Miranda's Dailies

Contentment

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 04:38:00 +0000

I just got done eating dinner with 2 of my most favorite people in the world. I have 3 ladies that I have come to rely on for all things "teacher" and for their beloved friendship. We try to get together around once a month and talk about jobs (we are all teachers), kids, boys, and life in general. It was so much fun to see them, and play host to them as we celebrated Christmas. Thanks girls!

As I was showing them around my apartment tonight and chatting I became in awe of how wonderful my life is. I know what you are thinking... CONCEITED, much? You could say that, I guess. There, as ashamed as I am to say it, haven't been many times that I can say I am content. There has always been something that I wanted, needed or complained about. I don't think I have it all together, by any means, but I feel happy and content in where I am.

I have, in previous posts, talked about my family, friends, job, etc. I am grateful for those. If someone asked me to explain how I feel about those, I could go on and on. In the past, there has always been the "This is great, but I wish..." The "But" clause, as I have just now called it, has been a source of discontentment.

" My life is great, BUT I wish I made more money"

"My life is great, BUT I wish I had someone to come home to."

"My life is great, But I wish I had this car, or these clothes, or this TV."

These are all things that, yeah, I still want. I can wait, though. I have a drive in me to become a specialist in the teaching field. I have, somewhere in me, the ability to stick to a budget and use my money more wisely, which would allow me to have the material things I want. I am also learning that God's plan is more important than my plan. My plan has been out the window a long time ago.

I am happy with the fact that I can (as I am right now) sit in my pj's with a glass of wine, typing away to a world beyond me while Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald play in the background. I can put my all into my job and focus on my 18 little babies and into my walk with the LORD.

I am happy that I can pay my bills and have some left over for fun. I know that many people in the world cannot do that. I am learning to live within my means and take pleasure in providing dinner for my friends without it costing me anything extra.

In his book, Authentic Faith, Gary Thomas says:

Contentment is a conscious decision to rest in the providence of God, a humble embracing of the fact that we can learn lessons where ever we are. It doesn't entirely preclude working for something "better", but cultivates a spirit of thankfulness even in less-than-ideal situations.

I don't necessarily think that just because I say I am content means that I don't want anything to change, ever. I would love to have someone to come home to and to live in a house that I own. I would love to take extravagant vacations and have a media room. But God placed me here, for a reason, in the situation I am in. I am happy and willing to wait on the Lord to show me my next step :)

May He grant you according to your heart’s desire,

And fulfill all your purpose.

Psalm 20:4 (NKJV)

Christmastime

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 17:27:00 +0000

Christmas has been so much fun this year! From having Keith and Sarah with us for a little more than a week, to Eli's first Christmas, we have been enjoying the holiday! Because Keith and Sarah had to leave this morning for Chicago, we had Christmas morning yesterday. After eating a yummy breakfast, we opened presents, and opened more presents. We even managed to convince mom to let us open our stockings the night before. Santa was really good to all of us this year, especially Eli! Uncle Keith and Daddy (Russell) helped him open presents. Eli got fussed over all week from Honey (mom), Uncle Keith and Aunt Sarah. I even got a few kisses in :) I hope everyone has had a Merry Christmas!

Grumps and Eli

Playing with the tissue paper

opening gifts

I got a new Division Champs shirt

Uncle Keith got Eli a new onesie

My favorite picture

New cast iron skillets for the boys

Eli was helping Uncle Keith open gifts

Cute Couple

GrumpsHoney

Meagan's co-worker got Eli a big present!!

Having some Aunt Sarah time. Aunt Sarah taught him how to flap his arm in rhythm. It was entertaining!

