Brrrrrr!

This morning my family and I went to help my mom and step-dad move my grandmother's stuff out and my step-dad's stuff in. IT WAS FREEZING! I know, I'm a weenie! We got most of it done...we may have to go back for an hour or two tomorrow but I think we'll finish.

I'd like to ask you to keep praying for Nathan, Tricia and Gwyneth Lawrenson. A wonderful thing happened yesterday (or maybe today) and that was that Tricia got to go to the NICU and see her daughter for the first time! Can you imagine? I had to leave Sarah at the hospital for 3 days when I left after having her and it almost killed me! I can't imagine having an almost three week old baby you've never seen. I am trying to empathize with Tricia, but I don't think I can. I have hurt for her and prayed that they would both be well enough to meet each other very soon! Thank GOD it happened! I hope this is something that they will get to do often...visit together.

If you want to see some really great photos of God's amazing creative abilities, go to http://cfhusband.blogspot.com. You will be amazed!

God bless!
Robin

One more down

Whew! What a week! Although we were off on Monday, the week seemed really long. As one of my students put it today..."Like, I thought, like, Friday would never actually, like, get here! This was really, like, a short, like, week, but it just, like, seemed, to go on for, like, EVER!" That's exactly how I felt but I believe I could've said it using half as many words!

I don't know who might be reading this, so you may think I'm crazy for saying this but it is really cold here this week. It was 28 degrees today at lunch. That is very abnormal for this part of the country, even during winter months.

I have a student who's natural IQ is probably much higher than mine, but given the fact that I'm 24 years older than him I know a little more than he does. So he has begun to attempt to intimidate me with words and with his knowledge of the material. He is very loud in class and actually quite arrogant. My problem is this...how do I continue to demonstrate my caring for this child (because he's really just a child) while handling his disrespectful attitude? I am turning to God for guidance here, because being accepting of whatever this child has going on in his head does not come naturally to me. It, in fact, goes against everything in my being to accept any part of behavior like this from someone who is young enough to be my own child.

Please join me in praying that God will give me the wisdom to deal with this youngster's behavior, while preserving his and my dignity!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Robin

You REALLY want advice from me?????

One of my dear friends who has been a stay-at-home mom for something like 9 years. She wants to get a job in the school district so that she can still be at home with her girls during summers. There is a new middle school opening here in Rock Hill at the beginning of next school year and they will need all those administrative people. So my friend asked for advice on dealing with middle schoolers. I have learned a ton of information on middle schoolers in the last year or so, but do I really know enough to give good advice? I did give her some info. and hope that it was "good" info.

How do you know when what you know is really worth knowing and sharing? This reminds me of an article that one of my classmates posted that, in short, said that people who are incompetent think that everyone else is incompetent and don't realize that they are incompetent. So it's pretty much impossible to judge someone incompetent because we might be incompetent but don't know it because we think we're fine. Confused???

Holla!
Robin

Crazy weather

Less than a week ago we set a record high temp. in our area of the country. Today, it's snowing again! Talk about some weird weather...

My mother and step-dad came over this morning and got C and S. They are all going to a rodeo show in Ga. so they were off on a long ride! We sent the portable dvd players and several movies for each child...of course the boy took videos from The Discovery Channel and the girl took all her movies about the Disney Princesses. Anway, Greg and I are taking advantage of being child-free tonight and going to dinner together.

We (the kids and I) have a school holiday on Monday. I'm really glad, because, although I love my job, I need just a day or so break. I need to use the time to revive, reflect, and refocus.

Have a blessed weekend!!!

Snow Day!!!!

It started snowing here about 10:30 last night. I prayed so hard for it to really let loose and snow about a foot! One year, several years ago, we missed a whole bunch of days due to weather...so many that the legistators forgave them. I was hoping...
We had a two hour delay today. It is really more of a pain because we have less time with the students and they are usually WIRED on these days, so I am eeking out some learning, but not much!

I still am not feeling 100% and my voice is still coming and going. Yesterday as I was leaving school, Monique prayed for me while we were standing in the parking lot! If you have never had anyone hold you and pray for you, it is an amazing experience! I was so incredibly humbled by her gesture and I felt so much better. I'm trying to cling to that feeling and claim healing and relief of fatigue.

