Month One of Motherhood

Justice is one month old tomorrow.  This is both encouraging and discouraging.  I am encouraged by her progress and her growth.  I look forward to new milestones and increased interactions with our little girl.  At the same time, I find myself discouraged by the passing of time.  I have officially used half of my maternity leave.  From this day forward, I have been home more days than are left.  January 23rd hangs over my shoulder like a daunting ghost.  Anyway - here are a few random thoughts on one full month of motherhood.

 My two loves.

• Little tiny babies go through a TON of diapers.
• Baby girl has captured my heart... and every room of our home.
• Lack of sleep used to mean irritability and crankiness.  Lack of sleep is now the new norm.
• Extreme lack of sleep now leads to extreme emotional craziness.  There have been multiple times I've had to call Eric hours later and start the conversation with, "I've come to my senses and I'm sorry."  
• My love for our baby grows everyday.
• So does my love for my husband.  He is selfless and loving.  He serves us out of compassion.  I'm currently lacking sleep and can't seem to find the right words here... but he's amazing.  Except I need a word that means 10x more than "amazing."
• I don't know the words to many hymns I thought I knew the words to.  So I rock my baby with the lyrics to these hymns pulled up on my phone.  
• We need a CD of lullabies.  Except we don't own a CD player - so we need something different.
• If only she looked this peaceful all the time....

Postpartum Cravings

I made it through my entire 41 week and 2 day pregnancy without any real cravings.  Not only that, but I did a fairly decent job not eating a lot of sugary foods at all.  Today is postpartum day 7, and my sugar cravings are taking over my life!

Yesterday I developed a "need" for peanut butter rice krispie treats with chocolate on top.  I'm not sure what the real name for this magical piece of goodness is, but I wanted it.  I have never actually made them before, and only tasted them a time or two (perhaps college?) but the craving came... and so we have them :)

It wasn't until after they were made that I commented to Eric, "I guess we didn't really need a dessert, we have cookies in the freezer."

And then Eric reminded me of all the cookies in our freezer.

About a month ago, our midwife suggested we have a labor project in mind; something easy and enjoyable we could work on when I started early labor, to help pass the time.  She suggested baking cookies.  Sounded perfect to me.  I truly enjoy baking and we hadn't made cookies in a while.  Well, in true-to-my-character fashion, I didn't wait for labor to begin, and I made our cookies weeks ago.  Eric and I worked together on these gingerbread cookies and froze most of them.  The very next day I added a batch of sugar cookies to the mix and most of those are also in our freezer.

When labor actually began last weekend I was in need of a project.  Out came the baking supplies, which resulted in a half batch of chocolate chip cookies.  (Truth be told, the dough got made during labor, but the cookies never got baked.  Eric baked these a few days later).  And the rest of the chocolate chip dough is in our freezer.

Apparently sometime in the last few months I also made oatmeal raisin cookies.  I don't fully remember this, but Eric also found that dough in our freezer.  And I do remember snacking on the dough.

Last, but certainly not least, I also enjoyed the chocolate turtles within the first 24 hours of Justice's birth.  These were the turtles Eric bought me as an "after-the-baby-is-born" treat.

 We are certainly not lacking desserts in this household.

Our First Outing

Justice and I had our first outing yesterday.  Eric came too, but it doesn't count as his first outing since I send him to the store almost daily :)  Justice had her first doctor's appointment, which meant our first car ride.  I realize we could have done this much sooner - but we hadn't - so yesterday morning Eric spent time installing the car seat and making sure all of the settings were just right.  She's so tiny in her seat!

Here we are in the lobby of the Dr's office.  We had a great appointment, everything is looking good.

On our way home we stopped at Target to grab a few baby things.  I was carrying the baby, so Eric grabbed my purse.  Such a good guy :)  I just had to snag a picture!  

Overall, our first trip was successful!

What's In A Name?

The Naming of Justice Jubilee Paul

Isaiah 42:1, 5-9

Here is my servant, whom I uphold

My chosen one in whom I delight;

I will put my Spirit on him

And he will bring justice to the nations…

This is what God the Lord says-

He who created the heavens and stretched them out,

Who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it,

Who gives breath to its people,

And life to those who walk on it:

“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;

I will take hold of your hand.

