Don't judge a student by their past

Today, I nearly lost it with a teacher. This doesn't happen much. However, she crossed that imaginary line that one has about a student's behavior. 

I was in the behavior unit today and things can go crazy to quiet at the drop of a hat. There's no preparation and I truly love each minute. The teacher entered the room.

The teacher interrupted my class, introduced herself in my class, and to the student she would be working with next week. At lunch, she then proceeded to tell me that she isn't sure how well this would work since she's seen the student at her worse and has heard things about her. 

Seriously?! Have you lost your mind lady? 

We ALL have our issues. We ALL have our meltdowns. We are human. 

Don't judge a book, or in this case student, by their cover. 

Give people a chance. They may surprise you!

Torn with frustration

Today has just not been a good day. One professor told me that my homemade book was a "good try but then to look at my friend's and how perfect it was." Then today I was slammed with another comment that I am not sure how to take. So I am telling you and still processing it.

After my exam, for another class, my disabilities coordinator told me that my professor suggested that I take my tests in his class instead of a separate room. I have a semi-college IEP that allows me to have accommodations in time and place where I take my test. I talk to myself and would be a distraction to others. I told my disabilities person that it would not go over well since I would be a distraction to others and would make my test grade would be not too hot. I was told, by my disabilities coordinator, to tell my professor that. I mention that I study all.the.time and my grades show that. He commented that my professor had said something about my high grades to him.

I am torn since I study like a crazy person. I do not cheat yet study on a daily basis. My grades are high because I try my best and give 100% most of the time. My grades are high because I am a perfectionist. My grades are HIGH because I try my hardest.

I am upset that the professor thinks my grades are suspicious. I may have Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and a other issues-but does that mean I can't get high grades? I am just torn on what to think.

I am torn and just don't like it!!

It's amazing & scary...

how many pre-teens know about different types of drugs!

Today, I taught my tweens (4&5th graders) in Sunday School. We talked about how talking about and to Jesus is not freaky and what encounters they would come to in middle school. We talked about Romans 12:1-2 where you "do not conform but be transformed" and how, in Middle school, they would have to stand up for what's right.

We talked about what they would do if something "wrong" were occurring and how it is okay to ask for help, from an adult at school, if they can't handle a situation. We started to play a game on how the students would respond to a situation by completing a sentence with one word. Each student had to think of a word to fill in the sentence with to make sense. We had about 15 kiddos so we went around in the circle and came up with an answer sentence by building upon each word. One situation/question was asked "How would you react if someone was smoking dope behind the school?" This is what let the cat out of the bag!

Some knew what dope was while others had not a clue. But the other boys and girls had no problem explaining to the clueless. Then one of my co-teachers gave examples of other drugs (like cocaine, pot) and they got it. Their responses were "I'd get a teacher or call for help." Then they asked "What if the bully tries to retaliate on me?" I explained that teacher are pretty good about protecting the identities of others and will not oust you. The discussion changed to a "don't do drugs" pretty quickly but wanted to know more so we obliged.

Not only were the tweens asking questions but they were learning to stand up for themselves and not "conform" with the crowd. It is easy to fall witness and be a follower. But these kids learned today that it is good to stand up for what you believe in, don't just be a follower, and do the right thing. This was all in an hour of Sunday School. I stand in amazement at what they took out of the one hour and what I learned they know already.

It is amazing at how much fourth and fifth graders know!!!

Guess what?!

I have a SNOW DAY today!!!

I had already made the decision to stay home from my 8am since we got snow and ice last night. But my University FINALLY decided at 6:25 this morning to cancel and I am very grateful!!! SO I will finally get to catch up on blogging (it's about time), work on a little homework, and relax today.

Last week, my University made the decision too late (9:15) and allowed the students to get on the roads when it was indeed nasty. SO I thank them today for doing the right thing with all the snow and ice we have today!

Stay warm and have a great Tuesday

My day has been made

Collegetown was rained all over yesterday and last night them temps dipped WAY below freezing making the roads treacherous and my classes were delayed.

BUT

My Early Childhood class was CANCELLED meaning I have ZERO school today...woo hoo!

THEN

I still have to go to work at 12:45 but this makes me one HAPPY girl! Can ya tell?!

TGIF

Mixed feelings & trust

Usually after a LONG break from school, I am ready to get back into the swing of things. But tonight/all day today, I have been thinking. I have mixed feelings about going back on Sunday. For one, I like to spend time with my family and it is going to be several weeks before I can see them. Secondly, I like this less-stressed environment. Lastly, I just like the feeling of home.

But then I feel I need to go back because I go to school there, I have friends who support and encourage, and I love my small town atmosphere. Sure it is not my home, but right now, it will do.

I am sure, positively sure that I will shed tears on Sunday while I am pulling out of the driveway and back to school. Sure I love where I go to school...but I also love being with my family.

So I am relying on a few verses to keep me going this weekend~
Psalm 37:5: Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this.
Psalm 67:8: Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah
Isaiah 26:4: Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.

I am not doubting that HE has plans for me this semester...I just have mixed feelings!

Curveballs & life

HI everyone...hope you all had a great Wednesday. Bare with me as I have a bunch to say and it's not really organized...what a shock! Also...scroll down for more posts! This is my 3rd post of the day...WoW...I know!

** I am asking you to pray for my Nonni as she is having trouble getting over illness and is really sick right now!

** I am tired, a wee bit stressed, and just ready for class to be over with. YES, I only have two more days, but after taking 19 hours this spring...I have a little spring fever. Oh and the fact that I did not sleep well last night sure does nothing for the entire situation. I have a huge paper due Friday morning that also needs to be completed too...oh yea...no stress at all...right?

** Someone asked me today if life had slowed down and I don't really think so! After my sister's graduation is over with and done...I believe it will though! I intend on putting a "out of office" message on my emails, still blogging, and taking my summer in stride. After this class, I am not taking any further classes till the fall. For my sanity...I need this summer! Ya know?!

** I think there is a smoker next door to me. It was not apparent until today. My bedroom has the brunt of the smell...not that strong, but is a tad apparent. Know of a good air-freshener that I can use? Nothing too strong, but smells great???

** I am a tad irritated with my soy food allergy. You see, when something that I can't have is made Gluten/Wheat free or nut free, it has soy in it. Hello...I am allergic to SOY, wheat, gluten, nuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and modified food starches. I don't want things just to be wheat/gluten free or soy free...I want to be able to eat what is FREE of all my allergies. YES, there is allergy free food out there and I eat a bunch of it daily, but I would LOVE to eat waffles or pancakes again...yes...I miss them! Now off of this rant...just had to get it out!

Now I am off to read through articles and *hopefully* head to bed early! Have a great evening!!!!

Learning new things each day

Monday started off a tad rocky and ended in exhaustion. The usual Monday routine though. Someone/everyone keeps asking in SHOCK wonder how I am taking 19 hours, yes 19 hours, and still doing all that I do. The simple is I take the week one day at a time. The longer answer is that I LIKE being busy and actually like college. I have to stay busy to keep my mind from wondering and missing home. Yes I still miss home, but staying busy with school and college life helps. My goal everyday is to learn something new and I strive to achieve it.

Tonight I was getting a little antsy since I had been in the library for four hours and was ready to be DONE with tutoring for the evening. Then J, my tutoree, said he was ready for me to edit his 6 page paper and a smile came upon my face. I know that J knew I was ready to be done, but being able to help him succeed in school made me think. I helped him achieve an assignment and he helped me be less antsy. Lesson learned...people who bless our lives in small ways are EVERYWHERE. J has been my tutoree for now four semesters and I enjoy helping him.

I may get tired of the gasps and questions and wonders of how I pull of 19 hours, but being blessed by learning new things still AMAZES me!
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My blog is being featured again in the Serious Life Magazine this month and so are MANY amazing blogs as well. Check it out when you can! Everything from Christianity to parenthood to adoption is talked about and the magazine is FREE!
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I am also amazed by the STRENGTH sweet Stellan has endured and how his fight and drive continues each day against SVT. Click on the button above or his name in this post to check on his status. He is such a little fighter at 5 months old and this amazes me too!
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Have an amazing Tuesday!!!!

Just hangin' in there

Most of you know that I started my new semester yesterday, well if you did not, I did! Syllabus' were handed out and upperclassmen have quite a shock on the first day...work is actually assigned and given out. Holy Cow...homework and notes taken on the first day! I knew it had to come one day so it was not that big of a shocker ;o!!

My schedule is CRAZY this semester and I will eventually find a balance, but right now I am just hangin' in there and trying to keep afloat. I know some of you will be tempted to say it's not that bad...please keep that comment to yourself...ONLY encourage! Structure and I go hand in hand and when it is knocked, everything seems to fall apart in my little world. My work schedule along with my other activities plus school plays a role into me finding a balance as well and I do know in good time that I will be adjusted.

Just a few more days and it will be the weekend...praying for it to come sooner rather than later. I do understand that things change, but change is TOUGH! Please say a little prayer for me to get well adjusted and back on a consistent schedule soon. I really appreciate it and just need it.

Gotta run to a meeting. Hope everyone is well and is having a much better week than I am. Hope you all had a nice afternoon and enjoy your relaxing evening!

Loving all...

