Gathering Graces 6/13/2017

*I finally finished the information to send to April regarding meal preparations for her upcoming retreat.  Boy did that task feel good to complete.  Now I just need to print off the rest of the pages to add to the notebook, and I should be good to go.

*I had a fun lunch with Brandon Church, a.k.a. Bran Muffin, today at Radio Brewing in uptown Kellogg today.  I had missed his graduation party because I wasn’t feeling well that day, so I wanted to have lunch.  It was fun visiting with him, and catching on up what he has been doing since he graduated a couple of weeks ago.  Thanks for a great lunch Bran Muffin!!

*Today I did some financial things to get ready for my trip.  I deposited some money in the bank, told my bank I would be using my debit card in Germany and Italy so it wouldn’t get declined, and went online to inform my Visa card company I would be using it in those countries as well.  I gave Jane some money for some Euros she had so I will have some when we land in case we want some right away.

*I not only came away from Jane’s with some Euros, but I also came away with a bathtub!!  SCORE!!  If you have ever seen the flower bed in my backyard, you know I have a toilet and a sink that I grow flowers in during the summer.  I have longed for a bathtub to add to the bed.  Jane is remodeling her bathroom and getting rid of her bathtub, so I told her I would love to take it off her hands.  So  Paul and I will go and get it tomorrow, and add it to our backyard flower bed.  I am SO EXCITED to add the bathtub!!!

*Zoe, Sadie and I went over to visit Mom at Kindred, and Christy joined us there as well.  It was fun visiting with Mom, and helping her get ready for bed.  And Tuesday is ice cream night, so we all enjoyed some Caramel Pretzel ice cream as an evening treat.

Gathering Graces 6/12/2017

*The ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.  ~Thomas Moore

*Paul and I were up early, and Laurie took us to the airport to catch our 8:45 am flight back to Spokane.  It was a very uneventful flight, and Paul was back to Kellogg High School by about 10 a.m. for his last day of work.

*Molly had talked to me that morning about Sadie acting strange and doing her “honking” noises.  Sadie stayed by my side most of the day and slept, and was doing much better by evening, and back to her smiling self.

*When we arrived home, we have some new summer residents at out house.  We now have Dumblebunz the rabbit and Clark the cat residing in our home for the summer.  Over the weekend, Travis built a rabbit enclosure on our back patio where Dumblebunz will spend the summer.  Clark has settled in quite nicely with the other cats in our home.

*I spent most of the day working on my notebook I will use as I prepare food for a week in Italy during April’s retreat.  A lot of work goes into making sure to list all the ingredients needed and the timetable of each day.  It will be so fun!!

*Zoe drove Cosette to Moscow today, and they stopped at 22 different Idaho Historical sites on their way.  They had a lot of fun, and learned a lot of Idaho history on the way home.

*Zoe arrived home around 6 p.m.  Paul grilled some chicken, we ate dinner, and then we all went over to visit Mom at Kindred.  She was doing pretty good tonight, and she was glad to see Zoe, and we all had a nice visit, telling Mom about Taylor and Jacob’s wedding and our time in Meridian

Gathering Graces 6/11/2017

*We attended church at Legacy Church  this morning.  Paul got up and played guitar, and Cosette sang on the worship team.  Pastor Ralph shared a wonderful message, reminding us all that Jesus is the answer.

*After church we loaded the trunk of Burt and Pat’s car with leftover wedding food, and it got transported out to Kevin and Linda’s house.  We gathered out there for lunch and watched Mr. and Mrs. Virtue open their wedding gifts.  Unfortunately Paul had a horrible headache, so we left early so he could go back to Laurie’s and get some sleep and try and get rid of his headache.

*We said our goodbyes to everyone.  I may see Taylor and Jacob next Monday.  We will both be at the Seattle airport that day.  They will be departing on a trip to Greece for their honeymoon.  I will be departing to Italy.

*I enjoyed a Sunday afternoon nap.  Then Paul and I got up and waited for The Tony Awards to come on.  Cosette and Zoe joined us to watch the show.  Of the many musicals and plays that were highlighted during the award’s show, the one I would really like to see is Come From Away,  a musical that takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town of Newfoundland that welcomed them.  Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.  The musical takes place on September 11 and 12, 2001.

