How?

How could he take the lives of those babies? How are the survivors going to be scared for life? How can so many families celebrate Christmas in just a few short days? 

I just can't stop crying. I looked at this last night before crying myself to sleep. In each of those sweet children, I saw the face, the personality of my precious 17 third graders. Yes, they can get on my very last nerves some day, but praise God I still have them all. I love them dearly and I have seen that even before the tragedy, that if anyone attempted to mess with one of mine, it's not good for them. 

It was so hard to come to school today. I wanted to just sit, talk, and love on my kids. I wanted to sing praises to my God that we are all still here. This truly shakes me to the core as a teacher. We hear of shootings a lot, but for it to be 6 and 7 year olds...I just can't get over it. 

Praying for the families in Sandy Hook. Praising God for the safety of the other children and adults. Praising God for all that I have to be thankful for.

It's a.....

Wednesday we had everyone over so that Sarah and Drew could reveal the gender of the baby. It was perfect timing with Thanksgiving and all. A lot of family were able to come that don't live around here. Moma and I spent the day decorating and cooking. We just couldn't wait!

I've already started her baby book!

When people came in, they wrote their name on either a pink carriage or a blue carriage to cast their vote. 

The table

IT'S A GIRL!!!

I am so ready to be an aunt!

This will be the first great-granddaughter for Grandmother.
She has 6 great-grandsons.

We were able to get a picture of the whole family at the party, too. It'll be our Christmas card! If you're going to do cards, too, you need to use Shutterfly. They have the cutest cards! (And great prices!)

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Weekend Shinanigans

Friday night, Will and I traveled to Memphis. We walked down Beale Street, saw some street performers, ate at Blues City Cafe, and went to the Orpheum to see the Blue Man Group. We've been looking forward to this for a very long time! It was so nice to get away and have fun. The show was amazing!

Tradition.

Such a wonderful friend. 

Saturday I was blessed to witness the marriage of two amazing, Godly people. Kelsey Laprade and Nathan Young were married at FBC in Pontotoc, MS. It was a lovely ceremony and the reception fit them to a T. So much fun seeing old friends. God was truly present at this celebration. 

My favorite Nicholas. 

At the reception, there was a photo booth set up with all kinds of props. Didn't take us long to jump in there and start goofing around!

Carlye and I. Can't wait for her to move to Jackson. 

Took some coaxing to get this picture done. :)

Fun friends!

Saturday evening, Moma and I went to the Elkin Theater in downtown Aberdeen to see Taken 2. Two tickets, two popcorns, and two drinks cost $10. You can't get better than that! Love living in a small town...some days. 

Now it is Thanksgiving week. That means that all the family is coming into town. This year, there will be 77 in attendance on the Mattox side. I know it sounds like a lot, however, that's relatively small for us. 

Looking forward to catching up with family, eating some good food, and watching football, of course. 

Wednesday we are having a Gender Reveal Party! I CANNOT wait to find out if I'll be getting a niece or nephew! Post to come! 

Mabry is engaged!

This past weekend I secretly went to Starkville. One of my best friends, Mabry Nelson, got engaged. She had NO idea! Her fiance, Jonathan, contacted a lot of her friends. She thought she was going to a small, no-name, concert. Well, her brothers were singing when she came in and all of us were sitting there waiting on her!

Me, Kat, and Derek. We were all in the Philippines together. Kat drove from Louisiana for Mabry. That was very exciting to her!

They FINALLY arrived! Mabry was definitely stunned. 

Yes, tears were shed. 

After singing Adam Sandler's "I Wanna Grow Old With You", Jonathan got down on one knee and proposed. 

She said YES!

Mabry and I! Love her very much!

It was wonderful spending time with these ladies. 

All the Starkville peeps!

Hoot. Hoot.

