teacher love

"The great teachers fill you up with hope and shower you with a thousand reasons to embrace all aspects of life" - Pat Conroy, Author

It amazes me how something so small can make such a large impact on me.  Recently our local K Love station has been sharing ways to encourage and appreciate your teachers, and every time I hear them sharing this it brings me to tears.  They read in a recent survey that teachers are among the top under appreciated jobs.  As a teacher I can tell you, sadly, that I can understand how this is true.  We pour our hearts and souls into our job to make each student succeed, catering to how they learn best.  

It fills my heart with joy that a radio station recognizes this and is spreading the news.  Right now you can go to their website, here, and download a certificate of appreciation to give to your teacher.  Just one simple "thank you" warms a teacher's heart, keeps them going, and encourages them more than you can know.    

I thought I'd share with you some ways that I want to encourage the teachers I work with and get our year off to a great start!

First, I found this print this past week on Pinterest and I immediately downloaded it (because it was free!!), ordered it through Target, then stopped over to pick it up and purchased the perfect frame for it. There is now one in my classroom as well as my team teacher.  I wanted to give her a little something to show how grateful and excited I am for this upcoming school year.  This is the cutest print, and I can't wait to walk into my classroom each day and say this, believe it, and be grateful for each of my students.

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Each year my faculty has a back-to-school brunch during our "Teacher Week".  It's an Italian potluck, a known tradition, and it is one of my greatest joys right before the school year starts.  I saw this cute idea and think it would make the perfect detail to add to the table and make the teachers all feel loved.

Source: thediaryofdaveswife.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Lastly, I know there are a ton of these eCards everywhere.  Normally I read a couple, give a little chuckle, and then move on.  This one I just couldn't pass up without sharing with you:

Source: someecards.com via Jamie on Pinterest

4 more wake-ups and a recipe!

4 more mornings I have to set my alarm for 5am or earlier...

4 more mornings filled with desperately reaching for the start button on the coffee maker in the dark...

4 more long drives to work counting down the days till summer...

4 more days filled with crossing off the never ending to-do list and scrubbing paint off of the desks...

4 more days filled with little ones who accidentally call you "mama"...

Can you tell summer is almost here?!?!?  Next Tuesday is the day, the last day of school.  And as much as I can't wait for it to be here it is also bittersweet because some changes are coming.  That's right-next year I'm teaching second grade!  I've only taught kindergarten and I have the opportunity to teach second grade next year, and I couldn't pass it up.  So I'm trying to soak up all of the last kinder memories while also maintaining my patience and grace.

The one thing that I love waking up to in the morning is breakfast, especially since I have THE best granola in my pantry.  And it didn't come from a box, or a bag, but straight out of a tupperware filled with the love from my hard work. I was always frightened by making granola, the ingredient list just seemed so long.  But once I made it I was a changed woman, the thought of spending money on granola at the store makes me cringe. 

Here is my current favorite granola recipe from yours truly: (and don't be intimidated by the ingredient list)

Vanilla Cinnamon Granola

4 c. gluten-free rolled oats (I buy the big bag from Trader Joe's)

1 c. sliced almonds

3/4 c. raw pepitas

3/4 c. raw sunflower seeds

1/2 c. ground flaxseeds

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

2/4 tsp. salt

1/4 c. canola oil

1/4 c. plus 2 Tbsp coconut sugar crystals (purchased at Sprouts)

1/4 c. unsweetened applesauce

1/4 c. + 2 T. honey

1 Tbsp. vanilla

3/4 c. dried cranberries

3/4 c. raisins

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.  Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl,  mix together oats, almonds, pepitas, sunflower seeds, flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt.

  3. In a microwave safe bowl, combine the oil, 1/4 c. sugar, and 2 Tbsp applesauce.  Microwave 20-30 seconds and stir to dissolve the sugar, then stir in 1/4 c. honey and the vanilla.

4. Pour the wet ingredients onto the dry ingredients and mix well until the oats and nuts are completely covered.  Spread evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.  Bake for 30 minutes.

5. While baking, mix together 2 Tbsp. sugar, applesauce, and honey.  Set aside.  After 30 minutes, remove the granola and drizzle the remaining wet ingredients on top.  Use a rubber spatula to press the granola firmly onto the baking pan.

6. Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes.  Let cool and then break apart.  

