Things I love and am thankful for

These last few weeks have been extremely hectic with gearing up for Thanksgiving and Christmas with my class, hitting crunch time in my master's classes, finishing up coaching volleyball and being involved in two different small groups. It is so easy to get caught up in all the craziness and feel overwhelmed. I was thinking this morning that I just need to chill and take a minute and think about some things that I am truly thankful for and dwell on those things instead of the craziness that lies ahead.

Here are some things I am thankful for:

1) a wonderful class full of precious students who make me laugh on a daily basis
2) friends who challenge me to become a better person
3) a great family
4) I get to go home in a week and spend time with my parents and precious Grampy
5) new tires on my car that keep me safe during this crazy Seattle weather
6) God's loves and grace
7) a great job which I look forward to everyday

The list could go on but these are just some of the things that I am thinking about today. It really has worked to help me regain my focus and not become so bogged down by all that is expected of me right now!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

My roommate found this recipe (allrecipes.com) and we have already baked these yummy cookies twice. They are amazing and disappear quite fast. I made some to give to my volleyball girls this week for their tournaments (and for my roommates to enjoy as well!). I thought I would share this yummy goodness with you as well!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies III

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, and egg. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Dissolve the baking soda with the milk and stir in. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and mix well.
2. Add vanilla, chocolate chips and nuts.
3. Drop by spoonful on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 10 minutes or until lightly brown and firm.

Yields 2 dozen.

The Perfect Fall Day

On Saturday, Micah called me asking if I wanted to join them at the pumpkin patch. Of course! :) We had a great time, it was really the perfect fall day. We went to Swanson's nursery which had a ton of free kids activities including a hay ride, a hay maze, face painting, potato car making and pumpkin decorating. Micah loved it and Levi especially liked the hay maze.

Heather taking the boys for a wagon ride while we waited for the hay ride.

I love the very different expressions on both boys faces. Micah is super excited and Levi really isn't so sure.

It took us a while to get Levi to cooperate for this picture!

Levi peeking at me through the hay.

I can't figure out how to flip this video, hopefully you can get the gist of it. Levi was so proud of his walking skills.

Levi's Birthday Weekend

The whole family was together for Levi's first birthday. It was a great weekend full of laughs and fun times. Here are some photos to document the weekend. Levi really enjoyed his cake once he figured out what it was. I think he loved all of the attention and laughs he was getting most of all.

Levi was trying to figure out what this big orange ball was.

The cousins ready for an infamous Bobst/Scott/VanArsdel family walk.

Cute baby Elias enjoying some snuggles with Gramma.

I love this video. This is proof that we have some music talent in our family.

Grammy

Today has been a bittersweet day as I remember one year ago when Grammy passed. It is hard to put into words the emotions/thoughts I have had over the last day. I am definitely thankful that Grammy is no longer in pain, for those that knew her...you know how much constant pain she was in. The last time I saw her, I had a feeling that it could be my last time I saw her so I soaked in all of the moments with her that I could. I let her squeeze me tight and rest her head against me as she hugged me. I listened to her stories of what happened in her day and I let her see more of a glimpse into my life. I treasured that time just for the simple reason that I could be with her and in the midst of severe pain, she still wanted to sit down and chat...not about herself but about me. She went on and on about how proud she was of me and how special I was. I will never forget those last few summer days that I spent with her.

A few months later, the night before I was to start my master's classes, I was talking to her and Grampy on the phone and sharing my apprehension about teaching, coaching and becoming a student again. She went on and on about how she believed in me and knew I could do all of this. She knew I was going to learn a lot and that I wouldn't give up. It was like she knew this might be the last time I chat with her. Looking back, I am so thankful for that conversation as there have been many stressful moments over the last year and when the tears start to come and just when I think I can't do it anymore, I am reminded of Grammy's words. Those were the last words that were shared between us and I will forever cherish that conversation.

I wish I had a picture of Grammy to share with you but I have none to offer at the moment. For now, I will share some things about Grammy that I so loved and/or admired:

1) her "teehee" giggle (which has been playing in my head all day today)
2) her sweet and caring spirit that had such a way of letting anyone in her presence know that they were valued, significant and loved
3) her hospitality and generosity (I don't think I ever in my life walked away from being with Grammy without a gift of some kind)
4) her quiet yet steadfast faith
5) her constant knowledge of what was going on in the world and never leaving out her opinion :)

I celebrated Grammy today. I tried to do some things throughout the day that would celebrate her: enjoyed a yummy chocolate crossant, took a few minutes to enjoy the beautiful fall colors, took some time to tell some people in my life how valuable they are, went to Ross with my sister (yes, Grammy LOVED that place), watched some Wheel of Fortune, took time to just be still and reflect on God and life. These are all things that Grammy enjoyed and things I hope to carry for the rest of my life (well maybe, MOST of these things) :).

