Experiences

This week I....
1. Baked cookies with PreK class 1 because we are learning about Creation and the letter C
2. Baked cupcakes with PreK class2 for the same reasons stated above
3. Went to the zoo as part of my job requirement because it was a field trip, and well I am the teacher
4. Did a spur of the moment trip to Kitchen Kettle Village with my brother because....well I can
5. Made arrangements for a trip to Baltimore Harbor with my cousin that we were going to take in the summer but never got around to it
.....all because the Lord has blessed me with some wonderful opportunities and jobs after helping me through college. I do miss those days, but I am thankful for His guidance and these new adventures. This week also presented several challenges mostly through my teacher point of view, but these experiences are molding me to become the teacher He wants me to be.
     Mostly though, I just want to be the woman He has for me. Hoping for a better week with a little less craziness and some fun with the cousin at the Harbor. Either way, He is faithful and my heart is happy.

The Birthday Boy...er Guy

This guy turned 20 today. When I turned 20 it really wasn't a big deal. Actually I was told I was a nothing, lol. I was no longer a teenager, but I wasn't the legal legal adult age either. However, with Matt here it's different. None of my siblings are teenagers any longer.

    Sometimes it gets on my nerves when people go on and on about their age. Matthew certainly has not made a big deal about it, and I realize we all have to grow up sometimes. However, I am loving the fact that we are growing up. This past weekend was a great example.

       My parents were blessed to have a chance to get away for the weekend. They had a great time while my brothers and I stayed home. I really wasn't concerned about where my next meal was coming from or whether the laundry would get done. I did think about all the times when we were younger and I would baby sit referee fighting matches between my brothers. There was none of that this week though. Instead Matthew made breakfast for us, I made dinner, Jonathan did the laundry and absolutely no screaming matches took place. I think we are growing up. (About time right ;-))

       Matthew is also in his first year at college, commuting 35 minutes everyday to reach his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer.  Jon & I are also working 2 jobs each in fields that we love. Our new found independence and doing what we love have brought us together. We have 3 distinct personalities, but we seem to work well together. I have always looked forward to the time when your siblings become more of your friends rather than someone to annoy.

       All this mushy gushiness which will probably make both boys puke to say have the happiest of birthdays Matthew Benj. You are loved!

Showers of Blessings

My cup truly runs over with joy these days. Life has thrown some curve balls, but God has been so good to me. I love being a teacher, and I am so thankful for this phase of life. Doubts swarmed my mind near the end of my college career, but now that I teach everyday, I am at peace with the Lord's calling in my life.
  Pre-K may not have been specifically what I studied for, but I love it all the same. So far we have enjoyed a Teddy Bear Picnic, writing our letters in shaving cream and play dough, various crafts, fun songs and poems, sensory table experiences and much more. I am excited about opening up some pumpkins this week and learning about fire safety. Teaching preschool has opened up creativity I never knew I had. My director and fellow teachers have been wonderful as I learn the ropes so to speak. I look forward to learning and experiencing much more over the school year. Lately my kiddos have gotten into the "I love you, Miss Lake." Many of them love to come up and hug me at random times too. Melts my heart every time! So blessed to have such an awesome job! It doesn't even feel like work.
       Though I miss my coworkers at K-Mart, I can't say I am sorry I traded it in for tutoring. This is another experience I am learning a great deal from. I am thankful to have opportunity teaching on an elementary level. I have only been at it for 2 weeks, but I know I will learn much from this experience as well. I also feel blessed to get a taste of both private and public education. I now have a total of 37 students in my care (both schools/ 3 classes combined). A bit overwhelming to think of the influence I have, but a blessing to have such a responsibility from the Lord. My prayer is that I would be a good example to the children, teach them well and all would see the love of Christ through me.
      In other news, I am blessed to be living at home. I also am grateful for my own car. It is crazy to think I can just take off whenever I need too. My car did have it's first tune up this week since I needed it. The bill was a tad large for my liking, but some of the problems were due to a lack of judgment on my part. So thankful that the problems were not worse and most importantly, my car still runs. I am also thankful for a great mechanic. My family has always appreciated his work, and he had encouraging things to say about Freya. ;-) Being at home also allows me so many opportunities I have missed over the college years. I finally returned to the fairs I have been missing. Last weekend was my family's annual trip to Hershey Park in October - a tradition begun my sophomore year of college (possibly freshman, anyway, you get the point.) I had so much fun! Since my schools had off for Columbus Day, I got to go on one of my mom's field trips. I could go on forever about all the blessings happening right now. God is so good, and I think this time of year just has me happy in general. Beautiful weather, changing leaves, chai tea, pumpkin spice - the atmosphere and smell of autumn - what a wonderful time of year! The showers of blessings keep coming and my heart is happy!