Eli's Visit, Martin Family Christmas, and Christmas Break

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:16:00 +0000

This is probably the most random post I have ever written, but I have had a very quick and busy two weeks.
Friday was the last day of school. My kids were hyped up on sugar and had a million times the amount of energy they usually do. Needless to say, I was glad when 2:05 came around and they all went home. I am sure I had 19 mommas cursing me for the amount of sugar that I allowed them to eat! We really had a good time during the day and they were sad to leave me for two weeks. I, however, am super excited to have the 2 weeks off to recuperate and hit the ground running Jan 3.
Friday evening, my brothers and their families came down from their homes and graced me with their presence. It was a short visit, but it was fun! It was nice to be able to show them the apartment and have some "sibling" time. On Saturday, the Martin's all descended on the uncle's house in Rosharon, Tx. Not everyone was able to come but the three newest Martin's did get to meet and it was nice to see my cousins. We always do a gift game and I came out with a pretty good gift! My cousin Lindsey, sells Scentsy so I got a warmer and 3 bars of scents. I can't wait to make my house smell good :) I was planning on buying one anyways, so I was glad that I ended up with it!
After the party, Russell, Meagan, Eli and I packed up and left to come up to Texarkana. Since I have a break, I decided to come up with them before Christmas. Keith and Sarah stayed behind with my pup and will be coming up tomorrow, and the parental units will be here on Thursday. The trip was long, but I slept a lot of the way and have been able to relax and enjoy my "vacation" I will come back the 26th, and am looking forward to working on my apartment a little bit.
I have been able to spend some one on one time with the adorable Mr. Eli, and I am very grateful for that. I love his hair and his smile. He lights up the room whenever people see him. The best moment was when Keith got to hold him for the first time. Eli was taken with Keith and Sarah, both! :)
I have enjoyed hours of TV, reading books, surfing the internet, going shopping and SLEEPING! I came up to Texarkana not to get sympathy, but to leave my reality for a little bit.

I love my reality, I really do... but like all things, you need a break sometimes.

Tomorrow, Keith and Sarah will be here and my life will be a fairy-tale, seeing that I like nothing more than to be with all of my siblings at the same time :)

Waiting for Joseph...

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:46:00 +0000

I have read the Christmas story a thousand times. Every year, as I sat at the midnight Christmas Eve service, the story would resonate through the brick building and in and out of my ears. I can tell it back to anyone that will listen with little hesitation. Tonight, I was reading over it again because I love the story of obedience and loyalty to God.
While I was reading, I had a thought that had never come across my mind. What an incredible man Joseph was. I can't imagine what he would be thinking as Mary told him that she was pregnant. Can you imagine how that conversation had gone?

Mary: Uh... Joseph? Yeah, umm... I am pregnant but still a virgin.

Joseph: And how does that work exactly??

Joseph was so faithful to God and his plan that he married a woman that he could have sworn off. She would have been shunned in the community and her reputation would have been ruined. Joseph however, believed in the Lords plan and honored his commitment to Mary.

Everyone talks about how I need to wait for my "Boaz" but this evening has made me think that maybe I should wait for my Joseph.

Candyhouse

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 02:44:00 +0000

My church did a candy house village this year. We had the unveiling tonight. The mosaic class had the church. This thing was huge!!!

We used cinnamon gum, graham cracker, cookies, peppermint sticks and other various items to create the house. It was a lot of work, but turned out amazing!! Rayna, my friend and awesome artist, led the team and we all pitched in! Great work guys!!!

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:53:00 +0000

Wow! A lot can change in a year! What an exciting and growing year this has been.

Maybe I should start in the beginning…

In January, I started my last semester in school- student teaching. I taught with two teachers (8 weeks each) and became an integrated part of the classrooms. It was a fun and eye opening experience as I learned what it really took to be a teacher. Throughout the 16 weeks, I tried to balance the classes I was taking, teaching, and a life. School generally got all of my time and dedication.

In March, I found out that I was going to be an AUNT!! Russell and Meagan had been put on a list to adopt a child. It was a long process but Elijah Glenn Martin was born and the birth mom chose Russ and Meagan to be the parents. It was a prayer answered 1,000-fold. Eli stayed in the hospital for 2 months and came home Mother’s Day weekend. He is such a sweet little boy and a light in our lives!

