I am a perfectionist and I often talk about things being perfect in my classroom. I am by no means perfect nor is anything in my classroom for that matter. But my kids will give me an answer that I am looking for and I will reply, "Perfect"!! Or they'll turn in work and I will say "Perfect"! We were coming up with an idea for our Relay for Life poster today...and we were working on it in small groups. At least one or two of my kids in each group told me that it looked perfect. Who do you think they got that from? It made me laugh though! They are sooooooooo sweet! I wish I could show you the precious little faces looking down at our "perfect" poster! You would just melt!
My Will, came up with the idea of us signing it, Cowboys and Cowgirls. Personally, it immediately made me think of Jamaican Cowgirls...lol! Texas Roadhouse, anybody? Someone else wanted to sign it, Mrs. Whelan's Western class...haha! I love my job!
As much as I love my job, sadly, I am always working for the weekend. Here I am worn slap out! Trying to get my "perfect" golden retriever to look at the camera for a "perfect" picture. She kept trying to lick me or turning her head at the last minute.
I thought I'd share my favorite songs right now. I am listening to them over and over.
1. Do It Lord by Travis Cottrell....on his Live CD
The theme of my Wednesday has been Western. Well actually the theme of our upcoming relay for life is Western.
I had to go to Valdosta today to pick up a few last minute decorations. I realized how much I miss getting to "get away" during the week over in my college town. It was great...a perfect mid-week break! Matt went with me, so the drive wasn't bad at all.
After we went to Hobby Lobby, we used our gift card at LongHorn. Matt gets so embarrassed b/c sometimes I bring random things in with me. Usually a notepad to make a list with, or a book that I'm reading. Matt takes a lot longer to eat than I do, so I usually multi-task while he is finishing up. I felt like my head was spinning with things that I have to do these next few days. So you can see my notes. :)
Here is a sneak peak at what I'll be toting up to school on Friday. I started to go overboard, but quickly reminded myself that hopefully there will be plenty of birthday parties, bunko nights, bible study gatherings, and family get-togethers that I can go overboard with later. :)
I am extremely ready for this weekend. It is hard to believe that after this week, there are only 15 school days left this year. Where did the time go?
Four of my friends had babies today. Two had their second child. Two had their first. WOW! Lots of April birthdays!
I am freezing and it is just about May. I just got in from Matt's late softball game. He had so many good hits. I think First Baptist won by 20 or more runs. I loved sitting under the spanish moss, feeling the breeze, and hearing the crack of the bats. I just wish the breeze wasn't so cold! These pictures are of the boys in the dugout and Matty rounding 3rd.
I am having a really good week so far! I have a lot going on, but this weekend should be a good one for Matt and I. I just have to get through Relay for Life on Friday. I'm also in charge of my school's mini-relay....so I'll post pictures of that soon!
"You are the Lord my God. I desire to love You, listen to Your voice, and hold fast to You, for You, Lord, are my life." (Deut 30:20)
Beth said this Saturday during the SLI conference in Atlanta. I have so much to post about my trip and about what I learned. It was amazing! So, I'll be posting about it here and there.
I wanted to already share it, but had to spend the night getting our house in order, after chaotic packing and getting back into town really, really late last night. I had to wake up at 4am, just to finish up some work for school. So, I'm tired...and ready to watch Tori and Dean.
I left for Woodstock bright and early in the midst of heavy rain, thunder, and lightening. I had my ruffled umbrella, a Starbucks toffee nut latte, my tote bag packed with a notebook, a new pack of pens, several different Bible's (all different versions), my tickets, and I listened to Travis Live to get ready for an incredible time of worship. The traffic was majorly backed up when I got to Woodstock...it was insane. And somehow, I found the women from my church, and walked in with a friend from college, even surrounded by 9,000 women. I didn't get any good pictures of Beth or Travis...I am sad about that.
This is a commissioning statement that we said at the end of the conference. My partner was a woman I never met...I was actually surrounded by people that I didn't know, but I got to know them and really enjoyed talking to them.
My Dear Sister
If Christ is Your Savior You are the dwelling place Of His own Spirit You have it IN YOU to be secure. Every day of your life You have a choice to make You can live in your old defeat Or you can turn from your unbelief And choose life Make up your mind To put off the old you And put on the new you. Never, ever, ever forget That the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot From being caught in a trap. He will take care of you To your very last breath. Now, leave this place And go out into the world And act like a person Who knows she’s dearly loved. You were born to be exceptional. So, Girlfriend, go forth And walk worthy of your calling. You are clothed in strength and dignity! Now unto Him Who can keep you from falling Be glory and majesty Power and authority Through Jesus Christ our Lord Now and forever more Amen.
