The Coolest Thing About This Summer Is...

I don't have to work! It is going to be amazing to just live life and do things that I want to do. I am super excited!

The Crazy End of the School Year

Who knew that teachers had to do so much to wrap up the year? Someone sure fooled me. I have so much to do at school and I have to check out tomorrow. Pray that I will get everything done and done well. Than I have to pack and move my home. I will be returning to Grass Range in the fall, if all goes as planned, but will have a different house thank goodness!!!! Anyway... I am looking forward to an enjoyable summer and am hoping that I will see most of you at some point!

Take this advice...

Use sunscreen!!!! Ya'll... I got the worst sunburn I have ever had in my life last week. I could hardly handle wearing a shirt, which is not good for me! Anyway... not I am losing a layer or 2 of skin off of at least 1/4 of my body. SOOOO WEAR SUNSCREEN!!!!!

Age

What is your age limit for dating? I know that sounds crazy but how young would you go and how old? Not really ages but years between. Even if you are married... what would you have been comfortable with when you were dating? Just something I am curious about!

Update

Well... as you know I have been lacking entry on my blog. I do have reasons for this. Let me just start at what has been going on latley.

Patti Roth passed away on the first of April. What a sad time. She had been battling with her health for a long time but their family became very close to mine and she was like an extention of my mom. She was such an inspiration. Her daughter, Bekah, will be graduating from High School next weekend. I am excited for the celebration!

A couple of weeks later by grandfather (Ralph) passed away. He was such an awesome man. He was so good for my grandma. He was so good for my family. My "real" grandpa died when I was in 1st grade and my grandma married Ralph when I was in 10th grade. I well up just thinking about how willing he was to just become part of our family. The last big trip that they made was to my graduation from college. It meant so much to me that they traveled so far for me. I just wish that he could be there for the other momunental things that will happen in my life. But it was his time and as humans we have to accept that we have life and death and life in Christ forever.

The cool thing about death is that, when we are saved, we have life with Christ and we will all be together again. I am excited for that day, but I am also excited to see what will happen in my life. When will I get married? Have kids? Who will be around for those things?

Something that brings me comfort is that I think they can really know what is going on in my life now. It is hard to keep in touch and I believe that those in heaven know what is happening on Earth. Maybe I am just naive but that's okay.

Anyway... that is enough for now. I am tired and I don't want to write anymore so there!

Where am I??

Just a quick update... I'll write more later. I am currently in Idaho at my grandmas. My grandpa passed away on Tuesday morning and the funeral is tomorrow. That would be two funerals in two weeks with 2 very special people in my life. More later.

Also my computer when kapooy but that is fixed now... but not without a bunch of trouble... more on that too.

Anyway... I am still alive and kicking and will be back in blog world soon. Thanks for caring!

Where is MY prince charming?

Seriously... I could really use him about now. My life seems to be filled with sad and scarry things where I would really like to have someone to talk with. I want to have someone to hold my hand and to hug. I want someone to wipe my tears away and someone to bawl on when I need to. Where is he? Where is he? Where is he?

Something I Really Want To Do...

Do you want to join me?

I really want to take about 7 months of my life to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Does that sound crazy? You start in Georgia and hike up to Maine. It is roughly 2000 miles. It would be awesome. What a thrilling adventure. I hope that in the next 7 or so years that I could actually do this. I would need to be financially stable in some way though. It would be crazy cool!!!

check out www.appalachiantrail.org

Job Possibilities

Hey There:

Just wanted to ask for your prayers. I have sent of 3 job applications in the last couple of weeks. Billings, Big Timber, and Huntley... I am just praying that the right job will be there for me and that I can fill a position that is designed for me. I want to thrive in my teaching career and know that I can't do that in Grass Range. Please just pray that God would open some doors for me if it is His will.

Thanks!

I'm Done

Stick a fork in me... I'm done. I decided this afternoon at about 3:45 that I am NOT returning to teach in Grass Range next year. I was going to stick it out if I couldn't get a job somewhere else but I am seriously done. I have never been so mad at administration until this afternoon. What a horrible superintendent they have here. She had her contract renewed so I am not going to sign my renewel. I'm done. I don't even care if I can't get a teaching job next year. I will substitute and work in a grocery store or McDonalds if I have to for survival. I guess I always have a month or so to change my mind about signing the contract but as of this moment I am done! Which stinks because I love my students!

Sigh

Well live is getting odd once again. What is going on? Well I am looking for a new job at the moment. I have applied in Huntley and am going to apply in Big Timber. I am sure something will work out. I really need to get out of this place and get back to the city. I really miss the city. That sounds crazy to me but I do.

