Christmas is Coming! :-)

For some reason, I am soooooo excited for Christmas this year! Like with the Thanksgiving Holiday, I think much of the reason is because of the 27 kiddos that I see throughout my week! It's hard not to share in their enthusiasm and find humor in their reactions to everything! I find my aide and I looking at each other and trying not to laugh quite a bit throughout the day. I put up all of my Christmas decorations today, well almost all of them! But still, the fact is that my decorations will be up for at least one solid month! I may regret saying this later, but I'm also looking forward to the first snow! (The potential of snow days helps with the future snow fall as well!!!!) It's almost like being a kid again and being back in the good ol' days of childhood! How can that be anything but good?! My financial situation, while not off the charts, has slightly improved and that adds excitement for Christmas shopping as well! Let the season begin!!! :-)

Just some thoughts . . .

All I have to say is that sometimes I really wonder what the heck I'm thinking. I wish I was able to be stronger about certain things in my life. I guess that will ultimately be up to me when I am able and ready to accomplish it. The unknown can be scary sometimes. I think it's that fear which holds me back. I honestly feel that I've never intentionally set out to negatively impact anyone else- yet, it seems that even so, I inadvertently have hurt people that I am thankful for. I hope that these people know that I am blessed because of their presence, whether or not I say it (or act it) enough. The Thanksgiving holiday has hit me differently this year, and I honestly believe that this is due to my 27 kindergarteners. They have such a way of presenting the simplest things and because the meaning of the holiday is being discussed together, it makes me think about the fundamentals again. I'm thankful for the few days off from work, but am even more thankful for the days that I am working and the job that I have!

And there goes another year . . . GLADLY!

I have to say that thinking over this past year, 26 is going to be far better than 25. WOW was 25 hard for me! As I recall back some of the text that I had read in 20 something, 20 everything written by Christine Hassler, the twenties are a HUGE transition stage in one's life. I most definitely suggest this book to anyone in their twenties, no matter how confident or content you feel you may be at the moment. I don't know anyone who couldn't use a little confidence boost from time to time. In fact, I bought both of my sisters copies of this book for them to read. Like the nerd I am, I highlighted and took notes in the margins of this text! It really has helped me numerous times through the last couple of years. There is just so much pressure on females within this age group to be successful and multi-faceted! I know that I am more relaxed in saying all of this because I feel as though I have FINALLY and ACTUALLY accomplished a personal goal as of recently! I do know though that there are going to be moments in my future regarding my career and personal life where I feel unsettled. Here's to hoping that I have some time before I begin to feel disappointed in my growth and achievement of other goals!!! Meanwhile, I am excited to begin a new chapter and am actually very ready for the holidays, as well as the following new year! 2010!

Parent/Teacher Conferences! Oh My!

Tomorrow night will be my first night of parent conferences done all on my own! I'm feeling pretty well prepared and am actually eager to have some one-on-one time with all of my kiddos' parents. It's just going to be a LONG night. With 27 students, both of my conference nights will be packed! And as we all know, they never run smoothy on schedule. So, I am prepared to be there well over an hour after the last conference is scheduled at 7:15. Here's to hoping that I am pleasantly surprised! I hope that I am able to express the progresses of my students in the best possible way and that none of the parents' questions leave me searching for words! :-0