I've been really sick/stressed this week, so at least I didn't have to clean the whole house for guests for Xan's party (we're having it at a pool). My stresses were that I had to be observed (every 3 years), and my pre-observation did not go well. So I totally revamped my room, ordered more "teacher clothes" and am working hard at being to school every day, on time, and really professional. John has completely taken over getting the kids ready for school and there. I have to have good recommendations because I can not lose our insurance. I don't think there are significant problems: I am a good teacher and my test scores show it. I just think, in a year of cut backs, I don't want to be the one cut.
Today, I had a lunch meeting with my boss from the district office. It's always tricky when you're dealing with someone at the district office. This lady wants to be my friend, I think. But, her job is also to find people who are doing innovative things... and I'm really, really good at that. I fear she's going to ask me to present again at the Professional Development session in March. That's kinda scary because the people I work with at my school see me as "the flunk-out kid teacher" instead of the "keep them in school teacher." I don't know if older teachers would see me as innovative. Sometimes I think they see me as "English-Lite," even though I'm using best practices and current brain research. I don't personally know anyone else who does as much reading about brain studies and education as I do. It's my goal to always be on top of what science shows kids can do.
I lost my extra class to cut backs next year. That will be GOOD for me. I'll be able to grade papers and do things at school and less at home. I will also NOT be teaching ESL/Hispanic kids. I'll have 2 sessions of honors English, journalism, back to special ed, and 2 regular classes. It will be nice to have a bit of change. I like that. It makes me be fresh and exciting for students. Summer school is still up in the air. I don't know if they'll be offering it, but if they do, I'll volunteer because I have all the lessons, copies, etc. already made and ready to go. I still think I teach remedial English better than anyone else I've seen. I *care* about the kids and try to reach them. I think of each one of them as Dave. It gives me reason and purpose.
I'll also have a pay cut. That's a bummer, BUT, Xandri won't be at preschool next year, so that will really help. It's an extra $300 every month that we will save. There's a bill in the legislature that wants to move the cut off date for school to July 1st, so I may not have a choice as to whether or not to send Asa to kindergarten. I don't know quite what to do about that. He'll have had (already) 3 years of preschool. If I hold him back, he'll have 4 years of the same preschool. Maybe I should send him to another school---but there's no Challenger or Montessori in Orem. I guess I could send him to an all-day kindergarten and then have him do grade 1? He's ahead of all the other kids in his preschool. He knows all his colors, most of the alphabet, he's a whiz with songs and lyrics, and he's drawing well, too. He can spell his name, Xandri's name, and he can read Jack and Max, too. He's really, really bright. His teachers say he's exceptionally good natured, pays attention, and is very focused (for being 3). I'll need help looking for ways to help him. August is not a good time to have a baby. I wasn't planning it, though, and he's the sweetest thing on earth. I know I don't have favorites, but each of my children have something unique and beautiful about them.
Jack is inquisitive and interested. He's funny and creative. He's artistic and very detail oriented. He's a lot like John. He made this amazing, moving dragon for Xandri's birthday gift. He has brads that let the legs move. His reasoning for a dragon was that Xan loves princesses and most princess stories deal with dragons. That's so logical, and thoughtful. What a great gift!
Xandri is dramatic, flamboyant, and her mother's daughter. She's my comeuppance.
Asa is my little old man. He's got a lovely, sweetness about him that makes everyone love him. He's cute, funny, and really insightful. He notices the world and expresses his thoughts and feelings in amazing ways. I don't know if it's because he's a such a cute age, but he's really special. He's simply amazing.
Max has grown and developed so quickly in the past month. He's learned to pout, to smack people when he doesn't get his way, and he sticks out his leg (I think he's trying to kick people) when he's mad. He bites, too. However, he's also a great kisser, understands everything you say to him, and wants things HIS way, RIGHT NOW. He reminds me so much of my dad. He not only looks like dad, he's got the same aggressive, insistent personality. He's absolutely fearless, but he still loves his mama and being snuggled.
I ordered Xandri the prettiest clothes to fit the doll Grandma Max bought her for Christmas. They came from a Chinese seamstress, and they are amazing quality. I paid so very, very little for 6 outfits ($50 total--Ebay). They are lined, gorgeous fabric, some even hand-beaded. GORGEOUS. She'll love them. I got her 2 movies, some hair things, a super-soft bathrobe (pink, of course) and 2 birthday "My Little Ponies" sets. I spent about $100. As she gets older, that same $100 won't go very far!
Well, that's the first installment on Xandri's birthday. More after we spend the day together! So much to do tomorrow. I'm excited for Saturday!
