Friday, August 24, 2012
Positive Discipline
Wow....I guess I have been busy! I haven't posted in over a month. Oh yea, SCHOOL STARTED!!! I have a fabulous group of little people this year. They are going to be fun!
Anyhoo...I use an awesome approach in my class called Positive Discipline. ( I know some of you " old school peeps didn't think those two words went together. But they do!) I can not claim any piece of it as " mine" but I bow down to those who literally wrote the book! If you don't know about it, I suggest you take a look. I was introduced to this book/system in college, and haven't put it down since. My classroom wouldn't run without it in fact. Every year, I get compliments from parnts and have had several tell me they have changed how they discipline at home. What a great complimnt! Again, I dont take the credit...I give all of that to the authors. So, Here is the book, AKA my classroom bible. (it's on Amazon!)
If you are a "newbie" teacher (or a veteran looking for a new classroom management system) I recommend taking a look. Your life as a teacher will be or ever better!!!
Parents: they have a Positive Discipline for home too.....if you are interested in something for "non-school time."
Happy Friday!
Anyhoo...I use an awesome approach in my class called Positive Discipline. ( I know some of you " old school peeps didn't think those two words went together. But they do!) I can not claim any piece of it as " mine" but I bow down to those who literally wrote the book! If you don't know about it, I suggest you take a look. I was introduced to this book/system in college, and haven't put it down since. My classroom wouldn't run without it in fact. Every year, I get compliments from parnts and have had several tell me they have changed how they discipline at home. What a great complimnt! Again, I dont take the credit...I give all of that to the authors. So, Here is the book, AKA my classroom bible. (it's on Amazon!)
There is a website to take a look at too. Here is the link:
If you are a "newbie" teacher (or a veteran looking for a new classroom management system) I recommend taking a look. Your life as a teacher will be or ever better!!!
Parents: they have a Positive Discipline for home too.....if you are interested in something for "non-school time."
Happy Friday!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
I saw it on Pinterest...
My husband Brent says that my new phrase in life is "I saw something on Pinterest..." And, I have to say he is right! :) Don't tell him I said that. It is just one more way for me to organize and be OCD. Don't tell him I said that either. :) If you know me, you know that I am OBSESSED with being organized....almost to a fault.
Anyways, I believe that Pinterest has made me a better teacher. I have found a TON of wonderful ideas on there! If you haven't started spending hours on this awesome website, I suggest you should very soon. You can check out my boards by going here:
Anyways, I believe that Pinterest has made me a better teacher. I have found a TON of wonderful ideas on there! If you haven't started spending hours on this awesome website, I suggest you should very soon. You can check out my boards by going here:
My school boards are: Classroom OCD, Language for little people, math for little people, and Science and social studies for little people.
I am constantly pinning new things, so follow me and watch for new stuff.
Since it summer, I have been spending even more time on Pinterest getting ideas for this upcoming year....which, by the way, starts in just a few weeks! Ahh! I have created a few things for my classroom already. I got crafty with some canvas! These are all signs I am going to hang in my classroom and I got the ideas from...PINTEREST!
I am currently working on a "Where Are You?" board for the door made
with a cookie sheet and magnets. I will post a picture of it when it is
done!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Teachers pay teachers
If you haven't ever been to this site, you need to go! There are tons of FREE items for teachers, made by teachers. A lot of it costs $$ but it goes back to the teacher who created it.
I have just created a store, if you are interested in any of my products. Follow me so that you can see new stuff as I add it!
I have just created a store, if you are interested in any of my products. Follow me so that you can see new stuff as I add it!
Life Skills and Lifelong Guidlines
My classroom has no rules. That's right NO RULES. No, I am not crazy. We have a class pledge instead. It is based on the Highly Effective Teaching Model, created by Susan Kovalik. There are 5 main lifelong guidelines that are the key parts of our class pledge. (Truthfulness, trustworthiness, active listening, no putdowns and personal best. ) I explain to the kids like this: we should be showing these 5 things EVERY DAY. We say the class pledge daily and it "replaces" the traditional rules you might have in a classroom. I got the idea from the school I student taught at. The whole school followed this model and I loved it so much I just had to use in my own classroom. I have used it since day one and I don't regret it one bit. It is a much more positive way of keeping the kids under control. Anything "offense" that might occur, can fit under one of those 5 guidelines. Each time a child breaks their class pledge, they move a clip down our chart. ( I will post information about our chart soon.)
Along with the class pledge, we study 19 life skills. (Caring, common sense, cooperation, courage, curiosity, creativity, effort, flexibility, friendship, initiative, integrity, organization, patience, pride, problem solving, perseverance, resourcefulness, responsibility, sense of humor.). We start on the first day of school and we learn them one by one. We talk about real life ways to show these life skills. Then, as the year goes on, I use these words when managing the class. They begin to become more familiar with each of them and what each means and how to show it. These words fuel my classroom discipline, while at the same time help to develop kids with awesome character!
If you would like to start using the lifelong guidelines and life skills in your classroom, you can buy supplies from Books for Educators. Click the link below to go to their site. I have the life skills posters and the lifelong guidelines poster. I usually give the website to my parents too, if they want to order one of the magnets for their fridge. :)
So, the class pledge goes like this:
I promise to be truthful.
I promise to be trustworthy.
I promise to use my active listening.
I promise to give NO put downs.
I promise to do my personal best today.
Along with the class pledge, we study 19 life skills. (Caring, common sense, cooperation, courage, curiosity, creativity, effort, flexibility, friendship, initiative, integrity, organization, patience, pride, problem solving, perseverance, resourcefulness, responsibility, sense of humor.). We start on the first day of school and we learn them one by one. We talk about real life ways to show these life skills. Then, as the year goes on, I use these words when managing the class. They begin to become more familiar with each of them and what each means and how to show it. These words fuel my classroom discipline, while at the same time help to develop kids with awesome character!
If you would like to start using the lifelong guidelines and life skills in your classroom, you can buy supplies from Books for Educators. Click the link below to go to their site. I have the life skills posters and the lifelong guidelines poster. I usually give the website to my parents too, if they want to order one of the magnets for their fridge. :)
New direction
When I created this blog, it was just a place for me to "let my thoughts out." But, lately I have been noticing that I really don't use it much. So, I am going to change the direction of My Life In First Grade. I am going to make it more of an informational blog. Showing pictures of my classroom, sharing ideas of new things I am doing in my room (or thinking about doing) and maybe even share some documents and such.
So, "teacher friends" follow my blog and let me know what you think!
Happy summer!
So, "teacher friends" follow my blog and let me know what you think!
