Flight Over Wisconsin!

If I ever say that my life here in Wisconsin is boring then I am a big-old-liar! I've experienced so many things here that I don't think I ever would have done before! Today a cousin of mine took me for a ride in his airplane. IT WAS SO FUN!! I wasn't nervous about flying with him. I was more afraid of it being bumpy and feeling sick. But it wasn't bumpy at all. He even let me fly for a few seconds!! How cool is that?! He tried scaring me a few times with sharp turns (which he warned me about right before each one) but I wasn't scared. He told me after that I am fearless. :) I totally have an adrenaline rush from it! I saw my house, church, school, several homes of people I know, and the my grandpa's lake! We even went far enough that we could see Lake Michigan.
The fall leaves looked incredible from the sky! That was the main reason I asked him if I could go with him. And I wasn't disappointed! I'm so glad that God allows us experiences like that to see His amazing creation! God's love for me is so great! 

So...Much...Fun!!!

 

Oh the Possibilities of 2016

Found myself day dreaming this morning about 2016.
       Before moving to Wisconsin when I'd think about the year ahead it was pretty predictable. Sure things would come up to change the norm, but all in all it was predictable. I'm not sure if that is a good or bad thing. In one sense I really liked it because like most people I'm not a huge fan of change. But on the other hand it wasn't so good because I would get comfortable and just enjoy my time in my bubble.
       Since my move in 2014 I feel like everything down the road is up in the air and could change at the drop of a hat. And honestly the 2014-15 school year was pretty much like that. Nothing happened like I thought it was going to happen. Now I have NO idea of what 2016 will look like.
       I'm actually looking forward to the end of it so I can look back and see how God orchestrated it all. There are just so many unknowns right now.

• I'm not sure how things are going to go with my job after this school year is over. 
• Since moving here God has provided me with two great friends who've encouraged me so much. In October one moved 2 hours away and the other friend will probably move away this summer. So I'm not sure what my friendships will look like by the end of the year. 
• My church is looking for a new pastor right now. I've really struggled with the person who has stepped into leadership while we've been looking for a new pastor. I do think his heart is in the right place. He wants our church to grow and prosper, but he has legalistic tendencies and often says things that I don't agree with. And he is leading the pastor search so that makes me nervous about the pastor that will come in next. Will I agree with him? Will he be legalistic? Will I need to find a new church? 

See what I mean? A year of unknowns.
As I was day dreaming/worrying about all of this this morning I was reminded of the Psalm we went over in prayer group this week.

Psalm 16
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, "You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you."
As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows on those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me;
because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 

       I could sit around and imagine the possibilities of 2016, but that's all they are possibilities. Instead I need to lean on the only one who has everything in His hand. He will preserve me. He will keep me safe. I only need to trust Him. I really like verses 8-9.
"I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure."
       He is always with me. I have confidence that God will always be at my right hand to hold me secure no matter what comes my way.

2012 Goals (finally)

I started writing this post as my goals for this year (last month). The list was too long. There are so many things that I would like to improve on during 2012. Then I was listening to Klove and they were talking about choosing a word to strive to be during the year. They talked about the same thing last year too and I didn't think much of it, but this year I think I'm going to focus on it. 

At first I thought the word I would choose would be organized. I am not a very organized person. The most organized part of my life right now is my Pinterest boards. (bad bad bad) Over the last few months I've been so frustrated with how un-organized I am. Let me tell you, I've been really annoyed with this problem I have. 

As I thought about it longer I decided that my word for the year was going to be faithful. I want the Lord to find me faithful in everything I do: my time in the Word and prayer, with my family, friends, my job, the commitments I make, my finances, and how I take care of myself. I firmly believe that if I take care of the first two items on that list then the rest will fall into place. 

Blond Moment

I had a major blond moment this afternoon. It was hilarious! Thought I'd give you all a good laugh.
I went to pick my sister up at work and take her to a memorial service of a family friend. She told me that she would meet me in front of the library. Easy place to pick someone up downtown. Well, I was several minutes early and had it in my head that I would have to drive around the block at least once before she would be out of her building. So I drive past the library and am about to turn the corner at the other end of the block when I see my sister frantically waving at me from in front of the library!
I have no idea how I missed her! And she was wearing a very red coat! Finally made it around the block and picked her up. I guess I was really wasn't thinking that she would be out there already. Hahaha! She told me that a guy rolled down his window as she was waving laughed and said, "I can't believe she missed you!" Where is my brain?
...I'm so embarrassed.

Day 30!!

Day 30!
I finally did it!
I'm not sure if I'm really cut out for a 30 day blog challenge. Lol! It took me a long time to finish "30 days."

Ok here it goes...
Day 30 - A future.

This challenge has been filled with "somedays", "favorites", and "I'd like to"'s. And it is finishing out that way too.  Sometimes those things are good to write about, and other times not so much. Maybe it is a good thing I've spread this whole thing out. :) I want to write about two futures. One that I know for sure will happen and one that I'd like to happen.

