Happenings from the past 5 years!

Wow,
its been almost 5 years since I have uncovered this blog. I have been thinking more about how I spend my evenings and I really want to start writing down events and excitements.

Uncovering the past 5 years is long but amazing. Patrick and I have been married for 6 1/2 years. We have a beautiful daughter named Eliza. We bought our home 2 years ago. We are still residing in Oshkosh. Below are highlights of the past couple years!!!!

This blog in the past has been about our travel, adventures, family and hobbies. I see this blog moving towards topics that include motherhood, parenting, and children, but still includes traveling, hobbies and basically any speck of something real. I am not the best communicator via words. I am not the best wife, mom, or woman of Christ. But I am learning through grace for how God wants me to venture through life.

 

The Past School Year

Wow! Where to begin? I am currently two weeks out of my 1st year of teaching. This past year has been an amazing adventure designed by the hands of our God. I have learned a plethora of techniques, ideas, what-not-to-dos, and information about myself and the educational world in a private school.

I was hired three days before school started, into a private school that was not ready for a new hire. Without training, curriculum, and time the first day of classes started in my little 5/6 room. I was now called Mrs. Harris and in-charge of 14 independent students.

From day one, I began to notice idiosyncrasies throughout the school and schedule. I felt that the students were more aware of what was happening during the day than myself. To add to the confusion, I was 75% full time. I started at 9am and my students started at 7:30am. Since, I started school later than everyone, I missed staff morning meeting and school announcements.The missed announcements and meetings led to myself to be misinformed and out of the loop. Students would tell me that there was a school assembly at a certain time when I heard a different time or never heard about the assembly. At first, I tried to maintain control and show up at the time I heard, in order to establish authority in my classroom. Even then staff would come looking for my students and ask why we weren't there at such and such time. I learned very quickly and very hard to not hold tight to the schedule and lessons that I prepared for each day. Little did I know that this issue would be a learning curve for me to not be so prideful and controlling of my day and happenings through out the day.

Looking back on this past year I giggle. I giggle because I was put in numerous uncertain positions and I survived. I passed my first year of teaching. I had my doubts through out the year. Now on to searching for a position that will hopefully be a place where I can make myself at home for much longer than a year.

Fun with the family!

Patrick and I have enjoyed numerous opportunities to spend time with my family. We thoroughly enjoy getting together with them while making memories! This past July, we spent the 4th and the weekend of the 13th with my family.

On the 4th, we attended the local parade. As much as I love Saukville and aad ukville, their parade needs an impworshiped rovement. A 5 minute gap every 5 minutes makes for one, long, drawn out parade. Despite the fact, my family and I always make the best of it. We cheer for EVERY float that passes by. In doing so, we get all the candy, brochures, and free food, which included beer. Yes, beer! Who gives it beer at a parade?? 

After the parade, had an amazing grill out. We enjoyed a game of bocce and Setters of Catan. We ended the day by watching fireworkse (Saukville's are better than Port's) and prancing in the yard with sparklers .

The weekend of the 13th, Pat and I joined the family camping at the annual Open Door Bible Church Campout. The campground is filled with memories that have been made over the years. This year we enjoyed swimming while jumping off the raft and catching Frisbees.  We   played Settlers, bocce, and the famous game of The King of England. We worshiped God and deepened relationships.  God brought the right people camping and He was present through conversations and songs.  The weekend always goes by too fast! 

Michelle is Home!!

One of the better reasons to be a nanny is you get random chunks of time off. When the family is on vacation, no work for me!!! This past Monday, July 1st, I was able to spend some time with Naomi at Fiddleheads. It was the first time I have been to this Coffee Shop. We sat next to the river sipping coffee and exchanging wonderful conversation. I also went to Chicago with my Mom and Carleah to pick up Michelle! Michelle had a wonderful opportunity to go to Paris, France with CRU. She thoroughly enjoyed her time there.

Mom and I waiting.

Mom sees Michelle!

There she is!

:)

Carleah and Michelle embracing.

Michelle saying Goodbye to her team.

