it's far from a perfect world

It has recently come to my attention that I may want to reconsider using photos of my students on my blog. I have never taken this matter lightly and have been extremely careful not to ever mention names (of anyone but myself, let alone my students). Parents of students at our school have to sign and give permission for their child's photo to be used in promotional materials for our school, including online uses, and all of the parents of kids in my class have consented to this. I figured I was in the clear to use my personal photos of their children online, as long as I used caution. However, I realize that our world is far from perfect and I can't even begin to conceive of how someone may use these photos for intentions very unlike my own. All it would take is one parent to get upset, or one negative incident, and my teaching career could come down with it all.


As a result, I have (sadly) removed all photos of students from my blog - past and present. It was hard for me to do this because my students are so much a part of who I am and what I do on a daily basis. I also love to take photos, and who better to take them of than the children I spend so many hours with? I love sharing the adventures of my class through words and pictures on my blog. I will continue to do so, but will be more careful to take pictures without the kids being in them. I hope you understand!

apology accepted

DAY 1:
(Student has hands outstretched and touching the wall on our way out of the building for dismissal. His hands graze the well-done work of another student, displayed on the bulletin board. The result is fatal for the artwork - it is torn in 2. Teacher witnesses the entire event.)


Teacher: Student, please keep your hands at your sides while walking in the hallway.


Student: Who? Me?


Teacher: Yes, I saw that you just ripped another student's work. You need to be careful because someone worked very hard on that and now it is torn.


Student: I didn't rip it.


Teacher: Well, I saw you do it, so I'm simply asking you to keep your hands at your sides in the hallway so it doesn't happen again.


Student: I'm not a liar.


Teacher: I saw it happen, student, but all I'm asking is for you to be careful next time.


Student (while walking away): You're the liar.


(Teacher is left speechless and fuming inside. Teacher proceeds to tell the student's teacher about the previous interaction.)


DAY 2:
(Student comes with head hung low to Teacher's classroom during recess. Student's teacher lingers nearby.)


Teacher: Student, how can I help you?


Student: Teacher, I'm sorry I ripped someone's work and called you a liar.


Teacher: Thank you for apologizing. It was very brave of you to come and talk to me. I hope that you will remember to be careful next time you are in the hallway. 


Student: Will you forgive me?


Teacher: Yes, I forgive you.


Student: Will you forgive me two times, since I did two things wrong?


Teacher (smiling): Of course! I forgive you again.


(Student is quiet for a moment, then raises his head.)


Student: Oh, and one more thing.


Teacher: Yes?


Student: I love your scarf.


(Teacher's heart melts and she can't help but chuckle. Student's teacher joins in the quiet laughter. Teacher understands that Student has learned two ways to get on a teacher's good side again: #1) genuinely apologize, or #2) pay her a compliment, or both.)

Valentine's Day, abounding in love

"bucket filler" treats for my 19 little valentines

a classroom valentines day decoration,

handmade by a student!

candy, candy, and more candy

sharing the love we have for one another at school

... and at home!
him picking me up from school,
walking in the door to find index cards posted
around the house with reasons why he loves me,
the table set for 2,
beautiful flowers with my name on them,
a candlelight dinner at home,
his delicious cooking,

so many sweets to choose from for dessert!

still counting

• booking tickets to Florida for spring break!
• how he starts the car for us in the morning
• new blogs to follow
• finishing my book (Gale or Peeta?! I must keep reading)
• students taking turns on the iPad
• unseasonably warm weather, perfect for getting outside for some exercise
• cooking and cleaning up together
• staying healthy thus far this year
• crowding around the island for dinner
• all of us laughing at the same time
• his willingness to drive me around
• "There's a Map on my Lap" by Dr. Seuss
• watching 2 adorable boys so they could enjoy a night out alone
• a new show that never fails to make us laugh
• spelling words with cheerios
• our conversations while walking to and from church
• their contagious joy at the end of the Super Bowl
• kids in their Giants jerseys
• the way it stays lighter longer
• a Nikon announcement
• setting class, home, and school goals to develop responsibility... and sticking to them!
• looking through old valentines
• no lines to wait on at the DMV
• his speciality, one of my favorite meals
• a female pastor filled with passion and joy
• trying a new restaurant
• a spontaneous Skype date with our soul friends
• making 2 dinners at one time
• 15 mins. of extra recess
• heart to heart conversations with colleagues
• writing notes of encouragement
• a shared sandwich
• putting on my "comfy" clothes at the end of each day
• dreaming of possibilities
• people who support, promote, and believe in a.j.e.less designs
• a night out with 2 of the best

birthday blessings

A Poem for You

"The class loves you,

And parents do too.

We love you

Oh, so very much!"

Dear Mrs. Beverly,

"You're as silly as a seal,

as cool as a penguin,

crafty as a fox,

as thoughtful as an owl,

and so much more."

being treated to a birthday burrito,

picking out my birthday present,

a home made birthday meal from his parents,

birthday cards in the mailbox,

February 9 in rare form: sunny and warm,

him getting up early to make a warm birthday breakfast,

each student greeting me with a flower,

my aide providing a birthday treat,

popcorn and a movie,

walking with mom on a beautiful day,

so many birthday wishes: in person, online, or over the phone,

my choice for dinner,

relaxing in pj's,

watching our favorite shows,

a birthday breakfast date,

trying a new restaurant to celebrate with my family,

hugs from loved ones,

feeling loved and special.

the sounds from downstairs

I used to loathe, despise the sounds that came from downstairs. The sounds of a 13-going-on-21 year old girl who loved to sing karaoke - off key. The sounds of a mother yelling in espanol for them to move faster. The sounds of big and small girls arguing over the computer or what channel to watch. It was so hard not to 'give it right back' - hard not to scream and stomp around. It was hard not to be angry ... let alone find joy in that.


But God is good. He knows how much we can handle! We could not be happier with our new neighbors. Yes, the floorboards are thin and we hear each other's mistakes. (Remember the banana bread incident?) I'm sure they don't love hearing my 6:30 alarm. But now, many of the sounds from downstairs do bring joy. Hearing them laugh together. Hearing his strumming of the guitar and singing sweet worship tunes. Hearing their footsteps and feeling safe knowing they are home when my other half is not. 


I hope they stick around for a while.


(And yes, I can be joyful that our previous tenants are happy in a new home -- just down the street and out of ear-shot!)

yes, there's joy even in the mess

Just last week, I wrote about finding joy everywhere, in everything ...


but yesterday morning it was difficult to find joy in the midst of my chaos and frustration.


Maybe you've had a moment like mine?


... when the pot holder slips and you drop a not-quite-done banana bread, spilling the pan's contents all over the open oven and kitchen floor?


For some reason, it's mistakes while baking that bring out my greatest rage. Throwing pot holders across the kitchen, storming out of the room, and of course some not so nice words that I am almost positive our neighbors could hear loud and clear.


Can there really be joy in moments like these?

In that moment, I was anything but joyful ... and it took me a little while to come around ...

• it took a husband getting on his hands and knees with me to clean up the mess
• it took a lot of multi-surface spray and half a roll of paper towels
• it took finding the right kitchen utensil to get the batter out of each oven crack without burning ourselves
• it took him leaning against the oven when we were done, saying I'm still a good baker
• it took us putting the ruined bread back in the oven and hoping for the best
• it took a stream of silly text messages from mom to make me laugh about it all

... but I guess, in the end, I can see how even the spilled mess of a banana bread can be a gift. As I reflect on yesterday's moments of weakness, I can now thank God for laughter and help in cleaning the chaos.

I can also thank God that I happened to make a double batch, and the other banana bread turned out just fine.