And the winner is....JAKE

Woot! Woot! Last week we received word that Jake had been selected as the state Science teacher of the year. "you have been selected as the Tennessee Science Teachers Association SCIENCE EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR for grades 5-8. Congratulations! " In my mind there is no one that deserves it more. He is a very dedicated educator, sometimes too dedicated that it can be annoying if you are his wife or children but his passion is teaching and he rocks it. He may not be his students favorite teacher but he is the one that is preparing them for life because he does push them and believe in them. He expects a lot from his students but he ensured that the students know that. Students are often underestimated in what they can accomplish and in some ways coddled but that is not the case for Jake. He truly believes that all students can succeed and learn; they just have to be accountable and the expectation set. Here is a portion of his class website from the beginning of the year: "My name is Jake Farrell. This is my 10th year teaching. I am very excited to work for the community that I live in. I will provide your child with the best educational experience I can to prepare them for the future. In general, our class is broken into two parts; gaining knowledge and applying that knowledge. It is more than just labs and assignments, but really having students develop their own projects while learning about the background principles related to that project. Often, mistakes or design flaws provide the best opportunity to learn. We will value the mistakes we make for the learning opportunities they are." He deserves this recognition and I am beyond happy for him...I just hope he doesn't forget that it's a sacrifice for his entire family (wink, wink).

Homemade cards=my fave

Totally love homemade cards....mine from Jake this year was really simple but made my day.

 "Renee, 

     You are the one person I want to be around when I want to alone. Your voice and our often one-sided conversations sooth me. Our backs against each other, our hands embraced, or our brief hugs  are the brief touches I need. At first u thought all these reasons were selfish, and the reason I love you. Instead, I submit them as proof to you that I love you. You have pierced my close heart. You are a part of my being, my existence, my soul. I love you. Love truly, Jake" 

Happy Valentine's Day

Personally, I do not feel that there needs to be a day set aside to show your love for someone but that it should be done on a daily basis, even to strangers. With that said, I am blessed beyond measure to be married to someone that my love grows for daily and to experience a whole new love as a parent. Jake and my children provide a renewed purpose and freshness in my life. Yesterday, we took our children out for valentines (since today is Sunday). Jake took the girls for lunch and to ge their hair cut and styled to their choosing. After seeing Aubree, you could tell she felt beautiful and complimented her new do with a new tiara. Ginny looked beautiful as well. Jake felt the need to show everyone just how beautiful his ladies were. All three of them radiated. The boys and I went to lunch at Olive Garden with Nana, Riley, and Charity. Then we went to pick out candy for each of the kids. Last night, Jake and I chaperoned the youth dance...what a fun way to spend our valentines. (Wink) Serving is good. Following the dance w went for a late dinner to I-hop. We joked about a classy valentines dinner that was. I told him that it was fine, I lost my valentine date thirteen years ago and was replaced with Ginny if he was home and not in a trip with his brothers. He (Jake) is the person I'd rather be with above all others and hope that I provide him with a portion of the happiness he provides me. 

Always in our heart

As many of you know, my Papaw recently passed away. This has been very hard on everybody in many ways. We may have emotional days, a longing for us to just wake up from a bad dream, or just a bad day. This isn't unnatural, in fact it is perfectly normal. I have been thinking about my Papaw lately and realized it is nothing to grieve over. I mean it is perfectly fine to miss him, but should we not  be happy for him? He is in a better, safer place, and isn't that better than him suffering? I know that I would rather him be painless, reunited with my great grandmother, Mamaw, and walking again instead of in pain. I mean sure we are all going to miss him, but he's happy know. He is home with our Heavenly Father. He is smiling, walking, and hugging, most likely. Most importantly he is free. To quote President Henry B. Eyring, " The priesthood power to bind families eternally is one of the greatest gifts of God. Every person who understands the plan of salvation longs for that lasting blessing." President Eyring says that families are together forever. So this isn't a goodbye forever just a see you later. Papaw will always be in our hearts and will always attend the things that we treasure most. I would write forever, but I have to attend to my homework. Just remember that, " Fam'lies can be together forever Through Heavenly Father's plan. I always want to be with my own family, And the Lord has shown me how I can. The Lord has shown me how I can," from the Children's Songbook on page 188. 

Love,

Aubree Farrell

New, new year

There are times in my life where I realize how great life is and other times I feel that life is hard. I am sure that is normal of everyone but I am trying very hard to count my blessings. This afternoon in the car, I mentioned to Jake that recently it is difficult for me not to become jealous when I hear others spending time with of their grandparents however, I proceeded that jealousy is not the correct approach because I had a wonderful relationship with both my Mamaw and Papaw. So, I have decided that I am having a re-do of the New Year and my winter…my attitude and relationship with Jake will improve. I am beyond measure blessed to have such a caring and gentle husband. Are there things that drive me crazy? Absolutely but that in no way diminishes my love and admiration for him. He helps me becomes better and is who I would choose all over to be by my side and the father of my children. Another resolution is not raise my voice at my four angels. There are times that it seems like I can ask them nicely five times but until I raise my voice at them, they do not listen. I will become more patient with them. Now, my final New Year's resolution is to be more observant of the Sabbath. There has been a great emphasis from church leaders to honor the Sabbath more effectively. Overall, I feel that our family does well at not doing things such as going to stores, eating out, playing rough, swimming, etc (we do not do things on Sundays that we do the others days of the week) but there are things that we should do to be better. I want to improve our time together on Sunday, serve others, connect with extended family members, and find more joy in Sundays. There is a great desire to teach my children by example gospel living and this will be one way to do that. I want my children to know they are sons and daughters of a higher being and the He knows them and loves them. I want them to have a strong gospel foundation so when questions arise and trying times may come, they can find their way and always remember that their parents have a firm knowledge and belief of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Also, I plan to let my family start adding entries when they would like to, so we will print the name of the author at the end of the entries. Renee'