So Long, Insecurity! That really sums a lot up! :)
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
I wish I was doing something really fun tonight! Do you ever feel like that? I feel completely caught up at school (although there is always more to do...a lot more actually), but for some reason I'm able to catch my breath after going non-stop for so long. I just feel like going somewhere (out of town) for the night and being spontaneous. I guess I'll just settle for actually spending the night at home relaxing and getting things in order around here. That is a rarity too :)
After school today, we worked on the parade float for our school. It didn't take too long and I think tomorrow night will be fun. I was on my way to church, but turned around. I decided that I didn't need to go filling up my schedule again. So instead, Matty and I are going to take Blakely to the park, sit down and eat supper together, and just enjoy each other's company. BTW, Matt won a $50 gift card to Long Horn Steakhouse (it just opened yesterday) for getting the most new business this year so far. I am so proud of him and can't wait to go to the new hot spot in town! :)
I got the best e-mail from our VP of league today. I thought I'd share it with y'all because it made my day and warmed my heart.
Good morning! I wanted to thank everyone for all of your hard work on Project Rosebud. It was a huge success! Eight girls received a day I’m sure they’ll never forget, and I hope a day that will significantly impact their future. DG shared with me her experience with C. She’s the girl that got a lot of her hair cut and shopped with NJ. C is in DG’s class at TCMS. She said that before this week, C sat back hunched over and never talked with anyone. DG said that Monday a totally different child came to her classroom. C has been wearing her new clothes, talking & laughing with people, and her body language has completely changed. She used to sit back slumped over, and now she seems confident and happy. DG was amazed at the transformation.
It touches me so much to think that we could take one day out of our lives and impact a little girl that much. I think everyone there on Saturday could testify in how much the girls seemed to have gotten out of the experience, but to hear how much it changed her personality at school is such a blessing. So, thank you for all that you did in making this project a success!
Ok, I'm going to try to finish up So Long Insecurity by Beth tonight too.
Psalm 37:7, 39-40 Quiet down before God, be prayerful before him. Don't bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top. The spacious, free life is from God, it's also protected and safe. God-strengthened, we're delivered from evil— when we run to him, he saves us.
I can't believe tomorrow is already Wednesday...this week is flying by! I spent a little bit of time on my front porch listening to the rain and thunder on this fine Tuesday evening. I wanted to recap my awesome weekend!! It was oh so busy, but oh so great!
Friday night, I was torn between plans with two great groups of friends. Luckily, they both wanted to go to the same restaurant. I met my 4 seasons for dinner at Coyoacan in Quitman. Shortly after we arrived, we changed seats and went and sat in the back room with my co-workers. I loved getting to introduce my 4 seasons to my Principal, Assistant Principal, and teacher friends...and vice versa. What a CRAZY and FUN time!
Saturday, I helped with Project Rosebud all day long. It was life changing and the biggest blessing ever. I loved my cute 14 yr old. We started out with a breakfast of Chick-fil-a, doughnuts, fruit, you name it we had it...at the technical college. The technical school is sooo nice. The girls got facials, hair cuts, manicures, and their make-up done. Ms. Thomasville also hung out with them all day.
We spent most of the morning shopping at Belk's. We had great discounts and $200 to spend. My rosebud, racked up. It might've helped that I spent a good little chunk of my own money to get her a little bit more! :) She was precious, thankful, and very deserving. They changed into their new outfits and we went to lunch.
We planned a wonderful catered lunch at Madison Grove Clubhouse. We ate, then listened to two motivational (amazing, faith-based) speakers. I got just as much out of it as the girls. Then we took pictures out by the pool. Gave the girls all their goodies and gift bags, and played a really fun game with them. Their parents picked them back up around 4pm. I want to work with Project Rosebud every year. I loved it! What a ministry and great opportunity to serve others. Of course, it made me a little sad. But, what doesn't! My friend, Charity, said that she cries just thinking about Project Rosebud...it means that much to her. She also said that it sums up what League is about. I have to agree. I have so many great pictures...maybe I'll share more of them soon.
After PR, I went downtown to meet Carrie Beth, Bridgett, and Jennifer, who were shopping downtown. We hung out at my house for a bit, and then went to dinner at Cafe Marebella. Then we came back to my house for awhile. I love those girls! I only wish we all lived in the same town.
Sunday, church was AMAZING. Matt and I got sooo much out of our pastor's message. I LOVE HIM! Then we ran errands, and I did schoolwork, oh and got a wonderful Sunday nap.
Overall, PERFECT WEEKEND!
Hosea 6:1-3 Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.
I have been painting non-stop! We have a parade this Thursday in our town since it is Rose Show weekend, and I am on the Rosebud parade committee at my school. Therefore, I've been painting signs for our float for two days straight. One other teacher and I have been swapping posters back and forth! Here is a sneak peek of my dining room after day 2 of painting letters! :)
Thank goodness I can see the tv from the dining room table, and the ACM awards, Dancing with the Stars, and Tori and Dean, have been my company!