I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people

And a light for the Gentiles,

To open eyes that are blind,

To free captives from prison

And to release from the dungeon

Those who sit in darkness.*

I am the Lord, that is my name…

See, the former things have taken place,

And new things I declare;

Before they spring into being

I announce them to you.”

It seems appropriate to give birth to a child on the eve of Advent.  For us, we have been anxiously waiting for our child to come into this world.  Our lives for the past year have been filled with hope and expectation, mystery and anxiety.  Our prayers, both silent and spoken, have been for this long awaited day when mother and father can gaze upon their creation and give her a name- Justice Jubilee. 

Much like the hope and expectation of the impending birth of our daughter, Joy and I also look toward the future as it impends upon the present.  And our present, as ones who profess Jesus as Lord, is shaped by God’s desire to make all things well: where love and faithfulness embrace and justice and peace kiss (Psalm 85).  We are filled with joy this week, but we also understand our lives to fit within a broader story of God’s redemptive work in history.  And our child has now been born into that story.  One does not have to look at the world for long to see that all is not well.  Disease and famine abound; poverty and war continue to wage.  We tend to care more about protecting our possessions than loving our neighbors.  God’s righteousness seems distant.

And yet, Advent fills Christians with hope.  Advent is that time in which we anticipate a God who comes near and dwells among us, among the poor, among the dying, and among the imprisoned.  We sing along with Mary when she exclaims: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior…He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.  He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.  He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful [sic]” (Luke 1).  It is that time of year in which we once again anticipate God’s coming restoration of all things.  We anticipate the promise of salvation and redemption by becoming carriers of God’s hope for the world- embodying the way of Christ in our life together.  In short, we practice justice and mercy while we walk humbly with our God (Micah 6). 

And so our daughter, Justice Jubilee, carries in her namesake the hope we have for the world.  Some may say that this is quite a burden to place upon a child.  But for us, we not only pray that she grows to embody such hope within her own life, but we also recognize that this is no more a burden than what we have been called to be and do as the church.  And so, with your help, we ask God to continue working within her life.  We pray that she grows to be a strong daughter of God, living the jubilee call that points toward God's justice in the present moment.  In short, her name is our prayer.

Peace,

Eric and Joy Paul

* The Jubilee is a Jewish concept carried throughout the Hebrew prophets and Jesus’ gospel proclamation.  It is known as the Year of the Lord’s favor found in Lev. 25 and Luke 4.  It consists of the following:

1). Leave the soil fallow

2). Slaves are to be freed

3). Debts are to be canceled/forgiven

4). The land (access to livelihood) is to be returned or redistributed to its original holders.

The Jubilee year represents one economic example of the way God would order relationships.  The Jubilee would be met with joyful greetings (jubilation) as it would reconstitute just and equitable relationships among the people.

My Amazing Husband

Tomorrow is Eric's birthday.  He's big on surprises and generally likes for me to plan this event.  For Eric, it communicates my love and devotion when I plan something I know he will love.  Surprises are most definitely NOT my thing, so I struggle with this every year (and again at Christmas), but I typically do okay.

This year, friends, I failed.  Our baby is due this week.  I have not been so tied up in "baby" that I didn't plan Eric's birthday.  But I have been tied up in everything-that-needs-to-get-done-at-work-before-my-brain-will-turn-off before the baby comes.  And yes, I failed at planning my husband's birthday.  I didn't get a gift, I didn't plan a meal, and I have no surprises.  Best Wife of the Year Award - right here.

I did remember his birthday, which is step in the right direction after forgetting our anniversary.  So we started talking about it last week and I was honest and admitted my lack of planning.  Instead of being utterly disappointed and let down, my stellar husband planned his own birthday outing!  While surprises are the way to HIS heart... planning it out is the way to MY heart!  I was so happy :)

On Friday we celebrated Eric.  He picked a restaurant we've not been to before, a local place serving local food with a menu that changes daily.  Great pick.  And he decided he would like a new sweater from REI, all I had to do was take him there!  GLORY!  I was so excited to celebrate Eric's birthday with him on Friday!  After the meal, the waiter asked if we were interested in dessert.  Eric kindly declined, which is normal, except on birthdays.  We normally go all out on birthdays.  So after the waiter walked away I asked Eric about dessert - didn't we at least need to look at the dessert menu?  His response, "we won't be having dessert here."