Let's see...I had a birthday since my last post. I turned 24 on the 24th. Pretty cool, huh? It wasn't my favorite birthday I've had. I drove home the morning of my birthday. My grandfather, Pap, passed away the night before. When I got home, we didn't leave. My family did such a good job of trying to make it "my day". We sang, had cake, and I opened a few gifts. It was definitely hard and not the special day everyone looks forward to, but I can't tell you how much I loved having all of us under one roof. It's been so long since we have all been together. I even convinced everyone to play a game! The last time Ben, Sarah, and I played a game was probably Monopoly at Grandmother's house. Crazy! We played Catchphrase and laughed so hard! We also watched Duck Dynasty, which cracks everyone up! 

I am so ready for Thanksgiving Break...only 7 more days now! Today, I rearranged my room. Hopefully, I'll get pictures put up soon. I really like this new layout. I think I've got my kids down pat. Of course, I learn new things about them all the time, mostly because they tell me everything about their lives! Haha! I do love my kiddos. And my coworkers. Oh my goodness, my coworkers are the bomb! All we have to do is give a look and we know what to do, say, who to get on to...everything! 

Pumpkins

Today, my small group went to the Pumpkin Patch. We went on a hayride through the farm, saw some cools animals, laughed, took pictures, and of course, hunted for a pumpkin!

I should've pursued photography. Think it's too late?

I was so excited. I haven't been to a pumpkin patch in ages!

The group with our pumpkins!

Then, we came back to my house to carve the pumpkins. It took forever! Most of us did the stencil kind. We had fun though...sitting, cutting, listening to music, enjoying the beautiful weather. This is the most action our backyard has seen since we moved in!

All done! There should be more curly cues, but...they broke. Sad day.

Side note: My birthday is in 4 days! :)

Wild Woman

Yes, it has been a while, so sorry. 

Last week was Homecoming Week at good ole Puckett Attendance Center. Monday, the kids were out of school. Sadly, we were not. Tuesday was Cowboy Day. Wednesday was Celebrity/Professional Day. Thursday was Hippie Day. Friday was Spirit Day.

Third Grade Cowgirls. I seriously work with the best people around. These ladies keep me sane...most days! 

BOOTS!

We are having a pumpkin decorating contest for Fall Festival this week.
I wanted to see what he'd look like as a cowboy.

Tuesday - Queen of Third Grade, Book Lady, Olympian

Hippie Day

Thursday night we went to the State Fair. It was pretty awesome!

I fed a goat and had a staring
contest with another one. 

For some reason, we decided to ride the Scrambler, or whatever it's called. Bad idea. It was fun, and funny to watch, but oh my!

Friday night we went to see Needtobreathe in Jackson.
Love them!!

Went to the MSU game Saturday. It was so wonderful being back in Starkville, tailgating, catching up, watching other games on TV, laughing, and being around people I love. 

Derek, me, and Colton. My brothers. 

Ashley, me, and Kayla. Beautiful ladies. 

I think this is our gajillionth tailgating picture we have. Love them all! :)

Soon to be Mrs. Hutchinson.

Beat Tennessee? Check! 6-0 baby!

Beautiful stadium. I can't wait until the expansion!

Needless to say, last week I was not the boring, typical me. I actually went out, on a school night! It was a lot of fun. That bad thing was that it made me not look forward to Monday even more! Haha! One more week closer to Thanksgiving!

Where's your worth?

Self is defined as your consciousness of your own identity. Worth is defined as the quality that renders something desirable or valuable or useful. 

Therefore, self worth would be how you value yourself. 

So, my question is, "Where do you find your self worth?". 

I have grown up in Aberdeen, MS my whole life. My family has a specific pew at church and we have our "assigned" seats. I am known in that town. Whether it be by my last name, school, or something else I've done in the town or at school. People know me. 

I have an amazing family that loves me dearly. We're not the best at always saying it, but I know it's true. When I'm gone for the summer I am bombarded with mail from my family and friends. When I've been hurt, I know exactly who in my family is going to give me the pep talk (or go off on someone) that I need. When I've had to be rushed to the hospital, family members were there before I was. Case in point: my family loves me. 

