One Week Done

 This past week was long, exhausting, overwhelming, exciting, rewarding, and fun. I have so many stories to tell from just one week with my students. I already love each one of them, but still can't wait to get home and see my boys!

My 8th year teaching 1st grade!

  I am still not used to my new schedule of getting up between 5 and 5:30 to feed Lincoln, work out, pump, get ready, get the boys ready, do a devotional with Jackson, and drop the boys off. We were able to have some fun in the midst of the craziness of the last 2 weeks.

 

I can't get enough of my sweet little guy. Lincoln is so happy and smiley! He wakes up smiling and cooing at me.  He is such a blessing to my mornings. I love holding him after working all day.

 

Jackson keeps life interesting and fun too! He is loving school and making such good choices there. We could not be happier with Lincoln and Jackson's teachers. God hand picked the best for them.

I made it through the week only with God's strength. Getting up so early, teaching all day, playing and taking care of the boys at home, house chores, school work, and pumping in between is tiring but God gave me strength to push through.  Brian and I both said we felt like we didn't see each other all week because we were busy, busy, busy.

 

Here's to Friday date night and a relaxing 3 day weekend!

 

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." Isaiah 40:28, 30


A Prayer for the School Year

Today marks my 25th first day of school.

 I have an important task ahead of me each day, and I need to walk hand in hand with the Lord in order to accomplish it.

Lord,

I pray that I find my strength in you and that I seek you in each moment of my day. Instill in me peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, humility, and love for others. I want others to see you in me. Help me to treat each one of my students as your child and see them through your eyes. Help me to use only words that build others up, encourages them, and makes them feel worthy. I know you handpicked each one of my students for me for a reason. Help me be all they need be to me. Thank you for the gifts you have given me and the ability to spend each day doing what I truly love. Help me to mold these students into better individuals and help them realize their true potential. I need you each and everyday to be the best teacher possible. Remind me of your truths daily and who I am working for. Give me the strength and patience to handle tough, long days with mercy and grace.
Thank you in advance for the awesome things that will come from this year. I pray that each student that comes through my door will find value, feel loved, and know how important they truly are.

 

You are my strong tower and the one I take refuge in. Help me stand strong with you all year
long.

 

In Your precious name, Amen

 

My Workspace

I was back on contract all last week. Which means I am having to set an alarm and my house is now a disaster during the week.

 

Days were spent in meetings and finishing my room. Our school theme is Superheroes. I incorporated the theme into my room.

 

Bulletin board outside my room; idea was mine but Brian made it happen.

 

A look into my classroom. I am in the same room as last year, but I love the new arrangement. It feels so big.

 

 On my focus walls Brian turned some letters into Superheroes for me.

 

I revamped my labels for my library at the last minute and am so glad I did. They were so hodge podged before.

 

I love how my room turned out (good thing since I spend so much time in it). I met most of my students on Friday and am praying for a smooth start to the year.

Perspective

This last week was filled with lots of surprises, and not the ones that get you excited! But, thankfully God helped see the better side of each obstacle. I wanted to blog about each one so I would remember God's faithfulness in each situation.

 

#1 Our dishwasher stopped working. We had to get a brand new one. The new one cost $315, the exact amount we had gotten back a few weeks before. So instead of being upset about spending money, I praised God he had gotten our deposit from Lincoln's babysitter back for us.

 

#2 The battery in my Explorer died while I was out running errands. It cost us another $130 and a couple hours of my time alone. But instead of getting frustrated, I praised God that we had the money to fix it and Jackson had wanted to go to school otherwise I would have had two boys to entertain in the heat as I waited for a new battery.

 

#3 When Brian was trying to get the ice maker on our freezer to produce more ice he somehow pushed a button that turned the freezer off. The next night, I found my stash of breast milk thawing in the freezer. My initial thought was to be upset, but I chose to Facebook about it with a little joke and be thankful I am a human cow:)

 

#4 Summer vacation is over, and I am back at work. Last week I had wanted to pout a little that I had to go back and was dreaming of staying home. But, then I realized just how blessed I am to have a job I love and get so much time off to spend with my boys. 

#5 Both boys came down with a fever this weekend. I chose to pray for healing instead of thinking of scenarios of who would stay home with them next week (my first week on contract) and thanking God that they are healthy. Both boys were feeling better by Sunday.

None of these situations were big in the grand scheme of life. But, they made me stop and make sure my heart and attitude were pleasing in His sight and were a great reminder of Who is in control!

"Set your hearts on things above." Colossians 3:1



First Days

Well summer vacation has come and gone!

 

Jackson and Lincoln met their new teachers for the year last week. Jackson was/is super excited about his new school and classroom. Their teachers are beyond wonderful!

 

I was only going to take the boys to school Tues, Wed, and Thurs. this week, but Jackson insisted he needed to go on Monday! So off they went. I love that he is so excited about school! Jackson technically is not in Pre-K but the class he is in follows the curriculum that the public school uses.

Lincoln was also pretty pumped about going to "school" for the very first time. 

 

They both had a great first day! Lincoln only fussed once, and Jackson can't wait to go back tomorrow. I'm praying that pattern continues and their teachers love on them all year.

Memorizing Scripture V2:16

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:10-11

 

I thought these verses were perfect for back to school. There are so many things that can easily pull me in or bring me down. I am going to be praying this verse for myself and over Jackson. That he would 'be strong in the Lord and stand firm' at school for what he knows is right.

