Halloween

Kason and Anika have been waiting for days for halloween.  Mostly because they were going to have fun parties at school and of course get a ton of candy.  It was the first year where Kade didn't really want to dress up but he still wanted to come with us to see our neighbors and family so I told him he needs some costume.  So the only thing he could think of was a vampire and I had fun putting make up on him.  I'm usually not for anything scary but it is fun making someone look totally different like that and since it is his last year of halloween I didn't mind.  I have to say, the best part about trick or treating is visiting with some friends/family that we don't see every day.  We went to Ehren's coworker's house who just moved into their house 3 weeks ago and gave us a tour of their place.  It was great seeing a house that had all the original appliances/flooring etc. from 1950s.  Ehren and I like visiting with people more than trying to race from door to door to see how much candy our kids can get.  And so it got a bit later when we got done and Kason and Anika were pretty tired when we got home.  But they had a fun busy day for sure.  And bonus - there's no school tomorrow. :)

And oh, back to the High school subbing - the one period I taught today was a joke.  When I thought it couldn't get any easier, I came into the classroom and there was a college student sitting there.  She said she is student teaching this class and I just have to sit in the back and observe her because legally she can't teach the class without another teacher in the room.  It is kind of funny how you get paid for pretty much doing nothing and you get a laptop to go with it in case you're too bored. :) But, it is a good thing I went because I got asked to come back on Monday to sub for an English teacher.  Wonder what that class will be like, probably reading some books and working on more work sheets.

high school

Well, after my start at the Elementary and Middle school I got to experience subbing at the High school.  I could not believe how much they kept calling me, after being there one day they would ask me if I can come back the next day and next so now I've subbed there for 3 days straight and going back this afternoon.  I really thought out of all 3 schools I would get the least amount of calls for High school because I heard they have plenty of subs but instead it is looking pretty busy over there.

So far I subbed for Study Hall, Special Ed and Math there.  The study hall I expected to be very low key and pretty much just watching the kids.  The day seemed forever long because I just had to sit there, take attendance and make sure everyone is behaving.  They did give me a laptop so I was able to browse online which still didn't help me feel really bored.  A friend told me she just reads her books there which is probably the only thing I could do.  So in that sense, I really disliked subbing there just because of the lack of activity/tasks. 

But I thought maybe Special Ed would be different and definitely Math would.  Well, Special Ed was very much like study hall except there were only 8 kids per class at the most.  During one period I had to have the kids read out loud from a novel and that was an experience as they had trouble reading very simple words.  I know that's why they're in special ed class, but I didn't see anything wrong with any of those kids as far as having a learning disability or anything like that, it's more lacking the motivation to study.  On another hand I was glad that I had at least one task to do with the kids and make sure they understand what they're reading.  Otherwise the day was very slow again, just like study hall.

But surely Math would be a whole other story I thought.  I thought for sure I'd have to do something with the kids, explain stuff or anything but there were a bunch of handout sheets they had to complete and when they were done they had free time.  And they didn't need my help at all because they just all got their answers from the books or the smart kids and the teacher did say that it's ok for them to work together.  So it was another long day.  One thing that I was really surprised about was when the Math teacher wrote on my instructions to please encourage the kids to work on their work sheets but if they don't, it's not worth the fight. I had to laugh to myself at that because it just shows that they don't get after the kids much at all.  Sure, they eventually get bad grades because they didn't finish their work and stuff but it's just interesting that he doesn't expect the kids to do what he told them to.  I think all the classes did really great and most of them did the work, even if some of them just copied it from a friend.  It was supposed to be review for a test in a couple of days so I hope they know it by then. :)

High school kids are way different than Elementary and Middle school kids.  It was a bit intimidating to me at first just because they're so tall and grown up looking but really most of them are just kids inside big bodies :) and it helps to remember that when I talk to them.  I have to say I don't get as much enjoyment out of subbing there as I do in the Elementary school where I need to be engaged with the kids the whole time.  A friend of mine only subs there because she likes how low-key it is and she can just do her own thing usually, but for me it would be really hard to do that day after day.
Occasionally yes, it's nice to have a slow day but every day would be hard and I'd have to get creative with what to bring with me that I can work on.  But I really can't complain because at least they are calling me and it must be the easiest earned money ever.  I am going back there for one period this afternoon (they have 90 minute periods so it's a bit long) and have no idea what class it's for so we'll see.  It's nice getting more familiar with the school and their schedule too so I look like I know what I'm doing.:)

busy Monday

Well, my Monday took off to a busy but a really fun start of my week.  At 7am I got a call to see if I can sub today and I was beyond excited that they actually called me.  And it was even more exciting because I was going to sub for Kason's teacher in Kindergarten.  She comes to our church but I am not very close with her so I didn't want to ask her to request me before but she knew I was trying to get into the door to sub so I think she might have requested me. 

