#BLESSED #FEELINGS

I have always had, and always will, have complete faith in God and his plans for my life, through good and bad.  I know there is always a reason.  I know there will always be a light at the end of a tunnel, even when it seems never ending! I know that my life's riches blessings are not based on material things, but on what is most important--God, family, friends and the relationships you build.  I strive everyday to figure my place in God's heart, to figure out how to be better, to be more, to be the example I know I should be! I am striving to be the best version of ME! I will admit, I struggle--it's hard, it's exhausting, it's scary, it's frustrating.

 My last post talked about how rich I am! Rich in blessings! My day started with another example of just how blessed I am! God sure knew what he was doing by blessing me with a friendship so special--God sure knows what he is doing, he steps in at just the right time.  I have a deep admiration for this special friend.  Her faith and determination, I envy.  God sure knew what he was doing.  There are no words for how very thankful I am for you.  I could not say 'Thank You' enough for what you did for me today.  You, my friend, are not only a blessing to me, but to anyone who has the pleasure of knowing you.

To you my friend, from the bottom of my heart, I  say "THANK YOU!"

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.  Phill 4:13

I'm Rich--Not Monetarily Of Course

No teacher ever got into this profession for the money! I mean, really?! If we wanted to be rich, we would have been a doctor or a lawyer.  We may not have a lot of money, but we are rich in so many other ways.  This is what I said to my kids today as part of my explanation as to why we rallied at the capital yesterday.  I explained so much more to them, but I think the thing that really made their day was for me to tell them that I didn't need money to be rich-- I am teacher! I have so many blessings in my life-- I'm a grand-daughter, daughter, sister, wife, cousin, friend, aunt, teacher.  I don't know if many people know that I actually hold a Bachelors of Business Admin as well as having a degree in Elementary Education.  I can remember visiting my mom at her school and feeling right at home, smiling at the kids and seeing the joy come over those teachers faces! Are we happy every single day? No, but who is? Do we enjoy our breaks? Yes, wouldn't you?! Does it mean I love my job any less? No! Every waking moment I'm thinking about stuff I can do in my classroom.  I am constantly critiquing myself--Was that good enough? Did I explain that well enough? I wanted my kids to understand that I'm there--with them and for them. I'm not rich with money, but I am the richest person in the world because God wanted me to be a teacher.  I firmly believe, in my heart of hearts, that God new all along while I was getting a business degree that I would find my way.  Teaching is my passion.  I love every minute of it--even on my worst days (Don't judge, we all have them!) 

I am not a big politics person, but within the last year I have become very aware of the Educational politics as it directly affects my life and my job.  Do I understand it all--Ha! NO!! I understand enough and what I don't I'm not afraid to ask! With all this being said, I feel it's very important for my kids to know--There were thousands of teachers, parents, and students fighting for YOU!!! I shared with them this morning and they watched a young man deliver the most touching poem.  They were awed and taken aback at how powerful he was, at how he addressed our legislatures so directly at the end of his poem, and yet one said, "It's really sad he has to address them and say PUT OUR TEACHERS FIRST!"  My kids know! I am open with them! I want them to see the important stuff.  I want them to know, WE GOT YOUR BACK! I want them to know--YOU HAVE A VOICE! No matter your age--YOU HAVE A VOICE! One young lady is making her voice heard! I am proud she is stepping up but I am more proud that she put in her letter EXACTLY what her teacher has said, THAT GOD PUT ME HERE and I AM NOT RICH IN MONEY BUT RICH IN BLESSINGS! 

YOU GO GIRL!

Valentine's Bulletin Board

Nothing to special about this one.  I had every intention of stealing yet another idea from Pinterest, but time got the best of me and it just didn't happen.  I love my little heart guy with heart balloons! No need for instructions on this one!

Girls + Basketball = Memories

I got the pleasure of coaching the 1st and 2nd grade girls basketball team.  We were lucky enough to be able to have a team of Chatty girls--our first year to do this! As a former athlete, I know how to play the game, I know what they need to do, and I know what I want them to do.  On the softball field, I can coach them--hit, catch, throw, run--got that and you stand a chance.  Basketball is so much different--dribble, shoot, offense, defense, free throws, out of bounds, half court, fouling--and the list goes on an on.  This was one of the best experiences I have had coaching--my 1st time coaching a basketball team.  I've always watched the teams I've coached become better and better with each practice and game that we play.  Basketball did not disappoint.  As I watched these 8 girls improve with each bounce of the basketball, I, too, was learning.  Learning new things to teach them and new ways to teach them.  

One thing I know for sure, I am so proud of these girls and one thing I'm even more sure of.. our future is bright! Each one of the girls worked their booty's off in practice and played their hearts out every single game.  They took the losses hard and won with pride.  Already, I see the love, the heart of an athlete, being instilled into these girls with just one season of games.  They each enjoyed every minute of practice and games.  They each knew what their responsibility was in the position they were set to play.  They played as a team, helped each other and developed a bond that will be one of the most cherished things in their life, the memories made and the memories to come.