First Day of School Pictures

So That's What It Feels Like to Teach Elementary

So, what is it like to go back to school?

Pretty cool, actually.

But before I get to that, I must point out that today was the first day of school for all of us- our youngest daughter started Kindergarten today.  Kristin and I were fortunate enough to get to walk both girls to their classes today.  Kenna, who has the same teacher Leslie had, went right in like a pro.  She seemed ready to go, and eager for us to leave- she was so grown up.  I think it was this that caused Kristin to tear up.

Leslie went on to her second grade class and also acted like a pro.  As Kristin and I left to go to our schools, she began to cry a little more, and I got a little choked up as well.  Both of our kids are in school now- they do grow up fast.

My day at school included planning, and no working with students.  Well, that's not entirely true.  I had lunch duty.  It had been built up to be some epic chaos, but was in fact pretty sedate.  One spill, a couple of rolled eyes and we were done.  Still really enjoying my co-workers, and really enjoyed the young man who raised his hand at lunch (the only way they can do anything is to raise a hand and ask) and asked me how my day was.  Even a cynic like me must acknowledge that was pretty cute.

I am ready to get started actually teaching kids.  So much so, I am looking into getting started on my certification as soon as possible. 

I think I like teaching.  And lunch duty isn't so bad.

PS:  Kristin did not come home from teaching crying- a HUGE improvement over any day she had at Marlin ISD.  And she still doesn't have all the furniture she needs.

Countdown -1: The Long Deep Breath Before the Plunge

It's been awhile since my last post.  We've been busy and away working on church stuff and house sitting for my mom.  Kristin started work on Tuesday, she still has scant furniture and only the promise that the rest does exist, but no one knows where it is exactly.  She's handling it well, and sitting on the floor a lot.

But now, tomorrow I start.  Am I excited?  Absolutely.  Am I ready to get up early tomorrow?  Not a chance.  But I will.  I will meet lots of smiling teachers and excited administrators.  I will learn how to do long division again.  I will, someday, overcome my phobia of small children that are not my own.  Hopefully, that comes soon.

I am excited about being a worker again.  I am excited to be able to do dangerous housework again because I will have health insurance again...after September 1.

But I am most excited about the large number of chances I might have to make a difference in the lives of my students and fellow faculty.  South Knoll is my mission field.  I hope and pray that I will will be the best Math Lab Aide I can be, so that Christ is honored and that children feel loved and teachers are encouraged.

I want to be a light and a hope to South Knoll, and in doing so, be a light and a hope for myself.

I'm ready to do something that matters.

Countdown -10: Relaxation

Kristin woke up with a pretty rough headache this morning, so most of our getting out of the house plans fell through.  Instead, the girls played lots of Wii, and Kristin and I watched TV in a darkened room. 

Then, this afternoon, we got a surprise visit from a man in uniform- Griffin, our long time family friend who just got back from boot camp and was sorting some things out for his fall semester at A&M.  It was a bit unnerving to see a guy in fatigues coming to the door at first- but it was a good visit.

For this evening, we went out for Ice Cream for Dinner- a family tradition Kristin came up with a few years back.  The girls love it, and it's more of what today was all about- relaxation.

Countdown -12 and -11: Why I Went to Chick-Fil A

Yesterday was Chick Fil A Appreciation Day.  Now, if you are unaware, this arose because an interview Dan Cathey did where he said he supported traditional marriage turned into a rallying cry for many groups, individuals and even government bodies to call for boycott and in some cases government blockage of the restaurants opening in their municipalities.  The appreciation day was to show support for Chick Fil A and the company's values.

Yesterday, I went in support of the restaurant and waited for 45 minutes to get my food due to the large crowds gathered here in College Station.  When I got home, I saw on Facebook and the news various reports of people who went- and also of people who disagreed with the idea of backing Chick Fil A.

Generally, what I have seen is that people who are against supporting the restaurant are opposed because they see the CEO's statements as hateful, discriminatory, and/or homophobic.  And I have seen people accuse those who continue to support CFA are guilty as well.  Even if you add in the fact that CFA does give money to some organizations that have been deemed "anti-gay," I just don't see the connection.

I do not hate gay people.  While I do not agree with gay marriage, I have also done nothing to actively prevent it from becoming law.  I choose instead to focus on improving traditional marriage- namely my own- rather than spewing venom on a different lifestyle.  As a minister, I will refuse to perform a homosexual union, but that is about as far as I would go in active opposition.  And while I feel homosexuality is a sin, all I will say is that, because I believe a person's belief about that is between them and God.

So, I didn't go to CFA yesterday because I hate gay people or because I am homophobic (I have no fear of gay people, rational or irrationally).  I didn't go because I am a conservative, and I didn't go because all good Christians were supposed to.

I went to support a restaurant I believe in, who, I feel, was being ganged up on for taking a stance for what they believe.  Anyone who knows me knows I do not blindly support something simply because it carries a Christian label.  I don't like much Christian music, and I rarely ever watch a Christian movie because I don't find them very good in the quality department.  CFA has good food, and excellent service with a smile and a "My Pleasure!"  They are doing what all Christians should be doing, being the best at what they do.  In this case, it is making chicken.

I went to support a restaurant who was being singled out by government officials and having the threat of governmental punishment in the form of denied permits because the CEO said he supported traditional marriage as a part of his religious faith.  Not that he and his company denied service to anyone, or even employment to anyone, just that his faith dictated his beliefs and stewardship.

And since I seem to remember something about "prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech" in the Bill of Rights.  Before it is pointed out that CFA is not a person, the government officials were making their threats based on a PERSON'S comments, not a business's manifesto.

I went because I wanted to be a part of making a statement of support for a concept:  freedom of speech.  I despise boycotts, they are the grown-up equivalent of taking one's toys and going home.  But when someone or something does something I respect and appreciate, I am more than willing to show my support.

I don't know every entity CFA gives money to.  But then, you probably shop at HEB or Walmart or Old Navy or McDonalds- do you know every entity they donate to?  If you do, are sure you agree with every one of those recipients ideas?  It is unrealistic- unless one goes totally off the grid- to only give their patronage to places they 100% agree with philosophically, politically, and spiritually.  So, to those boycotting CFA, AND to those who are making their support for CFA about hate and discrimination- get over it.

A bunch of people went and had chicken yesterday.  Some went for pure, positive reasons, some went for spiteful ones.  Just like some people "occupied" various places for good reasons, and some for spiteful ones.

It is America, and it is our right to do so.

And it is your right to disagree with me and my choice of restaurants, and even hate me for it. 

I will take your hate while I enjoy my 12 piece nuggets.