"laughing all the way..."

This weekend, I was "home for the holidays," which is a big joke with my family because I only live about 15 miles from my parents' house.

Nonetheless, I was home, sleeping in my old room, eating from my parents' stocked fridge (yes!), taking walks with my mom and dad, reading on the couch with my cat, and...
laughing.
I am pretty sure an hour did not pass where there was not laughter in the house.

We were outta control. I am my father's daughter and we find way too much humor in everyday life - I absolutely love it.

My heart is full and I am so, so thankful for my family.

gifts, X

128. living in the same town as my family
127. new friendship
126. wise words from those who have lived life longer than myself
125. the varying thoughts and perspectives of my homegroup
124. singing in the shower (best acoustics!)
123. using my two feet to dance
122. walking through Farmer's Market
121. seeing rows of brightly colored, beautiful zinnias
120. time spent with my grandpa, whose days may be few
119. praying with a long-distance friend over the phone
118. handwritten notes of encouragement

...

...the end all in life is to glorify God.

Everything we do should be done for the glory of God...
and this is how I will live.
As I teach,
As I mentor,
As I live with others,
As I talk,
As I laugh,
As I interact with my little Tan Tag kids,
As I worship,
As I read,
As I work.
Everything I do should be done for the glory of God.

gifts, IX

117. speaking the Lord's prayer
116. the sound of a group of children laughing
115. the scent of a candle burning
114. feeling the Holy Spirit present in a room
113. being so happy that I squeal the unattractive squeal :)
112. sunrise on a clear morning
111. an apple tree brimming with apples
110. the simple joy of a child while petting a donkey
109. bright orange pumpkins covering the ground
108. the fog rolling in over the mountains
107. words of wisdom from my grandpa
106. examples of long-lasting and healthy marriages
105. family time, any time
104. the smell (and blessing) of a new car
103. late night walks with my roommate
102. older men crying with passion for people who have never heard the name Jesus
101. early morning prayer

"Follow Me"

I am reading Thomas Keller's The Prodigal God and I came across this little number tonight. Such a good little story and a great little reminder about following Jesus for Jesus...not for our own pleasure/satisfaction/glory.

One day Jesus said to his disciples: "I'd like you to carry a stone for Me." He didn't give any explanation. So the disciples looked around for a stone to carry, and Peter, being the practical sort, sought out the smallest stone he could possibly find. After all, Jesus didn't give any regulations for weight and size!
So he put it in his pocket.
Jesus then said: "Follow Me." He led them on a journey. About noontime Jesus had everyone sit down. He waved his hands and all the stones turned to bread. He said, "Now it's time for lunch." In a few seconds, Peter's lunch was over.
When lunch was done Jesus told them to stand up.
He said again, "I'd like you to carry a stone for Me." This time Peter said, "Aha! Now I get it!" So he looked around and saw a small boulder. He hoised it on his back and it was painful, it made him stagger. But he said, "I can't wait for supper."
Jesus then said: "Follow Me." He led them on a journey, with Peter barely being able to keep up. Around supper time Jesus led them to the side of a river. He said, "Now everyone throw your stones into the water."
They did.
Then he said, "Follow Me," and began to walk. Peter and the others looked at him dumbfounded. Jesus sighed and said, "Don't you remember what I asked you to do? Who were you carrying the stone for?"
(pages 58-59)

gifts, VIII

100. phone calls from a best friend
99. finding so much truth in one single Bible verse
98. the chorus of voices speaking together
97. the smell of my hands after peeling an orange
96. a fire burning in a fireplace
95. warm brownies and ice cream
94. voices singing harmony
93. clean toilets
92. a blue patch peeking out of an overcast sky
91. the first sip of coffee
90. lists of thankfulness to give me a better perspective on life
89. tying my shoelaces
88. the sound of trumpets
87. baking a new recipe
86. laughing so hard I cry
85. game nights with friends
84. bright colored Gerber daisies
83. eyesight to read books
82. a full inbox of e-mails from my mama, just checking in

gifts, VII

81. friendships since 1st grade

gifts, VI

80. lightning flashing in the sky
79. thunder booming
78. sleeping in
77. drinking tea
76. painting a blank canvas
75. holding a newborn baby
74. the way Noah says "Kim" when I walk through the door
73. being asked out on a date
72. mason jars filled with tea lights
71. afternoon movie watching
70. newly painted toenails
69. seeing a friend excited and in love
68. the glint of diamonds in the sunlight
67. tan lines
66. watching bread rise in the oven

