creative faery

Heavenly Angel Returning and Blessings

A beautiful angel, one of my kindergarteners went home to her Heavenly Father this week.  It was a tragic accident.  One which left the tiny community I teach in devastated.  It was a weird accident.  Their family was driving near a cliff near their house when a 250 pound rock landed only on her side of the car, killing her instantly.  Her family is really having a difficult time because this young girl was a lot like my little sunshine, happy and bright all the time.  The picture slides they showed of her made the whole church crumble because it's a great loss of joy to our community.  Her sister is the one I'm most worried about because they were so very close and she was sitting next to her.  I know how close my daughters are and how tragic that would be if they were separated.  I can't imagine what this is doing to her.  God must of really needed a bright spirit in heaven.  I know she's dancing there because you could always find her dancing.  Her magnificent spirit will be sorely missed.

Some blessings for this week have been our bright sunny days and finally the feeling of summer.  It's awesome!   I breathe sunshine and feel like myself again.  The flowers are blooming all around so beautifully.  (pictures later)

I'm learning a lot in school and stretching myself so much.  I never knew one subject, art, could make me smile and cry at the same time.  I also never knew it would be so crazy difficult!!!!   Where I hope I'm blessed in the future is really getting proportions and how to balance something...and maybe get a little swifter on coming up with ideas for these abstract projects.  It's challenging when you don't even know or understand what these projects are about...but they're fun, and I'm growing in ways I didn't think were possible.

So hey, here's to ART in ALL its glory!  AND here's to YOU in having a great week.

Bringing My Baby Back

It's finally sunny today...and all I can say is that it's because I'm bringing my baby back from Portland!  Even my cat knows...funny thing, he ALWAYS hangs out downstairs in our closet; but today, he was sleeping upstairs in HER closet.  Animals are so smart!

YEAH!   I'm so excited to see her and more excited she'll be nearby and that the visits won't seem so few and far between.  There's nothing like having your children come home.  She's very independent now and so grown up.  I'm very proud of her because she's learned financial freedom (so far) and how to live on a tight budget and a very small space.  I think she'll be very happy.  The most important part, she seems to not let boys interfere with her goals....that's cool!

Part of me is sad because now she's entering the world of grown-ups.  I wish she could have stayed in Portland to attend college one more year and just have fun and learn in a less stressful environment. But out-of-state tuition, even with scholarships, is way too expensive.  I want her to just enjoy the college experience without all the responsibilities we have as adults.  She'll still attend Boise State, but she wants to live on her own and be near the college...which means, learning to juggle a job and friends and school...not that she can't do that, because she did it very well in high school.  It's just that we get to have all those responsibilities for so very long.

What I get to remember is that she's HAPPY!  ANNNNND, SHE'S HOME!   I'll take pictures and put them up next week so you can see my sunshine girls!  Both of them are doing soooo well...

Have blessed day...talk to you soon.

McCall Retreat

Winding down...Yesterday, my husband and I went to McCall.  It's still one of the most beautiful and serene places on earth, and I can enjoy it just two hours from my home. There were very few people there by the lake, because it's still covered with snow...My husband just wanted to get away from the bustle of our daily lives.  I used to do this a lot as a little girl because we lived in the country and went to school in the city.  I got to experience daily retreats of solitude, which is difficult when you live with a family of 8...but I had a pond (neighbor's pond actually) that I would go to and write and just "be."   It felt a lot like the land of Narnia, because could be anything I wanted to be...pretending often...This is where I became a word warrior.  I loved writing and playing with words and witnessing all that was there in this kingdom...I fought my inner battles in this place, and I think it saved my life...I miss that haven.

I wish I was good at shutting out the world without this sanctuary, but I'm not...I let things come in and bug me to the point of self torture.  I neeeeed mother nature to center me and balance me.

The lake is still peaceful and calm because man can't take those noisy boats through yet...and you can just hear the sounds of mother nature, birds gathering and nesting, water gently moving, trees shaking...  After I trekked through the piles of snow, still about 6" thick in many places, I laid on a gnarly old log laying on the beach and soaked some vitamin "D."  I love the sun...It vitalizes and nourishes me...Why don't I take these retreats more often?