My for sure future...
Because I have put my faith in Jesus Christ, Heaven is in my future. Not sure when in my future, but I will be there! Personally I don't like thinking about dying, but I've had my mind on heaven lately. The first several Bible lessons I've taught at school this year have been about heaven. I love the looks on the kids faces when we talk about the wonderful things about heaven. They have so many questions and I definitely don't have all the answers. Most of my answers have "I'm not sure"'s or "I don't think so"'s in them. I don't think that I think about it enough. Heaven is going to be so wonderful! I really shouldn't have a problem when thinking about dying because the place I'm going to is so much better than this world!

My maybe someday future...
If I had a choice my future would be filled with teaching, marriage, my own children, a published children's book and a bunch of traveling. That all sounds good to me. The Lord only knows.
I'm happy to be teaching right now, so I guess I'm on the right track. Now I need to work on the book. I have lots of ideas, just have to get going with it.

And there you have it! The end of my 30 day blog challenge!! Woo Hoo!

Day 29

A place that gives you wanderlust.

I love traveling. I wish that I could do it more. I love flying, as long as I'm not rushing through the airport. I'm one of those people who gets on an airplane and almost immediately falls asleep (much to the frustration of my sister). In a sense I'm thankful that I have friends and family who live outside of California because that means I can go visit them.

A place that I've been to that makes me want to travel more is Hawaii. I've only been there once but it left a good impression on me. I love the beautiful beaches there. It is so relaxing. This picture makes me want to grab my swimsuit,  a towel and a good book... and sunscreen of course. :)

Day 28

A Quote

I'm sure I know some good quotes, but I decided to look at the quotes on goodreads.com for a good one. There were several that I like, but here is the one I chose.

"A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water." 
— Eleanor Roosevelt

This can be very true for me. I'm not the strongest person, but when in a situation where I need to be strong I am right there. (At least I think I am) That strength does not come from me. It comes from the Lord who knows what I need and when I need it. Isn't that great!

Day 27

A thing that makes you mad.

Mad is such a strong word. I don't I get mad very often.
The times I've really gotten mad have been when someone has done something to someone in my family. I love my family a lot and I'm pretty protective of them. You mess with my family and you'll have to answer to me! (yes - I realize that this threat is not very intimidating - lol!)

Day 26

A thing you want to do before you die.

Oh goodness.
There are so many things I would like to do before I die.
Just to keep it interesting I'm not going to say get married. Even though that is my first thought. :)
So other than that one I'd really like to visit Europe. No particular part. Just some place in Europe. Preferably a beautiful place. I don't care if I see a big city or in the country. I just really want to go to Europe.
Someday.

And someday I'll finish this blog challenge. :) Hopefully before I ever get to go to Europe. Ha!

Day 25

Day 25 - A song

How can I just choose 1 song?!? 

I really like this one. 

Listen to the words they are wonderful!

I'm so thankful for what Christ has done for me!

Maybe when I'm done with the 30 day challenge I'll do a 30 day song challenge. That might be fun!

Day 24

Day 24 - A topic that makes you think

Yikes, it has been a long time since I posted Day 23. July flew by! June seemed to take it's time, but July...I'm not sure where it went! Now we are into August!

So, on to day 24. (so much for doing 30 consecutive days)
       This may not come to as a surprise to you, but school is what makes me think. School is most definitely on my mind right now. Day camp is done and I feel like I'm at the top of a roller coaster about to go down the first drop with school at the bottom. My stomach is doing flip flops just thinking about it. There is so much to get done and only 2 weeks to go. Along with that I'm not able to work in my room for the next two days due to the carpets getting cleaned. I am thankful to have clean carpets. And there are other things I do need to get done without being in my classroom.
       I love being a teacher. And this year is going to be the best one yet! Have I mentioned that I have my own class this year? (just thought I'd throw that out there in case you forgot - lol!)
       But seriously, teaching really does get my brain going. There are so many things to consider when teaching. The kids are all at different levels and different attention spans. What do I do about the kids who just can't sit still? How can I keep the entire class engaged in the lessons? How can I reteach a subject so the kids understand? How can I encourage the kids to LOVE to learn? When am I going to get all this grading done?
       I went in to work this morning for a while and I got all pumped up for the year. As I was driving home with a list of things to do I was thinking about my relationship with my students. There are about 5 kids in my class whom I haven't met yet. I'm so excited to meet them and get to know them! I want them to all like me, but that is not my goal. I would be in big trouble if that is what I was trying to do. More importantly I want them to learn and to love learning.
       How can I keep learning interesting?

       The Magic School Bus books came to mind. I've read a few of the books and watched some of the movies. Those kids love to learn. I started picturing myself as Ms. Frizzle their kooky teacher. She is a little crazy, but she sure does make learning fun. Maybe I should get a curly orange wig. :) Thankfully I don't need that in order to keep kids interested in what we are learning in school. But as I new teacher I'm going to need a few tricks up my sleeve for those afternoons when kids don't really want to pay attention. For now I'll plan a lot of hands on activities, but I think I'll stay away from dresses that have patterns relating to what we are learning, just don't think I'm that dedicated. :)

Day 23

Day 23 - A Meme
Meme? What is a meme?
I had to google it. This is the definition that made the most sense to me. 

