No Fun Being the Newbie

I had my first day of student teaching today. Not that I did any teaching or even observed any teaching, I went to my first "staff development meeting". It wasn't as boring as it sounds. My mentor teacher is friendly and invited me to lunch with some more seasoned teachers.

I consider myself to be pretty friendly.... but it was so hard today. I think part of the reason was a splitting headache (people with bad allergies should NOT spray paint dressers - especially when the end result looks bad anyway! :). I also think I felt a little awkward.... I'm used to walking into the same job for 7 years... and the job before that another 7 years. I am a creature of habit. I surround myself with people I know and who know me. But this will change... and become more comfortable. Tomorrow I'm heading back to the school to help decorate and organize the classroom. I'm praying that I will worry less about fitting in and just absorb this experience like a sponge and become the best student teacher I can.

My mentor teacher is having a desk put into her class for me and I will have a room key and a faculty parking sticker. I know that may sound silly to some, what's the big deal, right? But I have been going to school a LONG time (I may have already mentioned that :) to be a teacher. So it feels like I am finally getting a teensy-weensy slice of the pie (And I LOVE pie!).

The principal of my school made several references to his church and faith. I would work there just to work with him. He seems very genuine and all of the teachers like him.

I'm still cleaning out the kids' room.... how did we accumulate this much junk in only 3 years?! Our bedroom is getting pretty crowded. I'm hoping this weekend we can get Greg's application finished, print off photos of the house and take it to the agency. Please continue to pray for us as we seek God's will in our schedules. On a brighter note I have a friend who is giving us a crib, stroller, car seat and base. And probably more stuff. We want to have anything we might need on hand for a newborn to 12 year old, but it is impossible to buy everything. God is blessing us through friends with many items that we won't have to buy ourselves.

Three Years Ago Today

On August 6, 2005 at 3PM I walked down the aisle and married the man of my dreams.

It really does seem like yesterday.

I woke my parents and sister up at 6 AM. I couldn't sleep and thought we should all go to breakfast. Although no one was really happy with me at the time I think we can all look back on that last "family" meal (minus Greg) together with fondness.

Looking back, one thing that is clear to me now is how naive I was about marriage. That girl in the white dress was not only thinner (ha!) but very idealistic. I have been surprised at how difficult marriage is - but so worth the work!

I can also see looking back how God prepared Greg and I for marriage and for each other. It was worth the wait and in God's perfect time.

Happy Anniversary to my mate, my Macho Man, my friend, and my forever love. I wouldn't trade these three years for anything.

Love,

Brandi