Attack of the 18-Germ-Factories Bug.

I've been slightly out of commission the past week due to a nasty cold, sinus infection, and pseudo-bronchitis. It knocked me out completely last weekend, and I was miserable. Thankfully, I'm almost all better now. Still remnants of my cough lingers, but I am heartily up in energy.

This past week was Teacher Appreciation Week. Each day had a theme. Monday was Flower Day. Tuesday was Sweet Day. Wednesday was Card Day. Thursday was Letter Day. And last but not least, Friday was Surprise Day.

I was so bombarded with gifts and thank yous that my little teacher heart surely must have swelled into an apple shape. The kids were so thoughtful and caring. The best part was that they really know my general interests. Children are quite the observant ones. I received teacher paraphernalia, pandas, bears, dark chocolate, cookies, letters, balloons, gift card to Subway, etc... overwhelming response. :)

Other than that, it's been an okay time. Kids are wired and crazy (due to only having 28 days left in the school year), so I'm having to be creative in my classroom management. You'd be surprised to what a gobstopper can do to an 8-year old.

At recess, the latest thing is finding ladybugs. S came up to me and told me the names of her ladybugs. One is Christine and the other was Chelsea. That girl is hilarious; I love hearing her just ramble on.

A (You-Know-What Boy... who went ALL out for Teacher Week) also came up to me during recess one day and said a quite profound statement.

A: Hey. Miss F.
Me: Yes, A?
A: You know what the best present for someone's birthday is?
Me: What is that?
A: [matter of fact expression with one eyebrow raised] Just being their friend.

I had to prevent some laughter there... because it seriously came out of nowhere. Oh, second grade.

It's SOL (no no, it's not a dirty acronym. It stands for Standards of Learning) testing this week, and I am NOT looking forward to it. Somehow I have to keep my kids absolutely silent during testing time. I'll have some of Ms. T's kids in my room, too... but the school is dead serious about not hearing a peep out of the younger grades who don't test. We won't be allowed to go outside either... absolute torture. You might as well strap me to a wall with duct tape. And don't forget to bind my frazzled hands into place. They have a mind of their own when chaos strikes.

- Miss Chelsea :)