Twenty-Seven

Yes, he DID win the pot! Second place was his honey :D

Ocean's Eleven?

Casino Royale, baby!

Cupcake tower :)

I sure do love my friends... they get my humor, and I get theirs! :P

And the gag gifts keep on coming!

Glacier Brewhouse with some of my city gals for some DELICIOUS peanut butter pie!

Celebrating 27 years of life!

Money, money... yea!

"Life dealt us a good hand."

So, this is the second year that I have celebrated my birthday while in Chevak. For the other two years, I happened to be in the city for one reason or another. I am all about celebrating birthdays-- usually I even have a countdown (got it from my mama)! :P Since it is SO expensive for me to fly back out of the village to Anchorage, I have decided that I most likely won't be walking for my graduation. Instead, some family and friends are planning on celebrating with me in Vegas after the school year is over! This being the case, and the fact that I LOVE themed parties, I decided to have a casino-themed bday party for my 27th! It was SUCH a good time. Lots of laughter, despite the fact that I didn't win the poker game... darn Kings!

As I was thinking of this new year of life, I was thinking of all the life lessons that I have had thus far and how thankful I am for them. Some people have been in my life that have truly blessed me, others I believe were put there to be my sandpaper and help polish me up. Regardless, I really am thankful. I feel so fortunate that the good Lord has given me eyes of discernment, a heart of compassion, a desire to learn, and so many longings that I seek on a daily basis.

I am imperfect. I am not always approachable. I don't always understand why people can't see things the way I see them. I can be quick to speak. I could probably go on (and, maybe you could, too!)  ;) But, the awesome thing is that the great man upstairs has a plan for me and always has. The older I get, the more I learn to take time to reflect, to absorb, to seek a deeper answer, and to find out how I can be a better me today than I was yesterday. This alone is a true gift... I couldn't ask for much more.

Today, I am so glad for where I am. Even more so, I am super grateful for the people in my life who have cheered me on to get where I am today, and who encourage me to keep going after my heart's desires. I am one blessed young lady. Thank you for being a part of my life-- if you are reading this, I thank you! Here's to year #27!

Goodbye, Alaska's Rose

October has always been my favorite month... my birthday, Halloween, Grandma Rose's birthday, opals, dividends, the feel of fall in the air... I didn't anticipate going home prior to December this school year, but God had another plan...

On October 3, Grandma Rose turned 82. On October 5, she went to be with the Lord. As my sister stated at the service, "Grandma Rose lead a pretty full and good life." She was very strong. When my mom and stepdad met, Rose and Bud took us in as their own biological grandchildren. Some of my most vivid memories with Grandma Rose were: Christmas Eve opening gifts at their house downstairs (Christmas music playing, lots of wrapping paper and gift bags, laughter, love, bags of loot, family and friends, etc); going with Grandma Rose after school and working diligently on my spelling packets with her help (PS I am a pretty darn good speller these days ;); special "days off" from school to buy a special outfit and have a special one-on-one lunch with her; and, let's not forget my 3rd grade haircut (had to go to Grandma Rose's hair salon... :)

We knew that Grandma Rose was sick and had been fighting illnesses for awhile. Though we are sad to see her go, as the deacon said, "It's time to allow her to go." There seemed to be a common theme from the people who spoke at the service-- Grandma Rose had a purpose to help and to serve others.  She really has a neat life story, having had served in the USAF as a nurse. She met Grandpa Bud while in Athens, Greece, they were engaged in Italy, and had a civil service in Switzerland! :) Feel free to read Rose's obituary below and thank you for your love and support. RIP, "Gma."

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/adn/obituary.aspx?n=rosemary-irwin&pid=153991224&fhid=10410

http://youtu.be/HfUWub8xjdY

Thanksgiving 2010... much to be thankful for!

For some reason, teaching the history of Thanksgiving to my students this year was a much more meaningful and beautiful lesson than has been in the past. It is so crucial that we educate our students based on as much fact as possible. This holiday has always been one of my favorites in that it is generally a time to be with loved ones and show thanks for the many blessings we have in this life... breath alone.

This year I am specifically thankful for deepened relationships, the love of my family, my schooling, being in a profession that I absolutely love, and having His favor in life. I truly believe that I have a purpose and destiny each and every day and I love those moments when you can see all the beautiful steps that God has led you on... high and low, backwards, forwards, turns, through valleys, up mountains, etc. Our life experiences make us who

we are and awaken us to beautiful new learnings. I couldn't be more thankful for the life I have, even when it has its tough moments.

As we get older we also learn more and more about forgiveness and restoration. Recently, I learned that my ex and his girlfriend became engaged and are having a baby. And, from the bottom of my heart, I actually can say that I am really happy for him. What a joy to have that. To love and be loved, these are life's greatest joys. And, having a baby? Wow, Lord knows I feel that is one of the greatest gifts one can bear-- truly amazing. I can't say that I wasn't at first shocked... I had to digest the information... but, after that... I can say that I am genuinely happy for the ex. And, that is a good feeling. I have heard that his fiancee has written some unkind things about me in a public manner. Though I have never met her, I have forgiven her and wish them both well. There is much to be thankful for in this great, big, beautiful world. I have to say, thought it's not always so easy, forgiveness is a beautiful thing.

As I think of all that I am thankful for this Thanksgiving, I will keep singing, keep dancing, keep dreaming, and keep rising to the challenges that bring us to our greatest strengths. I am looking forward to a long, restful, quiet holiday weekend in the VAK. Turkey, potatoes, fresh fruits and veggies, sweet yams... and good company. Missing my family is always something I am good at doing this time of year, but it makes me more thankful for them. Besides, Christmas break is just a few weeks away! ;) Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone and enjoy the pics!

Gobble, gobble!

Misty