If You Don't Like the Weather...

wait five minutes and it will change. Right? It was warm and sticky all day long. I came home and took a nap--and when I woke up fall was back! Not only that, but when I went to Wal Mart this evening, they were playing "There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays". Puh-leeze! I am NOT ready for that. I have to somehow get through a book/costume parade, trick-r-treating in downtown Runge, going to the pumpkin patch in Karnes City and to the park in Kenedy followed by a pep rally--THEN going to a football game tomorrow night. Hard to think about Christmas when Halloween is still looming. Oh well, better get some things done. Caleigh is dressing as a zebra for the book parade tomorrow and I think I have to wash something...

On My Heart

Lots on my heart tonight, but the words are stuck. Our preacher, otherwise known as the man in my life, talked tonight about how God is on our side. What more could we ask? Really, when the storms are raging and it is hard to take a deep breath, He is all we need. I have been reading some amazing stories on other blogs this week. There are families going through some trying times right now, that are inspiring countless readers with their faith and trust in the One on whom we can depend. I need to be more like that. Less complaining, more praising; less worrying, more trusting; less fear, more faith. Less critical, more loving. Fewer regrets, more cherishing the moment. After all-- as the saying goes, "life isn't about the number of breaths you take, but about the moments that take your breath away".

Cold Front and Kindergarten Collide

Oh. My. Goodness. The day started out rather well for a Monday and turned on me. Wow. There really isn't anything else to say. Don't you love it when I quote Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse? If you haven't read it you should, it's by Kevin Henkes and it's one of Caleigh's all-time favorites (and mine!). I am feeling somewhat better after all the sleep I got Sunday. I really think that is the only way my body was going to start healing. I have felt much better overall today, though the cough is back now that it is nighttime. I am going to go to take the knockout medicine after I post this and try to get a good night's sleep. Millie and I had issues last night. Evidently she was cold and we fought over bed space all night. Who knew a small Boston Terrier could take up so much room? I knew they were snugglers but Sugar never slept in the bed with us. This dog is s-p-o-i-l-e-d. Shh...don't tell her. When we got home from school the kids put her sweater on her that we bought on clearance last summer when the temp was 143 degrees. She is much more appreciative now than when they insisted on trying it on her in July.

For those who don't follow me on facebook (Mom & Dad!) I will close tonight with something truly amazing. Several days ago Conner mentioned that he was really considering playing basketball this season. My heart and stomach lurched at the same time (all moms know that feeling). I didn't say much, except that we would support him whatever he decided. All I could think about were the endless nights that I watched him writhing in pain on the floor due to the pain he was in. I pictured him as he was just 2 short years ago, in a wheelchair unable to put weight on his feet/legs at all. Today he got in the car and announced that he will be #12 on the basketball court. He starts practice on November 6 and has a game the following Monday. I don't know exactly what will happen--I feel that he will pass the physical. He has been doing some conditioning and has made quite a bit of progress. Whatever happens, I know he will give it his all. Oh, and he will be playing tennis and golf as well. How can anyone not believe that God is alive and well?

It's 2:15 a.m. and all is not well...

...due to the fact that I have bronchitis AND insomnia. I finished making 50 or so goodie bags for the Yellowjacket Band a little while ago and sleep is evading me. I did take a nap earlier in the evening which could be part of the problem. This illness has been coming on for several weeks and I am ready to bid it adieu. We will hope that with the antibiotic I was prescribed, and the knock out cough medicine I can get over it soon. Conner is already on antibiotics for the same thing, and Caleigh came home and went to bed about 5:30. She is still asleep, so I hope she isn't next. She is generally my healthy child when it comes to things like this so hopefully...

That's about it for tonight (this morning!) but I am working on putting some thoughts together about the wonderful training that I experienced this week. I hope to post pictures tomorrow night of a very excited group of kids headed to State Marching Contest. Whatever happens, they are giving it their all and we are very proud of them. I'm going to go try to sleep for a little while.

I'm Still Kicking...Just Not Very High

Sorry I haven't written much lately. We have had several different things going on that have really taken my attention away from my blog. To make a long story short (stop laughing those who know me well!)--I just cannot find the time for any quality thoughts, much less the time to record those thoughts. Between being under the weather, dealing with some major stresses at school, and being out of town 3 days this week, I am just swamped. Did you know that it is a hundred times harder to prepare for a sub for three days than to be at school? No joke, it is just way too hard to be gone from the classroom. I am fortunate to be able to attend the Capturing Kids' Hearts workshop and I KNOW I will be blessed. I just have to get past waking up at 5, leaving at 6 to get to SA, participating in a challenging and emotionally draining training from 8-4, plus a 1 1/2 hour trip home. So, I may not be writing much for the next few days. Next time you hear from me I will hopefully be healthier, more rested, and more emotionally stable. Or you could hear from me tomorrow if the spirit moves me. Stay tuned.

The Day I Slept Through Blogging...and everything else.

You know you must be tired when you come home from work early to take your child to the doctor, return home from said appointment and collapse in bed only to wake up 8 hours later. I was OUT! The only thing I did at 11:30 when I woke up was eat a small snack, take my daily medication, and go back to bed. So how does one feel after about 13 hours of sleep? Tired. You heard me, I am still tired. My job is taking every bit of energy I have, plus a large amount that I DON'T have. The result, I am just tired all the time. I am tired of saying I'm tired, I am tired of being tired. I love teaching, I love kids, I don't love the stress or the neverending nature of my job. My quest for perfection and the very nature of what I do cause an imbalance in my life. I have a small class, and we have some big problems. Out of respect for privacy and a sense of professionalism, I can't discuss the problems. Just know that they weigh heavily on me. If you are one of those people who think that teachers play all day, please say a prayer for yourself and one for me. I really need it right now. Tomorrow is Friday and I will think of some blessings to count.

Welcome to My Monday, No Tuesday, Wait...

It really has been a Monday kind of day. It seems that a three day weekend doesn't bode well for Tuesday in Kindergarten. Oh, it was an interesting day to say the least. My usually sweet little students had glazed over, strange looks on their faces all day. They were somewhat mean to each other and not so nice to the teacher either. It is always a battle at math time regarding who gets to sit by the teacher on the floor, today it was World War III. Walking in line is a challenge still, even after 7 weeks, today it was seemingly impossible. The two worst words that kindergarten students know (stupid & shut up) were both heard in my room today (not by the teacher--come on now!), and much scribbling was seen on papers. All I could think of at 3:20 was a line from The Cosby Show when one of Rudy's teachers had a hard day at school..."You go home, and YOU go home, all of you go home. And I am going to go home, and take a bubble bath, and re-examine my life." And I am going to eat a brownie, because that helps. (my words, not Cosby's) I KNOW tomorrow will be a better day.