The next weekend, I graduated! It took 10 years, but I finally made it across the stage and received my diploma. It was one of the top ten days that I have had. After the ceremony, I had several friends and family come to my uncle’s house where we had a big bash complete with paw print cookies and hamburgers.

The summer went by quickly. I worked (a lot) and filled out applications. All of the school districts had let go of teachers in anticipation of the budget cuts. This meant that positions were few and far between. It was a very worrisome time for me. I managed to take time to visit Russell and Meagan and even went on a retreat as a junior high counselor with my church. My cousin got married in Florida right after I graduated. It was a great week and my dad and I went para-sailing! It was awesome!! In July, I took on the job of decorating the church for VBS. It was a huge job but I had lots of help and it turned out well.

In August, I got a phone call that someone wanted to interview me for a 4^th grade position. I couldn’t believe it!! It was one of the only offers I had gotten. I quickly went on it…not knowing the whirlwind my life was about to be on. I got the job 2 weeks before the kids started. I started the week after I signed my contract and went through a week long new teacher orientation. It was very helpful but really intense. I was able to get into my classroom and I started to prepare for my students.

I love my classroom and teaching! I am utterly exhausted but I know that it is where God wanted me and I am blessed everyday by my 19 kids. They are smart, funny, sweet and yes, drive me crazy every now and then. My co-workers are so encouraging and helpful. My principal is AH-mazing along with the specialists and other staff. Fourth grade is a tough year. The curriculum is harder and the testing changes. This is also the year that the students have to get ready for 5^th grade. It is interesting to see the growing and maturing that my students are going through. So exciting!

Recently, I moved into my own place. I had been staying with my grandma from July to November. My grandfather broke his hip and is in a rehab place, so I was helping my grandma out. I decided, however, that it was time for me to get out on my own. I took the plunge and rented a one-bedroom apartment in Pearland. It is a cute place that fits my needs really well.

I am still active in my singles group at church. I stepped down as director in August, but have enjoyed helping out and attending events when I can.

I have been blessed beyond belief this year and can’t believe how many goals I have achieved. I cannot wait to see what adventures God has in store for me in 2012!

May God bless you and your family!

Miranda Martin

If I was honest....

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 03:41:00 +0000

If I was honest....
I would tell you that I am happy in most areas of my life.
I would tell you that I struggle with the lackluster passion for the Lord I seem to worship with on a daily basis lately.
I would tell you that the Lord's plan and mine have not been jiving lately.

If I was honest......
I would tell you that I get bouts of envy that fade away slowly with each wedding invitation addressed to me.
I would tell you that I am sick of hearing my name being called 20 times a day.
I would tell you that living alone can be lonely at times.

If I was honest.....

Jeremiah 29:11

Thanksgiving with Eli :Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:31:00 +0000

Because of my newly acquired apartment I had to delay my trip to see my brother and his family for a couple of days. It was well worth the wait! After stopping in Jacksonville to see my college friend and her classroom, I drove the rest of the way into Texarkana last night. I was greeted by my sweet monkey! I am so blessed to be able to spend the next few days with Russell, Meagan, and Eli. I can't wait to celebrate Eli's first Thanksgiving!! There will be new pictures coming but here are some taken today. :)

Loving Others for Who They Are..

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 03:12:00 +0000

In bible study, we are studying Romans. My friend Becky was the teacher this past weekend. She taught on loving others for who they are and where they are. It really spoke to me and I thought I would share my notes on it.

" Love people for who they are and where they are. It is Gods place to change their lives. We should not change them, but love them. We need to think about our actions and ask ourselves, "If I do this, will it cause someone else to stumble?" It is hard to have peace with someone when you are pointing your finger at them.

Walk in humility and low to the ground. Paul wanted people to walk in unity. He had the pedigree but he never got over that Jesus dies for him. He walked low to the ground. There are times when you try to figure things out and God is taking your face into his hands saying to obey him HIM, and he has the rest taken care of. "

I feel that I, at times, can be the Holy Spirit, telling others the way they should feel and then getting mad when they don't. Whether I feel their actions or feelings are wrong, how can I judge what they do or how they feel? It is not my place. All I can do is pray for a change of heart and then obey God to the best of my ability.

