My Heart Is Full...

For those of you who thought I fell off the face of the earth last week- I didn't- I got a teaching job! It has been an overwhelming week- I have been setting up my classroom and will have my students on Monday (tomorrow). On Friday night- Steve took the boys to an Angels game and Madalyn and I went shopping and out to dinner. When we were at dinner, I told Madalyn that I just felt like I wanted to cry- but I didn't know why. I have been thinking about this for the past couple of days. I have come to the conclusion that my heart is full. I have so much to be thankful for right now. I thought I would jot some of them down so that I would never forget the feeling I have right now.

I am thankful for:

1. A husband who has been so supportive. I worked so many hours last week (compared to the zero hours I worked the past couple of years) and he was home when I needed him. He is such a wonderful dad and husband. He even handled a crisis on Wednesday when Chad got hurt at football practice and had to get stitches. He wasn't too sure about me going back to work but he has really stepped up to the plate.

2. My wonderful children. I have been home these past two years and they have really come to rely on me (for everything). When I told them about my job offer (that wasn't at their school), they told me that I needed to take the job because I love teaching and it will make me happy. They also think it is pretty cool that I am a teacher. They had to be very responsible last week (especially Madalyn) and everything ran very smoothly. I am also thankful that they are all healthy. They are such great kids and their teachers tell me they are role models in their classrooms- I am especially thankful for that!

3. My supportive parents and family. I know that my parents thought it was great that I was able to stay home with the kids but they were nothing but happy for me when I told them I was taking the job. I know that I can call them anytime- even during this stressful time in their lives when they are moving. I enjoy being able to call my mom on my way to work (that sounds weird) and on my way home (and sometimes during). I am also so thankful for my sister-in-law, Carrie. She is the sister I never had. It is hard to believe that I have known her for over half her life! She has been there these past two weeks (like always) when I have needed someone to talk to. I am thankful for my brothers too! I know that they will always be here for me.

4. My awesome friends! I can not express my deep gratitude to my friends here that have helped me out these past several weeks. We just moved here 5 months ago and I have been so blessed to meet the most awesome people. I really needed help with my kids last week (especially Westin) and I had so many people helping me! It is such an overwhelming feeling to know that people really care about our family. I hope you all know how much you are truly appreciated. I also hope you know that I would love to help any of you out in any way I can. So- please call me if you need me. And like I have told you all before- please don't forget about me when I am at work! :)

5. My AZ friends! Thank you for the continuing support! I received many phone calls this week checking up on me! I am so thankful for cell phones and internet because sometimes I feel like I didn't even move! We can still talk as much- just not see one another. You guys have gotten me through these past two years- since moving away! Thanks for not forgetting about me!

6. The wonderful teachers I work with! After working for just 4 days- I can honestly say that I work with great people! Everyone has been so helpful! I am teaching a combo 2/3 class, so I will come in contact with many teachers! Thank you to the 3rd grade team for coming to my classroom and hanging bulletin boards! I am also thankful for a supportive principal. I don't know her that well yet, but she seems great!

7. My testimony of my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I have been truly blessed in my life. Faith can get you through anything! I could not ask for more...

I promise to get more pictures up ASAP! I will update you on the rest of our lives as soon as I get a minute to download the pictures.