Heather's Graduation Open House June 2012

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California 2011 Last Days

California 2011 First Days

Of course, my pictures do not include many of the adults.... We are not as cute as Marin and Bennett. My visit was incredible, and, as always, too short. I was glad to join Mom there, so the timing was well worth it!
(FYI - the large bird at the end is a mystery. It flew right to the rooftop behind Boog's, and we don't know what it was. To me, it looked like a blue heron.)

Katie & Erin Sunday - McWane Science Center

The pancake restaurant sign photo got moved to the bottom, but it should be at the top. Some of the indoor pics are not great quality, but too cute to delete.

Katie & Erin Monday - Zoo

It was hot, of course, but enjoyable. The B'ham Zoo has only had the African Elephants for 3 weeks.

Katie & Erin Friday & Saturday 2011

Sorry for the delay and repeated pics - wouldn't let me delete.
Friday we went to Moody (the town where I teach) and Bass Pro Shops - 3rd largest in the country. My camera died, so Erin ended up with most of the fun ones inside the store.

Katie & Erin Tues. - Thurs.

Pele and Tina await the arrival!

April 3 Collage from B'ham

Can you find Tina?

New paint - and iced in!

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The first picture is spring -the old color. The painting was quite a job - almost 2 months. Greg and Doug worked for almost 2 weeks on preparation, then it was up to us. I was only a weekend warrior, so probably painted a total of about 6 days, while Greg did the rest himself. It was a coat of primer everywhere and 2 coats of paint everywhere. Boy, do we have a lot of trim work, especially with the overhangs all around the house. I am very happy with the result, but I would have done a bit darker on the doors. (I got outvoted.) It is garnet red, and I chose more of a maroon - almost plum.
And, yes, Greg is using a garden shovel on the driveway. Snow was not the problem; it was ice with temperatures hovering around and below freezing for 5 days, causing the problems. (no salting or plowing available, just some sand on overpasses)

ND Nov 2010

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I finally have a good update to my blog! My pictures turned out pretty well. I only wish I had more. It was too impossible to get big group pictures. I didn't even get everyone, but close. It was such an amazing weekend. I was overwhelmed revisiting my college experience, especially staying on SMC campus. I had not been to a game since before Greg and I were married. It was even better being with the family. Seeing everyone was very special, even though it was so brief! I cannot believe it is Thanksgiving already. Hope to see you via video chat this weekend.

No more life of leisure

Well, the early rising and mental preparations have begun. Marin took this lovely picture of me and it depicts my mood. As we look forward to 112 degrees this weekend (heat index) in B'ham, I am completing my final vacation goals (mostly cleaning and chasing down school supply sales). My second school meeting since returning from California is tomorrow, and I have something every day until the kids smiling faces greet me Aug. 11. I do not have to work (officially) this Sat/Sun., but next weekend will be moving in to my new classroom. I have some very long days to look forward to, and as you know, I do! I am excited. I missed seeing most of you this summer, but hopefully we'll see you in November. Enjoy what's left of your summers with your beautiful children and know that their teachers are preparing! Love to all!

Boog's July 2010

What's to say? I had an absolutely wonderous vacation in Camarillo, California (Mom's referring to it as Paradise). I feel so special to have been a part of Boog's family for the 1st half of Ben's life! (8 days) He is an incredible, beautiful miracle. Tracey is amazing and Marin is taking on the big sister role with flying colors (and song). Boog is beaming 24-7, and with good reason. I wish Mom (Skinny-Minny) and I overlapped more than just a couple days, but at least we had them.
You have to go visit! At first I thought "sunny California" was misleading, because the "June Gloom" stayed through my visit, but the last few days did not disappoint. I was able to see much of the area, and we took the scenic tour back to LAX along the PCH. (Pacific Coast Highway) Wow! We had incredible food thanks to Boog, Tracey, and then Mom. Marin had a birthday party while I was there also. One day, upon hearing sirens, Tracey got online and discovered a small forest fire had started very close by, as you can see from the smoke pictures. Marin and I watched the water planes and helicopter from the pool. They contained it with no damage to homes or people. A little excitement. Their house and neighborhood are glorious, very accommodating for guests! I could go on and on, but you just want to see the pictures anyway, right? I posted all 83 because I couldn't edit any out.
So now it's back to 100 degrees with high humidity and starting to work for the new school year. Our move to the new school is postponed indefinitely, but we hope that it happens before August. I start workshops and such Aug. 3, with students coming Aug 10 (I think).

