Every December, I sit down and write the highlights from our year. I send the letter along with our Christmas card to family. Here is our 2021 in review:
2021 flew by! I feel like as we get older, the years are shorter.
We kicked off the year by celebrating my beautiful Mom’s 60th birthday! We got our nails done, went to church, and had dinner at a small, elegant Italian restaurant downtown.
In May, Jermaine and I finished the 2020/2021 school year. The school year had many challenges as well as lots of opportunities for growth. I taught a hybrid class the entire school year. I started the school year with 4 face to face students and 14 virtual students. By the end of the year, 14 were face to face and 4 were virtual.
I had three days off and then started teaching summer school the following week. The first day of summer school was my 30th birthday. My Mom came and stayed with us for a week to celebrate my birthday. We went to a tapas style restaurant for my birthday. I love when my Mom comes and visits! She makes me feel so special and loved.
In June, Jermaine and I celebrated two years of marriage. We celebrated at the Don Cesar in St. Pete Beach. The Don Cesar is a luxurious, pink hotel. We had a room with a balcony that overlooked one of the pools and the ocean. I loved watching the sun set over the ocean at night from our balcony. We also went jet skiing, paddleboarding, and rode bikes to an ice cream shop. We love adventure!
At the beginning of July, I went with my Mom to Des Moines, Iowa. We spent one whole day at the mall. When we finally left, someone had left a note on our car asking if we were an employee. I also got to see the Iowa capital for the first time. What a stunning building! Even though our purpose for being in Iowa was a very sad one, my Great Aunt Beverly passed away and we were celebrating her life, I got to see my Great Aunt Judy, Great Uncle Jerry, and Great Aunt Barb. I hadn’t seen them in 20 years. I am so thankful to have/had such amazing Great Aunts and Uncles in my life.
At the end of July, I finished summer school and started setting up my new classroom. I had to move one classroom over because this school year, I am the 3rd Grade Team Leader. I lead six other 3rd grade teachers. I also have 20 students this year, 11 boys and 9 girls.
In August, Jermaine became a certified running coach, in addition to his job as a Math Coach at a local elementary school. He currently trains 10 athletes. He enjoys getting to know each athlete and helping them reach their fullest potential.
In September, Jermaine was selected to be on the poster for the OUC Orlando Half Marathon. The poster was hung in 80 Publix grocery stores around Orlando!
In November, my parents and their two cats, Axl Rose and Rocky Bruce, came for Thanksgiving. When they arrived Thanksgiving morning, I had prepared a quiche, gluten free coffee cake, and a bowl of fruit. We ate on my Grandma Muth’s China. My Mom told me that the breakfast was amazing. That made my heart so happy since I am not an avid baker/chef.
At the beginning of December, Jermaine ran the OUC Orlando Half Marathon. As he ran, I handed out peanut butter sandwiches to the homeless around the lake in downtown Orlando. The smile on one man’s face made my week! Serving others sets my soul on fire.
Between Thanksgiving break and Christmas break, we only have 3 weeks of school. On the last day before break, we have a holiday party. This year, I made alcohol ink ornaments with my students. I coated the inside of clear, glass ornaments with polycrylic protective finish. Waited 20 minutes to let the excess drip out of the ornament and then, I put a few drops of alcohol ink inside. Finally, you pour fine glitter inside and shake. They turned out so neat! I hope when they look at the ornament 10 years from now, they talk fondly of Mrs. Lamar’s third grade class.
At the beginning of the week, my parents celebrated 35 years of marriage! I am SO excited for them. They are a great example for Jermaine and I. I love my parent’s love for each other.
We are excited to see what God has in store for our family in 2022! I will be lacing up my running shoes in the coming year. I will be running the Princess Half Marathon at Disney in February and my Mom, Jermaine, and I will be running a 10k at Disney in April.
We hope you and your family have a healthy and prosperous 2022!
Sending hugs from The Sunshine State!
Peace & Love,
Molly
Molly Lamar 