Joy Joy Joy For Teachers

How time goes by.

2011-09-17T04:16:00.000-07:00

Sept. 17 2011

I can't believe that I have been in school for three weeks with my new class. With each new class opens your eyes to opportunities. Yes, I have allot of new ideas to implement and some old stand byes that work every time. Isn't it fun how as teachers you are always looking for the newest gadget or updated curriculum to use.

Well, I've got the best of the best... IPAD2. That thing is amazing. Only thing about it.....I don't know everything I need to know on how to use it. I even went to two training. I'm not a techie but with God's help I'll learn. The students love to use it even the ones who have never seen one.

My class this year is a little bit more balanced 9 girls 11 boys.

Every year you know from reading my blog that I feel like a birth a baby and this is the first trimester. At the end of the labor pain comes the finish product... A beautiful human being ready to face the world of kindergarten. The sadness comes in at the end when they leave and I have an empty nest for the summer.

Last year I stop saying "What will I do?" I realized my years of experience of birthing 27 years of babies does pay off. My favorite line now is "I'm not on the JV team any more". With experience comes knowledge that is not written in any book to read. I have the instruction and the experiences of teaching I just need to remember to pray to the Lord to help me remember

those countless memories of things that work and the ones that are not sufficient any more.

I live in the new millennium and need to step up to the new kinds of children and their needs. That's where I say God comes in with all His angels and guides me as I go down this new path.

This all sounds pretty serious and it is. So I must everyday release my pride and pray to God to give strength to hear His words and follow the right path.

What would the world be like with out experienced teachers. Thank you Lord for giving the joy of teaching to me. I hope all of my teacher friends are doing great and that this will be a year of rebirth for you in many ways. Like the metamorphoses of a butterfly we will be born again to serve the Lord each teaching year. Amen

Summer time is winding down.

2011-08-14T04:49:00.000-07:00

Summertime is coming to an abutpt end tomorrow, August 15. Yes, I will be heading back to work teaching school and I can say every year there's a nervous anticipation of what the new year will bring.

I have to rely on one thing... I've been doing this for some time. I've lost track of the number of years. It's been around 25 to 27 years. I am confused because I took two different times in my life to work in other professions. I always came back to teaching. I shouldn't be nervous, after all I'm not on the JV team anymore.

This summer was one of many goals; learning how to relax, coping with my spending habit to feel better and accomplishing some simple tasks of cleaning my house after watching one episode of "Hoarders". No I am not a hoarder but things had gotten messy at my house. I made a few trips to Goodwill and that felt great. No, I did not shop there. I delivered donations of un needed items from my house. Check that off the list, the last two days of my vacation were spent making the goal come true. My house looks great. Next goal was to not get depressed so I took on a project for my sister (Rehabilation Therapist) to make a new pattern for a pillow that helps you sleep better and aids patients in rehab. It took me four tries and I finally got the pattern right. That felt good, old skills of pattern adjustment are still intact. These pillows are suppose to realine the neck and spiral cord to help with sleep and comfort in bed. They are like the pillows in the airport you buy for sleeping on the plane. Mine are butterfly shape and are very decorative. So you can toss them on a chair or bed to add color and character to your room.

Check that off the task list. I have made around 25 of these cute little critters.

I did visit my family in North Carolina in June and visited my other daughter twice this summer to clean, clean, an organize her draws, pantry, cabinets. I'm still on that hoarding kick. It took me two episodes of that horrible show to make me go crazy and that's when I realized my ADHD condition demands organization to help me perform comfortably in my Hyperactive world. Yes, we adult Adhder's like things in their place for our own sanity. Everyone likes order, right?

I went out to lunch a few times with best friends and went to some pretty wonderful movies.

The Smurfs with their adult humor was great and the Help was wonderful. I laughed and cried.

Summer school was fun. I loved every minute co- teaching with a good friend.

Of course, the most fun was laying around our beautiful pool and being with my loving husband most every Sat and Sun. Well one more day in the sun and then it will be off to a new year of teaching. Lord please be with me in all I do and say. Help me be the best that I can be in Your name amen.

Time Off

2011-06-24T03:16:00.000-07:00

Teaching can be a challenge but time off for me is the biggest challenge. Get this..... I went to a sale while I was traveling. It was a sale of outdoor cushions for every size and shape chair, lounge chair or bar stool you could every buy. Wow did I go crazy. Ha, ha and then when I went to ship them all home guess what, it was going to cost 300 dollars. Dumb me! I was going to cut some of the cushions up to make the right sizes for my chairs so I preceded to rip all the stuffing out and then I pack the material in my suit case that I carried on the plane. Real smart? No! Now I have to sew them all up and stuff them again. Luckily I have some coupons for stuffing at Joann's. I added it all up and guess what? I could have bought everything at home for almost the same price. I did ship one large box by Postal and it cost 90 dollars. Oh well, now I have a project to work on. I"ll have to show finished products to you in a later blog. Wish me luck.

This project will sure keep me out of the stores for a while, except Joann's. I hope that you are having a great vacation where ever you are. God is still trying to teach me to be conservative with money, but, I keep flubbing up. I know He loves me and is still watching over me. He's probably laughing and saying "Make the best of your mess"! In the long run I will be very busy sewing. God knows me so well!!! Busy hands are happy hands. Thank you, Lord for loving me so much even if I'm a little ADHD. Hope you are glorified in the Lord this summer. Love You.

Summertime

2011-06-03T03:45:00.000-07:00

Last day of work for this teaching year. I are very tired as I write but, knowing my summer is full is a good feeling. I've told you many times, I do not do well with empty time. There's just so much relaxing and then I've got to have something to do. You may need more time to relax, but I have always become bored with nothing planned. It's part of my ADHD. I can be a little hyper at times and I pray to God in those times to teach me to slow down and "smell the roses." I have a wonderful back yard and I plan on working hard to make it even better. Isn't God great. He gives us so much. I need to take time to enjoy the little things....reading good books, sunning in the warm sun and just enjoying being at home with my husband. I'm not taking an extensive trip this year but I plan to visit my little family in N.C. and then teach summer school in July and then visit my daughter in Dallas a couple of times. Sounds like I've got it all planned. Wow, I feel better already. I hope God gives you special times and rest this summer. They really knew what they were doing when they planned teachers having time off in the summer. Who made that law? I'll have to look it up on google, my favorite way to find answers. Gotta go finish the last day. God Bless you and give you joy this summer.

