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" :)

fall is here

At the beginning of every season I'm always excited for something. When it's spring time I'm excited to see more of the sun and all the beautiful flowers blooming everywhere. When summer comes around I can't wait to wear flip flops and lay out in the sun endlessly reading books. When winter comes...well, I love Christmas so winter is good because of that (however, by the end of January I'm at a loss for things to like about winter). And then there is fall. My favorite of all the seasons. What's not to love about fall? Cooler weather. Boots. Leaves. Scarves. PSL. Fireplace. Thankfulness. Candles. Oh and pumpkin {everything}.

Right now my house smells so lovely ~ coffee beans in my kitchen table centerpiece, new apple ale candle, and pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal bars baking in the oven. Any time I can use pumpkin, molasses, and fall spices in the same recipe I am a very happy girl! My parents are coming to Seattle tomorrow and the whole family will be here for dinner so I'm breaking out the crock pot again to make a pot roast. Crock pot cooking isn't all that fun when only one person is eating (or I end up with a million freezer meals of the same thing!). I can't wait to have people here to cook for and to eat with. My home feels empty with just one or two people. I crave a crowd.

I blame my mother for this feeling I have. Growing up there were always people in our home- after school, coming over for dinner, holiday meals- everyone came to our house for these things. It wasn't until middle school that I started to realize it wasn't normal to have people over for dinner three or four (or more) times a week. Feeding people is both my mom's love language and her spiritual gift, and I feel that I have inherited these things as well. Making someone a home-cooked meal or bringing treats to work is my way of blessing those around me (and also feeling blessed myself). Why not make someone's day a little bit better if I have the time and ability to?

"...Remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35b

Today.

Today I'm thankful for:
~ college friends visiting
~ words of wisdom
~ favorite hymns
~ baking yummy desserts
~ my bro & friends
~ new books

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

This season of life.

Let's start this post by saying my apartment smells gloriously like peanut butter because I just made a double batch of these peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip cookies! Oh.my.word. SO good!

Life has been busy and calm all at the same time lately. And since a picture says a thousand words, I'm going to let my pictures speak for me.

My best friend got married!! Everything was absolutely beautiful- the bride, the ceremony, the marriage, and of course the bridal party ;)

So thankful for my daddy. 

The roomie graduated from SPU (oh, and she's TEACHING there in the fall) Ridiculously proud of this girl!

Mom and Dad came for a visit in June. It was great to spend time with them in Seattle.

I've been loving the Magnolia Farmer's Market just a mile or so away from my house. A few weeks ago I bought fresh raspberries and made yummy jam. Farmers market fresh homemade jam...makes me feel like the pioneer woman. haha

4th of July weekend was full of food, family, and friends in California. I'm SO glad I got to see these two wonderful women while I was home!

Flying back to Seattle from the Long Beach Airport. Seriously, my favorite airport ever.

Celebrating a new baby!! Loved showering this family and sharing this journey with them as they anticipate the arrival of their little girl. 

Another celebration! But this time for a birthday...half a century right, Meg? ;)

Less then a dozen pictures and so many important people in my life! Seriously, these are the people who have helped to shape me into the person that I am today. They have laughed with me, cried with me, and been there for me no matter what is happening in my life. I am truly blessed by the people I call friends and love being able to celebrate their weddings, babies, birthdays, and more.

It seems like everyone I know is getting engaged, married, having a baby, buying a house, or doing something else exciting and life changing. What am I doing you ask? Welp, I'm still trying to figure that out. I've been researching grad schools in California to get a Master's in Teaching and a teaching credential...So that's the current plan for next year-ish. I'm really excited about the idea of moving back to California and becoming a teacher there, but it also terrifies me. Seattle has finally started to feel like home and where I thought I would be for a while... and now I'm looking at changing ALL of that.

But isn't that what life is about? Get comfortable and bam! life changes! Through all these changes and unknowns I know that one thing stays the same. God is faithful. He will not leave me or forsake me. I know that his plans are bigger and better than anything I could come up with by myself. I am thankful for this confidence because I couldn't imagine going through life without knowing that there is a God who has taken care of everything for me. No matter where the future takes me, I am thankful for each season that the Lord provides.

