Coffee & Crayons: All about ME..... :)

Okay, first off, I guess I should tell yall a little about myself. My name is Caroline Hudgens and I am a "barely survived, just trying to keep from sinking" teacher who just finished up my first year. I am also that teacher that, even though I am SO thankful for my college experience, learned that college does not quite prepare you for the teaching world that you are thrown into when you decide to teach. There was quite a bit of "figuring it out as I go" this year. I am 25 years old and live in the great state of Texas. I live in the same small town that I was born and raised in, went to school in my entire life, that most of my memories come from, and that I now teach in :) I taught preschool for four and a half years while I was attending college. I student taught in 5th grade in my hometown and and after I graduated I was hired to teach 3rd grade in my hometown as well.... Are you seeing a trend here?? I seem like quite the "hometown girl" right... HA! There is a reason that I've never left this tiny little population of 2000 town, and I'll get to that momentarily. :) It was a bit of a rough transition for me to go from those sweet babies with snotty noses and untied shoes to the back talking, attitude slinging, sassy 8 year olds, and I will be honest, I had a FEW meltdown's along the way.... I am not proud of that, but HEY, we are all human right?? On the days that I felt like I couldn't handle it, there was always coffee, Diet Dr. Pepper (I know, I know), and a fresh pack of 64 crayola crayons with the built in sharpener waiting on me at home to help pull me thru... Don't judge, we all have our vices :) Although it was a bit hard on me at first, bu the end of the year, I had come to realize that, they became my heart. I feel like someone upstairs had quite the hand in placing me where I would flourish. I truly feel those kids saved me. They gave me meaning and purpose. I miss them something kind of crazy!

Now... to expand on the topic of why I have chosen to stay in this little bity teeny tiny town... There are many reasons why I love this place, and a lot of that has to do with comfort, stability, and just plain habit. But the people here rock, too! BUT the main reason that I chose to be here, more than anywhere else in the whole world is these 3 little kids.

They pretty much rock my face off, daily! When I think of my life without them, I couldnt bear it! :) btw, I'm just the aunt...not the mom! They have an amazing mom and dad that just happen to let me spoil them rotten basically every day. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

Now... for you to really grasp my life, you'll need to meet my four, four legged children. But that will absolutely have to be a post all in itself, because I am quite obsessed with my little babies! Here's a glimpse.... Post more tomorrow! :)