LTC 2008 @ the Anatole

This past Easter weekend we experienced our first of many LTC's to come. I have been looking forward to this for quite some time. Probably more than the actual participant. ;) Needless to say after winning 3 golds and a bronze Davis wants to do it again next year! It was a great, fun, and tiring experience! Davis competed in drama, bible bowl, and puppets this year. He did a GREAT job if I say so myself!

I have so many things I'd like to post these days. However, I work outside the home now and that leaves less time to blog for me :( I hope to do more in the summer. One thing I did want to mention is my trip to IKEA on Saturday w/ my aunt Joy. We had a great time. I LOVE THIS STORE! It is something everyone should do if in the Dallas area. It was soooo worth it. I came home with a few treasures too. One is my new $6.99 lazy Susan. I have been wanting one for awhile but couldn't bring myself to pay the prices I have seen. I can't wait to return to this store, probably next year when we go to LTC...unless I get lucky.

I just finished a book called "There Are No Shortcuts" by Rafe Esquith. I was trying to prepare myself for what I was about to encounter at the two schools I am now teaching at. Well, Esquith refers to his school as "the jungle"...if it is anything like my two schools I know why he used this term. Although I have taught in the "jungle" before; my first year at Jackson Middle back in 1997 and then Workman JH in 2002, I quickly forgot what it was like. I am having to re-program myself. Both of the elementary schools I work for would be considered "inner city". "Inner City" can mean an abundance of things. Whatever your definition is, it most likely fits my situation. So far I am enjoying my job. So far the kids seem to like me and want to come to my class. I think for many of them it is the only time during the day that they can let their guard down. They know they will not be scrutinized for reading three grade levels below their actual grade.

Today I asked my 5th grade boy "D" if he felt comfortable taking his reader in to his class, he replied with "it's OK Mrs. Brown the kids already know I can't read, they won't make fun of me if that's what you mean". Wow! I was a little heartbroken to say the least. So far he is my favorite. Unfortunately this is his 3rd school this year. He also proceeded to inform me of all his cousins that attend this little school of only 98 students. Hopefully he stays until the end of May.

It's always amazing to me what God's plan is for me. The hardest part is not the "jungle" of a school I work at, it's missing my little Sophie everyday. Tonight she told me she missed me while I was at work. Yet another heartbreak. I think I will be OK. My mom is doing so many fun things with her and she gets to stay at her own house all day. I love that. She gets to sleep in her own bed for nap. I can call anytime and talk to her. June will be here before I know it! In turn this has been a better situation for Davis. He and doesn't have to wait for my attention when he comes home from school. He will also have both of his parents the majority of the summer.Smile.

Well I must get some shuteye before 6am rolls around. Goodnight.

OKC Art Museum

On Saturday Davis ventured to the OKC Art Museum with his Nana. I have to say he was reluctant to go. He mentioned he'd rather stay home and watch his cartoons. We don't have cable, so Saturday mornings tend to be a highlight of his weekend. Needless to say mama had something to say about passing up the invite. When he returned he was eager to tell us all about it. He had a great time! According to Nana he wanted to go through the glass blown art several times. I'm jealous I wasn't able to attend. I had to stay home and work on moving Sophie's room. She is now in her "big girl bed"! So far so good. Maybe some of you will have to visit the museum if you haven't already. Also, if you know of a glass blowing studio Davis would like to visit one...I think there is one E of I-35 off Memorial, anyone know about it???

How do they do that?


It's not so bad after all.