Several things, good and bad, came to an end recently...

* Yesterday was the last day of school for the students, and today I am at work for my inservice/work day to clean my room. Thank goodness I was blessed with good organization and already had a fairly clean room. It was just a matter of moving and covering some furniture, so today has been a breeze. I am glad to have the first "official" year over and ready to begin a new year with more experience under my belt.

* Matt moved BACK to St. Louis after a week in Myrtle Beach. I think he realized life is not what he expected here and he's right. Good riddance. If I need him come October, then he will be there for his daughter. Otherwise, it is the end of a four and a half year period of ups, downs, and crazy situations.

* Matt took Daisy to the Humane Society. I am not in favor of this decision; however, I do not know what I would've done with her. She was my dog for 2 1/2 years and I definitely loved her. I'm just not so sure she would've been good around the baby and is just one more thing for me to deal with in the early mornings when I'm trying to leave for work. I miss her deeply, but I will make it through life until the baby's old enough to have a pet.

Dear Family and Friends,

It is unbelievable that here we are almost to 2008! Time has gone by so quickly for me, to the point that Christmas is about come and gone before I can get a letter or card out to my loved ones! So here is the 2007 Edition of Becky’s Christmas letter, technology style.

January brought me great news. I had been working as a long term substitute at Aynor Elementary school teaching K-3 Resource but I was hired two days before the 2nd semester as a 4th and 5th grade small groups teacher at Green Sea Floyds Elementary School under a contract! Green Sea Floyds, although it is 45 miles from my house, is a great community and welcomed me back this school year as a second grade teacher. My students offer me new challenges everyday, as well as laughs and teachable moments. I have made many great work friends and feel that I am where God has sent me, finally!

In April, Jack and I threw our parents a 25th Anniversary surprise party in Ford City. It was great to have the love and support of my family and friends who helped out. My parents were very surprised and still are amazed about the outpouring of love shown to them that day.

Not knowing what to do with my summer break, I held a summer job as a nanny for a 1 year old. Cope and I got to swim, go to library story time, and spend some time with his older brother Jake when he wasn’t at camp. I do miss the Stokes family as they were stationed to Arizona in August.

After a year off, I got to return to our Canadian Vacation to claim the title of top fisher-WOMAN; beating even Jack and Dad. It was a good time to relax and spend time with my family and friends in both Canada and Pennsylvania. In August, I attended Wes’ wedding to Christine and had a wonderful time in Toronto. Sad news came in October when we got news that George passed away after a few months of sickness. I was able to make it to Brampton and spend time remembering our dear friend with his families and mine. As George always told us, “Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same”. Thank you for the footprints you have left on my heart, George!

Daisy continues to be a nice addition to the home. She is a quiet, lazy dog and very protecting of her “mommy”. She turned 2 at the beginning of December. Her favorite things to do are to sleep, eat, and play with her friend Ein.

My second year living in South Carolina brought many visitors—Jim (Matt’s dad), Jen and Sirena, Russ, Jack, Preston and Rachel, and Mom. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and our “beach” life, thanks for the visits! My daily thoughts are with Preston and Rachel as Preston was deployed to Iraq for 16 months in October.

Throughout the past year, we have been blessed by many children among my “family”—four new cousins Roman, Kayla, Maddie, and Elliott; and three Chatham babies Valerie, Elijah, and my godson Mikey (Ryann’s son). Although I have only met Elliott and Roman, I am looking forward to watching these children grow (and getting to spoil them when I can)!

Finally, I have to send out props to Scott for being my NFL.com Fantasy Football advisor. We were at the top of the league and unfortunately were knocked out of the playoffs by my cousin Dan. It was good fun all season.

May God continue to bless each of my friends (new and old) and family!

Love,
Becky (and Daisy)

So I know for me that it is 4 months and 28 days (who's counting?) away, but soon I will be 25...and some of you (*hmm hmm*) will be 25 sooner than that. I want to start a blog or some type of post celebrating my 25 years I've been blessed with. This will indeed take some time and will at times be heart wrenching (like remembering the losses of Wendy, Marina, George) and sometimes joyous (like Aaron's remission, getting my Masters) but well worth it. I'd also like to include some pictures (and if available, videos) to the work. There have been a lot of people who have touched my lives and I think that in itself is worth celebrating. What a time it has been...and it will also be a time of looking forward. I don't feel old (yet), but it has been almost a quarter of a century since my birth (and I've technically been a human for over 25 years now if you feel the same as I do about conception). Worth the memories and looking toward many more.

Now just to get to it.

George
RIP October 3, 2007

George,
Some people come into our lives and they leave a footprint on our hearts. You have absolutely done that for me and my family. Words cannot express how much you meant to us. Even though you were not my dad, I loved you as if you were. You have been an amazing influence, guide, and friend. Your love will never be forgotten. Now you are in Heaven, back with Marina. We love you both and I cannot wait to walk with you in the streets of gold one day. Perhaps there are bigger fish waiting for us!
Love,
Becky


Wes, George, and Scott
August '07

Ok, so you know I am a moderate Republican and all, but anyways I met John McCain today in Aynor. Not thinking I am going to vote for him, but it was worth the meeting.

Stolen from covarla & starbursidereus
1. Go to http://www.careercruising.com/.
2. Put in Username: nycareers, Password: landmark.
3. Take their "Career Matchmaker" questions.
4. Post the top ten results

So I went to the link and here's what it said about me:

1. Child and Youth Worker
2. Clergy
3. Gerontologist
4. Probation / Parole Officer
5. High School Teacher
6. Social Worker
7. Adoption Counselor
8. Addictions Counselor
9. Motivational Speaker
10. School Counselor
11. Elementary School Teacher
12. Special Education Teacher
13. Teacher Assistant
14. Art / Music Therapist
15. Early Childhood Educator
16. Marriage and Family Therapist
17. Community Worker
18. Recreation Therapist
19. Religious Worker
20. Occupational Therapist
21. Speech-Language Pathologist
22. Psychologist
23. Sport Psychology Consultant
24. Humanitarian Aid Worker
25. Rehabilitation Counselor
26. Public Health Nurse
27. ESL Teacher
28. Curator
29. Archivist
30. Travel Agent
31. Foreign Language Instructor
32. Acupuncturist
33. Advertising Copywriter
34. Historian
35. Judge
36. Criminal Lawyer
37. Lawyer
38. Corporate Trainer
39. Civil Litigator
40. Mediator

I find it very interesting that my career is actually #11 and that Clergy is #2. Perhaps it is more accruate than I believe! (And I feel like I am a probation officer daily, lol.)

Tonight is Steelers vs. (Carolina) Panthers...starts at 8 and I am heading to Fosters for a great game!!! Well deserved break tonight, lemme tell you. Today was a GREAT day with all my students until the end. One student had a bad case of seperation anxiety or something...and it really soured my whole mood and the whole day. On a bright note, one of my girls told me about the game tonight & said she's glad I cheer for the Steelers 'cause she does too, ha ha. Terrible Towel, Parker Jersey, and '33 Tank and I am out the door. :)