Our Musicalhouse: Happy New Year!

Monday, September 1, 2008

Happy New Year!

Everyone's been asking how my first week back was, so here are my top 3 moments: 1. The realization - as I mentioned before I've been having a hard time getting excited about a new year. So, the first morning, I was praying for a better attitude while feeling apprehensive & stressed. The answer to my prayers came as a flash of realization. As I was standing at my door, waiting for the first bell to ring, I realized that no matter what stress I was under, in just moments there would be 20 something little faces looking up at me, needing me, depending on me - 20 something kiddos who deserve my best. 2. Teaching reading - I'm still teaching science this year, but I'll also be teaching reading for my homeroom kiddos. On the first day I started telling the kids about how excited I am to read with them this year & how there are so many books I can't wait to share with them. As I was winding down, one of my kids raised his hand and asked, "So when are you going to start reading with us?" I responded by showing them the first book I had planned, telling them it would probably be later in the week, & quickly beginning the next activity. Before I could get a word out they started arguing with me. OK, maybe not arguing...more like begging. They didn't want to do my fun little 'get to know you' first day activity. They wanted to read. I think my jaw must have dropped, but how could I resist? We read 2 chapters of the book. By Friday we made it to page 86. Every day so far, my kids have not begged me for more recess or free time; they have asked me to read 'just one more chapter' (pleeeease?????? ). What can I say? They won me over. 3. Love is a gift from God - I'm sure there will be days where they'll drive me crazy (actually there already have been), but I already love these kids. I'm seriously amazed by how quickly it happened, but I feel like I've already bonded with this crazy group of kiddos. I know it's gonna be a rough year academically because we have a long way to go, but I'm looking forward to the journey with them.

4 comments:

Megan said...: I love, love, love the City of Ember. I am so excited about you instilling a love of reading to your kiddos! They will always remember that you are the one that inspired them! They are so blessed to have you as their teacher. (And, I am blessed to have you as my friend!); September 2, 2008 at 10:58 PM
Jana said...: Time to update! Hey, I added your blog to my list. I hope you don't mind!; September 7, 2008 at 6:10 PM
Katie said...: Yay! That means I can add you to mine, right??? ;); September 8, 2008 at 9:56 AM
YAHOO MOM said...: Dear Katie, I am so glad are reading to your kiddoes! It was my favorite thing to do with you and Matt and Amy even after you could read to yourselves. So if you ever need another reader please call me....Amy and crew are home from Vegas. Matt was 2nd in sales this period and proud of it. Dad had fun at the farm this weekend. As for your John comments, I am totally sure that your MIMI hand picked him just for you and for maybe some red headed great grandkids some day! Daddy and I are so proud of you and John for you servant hearts at church and your school. My new job is going well but I miss the free time I used to have for myself. But this is a good thing. We love you and John so very much. Please give hugs to Betsy, Megan, Dori, Steve, Etta, Denise, Nate Families and Friends and know we are here for all of you. Mommy; September 8, 2008 at 4:38 PM

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Verses from Philippians

1:21: For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
2:1-11: If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
2:14-15: Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.
3:7-8: But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.
3:12-14:Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.