Tour of Italy...

Last night I had CPR class. I headed home after work considering what I could make for dinner before my husband came home and I had to head back out. I must admit I hadn't made up my mind when I opened my front door and smelled the tantalizing aroma of Italian food. I grinned. My husband had made it home before me and had created a "Tour of Italy" in our kitchen. I sighed, helped him dish out food and we sat down together. As I looked around our table at each face, I couldn't help but smile. Love... Life... Italian food.... a perfect moment

Harvest...

Wearing gloves, my little students removed seeds from the sunflower heads grown by last years Kindergarten children. Tomorrow we are using the seeds to fill our new classroom birdfeeder. My students are very excited.

As I watched my little charges work together this afternoon, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of statisfaction. My students were doing something useful and it made them happy. I did not need to "invent" something exciting to do. A necessary job brought them genuine pleasure.

How wonderful to delight in small tasks well done. What a blessing it is to think about what we could all learn from the small ones in our lives.

Tonight and always I wish you all the kind of joy I saw today. May you be blessed.

Seasons...

This week my students will be learning about seasons and weather. Tonight as I dug out my snowman earrings, I smiled as I imagined my Kindergartner's reactions. As I snapped this picture and headed over to my computer I mused about the "seasons" in our lives.

There are times when it seems cold and dark and I feel as if whatever unpleasantness I am facing will never end. Other times remind me of the awaking of my garden in the spring. Nurturing and care is needed to make sure what I am hoping for comes to fruition. There are happy, "sunny" times and then there are times that remind me of fall.

Fall is a time of preparation. A time to get ready for winter. To tidy gardens. To begin thinking of traditions and tucking treats away for our loved ones. It is also a time when teachers work very hard at school, setting the tone for the rest of the year.

I love the falling leaves. I make wistful trips to Lowe's every couple weeks and I bring home a discounted perennial or perhaps a bag of spring bulbs. I know it won't be long until the garden center will be barren.

I am not a fan of winter. I do not like to wait for spring. I do not like icy roads. I do not like to acknowledge that I can not do as I wish. The truth is that each season brings its own blessings. Each time of our lives, lessons for us to learn. I have learned in the sunny times and in the dark ones as well.

I hope that as the seasons change, you are blessed with peace and joy in your heart. May your adventure each day be one that leaves you better in the end.

Today, as my husband and I sat talking about the coming holidays together, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the man I sat musing with... for the way we were brought back together... for the happiness our family now shares.

There are sunny times... there are cold times... there are times of nurturing and hope... Life is an adventure that brings us all some of each. May your heart and mine be open to the blessings this season brings.

A day in Kindergarten

Our day began in the usual way, with Circle and Centers. Later we had relay races in gym and played a game with the days of the week. Right before our Lunch, my students donned their handmade squirrel ears and picked up their stuffed acorns and water colored leaves. My favorite Kindergarten kids headed for our stage where they spread out and performed their first action poem of the year. The video was a hoot and the children were very pleased with their endeavor. Back at home, my husband suggested that I set up an unlisted YouTube account so I could upload the excitement to our classroom blog.

I am happy to say the project was a success! I wish very much I could share the video with everyone. But, sadly you'll just have to imagine the silliness. I am hoping we may even be able to perform for the PreK kids tomorrow! Have a wonderful evening! God Bless.

Step by Step...

This evening I spent some time looking over this week's lesson plans and making a few small adjustments. I also began fleshing out my plans for next week. I checked my course of study to see what I needed to cover and looked over some of my supplemental materials. I also spent some time typing up my mid quarter assessments to share with my parents.

It is amazing how much progress my students have made in just about five weeks time. With each game, each journal entry... each flashcard contest, my students are making significant gains. I hope that by Halloween my students will all be able to identify all their upper and lower case letters and that by Christmas we'll have a good handle on our letters sounds. While we are still a ways off from these goals, I know that my students and I are on a journey. One day at a time we will work together, we will stay the course... we will accomplish what we need to do!

leaves...