gifts, V

65. iced coffee at the French Press
64. dessert with my grandparents
63. wearing a dress
62. road trips
61. hearing my parent's engagement story
60. laughing at my dad's goofiness
59. family dinners with the parents, brother, and sister-in-law
58. sand in my toes
57. holding hands
56. my mom's laughter
55. a Sunday with no plans or obligations
54. reminiscing about childhood stories

gifts, IV

53. palm trees
52. reaching down to touch my toes
51. stretching
50. walking
49. emptying a clean dishwasher
48. a new bar of soap
47. fleece blankets
46. wrapping my hands around a warm cup of tea
45. the blue/purple sky of an impending storm
44. using coupons and saving money :)
43. a clean whiteboard
42. hugs from students excited to see you
41. soft raindrops falling on me as a listen to an outdoor concert

gifts, III

40. praying before a meal
39. a kitchen full of friends
38. pulling on an old, soft sweatshirt
37. dusk
36. getting a hug from a sweet 4 year-old
35. campfires crackling
34. taking out a full trashcan
33. looking back at old photos
32. frost on the grass
31. creaming butter and sugar
30. buying a plane ticket
29. vacuuming
28. thunderheads billowing over the mountain

gifts, II

27. dirt-filled and dirt-streaked shoes from the trail
26. getting a letter via old-fashioned snail mail
25. a full bookshelf
24. pelicans diving in the ocean
23. the ends of my hair, freshly cut
22. clapping hands
21. a Clorox bleached, white kitchen sink
20. bright red tomatoes at Farmer's Market
19. early morning coffee dates
18. seeing dolphins surface
17. apple pie baking in the oven

gifts

16. the twinkling lights on the Riviera
15. hitting all green lights on the way to work
14. singing loud a favorite song while driving
13. freshly washed sheets
12. dogs barking when a fire truck's sirens sound
11. a full moon in the night sky
10. the pop of opening a new jar of homemade jam
9. a cool breeze while hiking
8. a full gas tank
7. the smell of rain soaked asphalt
6. video chats with friends who are hours away
5. voices joining together in worship
4. the smell of Bounce dryer sheets
3. the sound of a child laughing
2. sun-warmed skin
1. the rustling of turning the page of a book

My own list of eucharisteo begins.

...

I used to think that God's gifts were on shelves one above the other, and that the taller we grew in Christian character the easier we should reach them. I find now that God's gifts are on shelves one beneath the other, and that it is not a question of growing taller but of stooping lower, and that we have to go down, always down, to get His best gifts.

(F.B. Meyer)

eucharisteo

eucharisteo: to be grateful, feel thankful, give thanks

the root word is charis, meaning grace, but there is also the deritive Greek word chara, meaning joy. grace and joy are wrapped up together.

true, deep chara joy is only found when we are thankful...when we are in the state of eucharisteo.

One Thousand Gifts

I have been reading a book by Ann Voskamp called One Thousand Gifts.
A friend told me it would change my world and my perspective. I shrugged off that comment because I hear that all the time with books and I don't necessarily always feel like my world was rocked.

But let me tell you, my perspective on life is being altered while reading this one.

It sounds cheesy to my own ears to write that sentence, but it's true.

This book is reminding me to be thankful for what I have, to be thankful for where I am, and to live fully right where I am.
There is joy in so many of the little (and big) things in life and God blesses us with gifts that remind us of those joys. But, going even further, God also blesses us with gifts with which to extend joy to others...and this is something I want to apply and remember.

Empty to fill

Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out of the darkness and the darkness around you will be as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.

Isaiah 58:10-11

a momentous occasion!

today I slept in...until 11:30am.
yes, that is the momentous occasion. I hope you aren't disappointed?
this doesn't happen often. in fact, I'm fairly certain it only happens once every 3-5 years. I am a morning person so eating breakfast at noon and going for a 1pm run doesn't sit well with my poor confused body.
but it happened.
clearly my body is telling me to slow down.

t-minus 9 days until school starts back up and I have to wake up and be responsible.
I may be in trouble...

new music

I would like to play music in a meadow like this...
also, they have a beautiful sound. even after listening to it 3 times in a row.

