November 24, 2016: Thanksgiving Shenanigans

I taught Arthur how to play Heads Up.  The kid is hilarious and has the best facial expressions when he is trying to figure something out.  His guesses don't always make sense, but he does a pretty good job for being three.  I can honestly say that I love being on kid duty Thanksgiving morning while Meg and Kyle prep the food and clean the house.  Playing around with this yahoo sure beats baking pies! 

November 23, 2016: snaggle tooth

This kid is so gross and adorable.  I'd hug him more if he wasn't always covered in food. 

November 22, 2016: Love this

This is why teachers make the best coworkers...

November 21, 2016: Alutiiq Dancers

Every year we have the Alutiiq dancers come to Peterson.  I love them!  They tell stories through their songs and dances.  Last year, the banya song was my absolute favorite.  At that point, I had never been in a banya before, but the song was very energetic and happy, so I was excited to try it out.  I went in a banya when I was on Woody Island for the women's retreat.  It was so uncomfortably hot in there I almost died.  I literally laid on the bench and thought about death.  Today, when the dancers did the banya song again, I was really confused.  This dance was nothing like my experience.   Was I banya-ing incorrectly?  During lunch, one of my coworkers explained to me more about the banya.  Her son is one of the dancers (and he did a fantastic job!) and she was explaining that hunters who have been out for a long period of time would be excited to be back in and to wash up in the banya.  Made a lot more sense :) 

November 20, 2016: Stormy boat ride

This is Jolene and me, praying for our lives on our boat ride back from Woody Island.  A storm began brewing, and we were thankful we made it off the island.  I was soaked from rain and ocean water, but I didn't get tossed into the sea, so I couldn't complain!

November 19, 2016: Woody Island

I joined some of my friends from church this weekend on a retreat to Woody Island.  This was good for my heart.  The first night we were here, people shared testimonies and stories of what God was teaching them.  It was a good reminder to me that God is so big and loves us so deeply, that He meets us exactly where we are.  I was really encouraged, remembering that sometimes God pushes us to do huge, scary, grandiose things, and sometimes God reminds us that it's ok that we need Him just to be able to get out of bed in the morning.  He's in the big and the small.  He's there when we're terrified and when we're overjoyed.  I needed these reminders this weekend.   He is more than enough, and for that, I praise Him.

That alone was worth the trip here, but there also happened to be this net deep in the woods that was suspended two stories high in the trees.  Like one, gigantic hammock.  We hiked out to it, and I took a 2 hour nap in my sleeping bag, swaying in the treetops while listening to the ocean crash on the nearby shore.

AHHH-Mazing.

November 18, 2016: Pajama Par-tay!

I love teaching.  Don't get me wrong, there are days that I wonder what the heck I am doing.  I want to die.  I want to sleep.  I want to cry or do that crazy person laugh that freaks everyone out because it feels like I lost my mind.  But there are too many other days when I love my job.  I'm in a list mood, so here's why teaching is the best.  In no particular order:

-Kids are funny.  Hysterical, make me cry funny.
-I learn all sorts of random, most likely useless facts about holidays, wolf spiders, and penguins.
-I am forced to remember I can't do things with my own strength.
-I get to swing on swings, play with play dough, and paint, and I get paid to do it.
-Random hugs at a moment's notice... they're surprising and awesome.
-I get to see that incredible moment when a kiddo finally understands something that was really difficult before.  Seriously, the excitement is unexplainable.
-My teaching wardrobe includes a sparkly fanny pack
-kid art.  pages and pages of kid art. With hilarious pictures of me drawn in the center.
-I get to love on kids.  I get to be someone who tells them how awesome they are, helps them work through whatever it is that stresses their 6 year old selves out, and helps them refine the parts of themselves that might need a little work :).  I get the incredible privilege and responsibility of being a huge part of their lives for a year.  To help them figure out how to be good friends, how to handle tough situations, how to figure out what's appropriate to share with the entire class and what shouldn't be shared at all, how to make mistakes and keep going, and how to eat snack without smashing a gazillion crumbs into the floor.
-I have an excuse to order lots of post it notes.  In lots of colors.
-I get to work alongside some of the most inspirational people
-Pajama parties.  If this was an ordered list, pajama parties would definitely be near the top.  That's today's picture.  I got to wear a Finding Dory onesie to school all day today.  And that, my friends, is why I teach.

