I know everything will be alright

Sitting at my parents house in my sweats and a sweatshirt because it's cool outside...the best way to end a Friday.  Today, even though things went wrong, I tried my hardest to take a deep breath and just take a second before reacting...it didn't exactly go that way every time, but for most of the day I tried.  Coming home to a very excited puppy made the exhaustion I was feeling so much easier to put aside to get some work done and enjoy spending time with the pup.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Even though I was running late to school (for me), I still was not stressing out about getting things done
2. A night of relaxing with a great cuddler :)
3. Having some great elementary lessons
4. The low hum of traffic on 80 on a Friday
5. Driving with the windows open and being able to wear jeans to school

All I see is a sky full of lighters...

Just got back a few minutes ago from the middle school Back to School night.  I feel like I just had a whirlwind of parents come through in a matter of an hour.  Being able to talk and laugh with the parents really makes nights like this better.  Since I'm an encore and an ensemble our presentations are a little more informal than the core teachers.  It's nice that the parents could come up to us this year and tell us some concerns, questions, or even just to tell a little story.  Being able to catch up with some of the parents that have been there since I started three years ago and see how their kids have changed and how they have had an impact on my life has really just made this rainy day great.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Laughter and good conversations with parents and fellow teachers
2. Having a fun Kindergarten class and 7th grade class
3. Spending time relaxing with a friend after school
4. Running through the pouring rain with student laughter following
5. Receiving jewelry first thing to start my day off on a happy note :)

...and Brick

It's amazing how many times your mood can change during the day.  Watch any movie, read any book, or just watch your mood during the day.  It was a rough morning for me just getting going, but then the 5/6 choir opened their mouths to sing and I couldn't have been prouder!  They sound amazing and I don't know how long this will last, but so far they have been amazing and I can't ask for more from them.  I literally jumped in the air during rehearsal because I was that excited for them.  Other than that not much happened at school that was exciting or really great, but going into the grocery store and out in under a half hour was excellent.  Now it's off to finish watching "The Middle" (notice the title of this post) and see the start of "Suburgatory."

Top 5 for the day:
1. Excellent choir rehearsal with 5/6
2. Helpful tips from teachers and their support with their classes
3. Relaxing evening with a drink and some tv
4. Adding some quotes to the encouragement wall
5. Phone call from a long time college friend :)

I stand with arms high and heart abandoned in awe of the one who gave it all

I'm having a hard time staying awake tonight.  I think it's going to be an early night to bed.  I've been exhausted since I got home after school and before I met my mom for dinner.  It's been a day where I just haven't been feeling right all day.  I don't know what is going on right now.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Excellent Glee episode
2. Finally getting all the choir folders done minus all the music in the folders
3. Dinner at Panera with my mom
4. Chapel at the middle school with another talk that I needed to hear
5. Hugs from students of all ages

You stood before Creation eternity in Your hands

Getting ready for a Monday is not always the easiest...but after an awesome weekend and sleeping alright I was ready for the day, then I tried to take a shower...bad idea.  I had nothing but ice cold water today.  Needless to say, I had no shower and went to school with my hair up since I couldn't take a shower.  The day itself was not terrible and the students always make me laugh.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Hearing the choir split into 3 parts for the first time this year
2. Seeing the bleachers pushed in without any hesitation
3. "The Sing Off" to end a great day
4. Home-cooked meals for lunch and dinner
5. Talks with colleagues after school

A weekend that makes a crazy week better

This weekend was just what I needed coming off a rough week.  My friend finally got here around dinner time and we had pizza and watched the Phillies/Mets second game (which the Mets won of course).  It was great to be able to relax, have some drinks, and great conversation.  We were up until the early hours watching movies and catching up.  We relaxed all day again today watching the Phillies/Mets game (which Philly won unfortunately), watch the Jets game (which they lost), and had pasta before he left.  Now I'm on to finish some work for school and relax the rest of the night before another crazy busy week.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Spending all day relaxing with a friend
2. Home cooked spaghetti for dinner
3. Watching sports all day (granted both of my teams lost)
4. New episode of "Real Housewives of NJ"
5. Being able to laugh and forget about a crazy week :)

Just a little rest and relaxation

Today I am actually feeling a ton better.  I still have a semi stuffy nose, but overall feeling better.  I'm currently waiting for my friend from college to get here for a visit and to watch the Phillies v. Mets game (which the Mets won the first game today so I'm rubbing it in his face ha).  I have the brownies made and got some school work done.  I'll finish most of the school work tomorrow night or Monday morning.  I have a special few pictures to post at the bottom of this post because I finally got a scanned copy of the professional pictures from the cruise.  Well, off to finish some cleaning before Mike gets here!