At this point you can just start chowing down and this sweet goodness, or you can store it in an airtight container and enjoy on top of a scrumptious bowl of greek yogurt and blueberries or slice bananas.  

Enjoy!

a day in the life

I was inspired by The William's Post on a day in her life, so I thought I 'd share with you a typical day for me.  As I read hers I kept thinking to myself, this would be so much fun.  This was my Tuesday, which gets busy because I have class after work.  The Mr. was around for a bit in the morning and then it was just little ol' me, so I tried my best to get pictures of everything.  At work it's hard to tell you everything that happens, because we might be here all week long going over it all.  So that's all smooshed together. Here we go...

4:45am My alarm goes off signaling that it's time to get my fitness on and head to the gym.  I might have shed a few tears and fought getting out of bed with every fiber in me, but I got up, and so did the Mr.!!!  He's such a trooper.  

5:50am  Shower time and drink a nice piping hot cup of coffee.  I LOVE coffee.

After I get my cup o' joe I quickly style my hair into a top knot with a braid and slab on some make-up.  On mornings that I go to the gym (2-3 days a week) I have to get ready fast, so this is my go-to style.  

6:40am  Head out the door with my green smoothie :)

7:15am I get to work and quickly put up our schedule for the day, check my email and respond back to parents, and gather tests/papers I need for a meeting I have at 7:30am.

 8:00am  Time for school!  My little ones come in with so much energy and we're off with our calendar activities, phonics, and writing.

9:45am  Break time!  My kids had art and I was able to enjoy my snack and the rest of my coffee.  This is when I finally take care of the piles on my desk, return more emails, and tackle my never ending to-do list.  

11:00 Lunch time!  I was so hungry that I completely forgot to snap a picture.  But I did enjoy leftover tamale pie and veggies.  The kids come back and we are back in action doing reading groups, math, and the kids get some free time as well.  I got the cutest surprise with this letter from a student.  So cute!

1:30pm My kids had singing this afternoon so I had an hour to get more work done.  Tuesdays are the one day that I actually get lots of prep time, which I desperately need, since I get out of work to go to class.  As a teacher we get work done before and after lunch, and during any prep time we get.  This time was spent planning instruction, creating activities and worksheets, emailing parents and everyone else, making copies, grading papers, and organizing.  There's always so much!

3:30pm  Time for class!  The kids got out of school at 3:00pm and after duty I quickly packed up my classroom and headed out the door.  Right next to my work is the most amazing dessert and coffee shop ever.  I had a gift card that was burning a whole in my wallet so I stopped in for some coffee to keep me going the rest of the day.  I so badly wanted to be this kid picking out my dessert for the day, yes please!

4:00pm Class!  A huge assignment was due today so I was happy to arrive and turn it in.  Huge load off of my shoulders!  I spent the next two and a half hours learning about critical literacy and learning about how my research project is sneaking up on me very fast-stress!

7:00pm Finally home!  The Mr. spent the evening with a friend so I had the house all to myself.  I was planning on just warming up leftovers or making a big sale for dinner, but I decided to take advantage of the fact that I could make anything I wanted for dinner.  So I pulled out quinoa, kale, brussel sprouts, and homemade pesto and quickly assembled something scrumptious.  

While dinner was cooking my next order of business was getting into stretchy pants and a sweatshirt.  I live for the moment when I can take off my work clothes and change into something comfy for the rest of the night.  

8:00pm Couch time with Minnie, catching up on my girly TV shows, responding back to parents and faculties emails...

Oh, and finally getting to write some blog posts and catch up on my favorite blogs!  I did sneak in a little homework, checked upcoming assignments, and researched articles for a research project.

9:30pm Scrub a dub dub time!  I have to wash my hair at night because it takes forever to dry, then I blow-dry it about halfway through.  Washing my face is one of my favorite parts of my night, I love just having a fresh face and washing off the grime of the day.

10:30pm  The Mr. is finally home and I am thrilled.  We jump into bed and I catch up on my current favorite book.  I finally doze off about 20 minutes later and start the whole process over again.  One of these nights I'll get 8 hours of sleep, I promise!

Thanks for spending the day with me!

