Newport Getaway

Chris and I are in Newport for a few days. We have all of today and some of tomorrow left. It has been an amazing getaway. We got in Saturday night after driving through some snowy patches, though nothing as bad as if we waiting until Sunday. When we arrived at the Hotel Viking, we checked-in and were upgraded to a bi-level suite. It is so nice! We have a loft-like bedroom area with a spiral staircase down to a nice living area. We have two plasma TVs, 1.5 baths and a very comfy bed! After checking out our room, we walked down to Thames St and got dinner at the Brick Alley Pub. We both got burgers and shared Portobello Mushroom fries. It was a yummy meal. After dinner, we just headed back to the hotel. It had gotten a lot colder over dinner.

Sunday morning we woke up, curious what the weather would be like. It was snowing and looked quite soggy out. But, we decided to brave the weather- not knowing how much braveness that would entail. As soon as we stepped foot outside the hotel, we could tell it was worse than expected. The poor doorman was soaked head-to-toe (where is your hat, sir?!). We had seen a breakfast place on one of those handy maps so we headed the opposite direction of the night before. The sidewalks were treacherous! Inches of snow/water/ice. Fortunately we had good winter boots on, so we weren't really cold, just wet. The breakfast place wasn't too far away and we got there quickly, albeit soaked.

We ate at Annie's. The entire ceiling was covered in glass Christmas ornaments or varying shapes and colors. It was a little crazy, but cool. They were having a contest to see who could guess the right number. The food was delicious. I had a ham, broccoli and cheese omelet; seemingly simple, but amazingly yummy. They also brought us a bread basket with coffee bread, and huge, fluffy sweet break toasted.

After breakfast at Annie's, we journeyed toward downtown. It was SO wet and SO cold. I was trying to have a good attitude since we went there knowing the weather wasn't ideal. We did our best, but by the time we got downtown, we headed back to the hotel. Our coats were getting soaked through and I had managed to get ice in my snow boots.

We got back to our room and cuddled on the couch while watching TV (a treat, since we don't have cable!).

**I started this post in Newport; finished it back home in Boston. The rest of the trip will be told through photo.

Vacation & Snow

I am officially on Christmas break. No school until January 5th. It hasn't quite sunk in, yet, but I'm excited. I am also officially snow in. Good way to start the break- forced to stay inside and catch up on sleep. Though, I'm also desperately needing to catch up on laundry and finishing Christmas shopping. I guess there's no point in worrying about it now, because there is nothing I can do about it now.

So, today was the last day before break, which for a teacher typically means lots of gifts and cards. My class was very sweet and I got some very sweet gifts. For me, it also means my birthday is coming. And before I even say this, I know its embarrassing and stupid that I care. But, at my school, we each have a birthday buddy. Its our job to get a card, a cake, flowers, etc for our birthday buddy. I kept expecting all week for it to be my celebration day, assuming my buddy wouldn't want to wait until Friday with all the craziness. Of course, this never came and I was trying not to be disappointed as I waited until Friday.

So, Friday comes and no birthday celebration for me. I know its silly, but it really, really hurt my feelings. I know that I don't always come across all warm and fuzzy. Maybe I even come across like I wouldn't care about a silly birthday celebration, but I do. I think as a teacher, and probably in any profession, you wonder if you are doing a good job, if peope appreciate you or care about the work you are doing. As a teacher, there isn't much thanks or recognition, which is fine. I was just looking forward to a little encouragement from my co-workers and it didn't come. My birthday buddy probably just forgot because this week is such a crazy week and I know I shouldn't take it personally, but its really hard not to.

So, with the kids it was a good day and I'm trying to focus on that. I was just sad because I felt a little forgotten.

Kindergarten gifting

Today we completed our parent gifts in Kindergarten. I have to say they are easily one of the cutest things I've done with my kids. The idea was not mine and I was a bit nervous about how they'd turn out. I think the parents will love them.
What do you think?


