Sweet Home Alabama

Jason and I have been back in Montgomery a little over 3 weeks. We've been able to spend a lot of time with my family. This includes playing our Aunt Boo and Uncle Jason roles quite a bit. Here are some pictures of our nephews:
Levi's Playtime

Our 4th of July cake we made together. My favorite quote: Bryce said, "Aunt Boo, how come you have to make your own birthday cake?"

Summertime in the pool


I turned 27 this month and to celebrate, my sweet friend Jessica and my BFF sister, Delta went out to dinner together while the boys stayed at home with the little boys.

Happy Anniversary!

Jason and I have been in Montgomery for about 2 weeks now. We're enjoying being with my family and helping out my sister as needed. We're still waiting to move into our home on August 1 and are blessed to have parents willing to take us in.

Just recently, on the 10th, Jason and I celebrated our four years of marriage. One year was spent in our beloved city of Chattanooga. The other three were spent in Massachusetts at seminary. All four years have been a true blessing from the Lord as we're learning daily how to bring the Lord glory in our marriage. I have loved this gift of marriage, love my wonderful husband, and look forward to starting our newest chapter: Post-Seminary...

Packing Up

It is bittersweet to leave what's been our home for three years. We're in the midst of saying goodbyes, packing, cleaning, and eating at our favorites places one last time. On Friday I had to say goodbye to my students and coworkers, who I may never see again. It was such a touching time to have sharing with them what they've meant to me. I gave my kids an ice cream party and handed them awards. When I finished, they came up to me and gave me letters they'd written to me. I read them aloud and grew teary. At the end, some of them gave me hugs. One of my students that I've had for two years who is on the autism spectrum, walked up to me and said, "Mrs. Bintz...I'll miss you." He voluntarily wrapped his arms around my neck and I boo-hooed. I can't explain how precious it is to have a student who does not usually show any affection to do that. I have loved these kids and pray that I can have a job similar to this. So, it was hard to say goodbye. I'm so thankful God gave me this opportunity to work with these people and kids.
Now, Jason is helping another friend move out and we're nearly done packing things up in here--as pictured below:

We're very excited to begin our new chapter in life. Please pray for a safe trip as we drive 1300 miles! For those of you in the South...we are truly looking forward to seeing you again and more often.

Spring time in Boston

During Memorial Day weekend, we went to Boston's EarthFest with friends. We just relaxed by the Charles River and listened to bands play at the Hatch Shell. We girls got up and collected lots of yummy free food from the Earth Fest vendors like salad, trail mix, granola bars, drinks, etc. (Don't worry Southern friends--we still love fried, fatty food too!) Spring is a time Boston loves to celebrate the first glimpses of warmish weather. Maybe the warm air will be here to stay soon--but we'll be missing that New England summer this year as we head South in just ten days!
Me and my sweet husband

The girls with the Free Food bags

Me, Jason, Megan, and Adam and Jessica

The crowd:

Field Trip to Plimoth Plantation

I had the privilege of getting to go with the third graders to visit Plimoth Plantation. (http://www.plimoth.org/) The third grade teachers made sure that I didn't leave Massachusetts without seeing this site. It was a wonderful experience--I think I enjoyed it as much as my students, if not more. We spent time walking around a mock 1627 village of Plimouth and talking with the Pilgrims, and walking in their homes as we watched them making their food, clothing, and homes. Then, we got to see a mock Wampanoag village. Here are some pictures of the sites.
The 1627 Village

One of the Pilgrims shared with us about life on the plantation and his journey getting there.

A Wampanoag wetu

A Wampanoag showing us how they built their wetus.

We're Moving!

Well, after much praying and deliberating, Jason and I have decided to move to Montgomery, AL. He's accepted a position at Trinity Presbyterian School teaching Math and I am looking for a teaching job in the area. This has been a season of learning how to discern the best place for us to move and truly wanting to go where the Lord wants us to be. We believe that this is a place where we can grow as a family and glorify the Lord with our gifts. We'll be moving as soon as my school finishes up here. We're so excited to be around my family and be more a part of their lives!

So, many goodbyes are in order as we've made this beautiful New England area our home for three solid years. It has truly been a wonderful experience as I look back. Though the long winters have been trying at times, we have been in a place where we are minutes from the ocean, minutes from beautiful walks, historical sites, and have been challenged to make a home in an unknown area. God has used this time to teach me so much about my faith--trusting in Him for strength to work in the public schools and share His love with friends there, trusting in Him for a church home, for friends, wisdom in our marriage, and trusting in Him for our future plans. We serve a God who is Faithful to carry out His promises of providing for his children for all we need and more!
Here are some recent pictures of friends and the beauty of our area.

Dad's Visit to Boston

Doesn't Dad look kinda like McEnroe from these views??


On Thursday I heard on the radio about the Champions Cup Tournament in Boston with Jim Courier, John McEnroe, and lots of other great names. I emailed my dad, the biggest tennis fan I know, and asked if he was interested. By Friday afternoon he'd bought plane tickets and I had bought tickets for the Saturday events in Boston. We got to see McEnroe beat Justin Gimelstob, Aaron Krickstein beat Pernfors, and then a fun doubles match of Courier and Mal Washington vs. Gimelstob and Ferrera. It was like watching the Globe Trotters tennis-style. They were really candid and fun, not to mention talented! This was a true treat for both my Dad and me. We were able to get some decent pictures and an autograph of Johnny Mac and Mal Washington!
Then, on Sunday we toured the North Shore of Boston--Gloucester, Newburyport, and Portsmouth, NH. What a great Father/Daughter weekend!