I am thankful today is Sunday. Sunday is my favorite day of the week. Mainly because it is the day I take off from academics. There are a few times when I have had to do something school related on a Sunday, but I try my absolute best to prevent that from happening, and it usually works out. It is the fourth Sunday of the month, so I taught my 4-5s. Recently I have been struggling with having the proper attitude about teaching for church, because I have simply been spread thin and worn out. This week though the Lord gave me a burst of energy, and two great opportunities of teaching. Praise Him!
This morning I taught on the resurrection of Jesus. The passage in the Bible was short enough that I taught directly from the Bible without any notes, and what a blessing that was. I tried something semi new in allowing the kids to color while I taught. It was a huge success! The kids weren't talking, but they were still participating and raising their hands when I asked a question (the dream of a teacher). It is amazing how much better I feel about a lesson when I have taught directly from the Bible, because it is nothing I can say to those kids that will change their lives, but instead, it is the Word of God. We reenacted the story twice, and the kids did such a cute job, and had definitely caught the facts of the story and the commands Jesus had given. The other aspect I love that they caught very strong was the fact that God kept His promise by Jesus rising again on the third day. That is a truth I have been working on the kids on Wednesday too--God NEVER breaks a promise. Proud of my church kids, and thankful for each of them!
I worked a bit this week at the Snackshop, and had several observations. Work went well, though it was quite exhausting. Observations were a lot of fun. On Tuesday, I was in a gifted classroom where a fourth grade student was reading on a twelfth grade level! She is truly a genius. Most of the students in that class will be taking Algebra in sixth grade. I don't think I would like to teach a gifted class though because I don't think I would be able to teach them. Their form of learning would be through teaching me, haha. Another day of observations, I got to teach part of a reading lesson to three special ed boys. I enjoyed doing it, and the host teacher said I did well. I had to chuckle though because I was writing on the board the word "little" and so as always I crossed both "t"s with one 'swipe'. But one of the little boys raises his hand and says "Miss Hewitt, is that an 'H'". The host teacher, other ABC student, and myself all laughed, and I had to tell him "no, I am sorry, it is two 't's. I shouldn't have been so sloppy". They sure do keep me on my toes (and not just in literal height).
An update on my grandpa is that he is doing better, but still definitely has some bad spells. I have talked to him and Grandma both several times, and they both seem to be doing well, and up beat.
God is good, and I am trying to learn to find my strength in Him. At this point of a college semester, a student often finds herself very exhausted and overwhelmed. For me personally, one of the biggest things I am working on is when those worries and feelings of being overwhelmed sneak up, to take those thought captive and dismiss them. Allowing myself to become overwhelm allows Satan to defeat me. In talking to Mom yesterday (or maybe the other day, I don't remember) I was reminded of just how confident I am that I am to be studying elementary education. The Lord has made that my heartbeat, and I will not allow discouragement and the feeling of overwhelmed conquer me. God is way bigger then any assignment or project I could ever do. I am thankful I belong to Him, and that I don't have to go through this alone, but instead He is helping me, and is my source of strength!
I hope you all have a lovely week!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
a roller coaster of a week
My first week back at school had its highs and its lows. The beginning of my week found me enjoying my time with the Millers. I had some homework to get done in that time too, but enjoyed helping in the kitchen, fellowship, and being able to relax. Daniel brought me back Tuesday evening, and then turned around to drive the trip back to his house. The Lord provided safety both ways, and for that I am very thankful.
I had a hard time getting back into the pace of school again, and had forgotten to do a large project that was due Wednesday. One thing I have learned since coming to college though, is that sometimes things don't get done. Reading for instance--if I were to do all the reading suggested for class, I would literally go blind. I was wrong in forgetting the project, but I didn't take overly rough because it was more of an "oops, I made a mistake. I will do it now, and accept the late penalty." Often times, the late penalty is worth more then stressing about it. So, needless to say, it was a rough first start back, but I am here to report that that project is now complete!
Wednesday night was crazy with my kiddos. I love these kids, I really do, but sometimes they test my patience, and the Lord graces me with more patience then any one person deserves. This year, I have learned the true definition of "Terrible 2s", when they are defiant, sassy, and simply mean at times. I love them all dearly though and wouldn't trade them for the world.
