Happy 25th Birthday to me!

I celebrated my birthday with friends tonight :)  It was a blast and I could not have asked for better :)  Between dancing and good conversation and fun gifts it made celebrating me reaching the quarter of a century even better :)  Im grateful to be able to go out and celebrate with friends and celebrate with family tomorrow :)  The best part...I have Monday off so I am able to spend more time with my family :)

Top 5 for today:
1. Emails, texts, phone calls, FB posts, and tweets from students, friends, and family
2. Celebrating with friends
3. Dancing until the early morning
4. Talking all day :)
5. Receiving some really fun gifts :)

"Miss Siegel...will you go the dance with me?"

Yes...I was asked to the 8th grade dance tonight by one of my choir students.  I had to turn him down and he was upset, but they always manage to make me laugh.  I am going to miss my kids dearly next year, but I also know I'll have new kids to make me laugh and make connections with.  It was an inservice day also, so it was nice to spend some time with the colleagues without the kids and focus on how to improve our differentiation to meet the needs of all our kids.  Calling it an early night since tomorrow's my birthday and I have plans :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Seeing the HS and MS choirs sing together
2. Being asked to the dance and having laughs with my students
3. Talking with former students and catching up
4. Very informative inservice
5. Free tshirts and time with friends before the concert

Another late night

So this is earlier than the past 2 nights have been, but it's still later than normal.  It was nice to have a personal day to catch up on sleep and relax a bit with my grandmother.  Tonight's youth group talk was all about sleep and awake.  We don't realize when we are sleeping until we wake up or someone wakes us up.  Is this what our lives are like with Christ?  Are we sleeping in some areas that we should be awake to?  What are you sleeping through?  What are you missing?

Top 5 for the day:
1. Working more on the job application
2. Youth group and seeing my favorite kids
3. Coming home to a letter from my sponsor child
4. Getting the first birthday present (since being sung to last night)
5. Eating dinner with family

A busy couple of days

               Needmore at Maxwell's

The days had finally arrived.  The past two days I got the chance to see my brother and his band perform in Hoboken and NYC.  They did such a great job and I am a very proud sister.  The past two days were great and I am looking forward to them coming back.

Me and my brother at Maxwell's

Impromptu acoustic set

Top 5 for Tuesday:
1. Seeing my brother for the first time since Christmas
2. Amazing performance from Needmore and Vanity Theft
3. Seeing church friends come and support the band
4. Last day of grad class
5. Seeing the MS and HS choirs sing together

Needmore at Webster Hall in NYC

Top 5 for Wednesday:
1. Seeing the band perform in NYC
2. Seeing friends from HS at the concert
3. Being sung "Happy Birthday" from the band
4. Hearing big news from my brother
5. Gorgeous night and new friends

Vanity Theft at Webster Hall

Final Song

The family..minus me

The band and me..right before they surprised me with singing "Happy Birthday"

Another Rainy Day

Have you ever looked back at your life and wished it was different?  Not necessarily making certain decisions, but things that have happened?  It's one of those days I've thought back at the big events in my life and certain events I still don't understand.  Between the "what if" questions and the "why" questions...life gets very questionable.  The only thing I have to hold on to is God and I know he is looking down the road and seeing where I am going to end up.  

Top 5 for the day:

1. Hearing my brother and the band on the radio

2. Curling up on the couch in sweats

3. Honor Choir rehearsals with a student

4. Working on a job application

5. Receiving my first letter of recommendation 

Rainy Days and friendship

I woke up to what I thought would be a rainstorm and it was just cloudy...I even saw the sun peering through the clouds.  It did change by the time church let out.  It rained the rest of the day and is still raining now, but boy did we need it.  The pollen was really bad this year and it had been a few weeks since we saw rain.  I am praying it does not rain Tuesday night and Wednesday night since it's the Needmore concerts :)

I spent the day with my best friend from EC and her son.  We played some Kinect (which I am LOVING and may need to purchase in the future), watched a movie, and had dinner.  It was great to relax and enjoy each other's company.  I am realizing that friendships that will last a lifetime are not necessarily the ones I've known the longest.  Well, it's off to plan for this short week with inservice and a personal day and my birthday at the end :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Good sermon at church and great worship
2. Lunch and dinner with a friend
3. "Captain America"...great movie
4. Girl time to vent and have some laughs
5. Looking forward to this upcoming week :)

Shopping and Girl time

Me and my date :)

I am lucky enough to have had a great weekend so far.  Last night was the first of 4 weddings this year and I had a good time.  The bride looked beautiful, the groom was smiling ear to ear the whole night, and I got a chance to catch up with some friends.  Today I had the chance to do a little shopping for the two concerts that are coming up this week :)  These two concerts are not just any concerts, they are my brother's band's concerts in Hoboken and NYC :)  I can't wait to see them and especially him.  I haven't seen my brother since Christmas and I can't wait to see him play.