Bye Bye Sweeties

2011-06-02T03:08:00.000-07:00

June 2, 2011. I am in transition, trying not to cry and be joyful for a year well done. We have had so much fun the last few weeks with Splash Day, Memory Day and now today is Pajama Day. We danced our last dance (Hula) for our parents and sang our favorite songs. We have become friends. Some of the students know change is coming. Tears are being shed and a joy of all the things we have learned is being spilled out like Niagara Falls. For me, it's like birthing a baby, the labor pains are gone and forgotten and the joy of that beautiful baby is all you can think about. We will miss their smiling faces and new acquired language skills. For when they have language they say, "I love you." Many thanks go out to my Co-teacher Diana for the labors of love she pours out to all. I could not do my job so successfully without her.

Thank you Lord for giving me this time with these cherished students. Thank You for always being there for me. Help me grow in your likeness so that all can see Your love. Amen.

It's May!

2011-05-20T04:22:00.000-07:00

How did it get to May 20? In teaching time flies by. I know my birthday was May 3rd and I had a great trip to Las Vegas with friends for the big 60. I guess that's where all the time went.

My class gave me a big surprise party. I was absent the day before so my co teacher had them make banners and cards for me. WOW what a great teaching experience. They were giving to me their love. They were thinking about someone else! That says allot about how simple activities can turn into learning activities. They were writing and illustrating and learning an they didn't even know it. Many thanks go out to my partner in the classroom Diana Sandoval for providing that wonderful experience for my class and me. They were so excited and proud of what they had "surprised me" with. Of course, against all rules we had birthday cake for their surprise. Learning is not just academics is it? Consideration of others is a big lesson to learn when your 4 and 5 years old. I count my blessing everyday.

Next week we will be going on a pretend trip to the islands of Hawaii. Full blast , last week.

Hula dancing, singing, eating topical foods and reading original children's books from Hawaii.

Hula skirts, flower leis and all that go with going to an island. We will have splash day the next week to end the year. Wow what fun we will have I know. I"m so excited! Wish me luck.

2011-04-09T05:09:00.000-07:00

It's April 9 and it's Fiesta week in San Antonio. How much fun can that be? As a teacher of our cities culture, I really get into the whole party with my kids. I am just about to go buy stuff to decorate my room and plan fun activities for the students. This gives me great joy. Sometimes it's the big things in life that just get you going and add pleasure to your teaching situations. Fiesta is like nothing else in the USA. So go have fun teachers. Live it up and get a little joy in your life.

2011-04-09T05:06:00.000-07:00

You've got to see this video on utube. It's calls Joy joy joy kittens. It's really funny.

Spring Break

2011-03-14T03:37:00.000-07:00

Every teacher knows the feeling I am feeling this morning. "I don't have to get up this morning, Yeah!" Spring break is a time to rest, reflect, and just have fun. Fun maybe reading a book you've had for several months or piling everyone into the SUV and heading for the coast. It's going to be cold at the beach but, who cares. It's a change in our schedules. Do you ever wonder what your students are doing? I pray that they stay safe. Last summer my Son in Law and daughter took me to the beach. Through out my blogs I have used pictures from that trip. I never realized that those pictures bought back great memories of being together and how much fun it can be going to the beach. My grandson was totally enthralled in all of the activities and we had a wonderful time.

What a great experience. I have lived all year with that joy that came from that special trip. I am leaving tomorrow to visit my little family in N.C.. I know I will be filled with joy that will last a long time. Teachers need breaks and they need joyful time to refill their cup. I hope that you all have a wonderful joyful time on your break. God bless you and keep you safe!

When is Spring Break

2011-03-09T03:48:00.000-08:00

Here it is March the 9 and I am a little tried. How do 4 year olds know it's Spring break and know to act like teenagers going to the beach to party? Yes, they have wanted to break out and just go crazy. They need to go outside and run and have fun. The weather is great. So let's have fun.I going to see my grandson and family in N.C. for my fun time. Can't wait!

What is a Teacher?

2011-03-01T03:17:00.000-08:00

I found this saying a couple of lines down from my blog name on google. I love it. It said "

What are the characteristics of God's Teachers? V. Joy

Joy is the inevitable result of gentleness. Gentleness means that fear is now impossible, and what could come to interfere with joy? The open hands of gentleness are always filled. The gentle have no pain. They cannot suffer. Why would they not be joyous? They are sure they are beloved and must be safe. Joy goes with gentleness as surely as grief attends attack. God’s teachers trust in Him. And they are sure His Teacher goes before them, making sure no harm can come to them. They hold His gifts and follow in His way, because God’s Voice directs them in all things. Joy is their song of thanks. Christ looks down on them in thanks as well. His need of them is just as great as theirs of Him. How joyous it is to share the purpose of salvation!".

Wow ! A just love that explanation of joy!

It is March 1st and only two more months of joy with this little class. In the latter days, they have shown me joy because they are now growing into caring children. The haven't lost their love for talking and I am listening even more to full sentences and new words in their vocabulary. They are developing a need to write words and create their own ideas with words. Thank you Lord for all of these blessings. My joy or cup runnth over. Here comes Spring and we are doing great things.

Love is in the air.

