My sister can drive!!!!!!!!!!!

Today we went to get my sister's drivers permit....I think I was more nervous for her than she was. It was a very fun experience and there were no glitches or delays. It all worked out really well!

Congrats SISSY!!!!!!! You are now officially a big kid!!!!!

Feeling better today

I am feeling much better. I was able to figure out my loan repayment stuff, my WORK email is accessible, I have crossed off most of the things on my list!!!!!!!!!!! :) As of right now, 12:40pm, I have only a few things left (not small though): finishing the 2 loads of laundry, clean up email box, planning for work, getting some numbers together for mom, and changing the sheets on my bed. That may seem like a lot to you but given my original list when I got up this morning, I'm not feeling so down! :)

I am calling a BE PRODUCTIVE DAY today!!!!!!!!!!!! Go forth and conquer...you don't even know how much better you'll feel!

Should've won....

.....what happened to DUH Bears!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! :(

Ordinary Errand....turned service project....

I was in the post office using those fine automated postal machines when this sweet, little old lady comes out and asks if that machine was the one used to make copies. I assured her it wasn't and she was off to find the copier which she eventually did find. I can't believe the guy at the counter just sent her out there will no directions! Anyways, she starts to try to work the machine and can't figure it out. She comes out to ask me and sure enough, I was just finishing up my order on the fine little machine I was on and so I stepped over to help her out. She was asking how to work it, then explained her story to me. She had just had eye surgery and the state was going to take away her license/expire it without notice or anything. So she was copying information for the state so she could keep her license. She was a sweet woman with a great heart and as we finished, she thanked me and went on her way. I couldn't help but think that someday that may be me. I may need the help of someone younger. I can't take for granted what I have today because I am not guaranteed to have it tomorrow.

Rainy Saturday...

Rain trickles down,
My heart beats with each drop.
I find the silence,
So, so sweet.
With each clink,
A new thought comes.
It goes down deep,
As if to complete a dream.

Merry Christmas!

It's official, Christmas has come and gone again this year. On Christmas Eve 'afternoon', I stole away for a few minutes of quiet before loading the car, going to the candlelight Christmas Eve service and on to the family home for what was bound to be loads of fun. During this time, it was very evident to me that I am not spending nearly enough time reflecting and being with my SAVIOR! I really had a lot of soul searching and repairing to deal with. It didn't even cross my mind how much I had been worrying about or carrying as burdens without giving them over to Him. I am about to make a Burden Jar in which I will write on a piece of paper each burden, then place them in the jar signifying my giving them to God and then continually praying for those things that sit in my jar. I feel as though my life requires me to make such a tangible giving of these things to Christ because as much as I'd like to believe that I am giving these things over in prayer.....I'm not! This is what I had come up with during my quiet time on Christmas Eve. It really helped me to focus my heart for the season and just relax because no matter how much everyone tries.....Christmas (and all holidays) bring about many different struggles and tensions.

Christmas Day is always amazing with little children because the magic is still there! You never know every single thing that people are going to get because it's always a surprise. Santa is such a clever man! Some of his gifts rock! My grandma, stepdad, and mom all pitched in to get me my very own snowboard. It's pretty awesome! I'm totally excited and can't wait to use it. The kiddos got many new gifts and I saw some of the most excited faces that I've seen in a long time.

Today has been a day of sorting, cleaning up and figuring out what comes next in life!

Blessings!

Great Balls of Cotton

It is officially snowing cotton balls outside. I can't believe how big they are. I guess it will be a white Christmas after all. I wasn't sure when I looked at the forecast a few days ago. Now they are so big and coming down so fast, I might be buried under snow before I know it. LOL!!!!

Broomball knees....11 days later....trust me....

These are my knees 11 days after playing Broomball. No one seems to think that these are still so bad....they look yellow in the picture but they are worse in person! I know this is random but I think its funny and no one believes me!

BOO PACKERS----GOOOOOOO BEARS!!!!!!

As you know from my previous post, I enjoyed the Bears game this evening but little did you know....it was the coldest game ever played in Bears history and at Soldier Field! All the better for me! I can't believe the fun it is....I'm going to have to do this many more times in my life! The final score was 20-17 Bears!!!!!!!!!!! :)


Here is the preparation for the game.....



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And here is me at the game with Matt......
















I will try to post more pictures tomorrow (today) when I'm not falling asleep because it is 1:34am right now!

GO BEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was amazing! Thanks Antho for the tickets! :)

Getting ready for the CHILL!