Top 5 for the day:
1. Enjoying a visit from a college friend I haven't seen in awhile.
2. Warm, homemade brownies
3. PSU beating Eastern Michigan big time
4. Spending the first part of the morning just relaxing in bed and watching movies
5. Phillies/Mets double header...win the first game...not sure about the second :)

Family picture :)

Brother/sister picture before he got asked to give me a kiss and we both said "no" :)

We're not so little anymore :)

And I will give my all to you surrender everything I have and follow you

From the minute I woke up to now, I have had nothing but various music running in my head without even hearing it.  The first song was "You are my Hope" by Skillet and right now it's "May the Words of My Mouth" by Tim Hughes.  The day was not a great day and had one minor meltdown in front of a great friend because she let me.  It's a night of watching "Hairspray" and curling up on the couch.

Top 5 for the day:
1. After an awful morning, my middle school students making me feel better without even knowing it
2. Having a few friends to talk through (through text and in person)
3. Tim Hughes and Skillet songs in my head to start and end my day randomly without hearing the songs
4. The encouragement wall (which doubles as a therapist for some of us)
5. Help from a colleague pushing in bleachers that just keep getting jammed this year

Back to School Day 1

It was the first back to school night for me.  Tonight was at the elementary school and I actually enjoyed it because I was able to get out on time.  My cold is getting better, but not one hundred percent.  I'm looking forward to the weekend though :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Seeing smiles from the kindergarteners
2. Excitement from the 8th graders working on composing their own songs with dice
3. Getting out of back to school night on time
4. Great conversations with friends during and after school
5. Watching a co-worker decorate a bulletin board for the first time :)

Another day another mystery

Today is day 1 of actually being sick...so I've got 2 more days of it coming, 3 days with me, 3 days leaving...it's going to be a long week before it's gone.  The weather isn't helping since it's so up in the air whether it's going to rain or not.  I'm just very grateful for the colleagues and friends I have here in Jersey.  Without them I don't know if on a rough day I'd be able to get through the day.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Hearing the full 5/6 choir and noticing they are really there because they want to be in choir
2. Students telling me they like my necklace, earrings, and shirt just because they like it
3. Clean dishes
4. Random question from a middle school student to start my day about my dating life
5. Finding a Merit in my box from an awesome colleague :)

My awesome merit to go in the staff "Jar-O-Merits"

You can't stop the beat

Glee season premiere was tonight and they're back to the way they were first season.  I like how the songs actually fit into the storyline this year.  Today was just an alright day...highlight: an 8th grader raising his hand not knowing why he did (after I said raise your hand to answer a question) and used Dwight Schrute from "The Office" as a reference hah.

Top 5 from today:
1. Meeting a friend at Starbucks for catching up :)
2. Chapel with the middle school students
3. Making plans for a fun weekend ahead :)
4. 8th grade students making me laugh
5. Having the best mentor/friend to know exactly what to say :)

I want to be someone's something special

Don't ask about the title....I just don't know what's going on right now.  I'm still adjusting to school and trying to figure out what's going on in life.  I don't know what I would do without some of the girls around me.  They help me a lot to just figure things out and get things off my chest, no matter how small or big they are.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Laughter from the 8th grade students
2. Semi-decent 7/8 choir rehearsal
3. Sunshine and cool breezes
4. "The Sing-Off"season premiere
5. Good car ride talks to a long meeting

I am the nails in your wrists...But You loved me anyway

Today I had planned on going to Emergence and going for a walk, but God had different plans for me.  I ended up staying in bed getting some work done and relaxing before going to the Eastern Christian Community Celebration.  It was a great time to worship God and hear a great message from a great pastor/parent of students.  It's now a night of school work before a very long and busy week begins with a fun weekend planned!

