My Tuesday Escape...

My Tuesday escape is to Harvest Art Studio, where my beautiful daughter is blessed enough to attend art class, taught by the very talented and amazing Janis Yerrington. Yesterday, was a wonderful example of why I am so blessed to have the opportunity to sneak away. While Kaitlyn was in Heaven, creating some new form of artwork and learning about the beauty of the world, I was able to sit by a warm fire (all by myself) and grade papers, check facebook, and flip through a magazine. It was such a treat, to be able to relax for a few minutes and take a timeout from the craziness of the day! Thank you so much Lord for blessing Kaitlyn and I with this gift!

Family Picture Time...

We recently were able to have a session of family pictures taken, by a wonderful photographer named Jodi Mockabee. We were so blessed to have her capture some great moments, in beautiful Tuolumne, of our new family. Thank you Jodi so much! Check out her amazing photography blog!

My Calling...

As I contemplate my fifth year of teaching, I cannot help but experience a wave of emotions both fulfilling and exhausting...

Trying to balance everything during this time of year, is always difficult for me, and I feel very overwhelmed at the thought of trying to go to work all day, work on clearing my credential (Another California requirement) and then go home and be mommy and wife.

I am so blessed to be able to work at a Christian School, where I go to work every morning at the same place, that my daughter is at, and that I am able to praise and worship with the staff, students and family of my school. I have had wonderful mentors, friends, parents and students that have changed my life in positive ways. I love that my husband supports my decision to work in this place, and that God has continued to pour out his blessings upon my family, in order that I can continue to work here.

I often wonder what I am supposed to do with my life, and with the talents God has given me. Am I supposed to stay at home, when Richard and I have children? Continue working where I am at? Pursue a different job, so that I can financially provide more? Give Richard more options for work?

I have only 5 more years before Kaitlyn is in High School, and in that very short amount of time, so much can change. I love the fact that I can go to work, and see her even on the days when she is at her father's house. I do not want to take for granted the blessing that God has provided me in that situation. I also want my husband to be happy, and be able to pursue another career if he desires...

I guess that I can rest assured in the fact, that God knows the desires of my heart and that He has a perfect plan for my little family!

My Mom

Today, I am so thankful for my mom! She is the most generous and loving person I know. Today she blessed my life by making me a chocolate cake, homemade refried beans, and rice to help me in preparing a birthday lunch, for one of my beloved friends, Rebecca. She is always willing to help, encourage, and straight out tell me what to do, when I need advice (or even when I don't :-)

Anyways, my mom is AMAZING! I couldn't do it without her!

"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her..."

Proverbs 31: 26-28

Grandma and Grandpa Bennett Visit

For Kaitlyn's 8th Birthday, (I can't believe 8 years have gone by) she asked Grandpa Mark and Grandma Patti to travel all the way from their cattle ranch in Eastern Oregon, to our small home in order to celebrate her birthday. She actually asked for this to be her birthday present. Grandma and Grandpa eagerly agreed to grant "her Majesty" her birthday request and travelled 2 days to get here. Over the course of a weekend, we were able to celebrate a birthday, make over 60 sugar cookies for family and friends and feed a small army on Sunday. On the Monday holiday, we were able to go horseback riding and then travel down to Columbia to eat ice cream, tour the sights and climb rocks. It was a wonderful visit and fabulous memories for us all to treasure in the years ahead.

Stormy Days

As the last few days have been stormy and cold, I have found my attention span to wander and my desire to go home, put on comfy clothes and make soup and bread increasing by the minute. We have been so fortunate this week to be able to spend an abundance of time at home, as soccer and other weekly events have been cancelled. Our home has been the focus of our time and energy the past few weeks, as I am finally taking steps to decorate our home, as we phase out of the remodeling stage! Fingers crossed, we will be starting a kitchen remodel soon! Yay for new cabinets! I love fall and I am so excited for the rainy days, but it does up my coffee intake significantly in an attempt to stay warm in our old building!

Jamaica

This morning when I woke up to the sound of the alarm, which I quickly switched to snooze, I was reminded as I turned to snuggle my hubby for a few more minutes, of our beautiful honeymoon in Jamaica. It was such a special time in our newly married life, and while it was full of many adventures, it was so nice to wake up and just know that I had nothing to do all day, but spend time with my husband.

I am so blessed to be spoiled by this man, who works hours on end to put a roof over our heads, to have patience with our silly little dog, and take our daughter to art class, soccer games, sleepovers, etc. He indulges many of my irrational whims and he never seems to tire of the endless words, that pour out of my mouth at the end of the day! I am so thankful to God, for bringing us together and giving me a live better than I could ever have imagined.

Family

It has been a wonderful summer full of BBQ's, Swimming and spending time with Family and Friends! What a wonderful beginning to our new life together. Here Richard and his nephew Aiden get to bond at a 4th of July BBQ at the lake.

Our Wedding Day

The big day finally arrived, and was perfect! It was more than I could have ever imagined, hoped, or dreamed it would be. Now we are finally Mr. and Mrs. Battle...

Our Engagement Photo Shoot

Every engaged couple should spend a little time, posing for the camera. We were fortunate enough to enjoy the beauty of Ironstone Vineyards while we worked it for the camera!