November! Hey!

I have a large gap between Parent-Teacher conferences this evening, so (inspired by Bailey) I thought I'd take a leap and update the blog.  Some realizations for me as of late:  (kind of on the serious side-- sorry).

School this year has been good.  I have gained a great respect for mothers-- all mothers, but specifically mothers of children with special needs.  I admire your unconditional love.  I admire how hard you "fight" for your kid.  I mean, even if it is sometimes against the teacher, against the administration, against the psychologists and the pathologists and the other students, if you don't stick up for your kid-- who will?  It has been a good lesson for me to learn, though not always the easiest.

I would like to give a shout out to my Grandpa.  He is the most giving, dependable, calm person I know.  He comes to my wild classroom three times a week, and captures my students' hearts by giving them candy and practicing their spelling.  I find that his mere presence boosts me up during the hard days-- just knowing that he is there and that he will still like me even if I make a student do their work when they don't want to.  Or if I give up on making them do their work because they make me crazy.  He is the best.

November always gets me thinking about things I am thankful for.  I am so grateful for a supportive husband who is honest and true.  I am so grateful for loving families who love us despite our shortcomings.  I am grateful for friends who never let me down.  I am grateful for a job I love, and for students I love more.  I am grateful for supportive colleagues, who help me keep a good perspective.  I am thankful for the beautiful surroundings I get to enjoy (and snow!).  I am thankful for the gospel, and the temple, and the scriptures--they keep me grounded.  I am really grateful for 3 days off next week, and a road trip to look forward to.  I love Thanksgiving.  It's one of my favorite holidays because it's all about things I love: fall, food, families, PIE (and... the parade!).  I hope its a good one, wherever you are.