School Days.... and Nights....

Looks like I made it through the first 2 weeks of school!
I am so tired.
SO. TIRED.
But seriously, I'm exhausted.
It's worth it, though. It is beyond rewarding to be able to call a classroom my own and do my own thing. I don't have to rely on another mentor teacher to tell me what she wants me to teach. I get to decide on my own! This is overwhelming at times but so much better. It feels like I have been working non-stop. I work at school and then when I get home until I go to bed. I know it will get easier. I hope so, anyway. I have been slowly catching up a little at a time and my plan is to get ahead, so I can leave (most of) my work at home.

This year I have a class of 26 very chatty 5th graders. :) I am glad to say this is really the biggest problem I have with them- there are a lot of other problems I would not want to deal with. They are a sweet bunch of kids, and we have so much fun together. They get along with each other and I can truly say I have grown to love them all! This will be a fun year. I have so much work ahead of me this year, but I know that I will enjoy it because my kids make it all worth it!

Here are a few pictures of my classroom:

Thanks to all of you who have helped me get through these past few weeks. This has been the most challenging experience I've faced so far, and it really means so much to me to have your support. Thanks to all the people who brought me Dr. Pepper and chocolate when I needed it, who stapled bulletin boards endlessly, and who sent encouraging notes and texts! Thank you!

Ethan started school this week as well. He will be very busy this semester between school and work every day. This is his last year, and we are very excited to be in the home stretch!
We will keep you updated, as soon as we have any time. :)