Vintage Halloween ~ Now and Then

October 2009































October 2008




October 2007

I've Been Pretty Testy Lately

While I certainly understand the need for assessment in education, there comes a point when absurdity is reached. That absurdity reached a climax this past week when my poor students had to take national PSATs on Wednesday, a state MAP exam on Thursday, a course unit exam on Friday, and a county quarter exam on Monday. I was exhausted and I only had to grade two of the four! I am glad that my grades are done and that tomorrow I can focus on planning for the next 9 weeks.

Thoughts

Remember when you go into the world to keep your eyes and ears wide open. And be kind. Love one another. Take care of each other. Tell the truth. Always do your best. Listen to the big people and the little people. Explore new paths and have fun. Know that you are loved like crazy. Give thanks for all your blessings. Above all else, love and you will do wonderful things in this world.
                                                             ~Rebecca Puig

Upon arriving home from China with Isabel (and desperately trying just to keep my head above water) I remember friends telling me to enjoy this time because it flies by and soon that little baby is gone. As we were heading into her school this morning, I looked at Isabel in her little tutu with a cardigan sweater on and thought to myself ... they were right. In what seems like a blink of a eye, my little one year old has been replaced by this lovely little girl. In less than two months Isabel will be turning four. Just two years ago, she was but a wee one. Each day the world unfolds more of its wonder to her and she soaks it up. I am both humbled and amazed at this age. 

I do, however, miss my baby.

[Toddler Transcript]

Thank you Jesus...

for today....

for Mommy and Isabel

and Mommy and Bart Bart (our kitty that had just died).

Miss him Love Bart Bart

Amen.

Healthy Eating can be fun!

Nothing like a well-balanced face dinner to start off the weekend.



[Isabel's Dinner tonight.]

Playing for Change

I just watched this.
I dare you to do the same and not have your day start with a smile!



From ABC World News:
Filmmaker Mark Johnson had a simple idea -- that the world can be connected through music.Johnson's dream began a decade ago in a New York City subway. He heard two monks playing music -- one had a nylon guitar and the other was singing. They were wearing robes and painted white from head to toe. About 200 people had stopped to watch them, ignoring the train as it came and went. Johnson realized he was standing in the midst of a group that normally wouldn't converge -- they were brought together by the music.

"We had the idea to travel around the world, record different musicians playing their own songs, interview them about how does music persevere through struggles, and then connect them with the songs around the world," Johnson said.

What one person with a dream ( and the determination to make it happen) can do. Wow.

Almost Tempted....

Have I mentioned lately just how much I love my job? I LOVE the school where I teach, the administration I work under, my colleagues and the amazing students I get to spend my day with. However.... I must confess, when I heard this, I was pretty tempted to send my resume to Austrailia.

Three Word Sunday

Moons and Balloons

What a great day! Headed out to a park near the beach to celebrate Friend Lucas' 5th Birthday. Yummy cupcakes, fun swings, colorful balloons and of course, the pinata.



We then headed out to another park that was actually on the beach to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival with out local FCC group.



You couldn't ask for a better night. Everyone just brought blankets and picnic dinners and we relaxed while waiting for the Harvest Moon to rise over the horizon. Coming over the dunes, laced with sea oats, you could hear acoustic guitar playing in the background. The kids were scattered all over the beach competing in Moon Cake- (insert Moon Pie) eating contests, making lanterns, rolling eggs, hopping in three-legged races and of course, building sand castles.








As the evening drew on, someone put in a CD of Chinese instrumental music which played softly against the laughter and splashes of the kids who had, by that point, decided to jump in the water regardless of whether or not they had on a bathing suit. Looking back from the water in the growing dusk, the beach was dotted in tiny yellow lights of many lanterns.
Simply a glorious night.