Ups and Downs of Life

This has been a very busy week full of ups and downs. I've been weird emotional lately, which is not like me. Jason has to tell me sometimes that it's okay to cry and let it all out. If I ever cry I try to laugh. Jason asks, "I can't tell if you're crying or laughing." My reply is always both. It's my way of covering up the crying.

First, the downs...
A week ago our school had to get rid of two teachers. That sounds harsh, doesn't it? They still had jobs within the district but they had to move schools. It really SUCKS!!! One of the teachers taught 5th grade with me. His name is Phil Atherton. He is such a great friend. It was sad to see him go. Every day at lunch we say things that Phil "would have said" to our stupid stories. One of the other down sides to letting go a teacher is we had to divvy up his students. So instead of the teacher's dream of 24 students, I am now the teacher of 32. AGH!!!!!! On his last day, he made me cry during the announcements with his tribute to the teachers and the students. Then, he came by my room to say goodbye to his students and to me. I couldn't stop crying. I was able to take a picture before I lost it, even though my eyes are starting to fill with tears in the picture. My class and I were very busy making posters and getting the room ready for the "newbies." I've been extra tired this week due to the added stress of 32 students.





Another time where I've been weird emotional was this morning. Jason and I watched the movie Flight 93 last night. We recorded last week and decided it was a good week to watch it with the Sept. 11 anniversary coming up. Of course, I fell asleep so I wanted to watch the parts I missed. I was bawling like a baby this morning just thinking about the families and the passengers of this flight.




Now on to the ups...
First, I am now the teacher of 31. One student moved and lucky for me it was the one I would have chosen to move. I know that sounds rude but as a teacher you have your favorites and not so favorites. He just happened to be the top contestant of the not so favorite list.

Next, my mom and stepdad were in town for Labor Day. My mom stayed the whole week to tend my brother's kids. It was fun to spend some time with her.



Third, we were able to spend a few days at the cabin in Prescott. It was fun to spend time with family and enjoy the cool weather. Here are a few pictures of the nieces. (Jason wouldn't pose for a picture.)




Lastly, I had to give a talk on Finding Joy in Every Stage of Life at my church (for Enrichment). It was a fun one to prepare and I truly think I was blessed to give this talk during this week because I needed to find joy in having 32 students! It was a fabulous night overall. Our Enrichment Committee did a fabulous job putting it together.