Too close

How do I draw the line between being a good teacher and being too close, giving my heart and soul to my special students? For some, my team are the only moms they have. I have eight students. Three of them come from homes that don't deserve them. I love my boys and it breaks my heart to see them suffer. Thanks to my great team, family and friends, I feel very supported and loved. It's just that my boys have their own special place in my being and I want to fix all of their problems. I know that I can't fix it, but it doesn't help the hole in my heart.

Tomorrow, I am off to class and then we are preparing for next weekend. The big Balloon Fest is next weekend. We are expecting company for a Russell BBQ. It should be lots of fun and a great time for me to unwind.

Hard times.

I think we have officially hit teenagerhood at our house. It is tough and no fun, at times. Laura and I are barely speaking. This makes me grumpy with the whole world. I love my Laura so much, but lately, it's a good day if we grumble happily at each other. It feels as though I am worse than dirt to her. I know this will pass, but I think it is passing like a gall stone. Please say a prayer for us and our communication.

My sister is back home with my parents. Lots of stuff going on that I can't get into, but it's a mess. I do feel better knowing the children are safe.

Last weekend, I spent most of Saturday in class. I was amazed, when I got home, because the family had done 3/4 of the Saturday chores. This was a REAL treat. I have been grateful fever since. Sunday, we went to Elitch Gardens to squeeze out one more day of summer. It was hot and super crowded. We squeezed out summer, let's toss it, and bring on the fall. It seems as though our cadet is super busy this semester, so he couldn't go with us. We miss him, but we are hoping to catch some of his football games.

On Friday, the administrators at my school, blessed us with a new room. I am so in love with our new, bigger space. I think my boys are going to just love it.

That's it for now, off to school to write yet another IEP.

TTFN.

Feeling better.

Last night we went to the YMCA. Tom swam with Becca and I did my weights. The weights are something I have to do per my trainer for toning. I really like it. I don't ever want to be a Mrs. Hercules, but I am beginning to feel stronger. I also notice that more and more, I am becoming less stressed. That's great. My boys at school are a little less fretful too. I think we are all getting back into the groove of school.

Jenny, my sister, comes home today with the babies. Please pray that all goes well.

Before I forget, please say a prayer for Laura today. It is her first day of eighth grade. Wow, where did the time go?

TTFN

Back at it.

My boys are kicking my butt. I am so tired and so grateful that God blessed me with girls. I think they are just testing the teacher to see what I will and will not put up with. I hope it gets better soon. No much to say except please keep me in your prayers.

Looking forward to a visit from Jen real soon. I can't wait to squeeze baby Julia.

Happy day all.

First day of school.

Becca started her last year of elementary school, today. I am not sure how she feels about attending the new school, but the first day was fairly uneventful.

As for me, it was NOT uneventful. Unfortunately, I can't go into all the details about the happenings with my students, but it was one ROUGH day. I am one TOUGH teacher, but man am I tired. Gonna go make dinner. Clean house and start packing for the big BBQ competition this weekend.

TTFN

On the run.

Just a quick update to let you know I am alive. I have had such full days at school. Yesterday was 12 hours and I could have done more. It was meet and greet your teacher, so I saw all my kiddos. I have missed them so much. One brought me a card and wanted five hugs before he would go home. Precious!!! My special little babies. It's gonna be a busy year. By the way, I now have 8 precious babies. Seven boys and one girl.

Today, I am off to a meeting that will be all blasted day long. Grrrrr!!!!!

Take care all.

Happy Birthday Tom and Laura

Every year it amazes me that I actually gave birth to Laura on Tom's birthday. I couldn't have planned that if I had tried. I have to tell you the 36 hour labor was totally worth it. I can't believe I did that 13 years ago. Laura is growing up fast. I find myself wanting to hold on to her just a little more and tell her, slow down. Tom took her and three of her friends to Elitch Gardens. I had to work. I think I got the better end of things.

Tonight, cake for Tom with friends. He doesn't look 64, oh I mean 46. He still makes my heart skip a beat and he is still the love of my life.

Happy Birthday to two of the people I just wouldn't be me without.