I feel more calm and ready to finish the year.  Two more weeks...may I remain patient with these children who have seemingly really lost their minds and forgotten how to be in school.  We're back to the first few days of a lot of crying...I think their anxiousness is due to worries of what will happen next year.  They just realized that I won't be continuing with them next year, which symbolizes another change and another person to get used to outside of mom.  It's scary, and it's hard.  I have to remember this and talk with them and ease them through this tough time.  Friday, they got to experience what it was like to be in first grade because they got to stay all day and eat lunch with the "big" kids and have buddies to do projects with...It's very cool!  For those of you who are so good at praying for me as I am on this journey, please put in an extra prayer...I'll need it... 

Sunshine gone again

My sunshine went back to Portland...and they say it rains a lot in Portland...but I'm sure with my Kelci there, it's sunny more often than not....funny thing, it's raining here in Boise today....It's dreary...

But ohhhhhhhh, did we have a great time!  We had the best Easter we've ever had..about 8 kids, lots of pizza and laughing till our guts fell out...then Monday we went to a concert, Kate Vogel; she's soooooo cute, energetic and fun!  She was featured on One Tree Hill, a teenage soap-like drama on t.v.  I hear lots of good music, even the show is not that exciting to me. The other two bands who played with Kate were fun too - Whitest Light had some good music and they have some clips on I-tunes...nice alternative sound, clear quality voice - Kelley James wasn't as good of a musician, but he certainly was entertaining and had a good song called "Stalker," but he assured us it was in a good way?    It's not main stage music, but I like small town people, they're down to earth and you can be right next to them on stage.  It felt intimate, like we were listening to them at a party, and then you can meet them afterwards.  There are still some good things left in this ever growing city.

Yesterday was errand day for Kelci and I...but it didn't seem like it because we talk and laugh a lot.  She's like my best friend...ohhhh I'm gonna miss her!   We took time to have pedicures ( a splurge I know - but we feel pretty!)

      I took a couple of Springish pictures...I say Springish is because Boise is being stubborn about breaking out the flower splashes this year....we have a couple of small buds, but hey, isn't it time to get this party started?   I found a squirrel out and about, but he "discovered" me and scampered off, and then I found this bird.  I'm not very knowledgeable about birds, but he was willing to pose for me.   I'm going to have to brush up on some of Valaine's great tricks....I know there are some more colorful guys out there!  I have to brush up on the focus too...It's a start toward the positive hope that Spring will soon be here. 

Well, until next time and more signs of spring, have a wondermous week...

Sunday combo

                           Sunday is "MY" day...I get to blog, and I get to do art while my kids are doing their t hings and my husband watches football (which is soon to end.)  So today, my entry might be lenghty because I have a few things to put together.

Sunday blessings - Sacred Life Sundays - As always, I am feeling blessed and loved.  I am at peace and surrounded by my family whom I know loves me...and though things aren't as rosy as I would like, the relationships are strong, open and honest.  We've come to a place of total acceptance, and it feels good.  It's funny when my kids' friends say, "you talk to your mom about 'that'?"  And they laugh and say they talk to me about everything...is it easy?  NO!  Sometimes I'm terribly frightened or my heart hurts from their sadness...but I stand strong and I put my arm around them and just love them!  Sometimes their choices aren't what I would have chosen, but I remember they are good kids and the choices and mistakes and rewards are theirs...they have to live life on their terms. And dear God, thanks for this AWESOME snow!  What beauty!    

"The date" is the prompt for Sunday Scribblings, one of my favorite Sunday visits of writers.  It's hard to pic one date, but I would have to say, the date I met my husband over 13 years ago, was the happiest date of my life...He brought me Sunshine and acceptance and an unconditional love I have never encountered in another human being...together, we forged a strong bond to give our kids what I couldn't give them alone.  How I wish, more than anything, that I would have me this man first...but then again, who is to say that I would be as strong of a woman or as appreciative or as good with relationships as I am now. My wish is that every woman in this world could have this blessing of feeling truly loved for the magic of who she is...and that every man could know that his woman holds him in high regard and love for who he is...

And lastly, I want to answer Mich's (Rainbow Dreams) heart chakra questions...she does a great job at virtual circle of coming up with questions...I'm glad she's back.  The heart chakra is one of my favorites as I appreciate opening my heart to love and be loved, to accept and be accepted, for these are vital if we want our world to heal.

