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!!

New Goal

Hello friends! It has been too long. Sorry for the absence, but life has been going 1, 000 miles an hour the last week or so.

As you can see by the title, I am working on a new goal in my life. Since finishing school I needed something to pass the time. I decided to run the Marine Corps Marathon in October with my Aunt Lisa. I have run a full marathon before, The Top of Utah, and I am ready for another one. The MCM is in Washington, D.C. I started training this week...I'm a little out of shape!! It's a good thing I have about 5 months.

a good friend.

I was able to hang out with a great friend last night. Something we hadn't done for quite sometime, only because our schedules have been super busy. We enjoyed a great supper together and then hopped in my car to make an ice cream run. As we were driving to the store, a lot of fun times and memories came flooding back to us. We talked, laughed and cried about some very fond memories that we share together.

When we got back to the house, we went upstairs into her office and did one of my most favorite things to do...we listened to music and read lyrics of songs that touched our lives at different times. A lot of these songs take us back to the same place...last summer. This good friend of mine is also my Aunt. She was my rock last summer when I went through a very devastating time. So when my Uncle walked into the room he found two ladies laying on the floor, talking, laughing and crying.

Thank you L.R. for having the same passion about lyrics and music as I do. I greatly enjoyed last night and it does make me sad to think that in a few months our times of doing that will be few and far between, but NEVER forgotten. Thank you for loving me when I have not always been lovable and thank you for loving me through some hard times.

plain. and. ordinary.

What do the above words mean to you? After today, I will think of them in a different way. I was told that some of my pictures on my blog made me look plain and ordinary (non-photogenic). Now, in defense of this person, I did ask their opnion and they gave it...holding nothing back. They later did a good job of explaining to me what they meant, but it got me thinking. How often do I make judgments on people solely on looks and without getting to know them and their personality and/or story? I let it happen more than I realize and I need to take the time to get to know a person and not just make a decision on an outward appearance.

Thank you C.R. for making me think about how I treat people.

ramblings...

It has been awhile since I've posted, but nothing really happened last week. On Wednesday I went to BSU and got together with my Masters committee and had my oral defense on my comps and that went well. I passed and will be graduating in May! YAHOO

I got the decluttering bug Saturday morning. I cleaned out my closet and when through all my clothes and got rid of a lot of items I don't wear anymore. I love the feeling of walking into a clean closet, but it never stays organized for too long. : )

Easter Sunday was wonderful. The church services went great and our praise choir sounded wonderful!! I was able to spend a nice relaxing afternoon at my aunt and uncles. We ate a wonderful lunch and then took nice long naps. I hope that everyone was able to spend a nice Easter with friends and family and truly remember and celebrate the real meaning of Easter!!

I found the below comic and couldn't resist posting it. Too funny!!

on the move.

I am happy to report that I was offered an all day kindergarten position at Rawhide Elementary in Gillette, Wyoming. I am very excited to be making this change in my life. Although it is an exciting time for me it is also bittersweet. I will be leaving behind some very close friends and family. I know that not everyone understands why I've chosen to make this decision, but I need for them to trust me and know that it was not made on a whim! I am not moving because of the "big break up" or because of the money. God has been working in my life for sometime and I knew that He was prompting me to move. I just didn't know the location...till now.

There are still a few details that I'm working out, but all in all it is going smoothly. The picture below is of a night rodeo in Gillette. I'm excited to get back to my roots. I've told the ladies at work that I am sure that my dad is hoping that I'll find myself a good cowboy and leave the firefighter behind (they cause nothing but trouble and heartache)!! I've also included some other pictures that represent my "new town".

I covet your prayers as I venture out into this new adventure. Like I mentioned earlier it will be very hard to leave behind my smallgroup, family, church and work friends. I won't be leaving until summer, so I have plenty of time left here for fun times and hanging out!!

On the hunt

As some of you know, I am looking at finding a new job and moving. I have spent the last couple of days in Wyoming and stopping at different school districts. I have had some good contacts as well as a couple pre-interviews. It is exciting to me to think about changing, but I am sad to be leaving my friends and family in Boise. I don't have a job yet, so no worries (yet) friends!!! I am a native of Wyoming and am looking to getting back in the area and slowing down in my life! I am trusting that the Lord will be clear in His direction. I know that He has the perfect job out there for me and will prepare me for His plans!

