TIRED...

doesn't even begin to explain the way I am feeling right now. The beginning of the school year is always exhausting, but this is different. I guess it is a new school, not knowing all the in's and out's of the school, having first graders for the first time, etc...Plus, I hit my tailbone really hard on Monday. It is soooo sore. I have been taking Ibuprofen like it's going out of style. It hurts to sit down. It hurts to stand, because my feet and legs are exhausted.

But other than all that, I find myself smiling all the time while I am at work. Today was by far, the best day I have had. The kids were calmer, I was calmer, everything was just overall more smooth. I miss my friends in Rogersville, but not the drive I was making. That part is certainly a plus. Not to mention, the resources, which, as I have stated before, are unbelievable. I have a SmartBoard in my room, with subscriptions to anything and everything you could imagine. So, all in all, I think my new job will be good. I just have to toughen up. The kids do too:) They are still crying for their moms at times, falling asleep in the afternoons, don't know what to do with supplies, etc. I guess they are just really little. There is a huge difference between second graders at the end of the year, and first graders at the beginning. It has been quite a shock, but I am adjusting. And like I said, I find myself smiling all the time. That's when you know it is okay. I was walking to my car today, exhausted, but I realized I was smiling for no apparent reason. I hope other people are doing the same thing:):):):):):):):):):)

Wow...

tomorrow is the first day of school with the little ones, and I mean really little ones:) I am used to second graders, and now I am teaching first grade. These little guys are still officially Kindergarteners...Last night I had open house, and believe it or not, every single kid in my class came for open house. I am actually really looking forward to being with kids and not being in meetings:) I think I am going to like teaching in Branson. It is sooooooooooooo different than what I am used to. But sometimes, stepping outside of your comfort zone is all you need, right? Everything is so much more technological, and it is so much bigger. I am overwhelmed with resources, and with everything else that comes with the beginning of the year. Hope all is well with everyone else. I am especially needing to YAWN...right now.

Kinzley..

is just the cutest thing ever! Look at her toenails that Jess painted to match her zebra print top.

Lots of Pictures...

Well, some pictures, I should say. There are lots more to come. I am just ready to get down to the water for a bit, so I am taking a break from my post. The first picture is of Kylan when I was in Oklahoma. I have lots more to post from that trip.

This next picture is of Bethany and I. Believe it or not, we went the entire time without taking any photos. I hate it when we do that! So, this is the only one I have from my time in Texas. I have pictures of her new sister, Hope, but I will post those later as well.

This picture is of Rich, Rachel's hubby, and someone I am glad to call my friend. I had such fun with them when they drove here all the way from Pennsylvania.

This is my good friend Heather. We spend lots of lake time together:)

Here is Rachel, me, and Heather, chilling on the boat. We had such a good time that weekend.

Like I said, there are many more pics to post. These are just the first of the batch. I'm going to go try to get some time in the sun. I am quickly realizing I haven't taken advantage of the lake like I should have this summer. I can't believe I am about to be back at work. I still have so many projects I had hoped to complete. I spent a few hours this morning power washing the patio. It got too hot, so I jumped in the water. I am going to finish it and move on to the deck this evening. I must say I felt pretty empowered using that huge power tool. Who knew I could be so handy??? Anyways, in between projects, I am going to plan on having plenty of lake time in the days to come:) Happy Tuesday to everyone!!!

Summer...

is simply flying. That is the only way to say it. I know people who aren't teachers don't care about our summer, but I am becoming overwhelmed with the thought of a new school year. I have begun taking all my school stuff out of the attic. I have to get it all moved in. I think I had four or five carloads when I moved from my old building. I tried to pack seasonally so that I wouldn't have to take everything at once, but still, it's a task! I figure I will work on getting everything down and prioritize what I am going to take with me when I go to my room. Does anyone know a good website for ideas on setting up your classroom. My room is a blank slate right now. So I am looking for ideas. It is always shocking to me how overwhelming the beginning of the year is. We will make it though...we always do!

Anyway, I saw on Heather's blog that she added a bookshelf. I love this idea!!! So I added some of the books I have read this summer. Right now I am reading The Last Summer by Ann Brashares. I am really enjoying it.