2012-2013 School Year, My Sixth Year of Teaching

In 2007, the Lord led me to Victory Christian Academy. I was unsure, apprehensive, and scared when I first moved here wondering what the Lord had for me. Six years later-over 100 student's lives touched, eight classes (the two years I had two classes in the am and pm)--and lots of smiles, hugs, tears, and kisses I have completed my sixth year of teaching. It is hard to believe how far the Lord has brought me.

This year was wonderful. I prayed over my class during the summer and the kids who would be in my classroom. Summer came and went--August came and it was time to prepare my classroom for school. I was busy filling the walls with apple themed things, making a tissue paper tree bullitain board, and making a special room for my kids to come in. The week before school I had a 18 kids (if I remember correctly), then the day before school--19 kids. WOW 19 kids--I couldn't complain because I prayed for them. The school year started--parents came in with wide eyed kids...some of them scared. I was nervous....thankfully I knew some of the kids/parents already. After the parents left I looked at my class from the door and took a deep breath. I felt overwhelmed all of a sudden....a few days later the Lord blessed me with Jenny--a senior girl who came in twice a week and helped me sort papers, look through them, and with other odds and ends. The school year was in full swing---my kids were doing great and I was one happy teacher. In January, the Lord blessed me with one more student---which totaled to 20 kids! I had 20 kids in my class!!

What a fantastic year we had--making apple sauce, learning to read, math, science, Christmas party, valentines, 100 day, circus day, teddy bear day, spring fling day, graduation, field day, the zoo,and our end of the year party. As I said goodbye to my kids--with a big hug and a kiss on the forehead I was teary eyed....I felt like a piece of my heart was going away with these "little blessings."

I pray as my students go on to first grade they remember a teacher who loved them very much. A teacher who made the center of her world "her kids." I am thankful for the awesome group of parents who were supportive and easy to work along side. I hope that each student saw Jesus in my own life-and I hope 12 years down the road I can see them graduate from high-school and venture off to do what the Lord has planned for their life.

Its Graduation Night!

May 24, 2013, my third kindergarten class graduated. They were excited, full of energy, and nervous. Here are a few pics, and more to come once I get some more....

Calling my student's names. :) Yes I was nervous. 

A dozen roses from my students and parents :)

One of my graduates and I 

Silly Faces

Love this girl--gunna miss her sweet smile in my class

My friend, Sarah

My kids marching in

I love directing

Totally focused

 

Ready to march across the stage

Smiles because we made it! 

Mother's Day 2013

I love my ministry in Florida. I miss my family in North Carolina. I wish I were in the generation of Star Trek where I can beam myself from place to place in a matter of minutes. Unfortunately, I can't....so I spent Mother's Day away from my mom. I miss being home for Mother's Day. When I was in college it became a tradition for me to cook dinner for my mom---a day she didn't have to spend in the kitchen. These days I celebrate by sending mom a sweet card,  call her, and post of  Facebook how much I appreciate my mother. Thankfully, the Lord has put many mother figures in my life at my church in Florida. I enjoy going around my church hugging the older ladies and wishing them a Happy Mother's Day. Today in church some mothers and daughters sang "My Mother's Gentle Love." 

I have a video I want to share....but need to get it off my phone first. :-)

Friday Night Muffin Baking

Tomorrow my church is having a special Ladies Day. I wanted to help in some aspect...but not sure what I could do since Mrs. Masitto was lining people up for workshops and such. I was praying about what I can do to help, and for the Ladies Day as well. A few weeks ago she asked if I could possibly bake some muffins. I was excited to help in this way--especially since I love being in my kitchen, and love baking. So Friday Night was spent baking for the Lord. :) I had a wonderful time with my friend Crystal baking together. We had a good system going as well. She had one part of the counter I had the other. We took turns baking our batches of muffins. It helped we had our own measuring things and mixing tools as well. The muffins all came out yummy because I was the official batter taster....I kinda ruined my diet for the day as well---but I will walk extra tomorrow to make up for it. 

