Life is like a box of chocolates...

If you eat a nasty one, you have to eat about three more to get rid of the taste.

My nasty chocolate has been trying to figure out how to help my student and her family since their eviction. They went into foster care this week which was a huge relief to me (knowing that they are fed, clean, and rested) but heartbreaking for their dad. Please pray that the housing application we helped him fill out will be pushed through quickly due to their situation. The housing comes with supports that would help this single father care for his children. It would be a huge blessing!

On a positive note, I have had many good chocolates too!

1. I found out that I get to return to work at my school next year! There are many things that I love about my school. Not that it is perfect, but I LOVE the people I work with and my students.

2. I have also been consistent about staying physically active despite a busy schedule. I'm not losing more weight but have maintained my weight loss since last year. I am joining our teachers' kickball team this week. Joining the team is a little frightening to me since I am uncoordinated but I'll wait to kick until everyone else has had a few beers and levels the playing field. :)

3. This summer I will also be able to go see my amazingly wonderful friend, Casey, when she and her hubby have their first baby. I can't wait!!!!!! I'm also going to see another friend and her family next week. This crazy lady has potty trained her 8 month old daughter. This phenomenon is something that has to be seen in person.

I brought a kid home with me

I always knew I would be bringing students in if I could, but I never thought it would become a reality until today. One of my kindergarten students is staying at my house this weekend and her two siblings are staying with another teacher.

Their family has been through the ringer. Momma abandoned the family in December. Daddy can't get over it and drags the kids out searching for her when they should be in school. Dad has been unemployed until today and they got evicted yesterday. My heart breaks for the pain dad must be feeling but he needs to pull it together. There is no doubt in my mind that he loves his kids. I hope he can use his time this weekend to get it together and take time for himself.

Please pray for this family. Pray that dad would know the hope that is found in God alone. Also, if you feel compelled to donate anything, it would be welcome. The children are in need of clothes and hygiene items (pre-k boys items, k girls items, and 2nd grade girls items). I can get specific sizes if you're interested.

Let the parades begin!

Tonight is the first parade of the 2011 Mardi Gras season. Mardi Gras season means good food, little work, and a lot of time to hang with friends. I can hardly wait! One of the most memorable times from last year's parades was when a rider on the third level of a float pointed at me and proceeded to slingshot something down to me. I caught the flying purple material and lifted it up to see that it was a pair of purple, lacy panties. Awkward...especially since it was an old man that threw them to me. Here's to hoping that I don't get thrown any panties this year. :)

Laissez les bon temps roulez!

Yesterday feels so far away

Today was a total bust. 1) I found out I'm getting 3 new kids, two have been in school the whole year and no one knew they had an IEP. 2) I have to write report cards after only being here for 3 weeks. 3) A parent brought me to tears out of sympathy for their family situation only to find out later that he totally lied to me. 4) One of my kids put his hand down a teacher's pants.

But tomorrow is a new day...

Feelin' the love!

What a wonderful day! There is no other place I would have preferred to be than with my kiddos. They all generally had a good day. One of my third graders did not have such a hot day but we had an excellent talk about how we can make the rest of this week better (and some prizes he can work towards--that always helps). Then I came home to the wonderful smell of flowers that I bought for myself and went out with one of my roommates to a wine bar.

"How deep the Father's love for us

How vast beyond all measure

That He would give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure."

(How Deep the Father's Love for us by Stuart Townend)

I like sweetie pie...

That's what one of my kids proceeded to tell me while waiting in the lunch line this week. The next thing I know, he's calling me sweetie pie all day. These are the moments I treasure. I have to force myself to remember those moments when I'm cleaning poop off of a child's entire body. It still makes my stomach churn just thinking about it. I'm no stranger to these kinds of behaviors and I know that's what I signed up for, but sheesh--please, no more poop. I would also love just one single day where one of my kids is not sent into the hall for vulgar behavior. I am spending so much money on things to reinforce his good behavior and I haven't even received my first paycheck yet. I'm so glad for a long weekend (we have Friday off) so I can work on some intervention plans for my kiddos and make next week a success.

Week 1

I made it!

Actually, my first week has been wonderful! The teachers have been supportive and welcoming which makes the biggest impact in me settling in and getting to know the kids. This week I spent most of my time trying to figure out what time I am supposed to be places and how to teach the curriculum that is in place. I lost 2.5 lbs this week if that is any indicator of how much running around I am doing ( I also woke up early 3x this week to run).

The kids were generous enough to share their germs with me so I have spent the weekend trying to rest and recover. I am worthless when I have a head cold. Does anyone else feel like that? It's pitiful really. Yesterday I slept until 12:30 (which I don't think has happened since high school), almost ran three red lights, and only shaved one leg while showering. I'm starting to rethink not getting the flu vaccination. If this is how I am with a cold, I would be out for months with the flu. Please pray that my kids will still get all the instruction and support they need despite me being sick and pray that I feel better soon.

"Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him" -Psalm 126:5-6