End of the School Year

My first year of teaching has come to an end.  I could not have been more blessed with a wonderful class, school and co-workers.  I truly miss those kids so much now that summer's here!

Our last few weeks together were really special and will always make me smile when I think back on them.  This class and I will always share a bond.  We went through a lot together and they were my first class.  They better come back and visit me!

I planned some fun activities for us to do at the end of the school year.  First and foremost, I was attending a workshop during the teacher workdays, so I had to get my room packed away before most.  I capitalized on the students' energy and had them help me.  We had fun taking down posters and packing a few boxes.  They loved to help and I definitely appreciated it!

After we organized and put away all of their books, I went out and bought shaving cream so they could clean the desks.  I remember how much fun shaving cream was when I was a kid, so I wanted them to experience that too.  Umm, to say they loved it would be an understatement.  I only used 2 cans on 25 desks, but that was more than enough.  They had a blast!  And it makes the desks amazing clean.  I let them play around with it for about 30 minutes, drawing pictures, writing notes to their friends, etc.  Then they had to buff it in and I came around with a wipe to clean any excess off.  It was so easy and made the room smell really good.

Before

After

After we cleaned the desks, we put them all in a big circle (instead of their team seating) and enjoyed a class pizza party, games, movies and stories.  I taught them how to play the "Cup Game".  We used to play this game all the time in high school during SGA functions.  I loved it and I think my students loved it too.  They told me they went home and taught their parents and siblings.  Here's a video if you want to learn how it goes.  We got going really fast and if you messed up, you were out.

The song I taught them is a little different.  It goes, "Clap, clap.  One, two, three.  Clap, then move.  Clap, upside down, then to you!"

I made my students a small end of the year gift.  I couldn't go spend a fortune, but I wanted to get them a little something.  I saw an idea on Pinterest (of course), so I tweaked it a little to work with what I had.  I thought it turned out cute and they loved it.  It doesn't take much to make kids happy! :)

Here are the supplies you need: ribbons, gift tags, swirly straws, kool aid packets and a hole puncher.

Punch a hole through the gift tags and the corner of the kool aid packet.  String a ribbon through them both and tie it to the straw.  Easy peasy, cute and colorful.  I think this project cost me about $12 for 24 students.  Not too bad!

My favorite activity we did by far was on the last day of school.  I taped a piece of paper to each of their backs, gave them all a marker and told them to go around the room and write on each others paper taped to their back.  The only rule was they had to write something kind, something they liked about the person.  Surprisingly, they did amazing on this.  They never got rowdy and they were REALLY into it.  I didn't even have any problems with someone sneaking something rude.  I shouldn't have been surprised because we were pretty good about having a very supportive classroom.  Like I said, we went through a lot together this year.

Once everyone had a chance to write on each of their classmate's backs, I told them they could take the paper off and read it.  I had some students crying over the nice things their classmates wrote.  It was an amazing activity.  I told them to always keep it in a safe place and anytime they had a rough day to take it out, read it, and remember that someone loved them.  I had a teacher that did this activity with me in high school and I still have my paper.  It really made an impact.

Once we were done with that, we did a round robin and shared funny stories and favorite memories from our year.  We were laughing so hard at some of the stories.  I read them a poem (another Pinterest find) that totally fit how I felt about them.

The great thing about teaching older kids is that they can write notes to me and tell me how they feel.  I received several notes that made me cry and thank the Lord for giving me this amazing opportunity.  I will keep these in a very special place and look back on them anytime I have a bad day.  They make everything worth it.  Students told me I had "impacted" their life.  Me?  Impact?  Just reading those words made me praise God for HIS work through me.  It was all Him.  On our way to the buses, my "challenge" for the year handed me a folded up piece of notebook paper.  He told me not to read it yet, but gave me the okay a few minutes later.  I opened it up and read his words.  He said, "I'm going to miss you.  You were the best teacher I ever had.  I love you."  You know the tears starting coming.  As I put those kids on the buses, the girls were clinging to my hips and crying.  This may be some of the hardest work I've ever done, but it is by far the most rewarding.

I have to give all the glory to the Lord, though.  I asked Him for wisdom each morning on my drive to work.  I couldn't have done it without His guiding hand.  There were times when I'd be dealing with a situation in class, I'd be getting upset, and I'd remember to just stop and pray for His direction.  Each and every time I did that, He opened my eyes to the situation in a way I'd never seen it before.  I just praise and thank Him over and over for this opportunity.

I'm so excited about next year already.  I can't wait to meet my new students and form new bonds.  I hope all of you teachers out there have a great summer!