Are you able to love yourself as  you are or do you put up with certain conditions?  For the most part, I feel I can love myself for who I am.  I KNOW that I am self reflecting and that means that I don't settle for the Marie I am today.  Excellence is truly being better than you were yesterday, and that means if I want to be better, I deserve to take a look, magnify and come up with a plan on how to be better.  Am I perfect?  No way!  But I do know I am better than yesterday.  As far as some parts, like physical parts that I am not unconditional about yet.  Mostly, I think that is because I have ALWAYS been a fit woman with this ideal image I've had of myself for over 30 years, and it wasn't until teaching that I decided to let certain things go...So I know I can be better, but sometimes I don't have the time I need to get that accomplished the way I want.  I have to give myself patience.

2. How often do you show appreciation to those around you including strangers?  I feel that I make a considerable effort to show strangers they are appreciated for being who they are and how they show up in my life.  I used to extend myself more to strangers because everyone deserves a smile and thoughtfulness...and it spreads!  That is one area I could stand to reve back up.

3. Are you still holding on to any feelings of grief?  Usually, I am able to forgive and forget.  I work for understanding of the "why" things happen in my life and support those feelings, but try to be rid of the negativity that if I dwelled on, could make me miserable.

4.Do you have any feelings of hatred or resentment towards someone in your life? If so, what can you do to forgive this person and free yourself from these old wounds?   I'm pretty sure that I don't have any current feelings of resentment or hatred towards anyone...but sometimes those little things fester, so I shall go dumpster diving and make sure those are cleared up.

5.  What parts of yourself do you deny? What can you do to reclaim aspects of yourself that you may have sacrificed to be accepted? I think I will have to go back to the physical parts...I deny what I look like in the mirror and that if I don't do something, my health will suffer.  I'm not WAY overweight, but I'm heavy enough to cause long term problems if I don't do something now.  I LOVE going to the gym, and last week I found a friend that goes to my gym!  Now, it only takes committment...which usually I'm pretty good at...it's budgeting that crazy thing called time now.

Well, I'm off to having a great week started!  My drawing class doesn't start until a week from tomorrow, so I'm on the move!  Have a blessed week my friends.

Taking Sunshine to Portland

I had an amazing winter break...one of the BEST I have ever had.  It's hard to let go and let the memories begin lingering.  I want to hold on to them so tightly!  My husband, for the first time, has been home for two weeks, and we've shared a lot and had coffee and re-remembered who we are as a couple and we are learning our new roles beginning as empty nesters soon.   He helped me get ready for Christmas while I was still in school; helped me with laundry so I could finish things up; remodeled my sun room so I can begin my new career in art; and just had coffee/conversations with me.  My dearest Kelci  and Kendra and I got to go shopping (not my favorite, but fun with them); we watched "One Tree Hill" seasons to catch up for the new season (again, learned favorite with my girls) and watched some Gilmore Girls (which I enjoy because it reminds me of me and my daughters having fun and bantering with each other);  we planned and celebrated and just hung out together.  This is the relationship with my daughter I've always wanted!   

She's my sunshine - hopeful, fun, optimistic, easy going, light hearted - did I say fun?   We're taking her to Portland in an hour, and I must say it's really difficult.  My heart is hurting quite a bit right now because I will miss her.  But Portland, the dreary, rainy state, could use my bit of sunshine.  Besides, her friends miss her a lot!   Why do I have to share?  Just kidding.  She's happy; and I am happy for her.  I will just miss her.

My husband seems to think it's hardest for me because for one, my girls have always been a part of my life and we've made it through some really tough times together; and two because I've had so many people in my life who couldn't cope with "real" life and just left.  My mom - when I was 5; my dad through drinking and various crazy people in my life who chose the hard way...I am afraid sometimes she won't come back (when my head is talking), but I know she and I have a strong bond (my heart talking), and she will confide in me.  The hope I have is how surprised her friends are that we talk about everything!  They say, you talk to your mom about "that?"   And she says, "yes, I talk to my mom about everything."  Admittedly, some of the things aren't easy to talk about...but more important to me is my relationship with my family...so, all uncomfortableness aside, we talk.  I'm grateful for that, and I feel very very blessed.

So Portland, enjoy your "sunshine" for this little bit.  I get her back in summer.  Yes, sunshine is a wonderful blue-eyed blonde girl with a love of life.  Take care of her for me please.

Happy New Year!

It was a very blessed New Year indeed!  I hope this post finds you happy, warm, and full of hope and promise for the New Year.  This is one of my favorite times of the year as it offers new promise and new beginnings...