Happy summer!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Soap Box
It is crazy how many of my friends are pregnant. Seriously, I can think of 10 right now. No joke. 10. (BTW...I am happy for them all!) So this is to all of my preggo friends. Please read this post to help your future child be a good kid.
I must complain for a minute. It's been a long rough day. So, let me get up on my soap box and get started.
The following are the most annoying and infuriating things a kid can do to their teacher:
1. Talking back. What the heck happened to respect?! When I was younger, I was taught to respect all adults. No matter who they were...teacher, parent, grandparent, friend's parent etc. In the past few years, I have noticed that kids talking back has become more and more prominent. So, Moms: teach your child to respect adults. Period. No exceptions.
2. Eye rolling. This kind of goes hand in hand with #1. Probably the most disrespectful thing that a kid can do in my class. Again, be respectful. Sometimes you have to do things you don't like. Get over it and move on. Don't you dare roll your eyes at me kid. If I had done that to my mother, my ass would have been red for a week.
3. Interrupting. If I am talking to another person, please wait until I am finished before you start talking kid. I can't talk to more than one person at a time. If I had a dollar for every time I said "Raise your hand please." I would be a millionaire.
4. Tapping me repeatedly. If you want to tell me something, then say my name. Or raise your hand. DO NOT tap me over and over and over again. And...don't pull on my shirt. It is super annoying!
5. Not following directions. If I ask you to do something (or stop doing something) please follow my directions. Simple. Easy. Just do it. I hate repeating myself.
6. Whining. Enough said. Just talk normally.
Whew.....that feels better. Thanks for letting me complain. I will climb off of my soap box now. :)
I try my best to be patient with all of these habits, but that is easier said than done! I know all of my "teacher friends" will totally agree with me. Most days, I do just fine, but today my patience was very thin. The good news is: tomorrow is a new day and we get to start over. One of the best things about my job. We get a totally clean slate tomorrow.
In other news....I was voted Teacher of the Year at my school. I was totally shocked and surprised that my fellow teachers nominated me for this great honor. I still consider myself a "new kid" when it comes to this teaching thing. I guess everybody thinks I know what I am doing. Ha! I wonder if I will ever feel like I know what I am doing?!
I must complain for a minute. It's been a long rough day. So, let me get up on my soap box and get started.
The following are the most annoying and infuriating things a kid can do to their teacher:
1. Talking back. What the heck happened to respect?! When I was younger, I was taught to respect all adults. No matter who they were...teacher, parent, grandparent, friend's parent etc. In the past few years, I have noticed that kids talking back has become more and more prominent. So, Moms: teach your child to respect adults. Period. No exceptions.
2. Eye rolling. This kind of goes hand in hand with #1. Probably the most disrespectful thing that a kid can do in my class. Again, be respectful. Sometimes you have to do things you don't like. Get over it and move on. Don't you dare roll your eyes at me kid. If I had done that to my mother, my ass would have been red for a week.
3. Interrupting. If I am talking to another person, please wait until I am finished before you start talking kid. I can't talk to more than one person at a time. If I had a dollar for every time I said "Raise your hand please." I would be a millionaire.
4. Tapping me repeatedly. If you want to tell me something, then say my name. Or raise your hand. DO NOT tap me over and over and over again. And...don't pull on my shirt. It is super annoying!
5. Not following directions. If I ask you to do something (or stop doing something) please follow my directions. Simple. Easy. Just do it. I hate repeating myself.
6. Whining. Enough said. Just talk normally.
Whew.....that feels better. Thanks for letting me complain. I will climb off of my soap box now. :)
I try my best to be patient with all of these habits, but that is easier said than done! I know all of my "teacher friends" will totally agree with me. Most days, I do just fine, but today my patience was very thin. The good news is: tomorrow is a new day and we get to start over. One of the best things about my job. We get a totally clean slate tomorrow.
In other news....I was voted Teacher of the Year at my school. I was totally shocked and surprised that my fellow teachers nominated me for this great honor. I still consider myself a "new kid" when it comes to this teaching thing. I guess everybody thinks I know what I am doing. Ha! I wonder if I will ever feel like I know what I am doing?!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Raising the Bar
First of all, let me state for the record that I think evaluations are a great tool. No matter what field you work in, being evaluated can be (and is) used for self improvement. However, if done in the wrong way...it can be very detrimental to a person's motivation.
So, for those of you who haven't heard....Tennessee has begun a new evaluation system for it's teachers. It is something that has needed to be done for a while. I think that "raising the bar," so to speak, is a great thing. It is a good way to help teachers be better at our job. And we know that there are teachers out there who need a big push to be better.
BUT....and that is a giant BUT.....I do not think that this new system is going to be fun.
Basically, teachers will be evaluated in several different areas and will be given a score of 1-5 for each area. Then the scores are complied for each evaluation and a final score is given. 1 is the lowest score and 5 is the highest. We have had a TON of informational training on this system and how it works. We have been watching videos of actual teachers and their lessons. We have been "scoring" them and then talking about what score they really got. Good practice for us, so that we fully understand the process and how it works.
This is the most discouraging part to me....it is nearly impossible to get a 5. Why have the level 5 if it is impossible to reach? Again, I think that "raising the bar" for any job is a good thing. But, you must make that "bar" (or goal) OBTAINABLE. And this level 5 (or even the 4 for that matter) doesn't seem obtainable at all. Even for the best teachers! How is that supposed to motivate me to be better at what I do? That is not motivating at all. It is frustrating and stressful as hell! Because no matter how much I try, I may never be able to obtain the "goal score." Makes people like me... those who want so desperately to be great at what they do......really discouraged. It makes me want to cry. I want to be the best teacher that I can be....but how I am going to do that when the goal for me is unobtainable? So discouraging!
Even more important...what kind of message are we sending to people who want to be teachers? Are they ever going to want to be a part of this?! If I was an intern sitting in on these training sessions we have been going to, I would be freaking out! I can't imagine what they are thinking! This new system has the potential of being the breaking point for these new aspiring teachers. Don't we want to encourage others to teach? Not push them away?
I love my job, don't get me wrong. I LOVE teaching. It is definitely what I was meant to do with my life. But this new system is going to make me : 1. have multiple ulcers from stress OR 2. turn all of my hair gray. Hell, it might even do both.
I know that I have face this new evaluation system head on because there is nothing I can do about it. It is here to stay, but it is going to be tough. Really tough.... There is nothing I can do about it now. It has already begun. So, I am going to go and be the best that I can be. I guess that will have to do....even though it will never be a "5."
