What a crazy week this has been! I drove in from Annie’s engagement weekend late Sunday night. With no energy, I showered and crashed, awakening to yet another busy week. My students did experiments Monday and Tuesday, and Wednesday we played “I Spy a Chemical Reaction” making real world connections to physical and chemical changes around our campus. Wednesday afternoon, my parents and I hit the road for Corpus Christi for the annual Conference for the Advancement of Science Teachers (CAST) where I would be receiving my award. We stopped in San Antonio to spend the night with the grandparents. Thursday morning, we arrived beach side for a day of geeky excitement.

Pops and I after a successful presentation.

My amazing co-presenter, Ashley

Thursday was memorable for so many reasons. I forget how much I enjoy going to conferences, but each experience is better than the last. I run into so many friends that are on the same crazy, educational adventure as myself. My dear friend and I got to catch up over lunch. We reminisced over all our college memories. My, how things have changed in two short years! My Texas Tech CISER family was there in science style with support and smiles. I definitely miss those days. I presented two workshops, one with a friend and one with my dad. Both presentations went quite smoothly. My friend is an impressive presenter. I cannot wait to see where her career takes her. She is going to be very successful in the classroom.

The best part about the experience was having my Knight support. My principal arranged for the science department to come to CAST in support of my award. I was more excited for all of them to get the CAST experience in all its geeky glory! I had no idea how special it would be to have all of them there. I still can’t believe they orchestrated that on my behalf. I am so blessed to work at a school with such strong community among co-workers and a supportive infrastructure.

The Knight Science Department was there to support...
Principal not pictured as he was in transit.

I absolutely love working with kids and being in the classroom. I recognize my passion for teaching and my gift for communicating with children; however, there is a part of me that enjoys teaching teachers. I get a high from sharing my stories with other teachers in hopes that, they too, will have success with their students. I get excited to present and could see myself making a career of it in the future. The question is, could I do it without missing my kiddoes? What would I do without the hysterical daily comment? I’m sure the answers to those questions will come in time.

The 2012 award winners for the state of Texas

In the meantime, I am eager to get back to my kids. I am excited for them to test this week and prove to themselves that they know this material. I am thankful to have a calm weekend ahead to relax and rejuvenate. I am grateful to have a job I look forward to working each and every day. 

They're Goin to the Chapel!

Happy Engagement Lovebirds!

We often make the joke that my life is a lifetime movie. There is always a good story and unusual occurrences in my world. Not to worry, no kidnappings or murder weapons, just out of the ordinary laughable stories that are not fit for the Hallmark network. As I drove to College Station for my sister’s surprise engagement, I thought to myself, “I’m taking a break from the Lifetime Network and venturing into the land of Hallmark.” Smiles, kisses, tears, and most obviously, love. The real kind of love that makes your heart warm, not the infatuation we have demoralized love to be.

Torn out book pages hung on twine with hand painted letters

It was my favorite Hallmark movie yet! Sissykins was so excited. Yes, she was surprised. She knew it was coming, but was uncertain of the actual moment. She had no idea Bo would bring an entourage. Nor, did she know it would be in College Station in order for her to share the moment with her closest friends. For me, the best part was the preparation. Once Bo told me his plan, I began planning my portion, food and decorations. Now, that I can do! I scouted out the perfect decorations and carefully planned the menu for their engagement celebration. Everything fell together perfectly.

Modgepodged book for letters from friends, old record decorated with fabric paint on a vintage record player

Cake ball stand made with old book ages,
ribbon and twine atop vintage books

The sweetest part for me was speaking with Bo the days leading up to the big moment. He asked my advice on whom to include, what to wear, and how to get Annie distracted. I think he wins the award for Best Bro-In-Law, and he isn’t even official yet. I have been part of multiple weddings, but never in the planning of a proposal.

Table set-up with hand painted 'love' sign

The proposal was perfectly them. No other couple would do it quite the same way. It was wonderfully sweet and they were precious to watch as they retold the story to friend after friend. Annie was extremely pleased with the ring Bo selected and his decision to go with rose gold. It looks stunning on her delicate fingers.

Annie and Bo have an unusual relationship. Though they have been in a long distance relationship for two years, in many ways, they are closer than other couples I know. I couldn't put any two better together more perfectly. They encourage each other and support each other in ways no one else can. Bo treats Annie as a gentleman should. His affection for her is proof that Godly men do exist and a man like that is worth the wait.

I didn’t think plans for a wedding would come together so quickly, but she has frugally amazed me thus far. In less than a week, the biggest details are settled. Dress shopping has commenced and it was so much fun to see her dressed up in gown after gown. I wait with anticipation for May 24, a day I will always remember as a special day for our family.