My Daily Picture

While driving to a funeral - I stopped for a drink. This was a delicious new flavor. It's not as easy to find. But when I do I think I will treat myself. It's still Sugar/Carb free.

Hard work went into making my backyard a haven again. It had been a good 7 years since any of us had put effort into cleaning it. Sitting and listening gives me peace. I want to continue to sit, even for 15 minutes each morning before work.

So relieved to have my ring back on. It felt so wrong to be without it for so long. I hope I never have to take it off again.

We stopped on our way out of Yosemite on the last day to take a family picture with the tri-pod. After the picture, the kids scampered back to the car faster than the Flash. Anthony and I chose to have a grown-up moment and take a selfie! It was a wonderful vacation. Memories to last a lifetime.

Every county was represented. We stopped to take a picture of Riverside County. It was exciting... can't you tell based on Douglas' face?

I seriously almost died. I pocket dialed my librarian friend 3 times as a desperate plea for help. Penny however did great. What does that say about the world....

Vacation is hard....at least for these three. We don't have a huge data plan so we don't let them play on their phones. We don't have a DVD player in the truck (it's a 2006 before that fancy stuff was standard). My kids bring books, take naps and suffer with stories of mommy and daddy's childhood.

I haven't announced to the world that I was let go - until today. Now I can be at peace and move forward. Back in May I placed a huge decision in God's hands. I completely placed my life and the direction it would go at the mercy of HIS WILL... of course I *thought* His Will was safe and secure, but in fact, God has a way of surprising us. In a crazy turn of events my contract as a Teacher with St. Catherine's School was not renewed for the 2019-20 school year. I find myself continuing to Trust God i n ways surprising even myself. I have many talents, and teaching was only 1 of them. God has set a different path before me for now and I look forward to the adventure it brings me. I have accepted a part time position with Apples and Oranges Food Service and will also be working my scrapbooking business again. Both, I am confident, will bring me joy, allow me to spend time with my family, and leave my heart open to hear God's call. Often God shuts a door in our face so...

Spent a fun few hours at the happiest place on Earth with my #1 and one of her friends today. I'm enjoying the summer lazy days.

It is quite MAGICAL to experience a new Disney land. So very blessed to have 44 days left of these passes! Cars Land was amazing when it opened, don't get me wrong - but walking into Galaxy's Edge was like no other. Even though it is based on the "Newer" Star Wars characters, there was just the look and enough classic Star Wars mixed in for my Generation. Cars Land was for kids. Star Wars Land was for me.  Douglas built his own light saber. The entire experience was incredible. Of course I couldn't stop thinking of my brother AJ and how much he would have loved it. I found myself choking on tears more than once. The smile on Douglas' face lit up the room. When we were done, in his dry tone he said - "okay, childhood complete".  It was perfect in a way I could never accurately describe. Douglas paid for it himself. Pride, accomplishment, and simple childhood fun all wrapped into one. Disney Magic at it's best. Thanks Walt. 

Lauren remains the champ of Toy Story Midway Mania...and poor Douglas! His ice cream was melting so fast the chocolate chips were falling off like rain drops! Megan went too- she just didn't make it into any pictures I guess. Better luck next time Goosie!  @ Disney California Adventure Park

Today is 7-11, which translates into free slurpee day! I upgraded Lauren's, Douglas doesn't like them, and Megan is not home... Rockstar is my slurpee, lol.

First official Summer project! I have wanted to make one for YEARS. I have been gathering things from discount stores as I see them. It finally came together. I'm keeping it inside

I found this rock within 30 seconds of arriving at our campsite last week. I was positive it was a sign from God. When we got home I couldn't find it ANYWHERE! Well found it today in the last load of laundry.  😂 I now have a clean heart rock from God! I'm re-committing myself to my family. I have been a work-a-holic. Look where that got me. They did not for one second appreciate the things I did, My Family deserves better, and I think God agrees. 

Because I can't remember what bread my husband likes. I need to take a picture.   😂 .

This was a gift from my Brother Rusty many moons ago...when I was a teenager in fact, long before I became a Teacher. Today I brought it home along with other special items because my contract was not renewed. I *thought* I knew what God's answer was. I *thought* I knew His plan...I never in a million years expected this. But I promised I would follow His Will, that I would be open. So despite the pain of being told that allowing me to stay and just teach 4th grade would be "problematic"...I know this is God's Will in action.