Off of survival mode and on with living

Last year, I thought my second semester was worlds better than my first. And it probably was. But it is no comparison to how I am feeling going into my second year of teaching. I am far from a seasoned professional, but everything has been going so smoothly. I have realized that even after improving on many things, I spent most of the year just trying to survive. I think I did accomplish some good things and that my students learned something. However, this year I already feel a huge difference. I feel like I am really living, both at home and at school. I know that there might be moments where I get really stressed this year and go into survival mode, but so far I've felt on top of things... weird for me.

So let me tell you a little bit about my class. I have 22 wonderful students. I have 12 boys and 10 girls. They are probably some of the cutest 5th graders ever to walk the planet. From the first day, I can just tell it's going to be a great year. They are full of life and are so loving, but they are obedient and really want to learn. They are funny. They are sweet. My day is filled with hugs and plenty of love. Once again, I know they won't be perfect and they will frustrate me on certain days, but I truly love them already. My favorite quote so far from my students came from our science experiment we did on Monday.

"Miss I want to stand up front so that I can see it in HD."

Also, getting ready for a social studies lesson where the students were reading books about Native Americans, one of my students said to me:
"I am excited for social studies to learn about the shoes."
"The shoes?"
"You know, the shoe indians?"
"Oh! You mean the Sioux Indians"

My students also discovered today that I am not married or engaged, nor do I have a boyfriend. They have promised me that they will find one for me by the end of the year. One of my students said to me:
"Miss you want to marry a man who loves Jesus?"
Yes, please. Maybe I'll trust these students. ha ha. =)

In other news, here is an update on my being grateful. I found a little book that I got on my kindle that is a 21 days of gratefulness challenge. Everyday it includes a little devotion. Also, the challenge (although it is encouraged to change it if you need to) is to think of three things you're grateful for: physical, spiritual, and relational. Also, to find one person you can thank each day and write them a hand written thank note. This person sent hers in the mail. Unfortunately, I'm a bit limited. So unless I can sneak a note somewhere for people around here, I am limited to email and facebook if I want to thank someone at home. So far, it's been great. Here are a few more of the things I've been thankful for lately:
-I am thankful for our house and time to just work and hang out together.
- I am thankful for a great first day of school to start off the year.
- I am thankful for cereal to eat in the mornings.
- I am thankful for God's unconditional love shown through other people in my life.
- I am thankful for enough clothes to wear.
- I am thankful for a God in whom I can trust because He never leaves me or forsakes me.
- I am thankful for teachers who have been here longer than me (like Kristi) who can give good advice. Specifically for Kristi, because she is also a great friend and easy to talk to. =)

Well, that's a little update on how my life with my students has been so far! Can't wait to keep you updated! Pictures will come soon... I really need to upload my camera.