Nostalgia

I am watching this classic with Luke

It has been years since I last watched it, but it brings all the feelings of joy I got from watching it when I was a kid.  Maybe even more because I get to watch my own child enjoying it too!

A first for me this summer was watching this classic:

Yes - I am sure if you are reading this, you are horrified, as everyone else has been when they've heard I'd never seen it.  My students from last year felt I was very lacking in my education because I had never seen the Wizard of Oz.  One of them gave me a copy of my own as a parting gift at the end of the year, so I had to make sure I watched it.  I have to say that I didn't love it, but I think I would have enjoyed it much more if I had actually watched it as a child.  At least now I don't have to sheepishly admit my lacking in this area when it comes up in conversation!

What I Love About My Job

What do I love about my job?  These people!  They make coming to work every day an adventure.  Sometimes, they even make it feel like it's not a job.  Working with middle school students is a challenge and a joy all at the same time, but it is made all the better when you get to do it with people you really love.

Showing off our (7A) Titan spirit today!

Yep - we're rockin the headbands

My "roommate" Jodi and me

Toni & me

Our new math teacher Brandi (there is a reason for the bikini over her clothes) with Toni

Chris & Jodi

First Day of School

It is official.  My little guy is now a kindergartener.  I am proud to say that I only teared up one time today - in the shower before anyone else was up, so I didn't embarrass anyone.  I was just thinking about my little 4 pound baby who showed up 8 weeks earlier than expected & how I remembered looking at him thinking about what year it would be when he went to Kindergarten ( is that just the teacher in me, or does everyone do that?).  I thought at the time that it seemed so far away, but let me tell you...it has happened in the blink of an eye.  I am so proud of this kid, though.  He wanted to ride the bus this morning & he did it & got to class with no problems this morning.  He was pretty proud that he also found his bus home this afternoon without the help of his teacher.  We were informed that "riding the bus is so fun!" & they are going to get "so crazy" in PE tomorrow.  What a moment...to see him basking in his independence & being so proud, but so sad because my little one is not so little anymore.

My baby - 1 day old

11 days old - still so tiny!

Not so tiny anymore!

Ginger is proud too!

My handsome boys!

First day for both of us

Happy Anniversary

Happy 14th anniversary to my wonderful husband!  I can't believe it has been so many years.  It is a blessing to know each day that I am still excited to come home to my best friend & favorite (well one of 3) person in the world!  Enjoy a couple wedding pics - sorry for the quality - this was before the day of the digital camera, so I just took a couple pics of the pics. :)

Sealing the deal

Newlyweds!

Summer's End...

My principal has told us that our theme for this school year is "Endless Summer".  It's a nice thought, but sadly, it has ended.  We tried to end it with as much fun for Luke as we could.  A trip to the Deanna Rose Farmstead was a fun way to spend a morning & we spent as much time by a pool as we possibly could, but alas, summer has come to an end...

Doesn't he just look like an explorer?

Hanging with Dad

Living his life-long dream of "driving" a tractor

He was so excited to see a John Deere Tractor

Getting ready for the real deal

Battle Scars

Luke learned to ride his bike without training wheels at grandma's and grandpa's last week.  He did great!  However, all of us who have learned to ride bikes know that it does not come without a crash or two.  This face is the result of yesterday's first big crash.  And, I'm sure you're wondering...was he wearing his helmet? Alas, I will not win mother of the year - I left his helmet at home when we visited grandma and grandpa yesterday.  I can assure you that will not happen again!  I'm sure it won't be the last time he has some big scrapes, but hopefully, they won't be on his face next time!  Thank goodness we have 2 weeks until school starts for the face to heal! :)

You Can Take the Dog off the Farm...

but you can't take the farm out of the dog.  Not only does Luke love visiting my parents who live out in the countryside, but Ginger does too!  Seriously...we call her the farm dog anytime we go visit.  As soon as she gets out of the car, she is off & running, sniffing out all the wonderful scents of the other animals that must  wander around their property.  Our well-behaved sweetheart becomes a dog that doesn't listen to a command we give her once she's on the trail of something.  It is hilarious to watch her run around like a puppy, because at home, she doesn't have enough room in our small yard.  It's hard to believe from watching her there that she is nearly 9 years old!

Exploring

Nose to the ground

It's all good

Exploring with Luke

The frog Ginger obsessed over once it jumped down on the ground where she could stalk it. :)

Gotta love the farm!