"Excuse Me, Mam, Can I Ask You a Question?"

Last night the event for the middle school group at our church was "People Hunt". It's something that's probably done in lots of groups all over, but the first time for the middle schoolers. That's why Matt and Paula (the mid school pastor and his wife) took some careful time explaining how a group would go about approaching potential "disguised leaders" to ask them a question and get an answer so they could win. In this activity, there may or may not be mistakes made in identification, so it was important that the middle schoolers understood the proper way to conduct themselves when approaching the suspected individuals/strangers.

Kids then broke into groups and traveled to all sorts of destinations in Eugene - the Oakway mall, the Gateway mall, the new Cabella's, Valley River Center, Chuck E. Cheese trying to find their leaders in disguise. Do two of these three individuals look familiar? The one on the left is one of our Tuesday night ladies....looking much older, Kimmie. And, on the right, attempting to disguise her gender is Becky. How awesome that these mid school leaders took such an effort to go above and beyond for this event.

Below are two more adult leaders - COMPLETELY transformed from their normal appearance, and kind of scary!

I was impressed with Brayden, willing to participate in this activity without having any buddy to go with him. He thought it sounded like fun, so he went! Here's him with two of the 8th graders in his group, obviously not intimidated at all by them. Their group apparently did very well, and in fact finished with enough time to head on over to Dairy Queen. =)

Many thanks to all of the volunteers, leaders, and parents that made this happen - as well as Amy Fox who took the pictures I downloaded from Facebook.

It's Friday!

I've been a really bad blogger lately. I'm sorry. I haven't had extraordinary circumstances to blog about, but really ought to do a better job keeping up. I guess that brings us back to some bullet points of the week:

• We had a great time taking Leona out to dinner on Wednesday. So fun hearing about her adventures in the midwest.

• Are you an "American Idol" follower? If so, how do you feel about the final two? I have to admit that these two are our personal favorites, so we couldn't be happier. My final pick would definitely have to be Scotty. Wouldn't that be fantastic if, in the finale, they brought that really young guy that was around in Hollywood, that Scotty felt bad for slighting? We also find it amusing that in Hollywood week during group forming, nobody wanted Scotty in their group....I bet they feel silly now.

• There's talk among fellow bloggers of school already being out. We go all the way until June 16th. As I told Tiffany on Facebook, though, to be fair, it takes summer longer to arrive around here (weather-wise) and August and September are our best months, so I guess it's good we get out later, but return later. Brayden did figure out that this is their last 5 day week, though.

• We found out we get to go to Sunriver for Memorial Day weekend, for no cost of lodging. Huge blessing - I can't wait to get the bikes over there and soak in some Central Oregon beauty.

• I had another horrible heat-induced headache last night. Throwing up and everything... it was awful - I think it was a legitimate migraine as it had nothing to do with muscle ache or skeletal mis-alignment. I have an email out to my doctor to figure out if it has something to do with my medications, because this just won't do. When I was working out on the elliptical I literally had an icepack attached around my neck with a bandanna - so, it's kind of ridiculous that I still over-heated. This is all such a bummer as ironically, my neck issues are finally doing better (thank you Mom!).
  

• Tomorrow is the Trinity Formal - for which we'll be doing the photography again. The weather looks like it will be cooperating - though there's a slight chance of rain. Could be better, but it could be a whole lot worse!

• Finally, I have to direct you to this video. It's just the sort of happy thing to watch and maybe even get weepy too on a Friday!
  

Happy weekend everyone!

A Little Ornithology

Okay, so I'm not officially in the "science" of studying birds - but lately, we've been a little enthralled by them. By sitting in one of the couch facing the back patio door, you get a pretty good view of the evergreens, that are often times the chosen "hide and go seek" locale for some pretty cool birds. Take these two, for example:



I'm almost positive that they are both Western Tanagers, migrating north this time of year from Mexico. (This information brought to you by our local paper and a conversation Brayden had with his science teacher about a really colorful bird trapped in their gym one day). Living on the west coast, we do not have cardinals, so seeing any birds with red on them is pretty dazzling. I get excited about seeing red-winged blackbirds. (And, just in case you don't remember my "bird background" - I actually was part of an animal behavior class in high school where we were quizzed on id'ing a lot of birds. Much of that knowledge is lost now, but I consider that class to have been one of my favorites....and taking this "rabbit trail" even further, I actually had the grandson of that teacher in the class I subbed for today!)

