Schools Around the World

This morning I became curious to learn about schools around the world. Now, being a teacher, I am not oblivious to the different types of schooling around the world. But I just wanted to remind myself in case I find myself complaining about my classroom this year. We are so blessed in this country! For many of us to sit and complain about or constantly make negative comments about different aspects of our kids school is seemingly absurd! It's also disrespectful to the educators who have put in 60 plus hours at school this past week to prepare for their students. Americans need to stop being so self-centered and take a look around!

Our 5th Wedding Anniversary!

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Tim and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary this past Thursday! I remember our wedding day like it was yesterday. During our wedding reception, my dad dedicated a song to me (well actually to Tim too cause my dad is like Tim’s other dad). It ended up being a song Tim and I play often to reminisce about our wedding day. I thought I would share it....My Wish by Rascal Flatts

We were unable to find a babysitter for dinner out….so we took things into our own hands. After the kids went to bed Tim went out and picked up Japanese food. Yes, we ended up eating dinner at 10 pm but it was a wonderful time of conversation and reflection about the last five years. The food was absolutely delicious, and the entire quiet night at home seemed absolutely perfect. If you don’t already know, I have an awesome husband who loves Jesus, his family, his friends, and maybe a good football game or two. ;-) Really I couldn’t have dreamt of any better man. God is so good! 

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I'm such a dork.

The food was great!

"Wrapping Up" the Summer

 I cannot believe this summer break is coming to an end. Makayla and Jackson have grown tremendously over the summer and I'm just so thankful I've been home to witness it all. I am sad to leave them next week when I go back to work. The good news is that Jackson is finally taking a bottle so that is one thing I do not have to stress about.

The first few weeks of summer involved getting routines down; it wasn’t always easy, but now things go pretty smoothly. Makayla turned 2 years old at the end of June and has become Mrs. Independent. This is not always a good thing as we are working on following directions, obeying mommy and daddy, and sharing. I’ve always heard of the ‘terrible twos’ but never really believed it. I always thought “those parents are doing something wrong. MY child will never act that way.” Well, little did I know what was in store for me. I’ve prayed to God for patience and he has given me circumstances to learn patience. I’ve prayed to God for strength and he has restored me by helping me see little accomplishments throughout the day. God is so good. I totally understand why society has nicknamed this stage the ‘terrible twos’ but honestly there are much more wonderful times than difficult ones; I would rename it the ‘Terrific Twos’. Makayla is learning so much every single day. She is talking in complete sentences, and already learned a few sight words. She is super sweet to her baby brother and loves reading him books and singing to him. She has such a fantastic personality; with smiles, hugs, and words to melt anybody’s heart. Makayla is growing into a little girl now, but she will always be my angel baby. 

Jackson is almost 7 months old, and I find myself often wondering where the time has gone. Seriously, these are the days I will cherish for a lifetime. Jackson found his voice and is constantly chattering up a storm. I still think he is teething, but hey I’ve thought that for 3 months now and have yet to see a tooth pop through…haha. He has been sitting up on his own for about a month and half now. He is a strong little fella who really wants to start crawling. For now, he reaches for toys or rolls around the floor. Some of my favorite times are when I watch Jackson and Makayla make each other laugh. I don’t always know what they’re laughing about, but they know…and I guess that’s all that matters.

           

            So as we wrap up our summer break, I am reflecting about how truly precious time is. Time goes by so fast and we can’t ever get it back. It’s so important to cherish each moment and not let the little miracles of each day pass us by. Keep God on the forefront, always seeking Him first. Keep family a priority, and always remember they are the ones who love you most. Work hard, but work at the things that matter most. Take time to tell the ones you love how much they mean to you. Always make time for your friends because they are like your extended family. And imagine each day 'wrapped up' with a big bow on top…because each day is truly a gift.

(redo...actually a re-thought)

            So as we wrap up our summer break, I am reflecting about how truly precious time is. Time goes by so fast and we can’t ever get it back. It’s so important to cherish each moment and not let the little miracles of each day pass me by. I am keeping God as the steady center of my life, knowing He is an ever-present presence in my daily journey.  I’m keeping family a priority, and reminding myself that they are the ones who love me most. I will work hard, but work at the things that matter most. I will take time to tell the ones I love how much they mean to me. Be more easily forgiving to others..because lets face it, we 'humans' are messy. And I will try my best to make time for friends because they are my extended family. As I type, I’m imagining each day wrapped up with a big bow on top…because each day is truly a gift.

Here are some digital scrapbook pages of the family I put together. I enjoy digital scrapbooking so it’s nice when I get a chance to do it. Enjoy & God bless.

Shawna