I got a job!

I was hired by our school district as a substitute paraeducator. My first sub job was yesterday. The coordinator kind of "warned" me that this was a high needs special ed class at an elementary school. When I got there, a 2nd grade boy was wailing in the bathroom. He was the one I was supposed to work with. Luckily they let the experienced ladies get him calmed down. Once they did, about an hour later, you'd never know he was ever upset. He had a service dog I got to hold onto at recess - a beautiful golden retriever. Then later I went to a different classroom with 4th and 5th grade students who were working around the 1st grade level. They were so loving and sweet (most of the time). I had a really good time getting to know them, taking them to recess, helping them with seatwork, reading to them, etc. I had really not been around special needs kids too much, other than a few in Primary, and I surprised myself at how I handled little challenges. I was a little petrified I was going to lose them at recess, but everyone made it back to class okay. I think the other teachers/paraeducators probably thought I was not firm enough, but it's hard to know how much to push when you're not familiar with the children. I treated them how I would want my child to be treated.

Anyway, it felt really good to be of help in that way, and make a little money besides. I just check a web site on mornings I feel like working, and if there's something there that will work with my kids' schedule, I can work. We'll see how it goes - so far so good!

Not much to say . . .

It must be obvious by now that I can't think of anything to blog about. My buddies are back in school, so I see them relatively few hours each day. Jarrett is of course at work, which is going pretty well, we think. But my time without them all here is not very interesting! I'm sure you don't care about my trip to Safeway today, or my cycling workout yesterday. But I am thankful for a "boring" life, because it means a lack of turmoil. I know that I am so fortunate, even with nothing to blog about.

Back to School

We had a terrific summer, but last Tuesday it was time for the kids to head back to school! Yeah!! ;) We started shopping at the beginning of August for school supplies (Karina had waited all the way until August when we had gotten the school supply list in June!) and clothes soon after that. This year, both Tristan and Karina were very active in choosing their clothes. (They did well, don't ya think?)
This year Tristan is in 5th grade, which at his school is the oldest! He has a homeroom teacher and goes to other classrooms for science and math. The science teacher did a very cool experiment with an egg and bunson burner the first day of school, so Tristan made a goal to "Be a better scientist." This spring he will get to go to science camp for 3 days and he can hardly wait! This is the last year both kids will be at the same school.

Karina wanted curlers in her hair so she could have curls on the first day of 2nd grade. Karina's teacher is very into art, so Karina is excited to learn from her. Thankfully, one of her very best friends is in her class, so she doesn't have to search for her on the playground. This helps with playground anxiety so much!

What am I going to do all day, you might wonder. Like last year, I try to hit the gym every morning, and then take care of the house in the afternoon. Maybe I'll get some of those projects from last year crossed off my list. (Maybe I won't.) Maybe I'll cook dinners ahead and freeze them. Maybe I'll find a new hobby, or work harder at my volunteer jobs with church, school or the HOA. I've toyed with the idea of a part-time job, too. But I've only had four days to enjoy so far - I'll let you know when (if) I actually feel like I have time to fill up. :)

My first NFL game - by Tristan

On Friday I went to a Seahawks game. Me and my dad were the only ones in my family who went. We decided to go early so we could go around the stadium and get a hot dog or something. When we got there, we decided to get a hot dog first. Then we decided to go down to the front rows so we could get closer to the players. Then my uncle spotted us while we were down watching Patrick Kerney practice. My Unlce Cam had brought my cousin Mitchell with him, so Mitchell and I went down by the fieldgoal net. While we were down there we were lucky enough to get four autographs. They included Julian Peterson, Nate Burleson, Marcus Trufant, and #57. I got Nate Burleson's autograph on my jersey of him. But the rest just signed the back of other players' cards. After that we went up to our seats to watch the game. In the end, the Seahawks ended up winning 23-16, YEAH!! That was fun going to Qwest Field for my first time!