Denver Bound

Today we're flying out to Denver to celebrate the new year and attend a friend's wedding. Korra is extra excited because it's snowing there!

Stone Mountain

After church (back in our renovated building) we took a spur of the moment trip to Stone Mountain (thanks to some free tickets). We still had to pay $20 for parking but we got ride the train and the sky lift and play a round of mini golf for free. It was too foggy to see the carving but we didn't mind. 

Indian and a bubble bath

After saying goodbye to Nate's parents, a nap and a good amount of housecleaning, we joined friend for Indian takeout for dinner. It was delicious, though everything we ordered was super spicy. We got home in time for Korra to go to bed and for me to take an hour long bubble bath while reading Outlander. If Christmas break-ing was an Olympic sport, I think I'd be well on my way to gold. 

Mary Poppins

Nate's parents are here in Atlanta with us for a couple days. Yesterday we went to see Mary Poppins Returns (a little disappointing) and ate dinner at Arepa Mia (I've been wanting to go since we moved here and it did not disappoint!) 

Blanket

Finished crocheting the blanket for my niece last night. I think she likes it!

Ugly Sweater Cookies

Had fun making these with my mom and sister.

Merry Christmas!

Baby snuggles

My 8 month old niece fell asleep on me last night and again this morning. I'm loving getting all these sweet baby snuggles!

First Birthday

Today we went to church with friends from college and then joined them at their house to celebrate their son's first birthday. Their friendship over the past 14 years. 

New Jammies

Asheville

At my parents' for the next few days to celebrate Christmas with them and my sister and her family!

Sleep issues

Woke up at 4am again and couldn't go back to sleep. I hate that. 

Survivor Finale

Watched the Survivor finale with friends tonight. I only wish I was less tired to enjoy their company more!

Bodies Exhibit

Today we had a field trip to the Bodies exhibit. It was really cool and I enjoyed the teaching opportunities (mainly in the line of sex ed) that it allowed me to have. 

Too Late

After being incredibly challenging all week, a student manages to make me stay late for a conference with his mom and basketball coach at 3:30 on the Friday we get out for break. It's not enough that I had to put up with his terrible behavior all week?  You couldn't have asked me about his grade any of the 10 times I texted you?  I am so done. 

Awards

Korra got perfect attendance and reading awards for the quarter!

Getting sick

Woke up with a sore throat and runny nose. Of course I'm going to get sick over Christmas. 

Too early?

If I go to bed at 8pm am I increasing the likelihood that I'll wake up at 4am again?

Death by a thousand paper cuts

But instead of paper cuts it's arguing, horseplaying, off-task, interrupting 7th graders. 

Crying at school

This morning I pounded in the steering wheel and yelled for 10 seconds because it was raining and Korra had trouble buckling her seatbelt. Being exceptionally wise, Korra reminded me that if all the little things are adding up I can talk it out and take belly breaths. 

I cried twice at school before I even taught my students. Once because I can't handle schedule changes when in already stressed and a second time because I graded my final exams and the scores were awful. 

We still have curriculum night tonight as a full day of school tomorrow. 

Romper

I bought this romper/jumpsuit.  I'm wearing it today and I love it.

Saturday's Breakfast

I am so ready for Christmas break that I already ordered a special breakfast for Saturday morning from the local bakery.  Croissants, cinnamon rolls, scones and fried chicken eggs Benedict for Nate.  Dreaming about future food always helps me get through touch times.

This is me today

God Help Me

It's the last Monday before Christmas break. My partner teacher is out and there isn't likely to be a sub. 2 other teachers on my team are out. We have final exams today. God help me. 

Moving

Today was our church's last Sunday service in the elementary school. We've been meeting there for 6 months while the building was being renovated and that wet finally get to move back!  No more unpacking and pushing every Sunday!

Pretzels

Korra and I watched Home Alone and made chocolate covered pretzels for Christmas gifts. There are so many sprinkles on the floor. 

ClearBlue

This morning I met a friend for breakfast at Chick-fil-A. Right before leaving, I went to the bathroom where I saw a ClearBlue pregnancy test wrapper in the trashcan of my stall. I'm dying of curiosity to know the story behind why someone is taking a pregnancy test in the Newnan Chick-fil-A bathroom on a Saturday morning. 

