Do Teachers Age Faster?

My title kind of makes me laugh, but the past couple weeks, I've realized that I'm starting to show signs of aging!  Yes, I'm 27, and no, I don't look 61 (my mom's age), but I definitely have fine lines under my eyes and the starting of wrinkles on my forehead.    So, what did I do?  First, I got out my tub of eye cream and started using it twice daily.  Second, I went to the drug store and bought a tub of Olay Total Effects night cream (I had a $3 coupon and CVS gave me $2 off!).  I'm hoping this will help slow, treat, and prevent more wrinkles (without breaking out my face).  Again, I'm 27 and more than single, so I can't risk things getting worse! :)

Am I alone in this battle?  Any suggestions?

In other news, I have the itch to buy a new car.  I'm seriously looking at the 2013 Rav4 (when it comes out).  Right now, I'm working on a having a decent down payment... even though I wouldn't need one.  My main concern at this point is the Fiscal Cliff.  If we go over, I'll have to see what my paychecks are going to look like to determine if I'll still be able to afford a higher car payment.  Let's cross our fingers that our government can get it together and come to a decision for the common good.

I hope everyone has a safe New Year!  Professional Development on Wednesday and the kids are back Thursday!  It goes by so fast!

Until next time...

Cutest Gift Bags Ever!

Today, I put together the gift bags I made for my students.  I have to say, they turned out adorable.  I found a cute card on Pinterest that I used as the label, and simply used a brown paper bag for the "gift bag".  Inside every bag is a chapter book, candy cane, Swiss Miss hot chocolate, and a Mini Moon Pie. :)   I forgot to bring home glue last night and discovered that Mod Podge can be used like regular glue!  At the top, I punched two holes and tied the bag shut with a little bit of curling ribbon.  What do you think?

Tomorrow, after we fit in reading and math, we're going to have a quick "celebration" with drinks and snacks, go to lunch, watch The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and send them on their way!  Merry Christmas!

Too Horrific to Comprehend

I don't get it.  I can't begin to comprehend.  How could someone do this to these precious babies... to these heroic adults?  There is no sense in this tragedy.  I've been drawn to the news since yesterday, but with swollen eyes and a heavy heart, I'm making myself turn it off.  Let's rejoice in the fact that children were saved when Victoria Soto thought to hide her students and then stand between them and the gunman.  Kaitlin Roig, and many other teachers, thought fast enough to lock their doors and hide while protecting and loving their students.  Heaven forbid, if this should ever happen at my school, it is my prayer that I will be as brave as these teachers.

Too early, as it may be, we have 26 new angels in Heaven.  

Gift of Words

Just a quick post today.  My principal gave us an assignment earlier in the week to come up with encouraging words or phrases for every member of our staff.  There was no chance of me sitting down to come up with a personalized, individual message, so I decided to make a generic card for everyone.  I'm not sure if I've done what I'm supposed to, but I think it's cute.  (And by no means did I come up with the idea... I've seen it all over pinterest.)  One of my favorite Christmas quotes is from Elf, so I put it on a chalkboard image along with a "Merry Christmas" message.  What do y'all think?  I'm printing 6 to a page (14 pages).

Stress, Accidents, and Observations

It has been a while since I last posted, but y'all, I am in a funk!  I have had a really stressful last couple weeks.  Two weeks ago, I felt the muscle on the left side of my neck tighten up.  I've been in pain ever since.  Nothing has helped.  This tends to make me slightly irritable.  I'm sure you all can understand.  If it doesn't ease up, I'm going to have to find a doctor up here.  It's just ridiculous!

Last week started ok and ended in disaster.  Thursday, one of my students was hurt.  Really bad.  As in ambulance called.  I hope none of you ever have to hold gauze to a child's head, feeling blood pumping, until an ambulance can arrive.  Worst. Day. Ever.  Luckily, I held it together until they wheeled him away.  I have to say that I work with amazing ladies!  All I had to say to one of my teammates was, "I need you," and she was there and took care of my class.

Friday, we had 10 principals in the building doing random observations.  We were told that if our classroom was chosen, to continue teaching normally.  HA!  We were told to have a conversation with our classes telling them to act as normal as possible.  HAHA!!  I don't know a single teacher or student that would act normally with 10 principals staring at them.  The purpose was for them to be better trained with the NC Teacher Assessment system we're using.  Honestly, I think they would have had more accurate observations by recording classrooms.  BUT, what do I know?  Thankfully, I wasn't chosen.

8 more days...

To end on a positive note, I was able to get a free Elf on a Shelf kit this year, and decided to use it in my classroom.  I was unsure if the 5th graders would get into it, but they really have!  One morning, I had "Sammy" make a mess with my supply storage boxes, and when I turned on the lamp that sits on the table, the bulb blew.  I told the class that Sammy must have broken it!  Later, I heard that a student in another class told his teacher, "I'm glad we don't have an elf.  Ms. R's breaks things."  I love it.  Here is a picture of where we found "Sammy" this morning! :)