January - let the fun (writing) begin!

Let's see...we returned from John and Suzanne's Dec. 28. I still had a week to work on national boards (NB), put away Christmas decor, and clean the house. I also applied for my passport, which I received within 2 weeks! I was able to visit Tracey and Marin New Year's weekend- always a joy.

A few have asked, so let me explain my endeavor. The National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is designed to assess teachers according to a set of standards for teaching excellence. I have to complete four porfolios that include written descriptions, proof, and reflections of these standards. Each portfolio is about 15 pages. I find myself working twice as hard at all aspects of my profession, in order to meet the standards, in order to write about it. Sounds a bit confusing, but I'm a better teacher for going through the process. I'm super busy and exhausted, though. The planning, preparing, and organizing for the teaching part is bad enough. Top it with coming home to type for a couple hours, and then weekends consumed by it. My mentor provides mental support and reviews my work with me. That helps a lot. My school people are very supportive as well, and that helps. My goal is to be done before spring break (mid-March). It has to be mailed by the end of March. Then, when that's over, I have to take a written (computerized) exam for 3 hours. Each part is scored with points. If I don't "pass" this year, I redo my worst parts over next year. Only 40% of the candidates pass their first year. They make us wait until November to notify us. Yuck. Prayers are greatly appreciated, though I hope you put personal, family, and health prayers above professional ones.

Ok, so now that the explaining is over (sorry for the boredom), I was awarded Elementary Teacher of the Year for St. Clair County! Most of you know I arrived at school on January 6 to be handed TOY for my school, and a packet (the application) worth 7 essay questions. I had a week to do them. Greg's dad arrived with my car on Tuesday, the 7th, but I was fairly unaware as I was consumed with typing all week. Again - exhausting, and it took away from my other writing! I felt horrible because I hardly was able to say hi to him! I guess it paid off. My application goes to the district judges, who send winners to the State. I honestly am honored to get this far, and do not wish for it to go any further.

I didn't even drive the car until the weekend, but isn't she a beauty? It's a 2008 Honda Accord Coupe. I feel pretty spoiled to be in such a sporty model, with all the bells and whistles. The heated seats have been very useful as we've had real winter temps all January.

Ok, just one more thing. I'm getting my voice shot Friday, so I'm going to try video chats with the instant message option - me typing, you talking! Sorry I haven't been social since installing it.

Slideshow pictures from John and Suzanne's

Ahhh, Cronley Christmas Vacations

I can''t figure out how to position pictures, so keep looking. Someone has to show me how to put albums on this thing! How about the airport picture? Looks almost fake! I've been working hard this week on my National Boards but felt the pressure to update my blog - Mom said! Let me know if you want a CD of the pictures. I have many more.

What can I say? I had a very busy December! I was only home for 1 weekend. I visited Marin and Tracey, Joe and Kelly, Mom, then John & Co., Greenings, Maura & Heather, and we're headed to Merdian tomorrow. It's been AWESOME! Seeing everyone was my best Christmas present. I only need to see Patty & Co. (and Matt and Mike), but at least I'll see them on video. My next best present was from St. Clair County Schools. My new 360 Deg. sound system is installed in my classroom and ready for use. It's like a Bose with a mic around my neck. There's one for the kids to use, too! There's one more big present that Doug, Greg's dad, is driving here in a couple days. More to come....

November Family Visits

Greg and I are Godparents to Griffin Wendt as of November 15! He's the 3rd of Brad & Kim's boys. Of course my camera died so I'll have to wait for e-mail pictures for you to see how cute he is!
(Look sideways...) We went to Meridian for Thanksgiving. Tracey's friends from Memphis added to the fun and Marin had a playmate to boss around. Kidding, Squeaky! We'll have to start telling Marin-talk stories like we did about Annie when she was little. I was changing her diaper when she woke up and commented that I hoped her new Crocs fit her ok. She stated, "They fit perfectly, Aunt Sara!" She sure catches me off guard with her sentences! When we were in the car she was wondering aloud if the mail lady would bring her any packages. Tracey asked her who they would be from and she credited "Grandma C". Too much fun! So, of course, her wish will be answered... Cousins Pele and Muzzy didn't talk much and eventually did well together. (Tina had to stay home because she is not good with the kids...)

Where do I begin? I'll go backwards...

National Boards are "forcing" me to go even more above and beyond my efforts to be a great and involved teacher. It's as time and energy consuming as everyone said it would be. I have a general feeling of never finishing anything. However, I can see the positive effect of my efforts in my students. I invited parents to join us for some fun activities the week after Thanksgiving. It was fun! Brig - the kids standing are using ELMO to share their comic strip idea. Sorry you can't see the screen.

My student Alec was diagnosed with juvenile rheumotoid arthritis this year. His mom and I walked (with a few others) in the Jingle Bell "run" Dec. 6th. Unlike Tracey, we didn't place, but we finished! We raised a lot of money also. It was the coldest morning of the year - high 20s!

2 Month Summary

I've neglected my blog for so long! I've been visiting yours, though. I'll keep it short and sweet. School is going great this year. The kids are great. It is definitely very busy with the added work and stress of the National Boards. It requires writing, videotaping, more writing, paperwork, etc. It sometimes feels like I'm doing too many things and none of them well. I'm sure that's just my perception, though. I get a lot of support from my colleagues, students, and family.

I've made time for lots of fun! The weekend of Oct. 10 was my New Orleans trip with Mosey, Kay, and 3 other SMC girls. As usual, I didn't take many pictures. It was pretty busy there and we did the usual - beignets at Cafe du Monde, French Market, a lot of walking, great food, Pat O's, and few other fine establishments with dancing. It was so great to be with them all.

I have been to visit Boog, Tracey, and Marin (or slight variations) every few weeks - not nearly enough! I crashed the annual Halloween bash in Meridian. The "Sex and the City" foursome (only 3 in the picture - Leea was already watching the 'Bama game) were a hit! I'm sure you remember the episode with the visiting Eskimo in the "not so obvious" costume I borrowed from a friend. We've enjoyed watching football and hanging out, with the entertainment mostly being my Goddaughter and her vocabulary. So much fun!

It turns out there's a little Sarah Palin is in all of us! (referring to the glasses)

Lastly, I am home early today (Thursday) because my jury duty is over. Unfortunately we were unable to agree on a verdict due to one man who could not be swayed. It was an interesting experience even if it did require WAY too much sitting around. I wouldn't want to be on their schedule on a regular basis - wow. The hour and 1/2 lunches were nice, but the wasted time wasn't. I was able to vote during that time on Tuesday, with much time to spare.

I'm alive!

I hope someone is still checking our blog! After a few weeks of heading to school before the sun rises and returning home in time to eat and sleep, it's good to catch up. You can see my view as I travel to school, and my homeroom class. I'm finally sleeping past 4 AM and feeling a sense of normalcy. I'm feeling the crunch of working on my National Board Certification and my new position in Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional teacher sorority. I'm fulfilling every leadership position I can get my hands on and volunteering like crazy. So, I've been busy. I'm happy to be connected to our new wireless connection at the house. I've got lots of new tech toys in my classroom as well.

I did manage to squeeze in a visit to Meridian while Boog was enjoying Chicago. It was great to see Tracey and Marin! As you can see, Muzzie had fun trying to get in Pele's crate, and Marin loves her new Dora tunnel hut!

Today is the start of college football in Alabama, so let the fun begin! (even though they're playing in Atlanta.) Of course, it really starts next week with ND's first game. Love to all!