It's a cat's life for me!

Since my last post (over two months ago...oops) life has happened...go figure :) Here's a recap.

May was a full month with the end of school, a dear friend's wedding, and a tornado. The first two were welcomed events and the last was another reminder of how BIG God is.

I'd love to say there is some hilarious story that capped off my first year of teaching, but the last few days of school were pretty uneventful. One of the coolest things about the final day was the realization that instead of having 40 students I felt like I had 40 kids. Daniel sometimes has to clarify what I mean by "my kids" when I'm talking to people we don't know very well. I'm sure the checker at Wal-Mart wonders how our groceries for two are going to feed all "my kids."

As soon as school was over I headed to Manhattan

for my friend Jessica's wedding. As a girl all weddings excite me, but there are few that excited me as much as Jessica's did. It's crazy to think how the times we spent parked in front of Kappa talking about who we could muster up the courage to ask to the next date party led to each of us being a part of the other's special day.

The weekend of Jessica's wedding was also the weekend of the Joplin tornado. Daniel and I left Manhattan late Saturday evening to make it back for a church service project on Sunday. Since the service project took place during the time we'd normally have church, we had an informal service on Sunday evening. Daniel and I came to the service having just woke up from a nap (last day of school + wedding + late night drive home + service project = long nap). As soon as we walked in the doors there was news of the destruction that had taken place only an hour and a half away. In God's superior timing, what had been our church's desire that day, to be the hands and feet of God, was now the perfect spring board to deal with an incredibly tragic situation. Daniel and I were part of a team that traveled to Joplin on Monday, but without being emergency rescue workers we were unable to get into the real destruction. However, we worked on the campus of MSSU folding donated clothes. The gym full of cots, clothes, toys, and tables set up to check people in and help in the search for missing was incredibly eerie. I have since heard stories that are heartbreaking and unbelievable. It's a small world and while no one I knew was effected by the tornado, plenty of stories connect back to people I know.

If I may use this post to throw out a couple things to chew on it would be to say this...I can't tell you why this event happened or that there isn't incredible pain associated with it; however, God is God and I am not. That may sound like such an ignorant Christian platitude, but if I could explain the situation or take away the hurt, that would make me an equal to God and as a result God would be very pocket sized and finite. I serve a God who is described in Psalm 29 as being able to twist the oaks, split mighty cedars, and whose voice causes lightening. My part in our church's service project was to help clean up yards of community members and plant flowers. Trying to pull out an unwanted baby tree was beyond my strength, yet when I was in Joplin and saw a mature tree completely ripped out of the ground with it's roots staring right at me I couldn't help but think about how much more powerful God's strength is than mine. God is not finite and while He did not intend for us to experience tragic loss when He created us, in His infinite nature He can use any situation to serve a purpose far bigger than we can yet see. Also, people's response to Joplin has been incredible, but the reality is people have disasters going on in their lives all the time. We should help abundantly when massive destruction occurs, but I hope we can be responsive (i.e. give of our time, pray, encourage, serve) to the tornadoes people are experiencing privately. Again, just a couple things to think about...

Now onto June and the meaning of my post's title. Daniel and I have been busy completing house projects that I wrote about in March. The vision began with new siding, followed by new shutters, window boxes, and a modified landscape. Daniel was anything but thrilled when he came home from a long day at work and realized my mom and I had purchased plants, but were unable to dig holes for them (we did have them laid out where they should go, which was pretty helpful in my mind). It has been extremely tiring, but rewarding to see our landscaping and painting make a huge difference. We still have one window box to hang and then our makeover is complete. Below are a couple pictures of the progress.

I'd like to say my summer has been filled with progress like above, but I've honestly found similarities in my life to the cat's ambition. What ambition does the cat have?!?! Little to none as you can see to the right. I get plenty of sleep at night, but somehow I am always able to take a nap without any problem. It seems like Dipstick and I get up and he cleans himself while I get dressed. Then it's off to take care of a few things while he plays. Then I'm able to read, sleep, watch HGTV while he naps, and both of us break from these activities only to acquire more food or use the restroom. I don't mind being productive, but I'm sure grateful for the opportunity to adopt some cat habits.

