Brandi + Symphony = Magic

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, my mom, sister, Christy and I went to see Brandi Carlile. (Christy was my teaching partner last year in Dual Language Kindergarten) If anybody knows Brandi Carlile, you know she is amazing. If you have seen her live, you know that she rocks! Words cannot express the concert we went to. Brandi performed with the Seattle Symphony and I was in heaven the whole night. The strings with her music were incredible! I wish everyone could have experienced it...but don't worry! She recorded the concert so I am guessing there will be a little live CD coming out one of these days.

(I look a little too excited)

Little did we know that the fun didn't end after the concert. While we were buying our shirts, we heard Brandi was going to come out and sign autographs. Oh, yeah...we met her. She signed our shirts and took a picture with us. She said we were cool people and asked us to hang out with her at The Tractor afterwards. Ok, maybe I was dreaming of the last part.

She said the yellow was a great place to sign her name so we agreed with her.

FYI: Brandi is on the Hotel Cafe Winter Songs CD I blogged about a few weeks ago.

(Track #2 - She opened the concert with this song)

Thanksgiving Marriage Proposal

I'm not good about writing down what cute things my students say. I did, however, come across a quote I saved in my files from 2005. This boy was kind of like my current try me boy but was a first grader at the time. Teachers got used to watching me drag him down the hall to sit in the office. The fun times were when he'd grab the desk and not leave the room. Man, he held on for dear life! Despite these moments, I really did love him and knew he had a good heart under all his layers. He said many funny things from time to time, but this one melted my heart. I believe we were just sitting around somewhere doing something (that's my memory for you) and he randomly said:

I’m going to marry you when I grow up so you can come to Thanksgiving dinner with us for a long time. But when I’m old enough to get married, you’ll be really old, like 100!

A great reminder to me of why I teach!

(Not the part of being really old, like 100!)

My Background Music...

What do I do when I'm majorly stressed? I start listening to Christmas music! My sister told me about this cd a few weeks ago and bought it right away on iTunes. I love this song and many others on the cd. This has been playing on repeat while I've been working on Masters stuff. Well, I haven't really been working on Masters stuff because I'm sharing this great song with you right now, but here I go...I'm off to try to be a good student.

What is stress...

“Stress is when you wake up screaming and you realize you haven't fallen asleep yet”.

I haven't slept at all.
I haven't really woken up.
I haven't stopped screaming inside.
This is the perfect quote for the Life of Fife.
I've entered a new level of stress that I have never experienced before.
I might be gone from blogging for awhile until the screaming quiets down.

City...U've got to be crazy!

After realizing my teaching certificate expires soon, I decided over the summer to go back to school this Fall to renew my certificate by getting my Professional Certification, which is mandatory by the state. I thought...while I'm at it, I'll get my Master's!! (Which isn't mandatory but it helps with a pay raise in two years) I asked around to find out about different programs in the area. I loved City University's program because you meet one weekend a month and then work independently between classes. That's the only way I see myself doing this and teaching full time.

Well. The time is here. This Saturday and Sunday I will be in class from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm each day. I am interested to see if I will survive. I'll let you know how the Life of Fife survives...

Arlet's Birthday Wishes

On a student's birthday, each class member write them a letter. This class has done a great job so far. Here are a couple letters to Arlet. She moved here from Mexico recently and doesn't speak a lot of English but she tries harder than anyone in the class.

Dear arlet, you ar a hard working student and Hope you haf a good live in the u.s.a. you ar good at math exalent at reading.

Happy Birthday Arlet I no that we dont git alog (along) But I no that we ar stel frends so good luck with yor present I HoP you lick yor prisints Happy Birthay Arlet!!! PS you ar my frind.

Dear Arlet, I think your name is absulutly perfect. and you shine in frunt of the hole class. and your as cuite as can be. (This one is from a 3rd grade boy...love it!)

Dear Arlet I wish you a good day. An your a good Birthday to. An your so funny an you run so fast thats cool. An I wish you good wishs for your Birthday.

Dear Arlet I hope you ahve a happy bathday and all your brthaday wises cum troo. Your like a princeses on a yunacorn. (unicorn)

I may have a lot of grammar lessons ahead of me...but these kids have good hearts.

Happy Day

Yesterday was my birthday. Over the last couple of years, I haven't expected much. Once you hit a certain age, there isn't as much excitement. I have been so busy I hadn't given my birthday much thought but it turned out to be a very nice day.

