Preschool Thankful Trees

What are you thankful for? Most of us would quickly say our family or friends, or maybe our home. But what if we think a little further. Are you thankful for your heater? running water? a soft bed? food in the fridge? The best way to think simply about thankfulness is to ask a 3 year old. This month in my classroom we have been focusing more on thanking God for our blessings since Thanksgiving is coming up soon. We find ways to be thankful year round during our chapel time and by praying before meals but now it's specifically part of our curriculum.

My favorite kind of art project is one where the kids get to personalize it in their own special way. For this project I asked them what they were thankful for...(in a variety of ways so they would understand, because I know thankfulness can be a bit abstract for a preschooler.) The other preparations for this craft included cutting out leaf shapes from magazines and brown rectangles for the tree stump. Overall a very easy craft to make, and if you have older kids they could cut out their own leaves!

My favorite is the one that says, "Mommy, Daddy, God, Jesus, and Mickey Mouse" :)

Where, Lord, where?

Today was just another Tuesday. Another day of tantrums, pushing, screaming, poop, snot, coughing, and more. When did this become my new normal? When did I switch into survival mode just to make it through the day or even the week? You'd think that I was a mom with kids going through a crazy phase making me want to pull my hair out and hire a nanny. Could I hire a nanny to come take my place for a while at the child care? Probably not, but I've thought about it.

Work has been making me question my happiness lately. Am I happy? What in my life currently makes me happy? And how can I get more of that? I believe that happiness is an active choice and if we don't do something about being happy we will always be miserable. SO what am I doing to make myself {and others in my life} happy?

First things first, ask Jesus. True happiness will come from HIM. Lord, grant me the wisdom to make choices in my life that glorify you and also bring happiness to my heart.

What's the next step? That one question pretty much sums up my life right now. If you were someone who keeps asking me about my future I would tell you I'm planning on going to grad school next year to get my teaching credential in California. Is that what I want to do? I'm not entirely sure. Will that make happy? Not sure about that either. BUT at this point in my life its the most logical next step to take.

Earlier today I was reading an article called "Single and not waiting" and the author says,

There seems to be a deep understanding and appreciation for the gift of marriage, but not so much for the gift of singleness (if it’s treated like a gift at all). Rather, singleness is something to be cured. Like I've got a disease, and introducing me to your single friend might perhaps cure us both. Singleness is the lump of coal, the gift that is never on your Christmas list.

Hmmm. Is that how I see my life? Honestly, it's hard not to when everyone you know is getting married or having a baby. And I'm so happy for them, I truly am. But I feel like my life is missing something. Am I unhappy because I am single? {Because that is not a good reason for it if you ask me...} But I don't know how to embrace this singleness and be the best I can be in it. It's hard. I suppose Paul never said it would be easy to be single. There are tons of manuals for how to be a good wife, husband, mom, dad, etc. but the "single" books aren't exactly flying off the shelves at me.

Post-college pre-marriage life seems like a waiting room but it's not. It's life. Trying to follow God's calling but it seems there is water in my ears, making it difficult to understand. I'm reminded of Isaiah 6:8 so often lately... "Here I am, Lord! Send me!" It's just a matter of figuring out the direction I'm being sent. Where, Lord, where?

Advice to College Kids

Get Involved

I may not have always been great at this, in fact most of the time I was opposite of involved. After being super involved in high school I was ready for a break and I feel like there were things I missed out on in college. So go do stuff with people!

It's okay to say NO
While it's great to be involved, don't feel like you HAVE to do everything. It's okay to say no sometimes and watch a movie in your dorm. If you start saying yes to everything you'll be exhausted and nothing will get done. So pick and choose what you want to be a part of. Also, if any part of you thinks that something is dangerous or illegal, DON'T DO IT, because it probably is and at some point in your life you'll probably regret it.

Go to a friend's house for a holiday
Being from a different state I wasn't always able to go home for Thanksgiving or Easter. I think visiting another family for a holiday can teach you a lot about different family dynamics, about who you are, and what you appreciate about your own family and traditions.

