endings and new beginnings

I can't believe the school year is over! Today was such a bittersweet day. I am sooo excited about summer and this new season of becoming a mother, I can't wait! But I am really going to miss Echo Lake next year. 

I've felt so loved by all my coworkers this week. They threw me a baby shower last Wednesday, it was so sweet!

Baby's first gifts!!

It's made me realize how lucky I have been to work at such a great school. I feel so blessed for these past 2 years. I can't wait to be a mom, but I am so grateful for everything and everyone at Echo Lake!

Currently Loving

I am currently loving.........

Breyers neapolitan ice cream with fresh strawberries. Yum. 

Netflix. Clarke and I might be on the verge of obsession with Lost. We both never saw it while it was on TV and we are hooked. (Don't tell me what happens, we are only on season 2!) 

My new iPhone. For the longest time I didn't want a smartphone, then I found all these cool baby apps. My favorite being the one that hooks up with a baby monitor and you can see your baby right there on the phone. Betty is a fan of the cat apps that  make noises specifically for cats......lol.

The last week of school. It's bittersweet, I can't believe the school year is almost over. I am so ready for summer, but will def. miss being at Echo Lake next year. 

thursday ramblings

Okay, so here is a post about other things going on in my life besides being pregnant!

 

 

I am loving teacher appreciation week! Seriously, our PTA is great. Between the lunch on Monday, the smoothies from Tropical Smothie Cafe, all the little treats in my mailbox and breakfast tomorrow morning they know how to make us feel loved. The students are sweet too, I have loved all the cards and the beautiful flowers.

I can't wait for June. I think everyone who works in education is saying this about now. The last day of school will be so bittersweet for me. I've been at Echo Lake Elementary for 2 years now, and I am def. going to miss it since I'm not coming back in the fall. At the same time I am so excited about this new season of life that God has brought me to.

 

 

I also can't wait for June because of vacation! My mom's side of the family got a big beach house in Myrtle Beach and I can't wait to see everyone.

 

 

I think our yard looks the best in the spring. I love our azaleas in the front and the rain makes our grass actually green. I also planted some flowers for the front steps this year. I am determined to keep them alive this year!

That's about all I have for now. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Valentine's Day 2012

I have to say I had a pretty great Valentine's Day yesterday! I think this may be my favorite holiday to celebrate at school. The kids get so excited about these little cards and candy, and I love watching them.

 I got so spoiled. My students also love giving out their valentines too! One of my gymnastics girls even gave me a valentine, which I thought was so sweet of her.

That night Clarke grilled steak, and I made mashed potatoes. It was really nice just to have a low key night. Of course I had to watch the Valentine's Day Glee, which was fabulous as always. This was our 3rd Valentine's Day being married, I can't believe it. We also finalized spring break plans which I am very excited about! (I'll post more about that soon.)

Overall it was such a great day where I felt so loved by everyone in my life. That's the perfect holiday for me!

Where I Need To Be

I saw this on pinterest recently and repinned it. I thought "this is so true about my job."

api.ning.com via meredith on pinterest

Yeah, I'm right where God wants me.

This school year has been really different than last year, and it's going to continue to change. Starting this week I won't be working in the same classroom I've been in for the past year and a half. A student moved to another county and I had to say goodbye on Friday, so this classroom doesn't need me anymore. I'm glad I already know all the students I'll be working with and I can say I am already very fond of them.  I've been in and out of their classrooms throughout this year and while I'll miss my current students I am excited to work with these new ones. Thursday was the perfect example. I was walking in the hall and I saw a student from one of the classes I've been helping. He gave me the biggest hug, which is funny cause I really haven't worked with him that much. I was on my way to the pre-K special ed class and when I walked in a little girl says "Hi Mrs. Jenny I've missed you!" Ahhh, it was great. I really was having a hard time with the transition of moving out of my current classroom. But like that quote says, I've ended up where I need to be. I know it's true of the children I'll be working with for the rest of this school year as well as why I'm in special ed and not art.

I wish I knew all the answers, but I see how God is guiding me and showing me piece by piece. In some sense I haven't gone where I intended to go (teaching art) but I have ended up where I needed to be (special ed).

First Week of School and 15 Miles

I can't believe I haven't posted about the first week of school yet! I've been busy getting back into the routine, going to bed early and running. 7 miles is now my medium run for the week, so it's def. takes up more time, and I digress. Neways, it's been really nice to be back at school. At the open house the week before school one of my students who I had last year came into the classroom, and he could walk! He could barely stand on his own at the end of the school year in June. Now he is walking, I've so enjoyed watching him this past week. I honestly have to say I do miss my students who have gone into other programs, but that's apart of teaching, students move on and it's for the best. On the other hand I'm working with the same people, same classroom, a lot of similar things from last year and it's been nice to come back and already know what to do and when.

