Decorate Your Life

As I splurged on my Friday chocolate I was rewarded with this awesome message.  

How have you decorated your life? 

                                                                                                                        

Persistence

I had a rough week.  I won't go into details, but this morning I seriously considered calling the governor to see if he would spend an hour in my classroom (only because I heard judges were getting a raise during this legislative session).  

First, I stumbled upon this picture from last year while facebook stalking by own picture albums.  I was canoeing at Glendalough  State Park, trying to get through this lake filled with lily pads.  I randomly snapped this picture because I thought no one would believe how many of them there were.  When I put them on my computer I noticed the lone yellow flower.  Think how high that root had to grow to get to the top of the lake to the sunshine.  Isn't that amazing?!  Now that is persistence.  I think we can learn a lot from nature. 

Second, tonight I got two emails from parents thanking me for doing such a great job this year with their students, and saying how happy they were with their student's report card and school experience. Having persistence has been a constant struggle for me this year.  I really needed those emails.  

Anywho---moral of the story (if you stuck with me this long) is find that persistence you need to finish out your week AND if you have children, please take the time to thank your child's teacher. I'm not saying we need constant praise, but we spend quite a bit of quality time with your child everyday :) Then we go home and spend our quality time finding fun, hands-on activities to do with them the next day (but that's a whole different post.....)  

Being Grateful

Sometimes Monday's happen.  (Once a week for that matter!)  Somedays assignments, bills, and projects land in my lap and I get super frazzled and frustrated.  Today I really needed to see this idea on a blog that I read.  I'm printing this off tomorrow and starting the new year off right!

Check it out!!

"The Best of my Days Notepads"

This is how I felt today...

even AFTER two cups of coffee......

I think I took my naps during vacation for granted. 

In 2010...

...I finished my first year of teaching and then started my second, and along the way realized it DOES get easier.

....I got to see Chicago and Michigan for the first time to witness true love united at a beautiful wedding and realized that I MUST go back sometime in the summer when I can enjoy the Great Lakes.

....I traveled to California and fufilled my dream to see a redwood.  Traveling up the coast was truly an experience I can't even describe.

...I got to go muddin' up my driveway many times---and sliding down it now that there is snow.

....I ran my first 10K, turned 24, and went to a cousin's graduation (all in the same weekend!).  I realized I can not only "run around" as my Grandma would say, but can actually RUN!

....I traveled to Wisconsin and then to New Mexico for a work experience that was entirely different from teaching.  It made me realize how much I love teaching, and also that I have many options in life and am capable of many things.

----I hopped on a plane (not at LAX, but Phoenix!) and met my family in West Glacier National Park.  Once again, I can not describe how beautiful this place was.  I wish someone would pay me to travel and take pictures of God's creation :)

.....I went back to New Mexico, finished up working, then enjoyed a quick vacation in Tucson before heading back to ND to teach. I realized at this point, I am terrific at living out of a suitcase!

......I started my 2nd year of teaching (same room/same age) and got to experience the "River Life" while the weather was still nice. I realized you can find something wonderful and breathtaking about any place.

....I started my own photography business.

....I celebrated babies and weddings (and friendships along the way!) with all sorts of "showers!"

.....I celebrated holidays and everyday moments with family anywhere and everywhere around ND :) I realized family is always there for you and to savor those precious moments.

.....I played kickball, played volleyball, and worked at the after-school program in my "spare" time.  I realized I don't really have much spare time!

MOST IMPORTANTLY:  I reflect back on the year and think, man, it went SO fast, and then think, how blessed am I to have experienced SO much in a year?!? To have created SO many special memories?  To have seen SO many beautiful places?  To have spent time with SO many people near and dear to me?

ANSWER:  VERY blessed.   Thank-you to everyone that helped contribute to another wonderful year.


Happy New Year (and a belated Merry Christmas!)
Love, Emily

We are Thankful for...

wonderful rich, family traditions!  My extended family has rented out a local bible camp for as long as I can remember so we can get together in one place for the holidays.   Some of the festivities this year included, scrapbooking, numerous rounds of apples to apples, cross country skiing, Christmas baking, playing in the gym, having chocolate frosting wars, and visiting until WAY too late; however, I think the tradition nearest to everyones' heart is our tablecloth.

My grandma brings a table cloth that we continue to write on every year (in a different color) and say what we're thankful for.  It's so special to look back and see what we've written and how we've grown as a family. Below are some of my contributions to the tablecloth!

At the time of these pictures I hadn't decided what I was going to write for this year.  What are some special traditions that your family has?