Roller skating

Our school had a skate night so Korra got to try out roller skating for the first time. She loved it. She was so determined to learn. After a few minutes I rented this thing for her to push around (helping her was killing my back) and she soon told me I didn't have to help her anymore and I could go- she wanted to skate with her school friends. After an hour, she was ready to skate without the push thing and I was so impressed with her perseverance. She got up quickly every time. Nearly 2 hours of skating and she was falling more often (plus it was 8:00), so I decided to call it a night. She cried that her whole body hurt but also that we had to leave and couldn't come back tomorrow. She also asked between sobs if I would but her a pair of skates. 

Sweater

I bought this sweater at Value Village for $4 a few months ago. Finally got to wear it today. 

New Boots

Thanks to a generous friend with similarly sized feet, I'm rocking a new pair of boots today.  My toes are so toasty!

Tea and Pee

My students are in the middle of their final exam for my class.  My coteacher is giving the exam in the library with a small group.  I really need to pee.  I also have a bit of a headache so I would love a cup of that new mint green tea I bought.  60 more minutes until I have my coteacher back...

Bake Off Champion!

I won the school bake off!  

Turkey Pot Pie

Shared Turkey pot pie and leftover Sisters Only Bars with some friends for dinner. Then crocheting and watching Mrs Maisel. Only thing that could made the day better is if it was Friday and I didn't have school tomorrow. 

Bake Off

Tomorrow we are having a staff bake off.  So tonight I'm making two 9x13 pans of Sisters Only Bars.  Fingers crossed I win!

Outlander

I've watched 3 seasons of Outlander while on the treadmill over the last few weeks. Now I'm all caught up and I have no idea what to watch tomorrow. What else will keep me motivated and running at 5:30am?

Sleeping in

I would like to work from 10-3:30 every day. Except that some students don't handle change well, it was the perfect length workday. 

Re: Bone

Korra's reading her first graphic novel and she's loving it!

Delay!

2 hour delay tomorrow due to the possibility of ice. Sleeping in!  Drinking coffee and reading on the couch!  Less time with farty tweens!

Bone

Korra's reading her first graphic novel and she's loving it!

Christmas Decorations

Our first year having a fireplace

Meals with Friends Yesterday

Brunch (strata and muffins!) with Beth and Kelley followed by brisket and games with church friends for dinner. A nice way to spend the rainy cold day. 

Fart Poem

Ode to Farts

A Sonnet by Farty McGee (this is my pen-name)

My splendid farts, you inspire me to write.

I hate the way you erupt and explode,

Invading my mind day and through the night,

Always dreaming about the next episode.

Let me compare you to a pretender?

You are more lethal and more enormous.

Rough frost bites my fingers in December,

And wintertime you come to warm us.

How do I hate you? Let me count the ways.

I hate your glorious smell, sound and taste.

Thinking of your squeaky sound fills my days.

My hate for you just cannot be erased.

Now I must away before I do fart,

Remember these my words whilst we're apart

Scarves

Finished crocheting black and yellow striped scarves for my administrators but totally forgot to take pictures. Hopefully they will keep them warm at car rider duty today. 

Fart Poem

I need to do a last minute review of sonnets before a big test. I scour the internet to find a sonnet that doesn't suck. No luck. I find a poem generator website and create a sonnet about farts. I am the best middle school teacher ever. 

Early Dismissal

There's a water outage in several areas of the city including our school so we had an unexpected early dismissal at 11:30!  Grading papers in the comfort of my own home. 

Unseasonably warm

Earlier this week the high was in the 40s. Yesterday it rained all day. Today it was sunny and 70. By Tuesday the high will be in the 40s again. We made the most of the day and enjoyed brunch with church friends and some time playing in the park. 

Christmas Decorating

Watching Elf, making and eating pancakes, and putting up the Christmas decorations. Happy Advent!

Bubble bath

Reading Outlander in the bubble bath makes my rough Friday afternoon melt away. 

Weeknight Friends

Tonight we had dinner with some friends. This elevates them to a while new friend level. You have to have a certain level of familiarity and comfortability to hang out on a school night. It has to be low key and relaxing and I have to be able to say, "it's 8:00 and I need to go to bed." It's nice to realize we have more and more friends who fit into that category. 

