Undecorating

So yesterday was the big undecorating from Christmas work day for me.  I hate to undecorate.  I always start off really strong, and yesterday was no exception.  Sadly by the end I am usually just putting stuff in any box and trying to get rid of it.  Again, yesterday was no exception.  The first room was done exceedingly well and I actually started a log of what goes in there, labeling each box carefully and creating an inventory of its contents.  Sadly by the main tree and room I had been reduced to tossing it in any box.  I do wrap carefully, but I wasn't at all careful about which stuff went into which box.  I also made sure that heavy stuff was on the bottom so that my more fragile pieces would be safe.  Of course there was more ornament breakage on the new floor, and we even had a small incident with the new floor.  But, for now it is all boxed up and ready to go into our nice clean garage.  Well, we would need to clean the garage for that to happen so it is stacked in our office space waiting for a clean garage.  The garage can be next week's project... (Note the strategically placed ... indicating that it may NEVER be cleaned.)

I'm not even getting excited this time...

It has already started.  I managed to accidentally search and search for the VMI football schedule for next year.  I already know where and when they will be playing and I started to get excited anticipating my fall football fun.  Then it hit me.  Moose may not be up to spring practice, which will probably place him far down the list for next season.  He is still rehabing his shoulder and has limited mobility.  He isn't at all sure he will play next year.  So, I am not going to even plan on it, well not really.  Well, maybe I will be a little excited and hopeful, it's what I do.  So here is to me reigning in my own excitement and being patient!

The Week After New Year's (with apologies to Clement Clarke Moore

Twas the week after New Year's and all through the class,

 all the students were stirring and moving quite fast.

The crayon boxes were placed in their desks without care,

each hoping that recess soon would be there.

The children were sitting at each little desk,

Some quietly talking, but most just a mess.

And Mrs. K in her sweater and I in my blouse

were missing and missing our own cozy houses.

When over in the block corner their arose such a clatter

I sprang from my table to see what was the matter.

Away to the carpet I flew in a flash,

I jumped over students and work in a dash.

The sun shining brightly in spite of the cold,

Gave a glow to the classroom that was quite bold.

When what to my wondering eyes did I see,

But lots of little eyes looking right at me.

Then away from my gaze each one quickly looked,

As if they knew that their goose might be cooked.

More rapid than eagles my response quickly came,

I turned on my teacher voice and called them by name.

"Now boys", I began in my best teacher voice,

"Please tell the rule about all of this noise.

When it is time for learning centers what do I say?

What sort of voice should we use for this play?

As you know we are stuck inside because of the cold,

but please boys please tell me the rules I have told!"

Each boy looked around trying to place blame on his friends,

But of course there is only one way that this ends.

Their eyes how they twinkled, their dimples how merry,

But I have taught long enough that of cuteness I'm wary.

So back to their seats they were sent with great haste,

Then of course I reminded them to "walk, it isn't a race!"

So obviously each little child in my room,

Has had a fun break and is now back all to soon.

It has been a long week as we get back in the groove,

But hopefully each day toward more greatness we move.

So Friday is here I say with some relief,

It has been a long week full of learning and some grief,

But I will exclaim even though I am almost too tired to call,

I do love my class and Happy New Year's to All!