This, That, and The Other

Life in the Land of Douglas has been very busy as of late, not leaving much time for blog updating. I have managed to steal away a few precious naptime moments for a quick update.  Last summer I was working, working, working and Chris was...well, I'm not entirly sure what Chris was doing.  I know he did some housework, and talked to the dogs, and I'm pretty sure he watched a lot of Law & Order and NCIS and just generally revealed in the goodness that is summer vacation...Ah, how times have changed.  This summer we are busy with the LyviBug and much more and it seems that summer is flying by at breakneck speeds.  Chris has spent quite a bit of time at school trying to organize a new classroom.  You see, the district approved his proposal for a ceramics program and now the work begins to prep the clay room and organize the massive amount of supplies, molds, etc. He has also found time to build a 60ft ship and paint an ocean back drop in the sanctuary of Tree of Life Lutheran Church for our recent VBS. 

Whew!  I'm tired just thinking about it. 

We celebrated Chris' first Father's Day (on Saturday) with a trip to Cannion's Farmers Market and fajitas at my parent's house. 

Went to church on Sunday morning and kicked off VBS on Sunday night. I was a crew leader for VBS and spent the week herding/chasing 13 K-1st grade kiddos through a "High Seas Voyage" of Bible Stories, Crafts and Songs (lots and lots of songs...that I am still singing on repeat) Chris stood in for me one night and joined in the fun (with Lyvi in tow) for two more.

Some where in the midst of all this craziness fun I found time to study for my teacher certification exam (EC -6 (191)) which I took on June 26.  I think it went pretty well, but won't have my actual scores for another 3 weeks.  Now the job hunt begins. Prayers, good vibes, etc are welcome and appreciated greatly!

Throw in time with Lyvi (at home and in the pool) and fun with friends and that pretty much covers our Summer so far. Lots to look forward to in the coming weeks!

Happy Father's Day!

Just wanted to take a minute to wish my hubby a Happy First Father's Day! 

Chris, I cannot tell you how much I enjoy watching you with our little girl. You are an amazing father. Thank you for all you do for both of us.

All my love,

It's Pretty Sweet...

Let your light so shine...

My family raised me in the Lutheran church and this provided me not only a foundation of faith, but also an extended family of sorts. My biological grandparents lived far away and the church provided me a wealth of stand in grandparents among them Grandma Biehl, Ray Roller, and Sandy & Orpha Edgar. It also provided me a share of 'other mothers'  (and fathers) who were there to guide me in faith, celebrate my successses and ensure that my shorts were of an appropriate length.

Even before Alyvia was born I knew that I wanted her to be raised in the church. So after the choas of having a new baby had settled slightly we set out in search of the right church for our little family. We were blessed to find a home at Tree of Life Lutheran Church.  On our first visit were met with smiling faces and a warm welcome. Within just a few visits we knew that we had found the church family that we wanted to be a part of....the family that we wanted to help us raise our daughter in Christ. In February we became members and on Sunday (June 6, 2010) our church family, biological family and friends joined us in celebrating Alyvia's christening.

I cannot find the words to adequately express how blessed I feel at this moment. 

Blessed that my sisters, Hailey & Chelsea, will share the role of Godmother. I know that each of them loves Alyvia and will each, in their own way, use their time and talents to teach Alyvia, guide her, and support her in all that she does.  I cannot think of better role modles for my sweet girl.

Blessed that Gary (my future, future brother-in-law) will be Alyvia's Godfather.  I'm not sure that I know anyone that would take the role as seriously as he does and I know that he will love her, protect her and teach her as she grows.

Blessed that my parents took me to church, taught me the importance of faith, and have guided me in my own journey. I am greatful that they live so close and continue to offer guidance & support.

I hope that we can provide Alyvia with a strong foundation of faith, that she will always be surrounded by people who love her, support her, celebrate her, and make sure her shorts are of an appropriate length.

It's in the bag...oops basket

These days Lyvi is into everything and of course the things that hold her interest the longest are boxes, baskets, various papers, and basically anything that IS NOT a toy but IS in arms reach.

We have are hands full!

What did you learn at school today?

When I graduated from college 6 years ago I was thrilled! I was so greatful for the knowledge I acquired, the experiences I had, and the friends I made. I was also greatful to be done with studying. I was done...I was degreed...and I was never going to pick up another book for anything other than a nice leisurly read.

Ha!  The degree is framed and hanging above my desk where I sit and study! That's right at 28 years old I am studying. I always knew that the time would come for me to go back to work.  I also knew that I would never go back to the hotel industry so I am preparing myself for a career change...I am going to get my teaching certificate (generalist EC - 4)

I am amazed at all that goes into the act of teaching skills like reading, writing, arithmatic, etc.  My teachers always made it look so easy. I really hope I can do the same.  In fact I hope that I can follow in the footsteps of all of the great teachers I have encountered over the course of my early education.

Ms. Ober, Ms. Parks, Ms. Whitney, Ms. Lemmons, Ms. Rich, Ms. King, Ms. Cahoon, Ms. Martin,
Ms. Teasdale, Ms. Davis, Ms. Kirby, Ms. Oberthier, Dr. Dixon

Each of these teachers has touched my life somehow and has helped to shape me into the woman that I am now. As I enter this new chapter in my life I have found a greater respect for all that they did.  Not only did they teach me the required material, they all created a warm classroom environment that encouraged each of us to think creativly, try new things and above all be excited about learning.  I am still learning from these people who I have not seen or talked to in years.  I am thankful for the time and energy they invested in me when I was young and I am thankful for the inspiration they are unknowingly providing me now.

{we heart it}

Write your worries in sand

Carve your blessings in stone

I am working very hard to keep this quote in mind today. I am a worrier and sometimes it is just too easy to let the triviality of day to day things get to me.  Life is short and I don't ever want worry to get in the way of me being the best daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, that I can be. I don't want it to block the view of the many, many blessings that surround me.