This year back to school seemed to creep out of no where. Not only did our district start 2 weeks earlier than usual, but we were go-go-going right up to the last second.
Our family vacation to Oregon brought us home the week before I officially had to return to work however, I was asked to help lead the middle school math in-service and we had to meet just days after returning home. Needless to say I was not able to get much BTS preparation done .
I was also at the tail end of training for my half marathon, which meant we were decreasing our miles, but it also meant race day was upon me... This combined with a work week more filled with meetings than actual time to prepare for students sent me into an anxiety attack. I haven't had one this bad in a loooong time. My chest felt like it was squeezing so tight I couldn't breathe, I had a huge knot at my sternum, and my heart was racing. I sent out prayer requests and just kept saying the name of Jesus- it was all I could focus on. Thankfully this was a school inservice day and I wasn't missing out on getting work done. The anxiety alleviated enough for me to function but it lingered through the start of school.
The Saturday before school started (with kids) we were in Ouray CO for me to run the Mt. Sneffels half marathon. We enjoyed our usual stops; Mouses Chocolate, Ouray Hot Springs, and a hike up Baby Bathtubs. My anxiety over school starting and not being prepared made it logical to head home early Sunday morning, and I was able to get some BTS shopping done.
The morning of the first day Madison had VB try outs beginning at 6:00 AM. I was thankful that B was able to go into work late and take her, otherwise it would have been a crazy morning for Maddox and I.
My Freshman:
She reported that the first day was hectic, "there's just so many people!"
My Second Grader:
When asked about his day Maddox replied "It was GREAT!
I wasn't able to catch a first day pic of me- darn it ;). I had no embarrassing spill to share this year, and my classes seem pretty good- which leaves me excited and hopeful.
First week update:
Maddox fell on the playground and got a mild concussion on the second day of school, I had to leave work and get him. I'm so thankful for my MGMS family who volunteered to take my classes. He was back to normal in a 3-4 hours and was able to go back to school the rest of the week. He was so upset that he had missed school, and his favorite subject.... Math! That's my boy!
Madison had VB tryouts M-W until 6:30. Tuesday was the PHS back to school dance until 9:00. She had homework every night and was up past 11:00 each night. Madison made the VB team, and had team building at the ropes courseThursday until 7:00. Then Friday was practice followed by a going away party for one of her close friends, Russell. Welcome to High School Bug!
The fact that I barely got to see Madison this week and that this is going to be the normal for the next 4 years was heart breaking. It's hard for me to realize that my girl is on her way out.
For the first time in, I don't know, possibly ever, I left the school on our last pre-student work day feeling completely prepared for the masses to arrive early Monday morning.
The extra hours I put in to get there were totally worth it, as I completely enjoyed my last official weekend of summer (post upcoming). But the best part, I was really able to focus on my motherly duties getting the kids ready for their first days. I made the whole family delicious lunches, and got up early enough to make a real breakfast- French toast and scrambled eggs.
Maddox has been begging, hoping and even preparing himself for first grade all last week. He forced himself to get up early, and abstain from naps,"because I am not going to get to nap in first grade mom!" this seemed to work out great as this morning truly was the smoothest in Caster history!
The after school report from both of them, though vague, leave me with high hopes and a positive outlook for the year.
As for me I made a lasting impression on a select few 6th grade students as I slipped in my heals and went flying into their classroom, landing practically on my face and splaying the stack of papers across the room. This was their very first experience of middle school; whether it made them laugh or realize that nothing they could do would ever be that embarrassing, I'm happy to provide them with a bit of humor and confidence. Since this happened first thing I also had a great first day of school horror story to share with all my classes. (and comedic relief for some staff as well.) The only saving grace I have in this is I *think* my dress managed to stay put around my bum and not fly over my head....
Both my kids looked amazing, and all too grown up. And truthfully I'm no worse for wear, my ankle was already sore.... All in all a good memorable start to the year!
Apparently, not me.... I have so much that I want to record and share but life is so crazy hectic right now and I just can't find the time to do all of these post justice. I'll settle for tidbits and maybe get to pictures and full posts later.
Soccer (aka: DRAMA!! )Madison's soccer club/team has undergone some major changes and there is major drama. We've had coaching changes, girls leaving for another club, coaches turning it into an allegiance issue rather than allowing families to do what is best for them... it's a crazy mess (and for once the Casters are not at the center of it) The season was finished with a great record and we will be moving up a level in the competitive CYS league. We will have (another) new, very young, coach to begin next season, and Madison still has doubts about her decision to stay with her current team. We played in the local GMIT tournament and Madison got a goal, her first in YEARS!
