First Day of School

Today was the first day of school.

Today, 12 new students entered my class, my life, my heart.

Today, 12 sets of moms and dads cautiously yet eagerly chauffeured their children to their "home" for the next few years.

Today, we learned the rules and started putting them into practice.

Today, a few children already needed a "chit-chat" from the teacher.

Today, high-fives, stickers and hugs were given.

Today, I started my 4th year of teaching and feel like I finally know what I am doing.

Today, I smiled a lot, almost cried (but didn't!) once, and talked more in 6 hours than I did all summer.

Today, I cleaned up a bloody nose, covered scrapes with bandaids and told several kids, "You'll be alright."

Today, it was hotter than heck, everyone was sweaty and thirsty, and after recess they stumbled into our air conditioned room with red cheeks and no energy.

Today, they ate a popsicle and that seemed to help a bit.

Today was pretty good.

Today was the first day of school.

Camping at the Beach

Last weekend we went camping at the beach. It was our last summer trip; a time to relax before school started and everything got busier. It was sprinkling on Sat. morning, but it cleared up and was beautiful in the afternoon. We took a long walk and brought Marley down to a remote part of the beach so she could run free for a bit. She loved it! My parents came up for the evening and walked with us and had dinner. It was a very relaxing trip!

26

Today I am 26. I couldn't be happier. I love being 26 because it means I have been married to Randy for 2 years and a few months, we live in this great house, and we have a wonderful pup. It means I have the life I have now, which I am so grateful to have. God’s grace has been abundant in our lives and in my short 26 years. Last night, in my last few moments as a 25 year old, I was convicted and suddenly felt an urgency to wake up and start living! You might be confused by this since I just raved about how much I love living my current life. Let me clarify. I was convicted to start living exclusively for Him. Him with a capital H. Him and Him alone. When I examine my heart and am honest with myself, I don’t always like what I see. I see a lot of pride, control, anxiety, and other stuff that is keeping me from Him. I want to start living with nothing in the way from me to Him. It’s not about me, it’s all about Him. Who have I been living for? Me. Who have I been giving control over my life? Me. Who’s plans have I been following for my life? Mine. You get the picture. Lately, Sunday morning messages have been going in one ear and out the other. Luckily, I have been given the opportunity to hear wonderful messages and read wonderful books that have stuck with me, nagging me to do what I know in my heart and soul I need to do. Repent, pick up my cross, and follow Him. Him alone. Forget me or any ideas I have for my life. It’s not at all about me. I am merely a vessel who is here on earth to bring Him glory. That’s it! Him. Now this is all easier said than done, so luckily, by the grace of God alone, the Holy Spirit has convicted me to stop, reflect, repent, refocus, recommit, and revolve my life around Him. My faith in Him is renewed and I feel recharged and ready to actively pursue Him and His plans for my life.

A Letter to Mr. Radar Speed Detector

Dear Mr. Radar Speed Detector on the side of the road,

I know people often speed on the road on which you reside. I may, from time to time, be one of those people. Today, however, I was going 43 miles per hour and the speed limit is 50. Why did you feel the need to flash the words, "43 MPH. Slow down!" to me when I was well under the limit? Just curious.

Write back soon,
A not so speedy citizen

Family Gathering

Today we got together with my side of the family for a summer family gathering. We went to a local park to BBQ, lounge around, talk and enjoy a beautiful August day with family. We had a great time!

Back to School

Can you tell I have going back to school on the brain? I can't believe summer is almost over already. I guess teaching summer school and being gone on vacation for 2 weeks has made this summer feel especially short. Starting on Monday, I will be setting up my classroom and then my first official (by that I mean paid) day of school is the 25th. The students will start on the 27th. I am starting to have the back to school dreams where I imagine a variety of interesting/frightening/hilarious things happening in my class. The funny thing is that sometimes I experience the real-life version of these dreams, or something similar at least. For the first time in 3+ years of teaching I will have a class of all new students, except for one I believe. This is the first year where I will not know everything about my students before I even start the year. It is exciting to feel like a "normal" teacher who starts fresh every year. I am looking forward to what this year will bring. I'm sure it will bring the usual ups and downs and some really great stories to tell at the dinner table. Oh the joys of teaching!

Marley Moo

Our Marley Moo is such a great pup. She enjoyed fetching her toys tonight under the super orange sunset. We love her!

Tahoe

My sister's wedding in Tahoe was beautiful! We had so much fun and it was wonderful to celebrate Robin and Forrest's marriage! The weather was really cold, cloudy and a little rainy for most of our trip but thankfully, the day of the wedding was 75 degrees and perfect! We had a great time!