October 11

Fresh, fall flowers, the extent of my fall home décor this year due to my upcoming move:

October 12

These goodies helped me through an afternoon training session.  Thankfully I only needed the coffee and the mini Butterfinger.  The rest will come in handy at another time...

October 13

I love spending extra time with Roxy on the weekends!

October 14

There's something calming about lighting candles. . . Life sure has been stressful these days!

October 15

Trying out new recipes can be a hit or miss.  This one wasn't the worst dish ever.  It gave me a newfound appreciation for orzo pasta. (:

October 16

  

My first graders helped me brainstorm some ideas about fall today.  It always amazes me how much they remember when it doesn't even seem like they're listening/paying attention.

October 17

My first graders and I are on top of the world everyday (world map area rug):

October 18

I decided to splurge and get a venti-sized drink at Starbucks along with some pumpkin bread.  Rough days are tough, but treats make them better.

October 19

I found a diy project that I made a year ago while cleaning/packing:

October 20

 

I'm so thankful for this little dog and big blessing in my life.  A month has gone by without Mike and my heart still feels an emptiness within.  Roxy and I have been blessed to find comfort in our family,  our friends and in each other.

October 1

I decided to embrace the changes in my life right now by making a change to my hair cut and color.  Ombré and an edgier hairstyle to celebrate another year of getting older:

October 2

Having a fall break means I can go on lunch dates :)

October 3

Roxy's wondering what is going on with all the boxes that are all over the place.  Smart dog, she knows something is up:

October 4

I got to celebrate my birthday with my family today and some friends throughout the week...

October 5

I learned that today is World Smile Day.  These two make me smile:

October 6

I'm brewing pumpkin spice coffee (it was among some birthday gift goodies)...perfect for fall!

October 7

I finally tried out the new owl warmer and spiced apple citrus scented wax that I scored at Walmart.  My place smells soooo good.

October 8

 

I was excited to find these shoes this past weekend inside a box in my garage.  I had been wondering where they were!

October 9

This colorful turtle brings me memories of my trip to Guatemala a few years ago:

October 10

I'm really liking how easy it is to customize and change up Origami Owl jewelry. . . (normavcampos.origamiowl.com)

September 23

My family and I are having a memorial for Mike this week.  He was such a special dog, and a much-loved family member.

September 24

It still feels like summer weather-wise in San Diego, but it definitely feels like a new season with lots of changes going on.  I'm bracing myself for fall...

September 25

Tuesday nights have turned into t.v. nights.  The Voice is a fun show (but it makes me miss singing), Go On has been pretty funny so far, and Parenthood has such believable characters, it's been nice to follow them for a while.  Somehow I end up getting teary during that show, but I know that I'm not the only one ;)

September 26

Roxy was able to fit into her brother's sweater.  My grandma made it for him 10 years ago.  Roxy has remained lean, but is much longer now:

September 27

I'm so thankful to have such great memories of Mike.  Some make me cry, but most make me smile and even laugh.  I'll always remember and love you, Mike!

September 28

I keep trying to convince Roxy to cuddle up with this pink turtle since her brother had snuggled up next to her for the past 11 years.  She's still warming up to the idea, but I love how she humors me :)

September 29

I couldn't pass up celebrating yet another holiday...

September 30

I'm feeling more confident with my golf game.  Now if only I didn't have to keep score!

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 :)