My Blessed Little Life

It is the time of year that all parents look forward to...it is back to school time.  As a teacher, I get both excited and a little depressed when this time rolls around.  For 35 years, I've had a first day of school to get ready for, either as a student or as a teacher.  It is always exciting to shop for school supplies and have new things.  For me, it is a symbol of a fresh start I guess. My kids love school shopping too...I guess my love of office supplies have rubbed off on them. :)  Unfortunately, as they get older the list seems to get longer and much more expensive. I'll be getting a new classroom ready this year. I'm moving back into sixth grade after a few years in seventh and eighth grades.  I think I will miss the older kids, but I am so excited to work with the sixth graders again. I started teaching in sixth grade and I truly loved the kids.  They are still innocent, and I love watching the maturing process happen over the course of the year.  This year also

Summer is here, and I'm still at school...teaching summer school that is.  I've really got to learn to say no!  It has been a good experience and not nearly as chaotic as last year, so that is a win in my book.  The money is always good and as a fellow teacher said today, where else will I make this much in 24 days (legally I guess ;-)  The kids have been good, and I am teaching a reading class which is great.  I'm looking forward to teaching reading again next year, so this has been a really good opportunity for me. After looking ahead at what the rest of the summer holds, time is going to fly by I think.  I have training sessions in the middle of July and we will be back in school before I know it...and I'll wonder where did summer go?

Believe it or not, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth.  It has been a crazy busy few months, and I'm sorry this little blog has gotten a bit neglected.  School is wrapping up, and we only have 12.5 insane days left...everyone is to the "I'm way past done" stage of the school year, and nerves are getting mighty thin.  I'm hoping that the projects that we have planned for the next few days help to keep the roof on the building. Life at home is just as crazy.  Three teens in one tiny house is not a great combo, and with everyone's end of the year schedules, it is becoming a bigger mad house. Here is to summer break, lazier days, and working on projects that I choose, not that are chosen for me.  I'm ready to tackle some of the household chores which sadly get neglected during the school year...like sorting through clothing.  Goodwill, look at...we are heading your way very soon!

One week ago, my family lost my grandpa Duane.  At 90 years old, his body was done.  90 years of hard work, farm life, and a never quit attitude is hard on a body.  While at his funeral, the pastor made reference to the Guillain Barre Syndrome that he contracted in the 80s.  It causes paralysis that starts in the feet and legs and works its way toward the chest and arms.  It can be fatal if it reaches the lungs and heart, but thankfully it was caught before that for my grandpa.  However, the results left him without feeling in his hands and feet, which caused other problems for him.  He often couldn't feel heat or cold effects, so he suffered burns and frostbite several times.  He also had cuts get infected because of his lack of feeling, so he lost toes.  This syndrome mixed with diabetes created difficulties with simple tasks like dressing and eating, but he never quit.  He found ways to deal with the challenges of life, which in turn taught his grandkids and great-grandkids a va