What a day

It's coming to the end of Spring Break, but not before a trip upstate :)  It was a good day, but have yet to sleep in and now that won't be happening until next weekend...maybe.  It's nice to spend time with friends and family to close out this Spring Break.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Finishing the 8th grade grading early
2. Spending some time catching up with my mentor...if even just briefly
3. Seeing joy about her tooth coming out
4. Dinner and an evening with the family
5. An excited puppy to come home to

Last day of Spring Break

It's the last day of Spring Break and how did I spend it?  I spent it in bed working on my resume, cover letter, and grading.  It was relaxing since I took my time on grading and watched movies all day.  I have one resume and cover letter ready to go out into the mail and I'm looking forward to this weekend.  I get to spend it with my mom and celebrate a friend's soon-to-be wedding.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Having a resume and cover letter ready to go
2. Movie night
3. Text conversation about a possible job :)
4. Sleeping in
5. Getting some grading done

Suffering v. Comfort

The topic at youth group tonight was suffering v. comfort.  After that I went to see "The Hunger Games" and definitely saw suffering there.  The movie was definitely very good...and the company was even better, but of course I was disappointed when I wanted to see certain things from the book and I didn't see them.  Oh well, the book is always better :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Seeing "The Hunger Games" finally
2. Youth group with a handful of my girls
3. Having an almost ready-to-go resume :)
4. Dinner in H'town with nan and my mom
5. Downloading my brother's band's CD and reading the "Thank You" section on the digital booklet

When I think of words I think of him...

I'm super excited...I get to see the Hunger Games tomorrow night after youth group :)  It's going to be a great time and I am so anxious to see it.  It was a good day overall and I was able to spend some time with two great friends :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Painting my nails for fun
2. Buying new candles for my apartment
3. Spending time with a friend for dinner
4. Hearing some of a new upcoming book
5. Sleeping in :)

Kindle v. Nook...and a presentation

I'm finally back at my apartment.  It's been a great start to Spring Break.  I am done with my presentation for school so I am finally done having to do grad school work.  All I have to do is show up and participate in class.  I'm so grateful that our professor has cancelled our paper due at the end of the class, I'm just very nervous about my grade for my presentation since that will be the only big grade I get for the semester.  I'm feeling somewhat confident in my presentation and thought he really enjoyed it.  I have 5 days left of Spring Break and have a lot to do and will get it done...little by little :)

I've also been deciding if I want a Kindle or a Nook.  I love reading real books, but sometimes I just want to have the book right in my hands and not have to wait for it.  After looking at reviews I am definitely going for a Kindle, just not sure what one.  I think I might go for the Kindle Touch because it's cheaper than the Kindle Fire and looks more like a regular book.  One month until my birthday...it'll be a surprise which one I get :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Leftover Chicken Pot Pie for lunch/dinner
2. Deciding on a Kindle or Nook and having time to actually look
3. Feeling less stress due to being done with my grad school presentation
4. Finding out we do not have to do the paper at the end of the semester just show up and participate in class :)
5. Waking up to realize the puppy is sleeping with me on the couch :)

Lockdowns and reading

Well, today has been interesting.  I was at my parents house and the schools were placed into lockdown due to a phone call about a guy who had an AK-47.  I was able to be in communication with a friend inside HHS and cannot imagine what it would be like to be in lockdown for hours.  What would go through your head?  I would definitely be nervous and try to not show it since I would be a teacher.  Other than that it was a nice day getting some work done on my presentation for grad school tomorrow and reading.  Once I'm done with my presentation for grad school I think I will feel a little less stress because I won't have to worry about anything but a paper due at the end of April.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Sleeping in and waking up to the sun
2. Hearing everyone is safe and seeing my neighbors get home safely
3. Spending time with Nan
4. Finishing "Mockingjay"
5. Homemade Chicken Pot Pie for dinner and leftovers for my lunch/dinner tomorrow :)

End of a rough week and Jesus is enough

My small group girls...and a creeper in the back :)

Oh what a week it has been.  It's been a few days since I posted, so I quite a few updates to give you.  My friend stayed the night on Wednesday to catch up and be closer to her job, Thursday was a great youth group night, and this weekend was the Senior High Lake Champion Retreat.  Going into the weekend I was exhausted and mentally beat...and now, I feel refreshed and ready to start this exciting Spring Break.

