So Far So Good

It is 2:00 and I have removed all things from the bathroom, with the help of Ben. I scrubbed it down with bleach water, taped it, with the help of Rich, and primed it. Here are some before pictures and some after priming pictures (you'll know because of that blue tape). I plan to finish painting today, the primer just needs to dry. I don't know if I will "load the room" tonight or not. Stay tuned for more pictures!

Spring Break!

Today is the start of our Spring Break. I always try to take on some sort of project each year. Last year we "Disneyized" our living room. Today I am starting our big bathroom project! I am turning the bathroom into a lovely beach! There is much to be done. I have cleaning to do first. Then I must scrub down the ceiling. We have a mold problem that seems to creep up in there. We have talked to the trustees about it, but nothing is ever done. We bought some primer and paint that is supposed to help the problem. We will see if it really does. I will take some before, middle, and after pictures. I will be beginning by removing the wall paper border I put up several years ago. That should not be a terribly difficult job. I was hoping this was going to be a one day project, but the more I think about what needs to be done, the more I think it might take longer than that. We will see. If I am going to accomplish anything what I really need to do is sign off of this silly computer! I gave myself until 8:00 a.m. before I started.....I have five minutes!

Matthew Issac Has Arrived!

Little Matthew arrived today at 1:46 p.m. He has a head of lovely black hair and is doing great! He is healthy and weighed in at 7 lbs. 17 oz. and is 20 in. long. His mommy is doing well to. We rejoice that everything went well for all of them. We thank God for this new little guy and anxiously await the day he is made God's child through his baptism! Happy Birthday Matthew!

Baby "Huff"

My dear friend Amy is currently at the hospital in labor with their son Matthew. I am praying that all goes well for mommy and baby! I am excited that it is most likely that this little one will be born on my birthday! Please pray for them with me!

My friend Rebekah is VERY close to delivery also. I am praying for her today too. I know how difficult it is to wait at this point of the game. I was hoping both would be born on my birthday, but little baby Koester will have to get going if she is going to arrive today! :0)

We start Spring Break today! This is a great birthday gift. It is time for a break. We all have been running around like chickens with our heads cut off!

I am having a lovely day. I have enjoyed German Chocolate cup cakes made by my principal, gifts from my students (a plant, itunes card, and beautiful shells!) I got some lovely tea items from my dear friend Angie. I cannot wait to try them out! My friend Sherrie gave me a gift card to my favorite coffee joint. That is always a treat! My husband gave me tea, some Vera Bradley items to match my purse, and some great tea books. Ben gave me a Willow Tree angel holding a heart. It is sweet. And, my secret pal gave me some cute planters with disney characters on them. Davie got me a billfold to match my purse and some money to go with it :0) My mom got me a cute green and white checked shirt and some cash! What wonderful blessings! I had lunch with my mom at Olive Garden, my all time favorite. We are now home for a peaceful night inside. It is not a nice day. Just rainy!

Today I thank God for 41 wonderful years full of many blessings. I thank Him for loving family and friends. What a great life I have!

Idol

So, I had to give my idol predictions and thoughts. My Idol friends and I all filled out forms to predict where the season will go. Well, not Erin, she chose to pass. Come on girl!

After I filled my paper out I looked at others. Emma and I have the exact same thing, except two are switched around! Wild!

I think David Cook has a good chance of winning it all. He was brilliant last night! I said it even before Simon did. He really is smart and a darn good rocker. We will see.

My choice for second is Carley. She has as amazing voice. Paual is right, she can sing the phone book! She did a wonderful job last night and showed she knows how to own a stage!

David, who I originally thought would win it all is my third choice. He really crumbled under last night's pressure. I think he is amazing, but not sure that he can win it all. It just depends how many little girls and grandmas out there are voting!

Tonight I believe Kristy will go home. Her arrangement was awful!

We will see how I do....maybe I will post my entire list later. I was proud of Chacezi. I think he shocked a lot of people last night. He won't make it to the top. I just don't think he will, but he is doing a TON of improving.

We will see how right or wrong I am. It is going to be a really great season!

Dare Ya!

So, I have a challenge for all of you who read my blog! If you don't have a blog of your own, I challenge you to start one! It is SO easy! And isn't it a great way of keeping in touch? Come on Angie, Maria, Emma, Erin, Amy, Naomi, I know you can do it! I would love to have more blogs to read! Also, if there are blogs that you read often and you would like to share, I would love more blogs to visit! It is an addiction! I am waiting for those new blogs! Join us!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Secrets

I was the one who stayed home with the sick boy today. He has now been on the antibiotic for 24 hours. I see no difference. He is still hacking all day long. The poor boy. He just cannot stop coughing. He also has a bright red moustache right under his nose. He blows his nose constantly. I don't know if he will be going to school tomorrow or not. I never know what to do in these situations! Any advice? I would welcome it!

So, today I baked. My Young Author's Tea in my classroom is Thursday, so I baked things for it. I made muffins and brownies. I also made banana bread for Emma. She loves it. And, finally, for my boy and for scouts tonight, I made chocolate chip cookies. My friend Peter always made the best chocolate chip cookies ever, so I got his recipe. Here are the secrets.

1. Mix by hand.
2. Melt the butter until it is just soft.
3. Beat the eggs.
4. Put the baking soda in an equal amount of warm water and mix before adding it in.

They always turn out wonderfully!