Happy New Year!

So we just rang in the New Year and here I am in bed.  All day I have been optimistic about my goals for this year, but seeing how this year is already off to me just being frustrated, it's going to be harder than I thought.  Tonight was nothing special...thought I was going to go shopping: didn't, thought I was going to the movies: didn't, thought I was going to watch movies at my parents: didn't....all I did was get dressed up and do nothing.  We didn't even open the bottle of wine I have been carrying back and forth to this house for a week.  Well, off to bed so I can get ready for a wedding in the morning.

Top 5 for today:
1. Girl time with a friend
2. Hearing my landlord and his girlfriend are engaged
3. Pancakes and bacon for breakfast again
4. "Happy New Year" texts
5. Surprise cookie cake for dessert

Just a few more days until the New Year

The New Year is going to happen in 2 days...Sunday.  It's another year that I'm sure will go by really fast.  I wanted to try something new and see how long it lasts.  Whenever I say that it doesn't last very long, but I have high hopes for this.  I made up a list of "Goals for 2012" instead of Resolutions or Revolutions (some choose revolutions and set a date to get started by).  These goals are hanging on my fridge and I spent a lot of time thinking about them.  I have 10 goals that I hope to achieve by this time next year.  Here are my goals:

1. I will read a daily devotional and spend time with God in the quiet early morning before work.
   
2. I will focus on my friendships and my relationship with God.
   
3. I will change my way of thinking to the positive.
   
4. I will eat healthy and cook once a week (try something new once a month).
   
5. I will make healthy breakfasts on the weekends.
   
6. I will work out 3 days a week, including running/walking.
   
7. I will have a girls/friend night once a month.
   
8. I will craft once a month.
   
9. I will get A’s in all grad classes this year.
   
10. I will have my apartment painted by summer.

This is going to be a big undertaking, but I'm happy to have them.  Having them posted here and on my fridge will hopefully hold me accountable.  A lot of them I have to wait (like getting As in my grad classes) because they are on a set time.  I liked phrasing it "I will" instead of "I want to" because it has me thinking of "I will" be able to do this.  Best part, nowhere in there does it say anything about guys.  I'm trying something new this year, I'm not focusing (or trying not to focus) on the guy situation.  I'm focusing on my friendships and my life the way God intended.  He has the right guy picked out for me and what better way to start this new way of thinking than the new year.

Top 5 for today:

1. Successful pancakes and bacon for breakfast with the girls

2. Girls night/movie night with a friend :)

3. Having my goals written out for the New Year

4. Thank You cards done!

5. Spending some time downstairs with the landlord and his girlfriend :)

Recap of the last two days

So life has gotten a little busy and the week has flown by.  Today is the first day I have no plans besides getting ready for school on Monday and preparing for the new year.  Wednesday I spent dinner and the evening with a great friend and her family.  It was a good way to break up the week and just relax.  Last night I had my small group girls over (only a few of them came) and we had a blast playing games, watching Youtube videos, talking, and falling asleep watching a movie in my living room.  It has been a great Christmas break and wish it could have been longer, but such is life and I can't waste time dwelling on the negativity in life (yes I'm working on my New Year's Revolutions..no resolutions...list and making everything sound positive so I can print it out and remind myself every day).

Top 5 for Wednesday:
1. Relaxing day
2. Good conversation
3. Hugs from the little one
4. Homemade Strawberry Daiquiris until the early morning
5. Finding a faster way to her house

Top 5 for Thursday:
1. Grocery shopping with very few people
2. Small group night with my girls
3. Apples to apples definitions that make no sense
4. Clean office (for the first time ever) and a craft corner
5. All sleeping in my tiny living room while watching a movie

New things to add to my new things

I'm updating early today because I'm hoping to get a lot of work done today and go to bed around midnight.  It wasn't a bad weather morning this morning and didn't even know it was supposed to rain...but when it started it never stopped!  It is pouring and I'm just hoping it stops for tomorrow.  My aunt and my cousins came up today to visit, see the apartment for the first time, and take me out to get some things for my apartment as a "housewarming" gift.  Even though I haven't moved they got a few things for me since they didn't see the apartment for 2 years and knew I had a lot of things already since I've been here.  It was a nice time with my cousins and I had a lot of fun picking out placemats, a drawer for my Cricut and scrapbooking things, and a shoe rack.  I always love adding to my apartment and making it feel more and more like a house.

New Shoe Rack

Top 5 for the day:
1. Sleeping in and waking up in my apartment
2. Unpacking everything and feeling "home"
3. Lunch and talking with family
4. Showing off my apartment and my Christmas tree
5. Putting new things together

Look at all the floor space :)

Family...there's only one

Family time just keeps on coming.  Of course being the day after Christmas I would have thought it would be a relaxing day, not so much.  I wanted to make sure I got back to my apartment to spend some time with a friend before they leave to go back to their home down south, but had some more family time.  I got a lot of time with my mom and brother (which I wouldn't trade the world for) and spent some time with my aunt and uncle from PA.  We don't see them a lot and it was nice to talk to them.  We all went out for dinner and that's always an adventure.  I'm sure when a party of 13 walked in, they were taken aback, but they did get us seated right away (at least from what I could see).  Tomorrow (well technically today since it's after midnight) I get to see my aunt and cousins from Jersey and show them my apartment and take them to a fun place to eat...not sure where yet.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Getting all presents set up underneath my tree
2. Having a friend carry up the heavy items from my car and set up the blu ray player
3. Trying out the blu ray player
4. Laughter and talking with a friend
5. Family time with extended family

Oh night divine when Christ was born

Christmas morning

Christmas has finally arrived and the day went faster than it arrived.  Last night was the Christmas Eve services and they went alright.  It was nice to see some friends again and spend time with my family after the service.  Christmas day was even better.  It was great to spend time with family the whole day, good laughs, and some amazing presents.  God is good and I can't begin to explain how blessed I am with the family I have.