2011-02-13T04:41:00.000-08:00

Here it is Feb. 13!!!!! How time flies when you're having fun..or learning. Yes, my little ones have grown into a very energetic, caring group. After all the work we have done learning about our feelings, we have arrived. They were making valentines cards all last week and giving them to their friends when they finished making them. Immediate thrill of the moment. It was so sweet seeing this happen in my class. The best part, they were copying words on the cards like love, hugs,kisses. "I love you!" was the best. That exclamation point counts as knowing punctuation. SCORE one for punctuation. Yes, I was exhausted from all the enthusiasm, but wow what fun to see so much growth. Even the younger ones who are not quite there yet were in great competition to try writing letters. Thank you Lord! It takes time with some groups and we are now reaching the Teachable moments of our year. I heart for this time when I can really kick up the expectations. Love means many things. I heard a quote last night. "Love makes the world go round...Love makes the trip worth the ride". Happy Hearts to all tomorrow on St. Valentines Day. Hope you get lots of hugs!

2011-01-26T03:48:00.000-08:00

How did it get to be Jan. 26? Things are really moving along! Everyone in the class knows the social rules....Yeah. Finally the rules soaked in. Fifteen boys and five girls is not a good mix and I must constantly remember that boys and girls do not mature at the same rate. We are now studying about Winter. It doesn't snow in San Antonio so teaching about winter snow and activities can be a challenge. Oh but technology has take a big role in finding clips of kids playinging the snow, sledding. and skiing. The students love the big screen images. To change the subject.

My husband meet a wonderful Author on ebay, her name is Meryl Erlanger. She has published two series of children's books one is, George and Gracie (two little terriers) who go to live in the big city of New York. She also has a series about some adorable Abacus called "Hooves and Kisses".

She has an interactive site of both series and it's really good. Look her up. Her books are delightful. It's always fun to fund new literature for my students. I think she will have the "New Dogs" on the block. Move over Clifford.

Hope you are having a good year. Would love to hear from you and your thoughts about these new books. Talk to you later. God Bless!

Fun times begin.

2011-01-04T03:55:00.000-08:00

It was the best day ever!! I had a tired little group, but they were really happy to be back in school. One mother told me her son asked every morning of the holiday, "Is it school today?" He even got mad a couple of times. He was really ready to come back. WOW! That made my day. Please God guide me to be the best teacher everyday. It's not always easy but it's worth it!!!! I posted the picture to make you laugh. I'm silly and like it that way. So do my students. Thank you Lord for giving me humor. It feels so good to laugh. I pray for you as teachers to just be silly sometimes and enjoy what you do in the name of the Father. Amen.

2011-01-02T10:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Tomorrow will be a very exciting day. My students will be wanting me to know everything that happened over the holiday. Some will have a hard time remembering the rules and everything they learned before Christmas. It's okay. As teachers that's what we are called to do......RECALL. I hope my students surprise me and we hit the road running . I"m going to take a day to just listen and recall. Pre-k is suppose to be a language building experience, isn't it? I am all excited to see them all. I"m sure they have grown allot and are glad to be back at school. Hopefully!

I needed the rest and I feel like a new person. I think that's what the Holidays are all about,resting. With my new and energetic mood I think I will be in good shape to do my job well.

Results of time and growth are so exciting for teachers. They will be taller and wiser and ready to learn more since they are more mature after Holidays .

So what's on your agenda? I hope you have fun the first day back. Just listen and laugh and make sure you get those manners and rules back in place. I pray for all of you. Have a wonderful day back and look forward to the wonders of maturity your students will exhibit. Isn't God great! Show Gods love in all that you do. Go for it, in his name Amen.

The Time Is Approaching!!!!

2010-12-10T04:13:00.000-08:00

Today is Dec 10, 2010 and the students are getting higher and higher on the anticpation of Christmas. I get nervous just thinking about going to school for the next 5 days. Do you?

Am I the only one that gets stressed over the homemade christmas card or ornaments for their tree at home? Even the activities leading up to the Class party just make me shiver. Yes, I like discipline and these days it's impossible to keep order. My ADHD goes off the charts. You must know that this condition in adults and children are hard to control. Imagine the ADHD child and all this hype.....Have patience I pray. Yes, every morning I pray to have more patience and love in my heart. I want them to enjoy these times and learn how to handle the confusion. Wow, God,

that's a big one for me, when I feel out of control. I pray for you today to slow down and enjoy each little activity in your class. May we don't need so much stuff just a little fun...sing songs,

write letters, (do breathing activities). It really works. Pray for patience for the most exciting time of the year is here. Jesus Birthday

2010-12-02T04:15:00.000-08:00

Today is the second day of December! Gingerbread mania is in full swing in every class on my hallway. There are so many good projects for this old time story that has help give a twist to reading aloud....There's the gingerbread man, boy, baby, mouse, house, jalopena man cowboy

version and now the

tortilla man. Where will this literature adventure end. With goobs of activities, ask yourself the "OLD" saying "If it's cute does it count?". There's only so many hours in the day but with this literature extravaganza who could go wrong! Sequence, comparsion of each book, hands on learning making ginger bread little books to take home and read, to the artsy side of actually making a gingerbread house out of a big box for the dramatic enter with Gingerbread Baby. Introdution to JAN BRETT and her fabulous way of wrting and illustrating is a must. To conclude the week or two activities lets try some science with smells of christmas and real ginger spice, the concluding eveent...baking a gingerbread man or whatever. Please dont forget the Hunt when you have to go find him. I love it. It's not quite time to break open the tree in storage and go full blast but, that is why this unit is so great. It builds up to the other stuff .

Angels of the past.

2010-11-22T04:24:00.000-08:00

Vacation....Boo Humbug. You know I dislike down time and here I am bored. I guess I like those little challenges I grip about each day. Sorry I don't mean to grip. Venting is a better word. I have realized that VENTING is a very healthy mental process. While talking to my co-teachers, we workout problems to situations in our classrooms. I am so lucky to teach with a marvelous team. Lately, we have been really working together to give each other support. The perfect teaching situation! Thank you Lord!!! Over the past twenty seven years I have not always had the perfect team. I remember having needed a job in January. We had just bought a new house and I needed to go back to work. I kind of laugh now, but, the job was the "The Up the Down staircase movie" all over again. Those to young to remember..... the movie was about a teaching job from hell. Yes, I was given a job in January.