The kids at school were so excited and were pretty sweet all day. I got lots of hugs and homemade cards, even some flowers and a bag of oreos! I was touched when my "Try Me" boy and his mom ordered 5 pizzas for the whole class because he wanted to make it special for me. He also made me earrings. I opened the box and he was so excited to tell me he picked out the beads and his mom helped him put them together. I knew if I wore them it would make his day so I proceeded to try to get them in my ears in the back of the room. After several attempts, re-piercing my right ear and washing the blood off my fingers, it was worth seeing the smile on his face. The kids planned this pizza lunch at recess so two other kids brought in drinks and cookies which completed the party. I kept thinking all day, "They like me!! They really like me!" It was the first time I felt like I had made a real connection with them.

After school I went to dinner at Canyons with my sister and parents. We had a great time and enjoyed great food. Thanks for a great dinner, family!

My sister gave me this card. Inside it says: "Only sisters know the thin line between hug and strangle." So true!

We then had to reenact the moment...

My main gift was a blue tooth. I haven't spoken on the phone in the car since the new hands free law passed so this will hopefully keep me connected better. I also got the cutest little bottle of hair wax. I just love that little bottle! Vanessa got me a cute scarf and a "simplify" sign. I need this to be my new life motto so it will be a good reminder.
When I got home, my roommate surprised me with having friends over for cupcakes and ice cream. It was nice to have friends come and celebrate the day with me. We ended the night watching Pushing Daisies. If you haven't seen that show...watch it. It comes on on Wednesdays at 8:00. I love it!

It's a DEAL!

Our school gives out Golden Tickets to each others classes when we catch them doing something good like walking in line quietly, holding open the door, etc. Today we hit our 10th ticket which means making a deal on a class reward. The kids listed several rewards but I had to stop them half way through to give them a little speech how I am not made of money. I was trying to steer them into things like PJ Day, Movie for Lunch, Picnic outside, etc. Things that don't require money or extra time.

The next comment was to have a Big Mac Party. The kids started cheering and clapping. I looked at the kid and said, "Hey! I just said I'm not made of money!" He replied, "It's ok because right now they are only 2 for $3!!!

Thank you McDonalds for giving me a laugh today. I'm still not made out of money, so it didn't make it on the list. I fixed the vote...they are bringing a small stuffed animal on Friday.

It's Not Just Me!

I got a call after school from the PE teacher. She informed me she was writing up an "action plan" to my favorite "Try Me!" boy. He wasn't doing what he was supposed to and got in trouble a little. While she was walking him out to the bus he turned to her and said, "You're REALLY pissing me off!"

IT'S NOT JUST ME!

Women at Work!

We had a church service project on Saturday. We helped the city of Bellevue plant 4,000 trees. There were about 60 of us on the side of the road digging and planting trees and shrubs.

For the first couple hours, it was fun. The ground was hard and there were a ton of large rocks we had to dig out but we were making progress. It started raining half way through which changed things a little. We finished the last couple of hours in the cold and rain but it was worth it to see the finished product.

We were so ready to go home and take a hot shower!

I Look Like Who?

The class conversation started when I showed them this book. Immediately the kids said that teacher was me. I still don't see the resemblance but they were adamant I was the teacher on the cover. Could it be that my hair flips a little? Are my eyes that big?

At the end of the day, I read Matilda since it is my favorite book. The class had another long conversation about how I look like Miss Honey.

I got to the chapter where it describes Miss Honey and they all sat there shaking their heads like...yep, that's Ms. Fife! They said that just my hair color is different. How about the fact that she is a size 0!! That's a big difference.
Well, I had to sit back and listen to the kids' comments as it was pretty funny to hear about what they thought I looked like. With the rough start to the year, I just figured they all thought I was Ms. Trunchbull. We haven't gotten to that part in the book yet so we'll see if anyone changes their mind after I describe her character. :)

Where's the Honeymoon???

Three weeks of school is over. I am shocked I have made it this far. The first couple of weeks are usually very long but the kids usually give you a "honeymoon" phase before they start showing you what they are really made of. After the first two weeks, I thought I was ready for a divorce since I was just going through the honeymoon and things weren't looking pleasant.