The past week in the Harris House

Patrick and I both have cabin fever. However our schedules are never aligned enough to enjoy significant time outside and when the schedules align its always raining or really cold.

Saturday: We both had days off. I made Pat, his favorite French Toast. French Toast was the first meal that I made for Pat when were dating. I must say that this meal blew him away, that he knew I was a keeper. I will post my secret for French Toast in a later blog. We spent the rest of the morning rummaging. The only success item was a FIRE PIT!!!! We have been looking and wanting to buy a fire pit for a while. So we were really excited about finding it. That night we met up with Tim and Grace. We made Pizzas with Flat bread and then played Settlers of Catan. In which, I won the first game!!!

Sunday: We went to church together. We spent the afternoon grocery shopping and lounging around the house. We actually starting watching Star Wars. Yes, I caved. It was only because I love my hubby. The evening was spent at Small Group learning about Heaven.

Monday: I worked!!!! I seriously celebrate each day I work. I came home and finished season 6 of Grey's Anatomy. I cooked black bean burgers with fried sweet potatoes and regular potatoes and steamed broccoli. Patrick loved the meal. Morgan and Andy came over to play City and Knights Catan, we finally purchased the expansion! Patrick sneaked in and won the game.

Tuesday: I worked!! Two days at the same placement, score!! Dad, took Pat and I out for dinner. I always enjoy seeing my dad during the week. We went to Pernell's, a restaurant my 5th graders suggested. I ordered a T-bone steak covered with horseshoe onion rings with a side of garlic potatoes.

Wednesday: I worked, back at my school that I student taught in. Most days, I thoroughly enjoy teaching there. I re-had a group of students. I get to walk home instead of taking the bus, a huge plus!! Patrick closed tonight and I had youth group. It was my second week helping out. Youth group was a lot of fun. I am still amazed of all the students that attend youth group.

Camping

Patrick and I have started a new hobby. It has been a lot of fun to obtain items for our hobby. The new hobby is CAMPING!!!!!

On Memorial Day Weekend, we went out to Pine Lake, in Westfield, with 2 other couples from our small group. Pine Lake (Wildwood) has been a favorite camping spot for my family. I have been camping there at least twice a year for the past 15 years!  Patrick and I had a blast, this camping trip, despite the cold weather, and forgetting many items (pillows, tarp, hot dogs...and the list goes on). On the camping trip, Pat and I stayed patient with each other and worked as a team to complete the tasks around camp. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it! Well all, expect being woken up at 5 a.m. from the neighbor woodpecker. I was also able to take my friend fishing! We both caught one fish. We went hiking and attempted the ropes course, as well.

On the way to camp!!!

Playing Settlers of Catan - Cities and Knights

 Pine Lake cut down trees that were dead and diseased. The once wooded, isolated campground is now clear and visible. The campground does not look the same as it used to. The pictures show all the trees down and the piles of wood that still need to be cleared out.

This used to be a campsite.

Add caption

The road from the bathroom to Loop C. See NO TREES LEFT!!

Updates in the Harris Home

- Patrick turned 26!!! I am so happy to be married to that man!!!!!!!!

- I attended a Ladies Retreat with my church. It was an amazing weekend of fellowship, God and worship!

- Patrick and I went to Saukville to celebrate Mother's Day. We thoroughly enjoy spending time with my family.

- I have been applying for teaching jobs. I had one interview at Oshkosh Christian School, I am waiting to hear back from them. 

- I have joined Community Student Ministry, youth group, at my church. I have enjoyed being involved as a leader and getting to know the students. 

- Patrick got promoted back in April at Van Heusen. He is now the Assistant Manager. God is continually blessing Patrick with his job.

- Patrick has joined the worship team. He is on rotation once a month. He has been learning the church's system and growing in his talents.

- I was able to watch Carleah's Spring Choir Concert on the 23rd. I must say, it was weird being back at PWHS. She did wonderful!!!!

- I was able to see my cousin, Cassi, on her birthday and spend the day with her!

- Pat and I went on our first camping trip to Pine Lake, in Westfield. We forgot so many supplies, but it was still a blast. We went with two other couples from our small group.

- I will be working as a nanny this summer for a family of two boys.