Cabin Fever

Originally, I was scheduled to go to a training (Capturing Kid's Hearts) on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week.  3 days worth of substitutes had me extremely stressed out and overwhelmed.  That is a LOT to plan for and with the groups of kids this substitute would have to deal with, as much as I love them, I was afraid the sub wouldn't make it past day 1.  Besides the planning and concerns of missing 3 days, I was, in fact, looking forward to the workshop.  Some of the teachers on my team were going with me, along with Emily and Sarah, it was bound to be a wonderful learning opportunity, and a 3 day break from the classroom would definitely benefit me. I was at school until about 8:30pm Friday night working on plans and copies and knew I would be there late Monday night organizing as well.  However, on Monday afternoon, I received an email from the district explaining that that the training was cancelled due to possible inclement weather. 

I didn't know whether to be excited or bummed.  This meant I wouldn't have to stay late on Monday organizing any more or pray 3 extras prayers nightly for my poor substitute, but I was also looking forward to the training and spending some time with some of my teacher friends. 

As it turns out, the "possible inclement weather" turned into actual inclement weather late Monday night/early Tuesday morning.  At about 5am, school was officially cancelled for the day.  I spent Tuesday being lazy with my roommates.  I got all of my papers graded and my room cleaned.  We watched TV, played some games, shared some good roommate talks, and Sara made us chili for dinner.  Before we knew it, we were receiving phone calls to inform of us school cancelling again on Wednesday.

Wednesday was even lazier.  We ordered pizza and sat around.  We had some more roommate quality time and began to think probably a little too much.  I entered some of my data into spreadsheets and Emily got some grades entered.  Sara made dinner again and then we received ANOTHER phone call to inform us of school being cancelled again on Thursday. 

I think this is probably about the time we started to lose our minds.  We watched a few movies on Thursday, played some more games, ordered Jason's Deli for lunch, and once again, thought WAY too much about our lives.  We got brave enough (or stupid enough) to go to Target Thursday afternoon.  It was wonderful to get out for a little while, but one trip out and we were exhausted.  I don't know how we're ever going to be able to go back to school. We bought stuff to make bacon and waffles while we were out and Emily and I took our turn making dinner. Hah.  We got our call much earlier on Thursday about school being cancelled yet again. 

As everyone in the state already noticed, it started snowing hard at about midnight.  After watching it for a little while, I finally decided to go to sleep.  Of course, at about that time, Sara woke up and realized it was snowing and came to tell me about it.  I couldn't fall back asleep, so I decided I definitely needed to go outside and play.  The roommates joined me and we had a grand ol time at about 1am Friday morning.  :)

Today, Friday, is snow day #4 and I'm very ready to get out and do something.  I'm definitely a lounge around kind of girl, but just knowing that I CAN'T get out makes it so much worse.  Cabin fever is legit.

(I stole this from a friend.)

Another day or two or three of laziness and then hopefully we can all head back to school on Monday. :/  Is it summer yet?



Influenza

It started out as a cough.  I was coughing for a good week.  My throat didn't hurt, my nose wasn't runny, but the cough was terrible.

I went to Austin for a Kilgo workshop on Tuesday night/all day Wednesday, and the cough got worse.  I felt miserable Wednesday night and all day at school Thursday.  I planned on coming straight to the apartment and going to sleep early, but I had to go by my parents to get my school shirt to wear on Friday.  Unintentionally, I fell asleep on my bed at my parents in tears because of how miserable I felt with my school clothes, coat, purse, ID, and shoes all still on.

On Friday morning, I tossed the idea of putting in for a sub around many many times because I still felt awful.  I didn't have anything ready for a sub in my room, so I decided that I needed to go to school to at least see what I had going on.  I made some math packets, talked to my secretary, and she got me a sub by 11. Thank goodness.

I came home to my apartment to sleep my life away, and discovered I had a temperature of 102.  :/

When my sweet, loving, wonderful, amazing roommates came home, they made me go/took me to Care Now.  They did a flu test on me that came back positive. :( They gave me lots of prescriptions that I went and got filled.

$90.00 later, I woke up Saturday morning feeling SO much better.  Still not 100%, but the fever and headache and terrible cough were gone.  Just a snotty nose and a little cough.

Unfortunately, now one of my sweet, loving, wonderful, amazing roommates is sick, too.

The highlights of being around my little pumpkins all day every day! :)

We are a Family

Coming back from the holiday break, I was so anxious to see all of my sweet boys and girls.  I knew one had transfered, but other than that, I was ready to see all 18 precious faces.

There was one student in particular that I was more than ready to see. On the Friday before the break, he talked to me some about his home situation and broke down in tears.  It's so hard to hear a student tell you some of the things they are going through.  I sent him down to talk to the counselor that day, but hated to say goodbye that afternoon.  School, as tough and chaotic as it may be some days, is a safe haven for some of these kids.  I take my job as a teacher very seriously, but I also know that some kids just need a place to get away. 


