Have I mentioned that I LOVE being a teacher? It is one of my greatest blessings and joys. It fills me with purpose and happiness every day! I especially love that I've been teaching long enough now to SEE the people "my babies" are growing up to be. The past few days I've opened my mailbox to discover graduation announcements from former students. What a thrill! And last week, I was lucky enough to be the guest of a former student at his honor banquet. I was blown away that the sweet little boy I remembered actually still remembered ME.
And then one of my favorite bloggers,http://thelifeofsuz.blogspot.com/
posted THIS:
Why God Made Teachers
By Kevin William Huff
When God created teachers,
He gave us special friends
To help us understand His world
And truly comprehend
The beauty and the wonder
Of everything we see,
And become a better person
With each discovery.
When God created teachers,
He gave us special guides
To show us ways in which to grow
So we can all decide
How to live and how to do
What's right instead of wrong,
To lead us so that we can lead
And learn how to be strong.
Why God created teachers,
In His wisdom and His grace,
Was to help us learn to make our world
A better, wiser place.
Such a great reminder of WHY we do what we do each day. Summer is coming and it makes me a little sad...seriously. Have I mentioned that I LOVE being a teacher? :)
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
It's Almost Mother's Day...Again
So, I think one reason I started this blog was to get some of my thoughts out and see what they look like on paper, or whatever. We all have parts of our lives that we don't share with people on a regular basis, but we wished they knew about us, right? Well, maybe that's just me. So here goes...I am not a mom.
I really thought I would be. We tried, honestly, we did. Some medication, some surgery, a lot of tests and prayers, but it didn't work. Some people would say and have said to me that we gave up. Maybe we did. Maybe sometimes you ask God for what you want and He says "no". But just to put it out there...I really DID want to be a mom. There was a time when we were in the midst of the early disappointment of trying that I doubted if I wanted it "enough" and brought this on myself. But I hope that's really not the way things work.
It's very weird to be at this stage of my life and not be a mom. It's hard to know how to answer when people ask about whether or not we have kids. I'm not young enough anymore to say "maybe one day".That reality has been hitting hard lately. I think I thought I would be one of those people that would pop up pregnant out of the blue. You know, just when you least expect it, expect it. But I really do think the answer is "no".
Of course, adoption is a wonderful choice and alternative. One that we have explored from time to time. It has just not been our answer. Does that make us selfish or self centered as some in my life have suggested? I hope not. I have devoted my last 18 years to loving and teaching other people's children. I hope selfish and self centered is not the way that others see me, but all I can do is just keep living...with the answer of "no". Living happily, trying to live with joy instead of bitterness. Counting my many, many rich blessings and striving to do what is right and good.
Please know, I am happy for you and your babies. I DO enjoy celebrating your showers, seeing your nurseries, and going to birthday parties. Your sweet children's pictures as they grow make me smile! So, please don't tiptoe around me after you've read this. It was not an easy choice to write this(not that that many people are reading it!). Writing this shows you the hole in my heart. And I try to be strong and not let it show.
It can be lonely to be the only one in the room to not have kids...look around. There's not that many of us out here. While it's not a choice I made, it is the life I live. I am happy. I have great love with my sweet husband, family, and furry babies. I am trying to walk the path of trust and happiness. It's a choice we all make every day, no matter our circumstances.
Wow, I already feel lighter now that I've written this out. Thank you if you read this. I hope you know me a little better now and maybe I know myself a little better, too!
Happy Mother's day to all you incredible moms out there. Your daily sacrifices and selflessness is inspiring. Keep growing happy, confident children. It's what our world needs! :)
I really thought I would be. We tried, honestly, we did. Some medication, some surgery, a lot of tests and prayers, but it didn't work. Some people would say and have said to me that we gave up. Maybe we did. Maybe sometimes you ask God for what you want and He says "no". But just to put it out there...I really DID want to be a mom. There was a time when we were in the midst of the early disappointment of trying that I doubted if I wanted it "enough" and brought this on myself. But I hope that's really not the way things work.