Book on Tape Worm - "Shadow Puppets"

oh, the joy of summer.

while the humidity might be giving me a run for my money in terms of patience, stickiness, and sweatiness, I am attempting to stay positive because...it's summer and I'm freeeee!

I posted my summer list a few posts ago as some kind of accountability factor.
and I think it's working.
having it posted on my closet door where I see it more than a dozen times each day doesn't hurt either.

Botanical Gardens? it was the first thing I did and it was beautiful.
Monday hikes? check.

Night Moves? wonderful.
Bike Moves? SO fun.


Paddle-boarding (aka: facing my fear of the unknown, below-water world)? um, yeah...hopefully getting checked off this weekend.

I just wish I had more time to blog. sorry. time flies when you are having fun.

fruit.

revelation: eating fruit that has been cut up is way more exciting than eating the fruit whole.
who knew?
I've always been one to grab a banana and eat it out of the peel, or bite straight into an apple or pear...until now.
yesterday it was strawberries and peaches cut and combined in a bowl.
today it is banana and peaches cut up and combined in a bowl.

and perhaps the whole slowing down to cut it up and put it in a bowl is part of the novelty. it makes me eat slower (which is a great thing considering I eat way too fast).

sorry, whole fruit, but this summer I am cutting you up and enjoying you slowly.

SUMMER

my "DO" list.
it's all happening...
ah, the sweet freedom of summer.

2 years later...

in a little over a week, it'll have been 2 years since I graduated from college.

time flies.

what exactly have I done in the last 2 years? I couldn't exactly tell you, but it has been wonderful and challenging and an adventure.

Current obsessions

1) Trader Joe's Turkey Meatballs - I've been obsessed with these for the past 4 years, but I hadn't made it a public declaration...until today. these are the best.

2) Homemade zucchini soup - I know, I know, it is summer and not soup time, but my love for it was rekindled last weekend. yum.

3) Shutterfly - too many hours have been spent making customized photo books. so fun!

4) Biking to the beach - I have zero gas guilt, the fresh air awakens my love for living on the coast, plus I get vitamin D while I ride plus the tan once I get there. and yes, I smile the entire 15 minute bike ride. so what?

honeymooning.

my brother and his wife (woah - still throws me for a loop to say he has a wife) are currently honeymooning in Maui.
they keep posting beautiful pictures on Facebook.

enter: jealousy.

honeymooning looks like fun. I would like very much to be on a honeymoon in Maui right about now...

dear future husband,
where are you? am I allowed to honeymoon without you? that would be weird. I guess I will wait for you to sweep me off my feet...but could you hurry, please. thanks.

a little funny for Friday...

laughter really is the best medicine.

please feel free to laugh out loud at these. it's free-ing. try it.

and happy Friday!

--------------------------

Dear iPhone,
Please stop spellchecking all of my rude words into nice words. You piece of shut.
Sincerely,
Every iPhone User

Dear Noah,
We could have sworn you said the ark wasn't leaving till 5.
Sincerely,
Unicorns

Dear America,
You produced Miley Cyrus. Bieber is your punishment.
Sincerely,
Canada

Dear Yahoo,
I've never heard anyone say, "I don't know, let's Yahoo! it..." just saying...
Sincerely,
Google

Dear 2010,
So I hear the best rapper is white and the president is black? WTF happened?!
Sincerely,
1985

Dear Windshield Wipers,
Can't touch this.
Sincerely,
That Little Triangle

Dear girls who have been dumped,
There are plenty of fish in the sea... Just kidding! They're all dead.
Sincerely,
BP

Dear World,
Please stop freaking out about 2012. Our calendar ends there because some Spanish d-bags invaded our country and we got a little busy ok?
Sincerely,
The Mayans

DAY 30

...a picture of someone you miss.


...Kjersti.
she's off traveling the world. I fully support this adventuring, but I miss her lots.
thank goodness for phones, e-mail, and Skype!

-------------------------------------------------------------------

and that, my friends, is the end of the 30 day photo challenge.

to be honest, I had fun. I kind of wish it wasn't ending...maybe I'll surprise you with some random photos every now and then just to add some spice to your life (and mine).

