slip and slide!

Today was our field day at school. Do you all remember them? This year at school they rented a blow-up slip and slide. Needless to say, it was a great time. I didn't realize they were going to have it or I would have dressed more appropriately. The below pictures were taken at my most stellar moments!!

a few favorites.

1. the sweet smell of freshly cut hay.

2. a tragically beautiful song.

3. a warm snuggly blanket.

4. fresh hot coffee. (breakfast blend)

5. the giggle of children.

6. the look and smell of a lilac bush in full bloom.

7. the promise of a new day.

My Aunt Lisa sent this cartoon to me and I thought some of you might get a kick out of it. I really feel this way sometimes...always thinking and looking for things to blog about. Have a great Wednesday all. We're half way through the week!!

A fun and "nutty" week-end.

I had the opportunity to spend about 3 full days with a good friend up in Coeur d'Alene Idaho over the Memorial Day week-end. I had never been up there before and it is truly beautiful. When I look at such beauty I am amazed at the glory and goodness of a wonderful God who created such places for us to enjoy. What a Wonderful Maker!! It was a week-end filled with a great bike ride on Saturday, a nice hike and relaxing day on Sunday, and great conversation and laughs the entire time. Below are some pictures and some narration. I invite you to experience my wonderful week-end with me.

FRIDAY

This is a view from Hwy. 55 on Friday. I didn't want to stop and take a picture, so I just stuck my hand and camera out the window. I don't think it turned out half bad!

SATURDAY

Entering one of the many tunnels. At the beginning of the trail you go through a pitch black tunnel that is 2 miles long! It took a few minutes for my eyes to adjust to only my headlamp, but once they did it was a fun time!

Looking down on a trellis. The longest one on the trail.

We drove to the Montana border on Saturday to ride the Trail of the Hiawatha. It is an old railroad bed made into a great biking trail. For more info. check out the website.

http://wallace-id.com/skilookout/taft.html

SUNDAY

We had a nice relaxing Sunday. The day started off rainy, but by mid afternoon, it had cleared up and we went on a nice hike.
On the way to the trail head, Patrick and I stopped at a convenience store for some water. We also picked up some great sugary bubble gum. The goal with the gum was to see who could chew the most pieces and still be able to talk and blow bubbles. The first one to get rid of their gum was the looser. I am glad to say that my days of chewing bubble gum came in handy...I won!! Although if Patrick hadn't spoken up when he did about being done chewing his wad, I was going to have too. My jaws were getting tired and sore.

The "wad" just before I threw it in the lake and it sunk like a rock.

The big bubble!

Would you believe that this is a picture of a pirates ship who had dropped their anchor and were coming onto land to kidnap us and take us to Bora, Bora...NO! Well, Patrick didn't believe that either. He was sure that the owner of the boat had taken the above "ordinary ship" out for a Sunday afternoon ride and the owners were just enjoying the day. I will let you believe what you want.

MONDAY

Although it was hard to leave such a fun, relaxing week-end, I had to, but not before I met up with some family friends who I hadn't seen for about 6 years. You have a sweet family Phil and Ashley!
On the way home I got to eat at my favorite fast food place. Taco John's. That made the trip home a little better.

Thank you P.W. for being a great host. I have some great memories!!

Field Trip

We took our yearly field trip today and it was so much fun!! Field trips are not my most favorite thing about being a teacher, only because they can be so hectic and busy. I'm also so worried that I'm going to loose someone. I should say that in the past years we go to the zoo, but this year we went to the Botanical Gardens. It was amazing! The kids were great, the parent volunteers was fantasic and the weather was nice. The ladies at the Botanical Gardens split the classes up into two groups. One group took a tour of the gardens and the other group talked about the water cycle and did a little science experiment. After both groups had gotten to do all the activities, we went to the park, at lunch, played on the play structure and then went back to school. It truly was a lovely day and one I will remember for quite sometime!!

Everyone enjoying a nice walk through the garden

Please use my hand as your plate! : )

It's Official.

