Andy loves playing his guitar! This past Tuesday was his first recital. I was so proud of him. I couldn't help but cry while he was giving his peformance.

One of my favorite things in the world is when a student comes to me and has read a new book (all on their own) and wants to share it . Recently, one of my sweet students brought a novel to me and said, "You just have to read this book! Will you read it aloud to the whole class?"Of course I had to make sure that it was appropriate to read, but once that was done, I agreed.

Every day after lunch we gather on the rug for read aloud time. This is not our regular reading time, but rather a calm and relaxing time of day that I read to them. It's amazing how this small part of our day has enhanced our classroom! My students can't wait to claim their spot on the rug and listen to our current read aloud novel. Some of the stories we've read have sparked unbelievable conversations. Talk about some real character ed going on!!!!!

Anyway. . .the title of this novel that was brought to me was The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo. (She is the author of Because of Winn-Dixie.) I could immediately tell that this was going to be one of those "cliff hanger" books for my kiddo's. Every day they would beg for me to keep on reading, even at the cost of losing some recess time. As I read, I wondered if they were truly "getting" what the story was all about. The underlying theme was deep in nature.

Several days into the novel, one of my students proclaimed to the class that he didn't completely understand something about the story. To my delight, another student jumped in and totally explained the correlation that he was not connecting together. She may have even explained it better than I could have! My heart swelled up with pride! Wow ~ they got it! They, the entire class, understood the "deeper meaning" of the story.

Now, the crazy thing is, I'm convinced that the story was for me. It was about the heart of someone that been broken - experienced love, loss, and had found a way to love again!

Sweet, sweet day!

Today has been a day full of sweet surprises! This morning at church, my precious church family had a surprise graduation ceremony for me. I was so touched, that all I could do was cry! (I'm sure that someone has some pictures that will be shared.)

I thought I was going to a graudation party for Jon this afternoon. He thought he was going to a party for me. . .thus the picture! Kellye was explaining to us what was going on! Jon and I were both surprised!

Our friends and family "roasted" us for a little bit, and then we had a bbq meal. I must say, my "roasts" were much sweeter than Jon's! ;) Our cakes were so cute! " She may be slow. . . but she finished!"

I am so thankful for my family and friends that shared this special day with me! I love all of you!

I am blessed!

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!