On a walk around camp

Top 5 from Wednesday:
1. Getting the choir picture done
2. Helping a friend with the yearbook again
3. Catching up with a friend
4. Gorgeous weather
5. Doing some reading

Some of the youth kids at dodgeball

Top 5 from Thursday:
1. Retreat v. Advance talk at youth group
2. Student excitement about Spring Break
3. Picking up a friend for youth group
4. Laughter from kindergarteners
5. Preparing for a personal day

Worship at night

Top 5 from Friday:
1. Gorgeous weather to start the retreat weekend
2. Kid excitement about being away and focusing on God
3. Amazing night of worship
4. Great talk about Sampson, Peter, and the woman at the well
5. Seeing a former student, a friend, and a family I knew at the camp as a surprise

The youth kids

Top 5 from Saturday:
1. Spending time in my small group
2. Seeing the connections with the whole youth group...late night talks
3. Delicious meals prepared and served by volunteers
4. Feeling God at work in everyone
5. Free time spending it with the youth group

Top 5 from Sunday:
1. Sleeping in a little later
2. Another morning of worship
3. Helping mom and dad with the big move
4. Group pictures
5. Knowing I am off tomorrow :)

Mendham Hills Senior High Youth Group

One more week

There is one more week until my big grad school presentation.  I'm feeling a little more confident watching a few more presentations today.  I'm glad I'll have all day Monday and Tuesday to work on and practice my presentation.  I'm starting to feel how my students feel when I tell them presentations are due :)  I'm easier though...they get to do it in a group :)  As much as Monday started out with my stress level hitting the roof...today I'm a little less stressed since I was able to get a lot done and felt productive.  I'm even feeling a tad productive to do the dishes tonight...we'll see how that goes haha.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Getting a lot of work done during my prep
2. Catching up with a classmate
3. Music poem written by a student
4. Coffee and Chai talks
5. Warm sunny weather

Some days it's twisted

I felt like today was completely backwards.  My morning was worse than my afternoon and I had energy (and a little bit left) this afternoon.  Looking back on the day I have gotten a lot accomplished and still have a lot to do, but am so excited for Spring Break next week.  I have a big list of things I need to accomplish and hope I can get them done all next week.  This weekend will be a very busy one with the retreat with my Senior High girls.  I can't wait to spend time with the youth group and away from the stress of life...hopefully :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Keeping all my windows open all day
2. Really good 1st grade classes and lesson :)
3. A fridge/freezer/cabinets stocked with food
4. Clean laundry and baking
5. Successful voice lesson...even if her voice was tired from the weekend :)

Church, a concert, and some Dunkin

A super proud teacher with her students

Today I could not have asked for a better Sunday.  God is doing some amazing works in my life and I am so grateful for everything.  Church was a very different service and it was very moving.  I love that this church is not afraid to try something different and the members of the congregation are open to new thoughts.  My two girls who made Region Choir had their concert today.  They both sang beautifully and I am so proud of them.  It's been a rough 3 weeks of rehearsals for them, but it all paid off in the end :)  To end this day, I had my small group meeting at Dunkin' Donuts which made for an interesting change.  It was nice to be out with the group and talk in a different setting.

Me and my girls after the concert

Top 5 for the day:
1. Seeing my girls perform
2. Being treated to dinner by the parents of the girls
3. Good discussion and support from my small group
4. Beautiful weather to get great pictures
5. Different church service

Another one

My girls

This shows their personality :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Yes, today was St. Patrick's Day.  I must say I enjoyed today and the weather was perfect.  I had a chance to do some things for myself with my best friend and her son.  To seize the day we even had her husband cook almost everything on the grill...everything tastes better on the grill :)  Tomorrow will be very interesting because it's a busy one and I don't believe I will have a chance to take a break until after small group tomorrow...which means it will be a long night of planning.

Top 5 for the day:
1. First ever spa massage...and definitely going back
2. Walking around Hillsdale to get lunch, to go to the spa, and to go for a walk...enjoying the weather
3. Enjoying "Push" the movie with friends
4. Dinner cooked on the grill: bbq chicken, red roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, and watermelon
5. Waking up before my alarm :)

Let me be a child of peace...