So, back to colorful birds. We spotted these two yesterday bouncing around in our tree. I think we tried to capture them on camera on three different occasions - they were fine to stay where they were as we looked at them through the glass, but once one of us got outside, they'd fly away. Finally, we got some good shots. I'm pretty sure the one with the berry in its mouth is the male and the female is the one in the tree - this assumption based entirely on the general rule of thumb that the more colorful gender in birds is the males.

Wow, who knew you'd get a lesson on birds from The Cozy Corner today? I just get a kick out of wildlife in general, and between these guys and the squirrels running crazy down our fence lines, it just makes me a little bit giddy in thinking summer's on its way. Brayden announced today that this is his last 5 day week....21 days left for the two of them. Woo hoo!

I hope you've had some fun visits lately from feathered friends, furry friends, or friends in general that have started your weeks out with a smile too.

From Whining to Inspiring

Happy Weekend.

Okay, I'm not trying to complain here - because compared to the flooding and tornadoes and hurricanes that have hit the midwest and the south, we are very blessed. However, it has been one of the coldest springs on record. Apparently, there's the La Nina, the Icelandic Volcano, and another climatic phenomenon combining to give us a triple threat of keeping us colder and drearier these days. We've had only 2 days above 70 degrees so far (Seattle has had none!) - and they are saying that they don't see it changing until July! UGHHHHH! This is very distressing to me as I am hugely impacted by the sunshine's presence this time of year. I'm kind of like a grizzly bear in that way - when its cold and dreary, I feel like hibernating - and I really need that sunshine to get a smile fixated on this face and give me energy. With all that said, though, I did get outside on the warmer Friday (about 15 degrees warmer than today) - and consequently, got a little "color" - not to mention Vitamin D. Too bad you won't be able to see it with the turtlenecks we'll be needing to wear according to the forecast for this coming week.

Sigh....at least there's no concern (at all!) for drought this summer. When we do finally get the chance to get the boat out....the docks on the lakes we go to will all be floating high. Hopefully, that can happen before AUGUST!

Okay enough whining. Onto another subject - blog plug....my Georgia girlfriend, Tiffany, has begun a blog to chronicle her "SOAP"ing through the Gospels and is encouraging others to join along. Here's the link to that blog - super neat idea....

What else is new for me? Hmmmm - today I spent 7 hours in two different conference rooms at Camp Harlow and at our church. Right before Christmas, I was asked to be part of a team of seven who were recruited to prayerfully determine who will fill the two elder vacancy positions that are set to open up in September. (I guess the final determination will go to the congregation - we just decide on the two that are voted YAY or NAY for). It's been a very eye-opening experience for me, as well as humbling. Today was the interview process and watching the candidates sit there jointly with their wives - being grilled on very personal questions - well, it was very inspiring - as well as, challenging. Challenging in the idea that I really ought to step up my game, as it would not be fun to switch positions and have myself put under that scrutiny. (For the record, at this time, our church does not have females in the elder position - so I wouldn't end up in that position - nor would I want it!). The experience had also made me that much more thankful for my own hubby, for our relationship and partnership - and for the unique giftedness that each believer can "bring to the table" (and how trying to be someone you weren't made to be can be very unproductive to what God would want to do through you).

I think that's about it. Currently, Trav and Stephie are hanging out in our living room while we watch one of the few remaining "The Event" episodes that will be made. Another show that we've gotten hooked on that won't be coming back next season. Makes you almost want to give up on any drama "on-going" shows that premiere until you know it will last longer than a season. But, hey, "Chuck" is coming back for 13 more episodes in its final season...ah, "Chuck" (aka Zachary Levi - aka Flynn Ryder from "Tangled") - Congratulations!

Front Doors, Survivor, and School Violence

Hmmm, anyone feel like it outta be Friday already? The week has actually flown by, but it just feels like today should be Friday. We're close...