Thursday was a high day with classes, observations, staff-served dinner, night class, and devos. Observations were a blast! This particular observation was for Intro to Special Education so needless to say, we were in the special ed class. One of the students was having a rough day and acting up, so the teacher asked if Melissa and I could do calendar time with the other students. I was nervous at first, but got into it quickly, and loved it. They are each so smart, and SO excitable. After calendar time, we worked on bar graphs with a St. Patrick's day twist. We did it with Lucky Charms! The students were given a pile of cereal, where they had to separate and put them in the right column. At the end, they marked how far up the bar graph the different parts of the cereal went up, they colored in the columns green, and then got to eat the cereal. What a creative idea! As always, staff-served dinner was a lot of fun too. For the staff-served dinner, it is just as it sounds--the staff serves the students dinner. Our server was the dean of men, and we all had a blast. Our table had decided prior to the meal to do a Chinese fire drill periodically throughout the meal. A seat was designated to call the switch, and when they said "switch" everyone would move one seat to their left. I insisted that we took our own plate, silverware, and cup with us though (they wanted to just switch seats, and leave the food at each setting--yuck!). Our server cracked up just about every time we did, and played right along with us by either sitting in a seat, or removing a seat (as if musical chairs). We had many laughs that night. After the dinner, The Dean of Students began reading ticket numbers for door prizes. There were several nice gifts given away including: gas cards, $50 Visa, two mountain bikes, two Kindles, and 30+ other smaller prizes. We all had a blast, and are thankful for our fun staff members, who help make ABC what it is.
Yesterday brought more of the low. I went about my day as normal, and then after dinner, went to the Puppet and Drama performances at school. Both groups did a great job, and I praise the Lord for the ministry they have through using their God-given talents. I got back to my room to a message on my computer from my brother saying that it was my Grandpa, he was not doing well at all, and they were calling the family all together. It was a rough evening talking through everything, on the phone with mom, and talking with Tim on the computer, and alerting my RA of the situation and so on. But God is good, and I keep thanking the Lord for the godly heritage I have. I don't have to worry about my Grandpa dying, because while it will hurt and be hard, I know where He is going, and I know I will see him again soon. I was wallowing in self pity until a friend pointed that out to me. What a peace that gives.
So needless to say, my mind is very much so on my Grandpa continually, and keeping close contact with Tim and home. He is currently doing better today then last night, but he is very ready to meet His Savior. I have talked with him a few times, and he reassures me over and over that he loves me. How blessed I am to have him as my Grandpa. That is one area the Lord didn't cut me short on: I have two wonderful Grandpas who love me very much, and even more so love the Lord. Prayers would be especially appreciated for my Grandma, as she copes with all of this.
I hope you all have a fabulous week serving the Lord, and growing to appreciate a new characteristic of Him!
I had a hard time getting back into the pace of school again, and had forgotten to do a large project that was due Wednesday. One thing I have learned since coming to college though, is that sometimes things don't get done. Reading for instance--if I were to do all the reading suggested for class, I would literally go blind. I was wrong in forgetting the project, but I didn't take overly rough because it was more of an "oops, I made a mistake. I will do it now, and accept the late penalty." Often times, the late penalty is worth more then stressing about it. So, needless to say, it was a rough first start back, but I am here to report that that project is now complete!
Wednesday night was crazy with my kiddos. I love these kids, I really do, but sometimes they test my patience, and the Lord graces me with more patience then any one person deserves. This year, I have learned the true definition of "Terrible 2s", when they are defiant, sassy, and simply mean at times. I love them all dearly though and wouldn't trade them for the world.
Thursday was a high day with classes, observations, staff-served dinner, night class, and devos. Observations were a blast! This particular observation was for Intro to Special Education so needless to say, we were in the special ed class. One of the students was having a rough day and acting up, so the teacher asked if Melissa and I could do calendar time with the other students. I was nervous at first, but got into it quickly, and loved it. They are each so smart, and SO excitable. After calendar time, we worked on bar graphs with a St. Patrick's day twist. We did it with Lucky Charms! The students were given a pile of cereal, where they had to separate and put them in the right column. At the end, they marked how far up the bar graph the different parts of the cereal went up, they colored in the columns green, and then got to eat the cereal. What a creative idea! As always, staff-served dinner was a lot of fun too. For the staff-served dinner, it is just as it sounds--the staff serves the students dinner. Our server was the dean of men, and we all had a blast. Our table had decided prior to the meal to do a Chinese fire drill periodically throughout the meal. A seat was designated to call the switch, and when they said "switch" everyone would move one seat to their left. I insisted that we took our own plate, silverware, and cup with us though (they wanted to just switch seats, and leave the food at each setting--yuck!). Our server cracked up just about every time we did, and played right along with us by either sitting in a seat, or removing a seat (as if musical chairs). We had many laughs that night. After the dinner, The Dean of Students began reading ticket numbers for door prizes. There were several nice gifts given away including: gas cards, $50 Visa, two mountain bikes, two Kindles, and 30+ other smaller prizes. We all had a blast, and are thankful for our fun staff members, who help make ABC what it is.