Please continue to visit http://cfhusband.blogspot.com and keep check on Nathan, Tricia, and Gwyneth. There are some very moving posts there now.

Classes begin!!!

Graduate classes started again this week, so it's back to the crazy schedule...who can pick up the kids? What can my hubby make for supper? Do I go straight home if I get out early or do I go to the computer lab and get some work done? It's all a big mystery. But God manages to make sure that I am able to get it all done and still have some time for my family.

Tonight in my class, we learned about using the reading that is necessary for our students in our subject area to enhance their learning. It really got me thinking...I always say that I want my students to see the value in what they learn. I also want them to see that I find value in EVERY THING I teach them...so, today when we were talking about adding and subtracting rational numbers with decimals, did they see that I found value in the topic? I seriously doubt it! I have got to do better about showing my enthusiasm for my subject, because I really do love it!!!

I hope all of you in the blogosphere are doing well and prospering! It's a very cold night here in SC (at least by our standards) and the forecasters are calling for a wintry mix. Be careful and stay warm!!!

Pray without ceasing

As many of you who have looked at this blog know, I am praying for the Lawrenson family in North Carolina. They are all doing well, to this point, which I'm very thankful for!

Praying for them has made me aware of how awful I am at praying without ceasing, like we're commanded to do in the Bible. This has really hit home with me this week. My precious son is having some trouble sleeping and seems a little down lately. I really get kinda freaky when my children aren't ok and so I've really been bothered by this. I was reading Nate's blog this morning, and realized that when I think of Caleb, I think about him, and often worry about him. I rarely pray for him. Isn't that sad??? All these people could be helping me pray for my own children, and I can't even remember to do it.

Thank you, God, for using every day occurrences to remind me how much I need you and need to talk to you. I also ask that you will protect my precious boy's mind and heart. Please help him to unburden himself of the thoughts that are plaguing him!

Amen

It's Monday....AGAIN

Jen and I tried to meet at the gym this morning at 5:30. Neither of us made it out of bed. It's so sad because we both know how much better we feel when we work out, but just can't get up. Anyway, I am currently trying to figure out how I can make myself go to bed earlier so I will get up and go!

Our students have a day off on Friday, and because my students are at their elective classes, I currently have made it through one day of this week. I am really ready to have about 5 straight weeks of nothing but regular teaching, which won't happen. We just really need to get stuff done and are not really accomplishing that.

Today one of the students asked "why do we have to learn science? I mean, it won't be related to our careers." I just looked at her. Science is not my favorite subject to teach, but I don't tell the kids that. I just do the best I can. I honestly had no idea what to tell her, other than something lame like "how do you know you won't use science in your career?" Talk about frustrating!!! I can find valid reasons for math all the time, and although I want to find the value in science, I couldn't.

Any advice out there? This is when teaching middle school gets really tough, because the kids know when something has value. They have to see the value before they are willing to learn.

Where do we find the time?

I'm just posting a quick note today. I've got a lot going on and just felt the need to post. I asked my ABF (Adult Bible Fellowship) to pray for Nate, Tricia, and Gwyneth Lawrenson and wrote the web address for Nate's blog on the board this morning. They were so excited to begin praying for this precious family. If you haven't visited the blog yet, you should...there are some incredible photos of Gwyneth and a pretty cool video that Nate posted yesterday. The address is http://cfhusband.blogspot.com.

We discussed blogging in ABF today. Nate Q. wondered how people find the time. I just enjoy sharing and this is a good way for me to look back and see where God has brought me. It does take a few minutes, but usually I feel like it's worth it.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

TGIF!!!

I won't lie and say that I am sorry I have 2 days in a row when I'm not at school. Especially after weeks like this one...it was tough! There are times when my own children need me way more than my students and this is one of those times.

My step-sister is getting married in August and Sarah is the flower girl. Ashley is going to have another fitting for her gown tomorrow and wants to take Sarah with her...Sarah is going to LOVE that. Caleb will love it too because he will have Greg and I all to himself. He is such a sweet kid and is so patient with all of us in our busy-ness.

