Memories of a Teacher

Well, as I sit and type this post at 6 am, teachers all around the world are getting ready for their first day of school. I remember my first year teaching. School started at 8:15 and I think I arrived that morning around 6:30 to make sure I had everything ready. I ALWAYS arrived to school in the early hours of the morning to prepare for my students. I remember walking into my classroom, the halls still dark, and turning on each one of my warm lamps. I think I counted one year and had 11 lamps in my classroom. It just made my classroom feel more like a home; a cozy place to learn. After the lamps were on, I went straight to the CD player and put on good ‘ole Norah Jones. In all 4 years I was in the classroom, she helped me prepare for the day. To this day when I hear Norah on the radio, memories of teaching flood my mind.

  My reading area in 3rd grade

My classroom library in Kindergarten and 1st grade

I remember my students walking in on the first day of school. It was the same every year. They were so shy and quiet. Not sure what the year would hold in store for them. By the end of the first day their little personalities would start to emerge and by the end of the first week, we were in full swing. It brings a smile to my face just thinking about it.

I remember turning our classroom into a Zoo, a Mexican Restaurant, a Poetry Coffee House, a Stone Age exhibit, a place for all things Dr. Seuss, etc. I remember Thanksgiving Feasts, Christmas Breakfasts, Book Exchanges, and all things that created tradition.

I was telling David just the other day that I’m so glad I chose teaching as my career. I actually didn’t want to be a teacher when I started college. It was David who encouraged me in that direction and boy am I glad he did! I learned so much about myself as a teacher. You think you are going to work everyday to teach 18 little ones how to read and write, but they end up teaching you so much more along the way. Each one of my students has helped mold me into the person I am today and for that, I can never forget each one of their sweet faces.

3rd Grade, 05-06

3rd Grade, 06-07

Kindergarten, 07-08

1st Grade, 08-09

Today marks the second year that I am out of the classroom. There is always sadness in my heart when a school year begins and I am not there to start it with my own sweet students. But today, I can smile.  Today, I have an almost 8 month old little girl sleeping in the room across the house. Today, I get to see her smiling face when she wakes up. Today, I get to play with her instead of dropping her off at daycare. Today, I get to be a mom, a teacher, a counselor, a doctor, and a friend all in one to a little girl who means the world to me. Not every mom gets to stay home with their babies. And even though staying home means I don’t get to start another school year, it does mean that I get to invest into the life of my children. For that, I am ever grateful and I wouldn’t change it if I could.

Me and my sweet pea back in May

If you are a teacher, walking into your classroom today, on the very first day of school – know that I am praying for you. I am praying for you and I am praying for your students. I am praying that it is your best year of teaching yet with the best group of students you’ve ever had! Thanks for all you do! Your job is a tough one at times and you aren’t appreciated enough. From one teacher to another, you are dearly loved and dearly appreciated! Have a GREAT first day!!

Aunt Amber’s Back in Town!

My sweet little sister (well, she is really not that little compared to me, but she is younger in age!) is back in Gainesville for the school year! Amber moved up here last year to go to college and it has been so nice having her around. Being that we are 7 years apart in age didn’t make us the best of friends growing up. She was in elementary school when I was in high school and was always following me around, listening in on my phone calls, spying on me and my friends, stealing my clothes, etc! I couldn’t stand it!! But, now that I’m in my mid 20’s and she is in college, about to turn 20 herself, we are so much closer than we’ve ever been. And, since she has moved away from home up to Gator country, it’s been even better!

Last night Amber met us at Sister’s (a local restaurant in town) for some live music with acoustics by Dave’s uncle, Richy Stano and vocals by Shane Moore, our worship leader at church. It was so fun to get together and Cori had a blast hanging out with her Auntie!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet, Sweet, Love!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I LOVE that they both have their eyes closed in the picture on the left. They were having such a good time together!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They played and Cori had her last bottle of the night. By this time it was WAY past her bed time. She did so great!

 

Just look at that face! How could you not fall in love?!?!