Spring Break

I normally consider Spring and Fall as equals for my favorite seasons, but as I look at the green grass and get ready to paint my toenails so they are ready for sandal weather, Spring definitely takes the cake. This past week was Sedan's spring break. My kids (students...Daniel always clarifies this when we're talking to people in public. I forget that people might assume I'm a mother of many) anyway...my kids asked me what I was doing for break and when I told them painting a closet, reading, napping, and shopping were my top priorities they looked at me like I had no life. I might have agreed with them on Tuesday when I had paint in my hair, my arms, feet, and stomach (I was wearing a shirt so I can't explain the stomach paint). It was quite a feat to clean up enough to get more paint and Sherwin Williams. However, after completing the closet I felt like a champion. Here are a couple before and after pictures.

You may argue that my effort was excessive since it's just a closet after all, but I assure you I can sleep better knowing that everything is as it should be (neat, organized, same color, etc.) I did put the clothes back in case you were wondering. I couldn't believe how many clothes Daniel and I had. I laid a few things out for Daniel to look through. I was pleased when I thought he had gotten rid of some shirt. Then, I look up at the top shelf of the closet and realized he simply put them back where I had taken them from. Luckily I'm not tall and it's out of sight out of mind for now.

My next project is getting our shutters and brick painted. Daniel and I have lived in our house for a year (yea!) and the biggest change we've made is the siding. With the siding change has come a need for the green shutters and blond brick to change also. I don't have pictures, but as soon as we're finished (hopefully this weekend) I will post before and after shots. I also decided that window boxes would also be a nice touch for our humble abode. I think we will be the best looking house on the block with the nursing home across the street coming in a close second. For those of you who don't know our surroundings, Daniel and I have no neighbors to the south and we're first house on the block.

Have a great week!

My life without snow!

I love the weather we have been having lately. There was a sense of accomplishment every day I came home and could see more of my yard. I felt absolute victory when no white remained! Daniel pointed out that there's been about a 100 degree swing between the -24 record we set last week and the 78 degrees we enjoyed today.

Unfortunately, while the snow was around I had a premature senior moment (no offense seniors). I had to drop some items off at ICC for an academic competition. I needed to take things to the library. I'm not all that familiar with the campus, so I pulled into the main parking lot and had a feeling that the main building ahead of me was the place I needed to be. I couldn't see a sign to confirm my conformation so I took a turn onto a road off the parking lot. As I was driving I thought that the road seemed awfully narrow, but I figured it was just the large piles of snow on either side of me. Then I realized I was driving not on a road, but a sidewalk! I quickly backed up and parked in a legal parking spot without anyone seeing me (sigh of relief). I literally laughed out loud to myself and then debated who I could tell without forfeiting my pride forever. As you can tell, my competent reputation means little as I'm telling the blogging world. This story makes me laugh and hopefully it does you as well.

So let me reiterate...thank goodness the snow is gone.

Christmas Recap and Then Some

I thought I'd share a little about Christmas and the first week back to school. First of all, I know teachers may not make as much money as other professions, but part of me (a big part) is totally okay with that because of the wonderfulness that is a two week break in December. Daniel also worked his schedule to get a significant amount of time off and we soaked up every minute of it. A visit to both families was refreshing. Daniel's high from Christmas was probably buying a trailer from an auction sight. Unfortunately the 13 hour trip to pick it up from the far reaches of Western Kansas was not as fun. Still, there is a giddiness that Daniel gets in his eyes when he gets to work with farm "stuff." My high would definitely be spending time with family....and my present from Daniel.