There hasn't been anything substantial to write about, so I'll just put up a few bullet points of potential interest:

• My dad came over yesterday to repaint our front doors. It's a double set of doors, so it's kind of a statement piece of our house. Last summer when we had the entire exterior painted we chose a burnt red for the doors that ended up being way too orange. It's great for the "Harvest season", but not at all for Christmas or Fourth of July. Dad agreed to redo them for us - and opted to give it a go this week before leaving for a two week project down in Coronado. It was a real toss up trying to once again nail the exact right red - not too blue-ish (resulting in more of a purply/rosy hue) - and of course, not too orange-y. With Dad's help and expertise, we now feel like they are perfect.....THANK YOU SO MUCH, Dad!

• Leona is on her way home from over a month of being gone - she does a lot of traveling to family and friends in the Great Lakes area - particularly Minnesota - home of her alma mater, Bemidgi State (where she was once the Beaver mascot!). =) We owe her a special Mothers' Day dinner!

• If you follow "Survivor", it's been an interesting season with the introduction of "Redemption Island". One of the contestants has spent all but a few days there - and, especially in the beginning, it was in isolation. He's a sold-out Christian and has repeatedly discussed in his "Confession Camera time" how he's felt so low, but is willing to do whatever it takes to seek and follow the Lord's will in him being there. As it turns out, there's been other contestants sent there that have also had faith (Mike) and a gal named Julie who was very interested and made a comment as she left (didn't win the necessary challenge) that instead of winning the game/money, she feels like she's won in discovering "faith". Well, yesterday, they had her on KLOVE and she detailed how she ended up going to Mike's church after the season was over, and has become a sold-out follower of Christ! How cool is that? No matter how this season ends regarding who is not eliminated and wins the million, there's no doubt about the prize that Julie, Mike and Matt can rejoice in receiving!

• I subbed again in the classroom where I've subbed in most - my fifth graders at Yolanda. It was a wonderful day with absolutely no behavior issues - in contrast to that day I was discouraged when I was in there last. It just goes to show that sometimes, a good, optimistic attitude can make a world of difference (and threatening another day of missing recess to write apology letters!)

• Finally, a situation that is potentially a bit unnerving - but we've opted to look at the positives. Last Friday, on his walk home from school, Brayden used his cell phone to announce he'd taken a punch to the jaw. My reply was, of course, "WHAT?!" He proceeded to explain that during lunch, while playing a particularly aggressive game of soccer, his buddy Tanner (Nancy's son) ended up running into a boy named Roy pretty hard. Roy (who apparently has some anger management issues) got very upset and Brayden immediately witnessed him pulling his arm back to send a hard hit to Tanner's back (as Tanner had his back to him at that point). Brayden yelled to Tanner to turn around, and when Tanner didn't, Brayden acted on instinct and stood between them - even when the kid told him to get out of the way (with some colorful language thrown in), pushed him and then sent a blow to his jaw. It wasn't especially painful for Brayden and you could spot a little yellowing (light bruising) only if you looked hard enough, but still.... Brayden, in reporting all of this, told us he was very proud of himself for staying on his feet instead of getting knocked down and potentially taking more hits. (He credits the recent football workouts!). After the initial hits, other kids got involved in just holding back Roy and the situation dissipated. (Yes, we later learned that everyone was appropriately questioned and reprimanded as needed in the office. Brayden wasn't required to go in, nor did he receive any punishment).

• So, on the positive end of this unexpected violence was recognizing how our son reacted. He never lost his cool. He didn't hit back (though if it had continued he would have done what was needed to protect himself). He didn't hesitate to step in as needed for a friend, even when pain was involved. He's tough - and though small, I think - actually, I know based on what Brayden's talked about, this earned him a lot of respect. Girls immediately stepped in to hug him after the occurrence (ha!) and guys thought what he did was really cool. While it may not have been the smartest move, it ended well - and we made it clear we were very proud of him having the courage to have handled it like he did. A mom never wants to hear that her son got hit, but if this is the extent that Brayden will have to face in his public school career...then I'm okay.

Parting Images

Here's a couple of pictures that were taken yesterday - epitomizing the ideal of John and I's special weekend away. What a GREAT trip - yes, of course it was wonderful to be reunited with the kids (especially on Mothers' Day), but it's these very rare trips away for just John and I that reinforce what we've known all along - we really like each other! (And, of course, love each other).

