international day of happiness

Did you know that today is the first International Day of Happiness??  When I first found out Pharrell's song "Happy" was on repeat in my head, because who can't listen to that song and not be happy?!  

Happiness is something that I love, it is simple yet powerful.  Not only is it important for us to be happy, but to spread that happiness to others.  As I've aged a bit I've quickly seen the injustice in the world, the bitterness that people hold onto, the anger they possess.  And I'll admit that there are times when it has been easier to be angry or hold onto negative thoughts.  So how do we cultivate positivity in our lives so that we not only feel joyful and complete, but spread that sweet goodness onto others?  For me, it is focusing on gratitude.  Thankfulness just oozes into a spirit of happiness.  There are days sometimes when it is hard to get out of that "funk" and only see the negatives, but challenging ourselves to start listing things that you are thankful for can instantly change your mood. 

And because I deeply want to be transparent over here, I'll share that the past two weeks have really gotten the best of me.  It has been much easier to hang on to negative feelings, and then take them out on my poor husband.  So I have been trying to tell him "thank you" more often, even over the little things like putting a dish in the sink for me.  And then this morning I woke up with coffee already set up in the coffee maker so all I had to do was press "Start".  This. Made. My. Day.  It was something so small, but to me it meant so much.  And my day was set into motion with an attitude of gratitude and happiness.  

So if you're feeling like happiness is just hard these days I challenge you to start listing things that you're thankful for, even itty bitty things like the sun shining bright outside or the fact that you got a good night sleep.  And then pass that sweet goodness onto others.  Smile at someone you pass.  Hold the door open for a stranger.  Spread happiness. 

And I thought I'd share some pictures of the two people that make me so happy! 

what every woman needs to see

This videa

has made me cry over and over again, alone in my living room

has been playing over and over again, and each time there is something new that resonates with me

is a truth that we as woman need to know

we need to believe this

we need to live this

your body is beautiful

Whew!  What a week.  Actually, I think we can just call it as we see it...what a season!  Fall is definitely turning up to be a busy season for us, whether it be at work or at home.  Each day feels like I'm trying to catch my breath, but I hold onto the hope of some down time once our little bundle of joy arrives in two months.  I'm sure you might be laughing that I call it "down time", but can I just say that I'm excited for late night feedings and cozy clothes versus going to work each day?  

Today I'm here to be pretty raw and truthful with you.  And I'm sure that I am not the first girl to come along saying this as well.  Being pregnant definitely makes you deal with some issues, mainly body issues.  It seems to come in waves.  Some days I love the way my body has been changing and transforming to provide life to a baby.  Then there are other days where I'm near tears wining to the Mr. that I'm just fat.  He, of course, laughs at me and tells me "you're growing a baby inside of you" and because he is so good to me, always knows the perfect thing to say to put a smile on my face.  

Yesterday I was reminded that your body is doing exactly what it is supposed to be doing, it is providing nutrients that your baby needs, and that you need to appreciate your pregnant body.  Appreciate this body-this changing body-this body that is nurturing and caring for a little boy-this body that is still able to do so much and provides me with strength and energy to get through the day. 

This body is not a punching bag.  It is absolutely beautiful!  

So whenever I see those stretch marks, those hips that are packing it on a little bit more, I'm going to try my hardest to banish those thoughts.  Leave them at the door and appreciate this beautiful body of mine that is doing so much good. 

Just for fun I wanted to share with you my amazing teacher friends dressed up yesterday...

this song is on repeat

I first heard this song at church and could not get it out of my head.  This happens when I hear a worship song that really resonates with me.  It breaks me.  It renews my spirit.  And it becomes my anthem.  When I finally found it on iTunes I was ecstatic and can't keep it to myself!  Let's just say this song is on repeat, filling my soul with the beautiful truth that God is always there, and pushing me to trust without borders.  

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk across the waters

Wherever you would call me

Take me deeper than my feet would ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior 

mornings bring me back

via

There is something so divinely beautiful about the mornings.  It's a fresh start, a new day.  Any mistakes that I have made, words I have said, regrets I have made, seem to disappear in the mercy of a new day.  The light draws in the awakening of God's beauty.  The warmth from my coffee mug warms my soul.  And I am filled with hope for this day-today.  It is a truly beautiful thing to be able to set your intentions, create space for your day, decide how it will go, and the mornings offer this space.