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Pinterest, Pinterest, Pinterest

Bored during a commercial break? Pinterest. Waiting for someone? Pinterest. Kiddos napping at work with nothing else to do? Pinterest. Long evenings home alone? Pinterest. Need a recipe? Pinterest. Nothing new on Facebook? Pinterest.

Whatever would I do without the Pinterest app on my phone?

Probably have a lot more time to do other things and feel a lot better about myself. ha!

I was reading an article recently about how so much social media stuff is making people depressed about their own lives. Which makes sense for anyone who has ever been on pinterest....the dream weddings, clothes, homes, craft projects, meals, and more that are all perfect. Or so it seems. They don't show the whole picture: the mess of the kitchen after making that meal, the money it took to create that wedding, the hours spent at thrift stores to find the perfect item to upcycle into something crafty, etc, etc.

I have to keep reminding myself of these things. NOTHING is perfect. Why am I comparing myself to people and things that are only portraying the good {perfect} parts of their life, job, family, etc.? Sometimes I have to intentionally not be around any source of internet access and, ya know, actually read a book or talk to someone face to face without technology distracting us to remind myself that my life is full of blessings.

All that to say, it's fun to go on Pinterest and get new ideas for things, but I try to remember not to take it too seriously....otherwise I'll just get jealous and sad and lonely. And that's no good! SO tonight's pinterest trials are as follows:

#1 Vinegar/Orange cleaning spray.

You can find this on a million different websites and pinned all over the place, and I finally decided to try it since the kiddos ate oranges at work today. I had a whole bunch of orange peels and didn't have to eat tons of oranges to get them. Score! You're supposed to let this sit for two weeks (say a prayer I remember to get this out of the closet then...) and then pour in a spray bottle and clean away. Some websites advised mixing water in with this mixture, so we'll have to see how potent it ends up.

#2 Coconut Peanut Butter Magic Cake Bars

So many good things in one small bite! After work I whipped these up to take to an Alumnae Falconette Board meeting tonight and they were a big hit. SO easy to make, the recipe can be found at averie cooks. I used white chocolate chips instead of the butterscotch chips and I think they were just as yummy. 

All in all, I don't think Pinterest or social media of any kind is bad, as long as I can remember to keep everything in the proper perspective. Should I spend all my time browsing things that I wish my life was like? No, because that's not healthy. Is it okay to browse every once in a while and try new things? Yes, absolutely. 

Thanks, Pinterest, for inspiring me and helping me out when I'm stumped about a food/craft/decorating idea.

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

Things I love about Sunday:

• My ritual of listening to worship music on Pandora while I get ready in the morning
• The sound of an excited "Hi Miss Emily!"
• Catching up with people after a busy week
• Singing with the kids
• Chatting with a puppet about Jesus and things we can learn from Him
• Problem solving when something doesn't run smoothly
• Sitting in the back of the church foyer chatting with a mom and their baby who doesn't want to be in the nursery (or quietly sit through the service)
• Seeing happy kids leaving KidTown, excited to come back again
• Taking naps on the couch

Things I love about THIS Sunday:

• The comfort of gray skies and rain that is still coming down, making the earth a lovely shade of green
• New curriculum to teach the K-3 kids
• Lunch with my brother at Orrapin on Queen Anne
• Chocolate Chip Brownie Cookies
• Laying on the couch and reading my newest book, Just a Minute by Wess Stafford

Praising the Lord for all that is good and right on this Sabbath day.

"I say to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.' Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body will also rest secure." 

Psalm 16:2,9

Easter Blessings

        Easter has recently become one of my favorite holidays. (I know I say that about every holiday, but this year Easter has been especially meaningful for me.) Yesterday we celebrated the Easter EGGstravaganza at the church with almost 100 kids! A very fun day of pancakes, egg hunting, crafts, bounce house, games, and a puppet show. This year I had the opportunity to host the puppet show and it was great. Working with our puppets is always fun, especially when they start ad-libing. I definitely had to keep from laughing a few times! The main message was based off m&ms.... Miracle of Mercy, Worthy of Worship, Eternal Life for Everyone, and 3 days in the tomb (or God is 3 in one). If you keep turning a package of m&ms they'll become w's, e's, and 3's. The kids were a little mesmerized by that idea, but I think the parents thought it was clever. It was such a joy to watch the children's faces as they enjoyed the puppet show and hopefully learned something about Jesus!