Grammy, I love you and celebrate you today. Thank you for teaching me to value the small things, truly caring about others and giggling when it is needed the most. I miss you so but am thankful that you are in a place free of pain and able to walk around with Jesus, just waiting for us to join you. I cannot wait for that day. I treasure the 10+ years I was able to live only a few miles from your house, the many sleepovers at your house, the shopping trips, and your constant belief that I should be everyone's personal shopper! :) I miss you dearly but am determined to become a better person because of you and what you have taught me through living your faith out and truly caring about every single person that ever came in contact with you.

Awesome Article

Recently, I went to a showing of Invisible Children's newest film titled "Rescue and Recovery". This organization is incredible and I applaud those who are seeking after justice and to stop child soldiers from being abducted. This is a very sad situation and we are have no idea what is going on over there. I encourage you to check out Invisible Children's website to learn more about what is happening and what they are doing to help stop it. It is pretty incredible that these three college students had a heart for this and went all in. They are making huge differences because they followed their hearts and what God was leading them to do.

Anyways, one of my favorite musicians, Jon Foreman (lead singer of Switchfoot) wrote a fascinating article for the Invisible Children blog that has challenged and inspired me. I thought I would share it with you. Here is the link:

http://blog.invisiblechildren.com/?p=2167

He gets it and I love it. I hope you are as challenged, inspired and encouraged as I was after reading this article. We are called to something greater and should live in that truth.

PB's Birthday Cont'd

Diana, one of my youth leaders. She and I have remained close over all these years and I so value her friendship!

Nancie, another one of my youth leaders who is near and dear to my heart!

Micah celebrating in style.

Too precious for words!

Levi finally gave in and fell asleep during the celebration!

PB's Birthday

For the last weekend of summer, I headed home to CA to spend some time with Grampy, my parents and Heather and the boys. It was a great time full of lots of laughs and bargain hunting!

While I was home, Pastor Bonner (PB as my family calls him) had an 80th birthday party and I was so glad to be able to attend. There were over 300 people there and it was unbelievable! It was so great to see so many people that I hadn't seen in years and years but who were such a part of my growing up years. PB is such an amazing individual and the amount of people who showed up to his party shows what kind of a person he is: genuine, caring, humble and an amazing heart for God and His people. I want to live my life in such a way that I will have 300+ people wanting to attend my 80th birthday...wow!

Grampy had us all over for lunch one of the days and it was so fun. He is so hospitable and such a great host!

My sweet sis and Levi trying to grab the camera.

Family Shot (we missed you Tiffany!)

Me and Jen, my childhood best friend. I am so thankful for our friendship and how it has remained close over the years and miles apart.

Julie, Jen's little sister, and I. I love this girl!

Heather and her childhood friend, Heidi!

Steve Scott, one of my favorite people. He never was my youth pastor but we still bonded and I so appreciate him in so many way! (not sure why this is underlined and I cannot get it off!)

Kirsti's Wedding

My best friend from college got married August 22nd and I went to be with her in Minnesota for the week leading up to her wedding. As the maid of honor, I wasn't able to do much during the wedding prep part as I live a thousand miles a way, so it was nice to help her out a bit while I was there. We enjoyed a few quiet, low key days together before things got crazy. I treasure those times of pillow talk, giggling and being sassy together. Many memories were made!

The wedding was absolutely beautiful! It took place outside on this really neat farm and the weather couldn't have been more perfect!

Hannah, Kirsti's little sister, Kirsti and I posing at a minor league baseball game we went to. Fun times!

Kirsti's siblings and I practicing walking out during the rehearsal.

The bride and I posing for a friend picture.

Jeremy and Kirsti cutting the cake.

Posing after a very long day.

I loved every part of my time in Minnesota but the highlight for me was bonding with Kirsti's family. I feel like a part of their family and it was so great to spend such a special time with them all. It was great to see her out of town relatives that I have gotten to know and grown to love over the years. It was hard leaving and I must admit that I had tears in my eyes as I said goodbye to these precious people!

Florida

The first week of August, I took a trip to Orlando with my friend/coworker with her family. We had a very full week of activities so it went by super fast but we had a blast. The only downside to the whole trip was the many blisters I got on my feet because of new shoes. Boo!

