Yesterday I was angry. I was angrier than I have been in quite some time. I truly feel like it takes a lot to get me upset like that, but when I get that way, watch out. Just ask my parents or my husband. I'm pretty sure my dad even told Cody before he married me that he had yet to see me truly mad and to get ready for it.
I'm not proud of it, but it's something inside of me that I have to keep fighting.
Thank goodness for a great best friend/accountability partner that helped me through most of it yesterday. ;)
You see, we had a pretty nasty ice storm here in North Texas starting Thursday night. We all knew it was coming and my husband, who works for the power company, was already starting to put in long hours at work. They were all gearing up for the massive power outages that were expected. They were right - at one point I think there were 276,000 without power in North Texas alone. My husband was literally working around the clock, and at one point worked 33 hours before finally getting some sleep. Yes, they are supposed to have breaks, but it doesn't happen like it should - especially when you're higher up in the company.
Then the negative posts on Facebook started showing up - everything from calling Oncor lazy, saying how horrible they were, how unreliable they were, and as one person so eloquently put it, "Oncor sucks." Each comment made me angrier and angrier. I finally commented on one post (like my husband had asked me NOT to do) and put a status update of my own defending Oncor and the workers.
What I found was lots of support, but then people attacking the very people I was speaking against. That's when I knew what I did was wrong. I was no better than them complaining at that point. I was doing the exact same thing, but I felt entitled to it. I was defending my husband in my mind. But when I truly stopped to think about it, I knew it was wrong and I took both my post and status down. That's not the kind of example I want to be to my daughter. I can't very well teach her to ignore comments if I can't do the same.
What is it about people today that makes them feel so entitled? Is it the instant gratification society we live in now? We all feel like we are the center of the universe and that everyone else should be serving us. Forget that a power company called guys in from their vacations in Kansas (that happened to a guy at my husband's office), forget that there are workers driving on the VERY dangerous roads, forget that there are linemen working out in the elements, forget all that, because my goodness I DESERVE to have my power turned back on right now!
I wish I could say that I went to bed with a happy heart yesterday, but I didn't. I was still so very upset and actually very disappointed in myself for letting someone have that my control over my feelings. My husband was having to sleep at his office again and when I did have a few minutes to talk to him I could tell he was very stressed...and exhausted. It broke my heart. Meanwhile, those that were complaining were with their families and not working...just complaining. I even saw someone post something along the lines of, "Are the Oncor workers going to come put up our Christmas lights and drink the hot chocolate we should be drinking right now?" Really??? Guess what buddy? They aren't doing those things with their families either!
This morning I told myself (and a very good friend) that I just needed to stay off Facebook and ignore the people that were complaining. But again I didn't want let someone else's actions have control over me so I got on Facebook anyway.
I'm so glad I did.
One of my college professors posted that she had made 17 pancakes this morning and only got to eat one. Complaining? Nope. After that she said - thankful for growing boys!
Perspective my friends, perspective.
She didn't feel entitled to what she had worked for. She was joyful because of what she was able to give. She was thankful for what she had - not complaining about what she didn't have.
I needed this so much today.
She reminded me that we need to all stop feeling so entitled and count our blessings instead.
Yes, you might not have power in your house, but friend, you have a house. You have your family. You have kids! There are people out there they have none of those things! There are people in this world that don't know where their next meal is coming from and here we are complaining about losing a little bit of food from our fridge that we can easily replace later. I'm complaining about my husband not being home and there are military families that go months, and even years without seeing their family members.
Perspective.
So often we forget about our blessings. We forget that all the other days of the year we do have power. We forget the workers that make that possible. We forget that when our kids are driving us crazy that we are able to be parents while others are yearning for that very blessing.
I forget that others have to be away from their families when the weather is good for their jobs - car salesmen, retail, etc.
Shame on me.
It's a lot like how we forget all the good things God does for us on a daily basis. We forget that He woke us up this morning, yet we will be the first ones to ask why He lets something bad happen. We question things like why does my father-in-law have cancer, but think nothing of my second niece being born.
We all are so selfish - so self absorbed - so "me centered."
Someone else of Facebook posted this and I found so much truth in it. Let us all remember that there are others out there - some struggling, some that are better off than us, but we're all here friends. Let's try to all live together with a little be more compassion and empathy.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Sparkle 2013 - Day 8
Of course Sparkle took K up on her sweet offer. She left a note thanking her as well.
Sparkle 2013 - Day 7
One of K's favorite shows right now is Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and she plays with these toys all the time! Sparkle wanted to get in on the fun too!
I took this picture right after K went to bed. She told Sparkle that she didn't have to back to the North Pole in the ice storm and that she could stay at our house. She then took her scarf and made Sparkle a bed and even left a stuffed animal. Not one bit of that was prompted by Cody or me. I am so thankful for K's compassionate heart!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Sparkle 2013 - Day 5
We found Sparkle in the freezer this morning wrapped up in the new scarf that K's grandma made her! Guess she was missing the cold weather at the North Pole!
