Long Time No Post

Once again I feel like it's been ages since I've posted! To those of you who read, I'm sorry!

We finished up 2012 with a bangin' Christmas party. Ok it was really just my kids and I eating a lot of icing as we decorated Christmas cookies but they had a good time! The Christmas program went really well and it was a joy choreographing my first dance for the fourth grade girls! Mom, dad and I made our very own ribbons! We used red satin ribbon, dowels, adhesive picture hooks, and a round hook! Got the idea from the web and it was so great!

Lovely Christmas Eve and Christmas day with my parents! We went to a Christmas Eve service at First Baptist Church in Lexington. It was a kids service full of glow-sticks and stuffed animals. The message was great too! God accepts us with our flaws and all. A message I've heard quite a lot recently; hope it encourages you too! Came home to meatballs, potatoish skins, and delicious green beans! oh and cookies of course! Christmas day we had presents and a standing rib roast! What a treat! We are so truly blessed, praise the Lord!

Today we are headed to IKEA in Charlotte I believe. I'm catching up on grading and some other odds and ends, so thankful for breaks!

I thought of something I wanted to post about as I re-potted our class green bean and apple plant. That will have to wait for another day as my daddy is ready to go and well I have a few things to do. Happy New Year!

I DEFINITELY think they can dance!

Mom and I got to have a girls' night out and see So You Think You Can Dance-live tour! I was so impressed! It was really neat how they integrated technology and transitioned from one number to the next! They made dancing look so easy but I know it wasn't!! Solid dancing for about 2 hours and it was quite warm in the Township! They must have been exhausted!! Needless to say, it was a great show!!

Love this song!

We've been singing this song at church and boy is it my prayer these days!

It's been a little while and I have proof..

What happens when you cross a 22 year old girl, a skeleton lizard, and a hose? No I did not spray myself in the face because of the lizard, I was just silly enough to set the house down nozzle up and boy did I get a mouth full. I'm sure if the neighbors were watching they got a kick out of it! 

Needless to say, it's been a little while since I've cleaned the inside and outside of my car. I have the proof.....

Yes, I found a lizard skeleton when I was cleaning!! I'm also afraid I will forever have Princess Leia's short hair in my car. I dog-sat for a friend over the summer and well hadn't exactly cleaned the car after she went back home. She's a cutie and sweetie!

I spent Sunday afternoon cleaning my car. There are two things in life that as hard as I try I just don't think I do a very good job at them: 1. cleaning showers 2. cleaning cars

I have been cleaning cars since elementary school? I always had to clean the vinyl so when we finally got an Xterra that had a lot less vinyl you can understand my excitement!

Now I am just glad I was blessed to get a small car and not the Xterra I was used to driving because it's a lot easier to clean. I'm really slow when it comes to stuff like this but hey now my car is sparkling! My dad helped me wax the car. He showed me how to do it (which again I learned when I was in elementary school I think) but with all my "See I'm just not very good at this" comments, he helped me finish up!

I can't believe it is almost Thanksgiving! It doesn't really feel like the holidays yet but hopefully soon! I am so very excited because my favorite Portlanders are coming to visit Sunday and Monday!

We have lots of fun together!! I especially loved my summer trip when I got to spend 2 weeks with them in Portland!! Great memories and wonderful times-such a blessing!


I also can't believe I haven't done any school work this weekend! After teaching for 2-3 months I think this is the first weekend I haven't done school work. Don't worry, the weekend isn't over yet and I might cave! I better be careful before I accuse people of being workaholics as I fear I might be one too!!! Our grades were due Friday so after leaving school at about 5:45? due to grades and conferences I figured this would be a good weekend for a break.

I often find myself wanting to clean things out on the weekends! I cleaned the bathroom last weekend, the car this weekend, and I'm itching to organize/clean out my closet. I even tackled my classroom earlier this week. I still have a few things to do but I wanted to make it nice for my students' parents!

Election Day!!

Happy Election Day!!

My first election I had to complete an absentee ballot if I remember correctly. Needless to say, the first time I voted I wasn't in my hometown. This time was different!

So blessed to be able to vote!

