Update

Since I'm not on Facebook these days I thought I'd fill in a little bit of what I'm doing to prepare for my future in teaching. Tomorrow I take the cpr/first aid class required by the state of Michigan in order to apply for my certification. When that class is done and I have the appropriate proof of completion, I can mail that in along with transcripts, copy of my previous cert, and the application for MI certification. Then it's back to waiting. The state will tell me what else I need in order to obtain my certification, and I will do it. Whatever it is. Because I want to be certified by the state of Michigan, I want to teach, and I want it as soon as possible!

Read It

The Books of the Bible by Biblica. It's written without chapter or verse markings, footnotes, references, etc. Instead of two columns on a page, this Bible is written just like any other book. Also, the books of the Bible are arranged in a different, better, order to aid in understanding the Scriptures. The whole point is to focus on God's Word and nothing else. There are no numbers, letters, notes to get in the way of the full impact of God's Holy Truth. I got a copy of the New Testament (NIV) for Christmas, and I absolutely love it. Reading God's Word has never been so refreshing, enlightening, and enjoyable. Looking for something new for your Bible reading/study this year? I highly recommend The Books of the Bible!!

Big Kids, Little Kids

For seven years I taught 5th and 6th grade students, as well as some 2nd-4th graders. Now, I teach 18 months to 3 year olds! Big difference. Here are some things I never heard or said in upper elementary... *"I just went potty!!!" *"Don't stand on the chair!" *"Can I have a potty treat?" *"Who's stinky??" *"Quit flushing the toilet." *"Don't bite." *"Who's Mickey Mouse is this?" *"He won't share!" *"Use your words." *"We don't hit our friends." *"Don't open that door." *"Is she all out of diapers?" *"Why?" *"Get the potty seat." *"Don't throw your food on the floor." *"Time for naps." *"I want up." *"Go get on your cot." *"Walking feet!"

Look Back

Here are some noteworthy events from 2012: April - Kristin and Nate's wedding in Wisconsin (number 8 as a bridesmaid) June - Andrea and Drew's wedding in Utah (number 9 as a bridesmaid) July - Lakeshore Christian Academy, my alma mater and place of employment, closed forever. It was a shocker, believe me. July - my car broke down on the way to Indy and I had to be towed for the first time ever! After I had a meltdown on the phone with my dad I pulled it together, and, with help from Jim & Stacie, got all the arrangements made, the car got towed & fixed, and I had a great 4th of July with some fantastic friends. July - With a handful of other church ladies I went up north to South Manitou Island for 4 days of backpacking, hiking, camping, and fellowship. IT WAS AWESOME!!! September - started work at Kid's Kampus daycare. I'd worked there off and on over the years, but never full time. It's going well. I love the kids. (duh, of course I do...) December - Family Christmas at my house, for the first time. Nothing fancy, but nice to have a warm cozy home in which to host our little get-together.

Best Year Ever

I am convinced that 2013 is going to be the best year ever. For one thing, I will be 30 on Friday the 13th of September. That has to be good, right? And, I am going to be a bridesmaid for the 10th time. Ten is a good round number, so after that it's sure to be my turn. Also, after losing my job because of our school's closing, everything has been rather topsy turvy in my life and I am pretty certain it should be getting straightened out here in the next 12 months. So, Happy New Year to all my readers, thanks for listening, and feel free to share what you have coming up this year!

Something to Think About

"Being baptized into Christ, we are baptized into his death, that as he died and rose again, so, in conformity thereunto, we should die unto sin, and walk in newness of life; it would be of great advantage to us did we oftener remember this."  Matthew Henry

These Days

*School's out - 7 years under my belt, praise God!

*Julie came to visit Memorial Day weekend

*I head to Utah/Andrea's wedding next week

*Right now I'm staying with Molly at the lake house

*Beth is coming this weekend!

*I'm reading a handful of good books

*I really like Matthew Henry's commentaries

*On Saturday I will run my first ever 5k - all proceeds go to Wings of Mercy

*My guest room has been rearranged and is super cute so come visit =)

*Despite the cold and rain the last few days, I have been to the pool and beach and am getting a good tan already