You see, my amazing husband had planned a surprise for ME on his birthday!  A while back I had mentioned it would be a special treat to have some handmade chocolates in our house for after the baby arrives.  At the time I made some comment like, "it will give me something to look forward to."  As if the BABY isn't enough?  I don't know what I was thinking, and neither does Eric, but he remembered.  So after dinner he took me a local chocolate shop and we picked out some treats for the birthday dessert and bought a box of chocolates to bring home.

While I'm not sure what I was thinking when I said, "it'll give me something to look forward to,"  it has worked!  Each time I open the cupboard and see that clear box with milk chocolate turtles staring me down,  I can't help but think Come, Baby, Come!

Testing Correction

When I re-read my previous blog, I almost couldn't believe what I wrote.  That I would have a "breeze of a week," with a "ridiculous amount of standardized testing."

Clearly, I have pregnancy brain.

There is no "breeze" with testing.  Yes, we are testing for several hours this coming week.  No, it will not be easy.  Our innocent children will be tested for HOURS this week on skills they have never been introduced to. You see, our fabulous assessment measures END OF Third Grade skills, which means I still have 7 solid months to teach them.  But this week they will stare at an assessment as if it is a foreign language, attempting to read questions they have never seen.  I envision a quiet hand raised.  "Mrs. Paul, what is this word?  What does it mean?"  As they think their oh-so-helpful-and-competent-teacher will surely provide some guidance.  And I will be left to dumbly respond, "I'm sorry, I cannot help you."

It breaks my heart.  What really tugs at my soul is seeing clueless faces that want so desperately to succeed, who try with everything they have, who understand test scores and what the outcome means... yet who are left to suffer through hours of self-defeating reading and math.

Why, oh why do we put our precious children through this?  Why, oh why do we increase anxiety, and frustration, and test-taking fears?  And WHY do we think it's okay to put kids through again and again and again?  These precious souls have been on the earth for 8 whole years.  They have countless hours/days/weeks of testing in their future.  And this week, the encouragement they will receive from the person they have learned to trust will be a mere, "I'm sorry honey.  Just try your best."

Surely - someone has a better plan?

It's Coming

Our day is getting close.

Our baby's day is getting close.

We're 39 weeks today.  I still don't think we'll ever be "ready" but we're trying really hard!  The baby is definitely dropping, as my shape is changing fairly consistently.  It's awkward, but not awful.  I still feel great and spend upwards of 9 hours on my feet every day.  I guess there's some sit-stand-sit moments, but for the most part I'm on my feet and walking.  I am so thankful for my health, and the baby's health.

Throughout the past month or so I've had some benchmark dates of "If I can just get to here..."  I'm running out of benchmark dates :)  Tomorrow I turn in student portfolios to my principal.  I had been thinking this would be end-of-all-stress moments, when everything is turned in and all major loose ends are tied up.  But we have progress reports due on Monday.  And let's face it, I won't finish tomorrow!  I could be finished right now, but I don't want to leave a pile of grading and entering grades for my interim placement, so I'll probably spend a fair amount of time catching up on grades this weekend.

Next week should be a breeze at school... field trip, ridiculous amount of standardized testing (stinks, but takes hours of my day on 2 different days), an ecosystem unit in the library prepared by the librarian, a guest artist... and I'm sure I'm missing a thing or two.  This all equates to an out.of.control classroom of students, but also to less planning from me.

Oh, and we have a party tomorrow :)  I planned an Author's Celebration for my students.  So really, after tomorrow... and maybe a few weekend hours... I will have less stress.  And baby can make his/her appearance at any time.

Here's to hoping with less stress comes a few baby name ideas.  Well, really just one would due.

Come, baby, Come.

Photos

Eric and I took some time while in Chattanooga to take our own maternity photos.  Thought we would share a few here.  Baby will be here soon!  

Chattanooga

I've never really liked the term "babymoon," but I suppose that's what it was.  Eric and I went to Chattanooga for a long weekend to enjoy a getaway before Baby arrives.  We had both been busy in the weeks prior, and fairly stressed.  I think it's safe to say we were clinging to the hope of a relaxing weekend... and that's just what it was!

