10 fingers and 10 toes

Ayden has really been using his fingers lately. Maybe it is my bias mom side but it's adorable. When he rolls over, he pulls his little hand up and moves his fingers as if motioning for someone to "bring it on". He is so intently checking out his fingers that at that moment, nothing else matters to him. He's also been known for his constant fists. He always seems to have his tiny fingers clenched in a tiny little fist...adorable. Well today the cuteness continued. After changing his diaper, Ayden found his foot. Intently grabbing at it, he got ahold of the right foot and looked at it for a second. He wiggled his toes quickly and then poof! Into his mouth went his big toe. ADORABLE!!!

Have you ever...

Have you ever had that feeling that you were right on the edge of something great? Like you had something just beyond your fingertips? That if you tried just a little harder, you'd finally have what you've wanted?

I ask because today, I had that feeling. This morning I was able to grade some work but for some reason, I was having a hard time getting motivated. I am going to blame the rainy weather. Anyway, as I tried to get moving on things, I just felt pulled in a different direction...like I should have been doing other things. Now I'm at a loss when it comes to what exactly I was being pulled to but I definitely had a strong pull to something else- like if I just took a leap, I'd finally be able to achieve something amazing.

Am I alone? Have you ever felt that way? How so?

Best part of my job...

I have been teaching for 6.5 years and I am constantly astounded at what makes my day as a teacher.

Today, during 7th period, (while being observed by both administrators) I was facilitating a discussion with my sophomores. This isn't anything that I don't normally do so I didn't expect anything different. However, a student that has struggled all year volunteered answers and input on three separate occasions during class.

To those of you that are not educators, this may seem really trival. So a kid spoke in class- so what? Big deal. But for this kid...this is huge. He has struggled all year, debated to go back to his home school, and generally seemed that he didn't enjoy school, let alone my class. For him to feel comfortable enough to discuss things in class and stay with us was awesome and it made my day.

I'm not saying I have anything to do with his new found voice but I will say this- I hope he knows how great I think he is and how he really made me feel like a great teacher. I'm really glad I told him that he did a great job- hope the great work continues.

*good day*