Seattle for the Weekend

Jason and I had our first mini-vacation of the summer last weekend up in Seattle.  We drove up Saturday morning and spent the morning wandering around Pike's Place Market. Seattle is such a fun town to visit, with lots to look at and many different things to take part in.  I personally love the many unique shops and vendors, with all their bright colors even on a dreary wet northwest day...Jason and I are considering trading in our "teaching" jobs and opening our own booth :)

Later on that evening, we headed to Safeco Field to cheer on the Mariners...needless to say our cheering didn't help them win, but we had a great time being at the ballpark.  There is something about actually watching the game when you are only a few rows from the field versus watching it at home.  Jason would want me to mention that we were present for Dustin Ackley's first major league home run...actually it was pretty exciting since we were only around 15 seats away from where the ball eventually landed.

It was so good to get away even if it was just for a little bit to escape the reality back at home...this has been a great school year, but also a really hard one.  I know that we have both learned a lot about not only teaching but also ourselves.  It was so good to get away together to remind each other that no matter what happens, we have each other...that support is something I am so thankful for.  So, on to summer...Let's hope it's only good things to come. :)

Last Day of School...of Claggett

5th/10th Period: English 7

Student's Notes to Me :)

These mean so much to me...

The reason why I teach...

Well, today was my last day of students at Claggett Creek...and my last full day there as a teacher.  It's amazing to think that this year went by so fast, and how much we were able to accomplish.  I know that my students learned a lot, but I also learned so much.  What a learning experience to come into a position at the beginning of November....to classes with no structure...no assignments...and then came me....someone who is a planner and likes to think of creative projects and assignments.  Needless to say, I think I was somewhat of a shock to my students at the beginning.

2nd/7th Period: Read 180

3rd/9th Period: English 7 (only half the class :)

Love spending time with this group :)

But we got used to each other, worked with each other, and by the end of the year it was hard to see them go.  I am so proud of all that they have accomplished and the strengths that they have been able to build upon.  As a teacher it would be easy to say you judge your success based on grades or test scores...which my students excelled :)...but for me how I judge my student's success on how they are doing compared to where they started, not just academically but personally.  Going on that criteria, this year was a landslide success. I am so proud of them, and know this year impacted their lives...which is why I love teaching in the first place.

Today is bittersweet though...as of now, I do not have a teaching job for the next school year, even though I am loved and appreciated my my administration and staff.  It makes it harder leaving for the summer knowing that once again my future is unknown.  I have learned so much, and have made some great friends in the teachers I had the privilege of working alongside.  We will see what the future brings...here are some pics of what we participated in after-school today :)

 

Claggett Creek Middle School: Mrs. Bernard 2010-2011 :)

Third Anniversary

Today, May 17, is Jason and my third wedding anniversary. :)

It is amazing to think that it has already been that long.

Three years ago, I was so in love with my best friend,

and I am blessed to say that I love him more today than

the day that I married him.

It was the perfect wedding day.  It was over 100 degrees

outside, which allowed for wonderful pictures, but the 

best part was being surrounded by our family and friends.

This last year has been yet another year with many ups

and downs, but I wouldn't want to wade through it all

without my number one fan, and person I can lean on.

I love you Jason, and can't wait to see what this next year 

will bring for us!  Happy Anniversary!

He 'Chose' Me

This Easter morning this song came into my head after celebrating Christ's resurrection at church.  What amazes me so much is that Christ came to the earth fully aware and fully committed to the cause of saving those that were lost.  

On that "glorious day," Christ knew that He would be killed.  He knew what God's plan was, and He did not shy away from it, but died on the cross for the sins of the world.  He chose to die, so that I might chose  to live.

 Christ's ultimate gift was showered down on the day He died on the cross, and fulfilled when He stepped out of the tomb three days later.  Hundreds of years later, I was given the choice to believe and accept this wonderful gift that I certainly did not deserve.  

I praise the Lord for choosing me to follow Him.  The moment I chose to give myself to the Lord, I knew and still believe that He is holding me in His arms, until He calls to to my eternal home.  What an amazing thought to know that the God of the universe thinks of me, and cares for me; He chose me.

 

Glorious Day

by Casting Crowns

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He
Word became flesh and the light shined among us
His glory revealed

Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day

One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He
Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He’s ascended, my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him
From rising again

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my Beloved One, bringing
Glorious Savior, this Jesus, is mine

Maui 2011

Over spring break Jason and I got the pleasure of getting away to a little island...MAUI! :)

Needless to say, we had a wonderful week of 80 plus weather and spending time with friends that it was VERY hard to want to come back to reality.

Relaxing on the beach.

"Be a pepper Jason!"

We got there and had two days where we explored the island on our own before our great friends from Alaska, Jordan and Katrina Weber came to spend the rest of the week with us.  We went snorkeling out to Molokini...a crater out in the middle of the ocean.  That was one of my favorite parts of the whole trip!  (I am just waiting for the underwater photos to get developed)  It is amazing how many colorful and strange looking fish there are right under the surface of the water.

Katrina and Me

Jason, Me, Katrina and Jordan in Maui! :)

Boogie-Boarding!

Surfer Chicks ;)

Cheeseburger in Paradise

Our friends showed up, and then we stayed busy going to a different beach each day.  We went snorkeling, boogie-boarding, sun bathing and enjoyed time relaxing.  They live in Alaska, so we enjoyed every moment getting to make new memories with them.  We went shopping and ate out at some yummy restaurants. :)  It is so nice having friends that even after not seeing each other in months it was right back to old times.

Silly boys.

Me surfing...I know little wave ;)

We had a wonderful week in Maui...spring break 2011.