Before we left Nashville, we spent some time physically preparing our home for Baby. And apparently preparing our cat for a new sibling :) 

We also enjoyed breakfast at a local restaurant called The Pfunky Griddle.  I had been hanging on to a groupon for this restaurant and we finally found the chance to go.  Yum!

We spent a day at the Tennessee Aquarium - very educational and fun :)  I don't think we realized how big the aquarium would be.  Eric read on the website it should take about 2 hours to tour, so we planned our day that way.  Turns out we spent at least double the recommended 2 hours there.  Good thing we both have a little bit of nerd in us :)

Our mornings were spent in coffee shops; reading, relaxing, and report cards for me (ugh).  We have enjoyed visiting coffee shops together and this is something we haven't been able to do together for the past several months because of Eric's work schedule.  While his schedule will be changing again soon (he'll have Saturdays at HOME!!), we know we won't be taking family trips to a coffee shop with our infant.

And because a vacation isn't really a vacation without dessert - we researched and found 2 chocolate shops :)  Oh yes, the sweetest part of our trip! 

We returned to Nashville relaxed, and while I wouldn't really say "ready" for Baby... we're a whole lot closer! 

The Great

So one more quick post - we've started getting our diapers in and I LOVE THEM!!  We still have a ways to go (to have enough diapers) - but check out how cute this little guy is :)

And these!

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - Baby Style

The Good:
I feel great :)  I do have some minor back pains, but all things considered I feel extremely fortunate.  I'm working, making it through the day, and overall I am very happy. 

The Bad:
I'm not sleeping very well.  I'm going to bed early, so despite not sleeping through the night, I think I'm still getting an adaquate amount of sleep.  I wake up frequently, find comfortable positions difficult to locate, and often have trouble getting back to sleep. 

The Ugly:
This is suppose to be our nursery.  Oops.  Someone (Eric and I) missed the memo that we need to get this room ready.  Anything "baby" is currently stacked in a closet, propped behind a door, or conveniently located on a top shelf in the laundry room.  We know this needs to change, we just haven't found the time to do it yet. 

Here's to praying for a full-term pregnancy, because this momma's not gonna be ready early :) 

Enchilada Amazingness

I've been experiencing a bit of "writer's block," if you will.  So much to say, and so many ideas - it just hasn't come out in blog format.  I'm still working on some things, so maybe we'll get a "drive-by" blog with several topics coming up soon!

So what inspired this post?  Food, of course :)  Eric and I enjoyed this made-from-scratch enchilada recipe last night.  Not only was it delicious, but also healthy.  We used all fresh ingredients from our CSA, and it turned out great.  Simple to make, but a little time-consuming.

Healthy Chicken Enchiladas

To Commit to Memory

I was sitting on the sidewalk, in the shade of an old oak tree, waiting for AAA to return my call.  I had been there for nearly an hour, alternating between the shade and the 100° heat that filled my car.  The car needed a new ignition lock.  At the time I thought it was just stuck and continual tries at turning the key would magically get a rewarding response.  With blistering fingers and accumulating sweat running down my back, I was growing increasingly frustrated.

My phone rang.  My husband was on the other end, calling from the peaceful and serene beaches of a small island off the coast of South Carolina.  "I'm sorry you have to go through this," he said.  "I wish I were there."

"Why?" I blurted, my annoyance with the situation clearly shining through. "So you could sit here in the blazing sun and wait?"

"No," he replied softly, an almost hesitant response.  "So I could give you a hug and say 'Happy Anniversary.'"

Really? I thought.  Could it be?  It's 4:30 in the afternoon and I haven't realized it's my anniversary yet?  What was the date, anyway?

"No, Eric.  I would have remembered if we got married on 6-7-7.  Isn't it on the 9th?"

"No, Joy.  It's today.  Go home and check the blanket."  He was referring to an embroidered afghan we received four years prior.

After my apologies for forgetting, and my best "Happy Anniversary to you, too!" we hung up.  I never had been especially aware of dates, regardless of the occasion.

As I slouched through the next hour waiting on the locksmith to replace my ignition lock and make me a new set of keys, I decided to make a bitter situation light, and posted a very joyous, "Happy anniversary to the love of my life..." on facebook.  I was looking forward to the responses and congratulatory remarks of friends and family.

