This morning I was thinking about how I am such a planner and I love to prepare. I love to prepare most anything. Knowing that I have to prepare for company, inspires me to clean. Knowing that I will start school again this week, inspires me to get organized. I am not sure what this says about me, othere than I need a good reason to be motivated to do anything.
My thoughts are on preparing for this coming year. I want to get my family in shape. I want to cook more healthy meals and snacks. I want to run a 10k. I want to start school again. I want...I want.... I HOPE I can do just a couple of these things.
Tomorrow, I will run the Rescue Run. Tonight it will be -2 degrees and it will only get into the 20s when I run tomorrow. It will be just a bit nippy, but my mind is made up and I am gonna do it. Yesterday, Tom plotted out a 5k course for me and I ran it. Well, I walked and ran it. I did this in about the same time as the Turkey Trot, but in the trot, I didn't have to sludge through snow up to my ankles. I didn't have to wait two minutes at a redlight. I didn't have to find different running paths as the sidewalks were closed due to ice. I think all in all, my time may have been a little better. I did notice that I wasn't as tired as I was after the trot. Could it be, that I am becoming a real runner. Thoughts of the 10k in May have been dancing in my head. I know I won't be able to run the whole thing, but I think I will be able to walk/run it. My current goal is to walk less and run more.
I leave you with this quote as it is my last blog for 2007.
"You only live once-but if you work it right, once is enough" - Joe E. Lewis
Whatever your New Year's Resolution is, I hope you achieve it. I wish you all a great New Year's Eve. Have fun and be safe.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Lazy Saturday
Not much to say as we are still in vacation mode. We went shopping yesterday, sat in the hot tub, and we went for a two mile run. Could it be that we are actually resting? I love the rest, but my mind is in high gear thinking of all that is ahead in January. I won't dwell on that now, but it's gonna be a busy month.
As mentioned earlier, I went on a two mile run, yesterday. I am running more and walking less. That's really good and it feels great. Tom got me this contraption that straps on to my shoes and allows my feet to grip the ice rather than slip on it. They really work.
I hope all of you have a very restful Saturday.
As mentioned earlier, I went on a two mile run, yesterday. I am running more and walking less. That's really good and it feels great. Tom got me this contraption that straps on to my shoes and allows my feet to grip the ice rather than slip on it. They really work.
I hope all of you have a very restful Saturday.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Rest
I haven't written in a couple of days as we were VERY busy on Christmas day, and we just chilled yesterday. That's a funny word to use today as the temp. is in the teens and we are expected to get about 10 inches of snow. That's alright with me. Nowhere to go and a lot of house to straighten. I refuse to really deep clean the house this week as I am officially on vacation. Becca has a friend coming over, so we need to be able to walk through the living room.
By far, the hit present this year was the Wii. For any of you folks out there who don't know what that is, it is a glorified computer game system. It is way cool. We have played all sorts of sports on it and the girls are learning to dance. This thing does so much and it is super fun. I will try and send pictures of some of the fun, later.
On Christmas day we had lots of fun and lots of folks. David and Val, Jan, Michael, Jason, Pookie, Elaine, John and Marie all came over. We had SOOO much food and SOOO much fun. We got 5 inches of snow on Christmas day, so we even had snow.
We loved meeting and getting to know Marie. I should have known that she would be delightful as she is the daughter of John and Elaine. The girls liked her immediately because she brought her pet hedghog to visit. The girls loved her and the hog. Thanks Marie.
Yesterday, I signed up for the race on Tuesday. It's another 5k and the weather doesn't look too bad, so far. We shall see. I have to get out of vacation mode, enough to drag myself to the treadmill. I know the key to training is consistency and this week, I have not been consistent.
By the way, I got my lab results back from my yearly check up. All is perfectly normal and I am perfectly healthy. Running is paying off. Thanks everyone for all the encouragement.
Happy day everyone!!!!
By far, the hit present this year was the Wii. For any of you folks out there who don't know what that is, it is a glorified computer game system. It is way cool. We have played all sorts of sports on it and the girls are learning to dance. This thing does so much and it is super fun. I will try and send pictures of some of the fun, later.
On Christmas day we had lots of fun and lots of folks. David and Val, Jan, Michael, Jason, Pookie, Elaine, John and Marie all came over. We had SOOO much food and SOOO much fun. We got 5 inches of snow on Christmas day, so we even had snow.
We loved meeting and getting to know Marie. I should have known that she would be delightful as she is the daughter of John and Elaine. The girls liked her immediately because she brought her pet hedghog to visit. The girls loved her and the hog. Thanks Marie.
Yesterday, I signed up for the race on Tuesday. It's another 5k and the weather doesn't look too bad, so far. We shall see. I have to get out of vacation mode, enough to drag myself to the treadmill. I know the key to training is consistency and this week, I have not been consistent.
