I'm back

Hello again. I have decided to post again. For the past year, I have been hesitant to post as it bit me when applying for my last job. Just remember, don't post anything you don't want the whole world to see.

As for updates, I usually keep everyone updated on Face Book, but this is more personal. This is where I want to keep my thoughts for future reflection.
We just got back from a beautiful vacation at Snow Mountain Ranch. We had so much fun and we really bonded as a family. We had a few moments when we got on each others nerves, but for the most part, it was fabulous. We hiked, rode horses, zip lined, canoed, made walking sticks, ate Smores, swam, shot bows and arrows, listened to old story tellers, worshiped, played put put golf. We just had a good time.

Now we are getting ready to start a new school year. This year, I will be at Antelope Trails Elementary in D20. I was non renewed at my last job. That was really tough and I hated to go. Mostly I hated leaving my students and parents. I suppose I just wasn't supposed to be there. I am soooo excited about working in D20. I have already fallen in love with my team and I think I am finally home. It is located a little closer to home than my last school and the girls and I will be on the same schedule.

I am ready to start running again. I haven't done it for the last few years as school was really overwhelming and time consuming. I have made a commitment to myself to start again. Becca and I will be running in the Discovery Canyon 5K in August. This will be a walk at first, but running is sure to follow.

TTFN

New School Year

I love my new school. I love my new team. I am overwhelmed, as every new school year brings lots of stress, but I am not scared all the time. I am confident in my work. I am appreciated for what I do. I am not sure I can ever go back to working in a site based program.

I love to put quotes on my post, from time to time. I had a great one this week that came from a student. She said that she could tell that I have only been a teacher for 2 or 3 years. When I asked her why, she said "because you still act like you like it". I hope that I always act like I like it.

TTFN

Back from Florida

I just got back from Florida, last night around 3am. It is so great to be home. It was wonderful being with family. I caught up with relatives I haven't seen in years. Namely, Uncle John and Aunt Gail. My cousins Donna, Vicki, Bobby, Joseph, etc. Becca went with me.

On Sunday, we had a great big southern feast, complete with southern fried chicken, banana pudding and macaroni and cheese. We also ate some Puerto Rican specialties from my cousin, Donna. It was so great to just eat and talk. That's exactly what we did. We ate and sat around talking for FIVE hours. I thought Becca was gonna die of boredom. I have to say, I loved it. It reminded me of who I am and where I come from. It was good to show Becca who she is and where she comes from. We talked about memories of Granny and Uncle Jim. There was quite a hole missing, both at the table and in our hearts, where Uncle Jim should have been.

Tammie took Becca and I out to Siesta Key. I LOVE THE OCEAN!!!! It was beautiful. We watched the sunset and collected shells. So peaceful and so beautiful. Tammie and Jim took us to an Amish restaurant in Sarasota where the food was absolutely yummy.


We went to Sea World and we like the Beluga Whales the best. One seemed to come to Josh when he put his hands on the glass. We caught up with Brittany and Ashley. Brittany's baby is due in November. Josh has grown into a handsome young man. We are all so proud of him.

It was good to see Jenny and the kids. Michael is a young man now. Eric stayed with us the whole time and thought that he had moved into the condo "aka tondo" with us. What a joy he was. Haley is walking and is an independent little one year old who keeps everybody on their toes. She is a chubby little thing with gorgeous blue eyes and dark hair. She is such a cutie.

I visited Granny Day. She is ninety five and still very sharp, mentally. Her body has not kept up. She can't move her legs to stand and she looked like she is retaining fluid. As I left her, I was aware that I may be saying goodbye for the last time. I kissed her and told her I loved her. She told me that she loved me too. Enough said.

My dad has lost weight and he looks terrible. He also continues to smoke and not do what the doctor says to do. It's frustrating, but I love him still. I just wish he could see how much better he could be.

I visited Daniel. He has the cutest little house from the 1920s that he just moved into. He continues to do lawn work. I looked at him and thought about what a nice looking man he has become and what a huge heart he has. He cares for his girlfriends disabled daughter, in their home, and he never complains. He is quiet, but speaks volumes in his willingness to help out those around him. He takes care of my parent's yard, which is no small task in sunny Florida.

Our flight was late getting in last night, so we arrived home around 3am. I think I am going to go take a nap.

TTFN

Summer Time

I am so enjoying the summer. Each day I get up and think "I don't have to go to work today and I am getting my house, life and family back in order". It feels good I tell ya.

We bought a new camera. Now I just need to figure out how to upload pictures and I hope to post some pictures of our lives and garden, this summer. My garden is in and plants are up. I got it in earlier than last year, so I hope to get more veggies from it. It has rained for the last two days, so everything has had a nice soaking.

