Shepherd the Flock

I still haven't figured out how to write more. You would think with a week off school, I would find some time, but I managed to fill the winter break with more activities and conversations. The Olympics were always a distraction, but I have found a new book to read, a new favorite recipe, extra exercise, and lots of rest. I'm looking forward to some extra time with students tomorrow and then back to work on Monday. A long stretch until spring break and then again to Memorial Day. I'm always amazed at how fast each year goes by. I can't believe we're nearly in to March. This becomes the time to treasure with great students and motivating them for much more in the future.

I've thought a lot about leadership lately. Anyone that's a teacher knows that the administration makes or breaks a school and teachers. Administration that is always micro-managing, controlling, and unapproachable with new ideas can really hurt a relationship and divide a team. I'm fortunate enough to have never experienced something like that in a school. My administration is very loving, gracious, and helps bring suggestions and advice to make me a better teacher. I remember a moment back at my old school where I was getting supplies before the start of school. The principal was walking in the opposite direction, obviously headed to a meeting of some sort, when he stopped, looked at me and asked if he could carry it. I couldn't believe that someone with much "bigger and better" things to do in his schedule would stop to carry supplies for a teacher. Then I realized, he was a servant leader. You see, the best leader I have found is a servant leader.

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for the shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock...Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:1-3, 5

I'm thankful for such a great place to work and an incredible team of leadership. I think it is the way that God calls us to in any leadership position. Mike has done an incredible job of leading our marriage in this way, always by example. He learned these things from his parents, who always led by example and did much more than they said. Actions always speak louder than words. I've learned much more about love, especially the love of Christ, through example. My hope and prayer is that I can move more in to a life of humility and lead a family, friends, students, etc. by being an example of humility and keeping the heart of a servant.

wow!

So, this has been a project, team effort! I had no idea this was going to be such a best, but I'm very excited that it is finally finished. Most of you will have no idea the details that had to be tweaked, but thanks to some loyal friends, they found some holes. Now it's all fixed and ready to enjoy.

click to see the entire site

better late than never

I really thought this schedule would help me. Apparently not.

Anyhow, I was browsing the web and saw this fantastic deal. If you know someone pregnant (or you are yourself), you might want to take advantage of this. (Unless your name is Jill because I already bought you one.) Don't read in to this, we are NOT expecting and this was listed on one of the deal sites. I don't go out looking for pregnant or baby stuff. Anyhow, Udder Covers is offering $32 off any purchase (coupon code: FAMILY2010). Shipping is $9.95 or so, but might as well take advantage of a free gift for someone...plus shipping. Enjoy!

Christmas Deals

So, here's at my new schedule. I already missed yesterday, but I'm headed on for today. I thought I would share some of my good deals over Christmas break. I kept telling Mike about all my good deals and how I should share them, but now I can't think of them. So, here's one I remember:

pair of shoes, two shirts, pants, jeans, and corduroys for Mike from Banana Republic all for $60. This was two separate purchases, one from the outlet and one from the regular retail store. Here's the breakdown:

Outlet
shoes originally $80 marked down to $39.99
pants originally $50 marked down to $11.99
corduroys originally $60 marked down to $26.99
Total of $78.97
Everything was an additional 50% off ($39.49)
And then we had a coupon for an additional 15% off
Grand Total $33.56

Retail
shirts $19.99 each
jeans $19.99
Total of $39.98 with 30% off comes to $27.99
We then applied for a credit card and saved an additional 15% for a grand total of $23.78

$57.34 + tax for right around $60

So, Banana Republic is my favorite store. Many people can look through my closet and find that the majority comes from BR. It looks like I pay a fortune for my wardrobe, but the reality is I ONLY shop there during a sale. I always check the internet for coupons too (retailmenot.com is a good resource) You can own a nice wardrobe for a fraction of the price. You may need to wait a little longer, but it is worth the savings.

New Year's Resolution

It seems like I always have good ideas around this time of year. Many people set out at the beginning of the year with some good intentions, but simply far behind and never recover. As they get behind a goal, they find themselves sinking deeper and deeper until they finally give up.



