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!