We went to the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus last Friday night. Becca loved it and Laura didn't. Laura said that it was geared to children younger than her. Ah, she really is growing up. I suppose that since we only go to the circus every 10 years or so, the next time will be with our grandkids. Yikes!!!!

Laura started hockey. She and I are getting along a lot better. I think I am learning to give her her independence and she is learning that sometimes, I am right. Ha ha. Becca will start voice lessons in a couple of weeks. Both are doing camp this summer and I am hoping to squeeze in a trip to Florida to see my folks, with Becca. I am so proud of both my girls. Laura finished the year with a 4.0 grade average. Becca got several awards for her "Battle of the Books" success.

I am getting really excited about my new job. I have been leveling my children's books and putting my lesson plans in order. I can't wait to begin, though there is a part of me that is a little scared of the unknown. I don't know the kids. I don't know the staff. I have been so focused on "behavior" type lessons, I am a little concerned about being able to now teach academics. This is what I have wanted to boost on my resume, so I will give it my best shot. I think I am really going to like it.

I suppose that's the lastest for now. Just cleaning and enjoying the summer.

TTFN

Summer

So much life has happened over the last month. I have not posted for a while as I was hesitant to do so until I switched jobs. Yes folks, these blogs get checked out, so don't put anything on them that you would not want the world to see. Anyway, I am back.

First off, my girls both continued on to higher learning. Becca to middle school and Laura to high school. I can't believe they are so big. Where in the world did the time go? Both of them got academic awards and both are excited about moving up.

Laura will start summer break on Wednesday. Becca was on break as of Friday. Laura is off to camp Elim later in the summer and Becca will be off to Camp Salvation. Next week, both girls will be rehearsing with the drama team at church for VBS the next week. Busy, busy, busy.

As for me, life has also taken a turn. After quite the search, I was offered a job in D38 at an elementary school. I will be a SPED Resource teacher. I know that this job was God given and I can't wait to get started. I will be teaching more academics and less behavior management. Thank you lord for my new job. Oh yeah, it's only 10 minutes away from the house.

It was hard leaving MRES. I will miss my students. I will miss the staff. I fear that I won't have the wonderful relationship with staff and administration that I had at MRES. I also know that God called me to move on and that he gave me this new position. On to new things.

I leave you today with a story from one of my student's last day of school. One of my fifth grade students approached me on his way out. He was crying. He put his head on my shoulder and said "Mrs. Russell, I will never forget you." I said "I am so proud of you. Keep your car in the road." He and I both knew that this meant he is to worry about himself and not perseverate on all the things around him. Be aware, but "drive your own car". He said "Mrs. Russell, I will remember that for the rest of my life". What more could a teacher ask for?

Learning to wait.

As you can tell from the title, I am still in limbo concerning the job situation. I was told on Tuesday that I was not selected for the position at the high school. On Friday I was told that I was actually the candidate the SPED team wanted and that the person they offered the job to was considering not taking it. Long story that I cannot write about publicly, but I am still in limbo and considering the position. In the mean time, I have a couple interviews coming up at schools in D20. My current position continues to be a struggle. Mostly in supervising six paraprofessionals. It is hard to make six women, who work together in the same room, seven including myself, get along. It's more than hard. It's down right impossible. That, I will not miss. Continue the prayers as to my job hunt. I just need clarity from above concerning the choices I am to make. For now, God just seems to tell me "wait". That is sooooo hard for me.

I am so proud of Becca and her Battle of the Books. Her team took first place in the district and were one of the top ten in regionals. The kiddos worked so hard. One of the students in my class participated and it was great to see him thrive in a stressful, yet normal environment.

Laura got her hair dyed this week. She now has blond streaks in her dark brown hair. I was so scared of what it was going to look like, I couldn't even go into the salon afterwards. I was a chicken and I sent Tom in. When I saw her in the car, she looked beautiful. It was one of those moments where you look at your daughter and you see a beautiful young woman emerging. Now, I hear her in the bathroom, in the mornings, blow drying her hair. For those of you who know my Laura, this is quite an accomplishment.

The weather here in Colorado is hot and cold, rainy, snowy, sunny all in the same day. Right now it is beautiful outside and not too hot. A great day to get outside and enjoy Spring.

Peace

Just an update. I found out, yesterday, that I am one of two people the folks at Palmer Ridge High School are considering for the job. Not bad considering they started with 30 applicants. Now the hard part. Waiting to see if I am chosen. I am struggling with feelings of doubt and hope, all at the same time. I really want what God has chosen for me, but man that big picture is so hard to focus on sometimes. There are new positions posted in D20, so it's not like there aren't other jobs to consider. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers