Back to School

This was our first week back to school (without the kids).  It was a slow week in a weird way.  My to-do list was a mile long, which made me think that my week should go by fast. But it just drug by.  I guess there's just so much anticipation!  There was SO much to do and if I'm being honest, I feel a little overwhelmed.  I'm not really sure why.  Lesson plans are complete, every copy that needed to be made for the 1st week has been done, all students have a desk and books.  I have all my ducks in a row. It might have something to do with 26 students on a roster and more possibly being added on Monday.  Six were added just hours before orientation, so I was scrambling to get desks, name tags, supplies, etc.  But it all came together in time. 

The beginning of the year is such a strange time for me.  I wonder if I'll be able to love these kids like I loved the kids the year before.  I just got them where I wanted them and now I have to start all over, ha!  Is this normal?  Because it happens to me every year.  And every year I end up loving my students and getting so attached.  I just care about them as people and they're so much more to me than a test score.    I'm remembering this year though to lower my expectations to save myself frustration and tears.  I definitely have my work cut out for me, but I'm so blessed to be able to do what I love.  I have an awesome grade level and great co-workers all around.  It really is a privilege to work with such wonderful people!

A big part of getting everything ready is getting your room prepared for those little bodies that will soon fill it up.  I don't think anyone, but teachers, truly understand what it means to "get my room ready".  You have to think about EVERYTHING.  I mean, this is where we'll spend the majority of our time for the next 9 months.  So much will happen in here - awakenings, reality checks, vast amounts of learning, loving, relationships developed, some fights (but hopefully not many), and incredible memories made.  There's so much energy and care that goes into every single thing I do to prepare my room.  It's pretty much how I wanted it, but I honestly didn't plan on that many desks being in there. ;)  Rule number one of being a teacher: FLEXIBILITY.  I'm praying for wisdom, perseverance, to see these kids through God's eyes, and simply to be a light in their worlds.

They were supposed to paint our rooms over the summer.  Before we left, we had to take everything down and put it in the center of our room.  Well, lo and behold the painting didn't happen.  They'll now do it one day during the school year.  Joy!  So, there was much work to be done and still yet to do.  Here's how my room turned out.

 The "before"...a complete disaster!

 Got my office and files all nice and organized!

 Orientation Day...desks are all set-up...everything's done!  This is the view from the door.

 Another view from my desk.  I'm soooooo thankful for a big classroom.

 View from the outside door.

 Their first stop every morning.  Our calendar area.

 I love all of my storage space!  And you better believe it is all used!  We'll do many, many science projects utilizing this counter space back here.  I can't wait!

 Reading Board all ready to go!  There are some bean bags right below it that will be a favorite of some students, I'm sure!

 Writing Board finished.  It won't be bare for long!

 Math Board!  It looks so empty.  I am so excited for another year of Number of the Day!

 Computer area and Science/Social Studies Boards.

 My awesome built in shelves....TONS of books and my science experiment loot.  I put the chairs over here this year for easy access to the class library...we'll see how it goes.

 View from the back of my room looking at the board.

 My classroom door and office door.  Citizenship chart is all ready to go!  I really love my punctuation people on the door.  They are one of my most favorite creations. ;)

 My area - my teacher table and OODLES of supplies behind me!

Word Wall and Cubbies are so clean and neat...let's see how long that lasts!  Ha!

I had a parent tell me at orientation that he could tell that I loved to teach.  I said, "Oh yeah?  How can you tell?"  He replied, "Your classroom.  You can just tell you put a lot of thought into the layout and items you have for the kids."  Thank you so much, sir, for noticing.  Not everyone does.  What an awesome compliment.  It totally made my day!

I am so ready for this year - for the challenges, struggles, and victories.  It's going to be great as long as I keep my eyes on Him and pray everyday over my room.  I am so exhausted and school hasn't even officially started.  I'm off to enjoy a relaxing weekend...and I may or may not eat brownies for supper tonight.  

Meal Plan Monday

Happy Monday, y'all!  I survived being back at work ;)  Nah, actually I'm excited to be back.  It was so great to see everyone today, work in my room, and start planning for this upcoming year.  I'm really excited to meet my students!  It's going to be another wonderful year.