Three Months of Lincoln

What a great month with Lincoln!

 

His tummy issues have gone away, and he is now full of smiles and laughs! We heard his first laughs when Daddy was giving him raspberries.

 He weighs around 13.5 pounds and 24 inches long. We moved up to size 2 diapers and 6 months in sleepers.

 He eats 4 or 5 ounces every 3-4 hours. His last feeding of the night (usually around 8/8:30) he eats 6 ounces. He has slept through the night about 6 times. He consistently sleeps 7-8 hours after his final bottle waking around 3 or 4 and then gets up around 6 or 7.  He still takes several cat naps during the day and two longer naps.

He wakes up so happy. He brightens up my mornings! He still loves playing on his play mat and is starting to grab things and hold them in his hands. He loves being held, especially facing forward so he can look around.

He is such a happy baby! He will smile the whole time you are feeding him.

He (usually) only cries when he is hungry or his diaper is wet.

Lincoln,

You went to "school" for the first time this month and are doing a great job. Your teachers love you. I don't know how it is possible, but I love you more each day. I love seeing your eyes light up and a smile come on your face when you see me especially after I have been away from you all day. I am hoping you start sleeping through the night, but I continue to thank God for those 4 am feeding as another time to hold and cuddle with you. You are such a precious gift, and I am so glad you are mine!

Love, Mommy

Planes

Jackson and I had a special mommy-son date on Saturday.

 He has been waiting all summer to go see Planes.

So excited to see the movie!

 Jackson wanted to see Planes in 3D to see the planes fly right at us. Since it was a special time with him before I go back to work, that it what we did! (It was my first 3D movie.)

We both loved the movie. I thought it had great themes weaved throughout the movie (which we talked about after), and I only heard one bad word. I know what toys Jackson is going to want for Christmas:)

 

I am thankful for some one-on-one time with my big boy, and Lincoln had fun with Daddy!



Days of the Week

Sunday- We enjoyed family time and a yummy dinner at Papaasitos.

 

Monday- Jackson and I checked out some more books from the library. Our favorite book this week is The Frog in the Bog. Louis, Katrina, and Titus also came over to swim. I promise we all were having fun!

Tuesday- I headed up to school to meet with my team. Lincoln came along and was very well behaved:)

Wednesday- Jackson played with Noah and Bradley, and I visited with my friends.

 

Thursday- We met Dana, Amanda, and their kids for bowling. Jackson got a strike and bowled a 103. Then we went to McDonald's for lunch and to play because playing outside is out of the question. It is just too hot.

 

Friday- Stacy and her girls brought us lunch and played with Jackson. I loved getting to catch up with Stacy and wished she still lived a couple streets away.

 

 

Our days were also filled with down time at home playing boat and circus, reading books, and doing the everyday household chores. I was trying to savor every minute with my boys this week knowing it was my last full week with them. I'm really not ready to go back to school!

A Get Away

We had no plans on taking any kind of trip/vacation this summer due to Lincoln being so small. Brian worked last Sunday for a colleague so he had Friday off. So last minute we decided to go on a short get away.

 

We loaded up the car, I forgot how much you must pack for a little one, and left as soon as I got home from GT training.

 

As soon as we arrived at The LaToretta Resort, we changed and hit the pool area. Lincoln experienced his first lazy river and seemed to enjoy it.

Jackson loved it from the beginning!

 The sunset over the lake was beautiful.

We stayed in a little villa. The room itself was very nice, but we were a little disappointed we had to drive up to the pool area. With Lincoln it made everything a little bit more of a hassle. Oh well, we still had a blast!

Jackson couldn't wait to play miniature golf. Just for the record I had 3 hole in ones the first game and 1 the second.:)

We just enjoyed each other and had fun in the water.

Lincoln just went with the flow and was so relaxed most of the time.

Happy, happy, happy

 

Lincoln fell asleep on me and I enjoyed relaxing under the umbrella. Life really doesn't get much better!

These are my favorite pictures from the weekend. They make my heart happy and put a smile on my face. My boys know how to have fun.

LOVE them!

Jackson had a blast!

My turn on the slides with Jackson. They were a bit wicked, but Jackson loved them. Brian and I left a little banged and bruised. HA!

My cute sidekick!

Family fun in the sun!

 

 A little treat is the perfect ending to a fun time away.

I am so thankful we were able to get away for a little bit before summer is over.

I will cherish these memories forever!

A Long Week

I spent Monday-Thursday at GT training. It was a good trail run for what school is going to be like with getting both boys and myself ready and out the door on time. The good news is I did it. Jackson was a big help.

 

Without coffee, candy, my iPhone, and some friends I wouldn't have made it through the week.

 

Jackson went to preschool for the week. Lincoln was in good hands with Katrina and Lindsey. Lindsey's picture updates entertained me throughout the long days.

Thankfully it is over! Now to enjoy the last two weeks of summer vacation with my boys!

2 Wheeler

One thing on our summer to-do list was to teach Jackson how to ride his bike with out the training wheels. Brian took him out about a week ago for the first time. It was rough! We thought for sure it would take him forever to learn.

 

Jackson persevered! Each night he went out with Daddy and practiced. On the fourth night he was riding by himself.

 Jackson still needs a little help starting and on some corners.

 He does a great job stopping and is able to go quite fast.

We are SO proud of how hard he tried and the fact he is riding a 2 wheeler by himself!