September 16

Loft had a great sale yesterday, which included jewelry.  I couldn't wait to wear my new necklace :)

September 17

This warm weather makes it tough to wear my hair down because it makes me hotter.  Fall weather needs to kick in quickly because I'm stuck in a hair rut!

September 18

My sister surprised me at work with some of her birthday cake.  So sweet!!!

September 19

It's been a hot summer, and with fall coming up, it doesn't seem to be getting any cooler.  While I'm ready for the heat wave to be over, the doggies don't mind getting to bask in the sun for a while longer...

September 20

Mike's breathing was a concern so I had my dad take him to the vet to see what was wrong.  Little did I know that it would be the last time I would see him alive.  He passed away in the morning, but I wasn't informed until I got home from work.  My heart aches, my head hurts and my stomach is sick from the sadness I'm feeling after losing one of my best friends. :(  Mike was so loved and will be greatly missed:

September 21

Roxy and I are trying to cope with losing Mike.  His unexpected death finds us having to deal with letting go and living life without him, which is going to be hard after sharing the past 11 years of our lives together.  We're blessed to have shared so many wonderful memories together.

September 22

I'm so thankful for the love and support our family and friends have shown us.  We miss and love Mike very much, and know that we were loved by him also:

September 11

My first graders and I are proud of America's heroes.  They were so attentive as they participated in our kid-friendly discussion on the events of September 11.

September 12

Today's after school snack was a little more gourmet than usual (smoked salmon/cream cheese/cucumber):

September 13

I've started cleaning out some things and found my Lemon Meringue doll from when I was little.  She's now sitting up above my classroom's Smart Board.

September 14

Today we had our Apple Day celebration where the kids tasted different kinds of apples, applesauce, apple chips, apple muffins, apple bread, apple juice, apple pie and apple candy.  The kids loved it, but were mostly impressed with my new handy dandy kitchen tool which I used to slice and core the apples...

September 15

My family and I met up with my sister and her family to celebrate her birthday.  I don't know why I didn't think to take a picture of her, but I did take one of what I had for lunch at the restaurant: shrimp summer rolls. Mmmmmm!!!  Happy Birthday, Debee!

September 1

I went horseback riding for the first time today.  The last time I was on a horse/pony was when I was in preschool and I was afraid.  Fast forward several years later, and I come to find that I'm still scared.  Luckily, Noni was a nice horse and did all the work :)

September 2

I'm so glad that I can wear skirts and dresses to golf.  They're so much cooler than wearing shorts or pants, especially with this crazy summer heat!

September 3

I got to join my family for a mid-day Labor Day barbecue.  I brought an easy, labor-free dessert: frozen yogurt topped with berries, granola and dark chocolate raisinets: 

September 4

I was able to catch up with my former team partner this evening.  I forgot how much I miss laughing with her (we decided laughter was better than crying while working together).  We got to enjoy some dessert items thanks to some coupons and the generosity of the Corner Bakery employees.  Sweet!

September 5

Dinner prep with Joe this evening included ingredients for Parmesan chicken, one of my favorite Italian dishes:

September 6

I don't know why short weeks are the most stressful at work.  Thank goodness for coffee!!!

September 7

I taste tested four different kinds of chili for Subway today, which was pretty cool.  They gave me this for my hard work:

September 8

I cannot believe that it's almost mid-September and that I have to start packing up and moving soon. I'm trying to stay positive but I'm so tired, I feel like I'm fading away. . .

September 9

My sister and I met up for a therapy session while getting some pedicures today.  I love that we get to spend time as sisters and wish I could spend more time with her and our two other sisters.  I'm still trying to get used to the nail color I picked:

September 10

This is what's on display in my classroom right now.  My first graders and I are looking forward to our Apple Day this Friday :)

August 26

Joe and I headed to Mission Bay for lunch after church again today.  This time, we felt an earthquake while sitting on the grass!!

