A complete blur..

Oh my goodness... the beginning of school has been a complete whirl wind of emotions.. Let me start by saying that I am so blessed and honored to have a job right now and that I absolutely love working at Cleveland Middle.. Never in a million years did I realize all the work that went into teaching.. If you are a teacher or have been, then I know you completely understand; however, if you are not I encourage you to keep reading : ) All of my life, I have heard about how great the hours are for teachers and how they "have it made." So now that I am on the other side, let me just tell my non teachers friends that you may think we only work from 8-3 but it is A LOT more work than that.. I never imagined that I would basically be living at school from 6am to about 8pm every night.. I am also coaching softball and therefore have practice for about two hours after school, but other than that these hours are spent in my classroom.. Don't get me wrong, I love my job and wouldn't trade it for the world, but geez it's a lot more work than I had anticipated.. I want to go back right now and personally thank all of my teachers growing up.  This is a lot harder job then what the students see.  Okay enough whining from me.. I REALLY do love all my kiddos and wouldn't trade them for the world.. It's crazy how I spent so much time this summer preparing my classroom and getting things ready for the first week of school and now it's over.. It REALLY is a complete blur to me.. I felt like I was running around constantly and was just trying to make it through each day.. This past Friday, I went to be around 8:30 and yes that was on a Friday and the worst part was that it was only a four day week.. I am hoping and praying that I can make it through this entire week : )  As of now, I have had time to catch up and take a deep breath.. I feel like I have finally caught my breath and this week has been going extremely smooth so far.. The best thing about teaching is knowing that you are living out what God has called me to do and being able to love on and care for kids each day.  I absolutely love middle schoolers.. Yes, I know a lot of you are thinking that I am crazy for that, but I wouldn't trade them for the world.. I love everything about them at this age; however, the random moodiness seems to throw a spin on things sometimes.. Thank you Lord for giving me a heart and an opportunity to minister to middle schoolers!! 

Summer Vacation

It's crazy to think that summer is coming to an end. It's crazy how fast the summertime flies by.  My summer this year consisted of working many basketball camps, taking classes, going to Florida, getting my classroom ready, and wedding planning.  I enjoyed every second of it!! This past weekend, I graduated from Lee with my Masters.  Looking back it amazes me how God truly works everything out for the best.  I had no clue what to major in and went back and forth between teaching and nursing.  Little did I know what God had in store for me years later.  What I thought was the worst thing ever was truly a blessing.  I tore my ACL my sophomore year in college and thought that was the end but God had everything under control.  I had the opportunity of playing college basketball for five years and was blessed with being allowed to get two degrees paid for.  God really knows better then me : )  

Anyways.... this past year our summer family vacation was to Daytona Beach.  We couldn't have asked for better weather and had a wonderful time.  After a week in Daytona, Caleb and myself rented a car and drove down to Miami to stay with Caleb's sister and brother in law.  If you have never been to Miami, you need to go.  I really felt like I was in another country.  While in Miami, we went to South Beach, Key Largo, Key Biscane, the Miami Aquarium, a Marlins game, and I got adventurous with my eating.  I was so proud of myself that I tried many different types of food while I was down there.. Here are some pictures from our trip.. 

Here we are at a Peruvian Restaurant.. Yes, I did try the food and actually loved it.. This restaurant had the prettiest view of the bay, but I forgot to take a picture when it was light outside.. The view was gorgeous!

Me, Caleb, Courtney, and Matt watching P. Diddy in concert.. 

This picture was in the outfield at the Braves vs. Marlins game.. We had a little treat after the game: P Diddy did a concert.. haha yes, it was so funny!!

The moon looks so neat in this picture!! Courtney does a great job taking pictures!

Caleb was a little embarrassed of me right here.. He wouldn't cooperate and do a jumping picture with me!!

Rader loved his little mini pool..

LOVE this little guy!!

My most favorite restaurant in all of Daytona.  They have the best cinnamon rolls for dessert.. If you have never tried Aunt Catfish, you definitely should.. 

The water was FREEZING (as you could tell from his face)

The B-E-A-utiful sunrise.. God is GREAT!!!!