Monday, December 2, 2013
Sparkle 2013 - Day 4
Looks like Sparkle was itching to go to Disney World...me too Sparkle, me too. ;)
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Sparkle 2013 - Day 2
I brought home my class pets for the Thanksgiving break so they wouldn't freeze in my classroom. We have two hermit crabs - George and Captain America. Sparkle apparently thought K's Sebastian toys needed to go in the crab tank as well ;)
Sparkle is back!
Our scout elf made her return from the North Pole yesterday. K was more than excited to see her! As soon as Christmas decorations starting popping up in stores (you know, right before Halloween) she started to ask when Sparkle would come back to our house. I kept telling her the day after Thanksgiving, which in 5 year old time is a million years away. So to say K was happy to see her yesterday morning is an understatement.
I posted the first picture of Sparkle this year on Facebook to share with my family that is literally spread out across the globe and for my friends. I put a caption about how I didn't want to hear how creepy the elf was, or how bad of a mother I was for "lying" to my child, or that it was all a bit over the top. Last year, several comments were made - most in a passive aggressive way (posting right after I posted a picture, about how as a mother they would NEVER even dream of having an elf). I tend to take things like that more personally than I should...I wish I didn't, but I do. Hey, we all have our flaws. All that said, I have decided to post my Sparkle pictures here on my blog so that I'm not so annoying on Facebook. :)
Side soapbox here: why do we all feel like our way is better? I've seen so many people posting about this and that and how their way is THE way. Whether it's decorating before or after Thanksgiving, having your kids believe in Santa, if you have an elf or not, shop on Black Friday or stay home, etc. etc. etc. Who cares??? Everyone should do what is best for their family!!! Do what makes you and your family happy and forget what everyone else thinks! (I'm trying so hard to take my own advice here friends!)
Stepping off...
So, back to Sparkle. My friend Leigh Anne and I were texting on Thanksgiving and she asked me if Sparkle was going to be hosting a North Pole breakfast.
A what?
Let me just hop on over to Pinterest for a second....
Oh crap. That's a North Pole breakfast.
Well, heck yeah Sparkle is going to do that! Why? Because I didn't know about it and now I do, and I am so up for that challenge. I'm sure there is a support group out there for me somewhere.
So I went to pull out all those random Christmas cups, plates, etc. that students have given me over the years, and before I knew it my table was ready for a North Pole breakfast. Well, all expect for the actual food. K-cup hot chocolate - check. Anything else? Nope. And this was Thanksgiving y'all. And right as all the stores were opening up for Black Friday. Yeah....panic mode set in because I am not going to fight Black Friday crowds for breakfast foods.
Lucky for me, but not so lucky for him, my husband's boss had called and asked him to run several reports....on Thanksgiving. Yeah - he was pumped let me tell you. (I know, I know, he has a job and I'm very thankful for that, but I just wanted him to have a break for one day!) So Cody had not left for his traditional hunting trip just yet, and I did the "Honey I love you so much would you please just do this one tiny thing for me before you leave" face and he totally fell for it. I love that man more than he will ever know. So one trip to the convenient store later, I had doughnuts...okay, maybe two trips because apparently I failed to communicate that I wanted BOTH chocolate and powdered doughnuts instead of one or the other. I'm telling you - I married a saint y'all.
So a few cut chocolate chips and lots of senseless pretzel breaking later, I had Rudolph and Frosty doughnuts. Whip up a little letter on the computer - print - cut - finished.
North Pole breakfast - BAM!
K woke up the next morning singing, "Where is Sparkle, where is Sparkle? I don't know, I don't know!" That right there made it all so very worth it. Well, that and her face when she saw everything!
Sparkle also brought K her new Christmas pajamas and some matching ones for Caroline which she was so excited about!
I posted the first picture of Sparkle this year on Facebook to share with my family that is literally spread out across the globe and for my friends. I put a caption about how I didn't want to hear how creepy the elf was, or how bad of a mother I was for "lying" to my child, or that it was all a bit over the top. Last year, several comments were made - most in a passive aggressive way (posting right after I posted a picture, about how as a mother they would NEVER even dream of having an elf). I tend to take things like that more personally than I should...I wish I didn't, but I do. Hey, we all have our flaws. All that said, I have decided to post my Sparkle pictures here on my blog so that I'm not so annoying on Facebook. :)
Side soapbox here: why do we all feel like our way is better? I've seen so many people posting about this and that and how their way is THE way. Whether it's decorating before or after Thanksgiving, having your kids believe in Santa, if you have an elf or not, shop on Black Friday or stay home, etc. etc. etc. Who cares??? Everyone should do what is best for their family!!! Do what makes you and your family happy and forget what everyone else thinks! (I'm trying so hard to take my own advice here friends!)
Stepping off...
