The New Home of the Indianapolis Colts

On Sunday, August 24 Lori, Melissa, Rose and I had the privilege of visiting the new Colts' Lucas Oil Stadium. We had a great time! The stadium can be open or closed. It was a very fun atmosphere...even though they didn't win the pre-season game. GO COLTS!

August 14, 2008

As most of you know August 14, 2008 marked the third anniversary of my parents' deaths. I know the Lord sovereignly planned for the accident to happen at this date because I am always so busy at school to focus too much on it. I also know that the Lord sovereignly placed amazing people in my life that have helped me to get through moments like this. On the anniversary Lori, Melissa, Rose and Kathy joined my sister, the boys, my cousins Kristen and Landen at Chili's for a fun evening. I have some crazy friends and nephews! Thanks girls for a fun evening to remind me of all I have. "I will praise the Lord for what He has given me, not curse Him for all that I've lost."

Kids Kids Everywhere!

This is the one shot I managed to get with a class of 35! Numbers topped out at 38 before the split was made. I don't think I'll every think 25 is too many students!

Kindergarten Update

As of 30 minutes ago I now have 36 children in my Monday Wednesday class and 37 in my Tuesday/Thursday class! Whoopee!
Today's class was great! I am so thankful that the Lord has kept me calm about all of this. It really is a crazy number of students but I trust its going to all pan out. Please pray for administrators as they seek to find a good solution for the students and their almost crazy Kindergarten teacher...okay so maybe I am already crazy but that's beside the point :) .
You know, on the way to school today I was listening to KLOVE and I was reminded that Jesus knows by experience what we are going through. I was thinking about that in light of my current situation...Remember the feeding of the 5000? That helps me keep it in perspective and to trust His good outcome.
Also, thanks for those who are praying for me today. Today is the three year anniversary that my parents went to be with the Lord. Some dear friends are taking me out to eat tonight and I am grateful for the distraction of school. The Lord is truly good.

In case your wondered

Just in case you wondered... Having 33 Kindergartners on the first day of school can really be overwhelming and makes one feel like she might be losing her mind. You should have seen the look of pity on my colleagues' faces as they saw me walk down the hallway with my long line of charming little ones. Just imagine a bunch of 5 year olds who have never had to listen too much, like to talk whenever they want and all think they HAVE to use the restroom at the same time just because someone happened to mention the word "bathroom". I was kinda surprised when one told me that he was having fun...because fun wasn't really the first word that popped into my head :). I even had a "visitor". That would be a child that we did not know, who wouldn't tell me his name and who I was pretty sure wasn't even in my class.
The bright side is that they are so cute and there are MANY who really did what they were supposed to do :). Lots of hugs and smiles are definitely a perk of the job. I love my job because of their bright faces and I'm know we will have a great year. I am also SO thankful for my assistant who was such an amazing help as always! I know the Lord is going to grow me in this process of patiently waiting for a solution to my class size problem. I know what he does is good :).

Last Hurrah

I had one last hurrah over the weekend before school will start tomorrow. Melissa and I hit the road over the weekend. Its hard to believe that summer break is over ... Its just a reminder that nothing lasts. I have two pretty big Kindergarten classes at this point but a solution is in the works! I am thankful that the Lord has calmed my spirit and I feel relatively calm even with the thought of meeting 34 students tomorrow!

Kentucky Lake!

I just got back from a week at Kentucky Lake! I went with my brother-in-law's family. He is the youngest of 11 siblings. 10 of the 11 families went on the trip. There were 45 of us (15 were kids!) We had a great time of playing around in the pool, swimming in the lake, sliding down the two-story pontoon and tubing! I'm very thankful for being invited and for being treated as one of the family. It was fun spending time with the boys and seeing them try fun and exciting things. I'm looking forward to next year! Caleb skiing!
Connor would leave the cabin in the afternoon for water recreation!
The Five Schoonveld Guys!
Our little cove at Kentucky Lake!

Noah

Daniel
Daniel and Aunt Jodi
Not sure why these kids act so weird :)