And So The Fun Begins...

My dear friend and I hit the road tonight in search of Akron, Indiana. We've been there many times before...but never on our own. We were equipped with paint, brushes, easels and directions. We were on our way!
We were super successful in our endeavor...not only did we make it, but we found a Dairy Queen along the way!
We made it to the church with 10 minutes to spare, got a second row seat, stole some paint off the instructors palate and pretended like we knew what we were doing. That's pretty much what we do at painting class. Pretend.
Here's what we started out with. I know it's hard to see but the sketching on there put us back a good 10 minutes to start with.We actually had a speedy quick class, and Magic Marilyn only had to assist with mountains...which is pretty much a minor miracle in itself! It was a great night.

Oh yea...and Lisa's mountains are beautiful.

What's Green, Orange, Itchy and Filled With Fun?

The Pumpkin Patch!

My sisters, nephew and I took our annual trip down to Kercher's Sunshine Farm this afternoon to pick apples and find the perfect pumpkins. We had a great time! Here are some pictures from our trip!

A little assistance
was needed to find

and pick the perfect apple!

You know that old saying about upsetting the apple cart?
IT'S TRUE!

We had a great day! I hope we continue this tradition for many years to come!

Um...It Seemed Like Such A Great Idea...

I hate when great ideas go bad. That's exactely what happened. My friend and teaching partner had an amazing idea. We were so excited. The actual project went off without a hitch. It was the final produc that was the problem. Here's the result. See if you can figure it out.... Yep! That's right...my teaching friend's bulletin board looks like a bunch of cute faces with boobs. That's right...boobs. It's not ok. It's not good. We're supposed to be putting this same bulletin board up soon. Uh-oh! Here's a picture of the entire board....not bad when you stand back a good 20-30 feet.

Oh well...some ideas just weren't meant to be!

Who Could Ask For Anything More?

For those of you that read this and know me well, you know that I am the luckiest granddaughter alive. I have two of the most amazing grandparents that anyone could ever ask for!

As Dave and I near the 1 year mark in our marriage, we have constant contact from two of the best role models in the entire world.My grandparents live life right. They know what's going on. They amaze me everyday! They are two of the most special people in the world.

We had the privilege of celebrating 61 years of marriage with them today in Plymouth when we went out for a late lunch/early dinner. 61 years! Awesome...simply awesome! After all the years, laughter, tears and joy, it's inspiring to sit at a table with them and be a witness to their love for one another.

Together they have accomplished so much in their lives. They raised two of the most wonderful people ever born. They also buried both of them. They have been a part of their 6 grandchildren's lives (+2 step grandchildren for a while) every step of the way. They have given us opportunities that none of us would have been able to have without them. They LOVE their 3 great grandchildren. They put everyone else before themselves...I wish I could be more like them.

I've tried to remember all the trips they've taken us on, and I can't even come close to getting them all down. They are the most selfless couple I've ever met. They are amazing.

I love you Grandma and Grandpa! Thank you for being the most amazing role models that anyone could ask for. Happy 61st Anniversary.

100 Days And Counting!

So...in exactely 100 days, I'm going to be on a plane to Florida. I just booked the tickets and I couldnt' be more excited. This year, we are spending Christmas in Florida. Throughout the two weeks, most of the Moroni/Woods/Ornat/Milner clan will be down there at some point or another. I can't wait! Bring on the sunshine! Bring on the pool! Bring on the palm trees! I think I may go start packing!

Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning?

I remember the exact day. I remember the exact moment. I remember someone chuckling when he told us that "some idiot" hit the World Trade Center. I remember when that same person teared up when he realized it wasn't an accident.

I remember facing those kids in my class as I was student teaching...trying to pretend the world was okay. I remember my teacher coming and going with updates. I remember forcing the smile...letting them know we were safe. I remember the pit in my stomach as I rushed to the phone to see if my family was safe. I remember hoping for the best, yet preparing for the worst. I remember the day. I remember watching the news at lunch time and seeing everyday people turn into heroes. I remember.


Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning?
By Alan Jackson
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry
Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below
Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

2 Years Ago Today

Let me set the scene...

It was the 10th of September, 2006. We were at a lake in MI (I think!) It was FREEZING outside. It was rainy. It was a total day of celebration.

2 years ago today, my best friend in the whole wide world and I got to experience something together that I will never forget. No matter how old I am, no matter the circumstances in my life, it was one of those moments that I'm always going to remember.

I will forever remember what it felt like to huddle together in a group with hundreds of other people listening to a man on a balcony telling us he was proud of us.

I will forever remember what it felt like to hear my name announced, followed by my dear friend's name.

I will forever remember what it felt like to take that first step, into the FREEZING lake.

I will forever remember what it felt like to hear our teeth chatter the entire walk.

I will forever remember what it felt like to be linking arms with my dear friend and being hugged by 2 amazing people.

I will forever remember what it felt like to publicly announce that I was accepting Jesus into my heart.

I will forever remember what it felt like to come out of the water feeling what I felt.

I will forever remember what it felt like in that moment.

Clean. Pure. Forgiven. Loved. Protected. Amazed. Blessed.

I am so proud that 2 years ago, my friend and I made the commitment to be baptized.

I am so amazingly grateful that I got to go through this with Lisa.

I Love This Lady!

I have the awesome privilege of working with this AMAZINGLY, BEAUTIFUL, LOVELY Lady each and every day.

I love her.

I love her BUTTON COVERS even more! :)

Just Call Me Betty....Crocker That is!

So...this weekend, Dave and I were the somewhat confused recipients of a zucchini. We found this to be odd as we've never expressed an interest in receiving random zucchinis, nor did we inquire about getting one. But, nonetheless, we were presented with this rather huge zucchini.


Being the stellar cook (choke, choke) that I am, I have NO CLUE what to do with a zucchini. So..guess what? I decided to make bread! Yep...my first ever experience making zucchini bread. If my memory serves me right, my Gramma used to make this when we were little, and I did all I could to steer clear of the stuff. Gross...vegetables in bread...are you serious? I went to the dark side. I put vegetables in bread.


Well, well, well! Just call me Betty...I was pretty darn impressed with my baking skills. I made 6 loaves (don't laugh..they were small pans!) and they all turned out practically perfect if I do say so myself! Even my Hubby liked em! I liked them enough I even took a picture!

(This was after Dave had gotten a hold of one!)

Found It In The Mailbox

Occasionally, when I go to the mailbox, I am surprised to find something other than a bill that I have to pay. It's a good day when that happens...something that isn't junk, something that isn't asking for money.

Today was one of those days. When I went out for the mail, I was excited to see my new NEA Magazine. For those of you not in education that might be reading this, that's a magazine for teachers. I know, I know...pathetic to get excited about such things...but...you do what ya gotta do!

Here are interesting things that I learned while reading my magazine.
*The first Tuesday in May is known as National Teacher Day.
*There are 18 states in which at least one school corporation only goes to school 4 days a week in order to save money on transportation and utilities.
*On average, teachers are paid 15% less than people who are in comparable professions.
*There is a new Chicken Soup For The Soul book coming out that is made to use in the classroom.
*Barack Obama's favorite food is chili.
*An order of Aussie Cheese Fries with Ranch from Outback Steakhouse has 2,900 calories in it.
*Snickers is the top choice of people purchasing something out of a vending machine.
*The next choices (in order after Snickers) are: pretzels, animal crackers, peanuts and life savers.
*This was suggested by Stanford University professor Linda Darling-Hammond as a joke...she calls it Classroom Survivor...and it makes me laugh out loud!
"Take 6 business people and drop them into an elementary school. Expect them to teach students with disabilities and others who don't speak English, all while documenting benchmarks and maintaining order. Sadly our new contestants would have to give up their daily golf games. But that won't matter, because they won't be able to afford the green fees on their new salaries!"

Just thought maybe some of you would be interested in my exciting night, reading my magazine!