Senior Breakfast

Today my mom and I had the pleasure of accompanying Whitney to senior breakfast at TWU. It was a lot of fun. They had good food and entertaining speakers. The seniors even received gifts! UTA gave me a diploma and student loan debt! I did finally get to meet Whitney's best friend, Neena's parents. It's hard to believe but this time next week Whitney will be a college grad. We are sooooooooo proud of her! Those who know her, know she has been through so much to get where she is and finally make it through college. We will be getting ready for the big day and party this week! We both have been subbing quite a bit but that's a good thing. I have found three schools I really like and I'm hoping that if I keep subbing at these three schools it will lead to a permanent full time position. I'm almost done Christmas shopping Yay! I only have gift cards to get and a few little things then I'm stopping! Really tried hard not to go overboard with toys for our g-baby since he had his 2nd birthday last month. Otherwise, same ole same ole! Later!

Update!

Guess it is time I update this blog. Sorry it has been awhile, life has gotten in the way a few times. I still do not have a permanent teaching job, but I am subbing for AISD and finally for Mansfield ISD. AISD keeps me busy. In fact, I'm subbing tomorrow and Friday! Gotta make some Christmas money and wedding money! Let's see what has been going on : 1. Whitney will graduate Dec. 17th! We are sooo proud of her! She has truly earned her degree with all the crap she has had to go through to get to where she is now. She also had her 1st hospitalization for the winter a few weeks ago. She was in the hospital for about 4 days this time and had to have O2 the whole time. She also had to deal with the steroids making her sugar be high. Thankfully, she is better!
2. Laura is engaged! Laura and Josh have set the date for Sept. 25, 2011. Josh is a good guy and we are excited to have him be an "official" member of the family although he has been a part of the family for the last 3 yrs!
3. Our grandson, Braden, turned 2 on Nov 4th! Can't believe he is getting so big. I will have to post pics later due to my computer is broken and hopefully will be fixed soon! Whitney and I took him an Elmo( he loves Elmo) balloon and a cupcake. He really enjoyed his balloons and I hope he enjoyed his cupcake! His party was this past Saturday. It was a "cowboy" themed party. It was so cute and Sharla put a lot of work into it and it was awesome. They did a hay ride, a pinata and a cute horseshoe cake!
4. We lost our health insurance last month and we are currently waiting for our appt to get back on JPS. We just could not afford the insurance and it wasn't really an insurance it was more like an indemnity plan. It only paid for 6 dr visits a year. Well, I alone have to go more than that! So, I have my medication for 3 months so hopefully that will be plenty of time to get on JPS again.
Despite everything, I am still so grateful for the things we do have. We have a roof over our heads, food to eat, a car that runs, and Danny still has his job! Life is good!

Every Thing Happens for a Reason!

I'm not sure what to title this blog. I really just wanted to write my thoughts and feelings and I am not sure how to sum everything up in 2 words. I have been fretting over not having a job, and yes I have attended a few pity parties. But, I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. Of course sometimes it takes reflecting on something before the reason appears and sometimes the reason never appears. While reflecting on the past I realize now why I had my accident. One reason I discovered was that Heavenly Father knew I couldn't handle losing my grandmother/or attending her funeral so I guess he needed to distract me. This also allowed me to be home and able to home school Whitney when her allergies/asthma was so bad she could not attend school. Also during this time I had lots of free time to read, think,ponder, and yes, pray. It was during this time that I finally realized what I needed to do with my life and this was to go back to school and get my degree in order to teach. Now, back to the present....I feel I have done everything I could to find a job. We needed this job not only for the income but, also for the health insurance. Right now we have health insurance with Dan's company but yesterday the company presented a new insurance plan. This one is worse than what we have now. It will cost $700 a month and it will only pay for 6 visits a year! So, if you know me, you know I have to see a doctor way more that 6x's a year! So, we are looking into getting back on JPS Connection but, we may make more money and not qualify..Dan is looking for another job but we all know how hard that is going to be! I spoke to a JPS screener yesterday and was told they are still working on applications from August! They have been bombarded with applications due to people losing their jobs..So, you know what this means? It means that if you get in, it will take forever to see a doctor and the urgent care clinics and ER will be packed worse that what it already is..This is not good! Sorry, I sidetracked. Our nephew (Dan's sister's oldest who is 14yrs old) was just diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. They put his port in yesterday and also took bone marrow samples to see it the cancer had spread. Hopefully, today they will find out the stage and the treatment plan. As a mother, I can not fathom how she must be feeling. Thankfully they have us (family), friends, and a good church home that will help with whatever is needed. In case you didn't know, Dan's father lives with them and their 4 kiddos. She called me last night and wanted to tell me what she had been thinking and feeling. What she said touched my heart and made me so thankful I do not have a job. She said that she felt that I haven't gotten a job yet because Heavenly Father knew that someone needed to be around to help with Pops( Dans' dad). Someone to take him to appts or just get him out of the house. Now, if you know me...you will know that I love this little man so much! He has been a father to me since I never had one. He and my step father are the two wonderful men that God has put into my life. Pops and I have so much fun when we go out to eat. In fact, he tells everyone he has a 40ish girlfriend! lol!! I'm so grateful that I can be of some help to them during what is going to be a difficult road they will have to travel. I pray that our nephew will be healed and be able to continue his journey through this life. If you feel inclined to say a prayer, it would be greatly appreciated..