Gardening and School

Those are the two things that have consumed my life since I last posted.  I really need to get better about this!  But with spring comes A LOT of responsibility in the yard and the FCAT is upon us this week at school.  It's all been snowballing and has sucked me in.  Sorry for being MIA!  I have so much to post, but this will suffice for now.

I decided to try container gardening this year for the first time.  And I'm so excited.  I'm a domesticated nerd.  My whole family is comprised of gardeners, but I never really took an interest to it until now.  Since I can't physically till up a portion of our yard, I decided to buy some massive containers and try my hand that way.  Three weeks ago I planted tomatoes (6 of them, *oh my word*), squash (2), cucumbers (2), bell peppers (1), jalapenos (3), basil, cilantro, oregano, dill, rosemary, and thyme.  I have 8 containers all together spread out around the yard.  In just this last week, these suckers really started to bloom!

Here's my basil and cilantro week 1.

And here's what they look like at week 3.

My squash and cucumbers at week 1.

And at week 3.  They've gotten so huge I think I'm going to have to re-pot them.  You can't even see the cucumbers growing up the trellis in this picture.

Herbs (thyme, dill, rosemary, oregano) week 1.

And herbs week 3.

Tomatoes and some of the pepper plants week 1.

And tomatoes and peppers week 3.

It's amazing to me to see the difference in just a couple of weeks.  I realize that I may be the only person alive that finds this remotely interesting.  I can't wait to have home grown veggies and herbs all summer.  I'm already using the herbs, but I'll have to wait awhile on the veggies.  Something (a slug, I think) keeps eating the leaves of my pepper plants and I cannot figure out how to get rid of it.  Anyone have any suggestions?  Normally pests leave pepper plants alone, but not in my yard.  I planted marigolds in all of the containers because my mom told me that would keep bugs away from my tomatoes.  So far, so good on that one!  My class has a garden too so I'll have to post pictures of that.  We're growing squash, cherry tomatoes, and peppers.

My class is taking the FCAT this week.  They've worked SO hard all year to prepare and I am extremely proud of their efforts.  One of my friends, a first grade teacher at our school, had her class make us signs and cards for all of my kids.  I hung them up Friday afternoon (along with black butcher paper to hide all of my posters, ugh!) for extra motivation this week.  We were so grateful for their kindness.  It really brightened my students' day, and mine!

I cannot wait to have my room back the way I like it.  I despise having their desks like this.  I prefer group seating.  It makes the flow so much easier and the kids are quieter...as weird as that may be.  You'd think sitting with a group of people they'd talk, but they talk WAY MORE when seated like this.  And I never realized how much team work I do until they're seated like this and I can't do it anymore.  Oh well, just 2 more days!  I'm keeping my sweet kids in my prayers as they start the math portion tomorrow.  I can't believe I only have 6 more weeks with them.  I'm getting sad!

Speaking of prayers, I'd like to make a special request for prayers for my nephew, Matt.  I will spare the details, but he needs prayers, please.  Easter did not go as planned for our family this year.  But God hears us and He's answering surely.  I believe that the power of prayer is so strong that it can accomplish anything.  It's already accomplished so much!  And for that I am truly thankful.

I hope y'all have a great week.  Be blessed! XO

New Ride!

There has been quite an exciting and unexpected turn of events in my spring break.  Not only did my best friend (besides my husband) of 22 years come home from Germany for a visit, but I got a [brand] new ride.

So long, Altima!  It had been good for me for the past 8 years, making it all the way through college with me, but it decided to die over spring break.  I guess it picked a good time since I didn't have to travel to and from work everyday.

Now for the new addition...

Isn't she pretty?!  It's kind of a silly story how this all worked out.  We had absolutely ZERO plans of buying me a car for about another year or year and a half.  But how many times do we realize that things never work out the way we plan?  My Altima had been acting up for a couple of months and after another visit to the shop this week, we just realized we better go ahead and cut our losses.  Thank the Lord for working everything out for us.  We went car shopping Friday in the most awful weather and immediately found exactly what I wanted.  We made the deal, they agreed on our numbers and it was done!  This is my first Honda and my first brand new car.  I love the new car smell!  I can't help but see God's grace be extended in everything.  He just gave us peace over the finances and worked out our deal perfectly.   I mean...to the tee exactly what we were willing and wanting to do.  So thank you for those of you who prayed for us to get this all worked out. We felt your prayers!  Blessed!

Through this, J and I have realized something about ourselves.  When we really decide on something, we know exactly what we want and we don't waste time.  Our home was the first and only house we looked at when buying.  We had looked online at homes for about a year, but this was the only one we went and viewed in person.  When buying this car, we shopped online for a couple of days, made a list of cars we wanted to see, and this car was #1.  Went to the dealer, drove it, bought it.  We don't waste any time I guess.  Ha!  But make no mistake...we are VERY informed about our choices.  We research, research, research (and PRAY) before any major purchase.  It makes the whole transaction go very smooth.

