Jesus and Cheez-its

Oh, I forgot about blogging.  Actually I forgot about everything except sight words, lesson plans, math games, and lining up.   That was only slightly serious.  The last few weeks have been great, overwhelming, laughable, terrifying, etc.  There have been so many times I have seen God using my position to love others and bring glory to Him. Praise God.  There have also been times that I have said, "Self, what the heck are you doing here?"  All in all, I'm so grateful.  

Story time...

I was walking with a boy down the hallway who was very upset about something that happened earlier that day.  We were trying to calm down and I asked him if he felt any better after walking around.  He said (what I thought was), "I just need Jesus to calm me down."  I proceeded to get the warm fuzzies thinking of a child in my class who knew the Lord.  I said, "That's right.  You just think about that in your heart right now, I know it will help."  Then he says, "They are just so delicious, I know they will calm me down."  I thought about it a little more, and then heard him repeat, "Cheez-its.  I just love cheez-its."  Best story of my new first grade life so far. 

To all who have been seriously wondering how the skating party has been, it was a hit.  I definitely strengthened my arm muscles by carrying around children who had no idea how to skate or possibly just wanted to skate with their super-cool teacher.  

I'm slowly, but surely learning how to do this whole teaching thing.  I keep thinking, where is my supervisor?  I need to ask for permission to do this... It's my classroom though, my first group of amazing children who are a blessing each and every day (even then days I want to pull my hair out).  I have no complaints about the incredible opportunity I have to influence a life for the better.  It is just that, an opportunity.  I just keep praying that I can reflect love, compassion, and belief in each of these six year-olds.  I just love 'em.  

I will be enjoying this labor day weekend of organizing, planning, relaxing, and possibly a pedicure.

Peace and Crayons,

Mrs. Wilde

beautiful things

The last few months have flown by.  It is hard to believe that summer is almost over and school is starting in less than a month.  I can't wait to meet the beautiful first grade faces I will have the privilege to teach and love this next school year.  Bulletin boards and decor is nearly complete.  (Thanks to many accomplices like my mom, mother-in-law, Aunt Carol, and others). Now to work on the curriculum... (aka the important stuff). 

Brian and I got to celebrate our one year anniversary a few weeks ago.  It was perfect.  Full of family, sunburns, delicious food, and tons of laughter.  I love that man more everyday.  He brightens my life with endless joy, encouragement, and leadership.  I am constantly reminded of how much he loves me and that he would do anything for me.  He is an amazing example of Christ and I am so grateful.  I pray for many more years to come...

I have been on two youth trips in the last few weeks.  I think I somewhat took advantage of these experiences during my high school and middle school years.  I learn so much more now and am able to take more in.  Perhaps it is because I am no longer concerned with potentially cute boys and straightening my hair at such events.  It is beyond inspiring to watch the students in our youth group love God and others.  They minister to me in so many ways and I am humbled by the opportunity to be there for them and lead them to Christ.  It amazes me how God has continued to be faithful in using my story to minister to others and to show them who He is.  

I'm loving "Beautiful Things" by Gungor right now. 

you make beautiful things, 
you make beautiful things out of the dust.

you make beautiful things, 
you make beautiful things out of us.

I have two beautiful friends getting married this weekend.  I couldn't be happier for the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. MacGill.  Then off to Tennessee on a sister-ly adventure with two of my faves.  I can't wait to spend time with them! It will be good for the soul.  I must have forgotten that I moved away from all of my closest friends.  In the business, I neglected to acknowledge this new change that hit me like a ton of bricks today.  I am so thankful for the wonderful friends I have made here, don't get me wrong.  Everything is just a little different.  Praise God for who He is, how He loves, and how He uses it all.

Mrs. Wilde

sweet summertime

I can't believe it is almost July.  How did this happen so quickly?  In the last month-ish, we have moved into a new place, I am employed (first graders here I come), and I have become addicted to Panda Express.  I am so grateful for this time.  I love summer.  I'm not sure how I'm going to get used to being in one place every single day because I have quickly acclimated to doing what I please and watching an outrageous amount of HGTV and the food network.  I know I will love it though.  Will I be ready? Not a chance.  The idea of my first year of teaching is so exciting and daunting all at the same time, but I'm ready to jump in with both feet.