Top 5 for the day:
1. Leading worship with former students, current students, and wonderful friends
2. Hearing prayers by elementary, middle, and high school students along with faculty
3. Hearing about a new church finally get commissioned and see that they're apart of the CMA!
4. Catching up on grading
5. Seeing blue skies and sunshine on a gorgeous fallish weather day :)

Each day is a new beginning

So my body has decided to remind myself that I am going to be up early every day.  Needless to say I was up around 8 today (which is sleeping in for me) and got some work done.  I am back at my apartment and am glad to be home.  I had a great dinner date tonight and even saw a fellow colleague of mine and her husband at dinner.  Tomorrow is the start to a new week and I am going to take this opportunity to start the week fresh and revived and make it a great week.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Great conversation on the dinner date
2. Laughter around the breakfast/lunch table with the parents having homemade waffles
3. Being able to dress up in a cute fall outfit
4. Talking with the landlord and the "super" about the new landscape and life
5. Curling up on the couch with a blanket and sweats to watch PSU beat Temple :)

Cool, cool day

Even though it was a long day and week, the weather certainly made up for it :)  It's been cool all day and the sun was shining.  It was a great day to be a traveling teacher and have bus duty.  I've been relaxing all day at my parents and am looking forward to getting back to the apartment tomorrow and going out for dinner :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Going for a walk with the dog around the neighborhood in the cool air
2. Seeing all 49 of my 7/8 choir students for the first time
3. Having a surprise visit to discuss some possible plans for the choir
4. Curling up with a blanket and relaxing
5. First grade prayers

You are mighty to save...

It was the first night of youth group and it was a cold one!  We had our kick-off at a student's house and hung out and got a chance to catch up on everyones lives.  I have finished auditions for the 7/8 choir and have a total of 49 kids!  I'm super excited to have them all and hear how they sound tomorrow :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Seeing a double rainbow and seeing it super bright!
2. Fun drawing on my board at recess
3. Seeing some youth group kids for the first time in a few months!
4. Making plans for the weekend :)
5. Helping Mom set up for a weekend

My awesome drawing by students...please notice the seagull

First glimpse of the rainbow above the house

Bright and vibrant!

Double and SUPER BRIGHT at the end

Sun in the sky

It was a gorgeous day weather wise today :)  The middle school had picture day so I ended up not having to teach 7th grade because they had their class and individual pictures during my class. Overall it was a pretty good day especially since I got a chance to see the first middle school girls soccer game for a little :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Seeing the ECMS girls soccer team win :)
2. Hearing my 6th graders sing for the first time and being amazed at their sound
3. Full cabinets and fridge with food
4. Seeing a praying mantis on the school
5. 4th grade chorus sounding great :)

Watching the girl's soccer game

More EC girls!

Consume me from the inside out Lord

Today was a great day and cannot believe how late it is.  This morning I got a chance to lead worship at the middle school chapel with fellow teachers.  It was great to hear the students sing and worship to God when I haven't heard them sing as a school before.  Tonight a friend had a great Lia Sophia Jewelry Party and I bought some really great jewelry (including buying a ring for a great friend).  I spent some time talking with a co-worker I haven't had a chance to catch up with yet and am looking forward to spending some time walking with her :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Catching up with a co-worker/friend until the late hours of the night
2. Buying some jewelry to treat myself after the first week of school
3. Hearing middle school students worship
4. Late night texts to see how my day was :)
5. Seeing 5th grade students sign-up to want to do choir because they know where the music room is :)

Refiner's fire...my heart's one desire

It's Monday and I am exhausted!  The Jets game last night definitely kept me up super late.  The Jets won but it was a nail biter to the end.  Today did not feel like we were only in school for 5 days...it seems a lot longer and I am very quickly discovering I am spending more time at the middle school during the day and more time at the elementary school after school.  I was going to go for a walk, but couldn't convince my legs to move any more than they did because I was in really awesome heels and on my feet most of the day.  Start up with more walking/running again tomorrow with some friends and seeing some friends for shopping/hanging out at a Lia Sophia party :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Seeing part of my 7/8 choir for the first time and hearing a good sound come out for day 1
2. Choir auditions with 6-8 grade students and hearing the 8th grade boys surprise me with lower voices than I expected
3. Practicing for chapel with a great friend and hearing from students they can't wait to hear it all in chapel
4. Student reactions to "All Around Me" by Flyleaf and not knowing it's a Christian song
5. Hugs from 5th graders because they haven't seen me since school started

I'm proud to be an American

10 years ago today...it was a cool gorgeous Tuesday and I was sitting in French class watching the French News.  I was a freshman and had only been in school for a week before everyone's lives had been changed forever.  We had finished the French News and my teacher was ejecting the tape out and didn't turn the TV off (which was rare for her) in time and we saw the 2nd plane hit the World Trade Center Towers.  We all sat and stared at what we just saw before my teacher called the office and students all over the school were talking.  We sat in a meeting as a class in the gym being told about the planes hitting the towers, going down in PA, and hitting the Pentagon.  If we had family or friends in or around NYC, DC, or going on any flights today we had to stay to talk to counselors.  Well, we all stayed because we all knew someone who's parents worked in NYC.  I remember going home and waiting to hear and think about who I knew in those areas.  We had a prayer gathering near our church and waited for church members to get in from the city.  I remember seeing a great guy and bass player for our church walk up covered in dust and talk about how he felt.

