NYE 2008-09

Wow, I can't believe it's New Year's Eve already! What a year it's been. I started off 2008 working (teaching) part time at Red Rocks CC and at New America, but I'm finishing 2008 as a FULL TIME teacher at ACE/Community Challenge School. I LOVE my job - I know not many people can say that. Even though my kids are classified as "high risk," I know that I can help them overcome some of the educational obsticles that they've encountered. I know that I am making a difference, especially when I had at least 6 kids out of every one of my classes ask, "Are you coming back in January?" That makes me feel really good.

To top it off, I added an endorsement program onto my current MA program (which is Reading & Writing) - this program will allow me to add Special Ed (SPED) onto my MA and have a dual MA. It'd only take an extra couple of semesters while I'm currently in school. This works out great because our current SPED teacher, Joe, is leaving and I'll be taking his place. This way the kids already know me and don't have to worry about some "unknown off the street" teacher coming in.

Kevin picked up a project car (the Volvo) and then he decided to go back to school too. I'm SO proud of him, he pulled off a 4.0 his first semester! :) I do try to let him go out and play paintball or just have a "free day" when we can afford it. Plus, his contract at work was renewed for another 5 years as of August 1. YAY!

Then there is Jaina. She started off 2008 as a "just turned 2-year-old" and is finishing off 2008 as a "just turned 3-year-old." Whoever said there were the Terrible 2's was full of it! I think the 3's so far are harder....at least with Jaina. She's a VERY stubborn kid - I wonder where she gets it?! - and has such a mind of her own. I hear "I'll do it myself" at least a dozen times a day. But her imagination is running wild and I know she is learning so much more at daycare (which she loves) than I can even think about. I can't wait to see what 2009 brings for us.

I know what is in the works - so far - for 2009:
-more schooling for Kevin & I
-potty training *cringe*
-trip to Grand Junction at least twice...March weather permitting & one huge gathering in early June
-we want to try to go to Montana
-Ohio trip in late June
-Kevin and I's 10 year wedding anniversary...I think we may try to go to Las Vegas