What a grand week it twas. YES I do realize this picture could be used against me regarding my sanity and abilities to safely work with children :)

This week was full of joyous activities from dying paper in tea, making ear molds out of salt dough and meeting with an array of parents at our Parent - Teacher night. I do pray that none of my classroom parentals find this blog due to the graphic nature of the above picture...so far I believe they think well of me :) . Having only 11 students definitely makes for a smaller turnout, therefore had myself a pumpkin muffin gorging fest after the parents all left. I kind of forgot about my classroom size and prepared for 50 visitors instead of 10. So now I just like to think that there is more of me to love :)

I have a friend visiting me over Thanksgiving which has left me with an added skip to my step. How delightful it will be to have my dear friend Kori all to myself for an entire week. We shall eat a plethora of delights while basking in the Maui Thanks Day sensations! Crazy to think how fast this holiday will actually be upon us. How does that happen?!

Speaking of holidays...my 28th birthday is coming up on the 30th of this month. I have come to realize that God has blessed me more than I could ever deserve or adequately thank him for. He has given me a mother and father and a brother and his entire family who are my support and love line. They inspire and motivate me and leave my tear ducts swelled just thinking of their awesomeness! My words could never thank Him enough for the love, patience and grace he shows me every day. I am a lucky girl :)

Labor Day Weekend...

Went camping, Hana style this past Labor Day weekend which was a hoot and a "holler", literally :) Heidi and Glady and I decided to rough it with another couple and their children up near the Seven Sacred Pools. We set up camp after a long Hana Road drive with plenty of snacks, a blow up air mattress, and sleeping bags in tow. Must say thanks to Dana and Roger for we had the most perfect setup at camp. We ventured to the pools and drifted in their fresh water delightness. We climbed upon rocks and posed under waterfalls like the true model's at heart we all are and we bathed in a secret pool which proved to be almost impossible to get out of after the water level lowered.

After playing in the pools we played some volleyball, were warned by a friendly park ranger about hungry and violent mongoose and stray cats and watched what appeared to be our friendly hippy neighbors play with horseshoes.

We cooked us some dinner that entailed some home made cheesy dip with salsa over foil...that later cooled into one clump of cheese that had a hint of pizza flavor. AND we even braved the camp outhouse that held the power to squeeze the life out of every soul that came within 2 feet of its' horrid presence.

Eventually the sun vanished as did the smores. As we said our farewells till morning we all dreamt of wonderful dreams to come of Sugar Plum fairies once snuggled inside our sleeping bags (not "begs"). BUT...the fun was only beginning. Our lovely hippy neighbors decided to have a few domestic disputes while "Woo-Hooing" throughout the wee night hours. They "Woo-Hoo'ed" till daybreak and caused many a campers to roll out of their tents crusty eyed and sleepless. Who said all hippies were lovers?! Hippies, I am disappointed and utterly saddened by your behavior. BUT being the campers at heart we were we didn't let this lack of sleep keep us from enjoying the pools to ourselves before the tourists made their way in. AWE peaceful and delightful it was. What a great way to start the day :)

After a refreshing morning swim we packed up our ever impressive camp and said our farewells and headed back to our lives before Labor Day weekend. So thank you Labor Day weekend for allowing us to partake in the day where labor is not expected but frowned upon instead :)

MAUI DAYS ...

Alas I have been on Maui for almost one month, and it makes me confused as to how time can pass so quickly!! Since my grand arrival on August 2nd I have made comfy a home that has an ocean and crater view with pineapples at arms reach. I have gazed upon a mango, avocado, grapefruit, and banana tree in my very own backyard. I have danced amidst a bigger than life blue kitchen which encompasses enough cupboard space to store all things ever created. I have had the joy of driving to Hana with windows down and a Maui breeze blowing my lochs to and fro. On the drive I gazed upon beautiful waterfalls, a surfing competition (with beautiful sights all its' own :), swam in the Seven Sacred Pools, and awaited a blow from a blowhole that never felt like blowing. I was able to frolic in the waters of Lahaina and Kaanapali while devouring a delightful tuna sandwich at the ever impressive "Cheeseburgers in Paradise"---which by the way charges you two dollars extra for a slice of avocado, so my advice...just say NO to the avocado :) And I've purchased a vehicular mode of transport that radiates coolness all around. It's not everyday one gets to claim a spoiler enhanced set of wheels as their very own. Say it loud, say it proud :)

I've had the joy of meeting wonderful people and wonderful coworkers, along with being spoiled by spaghetti and homemade pizza dinners by THESE such wonderful coworkers. I have also had the delightful opportunity to get to know ELEVEN (yes 11) little third grade beings that have the power to bring a smile to my face whenever they so desire. We've laughed, we've burped, we've worked, we've played. AWE good times in deed. I'm eager to get to know them better throughout this year in a new classroom (fingers remain crossed) where hopefully I'll teach them a plethora of things while they'll teach me the same.

Beautiful sunset last night. What a view we have. God's definitely an artist.