Kinda Bummed

Well, today the new school year began. Teachers and students are getting to know each other, students are learning rules and expectations, and meeting other students who will become their best friend. I really believed with all my heart that I would be doing that at this time. I am at a loss as to why I do not have a job. I have applied with 15, yes 15! districts and nothing, not one word!! I'm trying so hard to keep the faith but I have to admit, I'm bummed .....sad...upset...?????? I've applied to substitute with Arlington and Mansfield ISD's but I just can't seem to muster up the enthusiasm to sub. I just know how students behave with a sub and I don't want to have to deal with that, but it looks like I have no choice....I go Friday for Mansfield orientation but can't get into Arlington till Sept. 29th... I feel so let down. I mean, I feel I have done my part( going to school, passing classes, student teaching, graduation) and yet here I am without a job. Should I just get a job and give up on my dream of teaching? I can't seem to do that. I still feel in my heart this is what Heavenly Father wants be to do, I just do not understand how I am to do this without a job/or a class of my own... Ok enough of this pity party! I will do what I have to do to teach, whether it is in my own classroom or through substituting and will see where it leads me!

No Job Yet!

Yes, it's true! I still do not have a job! I have applied with 7 districts and have had one interview. This is sooo frustrating! Only a handful out of my graduating class have jobs. Seems like the districts just are not hiring. Looks like I'm going to have to sub when school starts. Now, don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with subbing or being a substitute teacher. It's just not my favorite thing to do. Guess I'm going to have to bite the bullet and attempt the Generalist test. What's another $120.00 dollars. If and that is a big IF, I can pass it, then that will open up more jobs in the elementary. The problem is, we all know math and science are not my easiest subjects. If fact, math and I run opposite directions when we happen to meet! I just do not know what to do.... I'm trying to have patience but that is not so easy when you have worked so hard to achieve a dream and then when you get there things just stop....If you read this blog, please say a prayer for me that I get a job...I greatly appreciate your help!

Hugs!

Graduation Trip!

For graduation, Danny and I went to the Cayman Islands. This place is so beautiful, it is surreal. We had so much fun! We went snorkeling, shopping, and just hanging out on the beach.. Now, we are spoiled and can't wait to go back!Snorkeling is now our thing to do together. We look forward to going snorkeling around the world! Enjoy the pics!

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Grad Party!

Thanks to my family for my awesome party!

Graduation and Party Pictures

We did get a few graduation pics right after graduation.

Frustrated

For the last 7 yrs I have worked to reach a goal. The goal was to be a teacher. I honestly feel this is what I am meant to do. Now I am not so sure. My mentor tells me it is not me, that it is this certain group of students and they do this to every teacher. But, I am wondering if this is so. Everything I do is questioned, every time I follow the school's discipline policy the student(s) argue with me. Am I being fair? Am I singling certain students out? Certain students do not care if they get an infraction. In fact, some look at it like a badge of honor. Some how I naively believed that students would see how much I love to teach and they would respond positively to me and respect me. That was sooo wrong. Students do not care and what is worse, their parents do not care. All the behaviors parents do not deal with at home are showing up at school and teachers have to deal with the bad behavior parents ignore. Maybe you can ignore when your child speaks disrespectfully to you but as a teacher I can not. I can't ignore that your child is bullying another student. I can't ignore the inappropriate comments your son/daughter makes in class. I can't ignore it when your child disrupts class and the learning of other students. I had one student actually say he was going to tell his mama on me and she would come up there and talk to me. I replied, please tell your mama, I would love to speak to her and explain to her how her son keeps disrupting class and is bothering other students who come to class and chose to learn. I am so thankful for my mentor. She has backed me in everything and has had a few "conversations" with pre ap class who think they know everything. I am sooo ready to be done but then I stop and think....can I really do this? can I really make a difference?