We dropped leaves to see how they fell compared to other objects. We used water color paints to create our own colorful leaves. We tasted edible leaves (salad) and then used some "real" ones to make leaf rubbings. We even learned a new song called "Autumn Leaves are Falling Down!" complete with hand motions!

Of course we did phonics worksheets, practiced making numbers and read books together too. Kindergarten is a good place to be.

Exploring paint...

We've painted with markers and water. We've painted with cotton swabs. We've used spray bottles, sponge rollers and spatter brushes. Today we painted with our feet! Sigh... yes I love teaching. How about some spin art next week and perhaps a stuffed squirrel out of newspaper?

Singing together...

My two "Song Helpers" worked together to help their classmates sing our Spanish family song. One held the poster while the other used our pointer to indicate what their friends should sing. I smiled as I took the photo you see. I am so proud of my students; they are good helpers. It is a delight to watch them step up and become part of the educational process.

The wind was blowing...

The wind was blowing and the sun shining as I pulled my bus into the pick up line at the K-1 Building. I looked out my window, content with the world, happy. I smiled and reached down for my phone to capture a picture. Sitting and waiting, my eyes had focused on the tippy tops of the trees. The colors of fall are just beginning to dapple their farthest reaches. Beautiful... simply beautiful.

I planted daffodils tonight and I smiled again. Their blossoms will be so welcome after winter. As our nights turn cooler and our days shorter, I feel the seasons turning.

I must say, I'm pleased. I hope that you are as delighted as I am. I wish you blessings. I bid you peace.

Silly...

Nah... the love of silly hats doesn't run in the family...

Alright... Maybe it does... If you have a yen for goofiness perhaps you have your own silly hat someplace. I must confess, I have a whole bin full! I love inventing "holidays" at school and home so I can wear them. As for our turkey hats, I don't even have to invent a reason to wear them. (I suppose though, I probably should wait until Thanksgiving.)

Leaves fall...

At work on Friday,
I sighed when I rounded the building.

Laid out before me,
in all their invitingly crunchy glory,
were the first sprinkling of leaves.

It seems,
that fall,
is almost here.

Graphing names... working together... having fun...

Using letter cards, my students created a graph to find out who had the longest name and who had the shortest. Looking through baggies full of mixed alphabet cards was no easy feat. I smiled as I encouraged them to help each other and watched their cooperation. I sincerely have a lovely group of students this year.

Tomorrow is our Grandparents' Day celebration and I am happy to say my children know their song, have made a book, decorated a lovely card and even made yummy cupcakes. I'm off to write our weekly newsletter, turn painted coffee filters into flowers and other such fun... Tonight and always know that you are a gift from God to this world. You are a blessing. I wish you good things.. I wish you peace...

A smile at the end of the day...

As my bus pulled into the circle at the K-1 building, I spied my two happy charges. They stood with wide grins and waved at me. Once on the bus we exchanged pleasantries and the little dear whose smile you see above plopped down behind me. I didn't even bother to resist the urge to snap a picture before we eased out of the driveway.

What a delight it is to love each other. This small child was overjoyed to see me... to see the end of her day of "big kid" school... to be heading back to our center where she'd see her little brother... In short... my former student was simply brimming with joy. I hope that whatever your day brings you that you are able to share innocent affection whenever it is offered.

Fifty cents...

I forgot my lunch at home... that's how it started. So after setting out my afternoon lessons, I headed up the hill to Kroger for a can of soup and a soda. Once in the store however I noticed the employees changing the seasonal section and wandered over to see what goodies were marked down.

It was then that I saw them... play balls for only fifty cents. As we've been practicing "catch" in gym I was delighted and found thirteen for my students and I to play with. Later, at recess I showed my little ones how to bounce a ball on the wall and catch it. This little dear was amazed at how easy it suddenly was to catch.

