Saturday, May 22, 2010

Plenty of Thanks. . . To Mom

I was thinking about writing this post yesterday as I was walking around all the busses, letting the kids out for their last day of school. It was a bittersweet moment saying goodbye to these kids who I have seen almost every day for an entire semester. This then turned me to thinking about the semester as a whole and about the fact that I actually made it through and did it! However, I knew that this feat was not on my own, in fact I am certain that there were many a times I would have drowned and gone under had it not been for the wisdom, guidance, help, and encouragement of my mom.

My mom really acted as another mentor teacher for me. She was someone I could run to in times of stress, or when I needed something done, when I had questions, and never once did she refuse me. Not once did she say, "Well why did you do that? That was wrong and stupid." She always encouraged me instead, even when it was a wrong move on my part, or I didn't get something done on time. What she gave me the most was what I needed and longed for, which was understanding. She understood the enormous amount of stress that comes with teaching first graders, the sheer amount of paper work that was now thrust upon me, the knowledge that I would make mistakes, I would loose things, I would loose my temper, all of these things she backed me up, reminding me I could do this, and this is my calling.

I also went to her for ideas (all this while she was taking 9 hours, a full load, of masters courses). My mother is seriously the best teacher I know, and I am not just saying this out of a biased notion. She has the best ideas, the greatest resources, and the highest energy level of any teacher I have ever met. I loved for her to come into my room and to teach her lessons as a counselor, because I never got tired of watching her, trying to learn from her. In all honesty, when I first began I was scared, scared that people thought they were going to get another "Traci Jones" and knowing I was no where near that. Scared I was going to disappoint them when they figured it out. However, I soon came to realize this could be a goal of mine, something I can strive to be, and it is ok if I am not right now. What a great thing, to desire so much to be like your mom. I am lucky.

Because of all of her help, even the little, but really big things she does, like helping me come and organize how my classroom should be packed back up, I know I am lucky. I think to myself "Can I be as good of a mom as her? Will I be as nice, patient, hardworking, and loving towards Reid as she is towards me and Adam?" I can only hope so. So Mom, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping me, loving me, and working so hard! I love you!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Al. . .most. . . done!

Well this school year is almost over, and needless to say, I am ready. It has been a good, but long and hard semester, one that I am happy to see go down in the record books. I know one thing, I have learned so much in such a short amount of time. It was kind of sad today though as we finished up our last story, and I was calling on kids to read aloud. I was thinking "This is the last time I will listen to them as their teacher. It was touching.

Today was also the day I told them I was pregnant! They were so cute, and their sayings were priceless. I can't believe that no one had really caught on or said anything, although this is really the first week I have started to show. Speaking of pregnancy, I am ready to go back to the doctor, because when we go back, we will be setting up our appointment to see Reid in 3D! I am so excited! I am anxious to see how much weight and junk I have gained, I am sure it is about to start piling on. I just hope I am emotionally ready for it!

I have high hopes for this summer. I am hoping to learn how to cook, like actual meals, and make a menu. This is something I really haven't had to the time to do since we got married, but hopefully this summer/early fall will allow me to do that now. Maybe I can also pick up a hobby, I just don't know what that would be. Maybe baking, maybe scrapbooking, maybe photography, you know I really just don't know. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Obviously I am a sucky blogger. I jump from topic to topic, I am not funny, nor witty, nor that great of a writer. Oh well, hope you enjoy reading all the same. Maybe that can be my hobby, becoming a great blogger.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

It's A. . .

Yep you read it right, little jelly bean Clifton is officially a boy! Let me tell you I have not seen a smile that big on Mark's face since we brought home our T.V. 2 days after we got married! He was just ecstatic, couldn't keep from smiling at all. The doctor told us "It's not going to change, you DEFINITELY have a little boy! I was excited we got see him on the screen too, for however brief a time. I am ready for our big ultra sound at 22 weeks where we will see him in 3d! That is going to be wonderful! He should be a little bigger by then.

As of right now, I am currently 16 weeks (almost 17) along. I am feeling better, just more hungry haha. I am glad to finally know what we are having so it will be easier to bond with him, and so I can start shopping (DUH!). I had some baby girl bedding picked out, but was having a real hard time finding boy bedding that I liked! Oh well, the search continues, at least this time it is not an aimless wandering!

Well there you have it, the newest news, and hopefully the last big surprise for the Cliftons for a while!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Marvelous May

Finally, we are in the month of May! I don't think I have ever looked more forward to school being out then I have now. I think it is because I am with and in charge of a bunch of kids who are ready to be out too! We only have 4 weeks left, three with all the kids and one with only a few children. It is sad that it is all coming to a close. I will say this though, I have worked harder than I have in my entire life. It is pressure beyond belief, long hours, tiring work, but so much fun! I love teaching and watching little minds learn. I love it when I get surprised by a chid who can do something that I didn't think they could do before, or they show uncharacteristically hard work ethic. I am excited about the upcoming weeks too. We have field day, water day, Skating day for AR, the talent show. . . Lots of things going on. Also my grandmother and mother are coming up to teach them how to plant grass seeds and watch them grow. So it should be fast and furious.

I am excited about summer being around the corner. Of course we have got the summer mostly booked with youth stuff and Cliftones, and doctors appointments. It is probably going to be where we do a majority of the work around the house, such as setting up a nursery and getting ourselves decluttered. It is going to be a lot of work and we are definitely going to be busy, but I am so ready.

I also know that I need a hobby. I am not crafty at all, and I don't have the money to do crafts anyway. I don't like to scrapbook really, I don't really don't know what I would like to do. Any suggestions would be wonderful!