I guess the best thing that I can do is focus on my love of children and teaching. I just need to remember that this is what I have always wanted to do. I am going to go and repeat that to myself over and over.....
So, for those of you who haven't heard....Tennessee has begun a new evaluation system for it's teachers. It is something that has needed to be done for a while. I think that "raising the bar," so to speak, is a great thing. It is a good way to help teachers be better at our job. And we know that there are teachers out there who need a big push to be better.
BUT....and that is a giant BUT.....I do not think that this new system is going to be fun.
Basically, teachers will be evaluated in several different areas and will be given a score of 1-5 for each area. Then the scores are complied for each evaluation and a final score is given. 1 is the lowest score and 5 is the highest. We have had a TON of informational training on this system and how it works. We have been watching videos of actual teachers and their lessons. We have been "scoring" them and then talking about what score they really got. Good practice for us, so that we fully understand the process and how it works.
This is the most discouraging part to me....it is nearly impossible to get a 5. Why have the level 5 if it is impossible to reach? Again, I think that "raising the bar" for any job is a good thing. But, you must make that "bar" (or goal) OBTAINABLE. And this level 5 (or even the 4 for that matter) doesn't seem obtainable at all. Even for the best teachers! How is that supposed to motivate me to be better at what I do? That is not motivating at all. It is frustrating and stressful as hell! Because no matter how much I try, I may never be able to obtain the "goal score." Makes people like me... those who want so desperately to be great at what they do......really discouraged. It makes me want to cry. I want to be the best teacher that I can be....but how I am going to do that when the goal for me is unobtainable? So discouraging!
Even more important...what kind of message are we sending to people who want to be teachers? Are they ever going to want to be a part of this?! If I was an intern sitting in on these training sessions we have been going to, I would be freaking out! I can't imagine what they are thinking! This new system has the potential of being the breaking point for these new aspiring teachers. Don't we want to encourage others to teach? Not push them away?
I love my job, don't get me wrong. I LOVE teaching. It is definitely what I was meant to do with my life. But this new system is going to make me : 1. have multiple ulcers from stress OR 2. turn all of my hair gray. Hell, it might even do both.
I know that I have face this new evaluation system head on because there is nothing I can do about it. It is here to stay, but it is going to be tough. Really tough.... There is nothing I can do about it now. It has already begun. So, I am going to go and be the best that I can be. I guess that will have to do....even though it will never be a "5."
I guess the best thing that I can do is focus on my love of children and teaching. I just need to remember that this is what I have always wanted to do. I am going to go and repeat that to myself over and over.....
Monday, July 11, 2011
Summer!
Happy summer! I haven't posted in FOREVER....I guess I was busy! ha!
So far I have kept myself busy this summer teaching swim lessons and working at Crestwood Hills pool as the assistant manager. I have been able to teach 3 sets of group lessons and several private lessons too. In addition, I have been "working" a few days too. I say "working" because it is soooooo easy compared to teaching! haha! I love working at the pool and teaching lessons because I get to do what I love in the summer-SIT AT THE POOL-and get paid for it! It is awesome!
But, as I have said in previous summer blog postings....I am starting to think about school. I have starting making TO DO lists, thinking about projects, and planning out new things in my room. And, as many of teacher friends would agree, once you start thinking about all of this stuff....it doesn't stop! I literally DREAM about school. (I know that other teachers do this too! I am not crazy!) Most of them are kinda scary too. Like....I am going to the first day and I get to my room and nothing has been done and all of the furniture is not set up. The other common one, is that I have nothing planned and only like 5 minutes until the kids come on the first day. I could continue on and on telling you about these crazy dreams, but I won't!
So, needless to say....I am ready to go back. BUT....This summer has been awesome and has gone WAY too fast. I love my pool time and I will miss it here in a few weeks.
Happy summer! I will try to post more this year...sorry for the long delay!
So far I have kept myself busy this summer teaching swim lessons and working at Crestwood Hills pool as the assistant manager. I have been able to teach 3 sets of group lessons and several private lessons too. In addition, I have been "working" a few days too. I say "working" because it is soooooo easy compared to teaching! haha! I love working at the pool and teaching lessons because I get to do what I love in the summer-SIT AT THE POOL-and get paid for it! It is awesome!
But, as I have said in previous summer blog postings....I am starting to think about school. I have starting making TO DO lists, thinking about projects, and planning out new things in my room. And, as many of teacher friends would agree, once you start thinking about all of this stuff....it doesn't stop! I literally DREAM about school. (I know that other teachers do this too! I am not crazy!) Most of them are kinda scary too. Like....I am going to the first day and I get to my room and nothing has been done and all of the furniture is not set up. The other common one, is that I have nothing planned and only like 5 minutes until the kids come on the first day. I could continue on and on telling you about these crazy dreams, but I won't!
So, needless to say....I am ready to go back. BUT....This summer has been awesome and has gone WAY too fast. I love my pool time and I will miss it here in a few weeks.
Happy summer! I will try to post more this year...sorry for the long delay!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Christmas Break
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
First let me say that I love all of my little people and they make my life so fun. But...I love Christmas break! Here are some reasons why:
1. I can sleep in. Not having to hear the alarm go off at 5:30 every morning is THE best part of being off of work. My teacher friends would agree, I can hear them now. :)
2. Enjoying my coffee on the couch. Usually I drink it in the car on the way to work and finish it while the kids are coming in the room. Sometimes, on crazy mornings, it gets forgotten and turns cold. So, of course I love to sit on the couch in my PJ's and actually ENJOY every sip of my glorious coffee.
3. Not having a schedule to live by. At school, everything is scheduled...even my bathroom break. Welcome to my life. If you have a job where you can go to the bathroom when you want, then be grateful. Teachers have to train their bodies to wait until lunch, or later some days. Try that every day-I dare you!
4. One word...ELLEN! Every day that I am off, I watch Ellen. Period. I don't do anything or go anywhere until Ellen is over. Seriously. Most of the days that I am off in the year, the episodes are re-runs because typically it is a holiday and she is not filming new episodes. But, since I am usually about 1/2 way through my day with the little people when Ellen comes on, the re-runs are all new to me. So, thank you Ellen for making my day...all through Christmas break!
