Nothing to say...

So I just came to this realization. I have nothing to say. Allow me to explain. There are people in my life whom I love dearly that I do not get to see on a regular basis. People that I consider hugely special and important that I don't talk to very often. So tonight, I was thinking about how I would like to call and visit, but then the realization hit: I have nothing to say.

What's new?: nothing, I go to work, come home, run, eat, relax, sleep, and do it all again.

How is teaching?: still really hard, but we (the kids and I) are slowly and surely figuring it out

Found a church?: no, still going to Stillwater for church most weekends

Found a guy?: no, still waiting on the Lord to bring him around

It is a sad story I know, I just don't know what else to say. I feel like my life has become this boring routine that has left me completely uninteresting. I would like for this to be different. Maybe I can find some new ways to spice it up. This is a new time, a transition time for sure. So maybe I should just enjoy being able to relax and figure it out.

One thing I know for sure: Christ is the prize. Regardless of how challenging, lonely, or confusing this life can be. He is the great reward and I need to focus my efforts on serving Him through the journey.

To those of you whom I may not be keeping in touch with as much as normal, bear with me through this time. I'm learning and I'm trying to figure it out. Your prayers mean the world to me and I love you dearly.

Weekend of my life!

So this weekend was THE BEST! It was fall break, which means a 5 day weekend!! I went to Stillwater to celebrate America's Greatest Homecoming Celebration as well as Tommie Lee's birthday! We have been planning this surprise party for Tommie Lee's 40th for a couple months and it was SO FUN!! On top of that, I got to spend 5 days in a place I love with many people I love!

Highlights of the weekend:
- popping into Crossover on Wednesday night
- having lunch with the Lesters and then with Beth on Thursday
- shopping with Christa, Kristin and Dani
- lazy movie night at the house
- lunch with friends from the college ministry Friday
- party planning final touches on Friday
- dancing the night away at TOMMIE LEE's surprise party!!!!
- visiting with TL Saturday morning
- going to the football game with friends!
- seeing Heather at the game!
- watching the 2nd half with the Lesters
- COUNTRYSIDE Sunday morning
- walking Boomer with Beth
- early morning walk with Kristin

Oh, the Lord is so good to me. This weekend absolutely exceeded my expectations in every way. I loved so many things. I feel blessed to have wonderful people in my life whom I love deeply. Seeing them and spending time brings a smile to my face like nothing else. Thank you Lord for the blessing that relationship can be.


Beth and I at the party!


the beautiful birthday girl and I!!


friends at the game!

Poopyhead

Yes, that's right.

This week has been one full of...well, you fill in the blank. Let me break it down.

1. student poops in my floor- smashes it into the carpet.
2. said student gets called "poopyhead." I try not to laugh.
3. 3 days of prep for observations.
4. 2 observations in 1 day.
5. student pretends to speak in spanish. Gibberish. I laugh.
6. I lose the election for secretary of PTA.
7. student A teaches student B to give others the middle finger.
8. student B's mother = angry. Rightfully so.
9. no sub = extra students in my class.
10. 5 year old's cursing. and fighting.

In the words of my dear friend Christa, "Can I quit yet?"

Need I say more?

Ok, now you ticked me off.

So last week, I'm hanging out in my classroom after school when someone comes in. To keep from being rude and naming the individual, I will use the name Debbie (as in Debbie Downer). After school I usually spend a few minutes cleaning up and preparing a few things for the next day. On this particularly fantastic afternoon, Debbie came in to ask me a question. As I sat at my desk and visited with her, I noticed as she glanced around my room checking it out. I thought about it and continued working on my computer. Then Debbie says as she looks at my goals poster, "You expect them to know 60 sight words by the end of November?"
Me: Yep!
Debbie (in a doubtful and condescending voice):Uh, you know that's a lot, right?
Me: Yeah, they can do it.
Debbie: You may need to lower that. I'm just saying that last year my kids that were reading didn't know that many sight words.
Me: Okay, but I think they can do it. I'm not going to change it.
*but I'm really thinking: probably because you didn't teach them the words!!!!!

Don't tell me that my kids cannot learn those words. YES THEY CAN!! I knew it would happen sooner or later...somebody doubting my kids, making me mad, and inspiring me to work harder to ensure that they meet the goals I set. They can learn 60 words by the end of November because I will teach them 60 words. We will practice, practice, practice.

There is something about being told I can't do something that just makes me want to do it. I don't know- maybe that is defiance, competitive, or something else. Regardless, whether it is good or not, it is how I feel. I am going to make this happen. Just watch me Debbie Downer... or should I say Debbie Doubter. :)

I know, I should be better about blogging more often. I suppose I feel like I just keep complaining about teaching, so for this post, I will attempt to focus on some positive things happening in my life.

As far as teaching goes, it is still rough. Each day, I continue to wonder how people do this for 20+ years. BUT, we are making progress. I cut out nap time. I totally used to think that kindergartners needed nap time regardless- that I would always make it a part of my day. However, after they absolutely would not sleep and all it became was frustrating me and the kids, I just dropped it. We now have more time to get through academic material. Each day we have: a math lesson, a reading lesson, 4 centers, and 4 small groups ( in addition to the usual breakfast, calendar time, songs, bathroom breaks, lunch, specials, snack). So, for those of you non-teachers, that really is a lot and I am pretty pleased.

As far as personal life, do I have one? Just kidding, although this is so different from college, I am figuring it out. This last weekend, I went to Wichita Falls to see family. It was so great! I really needed to go and just rest. To be somewhere and have nothing matter but being with people and catching up. It did my heart a lot of good to say the least.

Although I feel like I am very much in a desert season of my life, God is still faithful and I know that there is purpose. I will continue to learn and grow, regardless of where this path leads.