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?

Gratitude Friday

1. Five and six year olds! Great morning of teaching with them.

2. Hawaiian pizza! That's what's for dinner after a stressful afternoon (I taught a different grade level in the afternoon.)

3. Four days of work. With David being unemployed, every penny earned counts.

4. Leftover Halloween candy. I've been enjoying the samplers of Butterfingers and Snickers; items I can't take to school to share because of the peanuts.

5. An inexpensive brake repair job on David's car. What might have cost $500 was only $200. It was a faulty valve, not the actual brakes.

Ok, grab a cup of coffee and some pumpkin chocolate muffins. Take a minute to sit down and visit with me. I've missed you! What have you been up to these days?

Gratitude Friday

Good morning! Coffee is on....grab a cup and join me in Gratitude Friday! What are you thankful for this week?

1. coffee! David roasted coffee beans last night and the coffee smells A-M-A-Z-I-N-G this morning.

2. kindergarten hugs! I taught Kindergarten yesterday and the kids swarmed all over me to give hugs when they arrived. Cherished moments. Talk about feeling loved!

3. the ability to still learn! I took a big midterm last night and even though I stressed over it (and don't think I did well!), imagine what would happen if I no longer could be a life time learner?

4. travel time! I spent the last week with my mom in Hansville, I served Lutefisk in Poulsbo, a quick overnight with my aunt & uncle in Auburn, a few nights in San Francisco with Ian and another quick overnight with Jen in Goldendale. That's a lot of miles. I LOVE traveling, though!!! (and all of the Starbucks that are waiting for me to visit!)

5. friends that continue to give me encouragement. Life hasn't been very fun lately. I can't explain everything that's going on, but it's been a sad journey since camp got over.

Thinking on Psalm 61 this morning: "O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings." (vs 1-4)

Hope you have a wonderful Friday. I'm off to teach those sweet kindergartners again!!

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!

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 (on Sunday!)

Good morning! Wow, what a week....it's been sooooo hot here in Spokane and camp was a constant GO for me. I arrived home on Thursday, slept most of Friday (super duper bad headaches!) and yesterday I was at a wedding and a luau housewarming. How to cram 1000's of activities and friends into one quick weekend....I think I am learning to master it all.

Here's my gratitude list....

1. the love of traveling and teaching. I interviewed for Quality Schools International this past week and so far I've been offered two jobs overseas. The first one was in Baku (I had no idea where this city and country is located!) and the most recent is in Atyrau, Kazakhstan. I don't think I'll be accepting either one (I'd have to move in about 3 weeks!) but I'm definitely willing to go overseas if I can't get a job here in WA. (and yes, I'd definitely go to MT, too!)

2. longtime friendships. The wedding I attended was for Amy Nelson, one of Charlotte's twins. Charlotte and I have known each other since jr high and I'm blessed to have her in Spokane where I get to laugh with her often.

3. the rain! This morning we woke up to rain. It's very nice to not have to water the lawns ourselves today. It's been VERY hot in the Pacific NW and everything is super dry. Fire danger is quite high.

4. Wild Women Group! I've been a part of the WW group for about five years. They never fail to keep me laughing. Alllllllllll I've learned about life comes from this group. I always am good for blushing in many of our conversations! We were at a luau housewarming for Terri last night, complete with spouses, significant others, friends and neighbors. They roasted a 160 lb pig. It was DELICOUS!!!

5. being able to fit into size 8 clothes! Yesterday I wore the cute dress that you see in the picture and I loved being able to fit into it. I bought it last fall and wondered if I would ever be able to wear it. Tada~ miracles do happen! Now to continue to keep myself this size -- lots of discipline and working out. But it's sooo worth it! Tons of compliments yesterday...happy smile.

Have a wonderful week! Next weekend David and I are traveling to Leavenworth, WA with my cousins from Canada. Inbetween now and then, it's an action filled week with elementary kids at camp.

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!!

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

It's late Friday night and I'm one tired skinny brown bear!! Two weeks at camp and I'm the darkest I've ever been with being out in the sun. Yes, I wear sunscreen but I just continue to darken. No coffee tonight unless you'd like to make it yourself. I think we have Country Time Leomonade in the fridge...help yourself!!

Gratitude Friday list includes:

1. young love....today Josephine and Kevin got married!! I have known Josephine since she was two & a part of my daycare in Germany. She and Ian (my son) have been best buds for 20 years and we're glad she's been a part of our lives! Congraluations, Jo and Kevin!! I'll see if I can get a picture posted of them.