Maddox: he is a major rule follower... his teacher instructed the class to wear clothes over their swim suits to school for water day. I know this was intended for the little girls, so they wouldn't be in their little bikinis all day, but Maddox would not, could not, be convinced other wise. In the end it was easier to give in and allow him to wear his clothes over his swim shorts and rash guard... he looked atrocious! (I'll post a pic when I get a chance.)
10 and 40: Brian and I just celebrated our 10th anniversary, (he got a AR 15, I got diamond earrings). Two days later we hosted a party to celebrate his parents 40th anniversary. I can hardly believe it's been ten years. When I think of how little Madison was it seems like forever ago, but it went so fast.
The school year is winding down, and there is always anxiety about changes for the upcoming year. This year is no different, it is even worse than normal as there are more budget cuts, and the district continues to make decision behind closed doors with the best interest of administration rather than students and the ones that are closest to them. I do know that I have a job next year, I do know that I will get a bit of a raise (step and lane)... but at what cost to my coworkers who may or may not have jobs next yea? (I could rant for quite a while on this...)
The end of the year brings mixed feelings for me, I am so happy to be done and just get to be a mom for the next few months, but saying good bye to my 8th graders this year is tough. We had a great day at the pool party, they literally blew my socks off at the spring fling music concert last night, and for the next two days we get to just play, reflect, and have fun together. This group of kids has something special, and it is sad to see them go, but also so exciting to see them off on their next chapter. I can't wait to see the amazing things they accomplish!
I started reading a new series a few weeks ago and am just finishing it... I'll have to post my review via Goodreads soon. I have a huge stack of books I commandeered from my teammates library for the summer, plus some new ones on the Nook, AND a few that I want to re-read.
I'm headed to Idaho this summer for a week long education conference. I am really looking forward to this time... in more ways than one! A week of being responsible for only myself, as well as getting into so really great courses and walking away with an additional 4 credits! This should give me enough for my GT certification! After this I think I'll take a break from graduate courses for awhile, at least until after my masters degree is paid off.
Maddox had his 6th birthday, it seemed to span several weeks as we were in Denver the day of his birthday, and had a family party before and a huge friend party after. He was spoiled rotten (of course) with a trip to the Denver Aquarium and to see the Avengers while in D-town. Then a HUGE birthday bash at the park with a ton of friends.
Just this took me over a half an hour to whip up, and it is shallow, surface level, poorly written, and doesn't even include pictures. Maybe next week I'll be able to blog again... oh wait... .I've got a two day class, followed by a soccer tournament, followed by two weeks of teaching summer school... dang!
ME: I RAN: I ran at least 560 miles this year. This included training and running my best ever half marathon, The Rock and Roll Denver, in 2 hours and 56 seconds. I READ: I exceeded my Good Reads goal of 24 books by ONE book. My favorite reads of this year would be Cutting for Stone and The Forgotten Garden. I have a goal to read through the entire bible, as of today I have completed through 2 Samuel. I really thought it would be a whole lot more boring to read the Bible, but I am really enjoying it. It's surprising how helpful having read the first 5 books of the Bible has been when reading some New Testament passages...shedding new light on a lot of questions I have always had. Two books that really challenged me to think and grow were Blue Like Jazz and Heaven is For Real. I (started) GROWING UP: I did a lot of self reflection and resoluting to grow up and get over some of my issues... I have a lot to do still, but it feels good to be opening my eyes to the possibility of embracing change for the better. I BECAME A BIT CREATIVE: I made a jewelry art piece for my room, canned jam, and convinced my husband into letting me have his grandpas antique stove and used it as a entertainment stand. I (almost) DIED: discovered the hard way that I am allergic to peaches and now have to cary an epi pen... this caused me some depression, and several dreams where I indulged in peaches, only to wake by trying to make myself puke them up. I JOINED A GYM: joined Allison and hired a trainer for a few weeks of the summer, who pushed me to do some stuff that is harder than running 13 miles. I TAUGHT: started my 9th year of teaching, taught a class on standard based grading at a district inservice, and embraced a lot of top down change with the best attitude I can muster... in truth my students are great and make it all worth while. I GAVE: Anne and I continued to make our monthly meals for the homeless shelter, and this year we took on making gift bags for the ones that would be spending Christmas Eve at the shelter. (In truth ANNE organized it all). But it was great to be a part of assembling and delivering. I PLAYED TENNIS: Finally Jolene and I signed up and played in the Taco Bell Tennis tournament (we've been talking the talk for a few years). We quickly found out that our 3 weeks of preparation was not enough to hang with the big dogs (old ladies who play every day) and win the whole thing, but we did pull out a few wins and didn't get eliminated immediately.