By the way, I got my lab results back from my yearly check up. All is perfectly normal and I am perfectly healthy. Running is paying off. Thanks everyone for all the encouragement.
Happy day everyone!!!!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas everyone.
Thanks for putting up with the multiple blogs. As one last post for today, I wanted to share with you what we did last evening.
Two families from a small group we have formed at church, and Elaine and John came over for Christmas caroling. I made three kinds of soups and "Redneck Brownies". Janelle brought homeade rolls. We had hot apple cider and all of us were ready for a wonderful evening.
The evening did not start out so wonderful. One of the Lusk children fell off of our trapeze downstairs. Her little wrist started to swell immediately and the short of it is, she broke her arm. The Lusks had to get her to the ER, so they could not join us. I sent lots of soup home with them and we prayed over the little ones wrist. We are hoping for the best and her grandpa (a physician) said that she might not need a cast.
The rest of us warmed up our voices and got ready to sing. We sounded really good if I do say so myself. It helps that we were all musicians or the offspring of musicians. We went to folks we knew. I baked many, many loaves of bread, so everyone got a loaf of pumpkin or cranberry bread and a song or two. It was very interesting watching the reaction of the folks as they came to their door. One neighbor gave us cookies. Our Indian neighbors invited us in. All were thankful.
A couple of families really touched our hearts. One of our neighbors has a set of autistic twin boys. One of them came to the door and yelled "Merry Christmas everyone". On our way out he yelled "thanks for the fruitcake". Precious.
Another neighbor has a 13 year old son, dying of cancer. It blessed us to bless them.
Another neighbor looked at us and said "Thanks for coming. We really needed this". Enough said.
Christmas. A time to receive, but also a time to give. I thought of the Christmas spirit my sister spoke of earlier this week. I think last night, we caught a bit of it. Just like a Hallmark commercial, towards the end of our caroling, it started to snow. Big, fat, fluffy flakes. I was thinking that God was saying "well done".
We came home, filled our tummies with soup and cider. Our souls were filled with Christmas and the company of each other. It is truly better to give than receive.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Two families from a small group we have formed at church, and Elaine and John came over for Christmas caroling. I made three kinds of soups and "Redneck Brownies". Janelle brought homeade rolls. We had hot apple cider and all of us were ready for a wonderful evening.
The evening did not start out so wonderful. One of the Lusk children fell off of our trapeze downstairs. Her little wrist started to swell immediately and the short of it is, she broke her arm. The Lusks had to get her to the ER, so they could not join us. I sent lots of soup home with them and we prayed over the little ones wrist. We are hoping for the best and her grandpa (a physician) said that she might not need a cast.
The rest of us warmed up our voices and got ready to sing. We sounded really good if I do say so myself. It helps that we were all musicians or the offspring of musicians. We went to folks we knew. I baked many, many loaves of bread, so everyone got a loaf of pumpkin or cranberry bread and a song or two. It was very interesting watching the reaction of the folks as they came to their door. One neighbor gave us cookies. Our Indian neighbors invited us in. All were thankful.
A couple of families really touched our hearts. One of our neighbors has a set of autistic twin boys. One of them came to the door and yelled "Merry Christmas everyone". On our way out he yelled "thanks for the fruitcake". Precious.
Another neighbor has a 13 year old son, dying of cancer. It blessed us to bless them.
Another neighbor looked at us and said "Thanks for coming. We really needed this". Enough said.
Christmas. A time to receive, but also a time to give. I thought of the Christmas spirit my sister spoke of earlier this week. I think last night, we caught a bit of it. Just like a Hallmark commercial, towards the end of our caroling, it started to snow. Big, fat, fluffy flakes. I was thinking that God was saying "well done".
We came home, filled our tummies with soup and cider. Our souls were filled with Christmas and the company of each other. It is truly better to give than receive.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Christmas at Pookies
Christmas songs
Becca is finally old enough to join the da Vinci singers. Here is her debut. She was part of a singing trio. Yes, she can sing too.
Let it snow.
These are pictures of our snow storm a couple of weeks ago. This girls finally got a snow day from school. Tom and Laura are trying out the new snowblower. The year we buy a snowblower, we have very little snow. The community should thank us.
Jen and Scott's house.
Jen, I wanted you to see your house. The neighbors are not the same, but the Christmas decor. was fab. I thought you might want to have a look. You are only looking at part of the house. The whole house is outlined and there is also decor. in the upstairs windows.
Merry Christmas pictures.
