Yard Work

We had nice weather this past weekend to get some yard work done. We had some raking to finish as well as trimming bushes and redoing the garden. The family that lives on the first floor, the Baker's, joined Daniel and me out in the yard on Saturday and we spent the afternoon transplanting plants and clearing away the overgrown areas. We spent Sunday afternoon out in the yard with our landlords, burning sticks and branches. When we were done burning, the Baker's kids, Hailey and Haddon, wanted to help put water on the embers. I don't know who had more fun, the kids or Daniel! It was a fun weekend for us, as this was our first chance to work out in the yard. We may not own our home, but we finally have a yard space to take care of!

Photo of the Day

"Nature"

Tomatoes and Peppers

I decided that I'd like to try my hand at growing plants this summer. We have a deck on the front of our house that gets lots of sun so I finally have a place to put some plants. I started my tomatoes and peppers from seeds a couple of weeks ago and have been taking good care of them, watering them and making sure they get good sunlight. Last week the tomatoes sprouted! They are now about 2 inches high. The peppers have yet to sprout, but they take longer than the tomatoes. I can't wait to see them come through the soil. I also found a strawberry pot last week and will try to grow strawberries as well. I've never done well with plants. They always seemed to die on me. Maybe this year I'll have success! I'll keep you posted!

Happy Easter!

Daniel and I had a wonderful Easter! We began the day with a phone call from Daniel's parents in Sudan! It was great to talk with them for a little while and catch up on everything that has been happening. Then we made our way to church. I had to be at church by 7:30 this morning as I've joined the choir and we needed to warm up and practice before singing in the first service. Following the second service we gathered with friends from church to celebrate Easter with a delicious ham dinner and great fellowship. It's been really great to be able to celebrate holidays with friends as we are away from our families. I hope you had a blessed day!

Photo of the Day

"Hello Spring"

One Year Ago...

Today marks one year that Daniel and I have lived in Beverly. A year ago today, we arrived on the north shore of Boston from Minnesota, unsure of what our future here would hold. I can definitely say that this has been an adventure filled year. I never would have imagined that I would move across the country from family and friends. This past year was more challenging for me than for Daniel. He started his new job right away and was busy learning his role and meeting new people. I, on the other hand, was jobless and didn't really have a chance to meet anyone. It was hard to be home all day without much to do. Daniel enjoyed all the home cooked meals and baking, though! Thankfully we found a great church and joined a fantastic young couples small group. It was a lifesaver for me as it gave me the chance to make new friends. I began doing child care for the MOPs group that meets at our church and recently began subbing at Beacon Christian Academy. It has taken a while, but Beverly is becoming more and more like home. I definitely understand now when people say it takes a year to really get settled in a new environment.

Back in the Classroom

As Daniel and I settled in almost a year ago in Beverly, I began researching how to transfer my Minnesota teaching license to Massachusetts. What I found was discouraging. Massachusetts doesn't have reciprocity with Minnesota, which means my Minnesota license is not recognized in the state of Massachusetts. I would have to start all over to earn a teaching license here. In September I found out I can still teach in the state if it's in a private school. I also don't need a license to sub in public and private schools. In November I interviewed with the headmaster of Beacon Christian Academy in Beverly to get on their subbing list. I was added to the list and began the long process of waiting for a call. About a week and a half ago I got my first call! I subbed in the first grade class last Friday. As I was about to leave at the end of the day, I was asked to come back on Tuesday for half a day in first grade again and also sub on Wednesday in the fifth grade class. Today I got a call to sub next week for three days! It's been a long time coming, but I'm grateful to finally be back in the classroom.