Greg has been reading The Five Languages of Love by Gary Chapman. He said to me tonight that we can apply what we're reading in the book to our children. Caleb's love language is definitely "quality time." Greg went into Caleb's room last night, laid on his bed and asked him what he did at school. Caleb started talking and went on for at least 25 minutes. He loved his dad just hanging out with him, so he will enjoy tomorrow. We will enjoy tomorrow too...as precious as that girl is, she is also very high maintenance!!!

So I will do some cleaning, go to Sam's and get a few things we need, and take my boy with me. I will love having him all to myself.

My job

I feel better today. I feel a lot better today! God is relieving my body of the fatigue that's been plaguing me. I am so glad! My students are glad too! They were quiet as church mice when they came in this morning...afraid I would go nuts on them again.

Yesterday after school we had a meeting with our superintendent. My first thought about this is...I've been teaching in this district for six years, total, and this is the first time I remember a superintendent taking the time to come and talk to just our faculty. It said a lot to me. My second thought is this...Dr. Moody is a student's advocate. I get the feeling she wants to advocate for teachers too, but her main job, as is everyone's who is in this business, is to be sure that the students who attend are getting the very best teaching they can get. It will be hard work for her to marry those two advocate positions unless she is able to continually find people (teachers) who are student advocates as well.

I really liked what she had to say! I am an advocate for my students...I build relationships with them, so that they know I care about them. I have been blessed to work with a teammate who feels the same in that regard, although our methods are polar opposites. She's tough, like REALLY tough! I am not that tough...I try to be, but my personality ruptures my tough side and it's kinda pathetic. My teammate is all about kids learning important things, like how to write well and speak well. She ABSOLUTELY prepares them for 8th grade...many of the skills students learn with her follow them through life. I make sure they learn what I'm supposed to teach them, but I love to be creative and even more than that I love to have fun. We are so opposite, that even the students who drive me crazy don't bother my teammate and vice versa. I tell stories...my teammates reads stories...I laugh...my teammate smiles...my classroom is very loud...you could hear a pin drop in her room. But the kids all know we both care for them and that is the MOST important thing!

One thing Dr. Moody said was that we should be encouraging our students to become teachers. I ABSOLUTELY agree with that! I love my job! I love it so much that I can't wait to get here every day. My dad says "When you find a job you love, you'll never work a day in your life." He's right because this does not feel like work to me. It feels like fun...and I get to share it with 57 kids EVERY DAY!

Now, here's the really personal part for me...does my love of teaching mesh with my love of God? Do my students know that as much as I care for them, I care for God more? Do they know...can they see through me that God loves them more than ANYONE???? I doubt it, but I want to show them that every day! Even when I am able to be tough with them, I am trying to allow God's light to shine in me and let them see how much He loves them all.

Priceless

Almond colored tile for the kitchen
countertops and backsplash.............$325.00

Built-in dishwasher for the kitchen........................................$375.00

A husband who can and will do all the kitchen updates.......PRICELESS!

What's that?!?!?!?!?!?!

I mentioned how exhausted I am last night. I did go to bed earlier than usual, but I am still really wiped out. So when I got to school this morning I was already ready to go back home and go to bed. I'm generally a pretty jovial kinda girl, but not the last couple of days.

My homebase has a regular, daily assignment that they already know about and should do every day automatically...not have to be reminded. When I walked in, there were several students up out of their seats, talking...needless to say no one was reading. Guess what happened? I fussed! Then guess what happened...about four of them looked at me like I had lost my mind. THEN GUESS WHAT HAPPENED....I let them have it. I do not typically yell or scream at my students...it's not my personality...but they got the full brunt of my fury this morning. They were even told that before they went home to tell on me for raising my voice they should come and have a conversation with me to set the record straight.

I know I will probably be called down for losing it with my students, and I will explain myself. The thing, though, that I really want them to hear, is that although I was angry, I still care. I have stated again that anyone concerned about the statements I made this morning should come talk to me. I am not so angry that I do not want them to approach me. I am not so angry that I let it fester. I care...deeply...for these kids. ALL of them!