Merry Christmas everyone. I can only download four pictures at a time, so I will send you multiple entries today. Since, I haven't blogged for a couple of days, I guess it's alright. Here are pictures of our sugar cookie making. I got the recipe from Jen and they were so very yummy. We ate them all in a week. The best ever!!!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Ruth
Tom is on vacation when he leaves work today. That's good. I feel as though I am on a working vacation as I cook, bake and cook some more. None of that next week. Today,snickerdoodles and chocolate layered cookies are on the menu. That's it for the cookies.
We had a really nice holiday meal with Dad Russell last night. We went to the holiday sing-along. We listened to the elderly talk about Christmases past. That was really nice. It made me wonder what I will be like when I get their age. What will I have to talk about? Will it be precious memories? I truly hope so.
Last Saturday, I took 15 or so kids to play at Sunrise. We first played in Reminiscence downstairs, where Tom's Mom was before she passed away. These are folks who have memory impairment or dimentia of some sort. I think it is really interesting to be down there. Those precious souls are like children. They say what they think, just like children. I think, when you look at them, you are seeing their true being. No fancy show. No put-ons. Just life going on minute by minute. There was a woman down there, whose name was Ruth. She had sparkly cat eye glasses on and silver hair. I arrived early to await my students. During the warm up and tuning stage of our program, she kept asking me if I had all my students tuned, in order and ready to play. I thought this odd, but it was REMINISCENCE, so I just answered her questions. She was loving, gentle, and encouraging to my kids. As we left, she played the piano. She played quite well on the old broken down set of keys. Yesterday, she came upstairs and played for the sing along. When they announced her name, they said that she had been a music teacher. She sat down at the piano, and this is what she said "Merry Christmas, we made another one". I chuckled and thought about how totally honest she was.
After the sing along, I went up to her and told her that I was a music teacher. I found out that she wasn't just any music teacher. She taught violin. As she told me this, I thought I was gonna cry. She lifted her hands and said "Look at these hands. They can't play the violin any more." Then, I gave her a big hug and I did cry a little. I have to visit Ruth now. Even though she has dimentia and probably won't remember when I come, we are kindred spirits. When I look at her, I see myself. I dread the day when I can't play anymore. I can only hope that when I get like her, I am quirky enough to wear sparkly cat eye glasses, feisty enough to just say what I am thinking, and loving enough to encourage and inspire other violin teachers. I consider Ruth my little Christmas angel.
We had a really nice holiday meal with Dad Russell last night. We went to the holiday sing-along. We listened to the elderly talk about Christmases past. That was really nice. It made me wonder what I will be like when I get their age. What will I have to talk about? Will it be precious memories? I truly hope so.
Last Saturday, I took 15 or so kids to play at Sunrise. We first played in Reminiscence downstairs, where Tom's Mom was before she passed away. These are folks who have memory impairment or dimentia of some sort. I think it is really interesting to be down there. Those precious souls are like children. They say what they think, just like children. I think, when you look at them, you are seeing their true being. No fancy show. No put-ons. Just life going on minute by minute. There was a woman down there, whose name was Ruth. She had sparkly cat eye glasses on and silver hair. I arrived early to await my students. During the warm up and tuning stage of our program, she kept asking me if I had all my students tuned, in order and ready to play. I thought this odd, but it was REMINISCENCE, so I just answered her questions. She was loving, gentle, and encouraging to my kids. As we left, she played the piano. She played quite well on the old broken down set of keys. Yesterday, she came upstairs and played for the sing along. When they announced her name, they said that she had been a music teacher. She sat down at the piano, and this is what she said "Merry Christmas, we made another one". I chuckled and thought about how totally honest she was.
After the sing along, I went up to her and told her that I was a music teacher. I found out that she wasn't just any music teacher. She taught violin. As she told me this, I thought I was gonna cry. She lifted her hands and said "Look at these hands. They can't play the violin any more." Then, I gave her a big hug and I did cry a little. I have to visit Ruth now. Even though she has dimentia and probably won't remember when I come, we are kindred spirits. When I look at her, I see myself. I dread the day when I can't play anymore. I can only hope that when I get like her, I am quirky enough to wear sparkly cat eye glasses, feisty enough to just say what I am thinking, and loving enough to encourage and inspire other violin teachers. I consider Ruth my little Christmas angel.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Thanks
I love my blogging family. My sister Tammie, had a great blog yesterday. Check it out if you like. She wrote about the Christmas spirit. Her purse is tight, but she still has the "spirit" of Christmas. I am so proud of her. She's got it. She understands that Christmas is in your heart. Way to go Tam!!!
Jen wrote about the big picture too. She wrote about community and working together. Oh Jen, I wish you were still in our community. I suppose, in a way, you still are. She wrote about how people should work together and share their talents. Get out of your little cube and be a bigger part of something to help mankind. Way to go Jen!!!