So, back to Sparkle. My friend Leigh Anne and I were texting on Thanksgiving and she asked me if Sparkle was going to be hosting a North Pole breakfast.
A what?
Let me just hop on over to Pinterest for a second....
Oh crap. That's a North Pole breakfast.
Well, heck yeah Sparkle is going to do that! Why? Because I didn't know about it and now I do, and I am so up for that challenge. I'm sure there is a support group out there for me somewhere.
So I went to pull out all those random Christmas cups, plates, etc. that students have given me over the years, and before I knew it my table was ready for a North Pole breakfast. Well, all expect for the actual food. K-cup hot chocolate - check. Anything else? Nope. And this was Thanksgiving y'all. And right as all the stores were opening up for Black Friday. Yeah....panic mode set in because I am not going to fight Black Friday crowds for breakfast foods.
Lucky for me, but not so lucky for him, my husband's boss had called and asked him to run several reports....on Thanksgiving. Yeah - he was pumped let me tell you. (I know, I know, he has a job and I'm very thankful for that, but I just wanted him to have a break for one day!) So Cody had not left for his traditional hunting trip just yet, and I did the "Honey I love you so much would you please just do this one tiny thing for me before you leave" face and he totally fell for it. I love that man more than he will ever know. So one trip to the convenient store later, I had doughnuts...okay, maybe two trips because apparently I failed to communicate that I wanted BOTH chocolate and powdered doughnuts instead of one or the other. I'm telling you - I married a saint y'all.
So a few cut chocolate chips and lots of senseless pretzel breaking later, I had Rudolph and Frosty doughnuts. Whip up a little letter on the computer - print - cut - finished.
North Pole breakfast - BAM!
K woke up the next morning singing, "Where is Sparkle, where is Sparkle? I don't know, I don't know!" That right there made it all so very worth it. Well, that and her face when she saw everything!
Sparkle also brought K her new Christmas pajamas and some matching ones for Caroline which she was so excited about!
Yep, that's her tongue sticking out folks. She's one classy gal. Also gotta love that bed head look she has going for her! ;)
So there you have it folks. Sparkle is back and going strong in our house! In a world where kids grow up way too quickly, I'm happy that we can have a little bit of Christmas magic in our house again this year.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Catching up
I swear I feel like the catching up part of my life never stops...but surprisingly I'm okay with it right now.
Let me explain.
I have TONS - y'all - TONS of housework to do. I haven't been to the grocery store in two weeks for a real good old fashion stock up on everything for the week trip. I have paper from school I need to file sitting neatly in my "To File" folder. I have pictures to print. I have cards to write and send. Cooking? Well..... we'll get back to that. I did mention my house is pretty much a wreck right?
But dad gum it, I really think that this is the best school year I've ever had in the making.
My class is amazing. I love the parents of my kiddos. I seriously keep waiting for something bad to happen, but it just doesn't. Trust me, it's nothing I did or am doing. I just have a great mix of kids this year.
K's school is hands down amazing. I was so worried about switching her schools this year, but I LOVE her new school. She has made some pretty awesome friends and her teacher is nothing short of phenomenal. I also cannot tell you how wonderful it is with her being less than five minutes from both my school and our house. We have so much more time together now and I love every single second of it.
These moments - with my family and with my class are moments I can't get back. Why should I stress over the little things when the little things WILL ALWAYS BE THERE. It's so crazy that it took me until now to realize that as soon as I finishing cleaning it's time to clean again. Or that when I finish one thing on my to-do list a bagillion others suddenly show up. I'd rather spend time reading with my kid or dancing around like a goob with my husband just to make K laugh. THAT is what living is for.
I'm not sure I'll ever truly catch up on what "they" say is important, but my goodness right now life is good. :)
Let me explain.
I have TONS - y'all - TONS of housework to do. I haven't been to the grocery store in two weeks for a real good old fashion stock up on everything for the week trip. I have paper from school I need to file sitting neatly in my "To File" folder. I have pictures to print. I have cards to write and send. Cooking? Well..... we'll get back to that. I did mention my house is pretty much a wreck right?
But dad gum it, I really think that this is the best school year I've ever had in the making.
My class is amazing. I love the parents of my kiddos. I seriously keep waiting for something bad to happen, but it just doesn't. Trust me, it's nothing I did or am doing. I just have a great mix of kids this year.
K's school is hands down amazing. I was so worried about switching her schools this year, but I LOVE her new school. She has made some pretty awesome friends and her teacher is nothing short of phenomenal. I also cannot tell you how wonderful it is with her being less than five minutes from both my school and our house. We have so much more time together now and I love every single second of it.
These moments - with my family and with my class are moments I can't get back. Why should I stress over the little things when the little things WILL ALWAYS BE THERE. It's so crazy that it took me until now to realize that as soon as I finishing cleaning it's time to clean again. Or that when I finish one thing on my to-do list a bagillion others suddenly show up. I'd rather spend time reading with my kid or dancing around like a goob with my husband just to make K laugh. THAT is what living is for.
