Back to School

It's that time of year....

the signs are everywhere....

....new haircut....

working the straight bang

....and piles of things collecting all over the house.

school supplies

It's Back to SCHOOL!

I have enjoyed my summer so much.

I have no idea how I can be expected to give up my addiction to social networking and Netflix in lieu of work!?!

I am slowly coming to acceptance because this weekend was filled with blessings.

Starting with a Back to School lunch for my elementary special education friends.

centerpiece

As I told my friends, I don't have the money or the space to entertain... but let's do it anyway. 

It's like that old saying goes, 'friends don't care if your house is clean and big, they care if you have wine.'

Of course, wouldn't you know it, our air condition is on it's last leg and the oven also stopped working.

Not one to be deterred, 

I went to my church to bake.

I was warned, the church draws the line at getting a washer and dryer for my emergencies.  :)

dessert:  apple pies

In addition to school talk, I provided a few fun and games, 

Exceptional Needs Survival Guide

such as a coloring contest

 

 and a signature contest

(with prizes).

Who wouldn't want to win GermX, a Tide Pen, and Sharpie Markers!?!  

A teacher's tool kit.

I also found a game called Keynotes for Humanity.  A cross between Cards Against Humanity and Apples to Apples.  

for Teachers Only

 Whatever the challenges, I'm blessed to have a good team.  

I will include Mrs. E. in my team even though she couldn't make it (no Tide Pen for you Mrs. E.).

This weekend also held our first Backpack/ School Supply Giveaway at church.

 This was a great event and we met so many nice people in the process.

Carlee really enjoyed this ministry (can you guess why?).

At church this morning, we made a special gift with the children for their own special teacher:

Edible Glue Stick 

( inside filled with mints).

God Bless Our Teachers 

I'm so lucky to be stuck with you!

 

Our Sunday School lesson was so good (1 Samuel 25:  14-38).  It shared the importance of towing a line between having an emotional response in conflict and trusting God to handle the situation.  I can get so angry and upset when I feel/deem that there has been an injustice done.  These feelings change my whole outlook and demeanor.

 Our lesson stated, "It is never easy to refrain from retaliation when we feel someone has wronged us.  He may choose to use us, but He never needs us.  When we feel the need to take matters into our own hands, it's usually a lack of faith, a problem of pride, or a sign of impatience.
(I mean wow, this hit it on the head for me.)

My Back to School Goal:

Before Response First PRAY

(I need to have a t. shirt made.)

Happy (Pre) Back to School Everyone

Selfie in the Sun