Howdy.




This is a picture of some of our bounteous, heirloom, tomato harvest last fall. Aren't they lovely? This picture makes me happy and gives me something to look forward to (planting my garden) at the end of student teaching in the spring, and it also reminds me that student teaching won't last forever (thank goodness! But perhaps I'll feel differently at the end of it...).

I am getting really worked up about student teaching, but I want to turn that negative energy into something more productive like being really, really prepared and excited. I am working on some ideas for teaching The Outsiders to my seventh graders when the new term starts on January 17th. Planning is way better than fretting. I'll be observing, starting on January 3rd, for the first couple of weeks, and then I'll transition into taking over. Eighty-five minutes is a long time to keep someone's attention, let alone a roomful of seventh graders, so my cooperating teacher has advised me to break the time up into four twenty-minute chunks. A good idea, I believe, and one I am working on implementing into my lesson plans.

When I scan back through my life, I can see so many times when fear prevented, or nearly prevented, me from making much needed progress. So this fear about student teaching is not new. I have come so far though, and have learned so much, that I will NOT let fear control me any longer. Faith is stronger than any fear, and I now know and trust, through multiple experiences, that I can ask for the Lord's help when fear enters my heart, and he WILL provide guidance and relief. I do not need to give in to fear any longer. Always, for me, learning is a spiritual experience and facing challenges with courage strengthens my character. With God's help, I can do this.

I can do this!




I have found that cooking is a positive and productive way to turn negative energy into something awesome. This is the pizza I made for dinner last night; the crust recipe is compliments of this blog which I discovered on Pintrest. The dough is just fantastic, and I've made the cheesy bread sticks a couple of times too; they are divine.

Phew. I was stressed, but venting about it in writing really helps!

I need to say that we've had an awesome time being all together for the holidays; we have been so blessed, and as an added bonus, Corinne is feeling much better, and today, the doctor cleared her to continue serving her mission in Korea! It isn't set in stone yet, and we don't know any of the travel details, but we are excited. And so, so grateful! See? God is good. So very good!