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