{2015 Goals}

I haven't done yearly goals in quite sometime. I'm a huge planner and sometimes it controls my life. However, in the past couple of months I have gotten in the habit of Monthly goals and I have liked them...so we are giving yearly goals a try. 

1. Grow Closer to God

- Daily Bible Reading: I would like to try to follow the SheReadsTruth Read the Bible in a Year, but I've struggled with those in the past.

- Journaling and using my Journal Bible

- Memorize 1 verse each week. 

- 1000 Gifts

2. Growth in Marriage

- Go on Monthly Dates

- Pray together

- Encourage my husband more. 

 

3. Work/Personal Life Balance

- Be more organized

- Take weekends off (wohoo)

- 1 night early each week

4. Health and Fitness

- Workout 5 times a week

- Lose 5 more lbs. 

- Find more coaches

- Help others meet their health and fitness goals. 

- Run a half marathon or a full marathon (I still haven't decided if I want to commit to the training time of a full). 

5. Rise Early in the Morning

- My goal is 5:30, but that seems early, so 6:00?? 

- Read and workout during that time. 

6. Read More

- Try to read 1 book a month. 

7. Unplug

- Take one weekend a month to unplug from social media. 

2014 was a great year. It had it's challenges and bumps in the road. I've grown a lot and God is using parenthood as a way to sharpen and help me to grow. I'm excited to see what this year will hold. 

{Enough}

Genesis 29 is the story of two woman who share one man (the man was tricked y'all, but that's not the point of this story)...It's the story of Jacob, Leah and Rachel (definitely not why our daughter's name is Lia). You can read the story, but it portrays the story of these two women...one that is never enough (Leah) and one that is too much (Rachel). 

I can relate to Leah. I've struggled with Leahism most of my adult life.  It's not because I wasn't told how valuable I am or how loved I am or that I didn't know that God created me in His image. I know these truths and I believe them. But, my Leahism is rooted, in my desire to please people. It leaves me feeling that no matter what I do, I'm never enough. 

I didn't realize how much this would play into my role as a mom. You see I'm a SAHWM (Stay At Home Working Mom) at the end of most days, I never feel that I've lived up to either one of those roles. I feel that no matter what I did, it was never enough. Either I feel like I let my daughter down, because she's been in a bumbo, bouncy chair, jumper or laying on the floor all day and I haven't hardly played with her or I feel like I hardly accomplished anything at work.

I need grace. 

Not from other people, but from myself.

 I need to allow myself to work, and be a mom and to realize that I'm good at my job and I'm a good mom and my daughter is well taken care of and is happy. I need to make a conscientious decision each day to give myself grace and to tell myself...

WITH CHRIST

I AM ENOUGH 

{Blog-tember} - When I grow up

When I was graduating college, I told myself, that I never wanted to say I wish I would have....I wanted to live a full life and always say "yes" to where I felt I was being called. As I reflect on today's prompt, it was hard for me to answer, because I've felt I've done what I've wanted to do.

Upon graduating college, I moved to Florida and started teaching at a Christian School. I had many opportunities there and was able to coach and build lasting relationships. However, 4 years later God laid missions on my heart, specifically the country of Haiti. I went on a trip and I knew that I needed to follow his leading, so I pursued a job opportunity with FLVS (Florida Virtual School). Because I was teaching online, I had the flexibility of traveling back and forth to Haiti every other month and I was able to start training teachers.

After two years, I knew I was being called to do more...so I moved to Haiti. During my time in Haiti, I was able to develop strong relationships, I mentored teenage girls, I worked with mission groups to help build relationships and provide sustainability, I mentored interns, I trained teachers, and I fell in love and got married. Then we got called back to the US.

Now, I am working for Florida Virtual School again, and we had our first child, Lia Marie.

I've lived a full life.....I've done a lot. If I had to answer "When I grow up..." I would say that I would love to train teachers and develop curriculum. I love to learn and I love seeing others learn. But, that's maybe someday...right now, I'm happy where I am.