The 25 most troubled students (five from each kinder teacher). It happens ever time you take a job in the middle of the year!!! Beware of what you wish for. Needless to say they needed to make a 6th class because of the over load in the 5 classes already formed. I walked into an empty class.... OH THE STUDENTS WERE THERE ,but, no materials, 4 tables and 25 students. I was a little shock to see three of the boys running across the tops of chairs and tables. They were going to show me who was boss. I can remember the prayer I said that very day, "Lord give me strength,wisdom and knowledge.....I need this job and with Your help I will CONQUER." I did not have an assistant and no one was my friend. I plodded through that year and must say won over the class and the co-teachers who had dumped on me in the beginning. It was really tough. The next year I transferred to a better situation. Oh, I forgot to mention for many years I had a carpool pal who talked over all the situations I was going through. I want to thank God, now for that special person in my life at that time. God gave her to me. Like an angel on earth to help me. WOW what an amazing Father I have in Him. To make the story short....27 years later I"m still teaching in difficult situations and He is still there for me. My special co-teachers are now guiding me like angels and I give Thanks on this week of Thanksgiving vacation to reminisce and Thank God for all those angels He has given me throughout my career as a teacher. I could not have done these jobs alone without His help. So I pray for you.....teachers of the world to look for those angels in your life that help God to guide you through difficult times Thank you Lord. Teaching is not a piece of Thanksgiving pie,but it can be if you ask for His guidance. Happy Turkey Day to all of you!!!

Why can't we dress up all the time!

2010-11-09T04:16:00.000-08:00

November 9, 2010, how did it get to November. I guess that October was so much fun. We studied Spiders, The Skeleton, and how much fun is the celebration of Halloween. It's great fun to pretend and use drama to learn. Our storybook parade was great fun with our parents watching us. On to Thanksgiving and does it ever slow down? My class is continuing to develop into wonderful little learners. I have a few tricks still in my bag to keep the harmful behavior at bay.

It all takes time. One of the Wellness supervisors let me in on a secret....You have 15 boys and five girls take a look at the maturity levels. Ding goes the bell, most researchers say boys develop at this age a little slower than girls. What have I been thinking? All is much better. Which brings me to the reason for the season. I have to be very thankful that I have a job. The world is a mess and millions of people are out of work. Thank you Lord for my job. Let me pray today for those less fortunate than I. Please help them find some kind of Light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, let them see your love and light, Lord. Only with you, will we as a nation strive and become strong. I"ll keep plugging a long and will not complain, because I know you are there with me all the time. Happy Thanksgiving to all. I hope it is a blessed one for you.

My guardian angel.

2010-10-08T03:30:00.000-07:00

Only two injuries (not serious ones) this week. I'm still exhausted at the end of the week but progress is being made. Yeah!! Many thanks go out to my very wonderful co-teacher Diana!!

Thank you God for letting her be with me. Sometimes she makes me laugh. Humor heals.

Teachers when you feel down and out just try to remember something really funny that has happened to you...God is so funny some times. Here's one for a laugh. A boy in my class heard the pledge of allegiance and made the sign of the cross. He also builds crosses out of logos. Now tell me that's not God intervening right in front of me. We hope he continues his calling.... we need good priests out there. God thank you for all the funnies and the co-teacher that is right there when I need her. I am blessed.

2010-10-06T03:45:00.000-07:00

I can not believe it has been 5 weeks( I almost said five years) since school started. Yes, I love it!

I refer to the beginning of school as the labor pains when you are about to push in the birthing process.. Oh yeah without medication. It really is intense and sometimes you want to quit, but, you can't. In about April the Baby or student turns into this unbelievable child of God.

The last month is like the morning you take the baby home from the hospital. You are so proud and over joyed! Then it's May and the child has turned into a marvelous person. Then you have to trust and let them go..... to kindergarten . The process goes on each year. Some birth are easy, some are not and others are followed by postpartum blues. What do I do now? After 27 years of teaching I still haven't gotten over the pain in the beginning, the glory of each birth and the celebration at the end. Yes, teaching is a calling, you never know what this group will bring and it's

difficult to see the end results. Guess what? At the end you will not remember the pain just the joy of having that year with your students. I join with you and share your pain, but remember at the end it's the best feeling God has gives you. Look to the next months to show your joy, joy, joy for teaching. God needs you, so care for his little ones. Please pray for me and I for you in His name Amen.

2010-09-21T03:59:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! School has started and I am now in the labor pains of birthing the class of 2010-11.

They are a challenge for which I will conquer. Sounds like an ole Carly Simons song....I am Women. It's going to take a little bit more to manage 15 boys and 5 girls! Some of my old tricks are coming back to me. Sing, sing, sing. They all love singing and dancing. More exercise outside

and lot of good learning "playtime". It's just the 4th week of school and I've been out of the classroom 2 and a half days. Not good for consistency. Try not to be abscent the first month.

Be there every day reinforcing everything you know of. This is their first experience with real school. Go slow....get to know them.....slow sterness but lots of love. God I am trying everything you have taught me in the teaching field. Is there something I've forgotten? I need to hear from you Lord fast. God is with each and everyone of us all day long and night. Teachers don't forget to pray and ask for the things you need right now. I bet your need patience, clamness, love and devotion to get the job done well. Best of luck and may God bless you this school year!!!!

2010-07-15T03:58:00.000-07:00

My Summer vacation

WOW! It is already July 15 and the summer is half over. I was blessed with a Tour of the Italian

coastline from Naples to Sorrento and Capri. I suggest you just go to the last two areas and stay for 5 days. It is beautiful and fun. When leaving Sorrento we stopped off in Pompeii a tourist town with a city of ruins and a Cameo Factory. Guess where I stayed while the tour hiked the ruins, yes, you quessed it...I went shopping. In this part of Italy they grow lemons. Lots and lots of lemons. That was very insight. The lemons are bigger than grapefruit. You could find most anything made from lemon especially Lemoncello. I was not to impressed with the favor. Then the tour took us to Rome and the Vatcian City. That was quite exciting, since I have Cathloic roots. The ruins in Rome are awesome, but I would rather shop.

