Laughter, Joy and His Love

Tonight David and I went to see comedian Ken Davis. What a hoot! We laughed so much. Ken shared one line with us that really made me stop and think. "Joy under the influence of His love." Yikes!

I found this quote "Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you." Eileen Caddy

Gratitude, joy, laughter and His love.... ahhhhhh, what a great mixture and I'm going to put them into plan tomorrow as I go to work with the 6th graders. It's gooing to be a great day!

Mother of the Bride dress

I did it...I purchased my "Mother of the Bride" dress today! I'd tried on this dress when we were in Renton over New Year's weekend and fell in love with it. I wasn't quite sure if it was THE dress since it's actually a bridesmaid dress, but the mom dress selections were definitely not my style. So, I waited and then went today to look at some dresses here in Spokane. The one dress was at the shop to try on and I'd found another one by the same designer on the website to look at. Of course, that one wasn't available. I managed to get the salesperson to let me try the bridesmaid dress on (I think I confused her because she kept asking, "you're the mom? not a bridesmaid?" Apparently moms aren't supposed to wear these dresses and I was breaking protocol? I'm not quite sure....but I tried it on anyways.)

Jen had measured me when we were at the store in Renton so I knew already what size I needed. (Her brief job as a Bridal Consultant paid off!) But I had today's consultant (who kept calling me HON) measure me again....I kinda liked the measurements; my weight loss and hard work has paid off! I couldn't decide if I wanted Victorian Lilac or Black for the main color so when I realized that I'd need a size 10, I knew that the dress I'd tried on was it. The dress was mine....off the rack, in the perfect size. No waiting, no alterations needed (unless I want it shortened to tea length), mission accomplished!

99 days to go to the wedding ....and just shoes & accessories to still buy. No problem, right?

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~

Needing some color!

I saw this title on another blog and knew it was true of me, also. We've been blessed with not a lot of snow but I need color after so many gray and gloomy days! Here's what I'd like:

sunshine!!

yummy strawberries

tulips galore (Tulipfestival.com)

daffodils

What brightens your little corner of the world?

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.