Life Update

Two major things took place in May and while I'm late posting about them on here, hopefully you've already heard the news since I've been so excited!

First, Jason and I graduated from William Carey! We completed their Educational Leadership program and received our Specialist degrees. While it was a lot of work, it was fun getting to do it with my favorite person by my side. What a special experience for us and then even more so, getting to graduate side by side! It was so special and we are thankful for all of the kind congratulatory words. 

In addition to graduating, I was nominated and received the honor of being selected as certified staff of the month for the district for the month of May. It was the sweetest way to wrap up year 10 and my transition into my new position within the district. 

This has been the busiest spring semester but, there have been some really sweet moments here of late. Receiving this honor ended up causing a lot of reflecting for me as this year came to an end. 

As stated above, after 10 years in my classroom, I am moving into a new position next year. I will be the Behavior Specialist/Behavior Support Teacher for Pre-K through 8th grade. I am incredibly excited for what is to come and looking forward to stepping in to this new role! 

Even with the excitement, this still feels bittersweet! I’ve been reminiscing with Jason on all the things as we are nearing the end of the school year. While I’m still going to be in Pearl, Northside has been the best gift over the years. I met my husband here, I have made life long friends, I’ve furthered my education, completed my National Boards, and so much more. The Lord has used so many people and experiences to shape me through this building on Harle Street. 

And my sweet students. I’ve had many students walk into my classroom doors throughout my time at Northside and I can tell you something special about each one of them. They have made a lasting impression on me and I know I learned just as much from them as they did from me. They have shaped me and changed me in so many ways and I am thankful for each and every one of them! They are the best part of my job 💚

My Mom always reminds me to think about what The Lord has taught you through situations. This is one of the big ones. A decade of my life has been shaped and marked by things that have happened at Northside. The Lord has been so, so good and I am thankful for His faithfulness and provision through working in a place and with people and am children who I love so much!

We were all asked to attend the board meeting for recognition which was so fun to experience together!

I spent the last week of school writing little notes to a few people who made a lasting impact on me during my time at Northside and one of the things that I was reminded of was my very first day on the job. Our principal started our first staff meeting by reminding us "we work unto God and not unto man" (Colossians 3:23). I knew on my first day that Northside was special but, I could have never comprehended the depths of how it would impact me in my adult life. I am blessed to have had a job I love so, so incredibly much and I am forever thankful. 

packed up this room for the last time after 10 years--so, so bittersweet. 

Our last, last day together at Northside. 

If you know me at all, you know how much I love this place and have enjoyed my 10 years teaching here. While I’m staying in the Pearl District, I’ll miss working alongside my favorite person 

Promise Keeper

I was walking to the office this morning with my mask on, without my usual “errand buddy” to limit the amount of people in the halls, and it was pouring down rain just seconds before. ⁣⁣⁣

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My teacher friends understand when I say this—it hits you at different times—how different this year is. Eating lunches in our classrooms, wearing face shields and masks, not getting to see our students smiling faces, having to plan virtual lessons, zones at recess—we’re working through a loss, honestly. ⁣⁣⁣

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This first week with kiddos has been incredibly different than years past but, it has been sweet. Even amongst the changes, there are threads of familiarity throughout the day and we press on & continue to invest in, love, care for & teach these children. ⁣⁣⁣

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You see, all of these changes and all of the unknowns, while difficult to navigate, haven’t changed our spirits. While today was dreary, The Lord so gently reminded me of His promises when I saw this rainbow. It reminded me of how as far back as when the first rainbow ever appeared (and even before), that He’s continued to be The Promise Keeper, The Protector, The Provider, and The Rock of Salvation for His children & that hasn’t changed just because the first week of school has. ⁣⁣

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This year, I’m choosing to look for the rainbows and clinging to His promises—and you know what, it could be the best year, yet. ⁣

"48 Days" COVID-19 School Ending

There's so much that I want to remember about this time. 

I keep asking myself, "how could I ever forget when... (insert unusual thing that's happened as a result of coronavirus)" 

But, I know there will come a time when (Lord willing) this will all be a faint memory for us all.

I've taken a 7 pictures just like this over the span of my teaching career. 

I've finished up 7 school years in "typical" fashion and been more than excited to begin my summer vacation. But, this one sat differently as I thought about wrapping up this...unique school year.

