Reason why I haven't blogged...

First - Summer. It was busy...if I wasn't with Libby, I was with church people. But I believe it was the most impactful summer for many of the youth in the Bridge. Phil came on board and was announced as the high school youth pastor. That means my time will get to be mainly with middle schoolers!! Believe it or not, that's my passion. I went through a lot in middle school and believe that is the age where they begin to understand what a relationship with Christ is all about. So I believe a lot of life change will take place in these kids now that I can really focus on them. The problem in the past is that they would never come out because high schoolers are intimidating! So we never fully got to reach them the way they should have been. But I have a lot of work ahead of me to get into the middle schools and get kids excited about the change!! I'm excited though, I know anytime there is a split, there is growth so please be praying as this begins that God moves in the lives of these students and that we're able to reach many kids.

Second - Sadie. We got a puppy!! I'm surprised Libby hasn't posted about it...I guess she works a lot or something :-) Kidding, she's such a good teacher, I don't know how she does it. If the kids only knew how much time and energy she put into them, I think they would have a new appreciation for her. It makes me appreciate all the poor teachers that had to deal with me growing up! Anyway, Sadie is our little black lab mix puppy. She's the sweetest thing ever!! I knew I was a dog person, but she's got me. She also makes me exhausted. I get up every night at 2 and around 5 sometimes to let her out to take care of business. So I haven't had a solid night of sleep in awhile. Then I have to come home every couple of hours to let her out or play with her. The nice thing about school being back in session is that I don't have to be away too much. There isn't much office work when you're a youth pastor so my days are more open (except for meeting and planning stuff). Then I just go into the schools for lunch and spend time with them once school is out and go to their games and stuff. But I always have to be thinking about the dog and the next time she needs out! I can't imagine having kids...I don't even want to think about it right now. I know it will be different because Libby can stay home, but then I'll have a tired wife and a crying/poopy kid. I guess the madness will never end. But I'm glad we got a puppy first, great practice and realization for me that being a father can wait...a long time :-)

That's my update...I'm sure I've left a lot out because I personally haven't been on here in such a long time. But those are the biggest happenings lately. If something philosophical pops in my head, I'll write it out. I haven't had one of those moments in awhile....pray that I do, I love gaining new perspectives and wisdom that God can teach me in the little things in life.

10 Highlights of my Summer Vacation!

My kiddos come to me on Friday!!! I have two teacher work days on Wednesday and Thursday, so I officially have two full days of summer left. Gabe is taking those days off so we can spend some quality time together before I get back to working full time. I have to tell you, I have loved my summer vacation. I feel refreshed and rested for another year with my fifth graders. It might be hard getting back to the "busyness", but I know I will adjust.

Here are the highlights of my summer, in no particular order:

1. Waking up whenever I wanted to.....the type A personality in me still set alarms though.

2. Reading novels (I read about five this summer! That's good for me!) outside in my blue lawn chair

3. Going to Chicago to the Willow Creek Creative Arts Conference in June with some of my best friends

4. Planning Gabe's birthday party and then the party itself

5. The multiple trips up to Milford to hang out with my family.....sometimes Gabe would go but there were many times when I just went by myself

6. Going to King's Island with the kids in our church

7. Babysitting little Josiah on Thursdays and the times I spent afterwards with his mom, Marcia

8. The afternoon when Kylee, Marcia, and I played with Josiah in his kiddie pool in our swimsuits while eating Dilly Bars

9. Working on home decorating projects around the house.....

10. I loved spending time with Gabe and not having school distract my mind. We went to Cinncinatti to celebrate our one year anniversary.....that was the best trip! Short and sweet! I just think my husband is really cool and fun to be with. He's made my summer a good one.

And now, I am on to another adventure: a new school year. Yes, I am excited and anxious, but this year I have more peace about what will come my way and I hope to become a better teacher. I am praying for wisdom from the Lord every day in knowing how to best help my 21 students......you can be praying, too!

It's off to making Snickerdoodles now......Gabe's been craving them! :)