Finding an interesting word. . .  

Off to a good start!

Today was the first day of school, and it was good to be back. It was a day of walking through routines, beginning curriculum, and starting to get to know my students. I think we are going to have a great year.

Mmmmmmmmm!

One of our end-of-summer plans was to get a grill, and so last night we stopped by Home Depot and were happy to find a great one on sale. Tonight we skewered some chicken and veggies, and had a little feast. It was nice not to have to heat up the house on such a hot day! It reminded me of many other fun summer barbecues; I know we will even enjoy this a lot all winter.

Almost ready!

I have enjoyed getting back into my classroom and getting everything ready for my students. All of the books are labeled and sit on the desks, waiting for their owners to arrive. I have maps and posters on the walls, while other bulletin boards await my students' contributions. I think a classroom should look well-planned, but incomplete until the students arrive to play their part. Now it is Friday, and my lesson plans are printed, the stage is set, and I am ready for Monday. First, a weekend to be refreshed and gear up for this next chapter!

Back to Nature

The trial run. . .

On Friday night, Joel and I headed up to Lake Cachuma with my parents for a little camping trip. We hadn't been camping together in about a decade, but someone who spent months of her childhood in a little camper isn't about to forget the routines. We particularly enjoyed our trips around the lake on the boat, and I think we all agreed that the sight of the full moon pouring over the mountain was a highlight of the trip. For a few more photos, you can visit here.

Entry way

We have finally finished painting, and although "Mexican Chile" turned out more orange than red, we're very happy with the results. It's amazing what a little color can do to make a place your own!

Living room and kitchen 

Bedroom

Our room's paint is called "Rejuvenation"~ and now that the painting is done, hopefully that's a sign of things to come!

Our neighbors

Every morning I look out the window and watch these bunnies hop through the field behind our house. There are usually three of them, and they cover a lot of ground. There are squirrels, too, and many birds and sometimes butterflies. I am thankful to be able to look out on such a quiet scene, full of beauty and simple reminders of how God cares for His creation.

Where He Leads Me. . .

This mixed-media piece combines medieval images with hymns and verses. The theme is following the Lord's leading: hymns include "Be Thou My Vision," "Where He Leads Me, I Will Follow," and "He Leadeth Me." One image is of Gregory praying (a pope who sent missionaries to Britain); another depicts Peter being freed from prison by the angel. As we think about where the Lord might lead us, it is good to remember that He will lead us faithfully.

So, one of these days we will put more art up on the walls. First, paint. At least the bathroom saga is over. If you want to see the whole story, just visit our Home Improvement page. It will be nice when all of this is over!

Now that is a CUTE baby!

We had our friends Eric and Sarah over for dinner, and had a great time with them and their 4 month old baby, Drew. They are planting a church in Temecula, and it is exciting to hear about what God is doing in their lives and among the core group of families in their church.

"Hey, Rachel? Yeah, we're at Home Depot. . . again."

Day 2 of the bathroom remodel. Yikes! We feel like true homeowners. "Hey, let's paint the bathroom". . . who knew it would lead to so many other projects. . . But when it's done, it will be great! Happily, this coincided with our switch to Cingular, so we're able to keep the whole family posted on the latest developments. . . and get their experienced advice!

Demolition Man 

The Home Improvement Adventure Begins!

We have jumped into our home improvement efforts with both feet. Today we drove over to Home Depot, picked out some paint, and painted most of the bathroom. Joel is currently prying the old mirror off the wall one big piece at a time, and then we'll paint the rest of it. We also figured out what kind of paint treatment we're going to do in our kitchen and living room. So far, so good!

Icarus

Lynne and I were walking through the Art District in Chattanooga this summer when we came across this sculpture of Icarus. I love the total abandon, leaping into flight. He looks as if he is about to glide down the valley, over the Tennessee River. Earthbound, longing to soar. It seems that he just might make it.

Home again

A sunset picture, in honor of mom. A walk in the evening with the sweet fragance of the hills and grasses baked by the sun, with the rosy glow of sunset in the sky. What better end to the afternoon?

Katie and Sarah

I think Katie likes dad's stories.

Learning the Marbles Game

Another classic self-portrait

Last night we had a little barbecue with Brennen and Sheila and their sweet family. The kids swam as we finished up skewers on the grill, and then we enjoyed them outside as the sun set. Joel taught Ryan to play Marbles; he's a natural. These times of fellowship are precious, and it was good to sieze the moment.

Off to Boise!

Sisters

The Big Move

And they're off! Our family continues to face transitions; Kristi is settling into her new home in Alaska, and Kari and Toby have now arrived in Boise. Mom went along with them to help drive and to squeeze in a little visit with Aunt Judy. It's hard to see them go, but we're also excited to think of what this new chapter may hold for them. They certainly couldn't ask for dearer family to welcome them to their new home.

Canon reads to Auntie Kate about emergency vehicles

We had a wonderful treat this weekend when Rachel, Orlando, and Canon visited us in San Diego. Orlando was down for the giant Surf Cup soccer tournament, and so we got to kidnap Rachel and Canon all day on Saturday. We played in the waves at Oceanside with Canon; then Canon got to go swimming in the big pool with his mom and Uncle Joel. Later we all had dinner together at our little home in Bonsall, and we agreed that we want to do this when ever we get the chance! One highlight was seeing Canon's joy in reading books about fire trucks and other emergency vehicles; he can identify them all. He's smart AND adorable. . . an unbiased opinion from Auntie Kate!

Cheers!

This summer, my principal encouraged me to leave for the break and explore other interests and ministries so that I could come back refreshed. I took his advice, and spent a lot of time on creative endeavors, writing songs and journaling, as well as trying new techniques and mediums of visual art. I was inspired by the Collinsville Trade Days to try my hand at glass painting. My first effort was a set of wine glasses for Mom Treick, who has applauded my various artistic attempts all summer. How do we learn and grow as artists? As a Christian educator, how do I encourage my students to reflect God's creativity in a way that honors Him? I have been musing about some of these questions this summer. I think I have been particularly delighted with the myriad ways that people have found to express their creativity. I can't wait to bring these ideas and experiences into my classroom.