I had no idea what to expect in Kindergarten and even though I did figure it would be a busy day, it was nonstop action for me.  My legs actually hurt now as I'm sitting down from running around the classroom all day. :) It sure makes you appreciate all that teachers do.  At the same time it was so much fun and I really loved it.  There is a retired lady that comes and helps with art projects and stuff for a bit in the morning and afternoon which was a great help but I really loved being alone too so I could just get the feel for how it's done and to be in charge of 20 kids by myself.  They were really good kids and listened very well.  I really thought they would be bouncing off the walls at least once for me but they sat quietly during story time and went right to work on their projects/jobs.  It is crazy how every 5 minutes of the day is accounted for and the teacher had a very detailed schedule for me of what activity/task the kids are to do when.  So the whole morning I was frantically trying to get all the notes right so I didn't miss any assignment but it worked out great.  I had a couple 30-40 minute breaks, one for lunch and one for when the kids had gym and music lessons.  So at least that gave me time to recoup and figure out if I know what to do for the next few assignments.  The day practically flew by and I barely even ate anything all day.  At the very end of the day a secretary came in asking how I was holding on and that she was going to come earlier to see if I was going crazy yet. :) Another kindergarten teacher next door too popped in at the end saying if I needed anything to ask her but the one problem I had with the laptop speakers not working she couldn't figure out either. 

So it really felt like a big accomplishment, just being able to get all that done with 20 kids who I've never seen before.  By the end though I knew most of their names and they were so fun to talk to and so eager to show me stuff.  During recess I was so excited that I didn't have to go outside with the kids because it was freezing cold with a strong wind.  I had to cringe watching at least 5 kids put on their "jackets" that were basically sweat shirts with no hats or mittens and bare necks and I almost told them they had to stay inside.  I kept telling them over and over to please tell their parents to bring warm clothes to school tomorrow.  At the end of the day my job was to bring most of the kids outside where the school buses were lined up and to drop each child to the right bus.  There was about 18 buses in line but it was super organized, every class walking in single line in order of which kids go on which bus so even though I was really nervous I would lose some kids on the way to the buses, it went really well and they all got on safely. :) Phew!  I was able to breathe again.  But I loved it and I can see how for so many it is really rewarding working with kids, even though it's a lot more challenging and draining than working with adults.

Tomorrow Kade and I get up at 6am and head to Grand Forks for his orthodontist appointment.  I am actually looking forward to it because since he has 2 appointments with a couple of hours in between we can go have some breakfast at Panera (my favorite) that just opened up there. :) 



   

embracing it...

There were no calls this week at all.  On one hand it feels frustrating and I'm just waiting for the phone to ring and on another hand I know this is how it is at the beginning.  Everyone says it gets crazy later and after this week I really hope it does.  I finally e-mailed a volunteer coordinator at the school who I know will plug me in to volunteer at the Elementary school.  I already have a "job" next week.  Since I'm not subbing though, I might as well be productive and help in different classrooms or library and at least it gives me a chance to get to know more people there.

I started out this week feeling really down about it, especially because I feel guilty about not making any money and contributing to our family.  We are actually surprisingly fine without my income, except for the extra big expenses that come our way like filling up our propane tank for the winter or a big dental bill that's due which makes it pretty tight.  And that makes me worry about this or that happening. 

But yesterday as I was crying out to God it's like I could feel Him telling me "It's ok.  This is where I want you, this is where your kids need you.  I'll take care of you."  And I realized it is so true.  After all these years of daycare and me having a full-time job before that I am finally able to stay home and just focus on our home and our kids.  This morning when the kids were getting ready for school and it was quiet and peaceful I had to smile and it hit me.  This is how my life should be, I am supposed to be the nurturer of our kids and be there for them when they come home from school.  Just the last few weeks I can tell such a huge difference in how much calmer our house is.  I'm not the stressed out mom I know so well who yells at her kids all the time just because there's no time for anything.  Now I have the time to clean up the house, to bake something yummy for kids when they get home, to make a good dinner, to give the kids full attention and focus when they get home and that is just priceless to me right now.  Kids will grow up before we know it and I don't want them to remember having a crabby and stressed out mom when they most needed her.  Even though they're in school now they still need their mom very much, sometimes even more so in the preteen years which can be so lonely and confusing. 

So I decided I'm going to embrace this new stage.  Instead of pouting about nobody calling me to sub, I can find joy in providing a warm and loving home for our kids and for my husband to come home to, and I get to spend time with them and cherish the moments we have together like never before.  Yes, it is sacrificing some luxuries and being very strict with our budget but in the end, this is what matters most and is something no money can buy.  And my marriage and kids are worth all of it and more.

