Overwhelmed.

School is going absolutely wonderfully. I can honestly say that I would not rather be at any other school.

Now, with that being said, I’m a little overwhelmed. Of course, I’m still learning the ropes of a brand new school, but that’s not too rough. This week, I started training in one of the biggest programs used at The Cambridge School: The Wilson Reading System. From what I have seen at the school and in the initial training, I can definitely say that I believe the program works in the classroom. However, the span of a one-year program with an online course and a practicum is a little overwhelming! I have two students who will be receiving Wilson instruction with me, one-on-one. That’s a lot of pressure for a trainee.

Also, I found out yesterday that I will be given my own Level III math class on Monday (Actually, Tuesday. We have a field trip Monday). I’m so excited to get to teach an extra period (in addition to my 3 computer class each week) of the day, but I’m nervous about taking over a class that has been together for two weeks already. Between the training and the new class, I am a little overwhelmed.

The best part of The Cambridge School, though, is everyone’s amazing willingness to lend a hand. Although I’m a little fearful, I know that every teacher and administrator will do anything they can to help me out. This is what makes working at Cambridge so enjoyable. So…let’s do it!

Family Dinner

When I moved up here, one thing I was most excited about was family dinner (which is family supper for those of you from Louisiana). Mike told me that his family, grandparents included, got together every Sunday for supper. I looked forward to that most of anything, because I knew I was going to need some support after moving to a brand new place and finding a brand new job, church, and friends. It has been everything I thought it would be.

This week, we added Aunt Deb, Uncle Skip, and Kristen (along with her boyfriend) to the mix. It was my turn to cook, so we had about a dozen people in our little condo. I rearranged the living room (almost eliminating it) and added a couple new, temporary tables.  We had a wonderful time and a pretty darn good feast.

Mom Watson brought the salad. Aunt Deb brought the appetizers, and Grandmom contributed the dessert. I made the meal. Let me tell you, this was a challenge. I loved every minute of it. I sautéed some shrimp and made beef brisket with mashed potatoes and green bean bundles. I also made rolls and a veggie tray. I served southern sweet tea, too. Although, I may have been the only one who drank that. Hmm. Oh well! It was an absolutely delicious dinner.

Two things I really love are family and cooking, so this was the highlight of my week. It always is! Try it with your family, and let me know what you’re cookin’!

By the way, today was Meatless Monday (if you're participating). What did you have?

Meatless Mondays

If you read my blog on a regular basis, you know that my Aunt Carla has Lou Gehrig’s Disease. If you don’t read my blog regularly, you can read more about the diagnosis and my thoughts here.

Anyway…we’re still expecting God to heal her body completely. We’re prayerfully seeking His healing hands, comfort, strength, and understanding each day. A few weeks ago, our entire family did a one month fast. We broke it up amongst us, and everyone took a few days. I firmly believe in the power of prayer and fasting, so Mike and I have decided to do another round.

We have chosen to have “Meatless Mondays” until Christmas. We are not eating any meat or seafood on Mondays until we see Aunt Carla for Christmas. For example, I had only grapes, strawberries and a salad for lunch today. Mike had an egg salad. Tonight, we are eating broccoli alfredo pasta. It’s not a huge fast, we know. However, we will be sacrificing meat every Monday for a few months. This will keep fervent prayer on our minds until the end of the year….OR until we see a miracle in Aunt Carla’s life.

You are more than welcome to join us next week for “Meatless Mondays”! If you choose to join, please be in prayer for Aunt Carla’s physical and mental healing. As you can imagine, this is taking a toll on her whole being, as well as on her family. Pray for Uncle Buc, Sierra and Cheyenne. They all need peace and refuge in Him right now. Also, if you choose to join, leave a comment letting us know that you’re fasting and praying. If you have a good meatless recipe, let us know! We would love to try it.

Long Time, No Post

I haven’t updated in a while. I knew this would happen eventually, but I am determined to push through and be a blogger!

Family: My Aunt Ruthie had her second thyroid surgery. It went well, and we are hoping for good, cancer-free reports! My Aunt Carla is still hanging in there. They are both such an inspiration to me. I hope to have such strong faith in God and family one day.

Zeke is playing football now, and the season is in full swing! He has a game tonight against Tensas Academy. GEAUX ZEKE! He’s doing really well this year, and I am so sad that I won’t get to see him play. I am proud anyway though!

