Goodbye Ole Faithful!

Well, I finally made my first "big girl" purchase--a new (used) car. It's currently being detailed, so I'll pick it up tomorrow.

For now, I'd like to dedicate this post to my Ole Faithful.

Thanks Ole Faithful--you've served me well. Throughout the years, this dear car has gone through a few names--BUMmobile, BUD, and finally Ole Faithful. It's still truckin', but it was time for me to move on.

Here are some things I'll miss about my dear old car....

 It's solid--even though it has two different front lights (thanks lady who hit me in LB).

 The "characteristic" door handle that Jessie so easily ripped to shreds. :)

 The console that was slowly tearing itself apart in the heat. 

 My beloved sticker that got me out of a speeding ticket once. 

The fact that it refused to die. 

Here's to hoping that someone else will get some good use out of this BUMBUDOLDFAITHFUL Mobile. 

We've had some amazing memories in this rig. Come on friends, what was your favorite memory? Please leave a comment below!!!

Love This!!!!

I love this video for a number of reasons:

1. It's hilarious.
2. It reminds me of my time in England with Nicole.
3. House is one of my favorite shows ever.
4. I'm sure there are more--tell me why you like this video!!!!

Enjoy.

Observations: Part Two

The second Monday of the year is done. Deep breath in and out. And now for some more observations (in no particular order):

1. Mondays make me feel like I'm running a marathon...ALL. DAY. LONG. Why is that? I'm not a fan.

2. I do love my job, but it doesn't really make waking up at 5:45 easier every morning. That alarm clock is not my friend.

3. Junior high children  boys should not wear jeans and sweatshirts when it's over 100 degrees outside. My room SMELLS! Just sayin'...

4. I am getting used to the diversity at my new school, and I'm quite enjoying it. It'll do me good to learn about some new cultures.

5. Some of my kids are more well traveled than I am. Wow. I assigned them a five paragraph essay about themselves last week and I found out some amazing things. I have kids who were born in the Philippines, Ecuador, India, Mexico, Uganda, etc. Many of my kids traveled to these places and beyond this summer.

6. I went to junior high with the big sister of one of my students--small world!

7. I have a fly ninja in my class--last week he caught a fly in between his thumb and forefinger; today he smashed and killed another one on his desk.

8. I still (miraculously) have some energy left to go to the gym in the afternoons--let's pray this continues.

9. I feel slightly more confident now that I've taught this same curriculum before. Last year I felt like I had to make up everything as I went along because I had never done it before. This year I, surprisingly, don't have that panic (yet). I wonder how great it'll feel after I've taught for years and years.

10. We get our textbooks tomorrow (yeah!), and I'll begin the Gateways program the following day. This is a whole new curriculum that I'll do with one of my sections of kids. Pray that I'll handle it well and be able to do right by the kids.

11. I had to stop what I was doing twice today to control my laughter. I have some funny kids. Unfortunately, I also have a bad memory, and I can't remember why now. I'll have to get back to you on that one. :)

Hope you enjoyed the Monday observations. There shall be many more to come.

Voice Doppelganger?

A friend revealed to me today that I sound EXACTLY like Stevie Nicks. Take a listen and cast your vote.

Do I? Or do I not? Leave a comment and cast your vote!

Observations:

Day three of year three at my third school is now complete.

Here are some of my observations (in no particular order):

1. The Warren staff is pretty amazing, including Bella the dog. They have really been welcoming and helpful.

2. The technology in my room needs LOTS of TLC, or its own spot in the dumpster, but we're working on it--hopefully.

3. I forgot how much junior high kids make me laugh.

4. One of my dear students from two years ago is now at Warren and came into my room yesterday and today to say hi. I almost cried. I realized how much I truly miss all of my kiddos.

5. The Warren staff had a pinning ceremony today for the newbies and it was really sweet. The bestest librarian in the entire wide universe said a few words about me, and I was really touched. Love her.

6. It would be more convenient if Diane was at Warren, but we're still working together through email. PLC at it's finest!

7. I have a ninja in my class--today he caught a fly in between his thumb and forefinger. It was still moving around when he raised his hand to tell me about it.