Exhaustion

I am wiped out! I'm not sure why or what exactly is going on...maybe because I really didn't stop to rest when I was the sickest...maybe because my body has just had enough lately...not sure. But I am sure that when I get this completely exhausted, I get cranky...REALLY cranky. No one (not even me) knows what is going to set me off. So I'm an exhausted, cranky, seventh grade teacher. Those three things don't go well together. I have times with my students when they do things that are absolutely right in line with what middle schoolers should be doing, and when I'm like this those "middle school" things just absolutely make me crazy.

Greg (my hubby) and I were having a brief conversation on the phone today and I said "I hope you won't be upset with me, but I am going to sit on the couch and veg out tonight. I have continued to put one foot in front of the other all day...I've tried to fake it 'til I felt it, and I just haven't felt it." He thought it was funny.

How do you make it through days when your body just lets you down? Especially when you become so concerned about the feelings of the people around you. I am, by career, a middle school teacher. I am, by choice, someone who loves these kids, my own and the ones I teach. I do not want to humiliate them or embarrass them or hurt them because I don't feel well. I continue to pray daily, that God will allow my true heart to show through, even on the rare days when I just can't fake it 'til I feel it.

The Lawrensons

The family I mentioned yesterday, the Lawrensons, have had a very eventful day today. Tricia was going to be intubated and put on a ventilator today in order to help her body rest and try to keep baby Gwyneth inside the safety of her mommy for a few more days. I do not know many details, but I do know that Tricia had an emergency C-section this morning. I believe she is one day shy of 25 weeks gestation. Please continue to pray for this precious family...I know they have some difficult times ahead, but you would be amazed at their outlook! Check out Nate's blog at http://cfhusband.blogspot.com for the latest updates.

Keep praying!!!

Laughter

For the last three years, one or both of my children gets sick just before Christmas. It's been really awful. This year (and probably for the previous years, but I don't remember) I eventually got sick too. I have had a serious case of bronchitis and more scary than that is that I completely lost my voice for several days. I'm a singer. I whispered to my husband the other day "If I completely lost my voice for the rest of my life, I would be devastated!" I was scared. In the midst of this I was conversing with a really good friend who reminded me that people who can laugh have it best. How perfect is that? I was laughing while I was talking to her...I got home with no voice and laughed because my children are hilarious. I came back to the school for a meeting last night and we laughed during the meeting. When I picked up the kids from mom, we all got tickled at Woody and laughed. Do I have it great or what?

This morning I am feeling better and my voice is coming back. I think it's because I laugh so much. As Christina put it..."Even if I'm having a HORRIBLE day, I know that before I go to bed something is going to make me laugh, and everything is going to be fine!" God obviously has a sense of humor because we are created in His image and we laugh. I'm so glad that's who my God is...serious, funny, loving, caring, merciful, healing, powerful, jealous...and much more.

So what's your funny? Where is your humor, and how do you find God in those hilarious moments?

Jane

I just got home from a meeting at school. While in the meeting I found out that Jane Nunn, the teacher who was my teammate the year I went back to Rawlinson Road, has had a recurrence of bone cancer. Cancer was discovered in her arm back in the summer and she's been treated, but has recently discovered that it's back in her ribs and her back. Please pray for Jane's healing. She has two children, one in high school and one in middle school, and a very devoted husband. I am very upset about this. I love Jane and things don't sound good to me. She has an incredibly positive attitude and thinks she'll just miss a couple of weeks of school, but I have a feeling she'll be out for a while. Please pray for Jane!

Prayers

I have found a website which lists children and families who need prayer. Generally they are fighting disease. One that I'm particularly touched by is a young family in North Carolina...the Lawrensons. Tricia is expecting their first baby...she is also a cystic fibrosis patient. Her husband, Nate, is journaling their experience on his blog...http://cfhusband.blogspot.com. Their story is very touching...please visit his blog to find out what's going on with them. Oh, and also, please pray for them and their unborn daughter...God is using them in a mighty, MIGHTY way!

First of my own

So it's my first time blogging. I have begun keeping up with several different families via blogs and thought it would be fun, interesting, good, etc. to create my own blog. I hope if you read it you will give me some feedback, but most importantly that God will use my blog to show His love and grace and mercy!