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

Good morning! Freshly roasted coffee being served today in my Starbucks mugs...help yourself!

Gratitude Friday includes:

1. days off! I took yesterday off to recharge. I had a test last night in my English class and I wanted to study a little bit. Well, I studied, took a nap, had tea with a friend, got a flu shot, bought new glasses (I had to get progressive lenses!), cleaned the house and spent some time outside with the Beagle Boys. As much as I love teaching, it was nice to have to only make a decision for me or answer my own questions.

2. medical insurance! I got the flu shot yesterday and although I know they don't cost very much, my medical insurance pays for it all. Because we have our military medical benefits, I haven't had to worry about having other medical insurance while I'm not employed as a full time teacher. I know how blessed we are!

3. the crisp fall days! I love the changing of the colors of the leaves and knowing WHY they change. I'm headed up to Greenbluff this afternoon to get apples to make apple crisp and freeze some apple pie fillings.

4. drop in friends! I had two friends drop in for a visit this week. No call, just dropped in. I LOVE IT!! I miss having people at my house and they don't care that there's disarray all over the house. They came to see me!

5. warm sweaters and sweats! The temperatures have dropped and I'm not wanting to turn on the heat yet. So warm sweats to the rescue for cruising around the house in the early mornings and late evenings. I know, they're not the most beautiful and def don't win points with the fashion police, but they're warm and comfy. The warm sweaters.....cold, windy recess duty on Tuesday forced me to find a warm sweater for Wednesday, along with my coat! I'm thinking it's time to get acclimated or it's going to be a long winter.

What's on your list today? I hope you have a wonderful weekend. My friend Wendy is on her way to FL to see her husband, Lisa is on her way with her husband to Tahiti and I'm going to be wishing I could go somewhere instead of doing the gazillion items I've got to get done here. Have a great time, ladies! I'll just remember that I'm headed to Poulsbo in a few weeks to help with the Lutefisk dinner and San Francisco is going to be on the horizon soon, too!

Random Dozen

1. Tell me the absolute best way to watch a movie. The absolute best way is to be with a great group of girlfriends, laughing and munching on popcorn. Of course, it's got to be a chick flick, too!

2. Do you ever think about your own funeral? If so, do you have specific ideas about how you would like it to be? I do think about my own funeral. No sad music!

3. Are you more of a giver or a taker? I am both, but unfortunately I'm a giver that sometimes expects something to be given back in return. I'm learning about this!

4. Vacations: planned activities and schedules, or play it by ear? It depends on the vacation. Often we play it by ear, but I love activities being planned. Esp. if it's a romantic getaway. Just something about everything being taken care of for me. Although, I love getting out the travel books and looking to see where we can go and what we can do. Money plays a big factor, too.

5. What is one often overlooked item in your home that needs to be cleaned regularly? The microwave. Gross crusty stuff that seems to just appear on the top inside of the microwave or on the door.

6. Name a cause that means a lot to you. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. I have had MS for 8 years and am very ready for a cure for this disease!

7. Do you eat a regular old peanut butter jelly sandwich, or do you customize it? And by the way, jelly or no jelly? Fresh white bread, yummy fruit jam and it's got to be cut at least in half. I had a third grade teacher who forces us to have our sandwiches cut. I don't eat a sandwich now unless it's been cut! Silly, huh?

8. If we were having a conversation in person, how would I know if you were nervous? I pick at my fingernails when I am nervous. I could also take a long time to come up with a word I want to say. Not sure sometimes if it's nervousness or just a brain malfunction. It drives me nuts!

9. Do you have an elaborate bedtime routine, or just the basics of toothbrushing and jammies? just the basics

10. Have you ever regretted something you wrote on your blog? Wow, were you reading my blog this week? I made the worst blunder ever this week on my blog and I can tell you that humble pie and crow do not taste good at all. I will stick to keeping comments about others to myself, not on my blog!

11. Has anyone ever told you that you look like a famous person or celebrity? Did you agree? I have been told I look like my principal. The kids often get us mixed up, more that I look like her, though, not the other way around. No other famous person or celebrity, though.

