It's the final countdown until David is finished his first year of teaching! Tomorrow is his last day. Today was the last day for students. It has been a difficult year for him. Quick recap of the year-
Sept- School began for David at the Y.A.L.E. School, an alternative school. He taught middle school and high school age students. No more than 10 students in a room. His was self contained, meaning he taught all subjects except PE, Health and computers. He had lunch with his students and no prep periods. He had to learn lots about Spec. Ed. and all the paperwork that goes along with it.
He had good days and bad, some really bad. The students could be violent or threatening, making for a stressful environment.
He began his masters degree in Special Ed this fall also.
By spring David decided he needed to look for another school to teach in. NJ isn't in the greatest economic shape at the moment. Teachers are losing jobs or taking cut backs throughout the entire state. He has applied to many schools in and out of NJ. It is a giant step of faith to walk into the future without a plan but we know Heavenly Father will guide us.
I have shed more than one tear this year knowing my husband is unhappy at his job. Some days I asked him if he would be able to get up the next morning and do it all over again. I know he did it for me and our children.
We've been blessed to have medical insurance, a good steady income, and new friends. David has many years experience after this year. And he's been able to share the gospel with those he's met. He was able to show those around him who an mormon is and what they're like. He's had spiritual discussions with co-workers on the worth of souls is great in the sight of God and that we don't have to earn His love. He's shown them Mormons are Christians.
My husband is incredible and I love him to pieces. He works so hard to provide for us. I once asked him what I could do to make it all easier for him. He said "you're already doing it. When I come home you don't yell at me, you're nice to me and you and Lily love me." Well, my job is a lot easier than his has been. Thank you for being so amazing David!
The base of the huge limb.
If you look closely you'll see two black power lines coming towards the house and the very large limb laying on top of them. The limb is the size of a tree itself.
A better view of the massive limb.
the damage to the house
Its hot hot hot! And Lilia adores playing in the "waterfall" -she means the ocean. And Max finds the sound of the ocean very relaxing and sleeps the entire time.
My handsome boy, he's now 1 month
Pop's retired! This is his last day in the office.
Lily put her baby down the front of her leotard. She sees me with Max in the front pack. I think she'll be a wonderful mother :)
This weekend was the dance recital. I teach Modern Dance at Leslie's Dance Studio. They danced to Firefly and had glow bracelets and glow earrings in the dark for part of the dance. It was amazing!
My best friend Kristin got married. This is the three of us BFF! Janelle, Kristin, and Me.
Max wore his sailor suit and slept most of the time. We had to cover his ears while the band played, it was so loud!
He's getting so big!
This is the newborn outfit he came home from in the hospital. It doesn't fit him anymore.
Max wore a suit to Pop's retirement dinner.
My handsome men
Congrats on your retirement Pop!
Pop dancing with Lily at his party.
Pop teaching Lily the joy of roasting marshmallows. She didn't have the patience to roast them.
I chopped my hair off myself. It feels so great to not have the long hair on my neck in this heat.
practicing before church with Grammy. Both still need to get dressed.
we are all in love with him!
He has big blue eyes that are staying open longer and longer now.
he'll be tall like his daddy someday.
sweet dreams
Monkeying around-socks, shirt and monkey pal
chillin' with daddy
you lookin' at me?
kisses, mwah!
They love each other!
nap time with Daddy
Our big boy!