Spring Break

Spring break started on Friday!! I was ready for it. I have been very busy the last couple months and I am looking forward to a little slow-down. I'm at home in South Dakota enjoying my break. While some people I work with are enjoying an island adventure. I was told by a certain individual that they didn't think South Dakota fit the image of an ideal vacation spot. How little they know!! It may not be the ideal spot for spring break, but it is a very beautiful area. I am enjoying being home and getting some good cookin' and rest!!

I'm late, I'm late for a very important...

I woke up on Thursday morning, looked at my clock and closed my eyes again. Just to pop them open and take another look at the clock. Was I reading the time right? Did it really say 8:20? No, it couldn't! My clock is either telling the wrong time or this is a dream/nighmare. I crawled out of bed and walked around my apartment looking at all the clocks to see if it really was 8:20. Guess what? It was. I was late for work! I had to be at work by 8:30 and class started at 9:00. Needless to say I was having a little panic attack. I called the school and told them what happened and everything turned out fine, but it was not the best way to start the day. Thanks Angela for helping me out and getting the day started with the kiddos!! I went and bought a new alarm clock. I don't know if I never set my alarm the night before or if I had turned it off sometime in the night. It will always be a mystery.

Real Moms...

I was tagged by my friend mommyfirst-designerborn on what a real mom is. I am not a mom, yet, but I can tell you I have had a great example set for me for when the time comes.

A real mom loves you for who you are. She will support you in any adventure you want to take, no matter how crazy it sounds.

A real mom sets a godly example. She will wear her knees out praying for you during one of the hardest times in her daughter's life.

A real mom enjoys and laughs at stories and jokes no matter how lame.

A real mom will proof, proof and reproof papers (that aren't hers) till all hours of the night.

A real mom will let me vent to her and not take offense...and let me keep rehashing things over and over and over again.

A real mom will give me her honest opinion. Even if I haven't asked, but she can take an honest opinoin, even if not asked!

A real mom will go to amazing lenghths to show/share her love.

A real mom is my biggest cheerleader.

A real mom will teach me the value of being a good communicator and be patient while I figure it out!!

A real mom has set an amazing example on how to be a wonderful wife and mother...someday!

A real mom is my biggest role model and I truly desire to be as wise

as her on many accounts...teaching, friendships, wisdom, humor.

Thank you for being a super real mom! I love you.

I am tagging coffeelover, blooms, ladybug and Mrs. Williams

The rules:

Put up a post Real Moms are and insert what you do as a mom to make you real add picture if you want and then tag five other people. Enjoy.

Done. Fun. Sun.

Happy St. Paddy's Day everyone! I hope everyone had a tasty meal of cornbeef and cabbage. This week-end was great. I had my comps on Friday and Saturday and I think they went well. I have my oral defense in about 10 days or so. I'm not worried about them , because talking has never really been a issue for me!! Thank you for all the prayer, cards, calls and emails! The words of encougagement were such a blessing

I was able to spend St. Patrick's Day with my cousins and friends. I got some good shopping in with Tab, Sarah and Ruby. We found a fun new home decorating store. Then that evening I hung out with some friends.

The weather and sun were absolutely beautiful!! Spring IS right around the corner.

can't. wait. till. it's. over.

Today was my second day off from work for studying purposes. I sometimes think I have a mild form ADHD or it could be that I work with 5 year olds all day, but all I know is that I do not do well sitting for hours on end. I would not do well with a desk job. I say all that for this...I don't know how many times I was up and down. I would sit down and write a paragraph and then realize I forgot to light the kitchen candle. Do that. Come back and type. Forgot the bedroom candle. Do that. Come back and type. Look in purse for gum. Come back and type. Walk to the window. Look out. Come back and type. Search for long lost address. Come back and type. Go get a kleenex. Come back and type. Are you all getting a feel for my day! I think the most exciting time in my day was when I got out of the shower this afternoon, I parted my hair on the opposite side then what I usually do! WHOOP-ITTY-DOO!! How pathetic is that. I can't wait to be done with all this studying. Just a few hours left...

The above cartoon has nothing to do with this post, well I guess it does because I found it when I was supposed to be studying. It was too funny not to share with everyone. For me it was a throw my head back, open my mouth really wide and laugh till tears rolled down my cheeks!!

