It's not easy doing the Lord's work.

I have been so completely absorbed in working with the second graders. As to not make this a very long post...I'll give you a quick run down on this new journey.

• When I started student teaching in the second grade, the co-op teacher wasn't very pleasant. I did cry at home a few times and I missed pre-k so much. I was not made to feel very comfortable. I did find out later that she needed a change in her blood press.ure and depre.ssion meds...ah yes..things did improve. Need I mention she's men.apausal so the classroom is always FREEZING!!!!
• The children are okay. They are busy bodies and they love to argue with me. *sigh*. I think they are finally realizing I'm not a push over and I don't care if they like me or not! To be fair, there are a few that are so sweet...they are my teacher's pets.
• Yeah, teaching 2nd gra.de is so different. I get to school before 7:30am and I usually leave somewhere between 4:30 and 5:00pm. I'm completely exhausted when I get home and I still do a few hours of more work. Lesson plans and keeping everything organized takes time. As I gain more experience, things will improve (so I'm told).
• In order to "pass" student teaching...I have to write out complete lesson plans for everything and I have to teach a unit plan....so much work...ugh!!!!!!!
• My co-op teacher ended up in the hsp last week for an infection...so I had to take over completely...with a sub teacher who I had to give a lot of directives too. Somehow that was a good experience.
• The teacher returned yesterday...in a great mood...kids and I were happy to see her..a great day was had by all. We are getting along better now. Praise God!!!!

With all of that...I still love teaching. I can't wait to have my own classroom. I never went into this career looking for an easy way out. I find joy in doing the Lord's work and sometimes I have to remind myself that He has asked me to teach His children...the good ones and not so good ones. I am learning so much.

Besides teaching...I've just been trying to find time for myself and for my dh. It's been really tough. The cat misses me. I miss the cat. He cuddles with me when I lay on the couch after dinner and grab a quick snooze. My dh and I promised we would talk every night...that hasn't happened. We try and I try to keep to house clean and laundry done.

Oh yeah...I took even.ing prim.rose last cycle (lower dose that I was not allergic too)...messed me up BIG TIME! My cycle was shorter in every way and I felt horrible (my period started last week when the teacher was in the hsp...not good). I fought a headache for days and a horrible stomach ache...I can't call in sick so I had to tough it out. I feel better now. Whew!

Well, I tried to keep it as short as possible. There's been so much going on. I'll end on a good note and I will give more details later but I did get a call from a principa.l from a Catho.lic school! There is an opportunity that has come up...it's very likely I'll have a job when I'm done student teaching. I can't think about it much now because I need to stay focused on what I am doing now. I just know the Lord is good and when one does the His work...everything seems to work out. In this economy...this is very good indeed! Praise Jesus!

I'm trying my best to read your posts and please know that I am praying for you all. God bless.