2. the Spokane River....I have learned that by sitting in the river with a good book, I can keep really cool on our 90+ degree temp days. What a way to relax and enjoy the outdoors! It's soooo beautiful at the camp.

3. Speaking of camp...WOW!!!! 30 teenagers are part of my list this week. We had kids from Youth for Christ with us and the girls I had in my Challenge Course group were awesome. I learned sooooooo much from them! They each came with their own personal story of sadness and I was humbled. I pray that they have an wonderful school year and that they'd remember what they've learned from camp as they're home today and start school next month.

4. Cooking in the kitchen with my hubby! We tried a new Rachel Ray recipe this evening. It is HOT in the house....I really missed my quiet river time today!....and David had just gotten home from a baseball game. But he cooked right along with me. Dinner was great....pasta with sweet Italian sausage and broccoli.

5. payday!! I was able to buy a new camera today so I will be able to post pictures once again. I'm sad that I haven't had one for over a month because I've had some amazing photo ops and had to settle for making mental images in my brain.

6. air conditioned movie theatres...Ian and I watched "Public Enemies" this afternoon & were captured by the old time gangster movie featuring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. Except for the bedroom type of scenes (I wanted to make Ian close his eyes!!), it was great!! Both the movie and the A/C, plus I splurged for a soda and popcorn. Nice to spend time with Ian, too.

7. catching up with friends! I had coffee with Melissa today. It was good to spend time with her!! I have such limited access to my cell phone (complete with text and email and internet) that I've been trying to connect with everyone while I'm home. I have to drive three miles one way to sit on the side of the road next to some hayfields to get service that comes and goes. I'm VERY THANKFUL for it. I consider it my "cell phone break", like others consider a smoke break. So shoot me an email or text me 5093893620 and I'll try to respond within a day or two. The emails are short since it is on my cell phone, but I'd love to get email from friends!

Happy 4th of July to everyone!! Thank a soldier for your freedom in the USA!

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

It's a beautiful morning in the Pacific Northwest! I took the Beagle Boys out for a walk this morning and we all got to enjoy the sunshine before we go our separate ways (I'm teaching Kindergarten and Third grade today, the boys are going into their crate for the day!)

Grab a mug of coffee or tea and join me in Gratitude Friday~

1. meeting up with Rachel in Ft. Worth!! It was definitely a treat to meet up with a girlfriend after 32 years of not seeing each other. We had a blast re-connecting.

My list is short this morning. I fell into a blue funk last night and it's time for an attitude change on my part.

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.

"Once Upon A Time" and Gratitude Friday!

Welcome, Company Girls and everyone else! Grab a big mug of hot coffee and pull up a chair. Today's Gratitude Friday list also includes a very sweet but longer "Once Upon A Time" story about two young ladies who grew up in the same part of the country. The year was 1976-1977 and they were a couple of the singing beauties in the North Kitsap Middle School 7th grade choir. The girls were standing right next to each other in the middle row but never got to know each other really well. One girl lived in Poulsbo, the other girl lived in Hansville. (about 15 miles apart!)

Poulsbo girl and Hansville girl
(click on each picture to enlarge a smidge!)

7th grade choir North Kitsap Middle School

The Poulsbo girl moved away in the spring of her 8th grade year. Not realizing that the Poulsbo girl had moved, the Hansville girl just kept being good friends with the rest of the choir and she graduated from North Kitsap High School in 1982! The Poulsbo girl was forgotten!! (or so everyone thought!)

Fast forward THIRTY TWO YEARS (32 years!!)

The Hansville girl (lady!) got married and had kids. The Hansville girl is now a Spokane lady. And although she never knew what happened to the Poulsbo girl, there might have been some special circumstances that led her to find out what exactly happened to that Poulsbo girl!

The Hansville lady got very interested in blogging and somehow, perhaps by browsing another Company Girl's webpage (who lives also in Spokane!), found Home Sanctuary. One day the Hansville lady mentioned during Company Girl Friday and on her Gratitude Friday list about spring, tulips and daffodils. They're very special bulb flowers that are always found in the springtime in Hansville and Poulsbo. Well, the author of Home Sanctuary wrote the Spokane lady and said that she REALLY misses having daffodils but they don't grow well in Ft. Worth, Texas. She also mentioned that she loves springtime because she grew up in Poulsbo, WA. The Spokane lady screeched when she read that. Someone else grew up in the same part of the country?! (remember, The Spokane lady is the Hansville girl who lived just 15 miles from Poulsbo!)

