Sad Endings, New Beginnings, and Early Birthdays (it's a little long...beware!)

The past 9 months have been a learning experience and growing time for me. I have been teaching at a great school but have realized that I need to seek out for not somewhere better, but a better fit for me. To be frank and honest, there have been some miscommunications, confrontations, and other situations that have caused me to take a step back and examine some things. Some could have been as a result of some different personal things going on in my life, but I think most were miscommunications. I apologize to different parties reading this that think otherwise. However, I am grateful for those situations. I have grown as a teacher and as a person. I'm excited about what God has in store for me and what he will do in my life. Praise God for tough times - I haven't been able to say that for quite a while. I have learned that it is a privelege to be tested - that means that he is showing you something and is trying to use you in a way you wouldn't notice unless he uses a trial to get your attention. My friend, Jenny, played a song for me the other day at school called "God of Our Yesterdays" by Matt Redman. That is my theme song for the present time. I STRONGLY encourage you to find it listen to it. It is such a fit for such a bittersweet time. During the past several months, I have made some life long friends and I am so thankful for these people who have made laughed with me, cried with me, prayed for and with me, and were amazing, amazing friends. I love all of you so much and our friendship doesn't end within those four school walls. Below are some pictures of those people (sorry if I didn't get a picture with you - I still love you!). Looking forward to "circle time" again really soon!


Monique, Melody, me, Denise, Jenny


Mandy, Kathy, Katie, Sarah


Sorry, Jenny, I thought it was funny...

I LOVE Y'ALL!

On a lighter note...

My in-laws gave me an early birthday party Friday night because they will be out of town this week (just a hint, my birthday is Thursday if you are interested ;). We went to Amerigo and then back to their house for a small party. I had decorations, gifts, and my favorite - CHEESECAKE! I forgot to take pictures, but I did happen to get one of my and my sweet husband. This is a really bad picture and he doesn't want me to put it on here because he says he looks sleepy. Sorry Jim!