A Daycare in the Life.

Working at a daycare is simultaneously super fun and super humbling.  My severe lack of patience and my strong tendency to be quick to anger has led me to apologize to every single kid in my class...on more than one occasion.

I've found that the balance between tenderness and motherly affection and stern discipline out of love is found in Jesus alone.

I've babysat/nannied since I was twelve, so I was fairly confident that I was able to not react completely from my flesh in regards to disrespectful and bratty kids.  But I have, and I do.  And unfortunately, will probably do it again today.

I've never gotten "no" as a response this many times in one day.  I've also never been told "I don't apologize" or "I never have to share."

I've also never been told I look twelve or forty-eight years old in one day.  But that's another story.

However, I've never heard "I love you Miss Kayla" or "You're pretty" more than I hear it from my students.

The Lord has convicted me and blessed me through this job in such a unique way.  I've had to depend on His patience, His grace, and His strength minutely.

I thought I'd share some of what goes on in this chaotic classroom:

I get lots of sudden illnesses for which I need immediate medical attention.

Crafts abound.  All day every day.

I get my nails done and my order taken all at one stop.  Shmancy and convenient.

So. Much. Mancala.

Wonderful Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday!
This week is dead week--because I'll be dead by Friday.
Then next week I die again because final exams commence...gulp.

So I am happy classes are nearly over, but not ready to lock myself in the library for hours at a time.
No thank you.


 But tonight is small group and Bradley was extra sweet today...so let's focus on the good, shall we?

Wonderful Scripture:
Romans 1:16-17
Romans 12, particularly verses 14-21 were so impactful on my heart and life last week, so I've decided to read through Romans.

Wonderful Friend:

H and I so kindly sharing some dead week delirium...

Wonderful Picture:

Thanks Prof Knight...a baby with a mouth full of sand is super inspiring.

Wonderful Food:
Black coffee. My energy/life source. Poor life decisions.

Wonderful Outing:
Bradley and I went to dinner on Saturday night with two other couples that we met through the church (not Summit) softball team that he plays for.

Wonderful Pin:

It happens.

I hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday and are much more optimistic than I!

Wonderful Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday! 

I'm taking a break from writing this excruciating thesis paper for my History of the Middle Ages class to share with you some wonderfulness!  

Wonderful Song:

"The Church" - Elevation Worship
I love running to this song, mostly because of the charge it gives to the Church. Regardless on your thoughts (or mine) about Elevation Church, this song exhorts believers to preach the Gospel--and the Church needs to be exhorted more, no doubt.

Wonderful Scripture:

Exodus 8:18-19

How cool is that? Even the Egyptian magicians recognized God's superior and ultimate power.

Wonderful Friend:

My brother, Trey.
After I went to my family's Easter church service, my family and Bradley went to visit Nana and Papa Earl (my mom's parents) at Papa Earl's nursing home.
Trey partook in a self photo shoot with my phone
(unedited, in full glory):

So I joined him.
He is seriously awesome.

Wonderful Picture:

Gertie, Bradley's 15-year-old first love/dog. When we pulled into his driveway on Wednesday for Easter break, Gertie ran up to me.
A 15-year-old dog ran. Made my day.

Wonderful Pin:

Paint swatches as gift tags--seriously, how smart is this?

Wonderful Wednesday!

I GET TO GO HOME TODAY!!!!!

After my last class today that dismisses at 2:45, Bradley and I are headed home for Easter!  I miss my family so much.  It feels like we're going on a vacation every time we pack up the car and head down I-40 East.

More on the wonderful-ness of this week, posted on Wednesday!

Wonderful Song:

Ben Rector, "Loving You is Easy"

Such a cute song, and then someone from the audience gave him the subject of "cats" on which to improv for the third verse.  Just watch.

Wonderful Scripture: 
Revelation 21:1-8

Wonderful Friend: 

I have a new roommate, Rebekah! We are both very thankful she is now living with me :) I found this sweet note on my desk on Tuesday, the afternoon of the day she moved in:

Wonderful Picture:

I found honeysuckles on campus last Thursday and enjoyed a snack:

Wonderful Pin:

but for real...I would not stop talking.

Wonderful Food:
Monday afternoon I walked to Cup-a-Jo to work and enjoyed black coffee, hummus on a wheat bagel (why hasn't this been a part of my life until now?), and silly conversation with the stranger that sat at the table with me.