Waiting for the reception

Top 5 from yesterday:
1. Seeing two great people get married
2. Getting dressed up and dancing
3. Catching up with old friends
4. Taking my time getting ready
5. Sleeping in on a school day :)

Flower in the hair

Top 5 from today:
1. Sleeping in after a fun night
2. No traffic coming home
3. Getting 2 dresses and some sale things
4. Having dinner with a friend
5. Getting everything done before the rain comes :)

The Bride and Groom

Me and the Bride

So what, God will forgive me anyway...

The topic tonight at youth group was about taking advantage of God's grace and forgiveness.  Have you ever done something while knowing God will forgive you?  Did you follow through with it?  We, as all humans are, live in a world where we should not love earthly things.  It's easier said than done.  How many people don't want to be left out?  How many people want the newest and coolest things so they can fit in with the rest of society?  At any point do you stop and think about God and what he wants?

I'm hoping to start a new book to read soon.  It's called "Praying for my Future Husband."  As some people know I have a hard time being single, especially when it comes to weddings (like one I'm going to tomorrow).  I am working on accepting this and there are days where I'm fine and like being alone, but there are times when things are rough and I just want someone to come home to.  It gets a little frustrating and I have fabulous friends who are always there to listen to me, but there's just something about having that "special someone" there to listen to.  I'm looking forward to the day God shows me who my husband is and the day I get to become a "Mrs."  Until then...it's off to weddings I go :)

Note from 3 2nd graders

Top 5 for the day:
1. Meaningful talks with my small group girls (even if it's only 2 people)
2. Excited face and tail wagging at the door when I arrived
3. Receiving a letter from students
4. Turning my alarm off for tomorrow :)
5. Talking with youth group kids

Confessions of a Shopaholic

This is a great movie.  I have never been a big fan of shopping...I'm starting to enjoy shopping, but don't like the whole trying on, it not looking right, putting it back, finding the right outfit, standing in line, and watching my money dwindle haha.  When I have a specific thing to look for, I usually am able to find it, after a few hours and a lot of frustration.

Watching this movie makes me think about what our lives are like.  You may not be a shopaholic, but maybe another "holic."  Are you a "foodaholic" and like to eat all the time?  How about a "workaholic" and lock yourself up and just work until the end of the day?  Maybe you're a "techoholic" and obsess over technology and must buy the up and coming new devices.  Me...I need to do some more thinking of what I am.  I think everyone is some sort of "holic," so what are you?

Top 5 for yesterday:
1. Spending time with a friend before grad school
2. Chapel with "Mighty Mike Simmel"
3. Extra prep time
4. Resume editing done
5. Having ice packs to calm itchy eyes

Top 5 for the day :
1. International Day...causing shorter classes
2. Lunch provided by a very grateful PTO
3. Movies in the late afternoon
4. Hugs from kids
5. Spending prep with a friend

Allergies are a killer

We have, by the grace of God, had gorgeous weather the past few weeks with no rain.  The problem with that is the pollen and tree count is high and my kids are suffering.  Today was the worst and I've never had more kids rubbing their eyes, complaining of stuffy noses, and looking awful.  I am now praying for rain..and I never pray for rain.

Today also started the new quarter.  I felt like I didn't get a chance to sit down and breathe for a few hours today.  I have been constantly on the move and am enjoying my new group of students.  They are full of energy and wanting to learn about music.  They know this is their last time with the opportunity to have general music and they have surprised me with wanting to know everything.  Lots of questions about what they want to know...I think this will be the best, fastest, and busiest quarter in 3 years.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Starting the new quarter with excited students
2. Finishing more grades...just 5 more classes to go
3. Wearing a dress to school and being grateful for A/C at the MS
4. Cleaning out more things at school
5. Hearing all about a great trip from the parents :)

Accepting and embracing God's "No" means we're accepting and embracing God's "Best"

It's amazing how God uses a rough emotional roller coaster day like I has yesterday to prepare me for a talk at church today.  The talk was about how God says "no" to things and as much as we hate to hear it, he knows better.  When we accept his "no" it means we are accepting His "best"...not his "ok" or "good...but His "best."  I have a hard time with this because of the job search and the struggle I am having.  I wouldn't be able to get through times like this without my amazing friends and my church family.

