Whirlwind Wednesday

I am used to my Wednesdays being pretty tame and mild. However, today was not usual. 5th grade had a field trip so most of their students were car riders this morning. That meant that I had extra kids in the gym, which I don't mind. Except when most of them did not have an AR book. I'm not mad; it was just exhausting to think of a solution so early this morning. (I love the McCumber team!) Each of my science classes had a quiz which I read aloud. I am trying to accommodate IEPs, but my kids didn't do so hot. They had a week --- one WEEK--- to study! That was disappointing. Social Studies quizzes were just as disappointing, if not more. One teacher out for the day on our team, and another left right at the beginning of dismissal. Worth The Wait meeting for parents to view the curriculum. One teacher from each team needs to be there. Pick up boys then home for 2 hours in which time I want to play with them and they needed baths. Put Aydyn to bed, and then choir practice. After choir practice, we need dog food so I run to Bi-Lo with Papa (my step-dad, Brian) to get some groceries. Now I am sitting at home and instead of working on Krystian's Indian vest for Friday, I am playing on Facebook and blogging.

Today has made me even more thankful for my bed! Now if only I could warm it up before I get in!

Another day to be Thankful

Today I was very thankful for the ability to laugh as I needed it very early this morning. I usually get Aydyn up at 6:15 because I have to get him dressed and cuddle with him before I take him to daycare. Jake usually takes Krystian to school. However, this morning when I walked in Aydyn's room. This is what I found (Sorry the picture quality is not so hot without a flash.). Now, what would you think if you saw this in your child's room?! I thought, "Oh, God! He's under that blanket. Aren't they at risk for crib death (SIDS) until 2? He's only 18 months!" When I got the courage to move the blanket, I found only his turtle and monkey that he sleeps with. Are you really freaking out now?! Because I sure was! I just had to look a little further.

He had climbed over the safety rail onto the floor. Tonight he is sleeping in the toddler bed sans safety rail. I figure that if he is climbing over it then it is more of a safety hazard than a safety rail. I almost screamed for Jake, but then common sense kicked in and picked up my camera instead.

I am also thankful for colleagues who are also good friends with good advice. Sometimes it takes someone with an outside perspective to give the words that you need. I hope that you had a Thankful Monday as well.

Small Group

Tonight was the last night of our small group, Better Together. Something was said that really hit home with me...I only wish it had been said to me at the beginning of this weekend. It was this (or close to it. I'm not good at exact quotes.) "We are the picture of God that our children see. How do you want your children to see God?" A friend went to the Women of Faith conference and it was said, maybe not in those exact words, but it was said there.

How do you want your children to see God?

Counting the days/hours

I don't know if you have a favorite cousin or two, but I do. Some of my cousins I just get along better with. One of my favorites is coming home Thursday night, exactly one week from Thanksgiving. Now, granted because I have a family and school (mostly school), I will not see him until Friday. I am so excited though! I have missed having someone my age who thinks along the same lines as me. It will also be nice to have a friend my age who isn't too busy with their own life to talk to me. I know that I am not perfect about staying in touch. I HATE talking on the phone. I didn't like it as a giddy, teenage girl and I certainly do not like it now. Two screaming boys running around will get ANYONE off the phone quickly. Sometimes I wonder if the fact that I don't have many close friends is because I don't drink alcohol. A couple of sips in college (Thanks, Saran), and a couple of sips during the festivities of Jamie and Matt's wedding, but not more than that. I have also thought about maybe it is because my husband is very shy and doesn't like to talk to anyone. The only reason I know what he is thinking 99% of the time is because I can read his mind. That happens when you have been with a person for 12 1/2 years. None of this matters though, because Josh is coming home this Thursday. Did I mention from Alaska?! A place I have always wanted to go. Less than 99 hours until he is home and just over 100 before I get to hug him! I owe a big thanks to God for giving me one of my favorites back! I also owe Josh a big thanks for serving our in country's military while in Alaska! :)

Thankfulness

So I am ignoring the fact that I haven't blogged in a long time! I am spurred by a high school classmate who has been doing 30 days of thankfulness (Thanks, Jessica).

I am thankful to my first principal in Florence School District One, Barbara Hood. She was willing to hire me when I was pregnant with my first child. When I wasn't allowed out of my nightmarish contract, she didn't forget me. I am glad that she had such a good memory because I don't think it is my superior skills that she remembered. I taught for another 2 years in my unfortunate first job. (loved the people I worked with, but the higher ups were clueless) When my husband and I finally got the courage for me to leave that job (and not sign a contract), Hood saw my name on the list and called me. It was the Monday before Florence School District One's Teacher Expo. I, luckily, did not have to go that Saturday. I had a job at Moore Intermediate School. This is my 3rd year at Moore, and I love it! We have an awesome group of teachers who are led by awesome "higher ups." Tuesday afternoon, we got the shocks of lives. Hood is retiring at the end of this year. It took every ounce of me not to cry. She doesn't want gifts or money. "Economic times are tough." I am not going to give her a gift or money; I will respect her wishes. I will give her something more lasting: a thank you on the internet. (It doesn't get erased!) I am thankful for Barbara Hood!