I'm talking about my students, okay!   Have I told you that I love my kids this year?

Oh, I'm not discriminating - I love ALL my students.  To this day, my very first batch of first graders continue to visit me and keep in touch.  I just think that my experiences in my first two years kept me from fully enjoying myself.  That and going through the adjustments and learning process.  Isn't that what college is for, you ask?  Uh ... NO!!!  Well, that's just my opinion.  Anyways ... just ask me and I'll tell you the horror stories from my first couple of years.  I was faced with behaviorally-challenging students to unbelievably retarded (sorry, but it's true!!)  parents to ridiculous politics to typhoons.  And I'm just being general!  LOL!  But being in my fourth year of teaching, I am comfortable in my skin.  I'm not the best teacher, but I try to be and I love my children and I hope that counts for something. 

The kids have been so good to me this year and last year.  I don't know what it is, but for what it's worth, those little munchkins make it my joy to be a teacher.  Like I keep saying, they're the only reason I go to work.  Anyway, my bunch this year (am I starting to sound redundant?  Sorry!!) is just AMAZING!!!    I tell you, I have the most incredible characters!  Not a day goes by that we don't have an interesting moment.  Sure, we have our share of 'bad' days (ayyyy-yay-yay ...), but we get through it. 

So the kids were excited today because I had them do Valentine's Day activities.  I was a bit worried because we're not allowed to stray from the rigid scheduling.  You see, we have designated blocks for reading, math and language arts, leaving 20 minutes for other subjects daily.  I kid you not!    My poor babies are burnt out, I'm not kidding!  So while we were all trying to make our "heart mobiles," I kept sneaking glances out the window to see if our D.I. (direct instruction) coordinator would see us.  Half of me was defiant; I didn't care.  Goodness, they've been working so very hard!

The kids have been coming in lately and gifting me with the cutest things!!  Get this:  I usually come in with a snack from the cafeteria to munch on since I don't eat breakfast in the mornings.  Anyway, some of the kiddies noticed this and started packing me extra snacks like peanut butter sandwiches...  I try not to take them unless I know it's not intended for them, but it's so hard because they look so forlorn when I say 'oh, that's allright!'    I just tell them 'oooh, but you know what I'd like?  A hug!!'  You may think it's corny, but sometimes, a hug is perfect. 

OH!!  Speaking of!  I just got a visit from a few of my students who live in the area.  Too cute!  I was so tempted to invite them inside to see our fish but no, let's not do that.

So today, while we were all working on our projects, most of the kids who needed assistance were up in the front with me while the independent workers sat at their desks.  It was a great experience, talking and sharing, joking and laughing.  We were in best spirits and it was infectious.  At one point, one of my girls who had been next to me for a while said "you're doing a great job Miss Audije," in response to a comment I made about me just wanting them to do their best.  It just tweaked at my heartstrings!!    No reward could ever rival the faith that a child has in you.  She had me in tears, the little munchkin!!  The moment was soon broken when ***** called me 'Mom' and then caught herself.  Too cute!  Have I mentioned that I love my students?? 

But there was one thing that hung on my shoulders the whole day.  One of my students, who has been identified with a learning disability, was not in school today.  You see, this student spat in the hair of two other students and was sent to the office yesterday.  This wasn't grounds for suspension, but the student was sent home early anyway.  Of course, the mother was very aggravated and I understand where she's coming from.  But it really is hard, especially when the child (for the most part) doesn't seem to know the difference between right and wrong and when asked "why did you do that??" the constant response is "I forgot."    From spitting to punching to licking (yep, you read that right) to pushing to stealing ...  This child is a challenge.  And what really makes my shoulders droop is that inside, I know this is a good kid.  Despite all the negative things, this child is always generous, has the cutest speech (still talks like a baby - which is not a good thing, but nonetheless cute) and tries to remember my rules now and then (short memory span).  The child is just a victim of circumstance and it really breaks my heart to see this everyday.  One of the hard things about teaching is seeing these children being raised in this world in such a way that will ultimately sabotage their future.  Oh, I'm opening up a new can of worms.  Let's just keep to the good stuff.

Kimmie's birthday celebration is tomorrow with our gang.  I sent out the email setting up the time and place and hopefully helpful gift suggestions.  It was supposed to be a surprise, but someone spilled the beans!!  Hmmmm ... who could it have been?  (Re: Reg's birthday)  LOL!  Oh, it's okay.  All in good fun.  Our other group of friends (comprised of our former Bestseller coworkers) took her out on her actual birthday to Old Hagatna Grill - oooh, if you haven't tried it already, I do recommend the N.Y. Strickloin Steak with mashed potatoes.  And the seared Ahi!  De-lish!!  My mouth's already watering!  I hope we have a great time tomorrow.  Rose, thanks again for your help!!!

  but besides this 'surprise,' I've already set our Valentine's Day weekend in motion (btw Rose, thanks for the idea!!    You know which one, right?).  I know Reggie isn't much of a planner, so rather than despair over it, I'll just take the occasion into my own hands and plan something we both can enjoy.  He isn't aware of what I have in store and I'm positively brimming with excitement.  Tell you all about it later.  We have the pat-pat boy tonight (babysitting) so I'd better get ready!