I'm not sure I'll ever truly catch up on what "they" say is important, but my goodness right now life is good. :)
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Goodbye Summer!
Tomorrow I officially start back to work and K starts her new school. This summer was by far the best one I've had since becoming a teacher and it all boiled down to priorities.
I let some things go and made some more important. Basically it meant more family time and less worrying about school. In fact, I didn't go to anything school related (workshops, my classroom, etc.) until August. I've never done that before - even before I had Kaitlyn. But that decision allowed me to focus on my precious family and I don't regret a single second of it.
This summer I was able to get our new house unpacked (mostly...there is still that pesky garage). I was also able to spend some time decorating and updating. There is still so much of that to do!
We took our first BIG vacation as a family and had a blast!!!
K and I did some local things like Sea Life with my mom who retired last year.
I took a road trip with a wonderful friend and K to see some of my college friends and one of their new babies.
K and I spent hours at home doing "art projects", cooking, playing, giggling, and just being together.
I loved every single second of this summer and it taught me to pay more attention to my family because they need me and I need them.
I know my students need me 100% of the day when I'm there and that's exactly what they'll get. And I can't do my job the way I do without doing outside work. But I'm making a promise to myself that I will try not to do any work for school once I pick up K from her school until after she goes to bed. She needs me to be Mom once I'm home - not Mrs. Bush first. I know there will be meetings and what not every now and then where I will have no choice to "work" while I have her with me, but gone are the days of coming home and getting right to work on my classroom stuff.
My family deserves it.
Happy new school year to all my friends out!
I let some things go and made some more important. Basically it meant more family time and less worrying about school. In fact, I didn't go to anything school related (workshops, my classroom, etc.) until August. I've never done that before - even before I had Kaitlyn. But that decision allowed me to focus on my precious family and I don't regret a single second of it.
This summer I was able to get our new house unpacked (mostly...there is still that pesky garage). I was also able to spend some time decorating and updating. There is still so much of that to do!
We took our first BIG vacation as a family and had a blast!!!
K and I did some local things like Sea Life with my mom who retired last year.
I took a road trip with a wonderful friend and K to see some of my college friends and one of their new babies.
K and I spent hours at home doing "art projects", cooking, playing, giggling, and just being together.
I loved every single second of this summer and it taught me to pay more attention to my family because they need me and I need them.
I know my students need me 100% of the day when I'm there and that's exactly what they'll get. And I can't do my job the way I do without doing outside work. But I'm making a promise to myself that I will try not to do any work for school once I pick up K from her school until after she goes to bed. She needs me to be Mom once I'm home - not Mrs. Bush first. I know there will be meetings and what not every now and then where I will have no choice to "work" while I have her with me, but gone are the days of coming home and getting right to work on my classroom stuff.
My family deserves it.
Happy new school year to all my friends out!
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Liebster Award
So because I have been nominated for this twice now, I think I should probably actually do it. I swear I'm the worst blogger ever! I'm trying to get better! ;)
As you may know, the Liebster Award is for up and coming blogs that have less than 200 followers. So what is a Liebster, you ask? Liebster is a German word that means sweetest, kindest, dearest, cute, endearing, etc. Such a thoughtful award! Here are the rules to accept this award:
[1] Link back to the person that nominated you.
[2] Answer the questions from your nominator.
[3] Share 11 random facts about yourself.
[4] Nominate 5 more blogs with less than 200 followers.
[5] Pose questions for your nominees
Thanks to Simply Swarbrick for nominating me!
Here are the questions I was given to answer:
1. Why do you blog?
I started blogging because I wanted to keep a history of happenings in my family. I've always loved looking back on family pictures and videos and blogging helps me to remember things that I might not have unless I wrote them down. I also blog sometimes as a form of therapy. When someone is on my mind or heart sometimes the only thing I know to do is write about it.
2. What is your go to dinner recipe?
My go to? Well - when I'm in a hurry and want something that everyone will eat we have brinner! :) Breakfast for dinner - with breakfast burritos, pancakes, cinnamon rolls - any of those or a combo of some! Always a winner at my house!
3. How do you unwind after a long day?
Snuggling with my daughter. Talking to her about anything makes me calmer. She has such a pure heart right now and I wish I could shield it from ever being broken. Her joyful outlook helps me to put things back into perspective.
4. What is your favorite blog post you've written?
Hmmm...that's a tough one. Probably this one. It's kind of my soapbox. Shaming children is still shaming children - even if you use cute clipart.
5. What tips do you have for preparing for the week? (at work or at home)
Pray. Pray. And pray some more. Honestly - I feel like when I talk to God and hand things over to Him, things just seem to go better. I just wish I remembered to do that in the little things like planning. :) Sunday nights my husband and I talk in bed about everything the week coming up holds and how we can help each other. We started that last year and it helps so much! We also use an app on our phone called Cozi which helps us know what all we have planned.
