Blog Hoppin' Linky!

Thanks to Kate from ECSE who keeps me up to date on all the linkys {I love that girl!}, I am participating in Blog Hoppin': Teacher Week 13~Let's Talk About Me Monday. 
One of my favorite sayings is "What doesn't kill me only makes me stronger".
I currently teach a blended Early Childhood Special Education/Title 1 class.  My sweeties range in age from 3 to 5 years of age.  I have a morning class of younger students and an afternoon class of little ones who will go to kindergarten the following year.  Without a doubt this is where my heart is!  I have taught all the way to 7th grade, but I love the little ones.  They crack me up!  Their logic makes me happy.   For instance, I had a little boy who got a cat (that happened to be black) when I asked him what he named his cat he looked at me like, "duh! His name is black kitty!"  Why didn't I think of that?!  I also was a parent educator in a program called Parents as Teachers.  It began in Missouri, but other states also have the program. I would conduct home visit with parents who had children from birth to age five and take them developmental information.....what to expect at their child's age and things to do to help with their child's development.  I loved that job, too.  I think it really helped me become a better teacher.  I was in many homes and saw where my students were coming from, the struggles parents had, and how that affected the whole child, especially at school.  I missed the classroom though and jumped at the chance to teach at my current job.  I am beginning my 5th year at my school.  I love my kids AND I love the people I work with.  After a particularly stressful day, they pick me up.  I feel so much love from them.  We would do anything for each other.  You can't beat that with any job!

Personally, I was married 22 years before my marriage ended.  It was painful, but it made me stronger.  I have two beautiful children whom I am very proud of!  They are 23 and 21.  I can't believe how fast the time flew by.  One day they were babies and the next they were grown and gone.  I am currently in a relationship with a man I love very much.  He is everything I ever wanted.  He is funny, intelligent, kind, and very loving.  Honestly, I didn't think people like him existed in real life.  I feel very blessed.

I am one of eight children.  When I was little I wanted to be an only child with a fancy canopy bed instead of having the pull out trundle bed underneath my sisters' bunk beds .  However, as I have grown older I realize how fortunate I am to have the love and support of my siblings.  My oldest brother passed away from cancer and my dad passed away right before that.  It made me appreciate the importance of family.  I love my family dearly.

My hobbies/interests include gardening, being creative, exercising, golfing, and hanging out with family and friends.  That's about it for me!

Thanks for reading and have a great day!