Christian the Lion.

Are you in need of a good, from-the-heart, never felt so happy cry?

If so, you have to watch this video. I've seen it before, but I tear up just thinking about it. I watched it again today and my eyes still sting from crying! But, my heart feels so full and glad.

So, if you dare, take a look. Don't forget the tissues before you press play- you'll need them!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adYbFQFXG0U

Ah choo.

Great news! Mark was back in school today and feeling fine. He laughed along with us about the sneeze. That is what I love about 7th graders- they can take a joke and aren't afraid to laugh at themselves.

Oh Friday, I cannot wait until you are here. Don't get me wrong- I love my students. I love teaching. But I need some sleep! I am ridiculously excited to sleep in Saturday morning. I might even take a little nap when I get home tomorrow before working on my Plant unit.

I may even take a small nap now...

Take that.

From class yesterday:

Student A: Are viruses contagious?

Me: Yes, you can catch some viruses pretty easily.

Student A: How do you catch a virus?

Me: Well, there are a lot of ways. Some are air born, some you can catch through contact with other people... lots of ways.  If someone coughs on you and they are carrying a virus, you can catch it.

*Burst of laughter from the back of the room*

Me: What's so funny boys?

Student B: Well, um, ha ha ha. Today at lunch, (stops to breathe through a laugh), I turned my head to sneeze, ha ha, and I didn't cover my mouth with my arm fast enough, ha ha ha, and I sneezed all over Mark's face! It got in his mouth!

Me: Speechless.

When I learned that Mark was out sick from school today, I couldn't help but giggle. Now how is that for authentic learning?

**Disclaimer: I hope Mark is feeling good as new tomorrow!

Good Morning Starshine.

I was greeted by a beautiful sunrise on this warm November morning, and it was lovely. I took a picture with my phone, but cannot seem to get it on here. It may be added later, though!

I am pooped. I mean dragging my feet, collapsing as soon as I walk in the door, drained of all energy, pooped! I knew teaching was going to be hard work, and I am fine with that. But how in the world am I supposed to write a 10 day unit to start teaching on November 19 if I can't even keep my mind focuses on something as simple as the television after 3:30 PM? I'm at the library now, trying to get this stuff typed up, and my mind cannot seem to hold any information.

It definitely didn't help that I couldn't get to bed early last night- I was dying to know who the new president was and would not rest until I knew! Even though I was sure it would be Obama (I've been pretty sure for weeks now and was positive after about the 2nd hour of precinct reporting), I had to know for sure. Just the way I am, I guess! (:

My heart broke for John McCain last night. This was his last shot, and his final speech just got to me. You can really see how much that man loves his country. I know that God has chosen the right person to lead our country, but I just want to give John McCain a giant bear hug and have a cup of coffee with him or something. Such a class act, that man.

I suppose I should flit off and try to get some of this lesson done. Anyone have any awesome ideas on how to teach plants to 7th graders?

May God bless President Obama.

May God bless President Obama. Though he was not my candidate of choice, I am proud to be an American today. Here's to a bright future for all!

One of my best friends

One of my best friends was engaged tonight! Congratulations to Danielle and Matt, who I am so happy for and not the LEAST bit jealous...

8:38 PM

I am still a bill ball of nerves over here! I know I have to get up at the crack of dawn and teach, and that I need to make myself turn the lights out and the computer off by 10 PM, but man, oh, man! This is so scary and exhilirating and just... wow. Crazy that it is actually today!

Just ramblin' to keep my mind focused and my nerves in check. (:

The 4th of November.

We are minutes away from the first poll closings and reports. I am so nervous!

I know that God already knows who will win, but I cannot help but pray that He chooses the right person. Like I should have any doubt!

I guess I've just never been too into politics before, so this is all quite new to me.

God Bless America.

Election Day.

Ya know what I did today?



That's right.



I hope you did, too!

(And sorry for the crappy cell phone pictures! And the bra strap!)

