Lady Texans Game

Most Friday evenings we watch the Varsity basketball game at my school. I have some of the girls in my class, and I love to cheer them on at their games (and Stephen enjoys coaching- he gets WAY TOO into it). Not to mention, it's a cheap date for me and Stephen lol... and then we race home to watch the final quarter of the Rockets game. Well, this past Friday was the Teacher Appreciation night. Each girl chooses a teacher and they announce them, say wonderful things about each one and then we meet them in the middle of the court. It's always a special night honoring the teachers. Well, Stefanie (my girl) made me and Mili a shirt especially for this night. My kids, even though they are 17-18, love to hear "Mili stories" and when she is at school with me, they go crazy. Anyways, here are some cute pictures from that night.

WE WON!!! Go Lady Texans!

"Hey, hey you, you know what to do. You got to rock with the white and roll with the blue"

She yells "Go Stef" the whole game... even if she is not paying attention. It's awesome lol!!

Stefanie and Mili after the game. Stefanie had been crying... so excited about winning!!!

Me and my girl, Stefanie. I am so proud of her!

Us girls- in our shirts. Mine says "Hall: Stefo's #1 fan and 10 on the back."

Great game... we beat LaPorte!

My reason for teaching

Not every week is like this one, however, I can't help but share how proud I am today.

Last year I had a boy in my class, who decided to drop out. After several "heart to heart" conversation and even some with his mom, he still dropped out... I felt defeated. This year comes around and I was ask to make a home visit to see if he would re-enroll, still he said he probably wouldn't. As I left school that day I received an email from the principal to go check in the registrars office... he was enrolling! Now it was on, getting him to graduate. Yesterday I received an email saying he had completed all his courses and he asked to walk with my homeroom at graduation! I have been on cloud nine since, what an accomplishment. I take for granted so often when 95% of my students complete the course and graduate... but yesterday I was so happy and proud for him!

Today I received a huge compliment by our principal in an email, and he used a simile (the English teacher in me loved ), he ended by saying, "This is what this profession is all about. Its like sinking a three pointer on the buzzer to win a big game."

It's always nice to be noticed for hard work... but honestly, more than that, this boy is graduated and gets to walk across the stage... something that deserves even more praise!!

OH- and thank you Lord, I was asked to teach an after school course recovery class... and it pays well- any extra money for a wedding and house is nice! It is such a blessing!!

Quick break...

Just needing a break from grading....I am ready for Thursday!! I will be done with grades and testing.... what a relief! Friday and Monday are teacher work days, so that will be wonderful as well!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY! My honey turns 32 today, I love my old man! :) I am excited about his birthday dinner, then the game (It's Roooockets Ball) and then a surprise! Poor thing has to wait until Saturday for all his presents from me and the family... Anyways, I love you Stephen, and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Ok, I best get back to grading... and it's almost time to give another final. Please 12:45 get here quick!

Enjoying Our Engagement (and other things)

Often times I hear about stressed out brides or just total chaos with planning a wedding. I am so thankful that EVERYTHING has fallen into place. I haven't stressed for a second about the wedding... even the little details are coming together. The way the church and reception will look, 9 bridesmaids and 9 groomsman, invitations, programs, singers, cake, pictures, video, flowers... and the list goes on. Even our showers and parties are being planned, it's just a really exciting time. And to make it better Stephen is not the typical "doesn't care about the wedding" guy, he is involved with everything. Our wedding planner laughed when he came to the first meeting with me, saying he was only the second groom she ever saw in all her years. Quite honestly, Stephen had more to say with coming up with ideas and making suggestions than I did, but I so thoroughly enjoyed him doing it all with me. Anyways, the day is fast approaching (thankfully we didn't go with Stephen's Spring Break wedding) LOL!

Buying a house on the other hand is ALL new to me... So please keep praying the Lord will lead us to the house He wants for us and that I will not stress along the way. I am use to planning well and making smart decisions, but buying a house is a huge purchase and I so badly want the Lord to be in the very center of it. Stephen is wonderful with completely trusting the Lord and will often stop me in my words to pray with me and just take my concerns to the Lord (the Lord knew I would need someone to just shut me up sometimes). I, on the other hand, like to stress and worry, you know, help God out just in case He needs me or something. However, that usually only leads to more problems so patience and faith is what I am working on now with the whole house situation.

Also, I am so excited about doing our marriage counseling, maybe that sounds weird, but I am so looking forward to it. Stephen's brother, Paul, is the one doing it and we often make jokes when we do something the other doesn't like and call Paul. LOL. But in all seriousness, I can't wait to be faced with ways I need to change or think about differently so I can become a better helpmate for Stephen and grow closer to the Lord. Proverbs 31 is my favorite chapter in all the Bible, it becomes more and more real to me daily.

On a different note... the first semester is OVER! It's so crazy, it feels like we just started back to school. My seniors are getting antsy and hoping this semester goes by just as quickly as last. (And I am right with them!) 147 days til graduation, we have a countdown on the board. I am so proud of my students and genuinely love my job more and more every day.

Well time to get ready for everyone to come over to watch Bama beat Texas :)

Out of all the men in the world...

...how did I get the best one?

I am so thankful to be marrying such an encouraging man. He makes me laugh daily, loves me unconditionally, but my favorite thing is how I have man who seeks and loves the Lord with his whole heart. I am glad the Lord gave me him to help guide and lead me. I love that not only is he my best friend, but he is the person I get to grow and learn in the Lord with... Lord, thank you for such a blessing.

Looking so forward to 2010!!!

Happy Birthday Jesus