I Ain’t Yo Princess, Leave Me Alone!

 

It’s Thursday, and that means I’m a day late for WILW! I’m still going to talk about  what I’m loving even though it is not Wednesday, because there is a LOT to love right now! Have I ever mentioned that I love Thursdays? They are the my down days. I’ve turned in lesson plans. Tomorrow is Friday. There’s nothing to rush off to. They are just good days.

I didn’t know Zach as a child, but I have a child in my class that I think is pretty close to what I envision him being like as a child. He can’t sit still, and he CONSTANTLY bursts out in song as if no one is around him. He is completely unaware of others around him when he starts singing and dancing. He’s a sweet little thing, too. You just can’t help but love him. Last week during my classroom station rotations when he was at my guided reading table, I loved the compliment he gave. He said in his rambunctious little voice, “Mrs. Hardy, I used to be really bad at reading, but now I’m good at it. I even like it now, and I love reading back here with you.” Then he went straight back into reading the book. I had a big grin from ear to ear.

 

Speaking of reading, it is time for those end of the year benchmark assessments to see the children’s reading level. I had two children this year that came to me on a kindergarten reading level (I teach second grade), and those babies are both now only one level away from where they need to be right now! I am loving their progress, and I am thrilled that I have gotten to see their growth. It makes me super happy! Today was one of those rewarding teacher moments. 

I’m loving that tomorrow is our second grade Grandparents’ Day. We made crafts to give them when they come tomorrow. Of course I had to model with a craft for my own grandparents. Yes, I will be making a trip to give them the craft! Ha You’re never too old to love on your grandparents.

Below are a couple of my favorites from the kids.

You see that comma and conjunction usage? That’s what I’m talking about! I’m loving when kids actually use what they are taught. We don’t start sentences with and, but that’s not what we’re talking about here.

I love my sweet babies, and it has been a joy to teach them this year. I won’t lie, I’ve lost some hair, but this year has been wonderful. 

I’m also loving that Zach watched the Pixar movie Rio, and now he understands some of the funny quotes I have said.

What are you loving on this Wednesday Thursday, reader friends?

Shaped by Grace,
Jessica Hardy

It’s True

It is. I don’t know how I feel about it, but it is. This summer Zach and I are moving to Texas. He cannot complete his seminary in Memphis, so we will be heading west.

These last couple of months have been a big ball of emotions for me as we decided that that’s what we needed to do. My coworkers probably think I’m crazy, because I’ve cried like a baby a couple of times. Then, there are those times when I’m very excited because of the newness aspect. Then, I freak out thinking about Texas traffic, and I want to curl up in the corner and rock. I hop back to being excited because I abhor apartment living and can’t wait to get away from my obnoxious neighbors. I think about the wonderful school and staff I am a part of now, and tears well up in my eyes every time. It will be great to live by Zach’s sister and her soon-to-be husband, but we’re leaving so much family and so many friends here. I am just a mess!

Zach and I went to Texas this weekend and got to stay with Lydia and spend time with Jose as well.

Don’t they look precious together? Thanks again for letting us stay with you, Lydia! I accepted a position at ACI Academy in Fort Worth. I will either be teaching 2nd or 4th grade. That will be decided closer to August. ACI stands for academics, Christ, and integrity. They centralized Christ in their name because the goal of the school is to keep Christ at the center of it all. I am excited for all of the changes that private school will bring. It’s going to be a big adjustment, but I think I will enjoy it.

 

We don’t know where we will be living yet, but we’re already planning a guest room. This means you MUST come visit! PLEASE!

 

In all of this newness and unknown, God is teaching me to trust Him more. He is gently reminding me that He has never failed to provide or lead in a loving way. My prayer is that my emotions are trumped by my trust in God. I hope all of you had a lovely Easter, reader friends.

Shaped by Grace,

Jessica Hardy