Things I Like

Bonnie's post was so interesting, I thought I'd do one of my own like-lists. Actually, I started this as a "dislike" post but I couldn't think of much. I'm sure I just have to be in the right mood. So, in no particular order, here are things I like:

Holding hands with Kris
The first sip of piping hot coffee early in the morning
An hour to myself before everyone else wakes up
chocolate chip cookie dough
My kids' smiles
My kids' giggles!
when Hope asks for a "panapkin"
When Ross said, "Hope is smaller, I'm mediumer, and Grant's the biggest."
crossing tasks off my to-do list
a clean bathroom
freshly-vacuumed carpet
watching Kris play with any of the kids
playing with play-doh
working with colleagues
hearning from former students who have acquired teaching positions
Paul Blart, Mall Cop
every single episode of Friends
The Facts of Life
Little House on the Prairie
dark chocolate
Nestle's milk chocolate chips
coconut
curling up between our down comforter and the featherbed
Starbucks
bulldogs and pugs
Eddie Murphy
Jersey Boys
the Bee Gees!
Andy Gibb
Jamie Lee Curtis
Sharon Osbourne
Bret Michaels
the Purple Rain soundtrack
my dad's grilled steak
a crisp glass of Riesling
my nieces and nephews
the first whif of fall leaves
Christmas music
the chemistry of the Golden Girls and Designing Women
laughing so hard I cry
Betty White
The Little Mermaid
pedicures
McDonald's french fries
pink
turquoise
all manner of rings
my pillow

First Day pictures

Ross's first day of preschool--and his last year at the MSUM Early Ed Center.


Grant's first day of 3rd grade


All shiny-clean and ready to play!


Grant wants to keep growing out his hair. Here he is in his daily uniform: athletic shorts and a t-shirt.


Posing for the camera


Oh yes, Grandma Jeanne gave Ross and Hope a bath in the sink yesterday afternoon. My cuties.

Back to school

After a summer that was far too short, Ross and I went back to MSUM yesterday. Well, actually, I've been going in all summer for meetings and whatnot, and last week we had faculty workshop all week, but yesterday was the official first day of classes. I love this time of year at school--whether they're 4 or 24 or older, students are excited to see friends and get back to class. There's an energy in the air that's unmistakeable...enthusiastic, eager, and overwhelmingly positive.

How can I be posting at 7:30 in the morning on a work day? Well, Ross got the stomach flu at the end of the school day yesterday, so I'll be staying home today. I hate to miss work on the second day of the semester (I have another class and several meetings today), but my little boy needs me. Kris has teacher workshops today before he and Grant start school tomorrow, so it's certainly busy around here. I just hope no one else gets sick! Oh, and did I mention that Grant had back to school night last night as well as flag football practice? And there's FB practice again tonight along with his first game on Thursday? And so it begins...

Don't get me wrong; I'm not complaining. I have too many friends who are dealing with cancer or serious injury to think I'm "struggling" with this busy life. I am blessed and humbled by the good fortune in our lives.