Gratitude Friday

Happy Friday! Here's my list for the week....

1. sunshine on the wintery days! It felt so good yesterday to be outside with the sunshine. We've had a mild winter and even though the groundhog saw his shadow this week, I'm okay with 6 more weeks of winter if it's like this!

2. bagels and cream cheese! My favorite breakfast food at the moment. Soft, fresh bagels that are toasted and spread with strawberry or raspberry cream cheese. Yum!

3. Kleenex! I have a cold and it's causing all sorts of havoc. So, the box of Kleenex is my friend this week. I'm wondering how I'm gong to give the spelling test this morning so that the kids can understand me!

4. my 6th grade teaching team! I have the BEST teaching team to work with. They have taught me lots and I'm glad to have them by my side each day. It's been a tough 5 weeks, but I'm learning day by day. (and we've all decided that we definitely believe in prayer in the public schools...I don't think we'd make it each day if there weren't praying teachers and people who pray for us, too!)

5. my 6th grade classroom! I probably would choose a different grade level if I could, but these students have taught me a lot about grace, perservence, the art of counting to 50 or higher to keep from getting upset and how to laugh at myself (because if I don't, they will!) Even though it's been a tough 5 weeks, it's also been a joyful 5 weeks. I'm looking forward to the next 7 weeks with the kids.

I'm off to Starbucks to get a venti vanilla latte before heading to school today. I'd love for you to join me for a coffee!! But if you can't, have a great Friday and let me know what you're grateful for today.

Gratitude Friday

Hi, everyone! I almost forgot what day it is. Grab a big mug and you can either have peppermint hot chocolate or Starbucks Christmas Blend. Here's the list, which is going to be quick because we have friends coming to visit in a half hour.

1. Jen (my daughter) and Brad! Their wedding date is May 30, 2010.

2. Ian's talent in photography! Ian took Jen and Brad's engagement picture today (not the one on this page) and they turned out fabulous.
3. Thanksgiving Dinner! Wow, it was a lot of food and delicious. I need to learn how to make stuffing, though! Sad, I know, but I just can't get the hang of making it and then stuffin' the bird. But I loved the pumpkin pie and cranberry topped cheesecake, plus leftovers today.

4. a day to stay home! I didn't go anywhere today except to the bakery. No shopping for me. It was really nice to be in my bed at 4 AM rather than being out with the crowds.

5. friends and family! What would I do without you, through good times and bad? Thanks for hanging around and loving me.

What are you thankful for today? Happy rest of your holiday weekend! Be sure to visit Home Sanctuary for more Company Girl Coffee fun.

Gratitude Friday

It's the middle of the night but it's still Friday! Grab a BIG cup of coffee and join me in Gratitude Friday.

1. the ability to help plan Jennifer's wedding, via email! I just had a glimpse of the ceremony and reception materials needed for the big day. Jen and Brad arrive on Wednesday for the Thanksgiving weekend and I can already have some items in Jen's box to send back with her to Goldendale. If email wasn't available, we'd be sunk with waiting for the pony express! We have gotten spoiled with the speed of communication these days.

2. warm comforters! As I'm perched on my computer chair at 3:10, I realize that this house is cold and perhspa I really should be back under that warm comforter on my bed. However, I'll press on, share my thoughts that no one else ever really reads & then go back to bed.

3. teaching jobs! I've been blessed with many guest teaching jobs. I'm really starting to understand Kindergartners and how their little brains operate. They are sweet kiddos!

4. David's unemployment! Ok, it's definitely not a blessing, but his being off work has allowed me to write "honey do" lists for around the house. I have my longtime friend Wendy arriving on Saturday afternoon and the house is going to be sparkling because of his wonderful cleaning and polishing. The Thanksgiving meal is almost completely purchased and ready for consumption. I haven't lifted a finger on the shopping! Thanks, Mr. York!

5. snowflakes! I don't think I posted last week and there was a small showing of snowflurries during the afternoon recess break on Friday. One of the girls in another class had never seen snow before! It was a fascination to watch her during the recess. I almost felt giddy as she stuck her tongue out to catch a snowflake and, of course, I joined her!

6. Starbucks coffee and treats! I met up with my summertime boss yesterday and not only splurged on my favorite drink (first time Starbucks ALL week!), I inhaled the first of the season cranberry bliss bar. Oh my goodness! It was sooooo delightful. I can't afford to buy the whole loaf so I'm going to have to search for a recipe to make something very similar to it. Did I mention I also bought not one or two, but FOUR Christmas ornaments? The very cutest miniature Starbucks cold drink cups. Can't wait to see them on the tree! (I only get one; the kids get the rest!)