Besides all of that, we had beautiful weather today. I'm thankful for that during these last couple days of my vacation.  We enjoyed our Saturday morning relaxing on the back porch with doors and windows open.

Yup, that's mustard oozing out of my sausage biscuit. :)  Don't knock it till ya try it!

We'll be enjoying ourselves tonight at a "Saturday Night Fish Fry"!  Y'all have probably never heard this song, but having a dad that was born during the great depression has lots of perks.  I've been exposed to some of the greatest music.  I love hearing my dad sing these old songs - brings a smile to my face just thinking about it.

Enjoy your weekend!

Spring

It's so amazing to me how this whole world was designed with a plan by the master creator.  I just love this time of year - the birds singing loudly as they build their nests, the new life coming back from the cold winter, beautiful flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables being planted...I could go on and on.  As I get prepared for Easter in my heart, I just can't help but be so in awe of how everything comes to life this time of year.

This is kind of random, but I just wanted to make sure I document some of the beauty in our yard that we're seeing for the first time since this is our first spring in the house.  We have a little tree FULL of these blooms.  They smell so delicious and look like honeysuckle, but we knew they weren't.  They've finally been identified as wild azaleas...who knew?!  My mom, of course.  The plant guru.  I'd never heard of them, but apparently they're indigenous to this area.

Hub-sand has been working so hard in the yard almost everyday.  This weekend, he literally spent the WHOLE weekend out there.  I am very grateful because he is making it look beautiful. I know it's a lot of hard work. The picture quality in this photo is terrible, but I though this back corner of our yard was so pretty.

I saw something on Pinterest the other day that I'd really like to try.  Beautiful, right?  It's a mini resurrection garden.

Source: wearethatfamily.com

And of course spring would not be complete without a new wreath on the door.

I bought this from a lady who designs these crosses in memory of her son who died in a car accident.  I have another one of hers hanging in our house.  I just love them and love the meaning behind her work.  Hubs doesn't quite know what to think of it, but I assured him that it looks great.

Spicy New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

I'm sitting here eating leftovers while hubby is at Bible study.  I could not help but think I needed to post this recipe because even the leftovers are delish.  It was another pinterest experiment and one that has been added to my recipe book!  If you're in the mood for spicy, smokey or seafood, this will not disappoint.

Spicy New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

Source: returntosundaysupper.com

Ingredients:

-1-2 pounds fresh,jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
-1/2 cup butter, melted
-4 tablespoons Heinz Chili Sauce
-3 tablespoons olive oil
-2 tablespoons Worcestershire
-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
-1 tablespoon fresh parsley
-1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
-1 1/2 teaspoons Liquid Smoke (hickory)
-1 teaspoon paprika
-1 teaspoon oregano
-1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Directions:

1. Peel and devein the shrimp.
2. Add all of the other ingredients in a saucepan, stir and let simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Remove pan from heat and let cool.
4. Arrange the shrimp in an oven- proof casserole dish and pour the sauce over the shrimp.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Bake shrimp for 15 - 20 minutes.
7. Serve immediately with crusty French bread to sop up the delicious sauce.

Normally I tweak recipes, but I followed this one to the tee.  It was so so good.  If you're not a huge fan of spicy, opt for just 1/2 to 1 tsp of cayenne pepper.  And I suggest letting it marinate overnight.  I let mine sit for about 8 hours and it was still full of flavor, but I can only imagine how awesome it would be if it soaked all night.

Switching gears - I read a powerful scripture yesterday...

Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus.  -Philemon 1:8-9

Wow.  Just chew on that for a moment.  Love is the greatest gift of all.  It was a wonderful reminder that I really need to show love more than anything else in every aspect of my life - even to those who irritate me so badly sometimes.  Ha!  Love is more powerful than any boldness, authority, or pride.


XO

Meal Plan & Salmon Puttanesca over Spinach with Buttered Gnocchi

Hey y'all!  Happy Monday!  It really is happy for me because I'm on spring break!  Never thought I'd experience spring break again after college, but I am very thankful to recharge myself this week.

Since I'm terrible at blogging lately, I figured I'd bring ya a meal plan with a recipe I had a few people request last week.  This week's meal plan will be...

Monday: Blackened Cobia and steamed asparagus
Tuesday: Spicy New Orleans BBQ Shrimp and broccoli
Wednesday: Out to dinner with friends!
Thursday: Grilled pork steaks, sweet potatoes and steamed asparagus
Friday: Green Chili Turkey Burgers

Here's the recipe from my facebook as well.

