Ipod Todd has a problem...

and it's called Words with Friends.

Definitely don't play his games for him.  Just a heads up.

Girl Scout Field Trip-Ronald McDonald House

Madison's girl scout troop took a field trip this weekend to make dinner at the Ronald McDonald House.  The girls really did a fantastic job!  I was unexpectedly surprised by their willingness to jump in and get their hands dirty de-boning the chicken and scrubbing the dishes.  It's kind of amazing how much they've changed in just one year.  I'm interested to see what kind of teamwork will occur on the campout!  As we left, the manager talked to the girls about the purpose of the house, and how their service helped the residents that day.  The girls were proud of themselves, and it was neat to see the look of accomplishment on their faces.

But that may just be the sappy me talking again.  :)

Bad Mom USA

So, tonight was Math and Science night at Madison and Tanner's school and I TOTALLY blew it off.  I mean, I knew it was happening, drove right by the school, and kept on driving.  AND I'M A SCIENCE TEACHER!!  Instead, I came home, put on some cozy sweats and bribed the kids with some Chef Boyardee and extra Wii time.

So, this is my confession.  I need absolution.

the roller coaster of teaching

A few weeks ago, I was devasted when I received an email from a parent telling me her child thought I was a mean teacher, wished she would fail, picked on her in class...you get the idea.  It affected me so much because it wasn't the first email I'd received on that topic this year, and I began to question my teaching style and personality.   Yes, I'm hard on my kids.  I make them turn in their work, and hold their "feet to the fire" so to speak.  Sometimes, 25 "tweens" in a confined space just isn't a good idea, and I have to call them on it.  I'm sarcastic with them, too-maybe a little too much.  But, I don't want to be a meanie. Today, that same child gave me a sealed note, and asked me to read it after she'd gone.  Here's what she wrote:

For an Unforgettable Teacher

When I began your class, I think I knew the kind of challenges you'd make me face.
You gave me motivation to pursue the best, and to reject the commonplace.
Your thinking really opened up my mind.
With wisdom, style and grace you made me see that what I'd choose to seek, I'd surely find.
You shook me out of my complacency.
I thank you now for everything you've done.
What you have taught me I will not outgrow.
Your kind attention touched my mind and heart, in many ways that you will never know.
I will remember you my whole life through.
I wish that all my teachers were like you.

I'm not sure what prompted her change in attitude, and maybe she copied this poem off the internets.  But, I have seen a change in her lately, and that's a good thing.  And yes, Sappy Danielle totally teared up when she read that.  Because I do this teaching thing for more than just the spam it puts on the table.

Lost

The last season starts up this week, and so we are watching last year's finale tonight.  It's just too much to try to remember over the course of one year.  I don't know if I have the brain power to keep up with this.

5 HOURS DOWN!

I just submitted my last test for Defensive Driving online.  WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO.

What a beating!

2 POINTS!

Tanner had a great basketball game today.  Jason even said it was the "game of his life." He scored TWO baskets, and rumor has it, he had 12 rebounds.  I think he might be understanding the whole point of that basket and "other team."  Great job Tanner!