Smiles and Tears

The weeks following up to the end of school is crazy for a teacher.  We have to finish teaching all of the lessons, administer a state assessment, and pack up a classroom while also putting your last ounce of love into students and also making sure that you and your students don't go crazy.  "Mom" followed by a student's face turning red was a common occurrence in my classroom during this time. It's all leading up towards the Last Day of School.

Today was bittersweet as it was the Last Day of School.  I ended my chapter at the Webb City Junior High. I have loved my time here and I'm going to miss many students and colleagues that poured so much into me. I may have been called teacher but my students taught me more about being a better person.

As they came upon the intercom to dismiss for summer, I couldn't help but reflect on all the things that had happened this year. All that came to mind were the many break throughs that many students had throughout the year. It made me so proud of each of them and how much they grew into young adults throughout the year. I can't help but smile over everything that has happened.  These students truly did amazing things.

About the time I was looking back on a wonderful year, I had one of my students step around the corner of the hallway I was monitoring. This student was a student that was super hard to work with at the beginning of the year but turned into a student that received the most improved award at our end of the year awards ceremony. He walked towards me with his arms out and said "Miss Huff, I am going to miss you. Can I give you a hug?" I'm tearing up just thinking about how much I am going to miss this group of students. This moment solidifies even more the reason why education is the profession for me. I consider myself to be lucky to be able to impact students on a daily basis but consider it to be a privilege to be able to experience the impact that students had on me each and every day.

I am excited to announce that I will be starting a new adventure teaching Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade at Webster In Webb City next year. I'm excited to broaden my horizons and be impacted even more by teaching the little ones! 

Memories

Most people love looking back in time to see what we were doing on this day years ago. Timehop and Facebook have now made it really easy to look at what we were doing. I love looking to see everything that I've truly been blessed to do. All of the trips I've taken, the people that have surrounded me, and even the hard times that God has brought me through is truly breathtaking. 

Like most days, today is a day with many years of memories, good and bad. It's Pi day so of course being a math teacher that has been in my memories. However 6 years ago today, I got that wretched phone call. The phone call from my dad that made my entire world flip upside down. The phone call that told me that my dad had many tumors and they were doing more tests to find out what was going on. From this moment on my world has not been the same. 

Although this memory is not a memory that I enjoy having, it is a memory that has made me grow. I would not be the same person I am today if I did not go through the many memories that follow the phone call. The memory of dad fighting with all that he had. The memory of my dad sitting Logan and I down and making us promise 3 things which I have blogged about many times. Finally, the memory of my dad taking his last breathe and joining the army of God. 

Memories remind me that even though I many not know what is going on, God is in control of our lives. God healed my father even though it wasn't here on this earth. Even though I can't make more memories with my dad, I look forward to the time where I can hear my dad's corny jokes again and reminisce on the many memories our God has blessed us with. 

2015

A time of reflection comes with a New Year. There is no doubt that I was blessed in 2015. Here is 10 blessings that occurred in 2015.

1. On January 5, I started my first official teaching job at the Webb City Junior High.  I taught 8th grade Special Education with 10 students.  I learned a lot from this first semester but I also learned that I loved teaching 7th and 8th graders.  They can be lots of fun with a little attitude here and there. The Webb City Junior High Staff welcomed me with open arms and helped me get the hang of things. 

A letter I received from one of my 1st students!

2. May 11th: I became Coach Huff to 10 seventh grade cheerleaders.  I love being able to be their coach and work with them to make them better for the upcoming years.

3. May 14th: This is the day that I found out that I would be accepted to Pittsburg State University to study for my Master's program in Special Education.  It is a blessing that I am able to continue my studies to become a better educator for the students that I will be helping.  

4. May 15th: I am beyond blessed to say that I am a homeowner!! With this house, I have gained so much knowledge on how to DIY projects.  I am so grateful for all of the friends and family that helped make the house my home.  It took lots of time and effort but we eventually got it done.  I am now able to share so many things that I love with this house.  This house also allowed me to gain two of the best housemates! These two girls have the best hearts.  They bring me so much joy! There is never a dull moment in the Redbud household!

5. May 16th: One of my best friends married the love of her life.  Seeing her so happy was a great blessing.  She showed me that even though something terrible happens on your wedding day like your purse being stolen with all of your valuables not allowing you to go on your honeymoon, there is always happiness.

6. As many of you know, my family LOVES to travel. I was blessed this year by being able to go to Chicago twice, Fort Lauderdale and the Florida Key's, and Weslaco, Tx with my family.  We love to see and experience new things and new cultures. 

7. August 12th: I started a new teaching job at the Webb City Junior High teaching 7th and 8th grade students.  This job is more difficult with my last one. These students need more love and guidance throughout the school day.  I also started this day teaching with one of my best friends and housemate, Molly. I am beyond blessed to have her start this journey with me. Kassie started student teaching so we had lots of education talks going on when we hung out.

This is Molly, Kassie, and I on our first day of school.

8. December 30th: I had oral surgery.  The surgeon had to take out 4 impacted wisdom teeth as well as 4 premolars. I also got braces on for the second time in my life! YUCK!! This doesn't sound like a blessing but the amount of people that came to help me and support me is such a blessing. My mom and brother who took care of me while I was unable to do anything. They literally picked me up off the floor when I passed out twice. They got up every hour and half throughout the night to help me with my medicine, ice, and changing of gauze. They are true champs! 

9. December 31st: My friends are the best! While still recovering from my surgery, they came over and brought me soup, sparkling grape juice, and my mail. Some also helped me bring in the New Year by sitting with me so I wasn't bored. They are the best!!

10. December 31st: I completed my 2015 Resolution of reading my bible in a year for the second time in my life.  I love taking the journey of learning new things about my faith and God.  The journey never seizes to amaze me! She Reads Truth is a great resource to use if you are wanting to do the same. They have a great app that allows you to check off when you read! I would highly recommend it! They even have a He Reads Truth for all of the guys out there.