Wishing you a wonderful Friday before Thanksgiving! Enjoy your coffee this morning~ I know I will need a triple dose of it. Just insert the IV into my arm. I won't feel a thing, honest!

PS I'm needing to revise my blog -- it's kinda boring, both in look and information. I am definitely not the eloquent writer that I've seen out in blogland, nor am I filled with a sense of humor in my writings like my friend Mary (LOVE her blog! Cohagen Chronicles), or a "filled to the gill" writer of energy, play on words thoughts and inspiration like my friend Rachel at the beautiful Home Sanctuary site. I would like to be so blessed as a writer but I know I have a style of my own hidden somewhere....ideas?

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

Woohoo, living on the edge today and changing the picture to the left! :)

I have been relaxing (aka LAZY) all day and just know getting to Gratitude Friday, plus sharing a cup of coffee with the Company Girls. No school today so no job = no stress! Kinda nice.

Grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate (it is rather chilly at my house) and share your Friday Gratitude list with me.

My list:

1. medical insurance coverage. I know I've shared this before but I had to go to the dentist and doctor this week because of TMJ pain. I'm being sent to a TMJ specialist and right now the case is being reviewed. I'm in a lot of pain with not being able to eat much or sleep a lot. Thankfully the dental visit was seen as an emergency, which our dental insurance will cover, and the TMJ visit will be covered, too, because it's seen as medical treatment. I also appreciate the free muscle relaxer samples I can take at night, too. It has made a difference. (Now if I can get the dogs out of my bed at night, I'd be ecstatic!)

2. coffee with friends. It was a very early morning Starbucks date with Polly. I so appreciate her! I swamped her brain with questions and she gave me back some answers to think about. Love those friends who give constructive criticism with grace!

3. date night. David and I are going out tonight to see "Up!" Looks like a hilarious movie, we get to have popcorn for dinner because it's a very early showing, and just spend time together out of the house. (GREAT MOVIE! Loved the story of Carl and Ellie. My favorite quote is "Russell: Sometimes, it's the boring stuff I remember the most." Remember to enjoy the boring stuff, too. It's what memories are made of. GO SEE IT or buy it!)

4. extra work. I'm headed out to camp tomorrow to help work in the kitchen -- serving, dishes and cleaning. I LOVE IT! It's how I paid for my car insurance in high school and college, working at Island Lake Camp's kitchen. I was jumping for joy when Jenny asked if anyone could help her out this week. Imagine getting paid, too! It will be a beautiful fall day out at the camp. Taking my camera.

5. The ease of the Internet. In less than a half hour, I booked a flight to San Francisco and found a hotel to stay at. I'm going in 9 days to see Ian, flying out of Seattle (amazing low fare!) I loved being able to book everything myself and saving lots of $.

Ok, I'm off to see the movie. Could someone feed the Beagle Boys at 5 PM and play with the kitties til we return? THANKS!! Help yourself to whatever treats you can find above the stove... I'm sure there's chocolate up there!

Random Dozen

Linda is hosting her weekly random dozen and she had a bit of a Hall and Oates theme going in her original post. Come play along...just answer these questions on your own blog and link back here to share your answers.

1. On an average, how often do you splurge and buy something for yourself? When I am being frugal, I don't splurge often. However, I am the queen of Starbucks and I will splurge at least once a week on a venti vanilla non fat latte, esp if it's payday Friday.

2. What is the last creative project you began/finished? Creative project would be cleaning my house for two and a half weeks while waiting for a teaching job! Time to start on it again since I have today off. Other projects include rubberstamping cards. I'll work on one today and post the picture.

3. OK, Goldie Locks, do you consider your house too big, too little or juuuust right? Hmm, contentment would be the question here. It's a small house but just right for the two of us. But it's not what I really want.

4. What is your favorite outdoor chore? Pooper scooping is NOT my favorite chore, but sitting on the back steps with the Beagle Boys after the job is done and enjoying the sunshine & the Boys...that's a great reward for doing that nasty chore.

5. If you knew that cigarette smoking was not bad for your health but would be a weight loss tool, would you use it? No Why or why not? Just like marijuana is supposed to help with MS, not using it even if I might feel better. Nasty, nasty, nasty!

