Gone

I am leaving for Chicago this morning! :)

No plans, but to sleep, read, Segway, and attend an Italian mafia wedding.

Happy, happy, happy!

Saying Goodbye To My Class

My last day of school was on Thursday. From experience on saying goodbye earlier in the week, I knew this was not going to be easy.

This class was very special. For some I was their fourth teacher this year! I came in late October. We had some move away and others join us. They went through radiation with me. We had pen pals in China. They got to know some of my friends like Miss Amy. Plus, it was my first "real" class.

The morning started out well. All year I told them I would play soccer with them before they left for the year. I held true to my promise so the morning was filled with a lot of trash talk that helped me not think about saying goodbye. I did impress them with my "skills", but they slaughtered me in the end.

And how can you not help but laugh when you look up from your paperwork and see this?!?!

A student was leading them in yoga.

However, 11:30 hit and I had to say goodbye to him.

This was my starfish this year. At the beginning of the year everybody picked a student in their class that they thought might need some extra attention in some area. This child thought I hated from day one. He was constantly in trouble and could not focus on any task given to him. Over time though, we bonded. He greatly improved in his grades and behavior. If there was any question about how much I cared for him, those were laid to rest on Thursday when I had tears and mascara all over my face. He came up to me and said "Ms.Quarles, I pray everyday that your cancer never comes back." We did not let go of each other from our walk from the classroom until he literally stepped on to the bus. He called me in the afternoon to make sure I had quit crying. Love him... sigh.

I am already excited about next year, but I am not sure any class will be quite as special as this one!

Beth the Mess

This is the way I am feeling these days... an emotional mess.

I started a new grad program this past weekend. I feel very out of my element and overwhelmed by all the things that must get done. I know that I will not be able to procrastinate which is very, VERY hard for me to do.

We had 4th grade graduation yesterday. I did well during the ceremony, but when it came time for dismissal I had to say goodbye to one of my students. My students thought I had lost my mind due to the amount of tears I shed. I have to say goodbye to some today and the rest tomorrow. So not a happy thing.

Tonight is the last chance I get to spend with Tiffany before she leaves without others around.

I got another speeding ticket.

I have to pack my entire classroom to move inside the building.

I have to move my bedroom for my new roommate.

Have I mentioned the amount of paper work I have to do?!!?

Okay, so those are the sucky things, but there are lots of good things too!

Enjoyed a fabulous Scrabble game on Sunday night!

Josh and Tiffany planned a fun night at the Saucer on Monday. Lots of people came out. Good times.

Got to spend some time on my hill and pray.

I got to spend some quality time with one of the French Lemoners. Accountability and encouragement are powerful tools.

My kiddos are precious. Really. I love them to pieces.

The weather has been amazing.

Amy is awesome.

Brad is moving here next week.

I am going to Chicago on Saturday!!!!!

And these are the reasons I am a mess. ;)

Cali

On Saturday my sweet friend Cali left for India. Several months ago, she expressed her desire to work with girls in India. I have never seen someone quite as passionate about a work. Over time it became clear that Father also wanted her there.

Cali found an organization to work with called Project Rescue. They have an amazing work going on especially in Mumbai. Please keep this work in your Thoughts. (For more information click on the picture.)

Please Lift Cali up. I know her work will be joyful and sorrowful at the same time. There is a lot of spiritual warfare that she will face. She will also be coming home in June to get married. Talk about a lot on her plate! She is pretty remarkable though and will do great things.

Crawfish Boil

Justin and I decided to go on a walk tonight over the pedestrian bridge. It is something I have always had on my "Nashville To-Do", but have never managed to do it before.

While on our walk, some guy came up and offered us free tickets to the Crawfish Boil. :) We had just talked about going last week, but well... In the end we got to go for free which was much better.

Because it was so late, we only got to see the headliner 311. Talk about some memories from middle and high school!

Good times.

Afternoon Break

With summer break literally around the corner, my kiddos are losing their minds quickly. Or maybe just their teacher is. There is SO much to be done! Final grades, testing, cleaning, packing (moving to a new classroom), etc. Needless to say, my patience is wearing thin.

In order to keep my head above water, our class took a much needed break today. The sun was shining, weather ideal, and we needed to be outside and be silent. We all (including me) took a book, laid in the grass, and disappeared into quietness for awhile. Our attitudes were much better for the rest of the afternoon.

Sometimes you just literally have to stop and lie in the flowers. :)

Breaking Habits

So I have this habit...

When I get stressed I cut my hair. Not every haircut comes from stress, but it is a good indicator.

If I had not just gotten my haircut last week (not stress induced) then yesterday I would have. It wasn't a bad day, but I have a lot on my plate right now. There was and is a lot of praying going on.

This morning after I hit snooze 3 times (and to think I use to just bound out of bed!), I managed to roll over, grab my Good Book, wipe the sleep out of my eyes enough to read.

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.”

(Proverbs 31:25)

Talk about something for me to take to heart.

It's going to be a different kind of day. :)