I must love middle schoolers

If you were asked to look in my backpack right now you wouldn't find the usual college girl items.

There's a binder full of schedules, a handbook, and rules I'm supposed to follow as an Americorps member. Which some of the kids and I like to call #protocol 

Some paper work with kids information.

Brand new expo markers I forgot to put upstairs in the class room, so when my 8th graders ask me for help with their algebraic equations, I can write them on a dry erase wall. 

They need to see things bigger picture sometimes. Visual. Audible. I am in no way a teacher, but I know what it's like to hate math. 

The folder Sam made me, which I love with my whole heart. 

Meant for the service and culture rotation we had this summer. 

Hands holding different flowers. It's perfect. 

ADHD medicine can be found in another pocket. 

Cause 4'o clock is harder for some than others. We don't love them any less. 

However, we do make sure the pill is swallowed and a high five is given.  

A destroyed planner covered with pictures of family. 

Full of assignments due from last year, weekend trips planned, reminders, parties, breaks, etc. 

Oh and a picture of two girls faces from the photo copier!

Now it's August. A new planner is on the way. 

It will find it's home next to confiscated Lego's, takis, extra shoes to play ball, artwork, candy wrappers and other trash I somehow end up collecting, among other things!

This can only mean one thing...

I must love middle schoolers! 

I actually love them so much, I decided to stay at Emerald Ave through the school year. 

Surprise! 

Stay tuned for more victories, big and small. Adventures. Life lessons. Straight up failures. 

The good, bad, and ugly, that comes with being a family at EA. 

Cause being a middle schooler ain't easy y'all. 

Here's to a school year full of "WHAT ARE THOSE?!"