I (well we) started this blog a few years ago as we celebrated the new year in Ireland. We often look back at the vacation and remember some wonderful moments with each other and before the vast greatness of creation. We thought we would write often and tell the stories of our travels, life, family, and ministry. It didn't take long before I realized this wasn't serious enough for a theologian or philosopher (aka Mike), so I continued on my own. Some days (or weeks) I have more to say than others. Much of the time, I have more to say, but have kept my mouth shut about some difficult experiences and hurtful moments. So, for the sake of you and me, I'm organizing this blog into a better schedule. We'll see how this works as my New Year's resolution.

Mondays: ministry: a tip, tale, trick, or idea...the good, the bad, the ugly

Wednesdays: what's next? any updates and random thoughts from yours truly

Tuesdays or Thursdays: tips: inside tricks, probably more about saving money, but other ideas too

Weekend: a little taste of randomness

I'll take some suggestions too!

20 years ago...

20 years ago, I think I had my birthday party at Golden Skates. I used to LOVE roller skating. I grew up going all the time with my sisters, friends, school, etc. Even after we moved to Texas, I still went skating. There was a period where I think we went skating every Friday night. I went once or twice in college, but haven't been since. Well, today was the 7th and 8th grade social at school and I got to chaperone. I wasn't too excited at first. I was actually pretty bummed because I wanted to skate, but thought that would be frowned upon by the staff and students. Well, I talked to to teacher friends yesterday and they told me they always skate. I was THRILLED! I was dancing all around the house last night like a giddy little school girl. Well, today I went skating. I was a little rocky and definitely rusty. It was somewhat difficult to make it around the first time and somewhere in between, I realized that if I was to fall, it would probably hurt a lot more than it did 20 years ago. As my dad says, "You have further to fall." Well, I made it and I went around again. Then I decided I should take a break, but it took me three more laps before I could get close enough to the wall. I made it around several more times and had a blast. I do think skating and hula hooping are two of the greatest workouts. However, I'm much older than I was before so I don't think my body is going to be happy in the morning. Anyhow, I just asked Mike for a big birthday party next year (3-0). I want to go skating!

...when the bee stings...

So, I've been a little busy so haven't had time to keep up to date with this as much as I had planned. Last week I was busy getting ready for 8th grade exams this weekend and managed to make an 8 hour drive on Thursday turn in to 12 hours. Once we actually made it to Cincinnati, we were able to catch up with my family and some friends. It was so great to see some of them and had a pleasant surprise to see some faces I haven't seen in a really long time. So grateful for the time together and just wish I would be able to catch up with them more often. Hope you all have a great tim over Christmas and sad I won't get to join you in the festivities.

So, with the chaos of the weekend and preparing for exams, I was reminded of one of my favorite things. One that most people overlook and could care less about. Sharpened #2 pencils. Yes, a brand new box of old fashioned pencils. I actually hate mechanical ones, unless it's the expensive kind Mrs. Johnston used to use. I bought a couple of those my first year teaching, but I have no idea where they ran off too. So yes, new pencils with a good eraser, maybe even a cap eraser are my friend. I've discovered Mirado which I must say are a new favorite.

Well, I think I'm closing out this series early. I keep having all these great ideas, and then when I sit down to write, I have a brain fart. This is not working, and as bored as I am, I bet you are even more bored. So, I'll spare you the torture any longer.

If you read this and are in the Florida area, please let us know if you will be around over the next couple of weeks. We'll be headed down to visit both of our families and would love to catch up with you all if possible.

rest

I thought this idea of a blog schedule or even theme for the month would help me with writer's block. I have been fooled. I had all these great ideas, a week ago, and now I can't think of anything. This is exactly why I teach math and not language arts.

One thing I do know I love, is SLEEP! I've never quite grown out of that teenage life of sleeping in. It doesn't help that I'm a night owl. Teachers don't really have the luxury of choosing their own schedule. Every morning my alarm goes off at 6:00A.M. I cringe. I do love my job, I just don't like waking up that early. I have to admit that although I hate getting up so early, I enjoy my workday ending at 3:30. Even better was when I was teaching high school and students left at 2:00. I just wish there was more time for naps.