I know for some, mornings are hard and difficult.  The wretched alarm clock goes off and all we want to do is pull the covers up over our head and whisper a prayer that God would add more hours to our day so we could just get an extra hour of sleep.  When these feelings creep in, I truly have to push myself to block them and press on.  The other beautiful thing about mornings is that they are my time, and I have my routine.

Each day I always get ready for work, and then I make breakfast, sit at the counter and eat it in the company of myself and Jesus.  My bible is next to me, and I pour over God's word and allow His word to fill me up with sweet goodness, His mercy to wash me anew, and to lift up my worries.

This morning, I was immensely blessed through the perseverance of this little routine I have.  I'm currently reading through the She Read's Truth devotional and read 2 Timothy 1:7:
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control".  

This verse was already highlighted in my bible, which made me think back to when I read it before and highlighted it.  And I was quickly taken back to a time when I desperately needed this verse.  This verse was like my life saver on a quickly sinking ship.  It was what I clung to in hopes that I would be better.  A year ago, it seems like I was a completely different person.  Anxiety and depression and fear entrapped me.  I lived in fear.  What if I never get pregnant?  What if there is something wrong with me?  When if we never figure out how to live life and just be happy?  My fears were rational, but mostly irrational.  God's word was literally a lamp unto my feet, shining light on the hope that I would have a spirit of power one day-not fear.

I'm overcome with emotion when I look back on the time in my life when this verse was what I clung to, and that today I feel God's spirit of power and love, not of fear.  I can clearly see the ways in which God brought me out of living in fear and anxiety.  He placed amazing people in my life, surrounded me in love, and it has only allowed me to feel more secure in His amazing love.  Today I can easily see the truth in 2 Timothy, the truth that God will provide for me, He will bring us through hard times, He will capture our fears and set them free.  God's promises are worth so much more of my time than holding onto fears.  And I'm ever thankful and grateful for his amazing promise!

friday nights are therapeutic

Last year when I was dealing with some pretty bad anxiety problems I learned a lot about myself.  Along the way, and with the help of an amazing Christian therapist, I learned to love myself more and more and give myself grace.  It seems so simple to type this now, but when I think about what it really means to "give myself grace" my mind starts going to all the places in my life that I need to let go.  

One thing that I knew I needed to start doing more of but had a very challenging time doing was self-time.  Self-time is basically what it sounds like, taking time for your self and doing something that will fill you up.  This doesn't mean cleaning the house or running that errand so I can check it off my list.  It does mean finding something that I thoroughly enjoy that I can reasonably do.  As much as I'd like to list "pedicures" as my self-time, I just couldn't spend that money every week.  Along the way through the journey that I went to, I found things that I love to do, that make me feel good about myself, and that cost little to no money.  

And this Friday night I realized that I've been missing out on the easiest ever self-time.  You see, the Mr. works until at least 10pm every Friday night.  Usually that means I come home from work, throw on my stretchy pants, and lay on the couch for a solid three hours.  This is truly something that only happens on Friday nights.  I started feeling guilty about the fact that I was being "wasteful" with my Friday nights by spending them doing absolutely nothing.  So I resolved that Friday nights would be my laundry nights.  And two weeks ago, I set out to make that happen only to come home utterly exhausted.  Needless to say, laundry didn't happen.  

This Friday night was a bit different.  I planned on going to a yoga sculpt class, and then I decided I should make myself some dinner and not just eat leftovers.  So I preceded to do just that.  Yoga was cleansing, challenging, and left me oh so sweaty.  Just what I love!  After yoga, I ran to the store to grab last minute ingredients and then decided that tonight would be my "self-time" night.  So I swung by Redbox, grabbed a movie, and headed home.  

On the menu was Oh She Glow's falafel with a twist with tahini-lemon dressing.  Cooking is my release, and it brought me so much joy to cook just for myself.  

Afterwards I decided a sweet treat was necessary to enjoy with the movie so I opened THE FIRST can of pumpkin (because it needs to be documented) and made a two-minute pumpkin pie.  

