No One Circles the Wagons...

When I was five years old my parents took Dustin and me down to the community center to sign up for football and cheerleading -- from that moment on we bled red & black. I did what every other little girl in Wayne does and cheered on the sidelines until about middle school and lost interest, but my brother continued to play and I was still at every game... just not on the sidelines. 

It's hard to explain what football does for Wayne, W.Va. Some looking from the outside in may think we're over the top, or roll their eyes when they see countless tweets/Facebook statuses about football Friday nights, but for those of us who have grown up in this town, it's so much more. 

Football, for us, connects every single person in our town;  the old men who stand on the fence, the parents who reminisce on their glory days, the cooks who fly flags on their cars, the youth players running touchdowns under the bleachers, and even the kids who are "anti-athlete" people (I see you sitting along the outer fence sneaking cigarettes!). Everyone is there. Or listening. Or checking for updates. And when November comes, we are that much more tuned in. 

These coaches and players give our town something to be proud of. As a teacher now, I see football's purpose in a small town in a different light. I see these little boys come to school in their jerseys and play pick up games on the playground. Then I hear their stories. For some of these boys football is the only thing they have to push them. Their coaches are the only father figures in their lives. Friday nights are their only shots at college. It's those boys I thought about tonight as that pass fell incomplete and those .2 seconds ran off the clock. Then I cried. (GO FIGURE!)

As I prepare to get married and start my new life, I don't know where I'll be living, but I can only pray that my kids get to experience living in a small football town. I pray that if they play football (PLEASE GOD!) there are signs hanging up and down the streets. I pray that the stadium is filled on Friday nights and I pray that their are strong men patient enough to give them the guidance and push that they need to be successful, not only on the field, but off. And if all else fails, I pray that their uncle Dustin will bring them to Wayne and teach them how to tackle! 

I guess my whole point in writing this was to express how proud, not only I am, but our whole community. If you're a player or a coach, hold your head high. You are so respected and so loved. 

No one circles the wagons like the Wayne Pioneers! 

My Teacher's Prayer.

My dream of becoming a teacher starts tomorrow. It's no longer a dream, but reality. 

The different emotions I've felt leading up to this day have been vast -- excited, scared, excited, overwhelmed, excited... Did I mention how excited I am?!? 

So as I prepare to start my first official work week as a teacher here is my prayer...

I pray that I can be the teacher that I think I am in my mind. 

I pray that my students understand and can feel how much love I already have for them without even meeting them. 

I pray that their parents see this too. 

I pray that if I have a bad day my co-workers and students never know if. 

I pray that God gives me the strength and stamina to give my all every day. 

I pray that I learn from every mistake I make (and I'm sure there will be a few). 

I pray that I don't get car sick driving to Dunlow every morning! Haha!! 

Finally, although they say you can't talk about The Lord in school or influence anyone one way or another with your religion, I pray that everyone I come in contact with sees Christ in me. Christ lives in me and I couldn't separate Him from me even if I wanted to and He is the reason I'm the teacher that I am. 

As I pray this prayer for myself tonight I ask that you say it for me too! I'm so excited to start my career and hope to make everyone who has had a part in it proud! 

Bridesmaids' Weekend!

This past weekend was truly a once in a lifetime moment! All of my best girlfriends came in from all over to meet each other!

 It started on Thursday when my dear friend Ashley came up from North Carolina!

We couldn't post anything until Friday because we had a surprise planned for my other friend Holly! Ash, Holly, and I all met in 2009 through a scholarship program where we spent a week in D.C. We have kept in touch and both girls have made trips to WV to visit, but the two of them hadn't seen each other since we first met! Ash and I planned to surprise Holly at the airport! We told her Ash wouldn't be in until Saturday, the day of the party, but she really came in Thursday and when Holly got off the plane Ash was standing there!!! It was a beautiful thing!! 

After a fun-filled day catching up with these two ladies we prepared for the main event! 

Saturday 6 of my bridesmaids, my mom, and my beautiful soon-to-be sister-in-law all got to meet and fellowship with each other! 