Maddi and her new toy...a chicken

Top 5 for Saturday:
1. Family time with the grandparents after the services
2. The last two Christmas Eve services for the year
3. Keeping traditions like appetizers for dinner
4. Homemade waffles and bacon for breakfast
5. Anticipation of my brother's music video to be released

New ornament and sweatshirt

Mark showing Maddi how to sit in her new bed

Top 5 for Christmas:
1. Family time and bonding with my cousin
2. Laughter around the house
3. Amazing presents from very giving people
4. Smile on my mom's face after receiving her new computer
5. Knowing I don't have school for another week :)

Cousins with matching Jets pillow pets

Me and my cousin

Another late night

Last night was another late night.  Our first of 3 Christmas Eve services was last night and it went really well.  People were engaged and, although it didn't feel like Christmas, it was nice to catch up with some friends who were there last night.  This only goes to show how fast this week is going to go by.  I have so many things I need and want to do that I don't know if I'll actually be able to do it all.  Well, it's time to go get ready for the last 2 Christmas Eve services today.

Top 5 for yesterday:
1. People engaged in worship
2. Christmas gift from one of my small group girls
3. Catching up with friends
4. Relaxing day in my pajamas
5. Dinner at the Diner with my parents

Oh it's Christmas time

Only at this time of the year does my life get a little crazy.  I've been at Christmas Eve rehearsals the last 2 days and have not gotten home until after midnight both nights.  I love being involved in Christmas Eve but the late nights sometimes make it tough to be a fun time with friends.  The last day with the students on Thursday was a lot of fun.  The kids at both schools were high energy, but it was definitely and exhausting day.  I got some really awesome gifts and a lot of edible gifts from them.  With school done and all presents wrapped, it's time to really reflect and think about the true meaning of the holiday, Jesus' birth and his arrival into the world.  My favorite Christmas song to sing today while getting ready for our first of 3 Christmas Eve services is "Welcome to Our World."  It really states everything about this holiday and how God gave us Jesus: He entered the world a little baby relying on parents just like us only to die for our sins...which we do not deserve that kind of love.

Top 5 for Wednesday:
1. Students gifts and their excitement for me to open them
2. Christmas party with the 5/6 Choir
3. Rehearsal with the Christmas Eve team
4. Dinner with a friend
5. Clear skies driving home after a storm

Christmas Eve rehearsal

Top 5 for Thursday:
1. Awesome gifts from friends and students
2. Spending time with my brother
3. Christmas Eve run-throughs...feeling good about them
4. Music fun day to end the last day of the year with Kindergarten
5. Seeing the whole family together in my parents living room around the tree

My gift from a friend

Mmhmm Twilight coffee travel mug :)

This is my grownup Christmas list

It's amazing how one little chapel can change your perspective on something.  The 6th graders did wonderful job with the Christmas chapel.  We heard stories of Christmas past, present, and future, sang Christmas songs, and even watched pictures of what each student wishes.  Most of the wishes were for peace on earth, safety for soldiers, stop smoking, and cure cancer.  A couple stuck out to me that were definitely close to home for them...no more eye diseases and help a siblings eyes get better.  These kids just amaze me every day.  So what is your grownup Christmas list?

Top 5 for the day:
1. Excellent chapel done by 6th grade
2. "Grownup Christmas List" Michael Buble
3. Sing-a-long songs with 2nd grade
4. Getting grading done before leaving school
5. Finishing "Eclipse"

#274

This is my 274th post of the year.  It really makes you realize how fast the year has gone.  Pretty soon it'll be Christmas break for some of us and I for one am looking forward to this break.  I'm looking forward to this week because it started out rough this morning, but it got better which can only mean week itself will get better.  I can't wait for Thursday to give some special people in my life their gifts I picked out for each of them.  Seeing them smile and being able to show how much they mean to me is all I care about that day.  All of my students will probably be high energy and pounding at the walls to go home for Christmas break...it's almost as bad as the last day of school ha.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Music fun day with 1st grade...and seeing their smiles and Christmas cards they made for me
2. Breakfast with the 7/8 choir...playing freeze tag
3. Thoughtful Christmas presents from students
4. Home cooked meal with leftovers for lunch and dinner for 3 days
5. Surprise girl time :)

Candy cane pen, Starbucks card, and a 2 disc Christmas songs (acoustic)

One week

Just one week from today it will be Christmas.  A time for family, friends, and a chance to celebrate the birth of our Savior.  It's amazing to see how much has changed over the year and where we all are.  Are you where you were physically back in January?  Did you hold onto your New Year's Resolution?  Are you who you were back in January?  I know my answer to those questions is no.  I haven't moved, but my apartment is definitely my home now, as opposed to just a place for me to live while teaching at this school and waiting to get married.  I don't even remember what my New Years resolution was so I'm pretty sure I probably didn't keep it.  I have changed a lot this year and not just once, but a few times.  So, how have you changed this year?