Fart Radius

During a timed essay this afternoon, one of my students let out a quiet, but long fart. All of the students around him quickly and quietly scooted their desks away from him until he was quite alone in the center of the room.

This is by far the gassiest group of middle schoolers I've ever taught. 

Chili and cornbread

Perfect night for a crockpot full of chili and reading on the couch under an afghan. 

Leaf Fight

It was 40 degrees outside when we took the kids out for recess. We had an epic leaf fight. I took some amazing pictures but I can't post most of them because they are of the kids. Here are a few

Danny

Danny came for Thanksgiving! And I completely forgot to get a picture. He's currently living in Ohio (he travels around the country installing conveyer belts in factories). It was so nice to see him and hear how well he's doing, even if seeing his Camaro and hearing about his $500 speeding ticket did make me very nervous. 

Here are some other Thanksgiving pictures since I didn't get one of Danny. 

Crafting

Korra did a lot of Thanksgiving crafting. She made a board game called "Thanksgiving Fun." She made a Thanksgiving banner and a turkey craft, too.

I worked on a blanket for my niece and on some scarves for my coworkers. 

Turkey Trot

On Thanksgiving morning, my father in law, sister in law and I drove into downtown Blue Ridge at 6:30am for the 5K Turkey Trot. It was 27 degrees when the race began. Waiting for the race to begin was the worst part. We ran (and walked) together which slowed my time a bit (39 min 24 sec) but it was fun and I think we'll do it again. 

On the way home we saw a half dozen turkeys crossing the road right in front of the car. Feels like it must be a good sign on Turkey Day. 

Thanksgiving Party

We spent about 3 hours at our friends' house for their giant Thanksgiving party. They had over 120 RSVP. We probably saw over 70 during our time there (people were still arriving when we left). Fun but overwhelming at times. 

Now we're on our way to the cabin for the week!

Metal Stamping

This morning I went to a metal stamping class. I made 2 necklaces, a bracelet, and a keychain and had a great time. Definitely a craft I could get into. 

After 2

Before 2:00 was a great day. After 2:00 was awful. I need Thanksgiving to be restful and restorative in more ways the one. 

Flying Solo

My coteacher took the day off so I've got both classes on the day before Thanksgiving break. Thanks, Clint. 

2 Unrelated Things with Onomatopoeias at the End

1) I made French toast with leftovers from my homemade bread and it was amazing. Yum. 

2) I just saw that 102 people have RSVPed "yes" to the Thanksgiving meal/party we're going to at a friend's house tomorrow. Whoa. 

Ants

Woke up to a sink full of ants.  Thankfully it was in the bathroom and not the kitchen.  Really glad the rain is supposed to finally stop today.

Evaluation

Today I had my mid-year evaluation. My lesson went really well because of careful planning and months of working towards growth as a professional. It was my best evaluation at Kindezi so far. It feels like my best evaluation ever, in part because every evaluation I've had at previous schools has felt more like a formality. Just some boxes to check rather than an actual opportunity for reflection and growth.  There was never any incentive to be more than acceptable. My job was secure and I'd get my raise for putting in the years. Now my raise is tied to my evaluations (among other things), but it's not just that. There's also this culture of professional growth that has me motivated to be a better teacher in a much more focused and intentional way.  It's a good feeling. 

Rainy and Cold

It has been raining ALL day.  And cold.  So thankful that Girl Scouts got cancelled.  Looking forward to going home (after tumbling) to homemade ramen and the last few chapters of my book.

Alarm Songs

I have 11 alarms in my phone just for school (because we don't have bells to signal class changes). I just spent 20 minutes picking songs for each one of those alarms. Mostly I picked them because they are songs that will make me smile. Sometimes I picked them for their names (such as "Never There" for my "take attendance" alarm). Here's hoping this bit of novelty and humor will help me though these last 5 days before Thanksgiving break. 

Sleepover Success

Both girls were sound asleep by 8:30. In the morning we had chocolate chip pancakes. While working on Perler beads, I heard Korra's friend say, "this is the best sleepover ever." I felt like I won at mom-ing. 

At least until Korra had a complete meltdown at church. Ah well. 

First sleepover

Korra invited a friend over for her first sleepover. They played with Play Dough, made cookies, and watched a movie with popcorn. Assuming no one cries or gets sick overnight, I think we'll count it as a success!

