Back to School Blues

Back-to-school blues are a real thing. Perhaps nobody struggled with it as hard as Kyle. Luckily for him, his mom is a teacher, and he can take the mornings nice and slow. 

Lizard Boy

We had to bring Lizzy home over Christmas Break. Tayden was the most excited to have him back for a minute. He let him out on a little field trip in my bathroom. If you look close, you can see him on the floor, under the cabinent. It was actually a super sweet minute. Animals have the power to bring out the little kid in Tayden. He loves them and I love watching him with them. 

 

Warrior Way

     At the end of the last trimester, Kyle received a really special award called The Warrior Way. The warrior way is given to one kid who exemplifies the school's goal. This child is respectful, kind, and safe. They are helpful in class and a friend to everyone. He was really excited to get it, and I was really proud. Kyle is an exceptional kid, and it's fun to see other adults recognize it. 

Class Pet

One day in class, I told my students about an experience with a class pet while I was in third grade. They got stuck on the idea of their own class pet and begged and begged me for one. I found a classroom pet grand and applied for it. A few week later, I was approved and had money to buy a pet. I researched and reasearched to find the best pet within my budget. But then I remembered I already had the perfect classroom pet at home. Lizzy! Kyle wasn't taking great care of him and with my grant, I could upgrade his habitat. It was a win win for everyone envolved. 

I surprised the kids with him and they were so excited! They love him so much. Its fun to see the kids get excited when they see him and choose to sit near him. The kids that don't have pets have especially loved watching him. Its been super fun!

Failed Christmas

    This year, Christmas was hard. Working full time, buying gifts, decorating, wrapping, teaching about Christ on top of everything else...it was no joke. It was hard and stressful and I feel like I dropped the ball more than once. I intended to teach my children a new name of Christ everyday, but really, only did 17-20. I wanted to fnish Christmas shopping early so I could spend the bulk of my season with my kids, but I was out almost every day until Christmas Eve. I thought I could keep the magic alive, even though no body believes in Santa anymore, but I couldn't get myself to do one more night of hiding Christopher, the elf.  We didn't do one act of service this year. We didn't spend our Christmas Jar money. I failed at reminding my kids that Christ is at the center of Christmas and our lives. While I didn't do great this year, I hope to be a daily example of following our Savior. I hope that my kids know how I feel by my actions. 

    We did get to spend time with both of our extended families, which was marvelous. I barely took any pictures, but we had a great time. We played Christmas games, ate good food, and shared gifts. I love living close to family. Not only is it important for our kids, but its important for Scott and me too. 

    Christmas moring was so good. Our kids were grateful and kind and excited for their gifts. My favorite memory was Tayden working his new flyrod shirtless in the backyard because the weather was so bizzarly nice. 

     I'm thankful for this Christmas season and grateful that I get another chance to make next year better. I'm grateful for the birth of our Savior. This year, I leaned on his name, Immanual. It means "God With Us". I know this year was hard, but he was with me. Not looking on from a distance, but with me. Walking with me, cheering me on, and understanding my downfalls. His birth means the world to me. 

Crappy Christmas

 Scott decided to get creative for his annual work white elephant gift exchange and went above and beyond to wrap a gift card. He was pretty please with his handy work!

Football Banquet

 The older boys had the varsity football banquet. It was so fun to celebrate them together on the same team. I can't wait for next season!