Christmas

So, I spent Christmas with my family, the Lofland family and some of Greg's family. It was pretty relaxing. On Christmas Eve Mom and I watched a movie and chatted. Poor Dad eventually was sucked into the chick-flick also! On Christmas day we opened gifts in our PJ's. Remember when you were little and you couldn't wait for a new toy? Now we are happy with gift cards and cute sweaters!

Then I went over to the Loflands for brunch like I do every year. Larry makes such a delicious meal with waffles, bagels, bacon, quiches, casseroles, and eggs. YUM! Oh- Did I forget a mimosa? :) Debbie's daughter had a baby. Her name is Brooke and she is only five days old. I just wanted to take her home.

Then it was back home to celebrate with my grandparents and cousin Diane. We all were relaxed this year. It is nice when you get older because you take your time opening gifts and you actually see what everyone is opening, instead of paper flying in the air and kids screaming (although it will be fun to have that in my house one day!).

Even Spielman came over for a while (like she and I do for all the holidays)! :) I actually was able to spend some time with my sister too. I am always sad when Christmas is over but glad to create such nice memories :)

Burr . . . it is cold outside!

I thought today would be a great day to write since it is cold outside and I am plopped on my couch waiting for Chloe to have kittens. It is freezing outside. We got our first little taste of snow. I hope that we get to use snow days this year! The perk of being a teacher :)

I just got back from Lynchburg and had a great time with LT and Lauren. Lauren and I finally met LT's soon-t0-be-hubby. He is adorable. You can tell that he absolutely adores LT. I am so incredibly happy for her. I also got to spend tons of time with Doc, Lauren's little boy. He is getting so big! Already fifteen pounds and he is just three months old! Being around Doc makes you have initial baby-fever (keyword: initial - not there yet ha!). I am still thinking about Lynchburg as a place to live but am not sure if or how that would work plus I met a really nice guy here. That always changes things a bit. :) I have to say sometimes this stage of life is frustrating with all the unknowns, however, it is also exciting and nice to know there are endless possibilities!

So many things going on . . .

Lately life seems to just change dramatically from one day to the next. This year has been full of learning experiences in general!

I am still teaching fifth grade and love it. First quarter was quite hectic. I have an extremely challenging class this year but they are coming along (slowly but surely). They are not bad kids, they just learn differently than most. Second quarter is definitely going much better and God is teaching me to be patient, no matter how long it takes.

I have decided to try to move back to Lynchburg for next year. I love my friends and family here but I miss the quiet of Lynchburg and most of all my great girl friends there (Kristin, LT and Lauren in the pictures above). I ended up being the only one who willingly left, and while this experience has been great, I am ready to go back. I have applied to the county and am praying that I will be offered a position. One thing I definitely have learned is that no matter how much you pray and think you know what is best, only God does. As Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Sometimes we just need to remember our lives our ultimately in God's hands.