We Have Snow!

It took me an hour and a half to get to work yesterday - it's quite disconcerting to arrive at the school after the students have been there for 20 minutes.  I was thankful for my cell phone - at least I could let the office know I would be late due to the fact that I-15 traffic was going 10 miles and hour and Bangerter Hwy was a sheet of ice - (I passed 2 accidents). I guess that's what I get for agreeing to a job where I have to commute every day in the winter.  :P

More snow today..... and I am reminded that winters in Utah really aren't my thing.....

But on a lighter note, today was "The Polar Express" party in my classroom.  A couple of parents told me students were SOOO excited for it.  And they were.  They all showed up in their pajamas, handing me their "Polar Express" tickets.  I dressed up as the "conductor".  We read the book and watched the movie with a projector.  The kids could hardly wait for the hot chocolate - and some had so many cups (three or four 1/2 cups, really) that they didn't want any of the other snacks.  After the movie, I showed them a box from the "North Pole" that we opened to reveal bell necklaces for them to take home.  I know at least a few of them were positive Santa had sent them.  Do you BELIEVE?

It was so fun to see those little first graders excited about Christmas and a party and everything.  And I was pleasantly surprised at how many of them came to me during the day of their own accord and said "thank you" or that it was "the best party they've had".  Some parents are raising polite, thoughtful kids out there.  

High School Musical is not just for kids...

I got this picture from Kirsten and started thinking about awesome friends....and High School Musical. Which naturally leads me to thoughts of last summer, Kirsten taking her shoes off because her feet were hurting and, germaphobe though she is, walking the streets of Salt Lake (after we saw the High School Muscial play at the Capitol Theater) and her freaking out about the dirty sidewalk.  Then, as we are laughing hysterically, all of us trying to locate which parking level the car was on - taking the elevator up...down....up again.....

The chemistry is really something else - the three of us together, High School Musical, live theater, caffeine.  And poor Jason was there to have it all slopped on him.  At least we had a good photographer.  Oh, yeah.... and it wouldn't have been possible without him, our sponsor.  (:

Let Us All Be Kind

My first graders are learning the songs and lines to a children's play, "Elfis the Elf Impersonator".  It is about not judging others and always being kind.  There is one song that makes me tear up every time I hear the students sing it.  I think the words are simple but profound.  And little first graders singing it is beautiful.

"Look past faces and look past clothes

Look past troubles you might suppose

Let us all be kind

Let us cause no pain or harm

Let us all walk on arm in arm.

Don't be fooled by the face you see

Don't be judging so easily-

Let us all be kind let us cause no pain or harm

Let us all walk on arm in arm.

Use the rule that's golden still 

Give respect and share good will.

Work together, don't work apart

Work to see what is in each heart.

Let us all be kind

Let us cause no pain or harm

Let us all walk on arm in arm."

Life Never Slows Down

I am truly busy these days - so there is my excuse for not writing for awhile.  The cliff notes version: I began teaching first grade at Welby Elementary. I have a half hour each way commute every day. I entered student grades and had a parent open house. I got sick. I participated in two craft boutiques. I had a birthday. I spent a few days in the San Francisco Bay area. I joined the ward choir. I put up Christmas decorations.  I thought about cleaning and organizing the mess in my second bedroom. I enjoyed some dinners and lunch with friends. I got a little Christmas shopping done.  Hooray for life!