Halloween!

Oh my! Being a teacher involves so much more than I ever realized! Today was Halloween and let me tell you, this school does it big. We haven't really been able to do any work these past two days, but they kids have enjoyed it very much! ALL the teachers dress up (in my building we were referees), there was a school-wide carnival and lots of candy! Let me tell you, the kids were hard to keep calm by the end of the day. We eventually gave up and took them to the playground.

Have I mentioned how much I love my profession? I love watching these kids learn things, accomplish tasks, make friends and make good choices without being told. Of course, there is often a lot of other things in between these like: bad choices, failed spelling tests, CONSTANT limit pushing and attitudes. BUT I LOVE IT ALL! First grade is a lot different from kindergarten. These kids are getting more into their personalities and interests. It is really fun to see that bloom. I can't wait until I have my own classroom!

Jake and I are doing well! I still LOVE living with a boy :) I look forward to our first holiday season as a married couple. Things like decorating our first Christmas tree, going to family dinners and sending our Christmas cards will be a whole lot of fun. I am not looking forward to deciding on our future home. I hate the idea of leaving our church. That is mainly because finding a new one will mean getting out of my box! :\ We are still in the praying phrase.

I am off to do some Halloween things at my pastors house. Yay for fellowship!

I Got a Job Offer!

So, my biggest news is that I just got a job offer with Tulsa Public. I just interviewed with the Director of Human Resources. After I few questions he said, "Well, I am just going to scrap the rest of the normal questions because I already can tell that you are a great teacher"! That felt good to hear. Although, I had to think, "Does he tell everyone that?" I am guaranteed a job for the fall and there is about a 50% chance I could have a job for the spring. I have ten days to accept the offer. It is kind of scary because I have no idea where He wants us. Plus, I haven't even spoken with any other schools yet (though there are no positions available at any schools near Tahlequah). I love Tahlequah but our family is in Tulsa (and Sierra :). I am going to do some serious talking with Him about this.

Other than that, life has just been plugging along. Jake has decided that he wants to be a cop in Tahlequah. Which is kind of random, but Jake is very random. I guess this job offer of mine throws a twist into all of that. :\ Again, lots of talking with Him!

In other news: Ed and Connie Baker, the director of missions for the association have decided to retire. So please lift us up in finding new people for this position. I am very sad, they are such a sweet little couple and they are true servants!

That's all I have!

Miss you!

Fall Break

So, it's fall break and Jake and I traveled to Tulsa. We started off with a visit to Sierra. We were supposed to meet Mabe and Toni at Mardels but they got into an accident. Everyone is ok except the car :) Luckily, we got to meet up with them later. Toni and I were looking for a study to do together. We settled on Believing God by Beth Moore. We are excited.

The rest of the break has been with family. My family is going crazy. My little sister was supposed to get married today but he decided to cheat on her and leave. So, we are going to the aquarium instead. My mom's girlfriend (of almost ten years) has decided to leave my mom so there is a lot of heartbreak going on. I know that both of these relationships were not good, but I hate seeing them in pain. I pray that I can love on them both and show them God's never ending love.

In other news: Chris and Alisha are having a girl! Here name will be Katelyn Elizabeth (I made up that spelling). We are excited for them!

We are off to the aquarium!

To Jaclyn

Dear Butts,

I so enjoyed getting to see you before you left. I especially enjoyed getting to meet and spend time with your man. You guys seem so great together. I can't wait to see what God does between you two in the future.

But I know that right now you are focused on your current task. While you were at the BCM I noticed lots of people not wanting you to go. I didn't feel that way, I wanted you to go! I have watched you go through this process and have seen your passion for these people. I didn't want you to stay here because I know that God made you for this very task! I can't wait to hear all the things He does for and through you while you are over there!

I just want you to know that I will be praying for you and thinking of you often. America will not be the same without you.

Love you!