Happy Birthday Katie!

It was my sister-in-law, Katie's birthday today.
Here are a few things that I appreciate and admire her for:

• she tells it like it is; I can always count on her for an honest opinion

• she gave both my boys their first haircut and made the experience special

• she is health conscience

• she is witty
  

• she has incredible will power when it comes to diet and exercise

• she creates family traditions like pumpkin carving and gingerbread houses
  

• she doesn't ever skimp on things she enjoys

• she loves her job - making people beautiful

• she's competitive and is always striving to be better

Pet Peeve #8 - Service Station?

Last night I had an enjoyable time in Lava Hot Springs. Justin and I went there to watch a friend, Ryan Blau, perform at the Riverside Inn. It was a great time, especially to hang out with my brother-in-law, Jason and his wife, Leslee.

Pet Peeve #8 - Service Station? NOT

On our way back from Lava, I really had to use the bathroom. It was only 11 pm, so I didn't even think it would be an issue. Well it was an issue, not one gas station we passed along the way was open. Come on folks... I wasn't the only person that had to go either, each station had a few cars doing the drive-by... Lucky for me, home wasn't very far away!

1st Tooth for Dax

I got a call from Dax's preschool yesterday at work. Like always, I was a bit nervous when I saw the caller ID come through... Kristy, his aunt and also one of his teachers told me that Dax had something to tell me. He got on the phone and told me that he had lost his tooth. I was excited. His sister had tried to pull it the day before with no luck.

When I picked him up, the first thing he wanted to do was call his grandparents and then his cousins, Zoe and Logan. He even waited until tonight to put the tooth under his pillow because he wanted everyone to see it first. What a kid...

Photo Friday #7 - Pauline

This is my step mom, Pauline, with her dashing grand-boys, Dax and Logan. We had a little birthday celebration for her on the 5th. Pauline is an awesome grandma and the kids love to hang out with her.

Pauline is one of the most generous people that I know. She freely gives away her time, support and love to countless others.

Pauline is an Occupational Therapist and her patients get nothing but her very best. She knows her stuff and willingly shares her knowledge with others, on and off the clock.

Pauline is also an active member of the Lutheran Church and I know that she devotes a large amount of her time to fellowship others.

I am blessed to have Pauline as part of my family.

Movie Review - Moulin Rouge!

My brother's "Movie Guilty Pleasure" blog listed Moulin Rouge as one of his favorites. I had never seen it, but Jill had and suggested we rent it.

Within the first 10 minutes, I was beginning to wonder what the heck Jill and Matt were thinking. I was trippin. As I continued to watch it, the story grew on me and so did Ewan and Nicole.

I think I will add this to my movie collection. The music was great and the visual imagery was stunning. I appreciate art that can make me raise my eyebrow.

Job Satisfaction

I work with an awesome group of professionals. I can't tell you how nice it is to wake up in the morning and be happy and excited about going to work.

I work at South Campus High School. This is a small alternative high school that takes in students that are behind in credit, students that cannot learn in a traditional high school setting, or students that have behavioral issues or families that do not support their education.

We have approximately 120 students enrolled and 5 teachers that go above and beyond to help these kids. While education in math, science, language arts and social studies is important, I think our main goal is to give these kids some social skills and a place to feel safe, loved and valued.

Happy Birthday Liz!

My sister-in-law, Liz, was 4 years old when I met her and today she celebrated her 15th birthday. WOW, where has the time gone? Liz is sweet (I have never seen her grumpy), she is a great aunt to my kids, and just look at how beautiful her hair is. I don't get to spend too much time with Liz, but the time I have spent has been fun and enjoyable.

Jill & Liz in Powell, 2003








Liz & Jace in Powell, 2009