Top 5 for the day:
1. Surprise visit from a friend
2. Reading all day
3. Spending some time to just think
4. Waking up to a clean apartment and no dishes in the sink
5. Laughs and heart to heart talks

Maybe I went about this all wrong

Just thinking about how I've interacted with people, maybe I went through things all wrong.  I've been way too nice to people to make sure I don't hurt their feelings, no matter how it makes me feel.  I try to avoid confrontation as much as I can because I don't like knowing people are mad at me.  I was always available for the guy I was interested in and never played "hard to get."  I was always afraid if I was playing "hard to get" they'd lose interest.  I think I'm going to have to make some changes come the new year.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Completely clean apartment
2. Some time for some reading
3. Hanging out with a friend and catching up on life
4. No traffic and a quick doctor appointment
5. Acoustic music with no words

Good things come to those who wait

I cannot believe how much energy I had this morning.  I was wide awake and feeling great about life and the kids were for the most part.  If I have high energy and a good attitude, chances are the kids will too.  The high was definitely from the concert last night and I still can't believe we made a record amount of money.  This school is so giving and the parents are so supportive of the program, it shows.

Today in the mail I got another "save the date" card for a friend's wedding.  I love weddings and I love seeing others happy.  I keep telling myself that it will be me one day sending out the "save the date" cards and it will be to the most amazing guy on the planet.  God is preparing both of us to be ready at the same time, and only God can know that.  For now, I am trying my best to stay focused on Him and positive about life.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Middle School Staff Christmas Party
2. Snack Friday...a little break in the middle of the morning
3. Girl time with a friend
4. Phone time with another friend while he drives back home for Christmas
5. Curling up in my large chair with a book and a blanket on a cold December night :)

The let us all rejoice again...on Christmas Day in the morning!

Tonight was the night...the big Christmas concert.  Both choirs did a PHENOMENAL job and I have heard nothing but compliments about both of them.  All the stress they give me throughout the two quarters always pays off in the end.  I could not be happier about their performances and all the support from their parents, the faculty and staff at ECMS that could come, and my mom and grandmother who make it to every performance of mine.  No matter the age, my grandmother and mother always come to every performance, no matter the distance.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Feeling energetic all day and in a great mood most of the day :)
2. Compliments from both students and their family members on how each year the choir gets better
3. Flowers from a student and chocolate from the choir
4. Spending some girl time getting ready with my awesome accompanist :)
5. Great performances from both choirs :)  I could not be prouder :)

I will be brave I will not let anything take away, What's standing in front of me

Twas the night before the concert and all through the apartment not a music sound was playing, not even a voice....Ok so I'm being cheesy right now.  I have done nothing but think and for the first time all day I'm not thinking and am super excited about it.  The dress rehearsal went as well as we could have asked for.  They did a really good job at listening as best they could and performed so well!  I'm just stressed about other things that have to do with the concert.  I know the kids will perform as best they can and leave it all out on the table.  They will have nothing left to give after tomorrow's concert because they always perform with their whole heart.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Seeing the excitement in the choir students for tomorrow
2. Good rehearsal with my 4th grade chorus
3. Hearing an awesome performance from a concert last night by a friend
4. Reading to relax
5. Watching a student who has auditioned for honor choir before and missed do really well on her audition tape

How can I love when I'm afraid to fall

"Thousand Years" by Christina Perri has been playing on my computer all day.  I love the song and can't wait to be able to have this in my head as I walk down the aisle to my husband...whoever that is.  She wrote the song specifically for the Twilight Saga "Breaking Dawn" and it fit perfectly.  I can also picture God singing this in Heaven to us and just waiting for us to come to Him.  He has loved us since before we were born and for a thousand more years even after we die.  He never fails to love me in my darkest times and in my brightest times.  No matter how many times I run or walk away because of what has happened in my life and I think I can do it on my own, He is waiting there for me with open arms.  Below I have shared the lyrics for your enjoyment.

Heart beats fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave
How can I love when I'm afraid to fall
Watching you stand alone
All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow

One step closer

[Chorus:]
I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

Time stands still
Beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything take away
What's standing in front of me
Every breath
Every hour has come to this

One step closer

[Chorus:]
I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

One step closer
One step closer

[Chorus:]
I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

Football or concert plan?

Top 5 for the day:

1. The comfort of my couch after a long day

2. Strategy for seating/moving at the concert

3. "Thousand Years" Christina Perri

4. "Here With Us" Joy Williams

5. Reading for me and Glee

Oh this is how it starts...brighter than the sun

It's the week...concert week.  All I wanted to do today was come home and curl up on the couch.  It's been one of those days where from the minute I got to school everything went downhill.  I left a few things at my apartment I needed for school, so luckily I had some prep for me to run home and get things I had forgotten.  The kids are already in Christmas mode and we're all feeling it.  They are ready to be on break and I think a lot of it had to do with how early we were hearing Christmas music and talking about Christmas.  I feel like it's earlier and earlier each year!

Top 5 for the day:
1. My cousin getting accepted into Quinnipiac with good scholarship
2. Getting to the elementary school to find gorgeous blocks made for my friend by another friend :)
3. Having great friends who are more like family
4. Curling up under a blanket just to relax
5. Spending time with students after school just to talk

What's your Exodus?

The talk in church was really good.  It talked about the excitement of when we were little about going to the tree and seeing the presents and how we should be excited in the waiting for Christ.  He also talked about how the real story starts at the beginning...back in Exodus when the Israelites were brought out of Egypt and how we're all affected by each other's sin.  Best part...God hears those who cry out to him.  He hears all the cries and acts on them, not always in what we think it should be, but in what HE knows is going to help our cries.  So, what's your Exodus?

