This Doesn't Feel Good

A mom called my principal today to say she "DID NOT WANT HER DAUGHTER IN MY CLASS."

I have a lot of feelings about this

Hurt. Embarrassed. Annoyed. Mad. Disappointed. Shocked. Surprised.

But most of all, my feelings are hurt.

I said they weren't.

But they are.

I'd like to say I can let this roll off my shoulders.

But I can't.

I'd like to say I won't hold a grudge when I see her.

But I might.

I'd like to say it doesn't matter.

But it does.

I can't please everyone.

But I'd like to.

I remind myself that I am a good teacher and this is not a big deal.

But the reality is ...

someone thinks I'm not good enough for their child.

And quite frankly ...

It sucks.

Krochet Kids International

I love this company.

I was introduced to them from my brother. My brother's company makes all their stickers. You may recognize them from the back of my car window.

Three guys from Spokane, WA who learned out to crochet at a young age.

They decided to put their talents towards something big.

And over many years, developed Krochet Kids International.

Check em out ...

And buy a hat (or a shirt or some stickers).

Washing Feet

Please know that this video is graphic.

But not to be ignored.

Pictures For A PURPOSE

See why we do this.

See why we love it.

See why we think you'll love it too ...


Follow the link at the end of the video to sign up for this fun event!

Date Night: Edmonds Waterfront

During football season, Jay and I plan Date Night's together.

I often say that I'm a "football widow" in the Fall. And though I joke about it, it truly is how I feel.

Not so much fun with a husband who's a coach.

But life could be much worse. Much worse.

So I go to lots of football games, and we plan fun Date Night's together.

Here is Date Night #1.

We went to the Edmonds waterfront and had a blast. We ate dinner at Arnie's (thank you Entertainment Book!), took a walk on the waterfront, got ice cream cones, and even found a cool dog park that I look forward to bringing Cooper too. The dogs can swim in Puget Sound. He'll love it!

Thanks for such a fun date night babe!

We're With You

We're with you Scott.

We're with you ...

On our blogs. In our prayers. In our plans. On our hearts. In our communities.

IN OUR ACTIONS.

The story of charity: water - The 2009 September Campaign Trailer from charity: water on Vimeo.

You don't have to be born in September.

Consider giving up your birthday, wedding, holiday gifts, charity runs, etc.

Every little bit counts.

To bring clean drinking water to people all over the world.

Sounds simple to me!

Euro Golf Club

I CAN NOT believe this!

I also can't believe:
A) I keep watching it {with a mix between shock and laughter)
B) That I'm posting it on my blog

But sErIoUsLy ....

Pictures For A PURPOSE

It's on ya'll!

Our Eastside Women of Purpose group is having our 2nd Annual Pictures for a Purpose on Saturday, October 10th.

If you're local, go to our WEBSITE and sign up to have your child's picture taken (if you register now, you will receive an Early Bird Discount as well as a prime slot with the photographer of your choice!).

All of the sitting fees and a majority of the cost of prints go directly to STOPPING child trafficking.

Six, amazingly talented local photographers donate their entire day, talent and equipment to this important cause.

For Mom & Dad

And one for mom and dad ...

Cooper's Video

Just playing around.

Want to make a few slide shows, but thought I'd start with Cooper first.

Can't really mess up a video of him!

Faces On A Plane

Jay and I recently went on a trip with my parents to Sitka, Alaska.

We had a layover in Ketchikan and weren't allowed to get off the plane.

Hence ... these pictures in which we thoroughly entertained ourselves.

Enjoy!

Home Sweet Durban

We are here!

It's the evening in Durban.

(Jodie and myself outside our airplane)

The smell out of the airport was NOT good ... hot garbage perhaps. But it got progressively better. I think it was a combo of parking lot heat and humidity. Oh ... and hot garbage.

We made it to our bags, met up with Glenda (the director at iThemba Lethu) and loaded our bags into two cars. Tami, Kinsey and I went with Mark, and the rest of the crew went with Glenda. We dropped Kinsey and Tami off at their host family's house first - the home of Jill and Raul. Their home was beautiful. It was set on a hill which overlooked the entire city ... the downtown Durban lights were breathtaking. Such a beautiful 1st sight of the city.

Jill and Raul were not home at the time, but they left a really sweet Welcome Basket in the girls' room ... complete with Africa trinkets and calling cards to call home with. Our South African host families sure know how to host short-term missions groups. We were SPOILED!

We left the girls, and Mark drove me to my house family's house - the home of Gill and Jonathan!

The roads we drove were lined with high cement walls and doors. Doors leading into private homes of people fortunate enough to afford a house. Every cement wall is lined with some sort of burglar deterrent: barbed wires, spikes, electric fences, etc. Additionally, each house has a security system. The wealthiest people hire a guard to sit in front of their door. Some neighborhoods all pitch in to hire a neighborhood security guard who walks the streets and patrols for people trying to break in.

When we pulled up to my host family's house, there was guard sitting out front of their door. We parked on the street and were buzzed in.

It's like an entirely new world on the other side of the doors. I felt like the little girl in "The Secret Garden".

(Looking at the inside the front door, leading to the street)

A beautiful home. An intricately manicured lawn, budding with flowers of all colors. Two dogs. A pool. A house you'd expect to see in the states.

(Looking at the house from the front door)

It was all quite a shock.

I was instantly greeted with warm hugs, happy smiles and excited people! Jonathan and Gill could NOT be more nice. Their daughter Robin was still awake, so I got to meet her. Natalie, Jodie and Glenda were already there, after dropping Jonathan and Kelly off at their host family's house. Natalie and I were shown to our room. We shared an ADORABLE room all to ourselves, with air conditioning and our own bathroom. We felt spoiled, guilty, and undeserving of such a beautiful place to stay. We each had our own twin-sized bed. It was all so sweet and quaint.


We briefly unpacked and settled in for dinner. Jodie and Glenda stayed for dinner. Gill treated us to a beautiful salad, chicken dish and rice. I was remarkably hungry from all the traveling. The food was delicious!

After dinner, Jodie and Glenda left and we stayed up talking with Gill and Jonathan. We talked about everything ... from politics and South Africa to apartheid. Natalie had about a thousand questions ... but I was super tired. So I mainly listened instead of talking (a rarity for those that know me).

Natalie and I gave them our gifts from America, which the LOVED. Food only found in the states, a Christmas ornament and many other things. We took showers, packed for our camping trip and went to bed.

The morning will be coming early. We will be taking a group of students to a camp for the weekend. For many of them, it will be the first time they have visited the beach. I'm full of anticipation, energy, excitement and wonder.

Can't wait to meet the kids.

For now ... sleep.