6. If you were given $20 to spend on anything, what would you spend it on?
Right now I'd probably go buy some really cute pens and pencils because those always make me happy in my classroom. I always feel a bit guilty spending more on the cute ones, but they make me happier!
7. What does your perfect Saturday look like?
Sleeping in and then having breakfast with my family. Maybe hitting up an estate sale or antique store. A fun lunch or dinner out. Then just hanging out with my family either at home, shopping, or another fun activity. I also really like when Cody takes K somewhere and I have at least an hour to myself. I usually read, watch tv, or get on the computer and I just recharge. I also love to shop at night by myself after K is in bed. The crowds are gone and I can get some me time. :)
8. Which season is your favorite and why?
Fall - no question. I love when the weather starts cooling off, but isn't too cold. I love the smells and colors. I love the holidays that are in Fall. I seriously just love everything about Fall.
9. What do you splurge on?
Depends...I consider myself to be pretty thrifty, but every now and then I let myself splurge on things. My most recent splurge was my Silhouette Cameo. Truth be told though, most of splurges are on things for my daughter. :)
10. Where would be your dream vacation spot be?
I love history so I would love to go back to Europe and explore it more now that I'm older. (I went when I was 15) I also want to go to Australia and hold a koala.
11. What do you pack for lunch during the week?
I try to make enough dinner so that I have leftovers, but when that doesn't happen my most common go to meal is marinated mozzarella with cut up tomatoes and an avocado. Sounds fancy, but trust me it's not. It's super easy and quick to fix because you don't cut the avocado until lunch.
11 random facts about me are:
1. I can fold my tongue. It really freaks my students out. ;)
2. My middle name is the same as my mom's, but she added an e at the end. I've always thought that was interesting that she didn't give me the exact same one. Her middle name is Ann and mine is Anne.
3. I make up music videos that go along with my life in my head for songs I really like.
4. I will ALWAYS fight for what I think is best for my students. I like to consider myself a fairly easy to get along with person, but if you mess with my kids you will see Mama Bear come out. Just ask my old vice principal when she told me my kindergarteners were going to have their individual pictures after lunch....on spaghetti day.
5. I am deathly afraid of roaches.
6. In high school I was in show choir and I loved it. I would totally be in an adult one if things like that existed.
7. I will not eat seafood. Anything that has lived in the water will not be going into my mouth. I'm weird, I know. And I went to college in Louisiana y'all. It's not like I wasn't exposed to the good stuff.
8. I am such a chicken when it comes to needles and blood. When I was pregnant I passed out more than once when they had to take my blood. Just typing about it makes me a little light headed.
9. When I was little I thought for the longest time I was going to be an archaeologist. I especially want to be one that got to work in Egypt.
10. I love a good montage. Even if I don't know that people that it is about I love them, and have been known to cry at really sappy ones.
11. I am a firm believer that naps can cure a lot of problems.
I nominate these great bloggers for this award:
And your questions are...
1. What is one of your favorite family traditions?
2. What is the best memory you have from elementary school?
3. What is the worst memory you have from elementary school?
4. If you could do anything in your life and you knew you couldn't fail at it, what would you do?
5. What tends to be your soapbox?
6. What do you do for fun?
7. If you could have an endless supply of something in your life, other than money, what would it be. And it has to be something you can touch - so no answers like love, honestly, etc. :)
8. What is your guilty pleasure tv show?
9. What is something you want to improve?
10. Do you have a question that you secretly cringe at any time someone asks you?
11. What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
What I'm Loving Wednesday
Here we go again with my second What I'm Loving Wednesday!
I'm still REALLY loving my Silhouette Cameo. Y'all - this thing is incredible! I was so hesitant about using the print and cut feature, but man oh man it's amazing! Check it out!
Do you see what it did? SO COOL! One of the Ps didn't cut all the way around, but when I went back to look at what I did in the program, I noticed that I didn't have the cut line all the way around it, so it was my fault. It's a tad bit fuzzy on the top because my inpatient self ripped it from the paper instead of cutting it. But look how much time it saved me by cutting out the rest. I'm so in love with this thing!
I'm also apparently loving chevron a little more than I realized. I started packing some stuff yesterday to take up to school and my bag looked like a chevron convention.
Hopefully it will go well with my zebra/jungle stuff that I'm going to slowly be weeding out I think. I want to keep the zebra pattern (Still love that!), but less of the monkeys and what not. I'm still not sure. When I think I don't want it anymore, I go up to school and love it again. We'll see what happens this year.
I'm also loving K's new school and teacher already! It is going to be hard for them to match the love we felt from her old school, but I've heard nothing but great things and I'm ready to see what all K has in store this year! We have Meet the Teacher tomorrow night and K begins on Monday. She will even have homework this year! (Have I mentioned lately I can't believe she will be 5 next month!) Oooo - I should probably get started on her birthday party.....hmmmm...
