"Back to school, back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool." Adam Sandler, Billy Madison

I could swear to you right now that time actually goes by faster during June and July. I just don't know where the summer has gone. But, alas, the time has come for another school year to start. I can't believe that this senior class is the class of 2009! And, what's even weirder, the freshmen are the class of 2012. I'm getting old.

I love the school where I work. It's full of lots of history and tradition- It's actually the oldest high school west of the Mississippi River (don't worry, we're not in the original building). It's also the high school where the Bush girls went and, a few years ago, Rick Perry's daughter was on my cheerleading squad. I love, love, love the teachers that I work with, and the kids are extremely diverse, which is ideal for me. As long as I continue teaching, I want to be at Austin High.

My classroom is just about ready to go, my lesson plans are made (for the most part) and my student teacher is fabulous. So here's to a great year of teaching and learning, and to keeping up my summer workout routine even after an exhausting day on my feet.

Money Matters

Over the last three weeks, our church has been doing a series called "Money Matters." Matt, our pastor, has been talking about finances on Sundays, and we've been discussing it in our community group. It has been powerful and life-changing, without a doubt.

Here are the top 5 main points that I've gotten out of the last few weeks. Some I had known and understood, some things I thought I knew, but now they really make sense, and some were totally new. It's easy to know and understand this stuff on a head-level, but my prayer is that I can really take these truths and live them out. It's easy to sit around and talk about stuff. It's a lot harder to put it into action.

1. Everything I have belongs to the Lord.

2. I couldn't do anything and wouldn't have anything without him giving it to me- intelligence to work, sight, hearing, gifts, talents, ... I couldn't earn money if I didn't have what he gave me.

3. My finances are a heart-issue, not a formula. Giving my tithe at the beginning of each month and then not praying or being active in stewarding my money in other ways is not what the Lord desires from me.

4. I don't need to feel guilt when God blesses me with material things and money. My response should be to give him the praise and the glory for it and steward it well.

5. Where my treasure is, my heart will also be. If my treasure is my things, my heart is in the wrong place.

For some good listenin', check out the Austin Stone Podcasts.

"What a Mighty Good Man" - Salt n Pepa

My husband, Ryan, is one of the most kind, pure-hearted and Godly men I've ever know. He's a great fit for me, and I'm so blessed to have him as my husband.


















Sunday was my birthday, and he made the weekend so special- especially with a big surprise for dinner and a super fun birthday present.


















Just a few of the many things I love about Ryan are-


how he helps out around the house...



that he's a guy's guy (minus the tights!)



that he has become friends with my friends...



that he loves to serve and give of his time and gifts...















that he's a hard worker...















that he's fun to travel with...















that he always pooper scoops our yard :)