Merry Christmas

I didn't send holiday cards this year, but I sure enjoyed getting them from family and friends. Thanks, everyone! School is done for 2009 and I am officially on vacation. I am hoping that I get to spend some of it with family, weather permitting. I will have Mae and Tom here for Christmas day dinner, again, weather permitting and I haven't cooked the traditional meal myself in a long time. It's fun to plan! Saturday is for the kids and Chelsey is hosting. Sunday, hopefully, off to see my sisters and Mom.
This year has brought us some challenges but way more rewards. Seems as if when we are almost ahead financially, something breaks down, but we have managed. Our jobs are stable and we get to help others live better lives every day we go to work. Sometimes we even get appreciated! I was tickled this week when I got a gift from one of the kids in one of my reading classes and he wasn't a special needs kid. That has not happened to me in all the years I've taught.
We wish for and pray that each reader get just what they've always wanted this Christmas and in the coming New Year.
Some thoughts I received in a card this year:
Don't compare your life to others; you have no idea what their journey is all about.
Everything can change in a blink of an eye, but don't worry - God never blinks.
Get rid of everything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
If we threw all our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
Get outside everyday. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

More Birthday fun

This time it was Dallas' birthday - I will post some pictures, but I took a ton since Dan found the new camera. Also thanks to the patron saint of lost items (there really is one, and my Catholic friends all were praying for him to show me where the camera was). Also you may be interested to know we have a second vehicle again and Dan doesn't have to drive Miss Shirlee around anymore. This grandma is driving a 5 speed Passat!
As far as the pictures go, can't you just hear the motor sounds? Brummm Brumm!

Where's...

I've been waiting to blog for the new camera I ordered to arrive. I was going to take a few pictures and post them. Well..... the camera came and it is easy to use and takes great pictures. I thought I put it in my bag to bring to school to load the pictures and blog them, but yesterday I didn't have the camera. I can't find it anywhere. Brand new! Where the heck is it? Lefty and Pudge didn't take it! I HATE when this happens!
Tonight a haircut, then Dan's company Christmas party.

catching up, finally

Gee, I'm getting as bad as everyone else, not posting! I have an excuse - I've been sick again. Pretty sure it started with the flu, WAY BACK on Labor Day, then I had bronchitis, now ear infection. I am taking antibiotics, but its not helping. My ear doesn't hurt, but very rarely clears enough for me to hear. I stayed home the first couple of days, but thought I might as well try to teach. The kids just have to speak up. I'll go back to the Dr as soon as the pills are gone. Maybe they can try something else.
This weekend I went to a little quilt shop in a home in a tiny town near here (Tracy) with a friend. The owner is everyone's grandma, you certainly get welcomed there. I bought some Christmas fabric to use on the backs of some quilts made with panels that I bought several months ago. I got a couple of them put together today.
We are one third done with the school year this week. Hard to believe, huh? Nothing else going on around here - just work.

BIRTHDAY fun

Here are some pics from Lynne and Chelsey's dessert birthday party on Sunday. Dan and Emily are recovering from a giggle fest in this picture - something about jumping on the couch in a story or something.

This one is Dallas enjoying being served cheerios by both aunts at once!

Regular stuff

Nothing much going on here. I went to the Dr and am taking antibiotics but still have a cough. It gets a teensy bit better every day. Other than that I am just keeping secrets. Lynne and Chelsey are going to celebrate their birthdays on Sunday and I am going to try a couple of magazine recipes for desserts.

new stuff

I have just a few minutes before I get to go stand in the rain and watch students get picked up after school. Thanks for giant umbrellas. I noticed that when the other team did their two weeks it was sunny every day. In the 14 days I have had this duty it has rained 6.
I am trying a new adventure. Our church has had a very large set of bells for a long time, but no choir for about 10 years? Well, we are attempting it again. I just had to be part of this. We rehearse on Wednesdays at 5:00. I asked Dan to meet me at church last night and we went on a "date" for supper before we went back to church for chancel choir. It was fun and relaxing, so I think we'll try it again next week. Our plan is to share the "wealth" among all our fast food places. I am lead teaching in all four of my classes this week, and really enjoying the experience. It does make for a tired voice by the end of the day, though, something I don't usually have in my small group work.
Gotta go have fun in the rain---