A little bit of life

It is 11:04 and I'm still in my PJ's, took me a while to catch up on news (since we don't have tv), facebook (since I live far away from some wonderful friends and well it's facebook and it sucks you in), and email for work. Anyway, this is one reason why I like Saturdays, maybe I will go to the Riverwalk for a run!

Through my catching up on things I found two videos that I just had to share, one is very thought-provoking. I get DaySpring Blessing Devotions and I highly recommend them! This lady was challenged to write down 1,000 gifts or blessings if you will. In light of the elections, Hurricane Sandy, and this crazy difficult world we live in, I thought everyone could use some encouragement and look at the world through someone elses shoes for a change....




This one, well, I just love SC and everything about it, even the fact that sometimes you just have to laugh....



Oh and one more just of kicks! I am so very THANKFUL for my job at NCA....we had an impromptu assembly to send some love to Marcus Lattimore...check it out here

Still Painting

I forgot the last time I posted I changed the layout...so when I opened my blog to post again, I didn't recognize it, how terrible is that! Needless to say, I really like this layout/background!!
Guess what we did last weekend!!!???

Yep, still painting! Mom and dad went out on a date and came back with a present for me-my own painting equipment! I actually ended up not using it as we tried to use the least amount of brushes as possible but now our garage walls are a nice light green (slightly more green than white ;) ) color. Dad is cleaning out the garage this weekend so we can tackle the floor. After the garage I think we have finished the painting!! Well accept for the hallway? I was told? Oh there are always projects :)

School is going well! This is the last nine weeks and the kids are all excited about Halloween/Fall festivities!! The discovered my drawer of candy but thankfully I have a key to keep it locked :p. Working on a fall bulletin board and I forget they take more than a night to do. I also discovered that brown is not a Christmas color. I was trying to get ribbon for the Fall Board and the Walmart I went to didn't carry ribbon. Thinking that I could perhaps find it in the Christmas section (maybe the early bird Christmas bug could be beneficial!) I searched long and hard. Alas, the two kinds of brown I purchased are too fancy so I shall have to return them. Oh well, bulletin board and newbie teacher fail but I think the board will still turn out ok!!

To encourage you this weekend, a message from DaySpring Devotional emails:

"No matter what your circumstances may be, you can find Joy in My presence. On some days Joy is generously strewn along your life-path....other days are overcast and gloomy...yet Joy is still attainable. Search for it as a hidden treasure.

Begin by remembering that i have created this day; it is not a chance occurance. Recall that I am present with you...then, start talking with Me. Awareness of My marvleous Companionship can inufse Joy into the grayest day."-from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

God Knows Just What we Need

Whew! I feel like it's been a while since I've posted. Lots has happened....

We passed our first interims! The kiddos are doing pretty well!! They finally filled up their rock jar for spotting vocabulary words and having good behavior so we will have an ice cream party on Friday! These kids sure keep me busy and laughing that's for sure! We have had lots of activities (I've had to eliminate the word active from our vocabulary game because we use it so much!). We made spiders out of marshmellows and spaghetti, clay bricks, oh and they created their own insects out of playdough! That was a fun one! I even went and saw one of my little guys play baseball. It's his first year and he's learning a lot!

Not only is school keeping me busy but I just have to praise the Lord! He knows just what we need! From talking to a substitute to spending time with old friends, He works through His people! I am learning new things every day!

I also started reading "The Red Sea Rules" by Robert Morgan. I didn't even get through the preface and found some nuggets of wisdom that I thought I'd pass along!

"The past may seem implausible and the future impossible, but God works in ways we cannot see. He will make a way of escape for his weary, but waiting, children. (Isa 43:19)"

"The reality of the Red Sea, in a word, is this: God will always make a way for His tired, yet trusting, children, even if He must split the sea to do it."

Also had some great wisdom from a chapel speaker this week: "Who are you pleasing, God are Satan?" and "Have you read your Bible today?" We have been talking a lot at school about the importance of studying, practicing, and reading the Scriptures. Funny, that was in the church sermon last Sunday. No, it's not funny, that would be called the Lord speaking!