Call your parents (and grandparents)
While you may be just fine, your mom might not. Or maybe you're a wreck and you don't want your dad to worry about you. Well guess what, your parents are definitely worried about you and many don't want to "intrude" on your new found independence at college. Call them anyway, even if its just for 5 minutes on your way to class. They'll appreciate it, and odds are, you'll feel better too. (Same goes for grandparents. They're not going to be around forever and once they're gone you'll regret not spending more time getting to know them.)

Take a random class
Learn about something new! My sophomore year I took one quarter of Greek. Do I remember any of it? Not really. Do I really need to know Ancient Greek? Probably not at all. But it was a good experience and now I can say, "Yeah one time I took Greek in college..."

And most importantly...

Be a good friend
This will look differently for everyone, but college is a great time to truly get to know people. And its the only time in your life when you will be living with your best friends. Be there for them. Love them. Pray for them. And most importantly be good to them, just like you would want them to be to you.

2008- my first roomie and one of
my best friends

Can I also just say I'm very thankful that we all grow up and don't stay 18 forever? Who thought those double braids were a good idea? yikes.

Happy back to school, college kids!

No more school for me!

At Disneyland with my love
last Monday, 9/24/12,
NOT starting school with
everyone else :)

Today marked the start of week #2 of fall quarter at SPU and I'm not there! Well, I'm still sort of there because I'm working across the street, but I'm not actually there. I've driven through campus on my way to and from work and thought about how grateful I am to be done with school, but also how thankful I am for all the experiences I had at Seattle Pacific. Tonight I was thinking about all the students who will be eating dinner in Gwinn and all the nights I would walk over with all the girls on my floor for dinner. When I drive by in the mornings I think about all the times I rolled out of bed and barely made it to my 8am class on time. I look at all the sleepy students wandering around and wonder what classes they're going to and if they have any of my favorite professors. College was a wonderful experience and it's certainly bittersweet thinking back on it (even though it was only just a few months ago!). The "sweet" part is that I have no homework! No papers to write, no late nights trying to get through endless chapters of reading, no more sitting through gen. ed. mandatory classes. The "bitter" part is a bit harder to deal with...I miss my roomies so much and the wonderful memories we have made. I miss running into people I know and care about. I miss chatting with professors after class. I actually miss having a crazy schedule and filling in my calendar with different things every week. Change is always hard, but I am blessed to have had such a wonderful college chapter in my life!

Last Wednesday night we had our first "Dinner Church" of the year and it was so fun to be back in the routine! We had a full house of kids and it was great to see them all so excited for the new things they would be learning. After playing in the gym we sat in a big circle and I had everyone say their name, grade, and favorite subject in school. When it was my turn I said that I was graduated from college which means I'm all done with school and one kid said, "Whoa! That means you're a grown up!" I laughed and said that I was kind of a grown up, sort of an in-between/almost grown up type person :) A 2nd grade girl gasped and said, "You're a grown up! Do you have a boyfriend?!" I chuckled and tried not to turn too red when I replied "Well, yes....." All the kids started giggling and the girls were rapid-fire asking me questions: What's his name? Is he cute? Where is he? How did you meet him?.....After regaining everyone's attention I told them that we weren't talking about that right now and that it was time to line up for class! haha Oh how I love the kids I work with. The lesson series we're doing this fall has to do with friendship and I'm excited for all the things that we'll be learning on Wednesday nights. Not to mention the fact that we just started practicing for the Christmas musical on Sunday!! I love kids Christmas music! Probably a bit more than I should.... :)

The Last Few Months...

My computer is working again!! I have the best boyfriend in the whole world. He took my laptop apart and fixed it with his magic technology fixing skills. I am now backing up my files (after a slight panic that I would lose everything in my computer) and enjoying being able to do all the things that a smart phone and iPad cannot do. The last few months have flown by with a whirlwind of activities, everything from graduating and weddings to beach trips and working full time. Here is a glimpse at life lately for me...

Ivy Cutting with President Eaton, followed the next day with graduation at  Key Arena - 6/8/12

4 years and 2 degrees later, I am officially an SPU alum!

