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.