As I type this, I can't help but think of a situation I recently faced. I had a friend that played a "card" in a situation I felt was wrong. I was mad and hurt and wanted them to know it. I also wanted to tell them how they should feel about it all. I kept thinking that I wanted them to take my "suggestion" to heart, change their thinking immediately and be okay with it for the rest of their life. I however, did none of these things. I gently explained how I felt and left it at that. Will I ever get a " Hey! I was wrong" or "Wow! sorry for that"? Probably not. Do I really need that? No (although it would be really nice to hear)

Although I am still not happy about how the situation is unfolding, I know that I can't change them or the situation. I am not the Holy Spirit. I am not going to be able to change this persons feelings about the situation. All I can do is love them for who they are, no matter how infuriating they may be at the moment, and pray for the Holy Spirit to change their heart and thinking to be what God has willed, not what I think is correct. Whether I love them from afar or close up, I need to see them through God's eyes, not my own flawed view.

I love the image of God holding our face in His hands, telling us that HE HAS IT!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 23:25:00 +0000

Hello all! I hope this finds you well....

Life has been INSANE for me! No matter what I seem to do, I cannot get caught up. But, I love every minute of it. I love that my kids tell me daily how much they love me and that I am their favorite teacher. I love that I have a few that make me want to scream and shake them, telling them to get their act together. I love that I have a family that understands the craziness of my life is okay with it. I love that I have a nephew waiting for me to love and hug and kiss. I love that I have a best friend who found a blessing in disguise and is the happiest that I have ever seen her. I love that her fiance is the best match for her, knew it, and stuck to what he felt. I love that I try to think of ways that I can be a better teacher and ask questions to get the best help for my students instead of being okay with the status quo. I love that I have a church group that will catch me when I fall and lift me up in prayer and in spirit. I love that I have a little girl half way around the world writing me letters and sending me words of encouragement...when she has 1/8 of the resources and material items that I have. I love that I work for a school district that is helpful (sometimes too helpful) and is very willing to help when needed. I love that I have the most amazing co workers and team. Each one of them is willing to answer my silly questions and lift me up when I need an encouraging word. I love that I have grandparents still living and functioning. There is nothing like a "granny dinner" to look forward to! I love that I have two sister in laws that were God-sent and a perfect fit for my two goofy brothers. I love that I have the ability to be financially stable and live a comfortable life, when so many are struggling. I love that I am able to "pay it forward" and give back in honor of so many that helped me when I was struggling. I love that I have an adopted family that loves me as their own and unconditionally. I love that I have so many people in my corner, cheering me on and encouraging me to succeed in ALL I do! Most of all... I love that I have a GOD who crossed my path with every person that I needed meet and put me in every situation that I needed to mold and shape me into the person I have become. What an amazing God that we serve! He knows every hair on my head and every thought in my heart...and he still loves me!

I am so very blessed and could never find the words to express how truly thankful I am!

My favorite 7 year old

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 15:07:00 +0000

My favorite seven year old...
Is funny....
Charming...
Loves the Lord...
Loves his family...
Is An athlete...
Is a lover of the video games...
Never wants me to leave...
Makes me smile...
Is Growing up too fast!!

I love this blonde-headed cutie!

Jeremiah 29:11

My heart just stretched a little bit

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:09:00 +0000

I want you to meet the newest addition to my heart...

Her name is Morine and she lives in Uganda. She is the little girl that I now sponsor from Compassion International. I have always seen the ads to sponsor a child and have felt God leading me to do it, but it seemed like such a big thing to do. I never felt that I was financially stable enough to actual take the leap and be a sponsor. A few weeks ago, I got an email from Compassion International and decided that I could make the monthly criteria and did it. I am so glad that I did. I have not recieved anything from her yet, but I have been praying for her. I have decided that I am even going to use this as a lesson in letter writing for my kiddos at school. We are going to write a letter to Morine as a class and make sure it is in the correct personal letter structure. I am so excited to start corresponding with this beautiful almost 6 year old. I can't wait to see what God has in store for her and what I will learn from this.

