Comic Relief Lesson from a Kiddo

I'm super stressed today, not that you haven't been able to tell that from some of my posts lately ;-)

Just wanted to take a break from the 4 observations, end of semester load, job interviews, financial worries, and the rest for a funny story, to remember, while this all seems HUGE right now, it's only a drop in the bucket in the spec of things.

Yesterday we finished out our 3rd grade Electricity unit with a parent presentation from one of the dads who is an electrical engineer by trade. Love having that real-life application and opening up the classroom. The child of said presenter was 12 kinds of excited all day that her daddy was coming to share. I sat next to her during the presentation to try to calm her down so her dad could speak lol!

Halfway through she says in the loud voice that only children have...

"My dad doesn't really know English because he's a China Man!"

I about died. I quickly whisper to said child, "your dad is doing great!" He truly was- it's not easy to teach electrical engineering concepts to the average 8/9 year old not to mention in your 2nd language!
Said child than says just as loudly,
 
"It's OK dad, you're a NUMBER ONE DAD!"

Awkardness averted, cute childism reigns. Grace returns to the classroom.
If only it were that simple- that love, forgiveness, and pride between father and child.
Oh how the Father must laugh at us His children at times, but the Love is always abundant.

Oh and PS, it was who else but my Turtle Child who once again brought a smile to my face.

Support Adoption!

Calling all readers!
I haven't posted on this very important subject but have been wanting to for some time!
Adoption.
Something that I am personally affected by, something that I plan on doing in the future, but something that we can all take action on NOW.

Did you know that there are over 150 Million Orphans?
Did you know that scripture mentions to take care of the orphan dozens of times?
Do you realize we are all orphans adopted by God as His sons and daughters?
Did you realize that certain countries are closing door to US adoptions, leaving several fatherless as it is uncommon in many countries to adopt orphans of their own, especially if they have any exceptionality?
Do you realize that in some countries young orphans with special needs- even a blood issue such as hepatitis- are sent to mental assylums to die alone?

This is for real. This isn't everybody else's problem. I know not all of you will be called to adopt, but supporting adoptive families through financial contributions for legal fees and through prayer is just as necessary. I have several real life and bloggy friends who have adopted many children and it makes my heart swell with joy- there is nothing like having a father and mother who want YOU, who love YOU, forever.

Vayna's Dream

This family, the Salems, have adopted 4 beautiful daughters with special needs. They haven't stopped there. They continue to raise money and find families for many other orphans. Check out this post to learn about about sweet 8 yr old Vayna. He needs to find a forever family, and quickly! before he too is transfered to a mental asylum where he becomes un-adoptable. The Salems are raising money for his ransom and searching for a family for him. Maybe it's you? Can you donate? Every dollar helps. In only a couple days they have raised nearly $7,000- nothing is impossible. Please keep him in your prayers.

I challenge you, right now to make a difference, to make it 1 less orphan in this world!

YouTube Break

Found this via a friend from ballet boarding school...yep fun fact, I went to boarding school for my last 2 yrs of high school so I could train more intensively. It was all part of God's plan for my life... Anyway, this boy cracks me up! I love how he tells his parents to clap for him- out of the mouth of babes lol....

So free to move and enjoy dance. Unlike this poor baby, who cracks me up! She will be a modern dance star one day lol...

There are times when my heart still aches to dance. It was such a gift, and I am so thankful for the 18+ years I danced. Don't get me wrong, I made the right choice to stop for my body, and I don't mind being out of the politics/environment/stress of the dance world- I just miss moving. A couple times this year I've danced- here, when I taught my munchkins Flamenco to learn about Spain, and a few times in my living room. It.felt.so.right. I'm contemplating if my body is ready to go back to teaching dance to kids/teens this summer. I hope so! I'd love to share the gift of movement with others once again.

