When I got home I made this as a snack for myself: bread, cheese and fruit...what could be better!
Football season is coming up...I see these as appitizers in the near future!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
My three favorite foods....mmmm!
I love food...and while I was at the grocery store today I was craving Bri Cheese (you should never grocery shop while hungry and I hadn't eaten lunch:(
When I got home I made this as a snack for myself: bread, cheese and fruit...what could be better!
Football season is coming up...I see these as appitizers in the near future!
When I got home I made this as a snack for myself: bread, cheese and fruit...what could be better!
Football season is coming up...I see these as appitizers in the near future!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Miss Erin
When Phil and I first were married I moved to Fort Wayne. Phil had already been there in our house for about 6 months and had already settled in to his job and friends. I moved there without a job, no friends in the dead of winter.
We decided to join a small group to build relationships...ours and with other couples! At church the first Sunday we went to the small groups table and this adorable little lady helped us sign up for a small group. After attending the small group we showed back up to the table the following Sunday to ask if we could try a different group. That is when Erin Glassley said we could try the small group she and her husband lead.
And a friendship was born!!!
I was a new wife and a new Fort Waynian:) and Erin helped me feel like I was born to be both. See, Erin has this wonderful gift of making ANYONE feel like they are capable of reaching the stars. She encourages you in a way that makes you feel like you are a rock star, but she is also super down to Earth and realistic.
Erin loves people, sees the good in everyone, gives the benifit of the doubt and loves life! She is comfortable in herself and who she is. She doesn't pretend that everything is perfect (which is why I love her, she is a straight shooter), but is so happy and content with her role as a mother/wife/friend/Christian (and she is wonderful at all of them)!
If you want to see Erin's heart, just hang out with her two kids! They are the most well behaved, joyful, sweet, creative kids in the world! They are the pure product of their parents and their son is the reason Phil wanted to have children (that is the truth)!
When I became a mommy, Erin was the ONLY person (other than my wonderful mother-in-law) who brought us a meal! The food was delicious, but so was the advice she gave! Did I mention that Erin gives wonderful advice. Her best mommy advice was, "God gave Emrie to you, not me, not your mom, not anyone else but YOU, because He knew YOU would make the best decisions for her and He trusted you to raise her, so you get to do what is best for you and her!" She knew just what I needed to hear, that I could do it, and I God trusted me enough to do it!
I could go on and on about what an awesome woman Erin is, but it would take too long! I love this lady to pieces and miss her and her family, but they will ALWAYS have a very special place in my heart!!!
Such a gorgeous family!!!
We decided to join a small group to build relationships...ours and with other couples! At church the first Sunday we went to the small groups table and this adorable little lady helped us sign up for a small group. After attending the small group we showed back up to the table the following Sunday to ask if we could try a different group. That is when Erin Glassley said we could try the small group she and her husband lead.
And a friendship was born!!!
I was a new wife and a new Fort Waynian:) and Erin helped me feel like I was born to be both. See, Erin has this wonderful gift of making ANYONE feel like they are capable of reaching the stars. She encourages you in a way that makes you feel like you are a rock star, but she is also super down to Earth and realistic.
Erin loves people, sees the good in everyone, gives the benifit of the doubt and loves life! She is comfortable in herself and who she is. She doesn't pretend that everything is perfect (which is why I love her, she is a straight shooter), but is so happy and content with her role as a mother/wife/friend/Christian (and she is wonderful at all of them)!
If you want to see Erin's heart, just hang out with her two kids! They are the most well behaved, joyful, sweet, creative kids in the world! They are the pure product of their parents and their son is the reason Phil wanted to have children (that is the truth)!
When I became a mommy, Erin was the ONLY person (other than my wonderful mother-in-law) who brought us a meal! The food was delicious, but so was the advice she gave! Did I mention that Erin gives wonderful advice. Her best mommy advice was, "God gave Emrie to you, not me, not your mom, not anyone else but YOU, because He knew YOU would make the best decisions for her and He trusted you to raise her, so you get to do what is best for you and her!" She knew just what I needed to hear, that I could do it, and I God trusted me enough to do it!
I could go on and on about what an awesome woman Erin is, but it would take too long! I love this lady to pieces and miss her and her family, but they will ALWAYS have a very special place in my heart!!!