November 17, 2016: love hate relationship

Jim left us this puzzle before he went underway.  We have been working on it for a solid couple of months.  I never want to see a stupid puzzle made up of stupid small images ever again.

November 16, 2016: Friendsgiving

Walking in the house and seeing this makes my heart happy.  First Friendsgiving in Kodiak in the books.  There were around 20 people in our house, and I still don't think I met some of them before they left.  :)

November 15, 2016: Home

When I got back from California, I came home to this box of amazingness.  Kistlercrest Honeycrisp apples.  This was going to be the first year since we began growing apples that I wasn't going to be able to eat one.  One of the things I miss the most being in Kodiak is visiting my parents' farm in the fall time.  I miss the brisk walks at the State Park, I miss camping with my friends, I miss apple picking and the way the garage smells when it's full of apple boxes.  I miss spooning on the couch with Jesse, random runs with Sydney, and there's even a small part of me that misses screaming at Sadie after she rolls in something nasty out in the orchard .  I miss mom's pasta bake, dad's malts, and grandma's apple bars.   If I can't be there, this was the next best thing.  Thanks, mom!!

November 14, 2016: San Francisco, here we come!

This picture seems to sum up our time in San Francisco.  We were so excited to just be out of Kodiak, that we got a little over zealous about the little things.  We screamed for joy when we saw a sign that said we could buy 5 avocados for $1.00.  We screamed in panic when I tried to drive up those steep streets and the car rolled backwards as soon as I took my foot off the break.  I screamed in my head every time a stupid pigeon walked under our table searching for food scraps.  We seemed to have forgotten how to drive in real traffic, and we spent a lot of time either waiting for google maps to reroute us after taking a wrong turn (ahem... me driving) or we just stopped the car in the middle of the off ramp, waited for traffic to clear, and drove over the median until we got back into the lane we wanted (ahem...steph driving).  In this particular picture, we had discovered our flight was delayed by 2 hours, so we had time to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge.  If you can't tell, we screamed tourists, and we didn't really care.  

From touring Alcatraz, to eating at Fisherman's Wharf, to dessert at Ghiradelli Square, to riding the trolley just 4 blocks so we could walk down Crooked Street, to crossing the Golden Gate Bridge just to turn around and come back in time to see the House from Full House, we took advantage of everything San Francisco had to offer today.  It's not every day you get off the island!

November 13, 2016: Race Day

This race was awesome.  I mean, it also really, really sucked, but it was awesome.  Here's the deal:

Why it sucked:

-My body refused to move in even a remotely fast way.  I blame it all on the fact that the weather was warm, thanks to a terribly cold Seattle airport I didn't sleep very much two nights before the race, my breakfast everything bagel kept coming up in weird burps, and that there must have been something weird in my dinner the night before.  My body's sucking had NOTHING to do with the fact that I only trained 1-3 days a week prior to the race.  :)

Why it was awesome:

-We were in California. 

-I ran to the sound of the ocean crashing on the beach, and the sight of huge foamy waves spraying water over cliffs. 

-I was WARM!!!

-There was a bagpiper and other musicians.  And a lights show in a tunnel. 

-After the race, there was a tent where you could sit with the other finishers and massage your muscles with all sorts of expensive, fancy muscle rollers.  There's something beautiful about runners bonding over pain. 

-They gave us beer and fruit at the finish line. 

-It was an out and back run, so I got to see Stephanie after she turned around.  She was booking it, but sacrificed a few precious breaths to scream to me.  I tried to take her picture but got some random guy instead.  I got her arm.  The sun was in my eyes. 

