Way to long!

So I realize that it has been way to long since I last updated on here... some of you might be wondering if I ever would again. I probably won't even give that much of an update because it is really late and my "teacher mode -- go to bed early mode" is starting to kick in.

Things have been busy for us, but good. At this Thanksgiving time I've had lots of opportunity to reflect on what I am thankful for. I am so thankful to have such an AWESOME family. My sister came out for Thanksgiving from California and spent the whole week with us. It was so fun to be with them and rock out with Rock Band. I am thankful for a wonderful husband who cares so much for me and shows his love to me every day. Most of all, I am thankful for my older brother and Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm so greatful for what he has done for me and the sacrifice that he gave. Who could ask for greater love? I am so excited for the Christmas season -- not so much for all the gifts (even though they're fun), but because it helps me focus on others and on Him. I am so greatful for someone to always turn to in prayer and who will always be there to lift me up when I am down and rejoice with me when I am happy.

May we all remember the true meaning of christmas!

Wishing you the best holiday season ever,
Sarah

Is this really happening in 4th grade?

In my classroom, I am starting to have quite a few problems with a few of the students. They just can't seem to get along with one another. One of my students was throwing a Halloween party and he could only invite so many kids. He made the mistake of handing them out AT school -- of course causing lots of problems. The biggest one being that two of my female students don't get along very well and he invited both of them. One of them -- we'll call her Sally -- said that she wouldn't go if the other one -- named Susy for the sake of confidentiality -- was going. So the boy throwing the party really likes Sally and wanted her to go more than Susy so he goes up to Susy and demands that she give him back the invitation...can you believe it!?!? He was practically throwing a fit because Sally didn't want to give it back and thought it was rude for him to ask for it (and I really agree with her). Anyway, I ended up having a HUGE lecture to my class about being nice and keeping those things OUTSIDE of class. I swear 4th graders are not supposed too act like this!! I've actually had several complaints about "Sally" saying she's been rude and something must be going on with her because she normally is so nice (early PMS maybe)Anyway it made me totally frustrated that my class CANNOT seem to get along that on Monday we are having a huge class meeting and having lessons on friendship.

I also have a student who likes to talk about inappropriate things -- I'm not just talking about using bad language like swear words, read inappropriate material, and then goes and talks about it with the other guys. One of the parents actually called me about it!! I just went straight to the Vice Principal because she is over things like that. But what do I do?!? I haven't witnessed anything because it's all at recess and lunch, when of course the teacher isn't around. I just thought it was so crazy to happening in 4th grade --these boys are 9 and 10 for heaven's sake!

Of course not all my class has behavior problems. I actually have some really good, really smart students too! I am really enjoying teaching and it definitely keeps me busy. There's always lessons to be planned, journals to respond to, filing cabinets to organize -- which I still TOTALLY need to do, and little minds to mold. Although it can be really tough, frustrating, and there's times when you just want to YELL at them; there are still the precious hugs, the notes saying you're the greatest teacher, the "Oh I get it!" light bulbs that go off, the smiles, and the satisfaction of knowing that YOUR JOB ACTUALLY MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.
To all the different teachers I've had over the years and all the teachers of the world:

THANK YOU!