When I graduated last year I pictured myself in a classroom full of 4th of 5th graders at a school 10 -15 minutes from my house. I would know exactly what to expect, what to plan for, and how to do my job. I would love every second of it and never have a bad day -- but that was MY plan, not God's.
Enter God -- I applied for and received a job in a special education classroom at Dunlow Elementary, a 40 minute drive one way, not to mention out one of the curviest roads I've ever been on (CAR SICK). My first day of school I had NO idea what to expect, I had made all of these wonderful plans that FAILED, and I had NO confidence in myself. Not quite the picture I had painted a few months prior.
Eight months in and I still don't know what to expect each day I walk in to my classroom (today being one of those days), I still make lesson plans that may not work, and I still don't always feel confident in the job that I do, BUT I know that this was God's path for me.
I have fallen in love with the four most incredible children I have ever met and whether they ever realize it or not they will help me be SUCH a better teacher to so many children to come. They have taught me patience I never knew I had, to always be 5 steps ahead and to never put limitations on ANY child!
The aides that I work with will make it difficult for any future co-workers I ever have because they work harder than any people I've ever seen. What they do on a daily basis impresses me to no end and I could NOT have made it through this year without them.
And there aren't enough words for what I could say about Dunlow Elementary School. I'm satisfied to say that it is one of the best schools in West Virginia. The principal, the staff, the students, and even the secretary are outstanding.
I know there are still two more months of school left, but it's just been one of those days when you questions why you are where you are. After a few hours of laying on the couch with a headache, I realize this is where I was supposed to be this year, and although I don't always say it, I'm so thankful.
I've learned more this year than I probably will the rest of my career teaching.
My hope is that I can learn to accept God's plan for me and stop worrying so much about the plans I have for myself. He seems to know better than I do.
3.25.2014
1.19.2014
Home Sweet Home
To say that this past month was the biggest month of my life would be an understatement!
We bought a house! I've been reluctant to put anything online about it before knowing that our loan went through, but it's now OFFICIAL.
We will be homeowners on February 3rd!
Here is a little look inside our first home. :)
Our kitchen is newly remodeled and the cabinets are all brand new!
Our little dining area, which leads out to the deck/backyard.
Our bathroom (which will be first on the redecorating list).
Although not much to look at this room I'm most excited for! This is our huge wash room that was once packed with our hvac and hot water tank, but the previous owners moved all of that to the garage, so now it's big enough to add a second bathroom. (Thanks, Dad!)
I tried to take pictures off of my Pinterest page to show my ideas for decorating/painting, but I failed with that, so here is a link to my "Our First Home" Pinterest board to check out some of my ideas for the new place! Feel free to share some ideas of what you think may look nice!
12.06.2013
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!