5. Eating lunch when I want to. Like I said above, EVERYTHING that happens at school is by a schedule. I live by my watch. But, on break...I can eat at whatever time I want! And, I don't have to shove my food in my mouth in 5 minutes....I can actually ENJOY it. For those of you who have an hour lunch break every day at work...I hate you. As a teacher, we get 30 minutes. Which turns into about...10. Because...we have to drop off our class, make sure that they get where they need to be, go to the bathroom (finally!), and heat up our lunch. So, by the time I do all of that I usually have about 10-12 minutes to eat. Ahh... the joys of a teacher's lunch! But, this also one of my favorite times of the day. Why you may ask? Because this is my "adult" time. Most days this is the first time I get to talk to anyone over the age of 6. Doesn't take much to please me. :)
6. Not hearing my name 100 times. Figure this....I have 21 little people. Every time (yes, every time) any of them need to tell me/ask me something they start with my name. So, if they all talk to me 4 or 5 times each that is over 100 times a day. So, it is nice not to hear "Mrs. Gagley..." ALL DAY.
7. Talking to Brent on his lunch. I never get talk to him until after 4:30. Most days, I don't even see my phone until 3:00. On break, I can talk to him on his lunch break. Which is always nice! :)
8. Spending time with family. I love to see all of our family over the holidays. Brent and I are blessed with wonderful family!
You might see this as complaining.....but I assure it is not. These are things that are a part of my daily life at work. As I have said before in many posts, I love my job and would not trade it for the world. But...and my teacher friends will agree....I LOVE Christmas break. 2 weeks of sleeping in, enjoying my coffee, watching Ellen, eating when I want, seeing family and making my schedule as I go.
So...I have 6 days left of all of these wonderful things and then it is back to the little people! I am kind of starting to miss them.....
First let me say that I love all of my little people and they make my life so fun. But...I love Christmas break! Here are some reasons why:
1. I can sleep in. Not having to hear the alarm go off at 5:30 every morning is THE best part of being off of work. My teacher friends would agree, I can hear them now. :)
2. Enjoying my coffee on the couch. Usually I drink it in the car on the way to work and finish it while the kids are coming in the room. Sometimes, on crazy mornings, it gets forgotten and turns cold. So, of course I love to sit on the couch in my PJ's and actually ENJOY every sip of my glorious coffee.
3. Not having a schedule to live by. At school, everything is scheduled...even my bathroom break. Welcome to my life. If you have a job where you can go to the bathroom when you want, then be grateful. Teachers have to train their bodies to wait until lunch, or later some days. Try that every day-I dare you!
4. One word...ELLEN! Every day that I am off, I watch Ellen. Period. I don't do anything or go anywhere until Ellen is over. Seriously. Most of the days that I am off in the year, the episodes are re-runs because typically it is a holiday and she is not filming new episodes. But, since I am usually about 1/2 way through my day with the little people when Ellen comes on, the re-runs are all new to me. So, thank you Ellen for making my day...all through Christmas break!
5. Eating lunch when I want to. Like I said above, EVERYTHING that happens at school is by a schedule. I live by my watch. But, on break...I can eat at whatever time I want! And, I don't have to shove my food in my mouth in 5 minutes....I can actually ENJOY it. For those of you who have an hour lunch break every day at work...I hate you. As a teacher, we get 30 minutes. Which turns into about...10. Because...we have to drop off our class, make sure that they get where they need to be, go to the bathroom (finally!), and heat up our lunch. So, by the time I do all of that I usually have about 10-12 minutes to eat. Ahh... the joys of a teacher's lunch! But, this also one of my favorite times of the day. Why you may ask? Because this is my "adult" time. Most days this is the first time I get to talk to anyone over the age of 6. Doesn't take much to please me. :)
6. Not hearing my name 100 times. Figure this....I have 21 little people. Every time (yes, every time) any of them need to tell me/ask me something they start with my name. So, if they all talk to me 4 or 5 times each that is over 100 times a day. So, it is nice not to hear "Mrs. Gagley..." ALL DAY.
7. Talking to Brent on his lunch. I never get talk to him until after 4:30. Most days, I don't even see my phone until 3:00. On break, I can talk to him on his lunch break. Which is always nice! :)
8. Spending time with family. I love to see all of our family over the holidays. Brent and I are blessed with wonderful family!
You might see this as complaining.....but I assure it is not. These are things that are a part of my daily life at work. As I have said before in many posts, I love my job and would not trade it for the world. But...and my teacher friends will agree....I LOVE Christmas break. 2 weeks of sleeping in, enjoying my coffee, watching Ellen, eating when I want, seeing family and making my schedule as I go.
So...I have 6 days left of all of these wonderful things and then it is back to the little people! I am kind of starting to miss them.....
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Staying Together
For those of you who don't know, my entire class was together last year in Kindergarten. My principal decided to try it as an "experiment" to see how it worked out. It is sort of like looping, but without their teacher. They are a very sweet group and the perfect group to try this with. So far, it has been kind of crazy. They have been together for so long that they are starting to do things that most kids don't do until the end of the year. Such as: pick on each other, complain and whine about silly things, and just be annoying to each other. It has really worn down my patience. And now I am wondering....what is going to happen in May when these things normally happen. I am a bit worried to find out....
But, I digress.
Today, we were talking about Thanksgiving. I had read a story to them about the first Thanksgiving and what had happened to the Pilgrims. It was a long story and I could tell that I would be loosing their attention soon. So, I quickly finished the story and said "Did you know that Thanksgiving is always on the last Thursday in November?" Of course they replied with "Really?! Always?" And so I said: "Yes, every year of your entire life, Thanksgiving will always always always be on the last Thursday of November. Abraham Lincoln made that a rule."
Out of nowhere... this little boy says "Mrs. Gagley, do you think we will always be together?" (talking about them always being in the same class.) I thought this was a great question since this is all they know in their education career so far.
I replied "Well, what do you think?" After thinking for a minute, he said "Well, I guess we are going to have to be in different classes sometime." I agreed and we talked about how we would probably not always be in the same class. Most of the kids had a sad face when they realized that they would not always be together.
A little girl raises her hand and says "But, we will always be together in friendship."
And then another chimes in with "And...we will always be together in our hearts."
I just about cried. Seriously. Tears started to well up. It was by far the sweetest thing that I have heard come out of a child's mouth. It was so cute and innocent. After they heard this, the class cheered up and agreed with their friend's cute little statement. They talked about how they were always going to be friends even if they weren't in the same class. Some even said "I will be your friend even in college!"
So, yes, this class certainly needs a break from each other...but, after that sweet moment I think all of the stress and annoyances went away and we all realized that we are like a family.
Moments like that are why I would never want to do anything else. I love teaching....even if there are days when I think "Oh my! How am I going to make it?!" Or... "They are being SO annoying right now! We need a break from each other."
I think God was sending me a little message today. Maybe I need to take less time to focus on what little behaviors are annoying me and take more time to be THANKFUL for my little first grade "family". Because even first graders know what it means to "be together in friendship." :)
But, I digress.
