Thank you for Writing!

What a joy it has been to hear from all of you! Thank you Melissa for getting us all started, and well done Susie on putting this blog together. And Traci you added a picture. Impressive! You are helping me advance in my technology skills as I have never participated in a blogger and really have no idea how this works!
I wanted to echo a few books that Rachel and Amber mentioned. Blue Like Jazz was a refreshing read regarding Christianity and how it is lived out in today's world. Strongly recommend it. The author is from Portland too! The Kite Runner I loved and read in one day. I couldn't put it down. The latest book I read that kept me up until 4:30am in the morning was a very intellectual and a life changing read (not really, but it was quite fun): Can you keep a secret by Sophie Kinsella. She is the author of the Confessions of a Shopaholic series. It takes place in London which makes me very happy. Currently I am reading Bill Brysons' Notes from a small island which is all about traveling around England. It is a fantastically fun read. And Hollie Smith recommended another travelogue called Tales of a Female Nomad which I am also reading and am feeling quite inspired by.
On another topic: music. Today I put in my Jack Johnson Curious George soundtrack and I thought of all of you. If you don't have this I would strongly suggest buying it. It is adorable, fun, and easy listening. The only annoying song is one about recycling. The song NEVER leaves your mind, but I just skip it and life is fine. (In fact Jack Johnson is my new favorite artist. I bought two of his CD's tonight. I do that with music. I never buy CD's but when I do it is always in excess. What does this say about me? Maybe I need to talk to you about this Suzie.)
Speaking of life, mine is going quite fine. Life has hit a nice rhythm and I am feeling content which is not something I feel often. So, I thank God for that gift. The biggest Reitmeier family news is my sister, Lisa, is engaged! She will be marrying Timmy Blackburn of Kansas City, Missouri. He is a nice country boy who plays the guitar and dresses like a cowboy with a slick city style. He adores Lisa, which makes me very happy. They are getting married in New York City (where they both live) in May. Next weekend Lisa, Timmy and Timmy's parents will be visiting which I am quite excited about.
Other than that, teaching my middle schoolers continues to be an adventure. The school year is already half over which is hard to believe. This weekend I am going to be planting in my garden which I have fun with. I wanted to get it ready for the Blackburns arrival. Do any of you suggest any "must have" plants? My garden has plenty of space to fill.
It has refreshed my soul to hear from all of you. Thank you for taking the time to share your lives with me. I look forward to what you share next!
Much love, Renee'
Oh, I am also taking a French Language course, so I will close instead with:
Je t'aime!
Bisses, Renee'