12. If you were going to dedicate a song to a loved one or friend, what would the song be and to whom would it be dedicated? I would dedicate the song "Legacy" by Nicole Nordman, but I'm not sure who the dedication would include. It's more of a random song to get people to think about how they live right now! "How will they remember me: did I choose to love, did I point to Jesus? What type of legacy did I leave?"


For Random Dozen, head over to 2nd cup of Coffee's website! Thanks, Linda.

Friend Makin' Monday

Happy Monday! Friend Makin' Monday....what a great way to start a Monday!

Today's topic is to list a few things you can't live without:

1. Jesus!

2. my family

3. coffee/Starbucks

4. MnM's

5. friends

6. laughter

7. warm jammies for those cold Spokane nights

8. Tahiti Sweetie lotion

9. books

10. the Internet

What would be on your list?

Gratitude Friday

Good morning! Grab a big cup of New Guinea coffee and enjoy the chaos with me. At the moment I have five dogs (three beagles, one border collie and one chow mix), four cats (two kittens, one young cat and one old cat), two adult kids and the one & only husband at my house! When the house is only 900 sq feet on the main floor, it's definite chaos when the four legged kids start running through the house! What a time of laughter, though!!

Here's my Gratitude Friday list:

1. strength to do pilates and circuit training! I might be sore tomorrow, but I did the classes this morning and made it through the entire hour & a half. Whew~ these last few pounds have been hanging on so I wanted to up the workouts. Tomorrow I'm doing a fun run, next week is the Seattle RNR Half Marathon.

2. my friend Polly! She and I met this morning for coffee at Rogue. She surprised me with a little birthday gift of a coffee journal and gel pens for writing about my summer adventures.

3. the rain! I don't have to water the lawns today.

4. Half.com! I have been able to purchase some amazing teacher types of books for dirt cheap, thanks to Half.com. When David lived in Germany, I was able to purchase DVDs and music for 75 cents, plus shipping. Check it out yourself!

5. little towns! I've applied for a 5th grade teaching job in the rural community of Tekoa,

Tekoa

The school is cuter than a bug's ear and only has about 100 kids enrolled in its elementary school. David and I are going down to the town tomorrow for the fun run because I truly believe in getting involved in the community where you work. I feel really good about this job and I'd love it if you'd join me in prayer about my application finding favor in whomever reads it & interviews me.

Tekoa Elementary School

This Monday I leave for camp so I won't be updating the blog except for Gratitude Fridays. You can send me mail at camp: Tshimakain Creek Camp (Attn: Kerri York) , 6088 Martha Boardman Rd, Ford, WA 99013.


Until next time, bottoms up on your coffee cup! And if you think of me, I could use a Starbucks run way out in the middle of nowhere -- venti nonfat vanilla latte!

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~

Gratitude Friday

Good morning! I'm still up on Thursday night so by the time I have my list done, it'll be Friday. Grab a cup of freshly roasted coffee (exclusively roasted for you by the Duke), a yummy blueberry muffin and think about you're thankful for. Here's my list:

1. things and events that continually make me go "hmmm." Been thinking a lot and it's good to evaluate of where I've been, where I'm at and where I'm headed. If you have my map, let me know because I sometimes I just don't know anymore!

This came through my email this morning. A definite "think about!" The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death. - Thomas Paine

2. lilacs and their amazing fragrance! Yankee Candles has gotten close to bottling the smell in their candles, but nothing can replace the smell of fresh lilacs. I can press my nose into my three bushes forever. I'll be sad when the flowers are gone.

3. my kids! Ian turned 22 this week. We visited Jen's house this past weekend and got to meet Brad, the new love! It's fun getting to know them as adults and seeing their individual differences. (This picture is from a year ago when we had the Duke's Air Force retirement ceremony. BONUS GRATITUDE: I'm 20 pounds lighter now than in this photo!)

4. Mt. Hood. The mountain in Oregon was BEAUTIFUL when we were driving to my uncle's house. I could have stared at it all day long. I really love the ocean, but mountains are becoming some of my favorite things, too.