Until next time…

Love Well

I was blog hopping the other day. You know, you start out reading a blog of someone you know, then you click on a blog they read, and you click, and click until you are reading blogs of people you have never met or heard of before. Blog hopping. I don’t do it all the time, but yesterday was one of those blog hopping days – it was an exceptionally long nap time!! :)

Anyway, I stumbled  upon a blog called “Love Well” and was inspired! This blog has all those little tabs at the top (which one day I long to have on my blog too), but that’s not what inspired me. What inspired me was her “Love Well Philosophy” tab and the post inside it. I highly recommend doing a little blog hopping yourself and reading its contents. It sparks such a thought provoking question. The only one that seems to matter in this vast world we live in. Have I loved well?

God’s number one rule; his greatest commandment – Love God, Love People. If we can do those two “simple” things, then we can surely say that we are living a life pleasing to God. I put “simple” in quotation marks because is it really that simple? Sometimes God does things that are uncomfortable. Sometimes He does things that we just don’t like. Sometimes people are hard to get a long with. Sometimes your husband can make you mad. Sometimes your kids drive you up the wall. There are so many factors that go into loving God and loving people, and I know from experience that sometimes, it’s just not that “simple.”

Regardless of the “simpleness” in the matter, it’s the calling on our life. Every night when you pull the covers to your chin, it’s the question that lingers. Have I loved well? It’s so thought provoking, so deep, so … important! And, the part that inspired me was this…

“Can it be heard in all my conversations? Seen in my eyes? Felt when other people are in my presence? Was the truth I spoke today spoken in love? Were the decisions I made today based in love? Were my reactions? My devotions? Have I loved well?” – direct quote from the Love Well Philosophy.

So today, in all you do, ask yourself just one question,  Have I loved well? I pray that your answer is yes.

Something New

I have had the same bible since 2004. It was the first bible I actually bought and it was the bible that taught me how to walk with God after I recommitted my life to Christ in January of ‘04 after listening to Clayton King at a Campus Crusade event my junior year of college. It’s been with me through highs and lows, thick and thin, excitement and sorrow, bible study after bible study .. all the while providing me with encouragement and speaking truth into my life. It’s pretty much written in from top margin to bottom margin, left margin to right margin with insights, questions, aha moments, amens and hallelujahs. It has tear stains from tough times and smiley faces where God spoke right to my heart.  I would not be the same person I am today without that tattered and worn book and for that I am ever grateful.

 

So, when David asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I knew just the thing … a new bible! I love that I have left my personal stamp on my bible and I can’t wait to dive into the pages of a new bible, with crisp and clean pages, ready for me to write all over! Oh the joy of writing in the margins, underlining, circling, starring, highlighting, etc! I guess that’s just the teacher in me .. always wanting to learn more!

Some people could NEVER fathom writing in the margins of their bible. I have had people ask me why I do it and question that I am writing on “holy” paper which should never be written on. I, on the other hand, beg to differ. Why wouldn’t God want us to write all over His book if it’s going to help us understand and connect more deeply with the words written on the page. When I look back at my bible, I know that I have read it because I have left a piece of myself on the pages. Sometimes my comments lead me back to a particular time in my life and I remember what God was teaching me at that exact moment. I love being able to “mark up the text” as I used to tell my elementary students when they would read books or articles. It just gives you deeper understanding and a sense of ownership over the material being read.

Now I have a new bible, ready and waiting for me to “mark up.” It’s a life application bible and I am so excited about it!! It’s basically a study bible with notes and explanations about what was really going on during these times, background information about people in the bible, and how to put into practice what we have learned through God’s word. I don’t know about you, but there are plenty of times I read a book of the bible and think.. “if only I could understand that on a deeper level.” Well, now I can! And, I can’t wait!! … Not to mention, it’s a lot prettier than my last bible (not that that matters, but it’s a plus!! :)

 

I mean, just check this out! Do you see that solid black line on both pages? Above the line is scripture and below the line is explanations broken down by verses and important concepts to meditate on. I just know that God is going to teach me so much through this new bible and I can’t wait! (Have I said that yet?!?!)

On top of a new bible for my birthday, David got me a new book called, “Captivating.” It’s about unveiling the mystery of a woman’s soul. I am looking forward to reading it, not only to learn a little more about myself, but to learn more about what God intended for women. Having a daughter makes this especially important as I want her to feel secure in herself and who God created her to be. I am sure I will be posting my insights from that book at a later date, so be on the look out!