One thing I did learn that the people of Rome love to write......all over everything, even beautiful building and historic sites. Why? It was very upsetting to me. It ruins the beauty of the city.

Next we flew to Athens where there is and under current of unrest. I did not see and Island because of the strikes they were having. I forgot to say, I traveled with my sister and we had fun just being together. No need to go to Greece......stay in Italy. I did not go to any ruins.... I shopped or relaxed under shady trees or shops with air conditioning. We did travel with a really fun group. and we had lots of good food and fun shopping in the Plaka old town plaza. Thank you God for giving me the experience of travel. I feel teachers need to see the world to break the burn out of the year. It's hard to save,but, well with it.

I have returned and settled in to teaching a special class of Pre-K students I had this year that are in need of just a little more time to develop. That was a Gift from God ,because, I was ready to get back to school. I'm planning a 10 day trip to see my 2 year old Grandson and then we will be starting back to school.... I start smelling crayons at this point of school. I call it CRAYON FEVER. It's a good thing!!!! Well that sums up my summer. Hope yours is going well.

Rest your little hearts and bodies so you will be able to concur what may come you way in August. May God give you these gifts of respite. He is so great. See you in September.

2010-06-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

I made it through the year!!! I think this class was the best one I have ever taught! The end of the year saw lots of tears. I just loved those kids so much. A word to the wise, when 14 out of 20 students turn five before Dec., you have and older class to work with. I had no serious discipline problems and it made the whole year so much fun. They were so smart. Here it is Summer again, you know that I do not do well during off time. I am waiting to leave for a tour of the Italian coast, Rome and Greece. When things were so rough last fall with Headstart I needed something to look forward to soooo.... I started planning this tour. Sometimes people just need something to dream about in hard times. The year turned out perfect. Headstart is difficult at times but, I enjoyed the year after the initial first few months. The pay-off now comes. As teachers we sometimes do not treat ourselves for work well done. I highly suggest planning something special for yourself after a long year, even if it's just short trips to near by towns. Breathe! Take time to see old friends. Go to lunch once a week. I have difficulty with summer, but, I am learning to deal with it. I am so blessed this summer with my trip, but , also I will be teaching Summer school in July. My same students that need a little more time with me. After I finish summer school I will be going to visit my little family in North Carolina. So, I'm booked for the summer and I thank God for giving me all these gifts of work and play. He is so GREAT! I pray for all of my fellow teachers that you are enjoying you time off and will return to school refreshed. Laugh, love and play so that your heart will be ready for any new challenges in the fall.

2009-09-02T05:25:00.000-07:00

This is me and my Super Assistant

I'm back!!!!!!! In full swing with a new program called HEADSTART. Nine years of teaching Pre-k and nine different ways to teach it. I was in on the very first grant for Pre school education nine years ago and it changes every year. I won't bore you with the many ways I have taught, maybe later when I'm feeling funny. WELCOME all new and old readers ( not age wise). My blog is for teachers to read, to laugh, cry and get some blessings from above.
First of all they do not pay me enough to do this job. I am raising America. With that said, I love teaching and do it because it is my calling to do God's will. He has given me an infinite knowledge of how to do this job. Most of all He wants me to show HIS love to my little ones. Maybe one by one they will learn love, discipline, caring for others and trust. Trust means being secure. I have them for approximately 7 hours and those seven hours, they will feel secure. Hey maybe they will learn something academically on the way. I say to you in this new beginning of school "Show the love of the Lord with your whole heart , mind and soul. Go gett'em. God Bless You Today!

SUMMER FUN

2009-06-14T06:18:00.000-07:00

You'll think I'm crazy, but I hate Summer vacation. As a teacher I am so busy then it stops. Help what do I do now? That's just how it seems the first week. Next week I have four Technology workshops and one craft day. I'm booked every week for something. I must admit adult ADHD does not like confusion or change. I like going to school everyday, knowing what I'm doing. This mishmash schedule is a little unsettling. Sometimes I want to tell everyone all about ADHD. Summer is not cohesive to my disability. Think about how your students who suffer from ADHD feel? Is there a camp out there for us? Maybe I should organize one or teach year round. That's a thought. Through the years I have had to manage on my own my attention to order and it's exhausting.

Hyperactivity is too. I was diagnosed over a year ago and have been receiving treatment ever since. I'm not ashamed to admit it, because it has helped me so much. I feel so much better and can think so much clearer. I feel sorry for the students out there or even teachers who suffer these disabilities and don't have help. That's my prayer today, Lord let our souls rest in this time of summer, let us learn to give our selves permission to just let go and smell the roses or irises. In your name Amen.

2009-05-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

Today one year ago my grandson was born. He has filled our life with joy. They say you'll never know love until you are a grandparent. He is the cutest, smartest, and most curious little boy ever. The happiness he has brought to us is unmeasurable. Happy Birthday little boy!

The joy of life

2009-05-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

My baby birds grew and left the nest. I documented every day of their life with my camera.
I hope you enjoy the pictures I took. The day I took the last picture.....the empty nest...I felt sad. I philosophized this bird experience. It gave me an analogy of my year of teaching. My class started out as little eggs ready to hatch and they grew into birds who could fly. They became eagles and are soaring. At the end of each year, I find myself so worn out and ready for my summer break. I pray you give yourself time to remember what has happened this year with each student. Thank you Lord for the talents I have used this year. I feel the joy of being a teacher today, because of my little eagles.

Miracles

2009-05-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

You won't beleive what happened to me! I'm a GRANDBIRD! My two cardinals were trying to announce the birth of their two chicks and that's what the fuss was all about on Sunday. When I finished my blog Sunday I went outside to the pool and watch those crazy birds. I finally realized there was a nest in the rosebush and quietly walk over to see. Much to my jubilation there was the first baby out of the egg and one more egg to go. I had taken my camera with me and I took the most incredible
picture of my first grandbirdbaby. Wow isn't God fun. He is always listening and knows our every moment. The surprise came on Mother's Day after I wrote my blog. God, you are something else. I hope I can post the pictures of the birdies. I've named them Twedlle and Dedelle. Listen when it's silent and maybe you can hear the words from God. Trust me he is always there.

