Laura Burciaga

Summer is officially here & it feels so good! Last week I packed up my classroom and Friday said my good-bye’s after turning in my keys. It felt kinda strange to see my classroom empty and to be saying good-bye because this has been my workplace for nearly 3 years. I feel blessed to be beginning a new season and a new job. I cannot tell you how light I feel, like a 2 ton weight of bricks that has been on shoulders for 3 years is gone!!! I feel so much peace about where the Lord is taking me.

This week, I have been catching up with friends, old and new. Saturday, a big group of us went to Campania’s Pizza in Southlake Town Square to celebrate the end of my teaching career. It was so fun and laid back. Their pizza is so good! Sunday, my husband and I relaxed and decided last minute Sunday to go to Six Flags! Ha! We have not been there since we were dating and we felt like “kids” again! It was nice because it was in the evening, so the temperature was a little cooler (not much though) and there were no lines. Monday, I worked out, hit up Ulta for some new make-up, and then several of us got together to watch the Bachelorette. What do you guys think of Ali? I think she is really cute and fun, kind of a “girl next door” type.

We laughed so hard at Chris N. (I think that’s his name) because he seems to be lurking in the background in every shot with the strangest look on his face! I don’t think he and & Ali have even talked, but she keeps giving him a rose! He is the one on the right. We discussed that it is possible that he and Ali have talked and the footage has been edited out, because maybe he makes it really far?? I guess we’ll have to see

We all like Roberto! Something about Latin men

Then last night, we had our young adults group at church and got to see a lot of friends that I hardly see because work has kept me so busy! It’s been WONDERFUL to see old friends and catch up with new ones! I’m learning that people are so important and it’s vital to have a network of close friends surrounding you. Work is very important, and I completely believe in giving 110% percent at your workplace and having good work ethic, but people and relationships are even more important. I’m excited to be able to have more time to devote to my husband and family and friends.

In celebration of summer, I’m posting some pics with black and white stripes. I love black and white stripes and something about it feels so summery to me!

PS- I’m going to work on taking more pictures and posting them, as well as blogging more than once a month!

I am thrilled to announce that there are 11 days of school left!!!!! Hallelujah!! It feels SO good to FINALLY be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is almost within reach!!! I am so ready and thankful that it is coming to an end. You see, this school year has been full of storms. This was my 3rd year, and most say that the 3rd year is supposed to be the best year… um, yeah. Not so much. It almost killed me. No exaggeration. Never in my life have I encountered so many challenges nor had so many personal attacks made against me… but ya know what? Through it all, I have come to know the Lord on a deeper level. I have come to know Him as my Father, my Defender, the One I can trust when there is no one I can trust. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have known the Lord and walked with Him for many years, since being saved at age 3. But during these past 3 years, especially the past few months, I could not have gotten by without Him. He has won my heart over all over again. He has prepared a table for me in the midst of my enemies, literally. So, in light of the storms of the past, the end of this school year is especially significant, in more ways than one. It also marks the end of this chapter of my life and the beginning of a new one… And I am filled with joy!

Happy Easter and Passover!! I hope everyone has had a wonderful day with family and friends! Easter festivities are fun, but remember the true meaning of it all! Our depravity deserves death, but Jesus had mercy upon mankind and died the ultimate death, in our place. He took the sins and sickness of the world upon Him and died a terrible death. He experienced unimaginable pain and torment at the hands of you and I. But He was willing to make that sacrifice so that we could be redeemed!! Our death sentence was paid for by Jesus!! I am eternally grateful that He died in my place. But the Good News is that death could not hold my Jesus in the grave!! He arose on the third day with new life!! Something that has changed my life recently and brought everything to a new level for me was when I heard my pastor share that Jesus not only died for me– He LIVED for me!! He not only paid my debts and died a sinner’s death, but He lived a perfect and righteous life in my place!! Because I cannot!! No matter how hard I try, my best attempts fall WAY short. God deserves nothing short of perfection, but I can never have the perfect life that He deserves. The good news is that Jesus lived in my place and there is grace for me! This is not a license to sin all I want; on the contrary, it makes me WANT to live for Him! And He gives me the POWER to live for Him! What amazing freedom we have in Christ Jesus!!

“God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ–by grace you have been saved– and raised up with Him… For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2: 4-6, & 8

That is what Easter is truly about! Praise God!

Wow, it sure has been awhile since I last blogged! Time sure has flown by and so much has happened. I have wanted to blog many-a-time, but it seems that the pressure and demands of every day life has taken precedence lately. In fact, life has been more stressful than usual lately. However, this week has been Spring Break, and let me tell you, it was a much needed and deserved break. Teachers definitely get the benefit of wonderful holidays and summers off, but let me tell you, they are much deserved. So during this week off, I furiously scrubbed my house, caught up on laundry, and went grocery shopping (things  teachers frequently do during time off ) in preparation for a special visit from my favorite cousin from Georgia!! It was so special to have her here with us for the week. We had beautiful weather and spent a lot of time showing her the city, eating out, and sleeping in. I will hopefully post pics soon.

In other news, I found a photo that serves as an inspiration photo of sorts for my living room. I found it on La Dolce Vita.

Eric Roth Photography

I love the calming white color palette, the pendant light fixture, the contemporary sofas and armchairs. Aren’t the cowhide ottomans to die for?? LOVE. Now, I’m not loving the artwork between the curtain panels. Just too Pottery Barn-ish and I’ve seen it a million times. Equestrian photos, like the one above the fireplace, seem to be the rage right now.

I promise to blog more often. With that, I leave you.

Dear Blogging World,

I am proud to be a new member of the blogosphere.  I guess you could say that this is something I have thought about starting for awhile now (of course, this does not in any way imply that I have been a blog stalker for the past 12 months ). This is a place for me to journal my thoughts, ideas, experiences and connect with others in the process.

Here is a little about me:

I live in Texas and I love the South for its food, traditions, old fashioned manners, and big hair.

My husband and I have been married 2 1/2 years now and time sure has flown! I love being married and I am blessed to have a thoughtful, talented and wise Christian man as my partner in life.

I am a teacher. I love kids (well, most of the time I do). I love being able to see them learn and grow.

Interior Decorating is a passion of mine. I love making our home a beautiful and comfortable place to make memories. It is a creative outlet for me.

We have 2 dogs, six month old chihuahuas. They are brothers and they are so darn cute. They are spoiled to say the least.

I guess that is all for now. Have a Wonderful Sunday!