Day Brighteners

As a first grade teacher, I have the perk of 31 built in day brighteners.  Yes, the kids.
Really, they don't have very many dull moments.  Their way of communicating and understanding is wonderful and I come home with something new every day.  Here are some of those not so dull moments...

"I don't know why, but I just feel so full of sunshine!!!"
"Starfish regenerate their own arms!" [yes, regenerate]
"Can I borrow your cookie?" [a kindergartener to a fellow classmate at lunch]
"Not like now, how we dress in the modern..." [during a literature discussion]
"I'm running for president. Are you going to vote for me?"
After using the restroom, "I feel SO much better."
When they use the word 'efficient' or 'ricochet' in context
When they spell the word 'preliminary' right and don't even know it

I love our kiddos and am so blessed to be a part of molding their minds and hearts!
We also get to dress like an Egyptian every once in a while...

Ancient Egypt Celebration

Eating as the Egyptians did: figs, grapes, [root]beer, honey, and pita

[The first grade team]

Excited to start the second half of my second year at Archway.  We're back in full swing from winter break!  Can't wait to see how much they have grown since the beginning of the year.  That's always my favorite and least favorite part... watching them grow up and seeing them move on to second grade! Booooo

What Are You Living For?

We all have something that makes us tick.  That thing that we long for or can't seem to loose grip of.
It may even be something that we don't know we're chasing.  For many, it's success or a feeling of completion.  Perhaps it's knowing that we have enough money or 'things' to keep us comfortable.  Or maybe instead of wanting to be comfortable, we want to be in control of everything around us...  if we're not manipulating, we aren't victorious.  And if we're not doing any of these things, we're most likely seeking to win over the hearts of many.  We want to be seen in a certain light.  Not black or white, but that perfect shade of light.  Either way, we are chasing something.  If you agree with my previous statements, you should also agree that something essentially has the potential to sway our actions, emotions and behaviors within everyday interaction.  These very things that rule over us like a king to his servant are called heart idols.  They can derail us and will control our lives if we aren't aware of them.  It has been quite the journey for my mind to sink deeper and deeper into this reality.
What makes you tick?  Because it may be dictating your life.

Ready, Set, Capture

I am stunned at the radiance of God's creation that is able to be displayed through one single viewfinder.

I've always been a huge fan of photos from my small yet giving digital camera, but never have I been so amazed at how great a camera can capture real life in still motion.  I now have my hands on my very own Canon digital SLR and can't stop using!  It blows my mind that this is even one of the lower models.  I'm dreaming of what the highest Canon could produce!  Honestly, no matter the camera, it's the Creator of the artwork in front of the camera... and the composer behind the camera who's doing all the work!  I can now say that, "A picture will never do justice," no longer exists in my vocabulary.

Here are some new camera fiddlings [with no edits]

TTFN

Last First Year of First Grade

This is it!  Only 5 last precious days with my little first graders.  My first class ever might I add.  There is going to be some big time tears and hugs to last a lifetime come Friday.  The good news is that our school is a K-4 school.  I'll be able to watch these little seeds grow for at least another 3 years!  What a blessing it has been to be at a Great Hearts school.  The curriculum and values we hold haven't only been life changing for the kiddos.  It's also been incredible for my life to teach a small part of this generation about their own character and heart.  It's exciting to see their young minds and values change only in one year as 6-7 year olds.

I'm also excited for what the summer holds!  My plan is to get creative, do some art, finish up some projects around our little place, finally use our elliptical, cook up some new recipes, go on a Vegas-bound road trip to celebrate my birthday, take a trip to see family, travel across seas for the first time by plane, teach English in Estonia, develop relationships with the Estonian high schoolers, and have some good reads.  I'll try my best to keep you updated along the way.

Cheers to a great school year.

My Hope & Stay

Knowing that God is the sustainer and giver of all things

puts my life to rest and ceases all life's little worries.

"On Christ, the solid rock I stand,

all other ground is sinking sand.

When all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my hope and stay."