Clarke's 27th Birthday

Last Monday was Clarke's 27th Birthday. I can't believe he is 27 years old!

We went out to eat with his family.

He opened his presents.

 I made him a birthday cake.

We had a great time celebrating.

A Fond Farewell

Goodbye All Fired Up, you've been so good to me. I am not the same person I was 2 years ago, when I first walked in those doors to get an application. I've grown a lot and learned so much in the process, and you helped me to do that.

I didn't realize how much I didn't even know, about kilns and clay and ceramics. Thank you for all that you've taught me. About teaching art and children and who I am. And thank you for helping me to become who I want to be. You have helped me to get there.

Thank you for not giving up on me, even when I made mistakes. After my first student teaching experience I doubted my abilities as a teacher, especially when working with younger students. But you never doubted me, always said "yes you can", and dispite my insecurities you made me teach those classes, and it helped me to regain confidence in myself.

I can look back and see this is where I needed to be for the past two years. But, it's time to move on. This chapter is over now. I worked my last day today, unloaded my last kiln and helped my last customer.

So thank you. Thank you so much All Fired Up for everything you have taught me and helped me to become. I am glad that God has used you in my life.

Wordless Wednesday

Tried to take Betty outside the other day. She was not having it.

Happy Birthday Clarke!

Happy Birthday Clarke!!!!

I am so blessed to have you as my husband! You are:

- Handsome

- Funny

- My Better Half

- Always Know How to Cheer Me Up

- Great at Teaching Me How to Play Golf

- A True Man of God

- A Wonderful Provider

- Fun to Be With

- My Best Friend

- Unselfish

- A Hard Worker

- My Bear

- A Great "Daddy" to Betty

I love you so much!!!!! Happy Birthday!

Mini Vacations

I love mini vacations, as we call them. Just getting away for one or two nights. It doesn't even matter where we go, sometimes you just need to get away.

This weekend we went camping at Bear Creek Lake State Park for Clarke's birthday.

It was our first time camping there, and we really enjoyed it.

This morning we went hiking.

It was a beautiful day.

We have several more "mini vacations" planned before summer is over. Trying to make the most of it all. Although, I'm not sad for summer to be over, I'm ready for the fall. Ready for the crisp cool air and the leaves to change color. But I hate to wish time away, so for now I'm enjoying what is left of summer.

Reality

The reality that change is about to happen is really setting in. The fact that I am about to leave the only job I've ever liked, felt comfortable, and been really good at is about to happen in just two weeks. And honestly, I'm scared.

I got a newsletter from my new school in the mail yesterday, but just read it today. In it they had a little section welcoming all the new "family members". To see my name there was exciting, but it also really hit me, I am really leaving my job and starting something new.

Tonight we had our end of the summer staff dinner. It was great. My boss thanked me for everything and got me a really nice going away gift and card. She started to tear up as she talked about me leaving, and I felt the tears coming from myself as well.

I can't believe I am really leaving. I know this is where I need to be, and that it is time for me to move on, but it's a lot harder than I thought it would be. I like being comfortable in my job. I like that I am the one that everyone goes to when they have a question. I like knowing what to expect. I like already being friends with my coworkers.

I don't like change. I know, who does? But, I really don't do well with it. I struggle with the unknown. That's why in college I had such a hard time, I didn't know what came next. And anxiety came with that unknown. I hate to admit when I am feeling anxious, and most of the time it goes away. But, tonight I am feeling anxious about the future. Anxious about my new job.

I know that this is the job that God has for me. It is where I am suppose to be. It's a new season, a new chapter, a new beginning. It's exciting and I wouldn't have it any other way. I wouldn't change it. But, I am realizing, really realizing that it's about to happen. It's coming. Soon it will be the first day of school.

I hate anxiety. I hate that it is a part of my life. I know it is NOT from the Lord. I know God has me in this. He is with me and I am right where I am suppose to be. I'm trusting in Him. I could take the easy way and stay at my current job. I'm so comfortable there. But, I am never gonna get to where I really want to be there, and I feel God tugging at my heart. I feel him leading me in another direction. This new direction.

The reality that change is here is setting in. Here I go.

The Ending Of An Era

Today is the ending of an era. Working Saturdays. That's right, today is my last Saturday I have to work. Ahhh, I can't wait to have my weekends back. I can't wait to know that I will have a break every week.

