Tidings of Joy

Within the past few weeks, so much has happened! But it has definitely been enjoyable. Here are some highlights of these few weeks:

Flying with Steven over Thanksgiving!

The first weekend in December, I traveled back to Luther to present at the Education Senior Presentation Portfolio Day. It was a fantastic way to culminate my semester student teaching. Each Ed Major presented our work and discussed our experiences.
Besides my presentation, I was able to spend time with friends and see this year's performance of Christmas at Luther. Each year, Luther musicians come together for a huge, five show, two hours each, performance of traditional Christmas music. It is a huge upstanding tradition at Luther, and the program is broadcast on PBS every three years.
It was the first year I was able to see a show instead of participating, and it was just as moving.
The most profound part of this year's performance for me was being in the same space during the concert as my closest friends, sharing in one wonderful tradition at Luther. It brings in to focus to me how truly blessed I have been at Luther. So very grateful for the people who I have met, and I am so thankful for the moments spent there that weekend.

 

Decorah is pretty dang beautiful, even in the Winter...

Being home this Fall has brought so much Joy in itself. I feel so fortunate to have spent so much time with many wonderful family members. Living in Colorado, I have taken for granted so often growing up, at the close proximity of extended family. Being able to jump in the car and go see people, even if its spur of the moment has been a huge blessing! And being able to welcome Steven home at the airport!! (Role reversal-but so great)

I have greatly appreciated (and continue to appreciate) all the conversations with family and friends, both near and far. It has been fun being able to connect with my parents as an adult now that I've been more in the "work world". 

So here is our Christmas picture we took over Thanksgiving. Colorado sure is beautiful!!

 

 

And who can forget Christmas!!??!!
My favorite part is looking at the tree every night. It is so peaceful and beautiful. 

As of today, I am officially done student teaching in a general education classroom. This experience has been full of many many learning opportunities, and I am grateful for the opportunities that have arisen because of it. So excited to be a classroom teacher someday soon!!
This past week was pretty eventful in the fifth grade. We made gingerbread houses (or Graham Cracker houses), decorated them, and had a day where students brought in homemade toys or goods to sell for mini-society. It was cool to see the kids' creativity really come out this week. I was sad to go, but grateful for the experiences I have gleaned from the last fourteen weeks in both first grade and fifth grade. 

And although I am running out of current pictures to post and things to talk about, I am looking forward to the holidays. Looking forward to relaxing, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying the time here in good ol' Colorado.

Sending many warm wishes for the days to come!

Warmly,
Caitlin

I have a problem with pictures...

The fact is...I take way too many pictures.
My camera is full of so much random stuff.

I have pictures of pretty donuts, leaves, a million and two sunsets, the view looking out the front windshield on  a car ride, omelettes that didn't turn out so well...things that shouldn't matter whatsoever. 

Sometimes, it's a problem. 

Other times, I see my crazy picture obsession as me remembering and embracing every moment.
Here's just a few really different pictures with really no subjects at all...

So this parking lot full of snow ^. Believe it or not, this was April in Duluth, and I couldn't believe how much snow was still everywhere. Ellie and I were flabberghasted. At least I was...

This basically looks like a magazine article picture...^ But it was my breakfast once upon a time...and the first time I ever had Eggs Benedict! I really had to document it. And it was the last time all my friends and I were at Peace Dining (fancy Sunday brunch) at Luther all together before we left for the summer and student teaching. 

This one's a little weird...^ But the summer after my first year of college, this song was the theme the week of my cousin's wedding in Glenwood. The summer was full of friends and family, and hope. Somehow this song represented it. 

So there's a few pictures from my random collection of pictures in my camera library. I really have a hard time deleting pictures because they represent so much to me. 

Recently, I found an blog entry where a woman talks about her memory card being full. She writes about all the memories that go with each picture that has been taken and how important it is to hold on to each of those memories. 

It is too important to hold on to memories, happy moments. Yes, it is good to live in the present, but every once in a while, it is terrific to see all the joy and happiness in pictures. 

Some of my favorite pictures to take are of sunsets. There's something serene about watching the sun set...it brings a stillness and a good time to reflect on life..

So here are some of my favorites....

On a trip back to Luther Junior Year

From a park near my house with a wonderful person

Heading back to my room in Ylvi Junior year...

right before the last day of school

At Sugar Creek Bible Camp in WI for a retreat

Flying over MN, I remember thinking, "Life is going to be good"

Winter Park, CO and sledding with friends

Backpacking with staff my first summer at Sky Ranch. Sunset hike

And that's probably enough. Now that I've dumped part of my memory card...I should probably sum it up...

and with that... 

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow." 

-Helen Keller

It's A Great Day to Be Alive!

Hope you're having a terrific day!