Another Week Done!

Another week is done at school. My kiddos are very noisy and have a real hard time with self-control. I feel more self-assured and able to deal with the misbehavior. I know things will get better when we start regular schedule.

Ben and Gen were able to get to school okay. I still haven't found a helper in the morning. My next door angel, Shar, has been so helpful. Even through Ben's meltdown and Gen getting my cold this week we managed to survive.

Last Friday Gen and I went to the Bureau County Fair with our friends. We had a wonderful time and Gen and I rode the Tilt-A-Whirl. Niether of us threw-up! Yea for us.

First Day

Here is a picture of my kids this year. What a group! We are going to have a lot of fun!!!

Today was the first day with my new 2nd graders. They all looked so small and innocent. Yep, I only had them for three hours...so how bad could they be in that time? There are a couple of characters, but for the most part it seems like a good group.

I'm feeling shaky as I go into the year. Steve's not here supporting me. I do have a great group of supporters though. It seemed like Steve had such confidence in me and my ability to touch the lives of my students...I'm just not as sure as I was with Steve here.

Day Before the First Day!

Tomorrow is the first day of the new school year for me. I'm no where near ready for the kids to arrive....but they will be there any way. I look forward to being distracted by the little kiddos, but at the same time worry about being able to be the best teacher I can be and the best parent and the best student...yep, I'm starting a graduate program. Crazy and it's my life.

Today is 5 months sense Steve died. I miss him so much. I miss his help. I miss his hugs and the security I felt in his arms. Will I ever feel secure, loved and unafraid? I took so much for granted. I wish I could go back and re-do the years we had together. Oh, how much I would do differently. I wouldn't be so angry and so tied up in the me and my needs. To be able to be in the moment and enjoy it for what it is. We get so preoccupied in all the other stuff that just clutters our lives. I'm trying to clean out the house to reduce more of the physical clutter so that I can reduce the emotional and mental clutter. It's working...so far.

Sunday, Gen and I went to Adina's church on Sunday. Becky was there to be my safe person and guide me through the unknown. Thanks, Becky! Gen enjoyed her time with Adina. We even went to the potluck picnic at the park. We enjoyed our time and fellowship. The people were wonderfully welcoming. Becky took a great photo of Gen and I. She takes the most amazing pictures.

I am blessed to have such wonderful new friends in my life. I know they never knew Steve, but they are willing to walk with me on this painful journey...thanks Jill, Becky, and Bill. I don't know where I would be without you!

One Down!

five more to go...at least down stairs. With the help of my friend, Char, redecorating is the word of the month. We got the front room painted and curtains picked out. It looks fabulous. Still need to get new furniture and a carpet and a ceiling fan. I'm sure the list won't end. I just need to stay in my budget.

My classroom is still being neglected. First in-service day is August 15. Next week is do or die week in that room.

Need to get moving!

Here it is August 4 and I don't have anything done in my classroom. It's very scary to think that I have 10 days to get my room put back together. I'm feeling very unmotivated/unable to get things thought through. I know how I did things last year. I really don't want to change things a whole lot given that I'm emotionally not all there. As the start of school gets closer, my panic will rise. I need to get my mind wrapped around the start of school.