Reflections

My summer is over. On Monday I start my 19th year of teaching. This past week I spent tying up loose ends and preparing for the new year. I got my license renewed, prepared some meals for the freezer, and got some of my classroom decorated. In anticipation of the election year, the theme of my room is patriotic. By Tuesday, I have to have everything clean and ready for our open house. Usually at the the beginning of my summer vacation, I have all sorts of expectations and goals. This year I didn't put any pressure on myself, and therefore, I had a very relaxing summer. Here are some highlights of my vacation:

Trip to Branson with our family

I read 27 books - the two that had the most impact on me were Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult, and Knowing & Loving the Bible by Catherine Martin. The first book was about bullying and a school shooting. This has given me a lot to ponder about what I can do in my own classroom to be an advocate for those students who are bullied. The second book has helped me spiritually prepare for the school year. I set a goal of reading through the Bible chronologically, and chose a verse for the school year. The verse is Romans 12:1-2. I am excited to see what God has in store for me this year.

I scrapbooked 20 pages. That really isn't very many considering all the time I had, but I scrapbooker's block.

I knitted four socks. That makes 16 socks in the last year (with 6 pairs finished!)

I tended my garden, and am finally reaping the rewards with tomatoes, green peppers, and onions.

Trip exploring Nebraska

Tried many new recipes. The most spectacular one was a triple chocolate cake from Paula Dean.

I watched every episode of So You Think You Can Dance.

Volunteered at Walt Library every Thursday. It's always been a dream of mine to work in a library. I love books!

Cataloged and prepared over 50 books for our church library.

Spent time with the grandkids

And now chapter 19 starts next week. Stay posted for this year's adventures in teaching!