In other news...life has been crazy. Between school and trying to find an apartment, my life has been occupied. I have so many things on my plate that I have had to take a few "time outs", which basically means I left school at 3:40 instead of 6:30 :) I have managed to have a little fun in the past few months since school started.

The amazingly cute, but married, bass player!!

Last month, I went to a concert at The House Of Blues. It was so much fun! We went to see Hot Chelle Rae and The Script. It was a great concert and we got to meet the bands! My friend Katie and I felt like we were 18 again, but we stoood around at the back entrance to the House of Blues for a while to meet The Script. I have never done anything like that before. Definitely something I will do again, though!!

Got all their signatures!!

The Script Lead Singer!!! So funny!

Mikey and Tim dancing the first time as Mr and Mrs Fowkes

I went to a wedding last weekend. I bought a brand new outfit for it and got a great response. The wedding was beautiful and Mikey was a glowing bride! Tim was absolutely handsome in his tux and you could see the love between them. They have been dating for 10 years and I am so glad that they finally got to walk down the aisle! Here are some photos from the first dance...and my outfit (of course)

The "husband catcher dress" :)

So much fun!!!

Nine weeks

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:10:00 +0000

Nine weeks…

It has been nine weeks since I first heard a 9-10 year old say, “Miss Martin!” I really can’t quite believe that it has been that long. As I sat at my desk this afternoon, entering grades for my students’ report cards, I couldn’t help but become a little nostalgic. How quickly I have become the career women. It nine short weeks I have gone from not knowing there was a 6am to being on the road at 6 am. I go to bed before 10 (usually by 9:30) and have learned to live on a budget. My days are no longer filled with hypothetical students and classrooms but with 19 living and breathing children that depend on me for structure, love, knowledge and acceptance. They love me and then hate me, but like every fairytale, leave loving me every afternoon at 3.

I have gone from doing homework to figuring out the best way to convince my students to do the homework I assigned. I have gone from dreaming about my first classroom to dreaming about my first week long break. I now buy books for my kids, not for me. I don’t have to work on the weekends anymore, but I do…spending hours looking over lesson plans and wondering what the best way to teach the lesson will be. I read on the latest trends of teaching, feeling that I didn’t absorb enough in college.

I feel that I am just surviving, always striving to do something, one thing better the next day. How can I get the child who has no friends to interact with another student? How can I get through to the student who really doesn’t want anything to do with me? How do I work with the student that feels that they are above the rules, and therefore in no need of me? What can I do to work with the student struggling in math?

I don’t want to be the complacent teacher, content with a mediocre class. I want to be the teacher that strives for her students to have every opportunity to achieve success and reach it on their own means, not handed to them. I want to be the teacher that lets her students know how much she cares for them by guiding them towards the things and people that will help them succeed. I want to be the teacher that they want to come see in 3 years when their sister or brother is in the room. I want to be the teacher that doesn’t give up until every possible way of helping a child is exhausted.

Nine weeks… 27 to go

Did a cancer walk today at school.. They lined up the hallways with names of lived ones that had cancer...it was really nice. Then we released balloons in their honor/memory

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 21:29:00 +0000

Posted via email from Miranda's Dailies

Did a cancer walk today at school.. They lined up the hallways with names of lived ones that had cancer...it was really nice. Then we released balloons in their honor/memory

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 21:29:00 +0000

Posted via email from Miranda's Dailies

Better late than never

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 03:04:00 +0000

I just got home from bible study. It never fails that the moment I begin to think about skipping bible study that God puts a plan into motion to get me to the church. Today was nothing different. I was in the middle of grading papers, fully intending to sit and continue grading when my good friend text me and asked if I wanted to go to BJ's to get some dinner before heading to bible study. I apparently cannot turn down food :) I quickly finished up my grading and drove quickly to meet her for a quick dinner. After dinner, we drove to bible study and I was NOT feeling it. I didn't want to be there. I have this feeling generally when God is going to reveal something to me.