This was the view from our room out on to the terrace on Mothers' Day...it just screams for a good book and a huge mug of coffee (or in my case, Russian Tea).

And speaking of coffee, this was a picture John took of his Americano at the Cafe where we had breakfast - he was excited to try to capture the skyline in the reflection....yes, a smidgen of blue skies. It should be noted, however, that a half hour later as we were just exiting Sunriver, it was actually snowing.

When the Kids Are Away, How Us Parents Play...

Well, it started out at this place - awaiting our complimentary breakfast as part of the "Livingsocial" deal we got this weekend:

The wait was worth it - this was my entree, cinnamon roll french toast with apple compote - SO GOOD!

John and I aren't as skilled as the younger generation at the "hold the phone out" poses, but this was taken in front of the lodge, after breakfast.

Then, it was off to Sage Springs Spa, where we also had a deal on massage services. This picture should look familiar, but, unlike at Christmas-time, this time Stephie and Chele weren't reading books with me while hanging out here. Consequently, it was a bit lonely, and I ended up joining John in the Serenity Room rather than hanging out there indefinitely. The Deep Tissue Massage I had was divine...I was in that perfect drowsy condition where I was awake enough to realize how great it was and relaxed I was, but my mind wasn't distracted whirling with thoughts or carrying on conversation with the therapist. John also enjoyed his massage, and I felt a little ripped off when he didn't emerge from his service 10 minutes later than me....and he even got called to his room before I did... =(


Once we returned to the room, John surprised me with Mothers' Day presents - including gourmet Kettle and Carmel Corn to sneak into the theater when watching this:

I did like the movie - in that it was very engaging and the characters really drew you in. The "fiance" reminded me of a young Tom Cruise - I wonder if he's been in anything else?

Finally, we're back to this room, currently watching the Travel Channel and as a result, craving bar-b-q - which apparently isn't sold in the Sunriver Resort. Oh well, we'll figure out something for dinner, and if turns out anything like the rest of the day, it will be just perfect!

COZY!

While one might think that this time of year wouldn't lend itself to a vacation suite that offers this:

When you live in Oregon, you don't underestimate "our reality" of spring - and what it looked like en route to this cozy vacation destination. (While you can't really tell from this picture, snow was actually hitting the windshield at the time this was taken).

There's no snow on the ground here in Sunriver, but it is chilly - and the fireplace is divine. Given the fact that 15 years ago, we were also celebrating our marriage in snow (while on our Honeymoon in Breckenridge, CO), I think this weekend's lodging is pretty ideal.

The kids are safe and sound with Uncle Michael and Aunt Chele - partying it up with their cousins (literally, as it's Nati's 11th birthday, today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART!). And, as for John and I - it's a room to ourselves, all by ourselves until checkout on Sunday. Cozy, indeed!

Quality Time with Quality Ladies

You know you've found a ministry you love when after being a part of it, you find yourself smiling all day long. That's how I've felt these last two days after hanging out with Katy and Danielle.

Today's date was watching this again:


with my dear friend, Katy:


She had told me that one of her heroes in life is Bethany Hamilton, but when I asked if she'd seen her movie yet, she confessed that she was waiting for it to hit the cheap theater as she's running a VERY tight budget these days in her attempts to save enough money to participate in Bob Tebow's mission organization to the Phillipines. So, I figured that would make a great date to take her out on - and was very happy to hear that she loved the movie too (having read and known a lot about the true story of Bethany). Unfortunately, we had little time to chat, but just hangin' together was fun.

Yesterday, I got to go along the city's "river walk" with this lovely lady, Danielle:

She's obviously a dog lover, and we both had to stop and ooh and ahh when we came across this little Yorkie puppy. Even Sydney was all wound up to play with him....I was worried if Sydney hopped too much, she'd squash this little guy.

Danielle is someone I've known about ever since being a part of the college ministry, but we've never hung out together...which is such a shame, as it's been a waste of delaying a wonderful friendship. I'm excited that she intends to make Eugene her probably hometown....as she's definitely someone I'd love to "keep around" in my life.

Such amazing young women in my life....how did I get so blessed?!

Nothing Short of Miraculous

Good morning - we are already at Wednesday - woo hoo! This weekend, John and I get to go on our own little 15th Anniversary Retreat to Sunriver....without the kids - so needless to say, I'm very much looking forward to Friday!