Such a gorgeous family!!!
Colts Game
Thank you Dave and Allie for taking us with you to Lucas Oil Stadium. The stadium is GORGEOUS and it was not only my first Colts game, but my first professional football game!!!! AMAZING time!!!
Better Late Than Never ~ Mobile
When I was puting Emrie's first nursery together I wanted a mobile for her room, but I couldn't find one that I liked or that matched her stuff. So, I bought all the supplies and made this little bird mobile, but that was a couple of weeks before we decided to move, so I was never able to hang it in her first nursery. I know she is a little too old to really appreciate the mobile now, but I still liked it so I hung it in her new nursery anyway.
Maybe this will inspire someone to make their own mobile, just the way THEY want it!!!
1. Found these cute little birds at Hobby Lobby.
2. Bought a sewing hoop and painted it brown.
3. Hot glued the birds to the hoop.
4. Hot glued green ribbon in an X across the top of the hoop.
5. Hot glued brown ribbon around the outside of the hoop to hide the other stuff.
6. Tied green ribbon to the top to hang it from.
7. Screwed a hook into the ceiling and hung the mobile
8. ENJOY THE MOBILE!!!
Maybe this will inspire someone to make their own mobile, just the way THEY want it!!!
1. Found these cute little birds at Hobby Lobby.
2. Bought a sewing hoop and painted it brown.
3. Hot glued the birds to the hoop.
4. Hot glued green ribbon in an X across the top of the hoop.
5. Hot glued brown ribbon around the outside of the hoop to hide the other stuff.
6. Tied green ribbon to the top to hang it from.
7. Screwed a hook into the ceiling and hung the mobile
8. ENJOY THE MOBILE!!!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Ranked
Last week rankings came out for schools in Indiana. The school where I am working was 11th on the list….FROM THE BOTTOM. We were ranked the 11th worst performing school in the state, all schools included (high school, middle, elementary, etc.). On paper our school looked really low. Low test scores, lots of discipline issues, etc.
But then you walk through the halls and classrooms of the school and it is IMPOSSIBLE to believe that anyone could label our students as 11th lowest performing in the state.
I tested a group of 7th grade boys (most of whom were taller than me) and it was impossible for me to see them as the state has labeled them.
Our students spent hours doing their absolute best on the test, I was referred to as ma’am, there was no horse play or disrespect. Students throughout the building wear uniforms with shirts tucked in, the hallways could have 5 classes transitioning at the same time and you might barely hear a peep. Students file in order along the right side of the hallway quickly and quietly. Students are seen encouraging each other to get the answer right.
And that is just the students.
When you look at the teachers you see hard-working, dedicated, caring people. People who are organized, creative and VERY resourceful. Teachers who spent 4 of their 6 week summer developing curriculum and behavior expectations. Teachers who eat lunch and do recess with their kids and still walk them to the bus at the end of the day and wave until the bus is out of sight (I think they just want to make sure the bus really does leave and takes the kids with them:).
And all of this is in a building without walls…yes, with only partitions between rooms (crazy open concept idea from those hippies of the 70’s).
I have had countless people tell me what a marked improvement this is over last year.
Now I can’t wait until next year when the rankings come out and we can say to the state, “look at us now!!!!”
But then you walk through the halls and classrooms of the school and it is IMPOSSIBLE to believe that anyone could label our students as 11th lowest performing in the state.
I tested a group of 7th grade boys (most of whom were taller than me) and it was impossible for me to see them as the state has labeled them.
Our students spent hours doing their absolute best on the test, I was referred to as ma’am, there was no horse play or disrespect. Students throughout the building wear uniforms with shirts tucked in, the hallways could have 5 classes transitioning at the same time and you might barely hear a peep. Students file in order along the right side of the hallway quickly and quietly. Students are seen encouraging each other to get the answer right.
And that is just the students.
When you look at the teachers you see hard-working, dedicated, caring people. People who are organized, creative and VERY resourceful. Teachers who spent 4 of their 6 week summer developing curriculum and behavior expectations. Teachers who eat lunch and do recess with their kids and still walk them to the bus at the end of the day and wave until the bus is out of sight (I think they just want to make sure the bus really does leave and takes the kids with them:).