I am not one to say,"the devil is getting to me" or anything to that effect, but I know the feeling when I get it. It is this feeling of nothingness. A feeling of pure awkwardness came over me as I sunk down in my seat. It was weird, but a feeling that I have had before.

As I worshiped through music and scripture, I felt my heart open a little bit more than when I sat down. I started to feel better as I listened to my sweet friend, Heidi, talk about Ruth and Boaz. Through out the whole night, all I heard was a small whisper saying, "Let HIM go" Although I do not wish to fully disclose on a public blog what HIM is all about, it was what I needed to hear... and I finally am ready to do that...no matter how late it is.

Dear baby.... #3

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 03:16:00 +0000

Dear Eli,
My, what a whirlwind you have led our family on.

From coming home sooner than we thought to going to your first Astros game, you have become the center of our world!

Grumps and Honey light up when someone asks about you and all of my 4th graders know who you are! They always ask, "did you see Eli this weekend?" it is fun to show you off. Everyone thinks you are adorable at my school.

I am having so much fun watching you grow, and grow! Christmas is coming soon and I can't wait to share our family traditions with you, especially watching you open your gifts and learning about the true meaning of Christmas.

Keep growing sweet boy and remember that I love you and will always be on your side!
I am so glad that God chose you to be a Martin :)

Aunt Manda

Jeremiah 29:11

Labor Day

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 13:58:00 +0000

The weekend came and went way too fast!

I am trying to sail...

Due to our family getting so big and being all over the place, we decided to not have a normal family reunion weekend and those that were able went to a barbecue at my Uncle Neal's house on Saturday. It was so much fun! Between the kayak racing and the turtle hunting, we found time to eat BBQ, play with the babies and play some Martin style games. We enjoyed the windy weather and all got a little sun!

Neal and I trying to sail

Russell and Derrick decided to play underwater washers while the girls just lounged in the pool. Then we decided to play boys vs girls water volleyball but had a hard time keeping the ball in the water. Luckily, the ball was possessed and would generally come back into the pool when asked. It was actually quite freaky :) In the evening, we sat around the pond and hunted turtles. I was not successful but russell and meagan caught a little one. We enjoyed the windy evening and relaxing surroundings.

It was nice to sit around and enjoy each others company.

Russell and Meagan kayaking around the pond

Russell is trying to get a picture of some fish. The light from the pond made a cool green glow around him...

One Sunday, our immediate family went to the Astro's game. Russell had been wanting to take Eli to his first game, and of course Grumps, Honey and Aunt Mir had to tag along! The 'Stros lost, but we had great seats and enjoyed being there together. Eli was most enthralled with all of the lights. He did really good and did not fuss too much. I, on the other hand, enjoyed being with my brother and sister, my parents and the little guy. Russell took this picture of me during the 7th inning stretch- my favorite part of the game :)

The Stars at Night, are big and Bright..... clap, clap, clap...

After a feast of crab at Joe's and some cake covered in smores (yum :)) The family went to say hi to Grandpa who is still in rehab. He was happy to see everyone and immediately told Russell to give him Eli. That man is so proud of his great-grandchild!

All in all, it was a great weekend and I am so sad to see it go.

I will post more about how my school is going at a later time...gotta go write lesson plans and grade some papers :)

What did you do this weekend?

What they don't teach teachers in school

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 20:24:00 +0000

I am officially finished with my first week of being a 4th grade classroom. Although I have lesson plans to finish and papers to grade, I thought I would take a few minutes to write down some things that I did not learn in school about teaching.

1. The paper work at the beginning of the year is insurmountable. 20 packets with 8 papers that parents have to sign and return = a huge, unorganized mess

2. You have got to be flexible. No matter how much you prepare and get things ready, something will change. I gained 2 kids, 2 kids never showed up and my entire schedule got flipped on Friday.

3. You will find things annoy you that you never thought would. I can't stand personal sharpeners and the enormous mess they make.