Top 5 for the day:
1. Singing on the worship team with great people
2. Seeing a former youth pastor and hearing all the great things in his life
3. Powerful message
4. Jets win
5. All presents wrapped and under the tree

Silver and Gold

I'm sitting at my parents house watching old Christmas movies (they are the best).  Right now it's "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer."  It's been a day that I have done very little, but feel like I got a lot accomplished. I finally finished the book "Breaking Dawn" and boy am I looking forward to seeing Part 2 in the theaters! I also got a lot of Christmas shopping done and only have 1 person left to shop for.  I feel like he's the hardest to shop for too, my dad.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Finishing the book and loving every minute of it
2. Laughs and conversations at dinner
3. Getting some awesome Christmas gifts :)
4. "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer"
5. A curious dog about my hairclip

To trudge or not to trudge..that is the question

It's finally Friday!  It's been a long rough week but I made it and could not have asked for a better Friday night.  I spent it with a great colleague and friend :)  Lucky for me, it was a jeans Friday and the night of "Breaking Dawn Part 1."

Top 5 for the day:
1. Seeing "Breaking Dawn Part 1"
2. Cheering up a sad first grader just by giving her my glasses
3. Surprising a fourth grader by being his ride home and watching his excitement while playing Wii
4. Dinner and girl time while people watching in the movie theater
5. Pretty awesome tweets from people watching

O Holy Night

So it's been a rough couple days, but there have been some perks.  I'm looking forward to this weekend since I'm going out tomorrow night to see "Breaking Dawn" and then working Area Band auditions on Saturday to help a friend in need :)

Top 5 from Wednesday:
1. Barnes and Noble performance
2. Girl time
3. Seeing smiles on students who were performing for the first time
4. Seeing former students and how much they have grown
5. A card to make my day

Top 5 for today:
1. Reading "Breaking Dawn"
2. Getting an apology letter and a picture from a student (when she didn't need to write the apology letter)
3. More success with the 6th grade projects
4. Wonderful colleagues to talk with
5. Going to bed early :)

If you want to make the world a better place then look at yourself and make the change

Glee is on tonight and it's a decent episode.  I've liked most of the song choices.  It's been a decent day, except for the rain.  Chapel was all about how we worship and the different ways to worship.  It makes you think about the way the magi and the shepherds worshipped when they saw the Messiah.  So how do you worship?

Top 5 for the day:
1. Starting to read "Breaking Dawn"
2. Hearing students worship
3. Getting work done
4. Talking to friends
5. Glee and New Girl

You'll always be my Bella, my Bella just less fragile

Ok all caught up on the Twilight Saga...next stop is Friday at the movies to see Breaking Dawn.  Before that I need to read the book, so that leaves about 2 1/2 days since I have youth group on Thursday.  It is definitely a favorite of mine and makes me think about what I want out of life.  In reality, it's not my choice, it's God's choice and He already knows what's best for me.  He knows who I will marry and how my life will be tomorrow, next year, and ten years from now.  As frustrated as I get and as tired as I get...life keeps going and I need to focus on what's more important :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. "Eclipse" movie
2. Christmas party with the ECES teachers
3. Great laughs with fellow teachers
4. Fun music classes with lots of laughter
5. Christmas cards coming in the mail

We're all made of good and bad, it's our choices that make us who we are

I've been watching "Harry Potter" all day again today.  My shoulder is absolutely killing me so I have been stretching and resting it all day.  It is my conducting arm so I'm switching arms tomorrow (hopefully I remember) to hopefully rest my arm.  It's been another day of thinking and praying for me.  The closer Christmas gets, the more excited I get to see my family again.  But I also get more aware of being single since I have a wedding on New Year's Day.  I know I am not alone and God has something great in store for me, I just need to start seeing what he's showing me each day.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Home cooked meal
2. Fun twitter convos
3. Relaxing day
4. Finally seeing Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
5. Resting my arm

Sometimes it's best to just cast those thoughts away

Some days I need to remind myself that and cast thoughts away.  Certain thoughts need to stop coming into my head, and yes I know I let them in.  I have gotten two Christmas gifts wrapped and put under the tree.  I also got another ordered.  I love Christmas time and choosing Christmas gifts to give to people.  Seeing their faces when they open the gifts are always great to see :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Sleeping in
2. Wrapping and ordering gifts
3. Surprise text messages :)
4. Harry Potter marathon all day
5. Spending time to give myself a break

I don't have the strength to stay away from you anymore...Twilight

I caved tonight...I officially saw "Twilight" and "New Moon."  Must say, I'm all Team Edward :)  I have loved watching the videos and will have to read the books this summer.  I went to my friend's house and had dinner with her, her husband, and her son (a student of mine).  I could not ask for a better Friday night...relaxing watching movies all night with people, not alone :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. VERY successful rehearsal for both choirs combining for their one piece
2. Twilight :)
3. Spending time with great people
4. Gorgeous sunrise and sunset to remind me of how awesome our God is
5. The moon at night

Dare you to move

So I've been hoping that writing my thoughts down here would help me sleep and so far the past month or so I haven't been able to sleep.  I don't have a lot on my mind...just a few big things but I talk about them and pray and give it all up to God  I just don't know what's wrong.  I guess I'll just have to wait and see what happens.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Having almost all my girls there for youth group
2. Dinner with mom
3. Good news from my cousin
4. Exciting kindergarteners
5. Making plans for a fun Friday evening :)

Let your heart come home to me

I'm watching "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" and waiting to see the tree be lit.  Hearing some of these Christmas songs makes me very grateful to be in a Christian school where I can play these songs and have the students sing them in concert.  Yesterday I couldn't update because we had no power until about 7:30/8:00 and then my internet was being funny.