Once a dancer, always a dancer,

12 Kinds of Cah-razy

My "let's just wait until Spring Break" To-Do list was large...okay rediculous!
After a busy weekend hanging out with people, catching up on life, babysitting, and youth group I was looking forward to tackling the rest of my list...

I of course got sick!
Caught one of the munchkin's viruses and it took up residence in my head/chest. 
5 days later, I am out of bed.
Got the mega-antibiotics and steroids (neither of which I'm a fan of) and now I'm facing...
CRUNCH TIME.

Yikes. Lord. Have. Mercy.

Tomorrow is an amazing event: A Performing Artist and Athlete Education Forum at my University. A year ago when I attempted a Mini Dance Medicine Conference as my Senior Thesis I had no idea that 50 people would attend, nor that my University Hospital's Sports Med program and Dance Department would want to continue it. I'm humbled that my story was able to inspire people to action. To treat the unique dancer-gymnast-figure skater-actor population to full healing for mind-body-spirit when injury occurs. To change our way of thinking/training for preventative action without sacrificing performance or aesthetics. Due to my grad school insanity I've passed the torch to 2 amazing professionals in this field and mentors of mine- KB and MB. KB was one of my PT's during my RSD diagnosis/early treatment and MB has been my professor, choreographer, mentor, and now friend for the past 6 years. So thankful for them in my life!

I will be part of the student athlete panel representing the dancer side as well as giving a session entitled "Bridging the Gap: from PT to unrestricted activity."  Other presenters include doctors, PTs, nutritionists, social workers, professors, choreographers, and athletes from the area.

Please keep this event in your prayers- all day tomorrow, Sat!

That leaves Sat night/Sun to do the rest of my To-Do list for my last 2 weeks of my internship, lesson plans, interview prep, and regular old end-of-semester insanity. Breathe. It'll get done, it always does, but I've never felt this much pressure before.

On a happy note- I did a bit of retail therapy today...with a purpose of course :-).  I bought my first suit for the Educator Job Fair next week. I always thought I looked like Professional Barbie in Suits, that or a Line Backer...hate the shoulder pads...but I think I found one that meets my criteria. Went with the short sleeve jacket since many of my interviews will be this summer and teacher interview wear can't be too fancy (they need to be able to picture you in the classroom getting messy with the kiddos...seriously). Here's a peek:

1st Job Fair is next Thurs! On to my resume- my next, and hopefully last To-Do for the evening.
Hope your life is slightly less crazy than mine!
Keep me in your prayers these next couple of weeks- I could use all the Grace I can get!

Lots of Love,

Blogging Hiatus

Just a quick check-in...it's been a crazy few weeks!
Let's see, since the last time I posted I've...

• Subbed for 2 days and worked through the "let's test the teacher intern" phase

• Began my official lead teaching period- taking over a 3rd grade classroom for a month

• Planned and/or designed and launched 3 big units- Realistic Fiction, Fractions, and Electricity

• Joined a book club for Lent

• Helped pass the torch from a dance/sports medicine conference I began last year to local medical professionals and art educators to continue

• Began my teacher portfolio and resume...ish- any advice is WELL APPRECIATED!

• Attempted to catch up on the piled up grad school work (reflections and random papers)

•  Had a major anniversary in my life

• Walked through some hard crosses my friends were bearing

• Had a week of intense spiritual warfare

• Staffed an international high school youth retreat...definitely more on this soon

• Collaborated with the art teacher at my school to create amazing arts and writing paintings with the kiddos- yay art!

•  Began my last week until Spring Break- PTL!

Whew- are you tired reading that? I am, but I'm also so thankful for these many gifts and opportunities in my life and the energy and physical ability to do them. It is definitely not my strength! Big week ahead, internship seminar, mock-job interviews with local superintendents, and lots of pressure at work to get things finished up before the break.  I see the light! So excited for a break to catch up, breathe, and begin the next phase in this journey!

So in case you don't hear from me for awhile...you know why :-)
Hope all is well in your world. Teacher Blog Friends, any advice for me?

Peace and Love,