Yesterday was a very busy day. It started out with a heavy duty workout, proceeded to Mom's house, off to the school in the boondocks I taught at last week (for the afternoon only), then back to my house to prepare for a Bible Study bbq.

The day started out pretty and just got more beautiful in terms of weather. Major bonus. The workout was good, met a new friend, had fun chatting with Christy - but knew I had an issue going on when 15 minutes of 58 degree air blasted directly to my face en route to Mom's did NOTHING to eliminate the facial red blochiness that is indicative of over-heating. This is getting old. I've always struggled, but it must be one of those things that the older I get, the worse it gets. (Laura, drinking a G-2 each time has seemed to have helped last week... - thanks!) I guess I'm going to need to start just dousing my head with a water bottle while working out....

Anyway, despite Mom's incredible massage therapy, this over-heating leads to a different headache that is not related to my muscle tightness or misalignment. And, I've yet to find a medicine (even prescription) that makes a dent in it. While it wasn't the worst headache ever, it led to me being VERY cranky through the afternoon because I was just ticked that such a beautiful day and upcoming fun evening would be ruined by something so stupid.

It got worse by the time the girls arrived. In fact, I was sporting a baseball cap with an icepack underneath....exactly the attire I wanted to adorn when meeting a new gal, Susanna - a friend of Christi's. =( And, wouldn't you know it, but the whole gang was able to show up....incredible weather, incredible food, incredible company...and I was giving everyone a heads-up that "any moment now" I was going to have to bow out due to my hands shaking and needing to make a mad dash to throw up.

But, I felt okay enough to give eating outside a shot...Do I look a little green in this picture?

And, then, felt better as the meal transpired. I figured I'd make it through prayer requests, but even sustained past then. Unbelievable! It is extraordinarily rare that a headache would dissipate in the evening vs. get much worse, especially when medication isn't a key factor. The power of prayer...and God knew it was a day I was meant to be a part of. Getting to know Susanna, feeling the love and transparency of these (now) 9 women...Nothing short of miraculous.

Happy Birthday Kaela and Happy Wedding Day Mr. and Mrs. Tepe!

First things first....this picture was taken Tuesday night outside the theater for "Water for Elephants". We were celebrating (early) Kaela's birthday, and that was her choice for the activity to do as a group. We actually had bbq'd earlier at my house, where we were able to gather everyone (although not simultaneously) - but we lost a few as we headed to the movie.

My thoughts on the movie- It was a beautiful movie in terms of cinematography - and I think the acting was spot on as well. (It's great to see Robert Pattison doing something other than be a brooding vampire - I really think he's got talent - and wow, Reese Witherspoon was so stunning especially when paired with the majestic circus animals). I did not read the book. Kaela had - and she said that, as expected, the movie left out a lot of details, but she was pleased enough. All this being said, I'd like to implore my mom - along with anyone else who is overly sensitive to animal cruelty, to think twice before going. Obviously, none of the animals really got hurt when filming the movie, but it was more than I was comfortable with. Sorry Dad - I know you loved the book and would love to have Mom accompany you to see it in the theater, but that's my recommendation.

Alright, on to Saturday - Kaela's actual birthday, and Joe and Kaitlyn's wedding day. We've known Joe and Kaitlyn ever since we've been on board with the college ministry. Nearly the entire time we've known them, they've been a couple. I like to describe them as being like "Truvia" - you know, the artificial sweetener that is supposedly 15 times sweeter than sugar? That's Joe and Kaitlyn - they are over-the-top "sweet" - as our pastor even said during the wedding, "I'm not sure I've met a couple more content to just stand and stare into each others' eyes" (or something like that).

They were married in an adorable little church in a town nearby - and even had a Model T to use to go off to the reception in.


This is Kaitlyn and her father coming down the aisle. Joe had not seen her yet - so watching him watching her was quite endearing. She wore this look all the way down the aisle - so enraptured by the gaze of her soon-to-be groom.

This picture/pose kind of says it all about how they feel about each other....