Today, we were talking about Thanksgiving. I had read a story to them about the first Thanksgiving and what had happened to the Pilgrims. It was a long story and I could tell that I would be loosing their attention soon. So, I quickly finished the story and said "Did you know that Thanksgiving is always on the last Thursday in November?" Of course they replied with "Really?! Always?" And so I said: "Yes, every year of your entire life, Thanksgiving will always always always be on the last Thursday of November. Abraham Lincoln made that a rule."
Out of nowhere... this little boy says "Mrs. Gagley, do you think we will always be together?" (talking about them always being in the same class.) I thought this was a great question since this is all they know in their education career so far.
I replied "Well, what do you think?" After thinking for a minute, he said "Well, I guess we are going to have to be in different classes sometime." I agreed and we talked about how we would probably not always be in the same class. Most of the kids had a sad face when they realized that they would not always be together.
A little girl raises her hand and says "But, we will always be together in friendship."
And then another chimes in with "And...we will always be together in our hearts."
I just about cried. Seriously. Tears started to well up. It was by far the sweetest thing that I have heard come out of a child's mouth. It was so cute and innocent. After they heard this, the class cheered up and agreed with their friend's cute little statement. They talked about how they were always going to be friends even if they weren't in the same class. Some even said "I will be your friend even in college!"
So, yes, this class certainly needs a break from each other...but, after that sweet moment I think all of the stress and annoyances went away and we all realized that we are like a family.
Moments like that are why I would never want to do anything else. I love teaching....even if there are days when I think "Oh my! How am I going to make it?!" Or... "They are being SO annoying right now! We need a break from each other."
I think God was sending me a little message today. Maybe I need to take less time to focus on what little behaviors are annoying me and take more time to be THANKFUL for my little first grade "family". Because even first graders know what it means to "be together in friendship." :)
Friday, September 10, 2010
New year, new kids
I have started my 4th year of teaching, and man has it been busy! I agreed last year to take on an entire Kindergarten class. It's sort of like looping, but without their teacher. So all of my kids were together last year. I got a few new ones too...they were new to the area so they fit right in. So far it has been great. They all know each other and their parents know each other too.
They have made me laugh a few times already...as first graders always do! Also, I have been told that I am "the prettiest teacher in the world" more than once. (I know, I know... you are jealous.) They are all very cute and sweet. There is only one who gives me "problems." But, we will work it out! It always gets easier as we figure each other out.
I am hoping for a wonderful year full of funny first grade sayings, and of course I will update you after! :)
They have made me laugh a few times already...as first graders always do! Also, I have been told that I am "the prettiest teacher in the world" more than once. (I know, I know... you are jealous.) They are all very cute and sweet. There is only one who gives me "problems." But, we will work it out! It always gets easier as we figure each other out.
I am hoping for a wonderful year full of funny first grade sayings, and of course I will update you after! :)
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Summer!!!
Ok, it has been way too long since I have posted anything. So sorry! I guess life has been busy....and I kind of forgot about my blog! Oops!
But, it is now half way through summer. (I can't believe it! It always goes too fast!) So far, I have had a great summer. As I do each year, I have been teaching swim lessons to former students, their siblings and some friends. In the past this has just been something to do every once in a while...with only a handful of lessons. But this summer....OH MY GOODNESS! It has been crazy! I have about 20 kids that I am teaching off and on this summer. Which is turning out to be very lucrative.....I have already paid off our portion of the family beach house. (Our trip is coming up in a few weeks) I love teaching kids how to swim...but I have come to find out there are a few kid swimming behaviors that just annoy the crap out of me:
1. Crying. Please do not cry...it is just water kid! Really?! Do we need to sob uncontrollably about getting our face wet? That is ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I understand that the water can be scary for some kids, but when you cry every time you come to take a lesson from me I get tired of it very quickly.
2. Screaming. And not just a little scream... a booming, hurts your ear scream. Please do not scream IN MY FACE when I am trying to teach you how to kick your feet. Seriously. Someone is going to think you are drowning. And I may not have an ear drum when we get done. Thanks.
3. Going under water when I am talking. Not much to say about this...it is just plain rude. I am trying to teach you, listen to me!
4. Making excuses. Don't make an excuse for why you can't go under. Just do it. I am not going to let you drown. Seriously.
5. Lack of trust. Most of the kids I teach in the summer have had me for first grade. I would think that it would be natural for them to trust me in the water. They know me, I know them easy right? WRONG. It takes most a few lessons before they fully trust me. I will not let you drown kid. TRUST ME!
Of course, these sound very negative, but I do love teaching kids to swim. I am not some swim Nazi that throws kids in the water and yells "SWIM!" I take a lot of time to work with each kid individually to get over their fears and develop their strokes. This is probably the best summer job for a teacher. I get to be at the pool and do what I love....and get paid! Nice!
This week the two "screamers" didn't scream in my face AND..... the "cryer" didn't cry. So... even though small...progress has been made! Now, if they can just keep it up and learn to do the strokes right..... I will keep you posted on that!
But, it is now half way through summer. (I can't believe it! It always goes too fast!) So far, I have had a great summer. As I do each year, I have been teaching swim lessons to former students, their siblings and some friends. In the past this has just been something to do every once in a while...with only a handful of lessons. But this summer....OH MY GOODNESS! It has been crazy! I have about 20 kids that I am teaching off and on this summer. Which is turning out to be very lucrative.....I have already paid off our portion of the family beach house. (Our trip is coming up in a few weeks) I love teaching kids how to swim...but I have come to find out there are a few kid swimming behaviors that just annoy the crap out of me:
1. Crying. Please do not cry...it is just water kid! Really?! Do we need to sob uncontrollably about getting our face wet? That is ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I understand that the water can be scary for some kids, but when you cry every time you come to take a lesson from me I get tired of it very quickly.
2. Screaming. And not just a little scream... a booming, hurts your ear scream. Please do not scream IN MY FACE when I am trying to teach you how to kick your feet. Seriously. Someone is going to think you are drowning. And I may not have an ear drum when we get done. Thanks.
3. Going under water when I am talking. Not much to say about this...it is just plain rude. I am trying to teach you, listen to me!
4. Making excuses. Don't make an excuse for why you can't go under. Just do it. I am not going to let you drown. Seriously.
5. Lack of trust. Most of the kids I teach in the summer have had me for first grade. I would think that it would be natural for them to trust me in the water. They know me, I know them easy right? WRONG. It takes most a few lessons before they fully trust me. I will not let you drown kid. TRUST ME!