Where's the Honeymoon Incident #1:

My first incident was the 3rd day of school. I had one boy who stole something from another student and the playground teacher caught him and instead of listening to her, he ran to the edge of the school property, by the woods, behind the baseball diamond. I went to pick up my kids and asked where he was...the kids pointed to the bright orange figure far, far away. I soon realized our principal was on her way to go get him so I went back to class and continued teaching. After talking to this boy and succeeding in not having him leave the school property he was sent back to class to only cause more issues. He was so defiant and wouldn't listen to a word I said. In the lunch line, I nicely mentioned to him that we were going to have to chat for a few minutes during recess to figure out what was going on. He gave me the look of death, turned his back on me, folded his arms and said, "TRY ME!" I was on fire and said, "Oh, I will try you. You won't even know what happened to you when I'm done with you. I'm taking you down, down to China Town! You just messed with the wrong person, kid!" Ok, so I didn't actually say that out loud but I did let him know he wasn't coming back to my class until he calmed down. Lesson Learned: Even though this boy got under my skin, I was reminded how amazing it is to work for someone who handles these situations in the right way. My principal was 100% supportive!

Where's the Honeymoon Incident #2:

That afternoon, Jose's mother came to me and said that Carlos was not going to be at school on Friday. I thought to myself...whatever! He's not in my class, but thanks for letting me know. When "Jose" wasn't at school on Friday, I realized I had been calling this boy the wrong name this whole time. His name tag was wrong, all his beginning of the year bookmark and art stuff was wrong, all his folders were wrong, all my class lists were wrong, everything that had been laminated and made so carefully were wrong. "Jose" was a new student who moved from Arizona and doesn't speak very much English. He was too shy to say anything or didn't know how to say something in English. I get a gold star for making him feel welcome, huh! It took forever to change his name on everything!! I am really sorry, Carlos! Lesson Learned: When someone on your class list has six names, don't assume they go by the first one.

Where's the Honeymoon Incident #3:

The following Monday (day 5) I had a parent waiting at my classroom door to speak with me. She told me about an incident that happened with her son and another girl in my class. She said some pretty inappropriate things to her son and he came home confused and shocked. I was shocked myself which started the process of contacting Child Protective Services. The nurse gave me a pep talk before I called since I had never done this before. I have wanted to but I was "recommended" not to. To this day, I regret that. Anyways, I was ready to go in and tell them my situation and ask to "speak to a supervisor" if I needed to. I was freaked but I did it and it went very well...no supervisors needed. Lesson Learned: More lessons than I can get into but there are some really broken children out there and it will break your heart to hear their stories. Even though I was nervous to call CPS, I was so proud of myself for doing it and will never hesitate to call again if I feel the need. Even if someone tells you they don't think CPS will do anything about it so there's no need to call...you owe it to the child to have an expert figure out what to do.

Where's the Honeymoon Incident #4:

That Thursday (Day 8) my little "try me" friend came to school already in a defiant mood. Long story short...he was showing his anger and throwing things in his desk. I called the office to help me remove him from the classroom. I mentioned quietly that the principal was coming to get him and he said, "She will never be able to get me out of here!!" It did take her a good 10-15 minutes but succeeded in removing him until the end of the day. Lesson Learned: If something like this happens in the first 20 minutes of the day...it is ok to drink 5 Diet Pepsi's and eat chocolate all day long to help you make it through.

Where's the Honeymoon Incident #5-500

The incidents above were the most challenging or memorable but the first two weeks were the hardest out of the five years I have been teaching. On top of all the child issues, I had to teach and plan lessons and figure out how to teach 2nd and 3rd graders. I have some kids who don't know all their letters and some kids who are reading well above a 5th grade reading level. I have been exhausted. I have been working all day dealing with issues and working all night planning lessons, leaving little time for sleep or sanity. My class as a whole started out very rocky. They had a HARD time listening, following directions, remembering directions, etc. It was painful! After several prayers and trying new things, the start to the third week seemed to change direction. The kids were slowly picking up on how to behave and were easier to manage. I have two kids who don't speak English but they are the sweetest kids. I am also pretty sure I will have to sit down and have a hard talk with a couple parents about seeing a doctor for a few behavior issues. I've got some tough kids and tough situations but these kids are mine and I have already seen small progress which makes me keep going. Lesson Learned: Even though the Honeymoon hasn't been great, it doesn't mean things won't work out. Here's to a great week #4!

Thanks for listening to my first few weeks of school. It may help you know how the Life of Fife has been, but it helps me get out what has built up inside and allows me to start a new day with a positive outlook. And if you have something to say about how long this post is...."TRY ME!!!"

Twas the night before school....