We went on our field trip today (more abou that later) and when we had gotten to the park for lunch I realized that I am officially a bachelorette. I had both classes and parent helpers and while everyone set down to enjoy a nice lunch in the park they pulled out their sack lunches. Most everyone was having a nice meal of sandwich, chips, fruit and juice drink. I on the other hand was running late this morning and only grabbed a hamburger in a ziplock bag. I don't have any bread. While everyone else sat down to eat, I stood and kind of roamed between groups. I thought nothing of it until someone made mentioned that they could tell that I was single. I thought of how silly I must have looked to be eating a cold, bunless pattie and drinking cold coffee. It made me giggle. I don't mind though. At least I was eating something somewhat healthy...not mac and cheese and maltballs!!

You would be proud of me Jimi.

Totally Rad Week-end!!

The three wild girls!!

I was able to get away with some great girlfriends on Friday night and Satuday morning. We had an 80's movie night! We stayed in a beautiful hotel room (thanks to T.) that had a very nice large, flat screen t.v. We talked, ate junk food, watched some classic 80's movies and did toenails! The fellowship that we had with each other was precious and much needed. Thanks Home Team Sisters for giving me a great memory to take with me on my new adventure.

True Blue

BLUE

You give your love and friendship unconditionally. You enjoy long, thoughtful conversations rich in philosophy and spirituality. You are very loyal and intuitive.

Find out your color at QuizMeme.com!

I too took the color test. I would say that this is a good representation of me!!

Too Short

This past week end I had an amazing week-end with my family and friends. My parents came into town from Hot Springs, South Dakota and my brother and his family came drove from Springview, Nebraska. They all got to town on Friday evening and the party didn't stop until Monday afternoon at 3. We had a lovely week-end filled with laughs, stories, laughs, good food, laughs, hanging out, no sleep and more laughs. Like my sister(in-law) said "I don't know that we will be allowed back into the Cheesecake Factory!"

Not only did we celebrate graduation, but we also were able to celebrate L.'s birthday(early) and Mother's Day.

Baby J. enjoying the graduation

Baby J. enjoying the Cheesecake Factory

Grandbabies hanging out with Uncle Tom

A great game of cards (I'm sure that dad and I won!!)

Thank you everyone who came out to help me celebrate! Like I heard a lot on Monday afternoon as everyone was getting ready to leave...the time was too short. That it was.

The count down...

I love this picture. I even set it as my background on my desk top. It symbolizes a lot about me and my family. Only 2 days until my whole family comes to Boise to celebrate my graduation with me. If you were to ask me 10 years ago if I was going to get my Masters I would have said you were crazy. Now I am done and even entertaning the idea of going on to a Doctorate porgram (not this year thought)!! If you know anything about my school history or background, you understand why this was a big step for me. Thanks mom and dad for supporting me in all my schooling and for being my biggest cheerleaders and not letting me give up!
I love you!!

Isn't it true?

"Laughter is an instant vacation."

-Milton Berle

so fun to sew

On Saturday I went over to my friend C.B.'s house to work on a sewing project. We had been talking about doing this project for awhile and Saturday seemed like the perfect day to do it! We had gotten the material earlier in the week and I was ready to "create." C.B. is a very good teacher and has a lot of patience! I love my new apron, but I'm afraid to use it when I cook. I don't want it to get dirty... :)

"small"group

On Monday evenings there is a group of families from my church that get together...they are my small group. Last night though we were an extremely small group due to people having other commitments. There was only four of us and we had a great time of fellowship! Because it was such a small group we were able to have some good conversation and get deeper into each others lives. After our vidoe and discussion time we went on to the back patio and lit the fire pit and had s'mores. It was a great way to end a hectic Monday as well as a great way to start the week.

PBR BABY!

My good friend and I went to the PBR (Professional Bull Riding) on Friday evening. We had a great time.One of my favorite clowns was in town, Flint Rasmussen,and he is stinkin' funny!

We don't get a lot of time to just hang out by ourselves and it was a sweet time together. After the rodeo, we went to the official after party and had a great time of dancing and people watching. Thank you H.W. for a fun evening!!