from teacher to mama

The sweet teachers at my school threw me a surprise baby shower!!! It was so much fun!

I've loved working with this sweet group of teachers. I was pretty nervous about joining the big, scary world of middle school, but these teachers have made me feel so welcome! Middle school was not so big and scary after all:) The kids were taller and could tie their own shoes but were still very sweet! I still got hugs and sweet notes, and enjoyed going to school each day.

My mom has been a teacher most of my life, and I spent many hours in her classroom. Then, at ACU, I spent four years preparing and learning to be a teacher, and for the last seven years, I have been a school teacher. Teaching school has been who I am. It's been a huge part of my identity. I loved building relationships with my students and fellow teachers. I loved reading to children. I loved helping children learn to read independently. I loved helping children learn to solve problems. I loved giving them a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, a hug, or a high five.

After much thought, prayer, and conversation, Keith and I have decided that I am not going to teach school next year. I know that I will miss teaching. I'll miss preparing my classroom as school starts next year. I'll miss the excitement of getting to know a new group of kids. I'll miss spending time with a diverse group of young people everyday. But, I am thrilled to be able to stay home with my sweet son. I'm excited to snuggle, play, and teach Carson! Teaching has been special, and I know I can always go back and teach again someday, but I am thankful and excited for this new chapter in my life!

Here are pictures from Carson's baby shower. These teachers, who I only worked with for one year, were so thoughtful and generous. Carson and I will definitely be going to visit them next year:)

Here are the the sweet sixth grade hostesses and host!

Justin was brave to join so many oooing and awwing women!

The other host had football practice:) We missed you, Brad!

the cute and very yummy turtle cake:)

the gift table and CUTE diaper cake made by sweet Tracy!!

my sweet friend Jill

opening lots of sweet and thoughtful gifts for baby Carson!!!