Mommy of a Toddler?

You know you are a mommy to a toddler when...

• You are cooking dinner and step on something sharp. You realize that it is the point of the letter "N" magnet that should be on the fridge. Instead it is now embedded in the ball of your foot.
  
• You walk into YOUR bathroom (you know, the adult one) and see a princess kickball, a play fork, a play plate, and a plastic meatball all in your floor.
  
• You bring a basket of laundry into the living room to fold and within a matter of seconds, the clothes are spread all over the house because she "heped."
  
• Your spouse asks if you can grab them a drink out of the fridge and you automatically reply with, "What do you say to Mommy when you want something?"
  
• You look under the furniture at any given time and you're likely to find a few cheerios, a crayon or two, and possibly a sippy cup that at one point and time had something that resembled milk in it.
  
• When you dig through your purse to find your keys, you also find a set of midget forks and spoons, a disposable place mat, a plastic princess figurine, wipes, and a pair of tiny tot sunglasses.
• In the backseat of your car you have various Disney DVD's, a McDonald's Happy Meal toy, and at least ten pieces of broken goldfish.
  
• Your brain's default is set to ask someone if they need to "tee tee" every ten minutes--which means you often accidentally ask an adult if they need to go "tee tee."
  
• All of your plans are based around nap time.
• Everything that's breakable has been placed so high up that even you can't reach it without using a step ladder.
  
• The default channel on your tv is Disney or Nick Jr.
  
• Your main bathroom has been taken over by step stools, bath toys, and little potties or potty seats.

Report Card

Not that I've needed much affirmation that teaching is where God wants me, but last week, I was reminded in a big, big way.

When I first got my kids, most of them had D's and F's and not a single kid had an A. They didn't care about anything and just wanted to skate by. Last week, 3rd 9 weeks grades were due. I have four classes totaling around 100 kids; only two students had an F and it is because they never come to school. At least ten of my students had A's and at least another twenty had B's. I was so proud of THEM (not me, I didn't do anything) that I bragged to everyone I saw. My kids are working and trying and some of them even like to come to class. What a blessing!!!!

On Thursday, I had my first teacher evaluation. I was a little anxious about it but not terribly nervous. I warned the kids as they were coming in that the Vice Principal would be coming in to watch me teach and they kept saying, "Don't worry, Mrs. Friday. We got yo' back." Haha!

Friday afternoon I went down to go over my evaluation. I got all "effective" marks (the highest you can get) and this is what she wrote about me:

Mrs. Friday teaches English II and satisfies all teacher competencies. She took over another teacher's class during the third nine weeks and quickly earned the respect of her students. Mrs. Friday also serves as the head cheerleading coach.

Mrs. Friday begins class promptly, sets a tone that is conducive to learning, and utilizes classroom time effectively. She posts the objectives as well as the agenda on the board; she also posts the weekly schedule of extra-curricular activities. She presents information associated with the objective in a manner that engages the interests of the students. There is good student-teacher interaction.

Mrs. Friday has established an excellent rapport with her colleagues, students, and parents. She meets all deadlines and responsibilities promptly and professionally; she supports administration and has assisted us whenever asked.

Mrs. Friday maintains a positive and encouraging atmosphere; she uses specific praise. She employs a variety of strategies and assessments to meet her students' needs and measure achievement.

Mrs. Friday is a team player. She is an asset to Heritage High School.


Needless to say, I was thrilled and brought it home and put it on the fridge. I guess I got an A on my report card too :)

Run Like the Winn---Or At Least Like a Princess

This past weekend I ran (mostly) my first 5K.

Several of my girlfriends and I participated in the Disney Fit for a Princess Royal Family 5K. It was incredibly fun! And...they shot off fireworks at the start. Disney characters lined the race path cheering us on.


Oh, and we turned out to be a smidge famous for our outfits. :)

Speaking of famous, Joey Fatone was in the race (you know...from N'sync) and I finished before him.

I finished in just under 37 minutes which is not incredibly fast, but never-the-less, I was not last and did not, I repeat, did not get picked up by the golf cart.