Mothers Day

2009-05-10T05:48:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting in my breakfast room at 8:00a.m. on Mother's day and listening to my two red birds Twidder and Twidde (Boy and Girl). They are trying to get me to come outside to the pool area so that I can see them sing. No, I am not crazy. Come over sometime and you can meet them. They are very social. What does this have to do with Mothers Day? I think it is being aware of your surroundings. Maybe to your inner self. Quiet...... Motherhood is so noisy. Kinda like the classroom. We have to stop the noise and smell the roses or here the birds. How often does this happen to you? I joined Facebook and I' m doubting my membership, it's just to noisy. I love blogging because it gives me a chance to think out my thoughts and feelings. So often as mothers or teachers we miss the little "I love yous" and miss the moments of tenderness our children speak to us. Thank you God for all the sounds, smells, and feelings we can receive from you through our children. Help us to hush the noise and feel the moments of your grace and love. I pray that the last few days of school I can listen and enjoy my students fleeting moments of joy.
In Your name Amen.

Days of joy

2009-05-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

Sunday was my birthday and I joined Facebook. My girls were shocked. I got so many Happy Birthday greetings that day. I loved it. We will see how it goes. I enjoy writing on my blog much more but, no one reads it or comments. If you want to comment you can go to anonymous
and post. I would love to hear from more of you. Yesterday and today I am in a workshop on Autism. I didn't know I knew so much about the subject. My two years of Inclusion did pay off, although those were really tough years. Now I know why little Johnny did the things he did. Kinda..... I of course would rather be in my classroom with my Kids. We are still in outer space and studying the planets and the stars. I'm missing out on all that. I mention this to the presenter of the workshop and her reply was "Get over it". She has a mission.......Autism. I think she's a burned out teacher whose found another area to associate with. Thank God we have people in our profession who want to do this job. I can't get over the hugs and kisses I receive each day. Also, I would miss the daily communication with my four year olds. I guess it's a gift or vocation each one of us have. Different strokes for differ folks. Thank you God for all the gifts you have given us. Teaching is not and easy job and you bless us all the time with your grace and strength to do great things.

2009-05-02T05:33:00.000-07:00

I will be attending a workshop on Monday and Tuesday next week. I had to prepare my class for my absence because usually when I am gone they do not behavior for the sub and my assistant. At circle time at the end of the day I warned them that, if Mrs. Sandoval called me with a problem, I would have to get another teacher to come in to take care of them. This teacher has black hair , a big nose with a warp on it and is really mean. They were looking very suspicious at me (some were laughing). One student said" she's like a witch". Oh no, I said. Mrs. Sandoval told them that if this teacher came she would not want her around and they would she the only teacher. I told them her name was Viola Swamp. They were still half believing me when one girl said "she's like a devil"!
I quickly said "No, no,no she's just mean. I had to do a fast change of subject.....I think they finally got the message. We will see. The same morning our library hosted a quest character, Miss Wishy Washy. She has a farm and she is always washing her animals. It's a darling series of books. This particular book, the animals ran away from the farm and went to the city. Of course they get into trouble and get thrown in jail.......Miss Wishy Washy recued them and took them back to the farm. One of my students stood up and said "When the animals got back they said"HOME SWEET HOME". I was so proud. She was thinking out side the box! In our profession, this is one of the new cliches. We are striving to teach our students to think in a higher order. What's new about that? I thought that's what I was always suppose to do. I guess that's why everyday I pray to God to help me do the best job I can. I'll leave it to the HIGHER ORDER to guide me. I pray that you too pray for God's help everyday you go into your class to begin your day.

2009-04-29T05:35:00.000-07:00

Time sure flies when you're having fun. This week we started our Trip to Outer space. Yes, every year I have some frantic student ask the big question"How far are we going in outer pace"? Concerned about this imaginary trip they will tell me their mom or dad does not want them to go. I can't laugh,they are dead serious. I explain that it is in their imagination and we are going to PRETEND to go to outer space. That takes care of that problem. I have collected at garage sales and thrift stores over the years all kinds of space toys. I have a whole plastic tub full of ideas and books. Only a few years ago, I started putting my material in tubs and marking them. Sure makes teaching allot eaiser. The only problem is storage. Oh well it's worth it. Next week will be even more fun when I pull out all the books on aliens and they get to make their own alien book. Fun, fun, fun, what can I say. May will be here and our unit on the ocean and vacation land will wrap it up. Every year I choose and island theme and really go all out. I have often said that my students haven't had the opportunities of most four and five year old so......
That's my job, to bring it to them. Here's some questions I ask myself today. What is my personal spiritual creed? What beliefs sustain me through difficult times? What does being a child of God an heir with Christ (Romans 8:15-17) mean to me? My answer to all of these is......
Being the best teacher I can for the love of God and his people on this earth (especially his little ones). Maybe my love for God will spill over and I can show his love through teaching. I pray that you as teachers can see and feel the love of God when you are with your students doing the best job you know how. Praise God for all your gifts. And.....use them!

2009-04-22T05:44:00.000-07:00

Five year old's are so much fun. I was remembering when I was five. First, I lived on a ranch in the sandhills of Texas. Life was very different back 50 years ago. My parents were old when I was born. So........ When I went to my cousins skating birthday party in the city, I didn't know how to roller skate. I was a little fluffy at five and I riped my new pants and had to sit on the bench the whole party. Needless to say I never learned to skate. My cousin was from the city and would come visit on Sundays. All is fair in love and war...... when she tried to ride my horse, the horse ran down the road and cousin was hanging on for her dear life. She never learn to ride a horse. My Mom and Dad would saddle up that pony and I would ride for hours, all over the country. What were they thinking? They were thinking, thank God she's gone and we can have some peace for a while. You see ADHD children back in those days just had to cope and so did parents. The only problem with riding the horse so much, was when we got anywhere close to the barn it would tear off running and make a very sudden stop at the barn. I was of course on the ground having been thrown off at the abrupt stop. It happened every time. Ouch! One more story..... When it came time for my Holy Communion (I was brought up Catholic) I received money from my brother who was stationed in Germany. All I wanted from the money was to buy a Beebe gun. It was not powerful enough to kill an ant but I got it. I was playing like Annie Oakley on my horse and shot the gun like in the movies and landed in a castus plant, with my horse looking at me like "What the heck was that about". Ouch! Wow, I"m really impressed I can remember all that. Thank you God for that great life I had growing up. I pray that you as educators share your stories with your students and make them laugh too. Isn't Life fun?