Of course, these sound very negative, but I do love teaching kids to swim. I am not some swim Nazi that throws kids in the water and yells "SWIM!" I take a lot of time to work with each kid individually to get over their fears and develop their strokes. This is probably the best summer job for a teacher. I get to be at the pool and do what I love....and get paid! Nice!
This week the two "screamers" didn't scream in my face AND..... the "cryer" didn't cry. So... even though small...progress has been made! Now, if they can just keep it up and learn to do the strokes right..... I will keep you posted on that!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The Holidays
Some of my favorite things happen during this time of year....Christmas! (of course)......a 2 week break from work.......family visits.......and of course.....FOOD! (Which if you know me is one of my favorite things about life!) I love going to all of the many places we go during the holiday season and eating all of the foods that only come out once a year! Why is it that we only make these special foods once a year? Well I have a theory on that.....
These cookies, cakes, dips, special meals with extravagant side dishes and various appetizers are only made at this time of year because if we made them all the time we would all be crazy fat! (At least I would!) When you live in the south, holiday food is not "light" or by any means "healthy." If it were either of those things then it wouldn't be true "southern" food. As I think of all of my favorite childhood holiday memories, most of them involve special foods and the people who I shared them with. (I am a true southern girl huh?!) And because we only get to have these treats once a year, my body thinks that I must stuff my face until I literally am in pain. It happens every year. I try not to, but it always happens. I think to myself..."it's the holidays...so why not?" Or... "Well, I won't get this for another year so I better fill up on it now." Or... "Wow! This is amazing...give me more!" I am a true food lover, I know...it's crazy!So we do this (massive eating) at least 4 times during the week of Christmas...with Brent's mom and step dad, Brent's dad and step mom, Brent's grandmother and extended family, and twice with my family! Whew....that is A LOT OF FOOD! (Believe me...I know from experience! Ha! Ha!)
And to add to it all, my family has a big get together on New Years. My mom's family decided a few years back that we wouldn't meet up at Christmas since everyone had so much going on and so many places to go. We decided that New Years would become our new celebration time. It has really worked out nicely for everyone, BUT....it adds just one more place to see all of those wonderful foods that we all love......and more pounds to my waist!
I would like to say that next year will be different.....but we all know that it won't! There will always be an endless supply of wonderful food at all of the MANY places we go during the holidays! And....I will never pass it up, because I LOVE all of it! That is the joy of living in the south...right?!
So it is now 2010....I can't believe how fast 2009 came and went! We had a great Christmas and New Years, BUT I am glad that I have elastic pants! ;)
These cookies, cakes, dips, special meals with extravagant side dishes and various appetizers are only made at this time of year because if we made them all the time we would all be crazy fat! (At least I would!) When you live in the south, holiday food is not "light" or by any means "healthy." If it were either of those things then it wouldn't be true "southern" food. As I think of all of my favorite childhood holiday memories, most of them involve special foods and the people who I shared them with. (I am a true southern girl huh?!) And because we only get to have these treats once a year, my body thinks that I must stuff my face until I literally am in pain. It happens every year. I try not to, but it always happens. I think to myself..."it's the holidays...so why not?" Or... "Well, I won't get this for another year so I better fill up on it now." Or... "Wow! This is amazing...give me more!" I am a true food lover, I know...it's crazy!So we do this (massive eating) at least 4 times during the week of Christmas...with Brent's mom and step dad, Brent's dad and step mom, Brent's grandmother and extended family, and twice with my family! Whew....that is A LOT OF FOOD! (Believe me...I know from experience! Ha! Ha!)
And to add to it all, my family has a big get together on New Years. My mom's family decided a few years back that we wouldn't meet up at Christmas since everyone had so much going on and so many places to go. We decided that New Years would become our new celebration time. It has really worked out nicely for everyone, BUT....it adds just one more place to see all of those wonderful foods that we all love......and more pounds to my waist!
I would like to say that next year will be different.....but we all know that it won't! There will always be an endless supply of wonderful food at all of the MANY places we go during the holidays! And....I will never pass it up, because I LOVE all of it! That is the joy of living in the south...right?!
So it is now 2010....I can't believe how fast 2009 came and went! We had a great Christmas and New Years, BUT I am glad that I have elastic pants! ;)
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Turkey!
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays! As I write today, I am watching the Macy's parade...one of the best parts of this day! I also enjoy seeing family and catching up. Ever since I was little, we go to my grandfather's house for a huge meal in the middle of the afternoon. Thanksgiving for us usually lasts all weekend....on Friday we have a family bowling competition and Saturday we do some shopping. I love spending the time with everyone! (And of course eating all of that delicious food!)
Since we got married, I don't just go to my grandfather's house. I get to go to Brent's mom's house and his dad's house. So....I get to eat THREE Thanksgiving meals! How awesome is that?! For someone (like me) who loves food, it is the best day of the year!
I was watching the news this morning and they said that they average Thanksgiving meal is 5,000 calories. So, does that mean that I will be consuming 15,000 calories since I am going to eat 3 meals? I don't know and I don't care! I don't know why people worry about calories on Thanksgiving. It is just dumb. Come on people, just eat and be happy! Don't worry about how many calories or grams of fat are in your meal. You only eat like this once a year, so just forget aobut that stuff and EAT! I have never once thought about how many calories I am consuming during my Thanksgiving meals (b/c I have 3 remember). If I gain 5 pounds today, I know that it was totally worth it!
So....I am going to go put on some comfy clothes and get ready to eat! Yum!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! Remember...it is not about the calories! It is about time with family! :)
Since we got married, I don't just go to my grandfather's house. I get to go to Brent's mom's house and his dad's house. So....I get to eat THREE Thanksgiving meals! How awesome is that?! For someone (like me) who loves food, it is the best day of the year!
I was watching the news this morning and they said that they average Thanksgiving meal is 5,000 calories. So, does that mean that I will be consuming 15,000 calories since I am going to eat 3 meals? I don't know and I don't care! I don't know why people worry about calories on Thanksgiving. It is just dumb. Come on people, just eat and be happy! Don't worry about how many calories or grams of fat are in your meal. You only eat like this once a year, so just forget aobut that stuff and EAT! I have never once thought about how many calories I am consuming during my Thanksgiving meals (b/c I have 3 remember). If I gain 5 pounds today, I know that it was totally worth it!
So....I am going to go put on some comfy clothes and get ready to eat! Yum!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! Remember...it is not about the calories! It is about time with family! :)
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Kids say the silliest things!