After the ceremony, Kaela and I got a picture together, proving that I was present to give her some love on her birthday. (By the way, all these pictures were taken by her)

Kaela also snapped a picture of the two of us. This was good as we bowed out of going to the reception, knowing that Michele had all 5 of the kids back at the house with her. Since the guest book was to be signed at the reception, we'll have to hope that Joe and Kaitlyn will be able to acknowledge our presence with this evidence! (Of course, there's also the gift we left for them too...)

These were taken at the reception - what a beautiful couple they are! Welcome to the world of being married, Joe and Kaitlyn - and enjoy that MONTH-LONG honeymoon in Hawaii!

Fallen Hero

On April 22nd, our local community was severely shook up when the news hit that a member of the Eugene Police Department was fatally shot when attempting to pull over a vehicle. He was driving a motorcycle, and when he caught up with the speeding motorist at a traffic light, the driver of the speeding vehicle, a woman, pulled out a gun and shot him dead.

His name was Chris Kilcullen and his life has obviously impacted thousands of people, as evidenced by the way Springfield and Eugene virtually stopped in its tracks yesterday around noon to honor him in a motorcade along the highway that connects our two cities. He was memorialized at the UO's new Matt Court, and based on the picture below, you can see the vast amount of people in attendance.

I was actually a key witness to the motorcade as I was driving in the opposite direction on that highway - in order to give one of the teachers at Yolanda Elementary the opportunity to participate in the memorial by subbing in her classroom for the afternoon. Come to find out, that Chris' daughter, shown below holding the folded flag, is a student in the class I've substituted in most at Yolanda. Her name is Sydney and my heart goes out to her - along with everyone else.

His life was cut short with such senselessness, but yet in remembrance of this fallen hero, hope rises - recognizing the unity of our communities to honor such a man.



(All photos courtesy of the Eugene Register Guard)

Well Now, Isn't That Special?

This was what I saw when I opened our front door to get the morning newspaper. We have been "suds'd" - or whatever you call it when someone dumps what is most likely a couple bottles of dishwashing soap into our waterfall. It's happened once before since living here - back in 2004....I guess I'm kind of surprised it hasn't happened more often as it really is kind of a dazzling little prank.

John took these with his I-phone and the HD setting - so the color is kind of tweaked... We'll put some anti-foam chemical in the fountain later this morning and use the hose to water it down, but not until all of the kids (Michele and the kids are down this weekend) wake up and take in the sight.

Well done, pranksters....now we'd like to ask you to keep us off your radar for another five years, lest this begin to kill off the precious little purple flowers that I just noticed yesterday were beginning to bloom.....

All In a Day's Work

I awoke early Tuesday morning and decided if I couldn't "land" a job by continuously refreshing the "Subfinder" website for "Available Jobs". One job did come up, and it honestly took about 15 minutes of "refreshing" the site for it to become unlocked and available for me to take. (Those are jobs that the system is probably in the process of calling "preferred subs", and it only unlocks the jobs when those preferenced folks turn it down). The position was for third grade in a school furthest away from where I live (about 30 minutes drive), and most out in the boondocks, located very near the McKenzie river and on the route to our Cascade mountains. 15 years ago, I subbed at this school quite a bit - it's a wonderful community and the school is situated in a beautiful area - so despite the headache of getting the family up and going that much quicker, it was worth it.

The job turned into a two day assignment at the end of day one. (The teacher's child was sick). The beginning of Tuesday was much more chaotic than I had hoped for, but by the end of the day, I had kind of gotten into the groove a bit and learned the kids' names - so when the request came to return, I was all about it.

This little timeline will give you a taste of what my Wednesday sub day looked like:

7:15 - Drop Mikayla off, having left Brayden with his "When Mom Subs Checklist Before Leaving" to get to his school in a timely manner. I was literally REJOICING that there were enough cloud breaks in the sky to actually spot some blue and a little bit of sunshine....what a difference that makes for my attitude at this time of year.

8:15 - The door is opened in the classroom for students to come in- I greet each one and record whether or not they are having hot or cold for lunch. I praise myself for only forgetting about 5 of the 29 kids' names.... Names which included: Jabin (boy), Davin (girl), Cedar (boy), and Kazden (boy). It's always the best behaved quiet kids I forget because I'm not having to use their name aloud to redirect them......