Just got in from a wonderful hour of watching my 6th graders cook, entertain, and serve the homeless.  They really had a lot of fun..just looking at their excitement.  I had a good time helping the kids with entertainment and the men were very appreciative.  It's times like these that I remember why I'm teaching and the impact I can have on student lives.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Good harmonies from my kids
2. Seeing 6th graders take charge
3. Talking with parents
4. Having some time to relax at home
5. Cosmo and Chai morning talks

Relief

I'm starting to feel a sense of relief in life.  There are more things being checked off my list as we get closer and closer to the end of the year.  But, along with the end of the year coming comes a lot of work that needs to happen before hand and more uncertainty.  All I know is that God is in control and just need to let Him take control.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Feeling relief after the morning rehearsal
2. Getting caught up on grades
3. 8th grade boys and their crazy ideas
4. Friendships that mean a lot
5. Making plans for Saturday :)

Worthy is the Lamb

I am so proud of my 4th grade students on an excellent job they did with the musical this morning.  There were some mistakes and they covered excellent!  I couldn't be more proud of them and am very glad we have about a month before the last performance.  We have some kinks to work out and each time they perform it gets better.  I'm so glad to be able to rehearse with them tomorrow and play some games in choir.

My flowers from the 4th graders :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Successful 4th grade musical
2. Helping a friend with the yearbook layouts
3. Gorgeous flowers to add to my vase
4. Keeping the windows open all day
5. Supportive teachers and friends at the musical :)

When my world is shaking, heaven stands

Got an amazing video in an email from a great friend about what I'm going through and I just have to share it.

Today wasn't a bad day...just an emotional roller coaster...but that's expected right?

Top 5 for the day:
1. Dinner with friends
2. Feeling relief after talking to one of the 2 choirs
3. Students making me laugh over and over
4. Lots of prayers today from people all over
5. Driving and teaching with the windows open :)

Sunshine and friendship

It's the end to a weekend and the start to another week.  This weekend has had its ups and downs, but none of them that I could not handle.  Today the weather was so gorgeous I was able to sit outside and talk with a friend about life and what our hopes are for the future with all these changes that are happening.  I cannot believe how much support I have gotten from so many people and I am truly thankful for everything.  Now,  I need to get started on the work for the week and tackle it head on.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Spending time outside in the sun on the deck
2. Lunch with a friend
3. Visit with flowers to enjoy the day
4. Loving small group for support
5. Making soup with my small group and laughing

Just what the doctor ordered

Tonight was probably the best night out in a long time.  Even though we sat around a kitchen table and talked...it was all good.  It was just what I needed after a long week of emotions.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Sleeping in and waking up to sunshine
2. Reading for fun
3. Out for a night of laughter of fun
4. Hugs to make my day
5. Feeling good about myself for the first time in a few days

We shall overcome, by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony

Today was a day of reflection and thought.  Emotions ran high again and I'm starting to hit the third stage of grief I think.  My phone wasn't beeping off the hook like it was yesterday so I had more time to sit, think, and pray.  I didn't get a lot done, but needed a day to myself.  It was absolutely beautiful today...a little on the chilly side, but still warmer than some of the cold days last week.  I'm looking forward to getting back to school on Monday and seeing my kids.  I miss them.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Being able to sleep in past 6:30 AM...closer to 8:30/9:00 AM
2. Skyping with Paris, France and seeing his smiles and giggles
3. Emails and texts checking up on me
4. Dinner and a night out with my Cosmo and her family
5. Receiving a card with some of my favorite chocolate :)

Everything happens for a reason

There are things happening...big things...for a lot of people.  Some are happy things, some are sad things, but still...lots of big things.  I am happy for my friends who have great news, and some good news...it's hard when I feel so alone with things happening.  I know I'm not alone, but at times I do feel alone.  I know everything happens for a reason and that God is showing me something through this...not sure what it is yet...but I'm hoping He reveals it sooner rather than later...

