The girls just wrapped up their first week of school. Daisy Mae (right) is now in 7th and Sweet Pea is in 8th. Which means this is the last year I can say, “I don’t have a high schooler.” How did I get so old? Woe unto me.
Last year, both girls tried out for the volleyball team and didn’t make it. It was really hard on them, but really hard on me, too! I secretly hoped (selfishly) that they wouldn’t try out again this year, because I couldn’t take it if they were cut again. But they both wanted to try out. So about 5 weeks before tryouts, they started practicing with each other daily. I was impressed with their dedication. Even if we had to leave the house by 8am, they would set their alarms for 6am so they could practice. A friend of mine, Jodi, who has coached volleyball before, even graciously offered to help them out for a few practice sessions. They tried out this past week. 60 girls tried out, and they were only keeping 26. And this year, both of my girls made it! It made me proud of them for going for it again, even though they didn’t make it last year. I honestly don’t think I would have at that age. But my heart hurts for the girls who were cut. I wish they didn’t have to do that. It is a shame . . . they should just be able to learn the game and have fun, especially at middle school level.
I *think* my classroom is ready. Many thanks to my girls and my mom for basically setting up my entire classroom for me, since I am still in knee-surgery-recovery mode! I think it looks great. David stopped by to see me last week in my classroom for a surprise visit (very un-David like).
Me: How does my room look?
David: Fine.
Me: If you walked in here, would you be confident in my ability to teach your child?!?
David: Um. Sure.
Well. He did trust me to homeschool our own children for a few years, and I did not nearly have this fancy of a space.
My mom made all the kiddos playdough for the first day of school, as if she could not be any more amazing.
Look at the windows! Gorgeous. I have had that R E A D poster every year now in my classroom, no matter which grade I have taught. It might just need to be a forever thing for me. No one has ever complimented me on it. BUT I CHOOSE TO BELIEVE IT IS FANTASTIC. Thank you.
I have to admit, my knee is killing me. I feel like I am doing a great job of acting like I am just fine. But as I crutch down the hall with my little tote bag to hold paper copies, I apparently do not appear as “fine” as I think I do. For my colleagues make comments such as:
“Oh, please let me do something for you.”
“Are you ok?”
“Do you need to go home?”
“Um, you look pale.”
Oh, sheesh. I am trying, but obviously not nailing this “brave face” business. I told my 1st grade team mates that when I get a bit fussy, they should just bring ice. AND if someone brings me TWO packs of ice, one for the top of the knee and one for the bottom (I fondly refer to it as the double-decker), I will be a happy camper.
Oh, I am just the biggest diva lately, too. Every time we go somewhere, someone has to carry things for me, or fetch a pillow for me to prop my knee on. I will owe them all many drinks of coffee and boxes of doughnuts. It’s a problem.
On Friday, I was scrambling to finish things up in my room, and my knee was, and this may come as a surprise to you, hurting. I had a physical therapy appointment to get to, and I totes wanted to cancel. But then I remembered . . . ICE! They always double-decker ice me for the first ten minutes. So, obviously, I had to go.
Heaven.
I truly don’t have time to be laying down and icing the Friday before the first day of school. But it was worth it. I was a bit discouraged after that appointment. The physical therapist seems to think that something is not right with my recovery. I am really looking forward to getting back to normal.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch . . .
We have managed to keep the four baby piglets alive thus far. They have gotten to be naughty things and they slip through the fence and leave their mama. This displeases her and she grunts and stomps and throws a giant mama pig fit. I imagine it is what I look like when I have repeatedly told my boys to get dressed and I find them not-so-dressed and playing with a soccer ball in the house. (Soccer in the house: never allowed)
Happy Sunday!
Please take care of yourself, T! As a former teacher and former very busy mother (still a momma, but those kids grew up?) you are so important to the whole picture. I love that your girlies made the team…such determination on their part! Have a great September! The days are long but the years are VERY short, although it’s so hard to see this when you are in the midst of lunches and homework. xxxoooo from Leamington, Ontario, Canada.
PS. I love your blog.
Your girls are super champs already for their dedication to their sport! And you are a champ too, for lurching along in pain to do your job. Have a wonderful school year! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I’m feeling your pain….actually, I truly am feeling it. My knee is bothering me so much this week with room setup. I’m not ready. I feel woefully lacking. I’m pulling my thoughts together but I just got my classroom pulled together and it is functional and uncluttered but not cute in any way shape or form. It has great function, though! Get this! I found out about a schedule change at 2pm today. It is only a 5 minute change but I had all the times written out on my schedule board in Sharpie already. 🙁 I had nothing with which to remove it so now I feel the need to create one on the computer and print it out in very large type.
Bravo to your daughters for sticking to the task! One of my children quits everything and it drives me nuts that he doesn’t have that stick-to-it attitude.
Knee surgery is nothing to sniff at……hard stuff that.
Find out what physical therapist means by not going right.
You need to know. Serious stuff this recovery. Not sure you should still be having so much pain. Take care of you.
Your girls are fantabulous! Way to go girls!