This morning in church, my pastor spoke on the importance of loving all. This hit home for many families and I had the pleasure of talking with them today. It saddens me that the XXISD school system does not work with a child's needs and differences. It saddens me that these children are struggling because they don't test well enough. It saddens me to watch their parents/grandparents go through these struggles. This whole situation saddens me. Life for parents/grandparents of Special Ed students is NOT a piece of cake and some school systems work better than others.

Having been through this particular system eight/nine years ago, things do not seem to have changed. This BREAKS my heart. I understand protocol and testing...but come on...when there is a developmental/behavioral/physical problem with the child...do something! This is one of my MAIN reasons to become a Special Education teacher...I want to break through some of this nice (NOT) Red Tape and help those in need. Children do not deserve to be breezed over because they do not test well. This must stop. Every child deserves the right to learn and with the whole support of parents and the school, a child's success rate is higher.

Sorry if this sounds like a rant...it just needed to be written. I care SO MUCH for Special Education and its students and do not want children to endure what I did. Every child is unique and has his/her own problems. So what! Everyone was made by HIM and we, as people, have no control over HIS plans. HIS plans allow us to become prepared for life and sometimes it is challenging or scary...but with HIM...ANYTHING is possible.

I don't know...

Seriously...I don't know what to do right now. Life has been really crazy lately and I have been used to organized chaos. I don't know what to do know...I know I'm a dork and actually like school, but I kind of feel lost right now. I have been in my own little world and know am feeling weird. Please do not tell me it will be ok. That is not what I want to hear. I know the feeling of enjoying life will come back. But I am just in awe right now of the fact that life does truly go on even while in college. The days go by and for some reason I just went through the motions of this week. I really wish finals did not do this to me. Seriously ;)

Sorry if I am rambling or not making much sense, but I think I just needed to get this out. I am promising myself that tomorrow will be a much better day and life without final mode will be okay. It may sound silly to you, but to me, it is life right now.

Moments

Ever have a moment where you feel like you have no more energy but got sleep last night? This basically sums up this week. I have been wearing myself out with LOTS and LOTS of projects that are due by Friday or Monday and have this glazed over look by 3:30. Seriously, life is super stressful right now and finals are next week. One professor had the audacity to assign a project due the day of the final-how nice is that?

I know it will get better and I know the stress will disappear soon, but seriously, I am tired and will be tired till finals are over. My "moments" list is more and more daily and life seems to be going by as slow as molasses right now. I know it will get better...but still.

Some verses that are getting me through:
** Proverbs 3:5-6 states "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

** Proverbs 18:10 states "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."

** Isaiah 40:29-31 states "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
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Life is difficult right now and the light at the end of the tunnel may seem distant, but life must go on and it will. Please keep me in your prayers during this week and next as finals are approaching and I need the STRENGTH to get through them! Thanks in advance.

Have a wonderful evening!!!!

Thankful Thursday

I have had a really tough week this week, but thought it was time to actually stop and think about my THANKFUL list.

** I am thankful for GOD and HIM being able to guide me get through tough times.
** I am thankful for quiet time.
** I am so very thankful for telephones because the family and I use this as prime communication.
** I am thankful for the kids that I work with and when the "ah ha" light bulb turns on.
** I am thankful for hugs I receive from little ones.
** I am thankful when a child smiles and laughs.
** I am thankful for people who are willing to listen to me vent over and over again ;)
** I am thankful for those who serve our country.
** I am thankful for sweet comments.
** I am thankful for email. If I receive one, it will always be returned with a message.

This week may almost be over, but I am so thankful for all that has been included in it, good and bad. Learning may be difficult at times, but in the end, what impacted you the most will be remembered.

Have a wonderful evening!!!!

Sleepy Sunday...

I am admitting it to the world that I am tired. I have not been sleeping so well and have been under a little stress, no let me rephrase that, a bunch of stress. Allergies have also been in an uproar this week with the torrential winds too. So life is a little difficult right now. I did not realize how stressed/tired I was till this morning. On top of everything else, my back spasms are still killing me and I am in pain. I am doing everything I was told to, so I am hoping they will let up a little.

If you are wondering if the RAT is still in my apartment, my answer is YES!!! I have traps all over my apartment and I hear him at night, but he has not been caught yet and I am not naming him.

This week is not too hopeful for the stress letting up and I am not pleased. I have something due daily and LOTS due tomorrow. Maybe life will slow down a little soon. I need it too. Not Me Monday will be up tomorrow too :) I know some of you look foward to it.

Hope everyone is having a great Sunday!!!

A country called America

Sorry I did not post yesterday *coughTobicough.* Life is sure speeding up and my stress level is a tad high right now. I have had one of those weeks were everything and everyday runs together and on top of allergies and stress, this week has not been so great. I just found out that I have three tests next week AND three projects DUE next week too. So this is why my stress level is high right now.