This was not the ending we had hoped for as we packed up our classroom this year. ⁣

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It felt detached and empty. ⁣

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If I’m being honest, this was the most difficult & strange school year I’ve had thus far in my career (before COVID-19 was even present) and as I navigated those days, the words of my sweet Mom came to the forefront of my mind, “What is The Lord trying to teach you through this?” I know that this year especially, there’s so, so much to unpack as I think about answering that question. ⁣

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We haven’t spent the full day with our students (in person) since March 6th, our Superhero Celebration, the day before Spring Break. I was exhausted that day as “special” days don’t always turn out well for my kiddos that thrive on routine and predictability. Although it was fun day, I’m sad that that’s how their physical school year ended—without anyone knowing that would be it. ⁣

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48 school days that we missed getting our morning hugs, completing our centers, working together in circle time, unwinding during sensory time, and telling them we love them as they headed home for the day. ⁣

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There was so much more to come!⁣

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I’m thankful that “distance learning” gave me the opportunity to learn new skills and deepen my relationship with my students and their parents as we navigated this together. But, at the end of the day, nothing compares to face to face instruction and interaction. ⁣

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Coming into a classroom that was completely empty for such a long time felt...wrong almost. THIS classroom is full of life, it is always loud (even when it shouldn’t be 😜), it’s full of various modes of learning, it’s full of unique kiddos, it’s full of working minds, and it’s always full of love & respect for each individual that I’m blessed to call mine. ⁣

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All of that being said, I have a lot to unpack as I ponder Mama Carol’s question that always comes to mind. Usually, I’m ready for summer. This summer, I’m walking away from this empty classroom already counting down the days until that room is full again 💙

A few little things that I wanted to make sure I documented to remember during the school closure:

Making pictures like this to send to our students so they would know we were thinking about them.

Having Jake Johnson, aka Peter Parker from "Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse" offer to send voice memos to our classes--amazing!

Mailing letters of encouragement to each of my students at their homes as they navigate distance learning and working from home with their parents rather than at school. 

Receiving sweet pieces of mail back from them in return. 

Having virtual Awards Day for each of the schools. 

And sending our students off to begin their summer vacation through hosting a drive through "Supplies and Goodbyes" where they could drive around the school, stop by and see their teachers, receive any supplies, awards, and happies and give one last "air hug" or "air five" before ending the school year. 

Catch Up & Quarantine Pt. 1

It's time to play a little quarantine catch up since...well, we can't really go anywhere! 

So many fun things happened over the last month and even now, during our social distancing, isolation, quarantine, we have been trying to make the best of it so, here goes!

Sweet day-time snuggles with James. This little fella is growing like a weed and I can't wait until I can see him, snuggle with him again!

We celebrated Mom's birthday at the end of February.
One of the easiest people to celebrate.

Baby Showers for long time friends and two sweet little baby girls
(one that's been born since the shower and one that's coming soon!)

A Bridal/Wedding Shower for Katie and Harris at the church.
I had so much fun being a part of the hosting and celebrating for this soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs.

Annnnnd, my best friend had her second child, Ivy Lynne!
This sweet little bundle of love came into the world fast and furious (and on International Women's Day--what a day for a little girl to come along!) and she is just the snuggliest, cuddliest, little love.

Thankfully, I had 3-4 days of getting to visit and love on her and her parents some before all the coronavirus craziness came about.

Who ever knew when this all began that schools would suspend, some stores would close, churches would go fully online, restaurants would offer take-out or delivery only, and we'd be searching for toilet paper (of all things) because it keeps selling out. But, it has also been so incredibly neat to see people and communities rising up and encouraging one another and working together (from a distance) to make this an uplifting, bearable, (in a unique way) memorable time.

And now, some quarantine related content and a few of the ways we've been trying to make the best of this situation. These are the good parts that I want to make sure I remember years from now.

Aplos, a restauraunt in Highland Village is offering make your own pizza kits.
It was so much fun and made PLENTY of pizza for us to eat on through out the week (4 pizzas, 6 slices each pizza).

Since our school is currently closed until April 20th, our district has been posting pictures every day of teachers sharing messages with their classes/students. It's been so sweet to see and it's true what they say, we do miss them, love them, and hope to see them soon!

My second favorite book series, The Wingfeather Saga has been read aloud, live, every night at 7 by the author, Andrew Peterson. So stinking cool and something to look forward to every night!

Using my record player and supporting Magnolia Record Club while working from home. 

I've been the one grocery shopping because not only is it coronavirus season but, it's also pollen season so Jason has been staying in and he wanted to see the empty shelves. Thankfully, this has subsided some here recently and I feel like (other than toilet paper and major cleaning supplies) things are coming back in stock and people are able to get what they need. 

Thank goodness for technology to see this little cutie pie 

Lakeland Presbyterian going fully online and still being able to hear Papa Steve preach The Word even though we can't all meet and fellowship together.
But boy, isn't Ann Hatten sweet watching her Grando below.