I'm learning a lot about (my lack of) discipline.  I can easily be diligent about cleaning my apartment, checking things off of my to do list, spending time with my loving husband.  Being diligent about my time in the word is sometimes a different story, and there is nothing more frustrating.  I am so grateful for a husband who holds me accountable, leads me, and loves me for who I am.

Speaking of this wonderful husband of mine, we have almost been married for a year.  How time flies.  This year has been phenomenal (not perfect), but we have learned so much about one another, about life, and about God.  I have learned about Brian's love for hamburger helper, his claustrophobic tendencies with snuggling, our addiction to treats, and countless other quirks.  I have learned how selfless he is, how focused on what God is calling us to do he is, and how unconditionally loving he is.  I am beyond grateful that I get to go through life with this man.  Heading to KC soon to celebrate and go to the water park of course.

We are going to have an addition to our family within the next year.  Yes, I am...wanting a puppy.  When we move out of our non- pet friendly apartment, puppy here we come.  I have quickly decided on a yorkie-poo to be named Peanut.  The husky will come a little later. 

Father's Day came and went.  It's always a reminder of the man I miss, the man my husband never had the chance to meet, the man who shaped so much of my life.  I am also reminded of all the people who have helped fill that role in my life, never replaced however.  I got to see my favorite little brothers last week and they continually remind me of how wonderfully blessed I am.

Love,
Mrs. Wilde

whirl-wind

update: We have finally moved into our new apartment. We only have one address now, wonderful.  I already miss Manhattan, but I know we will love building a life together here.  I just need to find a coffee shop comparable to bluestem and/or radina's.  It feels so good to know that we don't have to leave tomorrow and drive back. 

It is so difficult to not plan.  I love to know what is coming next and have security in the future.  It is healthy and stretching for my soul to trust in the Lord completely.  I am reminded each day of his faithfulness to me, no matter my circumstance.  

I emailed 16 principals today.  I hope they want me.  Let me love the little ones, and teach them too. Please oh please. This goes right along with the previous tidbit of trust. 

My little Sarah got married last weekend.  The wedding was perfect: yellow and red, resembled a barn, wonderful friends, most beautiful bride ever.  I love her, miss her, must visit Tennessee to see her. (Thank you GRITS for teaching me how to spell Tennessee-- T E Double N E SS EE).

Pictures of the new place soon, love it so much.

Mrs. Wilde

grown-up?

I've been overwhelmed with various emotions the last few weeks.  Leaving the familiar excites and terrifies me all at the same time.  I love this place I have called home for the last five years.  Going to dorm devos last night reminded me of how much I have grown here, changed here, been molded here.  I met the love of my life in this place and we are ready to embark on a new adventure.  

I'm not ready to leave these third graders, tears fill my eyes when I think about not seeing them everyday.  I know that I can't control what happens to them, but when I am teaching them I can.  I can give them a safe place, but thinking of leaving them breaks me to the core.  Each is different and beautiful in his or her own way and I will be leaving a piece of my heart behind with each one.  I've never met a child who conveys the message of Christ through her actions like I did this semester.  She has floored me with her kindness, fairness, and concern for others.  She will change the world.  I love each student, all uniquely and I have been so blessed to spend my days with them.  In no way was each day perfect, but I would not trade it for anything.  Assignments are complete, now to just to enjoy my last few days with them, soaking up memories and funny sayings.

I'm not ready for her to go, yeah her.  The one who I have been attached at the hip with since I moved into Kenoyer hall.  We've never spent more than a summer apart since that day, and now she is moving ten hours away.  She will change the world, love the St. Jude kids like no one's business and become a Tennessee girl.  Growing up, this sucks.  Mark-o is a lucky guy.

I love this town.  Java. Radina's. Pita Pit. MCC. Family Nights with Jared. Growing up with my bff Alex.  Holding hands with Mr. Wilde. Our first home.  Suite 303, 301, and 302. ACME gift. Bluemont Elementary School. My wonderful, beautiful, phenomenal cooperating teacher. Pier 1. Aunt Ruth's spaghetti. Seeing God move here.

I was reminded this weekend of what He did for me.  Oh praise the One who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead.  Sin is broken.  This is not the end.  Not only will I spend eternity with my savior, but I will see him again.  I will.  The one I have missed everyday for the last six and a half years.  He will meet my wonderful husband and love him.  He will meet the friends I have met later in life and see how his story changed me forever.  I do not deserve one ounce of grace that I have received, but I am forever grateful to Jesus.  My life has purpose and meaning.  It is not because of the job I may or may not get, the decor in my home, my future kids, my marriage, the things I DO, but it's because of Him. It's all about Him, it will always be about Him, and it always has been about Him.

Wow, that was a lot of rambling, but that's what happens when your portfolio is finished and lesson planning is done.

Mrs. Wilde

spring break, a sigh.

Wow I can't believe it is past mid-March.  Soon it will be April which includes so many things: Marth's birthday, speaking at a purity retreat, turning in my student teaching portfolio, interviews? (fingers crossed on that one), Bluemont family fun night (you bet), and who knows.  Then there is May: graduation, graduation (again), moving, my little Sarah is getting married (and will change her name to Komosa).  It's all so overwhelming, in a good way though.  It has been an incredible week and I am continually realizing that God provides and cares for his children,  even in things like getting an apartment (which we finally have). 

This is an uncertain time in our life.  We are moving to a place where neither of us have "for-sure" jobs.  I know a handful of people.  (Some of which are becoming some of my closest friends.  It amazes me that I got this far without a Mrs. Krystin Gilpin in my life).  At least now we have a home there. Hello, Wichita...I have a feeling we will be good friends.  Someone please pick me for a job.  I just want to love kids and teach them, please please please.  Who knew how long those applications take? Well, the good news is that they are finished! I feel like celebrating that fact, which is somewhat ridiculous.  It scares me to think that something I am so passionate about, something I went to school for, studied, labored over might not be something I can do, at least not right away.

contentment.

I just want to be used by God.  I want to serve him in everything.  I want to love his people.  Speaking of love God, love people. Someone take me to California.  Every time I see those pictures of my little brothers, I just tear up because I want to spend time with my family there desperately.  I would not be the same without them.  They are an irreplaceable part of my story, my life.  By the way, I also need to go to Florida and see my wonderful friends there.  There will be a little girl soon and I just want to love her, hug her, and buy her girly things.  

This is possibly the most random blog post I have written (besides the xanga I had in high school), but that is what happens at 8 a.m. 

peace and blessings,
Mrs. Wilde

60 degrees, Snow Storm, Twin Day

Time is flying by.  I'm constantly catching myself remembering things that feel like just yesterday.  Wait, I've been out of high school for five years? According to my third graders, it's been "like 30 years or something..." Little sense of time at that age, beyond humorous.  At youth group last weekend a bunch of the students went to homecoming; they came to church in their dresses and tuxes, so precious.  Ah, the good old days. Good thing I reaffirmed my youth by seeing Never Say Never, starring the one and only, J Biebs.  

Does anyone remember when it was 60 degrees and sunny out? Oh wait, that was last week. What the heck?  But now there is a snow storm outside my window.  I want to see my bff in kc, please let me.  It better not rain on my twin day parade tomorrow either. Oh, it is good to be in Elementary Education.  Speaking of which, I have started applying for jobs, big girl jobs aka slightly terrifying. I know it will happen, somewhere, someway, someday.  Trusting that He will provide and put me in a place where I can share who He is with the world, easier said than done.  trust, trust, trust.

I almost forgot to recap the wonderful things that have occurred during the past month, one of which was surprising my wonderful husband with wichita state tickets, go shockers.


We also had a wonderful Valentine's day full of heart-shaped pasta and beautiful flowers delivered to me at school.  Yes, I am the luckiest girl in the world.

 
A perfect little chloe was born to one of my best pals, brookie, and I got to see her when she was brand new to the world. 

 Be my everything, Jesus. 
 Be my everything.


             -Mrs. Wilde