I just got back from Texas as my dad turned 70 the day after Christmas.  My sister and I are the only ones who live far away...so we flew in for a huge family reunion! We surprised my dad by crouching down on the floor of my other sister's Jeep.  It was quite a funny sight.  Then she told him that she had some gifts to unload for him that she needed help with.  When he opened the door and saw us, you could tell he was definitely surprised!  That was one of the best surprises ever!!!

Carole and I ate the best food we ever ate and were afraid we couldn't come back on the plane...We had Mexican food for breakfast and Big Red soda and mesquite BBQ and sweet tea...

Then it was time for the big reunion. It could have been even bigger had ALL my dad's brothers and sisters had their families there...There were still a lot of us running around my brother Dusty's house.  It was indeed grand!  He has an awesome house, meticulously decorated.

Dusty and his wife Leah are amazing cooks and made us bar-b-que Texas style.  My cousin Kenny contributed a great brisket too!   My dad was very surprised and overwhlemed (he said in a good way.) We made a table in tribute to him complete with pictures of when he was in the Navy and with his brothers and sisters and some of us kids.  We made a photo album of memories of each of his kids and grandkids with special words from each of us that describe who he is to us.  I know he didn't get to read it because there was so much going on, but I know he appreciated it.  Then, we took lots and lots of pictures!  I have never seen so many cameras...   Then we had an awesome time feasting and enjoying the companying of my cousins that we haven't gotten a chance to get caught up with for a long time.  We definitely have to do this more often...

All in all, I would say it was a successful trip and party for my dad.  I'll try to include a few pics and then post some in the albums later. 

Have a wondermous New Year!  I hope to spend more time with you this year. I've officially been blogging for a year now, and it is something I truly enjoy...

Sunday Blessings - family

My daughter came to visit this weekend to help us celebrate my father-in-law's 80th birthday.  When we picked her up from the airport we stopped and had a two hour lunch!  We laughed so much that our sides hurt, and we got to remember why we love to be around each other and how easy it is to slip back into our modes of silly girls who know so much about each other.  There were a few moments of sharing that almost scare a mom, but she was so open and free about talking about her "wingdom" (kingdom of wings and freedom flights.)  I trust her and love her and am so proud of her.  I love our relationship...one girl was caught up in our elation and told us not too have too much fun...Our laughter is contagious, and just what I needed...now it might be Christmas before I see her again!  but it will be joyous and a whole month!

Thank you God for these dear blessings on this special day.  I'll have to post some pictures when I fix them...I have a stinky camera right now!    A Blessed Sunday to all of you!

Growing up Lessons

Last night was a wonderful night, and it carried into today.  I got to actually witness my daughter as an adult in a difficult time in her life...or at least what she would deem difficult, bordering on crisis.  My husband and I got to be part of  teaching her how to be in a good, healthy relationship by being the person you wanted the other person to see.

Her boyfriend bought her a very delicate, beautiful gift, a hand-made glass lily.  Lillies are her favorite flower, and it was obvious he went to great lengths to buy this and give it to her.  Last night when she was moving it, the middle fell off.  She is a passionate girl and crumbled to her knees in grief, afraid what her boyfriend would say and how she would make it up to him, and also thinking it was the end of their relationship because how could he trust her?  It's a new relationship and a fine present, both delicate and easily broken.  Then, while she was fixing it, more of it broke.  Nothing was shattered, it just broke off in big chunks, easily mendable.  Her boyfriend and a friend were coming to our house for dinner, and she didn't even want to tell him or show him or anything!  Her first choice was to opt out of honesty!  This frightened me because this is a foundational principal of having a good relationship.

Here's the cool part.  We were able to give her tips on how to approach the subject, maintain integrity, and continue to be treated with respect as a woman.  Her natural tendency would have been to beg and plead forgiveness and throw herself in the doghouse to be treated in a dog-like manner, teaching the young man she wasn't worthy to be treated better.

What really happened:  We had a very lovely dinner and played some fun games and had an awesome time. Later, she said she had to tell him something and showed him the broken flower.  She explained that she adored the gift and really tried to treat it with respect, but clumsily broke it.  She also said she would pay to have it fixed (reattached because it wasn't really broken).   He said, so lovingly I might add, that it was easily fixable,  that what mattered was his relationship with her.  Things were just things.  My daughter was rewarded with her dignity as a woman.  She beamed!  What was better, she rewarded herself by being honest, offering a solution and teaching him how she should be treated.  I was never prouder of her!   More so, I was grateful for this lesson learned at home BEFORE marriage and before things were set in stone.  It was so positive!