I hope you are inspired to read more about the Lord and deepen your relationship with him. For without him as our foundation, we have nothing. And, don’t be afraid to “mark up” that text!!

Until next time…

Happy Birthday Mom!

Hi blogger friends! It’s me again. I know I don’t post very often, but being that my favorite mommy in the world celebrated her 27th birthday yesterday, I thought I’d better make an appearance. :)

Dad and I started mom’s day off with scrambled eggs, flowers, and a card. Mom sure was happy about that, especially when she found out that I picked out her beautiful flowers!

Later on, mom and I went to lunch with Aunt Kristy, Evie, and Beckett at Mexico Lindo. Mom and Aunt Kristy’s birthdays are just 1 day apart and every year they celebrate together. Usually they get to go to the Melting Pot for desert, but since the Melting Pot in town is closed they decided Mexican for lunch would be delicious too! Every year they get asked if they are sisters. “Sisters from another mother!” is what they say – 2 peas in a pod!

Mom & Aunt Kristy… I just LOVE both of them!

  I had so much fun playing with Beckett and Evie at the restaurant. They would run from one side of my seat to the other. We just laughed and laughed. Mom and Aunt Kristy sure got a kick out of that!

  Dining next to us was a group of old ladies in red hats. Mom and Aunt Kristy laughed and said, “In a few years, that’ll be us. Sitting around in our red hats, celebrating our birthdays!” HAHAHA!!

After lunch, we headed over to Aunt Kristy’s for bible study. Just the ticket for mom’s birthday! She sure does LOVE bible studies. Especially when Beth Moore is involved! Mom talks about her all the time. I didn’t know what all the fuss was about with that lady, but today I watched and listened very closely to Mrs. Beth and she sure does bring the word! I only hope I can love and serve God as much as Mrs. Beth does one day!

Here I am watching so intently as Mrs. Beth teaches us about the story of Ruth, another passionate woman following and trusting in the Lord with her whole heart.

Me and my FAVORITE mommy!

After bible study, mom and I headed home. I went down for a nap and mom got ready for a date night with dad. I got to stay home and hang out with Uncle Lance and Aunt Lauren (always one of my favorite things to do!!) while mom and dad went to mom’s favorite restaurant for dinner. When the Melting Pot closed last year, mom was so sad. But, she was also happy to hear that the closest one was just 30 minutes away. So, off to the Melting Pot they went.

Here is mom, dad, and me taking a family “birthday” photo before they headed out for dinner. Mom wanted me to make it very clear that she is NOT pregnant again – it’s just the way her dress fell when she leaned up against daddy. Silly mommy! :)

Mom and dad said they had a great time at dinner. They were only going to go get cheese fondue and desert. But, once they got there they decided to get the whole thing … cheese, salad, a main course, and desert. Mom’s justification was that they only go once a year for her birthday so they should celebrate in style! AND, since dad is eating salad like a champ now, they had to get salad too. Mom even said that dad wanted the salad more than she did! Oh, how the tables have turned!! Here are some pics from their dinner…

My beautiful parents!

Dad eating salad!

Mom about to blow out her birthday candle!

Well, that’s it. Mom said her birthday was the best yet! I wonder if that had anything to do with the fact that it’s her first birthday with me in the world?!?! :) I love you mommy!

Love,

Cori Belle

What I love about you … week 31 & 32

  

week 31 & 32

I LOVE…

• Your hair! It is finally growing a little and I even got a hair bow in with out it attached to a head band!! Wahoo! Look at those beautiful locks! :)

• That within the last 2 weeks you have really enjoyed eating Gerber Graduate Puffs! Not only do you enjoy eating them, you are getting really good at putting them into your mouth! You do put your entire fist in your mouth in the process, but it sure is cute!

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• Your BEAUTIFL blue eyes and long lashes! I must say, I’m a little jealous with my poo poo brown eyes over here! :)

• Going for walks in the stroller WITH OUT the infant carrier! You are such a big girl sitting up in your stroller now and you love being able to watch where we go! You were also practicing waving “bye bye” to the car driving by.

• “High Five!” You are getting so good at this!! I’ll get a picture of it soon!

 

• Your sweet thumb. I wouldn’t say that you are a “thumb sucker” but you enjoy it every once in a while – especially when you’re eating, but that’s another post!