Our first day was spent relaxing after getting to our hotel at 2am and trying to adjust to the new time zone. We enjoyed a leisurely shopping time in Downtown Disney and checking in to our nice condo where we stayed for the rest of our trip.

The next day we went to Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, three of the four parks of Disney World. These parks were fun but were more shows than rides so we only spent a few hours at each one.

Angela and I at one of the parks, not sure which one.

The next day was spent at Universal Studios with Angela's brother and his friend. The day ended with a fun dinner at Hard Rock Cafe. I must say that out of all the parks we went to, Universal Studios was my favorite because of all the fun and exciting rides. I did learn that day that I am not into the roller coasters that accelerate and slow down at a fast pace. I was a bit light headed and dizzy after all of those rides. Am I really getting too old for those rides? Sheesh.

Posing in front of Hard Rock

The next day, Angela and I along with her brother and his friend went to the Magic Kingdom. I have to say that I enjoy Disneyland a lot better. Not only was Space Mountain (my fav ride!) closed but Disney World didn't have the Matterhorn or Indiana Jones. It was nice though because we rarely had to spend more than 30 minutes in line for a ride.

On our last day in Florida, we headed to the beach and enjoyed some time in the sun. Storm clouds and rain quickly approached though and we were forced to leave! :) It was beautiful though and the water was nice and warm. We did see a shark patrol helicopter fly over us, which was interesting.
That night we went to Midieval Times, this dinner and show place. It was great. We ate yummy food without utensils while we watched a shown of men with swords riding on horses. It was entertaining to say the least and we had front row seats!

The trip was amazing and definitely a highlight of my summer! Now I can say that I have been to Disney World! :)

Melynda's Birthday/Day of Fun

My lovely roommate had her birthday in July. Three of us celebrated with her on her actual day and when Katriina got back from Finland we celebrated in style with a day of fun which included a scavenger hunt of sorts that led us to a chocolate factory, the famous troll, Alki beach and Gasworks park. It was a very fun and adventurous day that ended with some bonding time in the hot tub. Good times, good times!

The pictures are a little out of order, but you get the gist! :)

Being our crazy selves on the beach right before it started raining.

Down at the Kirkland waterfront on Melynda's birthday.

Touring and tasting some yummy chocolate.

I love this picture because it makes us look as if we are a band.

Celebrating in style at Olive Garden.

My summer was very adventurous and I already have some things to post from my first week of school but these things will have to wait until this weekend.

Neglected

Yes, I have neglected my blog this summer. I am so sorry to those who actually follow this. I plan to update in the near future with lots of pictures and stories. Summer school is finally over and I ended up with a B+ in my stats class...woot woot! :)

Until I can update this, I will leave you with a picture of one of my many silly moments of the summer.

Favorite 4th of July

This 4th of July was nothing really out of the ordinary (okay, maybe some events were) and it ended up being one of my favorites! I really wasn't looking forward to this day and really didn't expect a lot and I think that is what made it so great.

It started with a yummy breakfast with my roommate, taking a trip to Kohl's and finding some bargains, spending a few hours in our garage (the coolest place in our house) and then heading over to some new friend's house for a BBQ. I loved that it was so simple and yet meaningful. It definitely comes with some great memories that we will laugh at in years to come. Melynda and I enjoyed a lot of laughs and conversation. She is such a great friend and I love that we can spend time just being quiet together and also spend time laughing so hard that we cannot breathe.

Melynda and I enjoying some "down home" style lunch in the garage. The only thing we really were missing was a kiddie pool and Melynda figured a foot bath was the next best thing.

Sporting some sexy racquetball goggles that were found in our garage.

Showing our racquetball moves

I do not have pictures to document the BBQ I went to but let me tell you about these people. I met Al and Alyson three weeks ago through a small group at my church. They are some of the most hospitable and sweet people I have ever met. Alyson and I both felt this immediate connection to one another and decided to take advantage of the fact that God crossed our paths. As I sat at coffee for two hours with this dear lady, I couldn't help but be thankful for her and the way we were able to be so real and share what was on our hearts. I totally can be myself and comfortable with that around her and the rest of our small group, it is such a neat thing. I am finding more and more that God shows me His love through people in my life and this is such an indication of that. At the end of our time together, Alyson asked what my plans were for the 4th and I told her nothing (really, at that point I didn't plan on doing a whole lot). She invited me over to her place and I told her I would think about it. Over the next day or so, I knew I wanted to hang out with her and meet her family (she has kids my age and her grandson is my favorite 3 year old that I play with in the nursery at church).