Tonight was also my last 4th grade musical performance.  They did such a great job and were even sillier at times which I was glad with.  They had a great time and I am so proud of them.  I have taught some really great students over the last 3 years.  It's times like this that I'll miss my kids...they have all made a difference in my life and they are amazing kids.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Final performance for the 4th grade musical...amazing job done by all
2. Second grader coming up and thanking me for organizing the whole musical
3. Church with amazing friends
4. A talk that I needed to hear
5. Prayers from parents and faculty

Great start to the weekend

It has been an absolutely gorgeous day.  I got a lot done before lunch time and was able to relax all afternoon.  I was able to get the floors washed and I feel so much better knowing my apartment is fully clean :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Getting school work done outside
2. Windows open
3. Clean floors and the smell of clean
4. Home cooked dinner
5. Helping a friend in need :)

3/4 of the year done!

We ar 3/4 of the way through the school year.  It was nice to be able to catch up on grading and get a lot done before leaving school.  I said goodbye to the 7th and 8th graders today and it's becoming very clear that these kids mean a lot to me.  I know wherever I go I'll feel the same way, but it's still bitter sweet.  I'm glad to be able to enjoy the weekend and looking forward to this last quarter.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Getting all my 8th grade projects graded
2. Hanging up some of the projects in the hallway
3. Funny 7th grade musicals
4. Celebrating the end of another quarter with the middle school student body
5. Seeing a former student in her softball gear and having a few minutes to catch up :)

Your love is...Your love is...Your love is strong!

I'm waiting for my late night baking of brownies to finish baking.  I enjoy the fact that I can relax and get ready for bed while they finish baking.  This is all for my students tomorrow and I enjoy doing this for them.  I love seeing their faces when they are allowed to eat in my room and the compliments that they love the brownies.  Kids of all ages just crack me up.  They are what make teaching worth it.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Students willing to help and asking to help in any way they can
2. Laughter and comments from 5 year olds
3. Time with my small group girls and worship music
4. 7th grade musicals making me laugh
5. Shopping and dinner with Mom

The start of the goodbyes

Today I started to say goodbye to my students.  It's the last time I'll have the eight grade group until graduation.  It was bitter sweet.  I have enjoyed teaching them the last 3 years and know God is in full control over where I will be this next school year.  I'm working on being patient and trying to let go of control.  It's getting harder the more I think about changing.  I hate change and having to start all over, but it's still exciting to think about it.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Having a house full of food
2. Grocery shopping with a friend
3. Laundry being done
4. Seeing more 7th grade musicals
5. Brownies being made for my awesome students

Give me something to remember

I will say today was much better than yesterday.  For being extremely busy...I am managing to stay on top of most things.  The weather is still a little on the cool side...I'm looking forward to the warm weather coming back...I hope :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. Talking to a parent and knowing I've made a difference in her kids lives
2. Catching up with a classmate
3. Getting caught up with grading
4. 7th grade musicals making me laugh
5. Baking brownies for my 7th graders

End of the Quarter

Here we are...the last week of the 3rd quarter.  Today it hit me that I only have a couple months left at EC. I am very grateful for the friends I have...they are able to listen to me and really give me a good advice.  I am so lucky to have them in my life and I am very ready to start a new job :)

Top 5 for the day:
1. An easy 3 minute workout that still feels a burn
2. Talking and supporting a friend
3. 8th grade boys who make me laugh
4. Planning the Six Flags trip
5. Easy night of tv :)

He is Risen!

Happy Easter everyone!  Today was absolutely gorgeous and great way to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.  My parents and grandmother came down this morning for church at my church and that was fun.  I was able to introduce them to some friends I have at the church and experience a smaller church compared to what they're used to.  It was also a great day to spend time with the family and enjoy the day remembering Jesus has risen from the dead and is alive.

Top 5 for the day:
1. The Plant for church with my family
2. Dinner with extended family
3. Getting a carry-on suitcase from the "Easter Bunny"
4. Leftovers for dinner tomorrow
5. Quick workout this morning :)

Spring Cleaning

I finally did my spring cleaning today.  I have one room left to do and switch the clothes from winter/fall to spring/summer.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day and I was able to have all the windows open with a gorgeous breeze coming through.  The weekend is nearly over and this month is going to fly by.  It's already going into the second week of April and before I know it...it'll be the end of the school year.  Bitter sweet times are coming...

