Precious Babies

My new job, a thankful blessing- at familiar and large district! I am already started and loving it so far. Before the students return to fill up the classrooms- Neil and I filled our house with 2 little kittens.

We rescued them from the Animal Shelter. We went to get just one, but fell in love with them both. They are so adorable and they bring us so many laughs with their crazy antics!

They play around the house and have become friends with our other two furry children- Little and Maisie. We will all soon be one happy family... or funny farm.

Today I am babysitting our friends' little baby girl while her mama meets her appointments and her daddy is wakeboarding with Neil and the guys. They left bright and early to find good water. So all the little ones and I are here having a playful and quiet morning at our house. I feel like a "stay-at-home-mom" doing housework and playing with babies. Soon enough, soon enough, I'm sure... but for now... one morning is just perfect for me. ;)

Baby Gifts!

Two lovely friends at work are expecting...

I made these personalized burp clothes as baby gifts for them.

There's something about seeing your little baby's name in embroidery that makes a new mommy smile.

Stop and Smell the Dillo Dirt...

View from the Kitchen Window...


Succulent Chic!


These little ferns help purify the air in your home :)


Sago Palm and Purslane


This cactus can handle -20 degrees F


Giving the garden a personal touch!

And the renovations move outdoors! What do you do when you spend all your spare change on a wedding and a master suite makeover? You tighten the belt and break a sweat to make the world just a little prettier. AKA - Yard WORK! And they don't call it that for nothing. What a great work out! Sweating and getting your hands dirty!

I am working on taming the jungle around my casa. Luckily, a previous owner spent lots of his own green on many plants, trees and shrubs all around our house. BUT- while Neil and I have collectively opened 2 multi-disciplinary spine and medical clinics, completed grad school, remodeled our house and tied the knot... the once lovely xeriscape has turned into a jurassic jungle which I am on a mission to tame.

So! Here's the proof of my new green thumb!

Our growing family- Lantana, Salva, Daisies, Japanese Ligustrum, Japanese Mahonia, Holly, Wandering Jew, Sago Palms, Calla Lilies, Oak Trees, Pecan Trees, Buck Eye Trees and MORE that I have yet to name.

It feels good to make your outdoor living world a beautiful place. Soon a deck will follow, maybe a pond with some goldfish in it. Off to my home away from home... LOWES!

End of the year...

For School that is...

I always get sentimental on the last day of school. The students buzz with summer energy, push the boundaries since they know it's the last day, teachers are half in half out- trying to get the needed signatures for the sign out sheets and keep overzealous students from blasting right through the roof of the building on pure sugar highs (cokes, candy cake for the little ones, red bull and hormones for the big ones) -same effect.

But, there is a twinkle of achievement in their eyes. They know they will have fun this summer on a family trip to the beach, to visit family out of state, summer camp and sleeping late. Next year they will be one grade bigger, one step higher than now- one step closer to... well they're not sure to what yet... but just they know they want to be closer to it.

It's a whirlwind, it's a roller coaster, it's a kick in the teeth sometimes... it's a joy most of the time. Life- what a gift. Thank you for another year!

Good luck students.
May you always find your hearts values when things are new.
May you always find your family when you need support.
May you always find your dreams when you need an adventure.
May you always find your Guide when you are lost.

Changes!

Well, the economy has kicked education in the teeth. Due to funding, the entire Instructional Technology department no longer exists. We are all being "re-purposed."
Lots of emotions. Lots of thoughts.
Life is a journey; God's pathway is His own for me, not mine.
I will serve and honor Him wherever He may lead me next.

What a blessing to have a husband and family that support and love me. Thank you.

Excitement, an anxious heart and a faithful spirit wait for my Father to show me what's next.

My desire is to serve the Lord, to honor Him, to do my best to shine for Him everyday, every way.

I put my agenda at His feet, faithful that He will guide my own on His path.

Crazy Nesting Syndrome

New Wives, New Home-owners... beware. Beware of Crazy Nesting Syndrome. What are the signs of Crazy Nesting Syndrome? Contemplating throw pillows for days at a time. Negotiating buying food and paper towels for a new bedspread. Obsessive compulsive decorating. Reoccurring dreams about dinner parties that include menus, centerpieces, play lists, themes and atmosphere. Although, no real health risks result from Crazy Nesting Syndrome, side effects may include: reduced pedicures, increased cooking at home, decreased fashion trendiness, increased ponytails, mild panic attacks when you realize you have to spring for a destination wedding after you just paid the biggest bill of your life and redecorated your house.

Nickel slots, here we come! We wouldn't miss it for the world.

RENT

Over spicy salmon dinner:

Melanie says, " Don't forget, tomorrow we are going to see RENT! I am so excited!"

Neil says, "Babe, it wouldn't hurt my feelings if you took a girlfriend to RENT instead of me."

Hmm. My love is a man a carefully chosen words. I couldn't help but laugh before I called to invite Alex who excitedly agreed citing she herself had been dying to go, but her hubby hadn't the slightest desire either. As our husbands settled in to watch the game in true testosterone style. Alex and I gabbed away at the Blue Dahlia Bistro over chilled Pinot Grigio, Tuna Tar Tar, and seared Scallops... aka divine.

We drove over to our pre-paid parking spot and dashed in to our orchestra section seats. The show was fantastic - a true NY energy, polished and shiny performances, and I'm still singing. God bless thoughtful mother-in-laws. God bless honest husbands. But most of all... God bless good girlfriends! What a blast!