2009-04-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

April 20, 2009 This weekend was the beginning of Fiesta and My husband and I attended the Southwest Craft Center Art Fair. Enough said, I"m getting old or things are changing. Everything look like Ghetto art or was 3,000 dollars. We have very little on our walls at home and I guess that's the way it will stay. We went to our neighborhood King's Party and had a nice time. The King comes and passes out medals to all the underlings. This is Monday I wore all my of my medal from years past and told the students all about the King. We got right to work making our own medals with student picture and lots of glitter. Wow, here we go again. Tomorrow we willbe making our Crowns(more glitter) and get a little more excited. Our float parade is Thursday and the Mini Fiesta too. The King comes to visit our school during the fiesta party and by Thursday afternoon I'll be one tired cascagone (yes misspelled. Ha. Ha!) To say the least, I will never look back and say, "I didn't do my job"! The difference is, I LOVE IT. Thanks be to God, that I have a job (yeah) but most of all it is a job that is full filling. I pray that you teachers out there look at you job as I do, a joy that has been given to us. Praise be to God.

2009-04-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

Easter is over, all the decorations are removed and onward we go to the next exciting adventure... Yes, San Antonio celebrates big time at Fiesta. Some of my students don't even know where they live,so, I produce a mini fiasco I mean Fiesta. What is a Fiesta? It's a party. What goes on at a party? Food, games, dancing, music, parades, kings and queens, fireworks, carnivals. I even have snacks that are representative of foods served at fiesta. Foods like kabobs, cotton candy, Popsicles, bueneulos, candied apples,chips and sauce. We dance the chicken dance , the Mexican hat dance and La Raspa. We have our own parade with floats that the students and their parents build (what a competition). And to top it off we have a mini fiesta and the King Antonio and his entourage come and pass out coins. When Fiesta really begins, I am so burned out I really don't care whats going on in town. When I think of this celebration I remember the big party in the Book of Ester. It went on and on and sounds sorta like Fiesta.
In Ester's case the King was trying to impress the people of his kingdom. Are we trying to do the same thing with Fiesta? I know it's important for my students to learn about the culture in our city and they do learn allot of vocabulary. I hope my students learn something. I'm having fun and I pray that your teaching role is a joyful experience. My niece who is a super educator says, "If it's cute it should count". Live it up, Vive Fiesta!

Eater Sunday

2009-04-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

Here it is Easter Sunday and I'm relaxing with my family. Did the egg hunt on the kitchen floor with my grandson(it was raining). Made the birthday cake for my oldest daughter's birthday and now waiting for the big dinner at 1:00. Holidays for me are for resting, I get so stirred up with my class that when the real thing comes I am exhausted. I've tried to slow down but my emotions are still racing, I must remember my exhaustion is nothing compared to the pain Jesus felt on the cross. The holes the nails made on his hands and feets make my health problems seem trivial. Jesus came to save us from our sins. He also was resurrected on the third day. Today should be for me, a day of feeling the joy of New Life which Jesus gave to me on that heavenly day He rose from the dead.

Rejoice I say for He has risen!!!! I pray for all teachers that today they feel the NEW LIFE Jesus gave to each one of us.

2009-04-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

I am here to confess.....I need a head check. This week is Easter week and I am on over load.
I volunteered to teach and enrichment class after school (for money) and I went for my first volunteer hours at the Saddle Light Riding Club. Of course you know I am ADHD and take medication, but, sometimes I get as worked up about celebrating as the kids do. I can't help it.
It's a jelly bean high. We made these special bunny cards for the parents and had the annual Easter egg hunt. After the hunt we graph the eggs and count them. Well the morning class had 209 eggs and when it came to the afternoon class I just couldn't. Know your limits. My back was killing me and we had double the amount of eggs. We just stuffed every basket as full as we could and sent them on their way....Happy Easter. Now I can concentrate on enjoying my Grandson and daughters. Sorry, Lord, now I can think about this weekend and the true meaning of Easter. I pray for all your sweet teachers out there that you Easter egg hunts are over and that you can now have time to celebrate.

2009-04-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

Easter is just around the corner. I"m doing my best to hype my students up about the big event. Today we made a bunny cake. I just love being a Pre-K teacher. They were so thrilled about this cake and they even liked eating it. Wouldn't it be nice if we as adults could feel the "thrill". It was just a simple cake and so easy to make. Think back to the last time you felt "thrilled" I'm a big believer in angels as God's helpers and many times I have been thrilled by simple things that happen to me.
I have many stories about my angels and I will share them with you sometime. God thrills me with his greatness and love all the time. I pray that your teaching gives you that child like "thrill".

Anwser to a prayer

2009-04-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

If you've read my blog,you might remember one of my fantasies was to ride horses again. Well over the weekend I found a request for volunteers at the Saddle Club for special needs children. Wow, thanks,God! It's once a week for 2 hours. It will be walking the horses while the child rides. I'm thrilled at the opportunity to work with horses ,but, most of all to be able to help children with this kind of therapy.
What a wonderful God we have. I hope your life is filled with little surprises from God, it sure makes life fun. Ask that you may recieve. I pray that you as a teacher can hear God's messages to you.