5. my cousin Gigi. Will you please pray for her? She has thyroid cancer and it's continuing to spread, despite her thyroid was taken out a few years ago. I love her tons and I'm very glad she's part of my life. We weren't able to spend much time together growing up so we're trying to make up for lost time. I can't wait to go to Long Beach, WA with her in July! She also has three beagles...how cool is that? "arrrrroooooo!"

Share with everyone what you're thankful for this morning! It's 5:18 Pacific Time and I'm checking to see if I have a morning teaching job. Nope...so I am also thankful I get to go back to bed for a few hours! However, if you still have coffee in your cup or would like a refill, Company Girl Coffee is the place to be! Head on over there, meet my friends and check out Rachel's newest & the most beautiful project of Company Girl. You'll be blessed! Have a great week~

Gratitude Friday and HAPPY MAY DAY!

Good morning, everyone! Coffee's on, cups are on the counter waiting for you. Enjoy the freshly roasted coffee that the Duke roasted for us earlier this week.

Today's Gratitude List:

1. God's grace that reaches down to me even when I mess up big time!
2. Worship night at Melissa's church! It was a blessing to just sit there and absorb.
3. My dad and his family. Even though it was a bit awkward, it was nice to have them at my house and be a part of their lives for 17 hours.
4. Friends who meet for coffee, lunch, birthday celebrations.
5. Continued weight loss and being in good health! Having a compromised immune system, I always expect to get everyone's germs and I have only been sick once this school year. I've been in many classrooms with kiddos, too. Still don't have much of a voice because of pollen allergies but I can live with it for another week. My advice for staying healthy: wash your hands often, NEVER use anyone else's pencil or pen, get lots of sleep, exercise!
6. Drs who saw the Class 2 Block in my husband's heart monitor report and put him on blood pressure medicine to help with the problem!

I'm teaching Kindergarten this morning so I'm headed out in a little bit. What's on your list today? I'd love to come visit you -- I'll even bring my own coffee mug!

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.

Humble Pie

When I was on staff at a local church, I was always making blunders and needed to apologize quite often to my co-leader of Children's Ministries. Because pie always tastes better with coffee, I would bring in two mochas & we would drink it as I apologized and we talked through the problem. The system worked well for us!

So today I needed to do an apology to a very good friend because it'd been about 48 hours since we last talked. I hate not having everything right and with my rotten track record of close friends, I don't want to build a wall between us. I didn't take the coffee like I did for my co-leader but I did take a piece of Godiva chocolate for this friend. The chocolate was NOT her humble pie...it was mine along with my words of apologies but she didn't get it!! And it frustrates me to have to explain my thinking to her because I feel stupid. So I just left it and moved onto my shoes I bought. I guess I could have bought another piece for myself and told her I was eating my piece of HUMBLE pie. She could have just enjoyed the ride and eaten her own heavenly piece of Godiva!! I so wanted to have things right with her today. I did say "humble pie is when you want to say you're sorry to another person and this is my way of saying I'm sorry!" Just like we all have different learning styles, this way of apologizing does not work with this particular friend. I'm learning. I hope it's a quick lesson.

Why is it that we "eat humble pie" when we're need to make an apology for a big blunder? What is its recipe? Is there anything else I can do with humble pie, e.g., bake it and feed it to someone? Hmmm, I don't think humble pie taste very different from crow. I must have left something out of today's recipe.

Ezekiel 18:30b-31a says "Repent! Turn from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart, and a new spirit." That's what I want...a clean heart, a new spirit... and my friendship to continue strong with this friend!

Gratitude Friday

Today is my absolute favorite day of the year -- the first day of SPRING!!!

This morning I'm serving coffee that my husband roasted himself. Not sure what country the beans are from, but it's pretty yummy! Grab a cup and join me in Gratitude Friday.

1. first day of Spring! I look forward to this day so much, esp after the winter that Spokane has had! I love the daffodils and tulips that are coming up. Just new life!!

2. great teaching jobs all this week. I've taught two different classes of first graders and two different classes of 5th and 6th graders. Each class is unique and wonderful!