The beautiful story continues with the Hansville girl contacting the Poulsbo girl and the ladies figured out that they were in middle school together, they'd been in choir together and had had some of the same friends growing up! If the Poulsbo girl had remained there for the rest of her school education, both of them would have graduated together in 1982. And as the Poulsbo girl stated, "perhaps BFF!"

It only gets better! The Hansville girl grabbed the yearbooks and found pictures of them. Look back up to the top of the page to see our own Rachel Anne (Home Sanctuary!) aka Poulsbo Girl on the left and Kerri (Latte' Buddies) aka Hansville Girl on the right. The choir picture has the two girls in the second row up, smack next to each other in the middle.

The Hansville girl and the Poulsbo girl are back in contact after 32 years! Neither of them knew where life had taken both of them. They didn't have a clue about each other. Thanks to technology, the love of Jesus and curiousity, the girls are reconnected! They have talked on the phone a few times, laughing and giggling like girlfriends do. It is just a hoot! Both of their families think they're crazy.

Stay tuned for more recent pictures! Rachel Anne and I will be meeting over Mother's Day weekend in Ft. Worth! The most amazing thing is that we will be living happily ever after with Jesus when we're home in Heaven with Him. What a glorious Company Girl coffee time that will be!!

Gratitude List: finding oldtime friends, having friends from the dorky jr high days and they still love me, Company Girls, beautiful sunshine, teaching most of the week, trials and tribulations that bring us closer to Jesus! What is on YOUR list today?

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 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~

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!

Gratitude Friday

I got a late start today on my Gratitude List! I took today off from work and just enjoyed the day. Grab a cup of tea or coffee and share your list with me~ I so enjoy reading your lists of gratitude!

1. sunshine, sunshine, sunshine! (warm and sunny, cold and sunny -- I've experienced both this week)

2. a wonderful neurologist who not only prayed with me during last week's visit, but called me up today to check on me. WOW!

3. my hair stylist Melissa. What a hero! We (she!) took care of that grey today, added some highlights and texturized my hair. It's beautiful once again!

4. my principal friend who has been there for me through thick and thin these past 10 years & I'm blessed because of her positive role model as an educator and a friend. Please be praying for her in the next few weeks!

5. the beauty of Tshimakain Creek Camp! I went out there to deliver a few things and got to tour the camp. This is where I'll be working all summer. It was soooooo pretty -- deer on the property, the Spokane River running alongside the camp, wonderful new facilities and great people to work with!

6. Even though I had to leave the warmth and relaxation of Orlando, I jumped back into the teaching routine just fine. I taught Kindergarten, Special Education and third grade this week! LOVE IT~

7. friends who stop by for tea -- what a treat today!

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!

Gratitude Friday

Good morning! Grab a cup of coffee or a cup of tea and share your gratitude list with me today!

1. being able to teach with the best of the best (the verse about "Iron sharpens Iron" comes to mind. I have trained with these teachers, I've watched them in action, I teach in their classrooms and I continue to glean from their expertise!) I am blessed!

2. LOVING what I'm doing for my career! This week I've been in a 3rd/4th grade classroom and a Kindergarten classroom. It's demanding but I keep thinking "I love what I'm doing!" I can't wait to get to class today and help the kids measure their feet outlines with cubes.I cut out all of their outlines last night so we're ready to measure and compare. (There's a song by Sandi Patty about "beautiful feet!")

3. two noisy Beagle Boys. (They're barking as I type!) They might annoy us with their little antics but they continue to make us laugh and we love them lots.

4. a car that's still under warranty for the transmission!! I will be getting my car back next week. The service manager says it's a miracle that I got back from my 800 mile trip without breaking down somewhere. Believe me, I was out in the toolies this past weekend and it wouldn't have been pretty if I'd broken down somewhere.

5. A night out last night with Mr. York. I rarely go into details about him, but he is really struggling and I knew that if I took him out to dinner, we could talk. What do you do when your spouse is upset with you, not liking his job all that much and mad at himself? What are ways you encourage your spouse? I was just thankful he opened up a little bit last night and we enjoyed a delicious dinner together!
Time to get ready for my fun day in Kindergarten. Be blessed, everyone!