6. On a road trip, would you rather drive or ride? If the road trip is with girlfriends, I like to drive. If it's with my hubby, I like to ride. Then I can read and sleep.

7. What do you consider a trivial pursuit? Trying to figure out life! My head and heart are always in an arguement.

8. So ... how long do you watch a movie or read a book before giving up on it? A book will get a couple of chapters. A movie will get turned off if it's at home. If we're at the theatre, we'll watch the whole thing even though we're thinking "let's leave!" Did you know that if you leave in the beginning of the movie because it's not to your liking, you can ask for your money back or get another movie ticket? You can't wait til the end of the movie, though! We've done it a few times with AMC movies.

9. Is there a song that you really love but are embarrassed to admit because it's not cool or it's racy or because it's by Hall and Oates? I can't think of one right off the top of my head. (Ok, I thought...I loved Bob Dylan's song "Lay, Lady, Lay" and Chris De Burgh's song "Lady in Red". Perhaps kinda racy but back when I heard them, I was pretty naive! :)

10. On a scale of 1-10 (10 = extremely) how spontaneous are you? 7 but not a big risk taker, either. My favorite thing to do is to jump in the car and go for a drive, not really knowing where I'm going. It's always full of surprises and usually enlightening, both in sights and my own thoughts.

11. Are you a food and/or beverage snob? yep. Starbucks is always my drink of choice for coffee!! (even though hubby roasts amazing coffee, a Starbucks latte is the best!) I can't forget that I'm totally in love with German Reisling wines, either. Don't give me a glass of red, it's got to be sweet white!

12. Who/What are you trying to control in your life? I am realizing that I try control friends (or keep them at arms' length) which doesn't make for good friendships. How do I stop this cycle?! I could use some constructive criticism in this department.

Gratitude Friday

Hello! Whew, I made it with about 45 minutes to spare for my Gratitude Friday list. I am, in fact, drinking a Starbucks vanilla latte right now as I type this out. I can go get you one, too, if you'd like. There's a 24 hour Starbucks just a little bit away...what would you like?

My Gratitude list...

1. the ability to LAUGH! We had Mud Pit this week at camp and boy, did I get m-u-d-d-y! Stay tuned for pictures.

2. time to relax! While the rest of the camp was floating down the river on inner tubes, three of us floated on this big yellow float thing (it was round) and it took about an hour to go from the bridge back to camp. We stood up on it (and didn't tip!), we suntanned, we laughed, we just looked off into the distance and contemplated life or took time to be quiet. We decided we should do it every day.

3. my friend Robin! She was hired today by a school district in Anchorage. She and I have been friends since I started in the Whitworth cohort. Robin leaves on WEDNESDAY to start her new job the very next day. I will miss her dearly. She's been a great friend and support. Thank goodness for email and texting!

4. flip flops! I have been wearing different shoes at camp because of safety when we're doing the challenge course. I had some other cool slip ons that I LOVE when I'm off duty but I was getting a thick line of white on my feet. So I've switched to flip flops (good ones, not the 2.99 type!) to get a thinner white line. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do to have an even tan line...white feet look funny.

5. time to look, in what seems "FOREVER", for a teaching job! If I had tons of major responsibilities around the house besides three cats, three dogs and a hubby, I wouldn't be able to spend this much time in front of the computer. I did turn down an international job in Baku (google to find out what country it's in!) because of lots of reasons. I won't say anymore but please pray that something opens up here in WA State. I am getting discouraged as it gets closer to start time for school.

Alrighty, it's been a pleasure to sip a Starbucks with you late into the late hours of Friday night. Hope you have an excellent weekend. I have NOTHING planned this weekend and since I've been experiencing a bit of vertigo and some other weird symptoms, I'm going to lay low. You can pray that the extreme heat hasn't made my MS flair up....I'm going to be bummed if this is what it's all about!

Share your gratitude list here with the group....check out the rest of Company Girl Coffee and see what Home Sanctuary has posted for us to do with the Small Things in Life.

ps Pictures are coming tomorrow!!

