WEIGHT WATCHER WEIGH IN- The Results

Yesterday was amazing on so many levels! Not an easy day for me at the college, but I am learning (again) that being a person of integrity means doing what has to be done, even if it isn't easy!

That principle certainly applies to working on a healthy life style!

This week I did what I said I would do. I kept promises to myself!

I did more exercise, I drank more water, I kept track of every morsel of food that I put in my mouth. It wasn't easy, in fact it was darn tough at times! And my response to it being tough? So what if it is tough!!

If I want this badly enough, and I do, then I have to be willing to do the hard work. The results are worth it!

It takes courage to work on yourself. Bravery Ribbons help. I wore mine all day yesterday and to Weight Watchers. They were a visible reminder to me that I CAN do this! I DO have it inside me to be strong! I am NOT alone. God is right there with me as I do my situps, take my walks, eat my Lean Cuisine Meals, make a good choice at a restaurant, and get on the scale at a Weight Watcher meeting!

Drum roll please: I lost 3.4 more pounds for a total of 11.6 pounds! (she says with a smile)

A huge thank you to all of you who have kept me in your prayers! That means the world to me. A huge thank you to those who have emailed, been on my blog, called, checked in, or asked how it is going. That support makes a big difference!

If you see a cute 60 year old dancing down the street, lighter on her heels, her clothes a little looser, wearing a grin and flashing her bravery ribbons...well that person is ME!!

Love and hugs to all who read this! God Bless! Love, Linda

BRAVERY RIBBONS- Kudos to Emma and Kayla

Growing up one of the favorite sayings in my home was "Feel the fear...and do it anyway!"
In essence my Dad was teaching me that life is full of risks and changes that make us feel fearful. When we try something new, or go back to something challenging, there will often be moments of panic and fear. Our self talk may become something like..."Why did I think this was a good idea?"..."What if I fail?"..."What if this doesn't work out like I thought it would?"

If the goal is one that I really want to shoot for ...I was taught to say to myself "Feel the fear...and do it anyway!"

Feeling the fear may mean buckets and buckets of tears. It may mean finding support from others, it may mean getting afraid, backing out, starting all over again, or approaching the goal with tiny, fearful steps. It truly takes great courage to deal with your worst fears and tackle life head on.

It helps to know that you are not alone, that others love you and support you. It helps me to know that I'm NEVER really alone! God is always there, holding me up when I feel afraid!

You can feel afraid if you are 4, 10,or 60. And my two role models this week for "feeling the fear and doing it anyway" are my granddaughters Emma and Kayla!

Let's start with the youngest "Fear Fighter"! Emma has had a tough few weeks transitioning from summer to pre-school, ballet, and daycare. She is used to Mommy and Daddy being there 24/7. She misses everyone. This normally self-confident little dynamo has hit a hard spot, as we all do. She has been filled with fear. Tears have flowed, and she has had a heart-breaking time adjusting. She has cried endlessly and so has Jessi. Rog and Jessi have brainstormed constantly about how to support her. We have been praying for her strength as have so many others. Even a group of older "Grandma-type" seniors at my church (one is 99 :)) have been praying. As Mother Eardman told me last Saturday "Of course I will put that sweet darling in my prayers! You watch. God will lift her up!" You gotta love that resolve and she is 99!

On Tuesday Emma decided to try ballet again. The beginning was very rocky. Yet Jessi had put "bravery ribbons" in her hair to remind her that she was brave and she could do this!

When I heard about the "Bravery ribbons" I started to cry. I missed my Mom. I wanted her to be in my life right now and make bravery ribbons for me. I wanted to immediately start a company that marketed bravery ribbons. Bravery Ribbons are a visual reminder that you have the courage and strength inside you to do what you need and want to do!

Emma felt the fear at ballet, and if you look at Jessi's blog you'll see that she at first took very tiny steps. And then, boosted by love, support, care, concern and prayers from all over...she joined the ballet class again!! Praise God!

Emma called me Tuesday night with the usual lift and strength in her voice. She said, "Nana, I DID IT! I didn't cry. I had a great day at ballet!" Now understand, in all the enthusiasm, it came out very fast and a bit hard for me to catch all of it. But what I heard her say clearly was "I so ESCITED!" That's how we feel when we face our fears! What a great role model for all of us! Way to go Emma!

My second "Fear Fighter" role model is my ten year old granddaughter Kayla! Kayla is absolutely amazing, beautiful inside and out. If you asked ten people in our family they would describe her as loving, kind, compassionate, a great friend, a hard worker, someone who always does her best, and a lover of Jesus! I LOVE to talk to Kayla and we have N and K time together (Nana and Kayla Time!) We talk about the Lord, about books we are reading, about how to get along with difficult people, about life!)

Kayla has been through lots of HUGE changes in the past few years. A few of these include having her family go through a divorce, re-marriages of both parents, new siblings and family added to her life, new homes to live in, new schools to go to, and new friends to make. Most adults I know would whine endlessly about having to go through this. Yet Kayla tackles change with God by her side. She feels the fear and does it anyway. She does change graciously and gratefully!

This year brought new changes as well. After a great time, and being well known at her old grade school, she started 5th grade at a new school, Woodridge Elementary. She is making new friends and wants to be involved in student government. So what is she doing...she is running for school secretary! Oh my gosh...how awesome and brave is that!!

She won the Primary in her class and now is campaigning at the school. She is telling everyone... I am new here, I want to do this, and I could do it well!!! I am SO PROUD of her!
Instead of focusing on being new, and expecting that to be a negative, she is being brave and going for her goals! She is looking fear in the face and saying "Get out! You won't stop me!!"

She deserves bravery ribbons, just like Emma! Way to go Sis!

So if today you are feeling fear, if you are wanting to hide or run away, if fear is getting the better of you... think of these two brave young women!! Take a few small steps toward your goals knowing that sometimes just making the effort when you are scared deserves a trophy!

Today I have a weight watcher weigh in. This morning I'm making myself some bravery ribbons! I'll be the one at the meeting dressed in style, wearing ribbons and carrying the love of two amazing granddaughters in my heart!

Have a great day! "Feel the fear and do it anyway!"...and while you are at it...make yourself some bravery ribbons!
God Bless! Love, Linda

WEIGHT WATCHER WEIGH IN- Results

I went to my 12:15 Weight Watcher meeting yesterday and found out that I had maintained my weight, not gained or lost. So I am still at 8.2 pounds lost after three weeks. While that's still ahead of my goal of 2 pounds a week...I am stepping up my program!! I am intensifying my battle plan!!


This morning I got up and did my walk and added situps to the routine. While my coffee is perking I will be doing situps from now on! Also, because of school starting on Monday, I had neglected my usual walk all week....no longer! School has started and I will still continue to walk my 14 blocks 5 times a week!


I am writing down every point of every morsel of food! Last night I had dinner with Jessi and Emma at "Chris Robin" on the north side. Before they arrived I talked to the waitress about what on the menu would be Weight Watcher friendly. She had been to Weight Watchers and
knew the point total of the kid''s turkey burger with or without bun with steamed veggies and teriyaki sauce. So I had that (without the bun) :)


Thanks to Jessi for her encouragement about taking a swim class at SCC (I'll look into that today) Thanks sweetie for your support and encouragement and being proud of me for my efforts! It means a great deal to have your support!


And thanks to Amy for your continued help in getting to meetings, your constant checking in (how is your eating going today?) and for the text message that boosted my spirits! Going with you to those meetings makes all the difference. Also, thanks for making me a Weight Watcher lunch yesterday after the meeting! It is so helpful and fun to do this together!


