A note bringing a smile

Sometimes, the kids can really bring a smile to my face:

I am SO thankful for service club - it didn't feel like I was giving up my time at all. The kids brought so much joy and energy. It's hard to believe our time for this year is now over - looks like there are some BIG shoes to fill next year.

Arizona Visit Long Overdue

What an amazing weekend it was - I got to spend time with my dad in Phoenix. (He was there for a conference.) And, fortunately, I had the chance to go to my ACE school (SJV) and to visit some of my previous co-workers, friends, and students...

SJV <3 collage

Spending time with the SJV moms :)

The Don Bosco statue still stands!

so many good memories in that church

Then (top) and Now (bottom) with former students (and their siblings)

Met up with my college roommate (who currently lives in AZ)

SJV selfie :D :D :D

We stayed at the Arizona Biltmore - it was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, which you can definitely tell. It was a beautiful property...but we had quite a bit of difficulty finding our way to visitor parking each time. I consider this understandable - the property is huge and has multiple entrances and winding drives! (Did I mention that the beds were so incredibly soft?? AMAZING!) It was definitely a "how the other half lives" experience.

Christmas tree in courtyard (by night)

Christmas tree in courtyard (by day)

on the way to our room

We could have played chess...but we didn't ;)

No trip to AZ would be complete without some of my favorite restaurants ;)

 

On Saturday, my dad and I went to the Musical Instrument Museum (in Phoenix). It's organized by continent and has so many instruments from around the world. If you ever go, we recommend you start with Europe and North America and work your way through to Asia and Africa. (We had to squeeze in those first two mentioned in about 20 minutes, as the museum was about to close. Bummer.) If you are a music lover, you cannot miss this place!

Let me tell you, though - one thing I've really missed about Arizona is just the beautiful, serene desert. The colors, sunrises (& sunsets), and mild temperatures cannot be beat! It was absolutely incredible.

All in all, the trip was well worth it, and I am grateful that my dad invited me. 

It was good to be "home."

Just Do It

When en route to do good unto others (i.e. to get EmergenC, cough drops, and tissues for ailing ACE practicum teachers), it's quite ok to do good unto oneself too (i.e. to have a frozen custard treat at Ritter's).

And it's also understandable to rejoice in finding a Diet Coke bottle with your name on it:

All in all, it's been a full but good day. Onward to tomorrow...

Mothers' Day 2014

Wishing a most wonderful Mothers' Day - I know it's a little early - to my mom and all mothers! Thank you for all you do!

Spring tulips in bloom in Chicago

Look Within

“Happiness is not in our circumstances, but in ourselves. It is not something we see, like a rainbow, or feel, like the heat of the fire. Happiness is something we are.” - John B. Sheerin

I love this quote.

Above all else, this quote reminds us that happiness cannot come from outside sources. Happiness is found within...and we can choose to foster it. Sure, there are things that seem to make us happier than others - people, activities, etc. But really, in any circumstance, we can choose happiness. We can reach deeply within ourselves and find it.

It reminds me of learning about the Sacraments with my 6th graders. (Bear with me here.) We discussed how Sacraments are visible signs of God's love and grace in our lives: We cannot see God's love or His unmerited grace (just like, in the quote, we can't see happiness), but we catch glimpses and find "evidence" in the Sacraments, nature, etc. God's love is a huge part of who we are, and the Sacraments make us holier and closer to God. God is around us, yes, but, more importantly, God is within us.

And I think we would all do well to remember that...