*When The Tony’s were over, there was a severe thunderstorm passing through Meridian, and Zoe and Cosette had to drive home in hail, rain, thunder and lightening.  But they made it home safely. 

Gathering Graces 6/10/2017

• What a wonderful day, full of much grace, joy and love.
• Today was the day of our niece Taylor Roberts wedding.  First thing this morning I went out to the wedding venue to help set up for the wedding.  The wedding venue was called Juniper Ranch.  If you are looking for an outdoor wedding venue in the Treasure Valley and want to find out more about it, you can find information here.  A group of more than 30 friends and family were gathered at the site to decorate tables and the grounds, put together a dance floor, and make sure everything was ready for the ceremony later that evening.
• I went home and rested a bit in the afternoon and got ready.  There had been a big rain storm come through, so the tables that had been decorated at the venue had to be covered up.  But by wedding time, the weather was perfect.
• When we arrived, the sun was shining and it was a beautiful evening to have a wedding.  The bride looked beautiful, and the groom looked handsome and all was well with the world.
• Paul’s dad Burton Roberts officiated the wedding, and did a beautiful job.  Taylor and Jacob have a very special love for one another.  It was repeated many times throughout the evening.  Marriage is about thinking about the other person and their needs, and that is what makes a successful marriage.  And for Paul and I, having a personal relationship with Jesus to help us with this process is what has made our marriage the wonderful and exciting adventure it has been for almost 31 years.
• As we were finishing up dinner, a BIG gust of wind came and cooled things down a bit.  But the wind calmed down and the dancing commenced, and it was a wonderful celebration of two very lovely people.  I look forward to getting to know Jacob better in the years to come.
• As the evening started winding down, again, friends and family started helping clean up.  Clearing tables, gathering decorations, piling up table cloths, stacking chairs.  Then, the evening ended with the lighting of the sparklers as Taylor and Jacob drove away.

Gathering Graces 6/9/2017

*I got up feeling a little stiff after being in a different bed, so Paul and I walked down to a convenience store and each bought a cup of coffee and walked back.  It was just what my body needed....walking and coffee!

*My friend April Kiebert came and picked me up and I went to her house and enjoyed some lovely time on her back deck visiting about life.  She had moved to a new house about a year ago, and I was able to see it today.

*Zoe picked me up from April’s house, and we stopped at Winco to pick up some items, and then went to her house in Caldwell to bake Pecan Tassies, our contribution to tomorrow’s wedding festivities. 

*When the baked good were about done, I drove back to Laurie’s house and relaxed for a while, and got changed.  Then I headed back to Caldwell and pick up Zoe and Coco.  Then we headed to the Juniper Ranch where the rehearsal and dinner were taking place.  I had a lovely time visiting with my sister-in-law Michele. 

*It was fun to be in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the wedding preparations for tomorrow’s ceremony.  I am so glad we get to be a part of Jacob and Taylor’s day.

*Paul, Laurie and I had a nice talk until it was time to head off to bed.

Gathering Graces 6/8/2017

*Even when I haven’t been employed by a school district, my yearly rhythms coincide with the rhythms of the school year.  And today this year’s school year has come to an end.  I got my office all packed up, and things stored away.  I met to do my final invoices.  And the school year 2016-2017  is done.

*Travis drove Cosette to Kellogg from Moscow so she could fly down to Boise with us.  It was nice to see Travis and get a quick hug, and see Cosette as well.  She went with me to Kindred to visit with Mom, and we also moved Sadie over to Christy and Everett’s for the weekend.  I went back and visited with Mom a bit more, then headed back to the high school.

*Paul, Cosette and I were on the road by 4 p.m. to get to the airport for our 6:30 p.m. flight.  We actually got on the plane early, and got into the air early as well.  The flight was a little bumpy though, so no beverages or snacks on the flight.  But soon we were touching down in Boise.  Laurie was there to pick Paul and I up, and Zoe came to pick Cosette up so they could join the other girls for Taylor’s bachelorette party in downtown Boise.