I am encouraged by Galatians 5:1 that says "Thank you Lord that it is for freedom that you have set us free. Help her to STAND FIRM and not be entangled again in this slavery."
I do not want to be entangled in a slavery to eating poorly! Thanks Aim for sending me that perfect devotional!


Also I saw an impactful advertisement on TV for talking to your kids about drugs. It showed a Mommy talking to a little girl (probably 3). The little girl says, "Mommy, why is Nana gone?" The Mom with a tear in her eye says, after a long pause, "Honey, you know how the pretty spring flowers come and then they go away?" The little girl says "Yes". The Mommy says"Well that's what happened to Nana."

The ad then says if you can talk to them about death you can talk to them about drugs! Oh my gosh...I started to cry. I could see Kayla, Emma, and Jenna's face in that little girl! I am their Nana, as well as Jacob's, Zac's and my other grandkid's Nana.

I KNOW I was meant to see that ad to help me resolve to get healthy so I can stay on the planet longer!!!


So...today I am stepping up the battle plan! I am armed with my WW Tracker, my support sytem, my Bible quote, and my own STAND FIRM resolve! This body is God's temple...and I am improving how I take care of it!

Look out pounds! No more maintaining..you will be gone!!

Love and hugs to all who read this! God Bless! Love Linda (aka Nana)

IT'S OFFICIAL - I'm Back To School !!!!

The first day of school has ALWAYS been a landmark day for me. Even in first grade I remember being so excited that I could hardly sleep. I remember picking out my clothes and carefully putting them out for the next morning. The first day of school has always been a mix of pure joy, butterflies, and curiosity!

Things haven't changed!

Yesterday was my first day back at SCC. It was also the start of my 40th, yes 40th, year of teaching! I woke up at 1:30 in the morning and wished we could all get going at 2:30.
However, I was at SCC at 5:30 am and ready to do last minute organizing and prepare my color-coded Daily Bulletins (talking about daily goals, quote of the day "Never , never, never give up!", and a reminder about their homework assignment (interview questions to ask me).

We spent much of the first hour doing student interviews, having music on, and enough plants for a greenhouse! My room looked darn festive...if I do say so myself...and it was great to hear the chatter of their sweet voices!

Lots of former students stopped by and 20 of them are taking a new class from me. I am teaching Interpersonal Communication, Conflict Management, and Intercultural Communication! I love all of these subjects and learn lots of new things during each quarter.

For me, teaching is the best job in the world...very tough and challenging, tons of work, but the rewards are amazing!

I'm ready to head off to school in a few minutes, but I just feel so grateful that God has blessed me with a career that allows me to give to others! I wanted to share my JOY with you!

Love and HUGS to all who read this!

Have a great day! God Bless! Linda

MAKING PROFOUND CHANGES- Internally and Externally

This summer was one of the best times of my life! I was SO appreciative of being able to walk and get around, compared to the previous summer when I was in a cast, that the daily theme became one of deep and sustained GRATITUDE!

Small gifts, by some people's standards, became monumental to me. Here are just a few of those gifts that started a chain of profound internal and external growth:

1) I was grateful to be able to wear "real" shoes.
2) I was grateful to be able to walk a block.
3) I was grateful to be able to push Emma and her stroller at Ironman.
4) I was grateful to be able to walk in the sand at Cannon Beach! (no cast...so I could feel the sand between my toes) :)
5) I was grateful to get to go swimming.
6) I was grateful to go off the diving board at the lake with Jacob.
7) I was grateful to go in the inner tube behind the boat and scream my lungs out.
8) I was able to go through airport security without having my cast checked.
9) I was grateful to be able to get "in" my garden and plant my plants (steep incline).
10) I was grateful for a better back, one that was not impacted by walking with a cast.
11) I was able to hold and rock Jenna, and walk her around, without being in pain.
and the list goes on.

Here are a few of my INTERNAL changes:
As I became more grateful, more aware of all the blessings I take for granted, a profound change began to happen. After all, I have been healthy and active MY WHOLE LIFE!!!

I never knew what an incredible blessing that was until my movement was contained and limited. I have rarely been sick! I have lived my whole life in an all-out go for it mode of operation! Bring it on has been my motto!
I know and live with people who have health problems daily, who live with chronic pain. The blessing of shattering my ankle was that suddenly I had some idea of what they were going through.

When my health was renewed, and that really happened this summer, I was given a gift. A second chance at making some profound changes! I am so thankful to God for my renewed health and vitality!

I am reading an amazing book, a mind-bender called 100 Ways To Motivate Yourself- Change Your Life Forever. It is written by Steve Chandler.and was recommended to me by one of my life-mentors. The thoughts and exercises in this book are not simple, often heard cliches. Each one can change your thinking and doing! They deal with your most profound inner fears and the paths of self-doubt and self-sabatage that have been etched into the memory paths of our brains. His "Get On Your Deathbed" Exercise has changed my life! I am currently on #44 of ways to motivate yourself!

So I am making internal changes through reading this book, having a support system, and prayer! My new motto is...if not NOW...when?? The time for change is NOW! I am sixty and don't have time to spare! I want to appreciate and be grateful for everything and have my choices and life celebrate that gratitude!

Here are a few of the External changes:

1) I love interior design and in the last two weeks I have re-designed my sunroom, living room, dining room, and outdoor room!
2) I re-designed my front porch and planted mums in all my planters and in the area leading into our driveway!
3) I have joined Weight Watchers and changed my eating habits. In two weeks I have lost 8.2 pounds!
4) I have stepped up my exercise program to 16 blocks, five times a week!
5) I have completely cleaned out my classroom and brought in art, sayings, lamps, table cloths and re-done the bulletin boards in there! School hasn't started but I have spent ten hours there in the last two days.
6) I re-did the bulletin boards outside my office!
7) Today I am planting the fall planters on my back deck.
8) I have cleaned out my car, with Bert's help, a long hated task that I always want to avoid.
9) I got my oil changed and my new tabs ahead of schedule.
10) I am working on forgiveness and really letting go...of old attitudes and hurts!
11) I am blogging more and reaching out more to those I care about.
12) I am being more honest and authentic.
13) I am praying more and reading my Bible more.
YIKES!!!

I am cleaning house, literally. I am cleaning out old junk, in my places of living and working and in my mind and heart.

Amazingly, I have done these tasks GRATEFULLY, not begrudgingly. I am MORE energized and happy after doing them! Anne Lammott says, in Traveling Mercies, that simple tasks, done in gratitude, are a form of prayer!

I am so GRATEFUL for life, for each day! As I sing my praise songs at the top of my lungs in the car, I know that it is a new "season" for me. God has given me a second chance and I am embracing it with open arms!

Thanks to all of you for your care and support! It makes a difference!

God Bless! Love, Linda

WEIGHT WATCHERS WEIGH IN.....

It has been a crazy week with two birthday celebrations, However, with one exception, I did a pretty good job at portion control, drinking lots of water, and getting in my exercise! I am diligently working toward my goal...one pound at a time!!!

Drum Roll please...I lost three pounds!!!

My goal is 2 lbs a week so I am pleased!

God Bless and hugs to all who read this! Love, Linda

THURSDAY THIRTEEN- Making a Case for Reading and Thirteen of My Favorite Books

First let me say that I am about to begin my 40th year as a teacher and professor! Being a teacher colors everything in my life! I LOVE to learn new information (about dinosauers...thank you Jacob) or politics (thank you Richard A. Clark) or motivation of employees (thank you Ken Blanchard) or spiritual growth (thank you Anne Lamott)!

I am a life-long learner, a world citizen, a political activist, and someone who LOVES a good book. On my last spiritual retreat (7 days) I read eight books! These books are windows to the world, avenues for new thought and critical thinking, and expanders of my mind and heart!
They twique my vocabulary, and I keep a thesaurus next to me as I read.