Mae

My ears are still ringing from the concert we went to last night but it's worth it. 

Some wonderful friends brought us Chinese food for dinner (no driving in the traffic and rain!) and then babysat Korra so we could go to the Mae concert at the Masquerade (which is only a little over a mile from our house!).  It was a great concert even if I did feel really old because a) it was too loud and b) the lights were to bright and c) it was so late (11:30!). 

Toothless

Tooth Fairy Note

Korra lost her second tooth tonight, while watching Genius Jr (she loves the smart kids, I love looking at Niel Patrick Harris) and flipping through the new Essential Pokemon Handbook she bought at the book fair. She insisted on writing a note to the tooth fairy to ask if she could keep her tooth and still get money. She was so excited, I thought the tooth fairy (me) would fall asleep before she did. It actually made it a little easier this time since I didn't have to find the tooth, only slip a dollar coin under. I'll try to get a photo of her smile tomorrow. 

Eye Doctor

In the last month Korra let has had check-ups at the pediatrician, dentist, and eye doctor. Good news- we liked the new eye doctor (it's only a mile from the house) and her farsightedness is improving. The less good news is that though her farsightedness might go away, her eyes will likely continue right past 20/20 and she'll become as nearsighted as her parents. That astigmatism in her left eye isn't going anywhere either. 

Baked Blueberry Oatmeal

Rainy cold afternoons call for delicious breakfast for dinner. 

Guinness Book

My students really enjoyed looking at the Guinness Book of World Records at the Book Fair.  I couldn't afford to spend $30 on it, so I checked on Thriftbooks and found each of the past 4 years of record books for only $3 each- with free shipping!  

All Graded

It was such a good feeling to be completely caught up on my grading yesterday. It almost makes me want to stop giving assignments so I can stay this way. 

I voted

Waited in line for an hour but I did it

Christmas Books

Just spent $75 on thriftbooks.com on Christmas presents for the nieces and nephews. I love buying books for my favorite little people!

Genius Jr

Korra has been binge watching Genius Jr this morning (and I don't mind at all since Neil Patrick Harris is the host). 

Shower

This afternoon I enjoyed celebrating my brother and his fiance at a shower at their house. The food and decor were wonderfully Halloween themed, while the gifts were mostly Christmas decorations. It was so great. 

Nate had to stay home with Korra (because her cold triggered her asthma) and watch lots of Pokemon. 

Much Better

Friday was much better than Thursday. We played a fun game on class and the kids were much kinder. My mom was waiting for us when we got home and so was a Crock-Pot full of my favorite soup. 

Homework

Doing her math homework while listening to Andrew WK. 

Caffeine vs Sugar

This morning I spent some time trying to figure out how much caffeine I needed to balance out the amount of sugar my sleep deprived students would consume before the end of the day. 

My morning was spent in a very boring meeting and my afternoon was a frustrating power struggle. It was like a life size game of whack-a-mole but the moles are sugar-fueled, hormone-riddled 12 year olds who don't want to stay in the room much less in their seats and are hell bent on touching each other and making each other cry. And instead of a mallet all I have is threats of lunch detention and phone calls to their moms. 

After school I was supposed to go to an attendance committee (it's exactly as fun as it sounds) but got a call from Nate that the dealership had to keep his car overnight. So Korra and I drove 45 min in rush hour traffic to pick Nate up. 

Needless to say, today was hard. 

Pokemon

Tension Activity

Today we taught the narrative technique of tension and surprise.   We showed them short scary videos and then have them the first half of a scary story about a clown where they had to write the ending. While they wrote we turned it all the lights, put on scary music, and even had an administrator dress up as a clown as sneak into the room. Scaring then was the best part of my day. 

Halloween costumes

Matilda

Korra and I watched Matilda this afternoon. It was her first time seeing it and she thought it was "really funny but sometimes scary" which was also her review for Hocus Pocus. 

Frida

Went shopping at the thrift store yesterday morning. Not only did I get what I need to complete my Halloween costume, I also got 3 sweaters and 2 shirts, all for $30. 

Last night I went to my coteacher's Halloween party and wore my first costume in years. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out and I'm looking forward to wearing it again on Wednesday. 