My parents are away to celebrate their anniversary! Whew am I blessed to have parents who love the Lord first and value, cherish, and treasure their marriage. I truly believe and can see their love growing for each other every day! As my mom sleepily says goodbye and I love you to dad as he heads off to work, I am encouraged that God can keep marriages alive and thriving!

Well, what are your plans for the weekend? Have any tidbits of wisdom you'd like to share? I'd love to hear! Happy Fall!

I Get so Distracted on Saturdays

I get so distracted on Saturdays but I love them just the same. I got up and starting organizing school binders when I got on facebook and caught up on the connection to my long distance friends!! Saw my family in Portland fixing up their first home and was so ecstatic wishing I could be in two places at once! Thought of my friends in their coming wedding and new careers and once again, wishing I could be in two places at once!

It is now 11:30 and I should finally hop in the shower and get ready for the day!!

Found this website and thought you might appreciate a look at my alma matter college!

Had weird dreams about my HS homecoming when I didn't even go last night. Hope they had good reunions though!

Momma

Celebrating my wonderful Momma's birthday!! We love you and hope you have a wonderful day!!

Thanks for all the memories! We've had a lot of tears and laughter :)

Testify Forever

I so often find myself testifying of God's love and grace and that's the way it should always be!

So much has happened over a period of 4-5 short years. I don't know where God is taking me but I sure am enjoying the journey. It has definitely had it's ups and downs. I have certainly shed my share of tears and then some. I pray for those lives which God has so graciously brought into and out of my life. Though I would treasure that they never leave, I realize sometimes I cannot control that. It breaks my heart but I pray for them daily. Through it all, I can't praise the Lord enough for carrying me through and never leaving me.

I have had so many people praying for me and encouraging me with advice, Scripture, and simply listening and crying with me. For them, I praise the Lord!

Here are some thoughts that I hope encourage you as they have me....

"What happened to you yesterday, however easy or difficult, was used by God to help prepare you for what He has for you today."-DaySpring Devotions

Jeremiah 33:3 " ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ :

My back hurts and as per my usual (if not earlier) time where I seem to get rather sleepy, I can't believe I am still up. I know, 10:00pm is early! but teachers hit the hay early and greet the morning sunrise. I've still got quite a bit of grading to do but I caught up on some administrative details which is important! Well weekends are different but anyhoo....I am blessed and thankful that the "joy of the Lord truly is my strength" and my smile has returned.

To help along your smile here's a wonderful student/teacher quote....

"Miss Schreck, what is your last name?"
My last name? My last name is Miss Schreck.
"Oh, I meant your middle name...."

PS the song "The Proof of Your Love" has been played in our chapel a lot lately....I love the line-"So let my life be the proof, the proof of your love!"

Paint, paint everywhere!

So for the past few months my family has decided to basically repaint our house. Ok, well we repainted all the trim (including teeth crown molding-bleck!) and doors. Yesterday, we tackled the garage ceiling. 22 year old popcorn ceiling doesn't really hold up so well. It also results in more paint on me than the ceiling. Boy did that paint get soaked up in the ceiling! We ended up using 5-6 gallons!! I was dubbed the 'pouncer' because you have to 'pounce' the paint on the sections where the popcorn was coming off. It was more like slop it/dab it on however you'd like to describe it! Anyway, the last time I painted I had paint in my hair for probably 2 months because I failed to wear a hat.

This time I wore a hat and I still had paint everywhere! Oh my I guess I just like the speckles!

Yes!

This oughta just make ya smile!

I think I could never be more tired....and then it happens

Often, I find myself thinking, I don't know if I've ever been more tired than now but I suppose that is all relative. Whatever the case, I have been rather tired the past two weeks but let me tell you it is a tiredness that is beyond worth it. I praise the Lord because I get to serve Him by teaching and daily he reminds me that He has specifically orchestrated my life to fulfill the purpose and call He has given me. I get to teach fourth graders about the love of Christ and academics!

I get to see this at about 7:00am every morning, what a wonderful way to start the day!

Mom and Dad welcomed me to my classroom with Flowers, my favorite candy bar, and a memory jar for my class to complete throughout the year....so beautiful it was a great start to my very first year teaching! My students, too, have showered me with fun gifts throughout the first few weeks!