One of my greatest fears is becoming stagnant and refusing to see and learn about new ideas.
Books help keep that from happening. Do you only talk about one or two topics with everyone? Want to expand your areas of interest (so you won't bore yourself or others)? Read a great new book! :)

I grew up reading. I learned to love reading from my first grade teacher, Miss Ella Faye, and from my Mom who read biographies all the time. My father read three newspapers each day...The Seattle Times, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times. We always talked about what he read. As a youngster I had a much cherished set of books that I read and re-read... the Nancy Drew series being one of these.

As an adult, I am a member of Oprah Winfrey's Book Club, and I have read many of the books on her list. Besides reading books, I love to discuss what I read with others who have read the same book. I even love to talk about books I haven't yet read with others who love to read. Recently my grandaughter Kayla and I had a discussion about our favorite books in our "N and K Time" (that's Nana and Kayla time.) Like me, Kayla is an avid reader, especially of horse books!

So, now that I've made a case for reading :) (sorry, just couldn't help myself)..here are thirteen of my current favorites:

1) Traveling Mercies- Anne Lamott (a must-read, amazing and hilarious book about spiritual life)

2) How To Have Intelligent and Creative Conversations With Your Kids- Jane Healy (it will change how you parent with children of any age)

3) Against All Enemies- Inside America's War on Terror -Richard A. Clark ( a way to understand the war in Iraq through new eyes)

4) Forgiveness- The Greatest Healer of All- Jerry Jampolsky (amazing book on letting go)

5) Whale Done! The Power of Positive Relationships- Ken Blanchard ( a book about customer service)

6) Cure for the Common Life-Living In Your Sweet Spot - Max Lucado (God made only one you! Appreciating Your Uniqueness)

7) Tuesday's With Morrie- Mitch Albom (learning life lessons from the conversations of an old man and young man)

8) The Invitation- Oriah (the most interesting take on finding yourself and living passionately that I've read in a long time)

9) The Five Dysfunctions Of A Team- Patrick Lencioni (so creative, a must read for anyone on any team)

10) Mind Waves- Arlene Taylor (a map to understanding your own brain and the brains of others so you can better connect with those around you)

11) Changing Course- Women's Inspiring Stories of Menopause-Yitta Halberstam ( a whole new way to look at the journey of menopause, read before menopause, during menopause, or after menopause)

12) A Good Yarn- Betty Macomber ( This Port Orchard author has sold more than 60 million books. A terrific fiction story of how women love and support each other)

13) The Tin Roof Blowdown- James Lee Burke ( A mystery set in New Orleans after Katrina)

You may say to yourself.. "Self, I have no time to read. Someday I'll read that book. Sometime, when my life calms down, I'll find the time."

My response? Want to be a great role model to your children? Role model reading and read to them! It may change your life and theirs!

Have you read any great books lately? I'd love to hear about some of your favorites! :)

God Bless! Love Linda

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BELOVED HUSBAND - BERT!!!!

There really aren't words to describe the gift Bert is to my life! He is an angel, sent from God, to mend my heart and bring me 25 years of happiness and delight! Today is his 73rd birthday!

Here are just a few of the things I LOVE about Bert:

1) I love your humble and unselfish spirit...your joy in helping others to shine!

2) I love your heart and how deeply you care for those around you!

3) I love that in 25 years you have kept ALL of your wedding vows. I have felt honored and cherished every day of those 25 years!

4) I love that you embraced and embrace Amy and Jessi as your own daughters!

5) I love your creative spirit..that named and helped to develop Windsurfing!

6) I love that you are an amazing counselor and have helped so many people!

7) I love that you always go to church with me, even at the churches over the years that were not your favorite!

8) I love that you cry easily and are not ashamed of your tears!

9) I love that you stick up for me and feel incensed toward anyone who would try to hurt me.

10) I love that you loved me enough to get sober and stay sober!

11) I love that you write letters, even when you have dyslexia.

12) I love your crazy sense of humor that allows you to make endless "tooting" noises in the car with Jacob.

13) I love that you have helped extended family members get help and counseling.

14) I love that every day you walk my car down the driveway, throw me a kiss, and say "Praise the Lord!".

15) I love that you tell me the hard truth because you love me.

16) I love that you loved my Dad and found great things about him.

17) I love that you think I'm cute and sexy!

18) I love that even though you have a very difficult chronic illness and have been through a tough cancer....you NEVER complained!

19) I love that you are always pointing out the simple beauties in life to me...Like a deep red sunset or gorgeous flower!

and so many more...!

You are SO wonderful and the LOVE of my life! Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Your Nans

HAVING A CONVERSATION ABOUT.....Prayer

In a recent blog entry Lorie started a conversation about prayer. I posted on her blog and my post got longer and...longer. Not hard for an extrovert :) However I realized several things as I started to write about this topic and my own journey of faith and prayer:

1) The topic of faith and prayer speaks to the core of who I am and who I long to be.

2) I often read blogs about the discipline of being a triathlete and the training and races it takes to improve at that sport. I'm a walker, not a triathlete. However the "race" I am running, the time I am training..is my walk with God. Prayer is a huge part of that walk.

3) If you asked me to list the three most important parts of my life, my relationship with God would be in my top three. At times it is number one, other times it is third. My relationship with family and the people I love is right up there as well.

Communicating with God , talking to God, listening to God, having quality time with God nourishes my life. That relationship requires time, intention, care, honesty, listening, and talking, just as any human relationship does. If I don't spend quality time focusing on Bert, our relationship gets stale and it doesn't grow. If I neglect my relationship with God (don't learn more, worship, pray) my relationship with God is in words only. My behavior doesn't say that God is a priority. My relationship with God gets stale.

4) I started my relationship with the Lord when I went to Malibu at the end of 8th grade. It was
there that I met God and Jesus face-to-face, heart-to-heart.

However, truth be told, at times I have set God on the back burner of my life. I felt like I had all the answers. And yet when push came to shove, and tragedy struck, I would talk to God (pray) without so much as an apology for ignoring Him. At those moments of grief and despair I turned to Him expecting Him to change the course of events..for Him to make everything better.

I remember those times and am struck by how human that is and at the same time how totally self centered that is. Amazingly, He forgives me for being so self-centered.

5) Going to church, worshiping with others, going on spiritual retreats, reading
books about faith, and praying is how I grow and get more mature in my faith and prayer life. This isn't easy. It takes a huge amount of self discipline.

6) Really loving God with all of my mind, heart and soul...and loving others as myself...is NOT an easy task. Those are not just words. This is a daily walk. I can only do this with His help. I'm not humanly capable of this. Praying to Him is part of that journey.

7) Etty Hillesum, the young Jewish girl who kept a diary during her stay at Auschwitz, wrote of her "uninterrupted dialogue" with God. She had epiphanies even in that morally
barren place. She prayed,

"Sometimes when I stand in some corner of the camp, my feet planted on Your earth, my eyes raised towards Your Heaven, tears sometimes stream down my face, tears of deep emotion and gratitude." She knew the horror. "And I want to be right here in the thick of horror and still be able to say: life is beautiful...For once you have begun to walk with God, you need only keep on walking with God and talking with God. He is in that horror with you and He will give you joy and peace."

8) I have some favorite books that encourage me in my faith and prayer life. Here are just a few:

The Bible- The Message- translation by Eugene Peterson
Traveling Mercies- Ann Lamott
Grace Eventually- Ann Lamott
Prayer- Does It Make A difference? Philip Yancey
Come Away My Beloved- Frances Roberts
Jesus in Blue Jeans
The Only Necessary Thing-Living A Prayerful Life-Henri Nouwen

9) Yancey, a Christian author says, "If I had to answer the question "Why pray?" in one sentence, it would be, "Because Jesus did."

