Not Strange - "Unique"

What an interesting school year it has been. I can't believe that January is already here - another semester of 5th grade under my belt. I never dreamed I would be teaching 5th Grade, especially back here in my hometown. I knew I needed another year of the 'same' thing and so I opted to stay here, at the same school, teaching in the same classroom. teaching the exact same subject. What I didn't realize is that I might actually be somewhat good at the whole teaching Language Arts thing! My heart was always with Kindergarten. I love Early Childhood - can't get enough of it, but my eyes have been opened to the needs of these kids at a much higher age than I realized.

This past week I learned alot more about the struggles of my kids. We began talking about decisions that will effect the rest of our lives, and to that I had some students begin commenting on how they don't want to turn 12. I didn't quite understand - they always seem to want to be older than they are - more fun things to do - and to get in trouble doing - but I was curious as to what they were talking about. I was not ready for their answers. I try to explain to my kids that although they think I am this perfect teacher (lol..I know, shocking) that I have been through some of the same struggles they have. I would probably say the majority of my kids don't share the same last names as their mothers, they move from one house to the next, dads are out of the picture, and they are left to take care of numerous siblings. The reason some of my students were dreading the age of 12 was that their parents told them that that was the age they would have to decide where they would live permanently. 12 seems so young to me, for a decision like that, and I could see the worried looks on their faces. My heart broke for them. I remember the first year I didn't live with both of my parents...what a traumatic year that was. Yes, it was my decision on where I went, but I was also at an age where I knew I would be out of the house soon enough and the pain wouldn't last very long. After that comment, we began a class discussion, forgetting everything having to do with action verbs and direct objects and went straight to dealing with the matter at hand. It's days like these when I just want to scoop those kids up and take them home with me! It's days like these when I remember why I became a teacher and how I can actually help a student reach their potential. It's days like these when I just want to sit and pray with them and have them know that I am there for them.

I don't know what the rest of the year holds for me and my 59 precious 5th graders. Each day is truly a new adventure and although my kids think I am a bit strange at times, we have coined the phrase, "Ms.Nauman, you are very unique!" From teaching action verbs through a game of charades to learning how to win a championship in a game of marbles, I truly feel like my kids enjoy coming to my class. You'll have to ask them for the truth though!

As I came home today and checked the mail, I was surprised to find a letter, congratulating me on an award I have been given. This year started off with "Celebration of Excellence Award," which I was shocked to get, and then a nomination for "Educator of the Year" in my district, and now this...a letter from the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary who are honoring me as the "Outstanding Teacher for Grades 5 thru 8." Maybe this is God's way of telling me that I can do this...even though I am exhausted most days when I come home, I am doing it for good reasons. I love those kids...I just pray they realize how much I do love them.

New Year Resolution #1 - Read a Book a Month

I realize there are more than twelve books listed here, but I wanted to include ALL of the books I am hoping to get to this year. I own all of these and I've actually started one book already, but I wanted to show you my picks for the new year! I consider them to be quite diverse in nature!

A wonderful book I have to read for me graduate class!

My new Bible

You Tell Me...

So you tell me - new hairdo ok, or do you like the old Addie hairdo better?

Merry Christmas from Spain!

Yes, I admit it, I was a bit late getting the "other" Naumans their Christmas presents, but you know, they did come all the way across the ocean from Spain!

Jen and Matthew were practicing the art of hiding behind the fan!

And doesn't Matthew look just so precious in his t-shirt?

I try my best to get Alan a "soccer" scarf or some sort of manly gift from the countries I visit. I sure hope he likes it!

Alan is 33!

I can't believe it...my big brother is 33 years old! Where has the time gone? On New Year's Day my mom, Billy and I drove up to Longview to celebrate with Alan on his birthday, January 2nd. These are a few snapshots from his Brithday Dinner at Shoguns. I was a bit disheartened at the cuisine, but I survived! Matthew opted for some Chicken Nuggets - why didn't my mom bring any for me?!

Matthew had to help his dad blow out the candles.

So sorry Alan looks so rough - but that's what he looks like first thing in the morning! :) Happy Birthday Alan!

Matthew was trying his best not to smile for me...I think he has mastered that art!

Ringing in the New Year!

As I wrote in a previous post, I rang in the New year with some old and dear friends of mine. Dee Anne and Andrew were in for the holidays with their beautiful daughter Petyon! She is just precious! They drove in from Monterey, CA and I was so excited to spend some time with them. DeeDee, I promise to keep in better touch...I have until September to come out and visit, right? :)

2009 Is Going To Be Great!

What a great start to a new year! I spent last night enjoying family and old friends and rang in the new year with excitement! As I looked back on years past last night, the scene was quite familiar. I have been in the Gray's living room many a new years eve and it felt wonderful to be back in their home again this year.

I knew that getting to bed at 3am this morning would prove difficult in waking up for our road trip today, but my mom, Billy and I were up early and headed back up here to East Texas - Longview. My brother turns 33 tomorrow, so we decided to spend the next few days with him and his family.

On the drive here, I was thankful that I actually had the opportunity to read! I cherish those moments, when I'm not reading a textbook, or when I actually have quiet time to pick up one of the many books I have purchased and never had the opportunity to open. As some of you know Barnes and Noble is my favorite place of all time, and it saddens me that I don't have one very close! Any bookstore will due, but gosh, there is nothing like a good Barnes and Noble and hot chocolate from Starbucks! So with that said, I brought along a few books to read, knowing that Billy would be driving the five hours here. I picked up a book I had actually read before, but remembered it being quite humorous, and I needed a good laugh! The book was given to me by a friend last year, and after returning it to her, I quickly went to Amazon.com and bought a few more to share with my other single friends. Now I don't mean to make these last two posts about being single, but it is a part of my life, and I do have some wonderful stories! The following is an excerpt from the book, that I think all single women should remember! Read it if you would like.

"Celebrate Your Singleness!
Treat yourself once a week; attack another dream once a year.

Treat Yourself
With others questioning your singleness and no one man signed up to affirm you, you need to take time to pamper yourself and remind yourself that you rock - regardless of your marital status. So, figure out what makes you happy, how God has gifted you, where you most enjoy serving others, and what perk of singleness you like best. Play up these positives in little ways once a week. I enjoy a leisurely lunch hour at the local Starbuck's with a Mocha Frappuccino and a great travel narrative. It rejuvenates me, juices me up for an afternoon in the office, and inspires hopes and ideas that have nothing to do with a man. Which leads to my next point...

Attack Another Dream
There are so many other goals you can have control of in your life right now - learning a foreign language, taking a photography class, sponsoring a child overseas, mastering basic home improvement skills. Focus on those things you can control instead of that one elusive thing you can't. It's empowering, especially when you feel powerless to fulfill your desire for a mate or to make that ache go away. It broadens you as a person and gives you even more to offer Mr.Right if he ever does decide to grace the scene. It makes you more attractive - there's nothing more compelling than someone doing something she loves. And it gives God other ways to bless and use you. What could be more abundant than that?
The idea is to create such a great single life that you don't notice who's "missing," that you wouldn't dare let anything less than God's best pry you away from it, and that you experience God's presence and purpose in your life as they were meant to be experienced - individually and unconditionally. And to get to the place where the next time someone asks, "What's a nice girl like you doing still single?" you can answer: "Having the time of my life!"

Just remember, God is in control and don't let the next adventure in your life slip away!