I smiled...
Fifty cents...
a pink plastic ball...
coordination...
exercise...

sure...
but, more importantly...
sheer joy...

A cool evening in the park...

Last night we shared some pizza at Blacklick Metro Park and then wandered over to one of their wonderful playgrounds to let our two youngest play. A slight breeze was blowing as twilight started to settle around us.

As I stood, leaning on the swing post, I smiled. A happy memory was made. Nothing fancy, just time together... no rushing about... all the children feeling peaceful... Everyone enjoying a meal... I felt like I was seeing a Visa commercial... for what we were sharing was truly, "priceless".

I hope that you are able to find some quiet time for you and yours sometime soon. This day and always... I pray that you are blessed.

We cracked an egg...

I have eleven new dear ones. School has been in session a week now and as I get ready for the coming days ahead, I smile. I sincerely like my new students; they are nice little people. This past Friday as we worked together, cooking for the first time, I stopped to snap a few photos. In the calm of the moment I was struck by how very wonderful it is to teach small children. Joy... true joy... all from cracking eggs and half a blueberry muffin...

Tomorrow we welcome our new pet, a lovely blue beta fish. We'll vote on what to call him and begin our final preparations for this Friday's Grandparents' Day celebration... I am so glad to be a teacher.

I pray that your week is one of peace. I wish you only good things. May you be blessed.

Yay!

I'm sitting here typing as I wait for my husband.
I have a smile on my face and I chuckle happily when I think that the Kindergarten teacher is married to the soon to be Toy Store manager. A very long time ago my husband was an assistant manager at the holidays and really enjoyed it. I am happy for this opportunity. What a nice blessing.

Patience

Yes...
that is a real guinea pig...

Yes...

it is wearing sunglasses...

Sigh...

If only we all had the patience of dear "Lucy".

Harvest...

It seems so long ago that my Kindergarten students planted our class garden. Carefully my students weeded and joyfully they watered tiny sprouts. Day after day my little charges and I tended our patch hopefully.

School ended and summer begin. Our plants continued to thrive. Many lunches were accompanied by cucumbers and tomatoes. We even had a memorable "Corn Party" one afternoon to the delight of all.

In less than two weeks I will begin my third year of teaching. I am looking forward to a very good year. Just like our class garden, my new little ones will need lots of TLC. Step by step and day by day, my students will grow.

What a blessing it is to be a teacher. What a gift that a "new year" offers... new dear ones... new opportunities... new adventures!

This night and always, I pray that whatever road you find yourself on, that you are comforted by the knowledge that you are loved. That you have a Creator who loves you.... That you are meant for good things! May you find blessings in the coming year! Peace to you.

Remembering a friend...

I've just come home from the funeral home. A very kind woman I used to work with died at only forty eight. A teacher... An artist... A mother... A wife... A friend... She was so many different things to so many people.

Tears welled in my eyes when I thought about what her absence will mean to so many... That I'd never get that chance to meet sometime for lunch and, "catch up".

On the way home though, I talked with my eldest who had been one of her students and we reminisced. Though my friend had only forty eight years on this earth, we both agreed she had used them well.

I pray that her family is comforted and that everyone who knew my friend... each student... each tiny baby who her "Baby Bundles" project helped... each individual whose life was made better by knowing a very remarkable woman... I pray that the love she has shared... the work she began will be continued...

I trust that someday... We will meet again...

This day and always ...
I bid you peace. I ask that you be blessed.

Happy Thoughts...

I snapped this image Sunday at the end of church. The sunlight coming through the windows was so very beautiful I didn't even try to resist my urge.

Today my summer camp kids and I went to Marmon Valley Horse Farm and had an absolutely wonderful time.

Tonight my Dad brought treats over (Chocolate cake!) and we took our puppy to the dog park.

And... to top it all off... My teaching license has been renewed!

Three cheers for a lovely day!

Holidays...

