So...after 10 years of school and 3 months of searching... I got a phone call today that.............


I GOT THE JOB!!!   I will be teaching 4th grade at Cummings Elementary in Alief ISD.  I am so excited.  Thank you for all of your prayers!!

After a long week, I went with some friends and had some retail therapy.  One of the ladies I went with is sponsoring 2 girls from a different country.  We showed them the Galleria and let them get some tokens of American life.  They were so excited and bought things for their family and friends.  We went to Nordstrom and got all "gussied up" by the Chanel lady.   We even went to Lacoste and looked at all the alligator shirts.. :) I did not indulge in retail therapy.  I did get my eyes done and learned that I needed to wear green eye shadow to make my eyes stand out.  My fun was in Lacoste.

Enter "D": very cute and sweet manager of Lacoste.

The girls were having so much fun trying on things and figuring out what they wanted.  The people at Lacoste were so helpful and I appreciate them so much.  D, however, caught my eye.  One of those double-take-hey-you-are-cute-wow-you-are-super-sweet-awesome-I-see-no-ring moments. He helped us out and long story short, I was attracted to him. 

Enter "H": one of my best friends and "big sister"

I told her that he seemed familiar and that he was cute.  She made a comment that he seemed like my type: cute, laid back, and a litle scruffy.  I turned up the shyness and told her that someone else would have to tell him that I was interested because I wouldnt do it.  He had showed what I thought was interest (my radar has been off lately). 

Exit a slightly curious but embarrassed Miranda: (I sat on a couch outside of the store and watched safely away from the eyeline of D)

So, she boldly said she wouldn't have a problem doing  it.  She went up told him that "her friend" thought he was cute and asked if he was taken.  He told her that unfortunately he was, that he was going to celebrate 3 years with his girlfriend but to tell me Thank You. Sad face.  She smiled, and then told him that I left my number at the counter if "things didnt work out".  I LOVE THIS LADY. 

Although he was, in fact, "taken",  it was one of the best laughs I have had.  I love my friends and the things they do for me.

This week we have been doing VBS at my church. It has been loud, fun and did I say LOUD??? here are some pics that show a little of what we have done!



The hideout


Playing pick up sticks


The incredible youth worker :)



Decorating horses!

This week has been a whirlwind of events!  After getting ready for the biggest VBS I have ever been involved in, I settled into a routine of teaching VBS and then resting afterwards.  Monday, as I was applying for more jobs online, I received a phone call.  It was a principal that I had done some observations under.  She wanted to interview me for a 4th grade position!!!  I could not believe it!  After I calmed down, I learned that she wanted me to come in the next day around 3.  I had to cancel a job, but I went to the interview and had a very pleasant time.  We talked for about an hour about my philosophy and what I would do in different scenarios.  She asked me what she would see if she walked into my classroom and I heard myself spitting out answers that were completely true, confident and right.  After the interview, she explained to me that I was up against some other people but that she wanted me to get all of my paperwork in so that I would be ready to go if she hires me.  I felt that I had the same thinking she wanted and I really felt at "home" in the school.  I hope that I get the job.  I know that God has the perfect place for me and in a few days, I will know if this elementary is the place for me.  I spent the day today running around getting reference forms filled out and making sure that my file is complete.  Now all I can do is wait...

Details of the position:  It is a fourth grade position.  There are 4 other teachers on the team, each of them paired up and team teaching.  This means that one teacher teaches language arts and social studies while her partner teaches science and math.  The position I am in the running for is a self contained class.  Although I will be able to plan with the other teachers on my team, I will be teaching all subjects to my students.  The school is a pretty small campus, having around 500 students.

I can't wait to see if this is the place for me.  I appreciate the many prayers and would like you to keep the principal and the candidates in your prayers.  I pray that the principal makes the correct choice that is the best person for the students, even if it isn't me.  Thanks for your never ending support and encouragement!

I have a job interview tomorrow! I am so excited but a little nervous. I can't wait to meet the principal (again) and see how we connect. I did my special education Practicum at this school so I know some of the teachers. I have been praying for the right job! The interview is at 3. Will you pray for me?


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My life has been one big moment lately.  Between working on VBS decor for my church and trying to help my grandparents out while my grandpa is in the hospital, I have not had much time for anything else.  I have, in midst of my crazinesss, noticed a few changes in the way I handle stress.  One, I go to God first.  I hate to admit that this was not always the case.  I have also learned to say no more often.

Someone very wise told me to take off all the expectations I had for myself and start enjoying what I was doing.  I think this was something that I had forgotten.  I was so obsessed with making sure all the decorations were perfect that I lost sight of what was important and what I was doing it for. 


So, for the first time in 2 months, I didnt worry so much about what was happening at the church.  I didnt worry about what needed to be finished and when that was going to happen.  I didnt worry about my grandfather and what he needed.  I tried not to think about I was actually the jerk in a situation.  I enjoyed a delicious dinner of pizza rolls, and yes.... BEER... with two great friends.  We discussed boys, polygamy, being saved, boys, church, and other topics.  It was great to sit, enjoy the night and not think about what was happening anywhere else in the world, except for at that table at Center Court. 

This morning, my grandfather fell and broke his tail bone. We got the news while we were up at my brothers visiting his family. 5 hours later, back to Houston we headed and straight to the hospital. We were only there for 30 minutes before he got a room. I offered to stay the night with him since I didn't have work in the morning and everyone else did.
So, here I sit...in a dark hospital room with doctor's coming in every few minutes to check this or that. My grandfather is resting peacefully and has laid everything in God's hands. We are hoping for a quick healing and no need for surgery. He broke the same hip about 7 years ago on Christmas Day. We teased him that he liked to be In the hospital on holidays.
Tomorrow we meet with the doctor and see if he needs surgery. If he does, he will have it tomorrow. If not, then he will stay for a few days, then get released.
Before he fell asleep, he asked me to pray for him. I asked God to bring comfort for his pain, guide his doctors and nurses to make wise decisions and to bring peace to our family. It was such a sweet moment for me to pray for my grandfather. I know that no matter what tomorrow brings, God will be there, along with my family (spiritually or physically) praying for healing and strength.

A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9 NKJV)

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Location:Ross Sterling Ave,Houston,United States

I am tired and a bit overwhelmed, but I am trying to enjoy every moment of this new and ling awaited adventure I am on! It seems surreal that I am finally in my own classroom, able to do things with my twist and flair!


I have started to get things going for my classroom. I have purchased some things and have also inherited things...like a rocking chair that will soon be multi-colored!

I went to an inservice today where my brain shut down around 3:45. It was full of information and couldn't take anymore. I will be breaking it down, chunk by chunk, this weekend.

For now, I sleep!