Mr. or Mrs. Owl

For the past couple months I have been listening to one of these at night when I'm trying to fall asleep.

I want to know what he/she looks like, and where he/she stations him/herself at night. I like listening to him/her. I was afraid I wouldn't hear him/her anymore when we cut down our trees--but he/she still has a place in or near our backyard. Some night I want to find him/her.

The end.

Gabriel

I am tutoring this 2nd grader in reading. Gabriel is so stinking cute! I already love working with him. He just started reading in English so it will be fun working with the transition from Spanish to English. He's a smart kid--funny too. He likes to tell stories (as most kids his age do). I had fun getting to know him today and can't wait to see his progress!

It's almost time!

My family is coming in 11 days and counting! I am beyond thrilled! To prepare (other than finishing up some house projects here and there) I went to the Dollar Store and got some Easter decor. I know...go big or go home, right? Don't worry, I'm not done.

House Projects

Well I'm back in school already...some break! I actually got bored on my break. I think I've had a good start to this quarter. I'm staying on top of things (for the week and a half I've been going). I actually feel like we're finally getting into content that I'll actually use as a teacher, so hopefully that keeps me motivated! For one of my classes we are being assigned to a child to tutor for the quarter. I'm excited for this because I get to stay in the class I worked in last quarter. It's a class 100% ESL students, and my mentor teacher is awesome! I love those kids!

Well not much else is going on. Lane has been insanely busy working on the house. I had mentioned how I wanted some projects done before my family gets here (in 16 days) and he just went to town on back splash, fireplace, baseboards, window trim, finishing walls, and starting outside! I haven't really had any part in any of it other than helping to move a couple pieces of furniture, holding down a board while he nails, refilling a wash-bowl for grouting...yup, that's about it! I'll be helping more outside though!

http://ourhomeevolution.blogspot.com/

We Welcome You, Springtime!

Winter quarter finished up and I landed with 3 A's and a B+! Barely better than last quarter, and I was hoping for all A's but I guess that's still good! I work so well under pressure (my procrastination problem). It's nice having a little break, however I was feeling ready and motivated for the next quarter and now that is wearing off already!

The sun is trying so hard to shine! We've had a few nice days. I'm ready for some consistency. April's the month! Hopefully we'll have some nice sunny days and get our yard going, and then...my family is coming for Easter! I am beyond thrilled! I already started thinking last month about where they would all sleep, what we're going to do, how they're going to react to our house, what I need to do before them so they will be so so impressed! It's basically all I think about...those few days they'll be here. They'll be the best days of this year thus far! My mom hasn't seen the house outside of pictures yet. My dad and brothers saw the inside before it was even ours so that will be fun. I'm not sure if Britt (and Mike?) are coming yet but she's never even been to Wenatchee! So that would make my life if they all came! Then, right when they leave, Lane and I will be headed to southern California for Dusty's wedding (his "bff")! We'll have to cram in seeing all my relatives into basically two days but it will be awesome!

...and then there's May: my dad's birthday, both of my brothers' birthdays, Lane's dad and brother's birthdays, Lane's birthday, Mother's day, (lots of friends' birthdays) and our anniversary. As long as the sun is shining I will be a happy Jannica.

As mentioned, we will be working in our yard and finishing some stuff before my family comes. I haven't updated our house blog in a while because they day we moved in the projects have basically stopped. My family is incentive for us to get going again (and we need to finish some inside before we start spending money outside)! So, there will soon be updates because Lane is working on our backsplash as we speak--or I type.

Can I get a "hoo-rah" for springtime?!

Teachers

Between school, recent experiences, and watching the film "Waiting For Superman," I have a lot of thoughts about being teacher. I have always wanted to be a teacher--ever since I was a kiddo playing school with my siblings or stuffed animals, fighting over being the teacher. I started this elementary education program and had some doubts about myself. I still have doubts sometimes because of my shyness and comfort zone. However, I know that I can be a great teacher. I LOVE children. I love being around them, I love watching them learn and grow, I love hearing what they have to say, I love hearing their life stories, I love watching them interact, I love helping them understand things, I love watching them help each other and build relationships. I don't know how a parent could not love their child and want what's best for them and for them to get a good education. It kills me to see kids fail and lose hope for themselves. I hurt for those who don't have the support, confidence, and hope that they can fulfill their dreams. Every child is capable of success, no matter how big or small. I cannot wait to have my own students, let alone my own children. I would like to thank those teachers who actually care about and love their students. I appreciate them and I love learning from them. I hope to soon be one that people appreciate. Good teachers love, care about, pray for, cry for, lose sleep over, plan for, spend endless hours for, doing everything they can for their students. I feel I am heading in that direction.

This... is addicting.

There's 1 week left of the quarter and I need to not be addicted to this. We started playing it at Brady and Leah's house, and we've only had it for 2 days. Being at work is what's prevented me from playing it. However, with my procrastination problem, I have pushed the limits and it has come to the point where I have to crack down. (Then I'll have a whole 2 weeks to get sick of the game!)