Here she is with a letter she got in the mail from her new teacher. :)
Lastly, I'm loving my class list!!! It's so exciting to put names and faces to the kiddos that will be in our room this year! It's going to be an awesome year again! AND I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE MY FORMER STUDENTS!!! One of the things I missed so much when I made the switch to a new school was not being able to visit with former students. That was always one of my favorite parts of my job. This year I get to do that again and I can't wait to hear all about their summers!
I'm still REALLY loving my Silhouette Cameo. Y'all - this thing is incredible! I was so hesitant about using the print and cut feature, but man oh man it's amazing! Check it out!
I printed these ADORABLE letters for my classroom using the Silhouette program and then loaded it back into the cutter.
I'm also apparently loving chevron a little more than I realized. I started packing some stuff yesterday to take up to school and my bag looked like a chevron convention.
Hopefully it will go well with my zebra/jungle stuff that I'm going to slowly be weeding out I think. I want to keep the zebra pattern (Still love that!), but less of the monkeys and what not. I'm still not sure. When I think I don't want it anymore, I go up to school and love it again. We'll see what happens this year.
I'm also loving K's new school and teacher already! It is going to be hard for them to match the love we felt from her old school, but I've heard nothing but great things and I'm ready to see what all K has in store this year! We have Meet the Teacher tomorrow night and K begins on Monday. She will even have homework this year! (Have I mentioned lately I can't believe she will be 5 next month!) Oooo - I should probably get started on her birthday party.....hmmmm...
Here she is with a letter she got in the mail from her new teacher. :)
Lastly, I'm loving my class list!!! It's so exciting to put names and faces to the kiddos that will be in our room this year! It's going to be an awesome year again! AND I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE MY FORMER STUDENTS!!! One of the things I missed so much when I made the switch to a new school was not being able to visit with former students. That was always one of my favorite parts of my job. This year I get to do that again and I can't wait to hear all about their summers!
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Let Them Be Little
I wasn't going to go shopping this weekend. It is tax free weekend here in Texas and to me the crowds just aren't worth it. But for some crazy reason I ventured out tonight with K because she does, in fact, need school clothes, and I just had that shopping bug. I headed over to Kohls because it was 8:00 (yes, I was the mom that took my 4 year old out at 8:00 - judge if you must but it's still summer!) and I figured most of the crowds would be gone.
I was right, but something much, much worse happened.
I discovered that K no longer needs the T in her clothing size.
That's right folks - she moved up to the "big little girl" clothes.
I HATE IT.
I hate it as in I'm in complete denial that my kid will be turning 5 next month. I used to teach 5 year olds. There is no way my daughter is that old.
So tonight after the horrible and shocking revelation, K and I ventured forth into uncharted water for us and scoped out the big girl section.
I HATE IT.
When did companies start trying to make kids look like adults? And some not so classy ones at that!
Y'all. I about had a heart attack.
We went from this:
I was right, but something much, much worse happened.
I discovered that K no longer needs the T in her clothing size.
That's right folks - she moved up to the "big little girl" clothes.
I HATE IT.
I hate it as in I'm in complete denial that my kid will be turning 5 next month. I used to teach 5 year olds. There is no way my daughter is that old.
So tonight after the horrible and shocking revelation, K and I ventured forth into uncharted water for us and scoped out the big girl section.
I HATE IT.
When did companies start trying to make kids look like adults? And some not so classy ones at that!
Y'all. I about had a heart attack.
We went from this:
to this:
Can you believe that? My little girl is NOT - I repeat NOT - ready for dresses like that.
And we wonder why girls are making questionable choices so much younger these days. I know, I know, they aren't THAT bad, but it's little step by little step my friends. These to me do not need to be on a 4 year old.
I did manage to find one little girl looking dress and a few shirts, but I'm going to have to find some other stores to do some more shopping at because this seriously broke my heart.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Help Me Find It
Tonight as I was driving home from Target (yes Target - that store has a crazy magic spell on me) I literally had to pull my car over on the side of the road because I couldn't drive anymore. I felt like a crazy lady who just couldn't control herself...okay, so I kind of was.
A song from my playlist came on - "Help Me Find It" by Sidewalk Prophets. I've loved this song from the first time I heard it. I even included it in the senior slide show for our graduates at church this year. It's just a great song. But this time when I was listening to it, someone in my life came to mind.
This girl.
That's Maggie and she's amazing.
I met Maggie two years ago when she was my student teacher. I wasn't exactly pumped about having a student teacher. I tried to have one two years before that, but lets just say she wasn't where she needed to be and was asked to leave after two weeks. After lots of convincing from my vice principal, I agreed to try one again. I knew after talking with Maggie for 5 minutes this was going to be a great experience.
