Nothing has changed

I'm in 8th grade for the 4th time in my life. It really hasn't changed since the first time I suffered through it. As a Hillside Hawk, I had a hard time paying attention and staying interested. I used to think that I was the problem. I assumed I had severe undiagnosed ADD or a learning disability, or was just a complete idiot for being incapable of paying attention a lot of the time. But I think it's possible I was just really bored because school was, well, really boring. Just another example in life  that it's never really me that's the problem.When will I ever learn?

 Some teachers are ah-mazing. I can only hope my daughters have math and history teachers half as good as the ones I work with, because they're awesome. But I'd say my day is 50% interesting and engaging and 50% me wondering how the hell kids aren't running for the door screaming, "LET ME OUT OF HERE!" I'm getting paid so I can't do that without losing my job, but them? My hat is off to any teenager who stays put. So go easy on your kids when they come home from school looking less than thrilled. I can tell you that school hasn't changed much since we were kids.

So to liven up my day and ensure that I'm not part of the problem but part of the solution for myself and other 13 yr. olds like me, I've been involved in extra curricular activities and running clubs that take the edge off of the mundane school day. They've been my saving grace as a working adult in the same way they were when I was a teenager, because you can't play hooky if you have a responsibility you actually look forward to.  

The students I work with are fantastic, especially in Photography Club. I'm BLOWN AWAY by their work. It's really the highlight of my week to teach them about something I love, then have them use that to express themselves. And to see my deaf kids make friends who think Sign Language is cool? Well, yea. That's pretty awesome, too.

Four months until summer!

Corinne got a selfie stick. We have 100s of selfies on her little camera.

Christmas party for Tay's class

It rained on my first ever wedding. It was bright and sunny all day until we arrived for pictures. But the Wayfarer's Chapel was the most romantic wedding site I've ever been to. Swoon worthy. 

Christmas morning, because nothing says "Happy birthday, Jesus" quite like a gun.

She loves school. What a weirdo.

Visit from my old friend, Alicia. Kicked my butt on the rock wall.

Spidergirl

See that 1/2 inch of space between them. That's where I slept. Notice "the bowl" to the right. Stomach flu, 2016. Happy New Year to us.

Corinne's birthday list.

Happy birthday, Becky Boo. Love her to pieces.

Birthday decorations for the babe

Oh, Taylor. Your attempt to save the lives of rodents everywhere is so noble.

I love how happy she is, how much she laughs, and how much spunk she puts into everything she does.

"Make it rain!"

Visit to Frazier Park

I love Taylor. =)

Thanksgiving was really my favorite day last year. I couldn't have asked for a better family get together. 

Grandpa the Great and his pink socks =)

Ladies night out for Lauren's birthday. I have pretty friends.