I spent my summer Fridays at FFMC helping out with "Mom & Me" story times. So fun to spend time with these little ones and their moms!

Wedding #1 Hannah & Nate's lovely wedding in Sandpoint, Idaho - 7/14/12

Luke and I had the opportunity to go to the Mariner's game and sit in the owner's booth with Mr. & Mrs. Davis! Mr. Davis threw out the first pitch to celebrate the Mariner's 35th anniversary.

No summer would be complete without a trip to the beach with these lovely ladies. So glad we were able to do this while I was home!

Wedding #2 this summer :) Esther's beautiful wedding in San Diego - 8/18/12

Love this girl!

Janelle and I got to practice our cake cutting and catching skills. We're going to see how many weddings we can cut the cake for :) I love that I get to have this girl as my roommate once again!

Last but not least, I came back from a vacation at home to a week of VBS- my first at FFMC. Such a fun week! Here are some of the highlights...

All in all, life is grand. I'm excited for this next season of life. Post-college with a great roomie, a wonderful man in my life, and not just one but two jobs I thoroughly enjoy. The best part is that it's all happening during my favorite time of year. Bring on the scarves, boots, and pumpkin spice lattes!

Four years later.

Freshman Year- 4th East Emerson.
Seems just like yesterday, and yet so
long ago at the same time!

It's 2am and I am running off my second wind that kicked in about midnight. Today marked my final day of college!! I woke up around 7 and took two finals this morning, finishing around 11:30. I worked at church for a few hours, went to dinner with my family and brother's friends, went out for drinks and fondue with some girlfriends, came home exhausted, and in the last few hours I've seemed to pack up a good portion of my room. As I pack (and wait for my laundry to finish) I'm thinking about how far I have come in four years. Ups and downs. Struggles and challenges. Joys and strengths. Doors have been closed, but much better ones have been opened. Four years ago I moved to Seattle terrified because I didn't know anyone. I spent most of the year thinking, "Why did I do this?!" But was determined not to move back home. I knew, deep down, that this was where God had called me to be (even if I didn't understand it!) I have made friendships that will last me a lifetime. I have taken almost 200 credits (198 to be exact) at SPU alone. That's a lot of classes! New Testament Letters, Family Housing, Greek, Morphology, Life Cycle Nutrition, Gender in the Global Context, Curriculum & Instruction, Youth Ministry, Women in Christianity, Contemporary Mathematics, Abnormal Psychology, Child Development & Educational Ministry, Appearance & Culture, Holy Spirit, Four Gospels, Music & Worship, Cultural Anthropology....seriously, 198 credits- I could keep naming classes for a while. While some might point that out as weird bragging rights, I look at it differently. I look back and think, "Wow, I have truly earned a liberal arts degree." I have taken classes in almost every department on campus and learned about a variety of subjects. Both my majors lean towards a more holistic way of studying to start with so it has allowed me the opportunity to take these kind of classes that appealed to me.

With many classes comes many professors. Some that I loved; some that were not my favorite; some I had on repeat occasions; some I had only once. The best part is when you see a professor you had two years ago and they remember you and ask how you're doing (or return a paper you never picked up...why did you still have that UCOR 2000 paper Dr. Stiling?!) I have been tremendously blessed by the faculty at Seattle Pacific and the time they have invested in my education and personal life. I have been to numerous professors homes, because they are more than just teachers- they are mentors, friends, life-coaches, parental figures, etc. They are wonderful and I will truly miss them. [Luckily for me, I will be working across the street so I can visit them next year even though I'm technically "gone"]

The last four years have led me to where I am today: a graduate. I am forever thankful for my experiences and memories in this place of learning and will miss it dearly.

Last Saturday Night

It's my last Saturday night of college and I'm living it up! Writing a paper and watching How I Met Your Mother, home alone. It's actually really relaxing and something I haven't been able to do in a long time. Yesterday was my last day of school! (I still have 2 finals this week, but that's always different than regular class.) It was a rather anti-climactic day, however. Classes were ordinary, nothing special or exciting for being the end. I'm excited for this week, but know it's going to be a busy one. Finishing up projects, papers, and finals. Packing. Parents arriving. Moving (we found an apartment today!!!). SOT Commissioning Ceremony. Ivy Cutting. Graduation. Family meals. And lots of celebrating.