10) Every morning I start my life with a cup of coffee and this prayer:

Dear God...
As I wake up this morning
may Your spirit come upon me.
May my mind receive Your emanations,
my soul receive Your blessing,
and my heart receive Your love.

May all those I meet
or even think of on this day
feel better for it.

May I contribute peace.

May I serve Your purposes
with all I say and do,
today and always.

Please show me how.

Amen."

Love and Hugs to all who read this! God Bless! Love, Linda

Personal Goals- Weight Watchers Weigh In

Losing weight, eating healthy, and consistently getting exercise is a long-term personal goal for me. It is also a struggle. My schedule is often so full that I struggle with making time for self-care for me. This is a life-long struggle, but one I have not given up on.

So....

I am going to a Weight Watchers meeting in north Spokane every Thursday at 11:45.
Amy is going there and gently and lovingly encouraged me to go with her :)

At my weigh in this week (held on Wednesday night because I was doing an all-day workshop on Thursday) I lost...drum roll please.... 5.2 pounds!

I am doing the program and since my ankle feels better walking four times a week!

I love working on goals, but the hardest goal for me is healthy eating and consistent exercise.
I am using positive self talk and a support system to stay on top of my daily eating. I am holding myself accountable by a public weigh in, and being careful about the food I have in the house. I am writing down how many "points" I am using each day.

Thanks Aim for your help in getting started again! Thanks Kim Ellis for the inspiration and your own accountability on your blog.

I'll keep you posted!

God Bless! Love Linda

Precious Ballerina- Dedicated to Jessi

Oh beautiful twir-r-rling girl,
Swishing costumes,
Leaping high.

Hands in "pedition"
Listening carefully,
Boundless energy, harnessed only for a moment.

Precious ballerina,
Do you know you have stolen my heart?

I look at you, your deep knowing eyes,
Your graceful movement,
Your beaming smile.

I catch you looking at me.
Wondering.....
Did my Nana ever dance?

Darling, twir-r-rling bundle of delight,
I remember the "peditions" too.

Not so long ago.
In Margaret Tappings School of the Dance,
I found my wings.

I learned to twir-r-rl and soar.
And one day I took flight.
You will too.

But for now, precious ballerina...
Twir-r-rl by me.

You with your mommy's eyes
You with that inner sparkle.

There is no wand big enough
No crown sparkly enough
To compete with the dazzle of your love.

Precious ballerina
Twir-r-rling girl
Keep dancing!

I love you Jess Jess! I love you Emma! Your Momma and Nana

I Remember Your First Day of Kindergarten- Dedicated to Amy

It doesn't seem so long ago,
In fact, only yesterday.
The image is etched in my mind and heart.

You seemed so tiny, yet no longer the sweet blonde baby I had held and cherished.
Now you were old enough to help pick out your dress,
tell me how you wanted your hair, and pick out what you would have for lunch.

Those tiny hands, once so little that they fit inside mine
Could hold a pencil and write your own name.

How precious time had flown.
Did you know, my darling sweet daughter
That you etched your name into my heart.

No sweeter word than Mommy.
That morning you called it as always.
Now you said...
"Mommy... I am all ready to go to school!"

Your sister, your protector, was already a school veteran.
She knew the ropes.
She rode the bus and it would not do for me to drive you.
You said, your hand on your hip, "Mommy, I am not a baby!"

Yes, my sweet Amy, I know that.
But my heart isn't so sure.

I watched you both get on the giant yellow school beast.
I sat in my car, trying not to whail the whail of all mothers who let their children go...
one inch at a time.

You are so small.
You are so precious.
Your beautiful blonde hair shining in the sun.

Who will be there to wipe away your tears if you fall down?
Who will wipe away mine?

I see your small face come to the back window of the bus.
Your sister's shadow right behind you.
You wave as if all is OK.

But my hands and feet have a life of their own.
My car pulls out, following that small smile all the way to school.
And then you are gone, inside, out of sight.

Kindergarten has started.

I can barely drive home.
My eyes are flooded with tears.
I am so proud of how brave you are.

And this morning, you send your precious Jacob to kindergarten.
A new milestone, a full day of school.
Life comes full circle.

You will see his small focused face... disappear into that school house.
A final wave, a kiss a little longer than usual.
And you'll hold a little tighter to Jenna
As you touch her small hand.

I love you sweetie! I'm thinking about you this morning!
You and Jacob are in my prayers! God Bless! Your Momma

Food For My Soul...

"God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it's me."

-Tamara Hall

I have lived with the Serenity Prayer for many years, like many recovering people. I LOVE this revised version of this prayer. It came from Jessi's blog. She heard it from a speaker at the Mead all-school meeting.

I plan to order Tamara Hall's book When Life Kicks, Kick back. Her refreshing approach to daily life seems like water on the desert sands! It's truly food for my soul.

Simply put, I need and want to work on all three parts of this prayer.

I want to honor and accept the people I cannot change.
I want to have the courage to make personal changes.
I want to have the wisdom to know that the only person I can change is...ME!!

This comes at a perfect time! I needed to hear this!

God Bless! Love, Linda

TAKING THE TIME TO SEE AND EXPERIENCE THE MIRACLES!!

Albert Einstein once said-

There are two ways to live your life-

One as if nothing is a miracle
The other as if everything is.

I saw this quote downtown yesterday in a display case, and I stopped to write it down.
I want to be the kind of person who sees ALL of life as a miracle!

The past several weeks the pace of life has gone from a slow, sane, summertime schedule to all out GO FOR IT!!!! Bert's fall schedule as a counselor is full, full, full! My consulting work has picked up as well. And school is about to start , and the other members of our family who are teachers are already back at it.

Today Ryan starts his first day with students in the Deer Park School District. He is teaching 5th grade so he has a new grade, new school, new room, and new colleagues. He is thrilled and excited. They are so blessed to have him. I have seen him teach, and he is a gifted teacher.

Amy starts a new semester of Grad School at Gonzaga. Her classes started yesterday. Yet she has been Ryan's major helper in making this new transition! Besides all of this, and having a new baby and not much sleep, on Monday she put on the birthday party of all birthday parties for Jacob....bouncing castle, water balloon fights, silly string fights, pinata....the whole works! She is amazing!

Jessi and Roger are back at school meetings, and they'll have students next week! They just came back from Ironman Canada and are getting ready for the new school year. They are both amazing teachers, and their students are blessed to have them.

Jacob is headed to kindergarten, Emma to pre-school, Zac to Middle School. Kayla to 5th grade....oh my gosh the list goes on and on!
I start school in mid-September!

All of these happenings are miracles.! As busy as we are, they are easy for me to celebrate!

Where I struggle is seeing EVERYTHING as a miracle! I especially struggle with seeing conflicts as miraculous!

I know intellectually that every conflict is a miraculous opportunity for personal growth.
I remember when my husband Bert and I (now together for 25 years) first had a fight. He was thrilled and told me, "This is so great! Now we will really learn about each other! This will help us to grow and be stronger!" Personally... I thought he was nuts!

My own history with conflict certainly didn't seem miraculous!

Recently I have been trying to be more authentic with people. I have easily talked about what I love and appreciate about them!

On the opposite side of the coin...I have tried to, tactfully and lovingly, share my concerns. Not all of these efforts have been very graceful! Some folks have been surprised (yet open) to my sharing my true feelings. I have also been told that I was wrong and didn't see things correctly. I have had a variety of reactions to my being more open. At times I wished I had just been quiet and swept things under the carpet.

I have always worked on communicating. However telling people what is uncomfortable for me (if something is a pattern) or talking about hurt feelings isn't easy. I teach conflict management, but I still hate to do it!