Madison: Madison finished 6th grade still loving school, and started (and continues) 7th grade the same way. She has a great group of friends and is very into the social thing (as evident by her 1400+ texts a month). She started taking bass guitar lessons and is now playing in the school Jazz Band. Madison also took a hunters safety course and earned her hunters safety card, though not in time to get a license this year. She had a Halloween party complete with a haunted house that I had to chaperone (thankfully for me it was cheesy), and at this party they set a goal of saving money to go to Hawaii for their senior trip. Madison got a new soccer coach, and the change in her attitude, confidence, and play is incredible; in fact the whole team did a 180 going from not winning but 2 games, to no losses. Madison also got her braces off, and WOW her smile is amazing! She turned 13, and continues to be a wonderful daughter, growing into a beautiful young woman.
Maddox: Maddox had a year of milestones... he learned to ride a bike, lost his first tooth, graduated preschool and started Kindergarten. We had our first parent teacher conference, where Maddox sat like a perfect angel, and we were informed he is the model student always tries his best, works hard, is kind, and learning like a sponge. I am a bit embarrassed to say that we were surprise by this, and had been expecting to hear that he can't sit still, is a crazy rambunctious boy. He also started his first season of T-ball, and absolutely loved it. Maddox started his second season of wrestling and in the first tournament he got second place. We celebrated his 5th birthday with an ear infection that delayed our zoo trip by a day, but we still made it and he loved it. Maddox has a strong conscience, and is highly compassionate.
Brian: Brian continues to be an amazing dad and husband. He coached Maddox's T-ball team, and his expertise was evident in our teams superior skill and behavior on the field during practice and games. He is also coaching the Palisade Little Dogs Wrestling. He has been working with the older kids, as we have realized that Maddox receives wrestling instruciton better from someone who is not dad. He took Maddox on his first hunting trip, but Madison continues to be his lucky hunting charm and they got a really nice doe that added 80 lbs of burger, italian sausage, breakfast sausage, and steaks to our freezer. He got sick for Elk season, which bummed him out (and me... I love elk meat).
We Traveled: We went on our first Caster Family vacation, driving 18 hours to Northern Idaho, 30 miles from the Canadian border; arriving in Priest Lake ID. This was a magical trip, while we were there my soul felt at home, and since we left my soul has longed to return. We also spent almost a week in Steamboat for a soccer tournament, since we travel so much for soccer, we try to make the trips mini vacations; and Steamboat was a nice little get away. We opted for camping out in the pop up at a KOA type campground, complete with a pool and games. I think we all had a great "camping" experience. Another soccer mini vacation was the annual trip to Vegas, the focus was strictly soccer... though we managed a drive down the strip for Maddox, and a dinner in Cesar's Palace. Brian and I took a weekend trip to Ouray, this may be my favorite "him and I" get away ever, complete with a beautiful hike. We also had a mini family retreat with my mom and Dan and all 4 of us kids... they rented a beautiful cabin between Ridgeway and Ouray, that was so massive all 17 of us slept and lived very comfortably. Dan had a great dinosaur dig activity for all the grand kids to participate in, and we enjoyed playing on the lake and campfires at night.
Major Random Events: Nik and Megan got married in June, the wedding was beautiful, and my kids were perfect, Maddox got hooked on the mother son dance and couldn't wait to dance it again at Brian's cousin, Patricia's, wedding in July. Brian's grandpa passed away, and we had a beautiful service that surprised me with its huge sentimental impact for me. This spurred a massive house cleaning/estate sale to get their house ready to be sold and Grandma moved into a retirement community. My brother had his third little girl, Teegan. My cousin Christa played tennis for the US team in the Special Olympics in Greece, and she came home with some medals too... like silver and bronze... I am so proud! My aunt Pepper moved to GJ, to live with my grandma. This has been such a blessing for my mom to have her sister close, and between the two of them, my grandma is in good hands!
Today marks the last day of CSAP testing(YEAH!!!)... and to kick it off with a bang (or should I say "Moo"), we had a surprise new student try to join us:
Yes, this morning Bossy the cow, tried to come and take CSAP with us, and instead of fulfilling her life long dream, her efforts were thwarted by our AP, and thoroughly enjoyed by the whole student body and staff!