It's very weird to be at this stage of my life and not be a mom. It's hard to know how to answer when people ask about whether or not we have kids. I'm not young enough anymore to say "maybe one day".That reality has been hitting hard lately. I think I thought I would be one of those people that would pop up pregnant out of the blue. You know, just when you least expect it, expect it. But I really do think the answer is "no".
Of course, adoption is a wonderful choice and alternative. One that we have explored from time to time. It has just not been our answer. Does that make us selfish or self centered as some in my life have suggested? I hope not. I have devoted my last 18 years to loving and teaching other people's children. I hope selfish and self centered is not the way that others see me, but all I can do is just keep living...with the answer of "no". Living happily, trying to live with joy instead of bitterness. Counting my many, many rich blessings and striving to do what is right and good.
Please know, I am happy for you and your babies. I DO enjoy celebrating your showers, seeing your nurseries, and going to birthday parties. Your sweet children's pictures as they grow make me smile! So, please don't tiptoe around me after you've read this. It was not an easy choice to write this(not that that many people are reading it!). Writing this shows you the hole in my heart. And I try to be strong and not let it show.
It can be lonely to be the only one in the room to not have kids...look around. There's not that many of us out here. While it's not a choice I made, it is the life I live. I am happy. I have great love with my sweet husband, family, and furry babies. I am trying to walk the path of trust and happiness. It's a choice we all make every day, no matter our circumstances.
Wow, I already feel lighter now that I've written this out. Thank you if you read this. I hope you know me a little better now and maybe I know myself a little better, too!
Happy Mother's day to all you incredible moms out there. Your daily sacrifices and selflessness is inspiring. Keep growing happy, confident children. It's what our world needs! :)
Monday, April 30, 2012
Weekend Happenings
This past weekend, I was so excited to get to spend time with some fabulous ladies that I just never see enough of. I spent 7 of the past 18 years teaching first grade in Rowlett. Leaving this wonderful group of friends was one of the toughest decisions ever!
As hard as it was, it was the right time to go. We're much closer to our family since moving and the career opportunities have been amazing for both David and me. It's just that there's a hole left where these friends belong. Once I saw them, it was like we hadn't been apart...they are THOSE kinds of friends. I love it!
I've come to the realization lately that not having kids doesn't mean I don't have a family. My family just looks different. Some members are furry, some live nearby, and some are far in miles, but close to my heart!
So anyway, this past weekend my sweet friend Nancy invited me to be her date on Friday night to the Ranger game where she was honored as Teacher of the Year for her school...and no one I can think of deserves it more! What she can accomplish with a group of 30 5th graders is amazing! The game was really just a great excuse to eat nachos and visit...mission accomplished! We talked non-stop to the delight of all those around us in the nosebleed section of the ballpark. I could not tell you one detail of the game. In fact, I had to check the score when we got home to see if we had won or lost! We lost, by the way, but it was one of the best times! Nancy spent the night with us and the next day she and I shopped in Southlake, adding to my Brighton jewelry obsession just a little bit. :)
We met up with 14 others and checked into the Gaylord Texan for a fun filled evening, complete with a chauffeured tour of three wineries, delicious dinner, and a night of dancing to 80's music. I haven't laughed or danced that much in ages! The weather was perfect, the wine was flowing, and a little piece of me was complete with the company of such good friends. All in all, it was everything I hoped it could be and then some. Grapevine will never be the same! :)
As hard as it was, it was the right time to go. We're much closer to our family since moving and the career opportunities have been amazing for both David and me. It's just that there's a hole left where these friends belong. Once I saw them, it was like we hadn't been apart...they are THOSE kinds of friends. I love it!
I've come to the realization lately that not having kids doesn't mean I don't have a family. My family just looks different. Some members are furry, some live nearby, and some are far in miles, but close to my heart!
