Janelle and the hard day.

Today was a hard day.
It just was. No matter what way you look at it, it was tough.
I feel like I have a pattern. Things slowly build up one day at a time and then suddenly I just break.
This usually means lots of tears.
Then I pick myself up and start again.
My kids are great, but life outside my little room seems to be so much harder.
I'm not sure what to do.

Yesterday for FHE one of my roommates shared this thought that came to mind on my drive home from work. She reminded us of the story from the New Testament when Christ is awakened by the disciples and calms the storm that is raging outside. She paralleled this to our lives. Sometimes Christ comes and calms the storms in our life. Other times, he comes and all he does is calm the sailor, us, our storms are still there. They still rage outside our doors, but he helps us find a way to withstand the wind. I feel like that sailor. Blown about too and fro but still holding on and trying to remain calm in the whirlwind.

Lori.

I have the best momma, really, she's the best.
I love every minute I get to spend with her. The last two days were not enough.
We were laying on the couch watching TV a couple days ago and she told me I was her best friend. Guess what, she's mine too.
Home is always the best. Lots and lots of good food. Great times with my cute family. I met my cute new dog Hickory.

Can't wait for Thanksgiving!

10/18

Things have been going so well...In school ;)
I'm not sure why, but I'm trying to love every minute of it. My class is so great, I look forward to spending each and every day with each of them, seriously each and every one of them. They're the greatest.
Today I was observed by my principal. Super intimidating, but it went splendidly. I hope he liked it because I thought it was divine.
Danville bound tomorrow! (Nothing beats that statement)
Thank you UEA (something I never grew up with but I appreciate as a teacher)

Miss Webb is Missing!

Today I had intern training all day...boo...it's actually not bad, it can just get boring, and it is annoying to write sub plans. I have the best sub though, she is a mother in my class and is the best!
Anyway, today I left a special assignment for my little children to do. If you've ever read the book Miss Nelson is Missing! you know that it is a gem. A teacher has the worst behaved class ever so she goes missing. The sub that comes to take care of them is horrible and all the students want their teacher back. There is also a fun twist at the end, go read it!
I had my sub (who is wonderful not terrible) read the book to my kids and then I gave them the assignment to write a story of where I was and draw a picture. The result was hilarious! They are so funny!
These kids are a riot. Here are some gems.
Possible (What I wish I was actually doing): "Miss Webb is maybe at the spa getting her hand and feet done. (just one hand) Getting them mashased (massaged) and her toes nails and finger nails are painted. And shes having fun without use (us)"

Not a bad day I would say.

Maybe I shouldn't wear large flowers in my hair....or tell them about my fear of clowns...."today Miss Webb Dident come to school today And we had A suBsitout I think She got stuck in a fluffy living flower (Wait....aren't all flowers alive?) that moves and It swallowed her. Or she got stuck In a maze and she tock the not scary exit. Because there were scary clowns. So She was so scared And She was late"

I think the ocean themed room may be rubbing off on him..."Miss Webb is Missing I think she went to the ocean and she was scoobidiving and she found a well (whale). Then she got on the well and started to go sround the ocean. Then she sleped with the wells over night. After that she got to feed there baby well. Then she starting coming back but she found a dolfin (my favorite!) and right now she is riding with a dolfin family. The End"

I'm still trying to figure out what happened here...At least the gorillas were mean for taking me..."Miss Webb is Missing today! She might got caried away by grillas! She was probaly sleeping like a inisint little baby. When those stupid, mean, rude grillas came and cidnaped her! And there pribly in the gungle bring a monkey!"

The novel that leaves me weary of birds....and moles. "When Miss Webb's class got into the classroom they realized something was wrong. For a second they couldn't figure out what was wrong but then someone shouted out 'Miss Webb is missing!' The classroom was filled with chattering. Everyone whispering or talking. 'Maybye she went to a different country' 'Or she got carried away by eagles!!!' Finally everyone agreed on one thing....She was captured by the animals that escaped the zoo last night!!!! No one was absolutely sure so they went to Miss Webb's house. (How do they know where I live?!) On the way there was more suggestions "The flamingos probably carried her along with the three eagles." "The moles probably put her in a underground chamber." "The caterpillars threw her in the trash!" (That was a weird comment.) (the last parentheses was actually part of the story...haha!) When they got to the house they tried everything. They knocked on her door, rang the doorbell, and banged on the windows. They gave up in despair. The next day she still wasn't there. Where is she. Find out next time on channel 37."

They're so great.

xoxo
j

best moments of the day.

1. Dinner with daddy - having him tell me how good I look, how happy.
2. Conversations with mom - gosh I just love her.
3. Forget-me-nots, I'm still on a spiritual high from this talk. It just sticks with me for some reason.
4. Having my mentor/BYU professor Lynnette come and observe me today. I wanted to impress her so badly and she had such wonderful things to say to me. She's been with me since the beginning, since I started the education program. She talked about how much I've grown and the progress I've made and there is nothing better then having someone tell you how impressed they are with you and how proud they are. love it.
5. Having ash jan call and tell me she wants to come in and watch me teach on friday.
6. Realizing that no matter what happens in my class, I am the adult, I am in charge and things do not have to get to me. I can brush off problems and keep moving.

love,
j

the big 5

In education we always talk about the "big 5". This usually refers to the 5 most important things in literacy. Ever since i have been teacing i've been having a hard time staying up to date on my journaling. Not exactly a shocker, but still sad. So whenever I get a chance I want to hopefull post my big 5 for the day.
Today's Big Five so far...
1. My dad is coming tomorrow! what!
2. I was flipping through journals today and I found this lovely.
"My teacher is the best and nicest teacher ive ever had. She lets us read a lot. She gave us journals to write in. She even lets us pick prizes if we win a drawing. She let's us write on her promethean board, she lets us read her books, she even got us our own book marks. I hope my sister will get Miss Webb when she is in fourth grade. If she does she will have the best year of elementary school if she does get her. Once again, my teacher Miss Webb is the best and nicest teacher ive ever had."
This was written by one of my favorites, I know I shouldn't have favorites, but hey I do.
3. A cute girl in my class brought me fall leaves she collected this weekend (aren't they precious)
4. It was pizza day at school! I love pizza.
5. I just have such a good class, they are so cute and so funny. I adore them so much, even when they are driving me crazy. I am so blessed.

Forget me nots.

I've always loved this little flower and now Elder Uchtdorf gave me a beautiful talk I can always remember when I see them.
1. Forget not to be patient with yourself.
2. Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.
3. Forget not to be happy NOW
4. Forget not the "Why" of the gospel
5. Forget not that your Heavenly Father loves you


For the full talk, which I highly recommend it is wonderful, click here