"In my world you will always be young Miss Siegel"

That is a quote I heard this afternoon from a 4th grader as they were lining up to leave choir.  It was really cute and it just came out of nowhere.  It's been a pretty interesting day with the weather.  It was a nice morning, then it started to snow and we had enough snow to coat the grass, then it turned to rain.  The snow didn't last long, which has made for a pretty unexciting winter.  March starts tomorrow and we have yet to have a snow day or enough snow to have a delay since the October storm.  Anyway...happy leap day!

Top 5 for the day:
1. Quotes from kids to make my day
2. Having an extra prep with the 8th graders out
3. Homemade dinner
4. Getting paid...but seeing it all leave for bills
5. 101 free prints from Shutterfly...Nashville and the start of Honor Choir pictures :)

Reality check

Today was more or less a reality check on how quickly life goes by.  We are already at the end of February and I have so much to do before the end of the year.  What I have been working on reminding myself is that I need to take each day as it comes.  There will be rough days, but I cannot waste time.  Each minute is valuable and you never know when our last days on Earth will be.  What are you doing to make sure you can live each day as if it's your last?

Top 5 for the day:
1. Getting a start on my grad presentation
2. Talking with classmates
3. Getting a wedding invite
4. Making plans for the wedding with a friend to be my guest :)
5. Relaxing in the evening

Oh Mondays...

The morning started off with my hair dryer dying on me.  It just continued from there.  The kids weren't too bad, but were either half asleep or super energetic.  I don't know which I prefer more.  I realized after I got home from the grocery store there were things I needed to pick up and forgot, but such is life.  Being the first day back after a few days off I also got observed.  The plus side...I don't have any more formal observations the rest of the year :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Voice lesson with a student
2. "The Bachelor" to end my day
3. Comments on my hair and how much they liked it
4. Having a great feeling knowing I'm done with observations for the year
5. Slowly but surely Six Flags forms are getting in

Tomorrow we'll discover what our God in heaven has in store...

Can anyone name the song in my title?  If you can or can't...here's a hint...it's from a musical.  Name the musical at least.  I know I always backtrack to make sure I highlight a "top 5" of each day and yes there are days where it's hard to find 5 or even days it's hard to limit to 5.  You may be asking "why" I bother backtracking.  I do this so when I have a rough day I am able to look back and see what God has done and put in my life.  It's been awhile since I last updated so here is a long "Top 5" lists.

Top 5 from Wednesday:
1. All packed and ready to go to a conference before leaving for work
2. Sleeping in a king-size bed
3. Getting away from the "norm" and changing it up
4. Having a quick day at school
5. Text about a brave sm. boy :)

Top 5 from Thursday:
1. First day of the conference...focusing on Music Technology
2. Getting a text about an ok rehearsal for 4th grade musical
3. Seeing a classmate a day earlier than I expected
4. Meeting new people...seeing old friends
5. Gorgeous sunrise

Top 5 from Friday:
1. Second day of the conference...focusing on Choral and General music
2. Seeing more old friends from college, my coworkers, and other friends
3. Evening concert "The Dallas Brass"
4. Getting free things at the Exhibits
5. Seeing an awesome performance by Cherry Hill HS "Key of She" and "Casual Harmony"

Top 5 from Saturday:
1. Last day of the conference...focusing on choral and planning
2. Meeting new people
3. No traffic and the sun shining on the way home
4. Visit from a great friend...catching up
5. Finishing "Catching Fire"..2nd book in "The Hunger Games" series

Top 5 from Today:
1. Church with friends
2. Dinner with the community group
3. Relaxing afternoon
4. Sun shining and clear skies at night
5. Watching the Academy Awards

Quick Update

I'm not sure if I'll have internet for free where I'll be the rest of the week and since I forgot to update last night..here's a quick top 5

Top 5 for Yesterday:
1. Catching up with a classmate after class
2. Good work done by my classes
3. Getting everything done for my sub
4. Listening to college students practice while I wait for class
5. Surprising ending to the first half of the "Glee" season

Happy President's Day!

Most schools have off for President's Day, but we had school since we had a snow day in October and weren't sure on the snow days we were going to have in winter..which have been none so far.  I'm looking forward to Thursday when I have my NJMEA State Conference.  I find myself reenergized and ready to apply things to my classroom.

