Mastering the Art of Free Time

I had high hopes for the summer. I thought I would have so much free time and finish everything on my list. I thought I would use a lot of my time to make things and get a head start on Christmas gift making (I’m on a tight budget and “gifts” is a killer!). I know it’s still early, but so far I feel like I’ve had little free time. UNTIL…

I’ve actually had a little bit over the last week and a half! While last week was partly spent preparing for a weekend trip and the gifts it included (2 Father’s Day and 2 birthdays), this week is being spent relaxing! I am still working three days a week, but that leaves two week days for errand running, exercising, cooking, crafting, puzzle-smithing, or just vegging out. I’ve experimented with a few recipes…some successful and others not at all. I also got to make my grandmother’s birthday gift, which I think turned out pretty well considering it was my first try using a grapevine wreath AND incorporating cotton bolls. If you’re wondering why I put bolls of cotton in a wreath, I have two very good reasons. One: my dad used to be a cotton farmer, so the plant is special to my family, and two: I LOVE cotton. I love the memories of trumping cotton as a kid, the feel of cotton (esp in the form of a comfy tee), the look of cotton growing in a field, Cotton commercials, cotton used in floral arrangements, and what cotton represents (a simple natural resource, grown in the USA, used to make clothes for people all over the world). Anyway, I think it turned out pretty…

I like the simplicity of the colors and incorporating different fabrics, like burlap. So, what do ya think? Honestly. I’ve considered making these to sell, but I want to know if people would actually buy them…or even want them! I’d love your feedback.

Also, I'm thinking of trying my hand at embroidery. Let me know if you have any advice, warnings, or resources to begin.

Thanks all! Have a great weekend!!

-Stephanie

{Catching Up}

I have been a horrible blogger lately and done a poor job documenting my life! This is my attempt to catch up.

Here are a few pictures to catch you up on the end of school at Cornerstone...

Field Day

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Sean and Joshua, K4 Celebration

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End of the year class party at Railroad Park

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And some pictures of my trip to Florence to visit my dad…

Dad’s Garden

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Lunch on the Tennessee River

{Summer Job}

I thought working half-days at a local church pre-school would be a fun, relaxing way to earn money over the summer. Wrong. Two-year-olds are a handful! I won’t go in to all the details, but I will just say my first day included cleaning “#2” off hands, floors, and other surfaces. This coming from a child whose father said, “We’ve been working on potty training. She seems to have it, but I put a pull-up on her just to be safe.” This same parent wrote on the information sheet that he would love for her to learn potty training this summer. I’m not sure I get paid enough to handle that responsibility. Not at all. No, sir. Not gonna happen! I love all kids, but I don’t like this one very much. Awful, I know. Just being honest.

A plus side to this whole experience has been the confirmation of what my calling and passion is. I truly love and prefer teaching children with different backgrounds than myself. I miss students asking to “use it” and telling me someone “wasted their milk.” This summer job might not be enjoyable and something I look forward to, like Cornerstone, BUT it has me ready to begin the next school year! And I learned a valuable lesson: don’t get a summer job that includes working with kids. Next summer I may be working at Jack’s (the only fast food restaurant I can think of that children don’t really frequent), but I will make a point to separate myself from little people (except Annie, of course). Sometime you just need a break from kids. Apparently even your own since these parents can’t possibly achieve much in the 4 hours we have them, besides regaining their sanity. Anyway, enough from me. It’s gonna be a good summer, regardless of my day job.

{It's been too long}

I know, I know. Two weeks!!!! Ridiculous. In my defense it has been a crazy, hectic two weeks. Last week was the last week of school, which included lots of tiring days of crazy children, field day (exhausting!!), and cleaning the classroom. On top of that I was packing my apartment to move out by the end of the month…and I have accumulated many things in my 26 years. While it was super busy, it was also two of the best weeks of my life! God keeps amazing me with His blessings and provision. He always seems to provide in an unexpected way that I’m not praying about or even considering an option. With that said…

I got a job at Cornerstone!!!!!! Woot, woot!!! My plan for next school year was a huge question mark that was causing a little stress and A LOT of dependence on God. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a dozen times…we serve a powerful, good, perfect, and gracious God. I knew that whatever my future held would be sweet, but this was out of my scope of imagination. Which, I’ve learned, is usually how He works.

Other than that I’ve been packing, moving, and trying to fit my belongings in storage and a friends room. I feel like I’m living out of a cardboard box (okay, maybe I’m exaggerating) so give me a little slack this summer with cards, gift-wrapping, etc. I’m trying to make do.

Wedding season is in full force, so I’ve enjoyed saving money in my food and entertainment budget! Seeing friends join together in life has been pretty cool too, I guess. (kidding). It’s been great!! It has been another way to see God exalted and hear of the great love He has for His church.

I start my summer job tomorrow, which I am not exactly looking forward to. Not that I think it’s going to be a bad gig, I just don’t feel like I’ve had enough of a break. I’m teaching pre-school from 8:30-1:30 everyday. Not a bad schedule, and maybe the structure will give me diligence to spend my free time on worthy things rather than wasteful ones. We’ll see.

Again, my apologies for the long break in writing. It’s been frustrating that I haven’t found time to sit down and type, but hopefully this summer will allow me lots of free time to do the things I love best. I hope you are having a great summer (so, it’s technically spring but whatev) and finding ways to stay cool in this scorching heat!!!