I am a 2nd Grade Teacher!

Exciting news...As of Tuesday Morning I am now a second grade teacher at Julia B. Morrison Elementary School. Praise the LORD!!! What an answer to prayer. Many of you know that I completed my credential program last December and began to sub in the La Mirada Norwalk School District. I started giving out my resume to any school district that would take it, but did not get any responses. During the summer I decided to begin placing my resume with companies outside of the education realm in hopes to get a full time job. At the end of July I recieved a phone call from a private charter school for an administrative assistant position. I interviewed with two people but I did not get the job. When I realized I did not get the job, my heart sank. So many questions ran through my head throughout the summer: "I am I really suppose to teach? Should I move on to another profession? Why have I sacrifice to become a teacher, when there is not a job for me? Why haven't I heard from any district?"
By the end of September I had many teachers calling me to sub. I finially had enough work at Morrison that I worked 3-5 days a week. About two weeks ago the principal at Morrison pulled me into her office to talk. She told me that something was in the works for me and that I should not make any long term plans. My heart jumped. Could it be my turn? Last Tuesday morning I walked onto Morrison's campus ready to sub for the rest of the week, not realizing that God had a bigger plan for me. Marsha pulled into her office again. She looked at me and said, "Dawnel you have a job for the rest of the year! There is a second grade opening and We would like for you to fill that position." All I kept thinking the rest of the day was, "Wow!! I have a job for the rest of the year! Thank you God!" I have a great challenge ahead of me- Get these twenty students up to grade level by June. I am excited to conquer this challenge and am looking forward to teaching these children. Thank you all for your prayers.

I donated my hair!!! Here is my new "Do"

Close up of the new hair do
just one of the ponytails that I sent off.. others were a little so short. It doesn't look like a lot of hair but if you know anything about my hair..this ponytail has a ton of hair in it:)

The layers are different lengths on each side of my face.

Hair do from the back...its short!!

I did it!!! I cut 10" off my hair and donated the hair to Locks of Love. A couple of weeks ago I started to think about cutting my hair short. Once I started thinking about cutting my hair, I decided that I wanted to donate my hair to a organization that make wigs for sick children. I research the guidelines for donating hair and realized that I met all the qualifications for donating to Locks of love. So...I made my hair appointment for Monday September 7.

Monday I woke up and went straight to Long Beach to my hair appointment. I put my hair in a ponytail and Diane(Hair Stylist) Cut it off! It was the most amazing feeling, I just kept picturing some little girl being able to walk around with a wig and feel better because she had hair:) Now I posted some pictures, but they just don't do the hair style justice... I really love the hair cut though!! I encourage anyone who is able to, to donate at least once in your life.. it feels great to do something for someone else!

Vacation 2009

Croc's are a must in Maine

Jasper beach

Stopped off on the side of the road for a picture

This is what I see on my way from the camp into town.

The view from our portch...Amazin huh!

The Entrance to the Boston Public garden

I love the buildings in Boston!

Look at me!! I am sitting in the press box at Fenway!


Inside the park

Ben and I standing outside of Fenway park

Standing on Yawkey way

It has been too long since my last post! Ben and I took off to the east coast for two whole weeks in search for some relaxation! We flew into Boston and spent a few nights there and toured the city. Then headed up to Maine where we spent the rest of our trip. Ben spent about seven years of his life in Auburn, Maine as a young boy and has gone back to visit family almost every year; this year would be different... He would bring his wife:) In Boston we ordered chinesse food at one in the morning(I love big cities!), toured Fenway park, walked the Freedom Trail, dinned in the North End in a little Italian cafe and of course we had to get Canolli's from a Italian bakery. We said our sad goodbyes to Boston and we were off to Maine. First stop, Auburn...Sam's pizza with Uncle Marc. After stuffing ourselves with pizza we were off to Jonesport, Maine! Up in Jonesport Ben and I focused on relaxing and doing a whole lot of nothing. We took walks on the beach, read book after book, played cards, and most importantly I ate tons of seafood. I tried lobster, fried clams, a famous haddock burger, and of course famous fish and chips. Some things that are a must in Maine... Sam's Pizza, Jonesport pizza shop, Diary Joy, Pat's Pizza, Helen's chocolate cream pie, and Dunkin donuts. I know that is all food but food up in Maine is totally different than food in California. Besides when I got back from my Vactation it was diet time!

In the end it was great to be able to see Ben's aunt, uncles, and cousins, along with that spend some time together just the two of us.

Red Sox Vs. Angels

A Beautiful Day at a Ball Game!

Love the those Red Sox!

Ben took me to a Red Sox game at Angels stadium. We had a blast! It was a beautiful day and a great game!

Exploring Her New Home

...Bella Bubbles Bunny...

We got her!!! For months I have been asking Ben if I could have a bunny. After many hours of research, I finially made a choice on a breeder. Saturday we hopped:) into the car and drove to Shafter, California(near Bakersfield) to pick out my bunny. We came home with beautiful Bella. She is a Mini holland Lop earred bunny. She is about 9 weeks old and not full grown. I love just watching her in her hutch. When we got home, we let her hop around out in our yard and she went exploring. I am so excited to have this cute little girl!!

A Week in Seattle...

I went up to visit family in Seattle, Washington. I had such a great time. I was able to visit with Shirley, Daniel, Emily, and Wyatt! I had the most amazing time! Emily and I read books, played salon, and painted her nails. Shirley and I enjoyed great sister talks, catching up on our television shows and playing with the kids. Highlight of the weekend...I got Wyatt to laugh.... and not just a little laugh, but the most adorable laugh ever!!! I miss them already and can't wait to see them again!

Relax in Vegas

Ben and I in December needed some time to just sit back and relax. So we went away for a few days to Las Vegas. We saw the Blue Man Group and hung out in the city.

Welcome to Our first Blog

Ben and I have been married for a little over eight months and enjoying every moment of it! I thought it would be fun to create a blog to keep up with whats going on with us. In January Ben accepted a job promotion at Rayethon on the B-2 bomber program. He is loving the excitment of the job. I am subbing for the Norwalk-La Mirada school district. On our down time we are still getting situated in our new home.