Gearing up for year three.

Welcome to a new year! We are so glad you are back!

We are quickly approaching the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year, and excitement is in the air! Well, it is for this nerdy teacher at least. Although I don't technically have a classroom yet (I get to set it back up in less than a week!), I am preparing like crazy--getting ready for the 7 students of Little Way Elementary. Yes, 7. Seven! I couldn't be more thrilled about the addition of students to our classroom. Don't worry...you'll get a chance to meet them sooner or later :)

As I have been materials-organizing, and unit-scheduling, and curriculum-ordering, I have been reflecting on what God has done for our little school, and all the incredible ways he has blessed me over the past couple of years (sorry. I should have including a sappiness disclaimer in the title of this post. apologies all around). This year has so many unknowns, and, quite frankly, a whole host of opportunities for "holy smokes...what have I gotten myself into??" Such as figuring out a system for simultaneously teaching four levels of math (gah!). But amidst all of these uncertainties, there is an undeniable amount of joy. I get to experience another year of this Little Way hootenanny. And I get to be a part of moments like these gems:

This guy's smile. Seriously. I get to see it every day. 

Guided reading with this cute dude.

Fascinating field trips with brilliant scientists.

Our end of the year celebratory brunch--where this little lady dumped the entire powdered sugar shaker on her breakfast. oops. We drank tea and laughed about memories from our school year. So stinking precious.

Celebrating our sweet friend Madison as she graduated from Little Way.  This brilliant lady is starting sixth grade this year.  She is smart. And wonderful. And kind. And lovely. (Can you tell I will miss her this year?)