8:20 - A student by the name of "Braden" =) asks if he can bring his baby lamb into class to share. I'm a bit taken aback thinking when we might fit that into the schedule when he tells me his mom is standing in the hallway outside holding "Annie" the lamb. Oh...well in that case...bring her on in. I rush to grab my cell phone, set up the camera app and completely disregard my professionalism to beg the mom to hold the lamb and take my picture. At least I let all the kids go through the line to pet the lamb first before taking my final turn.....It was a blissful little moment for me. (And, rest assured, because baby Annie has a name, she will not end up on a dinner plate in the future...the mom told me this).
9:00 - I'm asked by a student if she can go to the bathroom because "Sue" gave her a wedgie. This strikes concern to me as it sounds a little too much like physical harassment to be ignored. I jot details down - including an incident that occurred the day prior regarding her cutting another boy's hair with scissors when he laid his head on her desk. (Neither circumstance did I witness). "Sue" had appeared to me to be mild-mannered and quiet....but, better safe than sorry.

9:30 - Kids go to library - I discuss "Sue" scenario with secretary - she says they are "familiar with Jane" and passes my documentation to the principal.

10:15 - Kids at recess. I use my alone time to extract one of the three baby chicks from their warm heat-lamped box in the classroom and take a picture of it. I didn't hold it very long as I was afraid it'd jump, break its legs and then I would never be welcomed back......
10:30 - Kids to p.e. It's a special activity day as one of the moms came in to teach the entire school moves to the song "Dynamite" to perform in a flash-mob style at the upcoming Multi-cultural night. The parents don't know about this, so it will occur in the middle - unannounced, and all of the kids will spontaneously break into dance. I had so much fun going a bit out of my comfort zone to help demonstrate the moves (I caught on pretty quick) - and then later on, bringing the CD I actually had in my car with the song on it, to practice with them after lunch. So great....

11:40 - Sharing time. Sue raises her hand. I call on her. This is what she says....
"I just wanted to let you all know that for sure my sister is pregnant. She's 16."
(Collective gasp in the classroom from myself and the kids).
"She got pregnant last weekend."
(I interrupt at this point and suggest that she meant 'she found out she was pregnant last weekend' - Sue agrees that that is what she meant).
"It's gonna be a boy. I'm gonna be an aunt. The reason my sister got pregnant is because she forgot to take....."
(At this point I immediately stop her and suggest that the rest of the class doesn't need to know these details....fortunately, we are literally 'saved by the bell' for lunch....)

11:45 - I return to the office to share this story with the secretary....we both laugh and she decides to also add this information to what was previously given to the principal

1:00 - Reading - I am reading aloud a story about a girl who's grandpa died. I decide to share a story about my dog dying prior to me senior year in high school - and what a horrendous summer that was due to breaking my ankle and all sorts of other reasons. Just like popcorn, one after the other of the kids' hands fly into the air to share a story about the death of a pet or an injury they had. We spend a good 30 minutes (while the kids moved on to independently do the reading workbook) listening to their stories...

2:20 - The principal enters the classroom and just stands in the back for 10 minutes watching. That's always a bit nerve-wracking - I tried my hardest to make going over the answers to a math test as educationally stimulating as possible. Finally, he hands me a post-it note that he'd like to have "Jane" come down to the office at 2:30.

2:40 - Say good-bye to the kids, write up several "positive behavior awards", leave a very detailed account to the teacher and consider it a VERY memorable/fun day in my life as a substitute.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter - He is Risen!

After a very nice Easter service at our church, we joined the Schillings and my parents (sporting some great tans from their vacation in Maui) to have a bar-b-q here at the house.

Unfortunately, the weather wasn't super cooperative - what a bummer after two days of gorgeous sunny skies we return to the cloud cover and rain. It was a glorious two days though, that's for sure!

We are all in our post-dinner stupor right now...I would love to take a nap!! I'll keep this a short post as not just one, but three of the kids have come in to ask if they can use my computer. It's easier to just give it up than it is to have then hover!


Teryiaki chicken and steaks

Schwann's Orange Cream Soda and Key Lime Cream Soda....so yummy!

A little PS3 action

Catching up in the kitchen

The boys catching up in the living room

Our version of "Our Best Bites" recipe of "Sweet Fruit Salsa" with "Cinnamon Chips"

You have no idea how many sugar snap peas that girl consumed....