And all of this is in a building without walls…yes, with only partitions between rooms (crazy open concept idea from those hippies of the 70’s).
I have had countless people tell me what a marked improvement this is over last year.
Now I can’t wait until next year when the rankings come out and we can say to the state, “look at us now!!!!”
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Lawn WorkerS
On Sunday I saw the sweetest sight...A little daddy/daughter bonding time. She was literally hanging out with her dad!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Kindergarten
I have been in education for 5 years now, but this is the first year that I have my own child. It is amazing to me how different my perspective is just because I have a child of my own now.
I would never have said I was a cruel person before, I just don’t think I understood what it must feel like for a parent to leave their child with me all day and not know what they were doing and how they were acting. Not only must the parent feel apprehensive, but the child is left with a stranger for 8 hours a day for a whole year! Talk about overwhelming.
The past two days I have subbed in a kindergarten class. It was unexpected, but the school needed a sub and I was it. I have to say I HATE subbing; I hate not knowing kid’s names, not knowing where supplies are, not knowing procedures, and of course there was a fire drill…AHHHH!!!
While I do not enjoy subbing, I was able to learn and re-learn SO many important lessons.
1)Kindergarten teachers are worth their weight in GOLD
2)I should not be a kindergarten teacher…EVER!
3)Kids just want to be loved and physically held
4)Kids are sponges, they learn VERY quickly what is appropriate and what isn’t
5)Every kid has at least one redeemable quality, even if it is only one
6)You can get a kid to do anything if you make it a game
7)You can never completely replicate any other teacher, so do it YOUR way, not theirs
8)Teaching is exhausting and Friday afternoons at 3:30 are still the best time of the week!!! You need a weekend to recover and regroup!
9)Oh to have the energy of a 5 year old again
10)I have never been so thankful for my own child as I am after spending the whole day with other people’s children
I would never have said I was a cruel person before, I just don’t think I understood what it must feel like for a parent to leave their child with me all day and not know what they were doing and how they were acting. Not only must the parent feel apprehensive, but the child is left with a stranger for 8 hours a day for a whole year! Talk about overwhelming.
The past two days I have subbed in a kindergarten class. It was unexpected, but the school needed a sub and I was it. I have to say I HATE subbing; I hate not knowing kid’s names, not knowing where supplies are, not knowing procedures, and of course there was a fire drill…AHHHH!!!
While I do not enjoy subbing, I was able to learn and re-learn SO many important lessons.
1)Kindergarten teachers are worth their weight in GOLD
2)I should not be a kindergarten teacher…EVER!
3)Kids just want to be loved and physically held
4)Kids are sponges, they learn VERY quickly what is appropriate and what isn’t
5)Every kid has at least one redeemable quality, even if it is only one
6)You can get a kid to do anything if you make it a game
7)You can never completely replicate any other teacher, so do it YOUR way, not theirs
8)Teaching is exhausting and Friday afternoons at 3:30 are still the best time of the week!!! You need a weekend to recover and regroup!
9)Oh to have the energy of a 5 year old again
10)I have never been so thankful for my own child as I am after spending the whole day with other people’s children
Thursday, August 11, 2011
A lesson in Honesty
Last night I had to run to Lowes with Emrie (all the joys of having a new house. I am getting pretty familiar with the wonderful friends there!). I bought a whole bunch of random stuff and checked out. When I was unloading things at the car I realized I didn't pay for two curtains. I have never thought of myself as a dishonest person, but I actually found myself contemplating if I wanted to go back in the store.
I am embarrassed that I even hesitated, but I looked down at Emrie on my hip and I new I had to do the right thing for her. She doesn't understand yet what happened, but eventually she will. Better yet, when we went back in I just paid for it at the self-check out so no one even knew.
But I knew, and God knew!
I hate to say that the only reason I went back in was because I wanted to set a good example for my daughter, but when I thought about it later, maybe that was exactly what I needed.
God gave me Emrie to grow ME! She teaches me paitence, compassion and yesterday a lesson in honesty.
I am really thankful that God has used her to challenge me!!!
