Sleepy and Wonderful at the Same Time!

Wow! I am super sleepy! I have not recovered from Miami yet. Everyday this week I traveled to Marietta for my observations in a Montessori Casa. It was not that bad of a drive, but waking up at 6:00 am was horrible (I am sure my friend Amy is very surprised because normally she calls me at 7:00 and I am still sound asleep!) I am not a morning person especially when it's freezing outside. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday I could barely keep my eyes open. I had to explain to my guide that I went to an Indian wedding over Thanksgiving and I barely got any rest. She understood thank goodness.
The children in this class are adorable! I ate lunch with them today and they took very good care of me. They pepared by setting a plate, cloth napkin, fork, knife and spoon where I was going to sit. I sat with two little boys and at first they kept staring. After I started talking with them, they talked non stop. After lunch on Thursdays, the children clean the environment and I helped. I cleaned the shelf with the bells. The children loved seeing me work and not just sit in one chair all day long. The children showed me where all the material needed to clean the shelves were located. Today was the best day by far since my observations because I got to be myself with the children. However when 2:30 rolled around, I could not sit still anymore. My back, bottom and head is aching.

The goal for a Montessori Teacher is to observe the children and give presentations based on interest. So this is a way for us to practice observing and each day we have a certain assignment that we must write about. Today my task was to focus on challenges a child faces while working and to note how he perseveres. It was pretty boring because I have observed this for 2 days in a row. It gets really tiring sitting there for 6 hours a day and just watching and writing. My notes were 10 pages at least today!

Today I received a text message from Alexa's mom saying that she missed me and was pointing to my picture all morning.
This made me cry...in the middle of my observations. I swear I think we are soul mates. While in Miami, I kept thinking of her and getting sad because I miss her so much. Not a day goes by that I do not think of her. I spent everyday for one whole year with her. She is like my little sister. I have never felt so crazy about someone the way I feel about Alexa. For those of you that do not know about Alexa, Alexa is 6 and has Autism. She is non-verbal and uses a communication device to communicate. I met Alexa last year when her mom was looking for a facilitator to attend kindergarten with Alexa and help her incorporate her dynavox in the classroom. It was the most challenging experience, however it changed my life. In the beginning, Alexa did not like me. I would not like it either if someone was constantly standing over me. But by the end of the year, we were inseparable. I truly love that girl. This past summer was awesome because we spent so much time together especially in the pool. It was more laid back and we totally enjoyed each others company. I love her family as well. They are so good to me. She has the sweetest brother too! Sorry I am getting emotional right now. Hopefully I can spend some time with her this weekend!

Another special thing to share....I got a Christmas card from a friend today in the mail and it was so cute! She is beautiful!! It made my day even better!




Well now that I am in sweats...(sorry if I scare you)


And I have my favorite Pumpkin Yankee Candle lit...


My Large Glass of Water


I am ready to work!