Tailgating with the Seniors!

This is my homeroom class -- the Seniors-- Class of 2008! (The girl with the hamburger is my "drama queen" -- can you tell? The guy with the red shirt doesn't like to have his picture taken -- can you tell?) Although the group is small, we are having a good year! Our school started a football program this year made up of 6-8th graders. While their beginnings are humble, as are the scores, the seniors wanted to show their support. For the home game last Thursday they asked if they could tailgate, grill hamburgers and have fun. In order to make sure everything was under control, I volunteered to supervise.

We had such a fun time -- actually it was a crazy time. The guys sold plates of delicious food for $1.00 a plate! I tried to get them to charge more, but they didn't want to. Then I realized how neat it was that they were giving to others and having such a grand time doing it. What a blessing to work with young people! Although there are constant challenges, the rewarding moments are sweet.

Labor Day Weekend

I love Labor Day Weekend! Does anyone remember when school started after Labor Day? At least school used to start later when I was in elementary school. We lived in Minnesota then. I remember going to the Minnesota State Fair all day on Monday. After riding rides, eating cotton candy and looking at the smelly animals, we returned home, took our baths and laid out our new school outfits, shoes and bookbags. I always loved my new "first day" outfit. Since I have always been a "school girl," I always loved the first day of school. Going to school represented the start of a new social year! I never wanted to miss a day of school because I might miss an important event. I still feel that way!

Although we have been in school for two weeks, I still feel like tomorrow is a new start. We have had a fantastic weekend working, resting, visiting with family and friends. Now we are ready to embark on the next 11 weeks of school/work with no breaks. During these next three months Brian and I will speak at two Christian school conventions (Tennesse and Alabama), my school will go through the rigors of an accreditation visit, and the holiday season will be in full swing when we break again for Thanksgiving. I'm thankful for life, health and the excitement of a new season.

Welcome, September!

One Week Down -- 35 More to Go!

What a great time the first week of school was! The first day was a little "bumpy" and I had to call a parent right away to remedy an "issue." However, "day two" was much better and by today the students seemed to be settling in. Since I have quite a few new students, I don't think they quite know how to take me! I find myself teaching like my mom -- it is so funny when I am saying or doing something in class and I'll think, "Ohhhh, that was so much like my mom!" Since my mom is a master teacher, I have always tried to teach like her!! Energy and compassion!

Don't worry no one has had to "drop for ten" -- yet!!

The Rat Race Has Begun!

Wow! Nothing like jumping right back into the frying pan! We had a wonderful weekend filled with visiting with friends and family. Brian's cousin graduated from grad school on Sunday.

Teacher inservice started Monday. After inservice I drove 45 minutes to my night class and listened to informative speeches for 3 1/2 hours. Whew! Today we had three sessions of orientation during which time the students registered for their classes. It was an exciting day! Our enrollment looks good and there are new students in every grade in the secondary. It is going to be a great year! I'll do my best to post updates! Good night!:)

Summer Is Over

Today is my last day of summer vacation. Unbelievably inservice starts on Monday. I am excited! I love being a teacher! Even though the year is long, hard and challenging, summer break has a way of erasing the memories of the difficult days.

I love fresh beginnings. Having painted my classroom this summer, today I'm going to finish decorating my room. I have been praying for my students and the opportunities that lie ahead for the year. As the senior class sponsor, I will definitely be busy again this year.

Yesterday I received a message from a former student who is on deputation with her husband to go to the mission field. She thanked me for my influence on her life and her training. Her note brought tears to my eyes, not because I had done anything (trust me, sometimes I feel like a failure as a teacher). I was overcome with gratitude to the Lord for allowing me to have a small part in training young people to serve Him.