Impending Snow Day

What to do with stacks (and I mean STACKS) of papers to grade and check, and an impending snow storm happening outside? Blog, of course! :) This blog is in faith believing that we'll have a snow day tomorrow - even though that means trying to catch up on another missed day of school.

Let's see. I need to focus on what went well today, otherwise, I'll just complain. And that is counterproductive in so many ways.

• I was able to sleep in a bit, due to no morning meetings this week.
• Excited kids bringing in their snacks for the Spanish party
• Getting some tests graded during my prep break
• About 16 out of the 20 did great on their group time during math (and I think they understood what they were doing).
• One student who changed his attitude eventually thereby avoiding a meltdown. It's the little things!
• We got the bulk of math done before lunch time. I think I might try to do that everyday...math in the morning...so then it's out of the way.
• A solid group of students who faithfully do what they are supposed to do. I so appreciate their faithfulness.
• All those prayer requests before lunch...they know God hears and answers prayer. Lord, help me to so reliant on You.
• Even though one student struggled with attitude and motivation this afternoon, and even though he wasn't paying attention to the story we were reading together, he WAS reading and was into what he was reading ("I read 3 stories!"). ;)
• A good after-school work session with my student. We started on cursive and he can successfully write several letters, and he had a good attitude and was cooperative.
• My one student's sweet hugs and helpfulness.
• All those pencils, erasers, and trash - my daily pick-up - reminds me that I have the opportunity to influence real living people who seem to leave messes everyday. ;)

Well, after listing all that out, the day was pretty good after all. :) And "God has all that I need" - have to remember that!





 I need to recap from my weekend! We finally scooted out the door around 2:30 Friday afternoon. The kids kept hugging me and telling me good-bye and that they'd miss me. Love their hearts. After a bank stop, we were on the road. The drive was great and Mom and I enjoyed listening to The Horse and the Boy. We made a mad-dash into Wal-mart to buy a few last minute things and change clothes, and we were at Dunbar with ten minutes to spare. Walking down to the basement and seeing my brother all dressed in his suit in that hallway, where my friends and I were year after year, was a might emotional. The service was anointed by God. I cried and cried. God's faithfulness is so real back then, when I was in choir, and now in my present life. I loved chatting with Mrs. Miller and some of my friends. And seeing the bus. And hearing the laughter. Ok...so I was a bit jealous. ;)

Then we went to Marty and Tammy's and ate food, drank coffee, and laughed and laughed. I love, love being with my family! Then, Leanna and I drove to her apartment, talked and laughed some more, ate more food, and loved on her dog. :)

Saturday we slept in, enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with more coffee, and got ready for our tea. It was such a lovely little tea. The bright sunshine coming through the window and the snow softly falling. So lovely! I bought some raspberry tea leaves and I need to find a recipe for lavender scones (so yummy!). Then we were off to a thrift shop, the cupcake shop (to see Emily), and ANTIQUE SHOPS! :-) I found some great old books which makes me so happy inside. :) We went back to eat hamburgers at the house and then we were off on our way back home. I was so tired and I admit that I was glad to turn the wheel over to Mom. All in all, it was a lovely weekend being with family!

And now, two days of the week are done, and the snow is already piling up, so it looks like I'll be able to get caught up from my grading. *Note to self* When you give 9 tests in a week, set aside several hours to grade everything!

God continues to teach me to find joy in the little moments and that even if my world is not ideal (students talking, not paying attention, bored) there are always blessings to find. I also need to be open to new (better) ideas, but understand that I don't need to try to make my ideas, methods, practices better all at once. It's a journey, and I choose joy!

God, help me to remain joyful in the thought that You have given me all that I need. Help me rest in that. Give me wisdom to make effective changes. Help me to show patience and longsuffering. You are my example.