That student didn't show up on the Monday we returned to school.  I was upset and worried.  I talk to his brother and sister's teachers too, and neither one of his siblings were at school. I was crushed.

I had 2 other students not show up as well, but I was aware of their situations and knew they were just out sick. 

I also got a new student that day.  He fits in with our close knit family very well. :)

To make a long story short, after much prayer and some tears, when that sweet boy walked through my door Tuesday morning, tears of joy fell from my face. 

This class really is like a family.  They mean so much to me and I have no doubt that I'll remember this first group of boys and girls forever. :)

Heroes!

I passed out today at school.

There was a health screening blood test thingmajig going on at our school this morning, and Emily, my BFF, was the one responsible for getting people signed up and such.  Despite my fear of needles, I decided that I would sign up to have blood taken because I'm such a great friend. (HAH.)  I told everyone I was super nervous, but they didn't really understand.  I'm a pretty brave girl.  I'd jump out of a plane.  I've bungee jumped.  And I'd rather do that 30 more times than have blood taken. 

This was all taking place in the library, and when I finally got the courage to go up to THE chair, everyone giggled at how nervous and silly I was acting.  The nurse (I guess that's what we could call her) couldn't get a vein in my left arm (because I was so stressed) so she tried my right.  Mrs. Hernandez, one of my teammates, was sitting next to me and started up a conversation in the hopes to get my mind off of what was really happening.  It hurt.  I cringed.  And then she was done.  I was so relieved.  ...Until she said that she hadn't gotten any blood and would have to try the other arm. :/

She poked the other arm.  It hurt. I cringed.  She was done. And then I got VERY lightheaded.  Emily was standing next to me at this point and everyone commented on how pale I looked.  I insisted that I needed to leave the room and that I needed a drink.  I got up and started to walk out of the library (no idea where I thought I was going).  Emily and Mrs.Hernandez were on either side of me (thank God), and before I made it to the nurses office, I had completely blacked out and my legs had gone out from underneath me.  They carried me to a cot in the nurses office where they found me an apple juice.

Emily and Mrs. Hernandez were my heroes today. :) Thank goodness they were there to catch me as I went down. 

As soon as I was down, I felt much better. I ate cheese-its and drank water all morning. My head hurt for most of the day, but I taught all the way through.  The fun really never ends.  Just another good story to tell.

Looking Back...

I have learned and experienced and grown more this year than ever before.  An unbelievable amount of changes happened throughout the year, and I wouldn't live a single day differently.  I am beyond grateful for every person that played a part in making 2010 so unforgettable.  I thought I'd reminisce and share a few of the things that brought 2010 to life. 

JANUARY-
- Began full time student teaching and worked with some awesome people in Grapevine
- Fell in love with teaching 3rd graders
- Took and passed both of my certification exams

FEBRUARY-
- Got my Valentine back

MARCH-
- Celebrated 3 years with Scott Preston
- Started my student teaching in 1st grade

APRIL-
- Finished my student teaching
- Did some running

MAY-
- GRADUATED from the University of North Texas!
- Found out I was going to be a Godmother :)
- Took a trip to Schlitterbahn with Texas and Olive-  The beginning of a wonderful friendship.
- Went to see Avenue Q with Scott
- I went back to work at Stevens Ranch for another exciting (to say the least) summer.

JUNE-
- I was HIRED by Grand Prairie ISD as a 3rd grade teacher at Eisenhower Elementary!!
- Turned 23 :/
- Aunt Diane came from Missouri to visit and I met my new Uncle for the first time
- Went bungee jumping for the first time! A check off my bucket list. Thanks, Scotty.
- Megan got engaged and asked me to be a bridesmaid

JULY-
- Spent the month with many campers whom I love and adore 
- Decided I would not return to camp for summer 2011 and had an emotional last few weeks of camp

AUGUST-
- Finished my summer at Stevens
- Started new teacher training with GPISD
- BOUGHT A CAR!
- Met and fell in love with my sweet third graders!
- Met some amazing coworkers.  So thankful for people like Emily, Sarah, Lisa, and Misti!

SEPTEMBER-
- My precious Godson, Jaxon Kane, was born!
- Lisa Saldivar joined our 3rd grade team (and saved my life!)
- Texas got engaged and asked me to be a bridesmaid

OCTOBER-
- Decided the key to happiness was to part ways with Scotty
- Cut my hair off
- Got myself an iPhone  :)

NOVEMBER-
-Took a trip to visit my BFF, Jordan Avery, in Austin! (and maybe had a little TOO much fun. hahaha)

DECEMBER-
- Went back to camp to help with an event
- Had fun programs, field trips, parties, and celebrations with my sweet third graders
- Went back to camp AGAIN for a fabulous staff retreat with the KD dream team
- Signed a lease for a brand new apartment with Sara and Emily! (and Oscar and Vegas!)

