Today is Big!

So big, that I actually drug myself out of bed at 6:45 to take pictures of Ryan...on his first day of school!!!!

Isn't he the cutest :)

I am so proud! When Ryan lost his job late January of this year, it was scary and it was tough, but we decided that this was an opportunity for Ryan to really find something that he was passionate about. He had been working in insurance, which was fine, but he knew that when he looked back on his life in 50 years, he didn't want to have just spent this whole time telling people whether or not they were at fault for an accident.

So, we embarked on a journey. With the help of a dear friend (thanks Elisa!), Ryan came to realize that he really had a passion to teach. Who knew the boy who hated school, and was notorious for not going to class in college wanted to BE a teacher!

And then the hard part came. The choice. Ryan had been applying at places, the was likey going to have the opportunity to get back into the insurance business. A secure, for sure, getting a paycheck every two weeks job. And he was super tempted. But instead, we decided that him making connections and subbing in the school district he wanted to work was more important, so that he could make connections and work towards getting certified to teach.

It was all scary, especially at first, but I think that what I learned out of the situation was that we were always taken care of. Our friends and family were so awesome and supportive, and it seemed whenever we had unexpected vet bills or or owed unexpected taxes, something always came up that helped us through. An extra photography job, or a random housewarming gift. Even though our salary had been cut in half, we never felt like we were on the edge. And I am so thankful for the provision that has been given to us.

So, to finish up the story, Ryan passed his certifications tested like a superstar, but alas, the first week of August rolled around, and he still hadn't gotten a teaching job. So we geared up for another semester of teaching. But.....a week and a half ago, a teaching job opened up! Not only just a job, but the grade he wanted to teach at the exact school he wanted to teach! AND HE GOT THE JOB! Mana from Heaven, we are so pumped! And so thankful!

Now that you are over the shock of me getting up so early, here are some photos from his classroom that I snapped with my phone last night:

I'm so proud of you sweetie! Hope your first day is great!