I thought that it was ironic that Jen would write about getting out of your box. I am finishing up my book (from Jen), "The Courage to Start". I have picked it up and put it down for about a month now. I truly love the book and I savor the authors running advice. I have purposely taken the book slow and covered only one topic at a time. It has helped me so very much. Anyway, I am rambling. Last night, I read about running beyond your community and how it allows you to have friends anywhere and everywhere. The author packed up his motorcycle (not much packing) and took off cross country. His goal was just to meet people. He called it his celebration trip. He celebrated the friends he was yet to meet. I get it. I have said hello to other runners as I grasp for breath down Voyager Ave. Runners, we have that same look in our eyes and spirit in our hearts. We want to take care of ourselves and be a part of something more. I don't know the people I greet, but we are friends. I am fearful of my run on Jan. 1. The slogan is "Rain, Snow, or 20 below". Sounds scary, but what the heck, I will be among "friends".
I absolutely love the quote that Jen put in her blog today, so I have stolen it. It's alright, she stole it from someone else.
Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy,forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. ~ Oren Arnold
I can think of no better gifts. It's what I want most. How about you?
Happy day all.
Jen wrote about the big picture too. She wrote about community and working together. Oh Jen, I wish you were still in our community. I suppose, in a way, you still are. She wrote about how people should work together and share their talents. Get out of your little cube and be a bigger part of something to help mankind. Way to go Jen!!!
I thought that it was ironic that Jen would write about getting out of your box. I am finishing up my book (from Jen), "The Courage to Start". I have picked it up and put it down for about a month now. I truly love the book and I savor the authors running advice. I have purposely taken the book slow and covered only one topic at a time. It has helped me so very much. Anyway, I am rambling. Last night, I read about running beyond your community and how it allows you to have friends anywhere and everywhere. The author packed up his motorcycle (not much packing) and took off cross country. His goal was just to meet people. He called it his celebration trip. He celebrated the friends he was yet to meet. I get it. I have said hello to other runners as I grasp for breath down Voyager Ave. Runners, we have that same look in our eyes and spirit in our hearts. We want to take care of ourselves and be a part of something more. I don't know the people I greet, but we are friends. I am fearful of my run on Jan. 1. The slogan is "Rain, Snow, or 20 below". Sounds scary, but what the heck, I will be among "friends".
I absolutely love the quote that Jen put in her blog today, so I have stolen it. It's alright, she stole it from someone else.
Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy,forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. ~ Oren Arnold
I can think of no better gifts. It's what I want most. How about you?
Happy day all.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Oh dear...a deer.
Too busy to blog yesterday, but the girls and I had a great day. I bribbed them into their flu shots. Yes, bribbery does come in handy sometimes. Because they were so brave through the shots, I took them out to lunch. We also had a pleasant shopping trip at GoodWill. Overall, a lot of fun and good times with my girls.
When we got home, the girls cleaned their rooms (wonders never cease). I lied to them and told them it was National Clean Your Room Day. Yes, bribbery and lying come in handy as a parent. The girls then wanted to have their friend, Katy, over. I said fine. At about 5pm, just before dark, they wanted to go outside and play flashlight tag. I said alright and thought that the fresh air would do them good. About ten minutes later, Becca came in terrified and screaming. I thought something horrid had happened. After she was able to speak, she said "something is in the back yard!!!" She had turned her flashlight on and had come face to face with a full grown, humongous, buck. He had a full rack of antlers. Becca had no idea that was outside with her and she was "scared to death". Thanks to Aunt Tammie, we told her that it was Santa's spy. She wasn't buying it , but she calmed down. The buck ran away (probably due to the screaming), but Becca slept in our bed last night.
As we sat in the hot tub last night, Becca was still fearful of the buck showing up. He didn't do a thing to her, except walk across our back yard. It made me think, as adults, how often are we fearful for naught. How many times are we afraid of something, just because it is there. Due to Christmas, I think of Mary when the angel showed up. The first thing it said was "Fear Not". I need to remember to fear things that deserve fear, not things that just walk across my path.
When we got home, the girls cleaned their rooms (wonders never cease). I lied to them and told them it was National Clean Your Room Day. Yes, bribbery and lying come in handy as a parent. The girls then wanted to have their friend, Katy, over. I said fine. At about 5pm, just before dark, they wanted to go outside and play flashlight tag. I said alright and thought that the fresh air would do them good. About ten minutes later, Becca came in terrified and screaming. I thought something horrid had happened. After she was able to speak, she said "something is in the back yard!!!" She had turned her flashlight on and had come face to face with a full grown, humongous, buck. He had a full rack of antlers. Becca had no idea that was outside with her and she was "scared to death". Thanks to Aunt Tammie, we told her that it was Santa's spy. She wasn't buying it , but she calmed down. The buck ran away (probably due to the screaming), but Becca slept in our bed last night.