Let's get down to what's going to be on our plates this week.  I plan all of my meals for the week over the weekend and shop for what I need.  I'm very linear and crave order, so this helps eliminate stress over what to have for dinner.  I like to know ahead of time and have a plan.  Here's what's on this week's menu.

Monday: Green Chili Turkey Burgers and Roasted Sweet Potato Fries with Rosemary
Tuesday: Pioneer Woman's Chicken Stir Fry
Wednesday: Church Dinner
Thursday: Blackened Tilapia with Roasted Broccoli (this is my new favorite)
Friday: Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Sautéed Zucchini
Saturday: Blackened Mahi with Roasted Broccoli

My goal this week is to try to eat meats that I had previously frozen.  I need to make more room in my freezer!  And also I'm trying to stick to buying produce that's in season...keeping my grocery bills low while making healthy meals for me and the hubs! 

I pray y'all have a great week.  I'm off to write names on doortags and nametags for my new kiddos!

Summer is Coming to an End!

I cannot believe it - tomorrow I'll surrender my freedom and set my alarm for 4:30 am.  Where did the time go?!  Summer has officially come to an end.

I was thinking back on this summer and it was a really weird one.  I feel like I didn't really do anything, but I was somehow always busy.  Except for those 3 weeks where it rained every single day.  I did a lot of sleeping then.  It was honestly refreshing.  I totally needed that.

We had a lot of company come to town, I spent a lot of time with friends or by myself at the beach, I spent a lot of time by myself (with the exception of my two crazy hounds), I spent a lot of time with God, I grew another year older, I worked out and tried (am trying) to get back in shape, I had awesome evenings of walks and meals with my hubs, and unfortunately I dealt with death a lot.  That pretty much sums it up.

Since I last posted, I celebrated a birthday.  We had a big family cookout, which was nice to have everyone together.  I felt very blessed to have this year BEHIND me - it was a tough one, but one I look back on with a huge smile.  I grew so much spiritually and personally.  I really needed the valleys I had to walk through because God showed His grace and perfect plan through it all.  He really causes all things to work together for good.

I feel like a summer recap might be best shown through some random pictures....so here we go!

My and the Hubs on my birthday :)

After one of our 2 mile walks with our crazy dogter #2

Doing one of my favorite things - SWIMMING

Did a little crafting - made a new wreath with help from my awesome SIL, Amber.

Celebrating an addition to the family - Congratulations Jon and Lauren!

Celebrated my Tinky girl turning another year older.  Love her SO much!

Got to see this view as often as I wanted.  Blessed to live where I do!

I also got to cook a lot, which is always great.  I made some new recipes and hopefully I'll be sharing more of those with y'all soon.  I'm so into smoothies for breakfast right now and have made a list of my favorite concoctions that I've come up with.  They're fast, easy, and super healthy.

My Bible reading has been coming along nicely.  I'm almost done with the 90 day challenge, although I likely won't finish in 90 days.  Mine will be more like 100.  But hey, I've read the whole Old Testament through, which I had never done before.  Reading the Bible in chronological order has been amazing.  It's like I get it.  But I have SO MUCH to learn.  It's awesome to see God's plan for His creation.  When it all ties together, it makes incredible sense.  I've seen things in a whole new light.  This has definitely changed me drastically.

While we're on the topic of The Lord, my sweet Aunt Margaret went to be with Him on July 28th.  It was so hard to watch her suffer and we just prayed that God would call her home.  He did and now we mourn here for our loss.  She was an incredibly kind, humble woman.  I hate to see my mom hurt so bad, along with my grandpa, uncle, and cousin.  Our family has had so much loss in the last year.  

The was the last photo taken with my Aunt Margaret before she went downhill.  This was her birthday celebration back in March,

My beautiful mom.  The strongest woman I know.  I look at her with a whole different admiration for all she's gone through.  Losing her best friend wasn't easy, but God gave her a lot of grace and strength. I hope I can be more like her.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. -Matthew 5:4

All in all, it's been a good summer.  I'm blessed to live in a place where I can just hop in my car and drive to the beach.  It's so peaceful and soothing to be next to the water.  I've thoroughly enjoyed my quiet time.  BUT, I'm looking forward to this school year and all it has to bring.  I'm just praying over my class I'm about to receive and asking for wisdom to embark on these sweet, young lives.  I hope I can always be a light to these kids!  It is truly a blessing to be walking in God's Will for my life and doing what I was called to do.

