This morning has been peaceful at the Carringtons.  After crying for an hour at 1 a.m. (and me refusing to feed him that early), Bennett slept until 5:30. Like most mothers of newborns, you have a moment of panic followed by a moment of celebration.  My little boy is getting close to sleeping through the night on his own.  I couldn’t be more ready for a night of blissful eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.  Fatigue seems to be setting in this week, but we are still so very happy to have our little boy here with us.

I cannot help but consider the fact that, when I found out I was pregnant, I was only planning a six week maternity leave.  I look at my helpless little boy and realize that I could have never physically been able to last.  The women who do so are true heroes in my book.  That word can not be understated.  I simply cannot imagine the emotional turmoil you endure…not to mention the physical hassle of pumping at work.  I KNOW I would not have been able to hack it.  The thought of leaving my newborn in the care of strangers makes me break out in a cold sweat.  My mind, body, and spirit is completely wrapped up in caring for my little guy.

Every now and again, however, I do think about my wonderful job teaching ninth grade English at CCHS.  I think about my wonderful co-workers and how hard they are working during this last stretch of school to corral groups of high school students into caring about their subject matter.  Have you ever tried to convince a group of ninth graders that Romeo and Juilet is more compelling than Instagram? Heck, have you tried to wrangle in thirty-six fifteen year olds to care about ANYTHING that you’re saying in the age of instant gratification? The challenges are almost insurmountable…the odds are against us as teachers.  Yet, each and every day, I watch my co-workers inspire hundreds of students to become the best possible version of themselves.  Just like the mother who leaves her infant in the care of others at six weeks, teachers are heroes.

Teachers work incredibly hard, like many other professionals, and it is nice to be recognized for our efforts.  Teacher appreciation day seems like it doesn’t do much to boost morale…but believe it or not, teachers are not in the profession for the money.  I have letters that I’ve collected since I was student teaching that I look through on the tough days when it feels like everyone is against you.  Those words from my former students live on and remain the most priceless possessions that I have.

Words are wonderful…and so are practical gifts.   I couldn’t resist sharing a few suggestions.

Personalized Notebooks $7.95 Jane.com

Admittedly, I am a bit of a journal junkie.  I seriously cannot resist a journal that opens up and lays flat.  It’s a problem.  These are so helpful for general classroom notes.  I keep a few around my class so that I remember to call parents, post grades, or even jot down grocery lists.  These are GREAT…

Personalized Teacher notepad $16.99 Tinyprints.com

So, I got a set of these from a co-worker last year and LOVED them.  I used them for passes for students or notes to co-workers.  These were great to have.

Personalized Post-it Notes $34.99 from the Stationery Studio

I guess you’re noticing a theme here…I really like personalized stationery.