My second blessing of this school year is one student who reminds me of a beautiful sunflower that follows the sun as it grows. I see her as a student who is constantly growing. She takes in all the learning and has aspirations to work above her potential. When I teach she is following me just as the sunflower follows the sun. She finds moments to share her thoughts, moments to make mistakes and moments to grow her abilities. With her sweet and quiet soul,…

Months ago I looked upon this school year with excitement and anticipation as I was going to start at a new school after twenty years of teaching at the same school. But things quickly changed when we found out we would be teaching virtually. All of that excitement disappeared and was replaced with uncertainty. This…

Since I started focusing on and teaching gratitude in my class, it has made quite a transformation, not only for me, but for my students. I observed more thoughtfulness and appreciation for each other and for things around us. I witnessed students being more kind to each other and mindful of their actions. It definitely…

Something powerful just happened to me as I was driving. The song- “There was Jesus” by Zach Williams came on the radio. As I was singing along and listening to the words a powerful emotion came over me.  “When the life I built came crashing to the ground.  When the friends I had were nowhere…

The other day, I was listening to a message from a pastor in Texas, Dr. Tony Evans. As he was addressing our new normal during this COVID-19 pandemic his message resonated with me- take the time during this quarantine to think about what really matters.  It sounds so simple- think about what matters. Why does…

The world is in a crazy, uncertain time right now. Many people are scared, anxious and they feel like they cannot control anything. On Friday, March 13 I went to work, ready to teach that day and looking forward to a weekend to relax and regroup when, at 11 am, we received news that our…

In August, 2018 I decided that I wanted to begin my day in such a way that would benefit me and bring me joy throughout the day. So I got up a little earlier and sat in silence with my coffee and prayed. I began this a month before the school year started, so by…

In order for me to be intentional about my #oneword2019 – Gratitude-  I decided to create a list of all the people who have impacted my life. Each week I think of more people to add to this list and it keeps increasing. I love that it keeps increasing because it means that I have…

 Last Spring my husband and I decided to have our youngest son play baseball in a different league; one that was more competitive. Our intentions were to get him ready for high school and play with some of the kids whom he may play with in high school. He tried out and made a team.…

Fourteen years ago today my baby girl was born. It seems like just yesterday that she was a newborn baby. The fear I had as a new mother is still vivid in my mind. I remember going into the hospital that morning preparing to be induced since my little one was stubborn and nine days…