Mar14

The Truth about Teachers on Spring Break

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I wish I could say teachers party hard on Spring Break or take exotic vacations…I am sure many do. However, many teachers use these days off to go to appointments, declutter or clean, and catch up on everything parenting related. Truth is, we spend so much time serving other people’s children that we often neglect our own. We know teaching is a calling by God, so he sustains us, but these breaks remind us we are humans and help us get caught up from feeling overwhelmed. Mom guilt is REAL, and we often feel torn between DOing our job and BEing our job.

Mar13

On a Money Mission

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My name is Julia and I overspend. 2023 is the year I allow the Lord to convict and change my heart about money. It will be very uncomfortable and challenging, but I have to get honest that I have a bad relationship with money. So, join my journey as we cut the credit debt.

Feb1

Dogs during a Week of Ice

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We recently got two Goldendoodle Puppies. The largest dog I have ever owned was 25 pounds, so these dogs are huge by my standards. Not only are they energetic puppies, but I am learning this breed is energetic too.

They run, climb, jump, chew and chase each other all.the.time. Needless to say, they thrive on our acre. However, this week has been all ice and caring for these dogs has been a challenge.

At least they are cute and cuddly at night.

Jan31

ARDS

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Getting ready for his annual ARD. Makes me cry every time. I love his progress, but knowing how much he struggles is hard for my mom and teacher heart. I have to learn that God has a plan and His ways are perfect. I also have to let go of what it means to be on grade level or normal or average or behind and just accept that this is his level. Being a SPED parent is hard and we often forget the real human emotions in the midst of all the documentation and paperwork.

Jan31

Goal to stay Work out Motivated

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I have lost workout motivation. I make every excuse with the biggest one being that I do not want to sweat right now. But I know I need it and love the benefits. So my plan is to create workout motivation.

One-a song playlist that gets me going.

Two-accountability app to check in and set goals.

Three-look at this picture to get these arms.

Jan31

Teacher Shortage Problems

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One of the biggest changes facing our educational system is the mental health of teachers. Teachers are seeing the value in self care and choosing to limit the things we say yes to do. But here is the problem-these things will be done whether you say yes or not. So what is happening is a small few doing the “extra duties as assigned” of a large group.

A few things on that list:

Tutoring

UIL coach

Battle of the Books Coach

School committees

District committees

Team Leads

Mentors

Morning and afternoon duty

After school clubs

Gifted programs like DI

All these things benefit kids, but adult volunteers have to run them.

Jan9

Marriage Moment #1

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One of the best things I learned (after nearly going through a divorce) is praying for your spouse is the first step in softening your heart. Something only natural in the spirit softens and molds what once felt like rock. It is challenging, but fulfilling.

Stormie Omartian has a great series of books with prayers inside if you need ideas or a place to start.