One of my students asked me if I got any jewelry and when I said no, she seemed shocked and disgusted. I do like the Carharts, but I'm extra excited about a trip to a concert in Tulsa that Daniel attached to my gift. It's not until February, but patience is a virtue. I've also included a picture of our tree. This piece of nature was cut down by Daniel and with a little TLC turned into a pretty good tree for the season. Daniel still has a little work to do when it comes to spacing ornaments, and Dipstick turned a Santa into his personal toy, but other than those minor details our first Christmas decorating venture in our new house was a success (Daniel was extra patient as I paced the aisles of the holiday section in Wal-Mart looking for those perfect accessories). Dipstick also enjoyed being the luckiest cat in Kansas (possibly world) as he was generously gifted by my mom (remember he was a mere flea covered stray when we found him in June). As I write this, he is literally playing fetch with Daniel with one of his many toys proving there is a little dog in all of us....?!?!

On the school front not much has happened other than getting back into a routine, which is actually quite admirable when I think about how tired I was last week. A funny/unique moment from last week came when we were sharing highs and lows from break and one student said his low was falling down the stairs at his house. He went on to share how he was pushed into a lake by his older siblings on previous vacations. I didn't know whether to laugh or feel sorry for him.

One final tidbit. Did you know that does are pregnant right now? I'm being introduced to deer hunting world and one of my students was talking about cutting out the baby from the doe he killed. I was horrified until they told me all the does were pregnant right now and every hunter is cutting Bambi's out of their mamas. I'm not some crazy animal rights activist, but this surprised me. Luckily I talk too much to ever be invited to go hunting :)

A funny story

I could write about the wonderful break that Thanksgiving has been, the hour Daniel patiently spent in Christmas section at Wal-Mart, or my big hair cut, but I think a story from school is just what this post needs.

So...I have some pretty ornery boys in my Spanish class. Luckily they are separated and in different Spanish classes. However, we have a Seminar period that is about 30 minutes before lunch when students read, set academic and life goals, and do homework and I have two of my orneries during this time. It just so happens another one of my boys came in for help and they all managed to sit in the same pod of desks. I walked by to monitor their behavior and one boy had challenged another, we'll call them Burly and Smalls. Enjoy the events that transpired.

Smalls : "I bet you can pull me across the desk."
Burly: "You wanna bet little man. Hold on and I'll yank you right over."

Smalls grabs hold of Burly's fist and tug of war begins. Burly seems a bit surprised by the strength of Smalls and pulls even harder. Smalls continue to hold tight and then without warning lets go. Burly's fist goes flying into his chin and he hits himself harder than Smalls ever could have.

Burly: (laughing in disbelief) You...you little...(unable to say anything because he's shocked)
Smalls: (laughing just as hard) I can't believe you fell for it!
Me: Secretly thinks "That was the best thing I've seen in all year. I didn't know Smalls was that clever."

I don't know if you can fully appreciate this event, but for a group of boys who usually use their loudness and behavior to cause problems for others, having an event that turns their "energy" on each other was funny and intriguing. To make things better, a boy in yearbook was talking to me later in the afternoon and shared that he had exploded during another class. When I asked what had happened, he hold me a story identical to the fist punching prank that had transpired in my class only hours before. Once again, a smile was brought to my face as I pictured the scene and I smiled even bigger when I thought about it happening twice in one day.

Will this memory be one of my fondest from this year? Most definitely.

One month at a time

As I sit here writing Dipstick is preciously curled up on my lap, I'm looking out at the frost on the ground, and enjoying a much appreciated day off of work. I also realize while writing this that monthly post are probably going to be the norm for a while. So enjoy a recap of October's happenings.



School is going. There are days I'm sick to my stomach about the apathy of kids. Yesterday I seriously hoped a kid would punch me because it would mean he would have to be removed from my class. My students are really pretty cool kids, but encouraging students to move past indifference and become self sufficient learners is an unbelievably complex, complicated, and draining process...hence the desperate wish to be punched so I could end the battle without admitting defeat. On the bright side I have been proposed to by a student, so if I just can't handle teaching I can take him up on his offer and become a criminal....HA!



Daniel and I both celebrated birthdays this month, but despite being another year older I still look like a 17 year old in my school picture. Speaking of pictures...I was in charge of picture day at Sedan. There were nothing short of horror stories told to me about this day. I really had no clue what I was doing and orchestrating a picture schedule for PK-12 was daunting. So, on picture day I took a Dr. Pepper just in case things got really bad and prepared for the unknown. Despite the horror stories and my concerns, the day ran really smoothly. I drank my Dr. Pepper in victory rather than defeat and by 7th hour I was a little giddy for a job well done (if I do say so myself).

