I can’t believe I am sitting down to write another edition of “Our Year in Review.” We have so much to be thankful for in 2022.
We kicked off the year by celebrating my beautiful Mom’s 61st birthday in Gainesville! I took her to a beautiful nail spa called Enso, A Healthier Nail Boutique. They are the first “10-free and fume-free” nail salon in Gainesville. They use healthier alternatives and cruelty- free products. The owner also makes her own bath bombs that they use in the pedicures. We sipped on a seasonal, winter cocktail as we enjoyed manicures and pedicures. Spending girl time with my Mom makes my heart so, so happy!
In May, Jermaine and I finished the 2021/2022 school year and we had a lot to celebrate. I successfully completed my first year as 3rd Grade Team Leader. I led six other 3rd grade teachers. I also started the year without a teammate, so I was running two classes for a few weeks until they could hire another teacher. Jermaine’s school improved from a school grade of a D to a B. His school’s math scores were amazing due to his leadership as Math Coach. We both enjoyed a couple days off and then started teaching summer school the following week.
I went home a few weeks before my birthday to celebrate with my parents. They surprised me with an outfit complete with jewelry and a purse. On Saturday night, we went to church and then had dinner at Prime & Pearl, one of Gainesville’s newest fine dining experiences. The food was fabulous! For dessert, my parents surprised me with a tiramisu cake, made by a local bakery. Fun Fact: I don’t drink coffee, but I love tiramisu! My parents make every life event SO special.
In June, Jermaine and I celebrated three years of marriage. Every year, we go back to The Alfond, where we had our reception for dinner at Hamilton’s Kitchen. Our meal was delicious as usual.
In July, we celebrated our anniversary again by taking our annual summer trip. This year, we headed north to the panhandle of Florida. We stayed at The Pearl in Rosemary Beach, which is known for its charming architecture and sugar sand beaches. Our room had a doorbell and after a few minutes of being in our room, a hotel attendant came to our room with a platter of crackers and pimento cheese. We went on bike rides, perused the shops, took walks in the neighborhood after dinner, and watched the sunset on the beach. It was such a romantic trip! I cannot wait to go back!
At the end of July, I started setting up my new classroom. I have 19 students this year, 9 boys and 10 girls.
In August, Jermaine and I were both named Teacher of the Year at our respective schools. This is by far one of the most special memories of 2022! Being voted by your colleagues as Teacher of the Year, is such an honor and a dream come true of mine. The recognition dinner and ceremony will be held in February 2023. Since this is such a special time for both us and our families, Jermaine’s mom and my parents will be joining us at the dinner.
In November, my parents came for Thanksgiving. We had dinner at Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant. My parents had traditional Thanksgiving, Jermaine had pasta, and I had chicken. We also celebrated my Dad’s 65th birthday. Jermaine and I made him a sign with candy bars. When my parents left, they also took their two cats, Axl Rose and Rocky Bruce with them. I watched their cats for about 5 weeks while they had the flooring replaced in parts of their house. Even though taking care of four cats is a lot of work, I was sad to see them go home with my parents. Their boys are young and active. They kept me on my toes and the house loud!
In December, my parents celebrated 36 years of marriage! I am so thankful for the love that they have for each other. They love to exercise with each other and go on dates!
We are excited to see what God has in store for our family in 2023! I will be lacing up my running shoes again in the coming year. I will be walking/running the Walt Disney World Marathon virtually with my Mom at the end of January. Yes, my Mom is going to accomplish her first ever MARATHON. That is 26.2 glorious miles! I love my Mom’s spunk and perseverance. She does not let anything stop her. Then, in April, Jermaine and I will be running a 10k at Disney!
We hope you and your family have a healthy and prosperous 2023!
Sending hugs from The Sunshine State!
Peace & Love,
Molly, Jermaine, and our children with fur, Ella and Oliver
Molly Lamar 