*We had dinner with Laurie at Ling & Louise’s, an Asian Fusion restaurant in Meridian.  It was very delicious.  I had the Evil Jungle Princess with shrimp.  Paul and Laurie both enjoyed some Sushi.

*We are staying at Laurie’s house for the weekend, and it was fun visiting, but soon I started getting sleepy and knew it was time for bed.

Gathering Graces 6/7/2017

*This morning Nikki and I stopped for birthday coffee.  I totally missed it was her birthday the day before, so we made up for it today.  This is our tradition for our summer birthdays.  We buy each other birthday coffee at Jolt n Bolt, which is a coffee stand on our walking route.

*I finally got all the information I needed put together for the invoices I need to submit.  I will be meeting with Terry the business manager of the school district on Thursday to get everything sorted out.  That is a big relief to have it done.

*Mom was in bed when I arrived at Kindred yesterday evening visiting with Christy.  I remembered to bring her clean laundry over, and put it away.  Christy bought Mom some new summer pajamas that were really cute. 

*I got Paul and I checked into our flight to Boise this evening, and got most of my things packed for our trip to attend our niece Taylor’s  wedding, which will be Saturday evening.  It will be a wonderful weekend surrounded by family and friends.

Gathering Graces 6/6/2017

*Nikki was back from Meridian visiting her granddaughters, and I was feeling better, so we finally got to go for a walk together this morning.  It was a beautiful morning, and I so enjoyed getting out and walking.  A great way to start the day.

*It was a quiet day in the KHS Counseling Center today.  Heather and Elana were down at Kellogg Middle School registering the upcoming freshmen, so I had the office to myself until after lunch.  It was a pretty quiet day.

*Around 2 p.m. I had a craving for a Subway sandwich.  So I drove down and bought sandwich for Paul and I , because I knew he had not had lunch either.  It tasted good!!

*After school, one of the juniors stayed after school to apply for her FSA ID and get a list of scholarships that she will apply for next year.  It was a fun time working with this student, and getting her prepared for next year.

*Christy, Paul and I gathered at Kindred around 5 p.m., and took Mom outside again on the patio where she enjoyed her dinner.  We had such a wonderful visit.  I love that the weather is nice and we can get Mom outside to enjoy the beautiful grounds of Kindred.  And it was nice that Christy was feeling better so she could join us.

*When I got home, Paul was outside working, so we did a little tour of the vegetable garden, and I told him what was growing where.  The only thing not coming up yet are the carrots and beets. But everything else is looking good.

*Paul or I heard from all three girls at one time or the other tonight.  I talked to Molly about some paperwork that needs to be done.  Zoe called about our upcoming trip this weekend.  And Coco called to let us know she would be arriving on Thursday morning.  I always love visiting with the girls.

*Around 9 or so Paul started looking in the refrigerator and I said, “Is it time for dinner?”  We were both ready for dinner, so he went to Yokes and bought some Rock Fish to grill.  I cut up a cucumber and tomato, we had some cheese and bread, and strawberries and blueberries, and had a wonderful late evening meal. 

Gathering Graces 6/5/2017

*I was very grateful to feel better this morning, and be able to go to work.  I slept pretty good, and felt a little off throughout the morning, but much better in the afternoon.  I think the good weather helped, too.

*What a crazy spring this has been.  Because of that, I am really behind in my paperwork and data entry for my job at work.  So I tackled about four months of paperwork and data entry to get caught up so I can submit all this information soon.  I don’t think I realized how much time working with the seniors was going to take.  Oh, it was all good!  But I wasn’t prepared for it.

*What an absolutely beautiful day it was after work.  Paul went and mowed Mom’s yard, and then we met up over at Kindred to visit with Mom.  We took her out back on the patio, and I texted Bill to see if he was available to talk to Mom, and he was, so Mom and Bill talked for a bit.  Then they were nice enough to bring her meal outside on the patio, so Mom ate her cheeseburger and canned apples “al fresco”.  She was also wondering where the cat was that often is outside.  It wasn’t around, but later did show up.  We have affectionately names him “Kindred Cat”.

*Keep my sister Christy in your prayers.  She still is not feeling better, and hopes to feel well soon.