8. One of my sweet girls told me today that I'm her favorite teacher. Let's hope she feels the same way in a few weeks.

10. I have a ton of kids (something I'm trying to get used to). One of my boys has to sit in the table in the front for lack of desks. He bumped his head on the cabinet yesterday and I asked him the typical questions: What's your name? What year is it? Who's the president? He seemed to be fine. Today he forgot a question he wanted to ask me, so I asked him if his concussion was acting up. I'm not sure he got it. ;)

Ok, time to hit the hay. Hope you enjoyed my observations thus far. I'm sure there will be more to come.

My Bags are Packed....I'm Ready to Go...

...well, ready or not, here we go!

My clothes are picked out and my lunch is packed, what else is there to worry about? Oh, just the dozens of children that will walk through my door tomorrow and be under my care for an hour and a half each day for the next school year.

I could easily get freaked out and overwhelmed and super anxious (and I'm not saying that that won't happen--I'm sure it will), but right now I'm resting in the promise that God loves those children more than I can, and He'll care for them through me (I could never do it on my own).

I take comfort in the words that I read in Jesus Calling today (a devotional written by Sarah Young). This is actually the devotional for tomorrow, but I peeked ahead, and it's quite appropriate:

Trust me, and don't be afraid. I want you to view trials as exercises designed to develop your trust-muscles. You live in the midst of fierce spiritual battles, and fear is one of Satan's favorite weapons. When you start to feel afraid, affirm your trust in Me. Speak out loud, if circumstances permit. Resist the devil in My Name, and he will slink away from you. Refresh yourself in My holy Presence. Speak or sing praises to Me, and My Face will shine radiantly upon you. 


Remember that there is no condemnation for those who belong to Me. You have been judged NOT GUILTY for all eternity. Trust Me, and don't be afraid; for I am your Strength, Song, and Salvation. 


James 4:7; Romans 8:1-2; Isaiah 12:2 

(Click here to see more details about the book)

Thanks, Nicole, for introducing me to this amazing book. 

To all you teachers out there, remember that these are God's precious children that he is entrusting to you for a time. Content is really important, of course, but loving them is the most important thing we can do. Trust that God will never leave you nor forsake you, and have an amazing year!

For I Know the Plans I Have for You...

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

-Jeremiah 29:11

I know God's promises are true. I trust in His sovereignty and plans, but this particular promise has been a balm to my soul this week. If you have been reading the blog in the last month or so, you know how hard this school move has been on me. If not, you can catch up here. The range of emotions I have experienced this past month has been vast--fear, anxiety, sadness, longing, hope, excitement, contentment, joy, peace. 

This past week, the last five emotions have been dominant. If someone would have told me that would be the case just a week ago, I wouldn't have believed them. But, God knows the plans he has for me, plans for welfare and not for evil, plans to give me a future and a hope. 

Right now, my immediate future is at Warren, and it is good. 

I have been immensely blessed this week with people who have come alongside me, helped me, guided me, reached out to me, and laughed with me. God has surrounded me with some amazing Christian women who love junior highers just as much as I do. What more could I ask for? 

I absolutely adored my time at Thompson, and I know God had me there for a time and a reason. I still miss it. I made some friends there that I will be friends with for as long as they'll have me. 

But now, He has me at Warren, and I am content--no longer sad and fearful. I have already developed some friendships that I can tell will be long lasting. I have an administration that I deeply trust and respect. I have the greatest librarian in the whole entire wide universe and beyond. And, I have kids coming next week that I already love. 

I have a hope that'll God will do amazing things this year. I'll be sure to keep you updated. My first "official" day is tomorrow. Adios, summer! 

For now, some more recent classroom photos (hope you're not sick of them):

 Gateways posters

 AWESOME quote! I even put it up by myself!

 I put the "Dare to be Remarkable" quote on the board

 Organization! I labeled everything today. 

 Backpack area--no where near their desks!

 Tardy sign in and make up work

 This was the "practice" decal that came with the quotes. It looked cool, so I put it on the door!

 Painters tape to keep the desks in place. And for you pessimists out there, I moved the desks over a bit so the kids can get in and out a bit more easily.

Heck yes!