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, everyone! I'm back from another week of camp. This morning I got up very early to have a Starbucks latte with my Whitworth friend Polly. We can go back there if you'd like for another cup of coffee or I can make a fresh pot of New Guinea coffee here at the house. You decide, your choice! :)

Here's my gratitude list for the week:

1. wisdom in knowing how to handle different situtations! I had to handle a few things at camp this week that were out of my comfort zone & I'm thankful that I had wisdom to proceed with grace, love and authority.
2. my son Ian! I had a phone call this morning from a dear friend who read in her Vacaville, CA paper that "Ian York, age 21 in Fresno, had committed suicide!" Naturally she was very concerned and checked in with me. My Ian is 22 and is living in Spokane for two more weeks. However, the phone call was a wake up call for me to spend more time with my Ian, tell him he's loved LOTS and encourage him as he headed back to CA for college.
3. the Spokane River! I'm learning to really love it. This week we tubed down it with 30+ kids. Megan (our camp nurse) and I sat in a double tube and felt like we were the Princesses of the Nile. I'm taking our tiaras next week.
4. a very loving vet! The Beagle Boys are at the vet this morning and it's a sad day for them because they're being neutered. It should be a quiet few days around here until they get their spunk back. Perhaps Hans and Gretel will be able to relax, too, with the boys on a quiet schedule.
5. my hairdresser, Melissa! I had coffee with her last Sunday and today she's doing my hair & my eyebrows. No more "Princess Diaries" eyebrow emergency!! I can't wait to see what she has in store for my hair today!
6. These verses from 1 Peter 3:8-9 "Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble spirit. Don't repay evil with evil. don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do and He will bless you for it!" These verses were on a slip of paper on my chair in staff meeting yesterday. I really have been thinking about them. As I go about my weekend and into my next week, that's how I want to live, esp being tenderhearted and keeping a humble spirit.

Thanks for praying for me this coming week. We're jumping back into a camp with high schoolers! They sure help me break down my own walls and take off masks. Here's hoping the same things will be accomplished with them & they will learn to love the Lord with all their heart, soul and mind.

Gratitude Friday (on Saturday)

Good morning! Grab a cup of coffee and share your gratitude list with me.

1. http://companygirl.com/ My friend Rachel is putting together a book all about girlfriends! I was looking at some of the photo entries this morning and realized how much I miss getting together with my many girlfriends. Why is there never time to get together or even just touch base via email, a phone call or snail mail? I'm going to have to fix that. I want more pictures of you all, esp since I lost my camera. Ok, hop over to Rachel's website and look at the photos I entered. If you have some amazing girlfriend photos you'd like to submit, go for it! Voting is going to take place after June 7th. (The photo below is from my birthday last yr!)

2. sunshine in the beautiful Pacific NW! Blue skies, warm temps and the purple lilacs blooming! Only thing that could be better...we could be camping this weekend!! sigh...

3. great days of guest teaching -- no kindergarten, either! I'm still searching diligently for a full time teaching job but know I am blessed with the amazing guest teaching jobs I've had this year. I'll be kind of sad when school gets out in a few weeks.

4. a new Starbucks that opened up on Fairchild AFB!

5. size 10 capris are too big...I bought some last night at Costco and I got them home to realize that they didn't fit. Back they went! So it was great incentive to go to the gym last night to walk/run five miles. Plus I got to watch the Seattle Mariners vs San Francisco Giants. I stopped my exercise after the 7th inning. I would have been there FOREVER since they went into the 12th inning with Seattle winning 2-1 (WOOHOO!) My secrets for continued weight loss and inches -- eating breakfast every morning, taking meds that help my body do what it's supposed to do instead of gaining more weight, lots of different types of exercise, almost zero sugar (including soda pop and only a smidge of chocolate) and try to not eat after 7 pm. It works for me!

Have a great weekend! The York family is headed to the Mt. Hood area tomorrow to attend a family reunion on my dad's side. It could be interesting. I love seeing my cousin Gigi who also has 2 beagles so just being with her will be worth the trip!

Gratitude Friday on Saturday!

Due to flying out of Spokane early Friday morning, I didn't get a chance to do my gratitude list! So here it is for today -- iced tea is being served so you can grab a glass full of ice, fill it up with the iced tea, sip on it and enjoy the beautiful TX weather in "our" backyard. (Thanks, Lisa!)

1. all of the special ladies in my life who have been a mom figure to me over the years! I've had great positive role models and I've learned a lot to get me to where I am today. I am truly blessed!

2. naps! On the plane between Seattle and Dallas/Ft Worth & even a nap today. They really re-energize me and I love my naps.

3. Starbucks in airports! Happy sigh...need I say more?

4. a wonderful week of teaching with amazing kids!

