Burned Out Teachers

As I sit here in the Atlanta airport I'm thinking about how many conversations I've had with teachers lately about how to "fix" education. What is the answer to funding, overcrowded classrooms, lack of support and the sinking feeling like we are not doing enough?

I wish I had the answer to that question friends. I wish I could sit here and give you 1,000 reasons why educators should continue to fight.   I'm a everyday classroom teacher just like all of you. I'm a mother, a wife, active member in my church and (sometimes) a gym rat. 

I struggle just like everyone else to find the balance. How to be the best mom, wife, teacher, church member and keep myself in shape. While I haven't figured out the perfect equation to doing that..I have had my own "ah ha" moment. I've experienced a lot in this last year in my personal life. It has drawn me closer to Jesus and I've realized that most cliche thing ever. Seriously. It's just this: Life is too short. We aren't guaranteed tomorrow. You'd think I would have learned that by now in my old age of 29.  And even though I've had tragic experiences in my life...I'm just now finally, believing these silly cliches...."Life is too short." "Everything can change in an instant". "Live life to the fullest"

We have to remember that we are humans. We have a life outside of our classroom. Our family deserves our attention and we should not get so caught up in the our work that we forget that. Our job is not like others. We can't "punch out" and come back the next day and have everything run smoothly. It's the downfall to our job. Every job has them....

Which brings me to my next point.. So if we know that we have to have a life outside of our classrooms, and that may hinder us from being able to accomplish everything we want to accomplish.....

We have to learn that we will never be able to give 200%, 200% of the time. It's just not realistic. We should strive to do our best and give each lesson all we can. But we can't expect that everything will always go perfect. Because it won't. No matter how much planning you put into it or what the lesson plans say....sometimes we have to....

Yes, I just did that. I know. And I'm sorry. Couldn't help it. Seriously. Haha!

I know this is an odd blog post...but with all the heartache and stress in my everyday classroom life, I felt like I should share so we can know that we are not alone in this career. Blogging has brought so many wonderful educators into my life and I am so thankful for that. I'm a better educator because of the virtual collaboration that goes on. Tonight I'm remembering why I became a teacher, and why I want to remain a teacher...probably the same reason you do...the KIDS! 

Here's to a stress free week and to remembering why we became educators!

Meet The Teacher

Hey friends! I'm linking up with my sweet friend Stephanie from Falling into First for a Meet the Teacher Blogger bit :)

My name is Ashley Benoit and I'm heading into my 6th year of teaching! I've been married to the love of my life for 9 1/2 years! He's in the Navy! IYAOYAS!  I'm a Jesus lovin'  country gal who enjoys just about anything that's outside!!! 

I met my  husband when I was at the old, old age of 19!!

My little sister is my very best friend! I love her so much! She's complete opposite of me in a lot of ways. She's super quiet and witty. I'm not witty--at all--like you tell me a joke, and *maybe* three days later, I'll understand it! 

*Question and Answer Time*

Q: These are a few of my favorite things…

Sonic Unsweet Tea, Sonic Cherry Limeades, Starbucks Green Tea Lemonade---see a pattern here ;) 

Q: If you weren’t a teacher, what would you want to be?

I would want to be some sort of advocate for safe driving or doing something that promotes safe driving. You can read about that here

Q: Three little words that describe you.

Talkative, Joyful, Caring

Q: Finish this sentence, “___________________, said no teacher EVER!!”

I HATE SUMMER  (haha)

Q: It’s your birthday and you can invite anyone {dead or alive} to the party. Who are you inviting?

Dude, that's deep! I have to say all of my loved ones that have went to be with sweet Jesus, Jase Robertson (So he can realize that he is really my husband's twin), George Strait so he can sing to me, Walt Disney, just because, he's Walt Disney---oh AND MY FAMILY OF COURSE :) 

Q: If someone wrote a book about your life, what would be the title?

I have no idea

Q: You get to pick one superpower. What is it?

Time travel! Duh!

Q: What’s your favorite quote or saying?

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” - Joshua 24:15

Q: If you HAD to sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?

Anyone that knows me understands that I can never just pick *one* favorite song..but I'd have to go with "Carrying Your Love With Me" By GEORGE STRAIT

Q: Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Just depends on my mood!


