Playing Catch Up!

I can't believe it is JANUARY!  This last semester flew by...I LOVE being in second grade & am so thankful for a calm much better than last year's group of kiddos. Griffin is extremely happy with his job & as he says
"wakes up happy every day to go to work!"  I have been terrible at taking\posting pictures so get ready for some from Thanksgiving, Liz's bachlorette & wedding, & Christmas!!

We had so much fun celebrating Liz in downtown Austin!

Early morning walk/keep Holt entertained on Thanksgiving.  LOVE those chubby cheeks!

Griffin & PaPa went hunting the day after Thanksgiving, so glad they still get to do things like this together.

Liz got married on Dec. 17.  All of the college roomies are married women now:)

The reception was at Ranger's Ballpark, that's the field behind us.

haha I love these pictures of all the dogs, not so sure Grandma felt the same! 

Griffin & Reese snuggling in front of the fire on Christmas Eve....He was in heaven

Griffin gave me this Michael Kors watch that I love!  He is an amazing gift giver:) 

We spent Christmas Eve & morning in Temple with my family. My camera died before I got any Christmas  pictures with my brothers & sister-in-laws.

Finally, Dooms day came & deer season ended.  Griffin literally fell into depression for a day after he came out deerless...good thing he can start duck hunting & fishing now.

Best part of hunting, seeing God's beauty at sunset at the ranch

Happy 2012!  Excited to see all the good God has in store for us this year:)

1 year Anniversary!

I can't believe that one year ago today I was walking down the aisle to become Mrs. Hess!  This truly has been a wonderful year & I couldn't ask for a better man to share my life with.  I am beyond thankful that God blessed me with a man that loves me unconditionally, encourages me,  & makes me feel beautiful every single day.  Thank you Griffin for choosing me to be your wife. I am humbled & grateful to God for allowing me to call you my husband. I LOVE YOU!

This weekend Griffin surprised me by taking me to the Gaylord in Dallas for the weekend.  He told me to pack my bags & I didn't find out where we were going until we drove up!  I have ALWAYS wanted to stay there & go to ICE.  The weekend was perfect & we had a blast!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY LOVE!

first day jitters

Tonight is the last night of Summer & I am beginning to get the "first day jitters!"  I like to think the nervousness is proof that I love my job and am excited to meet all of my new babies in the morning.  I feel a little more anxious than normal tonight because I am teaching a new grade, 2nd, & I have 28 kiddos compared to the 17 I had last year.  I know having such a large class is going to be difficult but I also know that God has equipped me for this position & He will not give me more than I can handle.  My prayer this year is that I can be the teacher that God has called me to be & that I am able to show each child the unconditional love that our Heavenly Father shows to us.

A Teacher’s Prayer

O Lord, Grant me your strength, so I will have COURAGE in every situation;

Grant me your love, so I will NEVER GIVE UP on anybody;

Grant me your wisdom, so I will SHOW others the path to success;

Grant me your mercy; so I will FORGIVE those who have hurt me;

Grant me your peace, so I will FIND THE BEST in everybody;

Grant me your hope, so I will NEVER GIVE UP;

Grant me your joy, so I will be THANKFUL for all my blessings;

And grant me your grace, so you will ALWAYS be at my side.  Amen.

~David Bennett

Good luck to all of the teachers as we start a new school year & may God use you in ways you never thought possible!

PS. My blog layout is still under construction:)

Houston!

Griffins mom recently moved to Houston so I went with his sisters, Laura & LeighAnn, this weekend to spend some time with her & see her new place.  I have always said I hate Houston but she lived in a great area close to shopping, eating, & fun attractions that avoided all traffic.  Holt also came with us & we all had a great time watching his every move as you will see in the pictures!

Dylan's Candy Bar at the Galleria

LOVE a good sale...ready for a new school year!

I still haven't figured out why there was a white tiger at the aquarium?

hahaha Not a big fan of the carosel

Thanks Colleen for a fun few days in your new city!  I am excited to see what else Houston has to offer  & hopefully be able to drag Griffin with us next time:)