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?

Signs of Spring in my yard

Spring has finally arrived in my yard. This is my little weeping willow tree that I've photograhed with lots of snow on it. Check it out now, so handsomely dressed in its glory! Then there's the little flowers that I love. The daffodils should be popping open any day and the other little guys are just as sweet as can be as I spied them this morning. My tulips are still underground because the snow was on top of them until recently. I'll definitely have lots of color in a few weeks! Thank goodness for spring and all its beauty!

Miniature Weeping Willow Tree

Bulbs of all types show their heads!

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

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!

Spring Countdown....

It's just 21 days til SPRING!!!!!!!! I cannot wait, especially since it's trying to snow today!

I remember a few years ago that it was the first day of spring and I was out delivering daffodils for the American Cancer Society. I had snow past the top of my boots. It was so depressing! My secret sister from church had the most beautiful vase of daffodils and tulips delivered to me that day. What an uplifter!

I'm going to buy some flowers today and bless my home with their beauty. It might be winter and snowing on the outside, but it's going to be spring on the inside!

ps for other calendar countdowns, visit http://www.calendardate.com/year2009.php. But don't say I didn't tell you so, it's got the countdown til CHRISTMAS, too!

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.

Project 365 update!

Jan 19 Ian's new computer toy

Jan 20 frost on the cherry tree

Jan 21 Whitworth University on a very cold afternoon

Jan 22 a bit of spring inside my house

Jan 23 guest teaching classroom

Jan 24 Bear Paw Camp's view of the Pend Orielle River

Thoughts of Spring...

....and pictures of the spring flowers....might keep me going til the snow melts here! I know they're under the snow somewhere and will come out to greet me when the timing is right~

Enjoy these beautiful pictures, compliments of FreeFoto.