Work: Oh my goodness! I cannot thank God enough for the wonderful job He gave me. Let me tell you, this school is the most incredible place I have ever been. I love the staff and students. I’m enjoying my computer classes, and I love helping out in a Middle School II writing class and an algebra class. I really enjoy waking up every morning for work.

Also, I have already swayed one student. He informed me on Wednesday that he just was NOT a fan of the LSU Tigers. I talked to him a bit, and he wore an LSU hat to school on Thursday! GEAUX TIGERS! LSU 19, MSU 6

Fun: Mike and I have really been enjoying ourselves lately. Last weekend, we went to the Penn State vs. Alabama game. It was really a blast, and I enjoyed getting to see Mike’s alma mater. PSU is not SEC, but they make a nice football atmosphere. I was impressed.

We left Penn State really early Sunday morning after the game on Saturday, because we had to rush back for what I thought was a brunch with his family. It turns out it was a surprise bridal shower. It was so nice, and I was extremely blessed by the guests and gifts.

Last night, we were given box seats for the Phillies vs. Marlins game. Because I am a huge baseball fan, I decided to make the drive into the city to meet Mike. I was a little intimidated, since I have never driven in a city that big. I made it, though! We went to the game and had a BLAST! Phillies 2, Marlins 1 after 10 innings!

I think I’m starting a new painting for my dad tomorrow. I’ll keep ya posted!

Ok. That is all for now. My weekend just started, and I think it’s time to relax.

Oh, Satan!

Darn you, devil. These attacks on my family are so dang frustrating. Don’t you worry though, WE will prevail, but WE are sons and daughter of THE Almighty God.

As you know (if you read my earlier post), my Aunt Carla was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is a challenge for my whole family to come together in faith and trust in God to bring her through this. We are praying for and believing in a miracle for her.

Shortly before Aunt Carla’s diagnosis, my Nana (of TiffandNana on Etsy) was hospitalized, because she was not able to breathe on her own. Nana had battled the issue for a few months, before the hospitalization. She had been in and out of doctors and on a hundred different medications. As you can imagine, we were all pretty afraid when she was hospitalized in Texas, hours away from everyone. Luckily, she had a GREAT doctor. He was able to find the blood clots in her lungs that were causing the shortness of breath, and he was able to medicate her to reduce their size and improve her breathing. It was a long road of shots and meds, but she is much better now.

Most recently, my Aunt Ruthie underwent surgery on her thyroid. A couple of months ago, her doctor detected nodules on her thyroid and wanted to remove them to test for cancer. They removed a portion of her thyroid last week, and discovered that the nodules were cancerous. Now, she has to have ANOTHER surgery to remove the remainder of her thyroid and attempt to oust the cancer.

Man OH man. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. –John 10:10 Satan may be attacking, but I figure that’s only because my family is walking in faith. If we were walking as prisoners of our sin, we wouldn’t need the attacks. We walk freely! Satan doesn’t like it much obviously.

“Living He loved me. Dying He saved me. Buried He carried my sins far away. Rising He justified. Freely forever…..”

Look here, devil; we will win these attacks on our family’s health. Our Father has already conquered death and the grave, and we walk free from bondage. We will see miracles from the power of our God!

The Start of Happily Ever After

 I have spent my first two full days with the staff at The Cambridge School. We had in-service this week, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now, that is not to say I was not 100% overwhelmed! Mrs. Peters (our Head of School) actually put it best. She said, “It’s like you moved to a brand new place where everyone speaks a different language.” Yes ma’am!

Our school is made for students with learning differences, so everything is very personalized, organized, and methodical. Everyone speaks in a language that communicates that to the whole staff efficiently. I’m the only new person, so I’m the only one who doesn’t speak the language. Luckily, everyone has taken me under their wing, and I have a wonderful mentor teacher. I look forward to learning the ropes over this first year, just as I have enjoyed meeting all of the wonderful staff members. It has been a great start to my future!

Mike is also enjoying work. The players are back, and the games have begun. He loved work all summer, when no one was around, but he is really enjoying it now. He met Marlon Favorite (former LSU Tiger) in the cafeteria one day. We went to a picnic with the entire Eagles organization, and he is gearing up for Temple vs. Penn State in a couple of weeks. He is so excited to be on the field when his favorite teams are playing again. (He also planned a trip to Penn State when they play Alabama in a couple of weeks…ROLL TIDE!)

Needless to say, happily ever after is starting for us, and we are happier than ever!