Room 703

In room 703, I came in as a 21 year old graduate of Baylor University. My only care was teaching math. It was my primary focus in life. I wanted to be the very best I could be.

In room 703, I have taught 611 students. I have taught 16 7^th grade GT classes,  2 7^th grade Pre AP classes, 6 7^th grade classes, 1 7^th grade remedial class and 1 8^th grade class.

In room 703, I have cried. The first time was when I found out my GT students were taking the 8^th grade test 3 weeks before the testing date, and I didn’t know what I was going to do. Since then, I’ve cried for students, about students, and out of pure frustration!

In room 703, I have changed the arrangement of my desks every year. I have added Rangers playoff signs from 2010 and 2011. I have added a Baylor football poster from 2014 and I have added a hand that says “Love, Rusty”. I’ve changed my rules to only two expectations, and created a mindset board to instill a growth mindset in my students.

In room 703, they have called me Coach for 5 years. I’ve talked volleyball, basketball, World Cup, softball, and a whole lot of football. I’ve coached 5 A volleyball teams, 5 B basketball teams, and 5 C basketball teams. My sprint teams, open sprints, and jumpers currently hold 6 records at the school. We roughly have 115 girls in 7^th grade athletics each year, and 70 in 8^th grade athletics. That’s a lot of girls’ lives that I pray I have made an impact on at some point.

In room 703, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. He went through surgeries, radiation, and I also received a phone call saying he was cured. I had a broken nose in 703… and a broken finger.. and this year a broken toe.

I learned life lessons in 703… like not everyone is a team player, people make dumb decisions, and to stand up for myself and my beliefs.

In room 703, I dated many boys… most were only referenced to by nicknames, and most lasted a solid 3 weeks. Until, this one came along, and I knew he was different.  In room 703, I fell in love. I lived for the passing periods so I could text him back, and I procrastinated with all of my grading to go on dates with him. I stayed up way past my 9 pm bed time to spend more time with him. And it all paid off in the end, because in room 703 I became engaged. Then, I planned a wedding…. My conference time became research time, and my inclusion teacher became my sound board for ideas. In room 703, my last name changed. I became a Mrs. instead of a Ms.

Room 703 will always be an instrumental part of my life.

But now, it’s time to make new memories in A314. 

What to Eat Wednesday: Steak Arugula Salad

Today, I am bringing you a recipe from one of my go to people. Back before Pinterest was a thing, I would go to her website and print recipes off! They are some of my favorites... and she does most things "skinny"! So, they're healthy! I am so glad she's jumped on the gluten free train.. in most of her recipes she will tell you how to make it gluten free, or they already are! I will share her with you, but you have to promise to keep coming back to me too. Skinnytaste.com

  This recipe is fantastic, because you don't even recognize it's a "salad." So there's a little lettuce involved... it's fine because there are so many other flavors, it is divine. You have steak, onion in balsamic vinegar, and pasta.... with some salad. 
I did not change her recipe at all. I followed it down to the exact minute on the steaks. Sidenote: this was my first time to cook a steak.... Duck Dude always does it, duh! But I followed her instructions and it was delicious! 

Grandran

Today, we are in Gladewater, Texas celebrating the life of Travis' Grandran. 
I am sincerely happy that Grandran was able to be at our wedding a year ago. 

Grandran and Grandmother even got out and cut a rug on the dance floor!!

I can tell you that this man had a personality that was infectious! We all sat at dinner on Saturday night and they were all going through his sayings: "What are you up to?"  "About 5"7..." Although we did debate if that number decreased as he got older. :)
"What's one of these? (as he did something with his hand)..... "An upside down one of these!" (he'd flip his hand the other way and do the same thing! Ha! 
He is a World War II veteran who served our country in the US Navy. He has told Travis stories of sitting on the back of the ship and shooting fly fish with pistols. Travis' dad was able to take Grandran on the Honor Flight in 2012. If you aren't familiar with Honor Flight, they take World War II veterans to Washington DC so they can visit and reflect at the memorials. It was a very special time for both of them. 

They will be folding the flag and presenting it to Grandmother. It is such an honorable moment, and I know it will mean the world to Grandmother. 
I'm looking forward to having a conversation with Grandmother about the hymn "Beulah Land." Travis' dad told me it was on their list of songs they wanted to sing. My family has been singing that song for as long as I can remember and we sang it at my grandfather's funeral. I sang it in my head all day yesterday. It comforts me and reminds me that this is not our home, and now, Grandran is in his eternal home. 
I'm kind of homesick for a country
To which I've never been before
No sad goodbyes will there be spoken
For time won't matter anymore

Beulah Land, I'm longing for you
And some day on thee I'll stand
There my home shall be eternal
Beulah Land - Sweet Beulah Land

STEM in Denver

Y'all. This never happens in teaching. I get to go to Denver this summer for a STEM conference!!! How awesome?! My hotel reservations were just emailed to me and I feel so official and a tiny bit fancy. 

It's not until the end of July (which means baby Cambrie will be here!!!), but I am already so excited! I looked up the entire schedule already. We get there on Wednesday and get checked in. The first thing is a student panel on "the power of STEM education." How cool. Student voice is one thing I have been studying this year!! A student panel is right up that student voice alley. I am in love already.
Here's Thursday's schedule:

The keynote speaker is described as Australian - Canadian... the only thing I get from that is he better have an accent. If he's got an accent, I will listen to him a lot longer than an hour! :) If he's lucky... he will get to meet me and here my own accent. I've been told I'm good. 


So, if you need me July 27-29th... I'll be in Denver. 
Also, large side note. This is the last Friday with kids. Hallelujah. 

What to Eat Wednesday: Dessert Edition

For the first time, I am bringing you a dessert! We had this discussion at a shower yesterday: A good cook vs a good baker. I love to cook. I am not a baker. When baking, you have to follow the recipe...... I prefer to throw a dash of this and a dash of that. I rarely bring a measuring cup out and I definitely never use a teaspoon or tablespoon measurement. A pour vs a little longer pour. I don't bake. 

However, for Sister Laura Pocket's shower, I said I would bring some type of strawberry something dessert. Hmph. My mind immediately went to this dessert my mom made growing up. Our Sunday lunches consisted of a full meal... including dessert. I loved this dessert and I knew I could make it for the shower! I got the recipe from my mom and gave myself plenty of time on Saturday to make it in case it did not turn out correctly. 

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert. Any dessert with cool whip is most likely on my favorites list. This recipe calls for 8 oz... I bought 16... because I knew I'd eat half of it while baking. :) Just another reason I should not bake... I don't snack on the raw onions I'm cooking with! I love it also because it uses an entire pound of strawberries!!! Yum!! It's the perfect summer dessert because it's served chilled and it is also the most perfect blend of salty and sweet there could ever be!