Back in Action

Well I've made it through the first 2 weeks of school. These have been very long days as I expected, but I am stil LOVING it! I am excited about my class this year. I love the teachers that are new to the 4th grade, and they all definitely add a lot of fun to my job. I also adore my kids this year already. I can't even describe how much better it is to be a second year teacher instead of a first year teacher. I thought I knew what I was doing last year, but things come even easier and more naturally this year. There are definitely going to be challenges and times of frustration, but I am really trying to keep it all in perspective this year. I've also shared with my teammates some advice I received from a friend last year (Mark), "Teachers can't control how much they get paid, but they can control their hourly wage." I plan to begin implementing that plan shortly as I get my routines and all of the new people established. :-)

Part of my books and my checkout system

One of the new changes this year....Our Class Compliment Tree. We talked about how we can grow as a class together. One of the ways we can grow is to nourish each other with kind words. There are leaves for them to write their compliments on for each other and for the whole class. It is going very well. (I took this picture before school started so there are no leaves on the tree yet.)

Another key change this year has been my walk/jog before school......5:30 oh yeah! So far so good....

Goodbye Summer

Well my friends the time has come for me to say goodbye to the freedoms that summer has provided. Goodbye lazy mornings...8am jogs.....poolside reading....afternoon shopping.....random road trips with my cute hubby....game nights every weekend(all weekend)...and much, much more! I have no regrets. This was the best choice I've made in a long time. Matt and I have had a wonderful summer. I wouldn't trade in the fun and relaxation we have had this summer for anything in the world. This will definitely be a summer we will look back on with a smile.

Saturday we spent the day shopping and being lazy. That evening we played games and enjoyed fondue with friends. Sunday was church and all that Sundays entail. I made Matt his favorite blueberry muffins and with a kiss sent him off to begin his second year of medical school Monday morning. I have spent the week working in my classroom, having lunch with friends from school, and wasting the last few moments of summer. Now I too am officially back to work! I say this with a smile because I have truly enjoyed myself and I am ready to have a great year!!!! (In the words of my positive husband, "We can't get it over with until we get started." :-) So here we go!)

Friday Finds and Fun

Today started with a Lake Carolina exercise routine, a little time on the Wii, and getting ready for a BUSY day. Matt and I met his mom and sister out at the Sandhills Mall area for a fun day. We started with a movie. We saw the third mummy movie...we all decided that if they were going for a comedy with really bad acting then it was a good movie. It was so cheesy! Then we had a great lunch at Five Guys. Next it was time for a little shopping (Matt was thrilled). I found some great deals at my favorite store Ann Taylor Loft. Mama T split some of the cost of these great finds which was GREATLY APPRECIATED. We ended our afternoon with some ice cream. We had so much fun with our family. There were lots of laughs...I couldn't think of a better way to spend a Friday afternoon.

Modeling my new dress for school

An early birthday present from Mama T-so thoughtful so I can have it for the start of school.

Afterwards we raced home to finish making meatballs and little smokies for Al's 30th birthday party. Alyssa, his wife, went to great lengths to keep the secret. She was successful and Al was so surprised. We spent the evening visiting and enjoying more good food. Tomorrow will definitely be a day of running and possibly no eating....It was worth it!

Twilight Fever

A new family moved into our ward this summer, and I was introduced to the Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer. I admit at the beginning I was skeptical of a book series about vampires since I had never been into the whole vampire world of books. Michelle, the person that introduced me to the books, was extremely convincing. I read the first book and was hooked. I finished all three this summer and anxiously awaited the 4th book. Michelle invited me out to the midnight release party. I usually would take the boring approach and wait to purchase an item at a more normal hour. However, this time I decided be a little crazy and join a friend for a midnight adventure.