"My grace is sufficient"

5 years ago, I became a mom. I know 5 years is not a long time compared to so many other women. To me, it seems like it has been a life time, but it has gone by in a blink of the eye. There are certain things that I have learned along the way that I thought have value. I have no doubt that in the years that may come (elementary school, jr. high, high school, sports, friends, girlfriends) that I may have more to say, but I felt like blogging today about where I am at now; as a mom of two, on Harrison's fifth birthday. I have learned how to love better. I love my kids. I love them so much. I never want to ever be away from them. On the worst of days; when both of them have thrown a fit about every minute, and I have found myself cleaning every room again, breaking up fights, and wiping yet another poopy butt. When I have had to turn down lunch with a friend because someone has a snotty nose, or when I have been up all night for a week cleaning up throw up, or calming a nightmare...

I was turning from a busy freeway today, and turning onto a highway, when a motorcycle whizzed by me. I got cut off. Let's all imagine the language that sifted through my mind. Or- maybe let's not. Immediately, I decided who this man was. Too fast. Selfish. On and on, I thought profanities toward his character. As I drove down the road, the man was out of site, and I slowly started to think of other things. 4 miles later, we hit the first stop light. There he was. The Harley Davidson guy who cut me off. In the same place he was, when he started speeding: directly in front of me. There was no need to speed. No reason to cut me off. I started to get heated again. We all know what happens...the light turned green. Cars went through...yellow....the motorcycle stopped. He and I were first in line at the light. I was certainly not excited about this guy. And as I stared him down, he turned around. He pointed his finger towards me. Immediately, I became furious. Really? How ridicu...

Dear Taxpayer, I first went into teaching because I believed that I could make a difference. If I had gone into it to get "summer's off," I would have long since picked another career choice. With the first CBEST, CSET, or first aid test, I would have checked out. I jumped through many hoops in order that I may put myself in a position before children to exemplify the significance of education. I want to influence children to be better. I want to encourage them to make a difference in this world. I want them to have access to opportunities that they did not believe they could. My goal is to ensure that students believe in themselves. And whether they receive an "A" or an "F" in my class, I want them to leave with a better understanding not only of the curriculum I teach, but also of their own capabilities. I have noticed that many of you have lost hope in public education. Class sizes are going up, and reports in the news of travesties in school,...