I'm off to finish up supper - ribs, fried cabbage and roasted broccoli- YUM TO MY TUM!  I'll be bringing back Meal Plan Monday (it's been forever!) to hopefully give y'all some ideas and hold myself accountable.  

I hope you have an incredibly blessed week!

All He has Done for Me

I have been so convicted lately to be so thankful for all the Lord has done for me.  It all started towards the end of this school year when I began reading a book called A Thousand Gifts.  In it, this woman, who is diagnosed with terminal cancer, realizes she'll never get to see and do all she wanted to before she dies.  She's in a deep state of depression when a friend gives her a dare to find 1,000 things in her ordinary life that she's thankful for.  She begins to live in this constant state of thanksgiving and is overwhelmed with everyday beauty that we simply miss because we are just too busy.  As the saying goes, we can't see the forest for the trees.

My Bible verse in my header is another verse that I've been saying over and over in my head.

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything GIVE THANKS; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (emphasis obviously mine)

Rejoice always - not just when things are going good....but when things are bad....even really bad.  That's hard to do, folks.  Extremely hard. Rejoice as I watch my sweet aunt be eaten up by cancer?  At least I have this time to spend with her and she's not taken abruptly without warning.  See, it's hard.  I believe like Paul said that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him.  So, I will rejoice in the valleys and pits of life because I know my Redeemer and I know He'll see me through.  I am reminded to walk by faith, not by sight.  This world can be an ugly place, but we are called to love one another and I pray that I do a better and better job of that each day I'm alive.

Pray without ceasing - How many excuses do we throw around for that one?  Too busy, running late, had to work overtime, house needed to be cleaned, just too tired when I finally went to bed.  Hold up.  I'm too busy living the life that God gave me to even utter him a simple thank you for waking me up this morning?  I just can't believe that's how He envisioned it.  Or how about when we are going through those low, low points and we are angry with Him.  He still tells us to keep praying.  He can handle it.  He made us, so he's not surprised by our emotions.  But this is the kicker for me - I have to be very careful that when things are going SO GOOD that I don't get caught up in forgetting to communicate with my Father.  In the past I've had the tendency to get what I want and think I can take it from here, thanks God!  Whew, it feels good to come clean and admit that.  I have been praying so hard for the last year that I will never do this again.  I need Him.  Every second of every day.  I saw a quote last year right after my miscarriage that said, "When it's hardest to pray, pray harder."  That has always stuck with me.

Give thanks in everything; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  Did I just discover God's will for my whole life?  I pray every night for His will do be done in my life and to help me set aside my will.  Is it really that simple?  I think so.  Give thanks in everything - like when you get a flat tire on your way to work or your best friend really hurt your feelings or you just found out your baby died?  Everything, really?  I have to be thankful for everything?  Yes.  Thankful for what He gives and what He takes away...BECAUSE He causes all things to work together for our good.  Wow.  My commentary in my Bible says, "People are naturally happy on some occasions, but a Christian's joy is not dependent on circumstances.  It comes from what Christ has done, and it is constant."

When I finally figured out that happiness is based on circumstances and circumstances are constantly changing, I finally gave up my desires for "happiness".  What a glorious day that was.  It took me a loooooong time to realize that and it's something I face daily, but what peace I have in my heart knowing that nothing is going to rain on my parade.  My desire is for joy and that comes from God.  That's never going to change.

I've been reading the Bible in chronological order in a 90 day plan.  I just finished day 54 today.  In every reading, God tells His people to not forget all He's done for them.  That really stood out to me and made me reflect on my life and all He's done for me.  I don't even know where to start - the blessings are so numerous.