My grandfater (not biological) is dying. I finally have realized this and am really sad. He has been suffering from lukemia for a few months. They gave him 10-12 months to live and the 10 months is up in May. I am hoping that he hangs in there for a bit longer. Dawn and Marc and I are planning on going over there for my spring break. I have a feeling it may turn into the whole family heading over. Please just pray for him and our family.

Here he is at 1 week old. He got to move to his house today. It is an exciting day! I can't wait for Friday... I finally get to hold him and kiss him and tell him I love him! 

This is Jack. I can't wait to hold him and see him with my own two eyes. Isn't he gorgous? 

It's That Time Again...

What am I going to do this summer? I hate that question. This is a summer where I don't really have to work so that is awesome but I don't believe I can spend the summer without a job. I am pretty sure I will need some extra cash when those student loans come due, which I am freaking out about by the way. My problem with a job is that I have certain weeks that I am going to want off... like the whole month of July. I want to get back to Templed Hills and spend some time serving the Lord. I would like to work in a coffee hut maybe but I would have to get a job and than quit it and than try to get another. I don't know if it is worth it. I just don't know what to do. Is there any advice out there for me? I know I know... no one reads this anymore because I have not written for months. PS... I am going to be looking for a teaching job in the Billings area for the fall as well!

William Jack Wass

There is now a name for the precious bundle of joy that I have not met yet. I am anxious for them to come home. Hopefully it will be soon so I can spend a little time with the new family.

The Baby Is Here!

Well... It is about 38 days early... But I am now the proud aunt of a beautiful baby boy. Unfortunately I have not been allowed to see him because of the hospital and he does not have a name yet. I will try to update soon. Life has been BUSY!

As Crazy As It Sounds...

I am so ready for Christmas Break! Although I just started my teaching job on Monday I am really ready for Christmas Break. I feel like I have been running since I started Student Teaching in September. I need a break where I don't have to do anything if I don't want to. I am really looking forward to being home (although I just left there Sunday and am returning tomorrow). I don't know. I really love my family I guess. I must admit that I would rater visit that live with them but that is beside the point. I love Christmas and my parents house is not even decorated yet. Maybe we can do that on Saturday. It is definitly going to be a short Christmas season in the Mertens house. Oh well. It is the thought of the season and what it stands for that really matters. I haven't even written my Christmas letter yet or wrapped my gifts (I have, however, bought them though!) Anyway... I will sign off for now. Hopefully I will be around more now that I have my own home and life and such!

May God Pour His Blessings Upon You as You Reflect Upon This Season!

My Little Yellow House

Well... I am living in a little yellow house. It is okay... I don't want to live here next year but it will work for awile. It is really tiny. It was super dirty when I arrived on Tuesday. Thank goodness I have a mom and also Nicole's mom. They were a big help. I am so thankful for many things this season. Those who helped me move (Pastor John and Red), my new job, a "warm" place to live... I could probably go on and on.

I do have tons to do at this point in time though. I need to get my student teaching paper work wrapped up. But I also have to get my house in order, my classroom in order, and my lesson plans in order. Pray that I will have the motivation and energy to get everything done. It is now 7:30 pm and I am seriously going to go get in my bed... read a book and go to sleep. I am so tired!

God Bless You!

It's Official!!!

Well... I have officially fulfilled my dream. Starting December 12, 2005, I, Traci Mertens, will be a full time teacher. I will be teaching 5th and 6th Grades in Grass Range Montana. I have so much to do, am really overwhelmed, and am pretty stressed out, but am soooo excited! It is pretty surreal. God's provisions for me are amazing though. I am going to Grass Range on Saturday to see a little yellow house that sounds perfect for me. Pray that is really is as good as it sounds! Wow... I am really in awe of God's grace and mercy for me!

Happy Thanksgiving

Traci's Top 10 Things to be Thankful For...

1. Wonderful Family
2. Beautiful Old Friends
3. Beautiful New Friends
4. Awesome Pets
5. Great Church
6. Good Place to Live
7. Superb School
8. Lifes Many Amenities
9. My Great Car
10. Employment Opportunities

Happy Thanksgiving!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Gratious... It is almost the 1st of December and there is no snow to really speak of. Do I not live in Montana? Recently I have felt like I live in California or somewhere silly. I don't really like the snow that much but I sure would like some to fall!

Where in the world is Traci Mertens?

Goodness Gracious! I can't believe how busy life is when you are all grown up and are making something of yourself.

Student Teaching has been wonderful and I only have 8 school days left... It's kind of sad and kind of wonderful. It is sad because I have become attatched to my students... but wonderful because I am ready and prepared for a class of my own. Speaking of a class of my own...