2009-03-28T05:23:00.000-07:00

Springtime is so much fun. Bugs and flowers and the change of weather. It just makes you feel better. Every year I do a bug unit using the books of Author Eric Carle. This author has done so much for children's literature. His spring bug books are awesome. My favorite is the Grouchy Ladybug, my theatrical talents come a live with this book. The kids love it. The second favorite is the Very Hungry Caterpillar (40Th anniversary of this book). We even get ladybug eggs and caterpillars for gestation. The kids go wild when we finally release the adult bugs. Along with these books come lots of artistic activities. I really needed to change my huge bulletin board and decided the kids could really help out with this dreaded duty.
I'm very creative but, I hate doing bulletin boards (one of those teacher duties).
So my little sweat shop went to work making huge butterflies, ladybugs, bubble bees and beetles. Next we made a huge Caterpillar in the middle of the board and topped it off with flowers of all kinds of designs. The students were so proud of their contributions and it turned out to be really pretty. I will post a picture and maybe you can get some ideas from the picture. I'm going to use the bulletin board for a backdrop for a student photo for their Easter card. Two birds with one stone. Hope you can get some ideas from the picture. Happy Spring!!!!

Fun Friday

2009-03-20T06:01:00.000-07:00

Today is Friday. On Fridays in my class we have fun. Today we are going to make bird nest with jelly bean eggs for snack. Take some noodles, honey, peanut butter....stir together and spoon out and mash in the middle for the eggs. Let sit in frig for and hour to harden. Spring is here and eggs, bugs, flowers and new life can be seen everywhere. This time of year always reminds me of renewal of the spirit. The weather is great and everything is turning green. We celebrate Easter at this time and hopefully have a renewal of faith. God sent his only Son to die for our sins to give us new life. Celebrate!!!

Back to work.....or play

2009-03-16T11:34:00.000-07:00

Wow it took 50 something years of growing and therapy to do that last list. Try doing one for yourself. It's a hard, but, rewarding assignment. I have to share today's story. I introduced the letter Cc today and their "Little Cc Book" had a picture of a cup. I laughed and told the class they could color it the color of coffee because coffee began with the letter C. Well, the new little guy in my class looked up and said "My cups going to be colored yellow cause my mom likes beer and I'm making her a cup of beer. How can you argue with that? Speaking of beer..... One time I was talking to a single mom and asked her how she did it, working and managing two young children? Without a skip of a beat she said "I drink allot of beer. Again, how can you argue about that? That's enough of my beer stories. God Bless your little hearts, teachers of all ages.

2009-03-13T04:36:00.000-07:00

Twenty five things to know about me:

1. I am truly in love with my husband. I married him twice. Once at age 25 and again at age 54. Second time is twice as good.

2. I have found the total love of Christ. I know I am saved because Jesus died on the cross for my sins.

3. I believe in angels. Many times in my life I have encountered their presence.

4. Our family trips are one of the highlights of my life. Trips to Santa Fe, NY,Pennsylvania,Colorado, and the many trips to the Beach.

5. I can not explain the power of childbirth. Each of my daughters are miracles from God. They are the love of my life.

6. Living in the country is awful. I love carpet grass and pavement and shopping centers right around the corner.

7. I have a terrible fault..... I feel empathetic for people to much. I need to measure my feelings instead of taking in everyone's feelings.

8. Fault number 1 I can't say I'm sorry. I need to work on this. I'm a redhead, Irish and egocentric.

9. I can shop all day without eating a thing.

10. I love antiquing and finding something old for a great price rather than buying something new.

11. I love teaching for about 6 years and then I get ancie and want something more.

12. I love dancing with my husband. I remember the many fun parties we danced the night away.

13. I don't believe in Friday the 13. Everyday is a lucky day for me.

14. I pray more now that I'm older.

15. I love fashion of all kinds....even if it's not my age. That's when I get in to trouble with the fashion police.

16. One of my fantasies is to ride a horse again ,just to see if I can.

17. I received my ESL certification, read 7 books in the summer, and wrote a grant for 2200 hundred dollars for play equipment and was given that grant ,all this in one year.
What's so big about this? I'm ADHD and have found the medication that helps me use my brain and not feel dumb.

18. I miss my Dad everyday since his death. I swore I wouldn't. I was wrong.

19. I love my grandson! Being a grandparent is super!

20. My son-in-law is the best. He's the boy I never had. He's a wonderful addition to our family.

21. I am very creative,but, I usually want to make money from my creations. I had a Line of clothing called IRIS ANN for ten years. I also manufactured jewelry to go along with the line. I still love making things to sell. My theory is don't make just one. Make a lot of the item and sell sell sell.

22. I remember my birth in the Santa Rosa Hospital. I was pampered and was a precious baby to all. The nuns tied pink ribbon in my hair and paraded me around like a doll. I was born seventeen months after my brother died of a heart condition. He was four months old.

23. I am a real mush ,but, don't like showing it.

24.Europe,especially Italy, is more than I ever dreamed it would be. I waited 30 years for a trip to Europe and when I got there, I didn't want to leave. I love it.

25. I'll never regret the effort I put into living my life to the fullest. I'm a give it all kinda girl.

SPRING BREAK

2009-03-11T06:22:00.000-07:00

This is my first post so bear with me. I want to be able to make you laugh, or cry, or laugh until you cry. I am a veteran teacher, but have had several other careers. I manufactured clothing universally for ten years, went back to teaching for six years then worked for my husband's lawfirm doing Public Relations. I couldn't stand it; I caught crayola fever and went back to teaching. Anyone out there want to change careers? I say go for it. The newness of any job is great for your morale. Often teachers just get burned out. Just remember, you can always go back to teaching. When my girls were growing up, I had the dress company and could arrange my schedule to do all the MOMMIE things. There is one down fall to all these careers, I lost the years of experience to retire at the right age. I now will be 93 retiring with full benefits. Ha. Ha. I have a walker and am doing fine. Just kiddding. If you are tired of the struggles of teaching, take a break. It will make you a better person. If you have any questions about my careers, let me know. I am back to teaching Pre-k and have gotten over leaving the profession. This is the last stop and I will be here until I retire. I am also writing a book about the funny stories I have experienced in my teaching career. I would love to hear some of your stories, too. That's the joy of this blog. I will also pray for you all out there who are teaching your hearts out. May God give you strength to see joy, joy, joy down in your heart.