Summer's Here

It's been busy month since I last blogged. I guess that's to be expected with the end of the school year approaching. Now it's officially summer, and it's time to catch you up on the last month. My to-do list seemed to grow by the minute. You know... pictures to take, DVD slide shows to make, cakes to order, decorations to buy, kids' books to assemble, butterflies to release, parties to plan... the list could go on. There were many late nights (or rather, early mornings) just trying to squeeze everything in. I managed to finish everything on time and the parties were a lot of fun, although I was extremely exhausted at the end of the week.

Then when the dust settled, I was left with many happy memories of a great year. Yes, there were stressful times, but overall, we had a lot of fun. It was such a joy to see the excitement in the kids' eyes as they discovered a new toy or the pride in their smile as they showed me their latest art project or handwriting. And listening in on their conversations? Wow, I could probably write a book of cute kids' quotes!

I was showered with gifts at the end of the year, great reminders of the precious students I had this year. Several gift cards (who doesn't love those?), a yummy candle and much-needed CHOCOLATE, a brightly-decorated terra cotta flower pot which all the kids from my afternoon class signed, an adorable Caribou Coffee mug and tea set, yummy-smelling lotion and shower gel, a pretty butterfly stained-glass box, and gorgeous flowers flowers flowers! I just had to take pictures because they're so beautiful. Don't you agree?





Yes, summer's here, and even though I have things to do at school yet (moving to a new classroom, arranging furniture, dreaming of decorating possibilities), I am enjoying a break from hectic schedules and long working days.

Where I've Been...

... in the last six weeks.

...shopping for fabric.

...enjoying my nieces and nephews.

...playing in the sand.

...attending Callie and Ashleigh's acting debut.

...sipping tea with the ladies.

...witnessing little gardeners in the making.

...marveling over beautiful spring colors.

...admiring new life.





...drinking in blossoms.

...completely loving my favorite season of the year!

God's Rainbow

I think spring is here. It's been rainy, sunny, sprinkling, sunny again, downpouring... all in a matter of minutes. You'd almost expect to see a rainbow sometime, but I think the rain and clouds are coming too often for the sun to create any bands of color.

The other day I was outside and I did see a rainbow, although not as you would expect.

Spring in Minnesota

A beautiful day in northern Minnesota was reason enough for me to get outside and take some pictures. I absolutely LOVE spring. Seeing the green buds on the trees, feeling the warm sunshine on my face, hearing the birds chattering in the trees, smelling the sweet scent of violets... I love it all.

God's creation is so amazingly beautiful. Every time I witness the newness of spring, I'm reminded of the transformation that takes place when a life is surrendered to Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" Remember this as you enjoy this beautiful season!