November 1, 2016: best running town ever

I'm going to be honest- I suck at training.  I get lazy, I convince myself I am too busy, I can't seem to stop eating donuts for breakfast and drinking soda for lunch, and I usually forget to bring my inhaler, so my runs are slow and laborious.  Really thankful Stephanie convinced me to come out and run with her today, because it was gorgeous.  Well done, Kodiak. 

October 31, 2016: Man in the yellow hat

This little man was not happy today.  Halloween turned out to be cold and rainy, so trick or treating was not the most fun experience for this little guy.  It was nearly impossible for me to even get a picture of him and Henry.  This was the best I could do.  I heard that once he went home, they stayed in and passed out candy to the trick or treaters in their neighborhood.  Athur seems to have found his new calling of "most enthusiastic candy passer outer."  He loved it!

October 30, 2016: Nature therapy

I've been having pretty good days for the last couple of weeks.  For some reason, today was rough again.  After potluck, I was feeling a little stressed out about the school stuff I needed to accomplish.  On my way to school, Jo called to catch up and I immediately turned my car around and drove to Abercrombie for a phone date/hike/impromptu therapy session.  :)  Living with depression is unpredictable, and I have learned that when it hits, I have to take care of myself.  School can wait. And it did.  And I survived without being the perfectionist that I am always tempted to make myself be.  

October 29, 2016: Halloween

Meet Connor.  He's the shit.

October 28, 2016: Who you gonna call?

Halloween parade at school today meant the Ghost Busters got their debut!  We had a blast making these costumes, and the kids loved them.  At one point, we walked through a second grade classroom and the kids all started singing the theme song to us.   Even with all of the craziness that Halloween brings, I love it!  

October 27, 2016: Pajama Day!

aka my favorite day of the year.

I also happened to have my first formal observation by my principal today.  It was kind of weird having her watch me teach while in Ninja Turtle pajamas and pigtails.  :)

October 26, 2016: Awana Store

I have been volunteering at Awana every Wednesday evening.  For anyone who doesn't know what Awana is, it's a youth ministry organization.  The kids come and sing songs, memorize verses, have a Bible lesson, and play games.  I'm working with a group of fifth grade girls this year.  I love them.  I adore my first graders, but it's really nice to work with girls who are a bit more self sufficient!  Throughout the weeks at Awana, you can earn bucks for memorizing verses, dressing up according to the theme, or bringing friends.  Tonight was the first Awana store.  I found this bag of glow in the dark baby cherubs.  Come on, that's amazing!!

I did think it was sweet when my girls pulled me to the side and made me close my eyes.  They placed this little plaque in my hands that said "Love" on it.  They had pooled their money and bought it for me as a thank you for being their leader.  So thoughtful!!