August 27

I'm finally an Origami Owl designer after having been on the wait list for for-e-ver.  I decided to sign up after getting lots of compliments on my necklace.  I also entered their Inspiration Contest using the picture above :)

August 28

The muggy weather has made for some beautiful clouds and gorgeous skies lately.  I had the pleasure of enjoying a beautiful sunrise today on my morning walk and got to see the sun set while at my parent's house in the evening:

August 29

I'm glad to see that Mike is starting to feel better and is a little more like his usual self each day.

August 30

I love how Roxy curls up and likes being held.  She's been really patient lately with Mike needing extra attention with his surgery.  I love my pups!

August 31

I roasted my second chicken (with Joe's help) today!  I'm not a fan of dark meat, but it works out when we're both having dinner together.

August 19

Cleaning up a wound is not my favorite thing to do, but I've had to do plenty of it since Mike's surgery.  I'm hoping that my being his nurse ends quickly!

August 20

...unless you have recess duty, like I do this week :(

August 21

It's not much fun when you try a new recipe and it turns out to be a bust.  Dinner took an hour to prepare and was definitely not worth it...

August 22

This week I made it out for a walk before going to work.  It's too warm in the evenings, but it's nice and cool in the mornings.

August 23

My friend Zennie surprised me with some goodies this week, so I decided to reciprocate with a home-made thank you card and some current favorites of my own:

August 24

Life seems like a crazy blur lately.  Today I had to deal with kids that decided to act up after having to be cooped up due to a rainy day schedule.  On top of that, Mike decided to mess with his stitches and cause even more of a clean-up.   Plus, the thought of packing up and moving out is really starting to hit me as the month draws to an end.  Even so, it was nice to see family at my dad's birthday party tonight and forget about everything for a bit.  Happy Birthday, Dad!

August 25

I've been enjoying some Vanilla Biscotti flavored coffee in the mornings courtesy of my friend, Zennie.  It has also been nice to relax after work this week and read the book she gave me (which I finished early this morning).  It's much more relaxing than coming home and watching the news ;)

August 12

I've been enjoying being able to keep up with my menu planning.  It's a great feeling when I get to make my own breakfast, lunch and dinner...

August 13

I saw this posting for a research study while I was at Starbucks.  It made me laugh and cringe at the same time.  Every teacher I know, including myself, has a bit of a problem with "hoarding, saving or clutter"...sigh :(

August 14

Mike and I went for a drive to see the vet today.  He ended up having to stay over so they could do a biopsy and removal of a large mass that had grown suddenly on the top of his back right leg.

August 15

I was able to bring Mike home today.  Roxy kept smelling him and wondering what was wrong with him.  She's such a great sister!

August 16

I've been sleeping in the living room so that I can be near to Mike as he recovers from his surgery.  This night light/souvenir has come in very handy.

August 17

I stayed in again today to be with Mike who is not himself yet.  I was flipping through television channels and ended up watching this:

August 18

The doggies and I are doing a good job of beating the heat wave.  They got to relax under some shade on the patio for a little bit and  I enjoyed lunch and some pool time with my best friend.  I also tried making my own watermelon agua fresca.  Summer fruits are the best!

August 5

My sister motivated me to create with my Cricut yesterday.  I'm working on some things to post on my writing wall and supply boxes.  I have to make it a point to use my new cartridges soon!

August 6

I decided to give ground turkey another try and found a recipe for a turkey burger.  It turned out to be surprisingly juicy and delicious!!!

August 7

Getting sick after just the first two weeks of school must be a new record for me :(

  

August 8

A parent of one of my students generously gifted this backpack holder to our classroom.  It was so fun to see how excited the kids were and how proud the dad's son was of his daddy :)

August 9

It's football season already?!?!  I'm not too fond of ending summer and starting fall just yet, but watching football is definitely a favorite past time.  Go Chargers!!!

August 10

Joe surprised me with my very own Keurig machine a few days ago and I've been so excited to wake up to some coffee ever since!  Love the gift, love him!!

August 11

My sister joined me for today's Close to My Heart Workshop and we created some beautiful photo frames.  Why are creating and being crafty so therapeutic?  Who knows, but I enjoyed the company and left with home decor created by me: