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

You Should See the View...

I forgot how much I love the song Only You, but I greatly appreciate pandora for reminding me today.  I love days like today.  Woke up. Watched Rachel Ray. Cleaned the entire apartment. Did laundry. Clicked around on the computer. Read. Journaled my heart out. Looked at recipes. Listened to good music.

How did I forget? I love youth group.  I love being with students. I love learning from them and hopefully teaching them a little something too.  I cannot believe how blessed Brian and I are to be embarking on this journey in a church community like this one.  This church, these youth, they are rare.  They a gems.  Trusting, hoping, praying that this is a semi-permanent place for us.  My heart is full, ready to overflow. I love it already.

I just feel happy emotional today.  You know, when good commercials make you cry.  Well, that's embarrassing, but I take after Martha, what can I say.  I also renewed my love for Frosted Flakes. Mmmhmmm.

Oh, I love student teaching.  I love being in the classroom everyday.  The kids are a wild bunch, but I love them, they are precious.  Each one brings something to the table, even if it is a silly band.  Are they the new beanie babies? We will only know if protectors for their tags come about.  

1 Timothy 2:3-4 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Merry.

Merry Christmas friends and readers!  I absolutely love Christmas and I am so anxious to spend time with family and friends.  It is such a huge relief to be done with another semester and all I have left is student teaching!  I couldn't be more thrilled to be with some outrageous and awesome third graders in the spring.  I know it will be a great experience and opportunity to learn from a very talented teacher. 

I forgot about sleeping in, that people actually do that.  Well thank you Christmas break, I now have a renewed love for sleeping past 7 a.m.  Beautiful.

I love the movie Despicable Me, one of my favorites. ever.  "It's so fluffy, I'm gonna die!"

Christmas will be here in just a few short days, and I will get to give Brian all the presents I have had hidden since October, finally! First married Christmas, fantastic.

Most importantly, I hope that we can all reflect on the beautiful gift that we celebrate this time of year, Jesus.  Although it is impossible to comprehend God's love for us through what he did, it is absolutely incredible.  I have seen God working in the lives of so many around me and definitely in my own during the past year.  It's beautiful.