On a totally different note this morning I ran 15 miles!! 15 with hills, and I mean big steep hills! It was such a lovely run with some beautiful views of the James River. I must say the first 10 were pretty easy. I can't believe I am saying this, but it's true. Miles 10-13 were hard, but not too bad. Miles 13-15 were brutal. I remember running with a teammate and we were saying we weren't sure if we would be able to walk afterwards. But I am shocked to say I feel fine now. I stretched a lot after, ate a good recovery meal and of course did an ice bath. Ah, I have a love hate relationship with the ice bath. They are def. not fun during, but afterwards it's amazing how great you feel. It's like night and day after an ice bath. I actually feel better now than I did after the half marathon. It's great to see that my training is really working. My head coach shared this quote in a team email recently and I loved it "As is true with life and in the run- if you are willing to pay the price that others will not you will reap the benefits that others will not" It just confirms that my training is paying off, and it feels so good. This morning a coach said "I know you think you have been running long distances, but you haven't until after this run. This morning starts the real distance running." So, I am officially apart of the elite group of distance runners now! Ah, I can't describe how great it feels. I was talking to a coach as we were running across the Nickel Bridge, I was telling him how training for this marathon has gotten me addicted to running. I am in, there's no turning back for me now. Some people run the marathon to cross it off their "bucket list", which is fine, but I'm hooked for life now. I just love it. :)


 

bittersweetness

I can't believe tomorrow is the last day of school. Honestly, I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand I am so ready for a break. I've been counting down the days for awhile now and I've been looking forward to summer. But now that it's here, I can't help but feel a little sad.......

I can honestly say that I've truly enjoyed my job this past year. God knew exactly what he was doing when he put me here. I've grown so much as an educator. I've learned so much about special needs children. I didn't even realize how much I didn't know to begin with. I've learned about patience, compassion, and love. I've learned all the words to all the songs in High School Musical 2.....ha!

 I've gained so much confidence in myself this year. (When it comes to teaching this was always something I struggled with.) I've learned that I'm good at working with children with disabilities, and I love it. Really, I love them.

Not knowing where I will be next year is hard because I don't know if this is goodbye to my students or see you later. I know for some it is goodbye, and that's hard. They say your not suppose to get too attached to your students, but I have. It's hard not to when your not just teaching them, but are also taking care of almost all their needs.

Oh, I love them so much. I've enjoyed helping them learn and grow. I've loved seeing them walk better and with more confidence, say new words, make choices, really do anything new. Words can't describe my experience this past school year.

Tomorrow is going to be bittersweet. We all must move on, move forward. I don't know what the future holds for me next year, but I'm so thankful for this past year.

It's been awhile since....

I've gone to a concert. I had such a great time Friday night at the Carbon Leaf concert! Of course now their CD is in my car, and I'll be listening to it for awhile.

I've done karaoke. Saturday night we had a cookout at the church for our young adult's ministry. Well it rained (luckily after we ate) so we moved inside the auditorium. My sister-in-law was playing around on the stage and somehow it turned into a fun night of karaoke. It was sooo much fun. Of course I was reminded that I can't sing, but I still had a blast.

I've been out past midnight. I know, I'm lame, but it's the truth. Friday night after the concert we went to New York Deli and got some appetizers and drinks. I had no clue that it turns into a dance party around 11, but it does. So we stayed and danced, Clarke really had a great time.

I've taken a nap. Friday at school was field day, which was great. But it was also exhausting. I went around and helped a little girl in my class do all her events, and it was really fun. (She did especially well on the rock climbing wall, and that was so neat to see.) But, when I got home I knew I needed a little nap to recover.

I've been to one of my favorite restaurants in Richmond, Stuzzi's. We went here for lunch with our mom's to celebrate Mother's Day. I forgot how good everything is. If you are a local reader and haven't been yet, you should go.

What a great weekend! I can't believe it's already Sunday night.

What I'm Loving Today

Happy Wednesday! Here is what I am loving today.....

My friend just posted this picture from the Monument Avenue 10k, I'm loving it.

Seeing this makes me excited for June 4, that's when marathon training starts. I'm really nervous, and sometimes I ask myself am I crazy? But mostly I'm just excited.

