First Week, I Survived!

It may be a bit premature to say that I survived the first week of school because it is only 7 in the morning, but I'm going to throw caution to the wind and press on and claim victory that I survived my first week of school!!!!  Yay!!

I'm not normally this dramatic over the first week of school, but this week has been a doozie of a first week! Honestly, I am thankful to be a high school teacher! I am blessed to teach in our small town, I enjoy my coworkers and my students.  But this school year start has been a bit different than in years past.  

Usually by the end of the school year I feel like I am crawling to the finish line, hoping to make it.  Ha!  This year, I am already there.  Oiy!!!  

Monday's devotional was this, "It is not in me!"  Seriously, it's a passage in Job and was the daily devotion from Streams in the Desert for Monday.  I laughed out loud when I read it.  

But, God has called me to teach and I will continue to trust in His perfect plan, His perfect ways, and keep looking up....because that is where my help comes from.  I resolved to spend my days in the classroom with joy and that is what I am striving to do every day.  

I'm praising Him for all He has done this week, even the things I know that I missed seeing Him in, and claiming victory for this new school year that, "With God, all things are possible!"  

My Favorite Pastor

My emotions are still a bit raw and it is so very easy for the tears to flow.  My favorite pastor retired this past Sunday.

This is what I posted on Facebook Sunday Morning:
Today is Dad's last Sunday before retirement (and the tears are already flowing). What a precious, bittersweet day today is. My mind is flooded with incredible memories and the joy knowing full well He completed the call God placed on his life with absolute joy and grace! But, Oh, how I am going to miss hearing my favorite pastor each Sunday!

I have many more thoughts and images to share but for now, I simply had to post this one of my dad. He was praying right before the service began....just like so many Sundays that I can remember.  I'm so thankful I had my camera to capture this tender moment.

A Teacher's Prayer for the New Year

Today is our first day back in the classroom.  I am excited about the new opportunities God has for me and for all of the students who will be in and out of my classroom.  So many prayers for this new year...but this one I really liked; I only wish I knew who the author is:

Dear God,

A new school year is about to begin
and my classroom door will soon open
to the students you’ve assigned to my care…

Open my mind and heart to each of them
and especially to the ones
who will challenge me the most…

Help me challenge my students, all of them,
to study, to learn, to grow in knowledge
and even a little wisdom…

Help me remember, Lord,
how young my students are:
give me patience to help them grow up
and insight to know the help they need…

Help me to understand that sometimes
my students may not understand me:
may I be clear in the things I say and do,
and in how I say and do them…

My students don’t know the burdens and worries
my heart brings to the classroom,
so help me remember, Lord,
how anxious and heavy my students’ hearts may be…

Keep me from favoring any particular students, Lord,
except for those who most need my help…

Let my decisions in the classroom
be fair and just, honest and true…

Send your Spirit to fill me with gifts
of knowledge and understanding, counsel and wisdom…

Lord, open my mind and heart to my students’ parents,
especially those who will challenge me the most…

Help me challenge parents to challenge their children
to study, to learn and to grow…

Help me to teach as you would, Lord:
help me be understanding when I need to be firm,
gentle in all things,
and patient until the last bell rings…

A new school year is about to begin, Lord,
and I wonder,
what will you teach me today?

Amen.

-Anyonymous

Blue Moon

"Blue Moon, you saw me standing alone...."  Outside in my pajamas with my camera and phone (had to rhyme with a lone).  Ha!

Did you see the beautiful Blue Moon?  I nearly missed it, but I am so thankful that I didn't!

No, the moon really isn't blue but it is beautiful.  God is so good and creative!

Baseball Brothers

I had an idea for a photo shoot so I called my oldest nephew to see if he was game for something totally different. We had a blast!

And my youngest nephew helped out too.  My friend Lynn added this caption to the image below:  "Who's on First?"

Growing up too fast!

So cute!

And he smashes is right out of the park!

Way to go double A!

Let the games begin!

Mr E. Turns Six Months {A Sneak Peek}

You saw Mr. E's Photo of the Morning yesterday. This is his handsome big brother. He played a song for me on his harmonica {swoon!}

I adore this beautiful, happy family!

Sweet brothers! 

Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero.  ~Marc Brown

Mr. E loves his beautiful mommy!

And his daddy too!

Photo of the Morning

I adore this little guy and could hardly wait for his 6 month visit! I love the look on his precious face too! He is sitting up and so proud of himself. And he was cooing to one of my favorite assistants. Delight!

Family Session Giveaway

We are giving away one 30 minute Family Session complete with Facebook Tags and 3 digital images to one lucky family!!!

A few details: The Session must take place before October 1, 2013, and you must be in our area (I would love to travel to my fans in France, Switzerland, and Africa, but as I am still teaching high school students too, my schedule for traveling is limited).  You must enter below. 

The winner will be announced Tuesday, August 20th.  Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ciara's Senior Session {A Sneak Peek}

What a joy to take this senior's pictures. She is beautiful and can play some serious volleyball and softball! Thank you for the blessing of capturing your Senior Pictures!

Miss Alexis Turns Two

Happy birthday Little Princess! I am so glad you came to see me!

She wanted to give her big brother a hug and a kiss.  Her little hand is telling him to come down here and that she means business.  So sweet:

Her method totally worked.  I love this image of these two:

This is what happens when a 5 year old tells you a joke....we both cracked up laughing.  Delight!

Photo of the Morning

This little princess, or future Miss America, came to visit me for her 2nd birthday pictures.  I loved every second of her visit.  I simply had to post these two today.  More Sneak Peeks to follow soon.

I think this one might need to be a canvas:

Photo of the Morning

I love absolutely everything about this image!  Gorgeous Class of 2014 Senior! 

More Sneak Peeks soon.

 

Kiki's Corner Photography Senior Session Giveaway!!

Enter below for your chance to win!!!  The prize is valued at $500!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kiki's Corner Photography's 3rd Anniversary!

Today marks the 3rd Anniversary of Kiki's Corner Photography!!! 

 

I've said it so many times, but I must say it again, this adventure with the Lord

has been an absolute blast....what a gift!

 

I have the absolute BEST clients and I never take it for granted

 when you choose me to capture your memories to treasure!

 

 

For all of you that follow my blog, you are the first to see this! 

I've never offered $30 Sessions Fees for a 30 minute session.

My regular Session Fee is $150!

 

What a savings!  I couldn't resist this incredible offer....celebrating 3 years in  business makes me feel like that little girl again at Christmas Time waiting to see if it was going to snow and what was under the Christmas tree.  So exciting!!!