I really amazed myself today when I walked into the middle school and felt  weight lifted from my shoulders.  I am still trying to figure out what that was and why I had a sudden sense of relief and peace.  It was a great feeling and then felt the weight back on when I was at the elementary school about halfway through teaching.  I'm not sure what all happened, but it was very weird.

Top 5 for today:
1. Sense of relief to start my day
2. Great devotions on giving thanks in everything I do, even when we should have been off today
3. Successful choir rehearsal relieving some worry about Friday
4. Getting the 4th graders into costumes for the musical...finding out I won't be spending as much money on more costumes :)
5. Lots of comments on my hair and how much they all like it :)

What you do for the least of these....

This past weekend has gone by in a blur.  This past month has gone by in a blur.  I can't believe we're already at the end of February.  The end of this week I will have some time off from teaching and spending it rejuvinating in the NJMEA State Conference.  It'll be a nice few days to focus on nothing but new materials and ideas and getting some more reading in.  As a recap from Friday to today here are some brief over views:
Friday was an inservice and 30 hour famine
Saturday was a wrap-up of 30 hour famine, my hair cut, and spending time at my parents house
And today I sang in church for the last time.

Top 5 from Friday:
1. Spending time with my small group girls at 30 hour famine
2. Finishing the mural at the ES
3. Having time at lunch to catch up and breathe for a few minutes
4. Meditating on God and his will for me
5. Falling asleep on the big chairs that act as a bed at the church

Top 5 from Saturday:
1. Sleeping later than usual at 30 Hour famine
2. Finally getting my hair cut and colored...it's very red
3. Hugs to say goodbye as I left early
4. Breaking the fast with grilled cheese and chips from Panera
5. Home cooked meal at my parents to celebrate 30 Hour famine

Top 5 from Today:
1. Singing on the worship team for the last time
2. Having a helpful mom who is very crafty to come up with costume ideas for me
3. Finishing "The Hunger Games" book 1...plan on starting 2 and finishing it this weekend
4. Only teaching a short week due to the music conference
5. Attention from the pup

Healthy/Unhealthy relationships

The topic for youth group tonight was on healthy and unhealthy relationships.  We mainly focused on that with the opposite sex, but on the way home I got thinking about how that relates to our lives every day.  Lately I haven't been myself...the stress level has been raised and will probably continue to raise for the next month or so.  So I can say I right now have an unhealthy relationship with myself.  How about friends and family?  I can think of some friends who I have that it hasn't always been a healthy relationship due to both of us and I'm realizing I'm just needing to see who God wants to put in my life and why.  Do you have some unhealthy relationships you need to think about?

Top 5 for Wednesday:
1. Dinner with a friend
2. Reading "Hunger Games" for fun
3. IDE class with some great colleagues
4. Seeing former students and catching up
5. Starting "The Tangible Kingdom"

Top 5 for today:
1. Great small group discussions
2. 8th graders trying to do 60s dances
3. Dinner with mom
4. Kindergarteners dancing to jazz music
5. Getting home earlier than normal

Happy Singles Awareness Day

I should say Happy Valentine's Day, but it really didn't feel like Valentine's Day this year.  I got a lot of candy from my little valentines, but I just wasn't feeling it.  I was lucky enough to get out of  grad class early since he was in LA for the Grammy's (where he won a Grammy for his composition).

Top 5 for the day:
1. Good Valentine's theme TV shows
2. Getting out of grad class early
3. Having a classmate to talk to
4. Getting "The Hunger Games" in the mail
5. Finding a great note from a student "You always have pretty earrings"

The start to a 4 day week

The fact that I'm excited it's a 4 day week with kids might say something.  I'm exhausted and it's only 7:30. Today feels like it dragged on for-ev-er.  Sometimes I feel like I'm not sure if I am even able to handle the challenges God has placed in my life.  Ever feel like that?  Today I'm looking at it as the day is done...try to focus on the rest of the week.  I'll leave you with a song that has spoken a lot to me this afternoon by For King and Country called "Busted Heart (Hold On To Me):

Winter has come back again
Feels like the season won't end
My faith is dying tonight
And I won't try to pretend

I've got it all figured out
I don't have any doubts
I've got a busted heart
I need You now
Yeah, I need You now