        Easter is a holiday that I haven't been home for in over 5 years. It was always right after spring break so it didn't make sense to travel back to California for such a short weekend. I have spent this holiday in many ways, with various family members and friends, but one thing that has been consistent is my opportunity to worship at First Free Methodist Church on this special morning. I have been reflecting lately on how blessed I am to be surrounded by a community that loves and cares for me as one of their own. Whether it is through a hug or a kind word, I know that there are many people who care for me (and whom I care for as well). I may not have friends who are my age or who are in a similar life situation, but the beauty of community is that it can be made out of any group of people who are intentional about loving each other and living life together. Better yet, living life together with the common purpose of loving Jesus and following him daily.

Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed, Alleluia!

A Joyful Vacation

This past week I was blessed with the opportunity to take a trip back east and visit many people who are near and dear to my heart.

I started my trip in Boston with my bestie for life, Kayla. I can't believe we met so long ago and have continued to be such good friends no matter where life takes us. We could go months without seeing each other or even talking and when we're together again it's like no time has passed at all. She is a huge blessing in my life and I'm so sad there is a whole country between us, but I know we will always be there for each other.

From Boston, I traveled to Connecticut where I got to meet my sweet baby "niece" and spend the day with some family I don't see very often. Growing up we would travel back to New York/Connecticut at least 2 or 3 times a year to visit my grandparents and dad's side of the family. I remember loving these trips and now wish that we weren't so far apart. It's fun to hear stories of my grandparents or things that happened when my aunts and uncles were growing up. There's just something about getting together with family that makes my heart happy.

I ended my quick trip with a stop in Philadelphia where I spent the day with the Gupta family. This sweet family encourages me so much and I'm so thankful for their continued friendship even though we're far away now. The Guptas are always in my prayers, being on the move and with little Libby going through chemo. I wish I was closer to help babysit and get good advice (on just about everything) from Amy :)

Finding Joy

November Blessings Part 3:
19. Yummy Thanksgiving food for lunch at work.
20. Parents who truly care for their children and are concerned with what is in the child's best interest.
21. My almond sugar cookie recipe :)
22. Spending Thanksgiving with a great family. I'm thankful for my family back at home too. Such a blessing to have 2 loving families in my life.
23. Playing fun games with fun people.
24. Waking up early and getting a lot accomplished.
25. Beautiful Christmas music.
26. Being taken care of when I'm sick.
27. A 2 year old wanting to say a prayer for his mommy and the "baby in mommy's tummy!"
28. People who truly appreciate things you work really hard on.
29. A bombardment of hugs, love, and "Emily!!" screams from a few special 2 year olds who I've missed a lot lately....guess they missed me too :)
30. Feeling well enough to go out and see a funny play.

After stumbling upon the book, One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp a year or so ago and since I started following her blog, A Holy Experience, I have thought a lot more about what it means to count blessings and find joy in every aspect of life. There are gifts, both big and small, surrounding us every day, and sometimes I need that gentle reminder to stop and see all the ways in which I have been truly blessed.

Ann has created a calendar that helps give a little direction when it comes to counting blessings- things like 3 white gifts, 3 gifts of hope, a gift bringing laughter, etc. She made it for 2012, but I'm going to try and use it in 2013 (starting with this December). Maybe she'll come up with a new one for 2013, but for now my plan is to follow this calendar of  joy dares.

If we all found joy in each day the world would become a much more lovely place to be.

