First Day Jitters

The night before the first day of school is always filled with so much emotion.  This summer I did quite a bit of reflecting and reading and wondering.  Last year was not the easiest year for me and could possibly go down as one of the worst.  A year like that will suck the confidence right out of any teacher!!  But the positive side is it forced me to reflect and I feel like this year and these kids will get the fruit of my struggles from last year.

With my 2018 word, Others, at the top of my heart I spent this summer jotting down What Ifs...

What if my students started each day with a hand shake and eye contact from a peer genuinely saying “Good Morning”?

What if I focused more on team work and listening and respect when crafting a lesson plan?

What if teachers came together to pray collectively for one another and the students?

What if my students knew (I mean really knew!) they were leaders by May because I spoke those kinds of words over them more then anything else?

What if teachers had a time to get together and discuss something other than school?

What if I gave the students so much ownership in their learning that they could lead their own Parent-Teacher conference?

What if...

I knew the Lord was asking me to step out of my comfort zone this year to impact others.  So, after much prayer I have started a bible study on campus for the teachers and decided to call it Worship Wednesdays.  It will be once or twice a month and nothing over the top, but just a chance for us to get together and pray and laugh and encourage one another when the days are long and tiring.  And think of the impact a group of teachers praying together over a school will have!  I mean, we all pray, so why not join forces and watch God rock our school and staff!  I’m so excited!

This year will be filled with trial and error, but one thing is for sure, I bet I find the answers to some of my what ifs!

So come on 2018-2019 school year!  This prayer warrior is ready to take you on!

Junior High Orientation

Tonight we had orientation for our two incoming junior high students. First, the boys had to fill out an “All About Me” page. Then, the parents heard all about the junior high procedures while the kids went on a scavenger hunt throughout the school. At the end they fed us dinner and we were able to walk the school to find the boys’ classes. They don’t have any classes together, but lots with several friends so I’m sure it’s going to be a great year! There is something about being low on the totem pole that helps you learn about yourself...praying they have the courage to ask for help when they need it, make new friends when they don’t see a familiar face and to just be themselves in a culture that will try to conform them!  

Comparing schedules with friends.

Anniversary get-away

When my mom got Richard tickets for the Rangers game for his birthday we decided to make a whole weekend out of it! We celebrated Richard turning 40, our 5th wedding anniversary, we needed some serious rest after our mission trip to Arkansas and we wanted one last hurrah before school starts!

Our tickets this time were in the Capital One Club and included all you can eat. From 5pm until the 4th inning they had the fancy food; prime rib, fish, meat and cheese plates, salad, desserts, etc. Then from the 4th inning until the 7th inning they changed it all to ballpark food; nachos, hot dogs, sodas. We tried it all and left there so full! And the Rangers had an amazing game with multiple homeruns and a grand slam and we got to watch the fireworks show after the game was over! What a fun night!

We stayed in our same little hotel in Dallas and enjoyed lunch Saturday at La Madeleine’s; quiche and salad and the cutest little tarts. The rest of the day was spent by the pool and napping. For dinner we visited an Irish pub and listened to some live music. Sunday we slept in and enjoyed a BBQ lunch before heading home. Getting away, just the two of us, is good for my soul. August through October is one of the most hectic seasons all year so I’m glad we took the time to regain focus, rest and reconnect.