Grateful

Thou gracious God, whose mercy lends
the light of home, the smile of friends,
our gathered flock thine arms enfold
as in the peaceful days of old.

Wilt thou not hear us while we raise
in sweet accord of solemn praise
the voices that have mingled long
in joyous flow of mirth and song?

For all the blessings life has brought,
for all the sorrowing hours have taught,
for all we mourn, for all we keep,
the hands we clasp, the loved that sleep.

The noontide sunshine of the past,
these brief, bright moments fading fast,
the stars that gild our darkening years,
the twilight ray from holier spheres.

We thank thee, Father; let thy grace
our loving circle still embrace,
thy mercy shed its heavenly store,
thy peace be with us evermore.



-Oliver Wendell Holmes

School DAZE

My first bulletin board. I'm so proud! The students had to write a caption saying why they were proud to be in America, and then they drew a self portrait. I gotta say, some of my 5th graders have serious drawing talent. It's so fun to see the things they come up with.

So far school as been overwhelming, but at the same time a total blast! I've discovered that I secretly like the naughty kids in my class more than the good ones. I never seem to know what's going on with the rest of the school, i.e. meetings, assemblies etc. My kids are super good at reminding me of what I'm supposed to be doing. I smoothly pretend that I knew what was going on the whole time, and say I just wanted to see if THEY knew. I'm seeing that some kids don't have any kind of personality, which makes me concerned for their future. Also, I have already run out of patience with the "my mom didn't remember" excuse which seems to be the common fall back for any student that doesn't bring their homework.

Teaching school has it's quirks for sure, but so far.....totally fun.