My nice little area I used. Loved using "Beatrice" (my mixer I got for Christmas) again...been awhile since I have had a chance to really use it. 

Vanilla Creme Powdered Sugar Muffins

Proud of my Orange-Cranberry Muffins
Wearing my favorite apron-- it says "Rejoice in the Lord"

Crystal's area :) 

Orange-Cranberry Muffins

Salted Caramel Pumpkin Muffins

Banana Nit

Muffins ready for tomorrow

The finished products of the night
AND
a nice clean kitchen counter :) 

I Am Blessed

This past week was

Teacher appreciation week

Although its nice to feel appreciated for what I do, I try not to expect recognition for my ministry. My heart is to serve the Lord, teach my kids, and teach them to love God. Today some of my students came in with gifts. Some didn't---and bless their hearts they were upset. I told them that it was okay and they can give me a hug and that was all I needed. Some of my kids also decided to kiss my hands....so today I was showered with hugs, kisses, and lots of love. I love my kids and love what I do. 

Cookie Bokay---Too bad I have cut back on sweets....

Some of my precious goodies

Love the "Survival Kit" such a cute idea

:-)

One of my little boys remembered I love roses....so he brought me roses today. 

Hearts a student drew me

I have been needing a new book for church--for sermon notes. Love my new journal

A flower a student drew me (and yes that is Tony in the corner) I have a collage picture on my desktop at school

Precious Notes that make me smile

So sweet and precious :-)

Yay for a Starbucks Card! <3


Oh and last of all today I didn't eat lunch with my class for the first time....the administration ought lunch for the teachers and we got to eat in the workroom...I did miss my kids at lunch---but it was nice to be able to actually eat lunch and relax a bit. I also have  a few more lunch times with my kids...oh how I will miss eating lunch with them all...

This is my LIFE!

Hugs, laughs, smiles, a few tears here and there--silly faces...this is my life as a teacher. My class and I have certainly had our days the last few weeks...but each day no matter what has been memorable. I am taking more and more pictures now that the year is coming to an end and getting a little mixed emotions about my 20 "little blessings" going to a new teacher. I hope and pray I have been a good influence in their life--and pray that someday all of them will come to a saving knowledge of God. My hearts desire is to love my students as Christ loves them...I have to admit some days are harder than others--but my students are my life. :) I love my ministry to 20 precious kids (and their parents too).

 

One of my little girls and I. This girl is so sweet and affectionate. She tells me at least 5+ times-- "I love you Miss Page." I printed this picture out and placed  it on her desk. Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree and she ran out the door to show it to her mom. 

Silly faces before school---using the fun distortion setting on my phone. 

Another one my sweet students and I. This little girl was saved at home. I was so excited when she came to school to tell me that she had asked Jesus into her heart. She is not only my student, but my sister in Christ. 

 

These two girls are cousins--they like trying to take my bench or "push me off" when they are at recess.

Yes, I like my setting that does funny faces.

End of the year board-I have several policeman, princesses, doctor, veterinarian, fireman, teachers, and my favorite....A GIANT

One of my little boys drew this this week and brought it to me and wished me a "Happy Mother's Day"

Yes we love pictures. 

...and again....we love pictures

Sweet little boy---he wants to be a chef someday. 

I Have the BEST Students Ever!

Last week, I had to apologize to my class for raising my voice too much at them when they were in trouble. I read to them Ephesians 4:32, and told them with how many times I told them to be kind to others I wasn't being kind to them. The Lord really impressed upon my heart my failure as a godly example. I spoke to my class and asked them to forgive me for being unkind. I shared with them that even grown ups make mistakes, and that especially teacher do wrong  and are not always perfect. After it was all over with they started drawing me pictures and putting them on my desk. This is most of the pictures they have given me---some are still at school. But, I do have the best class ever and

LOVE     LOVE

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE

LOVE LOVE LOVE

LOVE

MY STUDENTS---ALL 20 SWEET students who brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart and life every day. Their hugs, smile, and pictures are three things I will always treasure this!