Finally a fire

My patience has been tested this spring, yet again. I thought I would get my economic stimulus from the government by way of direct deposit. Don't know why I thought that, but I did. However, I had to wait and wait for the paper check. I was just so excited for it to come and made list after list of different ways I could spend this bonus money!

First thing on my list was the PRAXIS exams. They are the Pennsylvania state teaching exams and a must for anyone seeking certification - as I am. Other things on my list were a trip to the dentist, minor car repairs and a pedicure.

But the thing I was most anxiously awaiting my check to buy was a fire pit of some sort for my back yard! My favorite thing about camping is most definitely sitting around the fires at night. I loooooove it! So I couldn't wait to have a pit so I can light fires whenever I want to and not wait for the rare camping trip! While I waited I started storing up branches that fell from the trees in my yard and keeping them dry in a big plastic bin on the back patio. I'm also drying out branches I've pruned as well.

Well, the check came last weekend and yesterday I bought my much beloved fire pit! So last night I finally sat out back and enjoyed a fire!

I must admit though that the wood was so dry I spent the whole time adding more on! I went through more than half of my stash in the 20 minutes I was out there! haha. I now know I need some logs, maybe those fireplace logs that burn for a long time.

Oh, but I can't wait for cool summer and fall evenings by the fire...friends coming over and making smores or pies...I'm loving it!

It's time

Well, I thought it was about time I joined the blogging craze. Not because I have loads of exciting stories, or pearls of wisdom to share. Just because it's a good place to share my randomness with the world!

So I'll just jump in...

School ended last week. The hope is that by next fall I'll be teaching in my own classroom, but realistically I don't think it will happen. I did sign up for the first Praxis (PA state teaching exams) though, that's a start. Before I can even look for a job I need to pass both of the Praxis tests and get my intern certification through Eastern. I will still run over to School District of Lancaster though to see what positions are open and if they will consider emergency certifying me. I'll continue to take the steps I can from my end and see what doors God opens and closes. So that is exciting.

In the meantime I will enjoy summer. I spent the last two days with Sherry and the boys and love it! (A family from my church who had twins last April, born two months premature. Last summer I was a "mother's helper" for her.) They have grown so much since last summer. I'm glad to be going over there one or two days a week. What a fantastic summer job! Today we're taking the boys swimming in a pool for the first time! Here's what they looked like last summer.

Ben is the one waving. Brad is the other twin and Adam is their big brother. They are much bigger now and I will try to get some updated pictures on here before long. I love these boys!

I look forward to posting random stories, like my fall down the basement stairs on Monday or the drive through a crazy storm last night. Little insights into my life and thoughts and things I'm learning along this road. So read on...