And now for a final laugh. In light of the cooling weather I wanted to make something falltastic for dinner. Potato soup came to mind and last night I baked the potatoes so they'd be ready to go for today. Unfortunately I didn't stop baking them until 3:30 this morning. Dipstick was meowing and it woke me up enough to realize that I had forgotten to take them out of the oven...oops. I tried to salvage my mistake, but there were blisters on the potato skins and they were pretty hard. Luckily we still had soup tonight and it gave Daniel a chuckle when I told him this morning. I still have a ways to go until domestic goddess is my name, but I can live with teacher extraordinaire for now....

A new post, what?!?!?

For all those who live vicariously through my blog (cough, cough my dad) I apologize for my blogging absence. I have wanted to write a few times, but I haven't had super funny stories/trying to think, let alone write, in complete sentences at the end of the day has been a challenge. I have a couple particular insight from this first month. Please enjoy.

Discipline
I have high expectations for myself and that translates to high expectations for my class. Unfortunately not everyone has the same ambitious spirit as I do (shocking!) so there are days when what I want out of my students is met with resistance. It is my job to assert my authority, but ultimately my goal is for my students to want to strive for excellence. You might be thinking this goal is a little to idealistic, but I invite you into my thought process. I could force kids to do what I want because I'm the teacher...problem is this takes so much emotional and mental energy. Instead I think the answer lies in modeling my classroom after the ultimate authority. I know God may not seem like the typical guide for classroom management, but if you think about it, God has standards for conduct, but He is not going to force anyone into a relationship with Him. Similarly, I need standards, but I will not constantly fight with a student to do what I ask. Furthermore, while God isn't going to force anything, He also isn't going to let a person's denial of Him go without consequences. Likewise I cannot let a student get by with completely ignoring my expectations. So what does this look like practically? Well, I have a particular student who when asked to get out his book and pencil responds like I just asked him to find the solution for world peace. There isn't much he won't get worked up about. In my experience, albeit limited, kids who constantly have discipline issues have a much bigger story under their defiant facade. So when I feel a struggle coming on I give him a chance to make up his mind with some gentle prompting in the right direction. If nothing improves, I firmly remind him of my expectations and consequences. Finally, like any good parent, heavenly or otherwise, I follow through. This particular student has seen me very intense and serious about my expectations as well as encouraging and compassionate. I honestly feel like this freaks him out more than yelling ever would. There's something about being perfectly loved and disciplined at the same time that causes us to take our actions more seriously, and at the end of the day, my hope is that students are thinking about their actions rather than just doing or not doing something because I said so. I make it sound like I am God in teacher form, when in reality I have failed more often than not at Godly discipline in this first month of teaching. However, it is encouraging to think that if God's discipline can work for the world, surely it can be highly effective in the classroom.

Motivation
Motivating students is one of the top struggles for teacher today. Kids are not pushed at home to achieve excellence and with mediocrity being the model many of them witness, why should they dream big. Well I may have the secret to motivating kids...comfortable seating. I have a two person couch and two chairs in the back of my room. During a review game a couple weeks ago, winners won the right to sit in the chairs for a couple class periods. You honestly would think these chairs have special powers because of the way they draw kids to them. One of the chairs is particularly comfy and I have had a couple high dollar offers to purchase it (high dollar for a H.S. student). I want to say to theses offers, "Really, really you do know it's just a chair, right?!?!" Besides the magical seating, there are also a couple puzzles of Mexico on the table in the middle of the seating. These puzzles have been taken apart and put together again I don't even know how many times. Students have them memorized, but they still want to do them. Who knew some seating and puzzles of Mexico would play such a large role in my student motivation plan.

I hope this post has satisfied your update appetite. I have a few more thoughts, but those complete sentences seem to be more and more difficult to formulate right now, so I'm off to bed with a commitment to blog in a more timely manner in the future. Adios!