5. the ability to run/walk in the Buffalo Boogie this morning. The weather was in the mid 70's with a light mist, making for great conditions. I felt great and managed to pull off a 36:22 race time. Not bad for the last mile being a gradual uphill.

6. and, last but not least, Lisa! She who continually loves me just the way I am, shares her air miles with me so I can come have a girl's weekend and knows when life has its ups & downs for me and takes appropriate action. Thanks for being a friend all these years since we lived in Germany!

PS Stay tuned for more as I meet Rachel Anne this weekend! :)

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.

Gratitude Friday

It's quick coffee time today as I'm teaching 3rd grade and having a dorky hair moment right before I head out the door! Today's coffee is Starbuck's Pike Place Roast....absolutely wonderful. Grab a cup and enjoy. If I have to leave before you're done, just put the cup in the sink, say goodbye to the Beagle Boys and shut the door as you leave! :)

Here's my list for the week. What's on your gratitude list?

1. Zyrtec! I am troubled by tree pollen and for the next three weeks, Zyrtec is my best friend. I haven't been sick since last September and I'm grumpy about having a stuffy nose & sore throat today. However, Zyrtec really helps with the problem and makes life bearable. (maybe more for others around me!)

2. beautiful sunshine! After the snow this week, it is wonderful to have the sun back with its warmth. It was funny to see my daffodils peeking through the snow on Tuesday.

3. Third graders who keep me on my toes! Do I know ANYTHING about surface tension? Nope. I came home last night and did research on surface tension with plain water, salty water and soapy water. I think I might be smarter than a third grader today!

4. The ability to race this Sunday and raise money to help find a cure for breast cancer. I have a 5K race that I'm going to try to get a personal best in! Tonight is the packet pickup and the small expo with it. Always fun to browse because there's so many things pertaining just to us girls and be pampered, too.

5. Bible Study Fellowship. We're studying about Moses. It really makes me think! Plus, if I don't do my homework, I don't get to talk in class. This past Monday I was quiet for the entire lesson!! (This week I'll be sure to get it all comleted!)

And that's all, folks! Have a wonderful weekend. Be blessed!

Gratitude Friday

Good morning to you! After sleeping 10 hours last night, it truly is a gratitude Friday of YAHOOO, it's FRIDAY and it's SPRING BREAK NEXT WEEK!! :)

Grab a big mug this morning. You can have coffee, tea or whatever else your heart desires! Today I'm asking you sit down with me and share your gratitude list! After you've read my list, I'd love a word of encouragement from you, too, for my journal I've kept about my MS journey. Here's my gratitude list for today:

1. for a wonderful dr 8 years ago who saw through all of my physical pain and made the decision to have an MRI done of my brain. Today is my 8th anniversary of the MS diagnosis and I'm going pretty strong! There are days that I take it easy but if you have read anything on this blog, you'll know I'm very active and don't let the dust settle on me much. To learn more about MS, visit the National MS Society's web site and Copaxone's web site (the daily shot I take!) You'll learn lots about this horrid disease! You can always ask me questions, too.

2. for the beautiful sunshine! Yesterday being out on the playground was amazing. I didn't even have to wear a coat and got to pull out the sunglasses!

3. for Mr. York! He was wearing a heart monitor for a few days to check out to see what his heart's doing and why he's having problems breathing. He also had a job interview and test for a position with the WA State Patrol. I think this job would be perfect for him and give a better sense of belonging (if that's the right word to use). He goes on Thursday for another big test for the job! We'll find out in a few weeks about his heart! (and believe me, I made sure his heart got a great workout....smiling!)

4. for a very full week of teaching. The kids have amazed me all week, made my heart sing with excitement each and every day. You know I got tired and I think I'm recharged now for today. I bet Starbucks can help me out this morning a little bit to make sure I'm recharged!

5. for this verse: "Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face daily" Psalm 105:4 Exactly what I needed to read this morning!

Have a wonderful Friday, everyone!! Thanks for your latte comments~

This and That

It's a rainy Sunday night. I've had a busy day so I thought I'd share a smidge with you.

I had a super bad headache since Friday and when I woke up this morning, it was finally gone. I tried almost everything to get rid of it. I didn't even go to church last night because I knew that the beat of the drums and the bass would make my head hurt worse! Thank goodness for extra strength Tylenol and a nice comfy bed to snuggle into to sleep.