I never want to make someone mad or irritated. I guess underneath it all I am afraid that I may not matter enough for them to work things out and stay( old family-of-origin pattern).

I have made great progress, and I am AMAZINGLY candid with Bert. He still smiles and congratulates me on being honest and congruent. He is a saint!

Amy is my best role model for handling conflict in an effective manner. She is tactful, accurate, straight forward, sees her part, sees the other person's, and takes the risk. How she does it is miraculous!

My on-going goal is to improve how I do conflict with those I love and care about as well as those I work with. Conflict, when it is handled well, can bring about miracles in relationships!
It can start a healing process, move people toward great learnings, and facilitate forgiveness and new growth!

I'm going to re-read Caring Enough To Confront. That book has been a source of wisdom for me.

Another book, the Bible, talks about taking JOY is ALL things! I'm pretty sure that Jesus didn't leave conflict out of this mandate! Yikes!

Maybe that's what Albert Einstein meant when he said there were two ways to live life...one as if nothing is a miracle...the other as if everything is! Truly seeing conflict as a miracle is an area of growth for me!

I have so much to learn!

God Bless and love to all who read this!
Love Linda

A HINT OF FALL IS IN THE AIR!!!!

I love every season. Like children, each has its own blessings and unique qualities.

I love summer because my pace of life becomes more relaxed, more humane, and more time and attention is given to those I love! Summer seems to straighten out my priorities!

I love winter because it's a time of celebration filled with the anticipation of joyous holidays! My child's heart, still very alive in my 60 year old body, can't wait for Thanksgiving, Christmas, the Nutcracker ballet and the first snow of the season.

I love spring because I love to garden, and I celebrate each new leaf, especially as the landscape goes from grey to green!

And then there's fall! Fall is Bert's favorite season. He relishes the colored leaves and sees the leaves fall as a glorious celebration! Fall hold a sense of anticipation for me...a chance for a new school year. Yet for me there has always been a joy and sadness in fall. It has never been easy for me to let go of summer!

This morning I woke up to take my very early morning walk. I'm doing twelve blocks each morning...in the dark around our neighborhood. I walked this morning at 2:30 am. Couldn't sleep. I could FEEL fall in the air as I walked! I could feel gratitude in my heart that I CAN walk!

Lots of thoughts filled my mind and heart as I circled those twelve blocks!

I thought again about Jessi's spectacular race last weekend and the JOY it was to scream and yell for her and make bright signs of encouragement.

I thought about Jacob teaching me about basketball and saying to me, "Nana, smell the goodness of the leaves!".

I thought about Jenna's super soft skin and how fun it is to make her smile!

I thought about tomorrow, August 24th, being Amy's 28th birthday and what I was doing and feeling 28 years ago at this time!

I anticipated my day... having a HOT, not iced, mocha, helping Amy and Ryan finish painting their deck at 7am (I volunteered to do this after all their hard work at the lake), and doing consulting work later in the day!

I had the urge to get my house in order and my teaching outfits organized! That's ALWAYS a sign that fall is approaching!

I imagined doing some creative projects. Monday I got the art supplies to draw our annual, drawn-by-me Christmas card! I'll soon go look for material for baby Jenna's Christmas stocking!

I can feel the desire to plant colorful mums in my planters to replace the tired summer geraniums!

I wondered if more people would be coming back to church and fewer people come to the lake?

I smiled as I thought about switching out the summer pillows in my living room, in pale cream and green tones, and replacing them with colors that reflect a fall mood!

I reviewed in my mind's eye my short and long-term goals. Last night, while talking to Bert after work, I reviewed my goals for this summer (yes, I'm a goal-maker who keeps a written list). It's time to add some new goals as summer fades and fall approaches.

There's a hint of fall in the air.

Summer isn't over, and I will continue to appreciate...
every warm summer day, iced tea, summer shorts, not wearing sweaters and jackets, more time to check blogs, nap taking time, having one not two jobs, meals of salads, and the warmth of the sun on my skin!

I won't ever forget the summer of 2007! I'll soon tuck its memories deep inside my heart!

But I'm very aware that fall is on the way!

Hugs and loves to all who read this! God Bless! Linda

Learning More About Me...I've Been Tagged!!!

I've been "Tagged" by my daughter, Jessi. So here are my answers...did you learn anything new about me?

JOBS I'VE HELD:

Office worker at 13, in my parents' business office
Apartment cleaner at my parents' apartments to help earn money for college
Young Life Workcrew- Malibu (Christian Camp in Canada)
Young Life College-Prep Counselor
Young Life Leader- Roosevelt Young Life Club
Youth Group Leader- University Presbyterian Church- Seattle
Teacher and Drama Director- Shorecrest High School
Teacher and Drama Director-Hosterman Jr. High-Minneapolis, Mn.
Antique collector-refinisher/seller
Professor of Communications- Whitworth, Eastern Washington University
Professor of Communications- Spokane Community College-31 years (still do full time)
Counselor- Individual and Family (certified)
Communications and Business Consultant- Owner of Own Business Firm- 30 years (still do full time)

MY GUILTY PLEASURES: (and I no longer feel guilty :))

Getting my nails done
Getting massages
Having a week-long annual spiritual retreat at Cannon Beach (without family)
Buying fresh flowers for my home
Getting a hardback book from one of my favorite authors and NOT waiting for it to come out in paperback! :)

PLACES I HAVE LIVED:

Seattle, Washington (grew up there)
Minneapolis, Minnesota (during Tim's internship and residency)
San Salvador, El Salvador (briefly during med school work down there)
Spokane, Washington

SHOWS I ENJOY:

I LOVE live theater- Nutcracker Ballet (every year at Christmas)
Mama Mia, The Lion King (saw in London) and saw Lion King again in Spokane
The King and I and Fiddler on the Roof- Broadway

I LOVE "vintage"movies-Flower Drum Song, Brigadoon, Three Coins In A Fountain

TV- Home and Garden Channel-Decorating Cents, Designed to Sell

PLACES I'VE BEEN ON VACATION:

Canada
Hawaii- Maui (my parents lived there part of the year)
Mexico
Guatemala
England
El Salvador
New York
Washington DC
Cruises to: Greece and Turkey

FAVORITE FOODS:

Fresh Crab
Lobster
Salmon
Steamed Clams
Linnies chicken and peanut sauce dish (#19)
My Mom's "Bunny Rolls" at Easter
Romaine Salad at Lindamans
Anything Ryan Farrell barbeques!

WEBSITES I VISIT DAILY: (or regularly)

Daily when home:
Jessi's
Amy's

Regularly:
Kathi Best's
Kim Ellis
Lorie's

AWARDS I HAVE WON: (that mean something to me)

Most inspirational Skiier- my first ski class at Buzz Fiorini ski school-my only sports trophy
Rose Maiden- Inspirational student as a senior in high school
Outstanding Teacher- Shorecrest High School
Burlington Northern- Outstanding Teacher Award- Spokane Community College
Gold Medalist- Outstanding Teacher for all four year colleges and universities and community colleges in Washington State
Silver Medalist- Second in the Nation (for the same award)

NICKNAMES:

Punkin (from my Mom and Dad)
Punk (family nickname)

From Bert:
Sweetie- Pie
Sweet ums
Love-of-my-life
Genelda (he's Rudolpho)

From Jessi and Amy:
Mommy
Mama
Mums
Mums-me

From Grandkids:
Nana
Nans
NanaBoppa (as one word from Jacob)

What fun to do this!! It brought back lots of great memories!
Did you learn anything new about me?
God Bless! Love, Linda

LIFE LESSONS ON FORGIVENESS

One of the true blessings of a more relaxed summer pace-of-life is the joy of reading and some introspective soul searching. Having that time to reflect on who I am now, where I have been, and where I need to go is a refreshing and yet at times painful "Time out"! :)

Somehow my time at Cannon Beach always produces a "theme". That topic of learning, for both Sharon and me, may come from a speaker or a book we find at the Cannon Beach bookstore that "calls our name!" This year my soul was so hungry for nourishment of all kinds...spiritual nourishment, physical nourishment, intellectual nourishment, and emotional nourishment. Several books provided food for my soul. Forgiveness by Jerry Jampolsky and Grace Eventually by Ann Lamott were mainstays in my Cannon Beach diet. Both of these books focus in part on forgiving yourself and forgiving others. And then the icing on the cake was reading a post my daughter Jessi made on her blog about forgiveness. Yes, it was truly time to once again re-visit that topic.