This day I remember as if it was yesterday.  I may not remember what I was wearing, but I remember where I was, who my friends were, where I went, and how the nation banded together to overcome the attacks.  My heart goes out to the families I know who were affected (especially a coworker/friend and a former student).

Top 5 for the day:
1. Going for a walk/run in my new sneakers on a cool morning with the sun shining and seeing all the American flags out waving in the wind.
2. Hearing the voices of the members of Emergence Church lifting praise to God and hearing a message for the 2nd week in a row that hits home
3. Seeing former and current students at church and spending some time talking to families
4. Jets v. Cowboys...Football Season is officially here :)
5. Pasta for dinner with a relaxing and yet efficient Sunday afternoon

My awesome green and black lightweight adidas sneakers :)

PSU v. Alabama

Today was the first PSU game I could watch on TV.  It started off great, but then very quickly went downhill.  In the end they lost and are now 1 and 1.  I haven't done much all day and wasn't feeling good for some of it.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Lazy Saturday
2. Watching football (PSU specifically)
3. Text messages that make me smile :)
4. Planning for chapel on Tuesday
5. Movie night :)

And all will sing how great is our God

It's finally Friday...and this wasn't even a full week of school.  It's been such a long first week, but at the same time it went by really fast.  I am definitely exhausted today and came home and threw on my pajamas.  My night was so exciting that I got all my grading done for the weekend.  At least I can see this as I don't have to grade the rest of the weekend.  I'm looking forward to going for a run tomorrow morning (in my new sneakers of course), watching the PSU/'Bama game, and going to a 31 party.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Encouraging word wall in my mentor's room :)
2. Remembering 9/11 and hearing student prayers
3. Giggles and excitement from 1st grade students
4. Gorgeous weather to be outside with the kids for bus duty
5. Hearing first grade prayers that are straight from the heart that make me smile :)

The circle of life

It's late and I should be getting to bed, but I just got home from the sponsor meeting for youth group.  I am looking forward to hanging out with these kids next week and see who all is coming :)  Today wasn't too bad of a day and with minor bumps in the day, I was able to navigate myself around those bumps (with help from my lovely mentor).  Looking forward to tomorrow since it's Friday :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Meeting with all the sponsors for youth group...good quality talks about the new year
2. Cute smiles and little laughs from the kindergarten classes today
3. Meeting with my section leaders and assistant section leaders for the new choir year
4. Seeing sunshine and blue skies as I left school on the way to church
5. Being able to sit and watch a lesson as opposed to teaching a lesson :)

Bright colors on a dreary day

It's amazing how clothes can make someone feel so good about themselves and it really brightens up the whole day.  I wore probably my favorite outfit for this year so I was already in a great mood when I went to school.  I was greeted again this morning by lovely 8th grade girls but they hadn't finished a worksheet so I had to help them fill out a questionnaire about themselves hah.  I had plenty of prep this morning to get a lot of work done.  My classes for 7th and 8th grade were great.  The kids were full of compliments and good laughs.  The biggest thing for my day was having a second grade student who is normally active, very calm and not once did I need to address him for his behavior.  Seeing how proud he was and his teacher of his report, this is why I chose to be a teacher.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Seeing improvement in behavior already on day 2 with students :)
2. Receiving a picture from my mentor's youngest daughter this morning before her first day of pre-k, a small jewelry chain from a 2nd grader she made for me, and a card with a paper with positive words about me on it from 2 4th grade girls...it's the little things :)
3. Seeing the 4th grade choir for the first time and knowing it's bigger than my two previous groups
4. Successful middle school AND elementary school classes :)
5. Laughter and funny questions from the 2nd graders when discussing violin lessons :)

Loved this outfit today :)

My gorgeous picture drawn by my buddy :)

Back to School!