3. having Ian home this week for his spring break. I haven't seen much of him, but it's nice having him home!

4. the gift of sight and hearing. I'm looking out into my backyard and can see the little weeping willow tree with its new buds and the snow is all gone! I can hear the birds singing outside & my radio inside playing "Who Am I?" (When I had optic neuritis last year, sight became a big issue as I lost vision in my left eye for three weeks. SCARY!)

5. brand new soft white socks that match! Today is a casual day at school so I'm in jeans, Ridgeview t-shirt and new white socks with my comfy Saucony shoes. It's going to be a great day!

LIFE: It's what happens between empty and full !

There used to be a gas commercial that had this saying "Life: It's what happens between empty and full." I was just reminded of it this evening...I've had such an amazing day of teaching, some not so pleasant moments of kids doing what they choose to do instead of what I ask but they were small in comparison with this: some ecstatic moments of discovering right along with the kids, those little special moments when a kiddo comes up and gives me a hug and says "I'm beautiful!" or they tell you something that's an "AHA!" moment for them. It was a FULL type of day.

I also got to see a good friend I hadn't seen in quite a while. Spending just 10 minutes with them talking was enough to re-charge me til the next time we see each other! It was a FULL type of friend day -- laughing with other teaching friends, staying in touch with friends via email, getting emails from blog friends about my gratitude list and my situation with David. I'm still contemplating calling Lisa (from the Food Pantry!) even though it's late and asking her out for a cup of coffee, just to get another friend fix and COFFEE! :)

But life has definitely happened today! I know I can't always be full and I have to do the unpleasant tasks of cleaning the house, scooping the poop, doing the grocery shopping, figuring out college bills for Ian, looking for the matched socks (that one's for you, Mary!), worrying about the broken down car (even though it's covered by insurance) and other little nit-noid thing that is in this game of life.

Empty, however, is easy to get into when you forget to fill up with positive stuff and you start running on fumes. I continue to learn this lesson lots. My biggest lesson was about 5 yrs ago when life was the absolute pits with work, MS, church situation, friends, etc. There was no full. And it took the help of Dr. Wonderful to drag me back to the "go juice" station to even begin to register into life again. Last May was the same thing but I had learned some tools to get myself out of the empty spot & at least get a few gallons of "go juice!" A few things that continue to empty me -- financial difficulties that keep me awake at night, David's work situation and his own emptiness at the moment, my relationship with my dad who lives in the Phillipines and who recently sent me a pretty candid letter, the wonderings of 'who I am' and 'what do I have to offer'? I search a lot and come up empty.

Thankfully, the Lord knows it all. I read this morning in Psalm 56:3 "For when I am afraid, I will put my trust in You!" I've taken time to "be still" and recharge. Those times even include taking naps and knowing that it'll be okay when I open my eyes again.

Life...it's what happens between empty and full!! Thank you for helping me stay out of EMPTY!

Collecting Recipes Over Coffee

Kim and a whole bunch of her friends are collecting recipes over coffee! Join her today with your favorite soup recipe. Here's my newest favorite soup recipe, discovered at All Recipes:

Baked Potato Soup

INGREDIENTS
3 bacon strips, diced
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 cups chicken broth
2 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup half-and-half cream
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
Shredded Cheddar cheese
Minced fresh parsley

DIRECTIONS
In a large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp. Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Set bacon aside. Saute onion and garlic in the drippings until tender. Stir in flour, salt, basil and pepper; mix well. Gradually add broth. Bring to boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes. Add the potatoes, cream and hot pepper sauce; heat through but do not boil. Garnish with bacon, cheese and parsley.

I'm home!

Soooooooo much to share -- I think the biggest thing is that I saw signs of SPRING!!! Daffodils coming up, pussywillows breaking out ,

buds on the alder trees, tons of green grass and other greenery. Between those signs, the lake,

the salt water, the mountains, the waterfalls,it was an amazing weekend!!! I am energized and loving life today~

Stay tuned for pictures tonight after I get home from teaching -- I drove into the driveway last night at 11:58, just missing the strike of midnight. I didn't turn into the pumpkin! I know I'll be tired today but as I was telling a friend, I get to do what I love!! It's okay and there will be nap time at 3:45 pm when I get home. (I'm sure coffee will be a popular item today with me while I am teaching.)

