Memorial Day Weekend

Last weekend was a fun-filled weekend on the lake.  It was absolutely perfect.

We started the weekend with Riverfest on Friday night -   a little Darius Rucker aka Hootie!

Saturday morning we woke up bright and early to pack and move one last time.  Our nephews, Cody & Pryce, came home and helped us move me out of the apartment.

Once everything was loaded in our three vehicles, we made the drive to our new little town.  We pretty much dumped everything in the living room and hit the lake.

Other than church and sleep, we were on the lake all weekend.

The boys played lake basketball.  They are constantly making up games to play.  This weekend was no exception.  

I got in the lake, but it was still a little cool for me.  I spent most of my time laying on the boat reading.  

It was truly the perfect weekend.  

Our Weekend

I wrote this two Sundays ago and am just now posting it.  Oops!


Friday was Magic Springs day. Students who participate in the music program or athletics are rewarded for all their hard work with a trip to Magic Springs day. I'm not going to lie. As a teacher, I love this day. I can count the number of students on one hand who are at school. It's the perfect day to get some things done as the year comes to an end. This year my to do list is a bit longer since I will not be returning to HG. Everything has to come down and be moved out of my classroom. So that's exactly what I did Friday. I loaded up my car with the entire contents of my classroom. All that is left are a few odds and ends in my desk. It's very bitter sweet.

 I have two week left at HG.

 Some days that feels very real. Other days, I'm in complete denial. I think it will all sink in when I start attending workshops at my new school.

 Maybe even before then.

 I'm attending a Meet and Greet for new hires tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to meeting some new people, but am a little anxious. I have no idea what to expect. I'm pretty sure I will be meeting the superintendent and the school board. No pressure!

 Saturday was a very busy day. If I'm honest it was a very trying day. We headed out to work on The Liberty Belle as soon as we woke up. I'd love to tell you what we did, but I'm not really sure. Something about the steering. The husband says it was the hardest job we'll ever do on the boat. That's good because it is the lat job I'll ever do on the boat. I love my husband with my whole heart. He's my very best friend. But working together on projects like this is not the best thing we can do for our marriage. Ha!

 Because of that little job, we ended up missing our nephew's graduation. We felt awful. Time just go away from us. We came home, cleaned up, and headed to his celebration dinner.

 

Today started with some awesome worship at New Life Church.  We've been attending here since Andrew moved in January - at least on the weekends we've been at House B.  The longer we attend, the more I like it.  I dare say today was the best service yet.  We are starting a new series called Legends of the Faith.  Today we talked about David the lessons we can learn from him.  There is so much we can learn from David.  He was a man after God's own heart.  Yet, he was far from perfect.  He was an adulterer and a murderer.  Despite his faults, he loved God with all his heart and God loved him in return.  It just goes to show you that God can use anyone if we just allow Him to use us. 

Tonight we went to my brother's house to celebrate his 26th birthday.  He grilled burgers for everyone.  It was so much fun.  We enjoyed yummy food and outdoor games in the yard.   I love seeing my brother so happy.

Change

It's all starting to sink in.  In just a few short weeks life as I know it will be over.  A new adventure will begin.

My feelings about all of this change almost as often as the weather in Arkansas.  Snow in May?  Seriously? I'm just thankful it wasn't in the area when I live.

Andrew and I have started loading our cars each weekend and moving stuff from the apartment to House B.  I've started bringing things home from my classroom.  So much so that the walls in my classroom are pretty much blank.  It's pretty sad.

My students told me today that my room no longer feels like home. :(  Break a teacher's heart!

I was having a particularly rough day the other day.  I text my family and asked for their prayer.

Immediate change.

I am so thankful for the power of prayer.  I spent some time with my sibling-in-laws last night.  They are so funny.  God has blessed with me some great family.

The last two days have been much better.  I'm trying to enjoy my last weeks at my current school.  No matter how ready I am for summer and to live with my husband again...No matter how excited I am about my new school, I want to slow down and be in the moment with the students and coworkers I have now.  They are my second family and I love them dearly.

Speaking of my new school.  I'm loving it already and I'm not even there.  The current math specialist emailed me welcoming me to the district and suggesting some workshops she thought would be beneficial.  The 7th/8th grade math teacher emailed me offering to attend those workshops with me.  I've been in touch with some of the 5th and 6th grade teachers through facebook and email.  I already feel welcomed and like part of the family.

God is good!

Opposites Attract

He's tall.  I'm short.

He's logical where I'm emotional.

He's the youngest sibling.  I'm the oldest.

He can talk to anyone whereas I need time to warm up to you.

He reads to learn.  I read for pleasure.

He's confident when I'm unsure.

He's the loud to my quiet.

He's an excellent navigator.  I'm directionally challenged.

He doesn't enjoy amusement parks.  I LOVE them!

He's a go with the flow kind of guy.  I'm a planner.

He gets tired of taking pictures.  I can't get enough of them.

Home Sweet Home

After six fun-filled days in sunny California, I'm home.  I didn't think I would ever be happy to see my STANKY apartment, but I was yesterday.  I traveled with 30 7th-9th graders and we had the red-eye flight home Monday night/Tuesday morning.

It was a blast.  When I ask the students what their favorite part was, most say they can't choose.  I know the feeling.

We saw the Golden Gate Bridge, the Tanner Family's house (Full House), Giants' Stadium, Alcatraz, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, and even (window) shopped on Rodeo Drive.

Yes, we did see someone famous.  I saw Jane & Peter Fonda.  Jane was getting her hand prints done at the Chinese Theater and was there for the premier party.

We looked for others, but didn't see anyone else.  A few students claim they saw Ashley Olsen at the airport.

I think we were all so determined to see someone famous, that everyone looked famous to us.  We had lunch at the Farmer's Market one day.  I'm not sure Traci and I said five words to each other the entire two hours we were there.  We were so busy people watching and hoping to see a celebrity.

Memories were definitely made.  Our students had a blast and learned a lot.  I will always cherish the time I was able to spend with them getting to know each one a little better.

My favorite moment of the trip though was Sunday night.  One of the students who went to DC last year requested that we pray like we did on that trip.  So Sunday night before curfew I prayed with several students right there by the elevator.  I love those kids!  I love that they have a heart for God and want to take time out of a busy fun-filled trip to thank Him for safe travels and the fun memories.

It was hard to return to the classroom today, but all the I missed yous made it a little easier.