Top 5 for Tuesday:
1. Last day of warm weather
2. Getting power back on just as I was packing to head out
3. Laughs with colleagues during a long meeting
4. Extra prep day
5. Fun day with the elementary kids

Top 5 for today:
1. Christmas at Rockefeller Center
2. Hearing good news from my neighbor
3. Feeling prepared for the concerts
4. Spending girl time after school
5. Having food in the cupboard

O Christmas Tree

Well almost all of my Christmas gifts are ordered.  I have two ordered...two more to go and then I can focus on a group gift :)  I will say, I teach some of the most thoughtful kids.  One of my students picked up a CD and got it signed for me over Thanksgiving break.  I'm looking forward to hearing the story behind this CD from her mom tomorrow :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Hearing student favorites about Thanksgiving
2. The student excitement to give me a CD she thought I would like
3. Very successful choir rehearsal
4. Fully registered and started paying for grad school
5. Ordering really AWESOME Christmas gifts :)

I am Judas' kiss, but You love me anyway

My brother leading worship

The end to a long and amazing weekend is here.  I'm enjoying the Christmas tree and the Christmas candles I have burning.  I'm glad I got a little ahead before the weekend so I could enjoy the weekend and not stress tonight.  I haven't been sleeping well and am just hoping I sleep better this week now that the graduate school things are done and can focus my mind on something else.

Triple Baby Dedication :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Seeing my brother lead worship again
2. A triple baby dedication
3. Catching up with extended family
4. Enjoying a Sunday night with little school work
5. Apartment by Christmas Tree light

Best wishes for a Bride-to-Be

The delicious cake from an awesome baker :)

Today was number...I have no clue of bridal showers :)  It was very beautiful and I loved seeing some church friends I haven't seen in a long time.  The bride was very thankful and I can see the love her in eyes when she looks at her husband-to-be.  They are young, but not as young as some friends I know and I am praying for a great relationship for them.

Me and my fellow piano player :)

Me and the bride :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Seeing church friends and catching up
2. Celebrating a friend's soon to be new life :)
3. Good talks with my mom
4. Leftovers for dinner
5. Looking at my ornament from my sponsor child and rereading her mom's note to me :)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Black Friday...does anyone know why it's called Black Friday?  Did anyone go out shopping on Black Friday?  I for one didn't.  I got a chance to see my second brother and my mom's best friend.  We went down to my apartment and decorated the living room with my Christmas Tree :)  Now it's on to a movie night with the family :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Decorating my Christmas Tree
2. Going to Longhorn for dinner
3. Homemade waffles for breakfast
4. Seeing my second brother and my mom's best friend
5. Movie night :)

Happy Thanksgiving to all...and to all a good night :)

This could have quite possibly been the best Thanksgiving ever.  It was only my parents, my brother, my grandmother, and I.  I hit no traffic coming out here, my brother flew in from Nashville for a long weekend, and lots of laughs all day.  I'm very thankful for a family who always supports me, my friends who are always there, students who care, and the God above who loves me no matter what.  What are you thankful for?

 

Top 5 for the day:
1. Seeing my brother for the first time since August and a family all together since March :)
2. Waking up to an e-mail from a former student about being thankful for me :)
3. Delicious food and laughter around the table
4. "Christmas Vacation"-family traditions that never get old (even if I did fall asleep)
5. Sleeping in the same house as one family, quite possibly the last time in this house for Thanksgiving

Mark brought home Ivey Cakes Cupcakes from Nashville

Just a few more hours...ok more than a few

This time tomorrow I will have already had a wonderful meal for Thanksgiving, spending time with my brother and parents, and enjoying life.  I will not be worrying about school, grad school, or anything else.  Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what we have and I am very thankful for a lot of things this year.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Spending some time with a friend for lunch
2. Setting up my next three years for Grad School
3. Clean apartment before leaving for a weekend
4. Half day of school
5. Lots of laughs with my students

Two down...1/2 a day to go

You know the days where you think it's going to be decent and then it just goes the opposite?  I feel like that's what today was.  Just a busy, crazy, non stop day until I got home.  I know on Sunday that I would choose Jesus EVEN IF...it's just hard.  I'm being patient and trying to stay as positive as I can, but days like this just make it hard.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Seeing the 7th grade worship team do a great job without Me or Josephine having to lead
2. Being able to get all grading done at school
3. Making plans for lunch for tomorrow
4. Playing flute while the faculty sang
5. Getting a "class pet"-a family of paper pigs

Early morning...baby arrival

So from about 2 o'clock until 6:15 I couldn't really sleep.  I got a text from my friend from college saying that my other friend (his wife) went into labor about 12:45.  From that point on I couldn't sleep, I would doze off, but kept waking up to see if I got a text about the baby, nothing.  All morning through teaching I kept checking my phone and my kids kept wanting to know if I heard anything.  Finally...about 10:45 I got the text that at 10:01 Caeden Andrew was born :)  I can't wait to go out and meet him and spend some girl time with my best :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Early morning text messages
2. Getting that FINAL text about Caeden Andrew
3. Pictures and first looks at baby and family
4. Finishing the musical selections
5. Relaxing night

Daddy and Son

My best and her son :)

I'll take Jesus EVEN if...

The study today at Emergence was on Malachi 3:1-4.  How do you view God?  Do you judge him because of what you don't have and what others have?  Are your friends who are non-Christian having a better life than you?  Life isn't about what you have and don't have, it's about living in God.  Today really opened my eyes.  For a long time I've been comparing what others have and questioning, why does so and so have this and I don't?  Why are they getting married and I'm still single?  Why do they make more money than I do? Why did they have a solo recital and I didn't?  I really should have been saying, I'll take Jesus and rely on Him EVEN IF I'm single and alone.  I'll take Jesus and live in Him EVEN IF I am low on money.  I'll take Jesus and live in Him EVEN IF I don't have a solo and work hard.  I'll take Jesus no matter what life throws at me.  So, what do you choose?