Here is what the AP had to say about the situation:
Good Morning, I want to take this opportunity to dispel some rumors that are widespread throughout MGMS. As we all know rumors can be very damaging to the workplace. First of all: 1. MGMS will remain the “Gators” we are NOT changing our name to THE MAD COWS! 2. No the cow does not get to attend the CSAP dance, as she has missed the first 5 days of testing. 3. Yes, the cow was attracted to my sport coat, however, I told her that I am happily married. 4. WE are having hamburgers for lunch………………………. And finally if you were one of the wranglers that helped out with “Bossy” (her real name,)………….. CHECK YOUR SHOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your Assistant Principal
What an entertaining way to end the most dreaded time of year..
On another note, and this is a first for me... I actually had a student write "I Hate CSAP!!!" in place of a paragraph this year; afterward proclaiming how they "stuck it to 'the man'".... and how could this test make school any worse, they already had (teacher name) for literacy, and it can't get worse than that... I quickly reminded them that they could end up with that teacher again next year....
Sigh... I am just happy to get back to some semblance of "normal" with my classes.
January you have been a bit cruel to me... so with only one day left, I'd like to say good riddance and please be sure to take the following with you on your way out!
First... My injured foot...Early last week after running 5 miles on the treadmill, my foot hurt... like really hurt... it hurt to walk. So I took some alieve and went to bed. The next morning I felt great, wore my high heals to work and had NO pain at all, in fact I had almost forgotten about the injury until later that night when I put on my running shoes to go for another run...OUCH! So I took the rest of the week off, felt great, no pain. I got up Saturday morning to run 10 miles with Anne and Lisa. I had an alternative plan in case I started hurting again, but I ran the entire 10 miles and felt great... until I got out of the car at home and I could barely walk. Then Brian made me stick my whole foot in a bucket of ice water for 20 minutes with a promise it would help...and here I sit on Sunday with an extremely sore foot, barely able to walk, and not to mention possible nerve damage from the freezing cold water (ok, that last part is a bit of an exaggeration...). The worst part is I am 7 weeks out from the half marathon and feeling panicked...so January, PLEASE take this with you when you go.
Secondly... take the rashes, and hives, and the molluscum contageosum that have appeared on my boys skin. The rashes and hives are from a virus and make him quite itchy. I am sure the m.c. is from wrestling, and it won't be the last of the wrestlers curse we see, but you did not have to see the disappointment in my son when the Dr. said he couldn't wrestle. He got so mouthy and rude to me because he didn't know how else to express his own disappointment. Then he cried in the car on the way home (just a little when he didn't think mom was looking). Even the promise of wrestling with dad couldn't cheer him.
Thirdly, and the worst of them all... take the sorrow and questions about the death of my student...it is just too much to bare. All I can think about is what her parents are going through, I can not even imagine the pain the loss of a child brings. I keep having dreams about my own children getting lost, kidnapped, murdered... and that is a terrible feeling to wake up to, but at least mine are still safely sleeping in their beds.
January, I hope that the next time we meet, it is on better circumstances...
YAHOOO! Today was my official last day of school, and it was an easy one to boot! I had all my finals graded early this week so all I had to do was submit my grades and pack up my room (lock everything away because they do summer school in there). I was done and left by noon. I even took a moment to "shop" at our schools lost and found and picked up a great bag that I can take to the beach as well as several really nice name brand sweatshirts for the kids and I. (Sorry Brian, most middle school kids don't wear your size...). With a quick wash they will be just perfect!
The last week of school is always full of crazy schedules and special events. This year I got to go to the 8th grade pool party on Tuesday. The weather turned out to be beautiful which made it a perfect day. I got to play tennis with some of the kids and just enjoy hanging out with them in a different setting. I also really like the 8th grade team, they are so fun to be around and we spend most of the time laughing...
Yesterday was our last day with kids; it is always a fun day filled with games, and year book signings, and of course middle school girls DRAMA!!! We always have plenty of staff vs. student games including three legged races, tug-of-war, and volley ball games. The last hour and a half of the day is spent with all the kids in the cafeteria signing year books and 8th grade girls balling their eyes out.... and this year was no different. It always amazes me that all year long the kids can hardly wait to bust out of the building at the bell, but on the last day we have to kick them out and herd them to the buses.
