True or April Fools?

Some people just love April Fools! Honestly, I'm not a huge fan because it promotes lying AND I'm completely gullable. While I was hoping that with age would not only come beauty, but more wisdom, the truth remains that I am naturally inclined to trust. So, far I have not been pranked today. It's been awesome!

But, in honor of such a silly calendar holiday, here is the Henson True or Ridiculously False Survey. Answers below.

1. Chris is obsessed with Chik-fil-a?
2. Kate used to help perform surgery?
3. Chris is studying to be a psychologist?
4. Kate dreams of owning her own cleaning business?
5. Chris and Kate met in Wyoming?
6. Chris calls Kate's dad "Dred?"
7. Kate wants to have a baby?
8. Chris and Kate got poison ivy from their dogs?
9. Chris and Kate plan to move to Denver, CO?
10. Chris and Kate have decided to get another puppy?













Answers:
1. Definitely! It's been a devotion since he worked there in HS.
2.Yup! I used to assist during oral surgies.
3. Nope. He is working on becoming a CPA.
4. Yeah right. I have plenty to clean in my own home.
5. Ode to Jackson Hole, WY. Yes, we met there on a missions trip.
6. He does. My dad is a doctor and his first name is Ed. Dr. + Ed.
7. Someday; not now. Enough said.
8. We did. It dominated us.
9. Not sure. If Chris can be a CPA there, maybe? We don't have a plan.
10. Say what? I think three dogs is sufficient for these dog parents...we have enough dirt, hair, toys, gear, puke, poop and drool to last a lifetime.

Happy April Fools!

The final stretch.

It's official.  Tomorrow, the 4th quarter begins! I love this milestone in the school year.  The students suddenly perk up because they see the finish line in sight.  The smell of Spring is present, and I, as a teacher, gain a greater motivation than ever to finish well.  "What else do I need them to know before they leave my class?" "How can I instill 'life learning' into my 'school learning' for my students?" It feels like the first week of school, but instead of a marathon ahead, we have an intense sprint! I love it! The energy is infectious and thrilling.

The unique element of a beginning and an end to the school world is a fascinating element of my job. It graciously provides seasons to my life and career.  I think it also promotes change.  Whether the summer months are a hiatus from the classroom or merely a shift in curriculum, the end of a school year initiates a change. I love change --- it means variety and challenge. It can be difficult, but that will only help me grow along the way. Change is a win-win. I am so thankful for change being an integral part of my job. 10 more weeks, and we'll talk about what changes are to come!

Happy birthdays!

This weekend we celebrated two very important birthdays, my Mom's and baby Nolan's! Apparently, March 28th will always be a big day of celebration for us! Even with rainstorms forecasted all weekend, it was a great time to celebrate special people, and to do it with friends and family!

Nolan had an awesome 1st birthday party! We were thrilled to be there to celebrate with Jesse and Laura. It seems like yesterday that we were visiting them in the hospital when Nolan was just 15 hours old! We'll pray for amazing little babies just like Nolan! I'm taking note Laura!

For Mom's birthday we headed out for dinner, only to find that the entire city of W-S decided to do the same thing. Opting out of an hour and a half wait, Chris and his dad improvised a special Italian carry-out meal in our living room, complete with NCAA basketball, which is a huge plus for my mom! We ate, we cheered, we relaxed and yes, we sang "Happy Birthday!" It was great! Happy Birthday Mom!

We have poison ivy.

Yes, I am sad to announce that our good intentions for our little backyard have subjected us to the enemy --- poison ivy. Invisible poison ivy nonetheless! It's currently not blooming and we can't find it amongst the English ivy! Prednisone, shmednisone.... this stuff doesn't care about powerful steroids. It is determined to claim the back yard as it's paradise and keep Chris and I out.

Once the rain passes, we will attempt to kill it off, but we are pretty confident that we are getting the poison ivy on us, not from yard work, but from the dogs. They run all over the place in the yard and then I proceed to do what I do everyday --- hug them, pet them, touch them constantly! Keep in mind that dogs are not affected by the poison ivy, so they are fine, but Chris and I can see this going down hill fast!

Pray that we can eliminate it from the backyard easily and quickly! Otherwise, we will advise you to invest your dollars in poison ivy cremes and medications while we increase the consumer market.

What does Billy Graham pray for our country?

At 90 years old, here is what Dr. Graham is praying for our nation. This aired on a radio show recently and received an incredible response! Thought I would share.

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare... We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics... We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!"

-Billy Graham

Fetal thighs and the power house.

Yes, I am a pilates lady.  Let's be clear; I am a WINDSOR pilates lady. Mari Windsor's workouts do some serious damage to my surfaces. I love that I can make an impact on my body without sweating!  That just feels like cheating.  

Most pilate-e-ers would agree with me that while you work your muscles you also gain a sense of metal decompression.  I always feel "better" mentally when I finish.  Low effort; high payoff.  I wish we could have Chris comment on the silly positions he finds me in or the strange noises I make when I'm doing the fetal thighs series or using my power house.  Don't judge; I don't care how I look or sound, as long as my body parts stay where they are for the next few decades!

I just finished the workout after a vacation-week hiatus and had to declare that I'm back on track. Despite all the Hershey kisses I ate right before, I feel great!

Happy 4th of July!

You're a grand old flag, you're a high flying flag, and forever in peace may you waive...

I know it's only March, but we love the 4th of July, and with all of this bum-me-out weather happening, I can't help but day dream of the sun, the sand and the sparklers of 4th of July at the beach!  I want to be there now, contemplating the serious decision of SPF15 or 30? At my count we are 105 days from departure. 

Last year, we showed up on the beach with more national pride than any other vacation party on the beach.  Picture this; a group of young couples (yes, us), walk over the dunes covered in red, white and blue paraphernalia, American flags in hand and to the patriotic music of our free country.  People may have expected the red, white and blue --- typical.  The flag, yes, assumed. But, when a group of young Americans play a patriotic CD for hours as they enjoy the sand, now that shows our commitment to celebrating America.  At one point, the flags were blowing in the wind and the guys put their hands to their chests as the Star Spangled Banner played. I love celebrating America!

The more the merrier for 4th of July Extravaganza 2009! It's a Saturday, come down to Litchfield and join us. For now, I'll continue to scout flags, noisemakers and pieces of patriotism to take with us in July!