i think she really means it…

And To All, A Good Night…

Wednesday, December 26th, 2007 | Sara the Wife | 1 Comment

Today was a wonderful day! The food turned out perfect, and the company was a delight. It was a Christmas not to be forgotten. Here are a few photos from today’s events:

I hope your Christmas was as memorable as ours. We are truly blessed by God’s goodness, and ever thankful for the gift of His Son…the true meaning of Christmas!

Christmas 2007

Monday, December 24th, 2007 | Random Thoughts, Sara the Wife | No Comments

It’s officially here…the Christmas holiday! We are blessed to have my whole family come to our house for Christmas dinner this year! I am making prime rib, mashed potatoes, green beans with bacon and caramelized onions, and fluffy rolls. I did all of the grocery shopping this morning before the mad Christmas Eve rush. I’ll be tidying up our home and preparing some of the meal today. This is a big opportunity for me to prove I am officially a grown-up! I’m more excited than stressed about it. It is quite an honor to have my family drive all the way out to LA to come to our home. I hope this is just the beginning of many years of hosting big holiday meals!

Whew, We Made It!

Friday, December 21st, 2007 | Sara the Teacher | No Comments

The school bell officially signals the beginning of our Winter Break. I’m so glad it’s here; I need some time off!

I get this way every year. The last week before Christmas Vacation is the most challenging in the classroom (emotionally, physically, and spiritually). I’m so glad it’s over.

I used to think only students counted the days before Christmas, but I now realize teachers do as well. We all need a break…they need a break from me, and I need a break from them! I pray these next two weeks off will renew my spirit and love for my students once again.

A Lesson in Integrity

Monday, December 17th, 2007 | Sara the Teacher | No Comments

What subject do I teach again?

While Math is the subject for which I’ve been hired to teach, I sure hope my students walk away with more than an algebraic understanding of life…

Today in class, I caught a student copying another student’s homework. I have absolutely no tolerance for cheating, and took the work immediately. I made both of the girls call their moms later in the day (privately, of course), and tell them that Mrs. Jones would not be giving them any credit for their homework because they were caught cheating.

For the girl who let her friend cheat, this wasn’t a problem. In fact, she was rather breezy about the whole thing. When I spoke to her mother at the end of the phone call, the mom asked, “So, this has been taken care of, then? The matter has been resolved?” I was shocked! It’s been taken care of on my end, but she may want to have a little conversation with her daughter tonight!

The girl who was copying the homework, however, was a little more moved by the imposed consequence. She was biting back tears during class and struggled a little bit when phoning her mom. I did not speak with her mother, but she was required (by mom) to appologize to me for her behavior.

I pray everyday that God will make me a light in the darkness. I hope He uses moments like this to shine truth and integrity into the lives of my precious students.

Long Time, No Post

Friday, December 7th, 2007 | Random Thoughts | No Comments

Whew! It’s been a long time since I’ve been here. I’ve had lots to write about, but just haven’t sat down to type it all out.

I’ve been a reading-machine lately. You see, I enjoy learning and usually read books for information, such as Blink, Generation Me, and The Essential 55 . However, my husband suggested I read a novel, and truly “escape” from my everyday activities. With the rediscovery of my county library card, I took a trip to the Culver City Library where I found a few interesting books that you don’t have to pay for to use (unless you use it *too* long, of course). It started with The Abortionist’s Daughter, then it was My Friend Leonard, Crazy As Chocolate, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, and I’m almost through The Nanny Diaries. And that’s all been in the last 2 months!

In addition to being a book worm, I’ve been a very busy teacher. I have a delightful group of students this year. They have a sense of innocence I haven’t seen in eighth graders since I started teaching a few years ago. Most of my students are eager to learn and actually enjoy the games I make up for them. They come in each day and ask, “What game are we going to play today, Mrs. Jones?” I don’t have the heart to tell them that all that “playing” is making them learn a whole lot of math! It’s my little secret.

On November 9th, Nate and I celebrated our 5-year anniversary!  We had a wonderfully romantic weekend on the central coast where we took an evening tour of Hearst’s Castle. We stayed at the same B&B we stayed at in October, and truly had a relaxing weekend away.

I continue to “ooh and ahh” at all the little babies I see these days. Several of my friends have growing little ones, and it’s so fun to read about the experiences on their blogs. It’s definitely something I’m looking forward to…being a mommy…

Well, that pretty much brings you up to date with me…what’s new with you?