I have thought about schedules (which if you knew me is quite an accomplishment....i always had trouble with schedules in college) and lesson plans more than I would have imagined but I'm thankful Belhaven educated me well.

We have enjoyed supporting our up and coming athletic department! The Volleyball team almost won and the football team, well they played hard and it was just the first game!!

Saw a rainbow at the first home football game, the rain held off and it was a glorious reminder of God's hand at Northside Christian Academy!

We've shared some laughs. My dad brought a surprise visitor to my fourth graders and I practically sat on it, much to my fourth graders suprise and joy, I turned bright red! Yes we had a slug and a huge moth as visitors on Fun Friday. It was a day to remember! By the grace of God, which I learn more about each and every day, I survived my first week of school! Here's some pics of my classroom! Kudos to Evan who helped me think of my bulletin board theme, my parents for recommending I keep Shrek...he is quite helpfu, and pinterest for helping with my 'Take a Look' walll! Though I still mix up some names, my kids love it because they get one rock closer to a party every time! One of these days I'll get it!

Forgiveness.

Tenth Avenue North - Losing (Official Music Video) from tenth-avenue-north on GodTube.

Wow

What a reminder...puts life in perspective.

$20 or less!

Ok so I am just like all the other teachers in the world and decided to tackle a few projects before school. Well school starts next week (for teachers) and the following week for students. I know, I know, we start so late but I'm thankful!! So my two projects (well there's always more than that but I'll just highlight two) were re-doing a chair and fixing up a white board. So the whiteboard was quick and easy! Spray painted the once white edge black! I had to line it with brown packaging paper and blue painter's tape to protect the white board part. It turned out great! My plan was to add ribbon to section it off to use as a pass board (students sign out when the go somewhere during the day) which was a great idea from pinterest but I didn't get that far so we'll see what I end up using it for/how I end up using it. Anyway! The biggest turn around was a chair I got for five bucks! That's right people, not tax and five dollars...here's the beauty!

Ok, that's the before. It would have been a 10-12 dollar chair if I had all the supplies but I ended up having to buy another can of spray paint (probably because of my inexperience I used a lot ;) ) and batting (which I could have just used the old cushion but we thought it'd behoove us to add a little more cushy for your tushie!). Plus if you have the quilting batting on hand (like I do now) you wouldn't have to spend that extra 3 dollars. So with the spray paint (additional to the 3/4 can I had already) the chair came up to be about 20 dollars! The chair itself was the deal of the day and with the help of mom pulling the fabric taught as I stapled (my first experience with a staple gun!! ahhh!! I was scared but got sort of used to it) and dad giving directions on how to operate/handle/put away tools it only took about a week! Honestly, we probably could have done it in 2-3 days but you know how life gets busy! Needless to say, I finished a summer project!! It's my second piece of fix-up furniture and I'm so excited! It even goes with my other coffee table (the first experience). So how'd I do it?

1. bought a chair.
2. cleaned chair.
3. took off 3 layers of fabric and washed original cushion/batting
4. spray painted chair (multiple times...newbie, i know!)
5. stapled batting and cushion to chair
6. covered batting with fabric
7. trimmed fabric

and voila!

I'm excited to use it in my classroom! I think I will use it as my 'teacher desk chair' and a special chair for the kiddos every now and then!

Hey! I'm even like one of those designers who match the room they re-design with what they wear for the big reveal....I didn't intend for that to happen but cool! Thanks mom and dad for the help! Couldn't have done it without ya!

We love power tools....

We love power tools...well just using them...we're scared of the noises and heaviness (that's what boys and daddies are for) but they make for some great refinished chairs!

To good NOT to Share

Psalm 115: 1-2, 5-7, 16

I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.

O Lord, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains.

Music

Just can't get enough of this song...every time I hear it I think of Portland and Josh and how this is such an amazing song-to praise the Lord with joy because he is Holy! It just makes me think of the mighty King we serve, like a battle song!! David Crowder finished the music race well! I think God well tell them "well done good and faithful servant!"



