School Cont...

Wow! What a day! My day started early this morning. I attended a new teacher orientation from 7:15-3:00. When we first arrived at Hernando High, our principals greeted us with bags of freebies and we had Chick-Fil-A biscuits for breakfast! Then, we were off to hear the speaker for the day, Larry Bell. I had heard that he was a powerful speaker, and I heard right! He was hilarious. He really encouraged us to go the extra mile to touch each child in our room. I am very excited to meet "my babies"!

At lunch, this man sitting across from me asked me how I got my war wombs? He was referring to my scars. I got to share with him the goodness of the Lord. I started tearing up and so did a friend beside me. God has just taken me so far to get me to this point. I have desired a teaching job for quite some time, but just didn't think I could do it. Now, I get my chance!

To close out the day, Mr. Kuykendall reminded us of how special we were, and how proud he was to have us in Desoto County. The next statement he said blew me away. He said that there were over 2,000 applications this year, and we were the ones chosen. As I looked around, I saw that there were only about 200 people in that auditorium. Wow! God is so good, and I know this assignment is from Him!

I worked in my room tonight, but still am not finished. Brian has my camera with him on the mission trip, so I took my old camera. Guess what? It was dead! I even replaced the batteries and it was still dead. I will post pics on Monday of what I have done.

Coming to an End :(

We went to swim at the Lemond's pool today. It was great to be able to spend some time with them. This will more than likely be our last swim date until next summer since school starts soon. We had a blast! Thanks, guys!!

'The gang'

All aboard the choo- choo train! Couldn't get this picture straight-sorry!

Notice Nathan's mouth wide open in both of these. Lovin' it!! I love my happy boy!

Lucy Lu

School Cont...

Brian was kind enough to stay with the kids today so that I could go to school and work in my room. I have about 4 more days to get it ready, because the week teachers return its mostly meetings. I am very pleased with what I got done today.

Board is trimmed

I'm going to put boats with their names around this on the door.

I got a better desk. Yay!!!

Discipline plan- these are tied to the wall with rope, hard to see!

Classroom helpers chart and bulletin board

Centers area (not finished)

Reading corner

School Part 3

I worked in my room today and got a lot accomplished. There were about 25-30 boxes that I unpacked and put away. I haven't decorated at all yet, which is what I enjoy the most. But, I told myself that I had to do all of the unpacking and organizing before I do the decor. I plan to go again on Friday, and hope to start decorating a little after I get a few more tedious things done. Overall, good day!!

Lighthouse and captain wheel from VBS. This is my corner.

Centers bins organized

Supplies closet

The bookshelf I painted blue this summer. The books are in order by level. I have to label the shelves. Not a very large classroom library, but it will grow!

They were cleaning my lights and my walls when I arrived. Smells so clean!! :)

Time for school Part 2

Today, I went to my classroom to start getting it ready for the year. I had so much stuff to take to the school that I forgot my camera. Can't believe it!! I did not get a whole lot done. I placed my furniture where I wanted it and set up the student desks. Mari Morgan helped me clean out some tubs. I guess it is better to get a little bit done than nothing at all. :) I was able to visit with some other teachers, and feel very blessed to be working with some GREAT people. Excited to meet my students!! Hopefully I will remember my camera tomorrow!!

Sunday Friends

Going on a journey

Karis has compass in hand

Making cookies in Easy Bake

Little Dave came over for a little while also

Decorating them

Summer Paint Job

We finished painting our den July 4th weekend. I am embarrased to say how long different colored tan swishes were on our walls. I'm just now taking pictures. My mom has been here helping me out with the kids while I am recovering from my procedure. While she was here today, she helped me decorate the walls. I have been wanting a "cross" wall for a long time. We gathered together all of my crosses today, and tried it out. I think it turned out good. I love when Mom comes!!

Foyer before

and after

Stairway after

Stairway before(oops, this was supposed to come after before)

Wall before

Wall after

Big Day!!

Today was a huge day for me. About 5 years ago, an aneurysm was found behind my right eye. Because of its size and thinness they wanted to remove it. They did a procedure known as coiling. They sent a catheter up through my groin into my head and shot coils into a rather large aneurysm. The coils would keep the blood from entering the aneurysm. Without blood it can no longer grow or rupture. So amazing to me. I had to return after 6 months and again at 18 months for them to check that it was sealed off. They do an arteriogram to check this. This procedure is basically the same process as the coiling procedure. They send the catheter up and take pictures of my coiled aneurysm. One month ago, they called for me to come in and do my 5 year arteriogram follow up. I debated about doing this. It is optional, but they highly recommend it. I have been experiencing a lot of headaches, so I thought it might be best for me to get it checked. Brian's mom and my mom drove down last night to help out. We had to be at the hospital this morning at 5:30. It started out pretty rough. The nurse had to stick me 3 times to get my IV started. I HATE those things. The procedure lasted about an hour. They sedate you, and you have to hold your breath at different times during the procedure. At the end ,the doctor told me that it looked perfect!! While they were rolling me to recovery I broke out in tears. I don't know why God blesses me like He does. At recovery, you have to keep your right leg completely straight for 6 hours-gets very old. Now, I'm propped up on the couch resting. I am not allowed to lift, climb stairs, or bend down. So, that means that I have to take it easy and Mom, Brian, and the kids have to take care of me. So glad this is behind me. Ready to get fully recovered and start working on my school stuff. GLORY TO GOD!!

Time for school part 1

Although I taught school 10 years ago, I feel like I am starting from scratch this year. I am very excited and can't wait to meet my class.

This is the fabric I am using for my window and the skirt around my teacher desk. Love it!!

I have been hitting some yard sales this summer to start me a classroom library. With Nathan's books that he has let me borrow, and the ones I have picked up at yard sales, I am off to a good start. I have filled up 5 boxes. Most of them are AR as well. Yay!

I purchased this set of 20 animal encyclopedias for $4.00.

I painted one bookshelf blue, but forgot to take a pic. Here are two other bookshelves that a teacher gave me. I didn't do a very good job on these, but they'll do. The yellow part is the bottom, so it will not be seen. I was lazy!! :)

I will deliver these shelves and books to the school on Tuesday, and start decorating. I will post more then.

So behind!

We just returned home from our last 'get-away', I hope. We are just ready to be at home. I have so much to do today and tomorrow, but I have so much I want to post. Hopefully I can find some time today or tonight to share.

The kids and I arrived home last night around 9:00 from my moms. After we tucked the kids in, my hubby gave me a big hug and said, "20 years ago today we went on our very first date." I can't believe it had not even crossed my mind, but he remembered! He is the best! Doesn't seem like it has been that long ago that we went to Tupelo on our first date. So thankful that all of those dates and breakups led to a happy life together. I love you, Brian, and can't wait for many more dates!!!

Mom's surprise 70th Birthday Party

We had my mom a surprise birthday party on her birthday. It was a total success, and she was totally surprised!! Happy Birthday to the best mom in the world.

Shortly after she walked through the door.

My sister-in-law and her children made this card for her. Each grandchild's picture is in a flower.

Mom and my Aunt Jane

Mr. Nathan

The kiddos

Aunt Charlotte and Aunt Betty-two of my mom's sisters

M & M

Her children went together and got her this fountain she's been wanting

Mom and Dad

Mom and her kids

I enjoyed spending your special day with you, Mom!! I love you!!