Once home I had deadlines to meet for a project I was working on.  As soon as I finished eating, I began diligently working, telling myself social networking would be a good reward after I had met the deadline.

Around 9:00 I felt the vibration signaling a new text. "Um didn't you get married on June 9th?"  It was from a long-time friend and bridesmaid in my wedding.  This situation warranted a break from my work immediately.  I quickly snatched the blanket from the back of the recliner.  There it was.  The bold blue numbers almost laughed at me.  June 9, 2007.  I immediately went to facebook.  Scattered through the expected congratulatory remarks were two more inquisitions from life-time friends questioning my proclaimed anniversary date.

I went back to the blanket and took a picture.  Then I sent the following text.

J: lover, our embroidered blanket quite clearly says June 9.
E: no way
J: here you go

E: but i already posted it on facebook

as if this somehow holds weight over our actual wedding date

J: me too, hours ago

E: i feel foolish

J: you and i both.  though now the blog will be much better

E: oh wonderful. at least now we can see each other

I do look forward to the few awake moments we'll have together tomorrow.  Will there be an anniversary celebration?  Probably not.  But two days later when we visit Morats, the bakery we still dream about, walk the sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and stroll the deserted streets in the pre-season days of this tourist town, we will remember.  It was here we spent our first anniversary.

Frozen wedding cake.  Miniature golf.  Endless sweets.  Peaceful sunsets. Walks in search of ice cream.

Perhaps we will be so fortunate to see a glimpse of our past as we walk hand-in-hand into our 5th year.

Homemade Salsa Success!

I made salsa today for the first time.  Admittedly, I built up more excitement/anticipation than the salsa could possibly live up to, but it was still good. 

Not an excellent picture, but here it is.

I used this recipe from food network as a starting point:

Ingredients
3 ripe plum tomatoes (about 3/4 pound) or 1 (14-ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained

1/4 cup chopped red or yellow onion

2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro

1 clove garlic, minced

2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon Emeril's Hot Sauce or other red hot sauce

Directions

In the bowl of a food processor, combine all the ingredients and pulse until the salsa is mostly smooth but still slightly chunky, about 7 pulses.

Transfer to a bowl. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and set aside until ready to serve the nachos.

My alterations:

I was inspired to try salsa because we received fresh cilantro and garlic scapes in our CSA this weekend.  So... instead of garlic cloves, I used scapes.  And apparently I bought the wrong kind of tomatoes, but I'm not sure how that makes a difference (I'm no tomato expert).  Finally, I don't have a food processor :)  I do have a food chopper that works really well, so I have tiny pieces of tomatoes and onions, and I really like it!  I doubled the recipe, and I'm glad I did.  I love salsa!  This recipe ended up very fresh tasting, and light. 

Eric wasn't as pleased, so he blended a small portion and added red pepper.  I wouldn't be surprised if he adds jalapeno, too.  He wanted a bit more of a "kick." 

Regardless, I would call it a successful first attempt.

Done, Done, Done, Done

Eric Graduated!

While I cannot say for certain that he's really "done" with higher education, he did complete his Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt!  I am so proud of him :) 

I find it hard to believe we've been living in Nashville for 3 years; they have gone by so quickly.  Even for Eric, who has worked endless hours writing, reading (literally) hundreds of books, and attending class, it has gone by rather quickly. 

Congrats, Graduate :)

This is the "Strawberries and Champagne" tent.  I have never seen so many strawberries! 

A long but lovely week

This week has been LONG.  Each day has seemed crammed full of events and activities, and with one day piling on top of the day before... well... the week gets long.  We did get to see Les Miserables on Tuesday :) 

Les Mis is Eric's all-time favorite musical.  He was excited not only to see it, but also to share it with me.  We had a great time, tried out a new Thai restaurant, went to pick up our tickets and realized we were incredibly early due to us thinking the show started at the "doors open" time.  Oops!  So we walked a few blocks and split some ice cream from a little home-made ice cream shop :)  Then went back and did indeed enjoy a spectacular show!  When we got home a little past 11pm, I did selfishly comment I would like to see it again, with a show that starts at noon so I can be fully awake! 