I can honestly say that He has caused every single thing that's ever happened in my life - from my darkest sinful moments to my most enlightened experiences - to work together for good.  He is getting glory and that's what matters.  I have not lived a straight and narrow life and those of you who knew me during my high school and college days can attest to that.  But He never gave up on me.  He was with me all along, loving me unconditionally, constantly trying to reach me.  It literally took Him reaching into the depths of a pit to finally grab me.  Hallelujah for that glorious day.  It forever changed my purpose in this world.  I had to come to the end of me, as our Pastor put it.  My goodness doesn't lead me to God.  It's HIS goodness that calls us to Him.  Amen! 

I cry tears of joy when I think of how He's held me and lead me along these 27 years.  Things definitely haven't gone my way and thank God for that - literally.  His plan is SO much better!

Our Sunday School teacher challenged us to reflect on what God's done for us in our lives and my challenge is for you folks who read this to do the same.  For some of you, it might be really easy.  For others, it's going to be really hard.  Just trust Him and know that He really does cause all things to work together for good.

XOXO

One of the Greatest Inventions

I know I may be way behind on this fantastic invention, but I just had to blog about it in case there's someone else out there like me who's been living under a rock.  It's not the latest smartphone or tablet...it's the Cuisinart Smart Stick Blender.  Mind blowing, right?

You can buy it here

We got this as a wedding gift from someone very near to my heart - I unfortunately don't remember who it was, but you were looking out for us!  This little thing is awesome.  Find joy in small things, right?  I don't have to dirty up my big old blender whenever I want a smoothie.  I've been back to working out regularly and I'm making smoothies or protein shakes almost daily.  This thing blends up anything my regular blender can do in no time at all.  It's small, light weight, and easy to clean.

Protein shake - 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, 1/2 cup frozen cherries, 1/2 cup almond milk, scoop protein powder

I realize I'm ridiculous for being this happy over a kitchen appliance, but when you're in the kitchen as much as I am and try to maximize time efficiency and minimize clean up, you get really excited about this stuff.  If this post is helpful to at least one person, my mission is accomplished.  Have a great weekend!

What I'm Loving Wednesday - Summer Stuff

I haven't done a link up in a really long time.  There are so many things that I'm loving right now and I figured it was a good day for a What I'm Loving Wednesday blog post.  Plus, I need to focus on the positives and keep my mind fixed on what is good!  I have so much to be thankful for.

 

First and foremost, I'm loving my husband so very much.  He's my greatest blessing.  No one can make me laugh like he does.  He gets me, he listens to me, he loves me unconditionally, and most importantly he loves the Lord so much.  Through all of life's struggles and victories, I'm thankful I have him to share them with me.

I'm LOVING summer vacation.  Who doesn't?  It's almost 10:00 a.m. and I'm still in my PJs.  I really don't have any plans to change out of them anytime soon.  I've been especially lazy this week and I'm so thankful for the down time. I needed it badly!

I'm loving reading the Bible in 90 days.  Some of us from my Sunday school class are doing this together.  It's amazing the difference it's made in my daily life.  We're on day 38.  I'm a day and a half behind, but I plan to be all caught up by tomorrow.  I feel so full and I have a better understanding of how everything connects.  It's a chronological study so it's really interesting to see why certain Psalms were written and just how amazing God's plan has been all along for his people.  It gives me a lot of strength and renews my faith to be constantly reminded that He's got it all figured out.  I just have to be still, quiet, and trust! Easier said than done, right?!  But I'm continuing to learn and trying to be the best that I can be - the person He calls me to be.

I'm loving my new glasses and sunglasses!  Whoop whoop, I can finally see super clear again!  I went ahead and got the prescription sunglasses because I can't wear contacts.  Boy am I happy I did.  They're amazing!  And these are my 1st pair of Ray Bans...I totally know what all the hype is about now.  I think they're better than my Costas.

I'm loving this Costa Rican coffee my dear friend was nice enough to share with us.  Jared and I are hooked...it's so good and smooth!  I'm enjoying a cup as I type. :)

I'm loving this summer collection by LORAC.  I picked it up about 2 months ago from Ulta.  I was just looking for a good bronzer, but ended up buying this kit because it was such a great deal.  I love absolutely everything in it!  I wear all of it every day, except the tantalizer - that's only for special occasions or if I'm feeling particularly pale.  I think it would look great on any skin tone, especially during the summer months.  It's my must have make-up right now.

