fourth grade. again.

Today as I sat at my desk and looked up from my planning, there were papers and pencils on all the desks, and backpacks hanging in the back of the room. My students were at lunch, and I was working away on what we would do next.

Wait.. my students?

They are coming back in 15 minutes? You mean, this isn't just the classroom I've been decorating and setting up and cleaning out for the past two months?

No. It is the classroom I will teach and learn in for the next ten months. Today was my first day of teaching. By myself. All day long.

And I LIVED TO TELL THE TALE! It wasn't nearly as hectic as I thought it would be. Sure, I made some some stuff up and pretended to know things I didn't, but overall I felt prepared enough to manage and teach my students. And I LOVE my students. I have been blessed with an awesome mentor and facilitator, and friends and family who want to help and hear all about it! What a support team.

I am where I am supposed to be. And I am grateful to know it.

Love,

Miss Stutz (for real this time)

p.s. Sorry for the poor quality pictures, I was tired and my camera was on manual. I'll try to get some better ones soon!

ten years.

Ten years ago today, my family lost our house to a fire. All of us, including the dog, came out with no injuries. We escaped into the fresh air and minutes later were surrounded by friends, family, neighbors, church members, and strangers. Boxes of toys, clothes, books, cash. Volunteers tried to salvage our belongings. The firefighters put casts on my baby sister's scorched teddy bear. Strangers provided food for everyone involved. The house across the street provided solace to me and my siblings as our house was being consumed.

All I had were the clothes on my back, my own teddy bear, and my scriptures from my baptism. But suddenly, even as an 11 year old, I realized that it would be okay. Because my mom and dad were here. My brothers and sister were here. Ranger was here. I would be taken care of. And while my melted Beanie Babies were somewhat of a tragedy, the lessons of love, service, and family I learned that day are priceless.

A huge thanks to those who were there in that great time of need. I may not have completely understood at the time, but your acts of service changed the lives of my whole family.