Home

Home is where you come from, but it is also where you belong.

How long does it take to feel a sense of belonging?

For me, it has taken quite a few months to feel at HOME in Florida.

It was so ridiculously crazy moving here and starting new jobs, trying to adjust as a family. But slowly, I started to get used to palm trees instead of Evergreens. I learned where to take the kids for fun play dates. I started running into people I know at the store and on errands. I am making friends that will be friends for the rest of my life. (Like my Florida sister and other amazing women at church.)

I love taking the kids swimming in our pool.

I enjoy walks on the beach.

I love being able to run any day I want, without winter weather interfering.

The kids are happy in their schools.

Brad is doing tons at church and I'm so happy he's able to be in full time ministry.

I have almost completed my 14th year of teaching, bonding with a new group of students, parents and colleagues.

I love Tropical Smoothies - sometimes more than Starbucks.

It's such a great feeling to have a sense of belonging again.

Like being welcomed home.

the little gifts

Today I'm thankful for the little gifts that seem to come at just the right time.

Getting a phone call from a friend from home who I miss, but I hadn't taken the chance to call.

Reading a heart-wrenching story about a family losing a child, and then gratefully hugging my own - forgetting what I was frustrated with him about.

Overwhelmed by too many papers to grade before report cards - and finding out that I have a Teacher Assistant in my classroom ALL DAY! (Thank you Kami!)

Having weekend guests and a dinner party so that I will be motivated to finish unpacking and do a little decorating. It's time to be out of boxes.....time for curtains and pictures on the wall. This house is really starting to feel like home. It's perfect for us.

Remembering that tomorrow is FRIDAY, the day I get to stop by Starbucks on the way to school.....

Realizing that I can get 6 hours of sleep tonight instead of 5.

The little gifts.

THank you God.

Settling In

I have completely neglected to log into this blog, much less do any updates. Life has been a whirlwind since we landed here 5 months ago. Yes, it has been 5 months. Thanks for the comments a few of you have left. I miss you more than I can say!

The highlights -
3 kids, 3 different schools
teaching 3rd grade full time
working at 2 different gyms
teaching online for SPU
helping out at church
trying to make friends
going to Disneyworld and Animal Kingdom (day trips)
staying in West Palm Beach for my birthday (a friend watched the kids)
trying to find fun places for the kids to explore in Fl,
away from alligators, snakes and bugs
buying a car
buying a house
buying a house on a reserve full of animals, including a lake in our backyard with
an alligator, snakes and many bugs!
moving from the rental to our house
cleaning the rental
unpacking
cleaning
unpacking
taking care of 3 kids going to 3 schools while working 3 jobs
cooking
working
playing



This is the third night in a row I've gone to bed past midnight and I will wake up early to get to school well in advance of student arrival. Some mornings I need to be at the gym at 5:15 to teach a 5:30 class. This time is my sanity - it gives me strength and energy for the day!

I have always enjoyed being busy and doing a lot, but this is crazy. I wish My Hallelujah Song involved sleeping!!!!

I don't know if anyone will even read this, I'm ready to revamp the entire blog and take it into a new direction. Missing my friends and the Northwest quite a bit. THis is probably one reason I didn't blog. I couldn't think about what was left behind, but I needed to focus on where we are now.

Should I even go to bed tonight. or just get ready and go to work? I think the custodian opens the gates at 5 am....4 hours from now.

I definitely need to revamp this blog.



Happy New Year!!!