Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Change...


Well, today I had a conference for Early Childhood Educators. I cried a couple of times-not real typical of me. I'm not tough, but not a softy either. I am going back to work after almost six years at home. The good news is, I will work until 12:00 each day of the school year and thankfully will be with my boys. It just hit me today I am re-entering a world that has left me behind and it is a big step. When I was a "young" teacher, I felt so on top of it. Maybe I was just naive, but I felt on top of my game back then. I have spent a lot of time up in my room and have accomplished very little. I am getting nervous about it and that is really out of my comfort zone. I usually feel prepared and ready for school to start. At least I did before kiddos. Now... I said, "Good Night" as I told my MIL goodbye this morning when I left at 7:15 a.m. for the conference. I can't think if the number still has a 7 in front of it. Good thing I don't have to be at school until 8:10! :)


Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to go back. I LOVE teaching, I am just going through some different emotions. I am going to miss my Bible Study that meets on Weds. a.m. I have bid my coffee on Thurs. mornings at Atlanta Bread Co. goodbye along with the gals that made it so fun. :)


BUT, (yes, I am starting my sentence with but) I am gaining time with my precious children whom I don't know yet. I am praying for them. I know they will give meaning and purpose behind the time I spend preparing. I will actually be with my own preschoolers more...no tricken Mama on how we act at school. LOL. I love to teach. Teaching is breathing to me.


So, now I will just work through the emotions of change. That is what it is...Change.


I bet those kids will even like my rainbow with glitter letters even though it's not proportional.




P.S.-For you teachers. Have you seen the REALLY cute chart paper with polka-dot borders? I got some today....It makes writing happy. ;0) Great for class stories or Daily News.




Will post pics tomorrow of fun times last week.

12 comments:

Abby Maddox said...

I can just feel that with you...I really struggle with change. When I LEFT work, I cried like a baby, and I had only worked there a little over a year. I was also dying to stay at home...its just something about closing a chapter that is hard, even if you are happy about the new one that is beginning. I am saying a prayer for you right now. For the record, I can't imagine a sweeter person who I would want to teach my babies.

Lindsey said...

Aw, good luck to you! I bet it won't take you as long as you think to get back into the swing of things. I know you are sad a/b leaving your kids. But like you said, at least you are finished at 12:00 everyday. And you still have your summers!

kristen said...

You are going to be such a great teacher (again)! Can't wait to see your smiling face at school each day!

Reba said...

You will do a great job with teaching! It will be a change definitely, but you will love those children. And enjoy spying on your boys in the process. :)!!

Tonja said...

AWWW, Andi...did you forget? Super teacher will be right around the corner to help you, give you pep talks, pass out chocolates, and hold your hand when you start twitching because the kids don't line up in a STRAIGHT line! I can not even believe your rainbow is not proportional! That may be what is striking fear in your heart. Or maybe it is that you realize, it really is OK if things aren't perfect...it's kinda fun to throw things and people off balance once in a while! (I don't mean you can go around and throw people down...Bonnie frowns on those sort of things!)
Relax...those boys will do great! And YOU will do great! And our school will be GREATER because of your addition to the staff. It's all cool...and once school gets underway, you will be soooo glad you can be with me 3 days a week!...I promise! No, really! :)

Paula V said...

What a wonderful new adventure. Change is hard but good things come with change. Either we change or we get left behind...paraphrase from "Who Moved My Cheese." One book in college they made us read and I loved!

I bet you are a wonderful teacher!
And you get to see you tots more! yay!

Dona said...

We are so excited about you being there! I can wait to hear about the lucky children who get in your room! They will be blessed by you and I am sure you will feel blessed by them- some days!
How did you get the blog roll to put how many days ago theywere updated? That is pretty cool!

Bill, Misty, Will, and Laura Ann said...

I am so happy to have stumbled onto your blog. Of course it was no accident. Big prayer just sent up friend! Your children will be so blessed seeing their mother show the love of Christ to even more children. I have seen it again and again with VBS and children's ministry.
Hope to see you when we visit church on August 10th. Miss you and your beautiful family so much!!

Robin said...

You will be great. I wish my grandchildren were here to have you be their teacher. IT will be a blessing for all those you come in contact with..

Leah said...

Good luck to you. I feel the same about being back in school!

Anonymous said...

Andi,
I came across your blog and just wanted to wish you good luck with teaching! I know you will do great!

Heather said...

Andi, You will do great. Being a mama helps me be a better teacher!!