Playing Catch-up

I have been a bad blogger lately. On Monday, I went on a little retreat with the ladies on my grade level. One of our teachers retired after 33 years, and we wanted a time to fellowship and relax with her. I am going to miss her. She brings so much to our grade level. We call her Miss Hospitality because she never forgets a birthday, anniversary, or any other occasion. Another lady on our grade level has a family member that has a house in Seven Devils, NC, and she offered it to us for free! I didn't take pics, but it was beautiful. We watched movies, slept late, played cards, pigged out at Daniel Boone Inn Restaurant, and laughed a lot.
I returned home on Wednesday and scrambled around trying to get all the last minute items for Clint and Cassie's trip to Puerto Rico. Then, I spent most of the day Thursday packing Clint for PR because he had to work all day, and then he had banjo practice. Thursday evening we went to the church to weigh in their luggage and have one last meeting. Following the meeting, we took the kids to eat at Fatz. Clint let Cassie choose where we ate because he figured it would be her last meal for a while considering she's such a picky eater. Wasn't that sweet!!
Early Friday morning, Callie, Bailey, and myself took Clint and Cassie to the church for their long awaited trip. (I have pics but they are on the camera that is in PR right now!) After their departure, a friend of Callie's came home with us for the day. I took the girls to Mickey D's for lunch and to the movies to see the American Girl movie. (good movie) After the movie, I realized that I had locked my keys in my car. I guess I was being punished for smuggling Dollar Tree candy into the theatre!! My mom went to my house to get my extra key, and by the time she brought it to us it was time for Callie's friend to go home.
Callie was invited to a birthday party last night, also. I decided to stay with her at the party since Terry was cutting grass at home, and I had been on the verge of tears all day due to sending my older kids to a foreign place. I figured if I stay it would keep my mind occupied. The party girl's parents had rented a huge water slide for the kids to play on. They had a ball. Except...when Callie blacked her own eye with her own knee! (I would show you a pic except both of my cameras are in PR.)
Today, I am gathering my things for a trip I am taking to Hickory. My school was selected to attend the NC Teacher Academy for Science, so they are sending 1 teacher per grade level, and I was chosen for 4th. It is an all expense paid trip, and I will also be getting a stipend. I will be there from Sunday evening until Thursday afternoon. I have mixed emotions about going. I want to go and learn, but I want to be here with Callie too. Pray for me, I am having my own little pity party this weekend.
Well, I guess I have caught all 3 of my readers up!! Callie is begging to go swimming , so I think we will go to my mom's for a dip.

Why a public school teacher?

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

This verse brings to mind the reason I am a public school teacher. People often ask me why I spend so much time working at school and working on school especially since the pay is not much. The truth is my mind never truly stops thinking about the children I am serving. To me, school is my mission field. Currently, I teach 4th grade, and I know this is where God wants me to be. I believe that, even in a public school, children should feel safe, loved, and successful. Teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic is not all I do as their teacher. God has given me the opportunity and responsibility to act as their mother, nurse, and counselor while they're in my care. And while the state puts pressure and mandates on what these kids should know, their basic needs, beginning with love, are the most important things to me. Many of these same kids attend our bus church, and although I don't work in the bus church, I am blessed that people I know, love, and fellowship with are also getting a chance to impact their lives. Its not very often that the parents of these children say thanks or give you a pat on the back. However, my work is not in vain. That look a kid has when he/she gets it, or that hug he/she gives, and when a kid sits with you at recess just because he/she can, or even that note a student writes to you when you have not had a good day is reward enough for me. I thank God for the opportunities he gives me.

Field Trip

Back in May, my grade level went to Linville Caverns and Gem Mountain. We had a great trip. Since Callie was in the same grade I teach, I was able to go on this trip with her. Terry also took the day off and traveled with us. We traveled in style by charter buses.

Callie getting all comfy cozy on the bus ride to Gem Mountain.

My assistant enjoyed Gem Mountain too.

Callie had a ball looking for treasures.

Terry panning for gold!

At Linville Caverns

Callie, her teacher, and some of her classmates, waiting to go inside the cavern.

The fish living in the stream that runs through the cavern.

Callie inside the cavern.

Callie and 2 of her best buds from school outside of Linville Cavern.