The Life . . . As We Know It!

Lucky Dog~!

I couldn't help but share the silly ways in which our dog chooses to relax! Wouldn't it be grand to lay around all day??! Oh well, I guess that I can't say much at the moment seeing as I have been behaving much in the same way this past week! Christmas break is a wonderful thing! I have been doing some thinking about New Year's as well....... I feel that I should make more of an effort to create and follow through with resolutions this year. I have much more to be grateful for and a different reference point as my foundation for the year.

I guess, really, I am as lucky as our Bud-man! I am very fortunate to be working within a Catholic school as well. I didn't realize how settled my beliefs had become, in positive and negative ways. It's so easy to become unaware of the small miracles, the simple blessings . . . I hope that I will never again become so unappreciative of the great things in life that show themselves in the simplest of forms! I've never been one to preach to others about their faith (or lack thereof), so in some ways I find it difficult to "teach" this topic to my students. I love watching and listening to them as they express themselves about God though. This motivates and encourages me to continue on and helps direct me in the ways in which I discuss our faith with them! There's nothing more humbling than the young, innocent hearts and minds of children! One morning one of my girls told me that she had been visited by an angel in her sleep the night before! I asked her what the angel said to her and she responded, "Don't be afraid!" . . . I couldn't help but smile. It made me feel good that she obviously put her whole heart into our discussions! I honestly feel that's what public schools are missing! I love the fact that I can share that with my students! During every school mass, I pray with my whole heart to be provided with the guidance that I need in order to aid my students in their educational and spiritual growth! Here's to a great 2010! I love that I have another week off, but I can also honestly say that I miss my 27 energetic kindergarters! Who would've thought??!!

Traveling Home for Christmas!

Kevin's On His Way (Again)!

Christmas is almost here! I'm glad for the light snow covering the ground and hope that the rain doesn't get rid of it before Christmas morning! I just made a huge pot of chili, corn bread muffins, and chocolate cake to have Christmas Eve! I'm so excited for Christmas this year! Things have been going so well, even with the economy and its ups and downs! I know that we will be able to overcome any potential glitches and will find the new year to be a great one! I'm praying that everyone is safe this Holiday season and that the very best comes to family and friends in 2010!

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

:-) School Days

I have to say that I think I have the best job in the world! While the pay could be better (tons better), I have left school every day thinking about these 27 kids entrusted to me. It's so rewarding! I am so proud of the progress that they have made in the two short weeks we have been together. Ashley, my aide, deserves much of the credit for that as well. She's been a great partner who I will be sad to lose next year. While I totally understand that it is in her best interest to look for her own classroom, and that this gig serves merely to help us out and provide her with valuable "experience" for her resume, it is not the reason she put the time in to earn her teaching license.

This past week was the first week of changes within "MY" classroom. The students' play centers were shifted to the end of the day and they were introduced to "learning" centers. While they struggled to be interdependent among their groups the first day, the following days were awesome! I was so proud of them for working so quietly and well on Tuesday especially. The biggest struggle for me at this point is getting them to understand that I cannot have 27 hands tapping me at the same time or shouting out at me for something. As I was telling a colleague just yesterday, I feel as if I have to be the strictest with this right now from the beginning. I don't want to be insensitive to them BUT they have yet to be taught the ways of school or the appropriate means of gaining the attention of a teacher (or adult). Most of my students are either youngests or onlys. You can imagine the dynamic this creates with a class roster of 27 students. I don't mean this to be a negative comment, merely that most of my students are accustomed to having constant help and undivided attention. Obviously, this isn't possible in any classroom because of the normal teacher/student ratio.

We'll get there though. Like I said, they have made a great deal of progress already. I have had three different comments made about how much more they appear to be on-task as other's pass by our classroom!!! YAY! That's a great thing to hear! And I have to say that I have great people in my life- amazing people who want to see me succeed and support me in providing our little youngsters with the best possible education! I have to say that I am loving this more than I had ever thought I would. All of the fear, hesitation, doubts- it's all in the past. I'm so thankful.