March of Dimes

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Angel Love

May 2013

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REALLY?? 4 MORE???

May 14, 2012 08:26pm (EST)

Life goes so quickly.....along with that some things change quickly and some things never seem to change.

Ansley has 4 more days of school.....4 MORE! Where did the time go?? It seems that just yesterday I was "whining" about going to my new school and having to make the transition for her. Now, we're finishing the year and we'll be moving again.

How can my baby be finishing 3rd grade and going to 4th??? She's not "big enough" for that.....that's the kids that I teach.

Oh dear!!!!

Speaking of moving, we've not heard which school or grade level we'll be heading to for next year, but hopefully we'll find that out in the next day or so. I'm still thankful for the opportunity to continue working!!

Now for the "never change"..... Mother's Day......

As most of you know, I have one of my children here with me and the other waits for me in Heaven. I know that Taylor's love is always in my heart, but there's something about hearing all of the "Mother's Day complaints" from moms who just don't get that the true gift is every day... Don't get me wrong, I know that some moms get no acknowledgement at all for all of their hard work, but have they ever stopped to think of those who don't have their children in their arms for whatever reason??? It's just sad...

I love my daughters with all of my heart and can only imagine what Mother's Days in the future will hold when we're all together again.

I hope that all of you have remembered and loved your little ones in the way that works best for you.

Hugs to you all!

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (6) | Permalink

GOOD NEWS FOR ME!

May 06, 2012 06:52pm (EST)

GOOD NEWS FOR ME!!!!!!

I will be recommended for a contract for next year!!!!

The whole process of this news being delivered has been so stressful!!!! Everyone was asked to be in their classrooms with the door closed. Eventually, each person was spoken to individually and given the news one way or the other. They felt that this would "protect" the privacy of everyone and I admire how our principal did that. I can only imagine the stress that he was feeling as he was having to share bad news to some and good to others.

On the flip side of this, some of my friends were not so thrilled with their news. They naturally question what it was that put them in the RIF and are wondering what the next step will be for them. Please continue to remember those who were told that they are not going to be recommended for next year and their families.

Also, please remember our community. Living in a small town has its perks, but at the same time everyone knows everyone and everyone's business. Everyone has an opinion of how this should've gone and how it shouldn't, but no one is in the position to change things. Needless to say---Facebook has been quite busy and in turn has, at times, made things much worse than they were...

Hugs to all of you for the thoughts and prayers that were for me as I was stressing about this job situation!!

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (9) | Permalink

DEEP BREATH IN......

Apr 30, 2012 06:29pm (EST)

I'll exhale on Friday when I know one way or the other about my job for next year.....

Any way that you look at the situation, it stinks!! People are going to have to lose jobs. I know that there are some who need to find other work because they're not doing their job in the position they are in, but for the most part, it just stinks!

On Friday, we found out that one of the principals will not be returning. (Not at my school, but in the county) This came as a shock to me because I liked him as a leader and so did others. It just kind of brought back the reality check for the rest of us.

I'm trying not to worry about it and just keep in mind that God will take care of me not matter what situation comes my way. He's guarded me and held me up through several trying situations in life and I have no doubt He's right here with me now too. He's the reason I'm not bald from stress as I type!!!!!

I'll be sure to update when the time comes. Enjoy your week!

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (7) | Permalink

ALL GOOD THINGS....

Apr 10, 2012 01:29am (EST)

All good things must come to an end.......

Spring Break is over and we're back to the grind tomorrow.

Need I say more??

Probably not, but you know me........never short of words!

I don't know how your states are layed out with the standardized testing, but here there are "gateway years"...3rd, 5th, and 8th grades.

This means that if you don't pass the standardized test during those years, you are retained unless you pass it on the 2nd try. Don't even get me started about that....I was never a test taker and that pressure would've sent me right over the edge!! Anyway, I know that Ansley is smart and that she can do well and has done well in her classes all year long, but I feel a knot in my stomach for her. She's not bothered at all, and when I asked if she knew it was important she just said, "Yes, Momma!" I don't think I'm going to tell her about the "pass/fail" thing because that would make me more nervous. I'm just going to let her do her best and we'll deal with what comes later if needed.

Easier said than done........I think this is the motto of being a parent.

Several of you have asked if I know anything about the future of my job. Thanks for asking, but no, nothing yet. My guess would be after these stinkin' tests are over we'll find out.

....speaking of knots in my stomach!

I hope that all of you have a great week and that the spring weather will keep a smile on your face!

