Random Thoughts

So I just need to ramble for awhile...

• I am incredibly nervous for today. I hardly slept a wink last night. Today, I have a new student starting. Not just any student -- a foreign, Korean student. I have no idea what today is bringing and I have no idea where to even start and I really dislike feeling lost. But that's how it feels. 
• Even though I'm nervous, I'm excited to learn about my new student and to try and help her learn English. I think that she might be exactly what I need to settle my antsy "Why do I teach" feelings as of late.
• Friday was a rotten evening. I was in a bit of a funk due to the fact that I was here and not where my heart yearned to be. It goes back to the thought that growing up, having a real job, and moving away from your best friends stinks. 
• In a way to combat my "I hate my horrible life" phase of Friday, I spent all of Saturday and Sunday scrubbing every nook and cranny in my apartment. I'm not sure this place has ever been this clean. I even rearranged and finally took my boxes and bike down to my storage unit. Nothing like getting to it after 2 1/2 years. It feels good. Really good.
• Part of my weekend of power cleaning is brought on by the fact that my parents are coming for Thanksgiving. While we aren't celebrating at my house, they are bringing a Christmas tree for our church so they are going to be stopping in Madison to visit. My "mass cleaning because my mom is coming to visit" is just another reminder that I am turning into my mom!!
• I'm beyond thrilled that this is only a 2 1/2 day week at school. I need a break and these students need a break! Let's be honest, we need a break from each other!

Hmm....so I'm done rambling for now. Thanks for listening!

Friday Five: Children's Books

My Friday Five is inspired by the giveaway Jess is doing over at The Macs. It's all about children's books, which I adore, so I figured I'd go ahead and share a few of my favorite books with you!

{If you haven't checked out Jess's blog lately {or ever}, do it! 1 - She has been doing a whole week of giveaways and there are some mighty cute items! 2 - She has 3, 1 now in heaven, adorable children, and 
3 - she has a very special heart for the Lord that she shares so beautifully on her blog.}

Without further adieu:

Source: lulu.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

1 - Love You Forever by: Robert Munsch -- I adore this book.
It makes me tear up every time I read/sing it. This book makes a great baby present!
Source: amazon.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

2. Blueberries for Sal by: Robert McCloskey -- Who am I kidding? I love all of his books!
This one is my favorite because Sal is just so sweet!

Source: Uploaded by user via Jennifer on Pinterest

3. The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins by: Dr. Seuss -- I'm fairly certain that you can never go wrong with Dr. Seuss. He entertains children and adults alike. This is book is no exception!

Source: barnesandnoble.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

4. My Friend is Sad by: Mo Williams -- Mo Williams has the best characters ever! In addition to Piggie and Elephant, he also has the Pigeon books. If you are new to Mo Williams, you have to check him out!
His simple books are beyond wonderful. {I have used this book as gifts for friends who are going through a rough time. It's such a cute pick me up!}

Source: amazon.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

5. Tadpole's Promise by: Jeanne Willis -- This has a great surprise ending!
I am so glad someone introduced me to this book, because it's one of my favorites!

Wanna join in? Link up by visiting Kat from Living Like The Kings!

Thankful November: Day 15

I'm thankful for...my students.

We love the zoo!

This year I have 3 students (until next week, when we add a Korean foreign exchange student for 3 months). Count 'em -- one. two. three. Still not the smallest classroom I've had, but this year has been quite unique. In addition to only having 3 students, they are all boys. Can I let you in a little secret??? I love the fact that they are boys. We get to build with Legos, blocks, Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys, and K'nex in our free time. Our favorite recess activity involves creating a whole new world in the woods behind the school. This world involves a money system of pine cones, a large assortment of weapons which are sticks, and an even better system of government, by which you do go to trial and possibly jail for the misuse of weapons, stealing of "money", or not cleaning your area of the fort. It makes me smile just thinking of it.

To add to that greatness, these boys are just funny. A little competitive, but funny. They also have big hearts of service. Every week we get the chance to volunteer over at a local assisted living and my heart soars watching them interactive with the elderly. They treat them like royalty. They are kind and compassionate. They never get frustrated or annoyed when the sweet ladies want to hold their hands or ask them their name seven times. Last week, my 7th grader even danced with a sweet old lady who asked him. *tear*

These boys have made this year great and I can't wait for everything else that comes our way.