So anyway, this past weekend my sweet friend Nancy invited me to be her date on Friday night to the Ranger game where she was honored as Teacher of the Year for her school...and no one I can think of deserves it more! What she can accomplish with a group of 30 5th graders is amazing! The game was really just a great excuse to eat nachos and visit...mission accomplished! We talked non-stop to the delight of all those around us in the nosebleed section of the ballpark. I could not tell you one detail of the game. In fact, I had to check the score when we got home to see if we had won or lost! We lost, by the way, but it was one of the best times! Nancy spent the night with us and the next day she and I shopped in Southlake, adding to my Brighton jewelry obsession just a little bit. :)
We met up with 14 others and checked into the Gaylord Texan for a fun filled evening, complete with a chauffeured tour of three wineries, delicious dinner, and a night of dancing to 80's music. I haven't laughed or danced that much in ages! The weather was perfect, the wine was flowing, and a little piece of me was complete with the company of such good friends. All in all, it was everything I hoped it could be and then some. Grapevine will never be the same! :)
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
The One Where I Get Mocked
For some reason today I woke up and realized "Holy moly...spring is almost done and my "spring training" hadn't started yet. Sigh....
Now, I'm no athlete by any stretch of the imagination, but I like to do enough to keep the jiggle out of my wiggle...or something like that. So, I had my country tunes twangin' away and was about 30 minutes into my rigorous (ha!) Week 1, Day 1 of Couch to 5 K, when I glance over my shoulder and see 2 cutie patootie teenage girls doing a pretty funny Phoebe-like run a few steps behind...hmmmm. And the minute they see that I see them, they stop and walk nonchalantly away. In an instant I realize, I AM Phoebe but without the selfless joy for running. Oh well, 25 years from now those beautiful teenage girls may find themselves in the same shoes I now wear. Running to keep time away. Running to just keep going. Just running and thankful, so thankful that I am able to do so!
Let spring training begin! :)
Now, I'm no athlete by any stretch of the imagination, but I like to do enough to keep the jiggle out of my wiggle...or something like that. So, I had my country tunes twangin' away and was about 30 minutes into my rigorous (ha!) Week 1, Day 1 of Couch to 5 K, when I glance over my shoulder and see 2 cutie patootie teenage girls doing a pretty funny Phoebe-like run a few steps behind...hmmmm. And the minute they see that I see them, they stop and walk nonchalantly away. In an instant I realize, I AM Phoebe but without the selfless joy for running. Oh well, 25 years from now those beautiful teenage girls may find themselves in the same shoes I now wear. Running to keep time away. Running to just keep going. Just running and thankful, so thankful that I am able to do so!
Let spring training begin! :)
Monday, April 16, 2012
And The Verdict Is...
...the VersaSpa tan is pretty good! I opted for the "light" which took me from a sickly marshmallow-ey to a nice toasty almond shade. Next time (and there will be one) I think I'll be a little braver and go for the medium application...hey, that's me, a risk taker. :)
In more serious matters, this afternoon we said goodbye to my Aunt Joyce just one week exactly after her husband of 58 years, my Uncle Pike passed away after battling cancer. Since Aunt Joyce had a stroke many months ago, we felt pretty sure she would go quickly after Uncle Pike...one week was quite a shock to me, though. It was so hard watching my dad say his farewells to his only sister. Knowing that my aunt and uncle are together is some comfort.
Hug the one you love tight and live life to your fullest. Aunt Joyce's passport was full, as was her life!
In more serious matters, this afternoon we said goodbye to my Aunt Joyce just one week exactly after her husband of 58 years, my Uncle Pike passed away after battling cancer. Since Aunt Joyce had a stroke many months ago, we felt pretty sure she would go quickly after Uncle Pike...one week was quite a shock to me, though. It was so hard watching my dad say his farewells to his only sister. Knowing that my aunt and uncle are together is some comfort.
Hug the one you love tight and live life to your fullest. Aunt Joyce's passport was full, as was her life!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
A Touch of Sun or Just Dirty?
So, today I made use of a buy one get one free coupon and jumped into the world of sunless tanning. I tried the VersaSpa system at Palm Beach Tan. Right now, I am "processing" even as we speak. Was standing half naked in a tiny booth being hosed down while striking an Egyptian-like pose worth it? Will I wake up golden brown or in need of a good exfoliator? Stay tuned...Happy SUNday! :)
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