I must admit that I always ponder how honest to be as I make blog entries. This isn't a diary and it's not, for me, a way to vent personal issues. How much do I say? How vague do I need to be. Yet one of the joys of being 60 is that authenticity seems to lead the way. Personal growth is a goal. So after saying a prayer...here goes.

I loved my parents dearly and they loved me. They showed up in my life in amazing ways. They had my back. I was adored. Yet they were human, just like I am. They both came from very broken backgrounds. My Dad was abandoned early in life and sent on a train at age 8 to live with a father who didn't want him. My Mom's Dad committed suicide after a terrible auto accident and was found by my Mom and her brothers. Their stories of courage, determination, and hard work parallel their stories of pain and abandonment. They had such hurts around family. The common scenario was to have a fight with a sibling or parent, get estranged, stop talking, never deal with conflict, try to drink the pain away (my dad), never truly forgive, and then after their parent's or sibling's death carry a deep, bone marrow depth grief until their own death. My Dad did not speak to his father for 27 years and my Mom didn't speak to one of her brothers for 15 years. The issues that brought about these estrangements were human hurts caused by human people. This pattern terrifies me to the core of my being!

I learned many positive things from my parents. However forgiveness of self and others was not a part of my family culture growing up.

When I was born with one hand, my dad, in deep despair, left. He left my Mom in the hospital to deal with her own grief and he left me. He, to his credit, came back. I carry that "leaving" in my soul. And I have forgiven him. But the little girl inside me still grapples with having a Daddy who totally loved her not as she was. I have spent much of my life trying to be more, to be better so people would love me. I often wondered if just being me was truly enough.

And then in 8th grade I went to Malibu. Recently at church we have sung the song "Thank you God for blessing me!" I have wept each time we have sung it and cried so hard that I thought I might break!

The words of this song have brought back a vivid picture, long forgotten, of that scared 8th grade girl who pretended to be OK on the outside, but was truly damaged and afraid on the inside. At Malibu I learned that God loved me, just as I was. And God forgave me. And Jesus died for me and won't leave me. My whole life changed! This wasn't about theology or which church to go to. This was about feeling and knowing God's love for the first time. I began to "get" that forgiveness and God's grace, while undeserved, were there for the taking. For the first time I forgave myself for having one hand. For the first time I felt "whole!"

Since that time, so many years ago, I have had two goals...and neither are easy. My first is to love the Lord with all of my mind, heart and spirit....and to love my neighbor as myself! I made a sacred commitment to work on both of these goals. While these words may sound like a cliche'...they are the benchmarks of what matters to me. And taking this walk daily is the hardest thing I have ever done!

I am so utterly, horribly and wonderfully HUMAN! I struggle to give my heart over to God and to truly love others (all others) unconditionally. I struggle with forgiving myself for the huge and small mistakes I make. I struggle with the hurts I receive from others.

Just like my parents...I struggle with forgiveness!

Jerry Jampolsky's book Forgiveness: The Greatest Healer of All, that I found at Cannon Beach , has helped me in looking at this topic. In the book he makes several statements about forgiveness that really resonate for me. Here are just a few of them:

What we need to forgive in others may be something in ourselves that we have hidden from our own awareness.

We can choose to have peace of mind as a clear goal.

We are responsible for our own happiness.

Forgiveness means seeing the light of God in everyone-regardless of their behavior.

The happiest marriages are built on a foundation of forgiveness.

To not forgive is a decision to suffer.

To be happy, all I have to do is give up my judgements.

The power of love and forgiveness in our lives can produce miracles.

The key word in learning to forgive is the willingness to forgive.

Knowing that God loves you and forgives you is a starting point for loving and forgiving others.

Lots of food for thought! I know in my heart of hearts that all of these statements are true! Living them just isn't easy.

As Ann Lamott says, "I have so many bad thoughts in my head about people that it could make Jesus drink straight gin from a cat dish!" I LOVE this line!

My critical and judgemental voice sometimes just won't shut up! I'm critical of myself and critical of others. Even if the criticisms aren't voiced ..they are there.

I learned at Cannon Beach, some time ago, that criticism is spiritual murder...it murders the spirit of the person being criticized and it murders your own spirit to be filled with critical thoughts!

As I leave Cannon Beach I set up a yearly goal...a spiritual growth area for me to work on. This year my goal is forgiveness. Not a surface forgiveness, but forgiveness at the core! Who do I need to forgive? Who do I need to ask forgiveness from? How do I start this process? It's a HUGE topic for me!

Some of this journey to forgiveness will be found on this blog. Stay tuned! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic...over coffee or on this blog.

God Bless! Love Linda

I AM BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE....Thoughts on This Summer!

It is hard, on one level, to believe that my last post was at the end of the school year. Yet on another level I have been so busy LIVING this summer that I have waited until now to write about it! Here are a few highlights:

1) As soon as school was out and grades were in, it was time to kick into full gear with Ironman on the horizon. The Thursday before Ironman I had time with Emma and then again on Saturday night, before Ironman, we had a "sleep-over" at Nana's. I use the word "sleep" very loosely (she got to sleep at 1am). We had a blast telling stories and getting ready to get up at 4am (or at least I got up then). I'd forgeotten many of the ins and outs of getting ready with a toddler. Jessi did a great job packing Emma's "stuff" but the logisitics of kid-time and kid-stuff are amazing! Ironman was an amazing experience. Emma and I had Tri-Fusion colored balloons (and signs that disappeared before we could use them :( , but the best memories of the day were screaming for Mommy and Daddy, Kathi Best, and Uncle Mark! Seeing them all finish, their dedication and perseverence, was amazing. Doing the day with Emma, was even better! Both of us love to cheer on those we love! I love you Rog, Jessi, and Emma...you rock and I am blown away by your athletic skills and discipline!

2) Following Ironman I went to Seattle for the Women of Faith Conference with Amy, Jenna, and Sharon Hartnett! What a blessing to have time with Amy and Jenna at the Westin Hotel, order room service, walk around Seattle, and go to Women of Faith. I have several vivid memories from past times at Women of Faith. Once Amy was in great pain, prior to her back surgery. The other time she and Ryan were praying non-stop to have a baby! God answered both of these prayers! Being in the arena, listening to so many Christian women singing, clapping, laughing and crying is beyond description for me. Doing that with Amy( and Jenna) and Sharon touched my heart! I felt then, and feel now, "Blessed beyond measure" and so grateful for all that God has done!!! Amy, Jenna, and Sharon...sharing my faith with you blesses me beyond measure!

3) Hoopfest came next and we came back from the Women of Faith Conference to cheer on Ryan and Zac! It's such a treat to see them play basketball. I love cheering on family members, no matter the sport!! I love you Ryan and Zac!

