Filled With Joy

Whoa! Where did August go? Today summer really did end for me. A new season, "Canning" season, has begun. I helped with corn this morning, and then we used lots of produce from the garden to make 28 pints of salsa. There will be more of both to come. I'm grateful I know how to can because it tastes so much better than store bought. The girls helped me. We worked together to make the work light. Joy!

I love science. I love teaching science. However, I don't know as much as I should. I also don't have the knowledge to create lessons that are informative, meet the standards, and keep the students engaged. Somewhere along the way, I discovered Mystery Science. I think a fellow teacher shared it with me. It is a game changer. My kids love it. I love it. It does everything I need - standards, informative, and highly engaging. My students look forward to our Friday Afternoon STEAM. I look forward to it. Getting students excited about science brings me joy.

 The first full week of a school year is difficult. We don't have a true schedule. Groups aren't confirmed. We are still establishing routines. The kids are getting to know one another. They are testing me and each other. And, the honeymoon period ends and all the true colors show for the first time. It is exhausting. I was so tired after school today. Then I saw this quote by one of my favorite teacher groups online and thought, "There are other people out there that get it!" Being unfied in our struggles can be a sense of joy.

Our nephew Kendall is in my bro-in-law's shop class. Kendall really likes Tom. Who doesn't? He is pretty awesome. Today he left him this note, written on his classroom board. It didn't just bring joy to Tom, but it brightened my day, too. Oh that Kendall is awesome!!!

I bought some adorable shoes last spring on clearance. They were so comfortable. The key word is WERE. I have worn them out. Today I realized that they had to go. So, I headed to the sporting goods store to find the perfect shoe. I don't know how to find a perfect shoes, but I did find one that was quite comfy for the 32 seconds that I was able to wear them in the store. I'm sure that is a true determinate of a shoe that I will be wearing for 40-60 minutes of exercise daily. True joy came tonight as my feet felt like they had been walking on a cloud during my exercise session.

I love this shirt! People look at me crazy and then I explain it is just a family things. But, it always reminds me about the importance of continued learning. I love learning things. When I can't sleep I listen to podcasts. This weekend I learned about ventriliquism and horseshoe crab blood. Very interesting!!! I find a lot of joy in learing.

Ran to the school quickly to check the schedule for tomorrow. I just glanced at the cubbies. I love how organized they look at the beginning of the year when there are not coats, boots, or garbage to clutter it all. I'll cherish this picture all year. Beginning organization - joy!