Then I propped my feet up, grabbed a spoon, and watch the movie fully engaged.  There was no computer open, no emails to respond to, no Instagram.  And it was in that moment that I had cared for myself so much that night-emotionally and physically.   And that is how I intend to spend my Friday nights from now on!  I highly encourage you to find where you are treating yourself, taking care of yourself, and filling yourself up! 

i hope you shine

I'm sure that it's just this little season God has put us in, but finding joy has been hard.  And it is very hard for me to say that.  As one who has always strived to find the bright side, see the beauty, and be happy, this has been a difficult ride.  Me, not smile?  It just doesn't feel natural!  

Yesterday I took the littles I've been nannying to Pump It Up, an indoor inflatable land (aka: heaven on Earth for kids).  I'll admit it, if I had my socks with me, I would've been jumping around up there too.  As I watched them run from one bounce house to another, fall all over the place, and squeal with delight, something started to swell up inside of me.  Maybe it was what the Grinch felt like when his heart grew two sizes larger at the end of the story.  It was a warmth that spread throughout me as I felt the sides of my mouth turn upward.  Their laughter is contagious.  Watching them you couldn't help but feel like a kid again, and it inspired me to find the joy. To find the beauty in life.  To choose to shine instead of letting the worries diminish this light.  

And this week two beautiful memories were made, they were small, and to some they may seem insignificant.  But for me, I don't want to forget these small memories that are filled with bliss, laughter, and joy. 

The other night Daniel was resting his head on my belly talking to our sweet little baby.  He has been rather dormant this week, and the kicks haven't been happening as much as there did last week.  Daniel was growing impatient so he wiggled my belly a tiny bit, and immediately was greeted with a kick in the face.  Smack dab in the face!  It was priceless.  And we laughed for what felt like hours. 

And last night we were on cloud nine because my husband's beloved Duck Dynasty was back on (maybe my beloved as well).  And instead of having all of the serious converstaions that seem to consume our lives lately....mortgage, budget, loan type, HOA fees, yada yada yada...we sat and laughed.  And laughed.  And laughed.  And this laughter just melts away all of the stress of the day, it brings us together, and creates these beautiful memories that I don't ever want to forget. 

So I hope that today you can find a small glimpse of beauty in life today, something that makes you smile, or better yet laugh.  I hope that any stress that is clouding your shine fades away as you embrace the warmth of laughter.  I hope you shine today! 

link love

Do you ever wake up and think about where you are, what has happened, and where the time has gone?  

Lately all this week (and really these past few weeks) I've just felt like a zombie.  And there has been a lot of "shift" going on in our lives, changes we don't have control over, and decisions that have to be made that make my head spin.  These have seemed to steal little pieces of my joy, and on top of feeling like a zombie, I'm left with ugghhh.  Yep, ugghh.  No motivation, no inspiration.  But I KNOW, and have faith, that it'll pass.  That these moments will become memories that we will learn and grow from. So while I'm lacking some mental inspiration over here, I thought I'd share with you some amazing posts that have either caught my eye, inspired me immensely, or motivated me to get busy in the kitchen.  

Enjoy! 

Naptime Diaries is where I go when my heart needs a pep talk and this week she posted on how we as women fuel ourselves with lies about our body, the worth of ourselves, and how it ultimately affects our health.  Currently I'm struggling a bit with the whole body issue with this pregnancy, seeing my body grow in places it hasn't before (hello love handles?!?!), and trying to stay healthy and fit when all I want is bread, cheese, and more bread.

Coffee Pancakes will be made this weekend!  Oh yes!  This delicious recipe looks too good to pass up from Eat, Live, Run.  We used to always have "Pancake Sundays" in our home, and over this past year we have stopped.  I'm thinking that needs to make a come back and these will work perfectly to kick start that!

Mama Pea is gearing up to travel to Guatemala and she writes about what to pack...and it's not what you think.  Her heart is so beautiful, and she reminded me what truly matters.  It's not the items we are packing, but the ways in which we prepare our hearts.  Humbles me every time I read it.

My free yoga classes are running out, so I'm looking at doing this intense workout to give myself the little extra kick it needs.  It's call the "Depletion Workout" and I am deeply craving my muscles to ache, shake, and tell me "You did good!".

And the teacher in me just has to share how I want to do my word wall this year.  It includes ribbons and looks so simple!  I must get busy on this soon!

a lesson learned from mango

It is a beautiful thing when God can take one small act to help you realize where you have been struggling.  Sometimes it is as though we are walking along a blinded path, doing our own thing, without acknowledging His power, His grace, His love and how that should look when we live it out.  On our cruise, God definitely used one of these moments to show me where these hard crevices were forming in my heart, that needed some dusting off.  

