Visit March 22, 2011

My husband and I drive up the long driveway of our old brick house, which is being rented out now. The lawn is filled with weeds. Bushes that we planted over a year ago are dead. Daffodils are shriveled up. I see a red tulip in full bloom – probably one that I planted several years ago from a Valentine gift. My heart aches to see my house this way. This was the house that we started together 5 years ago. This was the house that our daughter was conceived in. This was the house that we brought our daughter home to. This was the house with many memories. I look ahead and realize that it’s not our home any more. It’s just a house that we rent out now. I will always cherish our first house. It was nice to visit to realize that our home is where we are now.

Reward of Relaxation March 21, 2011

The sunlight dances across the pages of the ungraded how-to articles that sit in my lap. The wind gently blows the door open. I lift my head to see the branches swaying back in forth in the cool March breeze. I notice the new blossoms on the bushes. I think to myself, “only two more stacks to go and then I can enjoy every minute of my spring break.” I continue to grade because I want the reward of relaxation!

Lazy Sunday March 20, 2011

I arise suddenly from my mid-afternoon nap to the screaming of my daughter. “Side! Mama! Side!” EB screams. I wipe the sleep from eyes and try to figure out where I am. Again she screams, “side! Mama!” I quickly dress to go outside. The weather is sunny with a slight breeze. Birds are chirping. Lawnmowers are roaring and children laughing.  Signs of spring are everywhere. My daughter’s eyes light up when she sees her sand and water table. We play and enjoy the spring weather. I thank God for my many blessings, especially being able to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon with my family.

The Time Has Come March 18, 2011

The time has come

To bring in another little one

Oh, how I can’t wait

To hold you in my arms

You’ll be loved by all

My heart skips a beat

Because I know you’re unique

Your little family anticipates

Your October arrival

The time has come

To bring in another little one

By Andi N.

 

The Standards March 17, 2011

In the back of my mind I thought, “Oh, not another assembly. I’ve got so much to do before Spring Break.” as my class and I walked up to the gym. The gym was set up with large black speakers, 5 microphone stands, and a lot of other technical equipment needed to put on a concert. My class found their seats on the hard blue bleachers. They were giddy with excitement. Why? They’re out of class! Our guidance counselor introduces the not so sure crowd to The Standards.

The Standards came into the gym singing in harmony. The crowd roared with excitement. We sang songs of love and fellowship. I enjoyed every minute of it. That thought that I had at the beginning of the assembly faded away within five seconds of  The Standards singing. It was a great way to start the day! What I enjoyed best was sitting next to one of my quiet students and seeing him smile and actually enjoy himself.

Mix it Up March 16, 2011

Today in my last period reading class I noticed groups not discussing their Literature Circle Novels. Usually I would just say find something to discuss about, but this time felt different. I had to think fast — GOOGLE came to mind. I GOOGLED literature circle worksheets. I needed something quick that would occupy the groups and create a good discussion. I found this cool site – abcteach. There they were — activities that were quick and easy. I quickly printed off an illustrator page for each student. The magic began. My bored students were not so bored anymore. Sketches were being drawn from all aspects of their novels and the best part – discussion began again. I just needed to mix it up.

To Do or Not To Do March 15, 2011

When I take a day off of work, I enjoy that day. However, when I come back to reality, my desk seems to keep piling up stuff to do. I decided for my slice today that I would make my To Do List.

To Do…

• grade 6th grade’s how-to-articles
• grade 7th grade’s how-to-articles
• grade 7th grade’s 2 family recipes for their family history project
• grade 7th grade’s grand parent interviews for their family history project
• grade make-up work
• check off homework
• grade reading response logs for the day
• pick up my daughter from daycare
• prepare the mass readings for the week after spring break
• prepare my Friday’s lesson because my principal is observing me and what I have planned doesn’t feel good enough
• research new cars/minivans/crossovers
• slice-of-life
• enjoy myself
• play with my daughter
• enjoy time with my husband
• help with dinner

I do have some things crossed off. So much to do or not to do…

Student Slice with Precision

Just this last week our town has been frightened because of two escaped convicts from Louisiana. Yesterday they were finally captured at about 5:30 p.m. Before that our school had to be on lock down at dismissal. Below is one of my student’s slices of how she felt. I love her precision!

Student Slice of Life

Procrastination! March 14, 2011

Papers engulf my desk. Almost every square inch is covered with how-to-articles and family history projects. Oh, how I dread grading them. This happens to me every quarter – procrastination! It’s like the quarter sneaks up on me. How does it do this each time? I have a calendar and I try to pace myself. Maybe it’s because the weather has been nice. Maybe it’s because I spent time with my mother this weekend. Maybe… Maybe I’m just pro

cra

stin

a

ting…

That’s it! Now, I must get busy!

Goose Bumps March 11, 2011

Goose bumps cover my arms as I watch the coverage of the Tsunami hitting Japan. It seems as though there are natural disasters hitting every day. Is it the end? Is 2012 coming? I know it sounds silly, but I never used to think about it until last year. One of my students would write in his writer’s notebook about 2012 and how it was coming. Each day would be an elaborate story of what’s to come. Not like what you see on TV. His descriptions would include conspiracies of why the lunch lady served green eggs to the war in the middle east.

As the goose bumps decrease, my mind eases. I look forward to what’s to come. My bags are packed including my sewing machine. Today marks my mom and I’s annual tradition – Quilt Retreat! Every year we travel to Memphis to  meet up with 60 ladies and quilt all weekend long. The only thinking that I will be doing will be on my next project. My goal this weekend is to finish a 3 year old UFO (unfinished object). Our tradition starts with lunch at Bahama Breeze, a little shopping, and then off to get our special seat. My mind is at ease because I know I can’t control the future, but I can control the fun I will be having with my mom!