{thankful vol. 17} my little cuties

A parent was helping out in my classroom the other day when he said, "How many times do you hear your name?"  All day long I hear, "Mrs. LaFuze...."  But, it is the sweetest sound to my ears.  You see, when I was in kindergarten I decided I wanted to be a teacher.  I never strayed from this passion of mine, and in sixth grade I even dressed up as a teacher for career day, a kindergarten teacher to be exact.  

Today I am utterly thankful for my job and all 20 sweeties in my class.  It is amazing to see my dreams come true after much hard work.  My first year teaching was the hardest of my life, and I ended the year asking myself, "Is this really what I want to do???"  Luckily, God confirmed that this was definitely the job for me.  Teaching is a blessing, and kindergarten is even more special.  I love how curious they are, loving they are, imaginable and creative they are, and how much they grow in such a short amount of time.  When I get them they can barely write their name, and now they are writing 2-3 sentences by themselves and reading!  

I wish I could show you just how cute they are!  

These are the joys of the job:

-hearing them accidentally call me "mommy"

-telling me "you're the best teacher ever"

-coming up and hugging my leg just because

-asking me to play with them at recess

-the sweet drawings of me during their free time (you should see how good they make me look!)

-coming home with paint on my clothes

-remembering the silly stories they tell me

-hearing them say, "Oh, you're so silly Mrs. LaFuze"

-seeing their face light up when they "get it"!

-telling the husband the latest crazy thing a child told me

There are so many more little perks to the job, but what I love most is their handprints.  They are so tiny and remind me how precious they are.  Children is the most precious gift, and having a job surrounded by their love fills me with warm fuzzies.  

{thankful vol. 15} beautiful coworkers

You know those days....you just can't seem to find that happiness or smile, you want to crawl into a whole and press fast forward to the next day? Well, confession time! This week has been one of those weeks.  As much as I wish I was happy 24/7 there are times where it just ain't happening.  Luckily I have an amazing job where 20 kidos can say the littlest thing that just brightens your day.  On top of being around kids that warm my heart, I have THE best coworkers ever.  I never imagined that when I became a teacher a big part of my job would be the relations that I make with other teachers.  My school is so unique in that it is like a family, and all of my coworkers make my job so much easier.  

Whether we are creating inside jokes at annual holiday parties.  

Or celebrating friend's birthdays.

Or appreciating ourselves at the Padre's teacher appreciation day.

Or dominating at the annual 8th graders vs. teacher's kickball game.  

Friendships have been made and created, bonds have formed that are inseparable, tears have been shed, laughter has been shared, advice has been given, and love has been overflowing.  

I feel truly blessed to have a job I love and coworkers that have become my closest friends.  There are days when you just want to break down and cry....maybe you did cry...and you duck into that one teacher's room that will know the right words to say to help you get through the stress or the frustration or the pressure or just life.  I love having others to lean on in times of need, others to share the joys of teaching with, and coworkers that have become mentors and helped me be a better teacher.

I am so thankful for my beautiful friends!

happy tears

Joy.  You can hear it in children's laughter.  You can see it in their eyes.  You can feel it when they surprise you with what they are capable of.  This is one of the blessings being a teacher has.  It wasn't until I caught a glimpse of this joy today that I realized how encouraging my faith is.  

You see, I was in a bit of a rut.  I felt as though I was at odds with what God was putting in my life.  I didn't like certain situations and continued to think, "If only...".  I finally had the moment of truth where I realized that I obviously can't change my situations.  Instead of asking God "HOW am I going to get through this? or WHEN will this situation end" I began asking God "WHERE do you want to use me?"  God always has a plan and a purpose, so instead of running from it why not have faith that God will see me through and show me how to serve him in the meantime.  

Today I reaped the rewards of what God was trying to teach my all along.  I have a student in my class that speaks very little English and has definitely challenged me as a teacher to understand how to best meet her needs so that she can learn.  Instead of complaining about how difficult this was I began praying that God would show me how to teach this student of mine, love this student of mine, and know that children are God's greatest blessings.  

One thing I like to do with this student is ask them to show me a given emotion, which builds their vocabulary and helps with connecting an emotion to an English word.  I will say, "Show me happy...Show me sad...Show me surprised...Show me angry..."

