T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (Teacher style...)

I'm back in the classroom again.  For those of you who are teachers, this time of year creates a different kind of mood in the classroom.  I hope you can enjoy and appreciate the humor!  God bless!

T’was a few weeks before Christmas, when all through the halls
Every creature was stirring, they were even throwing balls (in class…)
The teachers were doing their best to stay sane
In hopes that a snow day would cure school disdain
The finals were ready, they’d been edited and read
Visions of quiet classes danced in teachers’ heads
The students were nestled in parkas, scarves, and caps
Bundled up so tightly as if in a winter trap

There was coughing and sneezing, colds seeming to spread
Teachers in hopes sanitizer would kill any virus dead
But Currie with his tea, and Earl with his iPad
Each teacher clinging to a vice, to get through both good days and bad

Now first hour, Now second hour, Now third and fourth too
Now fifth hour and sixth hour, how many of these must we go through?!
To the end of the day, to the end of the week!
Now move along, move along! So the teachers won’t shriek!

And then, in a twinkling, the day finally came
The last day of school before the Christmas break reign
The teachers’ eyes, how they twinkled; their smiles, how merry
So giddy they’d consider dancing to songs by Katy Perry (well, maybe not THAT merry…)

They sprang from their desks as the school bell gave a whistle
And away they all drove like their car was a missile
But still they exclaimed as they drove out of sight
“Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!”

Being a teacher means....

After two days at a teacher conference with amazing people and amazing speakers, I couldn't resist a little poem about what teachers do!  Hope you enjoy!

Being a teacher means...
...your work is not done when the last hour bell rings
...you get gifts from your students -- sometimes very interesting things
...your mind is inspired at strange times and places
(Who gets an idea from looking at ice freezer cases?!)
...you get up early for duties and faculty meetings
...your subjects include topics like honesty and cheating
...you wonder how the weather will effect your classroom
(Or if you're nuts 'cause you dread the coming of a full moon)
...you are lavished with sneezes, coughs, and sanitizer goo
But also with hugs, high fives and "I love you's"
...you work with talented people who let you come steal their stuff
And encourage you when you think you've finally had enough
...you get to teach astronauts, writers and future leaders of the world
But they show up in your classroom as simply ordinary boys and girls

Being a teacher means every day is a surprise
And its a blessing from God to touch these kids lives!

My Favorite Teacher

Who was your favorite?
For me there were many
From funny to inspiring
To loving -- I've had plenty
Seidl and Christner
Were fun and exciting
And for Kindergarten
Mrs. Isin was uniquely inviting
Fritzmeier loved me
When I longed for a friend
Cutright found dyslexia
And offered to lend
Her help and support
To a kid struggling to learn
So that later in life
For education I would yearn
When Salem and Smith
Taught me problems in math
I would find them a blessing
And mastering a blast
As Bennington showed me
History was entertaining
My attention was sparked
Never dulled or waning
Warner revealed
Personality can be key
I took a class just to meet her
In her presence I longed to be
All of these teachers
Different subjects, different styles
Planted a seed inside me
That has lasted quite a while
Now I'm in the classroom
And I love the kids I teach
I try to harness from past teachers
Kids hearts (and brains) I hope to reach
Who was your favorite?
Did a teacher touch you?
I know I am thankful
So to all my teachers....THANK YOU!

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

As many of you know, I am the mother of two very energetic boys.  As I write this post, my boys are ages five and seven (or kindergarten  and 2^nd grade).  What frustrates me the most about being a mother is the fact that my kids don’t come with an instruction manual.  I feel like I am constantly trying to figure out how to best to communicate to them, discipline them, even show them love.  Though they are both boys, their personalities couldn’t be more different.  What works with one, DOES NOT work with the other.  (I am sensing every mother reading this giving me a “amen sister!” to that last sentence, am I right?!)

I can’t tell you how many times I would kill for a trouble shooting guide. Please read my fantasy below...

“For a kid throwing fit in Walmart, turn to page 216.  Complete steps 1-4 for complete compliance of child.”  Wouldn’t that be great?  It could even be broken down into sections for first, second and third-born children.  “If your child is the baby of the family, use bribery whenever possible.  If your child is a first born….why are you reading this guide?  This child always follows the rules…”

I think you get my point.

My children are obviously not that old and since I haven’t even hit the teen years, I know my frustrations have yet to begin.  I have very little figured out as a mother, but one thing I have found is that though I am trying to teach my kids, my kids are teaching me as well.  (Sometimes I think THEY are the ones who have the troubleshooting guide….they know my buttons better than I do!)  A wise woman, named Tami Boesiger, once told me I could learn FROM my children.  Taking her words to heart, I realized that I have learned from my kids.  My oldest has taught me the importance of following the rules and how good behavior pays off.  My youngest has shown me that even the smallest step of progress is worth celebrating and dandelions can be the most amazing gift.

But then there are other lessons….

My children are blessed to attend a Christian school.  As a parent, I have visions of the perfect Christian behavior THEY will learn and all the biblical learning THEY will receive.  I believe there is no limit to all THEY will be gaining from their Christian education.  A few weeks ago, I had a weak moment and lost my temper with my seven year old.  After I gave him a tongue lashing, his words hit me like dynamite.  He looked at me and said, “Mom! Don’t you remember what Proverbs says? A harsh word stirs up anger!” Ouch.  (When did this Christian education start teaching ME?!) Way to teach mommy, kid.  And hats off you to God.  You gave this momma one lesson she won’t ever forget.

I may not ever get my trouble-shooting guide to raising children in book form.  But, I do believe Tami is right, I can learn FROM my children and in the process become a better parent FOR them.  The Lord does work in mysterious ways, doesn’t he?

I am the mother of two little boys

So much dirt and excessive amounts of noise

I never know quite what to do

Or how to survive situations motherhood puts me through

But I have been blessed

Despite my many failed tests

God gave me two boys to raise

And every day I give Him praise

Out of all the lessons I have learned

I know some things in life can’t be discerned

Each day must be taken one at a time

Relying on God, everything will be just fine 

I'm BAAAACCK!!!

So, I didn't die
Just went back to work
I can not tell a lie
Life is now quite biserk
I'm teaching once again
Kids grades 7th and 8th
The days are very hectic
But the life sure is great
I'm gonna start re-sharing
But not always in a rhyme
I've still "ditched the kitchen"
But a little different this time
I'm finding my small world
Filled with funny conversation
I hope you will enjoy
My style of preservation
We live with funny people
They're every where we go
But do we stop to appreciate
The humor they bestow?
I hope you'll keep on reading
And take time for a laugh
I've got some stories for you
But now it's time to take my bath!

Missed you blogger friends!