Intrenched in Firthite Life

I'm presently wearing a Firth Cougars shirt right now. Not quite sure how I feel about that yet. One of my choir students sang the National Anthem so I went to support him and test the mike, ect. He sang at 7:30, I was in my car at 7:41. I hate to brag, but it was probably the best performance at Firth in years. Last year a parent put together a few groups to sing the national anthem at the games, but usually they just said the pledge of allegiance. Impressive, hugh? So, I decided to take it over. Last week 8 girls sang in 3 part harmony, it was nice, but tonight one of my basses sang a solo, accapella, the way it should be done. He sang way better tonight than he ever did in rehearsal. And here's the kicker, his mom was just diagnosed with cancer 2 weeks ago. Her brother and sister both died of cancer last year! She'll probably die. He's living by himself right now because she's in some sort of rest home, or rehab place. He told me he was so nervous he didn't eat all day, and skipped school until choir. Bless his heart. He was so awesome though. People will be talking about it for weeks. Anyway Darin is still their of course because he is the assistant coach!!! Ugh!!!!!!!! All volunteer of course. If we aren't careful (and of course we aren't) our whole lives will become the Firth school district. I'm terrified.

I know you're all dying to know my schedule. Here goes.

5th grade music (where I teach Aliese 1-2 times a week)
Elementary school music (where I teach Anna 1 time a week)
6th grade band
7th/8th grade band
High School Choir

Most days, I love it. Some days I feel worthless or pointless, that the kids didn't learn anything, or have any fun. But then there are days, where I know they learned something and I had fun and I can hear them singing in the halls, something that I taught them, and it makes it all worth it. Shirley claims it will be easier when I have a pay check. Sounds sensible. I don't know though. On the hard days, when I'm exhausted, there's no food in the house, and no clean poats to cook on anyway, I am convinced I shouldn't work after I'm certified, and give up this whole big mess I got myself into. However, when I pray about it I am still convinced I am supposed to be doing what I'm doing. I seriously have never been so confused in all my life.

Anna is almost to the end of a 14 day goal of "yes days". What is a "yes day" you might be asking. A "yes day" is a day when Anna goes all day without saying no. You know those toddlers that only say "no" all day long? Well, Anna was never like that at ages 1 and 2, but must be a late bloomer because she is very good at saying no now. The reward at the end of the 14 days (she made a chart to keep track) is a tea party with her friends. It has been wonderful. So much less fighting. The party is set for Wednesday.

Aliese seems to be doing really good. She is emailing a friend from school on a pretty regular basis, loves her teacher and the new lunch choices at the middle school.

Gracie....sigh....I miss her and love her! She is such a delight. She just asked if she could watch a Dora upstairs and assured me she wouldn't be scared (shaking her head with large eyes).

I've started Twilight again. I'm almost done with the first book. I usually don't read books twice, especially so soon after reading it the first time. However, if I read a book I haven't read, I have a hard time putting it down, and I don't have time for that. So because I already know the end to the Twilight series, I can enjoy it without inhaling it. It's actually a lot funnier the second time too. I'm catching a lot of innuendos about vampires, that totally went over my head before.

For anyone that's interested, I will be at the beach house September 28 through October 4. I can't wait to sink my feet into the sand and smell the salty, seaweedy, wet air.

I'm tired. I love you all. Goodnight!