Where I spend my time...

We are almost through the first quarter of the school year already, so thought I would blog about where I work. I'm starting my fourth year at Skyline High School in the east Mesa area. I have never missed working in the attendance office at Dobson High School one minute! That's because I now work 10 minutes from home and I work in a beautiful school library. We have about 18,000 books, a computer lab, plus 30 student computers in the main library. We have a magazine room, and a video/DVD room which teachers can access. We have lounge chairs for a reading nook, and a teacher's computer/work area also. This is where my desk is, right by the circulation desk.I enjoy creating monthly displays for "This Month in History" If you are wondering what the "mustard" means: August 7 is National Mustard Day!Everyone needs to know that bit of trivia, right? I also change and display books in this glass cabinet near the front door. The magazine room is visible through the glass windows above the cabinet. This picture shows the "back to school" theme, but now I have the Hispanic Heritage Celebration housed there. We also receive monthly creative arts displays from our District about different countries and cultures. Here is a sample one from last month.This display is about Afghanistan. I don't have a picture of our great lounge/kitchen area housed between the library and the audio/visual department. My co-worker Colleen helps me half of her workday in the library; the other half is spent in the copy center in A.V. I am so thankful to have a job, and to work in such a pleasant environment with great teachers, staff and students.

Sadness and Joy

The last four weeks have been difficult for our family, with joyful moments sprinkled in between. My husband's mother, Rose, passed away on August 10. She was a woman faced with many physical ailments but always maintained her independence with determination and a positive spirit. Her faith in God and love of family was inspiring and she will be missed by her family.



We were thankful that our oldest daughter could fly home from Florida for her Nana's services. Jennifer stayed with us for 6 days, and it was great to have her home for a short visit. Vince and I were privileged to help the priest at St. Daniel's plan the funeral mass, and we appreciate all the kind thoughts, cards, prayers and food brought over by so many friends and family members. Mom was under Hospice of the Valley's care for a year, and we cannot say enough good things about that organization. They were like "angels on earth."



Another joyful moment was on the day after the funeral(August 14) when our 18-month old granddaughter Cailyn came to our house wearing a cute little T-shirt announcing that she will be a "big sister" next February! We are very happy for Mike and Corissa, (and for us too!)



In mid-August our daughter Alissa was featured in the Go-Gilbert Magazine with a 2-page spread about her GGRS Concepts business! The story and photos are great, and of course, we think she's beautiful too!!



God will always help us through difficult times. He has sprinkled our sadness with joy! And we are thankful!