Since Summer Vacation Started, I Have:

• done an enormous amount of cleaning and organizing in my classroom.
• gone to Skyline and a Red's game. It was such a beautiful night hanging with friends. :)

• held my friend's newly born baby. I could have held little Braelynn all. day.

• had a picnic and took in a movie with Andrew and Rachelle. It was a happy night. My mint chocolate chip ice-cream sundae was also happy. :)

• traveled to Illinois and worked with Lucas at his music camp. What a lovely week! Lucas is absolutely incredible. I loved watching him teach and interact with the kids. He's so gifted. It was just so fun to work alongside him throughout the week. I got to play lots of piano and teach voice as well as a little piano. Who knew improv could be so fun?! I have so many happy memories from this week.  What a great start to summer!

Next trip is to Oklahoma and then back to Illinois for a wedding. :) I'm thankful for the gift of relationships with people!

Today is the First Day of June

I didn't cry yesterday on the last day of school. Actually I did cry last night at the Graduation / Awards Assembly when we stood, clapping, in honor of Ona Truesdale and Dean. I was overwhelmed with gratitude to be a part of a school that is committed to touching little lives for Christ. So, I did cry then.

Yesterday morning, before we left for our field trip, we read another chapter in History. Yes, we did school work on the last day of school. Cruel, I know! But I did give them jellybeans when they read or answered a question. That's gotta count for something!

One of our special surprises (there were several) were our very own chapter books about us! For once, I think every boy and girl were looking at the words as we read. ;) It was a sweet moment.

Ok, now I miss my kiddos. Sigh.

We had a great time on our field trip. Our group picture was blurry, there were a few small scrapes, and a stern talking to with an attitude-givin' child, but at the end of the day, I wouldn't have changed a thing.

I was thinking over the past year...and really...all those frustrating behaviors, attitudes, low academic levels, my own feelings of inadequacy pale in light of this: "Did my students know that I love them and that God loves them?" That's the most important thing. Everything falls beneath that. That's good Alanna. I need to tuck that one away for next year. :)

So my summer begins. Well, I still have a day of in-service, and a few huge days of cleaning, but it is summer. I'm missing this guy a lot! He's serving Jesus in the Cayman Islands right now...spreading the joy of Jesus and music. I couldn't be more proud of him. Lord willing, I'll see him Monday night. Can't. Wait. :)

I love this pic of him and his sweet sister who I know prays for us. So blessed.

Well, I'm off to work on the laundry.

This blowing breeze is such a gift. God, thank you.

All Smiles

  Today, the happiest person in the world graduated, a miracle of God's great grace.

And I loved enjoying the day with my sweet boyfriend at my side.

I'm smiling, listening to the rain splatter on the leaves.

God - Your joy, Your peace, Your nearness is amazing.

Stars

This from Ann really resonates with me tonight.

"When the world strives -- the wise still. It's the only way to feel God's embrace."

"You can give up the need to compete in the world -- when you accept being complete in Christ."

"She needn't be heard....because she was known.

The hatchlings, they held themselves in this silent, fearless assurance.

The fog settled down in the hollow, a veil hiding the woods away. Behind it somewhere the frogs sang on...

She felt found.

She would be small. She would make her life small.

There on the stairs, there by the next of hatchlings in the deepening twilight, she looked up.

She could see it all abover her --

How the stars are always small..."

Mother's Day and other Happy Pictures :)

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

God gave us the best when He gave us you!

Beautiful flowers from my students and their parents. :)

Last Friday was Walk-a-thon.

We had A LOT of fun. :)

We were SO HAPPY to see each other last Saturday! Can't you tell? ;)

Hmm...he doesn't make me smile at all. ;)

Is this much smiling legal?! ;)

He's just the greatest. ever.

Yep, I just can't contain it. :D

 

And one parting picture... ;)

Weekends are for:

• eating LaRosa's and drinking Coke 
• playing the piano
• falling asleep on the couch
• sleeping in
• listening to Bluegrass
• eating biscuits and gravy
• grading papers / getting caught up
• laughing around the table with family
• noticing those little purple and yellow flowers in the green grass
• shopping at Meijer
• listening to the Selah channel on Pandora
• being quiet
• drinking good coffee
• stepping back, getting some perspective (Hindsight's 20/20.)
• picking a yellow bouquet
• thinking about that good man of mine
• thanking God for His ever-present faithful goodness

Easter 2013

"Five years from now you will be pretty much the same as you are today except for two things: the books you read and the people you get close to." - Charles Jones

Interesting quote that I think has a lot of truth to it.

So, I've been reading Ben-Hur: A Tale of Christ and have been thoroughly enjoying it. Maybe it's due in part that my copy is dated 1908...I love an old book. :)

"To redeem the race -- I do not mean to destroy it -- to redeem the race, he must make himself once more manifest; HE MUST COME IN PERSON" (Ben-Hur).

"By-and-by the moon came up. And as the three tall white figures sped, with soundless tread, through the opalescent light, they appeared like spectres flying from hateful shadows. Suddenly, in the air before them, not farther up than a low hill-top, flared a lambent flame; as they looked at it, the apparition contracted into a focus of dazzling lustre. Their hearts beat fast; their souls thrilled; and they shouted as with one voice, "The Star! the Star! God is with us!" (Ben-Hur).

 

"...and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all...but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord" (Portions of 1 Corinthians 15, emphasis mine).

Now, some people who I'm blessed to "get close to." :)

My Spring break started with a trip to Indiana to attend Lucas' graduate piano recital. What a fabulous performance by a gifted musician! God is doing great things with that man. :) I was so happy to be in the audience and to be with him for the weekend. I treasure our time spent together.

Later in the week, I reconnected with my good friend Katie. She is my dear friend who's going to be a wonderful mommy soon. I admire her heart and am so proud of her.

And Easter was happily spent with the fam. :) Thankful...thankful.