Today as we were walking to recess, this dear student of mine turned to me and said "Show me happy...Show me sad...Show me surprised...Show me angry..."  Throughout the day this student opened my eyes to see what I had taught her.  Not only was this student playing along with me and making this game their own, they were also showing me what they had retained.  I brought over a book to read with them while doing an activity, and this student read it to me!  I mean, all of the hard work and repetition to teach this student words like "see", "and", "the", etc. had paid off as I heard their sweet voice say "I like to see the queen."  

I know it takes a teacher to really appreciate these little moments, but it made me want to cry happy tears.  

A verse that I have continued to read over and over again is this:

"But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion."  

Hebrews 10:36 MSG

I hope that whatever seems too hard for you, has you challenged, or makes you want to cry will be encouraged by this verse and knowing God always has a plan-but we must do His will in this plan.  

Sweet Sunday

This week was a beautiful and crazy week.  D and I enjoyed a beautiful hike as we said good-bye to summer, and then I was off to work.  My work week was cut short due to the blackout, woo hoo!  Even though I only worked 3 days this week, I was left exhausted and ended up with a cold this weekend.  It's harder to think back on this week and decide what were successes for me because there was so much to this week.  Instead here are the things that brought me happiness:

Happiness is....

1. Scrumptious homemade brownies from one of my new students!

2. Brightening up our little home with some fresh daisies from the farmer's market.

3. Taking blurry pictures with my love!

4. The husband having Saturday off!!!  (Woot woot!)  Spent the entire day together, including him making me lie down and rest :)

5. Buying fresh, organic vegetables at the farmers market and cooking with them that night.

Seriously, these tomatoes tasted like candy!

6. Having an amazing dad and step-dad that have both served our country.  It is sad to look back on what happened to our nation 10 years ago, but encouraging to see how far we have come together as Americans.  I will forever be grateful for all military members and everything they do to protect us.  

{source}

7. Realizing that somedays are hard and tough, but what matters most is remembering that you make an impact on a child.  This week was a tad bit difficult as I realized everything that you have to teach kindergarteners at the beginning of the year.  You work so hard to get them right where you want them, and then they move on to the next grade.  I saw this on Pinterest and it encouraged me to remember that there are struggles in teaching, but I have a direct impact on all of my students' and love them dearly.  

What has made you happy this week???

if you had hung out with me...

If you had hung out with me on Saturday it would have been a swell time!  We would start the day with a nice 3.5 mile run and workout with the lovely and wonderful Andrea.  

She would have thanked us for the booty-kicking workout with a pipping hot latte from her new espresso machine.  You would have swooned over all her new gadgets in her kitchen, but then remind yourself that she just got married.

 You would have helped me make some "melt in your mouth" blueberry pancakes.  FYI...they were amazing (said in a singsongy way)!

And then you would have partook in an amazing conversation that only best friends have.  

And reluctantly let your picture be taken after you were a sweaty mess!  Your tummy would have been in heaven after eating the most amazing pancakes and drinking the best latte ever.

Then, you would have gone with me to Big Lots.  Yes, we would have spent nearly an hour there but we came out with some great finds!  Like this $5 addition to the bathroom, it works out perfectly!!!

And you would have been just as stoked with me for $1 coffee filters, and $1.50 story paper for my students (or maybe that's just the teacher in me).

Next stop would be Target and you would agree that the remodel is a headache, but you love Target too much to part ways.  After finding everything on our list ( and browsing through the clothes) we would have loaded up the trunk and been amazed at how quickly it fills up (minus the random hat left in there from the day before).

After Target you would have joined me at Lakeshore and realized why it is "teacher heaven".  When we leave I spot a Yogurtland and my tummy plays tug-of-war with my self-discipline.  Self-discipline won!

After all those errands you would have finally made it to my classroom!  After we unload everything out of the car, we organize and get busy...

Your tummy would join mine and growl and we would've realized that it's 2:00pm and we haven't had lunch!  Luckily, I let you share some almonds with me!

 We finally get home at 5pm, just in time to take a shower and start dinner for the husband.  (You agree with the husband he thanks me for taking a shower before he got home!)  When we gets home he moans that he is starving...so we put out some snacks for him to hold him over.

You would have helped me make the most amazing dinner ever!  Seriously, I have to post this recipe because it was epic.  

After dinner we would have all been stuffed and tired and decided that tonight is lazy night.  So, we plop ourselves onto the couch, pull out The Adjustment Bureau, and cozy up with Minnie.

Are you tired yet?