our anniversary

Brandon and I are headed to our annual camping trip in an hour or so. I have pretty much everything ready, I just him to get home from work!
We are heading up the McKenzie River tonight to camp with some old friends of mine, and then we are headed to Eastern Oregon for the rest of the week. I think we will be at Olive Lake for a few days, Anthony Lakes for a few days, and then to Pelican Creek for a couple of days. It should be a fun time! I am hoping to take lots of pictures while we are gone.
Last year on this same camping trip we ended up making a flying trip home to Hermiston for a funeral. One of my favorite people lost her husband last year at this time and I had to be there.
This year, we might be making a flying trip back to the valley for a funeral. My best friend called me this morning to tell me something horrible had happened. Her mom committed suicide last night. It is just terrible! I'm not sure what I need to do yet, but my friend wanted us to go on this trip, so we will. But we might be coming home early so I can be with her. She needs lots of prayers, love and hugs right now, so that is what I am doing. Praying for her, loving her and looking forward to giving her lots of hugs.
We could also be making a flying trip to the Tri-Cities----
Brandon's cousin had her twin babies VERY early today, but all seem to be healthy. A baby girl and a baby boy. We are so excited for them and pray that things continue to go well. I can't wait to give them all a big hug.
Well, here we go, to celebrate our wedding anniversary, celebrate life and new babies! =)

Awesome!

For today: June 22nd

Outside my window... I am watching Brandon put a new hitch on the pickup so we can tow our trailer this weekend.

I am thinking... how nice it was for us to be outside together tonight, and water on grass in the evening smells so great.

I am thankful... for my husband, a job where I have summers off, and my sense of smell.

From the kitchen... I will reheat baked ziti and garlic bread for dinner.

I am wearing... a vintage Pilot Rock sweatshirt, running shorts and have bare feet.

I am reading... magazines and blogs.

I am hoping... to squeeze all of summer out before it is over.

I am creating... haven't started anything yet, but lots of projects in mind.

I am praying... for my job, for Erin and the babies, for this to be a wonderful summer!

Around the house... fresh cut grass, water on the grass, groceries from Costco, plants watered, trailer washed, piles of bills and 'stuff' to get to.

One of my favorite things...summer days.

A few plans for the rest of the week...get in the garden, check in at school, pay bills, get the trailer ready to leave, do something creative, buy the paint for our bedroom.

Baby Eliot

I saw this video on Oprah today, and it was the saddest thing I have seen all week! I cried and cried.
http://www.oprah.com/media/20081001_tows_99balloons

Summer is here!

Summer has begun! Friday I checked out of school, turned in my badge and keys and said my goodbyes. It was kinda sad, knowing that I might not be back in my room again in the fall... but I was tired and ready to start summer.
Thursday night Brandon's family came to visit and to celebrate Matt's OSU graduation. We had a great time, celebrating all weekend. Two BBQ's, a clean house, Chinese food, laughter, a quick trip to Florence for lunch and lots of visiting. It was great. Everyone left today, and it was so sad! After the family was gone, Brandon and I headed up to Woodburn with Matt and his girlfriend. We found some great clothes for the boys, and not too much for the girls. This evening Brandon and I spent some time in the yard and our garden. That is summer! The smell of freshly cut grass, basil in the garden, and a Kleenex to my nose! haha
Tomorrow I start some training at the District Office and Brandon is back to work. But summer is here, and I am excited!

Memorial Day 2009

This weekend was the 4th annual (5th annual???) CEM Memorial Day camping trip. We went up to Wikkiup Reservoir this year and we all had a great time. Most of us got there Friday, a couple of die-hards went up Thursday evening to save our spot though.
Here's what we did:
we relaxed and ate junk food.

We drank cheap beer.

We sat by the campfire.

We read books.

Some of us talked on our phones (only to tell others where we were....)

We drove through snow and mud and sunshine to see fun places.

All in all it was a great weekend with great friends. I'm so glad we were all able to make it, and I am already looking forward to next year! Maybe then we'll actually take our boat out and do some fishing! (Note: there was serious fishing going on, it just wasn't done by Brandon or I this time-bummer).

Here we are, the CEM crew!

sometimes...

even when life seems not so great....

there are still moments when we know life is great. These moments remind us of all the positives we have in our life. All the things that are going right, all of the treasures we have-including our family, our friends, our God, our love, and our health.

Yesterday I lost my job. As of now I do not have a teaching position for the 09/10 school year.

I cried. I wondered why?

However, I was also hugged and consoled, and told how important I am and how special I am to the South Shore community. I was hugged and loved by my family and my husband. I was hugged and loved by my students (even though they didn't know!ha ha). I have a wonderful family, I have my God, I have a wonderful house, good health, great friends and stability. I have the HOPE that I will be back next year, in my same classroom teaching the same grade level. Hope, and love, and lots of positives.