I Am Blessed

This past week was

Teacher appreciation week

Although its nice to feel appreciated for what I do, I try not to expect recognition for my ministry. My heart is to serve the Lord, teach my kids, and teach them to love God. Today some of my students came in with gifts. Some didn't---and bless their hearts they were upset. I told them that it was okay and they can give me a hug and that was all I needed. Some of my kids also decided to kiss my hands....so today I was showered with hugs, kisses, and lots of love. I love my kids and love what I do. 

Cookie Bokay---Too bad I have cut back on sweets....

Some of my precious goodies

Love the "Survival Kit" such a cute idea

:-)

One of my little boys remembered I love roses....so he brought me roses today. 

Hearts a student drew me

I have been needing a new book for church--for sermon notes. Love my new journal

A flower a student drew me (and yes that is Tony in the corner) I have a collage picture on my desktop at school

Precious Notes that make me smile

So sweet and precious :-)

Yay for a Starbucks Card! <3


Oh and last of all today I didn't eat lunch with my class for the first time....the administration ought lunch for the teachers and we got to eat in the workroom...I did miss my kids at lunch---but it was nice to be able to actually eat lunch and relax a bit. I also have  a few more lunch times with my kids...oh how I will miss eating lunch with them all...

This is my LIFE!

Hugs, laughs, smiles, a few tears here and there--silly faces...this is my life as a teacher. My class and I have certainly had our days the last few weeks...but each day no matter what has been memorable. I am taking more and more pictures now that the year is coming to an end and getting a little mixed emotions about my 20 "little blessings" going to a new teacher. I hope and pray I have been a good influence in their life--and pray that someday all of them will come to a saving knowledge of God. My hearts desire is to love my students as Christ loves them...I have to admit some days are harder than others--but my students are my life. :) I love my ministry to 20 precious kids (and their parents too).

 

One of my little girls and I. This girl is so sweet and affectionate. She tells me at least 5+ times-- "I love you Miss Page." I printed this picture out and placed  it on her desk. Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree and she ran out the door to show it to her mom. 

Silly faces before school---using the fun distortion setting on my phone. 

Another one my sweet students and I. This little girl was saved at home. I was so excited when she came to school to tell me that she had asked Jesus into her heart. She is not only my student, but my sister in Christ. 

 

These two girls are cousins--they like trying to take my bench or "push me off" when they are at recess.

Yes, I like my setting that does funny faces.

End of the year board-I have several policeman, princesses, doctor, veterinarian, fireman, teachers, and my favorite....A GIANT

One of my little boys drew this this week and brought it to me and wished me a "Happy Mother's Day"

Yes we love pictures. 

...and again....we love pictures

Sweet little boy---he wants to be a chef someday. 

I Have the BEST Students Ever!

Last week, I had to apologize to my class for raising my voice too much at them when they were in trouble. I read to them Ephesians 4:32, and told them with how many times I told them to be kind to others I wasn't being kind to them. The Lord really impressed upon my heart my failure as a godly example. I spoke to my class and asked them to forgive me for being unkind. I shared with them that even grown ups make mistakes, and that especially teacher do wrong  and are not always perfect. After it was all over with they started drawing me pictures and putting them on my desk. This is most of the pictures they have given me---some are still at school. But, I do have the best class ever and

LOVE     LOVE

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE

LOVE LOVE LOVE

LOVE

MY STUDENTS---ALL 20 SWEET students who brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart and life every day. Their hugs, smile, and pictures are three things I will always treasure this!

Five Minute Friday: Here

I am looking forward to writing this week's prompt--mainly because its been a few weeks since I've posted a Five Minute Friday and this week has also reminded me of why I am here...here teaching at a Christian school.


