Merry

Okay, I found my Christmas spirit again!

It was all thanks to the elementary children and their Christmas program. Yesterday was just a bad day. But their bright, shiny faces made my season bright. From the littlest Pre-K kiddos (including my adorable niece) saying their parts so loudly and proudly and singing "Jingle Bells" at the top of their lungs (even when they didn't remember all the words) to the 4-5-6 graders "Candy Cane Lane" message of peace during the Christmas season, my heart was warmed by the outpouring of joy and the miracle that returns (whether I'm ready or not).

The message of the night was surrounding ourselves and our families with the things that remind us of love. So I'm determined not to let the grey weather (which continues in the form of rain today, thank you) steal my Christmas joy.

Merry Christmas!

Technology

I am pumped about our new technology!

Okay, now that everyone I know has picked his or her jaw up from the floor, let me just say that I am excited about the options technology gives educators.

I am loving the new ways to send and edit papers, especially Google Docs. Some cool things happening there, let me tell you!

I am also loving iPads! I recently borrowed a helpful book from the Chickasha Public Library. It's iPad for Dummies, and it is amazingly helpful. I now feel confident enough to work on the high school iPads and get things ready to go. I've actually downloaded and chosen apps for the high school, and I am growing more excited about finding even more treasures there. I hope I'll be able to share this new-found joy with the high school teachers, who I hope will share the joy with their students.

Yep, bubbling over with love of technology today! :)

Mornings and Joy

Let me tell you, I am NOT a morning person. I especially love autumn mornings, crisp and cool and perfect for snuggling back into the covers with a good book.

But Sunday morning was a different story this week. I woke up, glad to see the sunshine. I thought happy thoughts all morning -- until a friend spoke an unkind word (though I don't think she thought about it). I felt like all the happiness was being sucked right out of me. But another friend, who had happened to be there, said some very profound words to me:

"Don't let anyone steal your joy!"

That helped so much. And, you know, it's true. The way I feel should not be changed by someone else. It's up to me to keep that good attitude or have a sunny day drowned by clouds. I'm determined -- no one is going to steal my joy today!!

Fun, joyful books today -- Toys Go Out and Toy Dance Party by Emily Jenkins