(Chorus)
Hold on to me, hold on to me
Don't let me lose my way
Hold on to me

I am the wandering son
Your love is never enough
I keep chasing the wind
Instead of chasing Your love
I'm screaming out Your name
Don't let me fall on my face
I've got a busted heart
I'm in need of a change
I'm desperate for grace

Hold on to me, take all of me
Don't let me lose my way
Hold on to me

Broke Your heart a thousand times
But You've never left my side
You have always been here for me

You never let me go
You never let me go
Don't ever let me go

Hold on to me, hold on to me
Don't let me lose my way
Hold on to me

Hold on to me, take all of me
Don't let me lose my way
Hold on to me

Until it comes to an end
Soon this season will end
I'll surrender tonight
You meet me right where I am


Top 5 for the day:
1. Starting voice lessons with students again
2. Having a loving mom to vent to
3. Friends who understand no matter the age
4. Spending time listening to music
5. God getting me through the day

Grammys

No, not grammys as in going to grandma's house...Grammys as in the Grammy Awards :) They are on and I know I won't be able to stay up for the whole thing, but a good portion of it.  I love the Grammy Awards because they have a lot of performances and it's all music.  This next performance is Rihanna and Coldplay together...it should be very interesting.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Being excited about church and enjoying every minute of it
2. Starting "The Tangible Kingdom" group tonight
3. Getting work done while also relaxing
4. Sunshine and heat on a cold winter day
5. Seeing a second grade student worship God with his hands raised high

Lazy yet productive Saturday

Today is the BEST day of the week.  I was up late catching up with a friend, slept in, cleaned, and had a surprise visit.  My parents surprised me and gave me a Valentine's Day present early and cards.  It's the first time my dad had been down here for a good year or so.  Even though I'm an hour away, I do miss them every day.  It was nice to sit down and talk with them about the new events coming their way and what's going on in my life.  The best part...I now have a movie to watch tonight all thanks to my parents awesome Valentine's Day present..."Breaking Dawn Part 1."

Top 5 for the day:
1. Surprise visit from my parents
2. Showing my Dad how the Cricut works and getting a new cartridge
3. Valentine's Day gift...Cricut cartridge, Advil, and "Breaking Dawn Part 1"
4. Ordering "The Hunger Games" and using a gift card to pay
5. Fairly clean apartment and relaxing day

Everybody, everybody wants to love

Hallelujah it's Friday!  I don't really need to say much else :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Really decent choir rehearsal
2. Girl time before school with my "coffee"
3. Movie night of all Cinderella stories
4. Connecting with students while teaching
5. Knowing it's Friday

God in my laughing, there in my weeping, God in my hurting, God in my healing

Not much to say...just a lot of frustration and glad to be home.  Watching this half of "The Voice" is making me laugh.  I'm very grateful tomorrow is Friday and I can sleep in on Saturday.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Dinner with Mom after not seeing each other for a few weeks
2. Laughter from Kindergarteners at a movie
3. Seeing kindergarteners start their 100 day of school with pictures
4. Wishing a great friend a very happy birthday to start her day
5. Youth group with lots of laughs and hugs

"That guy looks like Mr. Bean"

It's been a long day and I'm glad to be home and relaxing.  I'm just speechless about today and am just so grateful for the friends I have at work to get through rough days.  I cannot wait for the weekend and sleep in a bit before spending time with a friend.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Seeing a friend back after her surgery and all smiles
2. 5/6 choir learning music quickly and singing without a piano
3. Finding people with little research
4. Loving students who ask how your day is and endless hugs
5. Seeing students work independently

Cold at night...warmer during the day

This has been the most mild winter so far.  It is colder in the morning and warmer in the afternoon.  I'm getting used to this IDE model and actually enjoying it and thinking the kids will remember things better with this style of learning.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Walking with a classmate back to the parking garage
2. Seeing the new puppy downstairs
3. Funny questions to ask the Needmore band
4. Catching up with my mentor
5. Longer prep

Big plans in the morning turn into dreams in the evening

The weekend went by super fast and I have not had a lot of time to get work done.  I'm still waiting on my homework assignment for class and received it yet.  I have a lot of cleaning up to do from all the baking from yesterday.  It was a great weekend to hang out with a friend and have a visitor for 2 1/2 days.  I woke up today saying I was going to clean and do Zumba but now I'm exhausted after a long day of work.  I could really just eat dinner and pass out, but "The Bachelor" is on tonight, so I'll work out in a little bit after I eat dinner and clean the dishes until "The Bachelor."  This is what I say...we'll see how that actually works :)

