May 9, 2009

I have meaning to sit down and get a picture of my college graduation posted.. It was a very special day and I tried really hard to soak up every moment. Standing in the midst of the other girls I had made this journey with, seeing my family, and reflecting on how hard I had worked to get to this point in my life made me want to cry. I teared up a little but I didn't want my mascara to run (such a girl is me). Anyway, it's a wonderful feeling of accomplishment and a true sense of pride that now I can acutally say "I have a degree in Education". Thanks to all my friends and family who supported me in prayers and words of encouragement. Most of all, I thank God, my Father who I relied on in my deepest hours of need and when life seemed unbearable with all the stressors that come with being a mom, wife, and student. It truly was by His grace that I made it through.

Pulling an "all nighter"

Well, here I sit slaving away at the computer, hopefully for the last time and for awhile. I am working on my online portfolio that will most likely not even be looked at but it's a graduation requirement. I don't know how seriously the "big wig" will take it but I guess it's best to have it done than not at all. Tomorrow after my exit interview, I will be coming back home and crashing for a few hours. Then, I can relax knowing that graduation is just a few days away. I am very excited but it all seems surreal. The only thing I can relate this experience to is the birth of a child. You carry something for so long, work hard at making it through every struggle, obstacle or challenge and then finally, the baby comes and it's so exciting yet scary too. That's sort of how I feel. I can only assume that some people don't take the idea of having a college education and a degree as seriously as I do but it really is a big deal to me. Especially now that I am older and can appreciate it more. Anyway, I will post later in the week and try to upload some pics. BTW, my little boy is "graduating" from PreK in June. I thought it might be cute if we got our pics made together in our caps and gowns....wouldn't that be too hilarious!!! : )

the wonders of childhood

It's so amazing that little things like a caterpillar are what fascinates young childeren. Grant has discovered them at school and just recently found one here at home. He really loves and wants to keep them. I told him that they have mommies and daddies too and that if he kept it, they wouldn't be able to turn into butterflies. The most amazing thing that makes me smile is that he is very gentle and talks to it. Ahhh, the innocence of childhood. Sometimes, I miss it myself.

In the Home Stretch

Wow, it's been awhile since I have blogged, huh? It's hard to believe at times that the end is near for this journey in college. There are only six weeks left of Student Teaching and then I will be a graduate May 9th. Life happened in the ten years that I was "supposed" to graduate from college but that's okay, I don't think I would trade any of it, especially the time I had with Grant his first year of life. I am trying hard to not worry about the future and live for the moment. My prayer is that God knows what I need and if there is a job out there for me, he will be the one to lead me to it.
One other thing that I haven't been real open about about with the exception of a few people is that Bill and I want to have another child. I was stressing out about it for the first three months of this year but have finally resigned myself to "if it happens, it happens" and not worrying about it. I still have some weight loss goals and if a pregnancy interrupts that, then I am okay with that too. I want to enjoy the summer with Grant before he trots off to Kindergarten in the fall. Well, that's all from my little corner right now. : ) luvyameanit

Flying Solo with God as my Captain

Well, this week and the following week, I will be teaching EVERYTHING and taking over the first grade classroom that I am in right now. I have been writing down my plans, getting things prepared for some of my centers and small group activities. It's definitely a lot of work but I really enjoy it. I like being busy, it keeps my mind occupied and my body active. I lost one pound last week and I truly attribute it to the simple fact that I am constantly moving in and out of the classroom. The only time I really get to sit for a moment is during planning period and lunch, oh and later in the dat with small groups. I am truly blessed with the cooperating teacher that has taken me under her wing and guided me through a lot of planning, paperwork, and assessments. I am also very blessed to have a very well managed, well behaved classroom full of bright and cheerful children whom I truly adore. I know you're not supposed to have favorites but it's hard not to. These weeks of student teaching have really gone quickly and before I can take a breath, I will be moving on to my next placement; FOURTH GRADE! I am very nervous about teaching this age group but I have a really great cooperating teacher at this school and I think she will be just as helpful as my first grade cooperating teacher.
Finally, I have really been asking God to show me the "mediocrity" in my life and He is showing me that I have a real problem with judging others. It's the most difficult thing to NOT do because our humanness wants us to feel superior to those who are inferior. I am searching scripture and asking God to break this stronghold. I think it's going to be a lengthy process just because it's been such a long hard habit and to just completely stop is not possible without the Holy Spirit and God's divine grace. I just wanted to share that in the hopes that someone else might relate.
luvyameanit~ard

The Beginning of The End...

Just like when you were a kid and you couldn't sleep worth a darn because you were so anxious, excited, and scared about the first day of school. Well, that's how I felt on Thursday when I began the first day of Student Teaching. I woke up at 5am because I just couldn't lay in bed waiting for the alarm to go off. I got up, made a pot of coffee, jumped in the shower and got myself "spiffy-ed" up for those darling first graders I will be with for the next seven or so weeks.
I can't believe I am here at this point in my journey through school. I am so thankful and happy that I have made it. Through all the peaks and valleys, I have made it. It feels terrific and I am ready for it all. I love the challenge, the skills, and the wisdom I will gain from others that will only help me to become a better teacher. Only one thing left to say really,
Bring It On!!!
I'm Ready!!!

2009

Comments & Myspace layouts

Wow, I can hardly believe how the past year has just flown by and now I get to start over again. There are a lot of things I hope to accomplish this coming year including to say the least, college graduation. That day will be full of emotions but also a day of relief and sense of accomplishment. My child will be turning five in a blink of an eye it seems and getting ready to start Kindergarten in the fall. Maybe just maybe he will get a baby sister or brother this year, we shall wait and see what God has planned. I am still keeping my weight loss goals on the front burner and plan to get back into the swing of things using what I have learned at Weight Watchers and keeping that support system in place. There is a lot to be accomplished and yet it all is so unknown, it is my faith that God knows what is best for me and rely on His wisdom to see me through whatever may come my way. It is my hope and prayer that all of my friends and family have a richly blessed 2009.