When you're on vacation, it is easy to think about yourself.  Where are we eating at?  What time do we need to be here?  Did you save a seat for me?  Me. Me. Me. Me. Me.  And I soon realized that it wasn't just on vacation that I was thinking about myself, it was everywhere.  Almost as though people owed me.  When our boat docked in Ensenada, we originally weren't planning on getting off, but later decided we needed a good stretch and wanted our sea legs back.  So we wandered off into downtown Ensenada, where the streets are strewn with woman and children begging for money, offering to sell you chicles, fresh fish laid out at the market, vendors luring you into their pharmacy, offers for alcohol, and waitresses enticing you into each and every restaurant.  On occasion we would see some people from our cruise line.  And one family in particular was trying to take a picture with our boat in the background.  I was going to keep walking until Daniel urged me to go and offer to take their picture.  I hesitated.  I liked our path, our plan, and what we were doing.  But I offered, they accepted, they smiled so bright, and all of a sudden it was as though my heart slowly started warming up.  When did helping others all of a sudden seem so hard? 

On our way back to the boat I saw a vendor with the largest mangoes I have ever seen.  So we stopped off and I watched them artfully carve it in front of me and filled my mouth with the freshest mango I have ever had.  Soon enough I became so full.  And as we rounded a corner, a child with his little sister and mother wanted us to buy chicles from him.  We declined and he immediately pointed to my mango.  Instantly I asked him if he wanted it, he shook his head vigorously, and as I handed it to him it was as though I had just given him the greatest gift in the world.  His smile lit up the whole corner.  And it was then that God showed me the lesson I needed to learn, and re-learn over and over again.  We get so much more out of helping others, giving them what they need, then when we receive something.  It feels like a Christmas saying, but why am I not focused on it now.  My heart was filled with so much joy I felt as though I floated the entire way back to the ship.  From that moment on whenever we saw a family or couple trying to take a picture, we stopped whatever we were doing and offered to take it for them.  It never fails how appreciative they are, and how that kindness just passes from them to you.  I have lots of things to work on in my life, and right now I'm trying to find ways to help others in authentic instances, to try to meet others needs, and to think less of what I need from this world.  So, thank you mangos! 

weddings + ode to marriage

In LaFuze fashion I am behind in posting this, but we also jetted from one trip to another.  After we debarked our cruise on Friday morning, we gassed up, and hit the road for Big Bear to attend Daniel's cousin's wedding.  We don't like wasting any time!  This was actually my first time going to Big Bear (and I feel so crazy saying that since we are only 2 1/2 hours away).  What a gorgeous, quaint, lovely town filled with character, charm, and beautiful views.  The weddings was held at an estate and we stayed with family two doors down in a barn house.  Our weekend was filled with large family breakfasts, people sprawled everywhere, setting up for the rehearsal dinner, preparing to move the wedding due to a lovely little thunder storm, strolling in The Village, and of course so much laughter and love that your heart felt like it grew two sizes in everyone's presence. 

Weddings have a way with me.  It never fails that as soon as the wedding march begins, those tear ducks just burst open, and the sentiments keep rolling.  This ceremony was a bit nontraditional, as the bride walked down to Led Zeplin, but the sentiments remained.  Tear-strewn vows were lovingly stated, and it just reminded me how much love two people really have for one another.  I remember saying my vows with uncontrollable shaking hands, the tears that burst the minute it was time to walk down the isle, and the head tilted smile I gave my husband at our first glance through the "walk".  

Daniel's grandparents stole the show during the reception during the dance to see which couple has been married the longest.  As the DJ kept calling out years, this kept raising a thumb telling him to go higher, until he finally reached it...56!  They have been married 56 years.  And to this day, it just blows me away.  Such love.  Coming from a family sewn together through the divorces, it is always an encouragement to see marriage live.  The see love live.  To see two people love each other so much that they will love for better or worse.  Marriage is a beautiful thing, and what makes it that way are couples who are a testament to the faith and dedication it takes to make it work.  Because there will be hard times.  There will be many "sorrys".  But for every sorry there is I forgive you.  Weddings have a way of reminding me that it isn't about the small things, the things we wish our husbands would remember (putting their socks in the clothes hamper :) )...marriage is about LOVE.  And I love my husband with a deep passion that continues to grow more and more each day.  It always seems to catch me off guard to think that we have been together for almost 10 years now, that we are having a baby, that our marriage is about to take on different obstacles, and that we have gotten through the sorry and I forgive you, and will go through 100's more.  Marriage is sacred, and I hope that one day my children will be looking at us in awe as we dance away while the DJ keeps calling higher numbers for the years we have been married.  I want my marriage to be a testament to the love and respect that marriage is, and that my husband knows how grateful I am for such a God-loving husband.  

