Doing what I love - teaching!

As many of you know, I will be graduating soon. I've worked hard to achieve this goal, and its been a long road. I've been privileged to be able to do what I love while obtaining my degree. I had my associates degree when I was asked to teach at a small home school umbrella school. When the home school portion closed and a private school opened, I was asked to stay on and continue teaching. The school applied for accreditation thinking that the process would take up to five years, giving me ample time to obtain my degree. We were blessed to earn our accreditation quickly, which meant that I had to earn my degree as soon as possible. The association of which we are accredited was very kind and allowed me to teach as long as I could show that I was working towards my degree.


I didn't want to quit work, so I researched on line schools. What an ordeal! Let me say, not all on line schools are created equal! ;) After talking to the state about what schools they would accept a degree from, I chose to go through Western Governors University. The school is considered to be an accelerated adult program, and let me tell you - it is just that! Compeleting this program has been the hardest thing I've ever done. I've worked full time and gone to school full time for the past three years. Many of my nights and weekends have been consumed with research, reading, and writing. Too many times I've heard, "Momma, can you just stop working for a little while?" Of course that's hard to turn down, and so many times I've had to stay up late working after putting him to bed. On the weekends that he has been with his Dad, I've spent countless hours working to just keep my head above water! Managing to keep the house clean, laundry done, and food to eat has been fun. Let's just say I've learned to be creative! In just a few weeks, this will all come to an end. What will it be like to be a normal family? (Okay, alright - I know, we are NOT a normal family!)

In the final stages of student teaching, I've had to submit some video's of myself doing what I love best, teaching. The first video I turned in was of a math lesson. I hated to turn it in because I felt like it wasn't my best, but I was up against a deadline so I sent it in. The next day I received an e-mail from my teacher with many kind words about my teaching. I was humbled by her comments. She asked if she could share my video with other students. I reluctantly agreed not knowing that I would have to watch my own video during a conference call with other fellow teachers working as I am. The next day she called me back and told me that she had shared my video with her colleges, again with many kind words complimenting my work.


I'm writing all of this not to brag, but rather to give credit where credit is due. Earning my degree has been a commitment I made to God several years ago. If I've ever been sure of anything, it's that this is what I'm suppose to do. Working at Dayspring is an honor, for I know that this school belongs to God. I pray often that he lead my mind and heart so that I can give my "kiddo's" what they need. It is important to me that they get my best! I want them to achieve all that they are capable of, and then some. I also want to make sure that I'm being a good example to them. They watch my every move all day long. I want to make sure that they see God's love in me.

When I heard the things that this nice lady had said to me, I wanted to burst out in tears because I know that he hears my prayers! Yes, friends, I am blessed beyond words!

My Visits

I stopped by for a visit with Josh today. The weather was beautiful and who better to share it with than him?

My visits with him are special. I like to take an ice cream treat or cup of coffee with me (depending on the temperature outside). It's peaceful sitting with him up on the hill. More times than not, I spend my time praying. Praying that I can hold on till the end - just as he did.

There was no better example of living a good and decent life! He was determined to do the right thing and serve God to the best of his ability. I leaned on him for support and even guidance at times. When Andy's dad left us, he immediately stepped up to the plate to take care of me and my baby!

I'm blessed to have had such an amazing brother and friend.

A goodbye kiss from my little brother!

For some reason, this picture came to mind today. With the picture, comes a sweet memory. Mom and Dad had planned and given me a wedding every young girl dreams of. We were taking pictures after the ceremony and Josh comes up, completely out of the blue, and gives me a big kiss on the cheek. Of course, the photographer didn't catch it! :) He started shouting, "Do it again, do it again!" He did. Sweet, sweet memories!

Registering for a baby. . .

Kellye called me yesterday and asked if I wanted to go with her to Babies R Us and register. I had already left the house, planning on running a few errands then heading to school to work for a couple of hours and walking. I wasn't really dressed to be out, but how could I turn down such a great invitation?!

After a tasty lunch, we headed over to the store. Wow! You would think that we had never been in a baby store before. I mean, its only been 10 years since we were first there looking at things for Andy. Gracie was only 9 months behind him! How can there be so many new things? And, why couldn't we find our "favorites" from when the kids were babies? I'm sure that from the dazed look on our faces, people thought we had no idea what we were doing! :)

We left there and went to Lizards and Lace. If you have children and haven't been there, I suggest you do. They have the cutest things! Kellye found Anna Kate's coming home outfit - it's perfect. I bought an adorable newborn cap and bib with her name embroidered on it. I've got this strange feeling that I'll be back to buy more.

Another baby to love . . . we are blessed!

They'll have to go through me first!

When we told Andy that Aunt Kellye was going to have a new baby, he wasn't very excited! He asked if he would still be his/her cousin just like Grace and Caroline. I think he was a bit concerned that he might lose his place in his Aunt Kellye's heart if she had a boy. But, I think he has come to grips with it now. :)

While we were driving down the road the other day I asked him, "So, how do you feel about Aunt Kellye having a baby now? Are you OK with it?" And this was his answer - "Momma, when Anna Kate goes to kindergarten, I'll be in the 10th grade. If anybody messes with her, they are gonna have to go through me first! I just don't think they'll wanna mess with me!"

That's my boy!!!