Also heard "I Turn to You" by Selah and that's my prayer, "I turn to you Jesus, what else can I do, I turn to you!"



I share a love for music like the rest of my family....my mom and dad passed on a love for great lyrics and sound to my brother and I!

Ellory Jane McFarland

I had the priviledge of seeing little Ellory (Evan's neice) get baptized today! She was beautiful and did a great job! We pray that she will come to know the Lord and He will protect and keep her throughout her days! I have loved getting to know Evan's immediate and extended family and their precious little ones!

Orientation!

So professional, i tried to spice up the uniform with a red head band!

On Saturday NCA had its back-to-school bash/orientation. We met our kiddos, played some icebreakers, parents got important information about the school, and then there was fellowship while the kids got snow cones and played on inflatables.  It's lookin' like it will be a great year! Can't believe there are only two more weeks 'til the first day! I've got a few things I need to get set up so here we go....

Long Time Ago

So I discovered this picture on my mom's camera from a long time ago! Well only about 3 months ago but it seems like a long time ago because so much has happened since my 22nd birthday!! The waiter was quite surprised when I told him how old I was but my family insisted the restaurant sing to me (there were quite a few other birthdays at Red Lobster that night too!) so I got some free ice cream out of it. I can't remember if Evan helped me eat it or not I just remember I was so full from the delicious shrimp and also my favorite garlic cheese biscuits!! Oh dear, if I can't remember I must be gettin' old or maybe the food and company was just so good it blocked my memory from everything else!

Psalm 122:7

 
   "He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord."

We finally made it!!!

We did it!! Went to the beach for the day!! It wasn't Hilton Head and mucking but we'll have to save that for another day!! The water felt glorious-just the right temperature! Took a lovely walk on the beach and picked up a few sea shells. We love the butterfly ones! Finally got my toes in the sand and mountain dew can (yes I just rhymed for all you who appreciate those little things :) )! Put a big dent in my book, did you ever guess it? I finally finished it a day or two ago and really enjoyed it. Now on to reading for NCA aka school!!! I got my burn for the summer and we made it to the car just before the big storm!! Due to laying on the fine sand I somehow ended up with sand everywhere!!! It was rather windy and well I'll let you figure the rest out but it was worth it! We enjoyed a picnic lunch and dinner at McAlister's! Dad and I have been splitting the roast beef, onion, cheddar, horse radish (a new favorite, i know can you believe i like the horse radish? I promise it is not too spicy!) and the grilled chicken, peppers, pesto? panini! It was a long drive home but we enjoyed our little summer vacation!!

Testimonies, beach, and books

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am amaking a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."-Isaiah 43:19

Sometimes God shows up big. I mean really big and it's so big that a. It could only be the Lord and b. you just have to say something about it and give God the glory!! After all, that's what we were created to do and God never forgets his kiddos! Always protecting, providing, and loving; it truly is amazing!!

So this summer was yet another time in which God showed up big. He is always there and always working but often I get so impatient and frustrated I forget to trust him. Then I am always humbled and say ok God, foregive me for doubting, you came through like you always do! And once again I say, I need to remember this the next time things get rough or I find myself in a desert wasteland!

And now to testify (though some of this you have already heard)

I graduated college in Jackson, MS. I had a job offer in Florida. My boyfriend lives in SC. I am from SC. Can you connect the dots?? Problem 1. I need a job. Problem 2. Job offer is far away from boyfriend. Problem 3. I need a place to live. So what does God do? He gives me a job and the boyfriend!!! In the same place, after four years of being away!! Oh ya and a place to live too! Hallelujah!!

The school my parents worked at was downsizing. Daddy needs a job. Problem 1. He would prefer to teach at a Christian School. Problem 2. GA isn't hiring at their Christian school. So what does God do? He gives dad a job at a new Christian school, in our old hometown, working with his old love-comptuers! at the same school as me to boot!

My family had two houses. One in SC that had been on the market for 6 months (this after putting in tons of updates and work because there were renters in it previously). The other house in GA. So what does God do? He sells the GA house in little over 3 months, after getting 3-4 offers that all fell through, the best offer was the one that sold the house! The house in SC doesn't sell and the Schrecks return to their house of 22 plus years.