Cherry-Yum-Diddley

So, I've taken the rest of the week off to study and get ready for Friday and Saturday. I got up this morning and made some coffee and looked around to see what I had for breakfast...not much! I decided to eat the rest of my Valentine's Day candy. In my stash, I had a Fun Dip. Remember those? Me too! Well, I had forgotten how much I liked them and after I had finished off 3 peanutbuttercups, 4 starbursts, a mini bag of M&M's and my Fun Dip I realized that I needed to make an emergency run to the store to get some more fun dips. They are the perfect food for studying (yes, they are a food) you don't have to unwrap anything and nothing is going to melt. The only issue I came up with is the "stick to powder" ratio. They don't put enough powder in the packet and I have too much stick left over, but I find that if you mix kool-aid and sugar together that works too. : )

sidenote: if you eat too many, your tongue may get raw and sore. not that I would know, that's just the word on the street!!

LOCKED OUT!!

This afternoon my little Tyler N. locked everyone out of the ERR (extended resource room). He had just delivered the afternoon milk into my classroom and that little guy hightailed it back to the ERR and shut the door. There wasn't anyone in that room at the time and his aid, Miss Angela, was just leaving my room, but she was too late! He had already shut the door tightly and had pulled himself onto the swing. He was very content to just sit on the swing and relax. Meanwhile, Miss Angela was in the hall looking through the window at him and knocking on the door and pointing at him to come open the door. That little turkey just smiled at her and turned around on the swing so he wouldn't have to look at her. Miss Angela came back to my room and go Mrs. Williams to see if she could get Tyler to come open the door, but had no such luck. So, they came and got me. Using my most stern "teacher" voice ( and not trying to laugh) I told Tyler to come open the door. He wasn't going to, but after a moment or two decided to give-in to the 3 adults standing out in the hall and opened the door for us. As he opened the door, he just looked at us, giggled and walked back to the swing.

My Tyler N. is too precious!!

bring out the chacos

The time has come to start bringing out the Chacos! At least with the weather we had today it felt like it. We are supposed to have nice temperatures this week and I hope that it lasts now until summer!! If you don't know what Chacos are, they are THE most comfortable sandle/shoe one could own. I would highly recommend them to anyone! They are a little spendy, but worth every cent!!

Spring Ahead. DANG!!

It seems to be that time again. Don't forget to spring ahead tonight. Personally, I wish they would just leave the time alone. Once the change has been in effect for a few days I'm fine. It's getting my body used to the change, time change, that is. : )
I'm just glad that my team isn't leading worship tomorrow! I will be thinking of you Sparky and Hot Potato. When you two are dragging your weary bodies out of bed, I will be snuggly warm in deep slumber.

What a NIGHT

Thursday I was able to spend the evening with a wonderful girlfriend! It was much deserved night out for both of us. We ate at a fabulous resturant and then went to the Rascal Flatts concert. The Me and My Gang Tour. I had never seen this group before and they did an amazing job! I had forgotten how many hits they have... a lot. Great friend, great conversation, great music. What a night!!
Thanks B.H. : )

LOST AND...(hopefully I will find)

I have misplaced one of my favorite pairs of sunglasses. My Smiths (toasters). I have no idea what I did with them. I am usually very good about keeping track of them, but I don't know where they are. It makes me super sad...They were the ones I fight fire in, run in, mt. bike in. I guess I will just have to save my pennies and get another pair. If anyone knows where they are or if I left them at your house, please let me know!!

What...? A little "Glitch"

With only a few days left to the completion of my Masters, I received an email from my advisor letting me know there was a minor "glitch". Not really something that a person wants to hear!! It seems that there was some paper work that didn't get done and the deadline is already past. Let's just say that I had a mild meltdown...but as my day wore on and I was in contact with the graduate department as well as the college of education, things should be fine. It was a good realization that I am not in control! This minor "set back" did not take my God by surprise. He knew this was going to happen. I think it was a good test to see if I am trusting Him fully with my schooling. My Aunt and I had a talk last week and we discussed how God is truly the God of my Masters. I need to be in constant prayer before, during and after studying! That I will retain the informaion that I need to; and before my test I need to pray that I will have absolute recall of everything I've learned, heard and read. I have not come this far to let some paperwork slow me down!!

comfort food

As my "big test" gets closer, I find myself seeking out comfort food. I only have 13 days left (but who's counting) and then I am finished with my Masters. One of my many favorite comfort meals is a good chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and everything needs to be covered in cream gravy. When I go home for spring break, I'm going to be requesting that meal!

It's on the "LIST"

I love this picture I came across! It was taken at Denali National Park in Alaska. On my "to do list before I die" is to go to Alaska. Whether to live or visit I don't care, but seeing this photo just makes the desire even stronger.