Kari Brooks

alright.. i know that christmas is a time for family, being together, and something about a man named baby jesus..
(or teenage jesus, whatever you prefer..)
and really christmas presents, received or given, should not be the forefront of thought.. but honestly, i am pretty excited about some gifts this year. a few that i received, and a few pretty awesome ones that i gave. here is just a little highlight of the excitement.

favorite gift to give: a bright green teenage mutant ninja turtle hoodie to my brother, vic
favorite gift to buy: craftsman 10-inch portable table saw for derek
favorite gift to make: family picture coasters for mom
most sentimental gift to give: father-daughter dance wedding photo for dad

there were a few favorites of gifts that i received.. i apparently was a pretty good girl this year.

favorite gifts:
a beautiful necklace from derek (wrapped in my favorite blue box),
a laptop from santa (the lid even stays open on its own!),
a (guest) bedroom set from dad,
jeans that really fit from mom,
sushi sets from rhonda and mom (keep your fingers crossed that i can learn how to make it!),
gift cards! (nothing is better than ‘after-chirstmas’ sales).

i felt like a little kid again this year at christmas. what fun..
thank you all..

today i was planning for an IEP meeting to have after school.
actually it turned more into daydreaming about the IEP meeting.
never have i been more excited to have an IEP meeting. J has met his goals, and will have new goals set at grade level. he also will be exiting out of his behavior goal! J’s behavior has changed 100% since i first met him last august. i could not be more proud of his progress. he started out as one of my favorite students because of his naughtiness, and continues to be one of my favorites because of his desire to be a better person.
i knew his mom was going to be overwhelmed. she has always believed in J, and although she isnt around a lot, she is one of his biggest supporters. i couldnt wait to tell her this wonderful news about her son’s progress.
today i want to do nothing with my life besides teach children.
this is why i love my job…

before i could get too far into my daydream, my rosey thoughts were interrupted by a loud, “help! G is stuck! he will never get out! we need your help, mrs. brooks!”
sure enough, G had his head stuck between two wooden rods in the pavillion outside.

“mrs. bwooks! look! my head is stuck! haha! i cant get out! my head’s stuck! haha! isn’t that just nuts? haha! just cwazy!”

and i go right back to that place..
this is why i love my job!