Stopping for soda and shorts on the way back from church, we headed to the parade with enthusiasm. Though it was hot, I simply love cheering and catching candy. True, I can and do buy sugary confections aplenty, there is something special about munching on yummies you've "caught".

After the parade, we headed over to my parents house. It was then that I realized... sigh... yup I had totally forgotten to bring the grill. Suffice it to say I was aggravated. In the end, it didn't matter... it all worked out alright.

Later as I sat on the lawn of my parents' church and watched the fireworks with my entire family, I smiled. Though the day had its share of ups and downs, in the end it simply didn't matter. My parents, my brothers, my husband, my children, my aunt, my uncle, my niece... they didn't wack me with a rock for my mistake... the day wasn't ruined.

What a blessing... forgiveness... family...

Happy together...

This afternoon, our family went to Slate Run Living Historical Farm near Canal Winchester, Ohio. Together we meandered up the dusty path, admiring chickens and the large healthy garden.

As we approached the farm house, we were greeted by a sign inviting our family to come around back and sample vintage drinks from the past. A kind woman in 1800's garb, explained each beverage to us and offered us each a taste of whatever we would like to try. We all sampled the strawberry water and decreed it to be very tasty.

Our son spied the large hammock tied nearby and we inquired if he could swing. An affirmative answer and a nod from dear old mom, was all it took to make him climb aboard. After a satisfying break from walking, our son and younger daughter helped me water the crops in the garden!

Yes, you too can help out at this working historical farm! Using a hand pump, we raised the water and moseyed out into the field to water some beans. Nearby, in the shade our oldest and my husband chatted. (My husband tore a muscle at work and our older daughter was keeping him company while he rested his leg.)

After playing at farming, we went up the trail to pet the animals at the barn. I think we were most delighted by the small calf born just a few weeks ago. He was sweet and happily let us pet him! Of course there were the normal barnyard menagerie to admire as well. A worker even brought a horse out of its stall for visitors to meet.

If you are looking for a delightful, and free, experience for your family head on over to:

http://www.metroparks.net/ParksSlateRunFarm.aspx and discover for yourself why a trip should be in your immediate future.

This day and always,
I wish you well...
I pray you are given what you need...
I ask that you are blessed!

Wandering on a lazy afternoon...

With eight children in tow, I walked the paths at Blendon Woods Metro Park today. We enjoyed the comfortable weather as we walked through forest and field. Butterflies, daddy long legs and even squirrels scurrying in the underbrush caught our fancy.

The kids, students at my school's summer camp, delighted in a scavenger hunt.
(Don't worry my students had to show me what they found, we did not collect anything.)

Along the way we took a break to play "Guess the animal" with a communal piece of chalk on a bit of paved trail and my charges drenched each other with the contents of their water bottles. I laughed and looked the other way. Water, after all, is just water.

I returned to the bus with a smile and a very satisfied feeling. I hope you have an opportunity to enjoy this wonderful season.

Now and always, I pray you are blessed with the peace that comes from the One who made the forest in which we played today.

These things called, "Silly Bandz"...

Here in Central Ohio, rubber bands in varying shapes and colors adorn the arms of toddler and preteen alike. My students carry the bands on their arms and in large baggies ready to lay them all out and trade with just a moments notice.

Besides just the "normal" silly bands,
there are glow-in-the-dark ones,
sparkly ones, tie dyed ones
and...
so I've been told,
even "smelly" ones.

I watch

and

I smile.

I know that I am witnessing a special memory develop for this generation. Their version of "Cabbage Patch Kids" if you will...

I must admit though,

the whole thing is slightly bemusing.

Who could ever imagined?
Shaped rubber bands for about four dollars a dozen?

Seriously?

Is it a modern Rorschach test

(some shapes are hard to identify...)
or just
simple happiness...
homegrown in our very own state?

Feel free to see what the excitement is about and decide for yourself.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/05/13/eveningnews/main6481251.shtml

moments of bliss...

A picnic packed by dad...
trees waving in the wind...

Happy chatter...
shoes off...