Latest News from the Middle School

This has been a very interesting week in the jh. I have had the hardest time with my 2 Pre Ap classes. So, during our team time I discussed this with the other teachers. The science teacher said I should do what he does. He usually starts this at the beginning of the year but I figured it was worth a try. I started by just watching the students and waiting til they stopped talking, which took about 10 mins. I then ( in my best southern drawl) I told them I needed to apoligize to them because I did not explain to them what my expectations were and I then preceeded to tell what they were. My expectations is for them to be in their seats , be quiet, and wait for instructions. I then told them we needed to practice how we should enter a classroom. They all got up and walked out the door into the hallway. As each one passed by me to enter the room I said to them: "go in, sit it, be quiet, and wait for instructions". Imagine doing that for 35 kids and having to practice this about 3-4xs. If one person laughed or made a comment after entering the room, I stopped and made the whole class do it again. It took about 3-4xs then they started turning on each other. Which was quite funny! I have proceeded to do this with my other AP class and my regular classes. They are still learning and we are still practicing but it is getting better. I am bound and determined to get this classroom managment under control. I think my 3rd period did have the record of 6xs today before they got it. I thought this sounded funny and wasn't sure it would work. But it does and behavior is getting better.

It's been awhile..

This teaching/working thing is really starting to interfere with my blogging and FBing.. How do people do it all? Things are going well. Last week was rough. Whit had to have surgery and have all parts of her stimulator taken out due to infection. Also, on the same day my UTA mentor was coming out to do my evaluation for this placement. I felt horrible that I could not be with Whitney but thankfully my mom could be. She even spent the night with me. My eval did not go well. The students did not listen and acted like I was not even there. So now my mentor was very concerned about this and how I was handling it. Oh wait! I forgot to mention we moved during the week before to a larger house but we moved on the weekend when it snowed. So, with all these things combined I had a mini breakdown with my mentor. Thankfully she listened and told me to pull up my big girl panties and be the teacher she knew I could be! She also told my teacher to get out of the way and let me go...Which she did and I am happy to say I was able to step up and be the teacher I know I can be. I had to get tough and let them know I meant business. Now, don't get me wrong, I still have problems with repeat offenders but my classes are under control and I always give them a choice. So far so good. Of course, I have 2 Pre AP classes and one contains 2 students who are driving me crazy! These guys ask some of the most ridiculous questions and then when I give them an answer they want to argue with me.. I swear one of these students actually thinks he is smarter than me! lol! Ok, I will admit..he just might be! lol! But I will NEVER let them know that! I don't feel to bad though because they do the same thing to my teacher.... I did get my grad announcements though!! Now I just have to finish my time in 8th grade, pass my PPR, and get my portfolio together ( which is due May 7th). Guess I had better get busy and round up all my papers, lesson plans, evaluations and anything else I have to put on a disk...But, right now I'm going to relax, enjoy the knowledge the week is over and that I have survived middle school again for another week...Oh wait! I forgot to mention the principle casually walked into my 6th per. yesterday and took a seat and opened his laptop..I was so nervous and this class is weird. But after class he came up and patted me on the back and said good job! I'm hoping that was a good thing! Now it's on to filling out more applications(which take forever). I'm not going to stress over getting a job...Heavenly Father has gotten me this far and he will carry me all the way and I know he has a job picked out just for me!! Later!

Thanks Texas!

Ughhhhhh I am so frustrated! I found out yesterday at our monthly "seminar" meeting that according to the TEA and DOE that I am only "highly trained" to teach 7th and 8th grade only! The DOE (dept of education) came to Tx in Sept 09 and decided that all teachers in the elementary are not " highly trained" unless they have a "Generalist" certification. Which means that if you want to teach in the elementary schools in TX you have to be certified in ALL subjects! So now I get to take another test..Oh yeah, the first "practice" test is not until May 14th...which is graduation day!! The next practice test is not until August...If I wait till I get my first certification, then I do not have to go through UTA to take this test. All I have to do is go to the website and pay more money and sign up on a test date..... I feel like my degree plan is worthless. Had I known earlier ( like 2yrs ago) I could have changed my degree plan and I would not have to worry about this. I'm so tired of getting one step ahead and then having to take two steps back...Least I know now what I will be doing this summer. Although this does mean I probably will not get a job before school starts in August. This just has not been a good weekend. Dan, Whitney and I have all been sick with a nasty cold and congestion and now my joints (mainly my hip and hands) are swollen and hurting..I'm so tired of this..Tomorrow I have to teach and then Tuesday I have to do my last formal observation...Oh well..I have come this far to achieve my goal...guess a little further won't hurt!