DAY 29

...a picture that can always make you smile.

call me a cheater, yet again, but these two pictures tie for the win.

they make me smile (and laugh) every time.

DAY 28

...a picture of something you're afraid of.



being old and alone.

I fear old age because I really don't want to physically fall apart, lose my mind, become senile, or have to say no to things I love simply because I'm old.

also, I do not want to be alone. my husband and I better die together - just sayin'.

DAY 27

...a picture of yourself and a family member.

me and my older brother, somewhere around 1989.

deer caught in the headlights and cute. the perfect sibling pair.

DAY 26

...a picture of something that means a lot to you.

one word: family

DAY 25

...a picture of your day.
I promise I didn't plan this - it just happened.

my day?

well, my brother is getting married today!

my day will be spent in a beautiful horizon blue dress...

hair curled. silver shoes. bouquet in hand.

DAY 24

...a picture of something you wish you could change.



...the number of children who have no parents/family.
also, the hoops that one has to go through to adopt one of these sweet faces. it should be a process, but it should not be an impossibly long and expensive process.

DAY 23

...a picture of your favorite book.
I read A LOT.
no exaggeration.
I read about one book per week, sometimes two.
if it's really good, I lose track of time and read late into the night/early morning. it's bad.
I love to read.
and I also love this book. it is definitely in the top 10 of my favorite books.

if you need any recommendations for authors that write amazing fiction, please ask. I have plenty of suggestions for "edge of your seat" suspense, action-packed books.

DAY 22

...a picture of something you wish you were better at.



yoga.
and flexibility, in general.

could this be me one day? yeah, right.

DAY 21

...a picture of something you wish you could forget.



...my 95 lb. body.
and yet, remembering makes me so thankful. God is good. God is incredibly faithful.
He heals. He carries. He saves.
I am alive because He gave me life.

DAY 20

...a picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.

Cinque Terre, Italy.
especially the town of Vernazza.

no question about it.

DAY 19

...a picture and a letter.

and how about some cute student drawings? okay, I can definitely give you some of that.

or how about that one time I got asked out in 5th grade? and then again in 6th grade? by the same boy, of course. he had a way with words and drawings.

DAY 18

...a picture of your biggest insecurity.

...my body. in a bathing suit.

I just feel so exposed.

there, it's been said.

DAY 17

...a picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.



antibiotics for staphylococcus aureus.
literally.
what DID people do before there were easy access antibiotics?
if it weren't for these lovely white pills, I would not have a right hip, nor would I have either of my armpits.
as for staph, BE GONE. forever. thanks.

DAY 16

...a picture of someone who inspires you.

that "someone" is actually two people (gosh, I'm such a cheater): Laura, on the far left, and Joni, with the short blonde hair.

Laura is my friend, confidante, advice-giver; she is a mom and the way she mothers and lives her life inspires me. Joni is my friend, spiritual mentor, and an encourager; her love for the Lord and her desire to serve Him 100% is amazing and absolutely inspiring.

10 years of inspiration...and many more to come. love these girls.

oh, and FELIZ CINCO de MAYO! margaritas and fish tacos are on tap for my night. yum!

DAY 15

...a picture of something you want to do before you die.



hike Half Dome in Yosemite.

shoot. I would just like to GO to Yosemite.
yes, I am 24 years old, born and raised only 5 hours from this national park and I have never been. big 'ol sad face.

DAY 14

...a picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.



Janna - best friend since 1st grade.
life would be pretty horrible if she were not in it.

DAY 13

...a picture of your favorite band or artist.

again, this is impossible. I don't have a favorite.
I have favorites, but I don't have one favorite.

Joshua Radin.
one of my first loves.
SoHo - summer 2008

DAY 12

...a picture of something you love.

TEACHING.

DAY 11

...a picture of something you hate.





sorry.
I had to.
I HATE it.
vomit free since 2001. and I plan to keep it that way for as long as I can.

DAY 10

...a picture of the person you do the most fun things with.

again, this photo challenge is proving difficult.

how can I choose ONE person?

but, I've already broken the rules once, so I will try really hard not to break them again.

fun?

enter: Stacie.

I found her in college and she's my bestie. I'm so thankful that, by random chance, we became house-mates, lived together for 3 years, and bonded like no other. I love her.

just another night skip-jumping through the downtown streets of Denver, CO.

most likely singing and laughing.