Psalm 18:23 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised.
I have so much to write about, after such an amazing weekend!! But, I don't have time right now! I'm busy painting for a parade and reading articles for school. If I finish everything on my to-do list, I'll post again tonight all about my weekend.
Just a few things...Look how pretty the knock out roses are outside of my house! I am in love!
Also, did y'all watch the ACM's last night? Yay for Lady A and Carrie Underwood, two of my favs!
Another favorite of mine is Miranda Lambert, I love her song...Dead Flowers
We have been sooo busy lately! Today alone, we had 3 events in 3 hours to get to. I felt like Speed Racer, racing all over town. Thanks goodness we live in a tiny town!
My school had a fundraiser at Dairy Queen. So it was DQ night, and packed! My students and I love the thin mint blizzard!
I had a Project Rosebud meeting at Kenley Oak's Clubhouse for League. The pool looked gorgeous...but we didn't get to swim. We ate pizza for dinner and stuffed gift bags, goody baskets, and school supplies for the young women that are chosen to participate! Project Rosebud is the provisional class' big service project. We pamper middle school girls, give them makeovers, haircuts, take them shopping, and then have a nice lunch with guest speakers. I hear it is amazing and I can't wait to experience it! I forgot to take pictures. But these bags get the point across! They looked really, really cute! The girls are going to be thrilled!
Then Matt had a softball game.
Matty got some new toys! Our grass needs a little bit of help! He got a Big Green Tractor...well ok, a little green tractor! :)
This could be the most popular song in my classroom right now! :)
I have been really overwhelmed lately. My to-do list is never ending and getting longer and longer each day! My friend, Ashley, said that she had coasters that say, "Stop me before I volunteer again." I think I need a set of those! Would y'all like some too?
Psalm 86:7 I call on You in the day of my distress, for You will answer me.
means so much to me. I'm talking about Junior Service League. We had our end of year social tonight. I had a good time, but something at the end really touched me (imagine that!).
It is usually a candlelight, but this year our President used flowers...same meaning. She passed out one to each member of the board and told them what they represented. For example...she gave one to our President for next year and told her that she represented our future. She gave one to our Ex-Officio and told her that she represents our past....we had kindness, friendship, service...you get the picture. Y'all it was so meaningful, I was tearing up (My friend, Becky, leaned over and asked if I was pregnant...ha!), and then they each passed on their rose to the new board...and then our Pres. gave her gavel up.
I also really loved when the sustaining members got awarded. All of their committees that they served on and things that they helped organize and volunteer with were listed. Then they got their necklace. I just enjoyed it so much!
After our last meeting of the 2009-2010 year. As we were eating at the Cultural Center, the oaks surrounding us were beautiful...spanish moss was blowing in the wind. And you could hear piano notes and tap shoes hitting the hardwood floors drifting down the stairs and into our meeting room from the lessons being given. I was actually home when I took this, but these are the memories that I associate with the picture!
It has been a joy to be a part of such a wonderful organization. That's enough of all the sentimental talk! I am EXCITED about GLEE returning tonight!!! I'm in my pj's and ready!
These two similar verses have been on my mind today. But You, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head. Psalm 3:3
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2
I am very sad that my SB is coming to a close. But with only 6 more weeks left until my next break, and the encouraging word of an unexpected source this morning at church, and a wonderful new bible study....I have hope that I'll make it! :)
We went to the beach on Friday!! Saint George Island, it is just about 2 hours from us. We left around 7ish and got home around the same time. It was the perfect day to be at the beach!!! I totally felt my soul relaxing with each crash of the waves. We listened to our Destin Mix and our Buffet Live cd, and I finished a good book.
I actually did a little bit of schoolwork yesterday, and Matty brought home yummy Izzo's for lunch.
Our neighbor, Liam, came over and played with Blakely for about an hour. It was so cute to watch them.
We went downtown and I picked up a new study and a coupon that saved us $10, then we ate dinner at Old Mexico, and after that grocery shopped at Publix. Exciting Saturday night, I tell ya! We watched Paula Deen on the Joy Behar show...it was a riot, and did some reading.
Notice my clutch. I could not carry a regular purse due to my burnt shoulders and arms!!
Now, we are home from church and are in our work clothes. We are declaring today a good day to work in the yard! So, that's what we're doing for a little while...and we might take a Sunday nap too! I am also washing clothes, and preparing for what might be the fullest week that we've had on our calendar in a while!
These two songs are my favorite lately. Which means they play on repeat in our house. Enjoy!
Psalm 47:1-2 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!
I am a wife, teacher, grad student, and wanna-be mama :) The Lord is my strength in everything and He guides me every step of the way through this crazy, busy time in my life.