Ok, I'm headed to the Bears and Packers rivalry game tonight! I have more than enough gear to wear! :) I will post pictures later of the preparation and the game when I get home or tomorrow morning. It's only supposed to get warmer as the night goes on! :) Maybe by the time the game is over, it will be feeling like -2*F but have an actual temperature of 10*F. WOW! Tell me how amazing that is! I can't wait!

What a gem....

....that was a joke from our little party tonight. It was complete with Charlie Brown Christmas, a game of Upwords, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and many, many rounds of Uno. We had such a blast and can't wait to do it again.

Snow Day.....in Chicago!!!!! What a miracle!

Well, it's officially a snow day. I did not think that was possible in Chicago anymore but apparently it is. I think it's more of an "ice day" but they just call it a snow day. I plan to enjoy the day, being productive and getting ready for the party I'm hosting for some people at church. We are going to watch some Christmas movies and maybe play some games...just time to chill out and de-stress during the chaos of the season. I think it is gonna be a blast! :)

Countdown to Christmas....6 days....

I love Oak Second Grade! and more....

Well, it is true. Last time I wrote it was my birthday and I am still hearing "Happy Last Week Birthday Miss Krieg"....what can be better! Well, today I think I may have topped it. I help with second grade and I feel like all of second grade is my class. Today, the gym teacher had a meeting and who do they call....well, me of course! So I was the sub for all 3 second grades in gym class.....let's just say they thought that was the coolest thing and started hugging me and jumping around....their jaws dropped just like they had seen a pig fly they were so happy! It was a great feeling as I finish up my current term there that the students really did love me and they will miss me!

I just want to leave you with a thought a friend gave me today....

"What does God have in store for you this Christmas?" (and even all year 'round!)

Birthday Thoughts

Well, I am officially a year older as of Thursday! I can't believe how time flies....neither can my parents or grandma or even families I've babysat for! I had an enjoyable birthday. The kids at school were so cute every time they saw me they would be sure to say Happy Birthday, even if they'd said it twenty times already. Then Friday, they continued and said Happy Yesterday Birthday. I felt truly loved by all my students. My co-workers were great too! They had cards and balloons and all sorts of things for me! I also wore two birthday stickers all day long. Some of the kids were guessing how old I was and I got anything from 7 to 75! They also thought I was older than a co-worker because I was taller than them! What simplicity! After work, we had our staff holiday party and enjoyed one another's company for a couple of hours. We had also had a staff holiday lunch so I just ate and partied all day long! Then I went with the fam to Roundhead's to have taco bar, pizza, and watch the intense Bears game! I got a 'W' for my birthday....even though it was in overtime! I had lots of fun this week! I had a great card from my sister and she wrote some really neat things in it....if I get permission from her to post it, I will.

More change....or transitions--if you prefer....

I have just gotten ANOTHER NEW job! I am going to be a long-term substitute for a 2nd grade classroom at Monroe Elementary in Hinsdale. I am very excited to be on this new journey. I can't say I don't have reservations or nerves but excited just the same. I am so thankful to God for providing these opportunities. I know that as an out-of-state transplant, I am in a really good position right now to have my own classroom soon.

As for the rest of life....it's still going just the same! :)

More pictures that wouldn't fit....

We look awesome with the city skyline behind us!

Dave should not go so quickly because well, the water surprises him.....

All three of us fit in......
THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

A Weekend to Remember....

Well, needless to say I didn't exactly plan it to happen this way but I ended up hanging out with Schuby and his friends for the weekend. Ms. Katie and little Miss Haley were out of town and missed the fun. We ended up downtown Chi-town on Saturday and had some interesting adventures....just look at the pictures...as they say pictures are worth a thousand words!

Never Really Sure..

that's how I feel about God's plans for my life. It feels like each day, there is something new to add to the mix. I'm very excited about many of the things happening but I just wanted to do so many things at one time. I guess I would love your prayers for discernment in many different situations.

Life...in the fast lane.

Well, I guess it isn't that hard to believe that each week passes by quicker and quicker. I'm learning to listen for God and see His hand at work in my life. As if the last few months haven't been crazy enough, I find myself with the entirely too large predicament as to whether I should fix my car or get a new one...did I mention I'm only an Instructional Aide and I have other bills to pay??? Anyways, I'm trying to find the balance between life and work....well, it's not just two things, it's more like a million! Speaking of a million, I watched a chick win $1 million on Wheel of Fortune last night. If you know me, you know I love this show.....could that happen to me?!?!?!?!?!?! Well, I thought I would update you on this craziness and I'll catch ya on the flip side.

Until next time, In His Strength I go!