Even though I am excited to be done with the year, I will miss some of my kids ... Jenna, Amber, Celia, Currey, Dena, Katy (though I will see her regularly since Madison is attached at the hip to her sister Emma), Alex, Jacob, Skyler... just to name a few of the great kids I had for the past two years. I am sure they will be successful in HS, and I expect to see great things from them in the future. I trust in GOD that I have been what these students needed... a mom, friend, mentor, someone to listen, someone to correct, someone that cares, or someone just to be consistent in their lives. I can only trust that what I have planted in their lives will be watered by someone else, and harvested later.
It has been a tradition for years for the staff to "wave" to the kids as the buses pull away. It is a fun way to let the kids at least think we are going to miss them when really we are waving because we are even more excited than the kids to be on summer break... :)
So here is to a great year, and an even better summer!!!
Learned: Time flies not only when you are having fun, but when you are working hard... (but I did have fun teaching this year...)
I have been so incredibly busy since I went back to work. I haven't really had time to think of anything incredibly poetic to report, nor do I currently have anything earth shattering to share, but I thought I better post something before months have passed me by. So this may be a bit random...
I keep forgetting to write it here, since I posted it months ago on my Facebook account, but I finally got my nose pierced. My friend Allsion and I were hanging out down town in early June (it think it was early June, but may have been mid or late) and I commented on how cute her nose ring was (for the millionth time) and that I secretly wanted to get it done. She whisked me away (drug) me to the parlor just a few blocks away and the deed was done. I don't know what was holding me back all this time; maybe that I was almost 30, or thought that I couldn't do it and still be respected as a teacher, but all those fears were silly and in the end I am glad I did it.
Maddox is still loving school, he still requests to go "all of the days" instead of just 3 weeks, but his favorite part isn't the nap any more - though he still likes them. He is starting to tell us about friends and playing with friends, as well as tidbits of what he is learning. The only down side is that he plays so hard and doesn't get as good of a nap as he is used to so by the time I pick him up and get home he is exhausted and fussy... I am sure we will all adjust soon.
Madison started her last year of elementary school. She has the same teacher as she did in 4th grade, she loops up with the class. I was a bit concerned because last year was her least favorite year in school. Her classmates are pretty rowdy and it makes learning difficult. So far she has said that it is much better. She also keeps saying "just one more year then I am with you". I have mixed feelings about her going to middle school, I just can't believe that she is that old. My team teachers daughter started MS this year so I get to see the dynamics of her having her daughter at the school, but I have a year to prepare for this big step.
Brian go to take a short trip to Oklahoma for work the beginning of this week to get certified in something (ball valves I think). It was partial fun (golf and nice dinner) and part work (tour of factory and certification). It was interesting seeing the other side of the coin, usually I am the one that goes on work trips and he is home with the kids and juggling it all alone.
I just registered for my first half marathon, the Moab Other Half. My mom, Anne, and Jan are all signed up to do it together. We run along the river following the scenic highway through the beautiful red walls of the canyon. I have picked up my running this week (I have not had much energy or time to go since school started), I have committed to get up at 4:30 two days, and possibly three, to do hill repeats one day and another run on Fridays with my running partner Anne. I have no doubt that I will be able to do it, it is just a matter of getting in enough long runs to be ready.
Soccer is in full swing now; we have our first games this weekend in Denver. Thus begins our multiple trips over the mountains. But it is all worth it to see Madison excelling at something she enjoys so much.
That about sums up my life currently...not to exciting, but packed to the brim.
Learned? I don't need to have something amazing to share, I just need to keep a record of what's going on, if I want to remember life accurately.
In my 6 (or is it 7?) years of teaching I have had many embarrassing and/or laughable moments; today I add another to the list.
One of the students at school, whom I do not have but he always comes in to say "hi", was making his daily appearance. Today he had a special treat, he brought in one of those dancing and singing stuffed animals and danced for the class. While he was dancing I went to type something and forgot that I had a scented candle burning and slightly burned my arm while reaching over it.
In reaction I yelped, "WOW! That's hot!" in that instant the whole class became silent looking at me with shock and discomfort, then completing my thought, I said "Don't reach over an open flame!"
This was met with an entire class bursting into laughter, and it dawned on me that they ALL thought I was commenting on how hot this student dancing was.. I of course couldn't stifle my own laughter.
Learned? Sometimes it is not wise to say what ever is on you brain.
