Reflections

So I have decided to try this whole blog thing again. It's been awhile and now life is starting to slow down for summer I figured the timing was right. Besides this blog I am also going to start one dedicated to the autism classroom. For those who might not know, I teach students with autism in a self-contained classroom at Brooks Magnet Middle School in Wichita, Kansas. Besides my self-contained students I have several other students who are on the spectrum but attend regular classes on my caseload. This was a new experience for me this year as I have always had just the self-contained kids. What a learning experience this year has been! Several ups and downs but overall a very productive school year. This Wednesday is my last day with the kids and it will be bittersweet. I love having a little break in the summer to spend with my girls but I miss my students and co-workers. You really do become like family. So...as the next few days fly by I will savor this time with my students and give them as much TLC as possible and try not to let the tears fall on the last day as I walk my 8th graders out the door for the last time.

Most people who read this if not all already know quite a bit about me. I'm a mom to three girls, ages 12, 11, and 5. Married to Jason. We live in Valley Center, Kansas and live a pretty simple life. We are blessed to have family close by who are always willing to help with the girls due to our crazy work schedules. Valley Center has been a good place to call home the last 15 years. Jason and I grew up in Wichita and when we decided to get married I pleaded with him to move here. My mothers parents are from this area and I had fond memories of coming here as a kid visiting my grandparents and great-grandparents. I envied my cousins who attended the small schools here as I was never a fan of big schools. Luckily he agreed and here we are with no regrets. The girls love their schools and have made some great friends.

The girls keep us busy and while I am looking forward to the slow down of crazy schedules summer brings, I also love seeing them do their thing. Soccer, dance, AWANA, and now t-ball take up many hours throughout the week. The older two also play the flute and clarinet. Lately I have been pondering how we are going to mangage getting three kids to all their activites because as they get older there are more opportunites. Thank goodness for carpools!

So this is my life. We live. We love. We laugh. Many days there is lots of craziness thrown in. But it's a good life and boy are we blessed. Is it always butterflies and rainbows? Nope. It works though and love is in this house.

25 Facts about Me:

1. I love my job. I really, really, do. How many people can actually say that? Probably not many. I know I have been one of those people in the past. Trust me, I feel pretty lucky. I am where I should be and I can't imagine doing anything else. I love my students, I love my school, and I loved my co-workers. This has never happened before and I know it could change in a heartbeat so I am holding it dear as long as I can.

2. I want to live by an ocean someday. Let me rephrase that. I WILL live by an ocean someday. Cape Cod would be ideal for me.

3. I love the smell of salt water in the air. Sand between my toes. The sunset and low tide.

4. At times I am scared out of my mind of raising three girls. THREE GIRLS!!!

5. I am scared to death of snakes. Yes, yes, I know many people are scared of snakes but really, I go into panic attack mode. I went to the circus with the girls a few years back and Natalie wanted to pay to hold the massive boa or anaconda or whatever...so, in a moment of bravery or stupidity not sure which, I went down with her and held it with her. I feel sorry for those people who were near us in line because I really was close to hyperventilating! I did it though and I have a picture to prove it!

6. I love Colorado. It's breathtaking, no?

7. I have been attending college off and on since 1998. Can I just say I am tired. Tired of studying. Tired of night classes. I will graduate with my masters in 2014. So. Ready.

8. I have an amazing younger brother. He is six years younger than me and I love him dearly. He is married to a beautiful woman, Jennifer. They have given me a niece and nephew who I love dearly but don't get to see as much as I want to.

9. My parents are still married. Wow!

10. I am not a very good driver. While I would love to live in Colorado I would not like to DRIVE in the mountains.

11. My favorite food is mexican. Ate it everyday when I was pregnant with my girls.

12. Coffee is a good thing. A very, very good thing.

13. I wish I loved running and working out. I really do. I just don't like it much. I see all the running pictures and posts on Facebook about this run and that run and while I am happy for them it's just not my thing.

14. I love KU basketball. Everything about it.

15. I love to sing. It was "my thing" growing up. Always hoped to go to Broadway but my life took a different turn. I'm okay with that.

16. I love the theatre. I love the feeling it gives me to escape my life for a few hours. I have been fortunate enough to have seen some amazing productions over the years. Very excited to take the girls to NYC next month with my mom. We will see Wicked!

17. Barbra Streisand. Anything by her. Just watched "The Prince of Tides" the other night for the 100th + time I'm sure. Love it.

18. I'm a Gemini. :)

19. My faith is important to me.  Making it a goal this summer to read the Bible more.

20. I love taking pictures. Big hobby of mine.

21. I love DIY projects and crafts. Follow me on Pinterest! http://pinterest.com/angiecj/

22. I think I have ADHD. Maybe.

23. I probably spend too much time on social media. I am going to cut back on this. It's a time waster.

24. I love animals. Dogs, guinea pigs, you name it. Jason doesn't so much.

25. Summing up a few things in this last one: Favorite Movies: Legend of the Fall, Stealing Home, Prince of Tides, Love Actually, Bridget Jones Diary.  Favorite Band: U2.  Favorite Drink: Diet Coke.


AND I want to make THIS cake THIS weekend!



And a song for Friday.....Love David Gray.