The end....or another beginning....

Another summer comes to a close for me...

Tomorrow is my final day of rest before the first teacher work day of another year.

This year should be interesting.

A new VP, the drama with my never ending battle against the people who are supposed to support me, new adventures at the VA Hospital in the kitchen, 2 new students, .... the husband in school, Special Olympics starting right away, ....

And thinking that next year there is an 80% possibility of me moving on to a different job. I've been thinking about possibly doing consulting teaching if I can find a position (kind of an administrative position over a few schools SPED teachers) or at least moving closer to home so I can bike and not have such a long commute....and I must admit I am hoping to find a more supportive place next year.

It has really been an internal battle to stay for this year. I have already signed that contract...but the more I think about it, the more I would just like to run away. The drama I have at work didn't exist for the last two months, and I must admit that I've never been more at ease. I want that. I want to at least not be so intensely stressed out about work and psycho parents...and absent administrators.

This is yet another reason why I am so excited that the hubby is returning to school....I am ready to not be the breadwinner/sugar mommA.

My second year at my last job was much smoother....I am praying that this upcoming school year will prove that the second year is half as difficult! Now that I've figured out who the best helpers are at the school and I know the majority of the kids from last year, I feel safe saying that at least there will be some things that are easier!

However, I lost two of my hardest-working, easiest students...and I am apparently gaining two more that may prove to be much more difficult. Only time will tell.

I know that God can do anything, and I am praying that He will make this second year a breeze. Last year was tough for SO many different reasons....and I trust that the Lord will provide me with some relief after surviving and crossing that finish line.

In other news, our trees got haircuts and I am currently hiding at a WIFI establishment to escape the pounding on our roof. While everything did not go as planned for our home improving summer, I am very thankful that both of these huge tasks are done as I stare another school year in the face. Additional home stressors are not needed when beginning a new year! :)

Until Tuesday, trusting that the Lord will provide!

It's Official

It's official!

Why so happy, you might ask?

My husband is completely registered for his classes for the fall semester! He will be taking three classes: PSYCH, Nutrition, & ENG Composition. That only leaves 2 for winter quarter: CHEM & a second PSYCH class!

How did all of this come about? Lots of hard work, diligence, discussions, prayer, and focusing on the future.

He has desired to finish his nursing out here, but waiting for our "in-state" tuition put that off until the beginning of July, which is when it all began.

The hospital the husband works at may not be his permanent stopping ground, so he was reluctant to try and have them pay for his courses. We are still going though the process of applying for financial aid, and we are trusting that the Lord will provide the funds to pay for at least 2/3 of his school. Currently, we've already paid for the three classes...just waiting to see if financial aid will go through because we may be reimbursed!

After these prerequisite courses, he will apply to nursing school in the fall of next year--the LPN degree is 3 quartears; the RN ladder is 3 after that....so this fall starts the 3 year countdown for my husband to finish his degree!

Very exciting times for him--so proud! God has already provided us with so much to be thankful for! He keeps on pouring out the blessings! Now there are only 5 prerequisites instead of 8! Amen!

Now it's really summer "break"

So summer school finished with a bang. Not really a bang, more like a really strong bite and a few mighty kicks to my shin!

Either way, a certain sense of accomplishment was felt upon finishing....extra money earned to pay for home improvements (amongst other things), more professional experience, new friends, the ability to get to know a whole new set of kids quite well in 6 weeks....it was a great experience.

Now what am I doing with my time, you ask?

Cramming in fun, entertaining and spending time with an out of town friend (a nice, cooler experience for her!), cleaning, baking, knitting (yes, I finally relearned and am enjoying myself), jewelry making, gardening, stocking up on groceries....and best of all....helping my husband to get started on his higher degree.

With his official ID number and welcoming email, he will start on his trek to the finish line: becoming an RN.

How exciting! I now get be a study buddy...it'll be interesting NOT being involved in the actual classes!

I am so proud of my husband for getting started. It is going to be a tough road ahead, but we will work on it together!

We are praying for him to get into at least 4 classes/semester so he can HOPEFULLY get started on the nursing program next fall! Our intent is for him to work full-time this year, then once he gets into the program we will have to modify that schedule at work....praying for me to be able to make up enough extra money between summer school etc. to continue paying for our necessary home repairs, mortgage, car loans, and his school.

Our specific prayer is that the Lord will provide us with 2/3 of his overall tuition to be paid for; we can cover the rest. God has told us to ask SPECIFICALLY and we trust that just as He has met our financial (and other) needs in the past, HE will once again meet these easily.

I pray for my heart to be CERTAIN that God will honor His promises.

I pray for my husband to persevere as he goes to school full-time and works full-time....and that I will not grow weary in helping him as I have done this before and remember the exhaustion quite well.

God is faithful. He has proven this a multitude of times over...and I trust that HE will do so again.

Thanks in advance. ;)