Tomorrow is going to be a half-day because of the snow storm coming in. I am grateful for a snow day and I am grateful for snow. I love snow, particularly the first few big storms. I love being warm inside watching it fall, I love bundling up and going on treks through fluffy snow, I love the quiet stillness that settles. I am very excited to get home, get in PJs and watch it fall over a mug of hot cocoa :)

Tonight I got to have coffee with an "old" friend. "Old" friend is pushing it, because we haven't been friends for that long. She was a very good friend at a very specific time in my life, so in that way I consider her an old friend. She told me all about the beginnings of a romantic relationship. It was so exciting to hear about her letting herself fall in love with someone she has been quite taken with for a while. She insists they can't possibly be good for each other, but every time she talks about him I become more convinced they will make it work. I love beginning love; it gives me butterflies. It can be so awkward, yet so exciting. It can be full of risks, but also insecurities. Beginning love is fresh and observant. It is both shy and bold, and certainly full of hope. I am so excited for my friend. Beginning love is fun and joyful. I rooting for this love to last.

Sorry for the randomness of the post. A lot of thoughts today.

Kindergarten goes shopping.

Today was a rough one. I am fried and so ready to be away from my children for 16 glorious days. One of our lovely parents decided the children have the chance to go "Christmas Shopping" and today was the day. We've been collecting odds & ends (ie. JUNK) for the kids to shop through. I have to say my children were adorable, thoughtful and completely random, all at the same time. We discussed lists of who to shop for and headed in. In was a free-for-all. One mother accurately described it as akin to a Filene's Basement bridal run.
One of my little girls quickly snatched up three gaudy necklaces- one for Momma, one for Nanna, one for Daddy. I wasn't quite sure how to tell her Daddy might not appreciate the necklace the same way Mommy would. Oh well.
One of my little guys stood, deer in headlights, so overwhelmed by the selection. He finally selected to toy cars for his sisters and a fun in the kitchen book for dad. excellent selections, little dude. He was devastated he couldn't buy something for himself.
My favorite, and most heart-warming, story of the day was one of my little guys who got a doll for his sister. He had been eyeing the doll for a few days and had mentioned it throughout the day. He was really hoping to get it for his sister and honestly, i was rooting for him. He is very shy and not very expressive. The fact that he was so excited about this doll was a big deal. As soon as we walked in to the "store" some moms called him over and they had saved it for him! It was so sweet and he was SO proud of his purchase. I am so happy for him to have a gift to be proud of.

So, I suppose, even with mash for brains, the cuteness of my darlings will get me through these next two days.

Kindergarten

I love being a teacher. Right now, three days before Christmas Break, I love being a teacher but am feeling grateful for a break. I am looking forward to not hearing, "Teacher, teacher, teacher" over and over. I am looking forward to not hearing, "I'm done, I'm done, I'm done" over and over. I am looking forward to not having to negotiate fights between five year old girls. I am looking forward to sleeping past 5:45 and having the chance to enjoy some daylight hours.

But, as much as I am looking forward to those things, I really do love my nine little kiddies. They are so sweet and the more I post, the more you will get to know them. Each one is very special and very sweet. This is a class that has spoiled me- with their quiet moments, endless supply of hugs and kisses, love for crafts and coloring and excitement for each day. I want to better savor each moment with them because this class is so unique.

I suppose each class is unique because no two children are the same, so how can any two classes be the same? Its just hard for me to imagine having a class as easy as this one. They have helped to make my job, and each day, easier and more manageable. They engage really well with whatever activity we do. They tend not to rush through assignments, but instead enjoy taking their time and doing their best. In some ways they are very young, but in this way they are quite mature.

So, this week as I await with eager expectation Christmas Vacation, I am trying also to remind myself of how grateful I am for each of one my students this year and for my class as a whole.

First Post!

I have never considered blogging until two days ago. So, now its all set-up, but I'm still not so sure about it. It seems a titch self-absorbed, or at least that's my worry with starting one. I am fully aware that my life isn't all that noteworthy or interesting. I am going to give it a try, though because I always have lots going on in my head. I'm hoping that writing it down might help me better process and communicate some of those thoughts.

My goal is to write about a few things: my wonderful class of kindergarteners, my husband and my family. I guess I might write about anything that bothers me, too. I suppose I'll just wait and see.