summer

Our summer activities are winding down and I'm beginning to prepare for school. So, before summer is completely over, here's a little "summer"ary:) of what we've been up to.

Shortly after I returned home from Texas, we took middle-schoolers to Impact at Lipscomb. It had been a while since we'd used community showers and participated in all that is crazy/silly/fun about middle-school camp:) We enjoyed spending time with the kids and building relationships with them!

We had sweet friends, Andy and Carol, from Maryneal come visit. They came to Tennessee for a family reunion and made time to find us while they were somewhat close! It was a treat to visit with them and show them our home, town, and church.

Then, I got to go to Albuquerque for a couple of days of girl FUN with my mom, sister, aunt, and cousins. It was sooo fun!! We enjoyed time together visiting, eating, and walking around Santa Fe. We even took a tram ride over the mountains...so pretty and fun!

When I got home we had company. Jarrod and Lewis stayed with us and went with Keith to the Christian Scholars Conference, which they LOVED! I went and heard the last speaker and got to see several of Keith's ACU professors and their wives. They are always sweet and encouraging. Then we got to have lunch and good visiting with Dana Hood, my sweet professor/mentor/friend.

The next week was Summer Celebration at Lipscomb. It was beginning to feel like Lipscomb was our new home, but no worries we are still bleeding wildcat purple, not bison purple:) However, if we have to be far from ACU, there's no other college campus we'd rather spend time at. Anyway, summer celebration is their lectureship. We enjoyed worship and classes. Our favorite class was Earl Lavender's "Transformissional Friendship." It was the BEST class I've ever been in. ever. Maybe I'll blog more about it later. We enjoyed meals in the city and fireworks on Friday night too. But, the very best part of summer celebration was spending the night in Nashville with Ronnie and Angela (one of our elders and his wife). We always have the best late night conversations with them.

Then, one night we went with a big group from church to Faith Night at the Nashville Sounds baseball game with Jars of Clay! We got a concert, baseball game, hot dog and coke, all for $10!! Isn't that such a good deal?! We had a blast!

Last week, Keith and I went back to Nashville for a couple of days, but this time, there were no events, conferences, camps, or meetings, just FUN and RELAXING! It was a little vacation for just the two of us:) We slept in, read, snuggled, soaked up some poolside sun, and went out to eat.

Between and amongst all of that, I've done a little scrapbooking, read, slept in, worked on Sunday school lesson plans, and enjoyed meals and conversations with friends.

And, guess what?!!

My sweet husband has finally joined the world wide web of blogging!

You may have noticed that I went a little nuts with the links on this post:) There were probably more links on this post than the whole rest of the blog put together, but if you only click on one link, make it this one. I think you'll enjoy exploring apprenticeship!

Check it out:)

teaching school is the job for me, i just can't help it:)

Hey friends. Long time, no blog, I know. We're still enjoying life in Tennessee. The summer has been eventful and fun! About a month ago, I got to fly to Texas to visit some family and friends. Best of all, I got to SURPRISE my mom at her retirement party...sooo fun! My mom was a fabulous teacher for many years, and it was an honor to be there to celebrate with her! Here is a copy of the letter that I wrote for her retirement. But, first a couple pictures of us! The first one was right after she first saw me...SURPRISE!

Dearest Mama,

In reflecting upon your upcoming retirement, I want you to know that because of you…

I work to create a classroom environment that’s loving, welcoming, and warm.

I want to make every child feel loved.

I try to give a little extra love to those who are harder to love.

I look for strengths in every student.

I survive off of hugs.

I sit in the floor.

I touch children that are not clean.

I wipe noses and bottoms when I need to.

I listen to each child’s story.

I work to develop a sense of community within my classroom.

I try to look at learning through the eyes of a child.

I try to make learning fun and engaging.

I watch children play.

I play with children.

I realize the value of relationship with other teachers.

I try to encourage other teachers.

Thank you for making me want to be a teacher. When you were worn out or frustrated with the job, those things did not consume you, because teaching and engaging with little children is who you are. Teaching has never just been a job for you, it has been your identity for many years. I know you are going to miss spending your days with three and four year olds, but I am thankful that you are moving on while you still love it. You are not waiting until you burn out just to draw a paycheck, afraid of what the future holds; you are closing a very full chapter, anxiously waiting to open the next one. You will spend your days with family, with friends, and with lonely people who need a friend. You will do chores and run errands for people who need help. You will make things grow in your garden and cook delicious food in your kitchen. You will share both of those with other people. Whether these things fill your days or you decide to take up quilting, open a restaurant, or run for school board, I know that whatever you do, you will be a blessing to those around you. Thank you for all that you have done to make me who I am today.

I love you!

Mindy

My teaching career is about to shift gears...A LOT! In just a few weeks, I'll begin teaching 6th grade English. I LOVED teaching first grade, enjoyed my short stint in 4th grade last spring, and am looking forward to a new challenge in 6th grade! During my mom's 25 years of teaching, she taught everything from Pre-K three-year-olds to high school seniors. I am thankful for her loving wisdom as I embark on this new adventure! Middle school here I come:)