Anyways, with all of that said...I had a really enjoyable time at their house getting to know the family and watching the boys blow up explosives in the middle of the street. I drove home that night thankful for new friends and thankful for such a great 4th of July!

How is summer school you ask? Oh, I am getting used to it but would not categorize it as fun. I am just trying to get through it with decent grades. It is rough spending 4 hours in class and then coming home and spending another 4-5 hours on homework. It pretty much consumes my life but oh well.

Colfax

This past week, I took a trip over to Tif's to help out and just enjoy some auntie and sister time. I had a great time filled with sweet memories. There is nothing sweeter than hearing Sydney ask where I am so early in the morning, it is hard not to get out of bed when I hear, "I want to see her". It was fun to have snuggle and play time with Sydney, snuggle time with Elias, great talks with Tiffany and movie watching time with Tiffany and Nick. It was a great few days and I hope to go back again soon!

I have some great videos that I took of Sydney's dance moves that Daddy was teaching her. Whenever I figure out how to upload those, I will! :)

I think this is my favorite picture of Sydney!

Sweet Elias

End of the School Year

With a field trip to Pioneer Farms and Field Day on the last week of school...things were a bit crazy but I loved every minute of it! Here are some pictures of my cute students on these days.

Andrew, Elliott and Amy enjoying a break. Notice Nicholas and Connor in the background, in trouble and sitting on the bleachers...good times!

Nathan being his silly self.

A wagon ride at Pioneer Farms

My sweet students listening attentively!

Joe practicing his shaving skills on Connor!

The end of the school year is always such a hard transition time for me, I cry every year on this day! It definitely is bittersweet though, I am looking forward to some time off but not liking the idea of letting go of these 17 precious lives that I invested in for ten months. I don't do well with change and this always seems to send me over the edge! My kids were super sweet the last day of school and I had so many encouraging words from parents that day. Wow!

It took me a while to get used to this time that I now have. I would find myself sitting on the couch, not knowing what to do with myself because I am so used to being on the go and constantly having something to do. I have had a great first two weeks of summer, relaxing and going on many coffee dates with dear friends. The sad part is that I start summer school tomorrow and that lasts for the next four weeks, so goodbye to my time off. I will survive though! :) After this four weeks is up, I have Disneyworld and Kirsti's wedding to look forward to.

Elias Waldon

A week ago tomorrow, June 2nd, my sweet sister gave birth to Elias Waldon. It killed me not to be there right when he was born but this weekend was a great time of loving on Elias, trying to help my sister and trying to help with Miss Sydney. :)

I don't have a lot of pictures so I thought I would share some highlights from the weekend with my fam:

1. Sydney calling for "Auntie" every few minutes and following me around...even wanting to go into the bathroom with me.

2. Sydney saying "I have a question for you" as she was in her play store.

3. Seeing Tiffany loving on Elias while also loving on Sydney and having more patience than I can understand for a 2.5 year old!

4. Walking to Taco Time (the food was nasty but the memory is great) with Sydney and Dad.

5. Snuggling with a sleepy Sydney while Tif was at the doctors.

6. Having Sydney look at me and everyone else at the dinner table wide-eyed and saying, "Ha! Her all done" after Tiffany said that I would play with her when I was done eating my dinner.

7. Snuggling with tiny Elias.

8. This should be #1 probably....walking in and seeing Elias for the first time. He was on the couch all snuggled up, I almost didn't even see him!

9. Talking with Tif right before I left.

10. Hearing Sydney say, "Here is my baby brother."

The weekend was great and I am looking forward to going back to help Tif out. Having a newborn and a 2.5 year old can wear you out! Tif, you have my respect and admiration! Love you!

Walkathon

Today was a gorgeous day for our annual walkathon! What a great time of walking around with the kids and my teacher friends. The only silly mistake I made was to have an appointment with my personal trainer the day before the walkathon!!! I was and still am in pain everytime I have to move my arms and legs! Walking did help the pain though, so I guess it was good! Here are some pictures of the day.

Some of my girls followed by my teacher friends!

Two of my boys showing their running ability.

Tori outrunning the boys! :) Tif, she reminds me so much of you!

My kiddos walking back from the park.

My silly class....gotta love them!

My kids were beat once we got back to the class (it was about 11am) so I decided to show parts of Anne of Green Gables (this goes with our Pioneer unit). It was a great way for them to relax and for me to get some work done! :0)

10 and a half more days, but really who is counting?