Then there are my friends. Friends who have planned surprise parties for me. "Decorated" my car. Helped me get over boys. Taught me things. Acted a complete fool with me. Sent me more mail that I could have ever dreamed. Made me things. Listened to my terrible day. Bought me flowers. Taken picture, after picture, after picture, after picture with me. Needless to say, there are people outside of the Mattox Clan who love me. 

So what's my problem you say?

I find my value, my self worth, in other people. Looking back, I think I always have. When I am around people, when I walk into a place and I'm greeted by name, when I have plans for the weekend, when I have visitors and people coming to me for help or advice...that's when I feel useful. The only problem with that is, people let you down. There's no doubt about it. It WILL happen. It doesn't matter how long you've known them or how close you are with them. It's inevitable. In that case, I've been hurt...a lot. I put so much emphasis on other people's opinion of me, that I've forgotten who I am. 

So who am I?

I am a daughter, sister, roommate, friend, teacher, the epileptic, the should you cry on, the one who always has room for you, the listener, the photographer, the scrapbooker, the good girl, the traveler, the goofy one, but most importantly, I am a child of the Most High God, the Creator of the Universe, the Alpha and Omega. That, dear friends, is where I should be finding my self worth. Because He will NEVER let me down. Some days I wonder how in the world the Perfect One could ever love me like that? I sure don't deserve it. He does though. 

I know all the verses, all the promises...in my head. How do I get that to correlate to my heart? 

How do I turn finding my self worth from people and circumstances to my Risen Savior? 

I praise God for revealing these things to me. That's what I get when I ask Him to reveal any idols in my life, right? Ha. Now, I'm not one to just pour my heart out on my blog like this. I usually just tell about what I've been doing. However, for some reason, I felt like I should share this. It was hard, don't get me wrong. This whole lesson I'm learning is hard, but I know some life changing lesson will be learned when it's all said and done. 

I lift my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-He who watches over you will not slumber, indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, not the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. 

Psalm 121

To God be the Glory. 

I've got a golden ticket(s)

At Puckett, we take part of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports). All the teachers have tickets to give to students exhibiting good behavior. The students can then take their tickets and cash them in for something at the Ticket Store or save them up to receive a special prize. I.E. lunch from the only restaurant in town, sit with your friends at lunch, extra recess, things of that nature. 

Now, all the teachers also have the coveted Golden Tickets. These tickets are given to a class as a whole. A teacher can only give golden tickets to another class. So far, I have 2 in my room from our principal! The librarian and the counselor are also giving us one, too. The third graders are on fire! We are the example for PBIS. 

It's amazing that I'm not having to "threaten" like I used to. I only need to warn, take a recess or two, and that's it. It's like a different breed of kids here. They are respectful, they mind, I hear "please" and "thank you". When we go to recess, I have several kids in my class that immediately go to pick up garbage. No one told them to, they just went. It's plumb amazing. 

Have you heard of the book, Jesus Calling by SarahYoung? It's a fantastic little devotional book that reads as though Jesus is talking to you. I love it! I found a children's version of that devotional and was so excited. So in the mornings, after the pledge and announcements, I sit at my desk and read the passage out loud. I don't make them listen to me or call it a lesson. It's just me reading out loud at my desk. I love doing that and even though I could technically get in trouble for it, I really don't care. All they can do is tell me to stop. In which case, I will, and tag it to the leader of the day's job! ;) I'm hoping that I can do more than just read it to them at some point. 

I will survive

Well, I have officially made it through my first week of teaching 3rd grade at Puckett Elementary! It sure does feel good to say that.
My classroom is continuously changing, but that's okay. I am just testing different things out to see what I like best. :) 
I have 19 kids and I am steadily getting to know them. They are all so unique and precious. I feel like I am under a lot of pressure this year, though. This group of kids aren't really where they should be, so we've got a lot of work to do this year. I know they can handle it, I just want to make sure I'm doing what I should be for them. They deserve a good education. 
This week, I haven't been home before 6:30 any night. So, today, it caught up with me and I have been a bum all day. 5 am comes WAY too early and I just haven't gotten used to it yet. 