First day of school = exhausted.  It's been raining all day and you add that to the first day of school jitters/excitement from the kids...you get a group of very exhausted teachers.  I always forget how exhausting the first day is because you are constantly running.  I woke up this morning at 4:30 not because of nerves but just because I did...and found quite a few other teachers who had the same problem.  I did eventually fall back asleep, but the alarm didn't go off much later.  I was greeted by 5 8th grade girls giggling and excited to be back at school this morning.  It was their laughter and stories that made me realize "this is real, we are really back at school".  I love listening to my girls (and boys when they visit) and forming relationships with them.  The school day flew by today and by my 2nd class I was running out of voice.  It was just very tired since I don't talk much at home living by myself hah.  It's going to be a fun year and this week is just going to be very exhausting :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Smiles from all students young and older
2. Starting the day with chapel and worship
3. A night of sweats and a blanket due to colder weather :)
4. Being greeted with hugs and stories
5. Tech jokes being made by a great science teacher after a busy day

First day of school outfit :)

Let the board writing begin!

Oh you make me smile

It's the night before the first day of school...I'm excited and yet still feel awfully calm.  I'm usually super nervous and excited for the first day.  I will say I am over prepared and have a few small things to do in the morning.  I am very grateful to have a mother who is willing to drive all the way down here to see my apartment for the first time since I hung up the curtains and blinds and to go shopping with me.  Shopping with me and my mom is always a roller coaster.  I'm not  a huge fan of shopping and never have been, but I always look to my mom for her opinion (yes I know I'm 24 but I still want to please my mom).  If she doesn't like it then I usually don't like it.  We have similar tastes but yet I still have my own taste in clothes and shoes.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Finding bright colored shirts for school (just to please a student ha)
2. BOGO 1/2 off at Famous Footwear
3. Quality time with Mom shopping and picking out colors for my apartment
4. Getting awesome light-weight sneakers for running (and in an awesome color)
5. No rain until after I got home from shopping :)

I give You all of me for all You are, here I am take me apart

Sunday.  I feel sometimes Sunday doesn't get as much credit as it should.  Not many people like Mondays, Tuesdays are usually blah, Wednesday is hump day so we're halfway to the weekend, Thursday is always the prep to end strong, Friday is the end of a work week and the start to the weekend, and Saturday is the weekend.  Usually Sunday is a relaxing day, but at the same time I'm stressed because I'm trying to get work ready for the week.  I think I'm starting at looking at Sunday as a new start to the week.  It's a fresh start and starting the week off with refocusing on God really helps.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Hearing a message that I needed to hear
2. Sitting with a friend and her boyfriend at church
3. Leftovers for lunch and dinner
4. Worship that hits the heart
5. Grateful for a mentor and friend to always be there :)

It's Game time!!!!

It's 8:30 and I'm waiting for my movie to start on NBC.  Since there was a weather delay at Notre Dame I'm watching the game until it's over so I can, hopefully, watch the movie when it's over.  I don't know why but I don't feel like it's fall and school time.  I've been watching football on the computer to see LVC and Penn State win both their games and now watching the Notre Dame game.  Maybe it's because I haven't started school yet and we usually do start school.  I'm looking forward to Tuesday and starting school.  I won't see either choir until Friday and I'm enjoying that so I can spend some time with my section leaders getting ready for the year.  It's a new year and I'm determined to make this a great year.  I can feel it, it's going to be a great school year and I'm trying to take a positive spin on things.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Reading all morning and early afternoon just to finish a book
2. Cooking myself a great home cooked meal
3. Game day wins by PSU and LVC
4. Movie night
5. Waking up early to no alarm to get my day started

It's not how talented you are, it's how you use the gifts you're given"

What a gorgeous day!  I got some work done at school and then spent some time with the high school choir director and wonderful friend of mine.  I feel like I'm going to be spending more time at school this year because I feel like I can get more work done there than when I'm here.  I'm looking forward to this weekend since I'm hoping to do some shopping with Mom and get some school clothes and shoes :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Girl time while running errands
2. Spending time at the middle school just to work on choir music
3. Reading outside in the gorgeous weather
4. Dinosaur chicken nuggets for dinner
5. Feeling more prepared for my 3rd year

Come fly with me

Looking at pictures from the past I see how much I've changed and how much my life has changed.  My priorities in life are different, things I care about now are different from what I cared about in college and in high school.  I always thought dating and having a guy was the most important thing, and now I don't feel that way.  Yes, I still want to have a guy and get married, that's important in my life, but I'm trying to let it up to God and see what he has planned for me.  I'm only 24 and have so much to live for.  As you can tell, I did a lot of thinking and self reflection today since I didn't have school.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Fresh groceries from the grocery store
2. Getting a little school work done, but not feeling stressed out
3. Gorgeous weather all week post Hurricane Irene
4. Jets and Jersey Shore night
5. Salad and grilled chicken for dinner with mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert :)