They Aren't Supposed to Find

This is taken from Lysa TerKeurst's blog:

"There are things mommies aren’t ever supposed to find. They aren’t supposed to find themselves in a firehouse frantically looking for their child. They aren’t supposed to find their child’s name on a list of those who won’t be coming home. They aren’t supposed to find a dress to wear to their child’s funeral.  They aren’t supposed to turn their calendar and find a date circled for the birthday party they were supposed to be planning next month. The one that won’t be. Or walk to the mailbox and find their child’s dentist appointment reminder card. The receptionist forgot to pull that one out.   Or find a book they know their child would love. Only half way to the check out counter they remember, they’re gone."

When I heard the news about the shooting in Connecticut, I think I subconsciously chose not to dwell on it or make it personal.  It was not until Monday morning at school that it became very personal.  At our staff meeting that morning, as we talked through changes in our safety procedures,  I put myself in the situation.  I was thinking about the principal, the secretary, the psychologist, the first graders that were murdered.  I looked around at my principal, secretary, psychologist, and first graders that were standing in front of me.  After the announcements and a statement from the principal over the PA, we all have a moment of silence. 

It's sad to me that it takes something like this to snap me back to reality.  That same day I was frustrated at my students because they are anxious and squirmy, waiting (not so patiently) for Christmas.  When I heard the news that afternoon, my frustrations were simply gone.  I have absolutely nothing to complain about!  It was not until Monday morning, after hearing the names and seeing the faces of the six year old students in Connecticut, that I took a closer look at my six year olds and  realized how much I love them.

Miss Hornback Eats?

On Friday night, Beth and I went to Greenfield Village Holiday Nights!  One of her co-workers sets off the fireworks, so we got to go back and see how they work.  Pretty awesome!  The whole night was really great and it got me in the Christmas spirit :)

Last week my class had Polar Express Day, our Christmas party.  Any day that is supposed to be a "fun" day and treat for the kids, is usually not very fun for me, haha.  Anything out of the regular routine gets them all wound up!  We watched the movie, did a craft, ate pizza, cookies and hot chocolate.  During the pizza party, one of my students looked at me peculiarly.  I heard her whisper to another student, "Woahhhh, watch Miss Hornback eat!!"  Haha!

What a fun time of year!  Next weekend my family is headed 5 hours south to Waverly, OH for the extended family Christmas parties.  I'm so looking forward to Christmas break!!

Christmas Time is Here

I was thinking today about all that has happened in the last year.  Last year on this day, I was teaching in South Korea.  I was excited about coming home for a week for Christmas.  I was loving my students and nervous about returning to America for good in the next few months.  At this point last year I wasn't even sure that I wanted to teach.  I was part of an amazing church and small group.  I thought of Korea as the "glory days" and felt as if I would never be as content as I was at that time.

Christmas time is here again.  I can't believe a whole year has passed.  It has been an exciting year, filled with confusion, waiting, surprises and blessings.  God has replaced each one of those areas of contentment with new blessings.  One year later I am teaching in a great district only one hour from family.  I am part of an amazing church and small group.  God has even given me the blessing of being in an awesome relationship with Josh.  God has certainly answered prayers, even the ones I haven't prayed.  I have a lot to be thankful for this Christmas!