I love...

that spring time is arriving

which means wearing sundresses & sandals will be here soon.

that I will be spending this weekend with all of my best friends.

that I am reading a book that I can't put down.

that Nelo is playing in Houston on Thursday.

that I can say I am truly happy where my life is today.

texas gal

I bought my first cowboy boots! I have lived in Texas since I was 5 yrs old and I have never had a pair. Pretty exciting day. Now I am officially ready for the Houston Rodeo! YEEHAW.

weekend recap

The past three days were exactly what I needed. I got to rest and hang out with my parents. My favorite moments were spent having a glass of wine and chatting at the kitchen table. Simple yet perfect. I cleaned out my old room for my cousin that will be living in Houston for a few months to complete her clinical, went to the movies, did a little shopping, got a pedi & haircut. AND got to snuggle with my favorite little man jakeypoo. It was a very successful weekend! I have not had a weekend at home in such a long time. Usually my weekends are spent going on weekend trips or adventures on Washington Ave in Houston. It was definitely a nice change of pace before the Rodeo Cook-off this upcoming weekend which I am so excited for! :)

The highlight of my weekend was that I got to talk to my Bubba (grandpa). I have not had the chance to talk to him in such a long time. My grandpa was diagnosed with Parkinson disease several years ago and the disease has affected his ability to talk clearly. He usually does not like to talk on the phone but not the case this time. He called up talking about his new idea for a family soap making business. (Yup a soap making business.) He had been watching a tv show on the history channel about the History of Soap. My grandpa is always coming up with new business ideas from articles he reads or tv shows he watches. Before my grandpa's Parkinson progressed, he would send me letters that would have magazine articles in them that were underlined and had little notes on the side for me to read. I have saved every single one of them and they are priceless to me. I had such a great time talking to him and it made me realize how much I miss him. I am hoping I get a chance to visit him this summer.

Let Your light shine- Matthew 5:16

In other news, I am starting a new book "Water for Elephants" which I am really excited about since seeing the preview for the movie! I will let you know how I like it.

Here's to a new week! :)

sick....again

We have all been there... the stuffy nose, headache, chills, slight fever, nausea, coughing which then turns into a sore throat. THE FLU!

Everyone told me... "Oh your first year of teaching you will catch everything!" Well in my genius and always right mind I thought I don't think it will happen to me. (I was doomed right there at the moment) So yes, as you can guess I am sick again..... Don't worry I have already gotten a prescription, drinking lots of fluids, and overdosing on vitamin c.

I do have to thank my wonderful roommate for always asking if I need anything and how I am feeling! You are the best & I love you tons & tons.

Tonight I am going to enjoy watching my Thursday night shows in bed with a box of tissues by my side. Hope everyone has a wonderful night because the weekend is almost here! I am very thankful for a three day weekend and I hope this medicine kicks in so I can fully enjoy it!

shocked

Teaching is something I love. I might not like all the paper work, grading, a certain state test or analyzing data but the relationships I have built with my students this year makes everything well worth it. My class this year is something I thank god for everyday.

Something happened today that shocked me. You have a group of students that you are with five days a week, all year long. You talk to them everyday about making good choices not only in the classroom but in life. You tell them that they can and will be successful. You tell them that you believe in them. You think you know them. Then something happens and you start to question everything.

One of my students brought a gun to school. It was something I never dreamed would happen. And it broke my heart. The student is one of the first of my students to come in in the morning to give me a huge hug and one of the last in the afternoon. Never in a million years...

I have always believed that I could have an impact on my students. That I could change their life. But there are so many other things in the world today that influence these children. In reality there is only so much I can do and it is something that I need to accept. In my perfect world I would teach these students till they graduate high school and all go onto college. Safe. Successful. Loved

So tonight & every night to come I pray that god watches and protects my students.

Fear not; for I am with you. Be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; yea, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness

Isaiah 41:10

the beginning

I decided that it is only right to start my blog with a Valentine since it is Valentine's Day & all. So here it is.

To the Loves of my Life. The memories we share are priceless to me.

Today I told myself that I am not going to pout about not having a "Valentine". I am going to think about all the blessings I have in my life. And I truly have so much to be happy about. This is just the beginning.