Simplicity

I pray for simplicity ;-( My students appear to need entertained at all times, instant gratification, control, everything someone else has, constant competition... I am getting old ;-( They had to slaughter me in order to "have fun" playing (what I wanted to be) a simple game of 4-square! I try to educate them, encourage them to dream, and keep them humble at the same time. Some days my expectations seem impossible.

Then, the media got a hold of controversial information about the district superintendent (I am NOT reiterating the details!). I am trying to be realistic and not naive; still trying to believe there is a misunderstanding/an explanation for the accusations. Most teachers just desire to follow our passion, practice what we know (and paid big bucks to get licensed for), and encourage kids to become successful adults... We really do not want to be caught up in all the hype that occurs now-a-days ;-(

Fortunately, I care for Abbie & Logann, go home to my family, admire Alyvia, and watch "baby B" grow from a peanut to a sweet potatoe!! putting all my hopes back into perspective!! I refuse to "give in" to the negativity that surrounds us everyday. "Kids" (and my coffee!) help me get out of bed every day ;-)

March already

What a month... I always try to count my blessings daily; this month has been such a roller coaster of sad times ;-( with the happy times;-)

Westfall is $1.5 million "in the hole" so administration had to announce lay offs (RIFs) of 50 employees :-( which includes custodians, cooks, aides and teachers. So far, my position is "safe" but the changes are not complete. I will continue to pray until school starts in the fall that I am able to continue teaching at the Westfall elementary school in the best capacity that I am able! I am uncertain of how the custodial and cook positions will function next year but we were told the eliminated positions will be replaced by a contracted company (out sourced). Aides will not be replaced, which will truly affect the education of the children. Aides are not licensed teachers; however, they are a tremendous asset to children's learning!! And teachers... well the elementary will not have specialized art, music, or phys ed teachers. Classroom teachers will provide art, music, and phys ed within their general education instruction. As awesome as our teachers are... this will be a great adjustment. So... I will also continue to pray for our teachers and the the children ;-)

Five generations!!! ;-) Me, Dev w/Alyiva, (Russell and Megan), Grandpa Woody, and Dad

Today Russell and I went to Marietta for my Great-Aunt Ruth's 90th birthday party. We always visit and stay with her when we travel to Marietta for reunions, birthdays, community activities... whatever! We were fortunate for Tasha & Josh and Devon, Megan and Alyvia to be able to go as well ;-) What an awesome family day. I am so grateful for my family and friends. Words cannot describe. IF anything falls apart, we always have our "family."

Meg, Dev & Alvyvia

Tasha & Josh

in Marietta @ the Ohio River