Yesterday brought more of the low. I went about my day as normal, and then after dinner, went to the Puppet and Drama performances at school. Both groups did a great job, and I praise the Lord for the ministry they have through using their God-given talents. I got back to my room to a message on my computer from my brother saying that it was my Grandpa, he was not doing well at all, and they were calling the family all together. It was a rough evening talking through everything, on the phone with mom, and talking with Tim on the computer, and alerting my RA of the situation and so on. But God is good, and I keep thanking the Lord for the godly heritage I have. I don't have to worry about my Grandpa dying, because while it will hurt and be hard, I know where He is going, and I know I will see him again soon. I was wallowing in self pity until a friend pointed that out to me. What a peace that gives.
So needless to say, my mind is very much so on my Grandpa continually, and keeping close contact with Tim and home. He is currently doing better today then last night, but he is very ready to meet His Savior. I have talked with him a few times, and he reassures me over and over that he loves me. How blessed I am to have him as my Grandpa. That is one area the Lord didn't cut me short on: I have two wonderful Grandpas who love me very much, and even more so love the Lord. Prayers would be especially appreciated for my Grandma, as she copes with all of this.
I hope you all have a fabulous week serving the Lord, and growing to appreciate a new characteristic of Him!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Picture Post
I am currently enjoying a dinner in my room of the leftovers from dinner last night with Daniel. I have had some pictures to post for a while, and thought now would be a good time. Some of these pictures are from before break, some during, and some after! Enjoy!
I am such a teacher at heart. The best way I study is by writing it out and then teaching it to myself! Can you tell the two exams I was studying for?
Study mode...notice the beautiful lap quilt my mom made me.
Starting to pack to go on break.
We had SO much snow on the roof, Dad had to shovel it off.
How can you not love this face?
The first sign of a long week. My poor Dad was not feeling well.
Hershey knows she is not allowed upstairs, so she lays across the top stair and rests her chin upstairs. Sometimes you will catch her whining until she gets your attention.
I had a three plus hour layover in Boston and got slightly bored.
Daniel picked me these yesterday morning. I love how it cheers up my room, and gives my room a spring scent.
back to school
Alas, I am back again, but this time I am on home stretch. I am nearly half way through my college career. I have mixed feelings about that, but the majority are positive! Nothing against college, but I am ready to be done too (I think you would be slightly concerned if I wasn't). I had a wonderful break being home with my family, as well as the end break spending with Daniel and his parents. Daniel drove me back to school yesterday and the trip went very well. We got here at about 8:30pm, and he arrived back home just before 1am. I hope you all have a lovely day and great remainder of the week!
Monday, March 7, 2011
spring break
Thankful for the time I am having at home. I met up with my parents in NY, and we arrived safely home about 4am Saturday morning. We all went right to bed, and got a few hours of shut eye. I have enjoyed my time so far at home.
My three exams are done and behind me, and for that I am so thankful. Last week went well, but it was insanely crazy. I had a lot going on with projects and exams, and kept quite busy. We got to the school Friday afternoon for our observation to find that our host teacher was sick, so I got an extra half hour of time to get ready.
I am supposed to be observing this week at a local middle school, but today was a snow day, so I got an extra day of break, which was much needed and wanted. I have enjoyed being kind of lazy around the house, cooking, and working on my art portfolio (homework, I promise).
I hope to post some pictures on here soon, but just not in the mood currently. I hope you all have a lovely week, and are able to relax some. I look forward to my week, and what the Lord has in store!
My three exams are done and behind me, and for that I am so thankful. Last week went well, but it was insanely crazy. I had a lot going on with projects and exams, and kept quite busy. We got to the school Friday afternoon for our observation to find that our host teacher was sick, so I got an extra half hour of time to get ready.
I am supposed to be observing this week at a local middle school, but today was a snow day, so I got an extra day of break, which was much needed and wanted. I have enjoyed being kind of lazy around the house, cooking, and working on my art portfolio (homework, I promise).
I hope to post some pictures on here soon, but just not in the mood currently. I hope you all have a lovely week, and are able to relax some. I look forward to my week, and what the Lord has in store!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya tomorrow...
I begin my journey home tomorrow- and I am so excited. The downside is, I have just over 24 hours to get things done that should take over 120 hours. I have a lot to do, but I know the Lord will give me strength. Three midterms tomorrow: OT Prophetic Books, NT Survey, and Earth Science Survey! Praying are much appreciated.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
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