Things I Wish My Students Knew...

I've been teaching since 2005, I took a couple of years off to move to Haiti, but for the most part, I have 8 years under my belt. Yesterday (yes on a Sunday), when I was talking with one of my students, I caught myself thinking, "I really wish he knew that..." This lead me to think of many things I wish my students knew. 

Dear Student - I wish you knew...

1. I desperately want them to succeed. Not just succeed in my course, but to succeed in life. I don't try to make my class difficult just because it's fun to see them struggle. I don't make them do a lot of homework because I want to make their lives busy...I do it because I know that it will help them to succeed in the future...both failures and hard work, are learning experiences...in those learning experiences are when we often learn more. 

2. I didn't get into teaching for the money. I'm not one of those teachers that complain about my salary (we do have a decent amount of breaks), but I also put in way more hours than I'm required. I got into teaching, because I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to help students, not just in Math, but in life. That means I want to know more about you than the score you had on your last test. I want to know what you like doing, what are you hobbies, who are your friends, what are your struggles?

3.  When I'm not working, I still think about the class. I don't just shut the computer, walk away for the night and forget all about my students or my work. A lot of days it consumes me. How can I help so and so? How can I help them to get the math? I think about your life situations. 

4. I pray for you. High school isn't easy. Friendships aren't easy. A lot of you are in situations that are very difficult. I pray for you. I pray you will find the Lord. I pray that you will seek him. I pray that you will be world-changers and make a difference in this world.

5. I have a life outside of my classroom. I have a family. I like to go to the movies. I like to shop. I like to go to the beach. I eat out at restaurants. Teaching is not the only thing I do. 

6. Life is going to get harder. I know life seems difficult now...but it really is going to get harder. You will have more stress; not just in relationships, but in life. You will stress about the work that needs to get done, you will stress about finances. Life is going to get more difficult. 

7. Enjoy every minute you are given. Life is short. Enjoy this time of your life. Don't wish it away. High school only happens once. Be in activities. Be engaged in your current life situation. Don't wish it away. You only get this time of your life once.

8. Live with no regrets. Don't pass up opportunities because of time or fear.

9. Just for fun...I'm not going to answer my phone at 10:30 if you call or text message. :)

{Teacher Talk Tuesday} - Vol. 3

Today on Teacher Talk, we are sharing about our partners. 

Sarah, is a first year Algebra 2 teacher. It was so crazy to me that I got partnered with Math person. This year is she dealing with the same thing many first year teachers deal with, pacing. It's so hard to know how fast/slow to go...that balance of needing to cover certain material, but not going too face that the students can't learn. I know she will get it. 

Sarah and I also share another common interest. Crocheting...you should head over to her blog to see some of her cute things. 

Sarah sent me this awesome gift package...I'm loving it all, but especially the monogrammed vinyls...I'm ready to monogram everything. Of course I love it al :) 

Thank you Sarah for the gift and encouragement. 

{Teacher Talk Tuesday} Teacher Outfits

Hey everyone. I'm linking up with Jamie and Nicole for another Teacher Talk Tuesday. Tuesday's Topic...Teacher outfits. I must say, when I moved from the classroom to teaching online, this is one of the things I missed the most. I missed getting dressed up everyday...but at the same time, it has been much better on my budget.

 

 

I am not one of those online teachers that teach in my pajamas...Yes, I don't get ready EARLY in the morning, but around 9:30, I make myself get ready for the day. It makes me feel more productive and energized. Don't get me wrong, when I first started, I stayed in my PJ's for almost all day. Then I found I was always tired and I like a routine, so I get up, do my devotions, do my grading, go for a run, get ready and continue working. It's a schedule that works for me :)

 

Anyways, here is what I have worn so far this week and it is pretty typical me. Not fancy, but not sweats either.

 





 

Apparently I like black and white stripes this week :)

 

Can't wait to see everyone else's outfits.

 

{Teacher Talk Tuesday} - vol 1.

