My New Job... and other news

I started my new job the Tuesday after Valentine's day. The first week was all training ( this school is part of a nationwide company, so there are very strict company procedures and policies that I had to be trained for.) I started teaching in the classroom this Tuesday. This school is much different from anywhere I have ever taught before. There are no consequences for inappropriate behavior, which makes classroom management near impossible. I have come home with a headache every night this week on the edge of tears because this new school is just such an adjustment. I will not be able to share much about it through the blog due to new teacher/blog implications but if you would like to know more e-mail me and I will be happy to share.

(This teacher in PA has been suspended pending trial and may lose her job due to comments on her personal blog about her student's behavior. Teacher's Blog Case.)

I just finished reading I Am Number Four, I can't wait to go see the movie now, it was such a good book!

Allen has a lot going on these next few weeks, more on that later (again, e-mail me if you would like to know more) And please be praying for the budget situation in congress to work out quickly. The democrats and republicans are fighting with each other over the budget and to "prove a point" if they don't resolve the issue by March 4th (this Friday) then they will shut down the Government until an agreement can be met; which means Allen will be without pay for an undetermined amount of time. That's pretty bad news. This has happened before and they are saying it is very likely that it will happen again. The news article is here.

I am dreading going back to work on Monday... I think this chaotic classroom environment just might be my demise!

Nah, I know it will be okay, it is just going to take an extra dose of patience.

Bed and Breakfast

We recently returned from our whirlwind trip to Florida...*whew*
We LOVE getting to visit, but this particular visit was a difficult one. Hopefully next time we make the trip it will be strictly vacation!
And I swear that Florida is farther away each time we drive there... I don't know how, but I am convinced it's true!
Even though the nature of the trip was a tough one, the time spent there was no less enjoyable. It is always such a blessing to get to be with family.
On the subject of family... here is a pretty fantastic one:

The more the merrier. We were so excited about our surprise guest!

And of course the guys had to stop in the middle of the picture taking to inspect an engine.
I think it's a Henry thing...

"Black shades, white gloves,
lookin' sharp, lookin' for love.
They come runnin' just as fast as they can
cause every girl is crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man."
haha.

Aside from the time we all were able to spend together the next best part of our trip had to be our accommodations.
Since our trip was unexpected we weren't sure what the housing arrangements would be like and we were prepared to sleep anywhere...
Little did we know about the treat in store for us, our stay at the Henry Bed and Breakfast.

We had a luxurious, private suite to ourselves, full access to a common area that was shared between ourselves, the owners, and the other guest. The owners provided a stress-free, pet friendly environment. They went above and beyond, even caring for our furry friend when we were out of the house. The friendliness of staff was exceptional, although the dress code was not strictly enforced, especially in the evenings.
We have never slept better, the mattress slept like a dream. And the owners were so generous, they even offered to let us take it home with us!
All in all it was a wonderful experience, we would recommend it to all of our friends, and we will definitely be staying here again!

On the ridiculously lengthy car ride home we discussed our stay and decided that if we were to give it a rating it would hold a solid 4.5 stars.
(a 5 star rating would have been possible perhaps with breakfast in bed or a complimentary mattress delivery service)

Basketball Jones

Allen and I took our first trip back to Arkansas (besides Christmas) to visit my family. It was a triple trip because we went to celebrate Dad's birthday, Julie's Birthday, and to see Jaden play basketball.

Isn't that a nice looking family?

Jaden did SO well at his game! He was a good listener, paid close attention and did just what he was supposed to! He made quite a few baskets, the most out of any of the kids... I think we stopped counting at 7!

I am so glad we were able to make it. It was a lot of fun to get to watch, and as always it is nice to get to hang out with family and escape housework for a weekend!