virtual {coffee date}

Good morning friends!  I'm so excited to be launching Saturday morning coffee dates and I hope you enjoy while sipping on a cozy cup of Jo'! 

Photo c/o Pinterest

If we were having coffee together I would share with you that this morning started out very frustrating and was turned around by one smile.  Isn't is miraculous how one smile can really change your whole attitude?  I was supposed to go to bootcamp, and after driving down to the beach I noticed that no one was there.  The location was moved and I wasn't told.  I decided to make the most of my morning so I went on a run when I got home, and on my run I saw a woman running in front of me who turned around when she saw me with a big, bright smile on her face and she said "morning!".  It was at that moment that I smiled, and all of the frustrations from the morning vanished.  I was out of my selfish thoughts and moving forward to making the most of my day.  I was so encouraged to tell everyone I saw on my run "good morning" with the biggest smile, spreading that joy. 

If we were having coffee together I would tell you that today I have to say goodbye to my nearest and dearest friends before she moves to northern California.  Our friendship started our freshman year.  We were roommates in college, she was my maid of honor, we have shared life in a very special way.  And I'm filled with so much happiness as this move is such a blessing for her and her husband, but at the same time I'm saddened that our coffee dates, hikes, long talks, nail painting, and wine and cheese time will now happen when we visit one another.  It is rare to find a friendship like ours. 

If we were having coffee together I would tell you that we are jumping for joy over here because we leave on a cruise on Monday!!!  Daniel was able to get a good chunk of vacation time off, the first time in a couple of years.  He is beyond thrilled to not have phone service where work can call and wake him up at 6am every morning.  I'm excited to sit, relax, and just connect with my husband.  We scheduled a kayak tour in Catalina and I'm most excited for that.  Plus, my passport finally came yesterday (I still hadn't changed my name after 4 years of marriage) so we can cross off that stress factor and start packing!!!  

If we were having coffee together I would share that we are looking for some place to live and it has left me with a huge mix of emotions.  This summer I was planning on turning our guest bedroom into a nursery, gutting out the closet to make room for baby, and begin decorating.  We've known we would need to move soon, it just seemed to sneak up on us very quickly.  These past few weeks I have witnessed so many woman of faith talk about courage, about taking a leap of faith and really living life. Moving is scary for both of us, since it is something we haven't really had to do.  Thinking about where to live, where to raise our family, where to build a community all crowds my mind.  And we've had so many very serious and hard conversations about everything, but we are constantly encouraged by God's grace to take a leap of faith and know that He will provide for us no matter where we end up.  I am encouraged to ask for God's grace to give me courage, courage to do what others might think is crazy, courage to stand up for myself, courage to believe God will provide! 

insert happy dance here

I keep coming back to this scripture over and over these past few weeks.  It is a perfect promise of how God will provide for you, and when you see that promise face to face, all you can do is smile, take a breath, and thank the One that made it happen. 

Daniel and I have dubbed this season in our life the "Sweet Season".  And for the first time in three years, we can finally say this.  There have been lots of moments of joy, but there have also been lots of trials.  Many trials.  And though these trials haven't seen trivial, they have hurt and challenged us.  The past three years I have juggled teaching full time and getting my masters/reading specialist credential.  And in just three weeks, we will get to close this chapter of our lives. 

And it feels as though a snowball effect has been occurring as our chapter comes to a close.  

Last week, this beauty came in the mail.....I officially passed my comp exams.  That weekend from, you know where, is now a chapter in the books.  (By the way, I'm not a Mr. SDSU.) 

Yesterday I turned in my thesis, freshly printed, bound, and shining like a diamond, to my professor.  That felt amazing.  

And to top it all off, we payed off Daniel's student loans this week as well!  That feels like a huge triumph, and all I can say is that I am incredibly proud of my husband and how he has led us financially to allow this to happen.  (Now if only mine would disappear!) 