There is more to the story than that but for now, can I get an Amen to the fact that, God is good, all the time, God is good!!!!

I like to catch up on friend's blogs every now and then. If you'd like to see what I read, check out my tab of links on the right of this blog. I read one today that I just had to share.... check it out! This girl also has an amazing story, she wore one dress for one hundred days to help raise funds for orphans. It's been at least a year and money is still being raised for the orphans! She's got an eye for style so it's fun to see all the outfits she puts together! My sister Alli shared this blog with me and I've enjoyed following since then, hope you do to!

In other news, it is finally the weekend! There might be a beach day trip in the future! Summer is not summer unless there's at least one trip to the beach! Growin' up in the South on the East Coast summertime means beach!! The waves at your feet, a good book, and an ice cold mountain dew, mmm can't wait! Oh and I even have a good book! A book I've been waiting for about 3 months to come out on paper back finally came out! I bought it as soon as I found it and have enjoyed it so far. Among working on our new/old house and transfering paperwork with moving, my days have been quite full so it might be nice to just sit and read for a few hours and soak up some sun! If you are curious about the book, take a guess and look here! I'll give you a hint it's one of my favorite mystery authors/series and it's got some royal spice to it... Happy Friday!

Chick-fil-a and summer time!

Went to Chick-fil-a today and the line was out the door!
Waited for an hour but it was worth it!! Prayed for those working shifts at our favorite fried chicken fast food place!!!

Summer is winding down and I'll start at Northside Christian Academy the end of August and beginning of September. Helped out with some inventory today and we are all getting very excited! Ready to rejoice as God works this school year!!

Can I just say, dates are great!! Went to the Riverwalk and enjoyed a Zesto's dipped cone! Only one Zesto's people and it's great!! Unfortunately I waited a little bit too long to eat it and the melting commenced. It made eating it quite challenging and I'm sure very humorus!!

I think it is safe to say that we are flipping our house. For the past two years I would come home and always be surprised at the updates that have taken place. Now I come home every day and see something new. It's pretty funny because I find myself going into a room and saying oh that's different.

Bowling!!! So I just can't get that last pin but we all make really fun victory and defeat faces and stances aaannnddd struggle with high fives every now and then ;)!

Goodmornting!!!!

In the words of Katie Miller.....Goodmornting!!!!!

Reminder

Reminder: "No problem is too big for God."

some of Psalm 107
"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress! Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men."

May I never stop praising and thanking the Lord (Psalm 107:42)



"This is my story. This is my song, praising my Savior all the day long."

My Favorite Portlanders!

I finally got to fly all the way to Portland, Oregon to visit my wonderful brother and his wife! It was so special and perhaps a once in a lifetime experience! I boarded a plane all by myself 3 weeks ago and traveled most of the day, passed different time zones and temperatures. I flew SouthWest and they were great! They have a new boarding method where you line up by numbers and once you get on the plane the seat choice is first come first serve. This was really different to a veteran flyer but it worked out because I got a window seat every time! I think if you pre-check in the day before (which I HIGHLY recommend, it is so quick and easy!) I think you get a closer number. Anyway enough about flying oh wait the stewards were also quite witty, always an adventure when you fly SouthWest!

Once I got to Portland my two weeks were full of adventure! We got to celebrate fourth of July, go camping and hiking, visit the Zoo and Rose Gardens, eat A-mazing food, celebrate birthdays, read, sleep, watch soccer (Portland Timbers are the best, love the Rose City!), pack boxes, look at houses, take walks, Blues Festival, Warm Springs, Volcanoes, Saturday market and for a country girl, experience all forms of public transportation, oh and shop!

It was all wonderful but I especially loved talking and catching up with my brother and his wife, they are such huge blessings! We laughed and cried together and I was even more excited to hear about new happenings in their lives! This is just a small glimpse into two unforgettable weeks!

Sunshine on the water front!

Settlers of Catan. Enough said.

Fragrant roses....

Not so fragrant roses.

Little Bear, Scary Bear

Blue's Festival

Fourth of July Picnic

Fireworks

Picking Raspberries!