So I wasn't tagged by anyone to do this, but I decided to do it anyway. What I have listed below consists of 5 truths and 1 lie. How well do you really know me? Can you tell which is the untruth? Make your best guess!
1. I have been a radio DJ.
2. I have shaken Bill Clinton's hand.
3. I am married to my high school sweetheart. :)
4. When I was little I ate butter straight from the tub.
5. My absolute favorite Disney movie is The Lion King.
6. I was a dancer in The Nutcracker ballet.
I'll reveal the truths in a later post, but until then I tag the Sarahs and Stacey!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
No really, I didn't fall off the face of the Earth. . . .
I noticed it's been awhile since I last blogged, but honestly I read everyone elses blogs regularly! :) I started blogging in my free time over spring break and I guess I didn't think about how hard this would be to keep up with during the school year.
After the concert we headed over to the Ballpark for the game. There were no home runs, which means no fireworks, which in turn means the game wasn't particularly spectacular for me. For those who care, the Rangers lost 4-1. I can at least say we sat in some pretty good seats where you could actually see the dust coming up off of the warning track, if that's something you really care to watch.
That evening we stayed in a hotel that we booked through Priceline. With Priceline, you select a general location and the price you're willing to pay and if the offer is accepted, you must take it. Eric and I were really nervous about potentially getting stuck in a creepy hotel, but we ended up with the Hyatt Place . We actually got the room for over 50% off and it was NICE! We had a "cozy corner" that had a wraparound couch and an ottoman. There was a small dividing wall between the couch and the plush bed, and from either of those two places you could watch the big HDTV. I've never slept better in a hotel room! After this experience, we're thinking about using Priceline for our trip to New York this summer. And by the way, if you have any NYC advice, I'm all ears!
Speaking of school, it's a nightmare. Our campus assigned police officer was back in the classroom today due to an incident on Friday. Needless to say I cannot wait for summer and a chance for me to get my sanity back!
On to happier thoughts. . . . A couple of weekends ago Eric and I went to Dallas for a Third Day concert and Texas Rangers game. I have to admit that I'm not super familiar with Third Day, but I really enjoyed the concert.
After the concert we headed over to the Ballpark for the game. There were no home runs, which means no fireworks, which in turn means the game wasn't particularly spectacular for me. For those who care, the Rangers lost 4-1. I can at least say we sat in some pretty good seats where you could actually see the dust coming up off of the warning track, if that's something you really care to watch. That evening we stayed in a hotel that we booked through Priceline. With Priceline, you select a general location and the price you're willing to pay and if the offer is accepted, you must take it. Eric and I were really nervous about potentially getting stuck in a creepy hotel, but we ended up with the Hyatt Place . We actually got the room for over 50% off and it was NICE! We had a "cozy corner" that had a wraparound couch and an ottoman. There was a small dividing wall between the couch and the plush bed, and from either of those two places you could watch the big HDTV. I've never slept better in a hotel room! After this experience, we're thinking about using Priceline for our trip to New York this summer. And by the way, if you have any NYC advice, I'm all ears!Well I suppose that's it for now. Don't forget to wish Sarah C. a happy birthday on the 27th!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
A Brief Update
Thank you to all of you who have been praying about the situation involving the boy in my last post. Sadly on Monday night CPS came and removed the other two children from the home. I'm not really sure what is going on, but I do know that this latest event is traumatizing the family even more. I must remind myself that all of this will work out for the glory of God.
As far as my life goes, not a lot has been happening, just the usual school stuff. We are officially counting down the last nine weeks. I am so ready for June 4th at 12:30!
Today Eric and I helped my parents with a garage sale. The two of us made $30--woohoo! Then we came home and I took a 3 hour nap; I guess I was tired. This afternoon we worked on cleaning up the apartment and we gave Lucy a bath. My most recent accomplishment of the day makes me proudest of all--I actually finished my lesson plans tonight! I usually end up stressing myself out by trying to put together a week's worth of lessons on Sunday night, but I decided that I wasn't going to do that to myself this weekend. I want to enjoy a Sunday for once and that is exactly what I plan on doing tomorrow!
I hope all of you have a wonderfully restful Sunday! Until next time. . . .
As far as my life goes, not a lot has been happening, just the usual school stuff. We are officially counting down the last nine weeks. I am so ready for June 4th at 12:30!
Today Eric and I helped my parents with a garage sale. The two of us made $30--woohoo! Then we came home and I took a 3 hour nap; I guess I was tired. This afternoon we worked on cleaning up the apartment and we gave Lucy a bath. My most recent accomplishment of the day makes me proudest of all--I actually finished my lesson plans tonight! I usually end up stressing myself out by trying to put together a week's worth of lessons on Sunday night, but I decided that I wasn't going to do that to myself this weekend. I want to enjoy a Sunday for once and that is exactly what I plan on doing tomorrow!
I hope all of you have a wonderfully restful Sunday! Until next time. . . .
Monday, March 31, 2008
A Life Cut Short
Today I was really hoping to write about the fact that I turned in my transfer letter last week. This means that I have a chance of switching to another school in the district, which as you may or may not know, would be a blessing. I have spent so much of my first year dealing with discipline problems that I haven't actually had the opportunity to focus on planning AND implementing the kind of lessons that I would like to teach. Sadly, my good news seems so irrelevant in comparison to what happened today. . . .
