Friday, April 4, 2014

We're buying a house!

We're buying a town house, which has been in the works for about a month now. We should close before May 1st:) I am so anxious to move in. I have been doing projects and daydreaming nearly non stop. The home is in American Fork and honestly, we weren't even ready to start looking when we decided to buy. The opportunity came so quickly and the spirit told Jordan and I so strongly that it was right. Interest rates are on the rise, so it feels nice to have a locked rate and a knowledge that this is where we will call home. The house has 4 bedrooms, and 3 and 1/2 bathrooms. It is more than enough space for us, so all of you who want to come visit, come! Maybe one of you will actually eat my cookies. They just put in new carpet on the main floor (3 finished levels), built a deck, sonic cleaned the blinds, painted doors and walls. The list of things just done is huge. It is going to make move in day feel like heaven! I am finally going to be able to have a small garden. Anyone with advice on vertical gardening, send it over!

Pinterest home decor section is calling my name. I hope you are all having a perfect Friday!

End of a Journey


Today was the end of one of my big journeys. It was the last day of my student teaching. I will still observe for two more days, next Monday and Tuesday, but it really feels like being done. I have been reflecting today on some of the things I have experienced and wanted to write them down.

I felt like crying a few times today for reasons I didn't anticipate. I assumed I would feel sad because the students I have taught have been so fun to be around. The AF area is phenomenal, hence why we just bought a house there. Oh yeah, maybe I should post about that? The reasons that I started tearing up on my last day, however, was for the students I feel need me. I know that is a huge false statement. None of those students really need me, and they probably don't even like my class. 

D for example has been someone I have tried to reach from day one. He came in, sat in the back, and talked to no one. He made a few disturbing comments that made me feel that he was reaching out for help. I could have done more, but I did try to reach him each day. Sometimes he completely surprised me. One day he came in with nearly 15 missing assignments and excitedly turned them in, after I had given him a folder with all of the assignments he was missing. I just feel like he needs someone to be his advocate. Today he volunteered to read, which he never does! He struggled with nearly every word, but it meant a lot to me that he tried. 

I worry that some of my students have terrible home lives. I want to be someone that stands up for them and helps them feel important. I hear them tell small parts of their lives, such as an alcoholic mother who gets violent when she drinks so they hide her Vodca, and I crumble inside. Who is on their side? Who is going to help them grow and develop the traits of a successful person? I want to be a mother to each of them, but I am not. I am only their teacher, who is leaving next week. 

Maybe I failed at helping these students. Maybe I helped them understand how they can take control of their health. The few thank you cards I have gotten help me to focus on the positives. 

To new adventures where I can attempt to help new people! I will post about the house now:)