To celebrate the week ahead and my lovely evening home alone, I made these yummy no-bake peanut butter bars. Delicious! How could you go wrong with peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, graham crackers, and chocolate? I found them on Pinterest earlier and had all the ingredients, so I decided to just go for it! Just continuing my goal to actually make the things I find on the lovely time-wasting website known as Pinterest.

Last paper ever!

[almost.]

Move-in day last September. So blessed
to be living with this girl again!

I'm currently writing my last research-style paper where I have to use citations. This paper is for my Christian Doctrine: Holy Spirit class and I've actually really enjoyed it. We are a class of about 10 students (on any given day- there are always people absent!) and it's mostly discussion based on different readings. I like that we have gotten to the point that we can just discuss without people raising their hands. And most everyone always has something to say. Discussion can be painful when everyone sits there silently staring at the professor. All that to say, I am almost done! Once I finish this paper tonight I will have 2 other essay-type papers to write, 1 book to read and a poster to make for it, and 2 finals to take next week. CRAZY! Just a small puddle to jump over after considering where I started this quarter!

I'm not stressed about finishing school or finding time for everything because I know it will all get done. More of my stress is in the direction of finding a place to live! Janelle and I toured an apartment last night and it wasn't the nicest place in the world. They were replacing the floors, painting, and cleaning, but we still didn't have the best feeling about it. We have a tour at another apartment complex on Saturday morning and I am really praying that this one will work out perfectly. So far it all sounds good- its just a matter of visiting and then figuring out when we could move in! We have to be out of our current apartment by the end of next week, so we are running out of time. Sigh. It will all work out- just gotta trust God and keep searching!

Are we there yet?

Everyone has memories of sitting in the backseat asking their parents if they have arrived at their destination yet. As an adult this is a very "duhhh" kind of question that I want to respond with, "If we were there, the car would be parked and we'd be getting out of the car!" All that to say, I feel like I keep asking my imaginary driver- "Am I there yet?" There are only two more weeks until graduation, but I will be done with school a week from tomorrow. ONE WEEK of school left. ever. for the rest. of. my. LIFE. [or until I go to grad school- whichever one comes first]. I am ready to be done, but I am still nervous about my future. Part of me seriously wants to crawl into a hole or maybe run away to a deserted island somewhere and escape the responsibilities of life. But we all know that isn't an option. I know that I am ready for new challenges and that the Lord will provide all that I need, but it is still scary to think of what is ahead. I have a unique situation, different from most those around me. I will be graduating and starting a full-time position at the day care and working 10 hours a week at the church. So I will be very busy! I'd rather be busy than bored any day, but it's still a little overwhelming to think about tackling these new roles and responsibilities. 

This weekend was a wonderful break but now I'm easing back into reality. I "surprised" my parents and came home for a long weekend. It has been nice and relaxing to be removed from my every day environment, without much homework to work on (I couldn't escape it completely!). Today my wonderful best friends came over and we laid out in the sun for a few hours. And after a small glass of wine at dinner I am just about asleep! [I'm pathetic. haha] I love seeing them, but am always a little sad when we must separate. I often wonder what life would be like if we were all in the same place at the same time; if we got to be roommates; if our boyfriends were all friends; if we went to the same college...etc. etc. Even though we are often apart I know they are always there for me, and I'm so excited to see where the Lord will lead us.

But still, I often wonder, "Am I there yet?"

The road to graduation.

This is it. Yesterday was the 3 week mark until graduation and my "to-do" list has gotten progressively smaller each day. Praise Jesus! I am so ready to be done, but still trying to enjoy and cherish each day between now and graduation. I'm certainly ready for a change of pace- a new role at work, new summer plans at church, no more paper writing, no more assigned reading, going to bed early, living in a new apartment, watching friends get married...the next few months hold many exciting things and I can't wait! I have been feeling especially summery today and I'm not sure why. Yesterday I went to dinner at my advisor's house with a handful of other IFD majors and it was JUST what I needed! It was reassuring to listen to everyone else rant about being in the same place I'm at- ready to be done, but not quite there yet. I think it was just what I needed to give me the final push to get through. All that stands between me and that diploma are 3 big papers, 3 smaller papers, 2 finals, and 1 project. When I put it like that it seems so easy. Nothing to get stressed about, just something that needs to be done! But for now I just want to wear my new swimsuit (gotta love Target shopping trips) at the beach and then go to an Angel game. Is that too much to ask?

Spring Break 2012 ~ can't wait for this
to happen again soon.

A lovely sunshine day

Today was BEAUTIFUL! Absolutely perfect weather in Seattle- just what I needed. It started off with an attempt to see the Chimpanzee movie and is ending with watching Gilmore Girls. Instead of seeing the chimp movie, my friend and I ended up shopping for a while, which was just as fun (if not  more fun!) Got some cute things and a couple shower presents for my soon-to-be married friends. Then this afternoon my love and I went on a long walk down by the canal and then to dinner. I am so blessed by this man; I don't know what my life would be like without him :)

I'm watching Gilmore Girls knowing that my paper due Monday will not write itself, BUT painting my nails bright yellow and watching my favorite show sounds so much more appealing than writing a paper about my theological perspective on leadership. There's always tomorrow right? While I have enjoyed my 17 years of education, I am certainly ready to be DONE! Almost there. Almost there. Almost there.

Sunshine. Shopping. Walking. Sunshine. Boyfriend. Sunshine. Gilmore Girls. Relaxing. Sunshine.... Thank you, Jesus, for this wonderful day.

Time

Do you ever feel like there isn't enough time in a day? I suppose a better question would be- do I use the time I have been given to be as productive as possible? There are many days when I go to bed and wish I could have gotten more things done. I am 55 days away from graduating from college and it can't come soon enough! I have this hope that when I'm done with school I will have more time to get things done because I won't have homework to do, but I know deep down that I will still want more time. There are people I want to spend time with, books I want to read, blogs I want to look at, things I want to pin, movies I want to watch, shows I want to catch up on....oh to have an afternoon to be bored with nothing to do! Between school, work, church, and having some sort of social life the evenings at home by myself are few and far between. But I love it that way. I know myself and if I wasn't so busy I wouldn't be as happy as I am. I have never been happier than I am right now. I am so blessed in a million little ways- I couldn't even name them all. BUT I want to be a better steward of the time that God has given me. I want to be more organized, (how many calendars and lists can one girl have?!) so I can somehow get all the things done that I want to. I know that this means I sometimes have to say no to things, and that's okay! I just have to keep reminding myself that. For now, that means shutting my computer down and going to bed on time. Tomorrow morning: yoga day 1. Here's praying it goes well!

Blessed.

I feel like I haven't blogged in forever! And there are so many things I want to say, but it all boils down to one statement: I am blessed. There are so many things in my life that are blessing me right now I don't even know where to begin.
I am blessed by my church and all the people there. I truly am part of a family and I absolutely love that feeling. I love knowing I will be at church at least twice a week, maybe more, and get to see so many awesome people in my life.

I am blessed by my roommates. All of us have come from different past roommate situations and we have all had different struggles, but this year just feels so right. We are all totally on the same page in so many different areas, it makes living together such a blessing. We were even talking about it last night and how we love coming home and doing things together. I love them all.

I am blessed by school. Even though getting up at 8am is not exactly my favorite thing in the whole world, I am so glad to go to class once I am awake. In my "Gender in the Global Context" class I am learning things about women all over the world who struggle and overcome all odds to gain freedom from so many different areas. It is inspiring to know what is going on outside of my little bubble here at SPU and in the United States. I am thankful for my Theology Capstone class where we spend 2 hours each week talking about our gifts, struggles, goals, trials, and everything else in between. It has become something I always look forward to.

I am blessed by the Falconettes (a women's service group on campus). We had our retreat this past weekend and it was so great getting to know more ladies who have a heart for serving their community. I am blessed by the times we spend together each week and the friendships I already see developing.

I am blessed by my family at home who supports me no matter what. I am blessed by the relationships that have started developing with family members I have never really known before. And I am so excited to go home for Thanksgiving to a house full of people.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows." James 1:17

Grad School?

How come it's only the first week of the school year and I can't get the idea of grad school out of my head?! I have to get through this year first!!! But seriously, the past month or so I have been thinking SO much about going to grad school- where to go, what to study, when to go, etc. I am really leaning towards getting a master's in Christian Education and would love to have some sort of emphasis in Children's Ministry, because I feel God calling me that direction. It is so amazing how I can see the path God has lead me on to get to this point in my life.

I so love being in Seattle now and the life that I have with church and work and friendships, it's hard to imagine leaving. I know that God has the whole thing planned out, but it would be great if I could get a hint on the next few steps I'm supposed to take...Do I go straight to grad school after graduation? Do I take a year off? Do I go to school in southern California and move "home"? Do I go somewhere I've never been before?

Everyone around me (okay not everyone, but it feels like it!) is talking about engagements, planning weddings, getting married, and anything else along those lines. And while I am soooo happy for them, I feel a little lost in the mix. I know in my heart I'm not ready for marriage yet, but the idea of starting in a new place at a new school (getting a master's?!)...its a little scary. It would be great to say I know exactly what the next few years holds, but I cannot.

"You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. God will go before me." Psalm 59:9-10

First Day of School

Well, I made it through my last first day of college. It didn't start out so great however. I set my alarm for 6:45 to get up and get ready in time for my 8am class. Well THAT didn't happen. My alarm didn't go off and I woke up at 7:45 :/ I threw some sweats on and put my hair in a ponytail and made it to class with a minute to spare. I was thoroughly impressed with myself. So I sat thru my first two classes and then came back to my apartment to actually get dressed and ready for the day. It rained all day today, probably in honor of the first day of school, to remind us all that we're back to the land of cold and wetness.

Then this afternoon I had my Theology Capstone class and it was so great. There are only 6 students and 2 professors so we met at one of the professor's homes right near campus. We talked a lot about our journey at SPU and in the school of theology, how we got to where we are today, where we think we're going, and our intended vocation. We discussed how a vocation is more than just a job, it is a calling. Something God has called us to do and something we can do to honor and praise Him. When we listen to his calling that is when we are fulfilling his vocation for our lives.

I have been thinking a lot about this idea lately and feel with 100% certainty that I am exactly where God wants me to be. Looking back I can see so many places where God has guided me in the direction of children's ministry. I may not know what tomorrow brings, but I know that I am moving forward with this goal in mind. God is in control of my life and has the whole picture figured out, so why would I worry? Why would I ever fret knowing that he always has my best interest in mind? I am so thankful for a God who loves and cares for his children so much.

On a separate note, I am officially moved into my apartment and am mostly unpacked and set up. I just want to hang out in my room and enjoy my time at school, but alas there is already homework to be done. However, nothing more will be getting done tonight. Tomorrow is a new day with new hopes and goals :)

Move-in day with my lovely roommates :)

1st Day of School picture in my room

One more week.

I have been in Seattle one whole week already and only have one left before I can finally move into my apartment!! Two roomies are already there and I am counting down the days until I can be there too! It is slightly weird to be staying in someone else's [huge] house, by myself, with practically nothing to do when I'm here. Here are some things that have been keeping me busy lately:

Internship stuff! I have been getting curriculum together, making copies, running up three flights of stairs to get to KidTown (only to return to the office remembering something important I forgot), teaching Sunday School, directing kids & parents to new locations, meeting new people, getting lots of coffee, and more.

Driving back and forth and back and forth across the 520 bridge.

AND, last but not least:

Listening to Lady A's newest CD :)

Along with some babysitting, seeing friends, moving the brother into SU, and watching HIMYM, I am pretty much just hanging around. Next week will be busier because I will be back at work on top of church. I feel like I'm waiting for an airplane to take off: hurry up and wait. It's all in God's timing right? Gotta rely on Him when I get antsy :)