I was in the copy room this morning when I heard my name called over the intercom. My first thought was, "Great, as if I don't have anything better to do." My name was quickly followed by the name of one of the other fourth grade teachers. Seeing as how we have discipline issues all the time, I assumed it had something to do with that. When I got into the office I could tell something didn't seem right.
The assistant principal proceeded to tell us that one of our fourth graders had drowned on Sunday night. He apparently dove into a pond to retrieve a pair of glasses, despite the fact that he could not swim. His body was not found until midnight and the family does not have the money to pay for a funeral. I went numb and began to tear up as the AP explained that we were not to discuss this with anyone (students or teachers) until a plan was put into place. Of course being the rumor mill that fourth grade is, word had already gotten around before I picked my kids up from the gym that morning. All I was allowed to tell them was, "I don't know. I can't discuss it right now."
During my planning period (which is early in the school day) the fourth grade team met with several administrative officials from the district. A statement was devised to be read in the classrooms in order to let the students know what had happened. Counselors were brought in from all over the district to deal with the potential out pour of grief.
As the statement was read in my class I had several students break down, while many sat there in shock. My room had never been so quiet. Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to seek counseling where many of them made cards to give to the deceased student's family.
One of the toughest issues for me was knowing that so many of these kids had never been nice to the boy. It was apparent that some of them were regretful as you read their cards. "I'm sorry for being a mean friend. I hope you can forgive me now." But by the end of the day, their regular disrespectful behaviors had returned. It was as though they didn't even remember the lesson they had learned that morning.
This evening one of the other fourth grade teachers and I took food over to the student's house. I've never been in a situation where I had to deal so directly with someone else's grief. I learned that at a time like this, most people just want someone to listen to them. While we were there we were told that there is a trust fund in the works so the family can afford to have a funeral.
Well if you've actually read to this point, all I have to say is wow. I didn't know that I would write so much, although I suppose writing is theraputic. In the end all I have to ask is that you please keep this family and my school in your prayers. I have a feeling it's going to be a tough week.
I was in the copy room this morning when I heard my name called over the intercom. My first thought was, "Great, as if I don't have anything better to do." My name was quickly followed by the name of one of the other fourth grade teachers. Seeing as how we have discipline issues all the time, I assumed it had something to do with that. When I got into the office I could tell something didn't seem right.
The assistant principal proceeded to tell us that one of our fourth graders had drowned on Sunday night. He apparently dove into a pond to retrieve a pair of glasses, despite the fact that he could not swim. His body was not found until midnight and the family does not have the money to pay for a funeral. I went numb and began to tear up as the AP explained that we were not to discuss this with anyone (students or teachers) until a plan was put into place. Of course being the rumor mill that fourth grade is, word had already gotten around before I picked my kids up from the gym that morning. All I was allowed to tell them was, "I don't know. I can't discuss it right now."
During my planning period (which is early in the school day) the fourth grade team met with several administrative officials from the district. A statement was devised to be read in the classrooms in order to let the students know what had happened. Counselors were brought in from all over the district to deal with the potential out pour of grief.
As the statement was read in my class I had several students break down, while many sat there in shock. My room had never been so quiet. Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to seek counseling where many of them made cards to give to the deceased student's family.
One of the toughest issues for me was knowing that so many of these kids had never been nice to the boy. It was apparent that some of them were regretful as you read their cards. "I'm sorry for being a mean friend. I hope you can forgive me now." But by the end of the day, their regular disrespectful behaviors had returned. It was as though they didn't even remember the lesson they had learned that morning.
This evening one of the other fourth grade teachers and I took food over to the student's house. I've never been in a situation where I had to deal so directly with someone else's grief. I learned that at a time like this, most people just want someone to listen to them. While we were there we were told that there is a trust fund in the works so the family can afford to have a funeral.
Well if you've actually read to this point, all I have to say is wow. I didn't know that I would write so much, although I suppose writing is theraputic. In the end all I have to ask is that you please keep this family and my school in your prayers. I have a feeling it's going to be a tough week.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
An End to Spring Break
The Boomin' Beyond Measure concert was awesome! The only thing that could have made it better is if our seats hadn't been RIGHT by the speakers. Let's just say Eric and I not only heard the music, we felt it. Here are a few pictures from the evening:
Matthew West did end up being there! He was the concert opener.
Jeremy Camp was next. If you haven't heard his testimony, you should check it out here.
tobyMac and the DiverseCity band brought the concert to a close. They had an amazing energy that kept nearly the whole audience on its feet while they were on stage.
Prior to the concert we spent the day at Six Flags which, by the way, was PACKED. In the six hours before the concert we only managed to ride three rides! Due to the crowds we decided to eat lunch at the park instead of losing our parking space. It turns out people weren't just forming long lines for rides, but for food as well! I saved a table while Eric waited in line for at least an hour to get our lunch. Talk about a test of patience. . . but patience is a virtue, right? :)
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Tomorrow Eric and I must return to our teaching lives
Before I go I want to wish you a HAPPY (probably belated) EASTER!!! Check out the eggs Rachel, Eric and I dyed last night!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Boomin' Beyond Measure Tour
Monday, March 17, 2008
The Beginning
I will admit that I've never been much of a writer, but the idea of having a blog amuses me. Many might also say that I am not the best at keeping in contact, despite the fact that I really do have the best of intentions. So in an effort to keep in touch with friends (and mildly amuse myself!), I have decided to enter into the world of blogging.
Wish me luck!
Wish me luck!
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