I bet you didn't know...

Talking with a group of teenagers can break your heart and mend your soul all at the same time. I am truly humbled.

Check it. 

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I May Need to Make the Trip

My favorite author is making her way to the west coast:

Sunday, February 26, 2012
JCC of San Francisco
11:00a.m.: Onstage interview and signing

I may pee my pants.  

For a seriously great reading experience, pick up anything by Nicole Krauss. (The History of Love will rock your world.)

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A Lovely Poem

Found by a wonderful student, Kelsea! 

Children

And a woman who held a babe against her bosom said, 'Speak to us of Children.'

And he said:

Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you,

And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts.

For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies but not their souls,

For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.

Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;

For even as he loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.

-Khalil Gibran

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Greetings!

Every time I have sat down to write a post, I instantly erase it and carry on with other things... like laundry or washing my hair. I swear everything I type seems insignificant. I assume this is because I'm a little "type shy". Well, I'm done with all that nonsense. Read on if you wish to know about a fantastic Christmas get-a-way. It was out of this world.

Picture this: two brothers, their wives, and their two baby girls in a cabin, on the coast, for Christmas weekend.  It was amazing in every way... minus Emily being a bit of a baby about not having her crib. Apparently she is as much of a home body as her parents. Thankfully, our sweet little niece was able to sleep through most of Emily's crying at bed time and random times in the middle of the night.

We ate, lounged, walked on the beach, took pictures, and even played board games. It was seriously rad. I can't wait until we do it again next year!

Maybe with four babies...

Our view from the living room and kitchen:

My favorite view of all:

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Dear Abby

I love my job for so many reasons. I feel seriously blessed to have found a profession that fits me like my favorite jeans. The students are the best part. This past week I was able to assign a great little task courtesy of Abby. Abby sent me an email last Sunday with the following question included:

Shouldn't your best friends, BFF, be someone you admire at least enough to want to be like? Not in the sense that you copy everything they do, but in that you look at who they are and say to yourself, "that's really cool. I want to try and implement that in my life."? Just a thought.

The 9th graders had just finished reading The Chosen. One topic covered in this little jem of a book is friendship. I presented the above question to the students, all 82 of them, and asked them to write Abby back in the form of a letter. They were to answer her question based on their reading and life experience. The responses amazed me. They were so thoughtful and kind. I promptly mailed all 82 letters to Abby that afternoon. I knew that I couldn't talk to Abby for the next three days for fear of spilling the beans! I love using the good old post office.

Abby received the letters and called right away... of course. It was a super writing prompt, but more importantly, it was a reminder to the students, and myself, that one never stops seeking for what it means to be a true friend and to have a true friendship. Thank you, Dear Abby.

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Whom isn't...

I love it when I hear people say, "There's nothing to do". Seriously? Nothing? Especially in the great Northwest, there is always something to do. That being said, we're all busy, however, I was reminded of how great it can be to do nothing- plan nothing. This summer was super busy with numerous weddings, a funeral, and a few out of town guests. We had a great time, but I always love when Fall rolls around and I can do what I love to do without feeling guilty: read, cook cozy meals, and kick it with the family while it rains outside. This Fall is extra amazing due to you know who! She makes everything better. 

I will have another pass time this Fall too- talking on the phone. I usually HATE the phone, however, with my BFF in New York, I have found it's not too bad. I would rather have her here, but at the end of the day, I still get to glean from her wisdom, laugh with her, and have the comfort of knowing there is someone who knows so much about me that I need not explain half of what I'm feeling. It's great to have a good friend whom knows you... really knows you. We had a great 2-hour convo on Saturday that produced many thoughts regarding who you let into your life and how far. I have always kept my little circle small, but with the addition of a little one, it seems I'm even more cautious. This is a blessing and a curse.

I have taken up sewing this year as well. I will reveal my first ever sewing project this week. I gifted the project to my brother and his new wifey on their wedding day. I can't wait to share! 

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Yes Please!

I was recently grocery shopping when I dropped a very large glass bottle of olive oil. Boo hiss. It broke when it hit the concrete floor. Oil and glass shards went everywhere including all over my killer bronze wedge sandals and favorite jeans. I was able to salvage the jeans, but not my standby shoes.

While reading up on one of my favorite blogs, I found these. Do I dare?

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