Teaching and Parenting

First off, I definitely want to teach 3rd grade now. I've been in my current teaching placement for 13 days as of this past Friday, and I LOVE it. Not just like, "Yea, kids are cool... teaching is great". More like, "I am enthralled by teaching and all it entails- I want to be the best teacher I can be" type deal. To date, I've received encouraging feedback such as "You have the teaching gene... You're a natural...You could teach your own class right now". I share this not to toot my horn, well maybe a little tooting is happening in this post, but I am trying to emphasize how much I love what I do and how I love being good at what I do. I am saddened that I only have 6 weeks (yes Jackson, 6.0 weeks) left with my third graders until my next placement.

Teaching makes me a better parent. Parenting, I believe, makes me a better teacher. Belle and I have been to the library about 5 times since I've started teaching because I actually have time to go to the library before the evening routine begins. She is semi-obsessed with the library and can identify the public building about a quarter mile away. Also, I have more energy to invest in and be consistent with my precious daughter. All in all, I love that what I do on a daily basis (as a teacher and a parent)and that is makes a positive difference and is fulfilling.

The Cornelio Circle of Trust

I just love my family. I really do. We are far from perfect, but I feel so blessed to be in the family that I'm in. This post is dedicated to Dad and Shannon.

Last night, we had a birthday party for my dad at my parent's house. We had Karaoke, Texas Hold 'Em, and a lot of good food. It was a blast. I love the 'get-togethers' that happen at my parent's place because there's always awesome food, great people, and good music. As I was looking around at the people that came to the party I was reminded of how many people are woven into my parent's lives, and in turn, my life. My dad and I have not always seen eye to eye, and there's been a lot of misunderstandings between us throughout my childhood and adolescence. However, I am so happy to say that my dad and I now have a good relationship it is so fun to share friends and good times together. Happy Birthday Dad!

In other news, my sister Shannon and I have become a lot closer over the past two years. Shannon came to work at The Shed Shop in August 2006 right before I had Belle and we've had the chance to work together for almost two years. I am so proud of who Shannon is and who she's becoming. I have learned so much more about her past (the years we didn't talk all of the time) and her heart over these two years and will always treasure this season of life we had together. On my last day of work- make that the last couple weeks of work, we both cried a few times and reminisced on how much we've done together. Shannon has so much God-given talent it's almost ridiculous. She has a great memory, learns things really fast, and knows a lot about a lot of things. I am so happy to see her happy and I know that this year is going to be a really special one for Shannon. I'm getting really excited for her and Eddie's wedding this spring... Recycling Shannon's words pertaining to my last day at The Shed Shop, "It will be a day of celebration!"

I get 16 more years!

I can't believe that Belle is going to be 2 years old this October (actually in exactly 2 months today). I can't. In the same breath, I can't remember not having Belle in my life. She is a treasure. She has brought more joy to Jackson's and my life than we can begin to convey. Today, Jackson emailed me an article with a simple warning stating, "Read this and you will cry". He was right. I did cry.

The article is written by a mother whose daughter has just gone to college. She talks about how she misses her daughter, things will never be the same, and that she has had the privilege to pray for, live with, and enjoy her daughter for the time that God granted (18 years in her case). After I shed my tears, I felt happy because I still have 16 years of wonderful experiences with my sweet baby girl. Also, I have 2 whole months until she's a 2 years old! Here's the article:
https://internetmonk.com/archive/58612

Revolutionary Parenting

We just ordered a new book that I just can't wait to read... "Revolutionary Parenting". I heard the author of this book, George Barna, on the radio yesterday and believe that this book will be a great help and encouragement to me as a parent. Jackson, too. When Belle (and any other little Perdues that become a part of our family) grows up, I want her to be a spiritual champion. I long for her to love Christ and give her entire life to him. George said something profound that will stick with me. He said, "Before anything, we as parents need to love our kids into the presence of God". As it should be, I am reminded that it doesn't matter how much academic content Belle knows (let me tell you, it's already a lot at a mere 22 months- she knows concepts such as 'almost', 'backwards', and 'careful'!), how talented she is (the girl has rhythm and athleticism already), or what she does (I've already envisioned Belle being a leader among leaders)... She needs Christ.

Happy New Year!

So, I haven't really blogged more (as mentioned as a goal in a previous post), but I'll try update more often this year. I can't believe it's a new year... 2008. Jackson's 10 year high school reunion is this summer (or spring- TBD), Belle will be 2 years old in fall, and we are planning to get pregnant towards the end of this year. My sister, Shannon, got engaged over Christmas and has a wedding date set for the end of February '09. I haven't really made any 'new year resolutions', but I do plan on shedding some pounds (I don't think I can attribute my weight to post partum with a 15 month old at this point... :-) ), getting away with Jackson more, saving more money, and most important- working with Jackson to build a Christ-centered family where we have time to both serve and relax together. Happy New Year! I'll blog soon...

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

I LOVE Fall... Autumn... what have you. I have seasonal decor for every season and I love to decorate. However, putting out the fall decorations just makes me happy. Cute scarecrows, pumpkins, leaves, and sweet, rich candles make me giddy. This year Belle and I are making a trip out to visit my best friend, Lindsey, in West Virginia. Lindsey informed me that locals have told her that the second week in October (conveniently the time I'm coming) is one of the most beautiful weeks during fall. I will have pics.

In other news, Jackson's birthday is tomorrow. He is going to be 27. I am so glad that he was born and that he's in my life.

Belle's almost one!

My baby girl is turning one in a couple of months. It's surreal. Jackson and I have been thinking about how to celebrate this wonderful occassion that she won't even remember. :-) I've been thinking of a low key event at my parents' place...

P.S. I'm going to try to blog more.

Queen Belle Elizabeth

I love my baby more than any baby in the whole wide world. She's gorgeous, sweet, fun, and most of all... she's mine. It is one of my greatest joys to see her grow. The past 5 months have gone by so fast. Here are a few things that I have noticed about Miss Belle since October '06. (1) She loves to be "in the mix. She wants to know what every one is doing and takes on somewhat of a supervisor/managerial role when others are around her. (2) She loves the camera (and of course, the camera loves her). (3) She has an independent and strong will... I love dreaming about who Belle will be and what she will do with her life. I think that she is a super star and is going to do great things.