 We're still able to be outside and bask in all the beautiful things that The Lord has given us.
These flowers, pretty blue skies and all the rain-free days we've been having. It's been so, so nice.

 The bridal shower that was posted above was supposed to have their wedding this past weekend.
The ceremony went on and we were able to watch via live stream and then, participated in my very first drive by "best wishes" for the bride and groom. Such a sweet ceremony! I was so glad we could “be there” with them, to celebrate their big day.

Sending out the most snail mail that I have in quite some time. A few birthday cards, a "thinking of you" card, and little notes of encouragement for each of my students. 

Our neighborhood has stepped it up. 

We have had so many people coming up with fun ideas to keep children entertained and ways to bring a little joy during these uncertain times. 

The biggest thing we've done is ask everyone to put rainbows in their windows--that way when people are out and about, they can look for the rainbows. They have also put hearts on the mailboxes of any healthcare worker that's in the neighborhood. We've been going on walks and it's hard for me to not tear up when I see these symbols of encouragement and community.  

Here's a cool write up and news segment on our neighborhood and the rainbows.

There's also been a group that has faithfully "worshipped from a distance" at 7:00 each night in the culdesac, ending the night with the singing of the doxology and a prayer. So sweet. 

Why the random Spider-Man picture? Well...here it goes.

One of the cooler things that's happened is that Jake Johnson, the actor that voices Peter Parker on "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse"--and plays Nick on "New Girl" posted on his instagram that he was sending out voice memos to people that emailed him and requested one to bring some encouragement to kiddos during this weird time. I emailed him on behalf of my class and lo and behold! I received a voice memo from him yesterday and already sent it out to my class. 

I'm not entirely sure how to upload just an audio but...let's give it a try because it's definitely something I want to remember. 

Update--I was able to record the screen on my phone, so here you go!

It goes without saying that these are times unlike any other. 

The first coronavirus case in Mississippi was reported on March 10th or 11th (I think it was the 11th) and I'm considering my timeline since then. 21 days and the end is not in sight. 

My thoughts are this: Think about what God is trying to teach me and show me during this time, make the best of it and  find some way to make today a good day. 

What I'm Loving Right Now (15)

It's been a hot minute since I've done one of these posts!

Here's are a few things that I'm loving right now

This piece of furniture is from Jason's Nana. 

It's a print drawer--it has shallow drawers and it will be perfect for my cross-stitchng supplies and Jason's sewing supplies. 

Mom and I took an afternoon and gave it a little face lift to match the rest of the furniture in the office and I am so, so happy with how it turned out! 

 It looks fantastic in our office and...it fit perfectly in literally, the only spot it could have fit! 

It was meant to be. 

To top it all off--I found the sunflower artwork at our Cups and the sweet little "love never fails" from Hobby Lobby and I love how they look with the piece. Our office is getting so close to being complete!

This isn't the best before & after of these chairs but, while Mom and I were painting the print drawer we also sanded down these chairs and restrained them and it gave them new life. They look so great!

This view too--whew! We added our pergola this summer and it just makes the backyard so much prettier! Bring on the cooler Fall nights so I can enjoy this  backyard even more. 

We started our 7th and 8th years of teaching this year. It has been a fast and furious start for me. This is definitely going to be a year of growth for me as a teacher! 

Another thing I am LOVING are these new sensory items I got for my classroom through DonorsChoose. They have been so amazing and my kids love them. I am going to devote a post solely to these products and how I'm using them in my classroom. 

If you've been following along for any amount of time then you know that I love to cross stitch and most of the time, I do my floral letters. But, within the past year I've had a few people ask about custom pieces. I was nervous at first to stray away from what I'm so comfortable with but, I'm so happy I did! I love these two pieces and they were such meaningful projects for the people who I did them for. 

I have been a member of Magnolia Record Company since December and I absolutely love it. I have grown my record collection and discovered so many artists I wouldn't have known about had it not been for MRC. If you love music, vinyl, and good music, you should definitely consider this monthly record subscription. 

Another thing I'm loving right now is my Master's Program. I started Monday and it's been such good information already! I'm excited to learn and add more to my skill set in the classroom. Here's a quote from one of my textbooks: “We must light the candles we can, even though we know that it doesn’t dispel all the darkness in our student’s lives.” I mean, come on, I can get excited about reading textbooks like that!

Another thing I'm loving..another thing I always love...Game Nights! 

Game nights have become a little more sparse but, when we have them, they are always just what we all needed. 

 I love these people. 

 And lastly...who doesn't love a day off of work?

We had a fun Labor Day--had lunch at my parents and took it easy the rest of the day. 

Happy Labor Day, everyone!