Hocus Pocus

Friends invited us over to eat chilli and watch Hocus Pocus. Perfect rainy cold Friday night. 

Unfair

I've been called unfair approximately 17 times today by 10 student students. How could I possibly be unfair to so many kids?

No MakeUp

A student in my second block class just pointed out that my face "looks kind of bland today."  I guess I forgot to put on concealer and mascara.  At least I remembered deodorant.  

Dental Work

All 3 of us had appointments to get our teeth checked and cleaned today. I ended up having 4 hours of dental work done. Thankfully, I am the one of the three of us with dental insurance, but it still cost nearly $500 to have an old filling and part of a tooth removed and then replaced. No wonder people hate the dentist. 

Tacky Day

Homophobia

I am so so so tired of hearing students say, "that's gay," "no homo," and "faggot."  Most of my students have my speach about this memorized but a couple (plus kids in other classes) keep me busily repeating it. I just have to repeat my prayer that has sustained me through 13 years of teaching middle school. "God, help me to plant seeds of love. Provide water and sunshine for years to come. I trust that growth will come, even if I never see it."

conspiracy theorist

One of my coteachers is a serious conspiracy theorist.  I just want to avoid him during planning.  Holy crap.  If he talks about the CDC and the flu shot or the healing powers of essential oils one more time....

Quote

Read this in the daily email from the Center for Contemplation and it feels really important. 

"Love protects us from nothing, even as it unexplainably sustains us in all things"

Brave Korra

At ninja tumbling, Korra did a front flip over a bar by herself for the first time!  So proud of how brave she's getting. 

Waffles Required

My coteacher was out sick today and there were no subs to be had so I taught both his class and mine. It was fine until last block. That was rough. So I asked Nate to make waffles for dinner which I ate immediately after changing into sweatpants and a sweatshirt. Balance restored. 

Vegan AND Gluten Free

Because I love my coteacher and I only know how to express appreciation through baked goods, today I made vegan gluten free brownies. (Because it wasn't enough to be vegan he had to cut wheat out too). They aren't as good as traditional (aka real) brownies but they will properly convey my gratitude. 

Homecoming

This weekend was homecoming at our Alma mater. We didn't go but we did get to see 3 fellow alumni, which is a pretty good compromise.

Lost Tooth!

Korra lost her first tooth today while we were walking in the beltline with friends!

Apple Crisp

I came home from work and immediately made apple crisp. Fall!

Hammock

I wish I'd gotten a picture of Nate and Korra laying in the hammock on the balcony reading this afternoon. 

Conferences

I have parent conferences after school every day this week. The days are so long. I need another fall break. 

Life of Leisure

After a week off of school, I thought I would be refreshed and ready to come back. Nope.  All my fall break did for me was confirm my suspicions that I was made for a life of leisure.  Staying in my pajamas all day in my life's calling.  

In other news, going back to work has been hard.

Pride Parade

We left the house before 9am to pick up the church van and park it in line for the Pride Parade. We waited 3 hours for the parade to start (Korra danced for a solid 2 hours of that wait) and then we waited for another 3 hours for our section of the parade (the end) to move. After all that waiting we walked the 4 mile parade route giving out beads, bracelets, flyers and telling people "Happy Pride! God loves you!" Korra loves the music, glitter, dancing, and the number of people who tell her she is adorable. 

We then walked the 2 miles home. We are exhausted. 

Cabin Time

We spent Monday night through this morning at the cabin.  Just the 3 of us.  We took naps, read on the porch (enjoying the beautifully cooler weather), built puzzles and played board games, and ate yummy food.  Korra and I went on a little hike.  No internet.  No cell phones.  It was glorious.  I feel refreshed. 

Real Adulting

Getting a flu shot at Target so you can get a gift card. Using that gift card to buy new underwear. 

Tax Refund!

We finally got our tax refund!  Only 7 months late. 

Last Swim

It's over 90 degrees and the pool is still open so we have some friends over for a swim and homemade pizza. 

Whooppee cushion

I went back to school today but only made it until lunch. During my 4 hours there, a student used an actual whooppee cushion in class. That's a first. 

Still sick

Stayed home again today. Added a cough and runny nose to my illness. I'm going in tomorrow unless I start barfing. I still feel awful but I'm bored and don't want to use up all my sick days. 

Guilt

The worst part about being sick isn't how it hurts to talk or swallow or breathe. It's how guilty I feel about taking a sick day. I feel like I'm inconveniencing/adding to the stress of everyone. 

No subs

I began calling subs at 5am. Couldn't find a single one to cover my class. My throat hurts so bad. I went in and stayed until I looked pitiful enough that other people worked out how to cover my class. I tried 4 times to do an online doctor's appointment (didn't work a single time). My sister was able to confirm its most likely not strep (probably bacterial) so all I can do is what I've already been doing: drinking water and hot tea, gargling salt water, sinus rinses, hot showers, Tylenol, and cough drops. And hopefully rest. 

Loose Teeth

Korra has 2 loose teeth!  

Fall festival

Korra and Nate are spending the day at the Candler Park Fall Festival. 

Drowning in Mucus

I woke up several times last night gasping because I dreamt I was drowning. Turns out it was just serious post-nasal drip. I finally went to sleep in the couch to spare Nate my repeated coughing, gasping, crying fits. Needless to say, I'm not feeling me best today. 

I dropped Nate and Korra off at the fall festival and now I'm going to nap. 

4:30am

If you wake up at 4:30 am and you can't go back to sleep you make a big pot of cheese grits and read Outlander. 

Back to back Birthday parties

10am birthday party for a 7 year old at a park

12pm birthday party for another 7 year old at their home. 

I am birthday partied out. 

Not my best

Today was a hard day. No one thing in particular, I'm just tired and frustrated and worn out. This evening I ate half a large pepperoni pizza on the couch while watching Survivor and will most likely be asleep by 8:30. 2 weeks until fall break. 

Mantra

At the beginning of each class every day, my class repeats this mantra:

Why do we read and learn? To understand the world. 

Why do we speak and write? To be understood in the world. 

Why do we do it will? To be respected in the world. 

Why do we want to be respected in the world? Because I am valuable and I matter. 

What's that smell?

Today I taught dialogue. The writing prompt was "what's that smell?" One student decided to make it a more "immersive" experience and while his classmates were sharing their dialogues, he intentionally and repeatedly farted. 

Hammock

Put up our hammock on the balcony and spent a very enjoyable hour relaxing in it. Fall evenings are here!

Lucky kid

A student was acting like a butt this morning. I tried to text his mom but my phone wouldn't sent the text. In fact, it wouldn't send any texts no matter what I tried. At lunch this same student asked me to talk with him. He apologized and we had a good conversation. He said, "I know you already texted my mom..." and I told him that I actually hadn't yet as now didn't plan to. I told him that maybe I just wasn't supposed to send that text after all. Not 5 minutes my phone started working and sending texts again.

Some Mondays

Every other Monday Korra has Girl Scouts right after tumbling. It stresses me out to race across town to make it to the meeting (always late). I really want Korra to do Girl Scouts and I'd feel (irrationally) really guilty for quitting this small troop. And there isn't a Daisy troop any closer to our house.  But I don't feel like I connect with the other moms. I feel like I'm missing something.

School Work and Baking

After church and lunch out with friends, I spent a couple hours grading papers and filling out school paperwork and then a couple hours cooking and baking.  I enjoyed the second task a lot more than the other.  I made chicken pot pie with buttermilk biscuit crust, banana pecan bread, tomato sauce for lasagna, black beans for enchiladas, and a chopped salad for dinner tomorrow night.   

Paella

We had dinner with friends tonight who cooked the most magnificent chicken paella on their grill. Dinner was delicious, the kids had a great time playing, and the adults enjoyed catching up. 

Celebration French Toast

Celebrated my 36 minute 5K with pecan crusted french toast and a leisurely shopping trip at Trader Joe's. 

5K

Running a 5k for brain cancer research with Jordan on our minds (and shirts!)

Parent Meetings

Somehow ended up with 2 parent meetings after 4:00 on a Friday. Holy crap am I tired. 

Rough Morning

Korra had a rough morning so I did too. We left the house at 7:05. It took us over 20 minutes to bike to school (it should have taken 10). Korra fell over, stopped multiple times, screamed, cried, and whined. She was still throwing a fit when we walked into school, past all the parents dropping of their kids, past my principal and co-workers, only one minute before bring late. I didn't have any time to prepare for the day and had to send a sobbing 6 year old to her class. I'd like to say the ride home was better but it wasn't.  And she still asked if she can ride her bike to school tomorrow. 

Inclusive Practices Training

Found out at 10:30am yesterday that I have an all day training today. It's not been totally worthless or terrible.  I feel bad for my partner teacher who is teaching both our classes today  but I enjoyed stopping by Nate's school to bring him lunch. 

Bike to School!

Today Korra and I biked to and from school for the first time!  She was so brave and strong as proud of herself. I'm pretty proud, too. 

Mary Poppins

https://youtu.be/Kz9XzatMe2A

I got goosebumps just watching the trailer. I can't wait!

Dever for New Year's

Friends invited us to their wedding in Denver in the beginning of January so we booked our tickets!  We're going to see some snow this winter. 

Call the Midwife

I watched all 8 episodes of Call the Midwife, season 7 in 3 days. 

Bike Ride

Korra overcame 2 fears today- she rode her bike downhill and she started her bike from a stop- multiple times!  All it took was the motivation to ride the mile to Krispy Kreme :)

Game Night

Our school had a family game night this evening. We had pizza and played board games. It was a little stressful (so loud and so many wild kind!) but once I got into checkers matches with students, it was fun. I beat 3 kids in a row including Korra and a kid from my 2nd block. 

Goals

This morning we had students make a list of goals. One student wrote, "residual income."

Another Win

Today was super stressful as we launched another aspect of our pilot reading program. I fully expected it to be a flaming failure and it actually went great!  I hope this proves that all the research and planning we put into this has been worth it. 

Just Pretend

Sometimes I like to pretend that it's the weekend on a Tuesday and stay up later than I should. I am doing to pay dearly for this at 5:30am when my alarm goes off. 

Board Resignation

Today I resigned from the church board. Ever since Nate's school has become an entity of the church it's been a little bit of a conflict of interest. It felt more and more uncomfortable as this new school year began so it was time to reevaluate.  I need our church to be a healthy place for us and I think this is a good move in that direction. 

Reading Buddies

We FINALLY got our 1st and 7th grade reading buddies program started. It's only taken 6 weeks is school and numerous meetings. But we did it and it was great and everyone involved is looking forward to our next visit. 

Poldark

I've watched the first season of the PBS historical drama Poldark in the past few days. I don't know if I really like it but I can't stop watching it. 

Pool Time

Went to the pool with some friends this afternoon. Fun in the sun plus this cold has me ready for sleep. 

No Running Today

Did I mention I signed up for my first 5K?  It's in 2 weeks.  I was planning to run today (so much easier on the weekend) but I feel yucky.  So I'll either just be really slow or kill myself going fast without preparing. 

10 years (minus 1 month)

Because I'll probably forget to post about it in the middle of October, I just want to point out that I've been blogging nearly daily (and sometimes multiple times a day) for almost 10 years.

Cold #2

6 weeks into the school year and here come my second cold. 

Caffeinated

Why would you send your 7th grader who has ADHD with coffee and 2 frosted doughnuts for his breakfast?!?  

Sick Day

Korra woke up with a fever so I went to school for an hour to get everything settled and called every single sub on the list without finding one before heading back home.  Not a great way to welcome my partner teacher back after he broke his collar bone.  I got a lot of school work done while Korra watch Pokemon, slept, and played with Legos.  She's more or less fine until the Tylenol wears off and then she's miserable.  Praying more sleep and lots of OJ get her back to normal tomorrow.

Less Crowded

Today was the most fun at the water park because it was much less crowded. Most of the slides didn't have any line at all so we could ride over and over. After lunch in the patio we all parted ways- headed home to laundry and grocery shopping and all the other things you have to do to after a vacation. 

Wet Nearly Naked Strangers

We spent the morning playing on the playground and craft room and then a few hours after lunch at the water park. Korra was less enthusiastic today than yesterday but I think that's just because she was so tired. I was less enthusiastic today because I kept getting accidentally touched by wet, nearly naked strangers. Other highlights of the afternoon include the slide we were waiting to go in breaking down, the fire alarm going off, watching a family take a 5 month old baby down a giant water slide, seeing my neice puke twice, taking a snuggly nap with Korra, and mini bowling.