-After the race we got to do awesome stuff like go to a candy store, drive around and look at the beach, watch seals scoot across the sand, and buy FRESH PRODUCE at a farmer's market.  

Plus, this became my 24th state I have run in!  I'm almost half way there!!

November 12, 2016: Monterrey, here we come!

It's race weekend!!  Stephanie and I successfully made it to Monterrey and were ready for the half marathon.  On our flight over, a man sitting next to me asked if we were a mother/daughter team.  So...for the rest of the weekend we tried to figure out which one of us looks either really old or really young.  I'm pretty sure he thought I was the mom.  Once in Monterrey we went to the Expo, I spent way too much money on flip belts and running hats and arm warmers and flip belt water bottles because obviously I need all that stuff to make me a better runner.   And obviously I don't get to shop too often, so I go a little nuts when I do.  We ate some incredible sea food and went to bed early so we would be refreshed for our race the next morning!

November 11, 2016: Happy Veteran's Day

We had an assembly at school today to honor our Veterans.  The students made cards to send to Veterans in VA hospitals around the country.  We gathered in the gym and sang patriotic songs together.  I cried when we all sang the National Anthem.  After this heated political election, it was a much needed moment to be in a room with innocent kids singing about our country's beauty and freedom.  I've been really blessed to get to know so many people in the past year who serve in the Coast Guard.  I have seen the sacrifice that my friends, family, and students' parents go through in order to protect other people and serve our country.  I am grateful for that sacrifice!

November 10, 2016: Are you limping?

That's what my coworker asked me on my way in to the classroom this morning.  I wasn't hurt, so I was a little nervous that I was developing some weird gate that I hadn't noticed.  (Side note:  One time in Chicago a random man on the street stopped me and asked if he could ask me a serious question.  When I said sure, he said, "I've been watching you for a bit and I need to know- are you bow-legged or pigeon-toed?"  So, I am a little sensitive about my walk  :)  ).   When I got to my classroom, I opened my closet and saw my reflection in the mirror, realizing it may have been the extra hundred pounds of teaching crap I was carrying around with me that gave me an odd walk.  Maybe I should invest in a rolling cart.  Or better yet!  One of those suitcases that are motorized and you can ride around on top of them!  It's totally happening.

November 9, 2016: lost crap

Calling all friends who have ridden in my car with me:  I found this pair of gloves, a water bottle, and a pair of safety goggles in my back seat.  If they're yours, let me know.  I will also try to take more interesting pictures from here on out, so that ones like this aren't the only ones I have to choose from when it comes down to blog time.  I guess somedays the most interesting part of your day is finding weird stuff in your car. 

November 8, 2016: Election Results

I'm slightly disappointed that I didn't get a single vote this year.   Especially considering my competition!  Guess I won't be quitting my day job...

November 7, 2016: Alaska Tuff

Alaskan kids are seriously resilient to crazy weather.  We go outside for recess in the rain, snow, wind, or ice.  I've seen kids rip off their jackets and try to run around in a tshirt when it's raining and 40 degrees outside.  I've seen kids completely wipe out on icy blacktop, pick themselves up, and sprint across it again.  The other day I was trying to get a kid to not play on this huge, slippery patch of ice.  He asked me, "Don't you believe in Santa?  Because if you do, then you know that Jack Frost works with him.  And Jack Frost brings us the snow and ice because he wants us to be kids and have fun."  It's very hard to argue with that. 

November 6, 2016: secret stash

I came into work today.  I've been proud of myself because I haven't had to come in to work during the weekend too many times this year.  Woop woop!  I was in the workroom making copies and needed some white out.  One of my biggest pet peeves is when you walk down to the workroom and forget to bring your scissors or glue stick.  Last year I secretly stashed this white-out in one of the drawers in the workroom.  Every time I use it, I shove it all the way in the back so it's less likely to be found.  It's still here.  I'm not completely sure why I found that so funny today but I did.

November 5, 2016: Silly boys

Yep, this just about sums up what it's like to spend time with these yahoos. 

