13 Days and Counting...

I've been working really hard this month. It seems that everything is coming to a close, and I'm saying goodbye to a lot of students. My seniors last day was Friday, and I really started thinking about how far I've come as a teacher. At the beginning of the year, I thought I never, ever wanted to teach high school choir. I'm beginning to think I might have been wrong. True, my piano skills are severely lacking when it comes to being a proficient choir teacher, but with technology and some very patient and very musically gifted students, I had an amazing concert with four acappella pieces. I even "played" the piano on two pieces.

Saturday, the band director and I headed up a Talent Show fundraiser at the school. We had about 17 acts, and in the end, earned over $500. Many people were very excited about the Talent Show and asked us if we were going to do it again next year. Yeah! A tradition in the making.

We have an awards program for the seniors tomorrow night, and I really don't know how I'm going to get through this without crying. These kids have dealt with a lot over the last few years, so it was nice to have such a successful choir season. Graduation is Thursday night, and luckily the choir doesn't have to do anything. Good thing too: all but one of my basses and four of my altos are graduating! We ran a song this morning, just to hear the voicing in the room, and I was shocked!

I have my Elementary and Middle School concert next Thursday, and after that, I think it may be movie time! I really think the kids have worked super hard and deserve a break. And what's not to like about watching a musical with the projector and cool sound system with a whole lot of popcorn?

I really don't have any plans for the summer, except for working on my poorly neglected house. My brother is having a hip replacement June 2, so keep him in your prayers. And me and mom, since we'll be dealing with him and the boys for a couple of weeks! I'm also probably going to have to have my gall bladder taken out sometime this summer. If that happens, I'll keep you posted...

Now, if I can only make it through the next thirteen days... And with faces at home like these, I know it will go by "super" fast!

Concert Season

The High School Choir had their concert Thursday night. I was so proud of them. They did an amazing job! I never pictured myself directing a high school choir, but I did it. We sang six songs; you can view the program here. Anyway, I had eleven seniors in this group, and I am really going to miss them. Graduation is set for May 14th, and the seniors' last day is May 8th. I can't believe the year is almost over!

Exhaustion Has Set In

Last night, I went with my mother to Walmart around 5:30PM. While there, I noticed that I was really tired. I don't know what was going on, but when we got home around 7:00PM, I told mom I was going to go lay down for a few minutes. I guess I was tired or something, because I did not move until 6:00AM! THIS MORNING! It was amazing. I haven't had a good night of sleep like that in a long time. I guess I was tired, huh?

Mile Three!

I did it!

Today I reached the 30 pound mark. I have lost exactly 30 pounds since beginning this crazy journey! None of my clothes fit anymore. I had to be extremely careful today when doing the Cha-Cha Slide with my fourth graders: my pants almost fell off during the dance!

I started doing Yoga this last week. I really, really, really can tell a difference in everything from just a few days doing this. My body feels so much better afterwards, and I have so much energy. I don't know why I didn't start doing this sooner! Walking is great, but you can only walk so long on a tredmill before you feel like a hamster on a wheel.

Anyway, I'm continuing to learn that I like different kinds of foods. I can tolerate salads now, even though I am still not a gigantic fan. I really like cottage cheese now, something I used to refuse to even look at unless it was in lasagna. I really like avocados and green pepper. I can't wait for all the Farmers' Markets to start operating again so I can get some fresh produce. Happy Friday!

H2O Overload...

I feel like all I do anymore is drink water and go to the bathroom. I guess that's why as of Friday, I have lost 28 1/4 pounds!

Praxis Shmaxis!

To become a licensed teacher in the state of Arkansas, you are required to pass the Praxis series of exams. See what I think of all these tests here.

The tests are three stages of exams designed especially for teachers. The first is very much like an ACT test. The second is a three part test covering specific content knowledge of your subject, lesson planning skills, and the principles of learning and teaching. These tests are completed before you can receive your initial teaching license from the state. The third test is given in the first two years of your teaching experience. It requires a state designated observer to come and observe your teaching skills in your classroom. My Praxis III was given today.

I've been working with a specific class all year and designated them to be the class I used for my observation. They are the most well-behaved class in the school, and their teacher is my mentor teacher, so that helped with some of the observations we've had to do. They were so cute today! We practiced coming into the classroom yesterday, to make sure they were sitting in the right seat and not causing too much commotion as they entered. As they came in to the room today, they were all perfect. One student even pulled me aside to tell me his mother, the band director, had told him to be extra good today because we were going to have a special visitor in the class and that I shouldn't worry about anyone being bad because he had told everyone about the very special visitor. How can you not smile at this?

Anyway, the class picked up really well on the lesson, and we got through everything I wanted to get through. I had even gone through and answered some of the interview questions earlier this morning, so I knew I was prepared. I signed off on all the paperwork and will receive my scores in the next few weeks. Keep me in your prayers! I really don't want to have to go through all this again next semester!

Their Round and Clear and Pop Really Easily...

Bubbles. I love bubbles. And I love sharing bubbles. I found these great "Bubble Wands" at Wal-Mart the other day for $1, so I bought a couple for the boys. Alright, they were mostly for me, but we had fun playing with them. Braden even took time to pose for a picture or two. At least we got some outside play time in between all the demolition at my new house and the possible snow we could get tomorrow. Boo! When will it ever be warm all the time?