On Wednesday Jeff and Andrea stopped by for dinner.  What a welcome surprise!  They were flying home from a visit to Texas and had a layover in Nashville.  It was really nice to have dinner with them.  In moments like those, I do wish I lived closer to family.  I would love to visit with our loved ones on a more regular basis.

Thursday brought a special visit with friends of ours where we got to hold and love on precious new born twins!  So fun!  The girls were born on Tuesday, are so tiny, but are doing great.  They even got to go home on Friday!

And yesterday brought with it 6 hours in the car all for a 15 minute interview.  I had scheduled myself to work a half day (until 11:30), but my substitute never showed up.  So I stayed until 1:00 before I split my class amongst other teachers and took off.  Eric and I drove across the state for me to interview with the Credentials Board for my District License with the Nazarene Church.  This is my 2nd renewal, so apparently they weren't concerned, and the interview lasted all of 15 minutes.  We then got in our car and drove home.  It was nice to meet some of the pastors on our district, but I'm not gonna lie... it seemed a bit ridiculous to spend our afternoon/evening driving all for 15 minutes that seemed like it could have taken place through email. 

Needless to say, I'm thankful to be home this morning with nothing pressing today.  In a little while we will go to the Farmer's Market to pick up our basket of fruits/veggies from our CSA, but I look forward to that, along with an afternoon of NOTHING :)

Community Supported Agriculture

Through various means of inspiration, Eric and I have slowly been changing our diet.  We're trying to be more aware of where our food comes from to both a dietary and economic degree.  Two of our more substantial efforts have come in the form of where we shop.  We're now getting eggs from some friends with backyard chickens, purchasing all of our meat from the local farmer's market (ie. local, homegrown), and getting fresh produce from our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).  Here's a little blurb on CSA:

Over the last 20 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a "membership" or a "subscription") and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season.

We "ordered" our CSA several weeks ago and have been anxiously awaiting the season's start.  Today was that day, folks!  We're thrilled to have the veggies and excited for the nutritional value.  Now we just need the recipe's to accompany our new variety of greens.

We purchased a small share.  Here's our first basket:

Included Today:

Swiss Chard

Deer Tongue Lettuce

Radishes

Strawberries

Tatsoi

Lemon Balm

Sage

Each week will have a slightly different variety.  Today was week one of twenty.  We've been told next week's will have more strawberries (it's still the beginning of the picking season) and strawberries are always welcomed :)  Today's lunch, compliments of Eric, included this wonderful salad topped with egg, pecans, radishes, fresh strawberries and fresh pineapple.  YUM!  He also found a recipe for Browned Tatsoi Pasta for later this week.  I'm so glad he's my husband!

And we also picked up these lovely flowers at the farmer's market this morning :)

When the days are long

Some events that made our weekend long:

• spilling dirt in the freezer (a whole plant)
• cooking your fork in the microwave
• mornings without coffee (or when coffee comes late)
• when the GPS sends you in the wrong direction, then says "make a u turn"

And some events that made our weekend more enjoyable:

• celebrating Eric's completion of his MDiv degree with dinner at Germantown Cafe
• Night Market at the Farmer's Market
• first hand-picked strawberries of the season
• homemade strawberry shortcake
• spending time with friends, both old and new

Camping Pictures

Camping

 *I have tried to post this blog several times with pictures, but it doesn't seem to be working.  I'll try to add pictures again at a later time.*

We've been back for a week now, but it has been an incredibly busy week of meetings, work, and class. 

Our trip was good.  We went to Mammoth Cave, KY.  This turned out to be a great choice for many reasons.  First, we love visiting new places, and we had never been to Mammoth Cave.  Second, it was an hour and half away... great distance to be away from Nashville, but not too far that it's inconvenient.  And third, Mammoth Cave has hundreds of miles of hiking trails! 

So the actual cave is the longest known cave system in the world with well over 300 miles of underground caves in a 7 mile radius.  The park currently has 14 miles open for public tours.  Eric researched the various tours offered and chose a very nice looking tour he thought we would enjoy.  Little did we know, this place is quite popular and some tours were sold out days in advance.  So we joined the hundreds of other people making last-minute reservations and took one of the beginner tours that has space for 120 people and 6 time slots throughout the day.  And our tour did eventually sell-out.