Top 5 for the day:
1. Gorgeous weather for a walk and cleaning
2. Having 4 out of 5 rooms fully clean
3. Talking with a friend
4. Hearing from my brother
5. Working out day 2 in a row

It may be Friday...but Sunday's coming!

So it's Good Friday...or at least it was because now it's after midnight and technically Saturday.  Have you ever questioned yourself "Why is it called Good Friday if Jesus died?"  We live in a world where death is not usually "good" but a time for mourning and sadness.  I saw a cartoon on Facebook today that really summed it up.  The one character said he hates the term "Good Friday because his Lord was hung on a tree" and the other character responded with "If you were going to be hanged on that day, and He volunteered to take your place, how would you feel?"  In life we take a lot for granted and I try to remind myself that we are only here a short time.  God has given the ultimate sacrifice by having His Son take all our sins and die with them in order to be raised again in 3 days so we may live with Him in Heaven for eternity.

The Plant's Good Friday service was really good.  We hammered a nail into the cross before taking communion and spent a lot of time in worship.  Rob Parker spoke about two trees: The Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Cross.  One was God made and one was human made.  When things get tough we tend to cling to the tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil and we want to become "God-like" when we need to cling to the cross.  Which tree are you clinging to right now?

Top 5 for the day:
1. Easter Egg coloring with friends
2. Start the morning with a workout
3. Mailing my first resume/cover letter
4. Good Friday service...He died for me
5. Home made pizza :)

For I know the plans I have for you...

I have to keep telling myself that God knows where I need to be next year and I need to trust him.  It's definitely easier said than done right now.  I'm very grateful to be on a 3 day break to recoup and focus on the job search.

Top 5 for the day:
1. Supportive principal to look at my resume
2. Jeans day
3. It's a Thursday/Friday day :)
4. Hearing from former students
5. Relaxing evening

Just another day going through the motions

One more day until the end of the week since it's the big Easter Weekend.  I'm looking forward to spending time focusing on the Cross on Friday and the Empty Tomb on Sunday.  The whole reason I am able to live knowing I have a God who loves me unconditionally is because of the events that took place to save my life after death.  God is good <3

Top 5 for the day:
1. Getting one of two songs memorized with one choir
2. Hearing my brother's band's interview on the radio
3. Taking a much needed nap
4. Supportive texts on a rough day
5. Talking with 8th Graders

No power of hell, no scheme of man, could ever pluck me from His hand

It was the 8th grade chapel today and I have to admit I had a hard time not getting emotional watching the 8th graders lead worship.  They have all grown so much this year not just musically but spiritually as well and I am proud to call them my students.  I enjoyed being on the other side of the mic and be able to worship without worrying about leading.  I'm finding the closer and closer we get to the end of the year I get more and more anxious.  In just a matter of weeks I will have my Spring Concert and Six Flags and that will be a really hard week for me.   I know God has a plan for me and with Easter coming up this weekend I need to remember Jesus died for me and he is a giving God.  Have you called on God lately?

Top 5 for the day:
1. Getting out of class early with the sun still shining
2. Seeing 8th graders take charge
3. Emails from students
4. Warm sunshine
5. Makeover night for "The Biggest Loser"

April already?

It's April already...the end of school is rapidly approaching...and I can't believe it's already here.  The next few months between now and the end of the year are going to be busy and I'm sure will go by faster than it has arrived.  I have a wedding, 2 concerts, 1 Six Flags trip, youth group weekly, grad school over at the end of the month, 2 shows to see my brother's band, and lots of other activities before the end of the year.  I'm ready for the challenge and more ready to get motivated to work out now that the weather will be nicer (hopefully).

Top 5 for the week:
1. Breakfast with friends and family
2. Fun voice lesson
3. Coming home to a new faucet and a little island :)
4. Relaxing for the evening
5. Gorgeous weather and little traffic

Bridal Showers and traveling

Me and Melissa...the bride to be

Today is the perfect ending to my Spring Break.  I have been in Upstate NY all day with Mom for a bridal shower.  This is has been a very sentimental bridal shower because we are so close with the family and the history with the bride.  She lost both of her parents while I was in college, they were my parents best friends, and the video dedication her brother made to both her and her parents didn't leave a dry eye at our table.  She is absolutely gorgeous and will make a gorgeous bride in a few months.

Beautiful Center Pieces

Top 5 for the day:
1. Celebrating the soon-to-be wedding of a close family friend
2. Having a good car ride with Mom up this morning
3. Going out to dinner and having a nice time
4. Taking an impromptu nap
5. Really friendly front desk worker at the hotel