Writing is a seasonal work for now. With the beginning of a school year, the days are long yet the months are short. Teaching kindergarten is an algorithm all to itself. Helping children learn how to be a student entails a greater amount of detail and consistently demonstrating patience, trustworthiness, and plenty of kindness. I was greatly encouraged at a Christian Educators Conference in the middle of October. Ever since, I have been pondering the idea of finding little moments of gratitude otherwise known as “pennies.”
In September, I celebrated my 41st birthday with a lovely day with kiddos. They are simply the best! Flowers, homemade cards, coffee, hugs a plenty, and a parent who made homemade chocolate chip cookies. I also enjoyed a nice dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse with Frank. He took time off work to have dinner together and to enjoy each other’s company.
Since summertime, I have been working with my personal trainer, Mikaela. She is an amazing teacher by day and a personal trainer after school. She has been helping me prepare for a 5K. I am also doing her cardio class, a strength and conditioning class, and running on a treadmill at home.
I have not been in a “cooking” season lately. When I do cook, I feel accomplished. Lately, I have been digging a fall salad made with homemade maple Dijon salad dressing, greens, dried cherries, toasted pepitas, goat cheese, and Granny Smith Apples. I’m still baking sourdough bread, and even tackled everything bagels a few weeks ago.
The dogs have gone on plenty of walks, been to the dog park numerous times, and enjoyed being freeloaders. We did celebrate Tahlia’s birthday, and she acted dramatic when we put her birthday outfit on. She has no idea that she will be wearing Christmas pajamas very soon.
In the middle of October, Frank and I completed Core Training for our adoption home study requirements. It was a fabulous class, although the content can be hard. They talk about heavy topics such as trauma, infertility, and the painful reality both birth parents and adoptive parents face. We went to Loveland and did a little food scene action. We had the most amazing prime rib sandwich at Maida Traitoria in Fort Collins. We also got a tea and some beautiful pearl earrings at a local coffee shop. Speaking of food, we had a most amazing cinnamon roll at Cinnamon’s Bakery. WOW-it was incredible.
A few joys include getting the dogs their own hoodies, breakfast dates on Saturdays, and savoring the fall weather ushering in the crisp autumn air.
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