We were pleasantly surprised with our tour and thoroughly enjoyed the 2 miles of cave we traveled.  Some places were very large while others were very small, tight, and slippery.  Mammoth Cave was formed by underground river, and is still being formed.  There were a couple places we could see waterfalls and others where we just got wet from dripping water overhead.  Unfortunately, with over 100 people following 1 guide, you just can't hold up the line to take pictures.  So we got what we could, and moved on!

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

Read this hymn on a friend's blog today.  Love it.

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow
~Ira Forest Stamphill
I don't know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from it's sunshine,
For it's skies may turn to gray.
I don't worry o'er the future,
For I know what Jesus said,
And today I'll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;
But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand.

Ev'ry step is getting brighter,
As the golden stairs I climb;
Ev'ry burden's getting lighter;
Ev'ry cloud is silver lined.
There the sun is always shining,
There no tear will dim the eyes,
At the ending of the rainbow,
Where the mountains touch the sky.

Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;
But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand.

I don't know about tomorrow,
It may bring me poverty;
But the One Who feeds the sparrow,
Is the One Who stands by me.
And the path that be my portion,
May be through the flame or flood,
But His presence goes before me,
And I'm covered with His blood.

Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;
But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand.

Spring Break

While "Spring Break" doesn't mean the same thing it used to, I am grateful. 

Our school board voted to use 2 of our spring break days to make up snow days, so that's been fun.  While I appreciate the thought of getting in extra instructional days before "the test," I'm not sure it did any of us a bit of  good using spring break.  Alas, I have the next 4 days off - and the weekend :)

Today I have a case study to write, and I'd love to get started on report cards.  Tomorrow I plan to finish report cards, and maybe start cleaning the house. That's quite the project, so I'm sure it will take most of  Thursday as well.  I also have an interview on Thursday for a summer opportunity called the Middle Tennessee Writing Project.  And Friday... this is the day I'm really waiting for.... we're going camping!  

Picture taken from a 2009 trip.  How has it been so long?

We haven't officially made our plans yet, and there's still so much to accomplish before then it seems like the distant future.  So even though I haven't gotten all worked up and excited, I know that it will be just what we need once we get there.  I kind of wish I could go to sleep and wake up on Friday. 

Maybe I'll give it a try :) 

Little Did I Know...

Little did I know when I wrote that post last week about what a long and horrible week it had been that it would get worse.  How was I to know?  I hit an all-time stress level this week where I literally could not function.  I came home, landed, and didn't move until the next day.  I think this happened a couple times.  On Wednesday I told Eric I didn't want to go to school.  I'm blessed to be working in a field that I absolutely LOVE, and I've not had that thought this year (about not wanting to go). 

Last week the teacher next door to me said, "Why are all the 3rd grade teachers dropping like flies?  And how are you still going?"  I wish I would have had the foresight to say, "My turn is coming.  Don't you see?  I'm about to crash.... give it till Tuesday." 

This week was Read-Across-America week.  Each day was themed; hat's off to hometown heroes, reading makes me so bright I just have to wear my shades, team up for reading (jerseys), favorite character day... you get the idea.  I participated on Monday when I brought a beach towel and sat on it (catch the reading wave) and I participated on Tuesday when I wore my shades as a headband.  By Wednesday I was a walking zombie and oblivious to the "extras."  And today I was part of the 3rd grade team that didn't participate (not planned, but we're all walking zombies by now), while the rest of the school looked like a good ol' fashioned Halloween party.  The kind I used to have in elementary school, fit with a parade and all.  Kids and teachers alike, all dressed as their favorite character from a book. 

Had I not been so drained, emotionally empty, both physically and mentally exhausted, I would have taken a picture or two.  However, that thought didn't cross my mind until just now, as I sit here writing this.