On a completely different note, how about Tebow? OK, so I am not a big Gator fan. Despite my husband graduating from there, I really haven't had much interest in Florida. I was very pleased to move away from the obnoxious fans across the state and actually enjoyed Mike watching the game once we moved up here. At some point, I even started cheering for them. If we ever find ourselves back in Florida, I will not be excited to be around the annoying fans again. Yes, I do realize they come from several other schools too, but I have never quite met the ones that are as big headed as those Gators. OK, sorry for the soap box, but now I can go on with Tebow. I'm going to miss this guy. I don't think I will enjoy Florida football nearly as much. This guy is a stand-up gentleman. I enjoy watching every moment of him. Praying, playing, talking, and crying. He stands for something much more than football and it has been a great joy to watch him influence the country. I'm thinking I'll start watching some NFL once he gets drafted too. In my perfect world, he'd even end up with the Bengals.

I have some new photo sessions coming up. I'm really excited about one this week that is a surprise for a certain person. I think any parent treasures those homemade gifts or photos. My dad has said for years that all he wanted was photos of us girls. I'm hoping I can provide the same thing as a big surprise for a dear friend. Then I'm up for another family before a wedding. Then we're headed South to celebrate Christmas. It's always a busy season, but now for even more reasons. I just wish the season lasted longer, I can't get enough of it!

Helicopter Parents

Well, I'm not a parent, so I am a little biased. I may change my mind when I have my own kids, but for now, I'm speaking as a teacher and child. My dad took a very different approach. I remember going to McDonald's after begging for an ice cream. We would walk in and my dad would hand me a $5 bill while he took a seat. I'd sit too. Then I would tell him what I would want. He'd basically ignore me. Then he would finally tell me to go order whatever I wanted. I hated him at the time, and probably shed tears over these instances. I'd finally order when he would threaten to leave. Then, I would get a sandwich with everything on it, despite the cheese and ketchup only request. Again, probably tears because I HATE mustard. I'd beg my dad to go fix it. He'd refuse. He'd pack up ready to go to the car and again, I'd go and resolve the situation. I never quite understood why a dad would make their 5 or 6 year old go through this pain. Why couldn't he just do it? He has more power than a 5 year old, right?! As I grew up and even without a curfew, I realized that this was my dad's way of parenting. Yes, PARENTING! Parenting doesn't require handcuffs on the children. It's a place to empower your children to take responsibility for their actions, good and bad. Through all of this, I was well-prepared to be on my own and stand up for my beliefs, not my friends, dads, or anyone else's. Helicopter parents, quite the opposite. I'm thankful for my dad and his parenting techniques. Sure, my dad missed some games and school activities between me and my two sisters. I would have loved for him to have attended more. But as a single parent, a FATHER, raising three teenage girls, he worked his tail off to provide the best life for us. Plus, I think raising three teenage girls was enough estrogen for him. I'm sure he needed some work to escape any more bows and make-up. So, here's an incredible article on Helicopter Parents. Please don't be one.

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1940395,00.html

When the dog bites..

Coca-cola. Yes, one of my favorite things. I don't think my stomach likes it, but my mouth sure does.

I love my naps too. I've been missing out on those, but I love my sleep. I got so used to sleeping in over break, that I have been exhausted. I'm longing for a nap, but I don't see one coming any time soon.

Cupcakes. I LOVE cupcakes. Unfortunately, I don't get to enjoy cupcake days each month at school because they all contain gluten. I do love Whole Foods because they make cupcakes gluten free and freeze them. I pop them in the microwave for a few seconds and then I get the warm melted chocolate to enjoy too. Plus, Betty Crocker is also making GF mixes.

LOST. I refused to watch this show. For 1, I couldn't get hooked on anything else. Second, I tried to watch an episode once, and I was completely confused. They were jumping all over decades and who really believes in time travel?! Then, I borrowed season 1 from the neighbors to watch while I did some grading. Mike was out of town and I couldn't stand the quiet house. Well, 48 hours later, I had watched 1008 minutes of LOST and graded 0 tests. I made it through 5 seasons in a month and I am anxiously waiting for January to start the last season. So, if you haven't seen it, get season 1. Watch 2 episodes. If you don't like it, then no worries. I'm pretty sure you'll be hooked after the first one. It's by far one of the best shows ever to hit tv. If you haven't seen it before, this may mean nothing to you. But I can tell you that those that have gotten hooked, have chills going up their spines as soon as they hit play.