A few photos

The azaleas bloomed in May - my intention was to share spring with you in cold weather. We visited the new school the last week in May. They are now finishing up classrooms - exciting! The field out back is going to be for P.E. - nice. The gym will be last. The "outdoorsy" pics are from the first weekend in June. We went to a "lake house" that was more like the cabin - rough - without the ability to swim in the lake. (snakes) However, our friend from New Orleans did all of the cooking. Yum! He was able to get some of the last shrimp and soft shell crabs that would be available due to the oil. Sad.

I have been thoroughly enjoying my relaxing summer. I'm getting in better shape at the gym daily (getting old is not for sissies), a few swim/pool visits, and leisurely home organization/clenaing. Of course I'm doing yard work, also. We've had a lot of rain mixed with dreadfully hot temps & humidity, so our jungle yard is vibrant. I have endured stage 1 of my dental work, a root canal, Monday. Next is probably a temporary bridge/(3)crown situation, depending upon our insurance capabilities. I put this off for way too long, so now I am paying - financially especially. (Thus the lack of travel.) My voice shot is next Thursday, June 24. Then I'm off to California a week later! I received my invitation to our 25th Sturgis High reunion. How can it be that long?? Please call me for video chats. I know how busy all of you are, so I leave it to you. If it's after my shot, I'll type my part of the conversation.

Life is Good!

(I left my camera at at school. I'll add some pictures soon.)
Happy Mother's Day to all of you incredible moms! Pele and Tina didn't get me anything; can you believe it? I will celebrate for my Godchildren and all of my incredible nieces and nephews. I know it's been forever since I posted (and spoke with many of you.) I mailed my National Board portfolios for the 2nd time April 11. It was easier this time -about 1/2 the work, but the last few weeks were about as time and brain-consuming. I know it's better than the 1st time, but still not a given. Once again, I'll be praying until November when I get the results. However, it didn't take long for end-of-year school to kick in. We've had lots of fun stuff going on, and everyone's doing the bitter-sweet countdown. The kids have 2 weeks (and 2 day), while I have 3 weeks. We visited the Jr. High for an orientation. That makes me sad - losing my kids! However, my new school is on the same campus, and it's looking like a real building - really 3! We'll have our own lunchroom and gym. Incredible. I'll have walk-in closet. Incredible. We'll have 2 computer labs. Incredible. As you can tell, I'm very excited. I'm not looking forward to moving a whole school, (yes, it's up to us to get it done), but it'll be worth it. I'm praying it'll be ready before August, but that may not happen. Greg's dad is here for a week. He picked a great time. Our weather has been typical spring, though hotter. The past few weeks it's been almost 90 many days, with bad storms on the weekends. However, this weekend we're getting a cool down - around 70. Really beautiful. Once national boards were done, I did yard work! I didn't procrastinate until summer, so my front beds are done. I laid the pine straw yesterday. I also have 2 topsy turvy tomato hangers. (purchased from the school book people) so I'll let you know if they work. The only definite summer plan that I have is my ticket booked to California after July 4th. YEAH!! I'm going solo to help with the newest Cronley boy - or probably entertain Marin. It was such a blessing to have them close for so long, but the separation is heart-breaking. I can't wait! We do plan on joining everyone in South Bend for November, but I have not made any reservations.

Jan - Feb 2010

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What a winter! I do not expect sympathy from my frozen relatives up north, but Birmingham had a real winter. Since I've lived here, we've never had months of below freezing temperatures. We even had a couple weeks where it never got out of the 30's. Pele and Tina are NOT winter dogs - especially Tina. I love winter clothes, but I am REALLY looking forward to the 60's this weekend. We did have one other nice weekend - when Boog left for his final Meridian to California drive. So I am officially the only southern belle again. I'll have to start wearing Easter egg colored outifts and hats. As you can tell by my lack of posts and pictures, my life is work work work. I must admit that the 2nd year of National Boards has been enlightening. The research and new instructional strategies that I am doing for the video entry have produced amazing results in my teaching. I even involved the Greening's school with a survey for John and Annie's classes. I am taking an online course to enhance my learning; the content and materials match my "new" strategies perfectly. I can honestly say that it is a good thing that I am in the 2nd year. However, I really do not want to do a 3rd... I have two weeks until spring break, when I will be doing major writing for NB. I have until tax day, but hope to have it pretty well done by the end of March. My voice treatment is March 18. We start standardized testing the day we return - great planning, Board of Ed...Greg's brother Brad and Co. visited last weekend. Unfortunately, I had a conference all day Saturday, but really enjoyed them. The boys are growing so quickly!

Christmas 2009

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My vacation this year was wonderful! I missed seeing my side of the family, but we enjoyed our time in Florida with Greg's family. The boys participated in their Nativity program, which was a special way to enjoy Christmas Eve Mass with them. The 3 boys are VERY true to their birth order; it's amazing. Griffin (16 months) is our Godson (not Grandson....). It's also amazing how the Norwegian genes seem to be dominant. Kim has very dark, naturally curly hair! Greg's dad was there, and he came to B'ham New Year's week to visit with us as well.
My time at home was not wasted. Since our last day was the 18th, I had plenty of time to do all of those things that I save for my time off. I did home projects and school/National Board work. I familiarized myself with my new computer, which I love, and video chats! It's so nice to see you when we talk. I hope to chat more when I have showered, dressed, and put on make-up. I'm sure you all agree!

Goodbye Tracey and Marin

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I created an album for Marin to take with her to remember her time with Aunt Sara. You can tell that I did not have my camera for the first year that they were "here." Also, I neglected to take enough pictures with the adults, especially Tracey! Who could imagine that the majority of my pictures are of my precious Goddaughter only? I am grieving their departure, but I remind myself how blessed we are that we had three years! Not only did I get to enjoy sharing in Marin's first few years, but I also treasure the time with Boog and Tracey. I feel that I have the pleasure of knowing my baby brother as a superb grown man (didn't I teach him to tie his shoes and carry him around the house?) and his lovely wife. I know that I have incredible brothers and sisters-in-law, but this opportunity allowed me to enjoy a new friend in Tracey! I could go on, but I do not want to start bawling (again). I must add that although I dwell on my loss, I AM very happy for them to get back to California. It will be an incredible place to visit, and they promise to still have "Aunt Sara's room and bathroom!" (Did you hear the comment by Marin to Mom this summer that she was allowed to use "Aunt Sara's" bathroom during her visit? )
p.s. Can anyone tell me how to get music in the slideshow?

Merry Christmas!

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I hope this works. I'm watching Christmas Vacation and thinking of my family! Found this on youtube.

No Excuse!

I have no good excuse for not updating my blog. I have enjoyed keeping up with all of yours! Greg and I have been enjoying our normal, everyday life - work, gym, dogs, and football. I've visited Boog and family for some good times and good food! It's fun being there for the growth of "California Baby" and preparing the big sister. They've been here a couple times, and Greg and I were petsitters for Muzzy when they went to South Bend. Leah (I can never remember how she spells her name...) was not available. As you can see, she is a true pet lover! A little later Pele even kissed Mr. Cal. It was quite amusing, especially since Mr. Cal didn't seem to mind. Marin continues to impress with her growth and brilliance. I can say that as her aunt! She is like her cousin Annie with language. I'm also amazed at her "negotiation" skills. (For example, Boog told her she could have a candy after church. She brought it to me, pointed to the label, and proclaimed to me that it said, "eat before church.")
My voice continues to improve, so I hope to catch up with everyone. Even better, my Christmas/Birthday present is a new laptop and I will be good to go for video chats! I decided that it would ease the national board pain to have a better "tool" to work with. After many hours of research and continual checking websites for deals, I ordered an MSI computer from Tiger Direct. Although I'm not familiar with the brand, I spoke with a human computer guy for my final comparisons. THis one appears to meet my needs, and even has the webcam, which was a "want" not a "must have" on my list! I'm quite pleased with the deal that I got, and it has a 3 year warranty to ease my mind. It has dual core tech, plenty of storage, and windows 7. Speed! It may take a week or two to get here because it was back ordered, but I will be in touch!! (Yes - I even woke up every two hours to see if I could get the $298 HP deal from Wal Mart online Friday, and went there at 4:00 AM to confirm what I thought - impossible. ) I ended up getting more (without the brand name) for less than $100 more. As you can tell, I'm excited about this. Hopefully I'll be able to transfer all of my info and software with ease.
As for the holidays, we plan to visit Greg's family in Florida and be at home to work. I have a couple work sessions scheduled already with some fellow "national boarders" in my district. There are 2 others in year two for my same subject area and one who just earned hers. We should be able to provide moral support to each other and collaborate. I'm not clear yet on how much I must do over, but at least I'm in a better starting place then I was last year. It will still be a ton of work, but hopefully will not consume me as fully as it did from January - March '09.
Sorry for the long, rambling post. You will probably be happy if I don't do another for a month! Love to all.