Loved ones sharing an afternoon...
simple blessings...

sun and surf!

In Downtown Columbus, there are many opportunities for happy adventures. One such lovely place is Scioto Audubon Metro Park. Yesterday our family enjoyed the sights. My younger daughter and I especially loved watching the turtles sunning themselves. Some were swimming.. Some were basking in the muggy afternoon heat... Others did a little of both.

With picnic tables, a lovely indoor (and air conditioned) facility where you can sit and overlook a large wetland and many trails to hike, I suggest you mosey on over to : http://www.metroparks.net/ParksSciotoAudubon.aspx and check out all this wonderful park has to offer!

bitty wishes...

I made the garden last winter,
moving stones on a snowy day...
trying to deny how long it was until spring.

Finally the time came when I could fill the circle with soil and sit in the grass surrounded by packets of seeds.

With a smile on my face I envisioned the zinnias...
the cactus quills...
the heirloom candy cane ones...
the canary yellow that would shout happiness...

I picked a few seeds out of each envelop,
scattering them about the bed...


I waited...
I watched the first sprouts...
I transplanted those too close together...

God sent
rain...
sunshine...

flowers!

pausing to enjoy...

In an age of rules,
made by those afraid of lawsuits,
some of the simple pleasures of life are in danger of being forgotten.

One evening,
not too long ago,
my husband and I took our son for a walk.

On a particularly lovely street in downtown Columbus, Ohio
are massive fountains that just beg for toes to be dipped in.

I helped our son take his shoes off
and just for a moment or two,
take a trip into the past,
to a simpler time.

As he played in the water,
I smiled...
and remembered the many times my own mother let me play.

My mom kept a towel in the trunk of our car to dry of my brother and I if we got a bit too damp from an adventure.

Creek wading...
fountain splashing...
even the hand pump at the rest stop...

The possibilities were endless...

Sigh...
I love summer!

Just take a look....

This past weekend, my family and I went to the Columbus Zoo. While in the Reptile house, we came to a large tank teeming with swimming turtles. In the bottom of the middle panel was an alligator snapping turtle. Kids were pressed up against the glass and were talking.

The turtle was so still that many people were guessing it was decorative statuary. I paused at the sight. I had never seen a "fake" turtle in this particular tank, but perhaps the zoo had added one since I had last visited. I was curious, so I bent down in the middle of the hallway and knelt by the window. I peered closely and saw the turtle's tongue ever so gently swaying side to side.

I laughed out loud and pointed it out to the other curious onlookers. Immediately my husband and realized we were seeing the turtle use a "lure" obviously hoping to catch something yummy for lunch. How fun to see in reality what we had only learned about on television.

Did I look silly kneeling on the floor? Quite possibly... But, if I hadn't looked closer, we would have missed out on a delightful discovery.

Three cheers for the snapping turtle! Here's hoping someone added a few fish to the tank.

Tonight and always, I wish you well. I pray that you are led on your adventures and kept safe along your way. May God Bless you and be gracious to you. This day and always! I bid you peace.

The first coneflower blooms...

I've seen a bud on my Black eyed Susan's.

My "Sunrise" cone flowers are growing petals and soon will be sharing their cheery yellow blossoms.

This year though,
it is my pink cone flowers that are blooming first!


Nestled between the lavender and other perennials in my front bed, I didn't notice the smaller plant until their almost fluorescent color caught my eye. My photo does not even begin to do justice to their beauty.



Like so many things, the real deal is so much better than a copy. It is the difference between a real stained glass window made by the hand of an artist and one mass produced with "lead" lines painted on.

Both may be lovely... only one is truly a masterpiece.


Sugar free cookies... or Double Chocolate ones rolled in real sugar...

Blueberry pancakes made with plump berries or ones made with fake pellets of sugar...


Which would you choose?


The best things in life...

aren't fake...

Wow! We saw snakes!