Top 5 for the day:
1. Church with friends
2. Gorgeous weather with the windows down
3. Working ahead
4. Christmas music
5. Leftovers

I fought You every step of the way...Yes, but you did it

Just finished watching "Evan Almighty" and it always reminds me that no matter how much we fight God, he always loves us and watches out for us.  He knew way back when I started applying to graduate schools that I would get into Montclair State, but I had to start applying for Boston University first and realize I just didn't like the idea of "online" classes only.  He knew back in 2004 when I was applying to colleges that I would go to LVC and have a job at Eastern Christian.  He knew I would have some amazing friends and great women of God to talk to about issues going on in my life.  He always knows what's best for me even if I fight him the whole way.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Getting the "official" acceptance letter to Montclair State
2. Home cooked meal
3. Lesson plans and grading done
4. PSU beats OSU
5. Movie night

Joy, Unspeakable Joy and overflowing well no tongue can tell

Listening to Christmas music on this cold Friday night.  But this is not just ANY Christmas music, this is the music my brother did last year on his Christmas EP album.  It's a good way to kick off this last weekend before the holidays begin and end a busy week.  The biggest news today...I GOT ACCEPTED INTO MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY'S MASTER OF ARTS IN MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM :)  I'm just a TAD excited about this :)  I'm ready to be a student again (if even part time) and focusing on music.  It'll be a nice break from focusing on the kids :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Getting that "unofficial" email to calm my anxious mind
2. Christmas music on a cold night
3. Good choir rehearsal with the 7th graders
4. Supportive friends and colleagues :)
5. Hearing my brother's voice...even if it's through his CD

And oh, how He loves me, and oh, how I disbelieve...faithless me...

It was a great talk at youth group tonight and had a really good conversation with my girls.  I am loving these high schoolers and all their fun and great answers.  Have you ever felt distant from God?  Is it normal to feel like that?  What can you do when you feel this way?  All those questions were some questions we discussed and how we can support friends.  The line as the title is from the worship leader's songs he introduced to the youth group tonight.  There have been times I feel like that and as much as I feel like running away from him, I need to keep running to him. I'm a work in progress and always will be :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Youth group girls that haven't come in a month or more coming tonight
2. Dinner with Mom
3. Almost finishing 4th grade auditions
4. Getting home at a decent time
5. A day of no rain :)

Beautiful One I love, Beautiful One I adore, Beautiful One my soul must sing

We're halfway through the week...the last full week before Thanksgiving.  I can't WAIT for this time next week since I get to get ready to head home to my parents and see my brother for the first time since August :)  So...what are you thankful for?

Top 5 for the day:
1. Good talks and spending time with a friend and her son
2. The last IDE class until next semester :)
3. Extra prep due to a class trip
4. Music fun day surprises from 2nd grade
5. Girl talk with another friend on my prep

I apparently look like a Disney princess or I'm shaped like an eggplant...I'm going with Disney princess :)

Sometimes I just want to want to know

Living by yourself has its positives and negatives.  I enjoy being able to come home and relax on the couch without having to worry about what time I'm eating dinner because it doesn't matter to me.  I enjoy being able to come and go as I please.  I like being able to decorate how I want and watch TV/movies.  But it's getting the point I keep asking God: Why am I still single?  It's now holiday time again and a constant reminder I'm single and no one to spend it with.  I'm very grateful for all that God has given me.  He has given me a full time job, a great family, wonderful friends, a place to live, and his never ending love.  Along with many other thoughts running through my head for work, this is going through lately.

Top 5 for the day:
1. 4th grade auditions surprising me
2. Gorgeous sunrise to start the morning
3. Middle School chapel
4. relaxing evening
5. Warm weather

I see Your face in every sunrise, The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes

Ok so I didn't get a chance to update yesterday due to some football and conversations.  Anyway, the last two days have been great.  Singing in church is always fun and a great way to refocus myself on what is most important in my life and what should be most important.  Trying to make this a positive week and go into school with a smile on my face and excitement in my heart.  We'll see how well that goes :)

Top 5 from Sunday:

1. Singing on the worship team

2. Compliments on the hair :)

3. Jets/Pats game...even though they lost

4. Skype to help a friend in need

5. Family time

Top 5 from today:

1. Discussion for sectionals about boys voices and why they are the way they are

2. Decent sound out of the choir

3. Extra prep time

4. Planning two chapels and girl time with a friend :)

5. Questions if I changed my hair :)

It's all about "team"

I want to say I'm super proud of Penn State and their football team.  They did lose today to Nebraska (and I could only watch the first quarter due to my haircut and the beginning of the game wasn't too bad.  The pregame was the best and I teared up a little bit.  Both Nebraska and PSU players and coaches gathered at center field to pray and come together to stop child abuse.  It was definitely what PSU stands for and they will overcome all the focus that is on them right now.  We are...PENN STATE!

Top 5 for the day:
1. Seeing two teams come together in support of recent events
2. New haircut and color
3. Pancakes for breakfast
4. Laundry all done in a day
5. Family time with football

It's a little darker in person :)

Today is the day You have made I will rejoice and be glad in it

It's finally over!  My interview and music theory placement test went great today!  All morning I tried not to think about it (but it's hard to think about when you start teaching theory things in classes).  I'm very grateful for working in a Christian school and for having Christian friends.  I could feel the nerves running through me all morning, but as soon as I got to Montclair and was walking around campus I felt fine.  It was great to be back on a college campus and even greater knowing I could be a student here in a few months taking a class to improve my knowledge of what I can do to teach :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Feeling quite confident about my interview
2. Meeting new people with similar interests going for the same degree
3. Being able to take the test earlier and remember more than I thought
4. Winning the teacher merit drawing at school-$50 to restaurant.com
5. Prayers, texts, comments, hugs, phone calls all to say "I'm praying for you"