*I was very saddened to hear the news of the passing of Tina Hurd Payton.  She was a few years younger than me in high school, and I have had a couple of her grandchildren in my Gear Up program.  I didn’t know her well, but she was a vibrant presence on Facebook, and you could tell she love her family and friends very much.  I pray prayers of peace and comfort for all of them.

*I am trying to get organized for my week in La cucina di Villa Magnolia, preparing meals for April’s retreat.  So I spent the evening working on my timeline for the week, and I am getting close to being able to put everything together.  This preparation makes the anticipation of the time in Italy even more exciting!!

Gathering Graces 6/4/2017

*After not feeling good yesterday afternoon and evening, I had a night of feeling and hot and cold and achy throughout the night.  When I woke up, I still was very tired, so I stayed home from church.  I received word from Christy that she also had caught the bug, so we were both down for the day. 

*I stayed up and did some things while sitting on the couch.  I went and took a bath to see if that would make me feel any better.  But it didn’t  I was still very fatigued.  So Paul got home from church and visiting Mom, and he went to Sean and Brandon’s graduation parties, and I went back to bed and slept most of the day.  Before he left, though, he fixed me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and some Chicken and Rice soup, with help from Molly, too.  And some 7-Up.

*Paul returned to Kindred while I was still sleeping to check on Mom.

*When I woke up I felt like grilled shrimp, 7-Up, water crackers and fresh fruit.  Paul happily obliged and went to the store to get those for me. 

*Then I was ready to get back to bed, and hope I feel better in the morning!!

Gathering Graces 6/3/2017

*I drove over to Coeur d’Alene this morning to join some friends in helping another friend pack up her belongs in her house, because she will be moving soon.  It was a wonderful morning of visiting and working together.

*When I got back home, Molly had arrived home to spend the night.  It is always fun to have her here.

*Paul and I got ready to attend the Kellogg High School Class of 2017 graduation this afternoon. It was a wonderful ceremony.  Here is some shots we got with some of the graduates beforehand, including Sierra Morden, Serenaty White, Talon Yost and Numa Rose.

Sierra Morden, Serenaty White and me.

Paul and I with Talon Yost

Having fun with Numa Poche.

*I saw and visited briefly with former Class of 1981 classmate Michael Reasoner and his wife Shelly Robinson Reasoner at the graduation ceremonies.  They were attending for their niece Kylie Robinson.

After the ceremonies we drove up to Kingston to attend Kelsie Lynn Forsberg’s graduation party. What a beautiful setting up on the top of Fast Hill.  We are going to miss Kelsie at KHS.

Kelsie, Paul and I

*After leaving Kelsie’s party, we came home, picked up Molly and Sadie, and headed over to Kindred to visit with Mom.  We brought her out to the lobby to visit.  She enjoyed seeing Molly and Sadie, and Sadie even sat on her lap for a little bit.

*We all eventually made it over to Christy and Everett’s house to visit with them, and talk about our visit with Mom.

*I hadn’t been feeling well, so I went home and went right to bed.

Gathering Graces 6/2/2017

*I spent most of the day at home.  Throughout the school year, typically I have had Friday off, and it is often a day at home.  I have not had a Friday at home for many weeks.  So it was nice to have a slower day today, sorting through items, relaxing, thinking, and enjoying being home.

*As I was on my computer today, I saw a mention of a video of U2 performing on Jimmy Kimmel, so I went and watched it.  U2 were guests on Jimmy Kimmel Live on May 23rd, and sang I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.  What intrigued me about the link I saw was the title U2 Takes Jimmy Kimmel Audience to Church.  This, of course, peaked my curiosity.  As Jimmy was wrapping up his interview with Bono and his band, they roll the Kimmel set off the stage, roll on the drums and other instruments, and Bono introduces the song he says, “We want to play for you a Gospel song, a Gospel song with a restless spirit”.  Here is the song, as U2 takes the audience to church here.  As I looked at other videos, I also found one when U2 visited a church in Harlem and sang the same song with a church choir .
here

*This is graduation weekend at Kellogg High School, so yesterday seniors spent the day preparing.  It was fun looking on Facebook throughout the day as photos and videos were posted of the students eating breakfast at KHS, parading down the halls of Pinehurst Elementary in their cap and gowns for all the students to see, and having graduation practice. 

