...... and then this happened

Oh my word ! I won ! I cannot express how happy I was to hear my named called ! I sat at a back table with my sweet friend, Valerie - not with all the other THS teachers who were smack dab in the middle of the room. It was a great meal, the Rotarians we sat with were very well-mannered, and I walked out with Teacher of Distinction ...... Bam ---- what ?!?

Three Weeks down, Fifteen until Christmas !

Oh my goodness - three weeks of school are over ! Things are going right along - my classes are beyond full, and the man's are nice and small. Monkey is doing well in 10th grade , and Ladybug loves 2nd grade.
And people - Spring Break is not that far away !!!!

I have to say, the return to Lucerne is going to be awesome ! I am so looking forward to this trip - we have a great group going, and both children will be joining us, for the first time ! Wooo Hoooo !!!!!

One Week

In one tiny week - seven little days - we will be back in school. I love what I do , so it is not as painful to me as it is to most. Of course, there are always a few things on my summer list that I did not get done, and I think of them in the last few days - rushing to clean closets and organize craft supplies, and exhaust myself to the point that school will be a rest. At any rate, this happened ---

Movie night with the ladybug - we loved Minions, even though there were scary bits!

I taught art at the TCT camp for kids - two groups each day --- they were precious, and we made some great stuff !

it's always a good time

 isn't it nice to be someone's flower? Especially with my glasses, even.

 Big happy fun time on Pensacola Beach - why have we not gone sooner?!

 After watching the local children's theatre production of "Mulan" , we were able to meet the stars - Ladybug was overwhelmed!

 The man enjoyed a toes-up while I life-guarded the sweeties.....

I was invited to a dinner with some of my students - they all work for local McDonald's , and the owner has this dinner each year, inviting seniors , families, and teachers. He gives $1000 scholarships for one senior at each of his establishments , and I was fortunate enough to see four of my sweet students get them. Amazing man, and an amazing opportunity .

Seven for the seven who tried to get to heaven

She is seven today. Seven, people. I am in awe that this beautiful child who loves reading, singing, make-up, and her family ~ is ours. Life is good.
I am preparing for her sleep-over today. The party will be tomorrow night, and I am not really sure why we agreed to a sleep over with this  many girls - I think we should have had ONE friend over first. You live, you learn. I am sure mayhem will ensue.
Only five more weeks of school , and then the monkey will turn 15. At that thought, I just need to get back in the bed.
Wonderful day, and wonderful world. Thank you, God.

Times like these

 I cannot express how proud I am of Ladybug creating this Reading Fair board all alone. She did not want any help - how many first graders can say that ? She did almost everything by her self - I was willing to create a huge Junie B Jones for the top, an Easter Egg Hunt for the table, and print out or cut out all the letters and paragraphs. She wanted to hand write it all. I think it is lovely. I love her.

 And this is Ethel. Named after Ethel Mertz, the man's favorite character on 'I Love Lucy' . but Ladybug thinks her name is 'Ethel Mae Mercy' and I quite like that.

No pictures of the monkey - he is too busy being a ninth grader, I think......

well, it's about time

It has taken me MONTHS, I tell you, to post again - new computer, new passwords, etc. Too much . At any rate, exams start tomorrow, Christmas is in nine tiny days, and life is wonderful. Oh, and Ethel is finally here. Ladybug is still scared of her - now, really.... who can be scared of this ?