NSTA conference

This past weekend Jake and I traveled to Nashville for the NSTA conference.  While I enjoyed the quick getaway with him (3/29-4/2), it was quite exhausting because we attended so many sessions of the conference.  He received his teacher of the year award Thursday night and was beaming. He loved it and I loved seeing him so happy about it. That night at the gala we were invited to another gala where a couple of song writers were going to be performing. It was small but very nice, we enjoyed it. Saturday, we decided to leave earlier than anticipated because we were so tired and I think both a little ready to see our sweet babies. It was great to have our boys run to us for a hug. Now we are home and in the full swing of baseball season and softball. This is Ginny's first year with softball and she's doing quite well for a beginner. 

Happy Easter

My Savior died that all might live again. The greatest blessing was not in his death but in his resurrection. I am forever grateful and indebted Savior, Jesus Christ. Because of Him my weakness can be overcome and can be made into strengths, my sins can be forgiven and I am promised that I will not be given more than I can overcome (my trials are bearable). He is my God and my King, triumphant over death and creator of worlds without end. He is my friend. He buoys me up when I am weak.

Happy 14th Ms. Ginny

Fourteen years ago, I was introduced to the meaning of unconditional love when I became a mother. Ginny still helps me learn unconditional love but it is also by example now. Ginny is a joy to have in our family and a choice daughter of our Heavenly Father. There are times when I do not think either of my beautiful angels understand their true worth or the depth of love and gratitude we have for them. Ginny is a great help around the house and with her siblings. She is definitely a teenager and loves the following: cute dresses, her phone, softball, sushi, and Starbucks cream based (no coffee) drinks. She is learning to manage her time wisely and is an example to her classmates and her coach. She does not shy from sharing her beliefs and that she is a Latter Day Saint. We love you Ginny! 

Happy birthday Jake

Today is my most favorite persons birthday. Wahoo!  He is beyond wonderful and my greatest blessing. I feel that this past season has been one of my hardest emotionally and in our marriage but in the end there's no one else I'd prefer to be with. Here's to many more birthdays to come with this man. Happy birthday Jake! 

Chicago time

Before hitting out Chicago weekend trip, I'll give a brief overview of the week. My cousin, Steven Daniel Esra, passed away on March 9th. I also went to the doctor this week and had a sinus infection with double ear infections. The same day as the death and doctor, we find out that our debit card has been compromised. Craziness. However we still decided to come to Chicago Friday after work to meet Michael and his family Saturday and participate in St. Patty's day celebrations. It was much busier than I anticipated but we had a great time being together. We also connected with TW (Jake's brother) too and enjoyed lunch with him. The kids are exhausted. 

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"