Have a blessed day...I'll leave you with my verse of the day!

Jeremiah 29:11-14 (New Living Translation)

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord.

"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!!!

Praise and Coffee Giveaway

Skip right over to my friend Sue's blog Praise and Coffee for her February fantastic giveaway! Of course, she has a bag of coffee to share with you, but she's also giving away the WOW 2009 CD and a box of beautiful Bayview homemade cards. I love reading Sue's blog. She's always an inspiration!

Yesterday Sue wrote about WAITING!! Didn't I say I was noticing a theme in my life right at the moment? Here's a glimpse at what she shared "Waiting has purpose. Isaiah 40:30 'But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength.' If you are in a season of waiting right now, I encourage you to use this time to grow in strength in the Lord. Put your hope in the Lord right now and trust Him in your waiting."

Ok, join me in trusting and waiting. (Or if it's not your theme right now, you can pray for me as I trust and wait!) Grab a cup of coffee from my daughter's house (it's Starbuck's Christmas Blend this morning!) and then head over to Sue's for her giveaway. I know you'll be blessed by her written words and perhaps even her pound of coffee!

PS: If you're in the Spokane area, let me know if you'd like to join me in a Praise and Coffee night I'd like to have at the Service Station! I'm thinking about stepping out and hosting one!

Gratitude Friday (on Saturday)

Good morning, everyone! My Gratitude Friday/Saturday list includes:

1. continued job assignments. I have been busy teaching, from Kindergarten to 6th grade in three different school districts. I am blessed beyond belief to have such great kids to work with! I come home tired but know that it's been a wonderful day of learning.

2. a reminder that we don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know WHO holds my hand. There's an fellow MS blogger that wrote What Will Tomorrow Bring? "Those of us who live with multiple sclerosis, day in and day out, know that our abilities may dramatically change at any time. That’s the reality of living with a faulty electrical system. If there’s a “short in the cord,” the electrical message isn’t going to get through." Well, I'm not worried!!!

3. continued supply of food. We're off to serve at our Food Pantry this morning. For many of our guests, the reserves aren't there. I look at my refrigerator, freezer and cupboards and know there's food for at least a few weeks. I'm also thankful that I've been taught how to budget, create healthy meals from scratch and able to share with my neighbor in need, too!

4. my daughter, Jennifer. She turns 23 this next Tuesday!! What a joy she's been in our lives. She's teaching high school Spanish five hours away and I'm kinda sad that we don't get to be with her for her special day.

5. my morning cup of coffee! It's a hot cup of Starbucks Christmas blend (I still have three pounds of it to savor!) This morning, on a very chilly Saturday morning, it's comforting to wrap my hand around the cup while I'm reflecting on what my heart is grateful for today!

Ok, I'm making a fresh pot of coffee for you....grab your own mug and reflect on what you're grateful for, too!

Evaluation on Life

I still don't have a New Year's Resolution! Still thinking but doing more evaluation on the things I do or don't do. It's helped me to clear out the cobwebs in my brain and heart, plus get a little bit more organized.

I have been going to church on Sunday nights where they have been doing a series taken from the book "One Month to Live" and what really matters in our lives. Amazing study and definitely very thought provoking. I have some homework to do this week....just ONE phone call to someone I feel doesn't like me at all, but I need to call and take that first step. I need to give an "I" message and not attack. Would you pray with me on this matter? I don't know where to even begin....

Today I'm teaching Kindergarten, in the same classroom that I used to be the Instructional Asst. five/six years ago. I taught yesterday in 3rd/4th grade and knew that my heart was at peace as I was with those kiddos. I couldn't keep the smile off my face and stop giggling to myself ! I love knowing that teaching is my calling and I can't wait to get my own classroom again!

Time to get moving.....I've had my cup of coffee, did my meds (thank you to those who check in on me!) and now it's time to iron those khaki pants & finish the preparations for the day.

Blessings to you, everyone!