I'm loving my free trail of Netflix. I'm still not sure if I will continue it after my free month is up, mainly because it's too addicting. I've been watching way too many old episodes of Army Wives.

Since I recently started watching this show I feel the need to catch up on all the past ones I've missed. But I know I probably should be doing something more productive!

I'm loving this picture as well. It's from the bridal shower for my friend Rebecca we had last Saturday.

I love these girls, and the shower went great. So glad everything went smoothly on Saturday.

I'm loving that this Friday I get to see one of my favorite bands, Carbon Leaf.

It's been way too long since I've been to one of their concerts, and I can't wait.

I'm loving the new show on NBC, The Voice.

Anyone else watching this? I love the fact that the judges can't see what the singers look like.

And lastly I'm loving teacher appreciation week.

These are flowers that my students brought me. I've also recieved a bunch of cupcakes, cookies and other fun things from them. We got to wear jeans to school today, I'm loving this week!

And that is what I'm loving today!

Miscellany Monday

Welcome to my edition of Miscellany Monday!

1. I am loving our house in it's full spring glory!

All the plants up front by the house are recently planted. I hope that little tree we planted on the left side grows fast, it looks so tiny right now!

2. I recently started doing Zumba at my church. My sister-in-law wanted to go, and I thought it might be good to do some cross training for my running. I forgot how much I enjoyed it. I also must admit that I remember it being a lot harder than it is now. I think after all this running I am finally in shape!

3. Friday my class went to our Little Feet Meet, for the Special Olympics. It was such a great event. I can't even express how much I enjoyed it.

It was great for them to have an event about them. My students will never have ballet recitals, or basketball games for their parents to come watch, this is it. It was great to share that with their families and them.

4. I enjoyed watching the royal wedding. I didn't wake up early to see it, but I did stay up way too late that night watching the coverage on the news. I honestly didn't really care that much about it, until I turned it on and got lured into it. I loved her dress, that was the main reason I turned it on to begin with, had to see that! What did ya'll think?

Hope everyone has a great Monday!!

Attitude and Gratitude

I have recently been reminded of the importance of my thoughts. The way I chose to think about things, the way I decide to look at the world. It's my choice alone, nobody can make me have a certain outlook, in the same way I can't control other people's thoughts and outlook as well.

It all comes down to your attitude. They say life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% how we react to it. And that is so true. I know people who are "debbie downers" and complain, yet they have so much, and really their situation isn't that bad. I know people who are really going through hard trials and yet have so much joy. And it all comes down to the way they choose to perceive their circumstances.

It all comes down to gratitude. Being thankful for what you do have, and appreciating your blessings. Seeing that the glass is half full, instead of focusing on the empty part. So many people miss out on the many blessings in their life and don't fully enjoy them because they think they need something more to really be happy. All they can see is the empty part of the glass, and they miss out on what's already there.

I am a glass is half full kind of girl. I am blessed. And that is my attitude.

"Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens. "

~ Kahlil Gibran

Miscellany Monday: March Edition

I haven't done one of these posts in awhile, so thought I would today!

1. I am loving that spring is almost here. I am loving making plans to finally landscape our yard and make it look better. I am loving that warmer weather is around the corner. It makes me so happy.

2. We had a great lazy Saturday. After traveling to the other side of the country it was nice to relax and sleep. We raked more leaves in our yard on Sunday, but they just won't disappear! I don't know where they are coming from, but I can't wait to be done.

3. I have really been enjoying teaching the preschool Sunday school class at church. When someone at church asked me to volunteer because she thought I would be good at it, I admit I was doubtful. I have never worked with this age before, but I am loving it. And it surprises me how much I am loving the little ones, but I really do.

4. The 10k is 3 weeks away! I am really excited, I can't believe how close it is. Got a postcard in the mail, and it's on my fridge now. Makes me want to run more, which is always good.

5. My heart breaks for Japan. I honestly try not to think about it, because it is so sad. But, I know I need to pray for them, and pray things get better. I can't imagine not knowing if my family is safe or not, and loosing so many loved ones at once.

6. I start training for my job tomorrow. It was optional, but they are paying me to go, and I find special ed interesting, so i'm eager to learn more. I really enjoy learning and will take most opportunities to do so. I hope I get something out of it that helps me do a better job at work.

Making Sense Of It All

"The very things that hold you down are going to lift you up."
~ Timothy Mouse from Dumbo

I first wanted to thank everyone for your sweet emails and facebook messages. I didn''t even know you read this little blog! It really meant so much to me.