So as we begin a new school year, I am still taking time to get to know my new kiddos. I love first grade for lots of reasons, but one of the best is that this age group says the silliest stuff! Here are some of the quotes from the first two weeks of school:
"I can't use "hanitizer" because I have a cut on my hand."
(when using dry erase markers) "These things smell good. They should make a perfume of this smell."
As a child sees me put on my jean jacket... "great style...that jacket is cute."
During a thunderstorm I was telling the children not to worry because were safe inside a brick building. One child adds (so calmly and matter of factly) "And God is always watching over us to keep us safe."
"How are markers made? I think they are great."
(When asked to read what she wrote) "The "wabbit" jumped up."
These are the things that they have said SO FAR......I can't wait to see what comes with the rest of the year! :)
"I can't use "hanitizer" because I have a cut on my hand."
(when using dry erase markers) "These things smell good. They should make a perfume of this smell."
As a child sees me put on my jean jacket... "great style...that jacket is cute."
During a thunderstorm I was telling the children not to worry because were safe inside a brick building. One child adds (so calmly and matter of factly) "And God is always watching over us to keep us safe."
"How are markers made? I think they are great."
(When asked to read what she wrote) "The "wabbit" jumped up."
These are the things that they have said SO FAR......I can't wait to see what comes with the rest of the year! :)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Things I learned about myself as a teacher
So, for the past few weeks I have slowly been going back to school to get some work done. I moved my furniture back in place, got all my computers hooked back up, organized my desk and cleaned a bit. I have even gotten some plans done for the first few weeks! Yesterday, I went to Walmart, with my Purchase Order in hand, and bought all my supplies that I will need for the beginning of the year.
I discovered somethings about myself (and probably about all teachers) during and soon after this trip to Walmart:
1. I get this excited nervous feeling in my stomach when I buy school supplies. I guess this is because I am excited to meet my new students but I am nervous just like they are to start a new year.
2. I love the feel of brand new crayons, markers, and colored pencils in my hand. They smell so good too!
3. I get so excited when I find a bargain....of any kind! Even if I am spending school money!
4. I know I am not back on contract yet, but I feel that I have to get work done in my room in order to enjoy the last weeks of summer....weird I know. But, if I don't go to school and work, I could quite possibly go crazy.....really!
5. I love to walk around the school and see who is back and how their summer was. It is nice to see everyone again and see where my kids from last year got placed.
6. I think about school stuff when I am at school, when I am home doing nothing and even when I am sleeping! Yes... I dream about school! Some dreams are kind of scary!
7. I love the smell of a newly sharpened pencil....and the way it works so perfectly the first time you use it.
8. I love to organize....anything and everything! It makes me feel so good about life.
9. My OCD-ness (yes it is a word...I made it up!) starts to come out in full blast as soon as I get back in that classroom!
10. I love my job and I am so thankful that I am where I am supposed to be, doing what I love!
So, like I said, I have gotten a lot of things done in my room and I am actually going to start a year AHEAD OF SCHEDULE! Whew! That feels so good! Maybe when I officially have to go back to work, I can keep ahead......doubt it but I sure can try!
Only one more week of summer for me....maybe I can actually NOT go to school and try to enjoy my last free days....maybe......
I discovered somethings about myself (and probably about all teachers) during and soon after this trip to Walmart:
1. I get this excited nervous feeling in my stomach when I buy school supplies. I guess this is because I am excited to meet my new students but I am nervous just like they are to start a new year.
2. I love the feel of brand new crayons, markers, and colored pencils in my hand. They smell so good too!
3. I get so excited when I find a bargain....of any kind! Even if I am spending school money!
4. I know I am not back on contract yet, but I feel that I have to get work done in my room in order to enjoy the last weeks of summer....weird I know. But, if I don't go to school and work, I could quite possibly go crazy.....really!
5. I love to walk around the school and see who is back and how their summer was. It is nice to see everyone again and see where my kids from last year got placed.
6. I think about school stuff when I am at school, when I am home doing nothing and even when I am sleeping! Yes... I dream about school! Some dreams are kind of scary!
7. I love the smell of a newly sharpened pencil....and the way it works so perfectly the first time you use it.
8. I love to organize....anything and everything! It makes me feel so good about life.
9. My OCD-ness (yes it is a word...I made it up!) starts to come out in full blast as soon as I get back in that classroom!
10. I love my job and I am so thankful that I am where I am supposed to be, doing what I love!
So, like I said, I have gotten a lot of things done in my room and I am actually going to start a year AHEAD OF SCHEDULE! Whew! That feels so good! Maybe when I officially have to go back to work, I can keep ahead......doubt it but I sure can try!
Only one more week of summer for me....maybe I can actually NOT go to school and try to enjoy my last free days....maybe......
Monday, June 29, 2009
1 Year!
Yesterday, Brent and I had our one year wedding anniversary! I can't believe how fast time has gone and all of the things we have done this year. I am still so in love with him and I still feel like a newlywed...even though we are officially not anymore. We just got back from our beach trip with Courtney and Josh (our anniversary gift to each other)....so nice! We had great weather and we both improved our summer tans too! :) When we got back, we had a surprise birthday party for Brent's dad. His birthday is June 27th and we got married on the 28th. So...last year we celebrated with him at the rehearsal dinner. Well....the surprise party this year was held at the same place we had our rehearsal dinner! AND we had the same food! So it was sort of like re-doing the whole weekend! Sunday, our anniversary we went out to lunch to our favorite spot...Stir Fry! Yum! It was so good. After lunch we went to the Redbox (we should buy stock in that company! We are always there!) and then went home and watched some movies. Later on we had our cake and our M&M's (our wedding favors...printed with our names and date). They were both just as good as they were last year. A great way to round out a perfect year! I can't wait to see what comes in the next year! :)
Monday, June 15, 2009
Summer
So...my summer is going great, but a little too fast. I can't believe it is almost half over! (I go back to work the first week in August).
My week consits of getting up around 8 or 9, going for a walk with friends for about an hour, eating lunch and sitting by the pool. What a life! I love it! I wish summer would last forever. When I am old (as I have told Brent many times) I would be so happy living in a tropical place in a house by the beach....ahh.... I wonder if there is a job that would pay me to sit by the pool.....that would be AWESOME!
A few "teacher friends" and I have started a walking group. It is nice to work out with friends because I don't realize how long we are out there becasue we just talk and walk and before I know it we are done. I have lost 3 and 1/2 pounds so far...I am happy about that. I just hope this weight loss continues. That would just be perfect.
