All right. had to take a brief break from all the grading. I think I may end up staying the night in my classroom. I still have to do my lesson plans after I finish grading.
My students had a Virginia state history test today and I got some interesting answers from them. Did you know that Yellowstone National Park has been moved to Virginia? Or, that Jamestown and Richmond are located in Fredericksburg? Or, that beer is the state beverage? Oh, how about Frederick, Prince of Wales, being a famous native or resident of Fredericksburg? These kids crack me up! The class did very well on this test, ranging from C-A+. I'm proud of them. Monday they turn in their actual notebooks they have been putting together. This VA history section has been hard on me since I'm not a history buff and I'm not from Virginia. I don't even Michigan state history! There will be things that I am going to change for next year now that I have a better understanding of this notebook myself.

Please keep my family in prayer. There is much strife, discontentment, and illness. This is a heavy burden on my heart. I want the Lord to work in their lives. The past few years have really shown me how the Lord has protected and provided for me. Growing up, I had no idea how a Christian was supposed to be. My family life did not include God, church, or religion. It wasn't until college that I realized how bad it really was. It was easy to pretend to the world that everything was all right. I was people-pleaser, teacher's pet, go-getter type in elementary, middle, and high school. I didn't share much of anything about my home life kids then. I kind of thought my life was "normal." College was a shocker to my whole thinking process. I'm certainly glad the Lord didn't give up on me when I had a rebellious attitude.

Well, it's time for me to get back to work. These penmanship papers aren't going to grade themselves.

Happy Leap Year Day!

My students are completely befuddled that an regular year is really 365 1/4 days long, which, of course, results in an extra day every 4 years. We just went over that in science class. But, in math class, the are drilled that "1 year =365 days; 365 days = 1 year." I had a girl ask if they should be saying "1 year =365 1/4 days; 365 1/4 days = 1 year." I do have a class of thinkers. :)

My new student is doing well. Yes, he is a bit of a slow worker, but I think he's got the material down. Now I just have to work at speeding him up a bit.

Well, this is a very short update. I still have to finish getting ready. Have a wonderful day!

I'm getting a new student today. I've already been told he's a "slow and steady" worker. Oh boy. I already a few students who work slowly or not at all. The office had put this child in the other class, but my supervisor told them no and that he needs to be in my class. My supervisor told me that yesterday. He even said that if I think that he doesn't like me, it's just the opposite. He left my room with a goofy grin and saying he loves me (no, not in a romantic way...he was being a goober!).
I had to rearrange the seating in the classroom again. The groups just weren't working out. Too many "he's kicking me!" and such. I hope the new arrangement works better. My classroom is tiny and fitting all the desks and students can be tricky.
I had a meeting with the special ed. department of a local elementary school and one of my student's parents. It was interesting, but the way they seem to deal with students makes it sound like they have a zoo in there classroom. "Let the students get up and walk in the back of the classroom) was one suggestion. Small room...no can do. Plus, all the other sets of eyes would be on the person walking, not facing front. I do find one suggestion feasible, though. I asked one of my students who has it all together to be a "backpack buddy" to the other child. The task was gladly accepted.
Well, I've got to finish getting ready. Today is my long day.

Lunar Eclipse

This is just so incredible!

Super Bowl Sunday

How Football Is Relative To Church Quarterback Sneak - Church members quietly leaving during the closing hymn.

Draw Play - What many children do with the order of service during worship.

Half-time - The period between Sunday School and worship when many choose to leave.

Benchwarmer - Those who do not sing, pray, work, or apparently do anything but sit.

Backfield-in-Motion - Making a trip to the back (restroom or water fountain) during the service.

Staying in the Pocket - What happens to a lot of money that should be given to the Lord's work.

Two-minute Warning - The point at which you realize the sermon is almost over and begin to gather up your children and belongings.

Instant Replay - The preacher loses his notes and falls back on last week's illustrations.

Sudden Death - What happens to the attention span of the congregation if the preacher goes "overtime".

Trap - You're called on to pray and are asleep.

End Run - Getting out of church quick, without speaking to any guest or fellow member.

Flex Defense - The ability to allow absolutely nothing said during the sermon to affect your life.

Halfback Option - The decision of 50% of the congregation not to return for the evening service.

Blitz - The rush for the restaurants following the closing prayer.