Since my last post I am feeling better. I finally talked to human resources and they explained that since I am already an hourly employee they would have to pay me overtime if I coached as well. Since teachers are paid a salary they are exempt from overtime, so they can coach as well. Federal law required they pay me time and a half if I worked more than 40 hours (which I would if I coached) since I am hourly. I just wish they told me that when they hired me 3 months ago, oh well.

But, to the point of this post. I love that quote above, yes it is from Dumbo. I saw it on a little sign in Hallmark awhile ago, and it actually reminded me of my students.

I still believe God is in this, somehow. I don't understand, and that's hard. I know somehow He is working, and He is still in control, and that is good. I still believe He has called me to be a teacher, and I will get there one day.

I never want to miss out on the good things God has for me. I honestly think a lot of people do. I think they get so upset because things don't turn out how they wanted, and they focus on what they don't have, they miss out on the blessings and the other great things God has for them.

Despite my bad week at work, I still love my job. I love my students, and I am blessed to work with such caring people. When I got the call about not being able to coach I started sobbing. I was at work. One of my students (who gives the best hugs) gave me the biggest hug and just smiled at me. Of course she didn't understand why I was so upset, but she knew a hug would somehow help. One of my coworkers gave me a big hug and everyone said nice uplifting things. And I've worked at places before where that would not have happened, nobody would have cared.

I know one day I will look back and understand, even if that is when I get to heaven. I still want to teach, and I'm not ready to give up on that.

Miscellany Monday

Happy Monday and New Year!!

 Running into 2011....

It is less than 3 months till the 10k! Over winter break I have been quite the slacker, only running about once a week. But I had a great run on Saturday when the weather was nice and it felt great. Right now I can run about 2.5 miles, which is good for me. When I started running I could barely run a mile! So here's to the other 3.7 miles to go!

 Dancing the Night Away....

I had a great time celebrating the new year. A group of us went to Stuzzi's, a fairly new Italian restaurant, for dinner. As always, it was really good.

After enjoying some cheese, pasta and wine we headed to The National, it used to be a theatre, but now bands play there. They had a 90s dance party, so we rung in the new year enjoying some favorites from high school and middle school.

 Smiling Faces....

While I definitely enjoyed my winter break I have missed my students so much! I am really lucky that I enjoy my job, and enjoy the people I work with, especially my kids. I just can't wait to see their smiling faces tomorrow. (I am writing this post Sunday night.)

 Because I Haven't in Awhile....

Here is a picture of Betty:

Just thought I would throw that in there!

New Edition....

For my birthday I received a gift card to Target from some friends. I had been wanting a console table for the living room, so when I saw it was on sale I couldn't resist!

I love the way it looks. I still need to get candles to put on the candle holders, maybe play around with the accessories some more. I didn't put the bottom shelf on because I want to put two storage cubes/ottomans underneath to pull out for extra seating, like they did here.

Hope everyone had a great new year's! That's it for this Miscellany Monday post!

27...looking back on 26

Today was my 27th birthday!

It was filled with lots of family and friends. I feel so blessed to have so many people who care about me.

Birthdays always make me reminisce about the past year. My 26th year was a big one. Here is a look back at it............

26, You brought........

(in no particular order)

A new home for my family.

Travels to lots of fun places.

Lots of time spent scrapbooking.

My first snow day from school as an employee.

More involvement in my church.

A new job working with some amazing children.

Great times spent with my hubby, enjoying being married.

A new group of friends.

Improvement in my golf game.

Lots of quality time with family and friends who are dear to me.

A new habit, running.

Time spent snuggling and playing with Betty.

A full year of memories on this blog.

Starting the tradition of our girl's beach trip to the Outer Banks.

Countless hours painting our house.

Having lots of trick or treaters at our house.

Becoming a Sunday school teacher at my church.

Seeing one of my favorite artists speak.

An appreciation for the season of life I am currently in.

Learning how to be a good host by having two parties and one big get together.

New recipes to try and enjoy.

Sharing childhood memories and having fun at Disney World with hubby.

Hope 27 is as good as 26!!

Christmas Love

Things I am currently loving about Christmas.......

This house on the Tacky Light Tour which is in our neighborhood. I just love coming home and driving by it.

Setting up the Christmas houses with my mom. A tradition that started when I was younger and still look forward to every year.

Christmas Cookies!! The PTA at the school where I work brought in cookies for everyone to take home. There were six tables in the library filled with cookies.