The guarantee of having only 2 children to raise, The promise leaving the work email closed, The joy of not hearing another excuse for why work from January is still missing
I love thee for you come none too early,
Whether you bring sun or rain, I'll enjoy it just the same, Spending mornings snuggling kids rather than rushing them out the door, Enjoying a run to start my day followed by fun at the park with the kids and the dogs
I love thee for you come none too early,
Having a few spare hours to spend with friends, Maybe a trip out of town for the day, or even a trip to be spoiled at the spa,
So after two weeks of being on break, I am headed back to work today. The district actually made it pretty easy for us, it is a work day, which means no students. Part of me will miss being able to stay up into the wee hours of the morning reading, sleeping in, staying in bed (reading), and spending all day with my kiddos. The other part of me is ready to get back into a routine.
When ever I am on break, it is just that, a break. It is a break from everything. I always feel like a terrible mom and wife while I am on break. I never seem to have dinner ready, or even an idea of what to make, when Brian gets home. The laundry seems to be put off till the final weekend, all the errands that need to be done rarely get thought of until the eve of my return to work.
As much as I think I would love to be a stay at home mom, I just don't think I would be very successful at it. I think that as a procrastinator, I need schedule, and tight time frames to accomplish tasks. Or maybe I would be able to establish a routine if I knew that it was my "job" and I didn't have a limited time to recoup and rejuvenate.
I guess I'll never know.....
Learned? Is the grass really greener on the other side? Can I have the best of both worlds? Teaching is the one profession where I feel I get to be with my kids just as much as a stay-at-home mom does.
There it is... my masters degree diploma. I find it odd that though I have received my pay raise, transcripts, and confirmation from the university that I completed the program, it only now feels complete.
Now... what class(es) should I take next... I need to get certified to teach Gifted and Talented, there are more math classes I want to take, a calculator class, I still have another online book study to do as well as a few weekends to meet for the MS Cubed program I started last summer ... hmmm...
Learned? Who knew when I graduated high school, or even college (the first time), that I would actually never be done going to school.
Once again I have let more than a month pass since posting. So I am sure that there must be a really good excuse....
This is what I have been up to for the last month:
Getting myself and two kids up, dressed, fed, lunches packed, and out the door before 6:30, teaching all day, running to and from practices and games 3 days a week, and trying to find time for my own runs.
I also had my first parent teacher conferences at Middle School. They went amazingly well, I didn't have one parent upset with me!!! And an large portion voiced their praises of how their students are doing in Math!
I have been taking an online book study about geometric thinking. This is another portion of the two week summer classes I took. There is one more book study and two more weekends that we meet. When that is all over, I will have an additional 12 credits which = one more horizontal move on the pay scale! The best part is I didn't have to pay for any of the credits!!!
I have once again found myself entranced with some books. I just finished a really amazing Christian work of fiction, that revolutionized my relationship with my "Papa". The book is called The Shack, and is about how a man overcomes a major tragedy in his life through a weekend spent with the Trinity. I suggest that everyone read this book, it is written in a very non "religous" way, and I came away thinking this is how God would really talk to me. I am going to read it again and journal about it here, because there are some really deep things I want to ponder more.
The book I am currently reading is about an Atlantean god who was raised (and abused) as a human. So much tragedy has happened to him in his first 21 years of life, and at times I think "How much more can one person endure". I am to the part where he has come of age and his god powers have been restored to him, I am anxious to see what happens next. Though it is a very captivating book, there is some content that makes me hesitant about recommending it, so I am not posting the title.
Learned? I seem to forget the world (at least the cyber one) when I get into a book. But I really need to put more effort into recording important things when they happen, because as I am nearing 30, my memory seems to be fading....
I have been completely enthralled in the Twilight series, and just finished it this evening. So this explains my absence for the last month, any free time I had was spent in Forks, WA.
Below are a few of the important things I want to remember about the last moth:
My 29 birthday happened at the beginning of the month. We celebrated at a great wedding: Congrats Ashley and Gerardo! (Not sure if I spelled his name right)
I also painted the house... Before:
After:
I went to Vegas with my kindred spirit, Vycci. We stayed at the New York, New York. We shopped, we soaked in the pool and the sun, ordered room service (a $15.00 pint of Ben and Jerry's Cookie Dough ice cream) while watching a chick flick, got pedicures, and we went to my first Vegas shoe, KA', and had an ENORMOUS steak for dinner, and thoroughly enjoyed the three days of uninterrupted girl talk! It was a good birthday celebration for the both of us, both having August birthdays!
Maddox is officially potty trained. We have had no accidents for quite a while now. He only wears a diaper to bed at night! Yeah Maddox!
I enjoyed a last HOORAH! the weekend before I went back to school. We went rafting through Glenwood Canyon with the Turners, for their daughter's birthday. It was such a blast! I also went on a wine tour for my sister-in-law's sister-in-law's 30th birthday! Happy birthday Kelly!
We also showed our ultra conservative side by taking Madison shooting. Brian and I both agree that it is important for our children to learn how to use guns, and through that learning develop a healthy respect for their power, though it will be years before we take Maddox. She was even brave enough to try the pistol (with Brian's help). She was surprised by the amount of kick it gave. I have decided that I want a little revolver of my own!
Madison started practice with the Academy team for soccer. We are all very excited to see what this season brings. The Academy team is an invitation only team that focuses on player development. In order to increase the level of competition for the games they will be playing against boys their ages. At first the girls were bummed, wanting to play older girls, but now the idea of playing boys is a bit exciting. I am so proud of how hard Madison works on this sport. She is so talented in so many ways!
Last but not of least importance, I had a very successful fist week of middle school. I have a great group of students, and am loving teaching math all day long. I was so nervous to start, but now that the first week is under my belt, I am super excited for the upcoming year!
Learned? Don't put off blogging so long, there is just too much that happened, and I wanted to write about, but now I can't remember it all. Though it was well worth the time spent lost in my books!
Having just finished my masters program, I thought that it would be a while before I took another class. It has only been three weeks, and I have begun another class. This class happens to be completely paid for by a grant. At the completion of it I will have an additional 8 credit hours, a brand new TI-84 calculator, multiple texts, and multiple classroom manipulative. Oh yeah and a much greater understanding of Geometry, and how students learn Geometry. I Just started it yesterday and it runs for the next two weeks, and then we meet a few times through out the year. There are a couple big projects for the pedagogy (understanding how students learn the subject, and how to teach it), as well as actual class work and homework from the college geometry class to complete. But it doesn't feel overwhelming...yet.
I was a bit hesitant about taking on another class, but I am glad that I decided to do it. It will really help prepare me to teach the high school geometry to my new group of 8th graders.
Learned? It is hard to pass up over $1,000 in free education.
Last week Madison started the fourth grade. That makes me feel really old...I actually remember being in the fourth grade. She has the same 4th grade teacher that I had. I wonder how it makes her feel?
I had taken some REALLY cute "First Day of School" pictures of here, but somehow they are not on my camera now. I am a bit frusterated. So I will just have to re-enact them once the clothes get out of the laundry.
We decided to ride our bikes to school with Maddox and the supplies in the bike trailer. I got to walk her into class and find her desk, and get her settled in. I wasn't sure how much she would allow this because she is approaching the age where mom's aren't so cool anymore. One clue that told me she was still my little girl at heart was she wanted folders and notebooks that had puppies on them instead of the cool graphic designs that I liked. I didn't push the issue and thought I would enjoy the "innosence" for a bit longer.
As we were headed into the school I couldn't help but feel that there was a birthday party going on, and I wasn't invited. I normally would have started school too, but I transfered to the middle school. The school seemed to be buzzing with the excitement, energy, and anticipation that a new year brings. It sort of made me miss it... sort of.
Madison saw all her friends, and immediatly started right where they left off. She seems to have had a good first week. I can already see a change in her, she is more mature. She has been setting her clothes out and making her lunches the night before. She gets her homework finished with out a fight, and has me sign right away. I don't even have to remind her. I sure hope this continues for the rest of the year!!! (Knock on wood).
Learned? Even though 4th grade seems grown-up, Madison is still a little girl at heart, that is one thing that I don't want to rush. I also think that the conflicting desires of wanting to grow up and wanting to be little make this time especially difficult. Having taught this grade and the next for the last 6 years, hopefully will prepare me for what is in store.
There it is. My portfolio. The final peice of my Masters Program. I have been working on it like crazy to make sure it would be done before the 15th of July. I really wanted it to be finished before we left for the 4th...and I did it! I mailed it off today.
I am experiencing a huge amount of relief right now, words can't begin to describe the elation! When Maddox laid down for his nap today I didn't know what to do with my self. It is like I have been given the gift of time!
Now that I am officially finished and look back at the program and my experience, I am so proud of all I accomplished and learned. It was much more work than I expected. The actual assignments for the program were not too much, it was the combination of being mom, wife, teacher, house keeper, and student that made it seem like a lot. I began this when Maddox was just six months old he is now two! It really went by fast, it doesn't seem like it was a year and a half long. Maybe it does to my family though. I know they are relieved to have me back.