I took time this morning to go shopping. I bought clear storage containers for my walk in closet. I seriously need 9-1-1 Housekeeper or an Organizing Coach to help me with this "room." I have teaching stuff in there, Christmas, rubberstamping, all seasons of clothing, shoes, kids' momentos, pictures, etc. WHAT A MESS!! Plus the two dressers and David's clothes when I allow him the room! :)

The gym and I became friends again. I did three miles on the treadmill. My foot doesn't hurt at all so I think I might be okay for the half marathon. I loved being back in the gym with my new earphones, listening to great Christian music. Definitely uplifting!

I worked in the closet for a bit. It was a little overwhelming but I also got some items ready to take to Disneyworld. I am determined to have NO turtlenecks or heavy sweaters with me. If it snows while I'm there, I'm going to cry!!!!!

Then I zipped over to the mall to look for a new suitcase. Check this out....a Liz suitcase, orginally $200 and I got it for $19!! WOOOHOOO~

Robin met me at the mall and we had Starbucks at Barnes and Noble. It was nice to get caught up with her. We called our other two Whitworth girlfriends and left voice mail for them. I miss being able to spend time with each of them. So, I try to call at least once a week, email, or stop by their homes for random things.

Funniest thing tonight is that I stopped in at Victoria Secret's to browse...always looking for cute essentials. Anyways, I tried some lotion on my hands, not realizing that it has SPARKLES in it. I really like the lotion... it smells great!!!! I might just have to get some anyways and remember it's for at home only. ::::smiling:::::

Now that I'm home, I'm enjoying a glass of wine as I type this. It's a definite "this and that" type of blog posting.

Happy Sunday night, everyone! And in honor of Paul Harvey, "stay tuned for the rest of the story!"

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!

"Had a great day...."

Singing my song to the tune of "Bad Day"..... because I had a great day!

No fracture in the foot. The dr thinks it's tendonitis. The first xray showed the big toe with a possible fracture but that's not where it hurts at all. More x rays today! When someone tweaks with the big toe and moves it all around, it causes pain to the area where it has been hurting. Hmm, very interesting. So, we're trying custom made orthotics and it should help the problem. Dr says I can do the half marathon, Lisa says not so quick or I might really end up injured. Guess I'm still on the cheer squad team.

I bought new hiking socks at REI today and dreamed about having enough money to not have to worry about spending money there. Two pairs of socks made me happy.

So did a grande vanilla non fat latte from Starbucks while I talked with another good friend about this and that. It was great to get caught up on their life!

I also got out to take a picture of the beautiful Spokane Falls. I'll see if I can get it loaded so you can see it!

Tomorrow morning I'm out the door early to get to my mom's in Hansville (very tip of the Kitsap Peninsula in WA State!) Spending the night there and then zipping across the Hood Canal Bridge to spend two nights at Lake Crescent on the Olympic Peninsula. (If I went much farther west, I'd be at the Pacific Ocean!) I'm attending an Olympic Park Institute program on "Ecosystems of the Olympic National Park." Wait til you see all of the amazing pictures I'll come back with....it'll be green and absolutely beautiful!!! I'm thankful I can get away til Monday afternoon & spend time learning about science! I'm also grateful for not having a fractured foot so I can go hiking in moderation this weekend, too!

I'll post from my mom's -- please pray for safe travels!

February's 10 on 10

Scenes taken from around my house, the classroom and Walmart.

Enjoy!

new RED morning Starbucks cup!

The Beagle Boys!

Homemade Blueberry Muffins baking!

Calendar in the Classroom!

Sweet bears!

Relaxing water fountain!

A bit of Social Studies/Science -- mummified apples or shrunken heads?

Down the Chocolate Aisle at Walmart -- M & M's

Starbucks' Chocolate Bars

Starbucks' Chocolates!

When coffee dreams, it dreams of chocolate!!!

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!!

Beautiful Views and Fun Weekend!

Here's a few pictures from our drive to Portland yesterday! The shopping was great but I could have taken spent hours looking at the views all the way from Jen's house to IKEA and back. It was a beautiful day and we were blessed with these amazing scenes of the mountains and the sun.

On Hwy 97, heading south to the Columbia River

The view from around the sign!

Mt. Hood at the Dalles Dam

Starbucks at Hood River

Friend Janet and daughter Jennifer

Yours truly with her favorite coffee drink!

Multinomah Falls

A rubber stamp I want at Craft Warehouse

The sun at IKEA