The setup! 

I was blown away by these girls and how willing they were to drop everything to spend the day with me! Meredith is currently in med school preparing to go back next week! Holly has an 8 month old to take care of. Ash and Holly traveled from NC and LA. Morgan T drove down from Parkersburg, WV, got pulled over and stuck in traffic but still made it!! Haha! Kelsey drove up from Lexington, KY, and Morgan C. Is preparing to start her first year of teaching this coming week! I am just blown away by their selflessness. 

L-R: Meredith, Holly M., (sister-in-law), Ashley, Morgan C., Holly C., Me, Morgan T., Kelsey

All the girls and our personalized cups! 

My beautiful maid of honor was SO incredibly thoughtful and has started a scrapbook to document all the moments leading up to the wedding! I opened it to see handwritten letters from all my beautiful friends. Of course I couldn't read it until everyone left, but it was so meaningful and something I will treasure for the rest of my life. I truly am blessed more than I deserve. Thank you so much! 

398 days to go! 

Vacation 2013

 So, it's been a month and a half since my last post and SO much has happened! I will post throughout the week because I NEED to post more than once every 2 months! YIKES! 

I figured I'd start where I left off! Shortly after graduation I headed to Ft. Lauderdale and Key West with my soon-to-be in-laws and sweet fiance! 

We spent a few days in Ft. Lauderdale laying on the beach and eating at some of my favorites like Bubba Gump's and Cheesecake Factory!!! 

We also went to watch the Pacers play! (Notice how I didn't say "A Miami Heat Game" BOOOOO!)

Outside of the biggest Forever 21 I've ever been in! 

Key West was AMAZING and I can't thank my in-laws enough for taking me with them. :)  

I'm a College Graduate.

Since the last time I posted some major life events have been taking place!

For one, I am a college graduate! I no longer am a "student" or "student-teacher", but a BONAFIDE, TRUE BLUE, TEACHER! 

(Now to get a job.)

I have been filling out applications and paper work since before I graduated preparing for this and go on the 20th to interview with Wayne County Schools! 

I've stressed and worried about getting a job, but have finally come to the decision that God will put me where He needs me, so if you're reading this please say a prayer for me! 

Other than praying and gathering up papers, I am just relieved that the work is over and  can add "teacher" to my resume. I couldn't have done it without the constant love and support of my family/friends.

Momma and Daddy

My family. 

My future In-Laws

My future family.        

Two of my favorite boys! 

Two of my best friends.

My sister/cousin Mo. 

My best friend. I'm so glad we got to go through all of this together.
Say a prayer that she will get a job, too! 

The best graduation present of all, my fiance is home for the summer!!! It's been a long 6 weeks without him.

I'm so excited to start this summer and see what it has in store for me, professsionally. God will provide and lead me in the right direction. 

Mother's Day.

Happy Mother's Day to the most beautiful Mommy in the whole entire world. 

Earth Day and a Thought

It seems like Earth Day was a week ago! That goes to show what kind of a day I've had!

Yesterday was TOO much fun in 2nd grade! 

Thanks to Ms. Conley for sharing fun ideas! 

 

Our class made a fun door decoration.

We also signed pledges to help the Earth!

 We also did a few more activities like describing our crazy tree with all of our new adjectives we've been learning about, seeing how many words we could spell using only the letters in PLANET EARTH, and making our "Give the Earth a Five" posters where we wrote 5 ways we could help the planet on a tracing of our hands! 

This is a prime reason why you should try to work with your best friend.

Yes, we were a tree and a tree hugger. :)

Like I said, we have TOO much fun in second grade. Morgan is IN THE ZONE with 2nd graders and her enthusiasm is contagious! 

Like I also said, it's been a LONG day. 

