Hmmm....

I have been wondering how to update my blog because there is been a lot on my mind, and yet I keep telling myself, "No, there are bigger things going on in this world. Your problems aren't that big. Get over what you are feeling and move on."

So, here I sit. Still struggling on what to write.  Not knowing what to do in any situation....

Whoops...

So its been a while since my last update...whoops! Let's just say that things have been a LITTLE crazy since my last post....

• 6/26: We signed the papers for our first home!
• 6/27: We moved into our new home. 
• 7/3-8: We traveled to Illinois, and then on to Minnesota for a family reunion that only happens every three years. 
• 7/11-14: I went to a family camp in Ohio with my mom and dad
• 7/21-28: My sister and her boys got to come visit us! It was wonderful!
• 7/21: Dad was ordained as an elder at our church. I couldn't be any prouder of my Dad. He is an amazing example in so many ways!
• 7/30-8/3: My fellow kindergarten teachers and I held a camp from 9-11 for a few of our kids. 
• 8/3: First official work day for school
• 8/6: Teacher Orientation and Work Day
• 8/7: First day of school - I have 29 students this year all to myself. We are filled to the max when it comes to space. I have to have 5-6 students at each table which makes it difficult when it comes to some projects. I do not have enough coat hooks for my students, so I am anxious to see what it will be like it gets cold out and kids start bringing coats. Also, I do not have enough cubbies. I have had to resort to using little bins for 5 of my kiddos. It is a lot of kids, and it is taking a HUGE toll on me, but I know I will make it through!
• 8/9: I find out I have to participate in a new thing called The New Teacher Academy that our school corporation is putting together. It isn't going to be difficult and I am sure it will be helpful. However, to find out that I have to go once a month at 4'o clock and sit through a book discussion and lecture after being around 29 kids all day, not to mention the stress of being a second year teacher, lets just say I may or may not have had a meltdown. 
• Today: We are preparing for a new testing format. We have only been trained a few hours in a few days. We found out today that we have to administer said test THIS Friday! Now, this isn't just any test. I have to get a sub for my class because I have to be the one to test all 29 students on their lettering naming, beginning sounds, and reading comprehension. Whew! 

So, do you agree that things have been a LITTLE crazy?!? I am hoping things start to slow down soon, but with the way things have been going I am not so sure that is going to happen. Every time I feel like I am getting ahead, I end of finding something else out that puts me three steps behind. I am not one that usually gets so stressed out about things....but I am not sure how I am going to make it through all this :-/ 

Man oh man...

We have some exciting news here in the Dudley house. We are going to be.......

HOMEOWNERS!!!! 


We close on our new home on Tuesday, which just happens to be our 2 year anniversary! What better gift could a girl ask for than a new home! We are really excited about this next step in our journey together. Yes, it was a very nerve wrecking experience, but God was right there through every step just as He always promises to be!

I will post pictures once we get the keys! Stay tuned for more to come :)

Whew....

Okay, since it has been a month since my last post,  I guess I should update because there is kind of a lot going on.

Since my last post.....

- I have finished my first year of teaching. It was definitely a learning experience full of ups and downs. At the beginning of the year I remember being nervous of how the year would turn out. I was not only nervous on how I would do as a first year teacher, but how I would help the students I had to succeed and be ready for 1st grade. I learned things not to do, but I also learned that I think I am cut out for this job. With that being said, I now am in limbo as to whether or not I have a job next year. I do know that if I get my job back I will be on temporary contract again. That means I will have the job for the year, but it is uncertain about the following year. People may think I am crazy, but I am not really freaking out about whether or not I have a job. I have this peace about it all that I don't really know how to explain. Things will work out the way God has them planned so why should I stress out, right?


- Dudley and I are trying to close on a house. Remember how I have that peace about not having a job? Well, I need to keep reminding myself about that when it comes to us getting this house. The house we are wanting to buy is a perfect starter home for Dudley and I. There are limited things that need to be fixed besides painting. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. The problem with this house is that we were to close on  June 15th. That may have happened, but Dudley and I are applying for a specific loan and they are behind in their work. Now, sometimes this wouldn't be a problem, but when you live in an apartment where your lease was up in May, and you are now paying month-to-month, you begin to freak out a little bit .We now have to be out of the apartment by June 30, so things are going to be cut close. My mom and dad have said that if we need to we can stay at their house, but then we would have to figure out what to do with all of our stuff. So, needless to say we are in a time crunch. We are praying for the best!

Well, I should probably get back to getting this house ready to move, wherever that may be :)

Frustration...

Here we are a month later and I am not very happy with myself or the lack of progress I have made. It seems like I just can't figure this weight loss thing out. We have switched our diet considerably but seems like my results are going nowhere! I make a small loss, only to put it back on the next day. I can't seem to get that jump start on losing weight.

Yes, I know that you usually plateau when you lose weight, but doesn't that come after you have had a significant loss?? Things are really getting frustrating and I think mentally I am worse off than when I started this whole process.

Patience....

Here is a quote a friend of mine had on her Facebook status tonight:

"Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting."

These words hit me right in the heart. Dudley and I are in a state of having to be patient in several areas of our lives....

• having to be patient until Dudley can land a full time job
• having to be patient as we wait to hear back about a house
• having to be patient on this weight loss journey I am on
• having to be patient to know 100% sure I still have a full-time job next year

We have placed all of these things in God's hands but often the human side of us gets in the way and we begin to doubt His timing and His path for us to follow. We just keep reminding ourselves to be patient and let him lead.

Update...

This weekend was our Annual Women's Retreat at church. It was so nice to take a couple days and be spiritually feed. Getting to spend time in fellowship and community is something that I often take for granted because it is something that we all, for the most part have, but something that we don't use like we should. The worship and speaking was uh-mazing! I love when it is as if God has those speaking or leading talking to me and me alone. I know there were others that needed to hear what was said too but I love when He hits me right in the heart with His message.

With all of this being said, with fellowship usually comes eating....not so good when you are on a diet. I tried to be good, but I am not perfect and I messed up some. I was a little frustrated when I weighed myself this morning, but I just had to remind myself that everyday is a new journey and I will make!