It's here. The night before school starts. For some odd reason, I am not nervous at all which makes me nervous why I am not nervous. This past month has been physically and mentally draining trying to move into my classroom and set up and attend meeting after meeting trying to figure out how to best teach both second and third grade this year. I have had a TON of help from my parents and sister. They really have been a huge support to me...thanks guys!

I feel lucky to be at Woodin and I think I'm not nervous because I'm so happy. I feel blessed and comforted with my new job and I am excited to get started. Here are a few pictures I took last week before our Ice Cream Social/Open House. I'm sure I've changed things since then but this will give you an idea where I'll be teaching this year.

Previous Rooms

This is just a quick post to show pictures of bookshelves I've had in other classrooms. I sent an e-mail out looking to see if anyone had any so I thought I'd give an idea of what I have used before.

Please Sir, Can I Have Some More?

Today I got the keys to my new classroom. I always get so excited to set up my "home away from home". I'm in my classroom half of my time (or more) so I like to make it cozy and warm. I walked in today and was shocked by the bright yellowish and lime green colors on all the wall. They are fun walls. They are bright walls. They are just not colors I prefer to have in my room. Mental Note #1: Paint! Mental Note #2: Call dad so he can paint!! (with my help of course)

The teacher who was in there before didn't have any of her stuff moved out yet so I asked my principal what was staying for me to use. I soon realized I will have a teachers desk, kids desks and chairs and probably a filing cabinet. No bookshelves, tables, shelves, etc. Mental Note #3: Where the heck am I going to put stuff? They will work on getting me a table or two but I need to work on finding the other furniture that will make my classroom function as it should. Mental Note #4: Where is that rich doctor I'm supposed to marry?

After I left, I couldn't help but think of little Oliver. He had so little when he was so hungry and needed so much more than he was given. I feel like Oliver, lifting my bowl and asking, "Please sir, can I have some more furniture?" So while thinking about what Oliver would do, I heard a voice say, "You've got to pick-a-pocket or two." Well, I'm not going to do that, but I will hit up a bunch of garage sales if I can and send a note out to anyone who might have extra stuff hanging around ready to be delivered to Value Village or somewhere. Let me know if you do and I may just take it off of your hands. I may post a few pictures later of my old classrooms to see if anyone in cyber world has anything out there that would work.

Miracles Happen

Miracle #1: I got hired to teach at Woodin Elementary next year! I will be teaching a 2/3 combination class (English Speaking). The whole process blew my mind. I had three principals call me and it was a stressful couple of days figuring out where the best place for me to be was but it felt great knowing that I was wanted and sought after...especially when I was told over and over that there would be hardly any hiring in the district from several principals and district personnel. This actually happened the last week of school (June 20) but then my car accident happened and I had to put my excitement on hold for a bit.

Miracle #2: My car will be able to be fixed! Gary, from Showcase Collision, became a miracle worker while I was in Utah. Before I left, I was going to have to pay off my "totaled" car and buy a new one. After my accident, I worked all day then went to visit Gary to look into fixing my car. I knew it was bad when he said, "How attached to your car are you?" He started explaining about "total loss" which I had not understood before. I looked at Gary and said, "Gary, I just want to warn you, I'm going to start crying now. It's not you. I know everything is going to work out, but I've had a long day and I didn't want to hear that." He instantly changed into father mode and was very sympathetic and gave me a hug on the way out to door. He called around and around to find slightly used parts to make my repairs low enough so I just have to pay my $500 deductible. He was an answer to so many prayers. If you ever get into a collision...go see Gary. He'll give you a hug if you need it.

Back to Real Life

I am now back home and trying to get settled after being gone for over a week. I had a great time in Utah making great memories with my family. Here are a few pictures of the last couple of days.

Tabitha's Blessing Day. Yes, I know I'm the only girl NOT wearing pink.

Tabitha with her Auntie Em

A friendly game of croquet anyone?
Yep! I think that was ALL the jewelry I brought on the trip.

Deer Creek

The Fife kids took Gabrielle fishing at Deer Creek...down the Provo Canyon. It was a beautiful day but there were NO fish.

Swimming

It has been very hot here!! We had a great time swimming and staying cool.

Birthday Fun

We celebrated Gabrielle's 2nd birthday the day after we arrived in Utah. It was a fun filled day full of sun, family and a great party.

It was wonderful meeting Tabitha for the first time. We have enjoyed six weeks of pictures but nothing compares to seeing her in person. She is the most precious little girl!

There was a pink and purple kitty theme. Super cute!