A Project

In between Gear Up and school starting, I realized I needed a project. Especially when I knew that subbing jobs may not become available right away... so I started knitting.

As you can see, this has become quite the project. I did not realize how wide I made the blanket until just a few days ago when it started covering my lap and taking over. But I'm so excited about it! I cannot wait to snuggle up into it. I love blankets and it is fun to have this project. It may sound dull to you, but there is something to be said about watching a good movie and sitting down to knit with a cup of hot chocolate. And yes, I know that I am in Southern California where it is still 80 during the day, but hot chocolate and snugly blankets are wonderful. Plus, by the time I finish the blanket, it will be perfect weather for snuggling up in a cozy blanket.

Of course my new project is setting up for my classroom! I went into a teacher supply store today and literally went down every isle brainstorming all the things I can do with my classroom and wondering where to start. There is so much to have in a classroom!! Thankfully, I brought a list with me of the must have's so I purchased those and will wait to go back when I know more about my classroom and Kiddos.

I've decided to make the main color of my classroom green, keeping it simple and cute. I cannot wait to begin putting it all together. I will be posting pictures of the classroom once it is all set up. With a few projects going, I am keeping busy, which makes me happy. I am a person who cannot be lazy for too long, I need direction and a goal to be working towards.

Hope Filled

Last time I blogged, I mentioned that I was hoping in the small things because I had some disappointments but also a lot of little things to keep me encouraged. Well, a lot has happened in the last couple weeks and I am filled with hope! Therefore, I will try and start from the beginning...

{Bare in mind, this has been quite the journey}

Last Wednesday, I was about to leave on my way to submit a job application for an after school program when I received a call from my principal, whose school I did my student teaching at and taught Gear Up. She asked if I could come in by 11 to sub the rest of the day in the overflow Kindergarten class. (This was the class I was supposed to have subbed for at the beginning of school) Of course, I said "Yes." Quickly, I throw together a few things to bring with me for teaching. Upon arrival at the school, I was taken to the Kindergarten classroom and immediately given the class! Thinking quickly, I ran to my purse and pulled out Hickory (a teddy bear). I explained to the class that this was Hickory's first day of Kindergarten and he was a little scared. We passed Hickory around giving him a hug to make him feel welcome and the Kinders introduce themselves to Hickory (and me!). From there, the day just took off! Thursday and Friday, I continued to sub in this Kindergarten classroom. I got to set up the classroom and then tear it down on Friday because it had been decided that the Kinders would move into a K-1 Combo class. Thankfully, this was not the end of my subbing. The principal asked me to return Monday and Tuesday to support the newly created Combo classes.

Monday and Tuesday rolled by as I made copy after copy after copy (literally) for the Combo teachers. It was a huge blessings to help the combo teachers in any way I could to relieve the pressure of changing their classrooms. I made copies, found curriculum, and administered assessments. In the meantime, I was reconnecting with the school staff, students, and community where I had spent a lot of time the previous semester during student teaching. This school has an awesome community! I also need to mention that on Monday, I interview at another school in the district for a first grade teaching position. And by Tuesday, all the teachers were asking if I had heard anything from the district. I found out the principal had made a call to the principal I interviewed with. My principal gave me a wonderful recommendation the previous Friday and Tuesday, after I finished rover subbing, I received a call from the district offering me the first grade teaching position! Wow! As you might expect, I gladly accepted the teaching position. I sign the contract this week and start teaching next Friday!

Finally, I will have my own classroom, my very own class, and a chance to use all these skills I have acquired to be the main classroom teacher. There is a lot to be set up and to plan out. I will be sharing this with you in my next post. Brian and I are ecstatic! All glory be to God as I set out on this next adventure! My career.

{hoping in the small things}

Well... unfortunately, I have some bad news. From my last post, I mentioned that I had a sub job for the beginning of the school year and I was so excited about setting up my own classroom and teaching school at the beginning of the year (even if it was only for 2 weeks!). So here is the bad news: the district canceled the job! In California, schools can only hire based on student numbers. Therefore, the kindergartners that I was going to have were moved to an RSP classroom until it can be determined if a full time teacher is needed to hire. Needless to say, I was slightly disappointed. I left the classroom I was setting up discouraged but also having a peace that I knew God will provide for me and my needs. The good news is that I can still be considered for the teaching position, if they end up needing to hire a teacher. So... here I am still in the search.

Thankfully, I have had some bits of hope by talking to others, looking at job postings, and sending/receiving emails. Nothing has been set down, but atleast it gives me the hope I need to keep searching. And through this all, Brian has been an amazing support along with my friends, family, and my church body. I am so blessed! So I am hoping in the small things and the joys that God puts in my life. I am ready to be needed again and ready to be put to work. But God has some more waiting and trusting for me to do.


On a side note, I am going to Danielle, Kristen, and Aimee's apartment tonight! Two of the girls I roomed with last year and I am definitely stoked to see them and chill. This picture is one of our roommate pics from last year {taken by Kari Sanders}. Danielle and I are going to have dinner and then I will spend the night there like old times :) Aren't friends great to have?! This is their last semester here in Southern Califoria so we are planning to make the most of it! And my last 'semester' before marriage!!! So, here I am, hoping in the small things.