The Happenings of Heidi's Life: June 2011

I wanted to do a little update on my "Eat to Live" diet. I am still hanging in there, actually it is really starting to feel like a life style change and so natural. I hate and seldom use the word "diet". I know that I have not been eating enough vegetables the last couple weeks, they say the more greens you eat the more pounds you lose. I sure love fruit. :) It is so much easier to grab fruit on the go, it's better then a candy bar I guess!! I have consumed at least two watermelons in the last couple weeks!! ha

I weighed today at the gym and I was down 3 more pounds which brings my total to 24 pounds.

I found an amazing granola recipe and have been meaning to share with several girls. The recipe calls for agave nectar, which can be found near the honey at Reasors and Whole Foods (not sure if Wal-Mart carries it).

Granola Recipe
* 4 cups Old Fashion Oats
* I cup Sliced or Diced Almonds
* 1/2 cup Agave Nectar
* 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
* 1 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt (I personally leave out the salt)
* 1/2 cups Shredded Unsweetened Coconut
(the only place I found this is Whole Foods)
* 1 cup Dried Cranberries or Raisins

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Toss oats, almonds, agave nectar, coconut oil & salt in a bowl – do not add your dried fruit yet (coconut, cranberries & chocolate chips).

Bake for 5 minutes. Pull out of the oven and toss. Put back in the oven and then pull out of the oven and toss again at 10 minutes. Bake until it’s just beginning to turn golden but not burned – about 15 minutes total.

Add your dried fruit. Mix and let it cool.

This post is on picture overload! Every school year, the last week, is so busy. No matter how much I plan ahead, it is always packed!!

Monday was Memorial Day, Hayley and I were able to go to Joplin to help with the tornado clean-up. Pictures do not do it justice. There is so much work to be done in Joplin. We were able to help a family that had just moved in their new home one month prior. To hear their story first hand was surreal. They were able to get in a crawl space in the garage. They literally felt their home left up. If you are reading this and have the ability to help, I would highly recommend going for it...... We went with a local church that teamed up with "Service International". SI had a great set-up and they were very organized. I love seeing the body of Christ come together to help others.

This was the Service International's Headquarters. They basically have taken over a church building. They sort donations, so they can distribute them, volunteers sleep there, volunteers eat there, and many other things.....

Tuesday was back to school!! The other Pre-K teacher and I planned a water/games/picnic for the kids and their families. We wanted to have an end of the year celebration. Fun was had by all.... We have a park next to our school, so we were able to walk next door! The kids thought it was pretty fun. It was fun, but a lot of work getting all the equipment, lunches, and kids to the park. We enjoyed our last days with our kiddos!!

Wednesday was Graduation!!! I seriously love Graduation Day each year. It is always so bittersweet. Sitting there watching the slideshow of the year, seeing the growth, and knowing goodbye is soon always makes me cry. When you spend over nine months with a child, there is some bonding that takes place. As I always tell the ones that want to stay in Pre-K, it would look funny to have a 10 year old in Pre-K. Change and progress is good!!

The other Pre-K teacher gave me this idea, little graduation caps. They worked out great, as I was passing out diplomas and awards my aide handed them one to eat. It totally kept them busy while I passed out diplomas!

They did so good performing a few songs for their parents!!

After all that work they were ready for cupcakes!!!

Wednesday night, we had a meeting/cookout to plan a Bible study for teens. These girls dressed alike. It's the only picture I took that evening.

Thursday, was the last day with the kids!! We ate popcicles in the hallway and had an AR (our reading program) Disco dance party. A dance party is just what I wanted to add to this week ha ;).

A lot of cleaning and packing also took place!

Thursday evening after all the goodbyes at school, I was blessed to attend a Housewarming Party for my friend Leanne (on the left). God brought her back to live here and provided a great place for her to live. It was great to visit with friends and meet some new girls.

Friday was my last day!! I love being in my classroom without kids, I can get a lot more accomplished! Some of us went and ate lunch together. The two cuties above helped their mommies pack their classrooms!!

Goodbye Kerr!! Hello Summer Break

Saturday, I drove to my hometown. My Aunt Rebecca was here visting from New Mexico and my cousin had a graduation party. It was a great excuse to take a drive and visit the family!! I always love going "home" and seeing family and friends.