I had a interview in Grass Range Montana for a 5/6 possition. I am feeling very good about it. That could be a good sign or a bad one. I should know the outcome tomorrow. I am really praying that if God wants me in that place that He will provide. If He provides the job than I am praying double that He will provide some housing. I'll keep you posted.

Since my Student Teaching is winding down I am hoping to have a bit more time to spend with all of you. I have been a horrible friend these last few months and I don't really like that about myself.

Anyway... I will be in touch... especially about the job. I may need some visitors soon!!!

Blessings!

Three Things I Plan to Do Before I Die
1. Be married and raise a family
2. Go on a mission trip overseas
3. Go on an big family vacation

Four Things I Can Do
1. Teach
2. Sing
3. Be a friend
4. Sew

Six Things I Cannot Do
1. Talk to strangers
2. Draw
3. Play guitar
4. Be organized
5. Love all people all of the time
6. Not sin

Seven Things That Attract Me to the Opposite Sex
1. Godly
2. Family Oriented
3. Compassionate
4. Forgiving
5. Solid
6. Accepting
7. HOT!!!! well you know... you have to be able to look at them you know :)

Eight Things I Say Most Often
1. I'm so confused
2. Seriously
3. I'm so tired
4. Ugh
5. Whatever
6. I don't know
7. What?
8. Sad

Nine Celebrity Crushes:
... Sorry I don't fall for people I don't know... Am a really odd???

Three Cool Things About Becca
1. She is a wealth of information
2. Easy to talk to and voice concerns to
3. She is a beautiful woman of God

I don't have anyone to tag because I only have a few blogging friends and they have all done this already... sad.

The Crazy Life I Am Living

Oh my goodness you guys that still check to see if I am alive... I cannot believe how busy I am. There is so much to tell all of you so I guess I will just start from the top... when I left you last I was leaving Idaho for the summer.

lets see if i can get this all down briefly... my grandma thought that my jeep was a piece of crap so she decided to buy me a new car (great for me eah)... I came home and my dad and I found a 1994 grand prix at the local dealer in town... it was owned by a women from our church and in excellent condition so we bought it... than i had to leave for sioux falls for school... i drove there and it was really boring... they let me stay in a dorm room for free... i went to class and spent way to much money on gas and food... i saw my friends why too little... i went to omaha ne to visit my best friend from college... that was great fun... we were driving in the dark and i thought it was raining but it was really bugs (ewww)... my sister had surgery to remove a tumor from her side while i was in sd... it was scary... she was in icu for a day or so and than they moved her to general surgery... than they od'ed her on morphine so she almost died... very scary (my family did not tell me this until after the fact)... than my mom called and said joy had to go back in to surgery... at this point i was setting up my credential file so was in the education office and my professor asked how my sister was and told me to go home 2 days before my class was over... so i drove to rapid city and checked into a motel and than i left at 3 am... the clerk at the desk was dumfounded that i was checking out at such a time... well i made it to sit with my family during the surgery and got to see my sister... ugh... i hate the hospital... she is doing well now though so that is a big blessing... i started my student teaching and that is going well... i have taught a few lessons and will be gradually taking on the whole load in the next 5 weeks, this week i have reading and will add lanuage next and so on and so forth... yesterday i was telling some people that i would really like my jeep to sell this week because the registration was coming up... than my dad showed me this check for $1600 and i was so excited... what a blessing... than i went to school today and will tomorrow... oh i got a job at the grocery store too... that is crazy in itself... like i have time to work... pray that i will find a way to serve in the church... i need time... well thanks for reading the crazieness that i call my life... love to you all and i will try to update sooner next time! ps... i have been reading your blogs... just have not had the desire to write...

A List

I am posting a list of things that I hope to write about. As much down time as I have on my hands right now it is hard to get all the words down!

• Hurricane Katrina
• Sisters Surgery
• Time in Sioux Falls
• Trip to Omaha
• New Car

Well... we will see if I get any of this written about. Sorry if it does not interest you... well actually I'm not sorry because I should write about what I want to... eah!

So Much To Say

I have so much to say about many different things. I have to go to class now though. I will post more later. I have not fallen off the face of the earth.

Busy!

Well I am back from Idaho but have been really busy since I got home. There is just so much to do. I have been painting mostly. I am also car shopping and think I have found the car I want (1994 Grand Prix, Marron). I get a 24 hour test drive tomorrow so will be driving it to Billings for my birtday party at my sister's. In the evening tomorrow I will be 22 years old. How exciting... well not really... 22 is not really to special... it's just a year older. Anyway... that is a short update on The Life. I hope that all of you are doing well and are enjoying the last part of summer.

