...

I am only 16 weeks and already I want nothing more than to smush my new smush.

However...
Luke had a play date this afternoon and it was so nice to not have to watch them, as long we heard giggles we knew all was right with the world. Some parts of him being 3 are so nice.

Time-Out

This morning after making breakfast with Luke, him vacuuming the floor around his chair and reading Mickey Mouse a book he did something even more adorable. I got into the shower and stepped on something rather sharp, giving a yell Luke came running in and said 'don't worry Mommy I'm here.' I put the toy dinosaur into the bucket and thought all was said and done. But Luke reached into the bucket and said 'Mommy this dino is in trouble! He should no have scared you that's not nice...I'll put him in Time-Out don't worry.' He then proceeded to ask the dino how old he was because it's a minute per year, the dino was three. I heard him giving a 'stern' talking to to the dino about scaring people who aren't playing the same game.

It's nice to know that somethings we say get into his head!!

Big Changes

God's plans for our family were bigger than ours.
We are a excited bunch to be welcome Baby Butt #2 into our clan of misfits come 10-11-12!

Trust.

Wondering where I disappeared too? Answer: I sank into student teaching. Worth it? Ten fold.
Over the last months I have not only be confirmed in my calling as a teacher but also shaped into the women God has always intended me to be: One of bold faith, unyielding compassion, a gracious attitude, and perhaps the most important development for me as an individual a women of complete trust. While I am still plagued by my A-type personality I am willing to trust that God's plan is best and more complete than any of mine could ever be. (It only took me 23 years to realize this! DUH!) I still plan, budget, and logically analyze nearly every situation but I have learned that no matter how much I plan things happen. This has been becoming more and more obvious to me over the last month between lesson plans and just every day life. Each night I find myself in deep thanksgiving for the ways I have learned to trust God that day rather than falling to sleep with a questioning spirit. It has been truly amazing. Now upon entering 2012 I find myself trust God more each day with the large and the small, and as this is happening my outlook on life, family, and myself have changed. Who knew that dealing with a bunch of hormonal 9-11 year olds would have such a lasting effect on me?

"God thinks you are wonderful"

This wonderful little book by Max Lucado is one of my favorites. Tonight we read it to Luke and I could not help being choked up when I came to this section. Looking into his face, seeing him feel the love of God, seeing the pure joy of a child....I can't even type this without crying.

"So promise me you'll never forget...that you aren't an accident or an incident...you are a gift to the world, a divine work of art, signed by God".... "You were deliberately planner, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on this earth...by the Master Crafts-Man."

First Day Reflections

I started my student teaching today in a 5th grade classroom in Long Branch. I must say so far it has been pretty good. The class, in comparison to the 5th grade class in Long Branch (different school) that I observed last year, is wonderful. They really seem eager to learn, but I also realize that it is only the second week of school. The teacher seems to have a grasp on things and a high standard for both herself and the students.

The best part of today came around 8:00 ten minutes after the school day began. Naturally, it being the first day of student teaching I was extremely nervous, but as the math lesson progressed I just fell into it. The whole teaching thing (well assistant at this point) came like second nature. It was such a relief, all my butterflies were gone.

I feel so blessed. Not only has God given me the gift of teacher and made it a discernible gift in my life but he has also given me family and friends who were there to support me through continuing my education. The closer I get to graduation the more thankful I am for those around me, especially Danny, and all the sacrificed in allowing me to pursue my dream of teaching...and God's calling in my life.

In short the summary of my feelings on the first day of student teaching: blessed.

Mr. & Mrs. DeLucia

Photos: Amanda Dolly Photography