My thought for the evening is this. People will let you down, disappoint you, and hurt you. People who you hold to high standards will fail you, but God NEVER will. As I sat in my room steaming, trying to sleep off my migraine I thought about this: I have let God down and failed Him over, and over, and over yet He is the most faithful friend I'll ever know. I know how I'm feeling this evening being let down by people who are just mere acquaintances, yet I am His child and disappoint Him on a regular basis... I can't imagine how He feels. I guess I'm just overwhelmed by God's friendship this evening and thankful that when He looks at me He doesn't see my mistakes or sins, but instead He sees the blood of His son. I'll never be worthy of His mercy.

"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:20

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5

Wedding Planning.

497 days until I'm Mrs. Pup Moore. How funny is that? 

We decided on a date: August 30, 2014.

I joke with my friends and tell them they could get engaged, married, and have a baby before I get married, but it was the best decision for us and that's what it's all about. 

I was not planning on planning wedding things so soon, but everything seemed to just keep falling in my lap! 

So far we have reserved our reception venue at the Marshall University Foundation Hall, all my bridesmaids have purchased my DREAM dresses for them, I've found a caterer, booked my photographer, AND I'm 99% sure I have found "the dress". 

After signing my contract for the venue! I've had my heart set on it ever since they built it. 

P.S. Kristen is FABULOUS!

Have you seen this picture on Pinterest? These bridesmaids dresses are what I've based the entire theme of my wedding off of! It was SO hard to find them, but thanks to my girlfriend/bridesmaid Morgan H. and Ms. Patty at Lara's we were able to get them if we ordered immediately!!

I think it's hysterical, but I'm a planner, so I'd rather have everything set early than wait until the last minute. 

Things are going smooth as can be and it will be here before we know it! :) 

Below are links to my vendors: 

Marshall University Foundation Hall

Cassidy Adkins Photography

High Five for Friday!

1. ENGAGED.

Obviously, this is going to be my number 1 high-five of the week! EEK! 

 2. Holly is HERE!

My love, Holly, is here from Louisiana, again! 

 3. Carter Caves.

We spent the entire day yesterday exploring Carter Caves in Kentucky! I can't believe I have never been there! 

4. Ash Brown.

 We literally spent 2 hours skyping this ray of sunshine last night! It was so needed for ALL of us! We love you Ash Brown! 

5.  Mo turns 21! 

Cannot believe my love is turning 21!!! We've been through so much together and I am SO incredibly proud of my cousin! :) 

Don't forget to link up with Lauren today for High Five for Friday! Have a great weekend! 

I'm ENGAGED!

Hello there!! I'm engaged!!!! ^^^^

This handsome fella is my hubby to be and I couldn't be more excited to be Mrs. "Pup" Moore! I've known I wanted to marry this man after a couple months of dating and after two years and one month, he decided the same! 

The proposal was perfect and EXACTLY how I would want it! I always thought to myself that I would want both of our families there to see it, because they mean so much to both of us. We all had Easter dinner together and all of my immediate family was there as well as his! He brought out my Easter basket after dinner and in the bottom was my ring in the box! 

I don't even remember this part because I was crying so hard, but I do remember looking at his sweet face and crying again! 

(Oh yeah, I also remember hearing "BRANDON GET IN HERE!!!!!" from my future sister-in-law! Haha!!)

        

Another added bonus of the proposal was that my best friend/maid of honor (his cousin) was there for the whole thing, snapping pictures! 

Pup did such an AMAZING job. I am so blessed to be marrying in to such a wonderful family and that he cares so much about my family to include them in this special moment! 

-----

On a side note: As you can see, my blog has been redesigned and renamed!  Could Not Ask for Moore is the new title of my blog. I found this name fitting because I have been SO blessed throughout the 22 years of life and this year will have more HUGE blessings ahead. I am engaged, will be graduating from college, getting my first teaching job (hopefully) --- my cup runneth over, and I could not ask for more. 

On a second side note: If anyone is in need of a background I found this WONDERFUL designer on etsy, who not only personalized my background for me, but put it on my blog and everything. I did NOTHING. She had it designed and completed the same night! Visit her here!

God bless & have a wonderful week! 

Dr. Seuss Week - Kick off!

