I worked at the school yesterday afternoon. It’s always good to be there. For some reason this year I feel more like I belong there. This is the third year I’ve been a substitute associate so maybe it’s because after three years I feel I know the ropes. Or maybe it’s just that after three years I recognize the kids and they recognize me. I was talking to one young man yesterday, he’s in 6th grade, and we talked about how I feel like I’ve watched him grow up. He’s a sweet kid and I’m going to miss him next year as he’ll be moving onto the junior high building. I love when I can develop a bond with the kids. It doesn’t happen a lot since I’m not there on a day to day basis but when it does, it’s usually a kid who needs some extra attention and love from an adult in their life who is simply there to be with them. I also enjoy how the teachers make an effort to show that they appreciate my being there. And it’s nice to be there with Drew. Just seeing how things run, knowing the teachers, knowing all the kids. I like having that insight into his school life.
Yesterday was also a good mail day! It’s always a pleasant surprise when I open the mailbox and there is the new Mary Jane’s Farm. Full of wonderful information, ideas, crafts, recipes – all things home related. It’s a wonderful magazine. And the only magazine I subscripe to anymore. I also love Mary Jane’s books and have purchased a few of them. You can get them off Amazon and Ebay used for a great price!
And then of course, seed catalogs. Who doesn’t like a good seed catalog? My goal is to start a garden this spring. We have lofty goals – peas, green beans, sweet corn, carrots, tomatoes, green peppers, jalepeno peppers, cucumbers, the list goes on. We might have to cut a few things out and start smaller but it doesn’t hurt to have big dreams! Last year Mom had an abundance of green beans and cucumbers so I froze the green beans she generously shared and made freezer pickles with the cucumbers. I find it so satisfying to throw those homegrown beans into my pot of veggie soup or to open a container of pickles and set it on the supper table this winter. It’s like having a bit of summer on our plate and even though I didn’t grow them, I put in the effort to preserve them and now we’re enjoying that effort. It makes me happy! And Drew helped Grandma pick those beans and cucumbers and he helped me snap those beans and freeze them. It’s good for him to see where our food comes from and to know that with a little bit of effort on our part we can feed ourselves without going to the store.
I am so excited to find your blog! I’m new to perusing Instagram, but your pictures were everything I love, and they led me here :). After teaching I church for years, and then teaching from my home, I know the joys of running into “my kids” after years of not seeing them. It’s a blessing to get to touch children’s lives! I know they will always think of you with love…
I’m so glad you found my blog! I’ve been following yours the last few months and I absolutely love it! Unfortunately, I’m not much of a blogger. I really have no idea what I’m doing on this thing! I know what you mean about “my kids”. I worked years ago at the elementary as a one on one aide when my older children were school age. I still run into that boy now and then and I still consider him mine! He was such a challenge and really all he needed was some someone in his life who loved him and didn’t judge him for his actions. I love that he still seeks me out when he sees me, even if only to say hi!