AND TODAY!  My youngest, in college in Portland, called to say she missed us and just needed a hug.  I thought she forgot she had a mom.  JK.   It was good to be missed.

All is well on the home front, and we are happy...thanks for letting me share.

random thoughts

Hello my friends...I missed you...This weekend was the end and the beginning.  I love how those two things come together...A new beginning offers hope to something even better. 

Some things I learned from printmaking that apply to daily life:  Every mistake can be corrected with time and patience and new thoughts and perspective.  I felt I had tried every mistake there was to make, and my instructor assured me that I had not...which left me a little despondent as I seem to learn many things the hard way.  I saw many people effortlessly pump out 3 prints with little or no mistakes...but what I also secretly know is one - my learning curve is a LOT higher...these are art majors, most of whom are in their senior year...2) that my mistakes teach me so very much about the process and about all the possibilities..3)  Even when I made a mistake, I didn't quit...I went until I couldn't go any longer this time (and might still be able to rectify some things later.)

How this applies to life:  no, I don't know all the answers, and this new life I am about to encounter is unchartered territory...I will make mistakes, but nothing that won't be fixable with patience, love, and understanding...the door is never closed...there's always room for improvement and there are so, so many possibilities to make this part of my life memorable and cherishable for me and for my daughters.

Kelci was happy.  She brought an old high school friend (a few months old-ha-ha) and they did little girl things...like making up silly road trip songs and funny stories and coloring in a coloring book and giggling...I loved it because I got to re-embrace my little girl...and then we fixed up her dorm and bought her fun stuff to use and great snacks..and set up her posters and just loved her...it was awesome!  And I was so glad I could be part of it.  I wanted to stay longer, but I had to be back to work and so did everyone else.  A few moms stayed for a week!  And while I secretly wish I had that much time, it was good for Kelci to "discover" things on her own.  Today she bragged about how she and her friends found places close by to get "emergency" snacks and finding fast places to shop because everything else is so far away...Targets and Walmarts are nowhere close...whatever shall they do?  They shall survive.  Kelci was ecstatic because she helped her roommates set up their internet and put together their furniture (because she can look at a picture and just do it).  Her independence shown through, and I was beaming proud!  My girl...big city girl...gonna do great.

My daughter Kendra, her sister who is 11 months older, cried all day...they've never been apart...and I knew she was going to miss her.  I think she wishes she had made different choices...but it's not too late.  She's been studying like crazy and starting to save her money so she can join her in the summer.  I'm glad to see her with goals and dreams again...I know the depth of her missing her sister because each and everytime I see my sister, I cry a lot when it's goodbye time.  It seems so far away until the next time I will see her.  She has to come live across the street from me one of these days!  Maybe when she's a red hat?

To all of you who gave me your love and hugs and prayers and said all the right things without judging me or shaking a finger at me, I am forever grateful.  Each day will be a blessing and there will be some days of rain...but I WILL get peaks of my sunshine girl, and it will be better.

Needing prayers for this rainy season

This is another rainy season...the tears have been falling pretty steadily...tomorrow is the day we move my daughter to Portland...This is harder than most anything I've ever done...Believe me...I'm happy for her...but I will sorely miss her sunshine and her beauty and her laughter and her smile...I will miss watching silly shows like Hannah Montana and some shows I'm not excited about like Heroes because she likes them...I will miss going to visit her at work, and yes, I'll even miss bringing her and her friends lunch...that was so fun!  It was kind of like being a mom to the whole staff!

My role is changing...and yes, you can tell me I'll be fine...and yes, I KNOW I'll be fine...but right now the pain is flowing, and I really need to let it out...I know I need time...and I know I need focus on the positive...but right now, I just want to feel the loss and let it go...I want to grieve and to miss her...then it will be easier to be happy for her...

how do you replace sunshine?      You can't...you just wait for it to return and play in the rain...

Happy Anniversary my love

To my wonderful husband, Happy Anniversary.......You are my soul mate and best friend...You love me through and through........This is my poem revised and rededicated to you...

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My LAF

I gazed in adoration at the

Unexpected gift before me –

A bouquet of three – a daisy, a carnation, and a rose…

An odd assortment to some,

But the intentions were true and thoughtful

For they are three of my favorites.