To recap:

• The shelf my microwave was sitting on (3rd shelf in a bookcase) broke with my water heating inside the microwave.  Came crashing down, shattered the obnoxious pink-heart mug (see V-day post), spilled the water all over papers, posters, other book shelves... even the glass tray inside the microwave cracked.  Perfect.
• Eric's in Dallas for a theology conference this weekend.  He was leaving on Wednesday, so he left work early on Tuesday night so we could have a minute or two together before he left.  By the time he left work, I was already sleeping on the couch.  What a jerk I am.
• Now using my indestructible mug for tea, fit with a lid and all... I set it down to submit my attendance.  A child walked over and before I could calmly interrupt, "sit down and raise your pretty hand, precious child," she knocked over my tea... spilling on the keyboard, chair, and floor.
• Took an orange for lunch (trying to choose healthier options these days), and sitting in solitude in my classroom because apparently that's what I needed this week.  While peeling the orange over the trash can (as to not drop peel on the floor), the orange slipped out of my hands, bounced off my khaki pants on the way down, leaving a lovely ORANGE stain, and landed squarely in the trash can.  Double negative.
• This morning a child got out of his chair to look at the globe (to find the bordering states of Oregon... NO IDEA why he didn't use the US map).  The globe was hanging.  He pulled too hard, the rope broke, it scared the blessed child, and he dropped the globe.  Broken globe in hand, I thought the only logical thing...

"Because why wouldn't this happen to me?  Of course, I needed to finish out the week." 

OH - also about Tuesday of this week, my back/shoulder started bothering me.  Within 24 hours I was a hot mess with deep pain.  Today I had the opportunity to see the chiropractor.  He has always been able to help me with this problem.  But today, he could not.  Even tried some electric stem and heat... still nothing. 

Oh, April 16.  Please come fast.

On second thought...

It's only been a few hours since I wrote that daunting post and I'm already feeling bad about it.

I chose my career, and I LOVE my career.  It has, quite simply, been a long week. 

Here's to hoping I can learn some things along the way and next year this month (and next) won't be so discouraging.

It's been a rough one...

To be modest, this week has been rough.  Endless days, sleepless nights, daily meetings, early mornings, and work like I've never known it.  I haven't spent much time with my husband either, and that's always draining.  Between my insane week and his evening work schedule, we've managed to miss each other most nights this week. And to top it off, we're out of food.

The kitchen is a disaster (it's probably not the only disastrous room in the house, but I haven't ventured into other rooms this week), I need to do laundry, and as previously mentioned.... groceries are few and far between. 

This morning I taught at our school's Saturday Academy.  I'm glad I'm doing it, and it's only a 6 week commitment (today was week 2).  I got home from school a little after 11:00 with a million things on my mind to be completed before Monday and quickly realized it wouldn't get done at home, and I didn't have any food to sustain me.  I packed my bags and headed to Panera. 

I've been here for 4 hours, got a few of the more serious and pertinent items completed, but in all only crossed 7 things off my "to-do" list of 23 things.  It's the truth.  And I know this is rather gloomy, but the light at the end of the tunnel is 2 weeks and 2 days away.  And even then, it's only a temporary 4 day Spring Break.  Oh yes, 4 days.  The rest of our break was taken away to make up excess snow days.

Lately I've been wondering what's it's like to have a job that doesn't come home with you.

V-day

I'm a day late - but yesterday was Valentine's Day.  Eric and I don't celebrate the day.  I find it quite disgusting that chocolates, flowers and balloons can be twice their average price on this fancy holiday.  If you want to buy flowers, great!  But do it on a different week and save a buck.  Anyway, we were in Target on Saturday so we picked out cards for each other, traded, got a good laugh from the cards we had chosen, and placed them back on the shelf.  And that was our extent of "celebrating."

I planned a Valentine's party at school basically because I knew the kids would want to trade cards.  So I sent a little letter home about our party with everyone's name so students could accuractly address cards :)  I let parents know that I would be making cupcakes, and they were free to send other goodies if they chose.  I expected a few bags of chips.  I was blown away!  The "goodies" just kept coming!

Also new to me, the way kids show appreciation for their teacher.  Here's a taste of my gifts from the day.  Though most of these are trinkets you could pick up at any dollar store (except the carnations, and single rose), I do feel loved and appreciated.  Especially so with this obnoxious pink-heart mug.  The precious boy said, "I wanted you to have this for the tea you drink everyday."  Awww!  I had to re-heat my tea about 5 times today before it was gone because it got cold so fast, but I just had to use the mug.  And the child had a huge smile across his face all day long. 

I do love teaching.

Atlanta Weather

I've been watching some of these reports - they're all good, if you're interested - but I just had to post this one.  It compliments my utter frustration over the weather.  And while I know I don't live in Atlanta, the weather is similar enough for this to be accurate.