Routines, Prayer Meeting, and Bruises

I can't believe it's been over a week since I've posted! I've been working really, really hard to get into a routine since I've been back to school. I guess I've not done a good job at making blogging a part of it.

The first few months of school seem to be some of the busiest with extra nights at school for Parent Orientation, Open House, and Conferences. Not to mention all the meetings. I'm making it a point to be more conservative and eat only at home during the week. So, I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to fix dinner, work out, keep things in order at home (laundry and cleaning) and finish work I've brought home while making time for family and even a little relaxation. I must say, it's nearly impossible on nights like tonight when I don't get home until 8:30. Oh, well. I'm not giving up. Things will slow down and I'll get it all figured out!

Enough complaining, I want to share something positive. My class this year is so sweet! They are kind to one another, work hard, and are eager to please. They are reminding me why I love teaching. On Fridays we have our weekly Class Meeting. During this time we talk about things that are concerning them. One little boy shared a sad story. After hearing it, another little boy said, "I'm going to pray for you." How amazing is that? Before I knew it 2 more people had their hands up with prayer requests for the class. I must say it was a first!

Finally, Chase (my 12 year old nephew) found out today that he made the A team in football! I'm so proud of him and the way he gives 100% in all sports that he plays. Last Friday I heard that he came home with some unbelievable bruises from football practice. I went over to check them out. I was speechless! It made me hurt for him to just look at them. Check them out for yourself.

He wasn't complaining, but was celebrating! Boys! Oh, well. It's like I always say, if you're going to be hurting, you might as well have something to show for it!

I guess that's all for tonight. Not a whole lot, but at least I'm working on putting blogging back into my routine!

Finally

I received a text from "him" on the first day of school. Can you believe that? I mean, it's been almost a year since he last attempted to make contact. This time he sent a picture of himself. Sometimes I wish I knew what he was thinking or what he hoped to accomplish. Still, I am so thrilled to report that, for the first time in 4 years, it didn't get me down. While there were feelings of confusion and bewilderment, I wasn't tempted to call him and I haven't been plagued by constant thoughts of him and how much I'd like to talk to him again. While I have yet to delete the picture and his number, I'm still celebrating the fact that this is such a HUGE milestone for me! I'm so thankful that God brought me through, and He used so many of you to do just that! To all of you, and you know who you are, thank you for talking me "off the ledge" so many, many times. Thank you for tirelessly lending an ear and speaking truth to me, even when it wasn't what I wanted to hear. I love you all!

Future Reader

The other night we were riding home from Chase's basketball game. I was in the middle of rereading Twilight and was carrying it with me to read whenever there was a spare moment or two. While I was reading, Ethan said that he needed a book to read, but that his Momma didn't pack him one so he needed to borrow my "chapter book". He was so cute as he proceeded to read. He was so proud of himself and felt so big. (And we all know how important that is to Ethan.) I couldn't help but share because I thought it was too cute!

I'm a proud Aunt! He's already mastered several parts of early literacy. He holds the book the right way, knows which way to turn the pages, and knows that the letters form words that work together to make a story. Good job, Tina! You must have been reading to this boy as he's been growing up!!

Ready or Not

Ready or not, today was the first day of school! I was probably more ready than I ever have been before, and I should have been considering all the help I had. Today went as good as a first day could have gone. The first several weeks of school are definitely not my favorite as I spend the majority of the time teaching procedures and rituals. I always forget how well trained last year's class really was. I have a group of sweet, energetic kids who are excited about being at school. Who could complain about that?

Every year I take pictures of my room at the beginning of the year, so I thought I'd post them so you could have a tour of my classroom.

This bulletin board will be used to "spotlight" student work.Jen was so sweet and made me a tea-towel with my name embroidered on it. I thought it was just too cute to dry my hands with, so I framed it. I LOVE it!
This bookshelf behind my desk holds frequently used teacher books and curriculum cards. The cart beside it holds all kinds of stuff like Expo markers, sharpies, pencils, pens, markers, paper, stamps, stickers, etc...
This is the math bulletin board - nothing special. We'll add to it as we go.

This is the Reading corner. It took forever the first year I sorted all the books, but it was well worth the time! Now, it stays this organized all year! I've also included a picture of Mom as she helped me put all the books out this year. This is a view of the back of the room. I use the wall as a Social Studies and Science bulletin board. Again, we add to it as we go. The table is where I'll conference with students on their writing and what they're reading.

This shows the bookshelves, writing wall, and back corner. Hidden back there is the students' mailboxes. I love that they're hidden!

Here are our class jobs. Finally, here's a picture of the hall display, or the beginning of it anyway. I saw the idea in a magazine and fell in love with it. It says, "We All Fit In!". Each student made a puzzle piece today and added to mine. Below it we put a quote by Helen Keller. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. Thanks, Kelly, for finding the quote. It fits perfectly!!

That's it. Here's to hoping that tomorrow is even better than today!

Happy Birthday, Dad! It's been a beautiful day to celebrate! The horseback ride this morning was perfect and I'm looking forward to spending more time celebrating you this evening with all our family.

Dad, you've always been the one I've turned to for direction, advice, and wisdom. (I know countless others do, too.) I'm so proud and honored to call you Dad. I have so much fun hanging out with you. Whether we're teasing, debating, or you're teaching me something new, I always enjoy our conversations! I pray that God will send me a husband that can be the leader and provider of the household the way you were for our family. I love you, Dad!!

