a long time..

It's been a while since I have blogged anything. I think I have a new found freedom because tonight I had a strong impression to delete my facebook account. I know it seems strange since everyone just about has one, but I really think it's the right choice. I have had a few negative experiences relating to facebook dealing with comparing myself to others and wasting time learning about people that are not significant in my life. Although it is just a website, I feel it has a tendency to bring people into a realm of security that can gradually pull you down without your recognition. Everything has become too easy. Families don't call eachother as much. We all assume it's just as personal to update our status for 500 friends. When my dad had eye surgery, I found out through my step mom's posted status a week after it had occurred. I'm glad I found out, but..just another example. I think we should all consider how much time we spend on these sites and who it is benefitting. --Mindy

Joy through transitions

Recently Marc and I have traveled across the country from Virginia to Alabama to Arkansas to Colorado to Utah. Looking for a job is lots of fun! Not really. But we have had some interesting experiences. Yesterday we were in Hurricane, UT visiting Marc's sister and baby. We went with her husband to ride horses in the heat:) I was nervous at first considering I was putting my life in the hands of a large and strong animal. Especially since there were rocks and cacti everywhere to break any falls. I rode a beautiful tan horse named Turbo and Marc rode a dark tan horse named Roper. We knew Roper was more likely to misbehave but luckily all was well. We even saw two jack rabbits and my knees were aching but what a fun time! I actually rode for 2 miles on a horse on my own:)

The greatest gift ever

Today one of my favorite students gave me a beautiful gift bag with blue tissue paper and said "This is for you!" I said "Oh thank you." and proceeded to open the gift. As I unfolded the tissue paper I continued to see nothing. I was confused. She opened the bag and said "No, let me see." She reached into the bottom corner of the bag to pull out a piece of play-dough the size of a lima bean. It had rainbow colors drawn on it with marker. She said "It's a piece of Play-dough and I colored it for you." She was so proud of herself and smiling so wide. I sort of wanted to laugh, but it really touched my heart and I said, "Wow, thank you so much!" Basically the best gift ever and such a funny story!

Valentine's Day!

Marc and I celebrated Valentine's Day on Saturday and it was lots of fun. We exchanged flowers, cards and treats, then went to lunch at Firebird's Grill in Short Pump. That place was delicious. He had his famous bacon cheeseburger and I had Chile Asiago chicken pasta with a yummy salad. If only I could eat there every day! Later I made a special dessert and we watched Time Traveler's Wife (very interesting movie) Yay for V-day!

Oliver's First Birthday!

My nephew Oliver turned 1 on Jan. 11th. Brian and Ashley wanted an idea for a Dump truck birthday cake and I found this one online. We worked together to create the famous cake, I love it and Oliver did too!

This was an abandoned barn in New Freedom PA It was fun until this lady pulled up in a van "What do you think you're doing?" We had to leave:)