4. No matter how early you go to bed, you will be utterly exhausted the first week of school.

5. No matter how much responsibility you have thrown at you during student teaching, nothing can prepare you for your own classroom.

6. It is hard to keep a straight face when a kid make a funny remark that you should not laugh at.

7. Your kids will take a piece of your heart home with them the first day of school.

I absolutely love my job! I am so blessed to be in a profession where I get to see "aha" moments everyday. I get to see children grow and mature, learn more about themselves and the world in which they live. I have kids who come from amazing households and some who don't. My heart expanded at 8:05 am on Monday morning to include 20 little darlings and their families.

I can't imagine doing anything else!

What if we were real?

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 02:33:00 +0000

I recently bought the new Mandisa cd. I LOVE IT!!! It has actually been a stress reliever for me. The sista can sing and her songs have a great and uplifting message. The lyrics below have really been speaking to me!

Truth About Me

If only I could see me as You see me
And understand the way that I am loved
Would it give a whole new meaning to my purpose?
Change the way I see the world

Would I sparkle like a star in the night sky?
Would I give a little more instead of take?
If I understood I'm precious like a diamond
Of a worth no one could estimate
I'm a worth no one could estimate

You say lovely, I say broken
I say guilty, You say forgiven
I feel lonely, You say You're with me
We both know it would change everything
If only I believed the truth about me

I wish I could hold on to the moments
When my life is spinning but I'm peaceful still
Like a wind You whisper into silence
And tell me things this world never will
You tell me things this world never will

You say lovely, I say broken
I say guilty, You say forgiven
Oh, I feel lonely, You say You're with me
We both know it would change everything
If only I believed the truth about me

I would sleep better at night
Wake up with hope for another day
I would love even if it cost me
Take a chance and know I'm gonna be okay
I would dare to give my life away

Oh, I feel lonely, You say You're with me
We both know it would change everything
If only I believed, if only I believed the truth about me

Alief U

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 23:07:00 +0000

This past week, I went to Alief U. This is an intense four day conference that teaches the Alief thought. It taught me alot of activities and information that will allow me to encourage and engage my students. I am so thankful for a district that provides so much support to new teachers. I cannot wait to use all of the strategies that I have learned in the past few workshops in my classroom.

On the first day, I was sort of nervous about who all would be there. In 2009, there were 450 new teachers hired, in 2010, 250. This year, there were only 77 new hires. I was impressed and so thankful that I was one of them. I got to see two of my fellow Huskies that are teaching in the district too. It was awesome to see some familiar faces. I am looking forward to long days, long nights, tears and laughter. I really can't complian though. I am finally doing what I have been dreaming about for many years!

Back to school pedi!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:21:00 +0000

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Look at what was in my mailbox this morning at school!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 20:40:00 +0000

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The Teacher

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 05:19:00 +0000

The other day, I was looking through my grandfathers books when I found "Leaves of Gold". I had first heard of the book from a friend on Facebook. It has a bunch of quotes and snippets of wisdom. I am a huge quote person, so it sparked my interest.

As I started looking through it I found many things that I liked. This is a poem I found.

The Teacher

Lord, who am I to teach the way
To little children day by day,
So prone myself to go astray?

I teach them knowledge, but I know
How faint they flicker and how low
The candles of my knowledge glow.

I teach them power to will and do,
But only now to learn anew
My own great weaknesses thru and thru.

I teach them love for all mankind
And all God's creatures, but I find
My love comes lagging far behind.

Lord, if their guide I still must be,
Oh, let the little children see
The teacher leaning hard on Thee.
-- Leslie Pinckney Hill

What a chance to be a witness teachers have! I will see my kids more than their parents will! What a chance to be such a blessing and show them the character of God!

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Creative juices flowing

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda martin) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 02:42:00 +0000

I have been insanely stressed lately. Between helping out with my grandparents and sitting in in-services all day, I haven't had much time to do much else but school. Tonight I got a much needed break and created a poster for my room. It felt so good to create something and get my artistic juices flowing.

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