Hanging out with Mom

Sometimes, at the end of a really long week, there's nothing better than hanging out with your mom for a day. Mom and I planned to 'do something fun' on Saturday, not really having a plan but doing something. After weighing in, at least for me (only up 3 lbs. since beginning of August--not too bad. Thought it'd be worse), mom and I decided to pack a lunch and head towards Holland and hang at the state park. We knew the weather was sunny and beautiful in Grand Rapids but weren't prepared for the absolutely perfect day for 'just hanging'. After stopping at Beaner's for our favorite skinny mocha lattes (love the BOGO coupons!), we parked our chairs in the sand along the channel from Lake Macatawa to Lake Michigan and proceeded to have a relaxing afternoon of conversation and resting. Turkey wraps and 100 calorie chips were lunch. After a few hours, the decision was made to head south to Saugatuck for dinner (we can eat at Russ' anytime). We did a quick detour into the Tabor Hill wine tasting room for some sampling and bottle purchases before heading to The Butler for patty melts, chicken sandwiches, and onion rings. The Chicago Cubs clinched the National League pennant while we were waiting. Go Cubbies! On the way home, we decided to make a quick stop for a Snickers fix (the newest addition to the Hudsonville Post family) and to see the kids. They were excited to see us and tell us all about the day. Finally we were enroute home. It was a wonderful day and long overdue. I can't wait to do it again!

P.S. Meet 'Snickers', the newest grand-dog. An addition to the Hudsonville Post family in August. She's a goldendoodle and a bundle of energy. A welcome addition to the family. Just waiting for Chezie to meet her....

Reflections on a Classroom

Views with back lights on

Views with just lamps on--the way they like it

So, the first 2 weeks of school are done. What crazy days they were! To add to the craziness was not having a paraprofessional the last 3 days to help with changing Janett and going into the General Education classrooms. But, Mr. Louis, who helps with Isaac and Tajean, who are both totally blind, and I made due in my classroom and the kids all worked as hard as ever on their Math, Reading, Writing, and computer skills. Hopefully the new parapro will be back on Monday so we can get back to our regular routine.

My classroom this year is set up exactly like last year. Having 3 wheelchairs (4 if you count Janett's power chair which is also in the room) and 2 blind children, it made sense to put the room back just like it was last year. The kids all seemed to like that it wasn't changed and they all have their same seats back. They know where everything is and the over-all anxiety level is much decreased this year (might be also because they know me and all of their classmates). They prefer the room when only the lamps are on but sometimes the back overhead lights go on when we're writing or when it seems excessively dark, like it was the past 2 days with all the rain and clouds.

Here's hoping to a successful week of learning this week.

Back to School

A new school year has begun! Just like the dawning of a new season, the start of the school year brings about a feeling of anticipation and nervousness. However, this year I have all my same students back, the same room, and the same room set-up. For me and my students, it's been the best start to a school year ever. I have a new 5th grade teaching partner and things have been a little challenging getting to know her and her work style. It's going to be a year of patience....as for my 4th grade teaching partner, Scott, this is the start of our 7th year together. It feels like a very comfortable hat to work with him--we just know each other's styles so well. For that, I'm very grateful. A new principal is bringing about a whole new definition to the term 'unorganized'! Oh boy, I do think it's going to be a looooooonnnnngggg school year. How many days until the first break?