Teaching and Vomit on my Black Suede Shoes

On Monday I had the chance to substitute teach in my daughter's kindergarten class.

Her all day kindergarten class.

Her all day kindergarten (that didn't have 45 minutes of music in the morning because the music teacher didn't make it back after evacuating for hurricane ike and I had the kids without a break from 8:15-1pm when they went to PE) class.

I loved it! (Although a morning break would have been useful for little things like going to the bathroom)

I believe every parent should be required to substitute teach in their child's class at least once a year so they can gain perspective and understand what teachers do day in and day out without a lot of fanfare.

Let me just say that while I loved it and hope to do it again, I was exhausted and my feet hurt.

Teachers wear sensible shoes for a reason.

I should know.

I used to teach.

One time when I was teaching 6th grade I had a kid throw up all over my black suede shoes.

Let me repeat that: "BLACK, SUEDE SHOES"

To adapt the lyrics from one of my favorite songs of all time,"Lake Marie" by John Prine, "Do
you know what vomit looks like on a pair of black, suede shoes? Disgusting! D-I-S-G-U-S-T-I-N-G!!"

Anyway, it smelled, my shoes were ruined, and I began wearing more practical, vomit proof shoes to school.

All this to say, it was a fun day. I loved getting to see my daughter in her element. She was so happy to have me as her teacher and thought it was just the coolest thing, ever. I want to capitalize on that because all too quickly she will grow up and suddenly it will be embarrassing to have your mom teach your class.

Take care,
Julie

Back to School!

Today is the first day back to school.

I thought this day would NEVER come!

I know, I know. I sound horrible to say I'm excited. But in my defense, it's been a long summer and they are ready to go to school.

My oldest son begins 2nd grade and my middle child, a girl, starts kindergarten. The youngest boy starts Mom's Day Out next week. I hope he enjoys his last week of freedom. We met their teachers last week, dropped off supplies, found out more supplies we needed, picked out outfits for the first day of school (to coordinate with their best friends) got hair cuts, the whole nine yards. The only thing left for me to do is make lunches and pray we don't all oversleep in the morning.

It could happen.

We haven't had to set an alarm since the end of the school year.

I'm praying for them both to have a wonderful year. I'm asking God to give them great memories and good experiences, friendships to last, and good choices to be made.

What about you? Anyone in your house starting school this week? If so, are you excited, nervous, dreading it?

Take care,

Julie