I have sat by the pool almost every day so far. And....I am teaching swim lessons to a few of the kids that were in my class this year and some of their friends. I started this just to earn a little bit of some extra money. I thought..."what a great way to earn some money while still being at the pool." I have taught swim lessons for almost 10 years now, and it is a great way to earn some tax free money, BUT..... I get tired of it when the kids don't listen! I have a group session going right now that consists of 4 boys. (two from my class this year and 2 friends.) Of course, the boys from my class are angels...as they were all year (if you didn't know already...I had the BEST group of kids this past year). The other two....well....are just ridiculous! They don't listen, they go under when I am talking, they are loud and crazy and talk over me. I am not ever going to do a group of all boys again. They are not bad swimmers, but the not listening just annoys me as a teacher. Whew! I am mentally exhausted when I get home..... I have scheduled some more lessons...with girls. We will see how those go. I could predict that they will be more fun and the children will listen better....I hope.
Brent and I are also continuing our search for a house. This is exciting and frustrating at the same time for me. This is something I feel that we are so ready for. I am so proud of us for working hard this year to save as much as we have. We look online all the time for houses, we drive by them and we look at the surrounding houses. But...here is where my frustration comes in. Brent does not want to go IN them to look at them. He says that he "doesn't want to waste the relator's time by calling and going to look at it if we are not going to buy it." To which I respond "that is their job. they want you to do that." We go back and forth for awhile about this and then we give up. It is a never ending battle. I think he just doesn't want to commit to actually buying a house. Sometimes I think he would be happy living in an apartment for the rest of his life. I, however, want to have a place that we can call our own. Maybe.....just maybe it will happen this year. We will see.
We are on our way to the beach next week with Courtney and Josh. (Brent's sister and her husband). I am so excited about spending some time by the beach. I was meant to be a beach bum. I just have to make it through 4 more group swim lessons and then we will be out of here! Yea! I can't wait!
So....as you can see, my summer has been pretty good so far. I hope that the rest doesn't go by too fast because I am loving the time off!
My week consits of getting up around 8 or 9, going for a walk with friends for about an hour, eating lunch and sitting by the pool. What a life! I love it! I wish summer would last forever. When I am old (as I have told Brent many times) I would be so happy living in a tropical place in a house by the beach....ahh.... I wonder if there is a job that would pay me to sit by the pool.....that would be AWESOME!
A few "teacher friends" and I have started a walking group. It is nice to work out with friends because I don't realize how long we are out there becasue we just talk and walk and before I know it we are done. I have lost 3 and 1/2 pounds so far...I am happy about that. I just hope this weight loss continues. That would just be perfect.
I have sat by the pool almost every day so far. And....I am teaching swim lessons to a few of the kids that were in my class this year and some of their friends. I started this just to earn a little bit of some extra money. I thought..."what a great way to earn some money while still being at the pool." I have taught swim lessons for almost 10 years now, and it is a great way to earn some tax free money, BUT..... I get tired of it when the kids don't listen! I have a group session going right now that consists of 4 boys. (two from my class this year and 2 friends.) Of course, the boys from my class are angels...as they were all year (if you didn't know already...I had the BEST group of kids this past year). The other two....well....are just ridiculous! They don't listen, they go under when I am talking, they are loud and crazy and talk over me. I am not ever going to do a group of all boys again. They are not bad swimmers, but the not listening just annoys me as a teacher. Whew! I am mentally exhausted when I get home..... I have scheduled some more lessons...with girls. We will see how those go. I could predict that they will be more fun and the children will listen better....I hope.
Brent and I are also continuing our search for a house. This is exciting and frustrating at the same time for me. This is something I feel that we are so ready for. I am so proud of us for working hard this year to save as much as we have. We look online all the time for houses, we drive by them and we look at the surrounding houses. But...here is where my frustration comes in. Brent does not want to go IN them to look at them. He says that he "doesn't want to waste the relator's time by calling and going to look at it if we are not going to buy it." To which I respond "that is their job. they want you to do that." We go back and forth for awhile about this and then we give up. It is a never ending battle. I think he just doesn't want to commit to actually buying a house. Sometimes I think he would be happy living in an apartment for the rest of his life. I, however, want to have a place that we can call our own. Maybe.....just maybe it will happen this year. We will see.
We are on our way to the beach next week with Courtney and Josh. (Brent's sister and her husband). I am so excited about spending some time by the beach. I was meant to be a beach bum. I just have to make it through 4 more group swim lessons and then we will be out of here! Yea! I can't wait!
So....as you can see, my summer has been pretty good so far. I hope that the rest doesn't go by too fast because I am loving the time off!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The "Nuptial Nine"
I have been married for almost a year now and I have learned that many things come with the first year of marriage. We have had so much fun decorating our apartment, spending time with each other and our families. We have been able to take several short vacations and just take time to enjoy being married. But the one bad thing that I have found comes with the first year of marriage is weight gain. I have gained weight (not much, but..) since we got married and I have several friends who got married last year or the year before who agree. My friend Ashley was the one who coined the phrase "The Nuptial Nine." I laughed at her when she told me this, b/c at the time I was not married and she had been for a year. I totally understand now. Ashley was right. As a newly married couple we don't cook as much as we should and we definately don't work out as much as we should. We eat out a lot and we don't eat as much healthy food as we should. This is our problem!
Before the wedding, I worked 0ut a lot and ate healthy (and at home)...but Mom was cooking so that made it very easy! I lost weight before the wedding....but I had a dress to motivate me. After the wedding, I didn't have mom's cooking and no dress for motivation. So, the weight gain began. I have been lucky to not have made it to "nine" pounds, but about 5 or so. And what makes it even more frustrating is that my husband has lost tons of weight since we got married! Ugh! Not fair! I am so proud of him....but it is not fair that guys can loose weight so easily. I wish that it was that easy for girls.
But, again, my friend Ashley was right and I wish I would have listened to her then! Let's just hope that the second year of marriage includes some weight LOSS! I will keep you posted on that. :)
Before the wedding, I worked 0ut a lot and ate healthy (and at home)...but Mom was cooking so that made it very easy! I lost weight before the wedding....but I had a dress to motivate me. After the wedding, I didn't have mom's cooking and no dress for motivation. So, the weight gain began. I have been lucky to not have made it to "nine" pounds, but about 5 or so. And what makes it even more frustrating is that my husband has lost tons of weight since we got married! Ugh! Not fair! I am so proud of him....but it is not fair that guys can loose weight so easily. I wish that it was that easy for girls.
But, again, my friend Ashley was right and I wish I would have listened to her then! Let's just hope that the second year of marriage includes some weight LOSS! I will keep you posted on that. :)
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