So excuse us if you see us doing a little happy dance inside Trader Joe's or walking to the mail box, we are embracing this sweet season with open arms and give all the glory to God! 

hope

Easter is becoming my new favorite holiday.  Growing up my brother, sister, and I would spend hours decorating our Easter baskets, picking out our new outfits and shoes, and compete over who could decorate the prettiest eggs.  And somewhere in the mix of these traditions, I missed the real reason for the holiday.  Each year I seem to learn a little nugget more about what Easter is really about.  After a beautiful church service Saturday evening I came home baffled at how nieve I am as a Christian, saddened that I didn't know growing up what I know now. 

This beautiful holiday, centered around the most innocent taking the burden for our sins, and it has always felt like any other day.  As we planned our Easter meal and decided what we would wear, I forgot the beauty of this day. 

Hope.  Each service I went to and everything I read centered around HOPE.  The apostles were left broken, and three days later HOPE came.  The fact that we have a savior that carries our burdens and cleanses our sins leaves my heart heavy and light at the same time.  It makes my heart skip a beat, little butterflies emerge.  And how quickly this passes away when the day to day work takes over.  This Easter I was filled with HOPE.  This past week my heart was heavy.  I had cried for days over my exam, and then remained in a funk.  Work was hectic, our home was hectic, life seemed hard, and I felt hopeless.  The beautiful part of Jesus is that he is always there, when my heart is heavy and I forget to bring these burdens to him-he is there.  And as I sang my heart out on Saturday evening at church, my hope was restored.  It may not seem like all of our problems are solved, but I am a savior that is there to listen to my cries, forgive me of my sins, and make me complete again.  He makes this mess I feel like sometime into something beautiful.  

"We like sheep have gone astray; we have turned-every one-to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

-Isaiah 53:6

We did enjoy our Easter!  A LaFuze family tradition is the easter egg hunt the entire family participates in.  My mother-in-law puts puzzle pieces inside of plastic eggs, and we divide up into teams.  We all run around the backyard frantic to find our colored eggs, crack open the eggs on the table, and help our caption put together our puzzle.  This was the first year that my team couldn't find all of our eggs, as evidenced by the missing 4 pieces from our puzzle.  Without fail we will find it next year!  My niece ran around in her pretty dress, my nephew began walking all over the place, cousins surrounded the living room watching the basketball game, and mothers talked around the kitchen.  My soul was happy and my heart was full.  I hope you and your family had a beautiful Easter! 

teacher love

"The great teachers fill you up with hope and shower you with a thousand reasons to embrace all aspects of life" - Pat Conroy, Author

It amazes me how something so small can make such a large impact on me.  Recently our local K Love station has been sharing ways to encourage and appreciate your teachers, and every time I hear them sharing this it brings me to tears.  They read in a recent survey that teachers are among the top under appreciated jobs.  As a teacher I can tell you, sadly, that I can understand how this is true.  We pour our hearts and souls into our job to make each student succeed, catering to how they learn best.  

It fills my heart with joy that a radio station recognizes this and is spreading the news.  Right now you can go to their website, here, and download a certificate of appreciation to give to your teacher.  Just one simple "thank you" warms a teacher's heart, keeps them going, and encourages them more than you can know.    

I thought I'd share with you some ways that I want to encourage the teachers I work with and get our year off to a great start!

First, I found this print this past week on Pinterest and I immediately downloaded it (because it was free!!), ordered it through Target, then stopped over to pick it up and purchased the perfect frame for it. There is now one in my classroom as well as my team teacher.  I wanted to give her a little something to show how grateful and excited I am for this upcoming school year.  This is the cutest print, and I can't wait to walk into my classroom each day and say this, believe it, and be grateful for each of my students.

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Each year my faculty has a back-to-school brunch during our "Teacher Week".  It's an Italian potluck, a known tradition, and it is one of my greatest joys right before the school year starts.  I saw this cute idea and think it would make the perfect detail to add to the table and make the teachers all feel loved.

Source: thediaryofdaveswife.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Lastly, I know there are a ton of these eCards everywhere.  Normally I read a couple, give a little chuckle, and then move on.  This one I just couldn't pass up without sharing with you:

Source: someecards.com via Jamie on Pinterest