Some frustration and a few silver linings

I know...it's been a long time since I posted anything.  I've been in a horrendous mood lately.  It's report card testing time, and, boy, do I really dislike ALL forms of testing.  Not that I don't think these tests/assessments are valuable...I realize that they do have their own value in tracking the progress of the students.  But what I'm NOT crazy about is the consumption of time they suck out of each day.  The report card tests...each takes between 20-30 minutes, can you imagine?  Of course, much of that depends on the student.  But add in having to still teach lessons, give assistance with independent work, diffuse arguments, fix up "boo-boos", and be cheerful and loving to build and maintain a safe environment for my kids....?  Well, you can see where it all starts to unravel.  Meaning that my poor kids see a side of me that is best left on the wrong side of the bed.  I hate the temper that flares during this time.  I want to conduct accurate testing for accurate results...but that is next to impossible...and I mean, in VERY close proximity.  And I also want to keep being the teacher that my kids seem to adore...but I am ashamed to admit that I'm not quite as patient with my sweet little kiddos as I usually am.  :/  *Sigh*  Needless to say, it's stressful and frustrating and not my favorite part of the educator's career track.  But it needs to be done and it is a good measure of their progress.  It does, after all, help me see solid proof that I'm not so bad as a teacher, after all! :P

On the upside, we've had eggs in our classroom incubator for three weeks now and, out of FIFTEEN, folks, ONE has now hatched!!! :D  I honestly thought I wouldn't have any.  After all, during our "plants" unit, my bean plant was the only one that didn't grow.  And so during these past few weeks...well, I was sure that I had somehow managed to kill all those poor little fetuses, too.  But, no!  One is strong and cheeping and so cute!  :D  Any name suggestions??

Oh, and I got an email from my oldest sister, who is due in August, and she is just THE cutest pregnant lady!!  :D  Okay, so maybe I'm a little biased, but, come on...look at the picture.  I think she's pretty adorable!  Plus, that's my NIECE in there!! :D :D 

Another silver lining is that my best friend from college is coming up tomorrow to spend Friday and Saturday with me as part of my birthday celebration (which is actually on Sunday...ahem, ahem....:P).  I'm so excited!!  She and I are as close (closer?) than sisters!  "Sisters by heart," if not by blood.  And SHE is pregnant also, due in September!  So I'm going to have TWO nieces (or, well, I guess I could have one nephew by her) this year!!  But we're going to have fun this weekend! 

I'll keep y'all posted on the happenings if there are any good ones.  :) 

Oh, and the BEST silver lining...the fiancé visa packet arrived at its destination last Friday...when I checked my bank account on Wednesday, the check for that had ALREADY CLEARED on Tuesday!!!  Fantastic!!  Maybe things will go kinda sorta quick for us?  I don't know, but at least that step is cleared.  My friend's took three weeks, so the fact that mine cleared in three DAYS is, I think, definitely reason to have a mini-celebration.  YAY! (mini celebration)

Alright, people...since it is a work day tomorrow, albeit a FRIDAY, I will sign off.  See y'all around the neighborhood! ;)  ~Nefilinda

Lehilina 22 weeks pregnant