November 4, 2016: Birthday celebration for Hankie Pank!

I can't believe this little guy is almost one!  He turns one tomorrow, but Kyle is on duty all day tomorrow so we are celebrating tonight.  I'm so thankful I have been able to live near my family and have gotten to experience every day life with them.   Here are some of my favorite things about Henry:

*He loves carrying around a wooden knife.  Sometimes Meg plays around with him and pretends to cut him with it, and he cracks up.  It's morbid and hilarious.

*His head is enormous and his neck fat is out of control.  I have come to love this.

*He loves his brother.  Even when Arthur is beating up on him, Henry can't get enough of it.

*He loves when I shake my ponytail at him.  He laughs and tries to grab it.

*He has the most distinct wail I have ever heard.  It goes, "waaa-aa-aa-aa-aaaa. (take a deep breath)..EHHHHH-HHH.....EHHHH-HHHHHH"

*He's a mini walker.   He walks and makes sounds like a zombie.

*His smile is contagious.  Maybe it's the big blue eyes and snaggle teeth combination...

Happy birthday, Hen Hen.  I love you, and am excited for this next year with you!!

November 3, 2016: Near Island

Sorry if you're sick of sunset pictures of the island.  It's all I've got today.  But look at that cloud!

Thankful for another run with Stephanie!  (Even though this time it was a bit slippery and she may have ended up in the mud...)  :)

November 2, 2016: Western Murder

Our staff participated in a murder mystery dinner party tonight.  Heather and I had no idea what was happening the entire night.  All I know is that I got to duel someone in the middle of the party and I shot him dead.

November 1, 2016: best running town ever

I'm going to be honest- I suck at training.  I get lazy, I convince myself I am too busy, I can't seem to stop eating donuts for breakfast and drinking soda for lunch, and I usually forget to bring my inhaler, so my runs are slow and laborious.  Really thankful Stephanie convinced me to come out and run with her today, because it was gorgeous.  Well done, Kodiak. 

October 31, 2016: Man in the yellow hat

This little man was not happy today.  Halloween turned out to be cold and rainy, so trick or treating was not the most fun experience for this little guy.  It was nearly impossible for me to even get a picture of him and Henry.  This was the best I could do.  I heard that once he went home, they stayed in and passed out candy to the trick or treaters in their neighborhood.  Athur seems to have found his new calling of "most enthusiastic candy passer outer."  He loved it!

October 30, 2016: Nature therapy

I've been having pretty good days for the last couple of weeks.  For some reason, today was rough again.  After potluck, I was feeling a little stressed out about the school stuff I needed to accomplish.  On my way to school, Jo called to catch up and I immediately turned my car around and drove to Abercrombie for a phone date/hike/impromptu therapy session.  :)  Living with depression is unpredictable, and I have learned that when it hits, I have to take care of myself.  School can wait. And it did.  And I survived without being the perfectionist that I am always tempted to make myself be.  

October 29, 2016: Halloween

Meet Connor.  He's the shit.

October 28, 2016: Who you gonna call?

Halloween parade at school today meant the Ghost Busters got their debut!  We had a blast making these costumes, and the kids loved them.  At one point, we walked through a second grade classroom and the kids all started singing the theme song to us.   Even with all of the craziness that Halloween brings, I love it!  

October 27, 2016: Pajama Day!

aka my favorite day of the year.

I also happened to have my first formal observation by my principal today.  It was kind of weird having her watch me teach while in Ninja Turtle pajamas and pigtails.  :)

October 26, 2016: Awana Store

I have been volunteering at Awana every Wednesday evening.  For anyone who doesn't know what Awana is, it's a youth ministry organization.  The kids come and sing songs, memorize verses, have a Bible lesson, and play games.  I'm working with a group of fifth grade girls this year.  I love them.  I adore my first graders, but it's really nice to work with girls who are a bit more self sufficient!  Throughout the weeks at Awana, you can earn bucks for memorizing verses, dressing up according to the theme, or bringing friends.  Tonight was the first Awana store.  I found this bag of glow in the dark baby cherubs.  Come on, that's amazing!!

