My Bliss List

There are so many simple pleasures that bring me happiness, and yet I often forget to notice or enjoy the brief, sometimes instantaneous, joy they can bring on a cloudy day. I once had my 5th grade students write as many "natural highs" as they could think of, but I like the idea of a bliss list! Thanks for the great idea, Janna. Though I'm not as poetic as my niece, these are a few things that make me smile, make me sigh, or make me laugh. They bring me bliss...sweet, magical bliss!
The scent of fresh cut grass.
Soft, puppy kisses.
Cool, crisp sheets off the clothesline.
Sleeping babies, puppies, kittens.
Clean laundry.
Crickets chirping outside the tent.
Lemon zest.
Tropical scented sunscreen.
Bookstores.
Music.
Movies about real life.
Fresh fruit or vegetables from garden.
The first bite of a crisp dill pickle.
Down comforters.
Airplanes flying overhead.
Chocolate milk.
Footrubs.
Someone brushing my hair.
Daffodils.
Giggling girls.
Well-worn in jeans.
Pleasant surprises.
Coke with ice.
Rainbows.
Sunshine.
Sand, water, waves.
Fabric stores.
Coloring.
Popcorn.
Stationary/Cards.
Unexpected personal mail.
Sunday naps.
Saturday morning snuggles/chats with daughters.
Painted toenails.
Bargains.
Bubble baths.
Baby Lotion.
Breakfast for dinner.

Cathedral Gorge and Caliente Depot

This past weekend my good friend, Jenny, and her three kids, Aubrey, Trey, and Corbin came for a visit. First the kids all went up to the depot and took some pictures around the museum and caboose. Next, we drove out to Cathedral Gorge, hiked up to Miller's Point, and climbed around the crevices and tunnels. It is an amazing geographical rock formation; a neat place to go see in Lincoln County! The sun was shining and it was a perfect day for an outdoor adventure.





It was so much fun to visit and catch up with Jenny! Being around her cute kids was quite entertaining! Jenny and I taught 1st grade together for five years in St. George. We team taught the same class for about 2 1/2 years after Abby was born. We had a lot of good times together. We don't get together nearly as often as I'd like to, but we sure have fun when we do!

A Real Date for Us

Yesterday Evan and I got up early to go to the St. George temple. With his days off being Sunday and Monday, and mine being the weekends, it can be tricky to get to the temple together. Luckily, he was able to take a Saturday in trade for working his days off earlier in the week. We left the girls home and went for the day...just us! Whew...that rarely happens. It was beautiful and peaceful and, as always, a nice break from the real world. The temple was very busy with weddings,families, missionaries, couples of all ages, and people from various nationalities. A glimpse of Heaven to me! I saw a Polynesian friend from my SkyWest days 20 years ago. It was so good to see him and visit briefly. When we came out the doors, the sun was shining and a calm breeze blew the fragrance of daffodils and pansies our way. I'm so excited for Spring days ahead!Next, we went to one of our favorite places to eat...Tom's Deli. Still just as good as when we were in college! After running all around completing our long list of errands, we met up with Whitney for dinner. We tried a new restaurant in the old downtown area that we'd never tried before called the Electric Cafe. It was Greek food. We really enjoyed the food, the atmosphere, and the quietness of it all. All the other restaurants were packed with people for the weekend and Spring Break, so this was like a hidden secret that hasn't been discovered by everyone yet. I recommend it! All was well when we arrived home; girls were sleeping and I felt so grateful to have the time to spend with a wonderful companion who completes me. Thanks honey, we need to do this more often!

HELLO 2ND GRADE STUDENTS

Today I was demonstrating a circle map for my students by showing them how to write down ideas for writing later on. They already knew quite a bit about me (since we've been together for nearly 100 days of school)! I did tell them something they didn't already know. I like to blog. I agree that "blog" is a funny word, but I enjoy blogging about my family, my life, and happy events and celebrations. I showed them my blogspot and said I'd post something just for them. So here it is!

Tomorrow is Dr. Seuss' birthday. Even though he has passed on, his books are still loved by teachers and students all over the world. I remember feeling so smart the first time I read one of his books all the way through all by myself! I was so amazed and my parents were so excited. That's when my addiction to books and reading began. . . back in the 1st/2nd grades at Ephraim Elementary School! I learned that I could entertain myself and my younger sister for quite awhile by reading a stack of books. Most of them were by Dr. Seuss because I could read them without any help at all! They are funny, full of rhyme, and teach wonderful little life lessons! It's hard to choose a favorite one, but I'd have to say that "Sneetches" is it! Go celebrate reading by sitting down with someone special and reading them your favorite Dr. Seuss book!