My quick visit with Avah and Lillie

I was able to get with Kelly, Andrea, Avah and Lillie right before school started. Don't ya like how I named the Mama's first for a change? I got some cute shots of them in the pool and in Avah's chair. I miss everyone at the village sooooo very badly! I have been in quite the mourning mode. Kelly...who's little girl is doing the pinching?

Raven Run

Roger and I went to Raven Run two weeks ago. Everything was so dry! I had not seen the water down so. The trees were dry and even the weeds were wilting. The butterflies were active though. Everytime I would try and take a picture of them they would fly off before I could take one.

Whew! August is exhausting!

School has started and is in full swing. Has taken some getting used to but the kids are starting to settle in and adapt to going all day. They still get tired and ready to go home by 2:00. Many parents report that they sleep on the way home. I haven't taken too many pictures at work. I'll try and post some soon. Gabe is in again this weekend so maybe I will get a chance to see him some. He was in for a wedding a few weeks ago and he was so busy that we did not get to see him much. I think I am ready for another vacation and work has only just begun!

Summer is gone!

Spent all day in training with more this week. Trying to get room ready. Wish me luck!

Thunder and lightening

The last two days were filled with much needed rain and of that I am glad but storms are not fun. I was able to see a rainbow but did not have my camera with me. It was a full arching one and very clear. I can never get enough of a rainbow. Spent today in my new room trying to organize and go through the things. Seems like I will never get finished unpacking between home and school. It all seems very strange to me not to know where to find things, know people and what procedures are. I will eventually learn it but I am not very good out of my elements. I haven't seen any of the kindergarten teachers there yet but did meet a few of the first and second grade teachers. The first day will be different indeed when fourth and fifth graders walk down the hall. I am so used to only young ones. I can't seem to wrap my brain around that yet. Please say a prayer for me. I ended the day making a dollhouse with my mother's neighbor. She will start kindergarten this fall at Dixie. Again forgot my camera, but we had fun. I brought over a plethora of materials, scraps and wallpaper and we had a good time. I guess I just needed a little person fix! It is so incredible watching them create and learn through trial and error. That is one of the best parts about teaching and we have so little time to just sit back watch, instigate and observe learning for learnings sake.

Chipmunks

Anybody know anything about the best way to get rid of chipmunks? I have a lot around the house and worried somewhat about whether they are or could be potentially damaging to the foundation. This house is on a slab and it is the first time we have been on a slab.

Staining the Deck

Boy what a job! I had cleaned and stained our decks many times before but never used the type cleaner we got. Had to scrub each spindle.... Not good. Then the stain turned out to be more like paint. Second coat never would dry well. Kinda sticky! Live and learn. Supposed to be the best in the line too! Oh well. Looks okay.

Fun at the lake (Cave Run)

Gabe, Travis, Marcy, Sydney, Ryan and I went to the lake yesterday. The weather was great and the water was very clear. This is a great lake to visit and not a bad drive from home. The staff works very hard to keep it clean and litter free.

New Teaching Position

I will start teaching kindergarten in the fall at JME in FC. I am excited about being so close to my home and having one class all day. I will miss everyone at my old school (JELV)and I hope they all keep in touch. It has been hard making the decision to leave because of the incredible staff we have there. I know the new school will have some really great people too. It is always hard to make changes but very important to do to keep energized and challenged.

Making changes to the house

We have been really busy trying to make changes to the house. We have painted most of the lower rooms and are still in the process of decorating. We have also planted many plants we saved from the other house. We have made some new beds but need many more!

Grandma's funeral

My grandma passed away June 11, 2007. She was 95 and lived at home all but the last year after she had a stroke. She was a very resourceful woman. I hope that I can pass on traits and bits of information that she gave to me to my family. Here is a picture of my sons, daughter in law and myself after the service. The grape vine behind us has made many a jar of jelly!