Q: What’s your favorite resource that you’ve created in your TPT shop?

I would have to say my Printable Books! 
i'm addicted my classroom library! These little books make a great way to introduce new skills

 Money Printable Book

Q: Share something we might not know about you!  

I also sell skinny wraps and my life saver supplement of greens! Check it out here:)

Head over to Falling Into First for the rest of the fun!

The Ones We Love The Most

I started this blog to have a place to share my classroom experiences. Little did I know or understand what I was getting myself into. This blog has become my little outlet. Not only about education, but about life. I've shared some experiences that reflect pain and tragedy and how I've tried to use those experiences to help people. My latest hardship doesn't seem to have a lesson in it, but God is still working. So we will see.

*Warning* Extremely Personal Post Ahead* 

My father was diagnosed with cancer in 2002. He fought it and he BEAT it! His health, however, suffered tremendously. In 2008, he had to switch to a feeding tube, because his food was going into his lungs, causing him to aspirate. The aspiration was causing chronic pneumonia. He was getting it almost every other month or so. When Daddy would get pneumonia, he was in ICU for a week or so and typically went into septic shock. I remember the Dr. telling us that people typically do not go into septic shock more than once. Daddy has been septic so many times, I've lost count. He was a strong man, and never let the fact that he couldn't eat slow him down. He still lived life everyday. He did a *few* things I didn't approve of...like long motorcycle trips, and just living on the edge. He told me he wasn't sure how long he had and he didn't want any regrets. Thanksgiving was always his favorite holiday, daddy was a foodie for sure! Every year, after he went to the tube, he just said "I know I can't eat, but I'm alive and still kickin'". The feeding tube did slow the pneumonia down, but it didn't prevent it. The last two years, his voice started to become very difficult to understand and our main methods of communication became texting and FB messages. Every Thanksgiving, my family comes from all over to the mountains of North Carolina. Last week, we were gearing up for that very tradition. Dad went up a little early, and had only been there a few hours. He pretty much went straight to bed that night...

So about 12 days ago, daddy text me, "I went shopping today, I bought the kiddos a 3 piece suit". I was like...what? You went shopping by yourself? And why a suit? You don't wear suits, my hubby doesn't wear suits? We are jeans and pearl snap shirt folks! That's our dress up! My hubby got a *tad* irritated at the thought of his kiddos in a 3 piece suit (ummm okay). I just said "Ya know, daddy never just randomly buys gifts, just let it be". That was Thursday. I told Daddy thanks for the suits and we looked forward to seeing them. 

Then the phone call that changed EVERYTHING. That middle of the night, gut wrenching phone call of someone you love crying. IF you haven't experienced this, I pray you never do. By the sound of my sweet Aunt's voice, I knew, this time was different. The hubby made some calls, and loaded our family up..the longest car ride of my life.

We got there, just in time for the doctors to tell us the most awful words ever "Your father has no blood flow to his brain". Daddy went to be with Jesus that day. I am thankful that we all had the chance to see him one last time. 

After we got back to my family's house, someone gave me another surprise. On that shopping trip, Daddy had bought my sister and I two pieces of jewelry. The first time in my life that he's ever randomly done that. I've shouted this from the rooftops, I don't think my daddy knew he was going to die. I do, however, believe that GOD put those impulses in his heart.  God knew that Daddy would soon be called to heaven. Dad had just finished his "honey do list " all over his house. Something he's had for YEARS to do. 

I wanted to share with you a few pictures, so that you could see the changes he went through. Cancer is an awful thing, and we were so excited when daddy "won" the battle. But the thing with cancer, it's not a battle, it's a war. The war continues for years after you are "Cancer Free". 

Pre-Cancer

My Wedding Day (4 years post cancer)

My brother and daddy ( 8 years post cancer)

10.5 years post cancer 

Our Last Picture

My kiddos proudly opened their gifts from their papa and wore those brand new suits to lay him ,to rest.

Now, as I attempt to figure out this new way of life without my daddy, I hope that I can show the courage and the strength that he did. I hope that one day people will say that I blessed their lives the way my dad did. I could not have asked for a better dad,  and am so honored when people tell me I'm just like him (Except SOME areas haha) 

I am so excited about a shadow box our friend made from Custom Coin Holders. He is a disabled veteran who does amazing work! Head on over and check them out!