Christmas decorations! I got this garland and wreath last year on my birthday (the day after Christmas) at Pottery Barn, and couldn't wait to use them.

While I'm on the topic of things I am loving I must share......

Richmond is geting a Hobby Lobby!!!! I have heard amazing things about this store from you fellow bloggers, and can't wait to go when it opens!! It is actually kinda funny because the local scrapbooking store just went out of business, and although I got a bunch of stuff for cheap, it makes me sad. I have been shopping there since I started scrapbooking almost ten years ago. So I guess this is one of those times when God brings something to an end, but starts something new. Anyways, I'm very excited about the new store.

There it is, Christmas and Crafty love.

TGIF!

I am exhausted. So tired. I am always tired on Fridays, but I don't think I have ever been this tired after the work week. And I have been getting about 8 hours of sleep every night, so I'm not sure why.

Maybe it's because I went on two field trips this week. The first one was our class field trip to Tom Leonards. We picked out a pumpkin and carved it today. I also took one of the little boys in my class on the first grade field trip to the Richmond Zoo. (Which was really neat and a lot better than what I thought it would be.)

Maybe it's because I had a lot going on after school. Monday we went out to celebrate my mom's birthday. Tuesday I babysat for a friend and my dad was in town so he took us out to dinner. Wednesday was bible study and Thursday night I babysat at the church.

Whatever the reason is I am happy it's Friday, and ready for a little break. Tonight is date night with my hubby. So excited to relax and get some one on one time with him. Yay for not working weekends anymore!

Miscellany Monday

<One>

Happy columbus day! I am off of work today and happy about my 3 day weekend. Today I have plans to go out to lunch with Clarke and his family. I am really excited about the restaurant we are going to. I haven't been in awhile and it is sooo good! Best lunch downtown.

<Two>

Saturday my friends and I had another yard sale. There def. wasn't as much traffic as the one we had in the spring, but I made a good amount, and of course had fun with my girlies.

Me and Rachel at the yard sale.

<Three>

I am still enjoying my new job. I can't believe it's already been a month since I started. For the first time in my life I finally feel like I am in the right spot professionally. I wonder sometimes how exactly this job will translate into a teaching job, but I know God has something in store for me.

Week 2

Just finished week 2 of my new job. Still liking it, that's the main thing. But, I am exhausted. The good kind though. The kind where you come home and know you not only worked really hard, but did something good. Did something to make a child laugh or feel good about themselves. Took care of someone who really needed it, and did it with kindness.

I love my kids. All of them are soo different, and I am enjoying getting to know them. They make me smile. The littlest things make them happy. Like "the wheels on the bus" or coloring, one on one time, eating or holding them a certain way.

They all have their own challenges as well. Kicking, sitting up straight, seizures, understanding, eating or being calm. They need a lot of help, but most of the time they are grateful for it.

Most of my students have genetic disorders. They have an extra chromosome, or are missing one, or it's not in the right spot. That one little chromosome makes such a difference, I never knew. Two of my students are undiagnosed. That kinda made me mad. How can they not know what is causing this? Some of their disorders are so rare, I have done a lot of research about them. It's very interesting to me.

I think the highlight of my week was taking a student to art. It is both of our favorites. (All of them have regular classrooms they are apart of and go to one of their extra classes like music or art depending which they like the best) We had such a great time and I just loved helping her. She is so sweet, and gave me a "hey teachy" which always makes my day. (She doesn't say much, so when she looks at you and tells you hello, it's a really big deal.)

I am looking forward to taking another student to the pumpkin patch. She is adorable, I can't even describe how cute she is. She does the cutest hand gestures, and her mom dresses her in the cutest dresses with big bows. She is in kindergarten and will be going on the kindergarten field trip in October. I get to go with her. I can't wait, I know she is gonna love it.

Oh yeah, I have a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. It is really getting on my nerves. I hate being sick and it makes my job so much harder than it should be. I think my body is just getting used to this new schedule and new germs. I am hoping it goes away before Monday.

I am really enjoying working with the nurses, physical therapist and occupational therapist. A long time ago in college those were both my majors at one point, so it suites me well.

So besides not feeling 100 percent, I am still happy about my new job. Glad to be at Echo Lake and happy for the chance to love on my kids everyday.

Brownies and Thank Yous!

I got the nicest card from my teacher this morning, with some burt's bees chapstick! A student's mother also brought us all homemade brownies, yum! The other teachers said she is always making us baked goods, I didn't know that was a perk of the job, but I am lovin it!

So here is to a great first week!!