Hi - I'm Ashlee. Amongst many things, I'm a teacher. I teach Algebra 2 with Florida Virtual School. I haven't always taught virtually. After graduating college (in Minnesota), I moved to Florida and taught HS Math at ECS. I loved teaching at a private Christian school. I loved sharing my faith and my story with my high schoolers. However, 4 years later, God was doing something else in my life and I wanted to pursue it. I started teaching at FLVS. I loved the flexibility, but most of all, I loved helping students one-on-one, as they needed it. I loved that I could meet the student where they were and I wasn't bound by anything. I loved my job, but at the time was also taking my vacation days to Haiti, to help train teachers. God called me....I went. I was in Haiti for 2 years doing a lot of things (and teaching teachers). My husband and I moved back to Minnesota and again I am teaching at FLVS! God literally put this job in front of me and I feel like He created the position for me. It was a blessing to me and I feel extremely blessed to be doing what I am doing. 

Many of my friends, family and other teacher friends, get a little jealous, when I post pictures like this...of my office for the day. It is a great perk to the job. 

I love teaching... I love helping students and having an influence in their lives. I love challenging them to be better and to go further. 

Just for fun :) (I love teaching, but this is funny)

{Friday Favorites} - August 23

I can't believe that it has been over a month since I have done a Friday Favorites list. It's been a crazy month, to say the list. It also seems I took a bit of a blogging leave, I didn't intend to, but we are adjusting back to a different life. We keep having to remind ourselves, we are here to stay and we don't have to do everything in 3 weeks.   1. Claudy  - I am so thankful for my hubby! We have so enjoyed having time together, just us, going on a couple of dates and spending time together. However, I am so grateful for him and his patience with me. This move has been harder on me than on him. I am so grateful that I married up :)  

   2. Visit from Family - My grandma, her husband Wes, Uncle Jim and Aunt Jill all came into town last weekend. We had some great times with them.  

Picture taken with my iphone...sorry blurry - but from R to L - My Dad, Grandma, Wes, Aunt Jacki, and Aunt Jill

3. Nieces and Nephews - They are such a joy to us. We have loved spending so much time with all of them the last 3 weeks. We have missed out on so much being gone, but my brothers and their ladies did a great job keeping us connected with their kids :) We are so BLESSED!!

 

Jett - Is getting ready to go skiing...notice the robe in the water.. It wants to be like the big kids :)

 

 

4. The Lake- This is my favorite place. I have so many memories here...No more words are needed. Beauty  

  5. Job and Fall? - I have a great job. I am so blessed that I was able to go back to work for FLVS. One of the many things I love about my job, is that I can work from anywhere. Yesterday, I needed to go to the Social Security Office to change my name (don't judge me, yes we have been married for 14 months), but I had a meeting before hand. I took a detour and attended my meeting, from Carribou. Greatness!! Not to mention, it's fall?? Not really but they have the fall drinks out.. Did someone say PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE!!!!! YUM!!!!!!  

    Have a great weekend! Hopefully I will be back blogging more now that we are in a little bit more of a routine :)    

 

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{Everyday in May} - What do I do

With Madam Christian and Baby Jeff (He's a boy)

I teach high school math online. 

I love on people! 

While my time in Haiti is coming to an end, I get to love on children, the local people, I help train teachers, and I will be mentoring some college students who are interning with us for the summer! It is a true blessing to serve others. 

I recently started teaching with FLVS, again. I worked with them before moving to Haiti and many people asked why I left the classroom...The answer, I love students. I felt so restricted to how I could help them in the classroom...I felt I couldn't do enough. With FLVS, each student is their own class :) It's just me and them! I help them HOW they need to be helped . I help them succeed. It is a blessing to watch students grow and succeed. 

I am a wife! WOW that was an adjustment, but what a pleasure it is to serve my husband. He is such a blessing to me. I love his heart of people, his compassion and his desire to follow the Lord. I have learned so much about God's love for me in the short 11 months we have been married! So honored to do life with this man!!