Some People Have No Class

What a day! I wasn't in my classroom today, but I was definitely at work. That's right, folks. The two words that evoke the most mixed emotions in the teaching profession - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. I personally love professional development - because I love learning. On the other hand, I'm what my family calls a control freak, OCD, anal retentive, etc. (and that's just my husband), so leaving a sub in charge is very difficult for me. Additionally, one can never be completely sure that the PD will be worth your time. This one, thankfully, was well worth the time and money (well, the school district's money). Wonderful presenter, awesome location, and highly relevant material. It's one of those conferences I come away from excited to get back to school and implement what I learned. Alas, I will have to wait. I will not have students tomorrow, and the rest of the week is already planned out - and of course, Halloween is Friday so you can imagine the interest level of the kiddos! My new found wealth of knowledge will have to be contained until next week! (I hope my brain doesn't explode before then.)

So Many Tomes, So Little Time

OK. So anybody who knows me well, knows how much I like to read. I'm typically engrossed in up to 5 books at any one time - usually stacked on my nightstand, but occasionally sliding around in my car somewhere. (Yes, I'm one of those people who can read while riding in a car!) Mostly I prefer reading non-fiction, but on occasion have found a fiction book or series worthy of my time. Quickly, I'll share with you what I have recently read or am currently reading. Then I'll wrap up with some thoughts on what I am considering reading next and open it up to suggestions.

Just finished reading:
The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom. An extraordinary story of a courageous christian woman who not only survived unimaginable horrors at the hands of Nazi's, but managed to spread Christ's message to see lives transformed forever.

Currently reading:
Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Life Spaghetti by Bill and Pam Farrel. Absolutely hilarious - made more so because you will see yourself and your spouse everywhere in this book. A relationship help book that doesn't read like one!
Out of the Salt Shaker & into the World by Rebecca Manley Pippert. You don't have to be scared to share the goods news. A profoundly inspiring book with immediate real-life applications on how to make evangelism a way of life.
Tortured for Christ by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand. Another great story depicting the experiences of a Romanian pastor who spent 14 years in Communist prisons. This book is free from Voice of the Martyrs (VOM).
don't waste your life by John Piper. (Todd, I hope you can appreciate that I chose to read a Calvinist!) This book warns against getting caught up in a life that counts for nothing and reminds us that God made each us to "live with a single passion: to joyfully display his supreme excellence in all the spheres of life." Wonderfully written. Here is a great quote from the book: "Only one life, 'twill soon be past; Only what's done for Christ will last."
Christmas Out of the Advent Box by Benjamin R. Husted and family. This is actually a reread from about a year ago. This book is an invaluable resource for how to share the real reason and joy of the season (not just the day). Wonderful ideas and scriptures for EVERY day of the advent season. Truly a remarkable book and a must read for all families.

Now that I'm ending my long (and amazingly incomplete) list, I'm considering beginning the Twilight series. If anyone out there has any recommendations for quality fiction, let me know. I have a feeling that after I complete all these, I just might be ready for a break from reality!

Where Have All the Weekends Gone

I can't believe the weekend is almost over! Like usual, I had to spend at least a few hours of the weekend working at school. Although, I can blame it on the fact that I won't be there Monday, instead of the fact that I'm somewhat of a perfectionist. Other than a few hours at the "office", we did some housework and had some friends over for a casual dinner. Of course, with their son and our two boys being present, the evening wouldn't have been complete without a Star Wars movie!
Mark is preparing for services tomorrow. The boys and I (or I should just say "I" since they didn't actually have anything to do with the decision) will not be traveling to Dry Ridge tomorrow. We have a busy week coming up and we'll be there all next weekend.
Speaking of next weekend - it's almost Halloween! The boys are so excited. If you've visited Mark's blog, then you've seen pics of the boys. Ethan is going to be Boba Fett and Logan is Darth Vadar. I'm taking the easy (comfortable) road, and will be dressed in scrubs as a nurse or a vet. Hopefully next weekend I will have some great pics to post (just as soon as Mark teaches me how to do that!).

Making The Grade

Well, the first quarter has ended for me and the boys. All in all, we had a very successful beginning to the school year. I'm having a wonderful time teaching at the Jessamine Early Learning Village. Though very challenging, you won't find a better group of people to work with. For the first time in any teaching position, I feel valued as a teacher and am enjoying the professionalism that abounds at JELV.

The boys just received their first grade cards and we are so proud! As a reminder - Ethan is in first grade at Wilmore Elementary and Logan is in Kindergarten at JELV. At this young age, letter grades are not used. Students are given either a 1, 2, 3, or 4.

1 Novice - needs additional time and help
2 Apprentice - making progress, but requires much support
3 Proficient - meets expectations with little support
4 Distinguished - meets expectations independently; may exceed expectations

Logan received mostly 3's and 4's with just a couple of 1's (mostly related to his handwriting, which we already knew he needed help with). Ethan received mostly 3's with a couple of 4's. Overall, they both did exceptionally well!

Since this is my first post, I will keep it short for now. God bless!