Top 5 for Sunday:
1. Finally getting the results for my girls and seeing and hearing their excitement about making the choirs
2. Breaking my Facebook fast and seeing the encouragement I had while I was gone
3. Gorgeous day to be in the city and walk around upper Westside Manhattan for a recital
4. Girl time with a friend
5. The Superbowl and commercials

Corndogs...homemade!

Driving into Manhattan

Top 5 for Today:
1. Successful IDE day
2. Getting ready in the morning while talking with a friend
3. Great choir rehearsal
4. Creating our own music in 1st grade
5. Finding a nice surprise quote on Facebook when I needed it most

God's masterpiece

Upper Westside Manhattan

Manhattan School of Music

Recital time

Our Superbowl feast for 2 people

Early one morning just as the sun was rising I heard a maid sing in the valley below...

The solo won't get out of my head.  It was Region Chorus auditions all day and I was a Soprano 2 judge.  We were supposed to be the biggest room, but there were a lot of "no-showers."  My students did really well (when I looked at their scores) and now we just wait for the results.  It's hard for me because I know where they were in the line-up when I left and I can't say anything about it because I don't know how they are dividing the choirs and where they're drawing the line.  All I can say is...I'm finally done with the hard part of auditions...now is the fun, "let's learn the music" part.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Spending the day judging while a friend was in the room as the monitor...easy catching up
2. Having the day go by fast by being busy and having a lot of breaks
3. Seeing friends from the band section at lunch...and forgetting that they would be there
4. Spending the rest of the weekend with a friend and a busy schedule ahead
5. The waiting game of the results :)

I give you all of me

It's the end to another week.  I feel like this week was another rush week.  I just keep moving to barely keep my head above water and I'm looking forward to being done with auditions and get my weekends back :)  I don't mind auditions because it is for my kids and a great opportunity for them.  I have to remember...it's all for them :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. A student volunteering to pray for my Region Choir kids
2. Hearing little kid prayers and how much they care about
3. Praying with my Region kids before they audition tomorrow
4. Talking to Mom on the phone about frustrations of the day
5. Knowing it's Friday and a big weekend is planned :)

What does it mean to date?

The topic of youth group for the next few weeks is relationships with the opposite sex...a topic I really enjoy talking about.  The girls had some really great answers to the questions and really great discussion.  The drive home was rough because I was so tired.  I can't wait for this week to be over so I can get the judging out of the way (yes another weekend of judging) and feel like I can breathe a little bit again.  Like I've said before, I'm feeling like I'm constantly running and never get a chance to get a break.  Well, it's off to bed, but at least tomorrow is a jeans day.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Feeling good about my IDE lesson for the first time
2. Good meeting with my principal about my class and observation
3. Spending time with Mom
4. Finding out some students made Honor Choir
5. Great youth group time

Just keep swimming

I feel all I do anymore is just swim so I can barely keep my head above water.  I can't blame it on the winter doldrums since it has been in the 60s the past two days and sunny.  It has been a very mild winter with very little snow...only one snow storm that was over a weekend and gone by Tuesday (some is still around, but not enough).  It's right about the time last year I started feeling this way...maybe I should get back into working out?  I have been sick and have been getting better, but it's still not gone.

Sitting here in my bedroom with just the closet light on (yes I have a walk-in closet) and the silence of the apartment makes me think.  Am I living the life God has planned for me?  What are the plans he has for me?  Where will I be in 5 years? 10?  These questions and more keep running through my head.  After a very frustrating day and just wanting to curl up and go to bed (yes I'm aware it's only 6:00), I know where I need to turn.  These questions will not be answered the way I want them to be...and that's the way it's supposed to be.  God's way is always better...even if I don't like his answer right away.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Receiving two invitations to a book launch and book signing by a pretty awesome author
2. Gorgeous weather (the possibility to wear no coat)
3. Starting IDE class again and having support with my frustrations
4. Great friends I work with to vent with through texts
5. Getting another song almost memorized for the 4th grade musical