November Family Visits

Greg and I are Godparents to Griffin Wendt as of November 15! He's the 3rd of Brad & Kim's boys. Of course my camera died so I'll have to wait for e-mail pictures for you to see how cute he is!
(Look sideways...) We went to Meridian for Thanksgiving. Tracey's friends from Memphis added to the fun and Marin had a playmate to boss around. Kidding, Squeaky! We'll have to start telling Marin-talk stories like we did about Annie when she was little. I was changing her diaper when she woke up and commented that I hoped her new Crocs fit her ok. She stated, "They fit perfectly, Aunt Sara!" She sure catches me off guard with her sentences! When we were in the car she was wondering aloud if the mail lady would bring her any packages. Tracey asked her who they would be from and she credited "Grandma C". Too much fun! So, of course, her wish will be answered... Cousins Pele and Muzzy didn't talk much and eventually did well together. (Tina had to stay home because she is not good with the kids...)

Where do I begin? I'll go backwards...

National Boards are "forcing" me to go even more above and beyond my efforts to be a great and involved teacher. It's as time and energy consuming as everyone said it would be. I have a general feeling of never finishing anything. However, I can see the positive effect of my efforts in my students. I invited parents to join us for some fun activities the week after Thanksgiving. It was fun! Brig - the kids standing are using ELMO to share their comic strip idea. Sorry you can't see the screen.

My student Alec was diagnosed with juvenile rheumotoid arthritis this year. His mom and I walked (with a few others) in the Jingle Bell "run" Dec. 6th. Unlike Tracey, we didn't place, but we finished! We raised a lot of money also. It was the coldest morning of the year - high 20s!

2 Month Summary

I've neglected my blog for so long! I've been visiting yours, though. I'll keep it short and sweet. School is going great this year. The kids are great. It is definitely very busy with the added work and stress of the National Boards. It requires writing, videotaping, more writing, paperwork, etc. It sometimes feels like I'm doing too many things and none of them well. I'm sure that's just my perception, though. I get a lot of support from my colleagues, students, and family.

I've made time for lots of fun! The weekend of Oct. 10 was my New Orleans trip with Mosey, Kay, and 3 other SMC girls. As usual, I didn't take many pictures. It was pretty busy there and we did the usual - beignets at Cafe du Monde, French Market, a lot of walking, great food, Pat O's, and few other fine establishments with dancing. It was so great to be with them all.

I have been to visit Boog, Tracey, and Marin (or slight variations) every few weeks - not nearly enough! I crashed the annual Halloween bash in Meridian. The "Sex and the City" foursome (only 3 in the picture - Leea was already watching the 'Bama game) were a hit! I'm sure you remember the episode with the visiting Eskimo in the "not so obvious" costume I borrowed from a friend. We've enjoyed watching football and hanging out, with the entertainment mostly being my Goddaughter and her vocabulary. So much fun!

It turns out there's a little Sarah Palin is in all of us! (referring to the glasses)

Lastly, I am home early today (Thursday) because my jury duty is over. Unfortunately we were unable to agree on a verdict due to one man who could not be swayed. It was an interesting experience even if it did require WAY too much sitting around. I wouldn't want to be on their schedule on a regular basis - wow. The hour and 1/2 lunches were nice, but the wasted time wasn't. I was able to vote during that time on Tuesday, with much time to spare.

I'm alive!

I hope someone is still checking our blog! After a few weeks of heading to school before the sun rises and returning home in time to eat and sleep, it's good to catch up. You can see my view as I travel to school, and my homeroom class. I'm finally sleeping past 4 AM and feeling a sense of normalcy. I'm feeling the crunch of working on my National Board Certification and my new position in Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional teacher sorority. I'm fulfilling every leadership position I can get my hands on and volunteering like crazy. So, I've been busy. I'm happy to be connected to our new wireless connection at the house. I've got lots of new tech toys in my classroom as well.

I did manage to squeeze in a visit to Meridian while Boog was enjoying Chicago. It was great to see Tracey and Marin! As you can see, Muzzie had fun trying to get in Pele's crate, and Marin loves her new Dora tunnel hut!

Today is the start of college football in Alabama, so let the fun begin! (even though they're playing in Atlanta.) Of course, it really starts next week with ND's first game. Love to all!

Dog day afternoons

(Sorry for the length, but I haven't talked much since my June voice treatment. )
What am I doing for my last few weeks of leisure? (We start official business August 3; students come Aug 7.) I am still enjoying my mornings: sleeping in until 6:30 or so, drinking coffee, watering tomatoes and plants; hanging with Greg, Pele (back to normal, thank goodness), and Tina; and sweating it out at the gym. The weather's been pretty good, actually. We've had just enough rain to keep the grass alive, and the humidity has varied. Last weekend I visited Boog in Meridian. I miss Tracey and Marin, but we were somewhat entertained by cousins Pele and Muzzy. The picture is not good, but you try to capture a rambunctious, large puppy and a somewhat tolerant, middle-aged chihuahua mix on film! Muzzy seemed to think it was her job to keep Pele "down" as she demonstrated multiple times, including once at the dinner table. It was very funny! Greg and I golfed again yesterday, with about the same result. I'm not keeping score, but hit enough decent shots to enjoy it.
The rest of my time has been somewhat consumed with work-related projects. I'm taking advantage of summer vacation to familiarize myself wth the technology I'll be using for our new reading program and for my NBPTS (National Board Certification) work. My mentor, Brandi, has introduced me to many things. I'm using a new blog site for my classroom and grade level teachers. I'm also using Google docs instead of Microsoft. We're using a communication site called Skype, so if anyone wants to instant message let me know! We'll be getting headsets and possibly cameras so we can meet online instead of in person. It's neat, but I have to figure out how to use it effectively - and efficiently. I'm also going through the 300 pages of information that will guide the process of putting together the 4 portfolios. I hope I'm not a basket case this year!

Calm before the storm...

Yum - the first 2 tomaters! It will be a while for the rest, but they are growing like crazy! The picture of the walkway is to show off Doug's wood work; I did the walkway but that wasn't as much trouble, and the flowers are blooming now.

Well, I'm enjoying my final days of leisure. Greg got me on the golf course on the 4th, and we played for almost 7 hours in the hot sun. I loved it! My iron game is much better than when I stopped playing a couple years ago, strangely. I have an itch to continue, but after watching Wimbledon I want to play tennis again, too!

Pele is doing much better. He had a final check up today and all is well. The picture is bad, but he was begging for food on Greg's shoulder - back to normal!

The reason for the title of this blog is that I'm already stressing about school. I attended my first meeting as a candidate for National Board Certification and it scared the daylights out of me. I'm still very excited that I was chosen for the $2600 grant from St. Clair County, but wow is it a lot of work. I'll need lots of prayers! Only 40% of candidates pass everything in the first year, so it could be a long haul. I'm also meeting with the outgoing president of my teacher sorority, Delta Eta, so that I"ll know what to expect this year. I'm not too worried; she'll be VERY helpful. It's sad that it's July 10 and I couldn't sleep last night. I do love my job! Anyway, I hope everyone is having a great summer also!

Poor Pele!

(You must say the title like "Poor Nana" in Peter Pan... ) I'm sharing this for all concerned parties.. Pele is very unhappy, but recovering. He has an infection and had a bad fever. Apparently these were brought on by another problem that little dogs experience. I won't get into the details as it wouldn't be prudent... He endured a procedure to help. He's on an antibiotic. Since our visit to the vet yesterday he has to wear the "lampshade" so the affected area can heal. It's clear, but you can see it in the picture.

Last day in Birmingham

Upon our return to B'ham Monday afternoon, we first checked on Pele because he was sick. Then we drove up the bluff for a final view of Birmingham. (Technically we live in Bluff Park, but not ON the bluff.) John and Annie treated Grandma C, Greg, and me to a Mexican meal at our favorite restaurant. I don't know how they had room for fried ice cream! Greg took Mom to the airport EARLY Tuesday morning. I I took John and Annie a little later. I so enjoyed their visit. They're the greatest kids! It was sad to see them go! I miss you all!

Meridian, June 22 - 23

Sunday was our last full day in Meridian. After Mass, Tracey and Marin went to a birthday party. Of course, Marin wanted to return home to "John Annie" ASAP. Boog took John and Annie to the Navy Base for an awesome tour. I stayed behind and, unfortunately, so did my camera. At least I got some pictures in their new t-shirts and hats! The group pictures are without Boog b/c they were taken Monday morning, and he was at work. It was a sad departure for all!

Meridian June 21

As you can see, we're at the beach! Actually we're at a water park in Philadelphia, MS. We spent most of the time at the beach location there - sand around the edges of a grand pool. It was awesome! The kids (including Boog and Tracey) did brave some of the scary slides while the old folks (mom and me) stayed with Marin. We did pretty well with sunscreen, but John did add a little to his already burned shoulders. The weather here has been so cooperative. I think our visitors have been mislead as to how hot it REALLY is here in the summer! It's been great, actually.

John and Annie June 20

On Friday we picked our own southern bluberries (and "tested" a few as well.) It was great fun. Of course the rewards have been a pie, pancakes, fruit salad, and straight eating! Marin has definitely enjoyed her fair share.

John & Annice June 19

Greg took John and Annie to visit the Birmingham statue of the god of steel in Vulcan Park while I had my voice treament. You walk up in it like the Statue of Liberty. It's located on Red Mountain, overlooking the city. They took the stairs - wow! They took pictures, but we don't have the connecting cable. It'll have to go on the Greening blog if they want... We drove to Meridian that evening. Here are some fun times at Uncle Boog and Aunt Tracey's. They've played with Marin and all are entertained. They baked brownies. They watched Peter Pan 20 times. Ok, I'm exaggerating a little....

John and Annie June 18

John and Annie wanted to go to the McWane Science Center. We saw Dinosaurs Alive at the IMAX theater, then visited the exhibits. They had a lot of fun, and it was hard to choose which pictures to post. John is on a bed of nails, and Annie's "bike" picture is way up in the air - 2nc floor - on a rope! For dinner we went to Dreamland Barbeque and enjoyed ribs.