I did think it was sweet when my girls pulled me to the side and made me close my eyes.  They placed this little plaque in my hands that said "Love" on it.  They had pooled their money and bought it for me as a thank you for being their leader.  So thoughtful!!

October 25, 2016: Santa! I know him!

I went over to Michele's house tonight to work on our Halloween costumes for school.  Her son, Luke, wanted to show me his costume.  He is being Santa Claus!!  I died.  I have never heard of a kid wanting to be Santa for Halloween.  I can't get over how awesome he looks!

October 24, 2016: Crazy Hair Day

I may have forgotten about Crazy Hair Day until this morning.  I attempted to make a weird flower thing in my ponytail, but all I got down was the weird part.  I was impressed with some of the students' 'dos this morning!  There was a kid with spider webs in his hair and Spiderman sitting on top, cupcake pigtails, and even a girl who had spray painted her hair green and turned it into a golf course- tee and golf ball included!  I love spirit week!

October 22, 2016: Ohio run

Today's run was beautiful.  Em and Derek let me know about this beautiful park close to their house.  While we waited for some more friends to arrive for the weekend, I went for my 9 mile run.  I love Kodiak, but the fall here is nothing compared fall in the midwest!  I finally had to force myself to stop taking pictures, because I was never going to finish the run before our friends got there.  The beauty was a good reminder of God's goodness.  I spent a lot of the run praying for my dear friends who are hurting.  I don't know why God chooses to act and heal in some situations, and in other times He does not.  I know He is bigger than I can imagine, and that He is always good, no matter the circumstances.   I also know it breaks my heart seeing those I love hurt so deeply.   I like fixing things, and it's tough knowing that sometimes all I can do is pray.  But it's a great reminder that I can't be the fixer, and the best thing I can do is pray. 

October 21, 2016: Happy Birthday, Leyla!!

Em and I took her kiddos to the zoo today to celebrate Leyla's birthday.  What a great time!  Leyla and Bryce impressed me with their bravery :)   I have had so much fun hanging out with these two this weekend.  I am amazed at how well they get along and take care of one another!  I can't remember being around two sweeter kids.  And they're pretty hilarious too.

October 19, 2016: Fashionable traveler

OHIO BOUND!!!  I cannot wait to hug Emily Sorensen.   It's going to take about 13 hours to get to her, so I made sure to travel comfortably.  This man sat down across the aisle from me and I noticed how dapper he looked.  Then I remembered I was wearing TOMS, smartwool socks, and leggings.  I have no shame. 

October 18, 2016: scripture memorization

My friend Joel and I are working on memorizing scripture verses.  I have always been terrible at memorization, so I just stopped trying to do it.  Recently we decided we needed to challenge one another and hold each other accountable.  I am loving it.  I'm still terrible, but I am learning that the more I practice, the easier it gets.  No more excuses.  I love this verse too.  I have a tendency to develop a one track mind during the school year.  I focus on school and school alone.  I forget that my purpose is not JUST to love and challenge my students, but to live every moment for the Lord.  I love the part of this passage about making the best use of time.  I've been praying a lot over the last month about my perspective, and asking God to change the way I see things so they match what He sees.   I want to make sure that every interaction I have with friends, coworkers, family, and strangers is fruitful in some way.  

October 17, 2016: first snow

Kodiak snow is my favorite.  It doesn't happen often here, but when it does, the island turns into this magical place and I can't help but get giddy and overexcited.  Working with first graders makes it even better.  When we walked outside today and saw the huge flakes begin to fall, joyous laughs and screams erupted from the kids.  After school, I couldn't stop smiling on my drive to Abercrombie.  SNOW!!  I was blessed to have 3 friends join me on a great hike through the woods and along the shoreline where we saw some incredible views.  A solid dusting of snow looks great on Kodiak.  Sadly, I am sure the rain will wash it away tomorrow, but for now, I am thoroughly enjoying it.