So many highs and lows, but it couldn't have played out any better.  Thank you to everyone that supported and challenged me this year. You will always have a special place in my heart. :) Happy New Year!

Finishing up 2010

Once again, I've put off updating my blog.  There's lots of catching up to do before I dive into teaching in 2011 on Monday. (Which, by the way, I am so not prepared for!)  Now, if I could just remember some of the exciting things that happened with my sweet kiddos in the last month.

Multiplication-
Multiplication has taken over my life.  I eat, sleep, breathe, and sing multiplication.  I bought an awesome rap CD that the kids are in love with and created a multiplication wall where the kids get to build ice cream sundaes as they progress through their times tables.  Most of the kids are really into it and are anxious to take their daily timed tests.  I am excited to say that ALL of my homeroom students are passed their 3's and I have just one student working on 3's in my other class.  I am also excited to say that I have 4 students who have completed all 13 tests (0-12)!

(They have more stickers and lots of ice cream on their pages now. Updated picture soon!)

Picture Day-
Pictures happened earlier, but we got them back from the company, and I was just so excited to have my first "grown-up" picture.  Hopefully my first of many teacher pictures to come!

Door Decorating-
Ms. Lackey LIVES for competitions.  When my team and I found out that there was going to be a holiday door decorating competition, they all agreed that they would just "let me win."  My team saw how competitive I got with the can competition, and they were afraid to challenge me for the door decorating.  When we found out about it, we were told we couldn't decorate until the next week, but of course, I had my kids get started immediately.  We didn't actually decorate the door until the next Monday, but the kids were very into it.  Some of the teachers on my team did end up decorating their doors, but on party day, they announced that my class won. :) (Like anyone was surprised?)

(The tree is made of my kid's hands and the star is made of my hands.  The tree skirt is made of their feet, and the tree stump is my feet.  We added a tag that we all signed our names on above the door handle.)

Nutcracker-
The Grand Prairie Education Foundation provided us (as well as all of the other third graders in the district) with the opportunity to go see The Nutcracker at UTA.  While I knew that it would be difficult for some of my kids to sit still and be attentive during a ballet, it was an experience that some of my kids really needed.  Some of these boys and girls have never been anywhere like this and may not get the opportunity to do something like this again.  We all got dressed up and headed to UTA.  The bus ride was miserable.  I don't enjoy bus rides anyways, but when we got to UTA, we sat on the bus in the parking lot for a good 30 minutes while they were unloading other schools.  When we finally got to the very top of the theater, the kids really did enjoy the ballet.  It was so funny to watch them watch the dancers.  The students next to me were so amazed that every applause starts with just one single person clapping.  They were determined to "start" applause's.  (They were, in fact, successful!) What a great experience!

Appraisal-
Although new teachers are supposed to be appraised before November, mine didn't happen until December 14th.  The last Tuesday before the holiday break.  Things like that don't usually make me nervous, and I actually had fun figuring out what exciting things I could plan for that day.  I'm usually a nut with my kids anyway, so I didn't do anything differently! While the principal was in my room, I did my usual singing and dancing and silly things and had a good time with it.  The lesson was on fractions and so I got to use lots of fun materials!  I even painted my nails to use as an example.  The lesson went well!  I got my appraisal back today and am pleased with everything my principal had to say about me and the lesson!

PTA-
The December PTA meeting featured the third graders doing a holiday program.  I talked my mom into coming and seeing my dears sing and dance their little hearts out.  It didn't surprise me when I found out that many of my students had been given speaking parts.  They have so much energy and absolutely ZERO stage fright! I was so proud of them!

Polar Express-
I am in LOVE with Polar Express day! We got to wear our pajamas to school and teach lessons that involved the book.  My kids were so precious in their pj's! After lunch, my class and Mrs.Saldivar's class got together and watched the movie.  Mrs. Saldivar and I bought them popcorn and juice boxes so they had a great time!

(my class!)

(most of my team!)

Gifts-
My kids are too good to me.  I was showered with gifts and goodies and notes from my precious boys and girls.  They sure know how to make my day. :)

Challenges-
I dealt with my fair share of challenges in the past month, too.  As I listened to my kids talk to me about what they aren't going to get to do for Christmas, how someone broke into their house and stole their Christmas things, and how their parents are getting a divorce and their dad walked out, all I can do is keep it together, think of something encouraging to say, and pray.  Their struggles are my struggles and that was the toughest part of this two week break.  These kids don't have what other kids have.  They don't have the support systems at home that other kids have.  This breaks my heart and it's all I can do to step into the hallway before I let tears fall.  I count my blessings daily, and I can't wait to give each one of those kids a big 'ol hug when they walk in the door Monday morning. 

I'm anxious to see what all 2011 will have in store for me in my classroom.  There's never a dull moment!