Just Need Some Sunshine

I know that I haven't posted much lately, and I cant say I really have got a good reason for it. As usual, my first graders keep me pretty mentally exhausted. Just when I think they have honestly asked me a million questions, they aways find at least 100 more :) Ive learned a lot in the past 113 days of school. Ive learned a lot about what some of my kids go through each and every day. And I am talking like, things and subjects we were never exposed to when we went through elementary. And it just makes me so sad. I have one student who is in foster because she was sexually abused by a family member. Her mother also abuses drugs.
Anyways, she seemed a little sad one day, so I asked her to have lunch with Mrs. L. It was almost like we were having an adult conversation. She and I talked about a little bit of everything, what she likes to do, who she watches on TV (HannaMontana...of course!) She did mention how she misses her mom, but she told me that because of her moms bad choices she cannot see her, and she knows that she wll get better and they will be able to spend time together again soon. I quote her on this. I can feel the pain through her voice and it just makes me upset, angry and want to cry all at the same time. All I could offer this little girl besides an education, is a hug and let her know I care.
It is days like this, I could use a little more sunshine. I am finding that my job is becoming a lot more harder than I had imagined. Some days, I just come home and ponder what some of my kids go home to. Do they have heat? What about a dinner? Is there an adult to supervise them? And its every day that I get to spend time with them, and enjoy their silly jokes, their amazing personalities, and even their 100 extra questions. So even though I could use a little bit of sunshine right about now. At least I know I am in the right profession. Because in a million years from now, I will know that I as able to make a positive difference. And maybe, thats all the sunshine I need?

Words to Live By

I found these magnets a few years ago at Barnes and Noble. And its a rare occasion that I find them or other items sold by this company locally. I absolutely adore their stuff! I own quite few magnets of my own. I often display them outside of my classroom door. (Thankfully my door frame is metal, so they stick!) It just gives anybody who comes into my room something to ponder and think about. I also own 2 canvas paintings and a few journals. Trust me, I fill those babies up, since I journal all the time. But anyways,  thought I would share the website with the rest of you. You just might be inspired like I was :)

http://www.quotablecards.com/main.html

Relax? Not Today

When I got home from school today, I was exhausted. The kids are so excited and ready for break, and well, so am I! All I was looking forward to was some peace and quiet while phil was at a basketball game. And these chances of being home alone come by far and few between. So least to say, I was estactic! But wouldn't you know, if its not one thing another? So as I came into the office to check e-mail and facebook, I turn the corner to see a big pile of mess! My little cherubs..Chloe and Buddy somehow managed to knock my ornament box off the couch. I literally screamed in panic. I just kept thinking...all of my keepsakes, and the ornaments I grew up with. I turned around to see their little faces just sitting there. And as soon as I pointed my finger at them, and asked "Which one of you did this?" They were gone! They knew they were in some serious trouble! On a positive note, none of them broke, or at least that I am aware of, thank God for that one. On a negative note, I will never know which one of them did it. Thats the only problem with having 2 : / Well, needless to say I didnt get to relax like I thought. Oh well, maybe tomorrow?

And this is after I picked most of the mess up. I swear...they are lucky they are cute...

New Mr. & Mrs. Pics

Phil and I a few weeks ago won a photography session at a Big Brothers, Big Sisters auction. Phil and I really wanted our pictures to be taken in the fall. Its both of our favorite seasons. So we had them taken in downtown Mishawaka, at the River Walk. This is also where Phil proposed to me. 

                                       

We really loved our photographer, and she did a great job.  Here are just a few pictures from our shoot. Our photographers name is Amy Bradburn or AB Photography. I highly suggest her, and does a great job!                                                      

Mental Break

And by mental break, I mean at least for 4 days. And, boy did I need it. At least some down time, with out having to wake up at 5:45 :) What I don't understand, is that I always greatly look forward to sleeping in, but it never happens.

So Thanksgiving came and went, nothing special happened. I did not spend it with my mom or the rest of the family, because of everything that has happened between us. So unfortunately she and I are no longer talking. I think its best at this point. I would rather have no parents at all, than 1 that doesn't care. We will leave it at that.

I have been going to see this really great guy for therapy. He's really awesome, and so relaxed. I think its helping a little bit, but I think most of all, when I talk he actually listens. He doesn't judge, interrupt, give his opinions, he just listens.

I guess so far, my life has been not even close to a normal, but day by day, I get through them. Especially with the help of Phil and my friends. The one frustrating point is that I always thought I could depend on family, and as it turns out I can really only depend on about half of them. But thank God for that half.

Today is Sunday, which means obviously tomorrow is Monday :/ But I am looking forward to seeing my kids and hearing all their goofy, but honest stories about their weekend. Thats the best part about have younger ones, they are still excited about school and their teacher, who happens to be Mrs. L :) And I am lucky to have such an amazing job that is so inspiring :)
Its one of the few things that keeps me going.