4) The next stop on the summer express was seeing Kayla at Horse Camp! She adores horses and loves to go stay at this ranch for a week to groom and care for her horse of the week. She also gets a chance to take riding lessons! How fun it was to drive out to see her in her final horse show! This brought back memories of my horseback riding days at Jimmy Rainwater's in Seattle!... a great memory and it's fun to watch Kayla do what she loves! Thanks Kayla for sharing your love of horses with me!

4) Then it was up to the lake for the 4th of July celebration! Highlights were decoarating the boat for the boat parade, seeing Jacob and Emma waterski, going on the yellow rubber raft behind the ski boat with Emma, the fireworks, and having relaxed time with family and friends! I'm constanntly amazed at the work Ryan and Amy (and family) have done up there. Everything from re-structuring the beach, to a HUGE weeding/ bark project, to building several slate walks, to curtains inside, to getting the rugs cleaned...the list goes on and on! There is no way Bert and I could keep this up without their help! Thank you Ryan, Amy and your whole family for all of your help! We love you!

5) Following more lake time and consulting and doing workshops for businesses, I headed to Cannon Beach for my yearly spiritual retreat with Sharon Hartnett! This really is personal restoration time for me! Highlights were GREAT and honest talks with my wonderful buddy Sharon, time for naps and more naps, walking, walking, and more walking, reading Ann Lamott's books (in fact reading 9 books while I was there), time on the ocean, and time to really reflect on my faith. I did LOTS of self-care and even had TWO massages in one week! I came back rested physically, spiritually, and emotionally! Thanks Sharon for being such a great friend!

6) Next, I loved celebrating Jessi's 30th birthday, post-Ironman! I had such fun going to lunch with her at Twiggs, and decorating a series of boxes and scapbooking messages on what turned out to be almost a wedding-cake sized present. I wanted each box to celebrate a part of who Jessi is as she starts her 30th year on the planet!(home, family, pamper yourself, athlete, faith...)! I was 30 when I had Jessi, so Jessi being 30 has lots of meaning for me! If you want to know what my daughter was like at age 4...just look at Emma!
Happy 30th sweetie! I love you!

7) Special time with my grandchildren and my daughters is a WONDERFUL part of the summer for me!!! I've had time to "snorkel" with Jacob, make trips to Ben Franklin, and be amazed at his alien drawings! I've had time to hold Jenna and caress her sweet face! I've had time to play castle with Emma, have lunch at Nordies and see a movie downtown. I've had time to watch Flicka with Kayla and talk to Zac, and I've had time to talk to Amy and Jessi (just about my favorite thing to do)! I love you all!

8) Special time with my sweetie Bert is also another wonderful part of the summer! Lately we've eaten in some new restaurants, enjoyed time at the lake, and watched movies that we both enjoy. We've also loved going to church together and rocking out to the gospel choir! And of course we talk endlessly....about life, faith, our kids and grandkids, and how blessed we are!

Today is August 1st, and there are several weeks left before summer winds down! I'm preparing for our annual family garage sale and relishing the time left before school starts! I've loved this summer and I'll cherish each day I have left before school begins again and my pace of life moves into high gear!

Recently Amy told me about a person at Safeway who when asked how he was said ..... "Blessed beyond measure!" That phrase really sums up my time this summer! I feel blessed beyond measure!

Love and hugs to all who read this! God Bless! Love, Linda

Thirteen Things I Love About The End of The Quarter!!

This is always an amazing time for any teacher! It is the end of the college quarter and the end of the school year! Everyone is exhausted...physically, emotionally, and intellectually! Yet there is a great sense of accomplishment! Students are graduating and moving on with their dreams. I have been a teacher for 39 years, thirty one at the community college. I have loved every minute of it!

So, since it is Thursday, here are Thirteen Things I Love About The End Of the Quarter!

1) I love reading the final projects that my students submit!

While it takes hours and hours to write all the comments (I have a reputation for writing lots of remarks on what they submit) I want my students to know that I deeply value the time and effort they put into what they do. My comments reflect several things- I read what you wrote and I value what you did!

2) I love seeing the growth my students make!

It is SO rewarding to have students come and say, as one did yesterday, "my whole family is being changed since I took conflict management!"This student has made substantial positive growth this quarter! He has moved from "I'm always right!" (a 9/1 style) to trying the art of compromising!!

3) I love seeing how courageous my students are!

Many of my students have overcome so many HUGE obstacles to be in school. Many are single parents with little support! Others have had life traumas that could be the script for a made-for-TV movie! My students are brave! They are so courageous! They are role models for others about real courage!

4) I love what I teach!

Teaching communication skills is life giving to me! I genuinely feel like taking these classes and practicing these skills can change your life in ways you can't imagine. I love teaching, and I love what I teach!

5) I love what I learn from my students!!

I am not only a teacher in my classes, I am also a learner! As my students share their lives, I learn so much from them!

6) I love that we have fun in my classroom!!

Every day my students are greeted by music and snacks! I want them to want to be in my class! I want them to look forward to being in there. I love it when they say, as one student did this week, "this class makes my day! Learning is so fun in here!"

7) I love the diversity my students represent!

My students are young and old, a rainbow of colors, men and women, abled and disabled, rich and poor, healthy and ill, single, dating, partnered, divorced and married...the full-range of God's humanity!

8) I love that teaching for me is more than a career...it's a calling!

What I know for sure is this...God made me to be a teacher! It is in my soul!!!

9) I love that I love my students (and they know it)!

I cry when they leave! I keep contact with them during their lives! I go to their weddings and I go to their funerals!

10) I love that I hold my students to high standards!

I have high expectations for my students! I believe that they are capable and smart! If I have to remind them of that and "hunt them down" to get them to do what they are capable of...no problem!

11) I love that I am going to two graduations!

I have lots of law enforcement students!! I love having them in class! Since my son Erik is a police officer, I know a bit about what they are getting into in this career! The two law enforcement teachers are not able to be at their graduation tonight! The graduating law enforcement students asked if I would come to their graduation and be there for them and shake their hands as they leave the stage. It's my honor!

12) I love that the grading is almost over!

I was here most of the weekend and until 8:30 pm last night! I need sleep and rest and while I will miss my students, I am ready for a break with grading!! My grades will go in next week!!

13) I love that I'll be back in the fall doing this all over again!

Many teachers my age, who have taught for as long as I have, are retiring. I'm not ready to yet! When I don't love this job passionately..then it will be time to go. I'm not ready to go yet!

So...thanks to all my students...past and present! Thank you for the honor of being YOUR teacher! God Bless! Love, Linda

WE ARE BLESSED!! - Welcome Jenna Marie!

It just doesn't get any better than this! I feel overflowing with love and gratitude in God's miracle of Jenna's birth!

This baby is a gift after three years of faithful prayer...and she is so loved and wanted!

It has been a joy to pray for her conception, her safe nine months of pregnancy, and her healthy birth and to pray for her whole family in this process!

She is SO BEAUTIFUL!!! At nine pounds, 21 inches... she is amazing to watch and look at!
Amy took such good care during the pregnancy, and it shows in Jenna!

She is SO loved by her amazing Mommy, who adores her with all of her heart and sees her as a gift from the Lord...her adoring Papa, who can't stop beaming at her and calls her his "precious daughter", ...her "big brother" Jacob, who can hardly stand to leave her side, ...her"big sis" Kayla, who loves her completely, ...and her"Big Brother" Zac, who at 13 is welcoming a wonderful little sister into his life.

Besides being marinated in all of that love...her Nana and Boppa love her to the moon and back, as do her other wonderful grandparents, cousins, and aunts and uncles!!!

Jenna----We are SO blessed to have you in our family! You are such a gift from the Lord!
We can't wait to hold you, love you, and get to know you!!!

God Bless to all who read this! Linda

Dancing In The Rain! A New Favorite Quote!

