FCAT, dogs, and craziness

I'm seriously terrible at keeping up with this now.  I sure do hate that.  It was one thing I always enjoyed doing, but I hardly ever have time anymore.  I need to update about what's been going on around these parts.

Well...FCAT is DONE!  Thank you, Lord.  That is always such a stressful time for us teachers who teach FCAT grade levels.  So much pressure is put on us.  I tend to take a more laid back approach because I know I've taught and prepared my students well and as the saying goes...you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.  I have to say though that my WHOLE class did such an awesome job.  They each tried their hardest and that's all I ever ask for.  I stayed busy making treats for my kids.  They really enjoyed these.

Day 1 Treat

Day 2 Treat

Day 3 Treat

AND Day 4 Treat.  I saved the best for last :)

 Now I can get back to a somewhat normal schedule in my room.  We're working on a poetry unit right now in Language Arts and the kids are having a blast.  I love to see their creativity coming out!  Some of them who struggled with writing are flourishing at poetry.  We're also doing some really cool science experiments.  Last week, we blew up water balloons with vinegar and baking soda.  This blew their minds. :)

I am truly blessed with a job I LOVE.  I wake up everyday looking forward to work.  And I'm almost done with all of my coursework to obtain my permanent certificate.  That's been keeping me busy as well.  I'm taking my last Reading Competency course and I took my last test over spring break (which I passed-yipee!).  God has really seen me through everything and has given me the endurance to keep going when I've gotten so tired.

Speaking of jobs, Jared just started his new job TODAY!  I am in awe of God's faithfulness in our lives.  He is doing so much work with us right now and we are truly thankful.  Through the valleys and the mountains, this life is a beautiful gift we have been given.  We are so thankful for His grace in our lives.

It's not all been rainbows and butterflies lately though.  We've been dealing with some really hard family situations.  My 91 year old grandpa was in a really bad accident a few weeks ago and he's darn lucky to be alive.  His guardian angel was working overtime.  My aunt and uncle both have terminal cancer and my mom and dad are really struggling.  It all breaks my heart, but I know the Sovereign One will provide and comfort.  Cancer is horrible.

Every weekend we've had something going on.  It pretty much doesn't slow down until June for us.  I'm in dire need of a beach day!  Of course we enjoy every event we go to, but deep down we're such homebodies.  I'm in bed asleep every night by 9 if I have my way, lol.

With all the busy-ness and change going on in our lives, we've also inherited a new addition to the family.  Sometimes I feel like I'm in a cartoon.  Or more accurately, I feel like Dr. Dolittle.  Last week, it was a dog, week before it was a baby bird, week before that, it was a baby squirrel.  I can't make this stuff up.  But without further ado, everyone, meet Paisley.  She's our new little fox hound. 

Long story short, she came to be ours just like Rosie.  She needs a lot of love and attention, but she's so sweet and loving.  She's much more calm than Rosie (praise the Lord) and having her around has really helped Rosie mellow out.  Maybe that's been the answer all along!  They became fast friends and now they do everything together.  Seriously, everything.

 

Rotten hounds.  They both lucked out and fell into the right hands at this house.  But that's it!  Two is enough!  Hopefully I won't have too many crazy stories to go along with these two.  I feel like I was just getting out of that with Rosie and now I'm starting all over again.


On one last note, I just have to add in how thankful I am for Jared.  Not trying to be mushy, but he seriously puts up with a lot from me and is always there no matter what.  He's my best friend.  He's the funniest person I've ever known, which is an awesome quality about him that many don't get to see.  He can have me laughing non-stop.  I'm so grateful for his commitment and faithfulness to our marriage and his drive to provide for us.  We made a decision at the beginning of the year to designate date nights together and it has made such a difference - no cell phones, no interruptions, just us.  I love it and I love him.  I have so much fun with him.

I hope you all have a blessed week and take the time to be thankful for the little things in life.  They're really not so little.