As I admired their loveliness,

I contemplated the qualities of each which draws my appreciation,

And I was reminded of my true love

One I hold dear and precious.

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The rose speaks of my Lover’s velveteen kisses

Which linger on my lips for hours

And of his goodness and honesty

Which have allowed our love to open

And blossom to the greatest beauty known.

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The carnation’s white feathery edges

Are likened to my Angel’s wings

Which have taken me

On an astral flight to peace and freedom

Of being who I am.

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The daisy is like my Friend,

Centered and most colorful in the middle,

With his outermost edges pointing to many adventurous places

To catch the best of the sun’s rays!

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The greenery of the ensemble is

A memento of his spring

Which has showed me life

And brought my heart

Out of a cold, dark winter.

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The water represents the spiritual life

Given to all for growth.

The vase’s beauty is likened to

His graceful, gorgeous body

Which contains all these wonderful things.

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And lastly, the elegant ribbon

Which ties this passionate package together

Is his terrific mind.

Oh my love, wherever you are,

thanks for the best gift

Which reminds me of the wonder of you,

For you are my sunshine, my smile,

My L A F….

I love you angel!

On the Other Side of Fear is Love

Isn't this a great view?

I just have to tell you about my experience taking my daughter to Portland State.  Immediately as I walked on campus, I felt welcomed and at home.  There were so many diverse people of all ages and cultures.  I LOVED it!  To me, this is the ultimate experience living with so many different people.  Can you imagine what you could learn?  I want to go there!  My husband said of course you do...you love school. I was in awe with the culture of the campus as well.  Though it's HUGE, it has a warm, home-town feel.  Everyone talks to everyone as if they've know them for years.  A woman I knew for only 20 minutes offered to take me to the airport!  She is like someone I wish I could be; someone you feel at home wiht instantly.  I do have that affect on children, however.  My husband laughs because there could be only one kid within a 100 mil radius, and they would find me.  Sometimes it amazes me when I'm sitting somewhere and a child sits right next to me and starts talking.  (but that's off topic.)

So the good news is, my daughter was comfortable too.  Not only are the people great, but the school is of a high caliber with up-to-date, best practices teaching.  I was impressed with what they were learning.  The kids have a whole Freshman and Sophomore year of what they call inquiry; learning about themselves, their community and their world through guided questions (usually related to their field of study.)  What a strong foundation for success.  They also dealt with issues of parents like me who were sending their kids off to college for the first time, with tips and tricks to giving just the right amount of assistance, not too much, but not too little either.

I know it will be difficult; and I know I will be sad; but I do know that it will be a great place for her to study and find herself.  It's not that far, and she can come visit every other month or so.  I would have taken a picture of her there, but she didn't want to look like a tourist.  Ahhh...she was radiant...

On the other side of fear is love...love for her opportunities; love for the wonderful place she's in; love beaming for her...(and pride too...she did good!)

Hey, I'm back!

Hey my wonderful friends and family!  It feels good to be back.  I went to Texas to a family reunion.  Unfortunately, it's in Grandbury, Tx and our e-mail and cell phones didn't work.  Occasionally, I could receive messages, but I couldn't send any.  I must say, it was a lot like Kelci's graduation where there were over 50 of us who haven't seen each other for more than 25 years!  It was fun catching up with people and seeing that we could all just be and enjoy each other's company.  You know, the last two weeks have shown me the blessings of healing when hearts allow for differences and mistakes and accept each other just as they are.  May all of you be blessed in this same way.

My wonderful friend Annie tagged me (my first tag, I hope I do her proud) with 8 random facts about me.  I haven't really thought about it, so I guess that would mean they are really random!

1. My name is Marie, and I am a "word addict."  I love all kinds of word puzzles and games and am enthralled with a challenge, especially when someone gets my heartrate up with anticipation of trying to beat them.

2. I am a hopeless romantic...movies, surprises, candles and books.  My husband and I have Happy Thursday where we build surprise, fun dates for each other.  I have started writing a book about the dates!

3. I love books...at one time I had about 3,500 children's books because I love the genuine, simpleness of their stories.  It would be hard to pick an all time favorite, but there are a few like Bridge to Teribithia and Red Fern Grows.  But my kids would tell you I say every book is my favorite.  The language and music of Dr. Seuss intrigues me.