A huge thank you to my MIL and FIL, they fed and entertained the hubby and the kids almost every Sunday night while I worked on my assignemtns. It was such a big help.
YAHOO!
Learned? I am so thankful that my husband and children were so helpful, supportive, and understanding through this process. They are the real reason for my success.
Today I officially accepted the Honors Math position at the middle school. I will be teaching pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry, to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. These students are all very bright and advanced in math.
When I interviewed I was unsure of my qualifications, and if I would be considered "highly qualified" to take this position. In order to be highly qualified I need 24 hours of MATH courses, and my masters only has 12 credit hours of MATH. As it turns out, I also have 15 MATH credits from my bachelors degree that are considered. So I guess I am highly qualified! I will probably take some classes that pertain to teaching Gifted and Talented students to boost my effectiveness at teaching these students.
I am looking forward to the change and the challenge of teaching new curriculum and students.
I am a bit nervous, I am leaving EVERYTHING that I know and EVERYONE that I know from teaching; but it is also a fresh start. I know this position will challenge me to grow in many ways, which is good.
I am excited for the change of scenery, and the opportunity to teach what I love, and what is my strength.
It also is a bit of a sad time as I consider all I have been through, learned, accomplished, and survived at TME. I still need to go through my stuff and decide what I am taking home and what is staying for the person that takes my place. That is going to be one BIG job, and it needs to be done before July!
I am anxious to get started looking at the curriculum, and at least having a game plan for next year. I will contact my new principal and get some resources this week. Because these students receive high school credit for these courses, I think it is important to at least visit with the feeder HS, and ensure that there is a similar level of rigor in the classes that I will be teaching.
I feel a bit of relief now that the decision has been made and is a "done deal"; I hate being in a state of limbo, and not knowing what is going to happen.
Learned? Taking a risk and forcing yourself to go through change brings a wide range of emotions, many of which were unexpected.
Today marks my first full week on summer break, and it couldn't come any sooner! This year has, by far, been my most difficult year to teach. I had a very difficult class, most of whom have been together since 3rd grade, some even since 1st grade. That is WAY too long for a group of students to be together. It makes the teacher the outsider from the very beginning, rather than the person who unifies the class. I also had a student teacher at the beginning of the year, she started with me at the end of last year, and she is/was wonderful. I agreed to a student teacher last year when I had a really great class, if I had know what was coming my way I wouldn't have put us through that. It made for a poor experience for her, but she survived and will be a great teacher because of it!
I am not going to go into details describing this year, but I was planning on resigning at Christmas, and reluctantly came back. Probably the only reason I came back was because I was almost finished with my masters program and felt it would be a wast of money to quit and still have to pay for the degree. It was an up hill battle the entire year and it NEVER got better, not even on the last day of school. Individually there was not one student that I did not like and enjoy, but as a group they fed off of each other.
I was the sickest I have ever been this year, and I truly think it was because of how stressed I was. (Substitute teachers avoided my room.) It got so bad that my family didn't even want to be around me because I was so grouchy.
I have been very happy at my school all the years I have taught, and feel very supported and have good relationships with administration and staff. But I felt that there was no way I wanted to risk another year like this, so I have put in for a transfer for a middle school math position. One is a 6, 7, 8 honors math, where I would be teaching pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry; the other is a 6th grade math position. I figure that I can at least put in for the transfer, interview, and if I am offered the job I still have the opportunity to decline it. If I take the job, and hate it, I can always transfer back to the elementary school.
The pros of moving to the middle school are if I have another terrible group of students, I only have them for an hour a day rather than all day. Also I get an hour and a half of planning a day, where as now I get an hour and a half 2 times a week! The best pro is that I would teach my favorite and strongest subject...Math. I would also be on the traditional calendar, and in 2 yeas Madison will go to middle school and be on the traditional calendar. There is a greater chance that I will be happier, and therefor be happier at home, and my family will be happier. OH! and I would get a long summer-- much needed after this year!
The cons... well change. That makes me feel uneasy. Elementary is all I know and I have always taught a the same school. I would be leaving the staff that I know and work well with. Other than that I can't see any other cons.
What ever happens, I will be fine with it. At this point I an not entirely sure if I will accept the position or not, but I needed to at least go for it.
Learned? I am just so thankful that I made it through this year, sane, still married, my children still love me, and I actually want to teach again.
EDIT: How embarrassing! I have this issue when I type, and I some how type dyslexic, I thought I did spellcheck, but I guess I didn't, so to anyone who read this post earlier... sorry for all the errors!!!