Little Change, BIG Difference

Ok, so you know I've been working in the classroom, right? Well, today Mom came and helped me. Today's mission was bulletin boards! First, we went to Wal-Mart to buy material, ribbon, and tubs for books. We then headed to IPA and Mardel to find the perfect border for our material. I think we made it to school around 1:00. We worked for the next couple of hours and got them all done! I only have pictures of my favorite one, though. (More to come later when everything is finished.) This is the bulletin board behind my desk. The color scheme was inspired by some new, fun file folders I bought earlier this summer. For this little corner behind my desk I wanted something that was not "kiddie". I wanted something that I loved and that made me feel good. Do you notice how well the new lamp goes, too? (Gotta love Target!) The material over the refrigerator and under the stereo is chocolate with turquoise polka-dots. It coordinates perfectly with the border. I have to say, "Mission accomplished!"

Thanks, Mom, for coming to crawl on top of desks and bookshelves to get the job done! Thank you for the sweet gift of all the material. I just love it!! You really know how to get things done!

How could I have forgotten to take your picture? No worries! I'll catch you next time! ;)

Extreme Makeover: Classroom Edition

I've spent the day working in my classroom. Usually, the first day in the classroom is overwhelming, exhausting, and I accomplish very little. This was NOT the case today. I called in "professional" help! That's right, People! I'm fortunate enough to be friends with a special little lady who could organize her way out of anything! While there were 1 or 2 moments that I felt overwhelmed today (and I'm not sure why I felt that way as she was doing all the work), Jen kept me going with her great ideas and I had an absolutely WONDERFUL day!! It was so much fun picking her brain and getting her opinion on things I was unsure of. We got SO much done today. So much, that if I had to, I could have students tomorrow. Can you believe that? The first day in the classroom and I can say that!! That's never happened before. Here's the proof:

Here's all the things I've accumulated this summer that needed to go school.
Here's what we started with: (Keep in mind, the custodians were nice enough to put things back according to a diagram I left them. All but the student desks, that is.)Ta-da!! Here's the finished product: (Can you see those beautifully organized bookshelves where everything has a place and a label?)

Check out this room arrangement! I'm loving it!!

Every drawer in my desk looks this good!!

Jen, I could never, never adequately express how grateful and appreciative I am that you would give up a day and spend it helping me. Thank you for not laughing at my obsession with paper clips, notepads, binder clips, markers/pens and the way I horde them. Thank you for being patience and kind when you told me it was ok to throw things away. I love knowing that everything has a place and that I'm starting the year out right! I love you, Girlie and loved, loved, loved spending the day with you. I always feel so good after our times together!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Mom, I'm so thankful for today because it means I get to celebrate YOU!

You are such a loving, serving, compassionate person. You are always willing to help others whether that means listening, advising, or serving. With my whole heart I believe you are a big reason why getting married and having a family means so much to me. I want to be for my future family what you've always been for all of for us. I want to be the kind of wife that puts my husband needs above my own. I want to look for ways to make his life easier. For my kids I want to be their confidant and friend, but when necessary deliver tough love. I grew up watching you live out all of this and more!

You are definitely the glue in our family, the one that holds us all together. I think you're truly amazing and I want to be more like you! I hope that today we are able to give you just a glimpse into how much we love and adore you!

UPDATE: Tina, Tonya, and I took Mom to Mr. Yen's for lunch. Grana met us there, too. (Michelle, we missed you!)

Saturday evening we had a little get together where we watched some old home movies and played games.

Mom's so special we couldn't get all the celebrating done in one day!

Check, Check, Check!

Remember that very long summer "to do" list I posted about a month ago? Well, I've actually accomplished some of those chores and thought I share the results with some before and after pictures.

#3. Clean out and organize garage

#5. Reorganize closet in the Laundry Room (Oops! No before pic for this one.)

#6. Clean out and reorganize cabinet in my bathroom (I can't believe I'm actually showing you the before picture of this one!!)

#7. Wash and wax car, clean interior

#20. Reseal and stain deck

Here are the other things I accomplished, but don't have pictures of:

#9. Teach Chloe to "come"!! - Although she does not come 100% of the times she's called, she is much better at this. She now gets let out in the backyard without her leash and will come back in the first time she's called (or bribed!).

#10. Transfer old family videos to DVD - This is a work-in-progress. At least it's started though, right? When I'm all done, I'm going to have my family over to watch some of them. They're great!!

#14. Read, read, read!!! - Didn't get as much of this done as I would have liked...unless blogs count! I did finish a couple of books though.

#15. Organize pictures on laptop - I organized my itunes with some new playlists, too!

#17. Do a better job of updating school blog - I updated about once a week. I'm pleased with that!

#18. Clean out magazine holder - I'm proud to say it no longer tips over!

#19. Reorganize pantry - Looks great!

#21. Spend quality time with friends and family - Yes, yes, yes! This is what made my summer so wonderful!

August 2, 2009

Are you believing this weather? It's absolutely wonderful, isn't it? Are you enjoying the weekend outside? I have been! I mowed the yard yesterday evening and couldn't help taking some pictures because I've never seen grass so green in AUGUST!

With that, I'm headed out to enjoy this unseasonable weather!