You Know You're Meant To Be Here When...

The past month I've been long term subbing in a Kindergarten class at one of the more difficult schools in the district.  It hasn't been the easiest job, but it's been one that I've worked very hard at doing my very best.

Yesterday the Principal and Vice Principal informed me that my services would no longer be necessary in that position.  I was canned.  They gave me their reasons, which, for the sake of this post aren't important.  If you'd like to know about it, ask me!

Normally when something like this happens, I would be BAWLING my eyes out.  This time I was completely able to continue my conversation with the Principal and Vice Principal and leave.  I called the sub office, where I got a little emotional with the wonderful lady who works there.  The last thing I need is for this to reflect badly on me when I'm trying so hard to get a full time job in this district.  She reassured me that this was no problem at all.

Leaving the school, I was calm.  It was very odd.  I just knew that everything was going to be okay.  I knew that the phone would continue to ring, that I would continue teaching.  My mom and Nick were concerned, but I wasn't.

Well this morning I received a phone call.  I'm starting another long term sub job Monday for a 3rd grade class! 

It's times like these I know without a shadow of a doubt that moving to Utah was the right thing for us to do.  We have loved EVERY minute of being here, and I've worked more inside the classroom in the three months we've been here than my entire time in California!!  (well, maybe not my entire time in California, but you catch the drift!)

What Makes The Craziness Worth It

Remember these wonderful kids?  This is the second grade class I long term subbed for when I first moved here.  Their teacher had reconstructive knee surgery and was out for about 6 weeks.

I LOVED this class.  They were a great way to be introduced into teaching in Utah.

Yesterday when I checked the school mailbox for the teacher I was subbing for, I found a manilla envelope addressed to me.  I never get mail, so I was excited.  I opened up the folder and inside was a note from the teacher I subbed for telling me that the class was attempting their first letter writing assignment and there were 25 letters for me!!  I almost started crying right there. 

Below are a few of the letters that were written.

This is what makes all the craziness of teaching worth it.  Touching the hearts of these students just makes all the bad melt away.  And it's always nice to know that you are in fact changing someone's life for the better!

Brandon's Famous Friends

So, last week my mom sent an email to Ernie Haase and Signature Sound telling them all about how cute Brandon is and how much he loves them.  If you missed my post on it, click here.

Well, Ernie's assistant kept her word because today Brandon received his first "real" piece of mail.  It was even addressed to him.

Inside was this coloring book, something the group had made a few years ago.  But on top was the coolest gift.

Brandon received a picture autographed by all four members of the group!  Even more awesome was the fact that it says, "For Brandon!" in Ernie's handwriting.

Brandon is SO excited about this; and let's face it...I think it's pretty cool too.  I can't wait to get a picture frame and put it up in his room.  I love wonderful people.

Who Sings It Better?

The Rose, made famous by The Divine Miss M, Bette Midler, is one of the most famous love songs of all time.  Today, we'll be matching up two versions of this song.

First up, a version by LeAnn Rimes.

Next up, the version made famous by Bette Midler.

So, which do I prefer?  LeAnn Rimes sings a nice version of the song.  Her voice seems a little immature for the song though.  Bette Midler sings her heart out in this song, and when it goes into the third verse with harmony, oooh, I love it.  Bette Midler wins for me.

So, who sings it better?

Ten On Tuesday

10 Television Shows You'd Like To Have (or already have) on DVD

Alias:  I have all 5 seasons of this awesome series

Golden Girls:  I have season 1 and 2.  Someday I want to complete the set

Whose Line Is It Anyway:  For some reason this hilarious show has never been completely released on DVD.  Only season one and two have made it so far, with a "best of" DVD.  Someday I hope people can persuade the "powers that be" to release every season.  I would buy it in a heartbeat! 

Burn Notice:  I have every season, and can't wait for season 4 to come out!

Friends:  At one point between my mother, sister, and myself we had all 10 seasons...now I only have season 4

Now for the television shows that I don't have any seasons of, but would love to have them if I could!

Charmed:  Laugh all you want.  I didn't find this show until it started playing in syndication.  This show is simple fun for me!

NCIS:  LA -  I wasn't sure I was going to like this NCIS spin-off.  But I've been pleasantly surprised.  They seem to be getting better with each episode and I've found myself coming back each week to watch. 

CSI:  NY - Another show I didn't find until I saw it in syndication, Gary Sinise is a very good looking man!  I enjoy these characters.

 The Mentalist:  Simply a great show.  The characters have great chemistry, and Simon Baker is so wonderful to watch!

NCIS:  Before I die this is the ONE show I will have EVERY SEASON of on DVD!  This is the most exciting, funny, heartbreaking show on television...I LOVE IT!!