As far as life in Brandon...I'm getting adjusted. It's weird having Target and Hobby Lobby and Old Navy right at my beck and call. It's really not good for my wallet! I am trying to get to know some other people, but it's just so hard! That's something that doesn't get easier as you get older. If anything, it gets harder. 
I went to Pinelake last Sunday. I went there when I was in Starkville, too. I just love the way worship is done there and the pastor definitely preaches the Word. It's just so BIG! I was apprehensive of going there because I didn't want to be "just another number". I went to a Connect event that Sunday night, too. It was slightly awkward, but thankfully, I met a girl that morning through a mutual friend and we were able to go together. We chose a small group and we all went out to eat that night. I think it's going to be really good. We are meeting this Sunday night and we're going through James. I'm ready to get to know some other people and talk about the Word. 
God is teaching and revealing a lot of things to me. I'm so thankful I have a best friend I can call and complain/whine/cry/vent to on the phone and she makes it all okay. Thanks, Amy. I'm also blessed to be living with a couple of solid, Godly women whom I can confide in, too. 

Romans 8:28 And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. 
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 

ashamed

I am really ashamed as to how little I have blogged during this busy summer of mine. 

My summer started off in London. 

We got to see all the sights in London: Big Ben, Tower of London, Westmister Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Wimbledon. Just so you know, I started to write a post about London when I got back and had all these pictures to post, too. However, I could not get the pictures to work they way I wanted, got frustrated, and deleted it. Sorry. 

We also went to Paris one day. That was when we felt like we were really in a different country. I got to put my HS French to use though. Bonjour! Qui! Haha!! We literally ran to each landmark. We only had about 6 hours in Paris. We went to Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower (where we climbed to the very tip top!), the Arch de Triumph, and the Louvre. By the time we finally got to the Louvre, we were so worn out and didn't have time for an actual tour. Not everyone wanted to go in, but I said I would like to see something. So me and two others went in, ran past all this beautiful, priceless artwork until we reached it. The Mona Lisa. It was small, but amazing. 

Our mission was terrific. We partnered with a family in Grantham (about an hour north of London). They run a summer camp and are also working with the government housing in the town. We did some door to door knocking. That was an adventure. For three days, we had a kids' club. SO many kids came, which was such a blessing. They were so excited and attentive. We played games, shared the gospel, sang songs, and had a memory verse. The kids there are living in such a dark place and they don't even know it. We got to love on them, which they don't get enough of at home. The kids actually learned the memory verse. Such a great and simple way for the Word to get into the homes. We had one child accept Christ that week. Beautiful. 

I would love to tell you about every story, child, activity we were able to do, but I'm sure you don't want to read it all. If you see me, you should ask me about it sometime! :) 

Oh, one story I'd like to share: There was a teenager at the kids club. He was, how would you say it, rough around the edges...he was also deaf. I was able to use sign with him. It was an amazing experience. I was on a sign language team back in HS at FBC. So incredible to see how God can use past experiences to communicate the Gospel. 

My next stop was Washington, D.C..

Will Simmons and I went to see Tara Morgan. It was a really fun get away trip. We got to do and see a lot of sights. It was even better having Tara there to guide us. 

Arlington Cemetery(where we got to see the Changing of the Guards), the Air and Space Museum, the Holocaust Museum, went to a Nationals game, all the memorials, got an inside tour of the Capitol, went to FBC on Capitol Hill, the Botanical Gardens, American History Museum, the White House. We went to Maryland to eat dinner one night. Cracked crabs on the Chesapeake Bay. 

After that (can you believe there's more?!), we went to Gulf Shores, AL.

So this stop wasn't as extravagant as the first two, but who doesn't love the beach? I went with my family and we haven't been in about 4 years. It was wonderful being there, soaking up the sun, not worrying about a thing! 

Once we came back, we loaded up my Jeep, two trucks, and two trailers and moved to Brandon, MS. 

So here I am, sitting in my new house with one of my two new roommates. I think I have finally gotten my classroom finished. I have New Teacher Orientation Monday. Which means, once Monday hits, summer is officially over! Kayla and I are leaving tomorrow to go to Atlanta. We're going to Six Flags, which I am super stoked about because I've never been before. And we're going tubing down the Chatahoochie River. Gotta have one last hoorah before school starts! 

Hopefully, next time I'll be able to post pictures of my house and my classroom!!! 

London

In about 15 hours I will beginning my journey to London, England. 

I can't believe it is finally time to leave. Originally, this trip was to be taken late July/early August. That meant I couldn't go because of school. However, the dates were changed and I signed up for this trip back in December. 

After a lot of fundraising and even more praying, I have the trip fully paid for. That is all because of God's gracious hand. 

We'll be doing our "touristy" activities on the front end of our trip. So, we'll stay in a hotel in London for 3 days. We are doing and seeing as much as possible. Activities include getting a tour of Wimbledon, the Tower of London (where the crown jewels are), Buckingham Palace (the Queen will be there, so we won't be able to go in, but maybe I can get a glimpse of her), Big Ben, the Eye of London, and everything in between. Our last day in London will be spent taking a train to Paris and spending the day there. Yes, you're allowed to be jealous now. 

After that, we'll head about an hour north to Grantham, England. This is where we'll be doing our work. We'll be doing community outreach and playing with the kiddos. Each team member is taking a soccer ball, 2 frisbees, and a basketball. However, we may get there and be asked to do something completely different. It's all for the Kingdom, so we'll put our happy faces on and do whatever we're asked of. 

Our leader asked us to think of some Southern items we could take to give to the couple we are partnered with. They are doing a lot for us, so we want to be as thankful as possible. I am bringing Southern Living, a Mississippi magazine, and cheese straws. That's pretty Southern, right? 

Right now, my apartment is completely full of boxes! I didn't realize how much junk I have accumulated after living here for 2 years. It's going to take a couple of Uhauls to get all of this down to Brandon. 

I also had to pack up and move out of my classroom at Louisville Elementary School. Even in the 5 short months I was there I accumulated a lot of stuff! My very last day I had to turn in my keys and say my last goodbyes to my colleagues. I actually teared up! I honestly couldn't have asked for a better first job. It was a great transition, good comradery among the staff, and a good bunch of kids. Yes, some days were not so good, but all in all, this semester was great. I will not miss that freakishly long drive every morning. 

 I ask that you keep praying for my team and I as we embark on this journey. We are all very excited about what lies ahead for us. Of course, I still have my health issues in the back of my head. I know God has it all under control, it's just those "what if" situations. 

This time last year I was preparing to leave for the Philippines. Little did I know what God had planned for me last summer. Even though I had to come home early, I was able to go back to debrief. As I'm sure you know, it was there that I was baptized. It was in a parking lot outside of a church in Alabama in a water trough. It was the most amazing moment I have experienced. When I think about that moment, the song "Washed by the Water" by Needtobreathe comes to mind. 

If you have a moment, listen to the song. It's pretty powerful. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOjpkqrCEOU

Processed

I went to Brandon Monday after school. I stayed with the future roommate, Kayla. We are still looking for a house. Continuously praying that God will provide. I went to Puckett this morning. Talking with the principal, talked to a 4th grade teacher, saw more of the school and programs. I found out that as a teacher in Rankin County School District I will receive a Mac Notebook upon arrival. Also, as a teacher at Puckett, I will have 2 iPads to use in my classroom. How amazing!?!
I went to the county office to get processed after leaving the school. An hour and a half later, I left. It was ridiculous. Thankfully, the women there were very nice. It was so very tedious and long. However, I have officially been processed, fingerprinted, and photographed. Hello, Rankin County! Here comes Ms. Mattox!


I stole this from Lauren...it looked fun. :)

99 random things

Bolded ones mean that I've done it.

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris (THIS SUMMER!!)

13. Watched a lightening storm

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (No fair! When I went they wouldn't let anyone in the Statue of Liberty!)

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (I'll be there this summer!)

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie 

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London (I'll get to see that this summer, too!)

77. Broken a bone

78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Got a tattoo

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee