Feeling Optimistic

What a difference a week makes! This last week was SO much better. My body adjusted to going to bed early and getting up early. I didn't feel exhausted all week. I've adjusted to the rigor of working and moming. I'm very determined to have strict firm boundaries with my students this year. I think it will take a few weeks to get the students adjusted to the class routines and expectations but I'm determined to follow through and not back down. I'm fighting the good fight! I have a few extra challenges in that my co-worker does not have the same expectations and she throws her students into the kitchens almost immediately. This makes it so I have to retrain her old students with more strict expectations in the kitchens and for my students to be jealous of the other classes that are cooking already (which they absolutely should not be). I'm sticking to my guns and trusting that my students will get their time and patience and training will make the labs and activities flow much better. If this happens the class will be a good experience for them and me. I'm more focused on my stress levels and sanity by being firm and strict and with time the students will also have a good experience, but they might not like me much for a bit. WISH ME LUCK!  

The kids started school on Tuesday and Scott started his new job on Monday. Corbin said all of his teachers are nice. I think he's a little nervous about the adjustment to high school but he's feeling pretty good. He is taking a lot of hard classes for a Freshman. He's taking German, Engineering, and Honors Math II. Gabby hasn't said much about her teachers or school yet but she doesn't seem miserable so that's good. Piper is very happy because she got the teacher that she wanted. There is some awkwardness with being in the same class with a former best friend. Ryan is happy with his teacher and being able to move to the big kid playground equipment. Scott shadowed a co-worker last week and I'm not quite sure what else. He now works in the shed. It will be an interesting change. 

Ryan saw a math sign in Piper's room that read "hundred billions 100,000,000,000." Ryan said, "How big that number is is making me question reality." Haha.

Scott's apple trees are looking good!

Enjoying the harvest.

Scott's co-workers spoiled him on his last day.

The girls had a camping out situation for several weeks in their room. Living it up! Ha.

Corbin's first day of 9th grade.

Gabby's first day of 7th grade.

Piper's first day of 5th grade.

Ryan's first day of 3rd grade.

Scott walked the kids to school on the first day.

This picture is the cutest!

Piper holding Thor.

Cutest puppies.