Quick update

Ok, so this is a quick one so I can go to bed.  It's been an interesting day to say the least...I'm starting to get sick (I can feel it), I got hit from behind in the CVS parking lot (I'm fine, the bumper is a little split), and I had youth group (amazing time of course).  Tomorrow's the big day...Montclair's interview AND music theory placement test.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Dinner with my cousin
2. Seeing my cousin at youth group and hearing she LOVED it and wants to come back :)
3. Finding out I can get a 3 month prescription through my insurance :)
4. Worship to calm my nerves
5. Comments on my living room and "good luck" messages from the elementary teachers since I won't see them tomorrow :)

Days like this :)

It's the start of a new quarter...and I'm loving it.  The 5/6 choir sounds phenomenal, the 5th and 6th grade general music classes are full of energy, and I am just enjoying teaching.  A new quarter means new opportunities...wherever they may be.  I have a lot of work going on the next few weeks, but my main focus is the music theory placement test and interview for Montclair's grad school audition...getting nervous every day...

Top 5 for the day:
1. Putting my living room back together and LOVING the color :)
2. Spending some quality girl/music teacher time with a friend
3. Wonderful IDE class with great teachers, and feeling inspired
4. Homemade pasta with leftovers for lunch for two days!
5. Excitement for a new quarter with new students

My new living room :)

What are you trying to teach me?

This question has been running through my head for the past few days.  What is God trying to teach me in every aspect of my life?  It's a question I know I have to be patient and wait to get the answer.  It's a few things going on that just make me think this way.  So I ask you, what is God trying to teach you today?

Top 5 for the day:
1. A painted living room (with the 2nd coat on)
2. Students surprising me with their auditions
3. End of the quarter and feeling prepared for the new quarter
4. Extra prep to prepare for the day
5. Evening of TV :)

I have been changed for good

I have "Wicked" songs stuck in my head.  They have been there since I got to my doctor's appointment (probably because I was singing away in my car to it hah).  It's been a decent day (especially for a Monday).  Looking back at the day I got a lot done!  My living room is also FINALLY PAINTED!  I need to do ONE more coat tomorrow and then call it a day :)  Wednesday I can finally put the room back together and hopefully I'll feel a little better about this Montclair interview on Friday.

It's done!

Top 5 for the day:
1. A helpful mom to drive all the way down here and back to help me paint
2. Getting to the doctor's office early and being taken right away
3. Getting the living room ceiling and walls painted
4. Decent sound coming out of the 7/8 choir
5. Positive parents thanking me for all the work I'm doing for the 4th grade musical

Better lighting

A beauty, beast, street rat, and princess all in one night

It is a night of Disney classics.  Currently "Beauty and the Beast" is on and then "Aladdin" will be on.  I love Disney movies and yes...I can cry while watching them..don't judge :)  I got the trim of my windows painted and tomorrow Mom and I are painting the living room...FINALLY!  I can't wait to see this room done and put back together :)  I also took down the door to my bedroom and will be putting up a curtain instead since it's such a small opening.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Daylight Savings Time ending...an extra hour of sleep
2. Painting my window sill and trim...one more step to being done with the living room
3. Disney movie night
4. Getting ready for what will be a very busy week
5. Jets win :)

Crafts and Christmas

I did not do as much as I had hoped today, in fact, I did nothing that I had thought.  I hoped to paint the living room window trim and get that dry so I can paint the walls hopefully in the near future.  Instead I stayed in bed until the afternoon getting some work done and relaxing.  I spent the evening relaxing with a friend and crafting...making Christmas presents :)

Crafting buddy :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Girl talk and crafting with a great friend
2. Simple mac and cheese and veggies for dinner
3. Learning a new craft and getting used to the Cricut...hoping for one for Christmas :)
4. Christmas Tree Shoppes with a fellow music teacher
5. Looking through my cruise pictures that came in the mail yesterday :)

My Christmas ornaments :)

Uptown girl...my uptown girl

I have certainly been loving spending time with my landlord's girlfriend.  My living room is finally all spackled and sanded.  All I'm waiting on is to paint.  I'm definitely painting the window trim and possibly the ceiling if there's enough paint.  The best part...I have a fridge full of food and a plan for the weekend :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Semi-successful 7/8 choir rehearsal
2. Dinner and "Greek" with the neighbor :)
3. Feeling complete with the spackling and the sanding
4. Food in the house
5. Relaxing evening of tv and games

What's your calling and purpose in life?

Today was a great day since it's conferences at the elementary school and I was able to get ahead on work and prepare for the new quarter.  Youth group was great since I got to see missionaries I haven't seen in a few months.  They're on home assignment from Senegal and they were youth sponsors when I was in youth group :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Laughter and kisses from a baby
2. Hugs to small group girls I haven't seen at all this year
3. Getting ahead in work since I had extra prep time
4. Hearing from Michelle and Brian about life in Senegal
5. Worship and seeing the kids worship

Only full day over

Since we had two snow days I only had to teach all day today...tomorrow and Friday are half days for me since we have conferences :)  I'm looking forward to working most of the day tomorrow and getting ready for the new quarter with the 5th and 6th graders :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Decent 4th and 5/6 choir rehearsals
2. Comments on how I look
3. Being able to leave early
4. E-mail about my pictures from the cruise :)
5. A good exhaustion from teaching :)

Happy November!

Well, it's November 1st.  Needless to say, I ended October and started November in a very fun way.  I spent all yesterday cleaning since we had a "snow" day and spent some quality girl time with my best friend from high school.  Today I spent it doing some home repairs like spackling and taking the air conditioner out.

