A lot has Happened

I am very inconsistent with my blogging.

This past semester I had the privilege to student teach in a 4th grade classroom here in Georgetown. I was NOT excited about teaching older kids. I just knew that God would let me teach in Kinder or 1st, they were short, sweet, cute, and yes you have to teach them how to read, but there is no TAKS test to prepare them for. So my assignment came and I was in 4th grade. I was apprehensive at first, but as soon as that first week or so was over, I was in love. These kids are funny, old enough to do things on their own and yet still need you in some ways. They tell jokes that they have made up and make absolutely no sense. "Why did Cinderella go to the ball?" "Because she thought it was a ball, not a ball." Get it??

My last week of student teaching another 4th grade teacher came in and begin to question why there was a 3rd grade opening. My mind began racing! I was like, "OMG, I need a job and there is a position open here? At this school?" I was planning on taking another semester of classes for my masters, so it didn't hurt anything to apply. I went to class that night and by the time I got home I did not want to apply because frankly, I was ready for bed. I went ahead and applied. This was on a Wednesday. The following Monday I received a call that they wanted to interview me on Tuesday. I went in for the interview, my first ever real interview. I prayed and prayed for God to just give me the words and guide me as I went through that interview. I knew that if God had me in mind for this job, I would get it, and if he wanted me to continue working on my masters the next semester I wouldn't get it. The following Monday I got a call from the principal saying that she would like to offer me the third grade position. I was so excited! I am officially a certified teacher and have a job teaching 3rd grade here in Georgetown. Thankfully my parents are letting me stay at their house free of rent, so I will still be able to save money, yet I will mostly be paying my own way. I've decided this makes me my Dad's favorite. :)

One of the concerns I had when I applied for this job was that I would get too comfortable here in my parent's house and not ever want to move out. God really comforted me in this when I found out that the job is only guaranteed until the end of the school year. I know this sounds bad, but in my opinion it's wonderful. I love the school I am at, but I still want the freedom to move wherever I want. I'm 23, and have no responsibilities that keep me here in Georgetown. Anyways I get to work with wonderful teachers that I know are going to help me through my first classroom and I get experience at a wonderful school. That's the excitement in my life right now!

I went to Dallas this past weekend to spend some time with some of my close ZTA friends from Baylor. We had a Christmas gift Secret Santa exchange and laughed a lot! Oh how I miss being at Baylor and just spending time with those girls! This is a picture of my gift. I'm very excited about it too!
And I can't seem to figure out how to turn this picture, so maybe you could just turn your head if you want to see it??

Amy and Melanie are home for Christmas break and it's wonderful having them home.

As Christmas nears I feel that we are in constant reminder of what this season is really about. It's not about finding the right gift and such. I know that many times I need to be reminded that this season is about Jesus and the fact that he came to this Earth knowing that he would die for you and for me. He came to this Earth so that we can be saved from what we truly deserve. Death. He came so that we can spend eternity in Heaven praising God. I know that for that I am grateful.

It's been a great summer! I feel like it went by way too fast, Amy has come home and spent her summer here and is already back at school. Melanie is probably planning to head back before I know it. I wish they were about to come home for the summer, but such is life.
Good news is that in only a few weeks one of Amy's old roommates is moving in with us for 2 months while she does her clinical in Austin. It will be fun to have another "kid" in the family...I'm sure my parents feel like they will never be empty nesters again.
I took both of my teacher certifications tests and passed them both! Now I am on my way to becoming a real teacher. I will start student teaching soon, which should be a lot of fun, and probably stressful at times. I am excited and nervous all at the same time.
Also I am very grateful for the friends God has placed in my life. I am especially grateful for my Austin friend...you know who you are. I know that God has really been working in her life this past year and I think it is very evident! Thank you Jesus!
Ok, this was really random, I know. That's what's going on in my life. Also I wrote two other blogs that I didn't post for some reason...I guess it kind of defeats the purpose of blogging if I don't post them.

God's Plans, Not Mine

As I was getting ready for bed last night I had this overwhelming desire to be in Wales. I was longing for to be in bed with two pairs of pants on, two shirts, socks, gloves, a toboggan, and a hot water bottle. Some days I wonder if maybe one day God will take me back to Wales. I miss the people, I miss the buses, I miss the walking in the freezing cold wind and rain. Maybe the summer heat is getting to me, but I think it's more. I know that God knows the desires of our hearts and I believe that he gives us those desires for a reason. Maybe I will never go back to Wales, maybe I will. Maybe I am just meant to be in constant prayer for the people of Wales. I don't know what God has planned for my life, but I know God knows and that is enough for me right now.

Remodeling

It feels like this week has lasted about 2 months. I know this seems somewhat dramatic, but hey that's what it feels like. I started this week off without much sleep (well as much as I would have liked) and it just seems like I still just need a day to catch up. This past weekend I went up to Dallas and spent time seeing friends at a wedding. It was wonderful seeing the majority of my college friends and roommates! If only I had taken pictures to post :).
My whole family is out tonight and it's just me at the house. I don't have the t.v. on, and there is no music playing...this is rare. This house is quiet, that doesn't happen much, especially with 3 girls that are not afraid to speak their mind at home! It's kind of nice around here right now, although I will be more than happy when my family begins arriving back home. I wonder how much longer I will be allowed to live here, I mean I am 23. I'm sure Dad wouldn't mind if I stayed another couple of years. :) I don't think I could live in a house by myself...it's not really my style.

It's been a while

Our Family on our trip to North Carolina

The most wonderful smelling roses EVER!

It's been a while since I have blogged, so here we go.
I know most of you are probably thinking, "Why in the world is her blog titled 'JD power and associates'"? Well here we go. Since graduating and going to Wales, I have moved back home. My parents first names both start with 'J' and so does mine :)...well we all have the same last name as well, therefore all of our initials are JD. As this past semester was nearing the end and summer was coming closer, Amy and Melanie were both planning to come home for the summer time. I decided that we needed something to bond us three together and we would not allow them to come in and take over OUR home :) Therefore my parents I and I formed our bond...JD Power and Associates. Anytime Amy and Melanie start to take over, we say, "JD Power and Associates"...complete with our own little fist pump. Thanks Mom and Dad for our bond...sorry Amy and Melanie, you do not qualify as associates.
One of my favorite things to tell Amy and Melanie is that parking in the drive way is for JD Power and Associates ONLY! Unfortunately this has yet to make any difference, as my car has not seen the driveway in about a month.
Well anyways I finished my first semester of graduate school. I am proud to say I officially got my first 4.0, who knew grad school would be so easy...haha. I am taking this summer off from school and will return in the fall to do my student teaching at an elementary school here in Georgetown. This summer I am working for a construction company making phone calls, pretty much all day. I am very grateful for the job, and the environment of this company is pretty fun as well. I can't complain at all. As well as my job I will also be spending a good amount of time driving to and from weddings. I think I counted 8 weddings that I have been invited to for the summer. I will not make it to all of them, but I am so excited for all of these friends and the exciting time in their lives!
Anyways I'm officially old and I'm going to bed, so I can make it to work on time. Hopefully I'll be better at blogging.
Here are a few pictures from our recent happenings.