Long Overdue

I can't believe I haven't written in so long. My life is flying by like a plane going 500 miles an hour! I did find a job and God did come in at the last minute....again. I am an instructional aide in the area and work with Kindergarten and 2nd grade. I've been staying busy with that as well as leading a girls' small group at church, working with the HS youth group and worship ministry. I'm also tutoring two students weekly and trying to keep up with up to 5 or 6 soccer games a weekend! :) I'm starting to feel more settled in and starting to feel like I'm actually out of school! YEEHAW!!!!!!! I plan to do some traveling soon...hopefully and continue to make new friends and keep up with the old....easier said than done naturally!

Have a blessed week and until next time.....go in His Strength!

Love ya!

Early August News

Well, I have just arrived back from two weeks of nonstop action. I was on vacation with the family in Ridgedale, Missouri then on to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with an overnight stay in Nashville :) and then to Rockford, IL for a soccer tourney with my little brother. It was a busy time to say the least. I had a good vacation with a lot of down time to relax and enjoy the poolside or the sun going down the river while tubing.

I am now back pushing to find a teaching job and working to get all the necessary paperwork for substituting in as a back up. Please be in prayer that a teaching job is in my near future. If it does happen, I will be sprinting til the first day of school.

WHEW!

I'm not really sure where the last few weeks have gone except to say that from July 3rd to July 11th, I attended 2 weddings, helped with Senior Banquet, celebrated 3 family birthdays and drove to and from Nashville on my own too! That's more than enough for me in 8 days but oh well. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices for the ones you love...no matter the cost!

I am working right now and will be heading off for vacation with the fam. in just less than 2 weeks. I plan to RELAX...even though I have yet to get a job for the school year. If you know of any teaching jobs that you can send my way, please do!

Well, that's all folks!

Spa Weekend

Hey Everyone!

I just got back from a spa weekend which was a gift from my dad for my graduation. I had a great time. I did a lot of sight seeing around DC and Alexandria, VA. I truly was able to relax. I have many great pictures and memories. (I will try to post some pics soon!)

Tomorrow I start a new job for the summer while I'm looking for a teaching job.

Please pray for continued strength and positive attitude for the remaineder of this job hunt.

Two weeks in---

sort of. I have been back here for 2 weeks but I was gone for a week with the high schoolers on their bi-annual houseboat trip. This trip was truly what I needed. It gave me time away from all the stress I had been under and gave me a chance to re-connect with God and our relationship. I'm so thankful that I had this opportunity. I have also jumped into the HS ministry as a whole with both feet by going on this trip and I love it. I am really enjoying the challenge of working with older students and seeing their faith and how it challenges me to grow. I had become to comfortable just working with elementary children.

I just got a phone call about a summer nannying gig so I will meet with them tomorrow to iron out details...I'll be working again.

I'll try to be back soon....to write that is.

One Month....So Much to Do

Well, in only one month, I have graduated with my Masters, completed a year of teaching and moved back home...well, in with grandma that is. I am glad to be finished with school. I miss my Nashville peeps!

I am chaperoning the high school houseboat trip with GEBC next week, then working 3 jobs for Camp Discover the following week, then going for a spa weekend (graduation present), then going back for a friend's wedding, then I have 2 weeks off before my family goes on vacation! :) Needless to say, I'm a little busy and trying to have fun! :)

Let me know if you are interested in babysitting because I could use a couple more here and there.

Keep in touch!

P.S.- Facebook may be coming soon....MAYBE!

First Weekend of Freedom

It's my first weekend of freedom even though I have had lesson plans to write and announcements to get ready. I can't believe I have NO more homework to turn in! It's totally crazy. I have really enjoyed knowing that I don't have to feel guilty about doing "fun stuff" and not doing my work! YEEHAW!!!!!! :)

Updates: Jordan is doing well in Afghanistan and should return in about a month or so. Josh is on to the next phase of training. (I'd tell you the name but I'm not really sure...it's hard to keep track!) The family is coming in less than two weeks and graduation will be here! I look forward to a relaxing and fun summer before I hit the REAL world. There is nothing more comforting than knowing I don't have to go back to school next year! HAHA! (Well, at least school for me....NOT teaching!)

I'm done and survived! :)

Well, my poster presentation went well! I have survived. I shall write more later!

Thanks everyone for your prayers!

Just minutes ago...

...I finished my poster for my final "presentation"! It's more like a viewing because people come by our table and ask us lots of fun questions! haha! Anyways, just before that I finished my Action Research Project--let's just say...."I'm so glad it's done!" My neck is killing me from being at the computer and working on projects on the floor! :)

I must go get some sleep but I will write tomorrow so that you know all the wonderful details of my "presentation". Hope you are having a blessed end of April...it's almost May! (and you know what that means?!?!?!?!?!----GRADUATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Love ya'll!

BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!!

It's official.....I'm moving back home and living with my grandma--by far the coolest in the world of course!!!!!!!!!

I will be moving at the beginning of June. I still have graduation, the end of teaching and my roommate's wedding left here before I can leave.

I will truly miss all my 'family' here but I know you understand why I'm moving and you've been so supportive!

That means, if you need a sitter and you live back home....you've got one! :)

My poster presentation is April 23rd. The end of my classes is April 28th. My last day of tutoring is May 1st. I finish most of my teaching May 2nd. Graduation is SET for May 9th! My shin dig at my apartment is tentatively for May 10th here. My roommate's wedding is set for May 16th. Then it's on to moving May 31st-June 3rd! :)

Update on Prayer Requests: My friend Jordan is doing well..or so he says...in Afghanistan. My cousin has graduated from basic training and is moving on. My friend Scott will be spending some time at Ft. Sill and then off to San Diego.

WOW!!!!!

We had a snow day in Chicago...imagine that! I got to play in the snow with my brothers so I hope I don't get sick because of it. Anyways, it was a much needed break because we had stayed inside all day long together and needed to get out and about.

I've been home all week being very productive! It's been a crazy yet very good trip. I am glad that I finished everything that I could only accomplish while I was here.

I have a very big announcement that will be popping up here so please be sure and check back very soon.

Hope you all have a wonderful and blessed Easter! :)

WHEW! and a SNOW DAY!!!!!!!! :)

Ok, I did receive my cousin's address for which I was very glad. I have already written him and sent it off. I've been off of my medications for almost a week now and I feel much better. I was very tired this weekend but come Monday I was rearin' to go! I had so much energy and I'm not sure where it came from. My certification test results are to arrive this week sometime so I'm a little on edge waiting for those. Other than that, things have kind of leveled out and I'm feeling like myself again.

Today was a SNOW DAY! There was actually snow on the ground here! I took a picture just to document the occasion. I didn't have to teach but I still have to go to class...hmmmm. I stayed in my pj's until a few minutes ago when I started getting ready to go to class. I have been reading...for fun...since I got up! It was a nice break and I enjoyed it! I have almost finished a 400 page novel over the past few weeks....something I never do....read, read 400 pages, or read novels! HAHA! Well, I must leave in a few for class...wish me luck! :)

What a month!

Well, it has been a truly interesting month. I just am finally getting off the couch after 4 days on the couch. I was struck down on Friday night and had a horrible 4 days. I'm now on medications and feeling much better. I'll go back to teaching tomorrow. I'm getting back to myself...anyone that saw me knows that I was pretty pathetic. I can't believe it!!!!!!! I didn't want to miss any days this semester but apparently God had different plans. Well, I must get to some last minute homework and lesson plans so I can hopefully sleep through the night tonight for the first time since Thursday night!!!!!!!! It's Tuesday night...I'm a little behind on sleep right now...as if I wasn't before. I just couldn't sleep because my tonsils were touching each other! You get the idea.

I got a letter from my friend in Afghanistan and he seems to be doing well. I hope to get my cousin's address so I can write him.

I've a got a very busy semester as I plan on finding a job, interviewing, taking my certification tests, taking my two classes, seminar, teaching 2nd graders (miss my Kindergarteners for sure!), tutoring one hour a week, and picking up side babysitting jobs so I can survive the semester. Pray for strength and good health! :)

Be blessed!!!!!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

(This is in the ski lodge....the best is yet to come.)

I know it's not New Year's Day but I've been gone learning how to snowboard and skiing (1 day out of 4). I was and still am a little sore. Quite a few beautious bruises to show for it. I really LOVED it though. I know some were apprehensive about my excitement...and my ability for that matter....but I am pretty good for only 3 days and LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!

(Below is a pic of me and the snowboard....when I get my mom's camera...I'll try to post video of me!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

I'm looking forward to starting a new year and seeing what God has planned for this transitional year in my life.

Please pray with me as I look into teaching contacts that I have and seeing where God wants me to be teaching. Also, please pray for my cousin as he leaves for Basic Training on Jan. 15. I also found out that my friend Jordan will be in Afghanistan for 6 months!!!! Pray for his safety while there and a safe and quick return! I started in a second grade class today and I'm a little apprehensive about it. Just pray that I am able to feel more comfortable with my teacher as time passes. I will probably start teaching duties next week! :)

Blessings to you and your family this NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!