISTENT baby steps!I'm proud of all of you for stepping up to the plate and giving it your best in WHATEVER it is that you choose to do."

Ok, waiting patiently for the dr's office to open in one hour and 36 minutes! Putting my Big Girl Panties and dealing with life with a gratitude attitude. How about you?

ps It's snowing out!!

Disappointment to others

What do you do when you feel like you're a disappointment to others?

I was brave this week, in the fact that I said "NO" to a committment that I'd originally said yes to. Another friend asked me what God said to me about this committment....and I replied, "He hasn't said anything!" That's what I realized that perhaps I was doing my committment only to help my friend out. No other reason. As I thought about it more, I realized that I was not going to be a joyful servant doing this committment and I was brave to write an email, backing out. My problem is I feel like I've let this other person down. I so admire her in so many ways and I don't want to be a disappointment to her. I was excited about the position at first because she asked me!! The more I thought about it...I don't get excited about going to this Bible Study anymore, I'd be putting in long hours of service after teaching all day, and I didn't want to become a bitter servant.

Still....I know I am a people pleaser and having anyone think disappointing thoughts about me kinda has me with my tail between my legs. I know this friend still loves me, she appreciated my honesty and we both know that God has someone out there that is RIGHT for the job. How do I move on from how I feel, though? (and I haven't gotten any word on what exactly I should be doing!! Waiting, waiting, waiting)

In the meantime, I've got two little beagle boys who love to go on walks after they've been cooped up in their crate all day. They need me!!!! (and they love me just the way I am!)

A Starbucks type of day!

My teaching job for the day got cancelled so I didn't have to get up early this morning. However, the Beagle Boys thought differently!! I was up at 4:40 with them and shoo'ed them out the back door for the morning piddle. Afterwards, they snuggled in under the covers for about 45 minutes until David got up. After they had breakfast, David put them back into their crate and I got to go back to sleep til 7! Woohoo.

I'd been puttering around the house til about 9:30 (the morning has gone by SLOWLY!) and then I decided that I DESERVED a Starbucks treat! Since I still owed a Starbucks card to my 100th post gratitude attitude winner, it was the perfect opportunity to get that, too. (It's in the mail today!!) I hadn't been to Starbucks in awhile, partly because of no extra money and partly of being so busy teaching. It was nice to go in, browse, order a few things and take the first sip of my Vanilla latte. YUMMMY!

I also took the time to go to Safeway to get a few groceries. Because I wasn't teaching out on the base today, I decided to shop in town instead of going to the commissary. I didn't need a lot and I did buy healthy. (Mr. York will be happy, though. I bought him Chocolate Chip Mint ice cream.)I'm going to make blueberry muffins in a little bit, put on a pot of soup in the crockpot and settle in for a nap.

The dr's is the next stop for today. I think I might have overdone my training for the half marathon -- cuz my right food hurts really bad! -- so I want to see if it just needs more rest or I do, in fact, have a stress fracture again. I'll be major bummed if I do. I was being careful to not add too much mileage too quickly, but I know I was doing some intervals at quick speeds and it's right in that spot I noticed the pain. After teaching all day on my feet, it really bothers me. Ho hum.

Here's my treat for the morning -- my venti non fat extra hot vanilla latte and a yummy cinnamon roll. In the bag are two mugs....one that's a clearance "12 days of Starbucks" and a fancy red one that's perfect for Valentine's Day. Mr. York will say "Great! just what we need, another mug or two!" I think we can have about 30 people over for coffee before we need to wash any mugs. And that's what's in the upstairs cupboard. I'm not sure what's hidden away downstairs. But the coffee pot is almost always ready to go so if you're in the area, stop by for a cup of coffee!


Time to let the beagle boys back in. I think Klaus is out with them, too. He got left out there earlier and he was not happy to have spent time outside in very cold temps! Sorry, kitty.

Happy Thursday, everyone! Be thinking about your gratitude list....it's coming up tomorrow!