Maggie was a natural in the classroom. She started building relationships from day one and that is so key. She could break through to the soft spots of even the hardest kiddos. The hardest part of my job as her mentor each week was trying to come up with something for her to improve on in her reflection we had to submit to her professor.
She was great.
But she didn't want to be a teacher.
She was already the children's minister at her church and was student teaching to finish her degree, but she had no plans to actually teach in public schools. I respected what she was doing, but was a little sad that someone as great as Maggie wasn't going to be in the classroom.
Maggie completed her student teaching, graduated, and went back to her job at her church.
Then sometime last year, God put it on her heart to become a teacher. I can't say that I didn't smile a REALLY big smile when she told me.
But her journey to getting her own classroom was not easy. It took lots of faith, patience, and listening to God. Maggie was comfortable where she was. She was good at her job and the people she worked with loved her. (You can't not love her!)
But she was faithful to the unrest that God put in her heart. Even when it meant upsetting others. Even when it took her to another country to explore that as an option. (Yep!) Even when others tried to talk her out of it - Maggie was faithful.
Maggie stepped out on faith and told her church she was going to be a teacher - even before she had a job lined up. Then she once again was patient. It was not a fun and easy journey at all. But now Maggie has a job....teaching first grade. My heart is selfishly a little happier that it's first grade! ;)
I am so stinking proud of this girl and how she truly listened to God, even when her head was saying, "Are you kidding me?"
So back to the song - I listened to the words tonight and thought about Maggie's journey. Never have I seen first hand someone handle such a hard journey without hesitation or fear. It was simply beautiful. So of course I cried like a sobbing ninny thinking about it and how faithful God had been when his child obeyed.
Maggie - you have some amazingly lucky first graders that have no clue just how hard their teacher worked to get to them this year! I love you!!!
"Help Me Find It"
I don’t know where to go from here
It all used to seem so clear
I’m finding I can’t do this on my own
I don’t know where to go from here
As long as I know that You are near
I’m done fighting
I’m finally letting go
I will trust in You
You’ve never failed before
I will trust in You
If there’s a road I should walk
Help me find it
If I need to be still
Give me peace for the moment
Whatever Your will
Whatever Your will
Can you help me find it
Can you help me find it
I’m giving You fear and You give faith
I'm giving you doubt
You give me grace
For every step I’ve never been alone
Even when it hurts, You’ll have Your way
Even in the valley I will say
With every breath
You’ve never let me go
I will wait for You
You’ve never failed before
I will wait for You
I lift my empty hands (come fill me up again)
Have Your way my King (I give my all to You)
I lift my eyes again (Was blind but now I see)
‘Cause You are all I need
A song from my playlist came on - "Help Me Find It" by Sidewalk Prophets. I've loved this song from the first time I heard it. I even included it in the senior slide show for our graduates at church this year. It's just a great song. But this time when I was listening to it, someone in my life came to mind.
This girl.
I met Maggie two years ago when she was my student teacher. I wasn't exactly pumped about having a student teacher. I tried to have one two years before that, but lets just say she wasn't where she needed to be and was asked to leave after two weeks. After lots of convincing from my vice principal, I agreed to try one again. I knew after talking with Maggie for 5 minutes this was going to be a great experience.
Maggie was a natural in the classroom. She started building relationships from day one and that is so key. She could break through to the soft spots of even the hardest kiddos. The hardest part of my job as her mentor each week was trying to come up with something for her to improve on in her reflection we had to submit to her professor.
She was great.
But she didn't want to be a teacher.
She was already the children's minister at her church and was student teaching to finish her degree, but she had no plans to actually teach in public schools. I respected what she was doing, but was a little sad that someone as great as Maggie wasn't going to be in the classroom.
Maggie completed her student teaching, graduated, and went back to her job at her church.
Then sometime last year, God put it on her heart to become a teacher. I can't say that I didn't smile a REALLY big smile when she told me.
But her journey to getting her own classroom was not easy. It took lots of faith, patience, and listening to God. Maggie was comfortable where she was. She was good at her job and the people she worked with loved her. (You can't not love her!)
But she was faithful to the unrest that God put in her heart. Even when it meant upsetting others. Even when it took her to another country to explore that as an option. (Yep!) Even when others tried to talk her out of it - Maggie was faithful.
Maggie stepped out on faith and told her church she was going to be a teacher - even before she had a job lined up. Then she once again was patient. It was not a fun and easy journey at all. But now Maggie has a job....teaching first grade. My heart is selfishly a little happier that it's first grade! ;)
I am so stinking proud of this girl and how she truly listened to God, even when her head was saying, "Are you kidding me?"
So back to the song - I listened to the words tonight and thought about Maggie's journey. Never have I seen first hand someone handle such a hard journey without hesitation or fear. It was simply beautiful. So of course I cried like a sobbing ninny thinking about it and how faithful God had been when his child obeyed.