ANNOUNCMENT!

I have an announcement... I am going to be an aunt again! I am super excited. The baby should be here in March sometime. Congratulations Dawn and Marc!

I would like to propose a question.

Why is it that the Catholic bible has extra books? Why are they not used by the Protestent Church?

* This is really a question as I have no clue.

2 Weeks

In 2 weeks I should be back home in Montana. I am so excited! I talked to the teacher I will be working with Fall Semester and just am so happy to be working with her. The experience is going to be so wonderful! What a blessing it will be to work under Ms. Tande (she was Mrs. Hanson when I had her for a teacher in 5th grade). I hope to do a new blog documenting my experience with student teaching. We will see if I have time!

* UPDATE - Here is my new blog... The Teaching Journey (http://tracisteachingjourney.blogspot.com/).

Crazy

So I just talked to a friend from camp and retreat stuff and she told me that she is getting married in September. This is something that I really didn't expect her to be saying to me. Crazy! For you single people that read my blog... do you ever get sad when you hear someone else is getting married. I need to explain that better I guess. It's not that I am sad... I am happy for my friend I just get a sense of loneliness when I hear that kind of news. This was supposed to be a happy post so I will end with congratulations Shauna!

Exhausted

I am so exhausted! It has been a long couple of weeks with camp and than my family here this weekend for my grandma's 80th surprise birthday party. I haven't had a good nights sleep for a couple of weeks and it is really catching up with me. It was fun to be with my family though. I wish that I wasn't far away from them again. I hate it! I miss them so much. I'll be back home again in just about a month though so I am looking forward to the end of my summer job (which I DON'T love) and the beginning of my student teaching. I just wonder how I am going to survive money wise in the fall. There seems to be no where to get a job in Roundup these days. I could work at the Busy Bee but if you know what I am talking about you know that would be horrible. Anyway. Just an update of my recent life. I have been busy busy busy and I am tired tired tired and I have TONS of school work to finish up before the end of the month.

Such and amazing time!

I had such an amazing time at camp this week. I am sure that God's plan was for me to be there because I couldn't have been there without His help. I wanted to share something really cool. Those of you that know me personally know that I am a pretty shy and quiet person. That is just who I am on the outside I think though. The question proposed to the staff at the beginning of the week was what are your expectations. I was thinking and all I could think of was myself. I knew that God had called me there to do something and I was expecting myself to come out of the shy bubble that I often live in and just speak His words. Well I was definitely a different person this week. I have never talked and laughed and been so encouraging in my life and I loved it. I loved that people noticed a difference in me. We had a question and answer time for the campers separated by genders and I would have never said anything in those times in the past but I had things to say and I was able to say them and say them well. I am just so happy with the person that God has made me and am so happy that He has given me the opportunities to work for Him and spread His word in this way. I am so excited for the things that He is going to continue to use me for. He is just so good!

My Cabin

Well... this was an amazing week. This is my group of girls. Starting in the back row we have Amanda, Carolyn, Corinne, Blythe, Lauren, and Jessica. In the front we have counselor Amanda, Xenia, Nicole, counselor Me, Katherine, and Chelsea. What a wonderful group of girls. They were really a blessing. We didn't have any problems that I know of amoungst us. It was a really smooth week. Praise God!

Noah's Ark Building

We were given 4 things... another cabin to work with, cardboard, a few plastic bags, and duct tape. Our goal was to build a boat (Noah's Ark) that would hold 2 people and float. The girls had the excellent idea of filling the bottom with empty plastic bottles. I think it may work!

Noah's Ark Transporting

Transporting our creation to the dock. We are all hoping that it will float.

Noah's Ark Sailing

Well... it got a bit of water in it but it served it's purpose!

Squish in time!

The girls gather on my bed for a photo. Sadly we are missing Kat and Amanda whom had to leave early for a state softball tournement. I have never had campers in my cabin leave early before and this year I had 3 (Carolyn left at 5 am to catch a plane to her new home in Hawaii). It is really sad to lose campers early. I don't particulary like it!

High Ropes

The high ropes course is such an amazing part of camp. This year it was optional so I was able to go up with some campers. I had such a good time. I did some things that I had not done on the course before. It was great to push myself to go new challenges.

Climbing UP

Climbing up the net. I think it would have been easier if I had longer legs.

Resting At The Top

I finally made it up the net. Oh my goodness... my upper arms are still hurting!

Vine Walk

This is called the vine walk I think. It's a bit hard.

Hesitation

I stand here getting ready to jump. See the hesitation on my face? It was really scary.

Leap of Faith

I finally do the "Leap of Faith". I didnt' land very well but I did it! I still hurt :(

Burma Bridge Flipping

We flipped the bridge together. How super fun!

Almost Off

My last obstical before reaching the platform to get on the ground again.

Swinging!!!

It's time for me to exit the course. How exilerating!

Serinading

The last night the boys come and sing to the girls and than the girls decided to return the favor. We cramed about 55 girls into one cabin and than went out to see the boys... sadly the directors informed us it was to late and we would be to noisy due to city noise laws. It was sad!

Praise the Lord

Well, I will be gone next week for a week of camp counseling at Ross Point!!!! I am super excited. I have tons to do before I can go though. Homework and planning for my substitute teacher next week. Pray.

The Purpose Driven Life

I bought a journal yesterday thinking I could use it with out the book, "The Purpose Driven Life", but I was wrong. So now I need to go find a copy of the book and that is okay because I have been told that it is amazing. I am kicking myself thought. Someone donated boxes and boxes of that book to my college and they have been available to the students for free for like 3 years. Did I ever go get one?? NOPE! Silly me.

Why do I lack motivation??

I am taking 2 classes online this summer to finish up my undergrad work. One class has definite deadlines (not late work accepted) while the other is just "do whatever". I am really struggling with that class. I am really far behind and really need to get caught up. That is my goal this week... to get caught up. Pray for me! I have 3 papers to write and a 6 question essay test to do. I am going to need some motivation.

Extreme Dodgeball

I was just watching extreme dodgeball on the game show channel. It is soooo funny!

What did I do today? Well a bit of nothing really. I read a book and than went to the mall with my cousin. Than I went back to the mall and got my hair cut and my brows waxed. It was really good (it took about 20 minutes total). I am really happy with my hair! It was so long and bugging me a lot! I think I shall do homework this afternoon. Oh... I watched the movie Hitch as well and laughed a bit. It's good for the soul.

Bothered

Is anyone else bothered by anonymous posts?? I love that people read and comment but I do like to know who is reading and commenting. Just an annoyance for today. So if you read and comment please leave your name:) I hope you are all having a wonderful Saturday.

So this is the awesome group of people that I worked with all summer last year. I just got a call requesting my services for camp counseling and am so sad that I had to say no. I miss Ross Point more than anything right now. I am so homesick for camp it is ridiculous. Templed Hills was good but Ross Point has so much more to offer and I'm not talking facility wise. God is definitly the center of everything. I want to ask for the 4 days off that I would need but don't know if it is appropriate. Hum... the delima. It's in 2 weeks so I guess I better figure out if I can ask for it off. Pray for me in my decision making.

Heat Stroke...

It is so hot here... I hate the heat for one and you don't have much energy for two. It was probably 95 degrees today and I don't think it is going to get better anytime soon.

My summer... so far has been

busy and frustrating and good all in one. I am now in Idaho and am busy busy busy. I am finally seeing what it means to work and not get paid (teaching). Not that I don't get paid, its just that I work quite a bit while not on the clock.

Having gone through my first full week with my kids in the classroom I now know to expect the unexpected and to be flexible. Like on Friday I had about 10 pre-k kids in my room and I had to entertain them and my school age kids sorta got put on the back burner. It sucked for me and for them. But now I know that I need to expect that kind of thing to happen and be prepared for it.

Anyway... thats all the time I have (well the energy I have) folks. Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the summer!

Open House

Party with my oldest sister... so many people were there... why do people attend an open house when they don't even know you? It was at the youth center so a few people just came to play... it was really annoying cause it was a party for Joy and I... am I being to selfish?? I love my sister though and that we graduated the same year!

It's blurry but I got my diploma folder... no diploma until December 

Moving Out

Oh what fun it is move out! NOT

Graduation

It felt as if I was just playing dress up

So much has been happening!

Hello all of my friends:

I have been away for quite a long time. I am now in Idaho and will start my job with my students on Monday. I spent the last week getting prepared for them. I need to get to my homework so will just say that I am still alive and around. Hope all is well in your worlds.

Why I will miss camp this summer...

1. I have been there for about 14 summers in a row
2. I love camp counseling!
3. It brings me out of my shell
4. It means I don't have to be fully grown up yet
5. It is something I am good at and can use my gifts for
6. I have developed relationships, good ones, over the past few summers

My handsom nephew Bradley. He will be finishing up third grade in the next few weeks and I will be in the same pod as him next year... his classroom will be right across the hall from me! He is such a smart boy. This year he told his mom that he wished I didn't go to school so far away. My family is so sweet!