back to school

Wow, where has my time gone?! Just a few weeks ago I was sleeping in, shopping around all day, going to starbucks to read or surf the net, and now I've done a total 180! We started school two weeks ago and I can honestly say I'm shocked at how easy it has been so far - my kids have been SO well behaved, and although I have more responsibility on my plate this year, I am so much less stressed. This is my 5th year and maybe I've finally got the hang of it, so if this continues all year, it would be great! I have a new math teacher on my team - he is this goofy guy from New Jersey who just graduated from Princeton, and is part of the Teach For America program. We have about 15 TFA teachers on campus this year - from colleges all over the United States - and I have SO much respect for them. If you're not familiar with it, they basically commit at least 2 years after they graduate, and move anywhere in the US to teach at inner city schools. They get the same pay as normal teachers, but most are also going thru alternative certification classes because education was not their major. They do recieve $5,000 for each year completed to help pay back student loans, but that is nothing compared to what they do! It is such a great organization, and they have really raised the bar as far as what is expected of all us 'normal' teachers at the school. I obviously have the same passion as them since I love teaching inner city kids, but doubt I could have even been accepted to TFA because it is very competitive and you need a near perfect GPA, which I clearly didn't have! :) It is also really fun to see how they are adapting to life in Houston - they obviously despise the heat and humidity, and think it is so weird how people wear cowboy boots on a daily basis! They are also enjoying all the mexican food and kolaches, which most had never heard of. :)

Besides that, I am excited that fall is almost here! Between Matt's hunting trips and all our wedding festivities, I think we have 1 weekend open between now and November 13th, where we don't have anything planned - yikes! It is going to be busy, but also super exciting! We went to CS this past weekend to see my family, and Matt's mom was also in town to work on some wedding stuff. We all met up for lunch and dinner, and it was fun to have both families in town hanging out together! My wedding dress also came in, so I got to try it on for them, which definately made things more real! We have a couples shower in Jacksonville this coming weekend that we are all looking forward to, and I have a feeling these next 3 months will just fly by!