I am embarrassed that I even hesitated, but I looked down at Emrie on my hip and I new I had to do the right thing for her. She doesn't understand yet what happened, but eventually she will. Better yet, when we went back in I just paid for it at the self-check out so no one even knew.
But I knew, and God knew!
I hate to say that the only reason I went back in was because I wanted to set a good example for my daughter, but when I thought about it later, maybe that was exactly what I needed.
God gave me Emrie to grow ME! She teaches me paitence, compassion and yesterday a lesson in honesty.
I am really thankful that God has used her to challenge me!!!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Stacie Kirkbride, My Running Buddy
Those of you who know me well know that moving to Toledo was VERY hard on me. But thankfully there were some people there who not only got me through, but helped me enjoy living there. Stacie Kirkbride is one of those amazing friends who encouraged me, made me laugh, took care of me, mentored me and grew me as a person and made me better.
Stacie and I worked together at Imagine Madison Avenue. She began as my mentor and quickly became my friend. We would enjoy “book clubs” or “technology meetings” after school on Fridays. We would go over to her house for bar-b-ques and just to hang out and while we had a great time together, we could be very serious together and share deeper things together as well.
If you ever want a good butt kicking, join Stacie in one of her spin classes that she teaches. I like to think I was in shape at the time, but she ROCKED me!!! This girl is AMAZINGLY fit!!! In the spring of 2008 Stacie and I ran a half marathon together. Over the course of almost 2 hours, plus the hours spent training I learned more about this woman than I had the whole previous year (when you are spent on a run your conversation is very raw). Stacie is still, to this day, one of the most resilient and inspiring people I know. She has been through more in her life to this point than many people have experienced in their whole lifetime.
Her humor and fun loving personality are what drew me to her, but it is her compassion, loyalty and candidness that make me love Stacie.
While we are hours apart now, Stacie and I still plan to run a half marathon again together and encourage each other from a distance. “Technology meetings” are no more, but here is to you, Stacie. Thanks for your friendship!
Stacie and I worked together at Imagine Madison Avenue. She began as my mentor and quickly became my friend. We would enjoy “book clubs” or “technology meetings” after school on Fridays. We would go over to her house for bar-b-ques and just to hang out and while we had a great time together, we could be very serious together and share deeper things together as well.
If you ever want a good butt kicking, join Stacie in one of her spin classes that she teaches. I like to think I was in shape at the time, but she ROCKED me!!! This girl is AMAZINGLY fit!!! In the spring of 2008 Stacie and I ran a half marathon together. Over the course of almost 2 hours, plus the hours spent training I learned more about this woman than I had the whole previous year (when you are spent on a run your conversation is very raw). Stacie is still, to this day, one of the most resilient and inspiring people I know. She has been through more in her life to this point than many people have experienced in their whole lifetime.
Her humor and fun loving personality are what drew me to her, but it is her compassion, loyalty and candidness that make me love Stacie.
While we are hours apart now, Stacie and I still plan to run a half marathon again together and encourage each other from a distance. “Technology meetings” are no more, but here is to you, Stacie. Thanks for your friendship!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Our investment in each other!
Vacation was WONDERFUL!!! Honestly, we didn’t do anything exceptional or memorable. Our days consisted of breakfast, pool, volleyball, nap, dinner, bed! But that was the beauty of it. The simple, the mundane, even the boring. It was just Phil and I. We had time to just be US! No baby, no work, no house, just US! Laughing about silly things, talking about our future plans, reminiscing about things of the past.
Every couple needs that time to re-connect. I STRONGLY believe that couples need to set aside time to spend together. It doesn’t need to be a fancy vacation. Dinner at Wendy’s will do, putt-putt golf works, even just making dinner together and watching movies on a Saturday night. Just be intentional about connecting. It is the best investment you can possibly make!
Maybe some of our pictures will inspire you and your spouse to invest in each other too!
Every couple needs that time to re-connect. I STRONGLY believe that couples need to set aside time to spend together. It doesn’t need to be a fancy vacation. Dinner at Wendy’s will do, putt-putt golf works, even just making dinner together and watching movies on a Saturday night. Just be intentional about connecting. It is the best investment you can possibly make!
Maybe some of our pictures will inspire you and your spouse to invest in each other too!
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