So here it goes: BEGIN

Lesson plans, grading papers, tutoring, conferences, discipline, and hugs. This is my life and these are my days. There are days why I wonder why I chose to have a ministry in education. There are days I think I may want to do something else...like work at Starbucks or sit in an office. Then the Lord always does a little something that reminds me why I am here teaching 20 precious children reading, writing, arithmetic, science, social skills, and Bible. I am here because God wants me here. He sent me here to minister to 20 students and their parents. He sent me to be a shining example in a dark world. He sent me here to give children who have hard home lives a hug and a smile and extra encouragement. He sent me here to encourage students struggling academically that they can do it. He sent me here to teach these boys and girls about Jesus and how he loves them. He sent me here so I can learn to love others as Christ loves them--as he loves me and as he loved me before I received Him. He sent me here to bring laughter and smiles into children's lives, and to show them its okay to laugh at yourself when you do something funny {trust me I laugh at myself a lot and we laugh a lot in class}. He sent me here to LOVE 20 children this year. In the end the work, tears, stress, and even the days I just want to go home are worth it when I reflect on why God sent me here. I love what I do, and can't imagine doing anything else but being a teacher.

 

Students writing me notes

 

A flower a student gave me-made my day (even though its silk)

 

Flat Teacher a fun project we did this year--my student took her home along with a note book and wrote me a story about what they did with "Flat Teacher"

A Day in the Life of a ME at school 2012

5:45 Alarm goes off...I think about getting up, hit snooz
6:00 alarm goes off again...I think about getting up, hit snooze
6:45-7:00 I decide I must get up and get ready
7:00:7:25 I walk to my bathroom and look in the mirror and then walk away and stand in front of my closet, then walk to the bathroom  again and decide what to do with my hair and apply my makeup. i finally decide the outfit for a day and get dressed, one last look in the mirror....grab my coffee cup, pour the coffee, take my vitamins, serch for my keys, and run out the door....oh and I did brush my teeth somewhere in there
7:30- Teacher meeting/Duty
7:50 The students arrive....I tell them to be quiet because I don't like noise in the morning...they look at books, do work, do a puzzle...while I am checking email and replying if needed
8:15-Attendance
8:30 Pledges/Song Time
8:35-9:00 Bathrooom time *where I tell several kids who like to play to stop*
9:00-9:30 Bible time....my favorite time of the day----hardest time for my kids to focus
9:30-10:45 Seatwork/Phonics/Reading Group/Handwriting/Story time.....around 10:00 a bathroom break
10:45 Lunch time...I have learned to eat lunch very fast, open many things, and pour milk in a timely matter...some days we have cupcakes for bdays and on Tuesdays bake sale
11:15-11:25ish pack up lunch, throw away trash, line up, clean table
11:25-11:35 Put lunch boxes away, go to the restroom
11:40-12:00 Outside Time
12:00-12:30 I HAVE A BREAK....YAY
12:30-12:35 Finish coloring if needed....get ready for math
12:35-1:15 Math Time
1:15-1:30 Get ready for rest time, pack folders, bags, etc
1:35-1:50 Bathroom/drink
2:00-2:45 REST TIME!! (this is actually a stressful time bc some of my kids don't want to rest.....this time I try and grade papers, rest my weary feet, write if I am in the mood)
2:45 Get up and get ready to go home
3:00-3:15 Dismiss (lots of hugs and good byes)
3:15-3:45 Help Class---(M T TH) On Wednesday I try and go home right at 3:30 and Friday by 4 I want to hit Starbucks and go home

AFTER SCHOOL

I try and go home relax, maybe go to the store, currently I have started to walk....cook dinner eat, watch TV, and grade a mountain of papers.....by 11:00 I am in bed MOST of the time


Teaching is an exhausting career, but I do love every moment of it,.

(Almost) Two Years Later

Around this time two years ago, I was anticipating having nose surgery. I had a gazillion thoughts going through my head....wasn't sure if this was something I should do--but at the same time I had peace about having the surgery done. The Lord had timed everything, provided a wonderful doctor, insurance had approved the surgery--and then there was the waiting period to go have it done. I never thought that day would come--but it did! So to reflect what has happened the past two years here you go!!! :-)

  A few days before my surgery.

 

 

The day after...or a few days after 2010

 

 

2013-almost two years after.

 

2012- almost two years after

Easter 2012

 My  friend Tony

My dear friend and "big sister" Lori.

more pics to come later....