Not be be vain, but I'm also loving this blush by bareMinerals.  The color is called Fruity Cocktail.  It looks super bright, but it goes on pretty sheen and adds a nice glow.  I love makeup.  I just learned how to really put it on a few years ago, so I'm still discovering new products and methods.

 

I'm loving my linen pants and shorts I picked up recently at Old Navy.  If you live in the South, then you know how grueling the summer heat and humidity can be.  Linen is my summer staple.  These are so cute and extremely comfortable.  It's like I'm wearing yoga pants, but I look a little more dressed up.

 

I've seriously contemplated going back and getting these shorts in the cobalt blue color they have as well.  They're so comfy...perfect for those summer BBQs where you eat a little too much and need room for your food baby. ;)  You know it happens!

And last but not least, I'm loving my two crazy dogters.  They are looney, but they provide so much company and entertainment.  They're such sweet girls.  And they're pretty cute too.  I still love Rosie's smile in this picture.  So full of personality!

Hope your week has been good - halfway to the weekend!  Be blessed!

My World is Spinning Fast

Summer vacation is here and I finally feel like it's officially started!  My world is spinning very fast right now.  I hear that it continues to go faster and faster as we get older.  I don't like it.  My goal is to slow it down and take time to appreciate the small things.  Here's a little bit of what's been going on.

We've had a lot of sickness in our family and my wonderful Uncle Byran passed away recently.  He was like a grandpa to me since I never got to meet my dad's parents.  The world just doesn't seem right without him in it, but I have so much joy in knowing without a doubt that I will see him again one day in Heaven.  He was an incredible God fearing man.  He was married for 68 years, had 7 children, 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.  What a legacy!  I love him so much and miss him a lot.  I pray I can always hear his voice calling me "sugar" in his thick Mississippi Delta accept.  It sounded more like "shuugha". :)  I'm just thankful for my time with him and all of the awesome memories I have.  He made me this bedroom set a few years ago...all handmade of 100% Cedar.  Jared stained it for me so that it would go more with our decor, but he left the spot on the back where my Uncle Byran wrote that he loved me.  I walk into the room and just smile.

Mother and Father's Day have both passed since I last blogged and I was fortunate enough to be able to spend both with my wonderful parents.  I am blessed to have them in my life and for their marriage that has been an example for me.  I love them both so much.  They're going through a lot right now and dealing with life's hardships.  I just keep praying for strength for them as they deal with heartache within the family.  It's not easy to lose ones that you love.

 

Life with my two crazy hounds has actually been pretty good lately.  Paisley went into heat (we didn't know how old she was so it was pretty unexpected) and we had a fantastic time dealing with that, ha!  If you've ever had a dog go into heat, you know what I'm sayin....I trip to the vet is in need soon.  But her and Rosie love each other so much.  They're best friends.  Can't you tell?  Rosie's so happy that she even smiled for the picture.

They let me sleep in on my days off, sometimes.  They love to go on our 2 mile walks.  They like to bite each others' ears and necks.  They are great hunting partners in the backyard...squirrel patrol central around these parts.  They compete for our attention constantly.  What more could we ask for? ;)  And they are pretty cute.

The beach has been SO gorgeous these last few weeks.  I don't know that I've ever seen it as pretty as it has been lately.  I've been trying to spend some time out there, which is exactly what I plan on doing tomorrow.  MIL and FIL have been in town and we all went out there Saturday.  The water was crystal clear, we got to eat oysters from our favorite local seafood place, AND we ended with frozen yogurt.  Best.day.ever.

 

I've been doing a 90 Day Bible Challenge where you read the Bible in chronological order in 90 days.  We're on day 31 right now.  And I tell you what...since I've started this, my distractions are through the roof.  I know Satan is trying to keep me away from it by whatever means.  I'm just praying through it and for perseverance as I keep trying to learn, spread God's love, and do His kingdom work.  I'll post more about this later and some thoughts and ah-ha moments I've had along the way.  I'm just really feeling God's presence all around me and trying to keep my focus on Him.  Jesus is really amazing.  He loves us SO MUCH.  It's hard to comprehend that kind of love.



I plan to be much more faithful in my blogging.  I've got a few posts in mind that should be coming soon.  Here's to hoping you have a great end to your week!