As we sat in the hot tub last night, Becca was still fearful of the buck showing up. He didn't do a thing to her, except walk across our back yard. It made me think, as adults, how often are we fearful for naught. How many times are we afraid of something, just because it is there. Due to Christmas, I think of Mary when the angel showed up. The first thing it said was "Fear Not". I need to remember to fear things that deserve fear, not things that just walk across my path.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Computer frustration
I was all set to do picture catch up today, but either my brain or the computer is not cooperating. I was a good girl and wrote directions for picture dumpage from Tom. I followed all the steps, but it still didn't work after five tries. If it wasn't our bread and butter, I would swear off of computers because they truly frustrate me. Perhaps, sometime this week, I will brave the picture stuff again. I have some really cute stuff to show you.
We had a great weekend. It included two Christmas parties and two recitals. All went very well and I was so very proud of the girls. Laura played piano and Becca played violin and piano. They have a final recital today and then we are officially on break.
My house looks like we had a Colorado hurricane. I must get busy and catch up as we have a caroling party at our house on Sunday.
Take care all, especially Jen who has the stomach crud at her house. Not good with twin two year olds.
We had a great weekend. It included two Christmas parties and two recitals. All went very well and I was so very proud of the girls. Laura played piano and Becca played violin and piano. They have a final recital today and then we are officially on break.
My house looks like we had a Colorado hurricane. I must get busy and catch up as we have a caroling party at our house on Sunday.
Take care all, especially Jen who has the stomach crud at her house. Not good with twin two year olds.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Last day of school
The concerts went beautifully. I couldn't believe that I was conducting a Middle School orchestra in front of 200 or so people. Sometimes I have to pinch myself and say to God "What are you thinking?". I was so proud of my students. I was so proud of my daughters. Laura and Becca both sang beautifully. They are so talented and I am so blessed.
Tomorrow we have to recitals at Sunrise with Dad. I think he will be proud as punch and it is a special gift for him. He is getting so forgetful and he so wants to go back to Florida. I think what he really wants is Mom.
Today, I am off to school. I will be teaching 3rd grade and this is our last day of school before winter break. Please pray for me. These kids are gonna be WIRED!!!! Also say a little prayer because Pastor Boyd's son is in my class. He is the pastor of New Life Church. I think his children are alright and I spoke with the regular teacher, yesterday. She said he is handling things just fine, so hopefully, no problems.
I hope all of you have a blessed day.
Tomorrow we have to recitals at Sunrise with Dad. I think he will be proud as punch and it is a special gift for him. He is getting so forgetful and he so wants to go back to Florida. I think what he really wants is Mom.
Today, I am off to school. I will be teaching 3rd grade and this is our last day of school before winter break. Please pray for me. These kids are gonna be WIRED!!!! Also say a little prayer because Pastor Boyd's son is in my class. He is the pastor of New Life Church. I think his children are alright and I spoke with the regular teacher, yesterday. She said he is handling things just fine, so hopefully, no problems.
I hope all of you have a blessed day.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Keep Running
I am late posting today, as it is an absolutely crazy day. All four of us have concerts today. Becca has two. Please pray for us, and especially me as I will conduct in front of a whole lot of people tonight. As I write this, I am thinking I need to get in the shower, so I can get all gussied up for the concert tonight. Becca's concert is at 2:30, so I need showering and make-up done when I go to her concert. The formal black will come when we get home. Busy, busy, busy.
I am so happy about my doctor's appointment yesterday. My running is paying off and it gives me the spirit to keep going. My BMI was only slightly above normal. Another ten pounds and I will be in the normal range. My blood pressure was excellent (hasn't happened in a while), and I seem to be in pretty good health. I will get the lab values back later, but all looks well. It takes a lot to exercise, but I am finally seeing results. Thanks everyone for your support. Especially Jen, Carol and Tom who keep me going.
Take care all.
I am so happy about my doctor's appointment yesterday. My running is paying off and it gives me the spirit to keep going. My BMI was only slightly above normal. Another ten pounds and I will be in the normal range. My blood pressure was excellent (hasn't happened in a while), and I seem to be in pretty good health. I will get the lab values back later, but all looks well. It takes a lot to exercise, but I am finally seeing results. Thanks everyone for your support. Especially Jen, Carol and Tom who keep me going.
Take care all.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Doctors
Right about now, I am really craving COFFEE!!!. I have my yearly check everything appointment today at 11:30. I can have nothing but water until then. I know this is important and I am looking forward to a lower cholesteral and blood sugar level due to the running. I am feeling better about running again. I was in a slump for a while, but now I am good to go. I think I just have to keep at it, when I feel that way. I didn't stop and this morning, I found that I am getting faster. I am still doing the treadmill as it is really cold and really icy outside. More snow in the forecast tomorrow night.
