interesting...

So...I went out on a {date} yesterday. Granted, it was our first "official" date, but we went out to dinner Sunday, I saw him Wednesday, we hung out Friday night...and THEN came our "official" first date on Saturday.

Woah.

It's difficult to remember to guard my heart. It's difficult to remember to take things slow. It's difficult to remember that I got my heart broken...when he's SO great.

It just feels so....natural. Normal. Easy. Great.

So I met him at his apartment at 12. Well actually, I was running late. So more like 12:15. But he was running behind too.

We hit the road and headed out to Marrowstone Point. Which is about an hour drive so we had plenty of conversation time...again not awkward, and it came so easy. We got there and took a walk on the beach. It was perfect. Kinda windy, but not super cold.

Grabbed some lunch...drove through where he used to live... talked about our families, favorite colors, pet peeves, our interests, habits, faith, relationships...everything.

Got back to his place, watched some TV, watched a movie, he made dinner, we went out to Barnes and Noble and looked at books, came back and just talked.

And then I came home...smile on my face...realizing how good this all feels. And how much I like getting "Good Morning" text messages. :)

new look {2}

I decided to update my blog again today...

Wanted a new header and new background...

Oh, and had to get rid one {1} picture. I kinda like the new look :)

never a dull moment...

I was concentrating on paperwork at my desk while my students were working quietly. One of them walked over to me looking like this...obviously he got a little distracted...or maybe he was bored :) I ♥ my job.

I don't know if it was the weather, or the time of year, or maybe that it was just a Friday... but it just seems kind of crazy!

You know, I always find in interesting how much parents rely on teacher for parenting advice. Here I am, 21, never been married or had kids...but I give parenting advice ALL the time! Which is actually okay...and I understand it because we do have a background in working with kids and lots of experience...but it still sometimes makes me giggle. J

Oh, and just FYI: If you are ever mad or upset with your child, the best move is NOT to tell your child you don't want them anymore, call DSHS, and try and put them up for adoption. It makes for a rough day at school. And a rough day for the teacher. Just FYI.

But kids honestly say the funniest things...and this week was no exception...

After talking about the current earthquakes around the world, I was assured by one of my students that if there was one here, they would walk over to my house to make sure I was okay and then we would eat pancakes together. Sounds like a good plan to me.

One of my students today... "Ms Highfield aren't you proud of us? We finished a whole book! Normally we just talk.... " Oh so proud. :)

While grading my math tests I discovered the brilliant explanation one of my student gave to the question "Is 25 a multiple of 4? Explain your reasoning." His answer?... “No, it is not because it just isn't.” Like I said...he is brilliant. ♥

And then there are the sweet moments that make my eyes well up with teacher...After taking a half-day on Monday, one of my students came up with tears in his eyes, throws his arms around me and says, "Ms. Highfield...I missed you ." Totally melts my heart.

But now it’s the weekend…and I couldn’t be more excited! Oh, and I have a {date!} on Saturday… excited and nervous all at the same time!

teacher's gifts...

As a teacher...this is right up my alley!!!

As teachers, we never EXPECT to be given gifts. However, when that occasional gift lands on my (~always~) messy desk, it is a nice surprise!

I would say some of the best gifts include...

**Gift Cards to...Starbucks, Barnes and Noble, Target, Walmart...We can use these for little morning perks, classroom supplies, or anything for ourselves...which is great!

**Hand Written Notes (from students AND parents)...If you really want to show your child's teacher that they are appreciated, a note is a perfect and inexpensive way! I have a little special box I put letters in. :)

****And just a tip... don't save gifts just for things like Christmas or Teacher Appreciate Week... gifts are the best when they come at random! :)

Thanks for making us teachers feel so appreciate!!!

new beginnings...

A new beginning.

A new start.

A budding...start. :)

And I can't wipe this silly grin off of my face.

But, trying not to get my hopes up.

But loving this feeling again.

easter.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of going to Harrison's baptism. I first started babysitting Harrison when he was 2...and he's now 10! His Mom and Dad baptized him...it was very emotional.

This morning at church, they showed the video of the kids being baptized... and Kylie sang "Hallelujah". I completely lost it.

I was completely overwhelmed with emotion. I think it was a mix of feeling grace, suffering, His love, sin, and confession. I always cry at baptism videos too. Always.

"Hallelujah"

Now I've heard there was a secret chord

That David played, and it pleased the Lord

But you don't really care for music, do you?

It goes like this

The fourth, the fifth

The minor fall, the major lift

The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof

You saw her bathing on the roof

Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you

She tied you

To a kitchen chair

She broke your throne, and she cut your hair

And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Baby I have been here before

I know this room, I've walked this floor

I used to live alone before I knew you.

I've seen your flag on the marble arch

Love is not a victory march

It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

There was a time you let me know

What's really going on below

But now you never show it to me, do you?

And remember when I moved in you

The holy dove was moving too

And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

You say I took the name in vain

I don't even know the name

But if I did, well really, what's it to you?

There's a blaze of light

In every word

It doesn't matter which you heard

The holy or the broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I did my best, it wasn't much

I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch

I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you

And even though

It all went wrong

I'll stand before the Lord of Song

With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah

He is risen. He is risen indeed. He died for my sins...and he was resurrected. What he did on Easter, he wants to do for everyone. For my sins. He died and rose again. Grace. Love. Mercy. Amazing.

productive.

Today I actually felt productive.

That is a very good thing.

Woke up at Emily's... and make yummy fruit smoothies. Got ready, and headed back to my hometown to work at school.

5 hours later, I felt PRODUCTIVE.

Got a TON of stuff done at school and the best part was, I realized after about 4 hours, I went that entire time without thinking of the Boy.

Then, back to Emily's...made dinner for us...watched Glee which warms my heart...and then we are just hanging out.

Life feels good. Right here, right now. Let's hope for more of this feeling.