"Life Isn't about waiting for the storm to pass
but learning to Dance in the rain!"


This weekend, after a crazy week of busy schedules and medical tests, Bert and I took a trip to Sandpoint Idaho. We found a funky little shop, in the Cedar Street bridge Public Market, that was filled with garden art, steel sculptures, and printed sayings.

This quote about dancing in the rain caught my eye, and I brought the hand-painted board back to Spokane to display in my classroom.

The past few weeks have been filled with challenges, unexpected changes, and great blessings...for me and those I love!

I know, after 60 years of being on the planet and hearing my blessed Mom say in my mind and heart, that..."this too shall pass!"

Yet, when you're in the eye of the storm.. it isn't easy.

I watched the old video "Twister" when I was up at the lake this weekend. The storm, wind, and debris followed them, swirled about them, and uprooted their lives! As I watched the movie, Diamond lake was in the midst of a storm...wind blowing, white caps on the lake, and sheets of rain falling. Another unexpected storm...yet we were safe inside!

What I know for sure is that in the midst of every storm...God is there!

God is there, learnings are there, new growth, no matter how painful, is there! Change is there!

Today the sun is out, and I am back at school. I missed my students while i was gone. No matter what storms come at me this week, I am bound and determined to hold God's hand and ...

Dance in the rain!

Sending you love and hugs! God Bless! Love, Linda

It has been a time of change and challenge. But what I know for sure is that God is good all the time and all the time God is good!

I go in today to have my ankle scoped again. Recently it has taken to getting very swollen and "clicking" when I walk..also shooting pain. So we'll see if they have to do surgery, pin it, re-break it, or what!

I am optimistic! I know God loves me, looks out for me, and DOESN'T give me anything I can't handle!!! :)

So...stay tuned!

Love and hugs to all who read this! God bless! Linda

Resistance To Change

I've long thought that I was a creature of comfort who resisted making certain changes. I love to go to work on the same familiar path. I often order the same food at restaurants that I know I'll enjoy. I sometimes resist changes....even the small ones. Even the ones that are good for me. I'm often sentimental and nostalgic about keeping things the same.

This is a time of great change, and many of those changes aren't easy. I find that I even argue with God about..."Do we really have to do THIS???"

I know that change creates a lot of hard work, requires a lot of creative ideas, and interrupts the regular routine.

I also know that it's easy to fear the unknown and change often brings a dose of the unknown.

What I know for sure is that God is with me in it all! He walks with me and encourages me as I face changes, some I long for and others that scare me.

My prayer is that I face the upcoming changes with a new sense of confidence, knowing that I need to "Let Go!...and Let God!"

Hugs and God Bless! Love, Linda

CATCHING UP WITH MYSELF and OTHERS!

Where has this last month gone? Much of it has gone into a major Communications Conference at Spokane Community College. Over 650 people attended, my dear friend Sharon Hartnett was the keynote speaker, I did a major workshop and worked with a group of amazing students on a major publicity blitz, setting up conference facilities, decorations, food, coordinating a follow up luncheon...whew! It was to some extent all- consuming. In the midst of all of this, some rather major conflicts emerged. I find today that I am breathing more and smiling more! The conference was an overwhelming success...and the lessons for me are profound.

I work on learning life lessons from everything I encounter. I want to be open to learning about myself and others. I am still sorting out the lessons from this major event and time consumer!

What I know for sure is to be grateful for it all. Yet sometimes that is easier said than done!
Some challenges and obstacles hurt physically, emotionally, and break my heart. Yet leaning on my faith helps me to come through with a new perspective. There is SO much that I can't control. People at times make choices that have a huge impact on me. Yet I continue to learn that God is good all the time and all the time God is good! God is THERE in the midst of EVERYTHING...holding my hand, wiping my tears, and restoring my courage!!

Perhaps some of these really tough moments are actually life defining. Do I REALLY lean on God? Do I really believe that He holds my future in the palm of his hand? Or are those words I kinda, sorta put into practice.

I wouldn't trade this month for anything! Yet I'm delighted to have time again to look around, smell the flowers, and appreciate my life!

Hope you are loving yours as well! God Bless! Love, Linda

LOVING TRADITIONS ...AND PASSING THEM ON!!!!

Yesterday was Easter, and I am still walking around with a grin as I recall our celebration. It was laced with old and new family traditions!

First, Bert and I went to church and our gospel choir rocked our souls! We celebrated God's deep and abiding love!

Next, family gathered at our home and we had a potluck feast with strawberry waffles (thanks Aim for making the waffles), Nancy's famous egg casserole :), great meat dishes by Eileen :), super juices by Jessi:) and fruit trays and other Easter treats!

Then we opened Easter baskets which had been sitting out with balloons tied to them! Jacob and Emma were so patient, yet kept taking litttle peaks of what was inside! :)

Finally, we had the annual Easter Egg Hunt! I can still hear the voices of my grandchildren and family during this event! Here's the tradition: The eggs all have names on them. When you find an egg, if it isn't yours, you have to call or go get the egg's owner, before you can move on!! :) :) My creative brain came up with this new tradition a number of years ago...and now we hear all over the yeard..." Zac!!", "Emma!!", ""Jacob!!", "Kayla!!" and "Madison!!"

Rog and Ryan were the egg hiders, with expert help from Bert, Rog Sr., and Gary! When the eggs got opened up you could hear the younger kids squeel...." I have a dollar!!" "Oh my gosh, I have five dollars!" Rog Sr. said to Bert, with a smile on his face,..."Remember when we felt like that about a dollar?!!"

I grew up in a wonderful family that had traditions for every holiday!

For Easter my Mom made bunny rolls, decorated our table (I still have the plastic bunnies), and we had an Easter brunch!

We didn't just decorate for Easter, we decorated inside and out for every holiday! As I put the giant bunnies in the yard yesterday I missed my Mom, but I was SO GRATEFUL for the traditions she gave me that I could pass on!

At times, in the midst of our busy lives, it's easy to take family for granted. After all, they'll always be there, and I'll get to them down the road. I know first hand that in an instant they can be gone!

Yesterday was a great reminder to me to gather family together to celebrate holidays and most of all each other!

A family is your glue... that stuff that holds you together when you are falling apart! A family has your back...when everyone else is gone! A family sees you at your worst...and loves you anyway! A family makes time to spend with you...nothing is more important! A family steps up to the plate to help you with a willing heart...remembering that countless times you have done that for them! A family is loyal to you...they are the ones who wouldn't let someone say something negative about you without paying a price.

I love my family with my WHOLE heart!!! All of the family and all of its extended members!

I loved yesterday and carrying on my Mom's traditions (and making some of our own). :)

I hope your celebration of Easter lifted YOUR heart and made you grateful for those around you!

Love and Hugs to all of you reading this!

God Bless! Linda

A DELICIOUS SUNNY DAY! HAPPY EASTER!

The weather is stunningly beautiful. The warmth is bringing out the leaves, buds, and flowers, and I have loved digging in the garden! It's so satisfying to my soul! Tomorrow is Easter, and I'm beyond JOY as I put Easter baskets together and get eggs ready to be discovered by my precious grandchildren.

Yet at the same time I am so aware, and so deeply grateful, for God's deep and abiding love.
I keep humming tunes I learned in Young Life as I dig in the dirt!

What I know for sure is that the true meaning of Easter is all about re-birth and renewal... and it's all about Jesus!

I am so grateful for my life...for all of it! For the great joys and great sorrows, for the confident expectation that HOPE brings to my life! I am full of joy to get up every day, no matter what that day brings!

May you enjoy every moment of the sunshine, know God's love for you, and have a blessed Easter!

God Bless! Love, Linda