OUT FOR A SPIN

I got home from work the other day to this shnazzy contraption in the driveway (and Andrew's face in the window to gauge my reaction as I saw it). Andrew is doing work for a friend who lives almost an hour away. To keep making the trip in Andrew's truck from destroying our wallet, this generous friend has been sharing his more cost efficient vehicles.

That evening, we of course, took advantage of it and went for a drive. Our first order of business was to casually pull up next to a tree at Porter Park where my sister was reading a book. The looks of curiosity, recognition, and then shock on her face at seeing us in a bright red Mercedes convertible was way too much fun.




As fun as it was, I learned very quickly that for me, riding through town in a car like that was like reliving those dreams where you're at school when you suddenly realize you're naked. Everyone that we passed on the road blatantly stared with a goofy grin on their face. I was soon cowering in the seat in an attempt to disappear from view. I've never been one to enjoy the spotlight.

I was able to enjoy the ride once we were out of town and out of sight of everyone we know. It was a surreal feeling to ride through the epitome of rural, agrarian life in such a flashy ride. A convertible sure opened our senses up to the full experience of Idaho country. We could hear the geese calling out as they flew in their V's over the highway, inhale the wheat being harvested in nearby fields, smell that distinct yummy scent of wood burning stoves (and dairy farms), and we even got to enjoy a full moon as we rolled back into town. And then we figured that a night in a convertible wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Sonic drive-thru. What a fun night!

NEW HOLIDAY

I proclaim today to be "pick-weeds-from-a-field-near-your-house-and-put-them-in-a-vase-on-your-kitchen-table" day!

I dare you!
(Not bad for weeds, eh?)

MY CLASSROOM

It's the same apple tree from last year, except I added the "3rd grade is going to to be totally sweet" part. I think it looks fun. I'm just hoping that parents aren't seeing the "totally sweet" as a juvenile-delinquent-surfer-dude type thing to say. I promise I'm not going to pollute your child's mind with worldly slang all year...dude.

I'm particularly proud of the happy sunflowers and white picket fence on my door.

For Back to School Night, the parents had to guess which portrait was their child's. I think it was a hit. Aren't all those faces so cute?

P.S. Check out my updated camping themed classroom HERE as featured in Scholastic's Instructor Magazine! 

I PROMISE...

This is the very, final post about Washington. I just had to share a few random happenings from our vacay.

On a dirt road drive near Palmer Lake, we happened upon the coolest, oldest wood building ever. (the little red sign may or may not say 'No Trespassing')

Inside were the coolest old beams wrapped with vines that had worked their way through the walls.


All I could think about was what an awesome setting it would be to take portraits. When I mentioned it to Andrew he snapped one for me. =)

Once again, I was this close to the border and couldn't get across. I had forgotten my birth certificate. Who cares about Canada, anyway? =(

Later, we were here...

(Can you say GORGEOUS?)

...when I almost died.

After pausing to take a picture of my predicament, Andrew risked everything to save me. My hero.

After Andrew graduates, we plan on moving here. Anyone care to join us? We'll have plenty of room.

Apparently, apples is to Washington as potatoes is to Idaho. We passed THOUSANDS of these apple picking boxes stacked in rows, patiently waiting for fall.

This is a bush that made me very happy, because it reminded me of Christmas.

Have I mentioned that Washington is gorgeous?

Look who we got to sit by on the drive there and back! No one could keep her entertained and happy quite like Andrew.

We stopped in a little touristy town that reminded us of West Yellowstone or a mini Jackson Hole. Very cute place to walk around.

Well, darn. Now you know all about my whorish, beer drinking ways.

It just seemed right to be holding drippy ice cream cones in such a quaint, happy place.

So we did.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Well, school is back in session. It took the entire summer to recover from last year (physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually), so I feel I have been dragging myself back to work every day. Don't get me wrong...teaching is a blast...it's just that the first year was EXHAUSTING. Fortunately, after the first week of school this year, I am already feeling SO relaxed and confident. Plus, I've set some goals for myself to keep me from getting too burned out again. Next time you see me you should ask me how they're going:

1. I will NEVER, EVER stay at the school working past 5pm again (unless it is before the class play or report cards or parent teacher conferences.), something I did just about every night last year.
2. I am to do everything in my power to keep teaching from consuming every aspect of my life. It takes so much effort to STOP THINKING about work once I am home, but I am determined to do it. For my sanity I must take time off to focus my attention on my home, my husband, religion, and being social.
3. There is a co-worker that hates my guts for reasons that she won't explain. It has been very stressful in the past, but this year I am not going to spend any time worrying and trying to please her. I will be kind and helpful in any way I can and then I will FORGET ABOUT IT. Let the chips fall where they may.

Now that I have that out of the way, let me just say that I am very excited for this new year. My class is packed with some of the cutest 8-year-olds you ever saw, and quite honestly, very few things make me feel more alive than teaching. Bring on the new year!

third day of school: Walking my kids down the hall at the end of the day when a BAT flew past my head. It crawled behind that shiny mirror thing in the background until it was caught in a bucket. The principal gave it to this kid. All I can say is he's got one lucky mother. ;)

DAD, I WAS THINKING ABOUT YOU THE OTHER DAY

We drove over a lot of these on our trip to Washington.

Look at what was going on in Ferndale, Washington at Hovander Park. We went to check it out before we saw it cost a significant fee to get in. No offense, but I have seen more than enough of these for free...I wasn't going to pay a cent. From what I could see from the entrance, it was sure a pretty one though.

Andrew's brother made this himself after playing with mine a few years ago. It is pretty sweet. I may have lost a game or two, and it made me long to be playing against you. I prefer to win. =)

MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE LAKE...

Friends and family are enjoying a relaxing, peaceful day in the sun: swimming, splashing, and playing on the water toys. When suddenly...

...Everyone gangs up and decides that Bodey needs to be shoved from the tramp.

A few brave souls make the first tentative moves!

But to no avail! Bodey is much too powerful for their compounded strength!

But then, what is this?

His attackers lash out with a combined ferocity that can not be matched...even by Bodey's massive fortitude!

His enemies celebrate their triumph!

And scorn him from their stronghold.

But the struggle is soon forgotten. All are too worn out and sun burnt.

And besides, Bodey is a pretty cool guy to have around.