First time . . .

Julia and Adam invited Craig and me to dinner this afternoon.  DINNER?!! What??  
They wanted to try out their new grill and we were the proud recipients of their efforts.  It was an amazing time watching them scurry around their kitchen together, timing everything so the meal would be perfect.  I was impressed, to say the least!

Julia prepared potatoes for the grill . .  . lots of potatoes!   :)

Adam perfectly formed the hamburgers!

There were fresh green beans and corn on the cob!!!

The proud couple and their new grill!

Adam trying his hand at grilling . . . Craig supervising over his shoulder

Taadah!! The delicious dinner beautifully served on the sun porch.

Can you believe it?? ...Julia even made a delicious chocolate cake for dessert.

It was a delightful afternoon ~ ~ the dinner was delicious.  Watching the new bride and groom work together in the kitchen warmed my heart!  I was very proud of their accomplishments!

After dinner, Julia was spotted clipping coupons!  WHAT??  What has happened to my daughter!  Coupons?  Who would have thought she'd be interested in coupons !   You go, girl.

2010-11

Summer is coming to an end, and our 2010-2011 school year is gearing up.  As I reflect on the past two months of summer, I'm reminded of many happy memories.  My heart and mind will never forget the two beautiful weddings uniting Jonathan and Sarah, and Julia and Adam.  We are so blessed.

As I mentally prepare for the new school year, I'm reminded how excited and nervous my new students come into the classroom. It's my mission and pledge to create a warm and loving environment for them to pass through their 4th grade year.   A lot has been written and researched about the power of positive and negative words, moments, and interactions. 

When I read the article, The Magic Ratio of Positive and Negative Moments by Patsi Krakoff I couldn't help but think of the students in my classroom. How many of our children come to school each day with their 'buckets' empty? What can I do to not only fill their buckets, but provide them with an environment that provides the Magic Ratio of 5:1 -- five positives to one negative interaction.

I want to be positive and encouraging...I want to be a 'bucket filler', and I want to be the teacher my students look back on and know how much I cared about them.  I don't want to be a 'should-of, could-of, would-of, teacher.  

I'm off to a great 2010-2011 school year! Wish me luck.  :)

Louisville #3

Leaving Louisville is always very difficult for me! I've never been a fan of having my children live long distances from me . . . and 6 hours by car is too far! I know, I know . . . they're grown up and married, BUT, I'm certain they still need their mother for something!!!

Anyway, on our trip home, God sent me a beautiful sign ~ a beautiful rainbow. The day was dreary, and I was feeling dreary, but looking out and spotting a perfect rainbow warmed my heart! (If you look closely, you can see there was a double rainbow!!) I know Jonathan and Sarah are placed there for a reason, and God has blessed them beyond words!I was encouraged as we drove north to Michigan. The sun came out, and the sky brightened, and God confirmed to me that Jonathan and Sarah were in their perfect place!

Louisville #2

While we were in Louisville, we went to an adorable shopping and restaurant area. It had little specialty boutiques and great eateries. One shop that caught my eye was the Comfy Cow. It was a quaint and 'comfy' ice cream and sweet shop.

The rocking chairs could be taken off the wall for children to sit in while
enjoying their homemade ice cream!
So adorable! So darling!
So comfy!:)
They had plenty of delicious, homemade, hard-to-resist, cookies and brownies.

LOUISVILLE

This weekend, we went to Louisville to see Jonathan and Sarah. Jonathan opened his new Edward Jones office in Crestwood, and we helped him decorate it. It was wonderful being together, again.

This is Jonathan's new office! We're so proud of him~ :)

This is front area of his new office, where the 'branch assistant' will be.
Don't they look so happy and proud?!! :)

Keep up the GREAT job, Jonathan! Continue to work hard!! We love you to the moon and back!! :)

Mr. and Mrs. Schlusler

Friday, August 6, 2010, our little girl walked down the aisle to become Mrs. Julia Schlusler. She was confident, excited, and extremely happy!! Her smile never left her face the entire day. In my humble opinion, she was a beautiful bride!!

We had spent many months planning and preparing for the 'perfect' wedding --it was my goal to 'make her dreams come true'. As she strolled down the aisle in her blush pink wedding dress, my heart was warmed by the joy she radiated.

I'm sure she and Adam will have many, many years of wedded bliss!! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Schlusler!

This is one of my very favorite pictures from that day!!
I love the look on both girls' faces!! I don't know who's more excited, Julia or Sydney!! Priceless!!