A Note from Dad

Where do I begin? This is my first official blog ever written. And I have lots to talk about!! So here we go :)

First, this has been an extremely busy month. May is always a crazy month for us teachers--and for two reasons. One reason is because we have to deal with spoiled rotten, back-talking, candy-filled, summer-ready students for an unbearable 20 or so days. Much like me (and other teachers), the students can't wait for summer break. Therefore, they let everyone in the school know by running, screaming, laughing, and acting in all annoying fashions throughout the entire month of May. Another reason that this month is hectic is the dreaded END OF THE YEAR CHECKLIST. At the end of each school year, the principal compiles a checklist that all teachers must complete before the end of the school year. The list is composed of things like room inventories, textbook inventories, gradebooks completed, professional development certificates, etc. Fortunately, I was bored a few days ago (refer to my youtube channel) and got most of the checklist done in one afternoon. Just a few more weary days of 7th graders and I'll be sleeping late every morning for a couple months. **When I say late, I mean til 8:30**

I don't want to sound too negative about my students beacuse, honestly, I had the best group of students I've ever taught this year. I know I've only had 3 years experience, but this was my best class overall to ever teach. I enjoyed the heck out of teaching these hard-working, bright students this year. I wrote ONE student up for a discipline issue all year long--BULLYING. My favorite student of all time was in my 3rd period class this year. Her name is Maria and she is from Acapulco, Mexico. When she came in my room for the first time, she spoke all of 5-10 words in English. I can't count the number of hours she and I spent together during tutoring with a math book, a Spanish-English dictionary, and the most confused "I don't understand you" faces. I gave her the Most Improved Award this year at the Awards Day ceremony. You would've thought she won a million dollars. It was priceless. I hope she gets to stay in Leeds because she is truly a rose among thorns.

As if I didn't have enough going on already, I started working at the 278 West Auto Auction in Cullman on Thursday nights. My friends, Gary and Teresa Daniels, own an auto auction that is open every Thursday night. I absolutely love working there. It gives me a chance to visit Cullman once a week. A few years ago, I never would've dreamed I would love to visit Cullman, but I was wrong. I drive cars through the auction. I've driven anything from a F-350 to a late 80's Chevette. Spending a few hours in Cullman on Thursday nights gives me the perfect amount of the "hometown" feeling I need to get through a treacherous week of Birmingham traffic :)

  Almost identical to the Chevette I drove. It was a "looker".

Moving right along...

Besides my mom's birthday, the most important day in May is Mother's Day. This year was Megan's first Mother's Day as a mother. Yes, I know she hasn't birthed Lucy yet. But, she's done some pretty motherly things like vomit for 12 weeks, cut back on caffeine, eat healthier (most of the time), quit smoking (jk..she's never smoked), oh and CARRY A CHILD INSIDE HER BODY! If I had a dollar for every time I've heard this phrase: "Are you carrying a child inside you?". Sometimes I wish I was so I could say, "ACTUALLY I AM!" Megan is incredible. She has been super strong through all the morning sickness and other "joys" of pregnancy. So, I decided for this Mother's Day, I would build her a bassinet that she saw at someone's house. I posted this video on youtube on Mother's Day and it tells the story of how everything fell into place: Mother's Day Video. Take a sec and watch it.

Lastly, I can't begin to describe how excited I am about Lucy Rosalee joining our family. I love to feel her kick. She's an active little booger--minus the times you really want her to be. I've been really praying lately that God helps me to be the father she needs in a spiritual sense. I'm nervous to think that I am responsible for another human being. I know we all slip up and mess up in this crazy thing called life, but I am striving to be a better person for my family. The closer August gets, the more I realize it's not all about "me" anymore. On my way home from the car auction last night, I was listening to Jason Crabb's "I Will Love You." The lines that jumped out of me were, "I'll live a life that says You give me every song, with my every breath I'll make Your mercy known." I couldn't help but cry as I was listening. I'm still amazed by God's grace on my life. I deserve absolutely nothing, but He has chosen to bless me with a wonderful wife, family, and now a daughter. I want to live a life that reflects God's mercy and grace.

I hope you've enjoyed reading this blog as much as I've enjoyed writing it. If I've never told you, I love you and I am thankful to call you my friend :)

Sincerely,
Wes Graham