Birthday Blessings

November always brings so many things to be thankful for and I think it's a good reminder for me to stop and take the time to remember all the blessings in my life. This weekend I was able to celebrate my birthday with some of the most wonderful people I know! Thursday afternoon Luke and I went to see Wicked and it was incredible! I have been listening to the soundtrack since July and it was so fun to finally see the production. Friday I went to work and had a class of two year olds sing "happy birthday" to me which was very fun. Little "J" kept telling me it was our birthday. I said no, its my birthday and he laughed and so noooo its OUR birthday. Well, I'm okay sharing with that sweet little boy. Then we had story time at church and the kids sang "happy birthday" and we had mini cupcakes to celebrate. One of the 2 1/2 year olds kept saying, "It's Emily's birthday! We have to sing to her!!" It was very cute. And then last night we went out with my brother, his girlfriend, and my roomie for dinner at Buca di Beppo and dessert at home (salted caramel pear pie- yum!) I'm so thankful for all these wonderful people who made my birthday a very special one.

November Blessings Part 2:
10. Productive days getting lots of chores done.
11. Peaceful Sunday mornings at KidTown.
12. Playing with a sweet 2 year old, reading him stories, and putting him to bed.
13. The warmth of a heater.
14. Kids who remember your birthday from last year.
15. Loving parents.
16. Flowers and sweet cards from Luke.
17. Going out to dinner with some of my favorite people whom I love dearly.
18. Children who are generous with their giving.

I am looking forward to a short work week and celebrating Thanksgiving on Thursday with Luke and his family. I'm excited to bake cookies and make sweet potatoes, do a little shopping, spend time with people I love, and continue remembering all the things I have to be thankful for.

30 Thankful Days

Last November I kept a simple list of things I am thankful for each day. Ideally I would love to do this every day all year long, but clearly I'm not so great at it. However, for November I have committed to be thankful in all circumstances. At the end of each day I think back over the events of that day, and consider a small blessing that turned into a big blessing on that particular day. As my dad always says, we are truly blessed - blessed with good health and a great family. Blessed with a roof over our heads and plenty of food in the fridge. Blessed with employment and a comfortable life. My mom always uses the phrase "There but for the grace of God, go I" and I've always understood the idea behind that saying, but I looked up a better explanation of it and I think it fits perfectly. This historical phrase website (called the phrase finder) describes it by saying: I too, like someone seen to have suffered misfortune, might have suffered a similar fate, but for God's mercy. It is only by God's grace that we are blessed, and by responding in thankfulness we are all acknowledging these blessings in our lives.

November Blessings Part 1:
1. My brother, Bob, and getting to see him perform with his improv group at Seattle U.
2. The return of red Starbucks cups and gingerbread lattes :)
3. Laughter with friends.
4. The women on the Alumni Falconette Board.
5. A great day at work in my new classroom, Orange Giraffes.
6. A night at home with Luke - eating chili, watching tv, and simply enjoying each others company.
7. A surprise visit from Luke after a long day at work.
8. Hugs from 2 year olds who say "I got you!" as they squeeze their little arms around your neck.
9. Sunshine on a chilly fall day.

My 3 favorite "F" words...

Family. Friends. Food :)

Tonight my brother and his girlfriend came over for dinner and it was so fun! I love to cook and its always so much more rewarding when I can share the final product with people I love and care about. I decided I would make something from Pinterest, to further work on my goal of actually making the things I pin, and I landed on a Cowboy Casserole found here. I mean, helloooooo it's got tator tots on the top! What could be better? It didn't look super appetizing all piled on the plate, but it was a hit- especially with Luke and Bob. We sat around the table chatting for a while and then dug into dessert that Cassie and Bob brought- harvest plum walnut crumble pie from high 5 pie and it was incredible! I'd take pie over cake any day and this one was so yummy. I don't think I've ever had plums in a pie before, but I'm a fan!

I love that my bro is going to school just a few miles away and I get to see him so often. We always connect Sundays at church and if it works in our busy schedules we'll hang out during the week too. Not all siblings get this opportunity to spend time together (or even like spending time together) and I feel so blessed by the relationship that we have. I loved hanging out as a foursome too- no extra family members or friends, just some siblings spending time together. Can't wait for more times like tonight in the future!

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.... :)

I love my job.

Thursday afternoon I was at work, in the gym with the two year olds, when a little boy (I'll call him "J") came running up to me with his shopping cart. He handed me some "milk" and told me I should drink it because it's good for me. I said okay, but milk makes my tummy hurt. He looked at me like that couldn't be possible and said, "Just drink it through a straw, then it won't make your tummy hurt. It's good for you. Drink it!" And then he ran off. Okay, thanks J :)

Then when I was leaving for the day he gave me a big hug. J was close to my face and said, "What are those spots you got on your face?" I told him they were freckles and he quickly responded by telling me that he didn't like freckles. I laughed and he said, "J has freckles??" and I said, "No, just Emily has freckles. Maybe you'll have them when you are older." He said, "Yeah, when I get big I'll have freckles. But I still won't like them."

J's mom emailed me earlier in the day and thanked me for caring for her boys the way that I do. She told me that she's watched me grow into such a leader the past few years since I started working at NQACC and that her and her husband were thrilled to find out I'd be spending more time in her son's classroom this year. She definitely did not have to send me this email or tell me these thoughts, but I so appreciated hearing her words of kindness. Knowing that parents appreciate the work that we do with their children makes it all worth it. The hugs and love we get from the kids is enough to keep me going for awhile, but that reassurance from their parents and other adults really tells me that I'm doing something right. I know that this is where I'm supposed to be at this stage of my life. Thank you Jesus for giving me this opportunity to be with these children every week.

Things kids say

Elimy....Emnily...Emmaaayeee...Enemy...Emily? Who know my name was so difficult to say?! Well, when you are only 18 months and still trying to figure the world out Emily is one of the toughest names ever! The sweet kids that I work with are always saying the best things and I often find myself retelling stories to anyone that will listen. Sorry if you get bored with kid stories, I just can't help it!

This morning while I was serving up breakfast for the 20 month- 2 year old class, one of the little boys turned to me and said, "I'm so glad to be here today, Emily!" I smiled and said, "I'm glad you're here too!" All through breakfast he kept saying, "I love it here! I love it here!" Anyone who knows kids knows that they certainly speak their mind, and clearly this little boy is just loving life.

About a week ago another little boy, almost 3 years old, was leaving for the day. He got some crackers from our office manager (as the kids do at the end of the day). He thanked her and then ran around the corner to his dad and yelled, "I looked her in the eye!!" Clearly something that they have been working on, but so cute to hear him so proud of himself for this accomplishment!

Last one for now....One of my favorite little guys always wants me to play with him when we're on the playground and says, "Come on, Emily, come on!" A few weeks ago he grabbed my hand and I asked where we were going. He said that we were going to the picnic store, so I asked what we were going to get there. He said we were getting hot dogs and watermelon cookies and then going on a picnic. What does a watermelon cookie taste like you ask? Something similar to wood chips....

Two years old is one of my favorite ages. Not everyone loves it, but the things that the say and the sweet things that they do certainly keep me coming back for more. The hugs and kisses I get and the way they say my name and ask for things always makes me smile. Today a little guy kept coming up to me saying "I need a hug." I'd say okay and bend down to give him a hug. As he walked away he would say, "I'm okay now!" (He also kept reminding himself that mommy and daddy always come back- too cute).

Yes, little ones may need lots of reminders, but they are also capable of giving lots of love!

Blessed by Seattle.

Driving around Seattle lately I have taken more time to look at my surroundings and recognize that I live in a beautiful place. The water, the city, the trees- it all works together in a way that just makes me happy. I'm going on my fifth year in Seattle and I'm really starting to appreciate it for what it really is. The first few years I was trapped on campus, but now I'm actually exploring a bit more and I love finding new beautiful places, tasty restaurants, and fun things to do. I know Seattle may not be my home forever, but right now it truly is a wonderful place to call home.

Today was overcast and the weather is really starting to feel like fall! I've realized that I look forward to every season for different reasons. When summer is almost here I'm excited for flip flops and sunshine. When winter has come I'm excited to bundle up and watch Christmas movies (and sometimes even snow!) Every season has different ups and different downs, but each one is a blessing in my life as I focus on all the things I like with the change. After a few months I'm ready for new things, new clothes, new food (new drinks at Starbucks...hehe). Summer is coming to a close and I'm so excited for fall and all the wonderful things that come with it.

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.

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!

Reminiscing and Resolutions

Some 2011 highlights:

I was accepted into The School of Theology as an Educational Ministry major.

