My Subbing Day

Today went much better than I thought it would. The first day back from a vacation is always tough...everyone is on the sleepy side....not many want to actually do work. I thought I would have the early lunch shift which would have me teach four classes in a row, but I was pleasantly surprised to have the middle shift. That meant I had three classes, then lunch, then three more classes. 

Perfect!  Love that schedule.

My first two classes of sixth graders were very good.  I really had no problems.  Then the two seventh grade classes....yea....hmmm....not so lovely. But could have been worse. I didn't throw anyone out of the class...I did leave a note for the teacher that one child deserved a "d-slip".  That'll be her decision tomorrow, I guess.

Then I had two more sixth grade classes at the end of the day.  Another teacher took them for testing.  As they finished they returned to my class where they read and we talked some.  One boy apparently had a burning question.

"I have a question I've been wanting to know for a long time!! So. Do girls fart?"

I was taken by surprise...not sure why....after all, this is middle school.  These kids have no filters in them at all.

Before I could answer with all the laughter, a boy in the back yelled, "No, they toot!"

Of course, that got the kids  -and me!  laughing all the more!  Then the curious boy said, "Do they smell??"

Yea....I don't think he has any sisters!

After school William gave me a great surprise!  He said he had heard that one of the local fast food restaurants will be hiring soon....and he was interested. Wow! Drew and I were just talking about how we need to figure out how to get him motivated to get a job when refereeing the soccer games ends in a few weeks.  We both thought it would be like trying to move a mountain!  William as great as a kid we think he is, doesn't like to talk to adults....or strangers....or even family or friends at times. He has great anxiety about it....so much so we have thought about counseling, but didn't want the need for counseling to scar him.  I was so excited to see he was interested! I already needed to go on an errand (poster board for those never ending school projects!) and so it was a perfect time!

He went in and asked for an application!! I was so proud of him! I know this is a normal thing and not a big deal for most people, but for William?? It's HUGE!!!! 

I'm so glad I got him to go today as tomorrow they will hold large group interviews. He'll return tomorrow....hope it goes well....  I think it will...after all, the owner is a friend of ours....that always helps!!

Spring Break...No More.....

Spring Break is just a memory now. Today was a quiet Sunday. I did get a nice walk in. Tomorrow morning, though, is gonna be tough!

Ending Spring Break

Drew returned yesterday from his trip and the kids returned this afternoon from  their mission trip, so my vacation from life is over.  The days of quiet and reading are over and the washer and dryer are already running. All in all it was a good week. Over dinner we heard a few stories of the mission trip...I'm sure in the days ahead we'll hear more.  I think they all are just excited to sleep in their own bed and sleep in!

Still Enjoying Spring Break

After cleaning all day Monday, Tuesday was full of shopping with a friend- and even a haircut.  Today was mostly reading....I did get a few chores done.  We even got William's car back.

Friends of ours had their car in the shop for weeks....six and half weeks!! Since soccer and the school play was over and William didn't have an immediate need for a car, we let them borrow it. As Drew said, how can we sit here with three cars while they only have one with a crazy schedule? So, now that William's car is back in the driveway, my goal of not hitting it returns.  

Another thing to return is neck traction.  Waaaayyy back at our second base, I had some issues of numbness in my arm. It was finally decided that it was probably a pinched nerve in my neck.  I was given this neck traction device to use. Drew calls it my med-evil torture device. And I guess it would be torture if it was painful, but its not. Over the years, I had to pull it out off and on.  It's one of those times again since I'm having some numbness again. Hope it works....I really don't like going to the doctor...

Spring Break

This is our spring break...FINALLY!!!!! We are so ready for this week of sleeping in.  Which I did this morning - it was so nice! 

The kids left yesterday for a week in New Orleans with the youth group doing missions.  This is just another reason I really am thankful for the youth group the kids are apart of. The youth minister not only plans times to encourage the kids to have a stronger walk with the Lord, but he, also, plans times for missions. They will be working with the homeless as well as food pantries. I can't remember right now what else they will be doing....but based on last year's trip, they will have a ball!  Melissa did feel like there were at least two of the youth attending that she doesn't think has made a profession of faith.  I'm praying they will this week.

My first day of spring break was all about cleaning. Spring cleaning on spring break. I really wasn't sure what I wanted to do this week.....thought about several things including traveling some. But in the end it came down to something  that was talked about in my Bible study this sessions: callings and tasks from the Lord. I really feel that my calling right now is to take care of my family as well as I can. Today my task was to clean. It literally took HOURS to clean out Melissa's bathroom, bedroom, and closet. Oh. My.  I was able to get rid of lots of several walmart bag size of trash out as well as lots of odds and ends that do NOT belong in her room.  There's a few things I can't finish - like going though her clothes until she returns, but at least the floor is now clean.

And the bathroom is no longer a hazard to society.

(I feel so sorry for Benjamin for having to share a bathroom with her.....)

The boys' room didn't take nearly as long!

There's still a few places in the house I would like to clean and organize this week.....but the main parts of the house are done....nice and clean.

For the rest of the week I'm planning to shop some, read a lot, watch a few movies, maybe sew and continue to sleep in.  Love sleeping in!

This Week Happenings

Yesterday I taught sixth grade science. I know now very, very well the four factor of resistance....temperature, diameter, material, and length. All in all it was a good day....I REALLY   like it when a teacher leaves lots of work to do.  It was an odd day in that there were no bells due to the eight graders testing.

Today was math for all three grades. It went well...even though math is probably my worse subject.  Whenever I do the budget, Drew calls it "Kelley Math".  Hey, it works for me!  Today the day started off well - nice quiet sixth grade classes....but ended with the eight graders....that did NOT have enough work to do!  Urrrgggg.. Not my favorite classes when there's not enough work. Thankfully, they behaved.

 I just had to laugh at one sixth grader. As I was standing next to the door as the students were walking in, one looked at me and asked, "Are you our sub??" I answered, "Yes" very nicely....but I just wanted to say "No....I just like to stand in the hallway of the middle school to kill time."  Yea....some kids just don't think before they talk.

3rd Grade

Friday I subbed in third grade. One little boy had a desk butted up right next to the teacher's desk - away from everyone else's. It didn't take me long to figure out why.

That boy had a mouth on him!!

Early on, he looked at me and said, " I tell all the subs this: I'll probably turn your hair white."

Me: "Hmmmm. I'm usually in the middle school. I think I can  handle a third grader."

Him:"oooooo wow."

Later in the afternoon  he said to me privately, "My first kiss was with some one is this class."

Me: "ooooo wow. Yea, I didn't need to know that."

Third grade was very interesting.