End of the Semester

Sometimes I think it's silly that I get in such a bundle about taking two classes in a semester. I've been stressing about this paper that is due Tuesday since February-but still have yet to find a topic. I worry over getting a B. I used to secretly be annoyed with the people who always had to get A's. When did I turn into one? I need to go back to athletedom. No, I'm not saying athletes aren't the brightest (though many aren't), they just have a different mantra about them. I can't explain it, but I miss it.

I've done the math (and many of you know I HATE math) to find out what I can get on this paper to still get the grade I want in this class. I wrote it on a post-it and it's stuck to my computer. I will become well acquainted with a new library on campus this weekend, research is forcing me to branch out of my ISAT comforts. When I finish I will throw all my papers in the air-as seen below, an end of the year tradition and find some way to congratulate myself that doesn't involve my usual ways (darn you again radiculopathy!!).

Listen to this teacher complain about learning...I'm ashamed of myself...I'm sure I'll get over it :)

Shoes

Some days you just gotta get through and not worry about pretty petty things. This kid started with black shoes this morning. I look over on the rug when switching reading groups and she has her shoes off. Might I add she had also convinced everyone else in her reading group to take off their shoes, and no, many of them can't put their shoes on/tie by themselves=fun times for me. I told her to put her shoes on and she pulled out the white pair from her bookbag. Fine-change into the white ones because they "fit better", just put something on your feet. After lunch I noticed she had a shoe off again, only one, and was carrying it down the hall. Apparently it was too tight. I told her she needed to choose 2 shoes. It didn't matter which two, and keep them on her feet. This is what I got out of her. And what I sent her home with. Had to capture the moment after school to remind myself...it's Kindergarten! Love this kid!

Goal of the Week

I'm well aware of the sense of urgency I have written about in my past posts. Well here's a different spin. I need to SLOW DOWN. I used to take my time at literally everything--walking, reading, growing (yes I know this is funny now), getting ready for school, developing into a talented athlete. Just recently I've experienced
 bamsyndromegoingsofastyouhavepanicattacks! I find myself running to work, classes, tutoring, babysitting, sleeping, eating, and the scarcity of my social calendar sometimes worries me.

This morning a missionary from South Africa gave the sermon at my church. He was talking about how time is not an issue in Africa. Katelyn has also said this and I think that's why she fits in so well and feels at home over there. If you see someone you don't just rush on or have a "hi. how are you? bye." conversation by like people do here. You stop and have a meaningful conversation, because we never know when all a person needs is to talk to someone for five minutes in order to make their day or save their life. My goal of the week--of course it would be right at the end of the semester--sllllllllllooow dooooowwwnn. We'll see if I meet it.

Race for the Cure

I don't know anyone who hasn't had their life tainted with cancer in one way or another.

A dear family friend Kim, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer last year at the age of 36. She has 2 boys, Jackson and Josh, ages 5 and 7. My family met the Smith family a few years ago when I was at Bridgewater. Settling for second best (haha i kid i kid) the two little ones quickly fell into a deep admiration/infatuation/obsession of my brother Josh. Every Sunday when Josh H. would stand up for communion you would hear "LOOK IT'S JOSH HENDERSON" from somewhere in the sanctuary. Josh and Jackson are still #1 fans of my brother and since they weren't able to go to any of his basketball games this season they instead constantly looked for him on tv, talked about him, drew pictures, acted like him etc. Even though Josh H. was unable to run today he was brought up many times by the boys as we did different activities.

I have been amazed at the strength of this family during this trying time and their unwaivering faith. Kim and Calvin have been able to keep a strong stable foundation for their children throughout the past year. One that is only possible through a Christ centered life. I am glad to have Kim as a friend and role model of how I should live my life even when her life is on the line.

I had the privilege of participating in the Susan B. Komen 5K Race for the Cure yesterday at Green Hill Park on the Kim's Dawgs Team. I brought my flip camera around thinking it had the potential to keep the boys entertained for awhile when the race wasn't going on. Little did I know how awesome the results would be.

The ability to see through the eyes of a 5 and 7 year old of what cancer means to them. The serious undertones Josh focused on with the camera: pink ribbons/buttons, survivor banners, posters. And then of course the fun details that a kindergartener and 2nd grader playfully point out: a pink porta-potty, my socks, a punchbuggy, dancing with the chic-fli-a cow, a pink flag lining our route as Josh kicked my butt running the whole 5k (Jackson even ran the whole first mile with us!), and keeping the secret of the video from Kim. They were all into it--the first thing Josh said after crossing the finish line was "Let's video"! Here's a SHORT version of the video as they took 81 clips.
To all the mothers who keep fighting daily:

Kim we love you!

New Project

Did anyone hatch chicks in their classroom growing up? I don't remember it in elementary school, but I do remember it in my AP Anatomy and Physiology class. I also remember cracking the eggs open at different points of the incubation period and aborting the fetuses to see the different developmental stages (this will NOT be happening in my room). Sad!

Here's the beginning of the project. My kids are stoked!! We are practicing this week with an empty incubator and then adding eggs on Tuesday. There will be a 21--supposed to be, day incubation period then we will have chicks running around the classroom. When we get tired of them I will bring them back to the farm where they will live happily among the other feathered friends.

Pictures for practicing. I let the kids who have a hard time following directions pick the pictures that would help them remember the best (amazing how that little trick works so well).

The most organized this counter has ever been, notice the blue tape: hands free zone. I need to fix the cord so it's facing the other way, and the other stuff will be moved away to prevent accidental bumping.

Hopefully chicks will be our end result. They won't look like these because of the type of chicken, but I'm sure they will be super cute in their own little way.

And everyone will be as excited as Miss Emma! Her mom is hooking me up with the eggs and is willing to put up with all of my questions. Thanks Charity!