Top 5 for the day:
1. Constant texts and phone calls from friends near and far <3
2. Seeing some youth group kids tonight...just needed to get a laugh
3. Warm weather = driving with the windows open
4. Out to lunch with my mom and enjoying some ice cream on a warm day
5. A walk through the neighborhood with the puppy and mom...warm enough for no coat

Sometimes all you need are some friends

I'm very thankful for the friends and family I have around me.  When things get tough and seem like God has just slammed some doors closed, they are always there to cry with me, laugh with me, talk, and just be there.  Even when the day seems like it will never end, my colleagues are the best and help me get through it.  Not sure if I can come up with 5 top things for yesterday, but I'll try.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Successful first performance of the 4th grade musical
2. Kids singing on the bus all the musical songs
3. Having friends over, texting, and calling all night
4. Mom coming down from work until really late
5. Seeing the 4th graders interact with the "prime timers"

It's just one of those days where you don't wanna wake up...

When it rains it pours...that goes for everything.  Even though today was a bright and sunny day...my day didn't really seem all that bright and sunny.  Things are starting to pile up and I'm barely keeping my head above water.  There are a few highs to the day so here they are.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Getting out of grad class early
2. Supporting "Comfort for a Cause" with jeans and a hoodie
3. Seeing the lion faces work on the kids
4. Finally getting all the way through the musical
5. Sports day at the ES...wearing my Jets jersey

No words to explain

There are no words to explain what's going through my head right now.  It's been one of those days to prepare for a rough week and already I can't wait for the weekend.  The plus of the day: I got to spend time with my little buddy and see my really good friend after her amazing weekend :)

Gina and I for wacky hair day...working on my hair

Top 5 for the week:
1. Realizing it's wacky hair day and putting my hair up with a friend
2. Helping with 4th grade homework
3. Seeing my coffee :)
4. Clean dishes and rooms
5. Finding out my heat is fixed in the elementary school

Finished product...some braids are in the back

Weekends fly by..

This weekend has officially come and gone.  Here we are...after 9 PM on Sunday and I am just sitting down to get ready to plan for the week.  I must say that after small group tonight I have done a lot of thinking.  Where is the Gospel in every aspect of my life?  Am I living it out?  Do I really believe it?  Am I wasting more time when I could be spending it with God?  These questions and more are running through my head constantly.  Well, it's been quite an active weekend and I am looking forward to another fun weekend.

Fife girls all grown up 

Top 5 for the day:
1. Seeing old fife friends at a bridal shower
2. Picking up where we left off years ago
3. Great small group discussion
4. Sleeping in a bit before a busy day
5. Warmer weather again

Kristin drove all the way down from VT...miss this girl <3

I will wait for you...

This has been a great weekend.  It's the big "Redemption" book signing and book launch weekend for my very good friend :)  I could not be happier for her and this weekend was just superb :)  Lots of people attended both events and seeing her smile and have fun was the best.  I even got a chance to read her book (and I finished it all in one day) and loved it!  I may reread it later on when I need a chance to just curl up with a good book.

Laura reading a selection from "Redemption"

Top 5 for Friday:
1. Seeing my friend at her book signing and getting my books signed
2. Meeting a twitter friend finally :)
3. Having a dinner date with the coolest sm. boy :)
4. Notes on my board and on my desk as surprises throughout my day
5. Talking to students at the book signing

Ethan Blake performing at the book signing

Top 5 for Saturday:
1. Meeting Mom and Dad for a late lunch to celebrate her birthday
2. "Redemption" Book Launch Party and seeing her smile all night
3. Finishing "Redemption" and looking forward to the 3rd book
4. Seeing friends and finding a new "favorite" of mine to drink
5. Warm afternoon

Laura and I at her Launch Party

Josephine and I enjoying time at the party

The lovely planner...Christine :)

Introducing the book

Book reading

Ethan performing

Working together during a book reading

Me and my  twitter buddy Ethan :)

Another Thursday....one day closer to the weekend

Happy March everyone!  Here we are, March 1st, and I have a lot I still need to do.  It was so nice to see my students in the Region 1 Honor Choir rehearsals tonight.  It was a nice break from a very exhausting day.  I'm looking forward to seeing their concert at the end of the month :)  Well, I can't write long because I need to clean my apartment for a special visitor after school tomorrow :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Getting work done before school
2. Seeing my 8th grade girls in Region choir rehearsals...beaming from ear to ear
3. 4th grade musical being performed in costumes
4. My mom coming up with a better lion mask and helping me
5. Talking with other choral directors and catching up with old colleagues