Babysitting Eli

Thanks Amanda and Wes!!! I babysat Eli last night and had a blast!! Eli is like the greatest kid on earth. He never cries. He just smiles and squeals all day long. It's awsome! I love this kid!!

Amanda and Mere's Birthdays!!!!

I took off of work today to drive to Abilene for Cassie Darby's wedding shower! I can't wait to see her! Anyway, I guess my students wanted to celebrate my birthday early so they brought me some gifts. Ha ha ha....oh gosh....they are so sweet....and I had to show you some!! I love my job.

Demarcus is my 16 year old grown man in 7th grade student. He is huge and hugely gangster. He is actually scary, but he's a good kid. He was wearing this neclace, and took it off and gave it to me. I was like 'Thanks Demarcus....now, what is that exactly?" He said, "A gangster, Ms. Kalina. Happy Birthday."

Esveidy gave me this sweet, slightly used, pink frog. How sweet...

Yosbelia got me this beautiful sweater from Dress Barn. Isn't that belt just wonderful?? She told me to wear it soon.....

Brianna made this mirror for me. Isn't that the sweetest thing? I get their TAKS scores back next week...and Brianna and I are excited to see how great she did!

Amanda Tarter turned 30 on Thursday, so we went out to celebrate her birthday and mine -which is around the corner! We had a great time.....thanks to her crazy fun husband. Happy Birthday, Amanda! I'm so thankful for your friendship!

I survived the TAKS

The TAKS test is over. I survived.

I hate the TAKS. It is stupid beyond belief. I hope my kids didn't all fail.

Crackhead on my Porch

I'm not trying to be funny or insensitive, but yes, I found a crackhead on my way out to my portable this morning at school. I was pushing my cart o technology out to my room, looked to the right, and saw this guy....

Now, I call him a 'crackhead' because that is what all of my students called him as they came into class this morning. "Ms. Kalina...did you see the crackhead outside?" I have gotten a little bit used to the craziness of the neighborhood and situation in which I teach......the stories and attidudes and things that I see have stopped being so shocking and overwhelming. Today, though, when I saw this man...my heart broke. There are men and women in our city that are addicted, lost, homeless, hurting, pregnant at 15, angry, and hopeless. I pray that this picture forever reminds me to fight for the lives and hopes of the people I have been entrusted with. I pray that this picture refuses to let me forget to love on the people around me. God is good....and he loves that crackhead outside of my school......and he loves even me.

I promise I actually teach.

Ok, so I really do teach.....I swear. But, I mean, come on...who posts videos of themselves teaching angles or the properties of multiplication? No one. Amanda, this is the kid that sang Beyonce's 'Listen' out on my portable porch when he was pissed at me. Ha ha ha....I had a small class this day because a large group of students were in an assembly so we took a few minutes to share some talent. Ha ha....sorry it's sideways...I forgot that I can't rotate. What a special character...

I also started off my Spring break heading to Atlanta with 120 of our top students for 3 days. We had a great time....I really enjoy spending time outside of school with these kids. Here are pictues of my group of girls on the trip.

Sunny South Dallas....

Wow. My job is so bizzare. My students are crazy! Each day is different and full of randomness. This week has been pretty tough. I've been tired, my students have been wild and sometimes rude. BUT, something will happen everyday to remind me why I am doing what I am doing. I'm reminded that God has called me to love these crazy, wild, funny, and awesome kids. I wanted to share with you some of the students that brighten my day.....

He gets on my last nerve......but I love him to death!!

Flowin the last 3 minutes of class...

Some of My Favorite Things: Babies and Chocolate

I never blog. Ever. But, I have a few extra minutes...so here I am.

Sunday was a good day. Mandi and I went to church and got to see Amanda and Eli. He is getting so big and even more adorable! He's so great. Then we played outside because the weather was so awesome. That night, we met up with Laura and Chrissy at the Melting Pot. If you haven't ever been there, you must. Chocolate. Lots of chocolate and things to dip in chocolate. Good conversation, good friends, good food. Good day.