Yesterday, while at Dawe's Arboretum in Newark, (http://www.dawesarb.org/visitor.php), my husband and I, our children and my parents were treated to some amazing sights while touring the Cypress Swamp.

We had been looking forward to seeing tadpoles and I sat down on the raised boardwalk and peered into the water with our children. Our older daughter pointed out a salamander and I squealed in delight. I haven't seen a salamander in the wild since I was a child. (I must admit, I laid down on the walkway to get a better look.)

Moments later my husband, who was pushing my mother's wheelchair, spied the little snake on the log in the picture above. I popped up and went running to look. I haven't seen a snake since our oldest was a bitty toddler picking blackberries with me. I grinned at the creature and scurried back to the car for my cell phone so I could take a picture. If all of this wasn't enough, my father spotted a snake swimming that was at least two feet long!

About this time another family arrived with their adult son who had a lot in common with our two younger children. I pointed out the critters to him and he was equally delighted. What a treat. What an amazing ecosystem! Without Dawe's such a swamp wouldn't exist here in Ohio. Dawe's is a wondrous place. Please consider a trip. Admittance to the arboretum is completely free and the staff is friendly and helpful. There are places for picnics and public bathrooms. Upcoming events include a Bonsai show on June 12th and 13th and many summer educational programs.

Our garden grows!

As the year came to a close I had mixed feelings that every teacher understands. I was a little sad. Some of my students will not be back for the summer. I may not see them again. As they have been a part of my life since August, I will miss them. I was also happy. My students made good academic gains and I was proud of their progress. I was excited about the long summer before me and eagerly anticipating the summer camp I am leading.

Like the corn my students are growing in our school garden, the best things in life take time. Anything worth doing... worth learning... worth having... is worth the time and effort it takes to nurture it. If we were to stop tending our garden now, we would get nothing but perhaps a few ears and a lot of weeds. Since I am looking forward to having a "corn party" and enjoying tomatoes with my summer campers, this is not an acceptable option.

Because of this, I will help my charges tend our little oasis of nutrition. Day by day, I will teach them how to weed, when to water and what to do about the pests that may arrive. Together we will learn... together we will work... together we will share the joy when our efforts pay off!

sighing just a bit...

Mother's Day Tea... check
Green Egg's and Ham Play... check
Report Card assessments... check
Report Cards and Report Card suggestions and comments... check


sigh....

Now it's on to Conferences and our end of the year party...
after they're done I'll jump into my course to renew my license and start searching for a job in a district... help plan the "Crew X" activities I am in charge of at camp (I am very excited to be leading the "big kid" camp!).... work on the gardens at home and at school and have wonderful adventures with my family....

But for today...
I will smile...
I will sigh...

For you see it is our youngest guy's 12th Birthday!

Yay for him!
Yay for us!
What fun will we find today?

The show is done...

Three cheers for my Kindergarten students! Our Play was a success. Kids, Parents, Grandparents and other assorted loved ones couldn't have been happier. Me? I was relieved and so very proud. Thanks to my husband for his great animal shapes. For the boxes he tied on his roof and cautiously brought home to me. For all his help, I am so grateful. For a wonderful co-teacher and helpful parents and principal... yup... I give thanks as well. Yay!

A Very Happy Mother's Day...

Our adventure began with a hunt for a monument. My husband and I had heard tell of a unique roadside attraction in Dublin, Ohio. So with a click to a favorite roadside attraction website and another click to mapquest, we set off to share a bit of whimsy.

Our kiddos were unimpressed when we pulled into the Scioto Park on Riverside Drive. From our parking spot we could see a patch of river below, a grassy hill and just a hint of the sculpture. We invited our children to walk onto the head of Chief Leatherlips and we went below to take the first photo. Our kids thought they were simply standing on a stone viewing area.

Once their pictures were taken, we asked our oldest to trade places with us and take a snapshot of dear old mom and dad. When everyone trooped down the hill they were surprised by the face staring out of the slope.