Salmon Puttanesca over Spinach with Buttered Gnocchi 
(adapted from Publix Apron Meals)

(photo courtesy of publix.com)

Ingredients:

-2 to 4 salmon fillets, skin removed

-1 bag fresh spinach leaves

-1 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese

-1 tbsp garlic butter

-1 1/2 cups pasta sauce (any type you like)

-1 16 oz package gnocchi pasta

-1 cup chicken broth

-2 tbsp olive oil

-1/4 tsp paprika

-1 clove garlic, minced

Directions:

1. Preheat large saucepan over medium/high heat until heated through.  Season both sides of salmon with salt and pepper.  Place 1 tbsp olive oil in pan, add fish, and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.  Pour pasta sauce over fish, reduce heat to medium, cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until fish flakes easily.

2.  To prepare gnocchi, bring chicken broth to a boil, add in gnocchi and butter and boil for 2-3 minutes.  Reduce heat to low, add in 1 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese and paprika.  The gnocchi will absorb most of the liquid.

3.  To prepare spinach, heat a medium saucepan over medium/high heat.  Add 1 tbsp olive oil and minced garlic.  Saute for about 1-2 minutes, being sure not to brown the garlic.  Add spinach a handful at a time, stirring until all is wilted and tender.

4.  Serve spinach topped with salmon and a side of gnocchi.

This was a different dish than we normally have, but we both really liked it and it's been added to my recipe book.  It'll be making its rotations into my meal plans. :)

I'll try to post more later this week.  I'm off to enjoy some relaxation and spending time with some of the very best people.  God bless! XO

 

Break My Heart for What Breaks Yours

It's a rainy dreary day here and I'm taking a much needed mental break from school work.  I have so much to write, but do not know where to start.  I can start with the hardships and end on a positive note.  I'm just rambling to myself trying to make sense of everything so sad, yet everything so wonderful.

This past week was just full of bad news.  I know there are certain seasons of life that just seem more grim than others.  We fluctuate from highs to lows.  And death seems to have cycles like this as well.  It'll be a long time without anyone I know passing and then all of a sudden I'm reading about someone new everyday.  Yesterday was just like that.  We learned of 3 deaths yesterday, with more earlier in the week and some still suffering, not long for this world.  It just breaks your heart to see others hurt that way.  And I can't help think of this song by Hillsong United and a different one by Matthew West that says break my heart for what breaks Yours.  This line has been on my mind for awhile and I pray for that.  And it was surely answered.  I have particularly had such a heavy heart for one of my students.  It is unreal what some children go through.  This child has been through some of the lowest valleys I can imagine and I just don't know how he even functions.  God's grace has seen this child through many a storm and his storms keep on raging.  Teaching is in no way an easy career.  It's trying of your patience, full of long days, and your heart just breaks at times.  But it is absolutely rewarding if you have the calling.  I just praise God that He put this student in my class.

My favorite song at the moment.  Learning to Be the Light by Newworldson

Through this I have learned a very important lesson - I am where I am strictly because of God's grace in my life.   I can remember saying after we bought this house that we had worked so hard to put ourselves through school and start careers so that we could be in this position to buy.  But I was SO WRONG.  It wasn't anything WE did, it was everything HE did.  I am where I am because of His grace alone.  What makes me live in a home and not on the street is not because I have a great job or a college education.  It's because the Lord's grace provided that for me.  There are millions of people who are born into or experience circumstances beyond their control and that could just as easily be me.  It was such a sobering realization for me, but one that I needed.  I don't even know if this makes sense to anyone else, but it does to me.

So yesterday evening, I was feeling particularly down and just sad.  We had a Ladies Night Out event at church and I was just praying that it would lift my spirits and lift my spirits it did!  I ended the evening with so much joy restored to my heart.  I got to spend some good time with my SIL Amber, her friend Jessica, and my friend Rachel.  They are such awesome folks.  It was good and I felt so refreshed.  :)

I woke up to a beautiful, cool morning today (before the rain set in).  Hubs and I had coffee on our porch and walked around the yard admiring some gorgeous flowers in bloom.  I love spring and the rebirth of everything!  It's hard not to smile when you see beauty all around.

 This azalea is covered in hundreds of tiny blooms!

I forgot what these are called but they're so pretty with their little pink flowers and purple leaves.

I can't wait to see what else will bloom soon.  Our hydrangeas are starting to bud.  Those are my favorite!

I'm happy to end this on a positive, peaceful note.  No matter what goes on all around, Jesus' place in my heart provides me peace and comfort.  Be blessed! XO