Hello Again

So it's been awhile. Life changed very rapidly in the last few months. Too quick if you ask me! As most of you know I finally got what I wanted... a teaching job! I teach 3rd grade in Broken Arrow. After 6 weeks completed I'm starting to think the grass is greener on the other side. My kids are great. No real classroom management issues (yet!) besides lots of talking. Today was a nice surprise. A water main broke so we had no school. It's been one of my better days in the past month. It has made me realize just how much, and how hard I have been working. I figured out that I have been putting in 10 hour days... everyday! Sometimes more, especially if you count the work I bring home too.

Ughh. Needless to say I'm getting burnt out, because I feel that me and my kids aren't getting very far. Especially in the reading department. It's all very frustrating, stressful, and worrisome. Did I think teaching would be a cake walk... no, but it's so hard. So VERY VERY hard! Just keeping my head above water is all I am doing. Yes 10 hour days=head above water. No fun cool lessons, no brilliant performances from me or my kids. Just surviving, and it sucks.

I love my kids though and tell them that everyday. It weirds some of them out though. One kid always tells me, "That's a strong word!" LOL If anything they learn this year, it will be that they are loved even on their and my worst days.

Love,
Jennifer

Maybe you'll hear from me again on fall break. Maybe.

Less Then a Week

I get to see this adorable face in less than a week! (my nephew Logan that is!)...(and my sis and her husband Seth)

My sis took this picture at Disney World. check out her blog... (click the picture)

PS I know the picture is oversized. I don't know how to fix that!

Ready for Routine!

Hello again!

I'm so ready for a routine again. I know that is sick to say to some people, but I am a routine person. I like getting up and getting out the house for awhile with a purpose...like work, then coming home and winding down the day with Jacob. This is why I have serious doubts about my ability to be a stay at home mom. Let me clarify now, my BIG CHANGE is not being pregnant. Anyway, I've been thinking a lot lately about kids and the future and what I will do. I have yet to decide if I will stay home or not. I probably won't decide until I have to. (preposition to end a sentence, yes I just did that) I read a very convincing article that is pro stay at home. One part said some thing like this... I am not wasting my education. I am using it to make learning more fun for my kids..... I like that thought. I always think, well I have to work! I went to school for 5 years. I have massive student debt! Ughh! We shall see what happens.

Random note. I get to go see Eclipse finally tomorrow with my bff Kelley. The icing on the cake I get to go see her little bun in the oven at her ultra sound afterward! YAY! So excited.

Well that all for now.

-jen

Know Sweat

This past week Jacob and I went to St. Louis with the youth group. We did service projects that were planned out through the organization CIY. It was so stinkin hot. I literally started sweating just looking at the project. We basically spent 2 days cleaning up this elderly couples' yard (front and back). I mostly pulled weeds and piled up branches. The last day we went and helped out a a homeless pregnant women's shelter. We picked up trash on the campus and did some deep cleaning in the kitchen. After that we went to the St. Louis Arch. It was very compact and hot and... well I was not impressed.

We had a good week though. I was worn out and tired, but it was nice to come back at night and get to gather around with other believers and worship God.

The main thing I learned is that God is all about the relationships that can be built through service not the product. So don't let your focus on getting things done hinder you from serving your real purpose.

God is good. Always growing me even when I don't deserve it.

BIG CHANGE IS COMING. I'll fill you in next time.

with love,

jen

Cinnadisaster

So the other day I though I would be all domestic. I attempted to make the Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls. Sadly I am realizing that I am that girl. The one who can't cook/bake. I mean I followed the recipe, so I thought. It just didn't turn out. Can you tell which ones were the first ones. Don't ask what happened. It was quite comical.

And here is the after math...

Oh dear. Next time I attempt this I shall do it with my mother present. Maybe she will inform me of what went wrong. They tasted alright, kind of dry.

Better luck next time! :)

5 Things I Love

1. The smell after it rains.

2. Crisp clear pictures.

3. School supplies.

4. Color coded organization.

5. White bedroom furniture.

What do you love?

I Figured It Out

Maybe... Well at the end of my last post I was asking for some advice, but I've prayed about it and I think I have made up my mind. As you know I have had a rough time getting a teaching job. I have been heart broken over this for the past year and well, the next year is looking not so good. So, I have seriously been debating whether or not I should go back to school and get my nursing degree. I just can't do this to myself year after year and Oklahoma's budget doesn't look like it's going to get any better. BUT I decided against this. I really feel called to teaching. Teaching reading specifically. I love it and I love kids. I know that this is what I am supposed to be doing. Still I have my doubts though. I mean if this is my call shouldn't there be doors opening up? I am learning to trust in God, and give up my control. Find joy in all circumstances. Please give advice if you have any. At this time I am going to keep trucking, and be a teacher's assistant for as long as it takes.

Thanks for listening.

PS Does anyone know the name of this song?

Wherever you lead I will follow

wherever you send I will go

I want to be faithful

Here I am use me

may your light always be shining bright within me hope for all to believe

O Father here I am

O Lord take my hand

Give me strength I need to follow after you

That's all I can remember, but It got planted in my head and is my continued prayer.

I tried to google it and nothing. So let me know if you know it! :) THANKS