Before we left, we headed down the hill and gazed at the Scioto River. There were ducks swimming, birds singing and swooping over the water and wildflowers near the path to the water. If you think this sounds like something you might enjoy sharing with a dear one, head over to http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/9791 and check out this adventure idea.

If you go, don't forget bread for the ducks, a picnic for the shelter house, some kids for the playground and of course, a camera to capture the moment.

We followed the Scioto...

Following the river, we admired the beautiful houses and the view of the water. We left Riverside Drive and ventured onto a two lane road lined with shady trees. It was peaceful and quiet.

At least it was quiet...until I saw an amazing sight. I could barely believe my eyes and I told my husband to stop the car. Standing in the water were at least six great blue herons! Murmuring, I opened my door and startled all but two or three.

Tiptoeing down a path to the water, I snapped my cell phone camera just in time.... to catch a lovely memory of the beautiful Scioto! Despite my inability to share a photo of those majestic birds, it was still a wonderful experience. The cost?... Only a bit of gas for our car.

Later... a hike...

Our drive took us past Delaware, Ohio and Grady Hospital where our middle child was born. It seemed fitting to muse about her birth on Mother's Day; she seemed to like it as well. After lunch at Arby's (Under $23 dollars for five adult size appetites. You really should try out their dollar menu! yum!), we headed to one of our favorite parks.

Though the eagle's nest is shrouded by leaves, there is still so much to enjoy at Highbanks Metro Park on US Route 23 North, near Polaris, Ohio. The trees tower, the hills beg to be climbed and peace seems to surround you as you walk.

As we enjoyed our time together, we saw a family in front of us stop and stare at a tree. The father reached out and touched something. I heard him say..."dead"... and they walked on. I was curious, what was, "dead"? Walking toward the tree I gasped, there was a beautiful dragonfly motionless on the trunk of the tree. Bending forward, our family admired the creature. I pondered collecting it's body to show my Kindergarten students. It was then that the breathtaking insect moved!

I'm not kidding... hand to heaven... It was ALIVE! Our family cheered... we snapped a picture and attracted the attention of the next family coming along... As we walked away, they stepped up to enjoy the show. We hypothesized that it was the unseasonably cool weather that made the animal so unusually tranquil. Whatever the reason, in all my thirty six years, it was the first time I have ever seen a dragonfly so still.

What a discovery... what a gift... priceless and yet free for all to share... I am so glad to be mom to my children... wife to my husband... child to my Creator... I am blessed...

What have you seen lately that made you stop in awe? Go ahead... tell someone... share your experience... Happiness is meant to be passed on.

Now and Always... I pray that you are blessed.

A slightly wet walk...

Yesterday my daughters and I hiked the dog trail at Highbanks Metro Park. At times it was a bit misty, but we didn't mind. Today my husband is taking the children to a local museum for an outing so I can work on some things for school. Later we'll venture out to play with our pooch and visit my parents for dinner.

Though I have a busy week ahead, as I am sure you do too, I feel grateful for the moments I am able to spend with those I love. May the week ahead of you be a good one... may your adventure be all it should... May you be blessed!

I awoke to the sound of our furry daughter at the door...

We headed out to greet the day together...

We saw rain kissed dandelions...

I assured Maggie that chasing squirrels was a perfectly acceptable pastime.

After church we headed to the Ohio Deli to see an amazing sandwich!

While we waited... Big sis helped her brother color and write names...

Head over to http://www.yelp.com/biz/ohio-deli-and-restaurant-columbus to get all the particulars of this amazing sandwich! The sandwich is less than ten dollars and they don't mind if you share! =) There was more than enough for my husband and I. The kids loved their sandwiches as well. The total bill was no more than a trip to Wendy's with kiddos who don't eat off the Kid's Menu anymore. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere relaxed and casual. Consider a trip yourself. I do not believe you will be disappointed.

After lunch we strolled the campus of OSU

Dodging raindrops and enjoying the sights...

What a beautiful day!