From the eyes of a teacher...

For me August means the end of the stay-at-home teacher life and back to school.  I really liked waking up every morning and watching the Today Show while laying on the couch til 10 (don't judge!).  I loved going to the pool, having time to travel with friends and Landon, catching up with old friends, reading books just for fun, and being able to relax.  But...I also love my job which is why going back to school really wasn't all that bad.  I have been reminded these past 2 weeks why I enjoy what I do so much.

I'm sure there are jobs out there with more adventure and surprises every day, but I can't think of any!  You never know what is going to happen next when you put yourself in a room with 25 kiddos!  Kids are so real and honest that is it hilarious, heartbreaking and shocking all at the same time.  I can plan my day down to the minute, and it will all blow up in my face which is just how I like it!  How boring would it be to know what is coming your way each day?!?

Some reasons I love my job...

1. Kids are true to themselves.  My class has so many unique personalities, and I love seeing kids being themselves! Kindergarten kids don't try to change themselves to fit in... yet.  They are innocent enough that they don't try to act, talk or dress a certain way.  It's so much fun to see my students' strengths and interests already.  Some of them are captivated by music while others are born architects or engineers.  Some cry when they have to put a book down and I've definitely seen the next Picasso this year!  I hope they never change.

2. Kids are lovers...not haters.  Children are so aware of the feelings and emotions of others.  I've had students who can sense my slightest frustration or impatience and just sneak up and give me a hug.  It's also incredible to see how they care about each other.  Last year I cried when a little girl brought a card for another kiddo who was struggling with making good choices in the classroom.  This little girl snuck a card into the other student's mailbox telling them that she noticed what a good day they had and that she was proud of them.  Seriously....you can't teach that.  

3. Kids are sponges.  They soak up everything!  It's funny to hear the phrases of mine that my kids pick up...and it make you think!  Would I want one of my kids to act and talk like me??  

4. The people I work with...couldn't do it without them!  I am so thankful for the encouragement and support I get from the my co-workers.  Plus they're just fun and that's an understatement :)  

I'll wrap this up because I know that I don't like to read long blog posts and this is getting to be too much, but I am thankful for my job and the people that I work with!

Life on Des Moines Street

One year ago I moved to Ankeny.  I had grand ideas of traveling the world and moving away from Iowa...by traveling the world I mean moving to Colorado or wherever.  But obviously God knows me far better than I know myself and he planted me in Ankeny...just 20 miles down the road.  I applied for at least 60 teaching jobs out of state (no lie!) and applied to about 5 or 6 around central Iowa.  I got an interview for a job I didn't even apply for and got the job...insane!  If you want to hear more about that let me know...this post isn't about me.  It's about my roommates.  

So like I said I moved to Ankeny.  And moved in with 3 girls I hardly knew.  And it turns out that I couldn't love them more!  I live with Sam and Stacey (and Lindy for a few months before she got married and upgraded to a better roommate!).  Sam and Stacey are the greatest!  And I'm going to share my favorite things about living with them...

1. Stacey is one of the most laid-back, consistent and wise people I know.  For real.  She is a voice of reason no matter my mood or situation.  She has a way of putting everything in perspective yet not making me feel like a fool for being emotional or overreacting.  She has no idea how much I value her presence in our home.

2. Sam is Sam.  Our house is not the same without her.  She is funny, clumsy, an expert gardener and brutally honest.  I so value people who are open and honest and that is Sam.  She is also very disciplined in her walk with the Lord.  She challenges me daily.  And she has the best laugh!  She makes me feel like the funniest person alive when I am clearly NOT.

3. We spend hours laughing and bonding over tv shows.  Don't judge our choices: Dawson's Creek, Friday Night Lights, New Girl, The Bachelorette, Dancing with the Stars, Nashville, Modern Family, Grey's Anatomy and the list goes on...  

4. Sam makes the best chili and Stacey makes the. best. chocolate chip cookies. 

5. We are growing a garden and have fresh strawberries (ok only 3 so far but its a start!)

6. We go to the pool and lay out.  My love language

7. We go to movies together and eat ridiculous amounts of popcorn. Also my love language

8. Whenever one of us buys things, we present all our clothes to each other and oooh and ahhh.  You feel real good about yourself after that :)

9. Sam and Stacey are the best decorators.  Come see our place.  It's real cute!

10. Stacey mows the lawn so Sam and I don't have to :)

11. They ALWAYS understand me and somehow we have created a HOME.  Whatever I'm doing...I just love coming home.  

12. We've all read Harry Potter.  Yea we're dorky!

Someday God-willing I'll get married and get a new roommate which will be great.  But Sam and Stacey will always hold a special place in my heart as the best roommates ever!  Love you girls!

Overwhelmed

Well here goes the whole blogging thing!  Honestly I started a blog just so I could better follow other people's blogs...but now I think I might just try this whole blog thing out and see what happens...

It's Thursday night and I'm loving life!  Why??  Several reasons but...reason number 1 is that my Spring Break just started!  The last few weeks have been a challenge at school, and this kindergarten teacher was more than ready for a little break!  It's amazing how refreshed I feel even after a short break.  I'm looking forward to sleeping past 5:15, spending time with Jesus when I'm home alone, seeing friends that I haven't seen in far too long, and spending a little more of my boyfriend this weekend!  I know that break will go way too fast, but I'm going to enjoy every moment!

Lately I have been feeling extremely overwhelmed with God's goodness and blessing in my life.  At the same time I am feeling overwhelmed by my sinful nature.  Why is God so gracious to me when I am so undeserving?  I realize daily how selfish and thoughtless I am.  I am blessed to be surrounded by people who really challenge me to live outside myself and care for others.  I feel torn in my heart between being overwhelmed with grace and mercy and seeing how sinful I am.  I am so thankful that I can approach the thrown of God with confidence knowing that his mercy and love will surround me daily.  What a wonderful God we serve!