Family, Fun, and Fellowship Faves

It's Friday. and a day off from school for Claire and I as there are workshops for teachers and I don't need to attend....always a fave with me!

This is the time of week when some of us pause and reflect on five favorite moments that  God  brought to us.  We link up at Susanne's, so feel free to join in by clicking here.

photo courtesy of tripadvisor
Circle Diner

• FUN WITH FAMILY:  On Saturday the four of us attended the 5 pm church service (the 15 yr old had to serve as greeter for the junior high youth service) because our oldest daughter wanted to head back to her dorm on Sunday and get an early start. We decided to treat the girls out to dinner after the service and suggested the local diner because the food is so good there!  We sat for a long time, enjoying the food and having wonderful conversations. We had so much fun together...all 4 of us....it had been quite a while since we had all 4 of us dining out.  It's something I am truly grateful for:  my 2 daughters, husband, good conversation, laughs, dreams and visions for the future. 

Trail around White Fawn Lake

• FUN WITH FRIENDS: Saturday morning I drove out to the southwestern part of our county, to the Helderberg Escarpment...a very windy, steep road that goes through the Helderbergs. I was meeting my good friend from my hometown area at Partridge Run Wildlife Management Area.....a large nature preserve with many miles of various trails and numerous lakes and ponds plus a couple of different streams. Cheryl brought another hiking buddy with her (Mona) whom I met for the first time and we really hit it off. The hike was so much fun!  It was just gorgeous.  The temperature was in the mid-40s and even though it started to sleet when I parked my car, the sun came out as you can see in the photos.  It ended up being a glorious hike and a wonderful work-out. I'm so thankful for friends who like to hike, even though it wasn't in the Adirondack Mountains!!  Here are a few photos from the day:

White Fawn Lake as seen from the loop trail

• FUN WITH BAKING! On Sunday afternoon we did some baking for Claire's Russian Tea Party for Russian Club at school.  We made Russian teacakes and had so much fun together rolling the cookies and dipping them into the sugar.  She is a good baker and it's fun to have her helping in the kitchen.  I'm thankful for this youngest daughter of mine who is usually so willing to help out.

photo courtesy of what's cooking america

• FELLOWSHIP WITH A FRIEND!  Monday evening after dropping Claire off at ballet, I met one of my best friends (who is also in my small group!) at Starbucks for coffee.  We had been long overdue for a good chat!!  We joked that we would have to speed chat since she had to get back home as her daughter was in gymnastics and I had to be back at the studio by 8 pm to get Claire. We covered alot of stuff in those 45 minutes!!  It is always a blessing to have coffee with a friend...especially a true sister in Christ.  I love those times!!

• FUN WITH STUDENTS: We had lots of fun this week in the first grade room and the kindergarten room.  Special needs children integrated into gen ed classrooms really glean alot from the typically developing children.  I love to watch everyone's progress and now that it is March, the children are really growing.  It is a huge blessing to have a job I love and I thank God for it.

That wraps up my week...now that it is officially Spring, maybe we will begin to experience warmer temperatures here in eastern New York!!  At least I am seeing more robins and less snow!

Have a wonderful, restful weekend.