DAY 9

...a picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

I want to break the rules on this one.

If I could find a picture of Jesus, I would post it. I don't want to sound cliche, but He really has carried me and gotten me through so much.

Since a real picture of Jesus is not easy to come by, I am going to break the rules and post a picture of the TWO people who have gotten me through the most.
My parents.
I love them. a lot.

DAY 8

...a picture that makes you laugh.




unflattering? highly likely.
uncontrollable laughter?
every.single.time.

you had to be there...

DAY 7

...a picture of your most treasured item.




I am slightly kidding when I post this picture...and yet, if you know me and what this KitchenAid mixer means, you know that I'm not totally kidding.

I earned this mixer. I remember the day in 2006 when I finally earned it. I may have cried.

Earning this mixer meant that I had succeeded in beating something that wanted to take my life.
I love baking and I love my KitchenAid mixer, but most importantly, I love my life and the fact that it was saved.

DAY 5

...a picture of your favorite memory.

okay, this is impossible.
I have WAY too many "favorite" memories to pick just ONE.
however, any time spent with these two girls is ALWAYS a favorite memory. I love them. a lot.



2007: watching the sunrise on top of the mountain (Lizard's Mouth) with bagels and hot chocolate.

DAY 4

...a picture of your night.





A Saturday night?
Babysitting, of course.
I promise, they are fun kids. I just like to make faces. It makes them laugh, which is one of the best sounds in the world.

DAY 3

...a picture of the cast from your favorite show.

I'm not a television show junkie.
I don't dream about characters or talk to them as if they are real and in my life.
And yet, I do have a few faves.
But, the ultimate shout-out has to go to...

Alias.



Many a night were spent on the edge of my seat wondering where Sydney Bristow would go next and what color hair she would have as she kicked butt.

DAY 2

...a picture of you and the person you have been the closest with the longest.



Jordan - best friend since age 2.
I consider her my sister.
and yes, we ran 13.1 miles together and talked the entire way.

30 DAY CHALLENGE. DAY 1

My best friend is doing it.
Facebook is doing it.
I might as well jump on the band wagon...
plus, it just sounds fun.

Hello, 30 day challenge, I'll happily attempt you.

DAY 1
...a picture of yourself with 10 facts.

-I have a heart-shaped smile.
-I am not related to Heinz ketchup, much to my bank account's dismay.
-I frequently take long sunset walks by myself. and I love them.
-I'm a rollerblader. occasionally I even wear a bright purple shirt and put my hair in a side ponytail.
-Wearing high heels makes me height self-conscious. but I'm learning to embrace said height.
-I have 10 Disney VHS tapes...but no VHS player.
-I only own 1 true (unburned) DVD: Miss Congeniality.
-I have never dyed my hair.
-Typos and grammar are a major pet-peeve of mine. I'm sorry if you take offense when I call you out on them.
-I have the best friends in the world. and that's a fact.

suitcases...

have you ever noticed the suitcase trend in photography?
who started it? and WHY?

the following blogger comments on this phenomenon...and it's pretty funny.

www.lostmodels.tumblr.com

Quote

"Miss Heinz, did you paint your face?"
ME: Paint my face?
"Yeah, you know, paint it with color and lipstick and make-up?"
ME: Well, I'm wearing mascara and I don't always wear that, but otherwise it's the same that it is every day.
"Oh. Well, you look very pretty today."

Two hours later and a completely different group of kids...

"Miss Heinz, are you wearing EYE LINER?!?"
ME: That's off topic...but yes, I am. I always do.
"It looks darker today. I mean, your eyes look dark."
(another student) "Yeah, it does look darker but it looks good."

Note to self: Wear mascara more often?
I'm also learning that kids are VERY observant. and honest.

Outstanding in the Field

I discovered something today that made my jaw drop a bit.

The concept is genius.

The pictures made me a little panic-jealous.

The food sounds fantastic.

The views are probably incredible.

...and, of course, the cost made me wish I wasn't a poor teacher...

and yet I still want to take part in it.

Read about it. Look at these amazing set-ups. And start saving your $200.

Tickets go on sale March 20th.

Outstanding in the Field

http://www.outstandinginthefield.com/