We are all just fine. Tom has his Holiday, pay for your own lunch, party today. Becca has a choir concert and Laura has her Greek Food Fest. I have a doctors appointment. Somehow, it doesn't seem fair. This afternoon, I have the dress rehearsal for our middle school concert tomorrow evening. My biggest fear is that I will say something really silly in front of a couple hundred people. I have a phobia about speaking in public. When I was in fourth grade, I won a speech contest. I had to give my speech to a couple hundred people and I messed up big time. I am still feeling the effects.
I got a lovely e-mail from my dear friend Michelle. Thanks Michelle. I loved your note and I can read it over and over. Call me soon.
I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday.
We are all just fine. Tom has his Holiday, pay for your own lunch, party today. Becca has a choir concert and Laura has her Greek Food Fest. I have a doctors appointment. Somehow, it doesn't seem fair. This afternoon, I have the dress rehearsal for our middle school concert tomorrow evening. My biggest fear is that I will say something really silly in front of a couple hundred people. I have a phobia about speaking in public. When I was in fourth grade, I won a speech contest. I had to give my speech to a couple hundred people and I messed up big time. I am still feeling the effects.
I got a lovely e-mail from my dear friend Michelle. Thanks Michelle. I loved your note and I can read it over and over. Call me soon.
I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Snow Days
We are all home from school today as school is cancelled due to snow. It is lovely outside and as I write this, the girls are outside building a snow fort. They love to do that and it will, hopefully, keep them from fighting. We are all enjoying this day off. I am making choclava for Laura to take to her "Greek Fest", tomorrow at school. Cranberry bread making is also on the agenda. This year, I am making fifteen loaves of bread to give away. We are so blessed to have so many friends, but I must say, I am a little tired of bread making.
Here is the latest on the shooting. The shooter was responsible for both shootings in Colorado on Sunday. The security guard who shot him, saved hundreds of lives. The sniper had enough ammo on him to fire over 1,000 rounds. The security guard was a woman who was a previous cop. She was Pastor Boyd's private body guard. She said that she totally "trusted God to guide her aim and take him out". He did indeed guide her and we are so thankful that she was there. The two people who have died were sisters and their father is still in stable condition at the local hospital. The girls were teenagers. One of them was a twin to another sibling. I think that hits me the hardest. What if I lost both my girls at the same time? I am not sure I could go on.
As you can see, we have mixed feelings this holiday season. Most of all, I am so grateful for my family, friends and our safety. I am glad that we an celebrate this season together. Maybe that's what Christmas is all about anyway.
Here is the latest on the shooting. The shooter was responsible for both shootings in Colorado on Sunday. The security guard who shot him, saved hundreds of lives. The sniper had enough ammo on him to fire over 1,000 rounds. The security guard was a woman who was a previous cop. She was Pastor Boyd's private body guard. She said that she totally "trusted God to guide her aim and take him out". He did indeed guide her and we are so thankful that she was there. The two people who have died were sisters and their father is still in stable condition at the local hospital. The girls were teenagers. One of them was a twin to another sibling. I think that hits me the hardest. What if I lost both my girls at the same time? I am not sure I could go on.
As you can see, we have mixed feelings this holiday season. Most of all, I am so grateful for my family, friends and our safety. I am glad that we an celebrate this season together. Maybe that's what Christmas is all about anyway.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Absurdity
This weekend has been a crazy one. As a family, we relaxed on Saturday and I did some baking. Yesterday, the girls went to a birthday party and Tom and I enjoyed a couple of hours to talk at Starbucks. That was a real treat. Last night, the girls and I enjoyed making and icing sugar cookies. I have pictures to share later. It was too icy to run outside, so I spent some time on my treadmill. I am finding that I run harder and longer on my treadmill than compared to outside. I think that outside, I am not as sure footed and the surface is harder. This slows me down a bit. I have committed myself to the "Rescue Run" on January 1. Thanks Jen for the encouragement. I have asked Santa a.k.a. Tom, for tennis shoe grippers so that I can run more sure footed when it is icy.
During church yesterday, our pastor informed us of an overnight shooting in Arvada at a ministry center. Two people had been killed. We thought this was crazy, but you know how it goes, it won't happen here. At 12:45 yesterday, as New Life church was getting out, it did. New Life is less than a mile from our house. Any closer and we would have heard the gunshots. Someone opened fire in the parking lot. There were 7,000 people still at the church. So far, three people have died, including the shooter that was shot by a security guard. Absurd. Our whole community is in mourning. A CHURCH is on lockdown. Tom and I sat at Starbucks and tears came to our eyes. Our lovely town. Our town where God is uplifted. Our town that we call home, has been targeted. We realize that we are not as safe as we assumed we were. We realize that our children are affected. Becca had two calls from a neighbor child, telling her to lock her doors. It has yet to be determined if an accomplice is on the loose.