*When Paul returned home from school, we drove out to French Gulch for Gabriell Benefield’s graduation party.  What a lovely evening, a lovely setting, and her family were very gracious and wonderful hosts.  I have grown very fond of Gabby over the years, and will miss her greatly.  But she will be attending the College of Idaho, so I plan to make some visits down to Caldwell to see Zoe Roberts, and throw in a visit with Gabby now and then, too.

*When we returned from the party, Paul and I went to Kindred to visit with Mom.  We got her in her wheelchair, and took her outside to visit and enjoy the lovely weather.  The back courtyard area of Kindred is beautiful as the flowers are blooming, and it was nice to get Mom out of her room.  Christy joined us for a bit at the end of our visit.

*Paul grilled some tuna steaks on the grill, and we enjoyed those with some cheese and bread, and a great conversation about music, as I shared with him the U2 videos, and he also shared some music videos with me, and we had a wonderful conversation about music.

Gathering Graces 6/1/2017

*Today was my last day with the Class of 2017.  When I started working with them back in middle school, 2017 seemed so far away.  But here it is.  I am so proud of these students, and excited to see where they go in their lives, and it is satisfying to know had a tiny part in helping them on their way.

*The Government teacher let me “take over” his classes today so I could have one more day with the seniors.  I had them come down to the library and shared some snacks with them, and talked to each of them, making sure they were still on track, especially those students heading off to college.

*As part of my final time with the seniors, I wanted to share a special message with them, so,

with the help of Paul on guitar, and our friend Simon Miller on the Cajon drum, I sang the Rod Stewart song  Forever Young to them.  I loved one student’s reaction to me singing to them.  “I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when you said you were going to sing, but you did a really good job, and it even made me tear up a bit.” 

*The advantage of having the seniors captive in the library was the fact I could give them

each a hug and say a little something to them.  I also got photos with two out of the three classes.  For some reason, I forgot to get one with third period. 

*Later in the day, I went to see Mom at Kindred, and ran into my lifelong friend Eric Benson.  Eric’s mom is also at Kindred, but he and his family have been on a trip to Germany in the past few weeks, so I haven’t run into him, but I did today.  I have enjoyed visiting with his mom Peny over the past few weeks that Mom has been at Kindred.*

*Because of some things that happened today, I was very thankful that my big sister Christy lives in town, and I could call her and talk to her today.  It is nice to have her love and support close by.

*The rain came POURING down this afternoon, causing a large “lake” to form at the end of our street.  Rain, thunder, etc.  But by evening, the storm had moved on, and it was a beautiful evening.

Gathering Graces 5/31/2017

*Today was the last day with the juniors, helping them finish up their resumes.

*I also had Nicholas Lee come into KHS for some help applying to college.  He got applied, got his SAT scores sent to the college, and his transcript sent as well.  He started his FAFSA, too.

*Tonight I gathered with some of the junior parents for a meeting to go over Senior Project Information and other information seniors and their parents should be aware of for next year.  It went really well.

*I stopped by Mom’s house and visited with Christy for a while.  We had a nice conversation about lots of things.  It was nice to sit out on Mom’s front porch and enjoy the nice evening.  As I was getting ready to leave, my friend Marian Russell walked by with her son Isaac and their dog Bear.  We also had a nice visit.

*I finally made it home, and enjoyed some potatoes Paul had made, and took the water wells off the tomato plants, and put tomato cages on them.  The backyard is getting close to being planted, and ready for summer!!

Gathering Graces 5/30/2017

*Today I finally had a day to go through my office, and get rid of some clutter at school. That was a good feeling.

*We had a Care Team meeting for Mom today at Kindred.  We had questions about various parts of Mom’s care and many of them were answered.

*I was finally able to plant flowers in pots this evening with the help of my wonderful husband.  It feels good to have that project done, and the backyard brightened by many spots of color. 

*It was nice enjoying dinner on the patio, and watching the swallows fly in and out of the birdhouse.

*I met with the new National Honor Society officers to plan for next year.  We decided we would start the fall off with a raffle ticket fund-raiser.