     

crafty Saturday

Today has been just awful outside.  It was windy, rainy and cold.  So what am I to do with a whole day at home and not expecting any company or anything?  I go to work on my pallet wood project! :) I love doing stuff like that but it usually takes me a while to start because once I start painting and visualizing how I want it to look like I cannot stop until it's done. 

So that is why today was so great because I was able to finish it all, only thanks to Ehren who kept the kids busy with projects and worked with Kason and Ani on writing/reading.  That was so helpful and I was able to get the whole thing done.  A lot of people have some kind of a sign of Joshua 24:15 at their house - "And as for me and my house we will serve the Lord."  I've been wanting one for a while now but I wanted it to be from me, made by me and not something I just buy somewhere.  And then once I got the pallet board pieces for it I thought why should I write it in English.  Everyone I know has it in English and that's ok, but I'm a Slovak and the only thing that made sense was writing it in Slovak.  I had a perfect spot for it too, a bare piece of wall in our main entrance.  So I went to town, first painting the wood pieces and then stenciling and hand writing the letters onto it.  It always takes longer than you think because to mix the colors just right takes me a while.  But I got it done and I really like how it turned out.  I'm not sure if I like it hanging on the hemp thread so eventually I might nail the pieces together somehow.

I also finished painting my Romans 12:2 painting this week since I wasn't subbing.  I like it but it does look like a kid painted it, which someone mentioned to me.  I've liked this idea for a while and finally painted it.  I like having this visual reminder in front of me because it is so easy to fall into the trap of following what everyone else around me is doing.  Just because they are doing it, eating it, buying it, doesn't mean I should.  It is actually the verse that our adult Sunday School group goes by and one of the leaders asked me if I can bring the painting to our Sunday school room because he'd love to have Christan kids' art like that around. :) I had to laugh because yes, it looks like a 9 year old drew it and could easily draw.  But it doesn't matter, it's just funny.

So I'm just thankful for a quiet Saturday where I was able to work on something for me, something that didn't involve cleaning, cooking, baking, entertaining, etc. :)  It is great to have a break from it all for one day.  Now I may just take a nice hot bath to finish the day off. :)

first day in Middle School

Well, after not subbing all week (I'm finding out it's not that easy for a new sub like me to get into the rotation) I was able to get into the Middle school today and it went way better than I would have imagined.  I was subbing for a science teacher who's also the head tennis coach and was gone all day at a tennis tournament.

The first thing I am always dying to know is how much stuff did the teacher leave for me to do with the kids.  When I got to school and checked in (I even got to check out a mac book for me to use for whatever) the secretary told me the teacher probably left stuff for me in his classroom.  I went into his room and it was only a few minutes before the first class came in so I was frantically looking for instructions, anything, at least the list of the classes but I couldn't see one thing anywhere around his computer.  Only after a couple minutes of me trying to look all over his desk I realized there was another desk right in the middle of the room and phew - all the instructions were there, with a couple videos to watch with 4 classes, some work sheet for one and even hand notes with what to do.  So the first and second periods of 8th and 7th graders were great and I did everything we were supposed to.  The third period my friend who I met in the hallway warned me about because this class consists of all the biggest trouble makers, behavioral issues kids that they just put into one class so the rest of the classes don't get distracted.  I thought it was a bit strange because this poor class doesn't stand a chance.  There's always someone that just decides to go against the rules, misbehave just because and the whole class keeps getting grounded for things.  I feel bad for some of the kids there that get labeled like that, they're in "that" class.  So there are 2 helpers in the room which was great because they are obviously used to the kids and got them to listen really well.  So since I had the help I almost felt like I didn't even need to be there.

Then another strange thing was that 2 of my periods were made up of 5-6 kids and that was the class I was supposed to teach.  When I asked them how come it's such a small class I got the same answer from both classes - "because we're stupid and can't be in the regular science class".  I'm not sure how exactly the school manages to separate the "slower" kids from "regular" kids but I guess that is how it's done there and it makes you sad when the kids are even calling themselves stupid.  But let me tell you, if those kids were behind the regular kids we may be in big trouble. :)  My 4th period was 6th grade science where we actually got to work on stuff so I was excited.  The work was on their brand new material - converting in the metric system.  I could not believe that was the first time those kids have heard of converting from a kilometer to centimeter.  Some got it down right away, but most of the kids had no clue which way to move the decimal points or even telling a centimeter and millimeter apart on the ruler and were just copying stuff from friends' sheets.  So that was a bit of a sad moment but truthfully I'm not surprised.  I guess you just hope your child gets into an advanced class because there they get at least somewhat challenged.

So my first experience in the Middle school went great.  Some people were telling me how they would never sub at the Middle school but I can't complain and have to say that even though you have some very energetic boys at that age, I really like that age.  You can have more of a conversation with them and they're usually very eager to talk just about anything.  Maybe I wouldn't like it if I was the regular teacher of those kids but subbing for them isn't bad at all. :)