P.S. – I LOVE that bow on your head. I wonder who made it?!?! hmmm…

• The way you pant like a puppy when you are excited. Your face lights up with the biggest smile I have EVER seen, you jump and kick your legs, and pant. Your daddy and I just think it’s too cute!

 

• That you are starting to cruise a little bit. You certainly aren’t afraid of trying new things and now that you are pulling up on EVERYTHING, you are attempting to walk just a little bit too!

• You and your daddy. He just adores you! It’s funny because there is a picture of you and your daddy in his office and you love to stare and stare at it! You must love your daddy!!

• Watching you and daddy play the piano this weekend. You do seem to love musical instruments. There are many times I find you in our room plucking the strings of the guitar!

 

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• The curiosity in you. You are always watching and taking it all in.

• That you have found your voice! Just last Thursday you started making specific sounds. “Ba ba ba ba ba…” I think it’s your attempt to say “ma ma”, but your dad thinks your trying to say his name. I told him that the “a” sound in “ba” sounds a lot more like “ma” than “da”… ya know, that whole short “a” verses long “a” thing, but that’s just the teacher in me! :)

 

• That you are growing into your own sweet, lively personality. My heart melts every time I look at you and I’m so proud when you discover new things. It’s crazy to think that you were just a little baby growing in my belly and now you are a little talking, crawling machine! I just LOVE it!! I just LOVE you!!

Make It and Love It

My friend, Rose, makes diaper and wipe cases. She started making them a few years ago when she had her 2 girls. She made a set for me back when Cori was born and I LOVE it. It makes carrying diapers and wipes around so much more fun and personal. Just adds that extra little touch.

So, of course, when my best friend from high school found out she was having a boy, I knew just the present to get her for her shower. Unfortunately for me, I am a PROCRASTINATOR! (I don’t know if any of you struggle with that problem, but it sure is a PROMLEM for me!!). The problem came a week before my friend’s baby shower when I asked Rose to make a set for me and she said she couldn’t get it done in time. Shoot. I could just give my friend a rain check, I thought to myself. Or, I could just make it myself. Yeah… I am crafty. I can do it!

So, the procrastinator in me waits until Friday. Yes. The day before the baby shower to tackle this project. I went to Joann's, bought the fabric I needed, then headed to a local embroidery place in town. Luckily, they weren’t too busy that day and got it done in an hour! Whew! We packed our car and drove to Tampa (where the shower was being held) for me to finish the project.

Well, I *thought* that I had bought all the necessary supplies needed to complete both the diaper and wipe case, but with all last minute projects, there were some things I had forgotten. So, at 10 pm on Friday night, I ran out to Walmart to finish off the supply list. I finished the wipe case and cut the necessary fabric needed for the diaper case. By that time it was late and I decided to just finish it in the morning.

Here is the wipe case. Finished on Friday night!

Saturday morning I got all my sewing done (without any help from my mom and grandma, who thought I was doing it wrong the WHOLE time!!). I finally got to the the end and had to sew the Velcro on as the last step. Incase any of you decide to make one of these yourself, do NOT, and I repeat, do NOT use sticky Velcro. First of all, the thread wouldn’t hold, and second of all, the needle in the sewing machine became all sticky and had to be thrown out. Oops! So, at 12 noon, with the party being at 2, I began sewing the Velcro pieces on by hand! By 12:30, I was done and headed for the shower – like the bath tub for a shower, not the baby shower! :) We did indeed made it to the baby shower on time!

Here is the diaper case. Finished  Saturday afternoon! See my cute little square – that’s where the Velcro was sewn by HAND!

The finished project!

Well ya’ll.. what do you think? I think they turned out pretty cute! I may start making these on my own from now on .. but not procrastinating so much during the project! I wish I would have taken pictures of all the steps as I went along, like the real “Make It and Love It” blog I read. But, if anyone is interested in making a set of these on their own, it’s super easy and I’d be glad to show you how to do it. After all, I didn’t have any set by step directions. I only had Cori’s diaper and wipe case to follow. Hope ya’ll like it!

Cori, me, Ashley, and baby Lochlan in her belly! :) Can’t wait to meet him in September!!