Random Thoughts for the Day

I'm enjoying time off and time for myself.
I'm thankful for an amazing, loving and generous husband.
Excited to see family over Christmas.
I'm always eager to make peanut butter balls, but...
Praying for dear friends who are struggling right now...you are loved.
The sun is shining and that is glorious!
I must read.
Love Christmas music.
Thankful for girlfriends.
I enjoy hot tea and crosswords in the mornings.
Unsure about my new hair cut...might end up chopping it all off now.
Did I mention I'm excited to see family? I really can't wait, but I have to.
Super excited to see friends I haven't seen in a long time...especially friends from college and camp.
Love hearing others say Merry Christmas.

It's a wonderful day today. Sending love to family and friends.

Christmas Cheer

A year ago I took this picture as we were driving by the Space Needle on our way to Ballard to watch the Maldives play at the Tractor Tavern (Happy Birthday to my dear friend Molly). I absolutely love Christmas and this time of year, especially around the city. I love the smells outside and in my kitchen, I love the freindly gatherings with people we love, I love the excitement of buying, wrapping and giving presents, I love our travels to see family, I love the message shared at church during Christmas and how happy it makes my heart feel, I love the holiday music in every store...I LOVE IT ALL.

On our drive home last night from Molly and Ryan's house (dear, dear friends of ours) we were gloating, in a non-malicious way, about how great it is to be loved by so many people. The past couple of weeks we have shared more glasses of wine, great food, lots of laughter and have been surrounded by absolutely wonderful and amazing people...all who love us so much. It's somewhat overwhelming, but at the same time absolutely exciting. In return, Chad and I share that same love to others that we receive from all our friends. The feeling of love and friendship is mutual, and to think about how strong those feelings are, is even more rewarding and makes me feel all warm and happy inside. I know, sappy, right? But, it's true.

When I think about Christmas, I think about the love that we share with all our friends and family. It's an absolutely wonderful time of year...something that should not only happen once a year, but year round. We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas filled with lots of love, friendships and laughter.

Taking the Time...

Chad and I have lived in the Seattle area for almost 6 years now and often I think we forget how fortunate we are to be in such a beautiful area. On my drive to work a couple weeks ago, I was able to capture the beauty of Mt. Rainier, Lake Washington, and a majestic pink-ish colored sky through the trees. It was simply awe-inspiring and made me realize that I need to slow down in life more often. That's tough for us (me) to do, but we (I) are (am) going to work on this.

Thanksgiving in Oregon

We had a great Thanksgiving with my family in Oregon. After a couple of days at Granny and Papa's house we headed up the Oregon coast. Chad is pretty good and putt-putt...me, on the other hand, not so good.

Mid-Way Stop...

...at a winery! As we drove up the coast towards Tillamook, we stopped at a small winery...for a leg stretch...or for a good glass of wine.

Oregon Coast

The last couple of days of our Thanksgiving break we spent driving up the Oregon Coast. Sunday was absolutely gorgeous, sunny and somewhat warm (60 degrees).

Nut Shell

Here's what's been going on in our lives the past couple of weeks...

Prepping and teaching and scrambling to get everything in by Winter Break.
Small Tri Delta get together with friends from college (what a great visit).
Thanksgiving trip to Oregon.
Much needed visit with family.
Two day drive up the Oregon Coast.
Last minute planning and preparation for Outdoor Ed. trip to Canada with my 6th graders.
Christmas shopping and Christmas music being played constantly (I LOVE Christmas).
Continious Survivor gatherings on Thursday (I look forward to this every week)!
Making pico de gallo with 22 6th graders...learning about Mexcio's culture.
Final check on items packed for week long trip to Canada with 6th graders.
Looking forward to bus departure to Canada at 6:45 a.m. on Monday with approx. 80 kids.
Enjoying the glorious sunshine-winter days in Kirkland.
Girls night out with friends from church...I highly recommend The Christmas Carol in 3-D!
Woke up this morning with a head cold...hoping it goes away by Monday. (Come on netty-pot...work your magic!)
Thankful for my husband who is doing laundry because my head weighs a ton. I love him.

Good day to all. Love.