Thank you for letting me share this with you. I am so honored that so many of you have become my friends through this little ole blog!!! 

Let's Talk About ME Monday

Hey everyone! I'm linking up with Blog Hoppin for Let's Talk About Me Monday! I'm not sure if I can come up with 10 things about myself...but I will try!!

10 Things About Me:

1) I got married at the young age of 20 years old to the hotttest sailor in  the entire US Navy! We met when I was just 19 years old!! We've now been married for 8 1/2 years!  He really is an amazing man. He loves me for me and handles my  *sorta* dramatic self! Poor thing even watches my ever so addicting Young and The Restless...guess that could have been a different number! LOL!

Yessss that is a Texas Flag Vest :) That's a whole other Oprah Show..but it turned out nice :) He stuck true to his Texas roots :) 

2) I am *kinda* a gym rat!  Last October, I started on my fitness journey! I was overweight and so unhappy about myself! I *had* to do something!!! So, now you can find me in the gym 6 days a week. I love doing a cross fit type work out. but do not limit myself to just that. The other day, I was outside pushing sleds. There was a tire in the way, and without paying attention, I just went over and picked it up. Well, it happened to be the heaviest tire out there, that I've never flipped before. I got under it and realized uhhhh ohhh  you goof ball! You can't flip this tire! Just then, I notice three dudes starring at me like "This chick will never flip that tire"....somewhere I got the motivation and wouldn't ya know I flipped that huge thing! When I was done, the dude looked at me and said "I never thought you would even get that tire passed your knees, let alone flip it"! Ha! I guess I proved myself! 

You can read more about my journey on my Fitness Blog

3) I'm a country music nutso! I ****LOVE**** My music! More than that, I love LIVE Music! Concerts are my thing! I'm tellin' ya..everyone needs a little GEORGE Strait in their lives!! 

4) We move around a lot because of the Navy, and that sometimes is not that fun. I really, really miss my family! I grew up in central Florida, and most of my family is there. Some of them reside in the Mountains in NC, so when we all get together..it's tons of fun! We don't get to do that often, but when we do....watch out ;) 

LOVE These people :) They make me smile, laugh, cry and angry sometimes :) But we are FAMILY and NOTHING will ever change that! 

5) I want to go on a missions trip so BAD! My grandfather often goes on mission trips...and always has the most rewarding stories to tell. I SO want to go! That's my goal in the next year, to go on a trip. I want to tell people about Jesus, and what he's done in my  life. 

6) Brings me to my next thing..my faith.  One day..probably soon..I develop the courage to share with you all my testimony. It's pretty powerful. It goes back to a time when I was so lost. So hurt and so confused. You can read a little bit about that here! Our God is a merciful. Just in the last few months, I  have witness God working in ways that I never thought he would. I've witnessed an event that really hit me hard with God's Word . It woke me up....which brings me to #7...

7) This sweet girl...

This is a friend of mine, Ashley. She passed away in June, during our Sunday School class. I only knew her for a short time, but I'm telling you, the impact she had on our lives, will live with me FOREVER.  She was the example of living with grace. She used every opportunity she could to tell someone about Jesus. And this is my new mission, I want to #livelikeAshley and #lovejesus. If you are the praying type, say a prayer for her sweet family. 

8) Teaching is my passion. Since we've moved, I haven't found a full time position. I know God is in control..but I'm ready. Be thankful for your jobs, they are hard to come by. People ask me "What are you going to do if you don't get a position"...I just answer..what else? Volunteer, Sub, whatever I can do to get into the schools. It doesn't pay the bills by no means, but I don't know anything else. Teaching is all I've ever wanted to do.....

9) Since I was a little kid. I've been fortunate to experience amazing teachers in my life. They should me compassion, went above and beyond, and did it all for me. Not because their boss told them to, but because they CARED. 

10) I am a very blessed woman. To sum it up, I don't have a fancy car or an over the top house. But my house is filled with love, laughter, and caring people. We have fun...we are active...we enjoy each other. So many people in this country are suffering, so I am so very thankful for everything I have. I want to live a legacy, I want to help people. 

I hope I didn't bore you with all these details of my life..but that's me..in a nutshell :)

OH...and Congrats to...

AMY! Check your e-mail! You won the giveaway!