Maggie - you have some amazingly lucky first graders that have no clue just how hard their teacher worked to get to them this year! I love you!!!
"Help Me Find It"
I don’t know where to go from here
It all used to seem so clear
I’m finding I can’t do this on my own
I don’t know where to go from here
As long as I know that You are near
I’m done fighting
I’m finally letting go
I will trust in You
You’ve never failed before
I will trust in You
If there’s a road I should walk
Help me find it
If I need to be still
Give me peace for the moment
Whatever Your will
Whatever Your will
Can you help me find it
Can you help me find it
I’m giving You fear and You give faith
I'm giving you doubt
You give me grace
For every step I’ve never been alone
Even when it hurts, You’ll have Your way
Even in the valley I will say
With every breath
You’ve never let me go
I will wait for You
You’ve never failed before
I will wait for You
I lift my empty hands (come fill me up again)
Have Your way my King (I give my all to You)
I lift my eyes again (Was blind but now I see)
‘Cause You are all I need
What I'm Loving Wednesday
So I keep seeing this post series on several of the blogs I'm following and I just love reading what everyone is loving. I decided I need to join in the fun!
This week I am LOVING (and am slightly addicted to) my new Silhouette Cameo!!! It is amazing! I splurged a little and bought it about two weeks ago (with an educators discount) and it came this past weekend. For my first test project, I simply cut my daughter's name on paper and it was so easy!
I still can't believe how easy it is to use the software and the machine itself. So the next thing I went for was the vinyl. I'm also loving that Hobby Lobby had it 50% off this week! Score! I made this cute little box for my recess stuff (bandaids, tissues, nurse pass, etc.).
Then I got really excited and made a header for my AWESOME find on a road trip I took last weekend. More on that later...
I'm also loving my new Jamberry nails. I was never that girly growing up, but I am now raising one of the girliest girls I've ever known and she is really rubbing off on me. :) So when I saw that one of my sweet sorority sisters was selling these I thought I'd give them a try. I love having cute toes, but always pay so much to get the cute designs. The designs themselves cost me an extra $10-$15 at the saloon, and one sheet of these nails is $15 and you get more than one application from the sheet. Now, I will say that I had my doubts about these working, but I'm now a believer! My toes have stayed looking like these for weeks now! I'm hooked!
I'm loving spending so much time with my daughter before school starts. This time of year I start getting really sappy, so K and I have been spending so much time looking at old pictures and videos lately. We both laugh and I might cry...maybe. But seriously - look at this baby!!! I can't believe that she will be five next month!
On a much more serious note, I'm loving my father-in-law so much lately. Remember when I asked y'all to pray for my family? Well, it turns out my father-in-law has cancer. It started in his lungs, but he now has spots on his esophagus, liver, and spine. He started chemo last Friday. It's been a crazy fast process since we found out, but I love how he is already using what is happening to him to glorify God. He stated while he was in the hospital how much it meant to him when visitors came, and he now knows he wants to minister more to people like that when they are in those situations. Part of the the tumor the doctor removed will also be sent off for testing for cancer research and he started to think maybe that's why God allowed the cancer - so that others can learn about the next steps towards curing it. He is an amazing man and I'm so thankful to be a part of his family.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Diggin' It!
Joining up on another linky party! This time it's from Bunting, Books, and Bainbridge.
It's always fun to see what each class is "into" each year. I'm getting better at keeping up with the "in" things now that I have a daughter that keeps getting closer to first grade age (Wait, what?? How the heck did that happen?)
So here is what my class of first graders last year were digging! :)
1. Skylander Giants & Lego Ninjago - Oh my goodness I had to google these things so many times when I was publishing writing stories so I knew how to spell the characters right! I was able to find some Lego Ninjago books at Barnes and Noble to bring into our library and you would have thought I brought gold!
So here is what my class of first graders last year were digging! :)
1. Skylander Giants & Lego Ninjago - Oh my goodness I had to google these things so many times when I was publishing writing stories so I knew how to spell the characters right! I was able to find some Lego Ninjago books at Barnes and Noble to bring into our library and you would have thought I brought gold!
2. Junie B. Jones - love this silly little girl! My students love her because they LOVE reading chapter books! That, and she is just so stinking funny! I also read a chapter from a Junie B. book the last few minutes of class each day once we are all packed up. The boys and girls love these books!
3. Coolmathgames.com - During D of BUILD or if students finish their assignment in the computer lab and have some free time, my kiddos usually end up here.
4. Piggie and Gerald - Anyone that knows me as a teacher knows that I have a very strong obsession love of Mo Willems. So it never surprises me that my kids end up loving Trixie and the Pigeon, but they always ADORE Piggie and Gerald. Those books are awesome for so many reasons!
5. Shaped erasers - We have machines that sell erasers at our school, and I'm sure we make some pretty good money on these things because my goodness my class alone bought so many this year!!!
It will be interesting to see what my new group of first graders will dig this year!
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