God is Faithful

Thankful for tangible ways that God reminds me of His faithfulness. Moments of stretching and drawing me closer to Him. Brokenness and joy. Tears and laughter...lots of laughter. God has been so good to me. The mug reminds me of a friend and causes me to pray for her. The bookmark brings me back to a trip to Peru. To friends I most likely will never see again this side of heaven. I may never see them again, but the bookmark reminds me to pray for them wherever they are and whatever they are doing. Though it may have been 10 years ago and I may not even remember their names I do remember the impression they left on me. Their love for the children they worked with and their desire to spread the Gospel. Oh, that I may make an impact on someone else's life like they did on mine. 

Dreaming Big

       The other day I was randomly looking at my 40x40 list. Every once in a while I look at it and cross off things that I've finished. It was nice to cross off the cookbook I've been working on of my Grandma's recipes. But as I was scrolling through the list I realized how much I have left to do. It's true I have just over 7 years to finish it, but 40 things is a lot! I've only crossed off 16 things. That means I need to do 3.4 things on my list over the next 7 years. So, all that to say, it's time I start figuring out how I'm going to finish up this list. 

       This week I've decided to plan a big trip! My goal is to go on a trip to Europe next summer. I don't know who I'm going with or exactly where I'm going but I'm going to do it. 

       Really I was inspired by my sister. She said they were saving up for a trip and I started asking myself what am I waiting for? I love traveling and never do because I don't have the money. Well, it's time to start saving. And I have a goal in mind and I'm feeling determined! It definitely makes me think twice before I spend money.  

Grandma

Grandma and I showing off our White Elephant gifts. 

I've been trying to get my grandma out of the house a little bit more. Hard when it is so cold outside. She doesn't like to be cold. Here we are at our church Christmas party. I have to say that I think she is adjusting well to my Grandpa being gone. I know that it is hard for her at times. I'm excited when I can take her out to do things since she is stuck at home alone all day long while I work. The biggest outing will be in a few weeks when I take her in California with me for Christmas. That will be a big adventure...I haven't told her yet. I know that sounds terrible, but she is such a worrier that I was afraid she would be miserable for a month. Miserable with worry for a week and a half is much better...hopefully. I'm prepared for the fact that she may be very mad at me for just buying her a ticket. But in the end I think it is the best decision. She needs a big distraction from the first Christmas without Grandpa. And my mom and I need her around so we don't worry about her the entire time I'm in CA. Praying that God keeps us safe and healthy while we travel.

{Day 7 - Somewhere you've been}

I really love traveling. Near or far I'd go anywhere. Even a quick road trip is enough to help my travel bug. I'd have to say though that going to New York City was a pretty fun trip. I went there with my college choir. It was so incredible. Had fun in Central Park and went to see Mary Poppins on Broadway. My choir also sang in Carnegie Hall. That was pretty incredible! I'd love to go back someday. I think it would be fun to see everything decorated for Christmas. Who knows. Maybe someday! 

Pre Wisconsin Diaries

There aren't many days left of school and my brain is definitely thinking about the summer! I'm so excited to spend the next couples of months in Wisconsin with my grandparents. It will be fun spending time with them. I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but I love drilling them with questions about our family. I keep a journal of the stories they tell of when they grew up. I'm hoping that by the end of the summer I'll have to buy a new journal. :)

I'm also looking forward to just a slower pase for a while. I'm bringing books, sewing projects, my guitar and walking/running shoes. Those are all things that I don't have time to do on a regular basis. It makes me so happy that I can spend time doing those fun things I love to do. (Let me clarify -- I don't love running, but I'm hoping to like running by the end of the summer)

So my question for you is:

How many books do I take? 

While I was there for 1 1/2 weeks at Christmas I ready 3 books and was ready to start a 4th. I went through my bookshelves last night and pulled out the ones I've been wanting to read and I have 15 books in a stack right now. Lol! That is a lot of books! Is that too many? Space won't be the issue because I'm going to ship a box of books and fabric so that I don't have to pack it for on the plane. (Thanks Steph for that great idea!)

Looking forward to seeing you soon Grandma & Grandpa! 

Sunrise

This picture doesn't do it justice, but there was a beautiful sunrise when I flew from San Fran to Wisconsin. I love the great reminders of how awesome God is! 

This is the last week of school!! 

I'm so looking forward to summer. I'll still be working, but the summer day camp is a lot different than my teaching job. It is a little more relaxed. 

I've got to find a fun way to celebrate at the end of the week.
Any good ideas? I'm leaning toward going to see a movie, but I'm open for other ideas.

Here is a list of the things I'm looking forward to this summer. 

I'm really into making lists lately. 

• Visiting the Writebol Family in Wichita. 
• Reading at least one book for fun. 
• Getting a flip-flop tan. 
• Having afternoons off. 
• Planning ahead for the next school year - I probably won't think about that for a few weeks though. :) 
• Working on my cookbook and finishing I hope. 
• Lots of walking. 
• Zumba class at the JC. 
• Spending more time with my family. 
• Fresh tomatoes from my own tomato plant. - I wish there were some now.

I do love summer! 

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 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!