Humbled

The new school year has been pretty incredible. We've already been in school for more than six weeks. It's amazing how quickly time goes by when you're doing what you love and staying busy. My days are full, my nights are busy, and my weekends are a little bit of everything.

I'm so blessed to love what I do everyday. I've been humbled and honored this week by my colleagues. They voted me the Teacher of the Year at my school. I've only taught a few short years and feel overwhelmed that other teachers have noticed my teaching. I thank God for giving me the chance to serve Him in such a unique way. I know I would not be where I am without Him, nor would I be able to accomplish all that I do without His gifts, peace, love, joy, and strength. I'm blessed to share His love through my actions. He is my all in all. I am nothing apart from Him. It is the gifts He's given me that allow me to enjoy what I do, and shine brightly at doing my job.

I care so much about these kids. I am content in my life. So grateful for the many blessings and privileges I have. Whatever will be will be. God is beyond good.

School's out

I have the biggest smile on my face at the moment. It has not quite hit me yet that I don't have to get up before 6. And however crazy this might seem I'm way excited about next year. Go figure. I'm looking forward to my summer as well. I'm taking a class to teach me how to be a better writer but most importantly teach my students to be better writers. I am ecstatic about being around other professionals that care like I do.

I have loved this year so much. There have been moments that have lasted forever, moments I would go back and change, moments I don't want to remember, but mostly there have been so many great moments of laughter. I love my students. I have seen so many of them grow and end the year strong. I will miss them dearly....

Another year goes by fast....

Officially 8 more days of school left

Need I say more!!!

A few thoughts for the day

1. Students who are passionate about something want to see and make change in our world. They just need constant reminders that they are not alone in this world.
2. Sometimes the things you think only happen in other places are a reality in our midst. I know this all too well.
3. God is faithful, even when we are faithless.
4. He makes us white as snow when we come to Him and pour out our hearts and ask for forgiveness.
5. I cannot even comprehend the depth of God's love for me. I'm speechless.

Spring is Here!!!

I love the spring time. I just discovered I have a rose bush in my front yard. I had no idea until I was watering flowers this morning and I saw all the beautiful roses. What a delightful surprise.

State testing is officially over this year!!!! You don't see me jumping for joy but I am. :) And finally we only have two and a half weeks of school left. How exciting. All the kids are ready to be outside and enjoy the summer. But our work is not done yet, this I will have to remind them often in the next two weeks. I love my job. I love teaching 7th graders. I laugh so often. Whether at myself or with my students. I feel like I am doing exactly what I was meant to do and I don't ever want to stop. Now mind you I must always remain calm and prepared for the unexpected everyday, if not every hour.

Here are a few pictures of my fun classroom.

This is my little world for most of my day. Enjoy!

Wii

I'm sitting here watching my brother and sister play Donkey Kong on the Wii and having a blast. It's spring break and my family and I have been playing the Wii almost not stop since we bought it yesterday at 7 in the morning. We have never been a Nintendo type of family. My mom and dad never bought one and when my grandparents bought the original Nintendo my parents were constantly taking away the remotes because we could not share. Now mind you I never made it past the 2nd level of Super Mario Brothers, so it never really held my attention. But I must say I am addicted to the Wii. My arms are definitely sore right now. Honestly though what better way to spend a spring break off from school and students but to enjoy time with family. We have never laughed so hard. We have all made a Mii and tried to play some of the sports. My parents are planning a get together with all their friends and we are going to teach them Karaoke on the Wii. We've already made most of their Miis. This is truly an investment that brings young and old together. Well it looks like it's my turn so I'm going to try and get some bananas.

Life

We all have our idea of what life should be like. Our dreams and hopes for our future. If asked about living my dream. I would have to say I'm living part of it. But my idea of life, well reality is more sobering. Life is not always what you think it will be or how it will go. And as for dreams, when you begin to live part of your dream you realize that God has much bigger plans for you life. The choice then becomes will I be willing to walk in his plans or just stay in the partial dream. Hmmmm. I don't even have an answer. I know that the spirit is willing but the flesh is soooo very weak. My faith seems so small to trust God with His plan for my life. My flesh is content it seems at times to just stay put, but my spirit aches to walk in faith.

Beyond these deep thoughts I've enjoyed a beautiful warm February day. Only in Oklahoma can we have a cold snow storm one day and two days later it be sunny and almost 65. Tomorrow it sounds like it's going to be in the 70s. Crazy but nice.

The Holidays have come to an end and a new year has begun...

I am finally in my own home once again. If I had to sum up my break I would simply tell you that I went home to be with my family, help my mother quilt 18 quilts, cook for her catering, paint my aunts entire house, and somewhere in the middle of all that I had the flu and strep throat. I need a break from my break. Ha. School starts on Monday and now I have to get back into school mode. I did so much over the break it all blurs together but nonetheless it was wonderful to be home with family.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year. Perhaps I'll have more to say once I recover from my holiday.