TAKS!!!

In Texas, it's state mandated standardized testing time for third graders and up. TAKS is Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. Which means, my 5 and 6 year old friends are cooped up in the classroom for the testing days and have to be super quiet since our class is next door to test takers! We've been in our room with no breaks except for lunch since Tuesday. I'm about to go crazy!!! Good thing teacher appreciation week is next week! Which reminds me, if you have a child who is school age, remember to thank their teacher next week. The treats and surprises are nice but my most treasured gifts are the notes and cards that I receive from parents and students alike about what a difference I have made in their child's life. I have my notes on a blessing ring and I do read them every so often when I need a good pick me up. So, make sure to thank a teacher next week! In fact, I have written letters to some of my former teachers and plan to mail them out so that they know I really appreciate them even now!

A Day at the Dermatologist

Well, I've had an appointment with the dermatologist since oh August. I originally scheduled my appointment for October then changed it to Christmas break then Spring Break, well, I finally made it to the office and had a unique experience. First let me state, I'm such a needle phobic and can barely stand to look at a needle. So, when I walk in to the office and there laying on the little tray is a needle, I freaked out a bit. I told the nurse that I don't do needles and she let me know that every room has the equipment ready. That was supposed to ease my fears I guess but it didn't. The doctor, who was extremely nice, came in and I showed her my problem areas and she put my fears to rest and said they were all normal things but she would remove them. Eek!!! With a needle? I asked. Yes, she said it would be quick and it was. I didn't even feel it and she stuck me twice! It was afterwards that got me. I was sitting on the table talking to her and out I went. I passed out not once, not twice but three times. When I finally woke up, there were several nurses around me and a cold cloth on my neck. I was mortified! However, now I know what to expect next time I go and I think they do too!

I Think It's Time I Update

So school has consumed my very existence. I stay late at work every day trying to come up with new ways to keep my crew engaged and teach them a little in the process. I have come up with a whole new routine and changed my classroom around a bit to take advantage of our new schedule. The kids are really loving it and I am too!

See that look on his face. Can't you just tell how excited he is about being in my class? Seriously, I LOVE this kid!
And look at this student's writing. I think she loves her teacher...what do you think?

I've also been doing a little cheering for my Dallas Mavs and the Stars! Courtesy of my friend Lisa who has front row tickets to both Stars and Maverick games. I mean right on the glass for the Stars games. I actually bent my platinum wedding band from banging on the glass so hard! Too bad the Stars didn't go very far in the playoffs. I was hoping for the Stanley Cup. Oh well.

I've also been doing a little eating of these wonderful goodies.

They are genuine cake balls from this little store called the cake ball company here in Dallas. So Yum! I had to go to the dermatologist a few weeks ago and stopped off afterwards for a little treat for being such a good patient. I actually need to blog about that whole experience too. Oh well, next time I guess!