We took part in National Read to Me Day on Friday to kick off Dr. Seuss Week and I am PROUD to say that over 200 of the passed AR tests came from my 5th graders! WOO HOO!

We literally read all day long. I know this may seem a little crazy, but there were SO many powerful moments taking place! Kids were talking about the books they were reading to one another, hitting their MONTHLY goals in one day, and proudly volunteering to read to the class.

We also had some adult volunteers come in to the class to read including my brother, Dustin and good friend, Macky. 

 

We also had a very special visitor from our local news station come read to us at the end of the day! Tim Irr, is a news anchor who generously donated his time to our class. It was SUCH a treat! He even stayed to sign autographs afterward. 

 

 

 

Our day could not have been any more fun! 

Next week we will REALLY kick Dr. Seuss Week in to FULL gear! Our book is The Foot Book! 

 

 Check back later on in the week for more Dr. Seuss updates!

Meanwhile... in 5th Grade

I thought I would be a super blogger during student teaching and blog about EVERY awesome lesson I taught... FAIL. 

We have been doing SO many fun things in the 5th grade over the past month, but I've only managed to take pictures of a few, so here's a short overview of some things we've been doing in Science!

Two weeks ago we learned about topographic maps, so on Friday the students designed their own mountains, created their own topographic maps from different layers, and then created a model from their maps out of Play Dough! I graded their maps using a rubric in which they had to label the peak and base of the mountain, show a steep side and a sloping side, and make sure the contour interval remained the same from one line to the next.

 The students got to tour to all of the groups and compare each model to its map!

The following week lead in to erosion, weathering, and deposition. We did some killer experiments using the FOSS Landforms kit for 5th and 6th grade and on Friday we broke in to pairs and each duo was either given the process of erosion, weathering, or deposition. I gave each team the task of simulating their process using whatever resources were available within the classroom and outside on the playground. My kids seriously BLEW MY MIND. Every pair came up with a different way to simulate their process, which was not what I expected. 

This team had the process of erosion, so they used water to pick up the material (grass blades) on the riverbank (Play Dough) and carried it away. FABULOUS.

Play Dough seemed to keep making an appearance in science, but it's such a fun resource and CHEAP!

I've learning to LOVE science. It always use to intimidate me so much, but you can be so hands on with it it's hard not to love! 

I hope you all are having a wonderful week so far! 

Goodnight and God Bless!

High Five for Friday

I haven't done a H54F post in so long, but I had a moment to breath, so here we go! 

I'm linking up with Lauren! 

This week has been jammed packed full of thing that deserve a high five! 

 1. VALENTINE'S DAY AS A STUDENT TEACHER.

Valentine's Day is like amped up by a billion when you're an elementary teacher because you have like 20 Valentines! It was so much fun, and we all color coordinated! 

 2. SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS. 

This week we've been learning about weathering, erosion, and deposition and today we wrapped up our unit by created simulations of one of the three processes. Each pair was assigned a process and to be honest, I wasn't sure how it would turn out. The kids did AWESOME! They blew me away with their creativity and how much they retained! They really learned something!! :) 

Dare I say that Science may be one of my favorite things to teach at the moment???!?!? 

(Simulation of erosion)

3. SWEET VALENTINE'S SURPRISES.

Because my love and I couldn't be together on Valentine's Day, we decided to just wait until I go visit him in a couple weeks to celebrate, so I was completely shocked when I received this sweet card in the mail. I'll have you all know that inside he wrote that out of all of his Valentines this year, I was top 5! 

Eat your hearts out! Haha.

4. CUTE VALENTINE'S DATES.

Um. This picture says it all. I had the CUTEST Valentine's date of ALL time! Watching him was such a blessing and such a pick me up when I was feeling so exhausted. It's amazing how God can work even through a sweet, baby boy! 

5. MOTHER/DAUGHTER DATES

The day has come!! My mother and I are DIE HARD Nicholas Sparks fans. DIE HARD. So, we have had this date for months now! This is our Twilight. This is our Superbowl. This is GIRLS NIGHT! 

Here we come!!!

Have a blessed weekend, all!