So, I have figured out

So, I have figured out how to mobile blog. Guess this means I will be able to procrastinate on my blog even when I'm away from the computer. :)

Not Me Monday.

This is my first time doing this, so bear (bare? baer? :P) with me! This is all part of MckMama's blog which, if you haven't guessed, I read daily! Check out her site for more NMM entries, including her (much better than mine) entries!

And here... we... go!

Today, I did not hit the snooze button until I had only 45 minutes to get ready and head out the door. I did not freak out a little when I realized it was light outside when I arose, second later realizing that Daylight Savings just ended.

I did not hope that my students would keep asking questions today so that we wouldn't have to review the worksheet that I really wasn't in the mood to go over. I did not smile broadly when, period after period, we ran out of time before we could get to it.

I did not spend almost two hours trying boot up my computer to locate where I could go for Early Voting, only to get sucked into my blog as soon as I got it up and running. I also did not skip E.V. so that I could sit on my butt in front of the computer. Nope, not me! (Disclaimer: I WILL be voting tomorrow!)

I did not cook pasta salad just minutes after finishing my lunch. It is not sitting in the fridge, begging me to come try a bite.

And last but not least, I do not still smile and tear up every time I think about perfect, beautiful, healthy Stellan all snuggled up in his family's arms. I would never do that!

Happy Week everyone! Get out there and vote! (:

Daylight.

I had a student today convinced that Daylight Savings ending meant a longer day at school. Try as we might, we could not get through to her that the hours changing meant that you both "got to school an hour later" and "left an hour later". I guess it can be kind of confusing, but I just couldn't help but giggle. Bless her heart.

I also learned a lot about viruses today when I helped teach the section on it. For example, did you know that there are four shapes of viruses? Crystal, sphere, cylinder, and spacecraft. And yes, the spacecraft virus really does look like a spacecraft! I also learned that all of those Lysol "Kills 99% of viruses" is misleading. Viruses are not alive; therefore, they cannot be killed. You can wipe them up and throw them into the trash, but you aren't killing anything. Interesting, isn't it?

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I have decide that this layout is incredibly dull. I would love a more customized layout, but I simply don't have the money to purchase one. I wonder if I can Google and find a free version? I may have to look into that.

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Please continue to pray for Nick. Also, if you could spare a few more prayers, please pray for my new niece or nephew and my new cousin, due April and May.

I ask so much.

But, once again, I am hear to ask for prayers. BIG prayers.

My friend Katie lost her little girl early this past summer. Baby Angela was born too soon and did not get to stay here on Earth. Instead, her ashes were spread over the ocean, and her memory remains in the heart of her parents, big brother, and those who loved her. I never got to meet Angela, but I love her just the same.

Katie's son, Nick, age 4, was just diagnosed with leukemia this past week.

Please pray, and pray hard, for little Nick.

If you have been following MckMama's blog, then you know the power of prayer. I know the power of prayer. And I know that you will get down on your knees and ask Him to heal this little boy, to give his mama and daddy the strength to make it through this trial, and to ask him to wrap this boy in His love.

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In other news, Stellan was born October 29 and is a perfect, healthy infant. Are you surprised? God had a miracle saved for that little boy, and I am humbled.

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I begin full-time Methods (much like student-teaching) tomorrow. I am done with college classes forever. Crazy! I do not feel old enough for this. I do not feel prepared. I am scared and anxious and excited and about 16 other things.

Until next time.

My littlest angel.

Tomorrow, October 15, which is actually only 10 minutes away, is National Day of Remembrance for Pregnancy and Infant Loss.

Please, think of Olivia tomorrow, and of all of the families who have grieved the loss of a child. If you have lost a child and wish to talk, please leave a comment. Olivia was my niece, not my daughter, but I am still open ears to anyone who might need me, if only for a fleeting moment.

You can also post on Angie's blog at www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com and you will receive hundreds of prayers.

Remembering and missing Olivia, today and always.

Simple Q.

Should I get a Twitter account?