It was so icy on Saturday and we had about three inches of snow. When we got up yesterday, our neighborhood looked like a winter wonderland. The sun was out and it was just gorgeous. I kept thinking about how God washes away our sins and makes them as "white as snow". It was such a contrast to what happened a few hours later. On the news this morning, it said that New Life was sending a special message of love, comfort and peace to the shooters family as they realize that they are also victims. We are all victims in one way or another.
Guess what, it is to snow tonight. About 6 inches expected. Just enough to make everything white again. As "white as snow".
During church yesterday, our pastor informed us of an overnight shooting in Arvada at a ministry center. Two people had been killed. We thought this was crazy, but you know how it goes, it won't happen here. At 12:45 yesterday, as New Life church was getting out, it did. New Life is less than a mile from our house. Any closer and we would have heard the gunshots. Someone opened fire in the parking lot. There were 7,000 people still at the church. So far, three people have died, including the shooter that was shot by a security guard. Absurd. Our whole community is in mourning. A CHURCH is on lockdown. Tom and I sat at Starbucks and tears came to our eyes. Our lovely town. Our town where God is uplifted. Our town that we call home, has been targeted. We realize that we are not as safe as we assumed we were. We realize that our children are affected. Becca had two calls from a neighbor child, telling her to lock her doors. It has yet to be determined if an accomplice is on the loose.
It was so icy on Saturday and we had about three inches of snow. When we got up yesterday, our neighborhood looked like a winter wonderland. The sun was out and it was just gorgeous. I kept thinking about how God washes away our sins and makes them as "white as snow". It was such a contrast to what happened a few hours later. On the news this morning, it said that New Life was sending a special message of love, comfort and peace to the shooters family as they realize that they are also victims. We are all victims in one way or another.
Guess what, it is to snow tonight. About 6 inches expected. Just enough to make everything white again. As "white as snow".
Friday, December 7, 2007
Christmas shopping
I am almost done with shopping. As I was out and about yesterday, I kept thinking about how much my children really "need". They don't need much. They want much, but don't "need" much. I hope we haven't overdone it. Speaking of shopping, I am going to Wal Mart, today, to buy the DVD "The Christmas Story". We saw it in the theatre last Christmas and I think it is worth the purchase. It just helps to remind us of the real meaning of Christmas. I am always in awe of Mary this time of year. I can't imagine being pregnant with our Savior. Talk about pressure. I would be afraid to move, much less give in to cravings or have mood swings.
Today I am off to lunch with Elaine. She and I have some serious music teacher talk to do. I am considering going back to college and I need her take on things. Should be fun.
I hope you all have a wonderful day.
Today I am off to lunch with Elaine. She and I have some serious music teacher talk to do. I am considering going back to college and I need her take on things. Should be fun.
I hope you all have a wonderful day.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Good days.
Yesterday was a really nice day and I thank God for it. I didn't have to sub., so I cleaned a room in my house, did a little Christmas wrapping and then headed on to school to help tune 90 violin students for their concert. That was interesting and a bit like herding cats.
In the afternoon, I scrambled off to the middle school for the string club. The kids are sounding really nice and we are all excited about our concert next week. I got to meet Laura's Language Arts teacher and had a nice time meeting her.
I got home and gave two violin lessons. Then, I was back to school to tune the same 90 string kids again,for their evening performance. They did really well and I was quite impressed.
Here is a big shout out to Becca for a job well done. She looked beautiful in her black Christmas dress. I kept looking at her and thinking about how quickly my girls are growing up and I don't want to miss it.
When my head hit my pillow last night, I was really tired. It was the kind of tired you get when you have put in a day of hard work. That feels good and I am so proud of each and every one of those kids.
I look at Laura and Becca and know that I am truly blessed. I think about how busy I am and how I love teaching music. I am blessed.
Jen has a great quote in her blog today. Take a look at it if you like. It speaks about God using you as "you", just as you are. I think about how I often don't feel qualified to teach. God has different plans. I am often overwhelmed by God's overall plan for me. Who knew that I would someday have 29 students and conduct my own orchestra? God has used me as I am. Again, I am blessed.
In the afternoon, I scrambled off to the middle school for the string club. The kids are sounding really nice and we are all excited about our concert next week. I got to meet Laura's Language Arts teacher and had a nice time meeting her.
I got home and gave two violin lessons. Then, I was back to school to tune the same 90 string kids again,for their evening performance. They did really well and I was quite impressed.
Here is a big shout out to Becca for a job well done. She looked beautiful in her black Christmas dress. I kept looking at her and thinking about how quickly my girls are growing up and I don't want to miss it.
When my head hit my pillow last night, I was really tired. It was the kind of tired you get when you have put in a day of hard work. That feels good and I am so proud of each and every one of those kids.
