Your own learning doesn't end when you become the teacher...

Today, I learned that my 2 year old puppy, Delilah, is easier to teach than my students...it only took her a few days to learn a new trick, whereas my students are still learning how to be quiet.

I learned that a hug can be just for fun, or can truly make a difference in a child's day...
It's become a sort of game for a few of my students to give me as many hugs as they can throughout the day, while it took only one hug from another one of my students, who was in a pretty bad mood, to totally turn his day around and end it with a positive attitude.

I also learned that I need hugs from my students just as much as they do.

I learned that wearing heels all day, at a job where you are constantly standing, was not very practical...but it did make me feel proud of myself that I was able to wear them the entire day without any breaks.

I learned that even after a long and draining day, I am still positive that teaching is the right career for me.
I know this because when I leave school I really believe that my next day with my students will be a good one and I look forward to seeing them again...even the naughty ones who get on my last nerve!

I learned that my students actually love when I sing silly things to them, like instructions or how to walk in the hallway; and that they've only been telling me they don't because they think that my reaction to them is hilarious.

I learned that there are NEW Pokemon cartoons.

I learned that coming home to my sweet puppy is always the highlight of my day, and her 'welcome home' never lets me down :)

October, 6th 2011

 Today marks the one year anniversary of when Jon and I became an "official" couple :)  It almost doesn't seem real that we've been together for an entire year already.  Time really does fly when you're having fun!  I feel so blessed and thankful when I think about how lucky I am to have such an amazing guy who loves me more than I could ever ask for!!  The thing that makes me happiest, is that we care about each other more than ever, even after everything we've been through this past year; I feel like life has only brought us closer to each other and I couldn't be happier about it.  He's the only person that I can imagine spending my life with; I love him more and more every single day.

This little girl right here is the other most important person in my life :)  She is one crazy dog, but I absolutely love her beyond belief.  There isn't anyone else who can put a smile on my face after a long day like this baby can!  She definitely knows how to make a momma feel loved :)

Ryan Haymaker...what to say...he is the most caring and simply wonderful person I have ever met in my life.  He is the epitome of a "best friend in the whole wide world," and I can't imagine a life without him!!  He has always been one of my most favorite people to be around because of his spirit and love for everything good in the world, and after everything that he has been through over the last few months, he has become an inspiration to everyone who hears of his journey.  I'm so thankful to have him in my life and beyond glad that I still get to remind him of that :)

My amazing Mother!!  My life would be incomplete without this woman in it.  She knows me better than almost anyone and has loved me unconditionally every second of my life.  I am who I am because of this incredible lady (and my dad of course!).  I have to remind myself sometimes how lucky I truly am to have such a good relationship with my Mom...I wouldn't want it any other way!

Walter!!!  I couldn't ask for a better person to be my twin.  He seems to get cooler by the day, while his sensibility stays the same :) He's been like my guardian angel all of these years, and I'm very thankful that I've had him by my side all of this time.  I wish that we got to see each other more often, but I'm so proud of how hard he's working to become the successful person that I know he will be :)  Great things are in store for this guy, and he deserves every bit of it!  Love him to the end.

Why Ms. Dower is the best

Naturally my first post should be about Jenna Dower because she so thoughtfully created this blog for me :)  So...here are a few reasons why Ms. Dower is the best!

1. She is thoughtful and caring

2. She always goes out of her way to make people feel special

3. She always looks beautiful!

4. She LOVES her students and lets them know it

5. She always finishes her sentences