4. I don't have any broken bones or surgeries, and I've never been to the hospital for anything other than having my babies.  Isn't that weird?

5. I've always wanted to be a teacher and believed most of my life that it was my calling.  I went back to school when I was in my early 30s as a single mom of two.  It was the most difficult time of my life, but it was the time I learned who I was and what I was made of.  It's my proudest moment.

6.  I suppose this won't come as a surprise because I love books and words, but I enjoy writing.  I'd like to write a book or two someday, but I'm very afraid.  Blogging has been my first steps in even sharing writing.  I like learning about people and talking with them.  But my book would be for assisting young teens by having other teens work with them...

7.  Sprituality is important to me, but I feel oftentimes I don't spend as much time communing with God and angels as I deserve to.  Life is beautiful and free when I do.

8.  I really enjoy learning about everything!  I will take classes to improve my teaching or myself or to be a better mom.  My favorites lately have to do with writing and art because I truly believe that is the direction my life will take me.

Thank you my dear friend, Annie!  This was indeed fun.  However, I don't think I can return the favor of tagging, because I still don't know very many people, and you've tagged the ones I know!  Any takers?  We'd love to know about you...

Some peace and celebration

Well, you should be hearing a little more from me in the next few weeks as I'm coming up for air.  My days are still busy with moving, but I have my nights more free.  My daughter's graduation was wonderful, and I got 2 very supportive e-mails while I was waiting, and it was awesome!  (I have a Blackberry that my husband got me for Mother's Day to keep up with my appointments.)  Kelci had 24 people there.  Had could she not feel the love?  The best part was there was a party afterwards with all kinds of family.  There were ex-husbands and ex-wives and ex-inlaws, who weren't ex at all, but were treasured friends who came to honor her and her accomplishments.  It's great when we all put our differences aside for a noble cause.  All wars could probably be solved just as these family issues were, with a lot of communication, goals, and lots of kindness. I was proud of everyone there at that moment, and many of you know what hell I had been to with these people, and how nice it was to lay down the weapons and be at peace and celebration.  If you knew Kelci, you would know why it's easier to do this arbitration.  Kelci IS love.  Kelci IS friendship.  Kelci IS honor.  My husband and I joke that she is a better person than we are.  We could learn from her.  I'm not saying this because she's my daughter.  I'm saying it because she has taught me so much in her young life because she gets things at a young age that I didn't until my later years or haven't yet at all.

About leaving my kindergarten kids...because of the move and because I still have parents/teachers coming in and out of my room yet, it doesn't seem real. Though, today, it was very real saying goodbye to my team of wonderful ladies.  We tried not to look at each other and just made an appointment to see each other next month.  It seemed less final and made it easier to handle all the emotions we were all feeling.

But...my new classroom.......ohhhhhhhhhhh, it's very pretty! It has blues and crimson and white. It's spacious. AND, I have whiteboards!!!  no more chalk dust, no more mold, no more icky, sticky air and hard brick walls.  I can actually put posters on the wall AND I have WINDOWS!!!  You might think I'm weird, but I haven't seen the sun in ages!  We can grow plants without a grow light...and I have 5 computers...well, you get the idea.  The newness gets me excited about new prospects and fun things I will be facing.  It won't all be challenging.  Besisdes, I have the best teammate...

All this to say, I miss you.  I'm alive and well, and I appreciate, more than you will ever know, how you supported me even when I was unavailable.  Guess I better do some catching up!  Take care my friends, and thanks for being there for me.  XOXOXOXOX

Hollywood Night

Last night was Kelci's 18th birthday party...She and I created a Hollywood Night because she loves movies so.  The best part, ever, was creating it together...it was fun to bounce ideas off and watch the excitement grow...and then...and then we could...and then...It was a memorable moment when two creative souls, mother/daughter who are sometimes at odds, melded together to create something...How I treasure this time.  The party was fun, but it didn't seem as exciting as I thought it would be...many people didn't dress up, and it was difficult to get them to go "do" something...but in the end, she said she had a great time just hanging with her friends and being the "star"  of the night.(she was Marilyn - how could she not be the star?)  They are all 18 and in the moment.  I learned a beautiful lesson on just hanging out... M aybe you'll recognize some visitors... Here are some pics...

Kelci   - as Marilyn Monroe

Kendra - her sister as Amy Lee

Bill Gates - a friend of theirs

The front door

the table