Meme - An idea that self-reproduces like a virus; a catchphrase or concept, or other unit of social currency. Example: "Where's the beef?"

 Well, I like the example they gave in the definition, but I can't use that one. The only thing I can think of is "Good Grief" from the Peanuts cartoons. A lot of people relate that phrase to Charlie Brown. I say it all the time and the kids I work with usually remind me that Charlie Brown says it too. 

Do this count?

"Are you ready for some football?"
Everything I think of has to do with TV. Does that tell you something? I watch way too much tv. 


Can you think of a Meme? 
I'm sure you can come up with a better one than me. 

Day 22

Day 22 - A thing you do everyday
As I'm thinking about this I'm realizing that there are somethings I do everyday and that I shouldn't. For instance watch tv. I wish I could say that I read my Bible everyday, but I'm working on that one.

I guess the thing I'm the most consistent at everyday is drinking coffee. Hahaha! I'm turning into my dad! The only time I don't drink coffee is if I don't have creamer when I make coffee at home. I love drinking coffee. I haven't had any yet today, but I'm thinking I'll get some while I have a layover on my trip today.

Have a good day!

Day 20

Day 20 - A picture of my "crew"

I have several "crews" one from high school, 2 from college and one from now. I couldn't just choose one of them to post about so I did them all. :) Unfortunately I don't have a picture from high school on my facebook. I guess I need put a few up soon.

My Chorale "Crew"

My Dorm "Crew"

My Santa Rosa "Crew"

Day 21

So I'm skipping day 20 (a picture of my "crew") because I'm not at my home computer so I don't have any pictures available. If I have time I'll pull some off of facebook, but I'm currently waiting for kids to show up at day camp. Once someone gets here I have to log off. 

Day 21 - A dream I had recently

I'm not that great at remembering my dreams. I usually remember only bits and pieces and they are usually very weird. The last one I remember had to do with a snail. All I can remember is Danika holding a really, I mean really, long snail and she was flinging it around. I was totally grossed out, which is probably why I remember it. 

This dream stems from two things. The first being that when Danika was little we found her in the sandbox with her finger in a snail and a very zoned out look on her face. NASTY! Secondly, I saw a ton of snails outside a friends house a few weeks ago. Again I say Nasty!

I wish I had a more exciting dream to share, but that's it and there is a kid here now so I have to go. 

Have a great day!

Day 19

A Recipe

This is one of my favorite recipes that I use. My family loves it when I make it. I actually found it on allrecipes.com. You should try it! It is easy and tastes SO good!

Chicken Marsala

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for coating
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - pounded 1/4 inch thick
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup Marsala wine
• 1/4 cup cooking sherry

Directions

1. In a shallow dish or bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper and oregano. Coat chicken pieces in flour mixture.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter in oil over medium heat. Place chicken in the pan, and lightly brown. Turn over chicken pieces, and add mushrooms. Pour in wine and sherry. Cover skillet; simmer chicken 10 minutes, turning once, until no longer pink and juices run clear.

Day 18

A Thing You Are Afraid Of

Oh, I am most definitely afraid of falling. It doesn't matter if I'm on the top of a cliff (which I never am, thankfully) or roller skating (fell once and broke my wrist). I get really paranoid about falling. I'm really funny to watch jump on a trampoline because I hardly relax. When I think about falling I get major knots and/or butterflies in my stomach. 

I've had many dreams where I'm falling and I wake up with a start. 

Interesting that one of the things on my 30x30 list is to go on a hot air balloon ride. Hmmm. I still want to do it. :)

Day 17

Day 17 - A Secret

Well, if I told you a secret then it wouldn't be a secret anymore!
I really don't have any good secrets to tell. How boring am I?!? 
Seriously, I'm sitting here trying to think of something and there is nothing good. 

I guess I'll go on to the next post.

Day 16

Day 16 - A picture you took

Dani's favorite thing to do. I love her reflection in the water. 

Day 14

Day 14 – A bad habit


I'm sure I have a lot of bad habits, but one of them for sure is that when I'm bored or feeling a little down in the dumps I tend to go shopping. 
Thankfully half of the time I don't really find anything to buy. But there are times when I end up buying things I don't need (I'm confessing, mom). The good thing is that I'm working at training myself not to do this anymore. For one thing, when I'm bored there are definitely things that I can be doing around my apartment. (I should be doing those things right now) And when I'm feeling "down in the dumps" (usually because I'm overtired and therefore rather emotional) I really need to seek comfort in God. At times like these the random shopping doesn't make me feel better, but when I go to Scripture my focus is brought off of myself and onto Christ. That works so much better than any spending does.