A Day of Firsts

First day

First grade

Here goes nothing...

Twin Powers Activate

The twins visited this past weekend and it was awesome.  I have never had the two of them all to myself so this time together was very special.  It all began Thursday afternoon when a Blue Nissan Rogue whipped into the school parking lot.  The twins were ready to take the town.  After a quick tour of school and classroom we went back to my house for a tour.  They were both very impressed with our home, but were very excited to get down to decorating.  But before  we could get to decorating we had to fill our bellies.  And filling our bellies quickly became the theme of the weekend.  Think lobster bisque, mahi mahi with shrimp sauce, and chocolate cheesecake.  I think everyone else enjoyed their dinner, but obviously I was too busy stuffing my face with yumminess to notice.  Needless to say we all had to roll ourselves home and rest up for Friday.  So Friday we (and by we I mean they)  all met at my house and the real fun began.  I walked into one of the funniest sights that I have ever seen.  I wish that I knew how to add pictures to share.  I will work on it, I promise.  These two women were standing side by side with their hands on their hips facing the room.  I could sense them accepting their challenge and planning the entire room with out saying a word.  It was freaky and twintastic.  Those two know how to redecorate.  Furniture was moving, lamps were flashing, greenery was fluffed, pictures were put here, there, everywhere.  I felt like I was on HGTV.  I learned about "your eye" wanting to move up if a picture is here and how to put lamps in a four point design in order to maximize lighting options.  Who knew? Twins knew.  I thought we were just going to hang pictures.  Too simple for these two.  After a quick lunch we ventured out into the rain to find hidden treasures.  It was pouring rain, but we managed to find some great deals.  Terry's shorts were soaking wet and my hair looked pretty ugly, but worth it.  After a few additions and readjustments to the room it was done.  This is where I would put the picture if I could.  It looks like a different room.  It is so comfortable and has a real personality.  Could not have done it myself.  I am am not only grateful, but so pleased that my family could put such a special touch on our home.  Both mom and Taffy stayed in my house ALL DAY with NO DOG ALLERGY REACTIONS!!  It might not sound like much, but to a daughter who's mom can only spend a few moments of time in her home it's AWESOME!!  I know that it meant a lot to her too.  The rest of the weekend was great, too.  They found a great fabric and recovered an ottoman to go in our new room.  The twins amazed again McGyver style using a staple gun, spoon, and cheap scissors from Rite Aid to create a Pottery Barn style ottoman.  More twin talking without really talking and the result was impressive.  I am thinking of pitching a show to HGTV starring them going to dog free homes and changing rooms around.  I would set my DVR for that one.   We cooked, went to church, cooked some more, talked, laughed, cooked, and ate some more.  Jeremy came up one night and the four of us had a lovely meal.  Jeremy and I have decided that cooking with wine is our new favorite thing.  If Taffy puts it in her pasta so do we.  That girl can cook.  When it was time for them to go there were no tears.  Just hugs, kisses, and laughter.  A great way to end a great visit.  How could there be tears when we had such a good time?  My final image of the trip was Taffy racing through security only to wait on Terry putting on her white socks with her sandals to walk through security.  Oh to be a fly on the wall as they travelled together through the airport.  With those two, it's always a good ole time!

First Grade, huh?

I love teaching and I do it for the money...Just Kidding.  But I do love teaching and have ever since I began my career 8 years ago.  I have taught 2nd grade for 6 years and 3rd grade for 1 year.  My journey as a teacher has been exciting, scary, frustrating, rewarding, but most of all fun.   Each year offers its own set of challenges.  I remember being so overwhelmed my first year wondering if I was going to make it to Spring Break, crying when I had to transfer schools for the third year in a row (love those budget cuts!), and thinking that I should be committed for attempting National Boards and planning a wedding in the same year.  With each challenge I was dramatic, complained A LOT, and questioned my decision to become a teacher.  But I not only survived, but came out a better, stronger teacher.  Today I was presented with a new challenge.  I received a call from my principal asking me to move grade levels.  My first response was NO!!!  I have already been up to school and set up my classroom for 2nd grade.  Not only would I bee changing grade levels, but rooms as well.  The idea of moving 7 years worth of stuff one room down the hall is very frustrating.  Not to be one to take things calmly I made my way up to school to ask one question...Why?  I was told that  my principal believed that I could handle the challenge and make the transition smoothly.  He must not know me very well because I do not do well with change.  I smiled and told him the truth.  I will work just as hard in whatever grade I teach, I am grateful to have a job, I will come to work with a smile on my face, but I am not happy.  I walked down to my new room and took a deep breath as my new challenge sunk in.  Yes, I am sad to leave 2nd grade because I loved teaching 2nd grade.  But I was placed at this school, with these coworkers and students, and, now, placed in this grade level for a reason.  This is just another challenge in my career that will make me a stronger, more effective teacher.  I am sure that when I retire on my island with all the money I have made as a teacher I will laugh at myself for being nervous about this challenge.  I will be spending the next few days studying, planning, and thinking about the upcoming year.  And I know that in a few years this challenge will be just another part of my teacher journey that made me into a better teacher.