Job Update

So I thought I should give an update on how my job is going. Overall, I have really enjoyed being an aide these past few weeks. The pay obviously isn't fabulous but I love that I am able to come home at 2:30 and not have to worry about writing lesson plans or grading papers. The special ed room was a little crazy the first few weeks of school, trying to get a schedule worked out for what students come at what times. They finally had a schedule worked out for me which has been nice because I know what I will be doing everyday without too many surprises. Since I have a teaching license they have given me some groups of my own to work with. I have made some good connections with these students and I think they enjoy our times together. One thing that I do not like about my job is lunch duty. It's only 40 minutes but I dread that 40 mintues every day. I supervise the 1st and 2nd graders so you can imagine how hard it is to keep a room full of them quiet. We want the students to talk but they don't seem to understand that they don't have to yell at their friend across the table to talk to them. This past week we had ISTEP and I worked with three students separately. I really struggled with one particular student. He has a rough home life and he just hates the world right now and everyone in it. It's hard to make him do regular class work let alone an ISTEP test, which isn't at his academic level of course. I get so frustrated because he needs so much and I can't do anything about it. It's so sad for me to see the life and attitude of this third grader. So many students deal with things they shouldn't have to. Pray that I can make some sort of difference in the lives of these students in the short times I meet with them this year.

Go Cards!

Last Thursday I took off work so Aaron and I could go to St. Louis for a Cardinals game. We got there a little early to walk around the stadium and look in the stores. I could have bought so many things! If Aaron wasn't with me I would have bought a few Christmas presents. :) As the game was about to start it was a little rainy and the radar showed that there was a big storm coming. The storm passed us but we still got some rain so the game was delayed an hour. We just sat in our ponchos in the seats and waited for the game to start. On the way there we talked about how our seats wouldn't be as good as last time but we were in a better position for catching a foul ball. I told him that if one came flying at us I would duck so I wouldn't get hit and Aaron could catch it. Well, in the second inning our hypothetical situation came to life. A ball was hit foul and it flew higher and higher until it reached our section. Aaron stood up with those around us and reached up to catch it. The guy in front of him tipped it and he still managed to get two hands on it, but couldn't quite pull it in. It landed right behind us and the people sitting there reached down and got the ball. It was the chance of a lifetime and it slid right through his hands! I told him it was a good thing Pujols or any other Cardinal didn't hit it or he would have had some major explaining to do! I kept hoping that another one would come our way but Aaron said that our chances are slim and the only thing we had going for us was that we are young and we'll be going to many more games. I'm pretty sure Aaron will remember that day for the rest of his life! It was such a fun game to go to because the Cards were hitting and scoring runs like crazy. At the end of the 7th inning we decided to leave because the score was 16-4. We left at the right time because as soon as we got in the car it started to pour! We met Aaron's college roommate, Erick, for supper at a restaurant in St. Louis. He is getting his masters there in Historical Theology. It was so good to catch up with him!

First Family Visit!

About a week ago my mom and my sister, along with her two boys came to visit. I was so excited for them to come and we had a great time. They got here Thursday afternoon and we had a relaxing evening. Jarrett helped me make a pie for supper but he kept eating from the spoon rather than helping me! He must get that from his mom. :) Friday I had to work and it was pretty much the longest day at work ever! As students were being argumentative and not listening I was thinking, "I could be at home right now playing with my two adorable nephews!" Anyway, the day finally ended and my family came to see my school. We then took them to the church to give them a tour. Saturday we went to the playground at the park. I had a great time being a two-year-old with Jarrett! We went back to the apartment and watched the Notre Dame game in the afternoon. I'm pretty sure Jett is going to associate us with trains because there are so many of them that go by our apartment. And everytime he heard one we had to run outside and watch it go by. Everytime I left the room Jett would say, "Where Megan go?" I felt so loved! That night after the boys went to bed we played Euchre and had a wonderful adult time. :) I even got mom to "milk the cow" when we were "in the barn". It was pretty funny! Sunday morning they came with us to church and then had to leave after the service. It was hard to see them go and the time went fast. The boys are just growing up so fast and it's hard not being there to see it all. Even though we had a great time with them here, Aaron and I were reassured that we aren't ready for kids yet. I told Natalie she could come visit every couple months as added birth control!