On My Way to San Diego

"Good Lookin' Out."

This was a phrase from the mean streets of Philly that translates to mean, "Thanks for thinking of me"or "Thanks for helping me." Today I want to give a shout out to our very merciful and kind God. I am at work (on Saturday) finishing grades. I went to go get a drink, gearing up for the hours that lay before me. As I walked back to my room, I ran into Becca (the girl who invited me to the party) who was also doing grades. We chatted and started to part ways when I realized that my door was locked. My keys, purse, and phone were all being held hostage. Turns out, Becca's key worked in my door. Now let's recap:

• No one is typically here, especially the day after break.
• I didn't have anyone to call because all the info was in my phone, in the locked classroom.
• I couldn't have driven anywhere to get help; knocking on doors was an option.
• It's cold outside :)
• There are no custodians on duty to help

God, you are amazing. Thank you for seeing me and going before me!!

Thank you Aunt Barbara and Uncle Erick!!

I love the smell of fresh pine. Imagine my surprise when I came home to a package with my very own Christmas wreath inside! Thank you so much for thinking of me and filling my apartment with holiday cheer! Love you!

Night Out!

It may be hard to believe, but I actually went out on a weekend instead of going to work. :) I was invited to a party where we were under the strictest of instructions to dress up. I finally got to re-wear a bridesmaids dress! Thanks J!!These are some of my co-workers that I really don't know at all.

At least they look fun. ;)

Santa Barbara- A Songwriter's Dream

These lovely pictures are taken at The Jacks' Family home in Santa Ynez. Mr. Joel Jacks is a favorite co-writer and dear friend of mine. His wife Karen, and three children are amazing and always make me feel like part of the family. Shout out to Annie, Ray, and Will JACKS!! :) See you in a few!

The Barn

Inside the Barn

PCH

Vista Point off PCH

In case you were wondering . . .

Yes I do LOVE that blue sweatshirt. You know, the one that is in every recent blog. Anybody have a count of how many times it appears? Who ever guess correctly first gets a blog post dedicated in their honor! :)

Silly Science

At least that is what a local newspaper calls what I do in class with my kids. They meant it in a fun way, though. I think . . . wait, should I be offended? hee hee


I was so excited to see my kids in the newspaper demonstrating plant kingdoms.

Rachel, Elijah, and ???

One of my favorite things is to hold babies. Elijah has grown so much since I last saw him. :) He is still perfect and the most content little guy I have met. Congrats to Rachel and Ian who have another bun in the oven!!

Rachel hates this picture but it is the only one with all of us.

Aww

Awwwwwwww

Reunited and It Feels So Good

Krissy, my infamous cross-country traveling buddy, and I were able to get together and share some much loved Starbucks. We re-lived old adventures but mainly oohed and ahhed over where our lives have taken us. She is a soldier to the core and is preparing to go abroad in Feb. I don't know what I would have done without her generous heart of friendship in driving out with me to TN. I will miss you, sister! Praying for you!!

Alumni

I was blown away to come home for Thanksgiving and have a little party to reunite with my former students and their parents! I couldn't stop smiling after they rushed me and gave me a huge group hug. These seriously are amazing kids with amazing hearts. For those of you reading, thank you so much for coming to hang out, play Pictionary and catch up!! I LOVED seeing you! Thank you, Rachel, for putting it together and opening your beautiful home!

Zoe and Hally

Pictionary

Hard Core Pictionary

Tania rockin' the guitar!

Mitchell!

The fabulous Rachel and McKenzie

Party Animals

Before and After

Before: CA 11/25

After: TN 12/1

Signs

It's official. I am surrounded by the coolest family, friends, and students ever! These thoughful signs say so much more about their makers. Thank you for the ways you make me feel special and loved. You are all so special to me! :)

Found

My cell phone was in the washing machine. I will have a new one by this weekend, but can't check messages anymore. I feel disconnected, but at peace. See you soon!

Cell Phone

is MIA . . .

Hello dear ones! It has been too long! Here is a picture of this year's class. They presented me with a rolling podium for teacher appreciation week. WOW! I also was given a winter supply of Starbucks cards. Man it's getting cold around here and I am so thankful!



Other tid-bits:

• I am sitting here on a Sat night watching Finding Nemo and munching a delicious homemade chicken quesadilla with a side of asparagus. I went in to work tonight for a few hours. I have been called a "work-a-holic" by several people. Truth is, I feel like I am in a glass box. Good news is I feel like I am getting better at my job that challenges me on every level.
• I teach guitar to a few girls on Thursdays. It is a great way to get to know them.
• I am coming home for Thanksgiving and Christmas!! Can't wait!
• Smudge is a great companion. She has now taken to sitting and even sleeping with me on some privildged occasions.
  
• I have started taking the steps to get more plugged in at Fellowship Bible Church

Smudge getting comfy on the couch next to me.

Meet my team teacher, Mary Carol! She is as fabulous than she looks! :)

"Sometimes" is Today

Sometimes I just really want to watch the Sound of Music.

Saturday Driving

Horses!

Breath-taking drive.

My FAVORITE!

Tennessee is a place where I can breathe in the sights at any moment. It actually soothes my heart and shouts about God's majesty all at once. Open fields and sunlight playing with the fall colored leaves is beauty in action. Come for a visit. You'll like it. Winter is almost upon us, so I'll let you know if this fuzzy feeling stays! :)

TN Weather Channel

The forecast has dramatically changed from sunny with a high of 75 to CHILLY! When in Rome . . . Did I mention that I am currently enjoying something called "Fall Break?" It's the strangest concept. We get two days off to enjoy ourselves. Perhaps it has something to do with the weather to soon become even more restrictive and this is our last chance to enjoy the fading warmth of summer. I hear CA is having the opposite situation. Heat waves?!

Day 1 of so named "Fall Break" : I watched most of We Are Marshall while toasting marshmallows and making smores. It was raining outside. "It's not like I want to build a summer home here but the trees are actually quite lovely." Name that movie. :)


Impatient mallow making . . .


I LOVE PUMPKINS! I greatly miss getting to go with my niece and nephew this year.

Day 2: In progress :)

In Response to Val

True, the beach is a far off dream that I will have to visit, but let's not even get started on the Fall competition. These pictures were taken on my way to work. What's missing? Traffic, concrete, tall buildings . . . oh and I can visit like 12 states in a weekend. :)






But I do miss the sound of the waves . . .

Durango in Pictures

Treva Bloomquist (http://trevamusic.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/treva) and Sarah Buxton (http://profile.myspace.com/sarahbuxton), an amazing artist with a killer voice. Her big cut was "Stupid Boy" by Keith Urban. I LOVE the song "Space" that she wrote with Chuck Cannon and his wife.

Hanging with friends!

"Put 'em up! Put 'em up!

Penny Dionne and Troy McConnell. Great people and authors of the book Songplugger: The Cuts and the Bruises."

Wardrobe malfunction

Cheyenne Mountain Resort, CO Springs

My new friend Treva! She laughs at my jokes. . .

Debut of "Forever With You." Dee and I's shout out to Maroon 5. :)

I felt very important. Funny how a piece of paper can transform a morning. hee hee