A Few Weeks in Paradise

I left Spokane on July 1st and returned July 15th. Between those two days, I had a lot of miles to cover. From Spokane to Phoenix to all parts of Florida and then a return trip to Spokane via Phoenix, it was an adventure filled two weeks! My favorite two phrases were "it's 5 o'clock somewhere" and "Cheeseburger in Paradise." My cousin Gigi and I devoured two cheeseburgers in one day in Key West, the last one being the best at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville! An amazing two weeks of travel, laughter, sunshine, beaches and HOT temps.

Pictures coming! I was home only one night before heading to Goldendale to help out Jen and Brad with the Mexican Fiesta Golf Tournament. It was definitely Margaritaville in Goldendale -- we served lots of margaritas to the golfers. Fun weekend and I'm glad I'm back in Spokane to relax before the home schedule gets crazy again. I've got some job searching to do so I can hopefully have my own classroom this fall.

PS Baby Bellamy is pretty cute on the ultrasound -- it's a boy! Easton Dean Bellamy is due mid November. I'm having fun thrift store shopping for him.

Sunny Saturday morning!

It's a beautiful day here in Spokaloo. I started out the morning by going to the gym and then to the Petite Chat bakery where I picked up some a-m-a-z-i-n-g chocolate croissants and two loaves of bread. From there, it was home to get a cup of coffee, check email and correct more 6th grade papers. I'm hoping that this project will be done soon so I can go outside and enjoy. It's only supposed to be 55 but just the feel of the sunshine is amazing!

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?

MS Walk 2009

My friend Aline talked me into going on the walk with her and the staff from the MS Center today! Lots of people there to raise money to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis and to support those of us with MS.

Here's two pictures that were taken today:

The Providence Holy Family MS Center group

Aline and Kerri

(Aline is my prayer warrior physician assistant at the MS Center!)

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~

Home in the Pacific Snowwest!

Good morning, everyone! In reality, I'm back in Spokane with the snow and the 9 degree weather. But in my heart, I'm still in Orlando, wearing my two piece swimsuit, laying next to the pool & enjoying the beautiful warm sunshine! :)

I finished the Princess 1/2 Marathon in 3 hours and 37 minutes. Not my fastest time but I didn't run at all. It was a wonderful race and I can't wait to do the Disneyland 1/2 marathon in September.

More later. Just wanted to say GOOD MORNING!!

The Sun and Blue Skies~

After today's snow storm, it was GREAT to see the sun and blue sky!