I look at Laura and Becca and know that I am truly blessed. I think about how busy I am and how I love teaching music. I am blessed.
Jen has a great quote in her blog today. Take a look at it if you like. It speaks about God using you as "you", just as you are. I think about how I often don't feel qualified to teach. God has different plans. I am often overwhelmed by God's overall plan for me. Who knew that I would someday have 29 students and conduct my own orchestra? God has used me as I am. Again, I am blessed.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
More Holiday Music
Here is a big shout out to Laura. She was awesome last night in her concert. There were 194 kids in the band. It was huge and they were all great. I sat there and was amazed at how big all those kids were. I still can't believe Laura is in Middle School.
Becca's concert is today. She is all excited about dressing up and playing for the school. She has really taken off with her playing. It's as if she finally likes being a violinist. Of course, I am super proud of her.
Today, I am off to assist with the concerts and prepare for my own next week. I got lots of Christmas shopping done yesterday as my morning job was cancelled. It was an unexpected time to slow down and just enjoy the season. It helped that Hobby Lobby was having a great sale.
I hope all of you get unexpected "you" time today.
Becca's concert is today. She is all excited about dressing up and playing for the school. She has really taken off with her playing. It's as if she finally likes being a violinist. Of course, I am super proud of her.
Today, I am off to assist with the concerts and prepare for my own next week. I got lots of Christmas shopping done yesterday as my morning job was cancelled. It was an unexpected time to slow down and just enjoy the season. It helped that Hobby Lobby was having a great sale.
I hope all of you get unexpected "you" time today.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Holiday Music
Today we are in a frenzy getting ready for Laura's first Middle School Band Concert. I can't wait to hear it and I am hoping that I make it in time as I give lessons right up to the minute of when I need to leave. It should be fun.
I am off to be a fourth grade teacher in the morning and kindergarten in the pm. I hope all goes well as I am extra tired today. Just can't get my motor running. Speaking of running, I am still at it and will be up tomorrow morning. Still trying to decide if I want to try the race on January 1. I've been told that it is tough and a bit icy. My fear, as always, is slipping. I am wondering if I can just walk and call it good.
I have to go get Becca's motor running. Her big concert is tomorrow. She has another concert next week.
Short note today as I am short on time.
Tis the season!!!!
I am off to be a fourth grade teacher in the morning and kindergarten in the pm. I hope all goes well as I am extra tired today. Just can't get my motor running. Speaking of running, I am still at it and will be up tomorrow morning. Still trying to decide if I want to try the race on January 1. I've been told that it is tough and a bit icy. My fear, as always, is slipping. I am wondering if I can just walk and call it good.
I have to go get Becca's motor running. Her big concert is tomorrow. She has another concert next week.
Short note today as I am short on time.
Tis the season!!!!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Up and running again.
I think I am finally over the crud. It took a while and it took a big chunk out of my weekend energy. I slept later yesterday and now I feel much better. I think I just don't sleep enough. I am an eight hour person. When I don't get it, I pay the price.
I talked to Jen on Saturday and that brightened my day. I caught her on her cell phone, on the way to bake cookies with a friend. I wish that friend had been me. I heard the boys in the background and as always, put a smile on my face.
Here is a big shout out to all my students who performed at the Pikes Peak Center on Saturday night. You guys were fabulous and I am so very proud of you. I was really sick, so I didn't stick around for the second half of the concert, but I heard all of you play and you really sounded great.
Yesterday, Tom's sisters and their families came over for Tom's bbq. It was awesome, as always. Tom smoked a pork shoulder and made his special guava bbq sauce. It was a nice time. We sat and remembered Joe and talked about his memorial service. I think we are all ready to move on, but sad.
Today, I am off to a tough second grade class. I know I have to watch my back and not let them get away with much. I hate to be a hard sub., but the teacher has already cautioned me. It should be an interesting day.
Happy day everyone.....
I talked to Jen on Saturday and that brightened my day. I caught her on her cell phone, on the way to bake cookies with a friend. I wish that friend had been me. I heard the boys in the background and as always, put a smile on my face.
Here is a big shout out to all my students who performed at the Pikes Peak Center on Saturday night. You guys were fabulous and I am so very proud of you. I was really sick, so I didn't stick around for the second half of the concert, but I heard all of you play and you really sounded great.
Yesterday, Tom's sisters and their families came over for Tom's bbq. It was awesome, as always. Tom smoked a pork shoulder and made his special guava bbq sauce. It was a nice time. We sat and remembered Joe and talked about his memorial service. I think we are all ready to move on, but sad.
Today, I am off to a tough second grade class. I know I have to watch my back and not let them get away with much. I hate to be a hard sub., but the teacher has already cautioned me. It should be an interesting day.
Happy day everyone.....
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