Graduation... finally

Not that anyone still reads this blog - (because of my slacking off of course!), but I thought I'd try to catch up... ; )

Paris and I (We finally made it!)

In May I reached a huge milestone - my bachelors degree in interdisciplinary studies. Additionally, I passed both state mandated tests required to receive certification in the state of Texas, (4-8th reading/language arts/ social studies) What does all this mean?!

I'm looking for a job!

Over the last few weeks my world has been turned upside down. For so long, school set my schedule and placed boundaries around my time... now that it's gone, I feel a bit lost. I'm transitioning from student to teacher, but I don't have a job yet, so it's difficult to prepare. I know it will happen! It's only the beginning of june and I've had several interviews for possible openings.

Enough of all that!

The best part of everything is my nephew. That lil' guy is the light of our lives! His smile, sense of humor, loving nature, and charming good looks, (need I go on?!), have captivated just about every inch of our family. Take a close look at his little finger, that's where you'll find us... wrapped very tightly - at his beckon call.

That's about all I have time for today. In short, things are going well, just transitioning. ShuShu and I are happy and trusting that it will all work out.

Oliver

I have failed to mention that Marty is a daddy! He and his wife, Cassie, have an adorable son named Oliver. He lives with my parents - Marty has weekend visitation rights... ; )

"Oli" at two days old


Father son bonding time

Sneak Peek - Graduation Pics

Today, my amazing husband gave me an early graduation gift - a photo shoot for my announcements. I have to share a few of the pictures he took... so fun.

In his spare time, Hubs is pursuing photography...

It sure beats watching TV! : )

Visit his blog - hire him for photos!

http://mgrantphotography.blogspot.com/

Memories of Months Past

Student teaching causes me to treasure our blessed family time over the holidays.

*wistful thinking *

In that line of thinking, here are of few of my favorites, the ones that keep me trucking along when the days get long.

Christmas morning... I love his smile and pjs

CNY carefree fun

My small furry creature who tries his best to make me smile after a trying day at school.

Lastly, the person who makes my heart skip a beat. His eternal optimism is something I cherish. The stength and faith within this heart is unmatched... there's nothing like it.

Each day is an adventure, and I don't have to go it alone.

Things are busy, but we are happy.

A New Blog - No Way!

I know you're just dying to know what we've been up to... ; ) Way too much to blog about. (I'll sure try though!)

1. Student Teaching: What can I say besides: Ahhhhh!? Am I really cut out to be a teacher? This is the most intense semester ever - how I miss those upper division geopol classes. (Wow - did I really say that out loud!?) I am with a 6th grade reading class. The students are well-behaved and so much fun to teach. The "Ahhhh!!" comes from the pressure which spills down from the govt, to the state, to the admin, to the teachers, and lastly, to me... : ( All this TAKS testing is way out of hand - I had no clue. Entire campuses shut down - it's crazy!

2. Anniversary: Hubs & I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary. He made it very special! I had several gifts throughout the day. They fit into the rhyme, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something new." He created a photo collage of memories for something old. A sweet letter with blue ink for something blue. I am borrowing SIL's scrapbooking machines!! He bought me a kitchen aid mixer to fulfill the something new - I have wanted one of these since I was 10! : ) Part of the gift was that we made cookies together.

3. My Birthday: So not a big deal... I really loved having dinners, (not 1, but 3 !) with my friends and family. It made my day very special!

4. CNY: Our 1st Chinese New Year with Wei-J. He had such a wonderful time. I love this picture of him playing with Shu Shu's ear! (Good thing MIL taught him to wash behind them.)

Just a happy boy! Dancing to the music with his whole body, and clapping his hands to show he approves.

5. Aunt L and R were married: Shu Shu took some great pics of the wedding, but like always, I am running out of time.

I hope that all of our family and friends are doing well. Missing many of you today!

Congratulations to the B family! Their baby is the size of a shrimp today! : )

We're Off to See the Wizard

What does the Cha Cha slide,

Dance Dance Revolution,

and "tooty ta ta"have to do with New Years Eve?

They were all part of the 2nd annual Deep Youth New Years Lock-in!

We did a New Years Eve lock-in for all the students who helped out with the Hands and Feet Mission. It was intense, but so worth it. Very few problems! We played tons of games, ate junk food, and finally split the boys and girls around 3:30 am.

Thankfully we had the help of JV & MV!

After:

At 7:34 on January 1, 2009 I walk into the front of our church. Sweet K, Hubs, and JV are sprawled out on pews and the floor. They laugh as I wearily approach them. All I could say was, "They are still awake. They didn't even sleep a little." Then I began to list what the 7 girls (ages 10-14) did for the past 4 hrs.

Pedicures - Manicures (Accompanied with a back and hand massage!)
Created skits to various songs

The card game speed

Bounced on chairs

"What would Jesus do" card game, (Although their answers typically frightened me...)

A reenactment of the Wizard of Oz, (Including the sound effects and the munchkin scene)

Hubs and I slept around 12hrs last night. I slept 9 to 9...

Oh the joys of youth pastoring... wouldn't trade it for anything.

It's Christmas time and now your home.

*New pictures coming soon*

Just a quick note: It was so amazing to see Wei J's face when he walked out of his room Christmas morning. He was as suprised to see Shu Shu, Ayi, and Gong Gong as he was to see the toys. Although the toy packaging gave us some trouble, ; ) we played with him and his new toys.

S-I-L and Wei-J gave me this beautiful Willow Tree. It's called Child's Touch:

"For those who share in the wonder of a childs world"

So meaningful and special.

Merry Christmas to all of our family and friends!