Spending time in the sunshine with my beautiful bestie, Hannah. This wonderful girl is now engaged and I couldn't be happier for her! So glad she is my roommate and friend for life.

I finished my Individual and Family Development classes, which means I have successfully completed one of my degrees. I have been so incredibly blessed by these women and the impact they have had on my life the past few years.

My "little" brother graduated high school and joined me in Seattle, across town at Seattle U.

Spent gobs of time with this little man and his brother (and sister when she joined us in July). Love this family so much!

My lovely friend Lisa was married to her high school sweetheart in July and I was honored to be a part of her special day. Such a blessing to know her and the rest of the ladies in this picture.

After Lisa's wedding I came home to help with VBS at church. I led the Discovery Science rotation and had a fun week of crazy food focused science experiments. Mentos in Diet Coke- it's always a winner!

I met this sweet little lady baby, Joanna Faith.

Went on my first road trip back to school in MY car! It worked out so great that Chelsea was able to drive with me. I was blessed to meet her this year in EdMin classes.

Started interning at First Free Methodist and have loved every minute. I continue to be amazed at how much I love what I do.

Moved back on campus and started my senior year of college. I would be hard-pressed to find more amazing roommates than these ladies. Can't imagine life without them.

Had an amazing weekend when my best friend Sarah came to visit! I showed her all my favorite places in Seattle and we even went to a Colbie Caillat concert!

Not only did I meet this wonderful woman, but I get to live with her, and now celebrate the fact that she is engaged! I have been blessed by Esther from the start, and know that it was God who brought us together as the best of friends.

Celebrated my 21st birthday in style with my favorite kiddos at church. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way!

I was accepted as a Falconette and joined this women's service club at SPU. Every week I am amazed at how much I like spending time with each and every one of these women.

My best friends surprised me with dinner at PF Changs for my 21st birthday. Love them more than words can say.

Came home for Thanksgiving for the first time in 3 years. You forget how much family means until you're not around them.

Old friendships, new friendships, our last Tradition in the Loop, and now 3 of them are engaged! So much love.

Assisted with the Children's Christmas Musical at church. I am so proud of how hard these kids worked and so honored to work with such wonderful people.

Celebrated Christmas early with my roomies. French toast, presents, Big Bang, and cuddling on the couch- can't get much better than that.

The hemoglobin to my myoglobin :) Love this picture. And this girl. SO so much.

Alumni Soccer Game at WCS. Nobody has great friends like I do. Beyond blessed to come home to such great people who will always be there for me.

Kayla and Sarah. Life would not be complete without them.

Christmas with the monkeys. Love me some Lambert kids!!

Merry Christmas from Riverside.

Ended the year with a trip to the mountains with Kayla (and 11 others!). There are no words to describe this girl, my best friend for life. No matter how much time has passed, it's like nothing has changed. We will always be there for each other, and for that I am eternally thankful.

Wow, it has been quite the year. I think the recurring theme is that I am truly blessed. My life is filled with love and laughter, friendship and family. I have learned a lot in this past year, about who I am and where God wants me to be. I have gone from being in a relationship to being single, and am a better person for what I have learned. I have completed a 3rd year of college and started the last. I have spent multiple days at Disneyland and the beach. I have grown in more ways that I can count. My year has been busy, continuing work at NQACC , now teaching in the Toddler rooms; beginning an internship at First Free and earning priceless experience; applying to graduate in June; and biggest of all- deciding on staying in Seattle after graduation. I don't know where God will lead me, but I trust in his promises for my life. As long as I am in Him, I am where I am supposed to be.

Resolutions are always difficult for me. Here we go:

1. Think before I speak. Complain less and speak kinder words.

2. Limit my time on the Internet and facebook.

3. In conjunction with the last resolution, spend more time with people I care about.

4. Read 50 books and keep track of them.

5. Remember to find something to be thankful for every day.

6. Take more adventures in Seattle- new restaurants, parks, museums, and more.

7. Spend at least 2 mornings a week doing some sort of physical activity (more than just playing with kids at work!).

8. Continue to be open to what the Lord has in store for my future. Allow Him to open and close doors and give Him the control.

I'm sure I could come up with more, but I think that for now it's a good start.

Happy New Year!