I am so excited to get on a regular schedule. The same every week. No more waiting to see when I work, what weekends I am free. I can't wait!

So, with that said I am off to work my last Saturday.

Baltimore Weekend

This past weekend Me, Clarke and my brother Chris went to Baltimore to visit my dad.

We went to an Orioles game.

Took a water taxi around the harbor.

Went to Fort McHenry, where the Star Spangled Banner was inspired.

And my favorite part, The American Visionary Art Museum.

I loved the outside walls. Covered in mirrors and mosaic.

Although it took us 4 hours to get there, when  it should have taken us 2.5 (traffic was awful on 95!) we had a great time. Baltimore is a fun city, with lots to do.

Teacher Week: About Me

It is teacher week over at Babbling Abby, so I thought I would play along! If it is your first time reading my blog, welcome!

About Me As A Teacher:

- Teaching has been a journey for me. When I was younger I wanted to be a teacher. Then when I went off to college I had no clue what I wanted to do. I changed my major 4 times, then after graduating decided teaching was the profession for me. I went back to school to get my teaching license.

- As I said earlier, teaching has been a journey for me, and it still is. I recently received my teaching license and with the lack of jobs out there can't find a job. I recently accepted an offer to be an Instructional Assistant working with special needs children. I couldn't be more excited.

- The school I will be working at is 1 mile from my house. If I had children they would go there.

- I constantly think about just going back to school to get my masters. This is one of my goals in life, so I know I will eventually. But I worry about still not being able to get a job after I get my masters.

- I used to only want to teach middle school or high school. I had to get certified K-12 (I am certified to teach Art) and after a lot of experience and practice with the younger children I love it. I am now open to teaching anyone.

- I can't think of anything else I would want to do with my life. Time and time again God has showed me that this is the right profession for me. Just when I start seriously doubting He reminds me in a big way that I need to stick with it.

- I hated my first student teaching experience. I loved my second student teaching experience. I learned so much from both, and wouldn't trade either experience for anything.

- As I said above, I am certified K-12 in Art. I love how art education can be used in so many different ways. It helps students to interact with the material, really think and process it, make it their own. Art is a great tool for self expression, communication, higher level thinking and learning problem solving skills.

- I also really want to be a coach. Either gymnastics, cheerleading or both.

- A lot of people I talk to say I am naive and idealistic when it comes to teaching. I am slowly learning that this is true. Although, in a way I think it is good.

- I don't care if it takes me till I'm 50 to become a teacher, I'm not giving up.

Thursday Musings

Oh Friday, you are so close! And I am so excited about this weekend because I don't have to work. Me and Clarke are going up to Baltimore to visit my dad. Can't wait to go to an Orioles game.

Thunderstorm is coming. Betty is getting scared. I just hope we don't loose power again, that was not fun last week.

I can't believe that summer is almost over, and I am ready for fall. I am always ready for the next season. I just love the seasons, maybe it's because I grew up in Florida, and there are no seasons there. But, I am ready for the leaves to change colors and to break out my sweaters. Excited about going to the mountains, a fall wedding, and the ghosts and more tour in Rocky Mount.

Well, this was a random post. Ha! And, I am off to make dinner.

A Weekend of Celebrations

This past weekend was one of celebration. God must have known it was going to be hard (read my last post) so He made sure I had plenty to be happy about.

Saturday night after work Clarke took me to Hondos to celebrate my new job. This is the place we go when we have something big to celebrate. We went here after we got engaged, have gone here for birthdays and anniversaries. They have the best steak in Richmond. It really is a special treat.

Afterwards we met up with some friends who just got engaged! I am soooo excited for them. I have been friends with her since we were in girl scouts together in the third grade. And her future husband is perfect for her. They are so cute together.

Sunday after church I helped throw a baby shower for a new friend of mine. I have really enjoyed getting to know her and she is having a little baby boy in a couple weeks. I love celebrating new life, and baby things are so adorable.

So, that was my weekend. I wish I took pictures, but I didn't.

I am so thankful that there is lots to celebrate in life. :)

Remembering Grandma

Today is the one year anniversary of my grandma's death. I can't believe it has already been a year. I posted about her here.

My aunt sent me a nice email this morning with a quote I really liked.

"Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away in the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I and you are you, and the old life that was lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged., Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name, speak of me in the easy way which you always did., put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow., Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word it was. let it be spoken without an effort without the ghost of a shadow upon it. life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner, All is well."

I love you Grandma.