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (6) | Permalink

AHHH....GLORIOUS SPRING (BREAK!)

Apr 03, 2012 08:46pm (EST)

Spring is definately in the air down south.....literally!! The pollen in unreal, but that only means that we're on our way to a beautiful earth around us again. Trees and grass go from brown and "ugh" to bright green again. I'm not a fan of the sniffles, sneezes, and coughs, but I'm so in awe of the beauty that surrounds me!

Spring also means SPRING BREAK!!!!!

I think that we've probably had 8 out of 10 spring breaks with reverse weather patterns and rain, but not this year.....this year, it's summer already!!! Yesterday the high was 89!! YEP!

Today gave us a bit of a break at low 80's, but tomorrow we're looking at mid to upper again. The news anchors were joking last night that our overnight lows are our typical highs for this time of year.

Who cares what the weather is like when you don't have to go anywhere!!??? I can handle rainy days when I can watch them from my couch.

Our craziness at school has not settled at all. In fact, none of us have heard anything yet about a job or a move, but we only know that two buildings will be closing. We'll return next week to prepare kids for the state standardized test and then hopefully afterwards we'll get some news.

Spring Break for the county also means spring break for my graduate classes!!! WOOHOO for that!!!!! In the grand scheme of things, two years, two degrees is great, but with added stress of the other stuff.....it's been a lot of work for my little brain. You all can tell this because of my lack of participation on the site lately.

For one week, I will relax and enjoy the lack of chaos! Is that enough time? Never, but so worth it and I'll take it! Enjoy every moment big or small-- you never know how many moments there are.

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (7) | Permalink

SO MUCH TO DO, SO LITTLE BRAIN POWER....

Mar 20, 2012 01:56am (EST)

Have you ever had so many things going on that your brain seemed to be shutting down??? I don't mean that you need to be rushed to the ER or anything, but that you literally can not focus on one thing at all....?

That's where my brain is at this point....right now!

A little more than a year ago, I thought it would be the perfect time to return to school for advanced degrees. I had help with Ansley and the classes were hosted by my school and were in my own classroom. The program would be one year for a Master's degree and a year and a half for a Specialist.

Last year, our school system had many layoffs and I found myself blessed that I didn't receive a letter telling me that I wasn't going to receive a contract. However, I was told that I needed to move from one school to another.....no biggie except for the help that I depended on with Ansley now required a bit more of a commitment. Also, the convenience of having the classes right there, required a drive for me.

This year has been a challenge. My year at the new school has been more than rewarding, but I honestly find myself working harder than I ever have before. Not only are we on a 4-day week which means that my day doesn't end until 5 p.m., but it also means that by the time I am finished monitoring and teaching my students, getting Ansley taken care of, and myself taken care of (food, water, shelter), then working on anything else is a struggle. I'm determined to finish this degree with flying colors, but if I seem a bit distant on the site or don't remember all that was said.....just bear with me. My brain is full! I like to compare my brain to my email when there are to many in the in-box. If only I had a delete button to help with this.....

Once again, as I've mentioned before, our system is up for more cuts and closing of schools. Yet again, I'll be moving IF I get a contract. We'll see which ends up happening.... Please remember me in your thoughts and prayers. I know that I do my job and try hard every day, but in a RIF situation, that doesn't always matter.

Hugs to all of you! Hang in there in whatever life is bringing your way, you're only required one breath at a time.

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (7) | Permalink

UPDATES....

Mar 05, 2012 03:34am (EST)

Well, since my last post, the superintendent has made his recommendation for our school system.

In a nutshell, here it is:

Close 2 elementary school and consolidate the counties Pre-K thru 4 grade into the other three schools.

Put 5th grade on a separate wing of the middle school

12-15 cuts to certified staff (that's teachers) and many more to classified staff (that's the other important folks)

Back to a 5 day week with different hours from our previous schedules for 5 day week.

We don't know information about who or how they'll decide about jobs yet. Hopefully we'll get that information passed along soon. We did get a letter from the BOE office asking what our first two choices for assignments would be if we're offered a contract. It was also stated in bold letters that there is "No Guarantee".

All I can do is continue to teach my children and know that God will take care of me regardless of the final decision about my job. I WANT a job in this county for next year, don't get me wrong, but I know that I'm in good hands. Worrying won't change things and will take away from what I need to give my students.

I really appreciate the well wishes that many of you have sent or posted for me. It's a tough situation, and this is the 2nd year that my county is facing this situation. No matter if I have a job or not, it's sad to see schools who are the center of communites close and know that friends and colleagues may not have jobs.

Hugs to all of you!

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (8) | Permalink

NERVOUS BY WHY????

Feb 27, 2012 03:06pm (EST)

I've mentioned before about the situation with our school system. Brief recap: Money from the feds and state is minimal and there's not enough to keep all 5 elementary schools up and running so we have to make some major cuts for the 2nd year in a row.

Okay--with that said, the superintendent is expected to make the recommendation on Tuesday.....TOMORROW!

I'm not nervous about his recommendation, but there will also be some jobs cuts. The Reduction In Force (RIF) policy has to be decided by the local administration and can not be based on seniority only. I have gone through everything I can think of that they may use and I can't think of any reason that they'd give me the "ax", but I'm still very nervous about it.

As my nerves have gotten the best of me, I've prayed for peace in the whole situation. The verse from Jeremiah 29:11 keeps popping up left and right.

It says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

When I say, "popping up", I mean I even got a card sent to me from on of my Share friends that I haven't spoken to in a year that had that verse enclosed!! (Thanks Mary!!)

Regardless of what the decisions are, I know that God will take care of me. He's proven that through so many situations in my life that weren't exactly great, but He held me up through it all and never let me collapse. He's "rocked" me in His arms when my heart was broken as my daughter died and as other situations in life broke my heart again. He's a good God even when we can't see why things are happening the way that they are.

Sometimes I jokingly wonder if that verse is meant to encourage me that I have a job, not to worry, or that He'll be there to "prosper me" when my job is taken.

I felt like I needed to get this out of my head simply because my life has been so crazy and this is why....my brain is so full!!!

Hugs to you all.....especially those of you with a full brain!

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (7) | Permalink

JUMP START

Feb 21, 2012 12:15am (EST)

First of all....no groans, moans, or rolling of eyes.....every girl has cellulite and none of them like it!

As I said in an earlier post, my butt spends so much time on the couch, the cushions look like they're made of memory foam!! I have a strong desire to get in shape again, but am just too lazy and lack the will power to get up and do it!

Now, first of all, let's get this straight....I'm not trying to lose weight, but do need to tone up---tighten up!!

Anyway, my town does a "shape up" challenge every year where a 4-person team keeps track of points earned through exercise and weight loss. It's fun and more importantly, there are accountability partners!! It officially starts March 1st, but my team and I decided that we'd better "warm up" starting today....

Yeah----two of the four of us walked today and I thought I was going to need an oxygen tank to finish the 3 mile walk! Seriously.....I finally told my friend that I didn't care if she laughed at me, I was DYING!!

This girl runs daily and is my official "butt-kicker". Tomorrow we'll try this again!

I know that my resolution is a bit late in the eyes of the world, but I find that this is the perfect time for me to give this fitness thing a shot.

I allow my past to sometimes convince me that I'll fail at whatever it is anyway so I might as well not try it at all. I wanna be done with that......and I started today!

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (6) | Permalink

SPECIAL GIFTS COST LESS

Feb 14, 2012 11:48pm (EST)

I was watching "Live with Kelly" yesterday morning while she and Randy Jackson discussed Valentine's gifts. She had some crazy figures saying that the average spent for Valentine's Day nationwide was in the low BILLIONS!!! I'm not sure why that number would be so high unless people don't show the love any other day of the year.

Today I got the BEST Valentine's Day gifts for much less than billions....

When my alarm clock when off, I got a text from a friend saying, "Happy Valentine's Day" with a pic of beautiful flowers attached. (Cost = FREE!!)

When I forced myself to get out of my warm bed, I headed to Ansley's room to beg her to get up and get going only to say her name and be greeted with a smiling, FULLY DRESSED girl saying, "HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!" (Cost = FREE!!)

Our principal and principal's assistant brought in breakfast and juice for us this morning just to say "Thank You". (Cost = NOT BILLIONS

)

When I got off work this afternoon and went to my mom's to pick up Ansley, she had a card for me with something inside. It was a sweet Valentine's card with a HUGE Payday candy bar inside. (Cost = $3.00 for both)

As you can see, I'm super happy with the less than billion dollar gifts that made it to me today. I'm always the one who wonders why Valentine's is so special because if you truly love someone, you let them know often, not just one day of the year.

Tonight, while others are eating out with their #1 Foxy Babe, I'll be hanging out on the couch with the dog typing a paper for my research class, but you know what.....Ansley's already made my day special, who could ask for anything more???

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (6) | Permalink

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