Monday, March 23, 2009

Lucky 7

Because Brian is going to make me something, I too will post...

The first SEVEN people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For YOU.
This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:- What I create will be just for you.- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!- You will receive your item before the end of the year.- You will have no clue what the item is going to be. It could be a story or poetry. It could be a piece of handmade jewelry or a cheesecake. I may draw, paint, collage or crochet something. I might bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.
The catch? Oh, the catch is that in order to receive a gift, you have to re-post this memo and make and send out seven surprises of your own, so if you aren't gonna follow through and make something for seven others, you get nothing from me. And you need to send me your mailing address!!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Home Again

Made it back to Nashville, but too tired to post right now.

Thanks be to Father for such a wonderful week with my family and friends.

It was a truly wonderful Spring Break.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Travel Update

Made it back from Dallas and now I am currently in College Park. Maryland which is just right outside of DC. Lots to post soon... but you will just have to wait. ;)

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Happy

Completely happy being here in Dallas with two of my favorite people in the world...

Friday, March 13, 2009

What A Week...

Ladies and gentlemen, it has been a week.

This week at school, my kiddos lost their minds. This was not impressive, but made for some great kid comments. One of my students gave Amy a hug which is HUGE and I am pretty sure he did not feel super comfortable, but he wanted to show her that he cared for her when she was having a hard day. My principal really has gone out of her way to help me and support me in all the things going on in my life. Today, she let us know that she is retiring in May. I did shed some tears, but I am so thankful to have this woman in my corner presently. I am just in my classroom today wrapping up things before I go on real vacation. It is quiet and I feel productive.

Tuesday night, I got to spend time with French Lemons group. What beautiful girls... It was nice to catch up with some of them and have some good cheap pizza. :)

Wednesday night was Mexican food and Taize prayers. A mid week energizer and one of my highlights of each week.

Monday and Thursday nights, I spent with Amy, Josh, and Jordan. There was much laughter... MUCH.

Travel planning has come right along. I am leaving tomorrow to see the great Valenta family. I cannot wait to see my nephew. It is a good thing he is attached to my sister so I get to see her too. ;) I will fly back from Dallas on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, Amy, Justin, and I are traveling to Blacksburg, VA and will stop to see Jordan. Thursday, we will continue on to Washington DC to visit with Kathy. I CANNOT wait. It has been a couple of years since we really got to spend much time together so this will be great. Really geeked. We will get back Sunday in time for the new week. Today, some of us French Lemons ladies got tickets to Chicago for Memorial Day weekend. A super great fare provided a way for us all to head out of town and have some good girl time. I really cannot complain these days about being "stuck" in Nashville.

Running wise, I ran 5 miles on Wednesday. Tomorrow morning, I will be running 8. I do enjoy a good run, but sometimes I think, "What was I thinking!?!?"

Spiritually, I have been really working on some memorization. I have noticed that these verses have been coming to mind when I feel myself getting upset in my classroom. Hopefully, it will play out more and more in my patience levels. I have also been encouraged by reading Life Together by Bonhoeffer. Prayer life has been kind of sucky though. :( Really trying to remember each moment to be purposeful and remember what I am deeply rooted in.

That is my life these days... What is going on in yours?

Thursday, March 12, 2009

...

I am a little heart-broken today and wish so deeply that I could be in China right now.

Please read Amy's blog.

While I do not know this teacher, I do know that she took my place when I left. All of those students she taught were mine. They have tenderhearts and I wish I could be there with them.

Lift them up in your Thoughts today, along with the teacher's family.

For those of you still in Yichang, Thinking about you and the work that can be done during this time. You are missed greatly, loved deeply, and thought of often.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Seriously?!?!

Yesterday it reached 81 degrees. It was beautiful and sunny. I wore a skirt and short sleeves. I took the kiddos out for recess. I took a nap outside after school. Strong.

This morning, I could not even bear standing outside while I pumped gas. When I got to school, I checked the weather forecast for tomorrow...

Thu

45°F 31°F
Are you serious?