It's been awhile since I have written a blog! I don't guess I realized how long it had been. Time is flying by at a rate that is very scary to me. Camden has decided to talk about next year, you know, when he is in ____ grade. I haven't even blogged about his Kindergarten year, and he's already moving up in his mind.
This past year seriously flew by at the speed of light. I honestly have trouble even remembering things because it seemed to go by so fast. Here are a few highlights of the last year:
1. In January, after struggling through first semester with what was my most "trying" class in a long time, I was blessed with a student teacher. I will forever be grateful for her coming into my classroom and jumping right in. She helped me make it through the year. We laughed together, taught together, enjoyed gas station biscuits together, and hopefully she learned something about teaching. God knows exactly what we need when we need it.
2. My dad had surgery that was supposed to be routine and ended up being extremely ill for quite some time. However, yet again, he pulled through. I know, for certain, that my dad is one of the strongest people I know. And I also know that God has reasons for keeping him here with us:)
3. My family became whole again. I love my sisters and I am thankful for each and every one of them.
4. My sweet boy began his first year of park ball (see blog about that) and I turned into a mom from Toddlers and Teeballs (credited to Chris Burrell). I enjoyed every. single. minute.
5. My best friend lost her father unexpectedly (I hope she doesn't mind me including this). I felt so helpless. This person is like my family. We haven't known each other forever, but it feels like we have. She is truly my adopted sister. Watching her go through that was just awful, not to mention it hit close to home. I will admit that I questioned, "Why?" He had not been sick and was young. It's hard to remember sometimes that God has a plan. Also, there are not enough words to comfort someone going through this. I just hope she felt my love and knew that my heart ached for her. I still pray for strength for her daily.
6. I was asked to move grade levels at the end of the school year. I said no, no, no. Then I prayed about it. My answer became yes, yes, yes. Wow, the power of prayer. The peace that I had about the decision to say yes was like no other I have ever had. I hate making decisions. I always, always question myself. This time, God showed me very clearly what I was supposed to do. Enlightening.
7. I found out that I am going to be a great aunt again. My niece and best friend, after trying for 5 years, is having a baby girl. My heart leaped with joy. She has been another mother to many, many children. It was time for her to have her own. That phone call will never be forgotten. And to think it all happened after some jello shots:) Oh, sweet Adelyn Faith, we will have such a story to tell you (when you are 35).
8. My sassy girl turned TWO years old. Yes, I said TWO. Where did the last two years go?
9. We spent a week at Dauphin Island with our family. The best time I have had in awhile. It was very lazy and relaxing and I enjoyed every minute of it. Especially that pizza that Barkley wanted Brian to get. Tyler and Camden fished for days and Alyse played in a blow up pool on the deck for hours. I actually began reading again on this trip. It had been almost 2 years since I read an entire book. It sparked my love for reading again.
10. In July, I celebrated my 6th year of marriage to the man I love more every day and also celebrated my 34th year of life. My birthday celebration was a BLAST. My family and friends made me feel extremely special. I will never forget that night.
11. I started the school year teaching 3rd grade. I student taught in 3rd grade and loved it. I always said that was what I wanted to teach. So here I am, 10 years later, finally doing it. It has been fabulous. I have a wonderful grade level and the best class I have ever had. I needed this year. I am now "Summer, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move." Camden started Kindergarten at my school. I now get to see his face several times throughout the day, which is such a blessing to me.
12. I actually became an aunt for the 12th time. When I found out, I was probably not the most supportive sister. Worry and doubt overtook my joy. But some wise words from a friend helped me see the light. The day I saw Hillary Marie on that ultrasound screen, my heart was happy. Alyse would have a built in best friend. We are very close in our family and I really want to work in 2012 to make our kids as close as we were growing up. Hillary Marie Murphy made her entrance on October 20, 2011. She is a beautiful, beautiful baby girl. My heart melts when I see her.
13. Thanksgiving week I was able to spend time with my nieces, old and young. My heart was filled with happiness and I was very, very thankful.
14. The Christmas season was wonderful. I LOVE buying gifts for my kids and seeing their faces when they get the things they wanted. It brings me such joy!
Some things that deserve an honorable mention: the St.Patty's Day parade (D.A.L's and lemons), the trip to Orange Beach with 30 of my closest friends, Brian's 40th 80's themed birthday party, our 5th and last Halloween party, growing friendships, realizing I have a Board of Directors and hoping that I am there for them as much as they are for me, getting back in church (somewhat regularly:), and just enjoying life.
I will not set any New Year's Resolutions because I do not normally stick with them. However, I will say that I hope to enjoy my life more and worry less. I am excited to see what's in store for the Payne family in 2012.
