Week 51: Countdown to Christmas
After all the sitting yesterday, my lower back is giving me some fits, but that won’t stop the march of forward progression. Today we are pulling everything out of the basement for Christmas. Part of the motivation for this is so I can get presents wrapped and under the tree instead of in their billion hiding spots. LOL! But also, the little one cleaned his room so his tree can be put up. We put on some Christmas movies and I let the boys take over most of the decorating since my back hurt so bad.
December 16:
I was supposed to make pies yesterday for the work carry-in, but with my back hurting the way that it did I was unable to complete the task. I’m very thankful that my oldest is willing to take my youngest to his Acro class so I can make the pies. We didn’t spend a lot of time together today, but I feel like our time together yesterday was wonderful so I’ll let it slide that I dropped the ball on spending time together today.
December 17:
Tonight is the Christmas program for my little one. He’s so excited because his grandparents are coming to watch it this year. I’m a little disappointed that he doesn’t have any special roles this time. He usually stands out during a performance and receives a speaking part or something. I think the parts were given to students that received the citizenship awards thus far in the year. It’s kinda bs, because the little one is a good kid, but he never receives recognition for being good. There are kids who get the awards because they acted good one time and are a pain the rest of the time. Honestly, if parents would just teach their children how to be decent people, the awards could just go away. Less money for prizes, which means more money for things that actually have to do with education. But, I digress.
We had a good time at the performance and I loved watching the little one over act during the 12 Days of Christmas. His facial expressions make me smile so much. If he doesn’t join drama when he’s older I’ll be very surprised.
After we got home he made a statement about his dad and proceeded to explain that he’d no longer be calling him because he didn’t show up to his program tonight (which is the first time he’s ever thrown down a comment like that). I explained that maybe his dad had something else going on (which I knew he did) and maybe he should call him just in case. He did call him and spoke with him for a bit. He asked his dad a lot of questions, mostly about why he wasn’t there tonight. His dad tried to explain it without “spilling the beans” in regard to a health situation he had. The little one persisted and finally his dad asked that both boys be together so he could tell them what happened and why he wasn’t there tonight. I cannot go into details, but just know that their dad has a few lifestyle changes in his future to prevent additional medical scares. For the sake of the boys, I hope he takes the changes seriously and sticks to them.
December 18:
Not much going on today. Thank goodness, as this week has been BUSY! I’m finishing up assigning Ed Camps for our last day of the semester. I discovered that the more I tell people no, the easier it gets. I had to tell more than one student they cannot change their Ed Camp choices. It’s not like I put it in the email or anything. I’m looking forward to a nice relaxing evening at home. I’m still nursing a sore back, but each day it’s better than the last so I’m very happy about that!
December 19:
We had our secret Santa reveal at work. I received a bath/relaxing set. Sadly, I’ll have to exchange it because it’s lavender scented and lavender gives me a headache in pretty much any form except fresh. So, I’ll probably just pay a little extra and get some more of the Planters brittle nut mix (day 1 gift), which is the BEST mix I’ve ever had. Usually there are some portions of the mix that I avoid eating because I don’t really like them, but this mix is AMAZING! It has honey roasted peanuts, cashews, tiny pretzel sticks, small chunks of peanut brittle, and yogurt covered raisins! So. stinking. Good!
The Key Club students decided to donate some of their funds to the local animal shelter this year, so we had a photo opportunity with some of the dogs and the staff members while the check was presented. We also found out that there is an opportunity to do community service at the animal shelter. I think that would be a great way to have some students get service hours in the club. Because, who doesn’t love animals?!?!
Tomorrow is the last day of the semester then we have a 2 week break. I am so ready for it. I love my job, but I also like the break at the end of semesters as it seems like my position (as with a lot of teachers) has a LOT to do before I can leave. This year it was Ed Camp stuff and at the end of the school year, it may be more of the same in addition to Chromebook check-ins. It’ll be okay and I’ll get through it, as always. I just really appreciate the breaks after the end of semester workload.
December 20:
Ed Camps were a success! Well, mine were at least. The students that signed up for the card making Ed Camp made some beautiful cards and they exceeded the needed amount for a local care facility. Key Club students, along with some of their friends, delivered the 60+ cards after school to a care facility to spread the Christmas cheer. One of the Key Club students also came up with an idea of hosting a Key Club Christmas party next year where members can make cards, have a hot cocoa bar, watch a Christmas movie, and bring snacks to share. I think it would be a great way to celebrate the season and let Key Club kids build a community together. Thankfully, my co-sponsor agrees!
My second Ed Camp was Uno and boy did those kids have a good time! I loved listening to them get excited while playing. There were some students that couldn’t remove their faces from their phones, but for the most part, the students participated and seemed to really enjoy themselves. I felt kind of bad for the students in another part of the Media Center who were playing with Lego because my students were so loud. LOL!
I was allowed to leave work a little early so I could drop off a Christmas card for the former kindergarten teacher of my boys. After dropping it off, I picked up the little one earlier than usual from his school. He was very surprised and pleased. After that we went home and just hung out together as a family.
December 21:
Big plans on baking today, plus stopping by a local pub to wish a friend a happy birthday. Hopefully I’ll have the motivation to do it all. Oh, and our family activity tonight is to drive around and look at Christmas lights while drinking hot cocoa! We haven’t done it for a few years so I’m excited to participate in the tradition again. The last time we went, everyone was grumpy and it kinda ruined it for me. They’ve all promised to be good this year.
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