Mrs. Starke's Class

I took these pics at the beginning of the school year of my classroom. A lot has changed since then, but I just wanted to give a glimpse of where I spend my days. I've worked at Apple Creek Elementary in Moore for 4 years. I've taught 5th, 1st, and 3rd grade. Kids are my passion and I love my 3rd graders even when, occasionally, they test my patience. I truly see my job as a mission field and take very seriously the opportunity I have each day to invest in the lives of children. It's a privilege and an awesome responsibility that I don't take lightly. First and foremost, I want my kids to feel loved and then, the rest will fall into place. Go Cougars!

Halloween

More catch up... My school bunco group had a costume party October 30. It's always nice to de-stress from school, kick back, and eat yummy food. The costumes ranged from Cheech and Chong to Marilyn Monroe to disco. I was supposed to be a 70's chick, but kind of ended up looking like Dolly Pardon.

My third grade team

OU/Texas Weekend

I know I've been MIA for awhile, so I'm going to do a little catch up from the last month. Chris and I went to Dallas for the game. We had so much fun despite the outcome of the game. Thanks Steven and Amy for the tickets! We owe you some serious babysitting. We also saw Michael Buble in concert Saturday night in Fort Worth. It's our second time to see him this year. He was just as good the second time. I love his Frank Sinatra-style of music. It's very romantic. If you have a chance to see him, it's worth it. We tried to go eat downtown before the concert, but couldn't get a table anywhere. We were starving, so we had to resort to eating at fast food tex-mex restaurant. Very romantic! After the initial frustration, we couldn't help but laugh and had to take a picture. Another Starke memory.

Our romantic dinner

Michael Buble

Bump in the Road

Well, I think I officially win the worst blogger of 2008. I'd like to thank.... Seriously, though, we've been going none stop, but I must improve on my blogging endeavors. Just a little update on the marathon training. Last Saturday I ran 20 miles and felt great. My feet hurt a little bit, but other than that, no problems. I had my little twin cousins' birthday party immediately after running. I had just enough time to take a shower and get out the door. Later, I came home and graded papers for a couple of hours and then went to a friend's house to watch the OU game. Sunday, went to church, one of my student's birthday parties, and the fair. Monday, I was on my feet all day long at school and went grocery shopping in the afternoon. Long story short, by Monday afternoon, I had extreme swelling in my legs from the knees down. I wish I would have taken a picture. It was freakishly bizarre. I looked like I had gained 10-15 pounds in my legs. I looked like I was 9 months pregnant or an 80 year old grandma. Thankfully, I had no real pain, just tightness from the fluid. I began a week-long regiment of Motrin, elevating my legs, and ice baths. (Not so bad, after you go numb. A sweatshirt and Starbucks and you're good.) Finally, a week later, I look normal! It was definitely a frustrating process. I couldn't run or work out the entire week. Thankfully, it was an easy week in my training, so I think I'll be fine. I have definitely learned my lesson the hard way: rest is important.

Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

I know I'm CRAZY, but I will be running my first marathon November 16 in San Antonio, TX. I have participated in several races before, but this will be, by far, the most challenging thing I've ever done in my entire life. If you sense a little intimidation, you're right. That said, I know I can do it. If Oprah can do it, then I can, right? At least that's my what I keep telling myself. After running in Race for the Cure last October, running has quickly become one of my passions. Last Spring, I started running with a group from the YMCA where we workout at. They have been such a blessing, personally and with my running. Running gives you a natural high that is like no other. I love the feeling of pushing myself to the limit. With running, you set a goal and receive immediate gratification. Even with training for a marathon, each day you get a little bit closer to your goal. I'm in the sixth week of my 16-week training. So far, so good. Last Sunday, I ran 16 miles for the first time. I wouldn't say it was great fun, but it could have been worse. This Saturday I'm running 18! I will keep you up to date with my on-going training. Please keep me in your prayers!
http://www.rnrsa.com/

Big Cedar

Sorry, it's been forever since my last post. It's been crazy with school starting...more on that to come. I promised to share a few of our adventures this summer, so here is part 2. At the beginning of June, we went with the Starke's to Big Cedar, MO for a few days. We had a blast. We went fishing, swimming, watched movies by the pool, ate yummy food, and went on a family bike ride. Chris and I made some memories when the chain came off his bike and we had to walk most of the way back. All in all, it was great trip and we loved spending time with everyone.

Grace and I attempting to fish.

Sophie and the guys.

Chris and I at a several waterfalls on our bike ride.

Grace and Chris checking out the fish.

Todd, Chris, Steven, and Sophie

Chris and I before the bike chain incident.

Family bike ride

Chowing down on the front porch of the cabin.

Sophie and me on the porch.

Chris and Grace napping.

The family half way through the bike ride...we had to turn around and go back!

Sunset Beach

Since I'm brand new to the blog world, I thought I would share some of the fun things Chris and I have already done this summer. I'll share our adventures over the next few posts. We traveled to Sunset Beach, North Carolina the last week in May with my family. My aunt has a beach house and she was so sweet to let us stay in her beautiful home. This was my second trip to Sunset Beach, but Chris's first. It's a very quaint town that can only be reached by a draw bridge. It was very relaxing. We found an irresistible ice cream shop and indulged almost every night! We had a blast and loved watching Evie, my niece, experience the ocean for the first time.

The view from outside the lower balcony.

Evie taste testing sand. Yummy!

Yellow Polka Dot Bikini

Chris and I on the beach.

My Dad body surfing. He's a big kid in a grown man's body.

Me, Evie, and Nana taking a stroll on the beach.

My sister Andrea and Evie hanging out in the rocking chairs.

Some surfer dude, I mean my dad, and Evie

The whole family on our last day.