AWKWARD

I highly dislike the first week of school - actually about the first month. Its so uncomfortable and awkward to find boundaries/limits for students, as well as get to know their personalities, home lives, and what their home life brings to their school life. It takes time, but I just don't like all the awkwardness that occurs in the "exploring" process. But each day that passes will reveal a little bit more, so that is a good thing. September 28th is my goal for reaching a point where all awkwardness goes away and to have fallen into routine efficiently; both for me as a teacher and my students as middle schoolers.

Family Week

WOW! Vacation was awesome. I got to spend a
week at my favorite place on earth (LIC). I got
to be a camper for the first time in 11 years
during family week. I got to spend the weekend
with my relatives. I got to see a bunch of my camp friends from years past. I got to babysit
Payton twice and see her everyday for seven straight days. But I think most of all, God led me to a place of healing in my mind and my heart for all the things that happened in the past year. I guess as usual, we just needed some time in the middle of a lake with a fishing pole in the water for Dad and I to realize that we've both grown up and also grown apart in our opinions and beliefs. I cannot change him and he will not change me. But the smile on my face in that picture is genuine. No matter how angry, upset, hurt, or abnormal you believe your family is, at the end of the day, they are your family, and no matter how dysfunctional they may be, we are blessed to have whatever family we have. That's what Family Week at Lutheran Island Camp taught me this week.

Vacation - All I Ever Wanted

I love that song....

Especially when I leave for vacation tomorrow and since I haven't gotten to attend our family vacation as a camper for 11 years. I feel like a kid again getting ready for camp; and I must say, I LOVE IT! And we have a new super-fun little girl in our family who is going to make vacation even more fun!

So for those of you who will be at camp this weekend or next week, can't wait to see you. To those who won't, there's a sneak peak at a beautiful certain someone who, sadly, you missed. :)