Teach on....

I needed this today. I'm doing what I love when I shut the door to my classroom. All the other stuff doesn't matter. Happy Wednesday!

Cutting Down Our Christmas Tree

On Sunday John decided he wanted to take the girls to cut down our Christmas tree.  We've used an 8 foot, pre-lit, artificial tree for the past three years but he just wanted to do something different this year. Of course I was very excited. Anytime we can do anything near the mountains, I am one happy girl!

This place is near Stuart, Virginia. It's about a 45 minute drive from our house but I LOVE it there. I've been going to this same place since I was a little girl....

I should have known that someone who can't decide what he wants from McDonald's, would never be able to pick a Christmas tree out at a Christmas tree farm.....decisions, decisions....

We walked, and walked, and walked and walked.....you get the point.....

I would stumble across one that I really liked, but he just wanted to keep walking.

So we walked, and walked and walked.... AND FINALLY we found it!!!!!

Maci has recently started walking and Emma loves to help!

They had fun practicing in between the trees!

We found our perfect Christmas tree. It was a fun but challenging experience. Next year we will bring a chainsaw and a tape measure....and possibly two more grandparents....

For someone who does this everyday, he struggled. He says it was the saw they gave him..

I told her if she would smile in just one picture, without sticking out her tongue, it would make Santa really happy...

They just wouldn't sit still.....

 And Maci kept taking Emma's hair bow...

And John would have to put it back in her hair....
 But at least I got a couple good ones...maybe even one for our Christmas card..

But we finally got it on the van and ready to go home...John wanted to drive the truck but changed his mind. I think it's something about getting to use bungee cords that all men love...

I thought this looks like a Christmas card!!

It was an ordeal, but we made family memories that I will never forget!!

But we should have brought the tape measure....

My Pity Party...

I always try to maintain a heart of gratitude. I KNOW how incredibly blessed I really am. Reading this little poster I found on pinterest really helped to put things into perspective for me this morning. 

I got up like I always do, put on my makeup, straightened my hair and had myself a little pity party. I didn't want to come to work today. I complained about everything I could possibly think of as I got ready. My students are being persnickety lately, I didn't get enough sleep, I didn't get all my lesson plans finished.... pretty much anything I could think of. Oh and not to mention, I'm the only 5th grade teacher going to Washington D.C. next week with 39 students! What a terrible life I have!!

The truth is...I get up every single day, go to work and do what I was put on this earth to do. Not everyone can say that. What could I possibly have to complain about? 


I get the opportunity to make a difference. I get the opportunity to teach a child... everyday....

 I  have food in my fridge, clothes on my back and a comfortable place to sleep. I have a little money in the bank, a wonderful job and I had my health when I woke up this morning. And thanks to a public school teacher, I could read that inspiring poster.  What a lucky girl I am. 

Let's not forget to count our blessings always, even in the midst of a pity party!!

Happy Wednesday!

Veteran's Day Parade

There is a tradition here at my school. It's called the Veteran's Day Parade.  For weeks before, our students create posters with pictures and the names of Veterans in their family or from the area to honor. Each poster has a face of a veteran. They are either currently serving or have served years before. To see those faces on those posters brought a flood of emotions that I didn't expect. Wow, those people really sacrificed for me?

At the beginning of the parade, we all walk the mile to downtown where we meet at the park. The high school ROTC was there, county commissioners, the Sheriff, parents and people in the community. It was a huge event.

It was a great way to teach our students about gratitude.  They've learned that the freedoms they have enjoyed all 10 years of their lives didn't come free. It was paid for, it was earned. People have sacrificed their lives so that we can attend school, get an education, raise a family and prosper. We are among the lucky ones. We are so very blessed.

Happy Veteran's Day!

They love to Pose!

The walk downtown..I felt like I needed a lasso!

 A chilly morning for a good cause!

Our future....

High School ROTC