But I wanted to post about America now that we have a new president coming into his reigns in January. That is right, Bush is still in charge until the beginning of the year. What a concept!!! I will not say who I voted for but do have some ideas about America. The President can not just snap his fingers and things will be changed.

No, it is a process and approval must be granted. Also we have to remember that this man who is the first African American may not be your choice, but if he can help America out so be it. America is struggling right now as a nation financially, militarily, and socially (health care included). We may or may not see changes...but give the system a chance. That is right...America is like a system that changes constantly. I know that after the election, gas went up 10 cents.

I have also had some friends/classmates receive some VERY inappropriate text messages that were racially biased. These girls did not even know the people sending these. I am saddened by the words some people say. Think about this: Is it Christian to be mean to others? Is it Christian to not do the right thing? My rule right now for myself is to not judge this new person, but to wait and see what happens.

One thing I have a hard time with is change. I do not like it at all. I have trouble when times change, classes change, people change from being nice, surroundings change, and everything in between. I know that change is inevitable, but still it is hard. I know that America will see some changes that they may or may not like, but try to adjust. Adjust in your own way and look to HIM for guidance. HE is the one who is looking out for the world HE created and HE will see us through!!!

Jeremiah 29:11 states "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,"plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Have a little FAITH and allow HIM to work in our lives.

Have a wonderful afternoon!!!!

Oh people...

I have always had very high standards, but some people just push my buttons enough to where I fume. Everyday a certain person has pushed my buttons and makes me so mad. I am also not the only target. The problem with this is that this certain person is my "boss" in an activity that I am in, so I am holding my tongue and just taking some of this stuff with a grain of salt. All I can do is just try to not allow this certain person to control my mixed feelings about them.

This is only the 4th week of school and this person still continues to get me down. I am hoping that this person gets their act together or else the semester may get a little rocky.

In other events, I also find myself getting frustrated with jocks lately. No offense to those that try. I am mad at a few who make fun of people who make simple mistakes. Some people are trying their hardest and to be taken down is just plain wrong. These jocks need another activity. This is not high school. Geez

Sorry, but I needed to vent. Some people just need to be nice though. Hope everyone had a good Monday!!!

Have a great evening!!!

Put a little rhythm to it...

Songs are usually my best friends. When I am cleaning or needing to remember something, I put rhythm to it. So if I need to remember my 7's multiplication tables, I start singing to the tune of Happy Birthday-7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, and 70. It works for me and I learned this easy trick in 4th grade.

Another way I use music is to entertain a 16 month old while her mom is gone. Coming up with silly songs keeps her and I very happy. An example would be making clapping noises to a song beat. Everything right now makes her smile, so Old MacDonald and I am a C-h-r-i-s-t-i-a-n work wonders. Barney songs are pulled if nothing else works :)

How did I get on this topic today? I am in an Music for elementary teachers class this semester and we do lots of little kid songs and motions. This class is perfect since I love learning and putting a little tune to things. So I thought I would share.

Have a great day and put a little tune in somewhere!!

Tough day...

Today was a tough day mentally and emotionally. This morning started out with a call from my mom. My brother got his MRI results back this morning and they were not great. Basically he tore something in his shoulder and there is now fluid around his shoulder growth plate. Needless to say, the doctor will get him into the Orthopedic ASAP. I ask for prayers that my brother heals quickly and that his pain goes away soon!

In other news, I have not been sleeping that great lately and I have no idea why. It could be that I am really excited about school but am having a difficult time turning off my brain. So I am tired and this week (its only Tuesday) seems to be DRAGGING on forever. Usually the first week zips by; not this time My classes are going great and they mostly seem really cool, so that is a plus.

Tonight I have a newspaper meeting and am excited about that. Even though the meeting is scheduled for 9pm. Hopefully it will not last long.

Hope everyone is well and having a better week! Friday needs to come soon!!!

Have a great night!!!

A prayer needed for my brother...

My sweet brother will start the 7th grade off in a sling. On Thursday, he was at football practice and some 8th grader hit him really hard in the right shoulder. So it was really hurting him and on Friday, my mom and dad took him to the doctor since it was swollen and he could not move it up or down well. The doctor did not like this, so he got a x-ray done and then he did not like that his shoulder would not move up or down, so an MRI was ordered. Well, he has the MRI on Monday afternoon and will likely miss practice again (missed on Friday as well). I pray that the doctors are able to figure out what is going on with him and that Christopher fights to regain his shoulder strength and mobility. He is also right handed too. What his luck. What a way to start out the 7th grade!

PLEASE pray that the doctors figure out what is wrong and that Christopher fights to regain his shoulder mobility.

A picture would be nice but blogger is not allowing me to imput pictures right now.

Fight Christopher Fight!!!