Merry Christmas

It's the most wonderful time of the year! My cute kids are so excited about the season and are anxious for snow to fall. Rod has groomed a hill in our retention pond, and they can't wait to go sledding. I'm looking forward to the hot mugs of cocoa that follow! So, here's to a month of family and friends, gratitude and peace,... may all of us enjoy the spirit of the season.

Grateful

I know it may be a little premature, but I feel the need to express my gratitude.
Today I am thankful for:
~ My funny and fab family... supportive and silly, sweet and sassy... I love them!
~ Friends... "A friend is someone who knows all about you, and loves you just the same."
~ My testimony...the core of my being... I need to be better about sharing it...
~ My health
~ Learning... it is through education that I find peace of mind and hope for the future
~ The beauty of the world we live in
~ Smiles
~ Children... they motivate us all to live our best
~ Chocolate and Diet Coke

Life IS good.

Karaoke, anyone?

Okay, so the weather is beginning to chill... which means it's time for my annual winter hibernation. For those of you who don't know, I despise the cold. I am literally allergic to it, (shut up, Rod and Lauren... it's TRUE!)... I break out into hives when I'm out in the cold too long. Anyhow, I have a tendency to "hole up" at this time of year, which for me means... it's time to hit the karaoke stage! So I'm putting this out there... if anyone wants to come join me for an evening of karaoke... please call and invite yourself over! Kiki? Camee? Anyone???

Down and Derby

Double-Stuffed OREO

Our bunny, Cuddles, passed on. So now all of our attention goes to Oreo... the fattest, fluffiest bunny rabbit ever. He loves it when we get him out of his cage. He is a fast "hopper" and likes to have the run of the backyard.

Hiking Timp

Fall Frenzy

Wow... the pace at the Riddle house has been fairly frantic as school begins and after school activities flourish. Rod is getting ready to begin construction of "The Store" in Midway. I am now working on my Reading Endorsement and teaching adult-learning Math classes after school. McKay is loving middle school... we can't believe she's that old! She grows taller and more mature everyday. She has been babysitting and is awesome at it. Lander is still working on building his leg muscles. He likes 4th grade and was just put on as a member of the student council. Porter thinks 1st grade is awesome. He is reading and thriving both academically and socially. I love watching him at recess... he is so friendly to everyone and makes new friends everyday. It would be nice if we all had his confidence and ability to reach out to others.

School is cool...

So, I'm back to work full-time, even though students won't be at school until the 19th... there's a lot to do to get ready, even without a classroom of my own. Still, I love the beginning of school... the anticipation, the fresh start...
I'm attending a Law conference this week with Lauren. We learned so much today! We were both excited and overwhelmed. There is so much to learn about education... I think Lauren and I are truly sick... we can't seem to get enough of it!
A big shout out "thank you" to Rod, who had dinner waiting for me when I arrived home this evening. He is truly a blessing in my life.
I'm finishing reading A Breaking Dawn tonight... such a fun book to read! It has been a nice break from the heavy academic reading I've been doing all summer.
I'd love to hear about some of the books others have been reading... any recommendations?

There are 5 People in my Family

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ8zgWfkLQE

Like a virgin... blogging for the very first time

Okay, so this is actually my second attempt, as I accidentally destroyed my first blog... thank you to Kira for helping me get back on track! Check back for more family pictures and weekly journaling... my life as a Riddle is truly an enigma...