Top 5 for Monday:
1. Picking up right where we left off
2. Getting the "no school tomorrow" call
3. Homemade dinner and drinks
4. Getting a visit from my mentor/friend and Tinkerbell and Jessie from Toy Story 3
5. Clean apartment

Top 5 for Tuesday
1. Spending girl time with the "super"while spackling
2. Catching up with Paris friends and noticing a change in me personally since the last time we spoke :)
3. New "Glee" and "New Girl"
4. Watching cracks and holes in the wall vanish :)
5. Enjoying another "snow day"

Snow Day already?

So we have a snow day tomorrow already.  Trees down and power out all over causes problems for everyone.  I've been very lucky and grateful to God for allowing my power to stay on the whole time.  I ended up breaking my ice scraper/brush also so I had some really wet knit gloves hah.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Getting the phone call about no school tomorrow
2. Making homemade beef casserole
3. Planning for tomorrow's girls night
4. Sunshine shining on the leaves and snow
5. Having power and feeling very grateful

Snow in October?

So it's been quite the interesting day.  I should be in the city, but instead I am sitting on my couch in my Jets jersey as part of my costume.  The snow has been coming down since about 11:30 and has not stopped or let up.  The lights and TV have gone off and on numerous times today.  I am just praying for the power to stay on until I go to bed tonight.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Dressing up even though I couldn't go out
2. Staying in bed until after noon
3. Watching the snow fall
4. "Someday someone will walk into your life and make you realize why it never worked out with anyone else..."
5. Still having power

Christmas time?

All day I felt like it was Christmas time.  Between the cold weather this morning with ice and frost on the grass and the slides at school, it certainly felt like it.  I am enjoying relaxing tonight and am looking forward to going out with a friend tomorrow into the city :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Snack Friday with a different schedule
2. Curling up on the couch
3. Pictures and cards from students from music fun day
4. Sectionals with 5th grade students
5. Making plans for the weekend...even with the snow coming

You are my rescue

Not a lot to comment on because I'm exhausted, but youth group was another week of really challenging questions for not just the girls but me also.  What is your purpose in this world?  Is calling and purpose the same thing?  Can your purpose or calling change?  It was an excellent discussion with only two of my girls tonight.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Great conversation and discussion in small groups
2. Dinner with mom
3. Little traffic on the way home and hitting every green light
4. Hugs from youth group kids
5. Being caught up on most grading and having amazing colleagues

Your grace is enough I'm covered in Your love

Thinking back on the day I enjoyed sitting in devotions and listening about God's grace and plan for our life and even the devotion for the 5/6 choir a student spoke on was about the same thing.  God always has a plan for our life and I know I will continue to forget this just like always, but he will always be there.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Great conversation at class today
2. Getting ready to go into "clean-up" mode for the 5/6 choir
3. Finishing a musical song for 4th grade
4. Excitement from 2nd graders about making faces out of musical notes for "Mr. Pumpkin"
5. Sunshine and chilly weather...fall has finally arrived!

Forever God is faithful

It's amazing to see how fast a day goes when you're super busy.  It was a great day with chapel since Pastor Rob Parker (a father of two of our students) came and spoke to us.  He spoke about the offense and defense of the heart and used football analogies which worked perfectly.  We had the worship team in sports jerseys and I even had a chance to talk to Rob a bit about being a new CMA church.  On the downside...I ALMOST made it 2 months without kids asking me why I'm not married and today the 2nd graders broke it haha!  All I know is they know how to make me laugh!

Top 5 for the day:
1. 7th grade students working hard on their projects
2. One class of 8th grade projects done and graded!
3. A chapel talk that I was able to take something away from
4. Leading worship and seeing the students worship in their own way
5. Students running to give me a hug after school just because they saw me :)

Rushing and finding time to take a breath

Today felt like a roller coaster.  I did a lot of "catching up" this morning since I had an unexpected meeting I needed to have.  On the bright side, I had a great time in the afternoon because kids crack me up.  All I can say is, I love being a teacher...even with all the headaches that come along with it.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Cards from two 2nd graders saying "thank you" for being their teacher
2. Music fun day with a 1st grade class
3. Seeing some of my "tougher" 1st graders grasp the music concept and focus the whole time
4. The cup game with third graders
5. Fun sectional rehearsals

Reunions of all sorts!

I'm currently watching "The Real Housewives of NJ Reunion" and thinking about this amazing weekend.  Yesterday was a great day from helping my grandmother and mom cleaning out the basement to seeing some great performances by high school marching bands.  Today was even better since I got my paycheck from Jesse for band camp and seeing college friends at a friend's baby shower :)

Top 5 from Saturday:
1. Spending time with my mom and grandmother
2. Going to a marching band competition as a spectator for the first time in a few years
3. Hackettstown High School placing first in their division and best music :)
4. Helping to clean out my grandmother's basement and organizing things
5. Looking at old pictures of my great grandmother and my grandfather

Hackettstown warming up on the field

Top 5 from today:
1. Gorgeous sun and weather on the way out to PA
2. Colorful leaves on the trees
3. Celebrating the soon-to-be life of a newborn baby
4. Seeing college friends and catching up
5. Fun baby shower games

The soon-to-be parents

My twin with little Caeden :)

I just want you to know who I am

So last night I passed out on the couch early.  I'm super excited for today because I get to go see Hackettstown's marching band perform for the first time since I last saw them at band camp.  Here are my top 5 from last night:

Top 5 from Friday
1. Having a pretty productive inservice day
2. FAC with the girls
3. Reading for fun on a Friday night
4. Laughter with colleagues
5. Getting the Six Flags trip up and going!