Goin 2 the beach 2010!

That's right folks! For my graduation present my wonderful hubby...is taking me to the beach! We will be spending 5 days in the Cayman Islands! I'm soooo excited and can't wait till I feel the sand on my toes... Trip is paid for and I'm in the process of getting my passport...It will be so wonderful to lay on the beach, listen to the waves and dream about my future teaching job..NOT!! Although, it would be awesome when we go in June, if I have a job! If not, oh well that is what the summer is for! We have a day cruise set where we get to snorkel and play with the stingrays. Then we have a dinner cruise set for one night..That will be fun and romantic! I do have a surprise I'm working on for Dan..so shhhhhh be very quiet...Sorry I can't give details just in case he sneaks a peek at this blog.. But, here is a hint..we have been married for going on 27 yrs...*wink *wink. Student teaching is going good. I'm pretty much teaching all the time now and Friday I was all alone..be afraid...very afraid... I really do love the 6th grade but man can they talk. Unfortunatley they do not understand when it is appropriate to talk and when it is not! So that is a constant battle. I only have two weeks left then I go to the JH for 8th grade History..Fun Stuff!! I'm glad I had 6th grade first, so now I will feel more comfortable with the class discipline for 8th grade. Later....

Birthday Dinner

Another year is gone and once again we celebrate our birthday! Since the three of us (Danny, Dan Sr. and I) have January birthdays, we decided to celebrate together at Fogo De Chao in Addison. It was sooo yummy! We all had a good time! My student teaching is going great! I love 6th grade! Teaching is tiring work..I am so tired when I get home and then I have to prepare for the next day.. So, not much of a social life. Then today I find out I have to incorporate a service learning project into my student teaching.. I am supposed to tutor a student 30-45 mins a DAY EVERY DAY... That is next to impossible when you teach from 7:50-2:20 then students return from rotation at 3:15.. Somehow I will fit it in..I always do!

Residency

My residency started on Monday and I LOVE it!.. I started teaching today and will teach tomorrow too... My UTA mentor came for a surprise visit yesterday as well. She told my mentor teacher to let me jump right in and start teaching asap, which ironically we were planning on my teaching the next day ... hehe.... Today I introduced a new genre, science fiction! We first did a quick read about the Loch Ness Monster, then we discussed science fiction and what it is... We discussed sci fi movies and scientific and technological advances. We then read a story that was set in the year 2157 that had the main characters finding a "book" in the attic of their great-great grandfather's house. After the story we discussed what things we already have available to use that were similar to the story, like...e-readers, use of scantrons ( used for testing esp.. in college). I took Dan's old palm pilot and the kids got a kick out of seeing that ancient thing. I feel like everything went well and the students actively participated in the discussions. I was surprised the students actually remembered me and were excited to see me :D My mentor teacher said that by December they were asking when was I coming back... I realized how much I missed those kids! I have discovered I really like the elementary better than the junior high. In fact, I'm kinda dreading going back to the JH... But, for now I'm going to concentrate on my awesome 6th graders and enjoy and learn as much as I can for the next 6 weeks.. It blows me away when I think this time next year I will have my own classroom...I am so thankful that my Heavenly Father has called me to be a teacher..It is such a comfort to know that this is what I am supposed to do...My supervisor told me to have the students do a teacher evaluation/recommendation on me before I leave...now, that is going to be interesting... Later!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Ok, so I'm a little late in posting this , but I have really enjoyed the time off from school! Here are a few pics from Christmas.... We spent Christmas Eve with my mom and dad in Grandbury and were treated to an awesome snowfall! Of course the ride home was scary due to the ice on the roads and I guess Grandbury doesn't have sanding trucks...well at least not on Hwy 377! Christmas Day we spent with Branden and his family. It was sooo cute watching our g-baby open presents! We spent New Year's Eve safely tucked away at home! Danny made his famous black eyed peas and cornbread which we eagerly eat in hopes of having good luck this year! I have one more day off then it is back to 6th grade for me! This will be my last semester at UTA and I will spend it student teaching full time! I am looking forward to returning to 6th grade. The kids are old enough to discuss things with and they still want to please the teacher. 8th graders not so much. So, come Monday I will be working full time. Boy, will that be different! I haven't worked full time since???? Hope I survive!!