Way Behind...

and I know it.  Everyone says that teachers are so lucky to have a such a great schedule.  We get off at 3:00 during the school year, get all the holidays off, and have 3 months in the summer off too.  Although all that is true on the contract, I have yet to meet a teacher that really works those hours.  All this to say, teaching summer school has been a very challenging experience!  The first week ended with me taking my kids to the computer lab.  Whoever thought that putting rolling chairs in a middle school computer lab, was not a teacher of middle school students.  After losing nearly all my toes, we headed back to the room and it was absolutely everything I could do to not break down in front of them.  I was so tired and felt so unappreciated that I wanted to just cry.  

Last week was better.  They are getting to know me and I them.  Needless to say, we did NOT go to the computer lab this week.  I'm not sure if we will venture there again.  There are just some things better left unturned!  Although it may sound like I am miserable, I'm really not.  All the kids have their moments and really show me that they are still kids who want to learn and be successful.  At this point, I would still consider teaching summer school again.  However, only if it was a half day position like this one.  A whole day of this would have a totally different reaction from me.  

Riley is doing great.  She finished her last week of swimming lessons and is officially a bathing beauty.  She is growing very fast and new things come out of her mouth daily.  This morning I went in her room to get her up and she said that she needed her baby.  She turned to me and said, "Baby, happy!"  "That's great, did she sleep well?" "Yes" "Is Riley happy?"  Riley turned to me and says, "Nope, Riley tired."  I just thought that was hilarious.  She is really turning in to a little lady and able to have more of a conversation.  She was in Austin this past weekend with her Paw Paw and gets better and better at talking on the phone.  Anyway, ever time I hear, You're Gonna Miss This (a country song) it makes me think of her.  She is amazing and my ultimate inspiration.

I hope you all have a good week, and I will try to post a little more often.

July in a flash...

Well here we are... July 4th has come and gone and the month still goes on.  July 4th was a little different for me than the last few years.  Riley was in Austin with her Paw Paw and Auntie Danielle and so I didn't have the opportunity to dress her up and sit her on the front porch to take pictures of her with an American flag.  I know in the future she will appreciate this fact. However, I was  a little sad.  

Therefore, the 4th of July consisted of grilling in the backyard with the neighbors and watching the lunatic neighbors set off fireworks.  I had a good time, but couldn't help but miss Riley.   So another holiday has come and gone.

July 7th started a whole new experience for me...Summer School!  For the last three days I have felt a little like the teacher from "Freedom Writers".  I went in ready to touch the lives of every kid in the class and knew I would be the one to make a difference.  I don't think that the dream is over, but it is definitely harder than the movie makes it look.  I have 15 kids who have all failed 6th grade math and they are reluctantly in my 6th grade math class for the next four weeks.  If you have never seen the movie "Freedom Writers" I highly recommend it.  A great movie and currently my life!  Anyway, for the past three days I have given them candy bars, items from the dollar spot at Target, pretty much everything they wanted and it hasn't worked.  Maybe that is the problem...I need to be a little harder.  After all, these are the kids that didn't succeed during the year and this is why they are here!  Tomorrow is the last day of our week (thank GOD) and I am going to make them see the light. ( I have said that every day this week, but I know this day will be different!!!) :)

Anyway,  I will make it through and contrary to what you are thinking right now, I really love the challenge.  These are my types of kids.  The ones who need the extra attention and love.  Doesn't make it easier, just more rewarding!!!  I will get through to at least one of them!!!

Riley is doing great.  She ended up with a little ear infection so she had to drop out of swimming lessons for a week, but she will pick back up next week.  Everyday she asks if she is going to get to swim with Ms. Desi (the swim teacher) and I have to tell her next week.  I know she is looking forward to it.

So...that is all the news in my life.  I hope that if you are actually taking the time to read my blog that you will post a little response so I know I am not doing this all for nothing :).  Hope you are doing well.