Spring Break

My Spring Break flew by like time with kids. It was very productive but it felt more like a 3 day weekend instead of a full week off. My wonderful mother picked up the kids and drove them all over during the break. My fabulous dad stayed with me and helped me work on the house. I have two amazing parents who are always there to lend a helping hand in any way possible. So here is what I accomplished over the break.

My dad and started off the week finishing up the master bathroom and laundry room floors. One came up easily while the other left us bleeding or blister bound. I am still having dreams about digging the scrapper underneath the laminate. Digging motion after digging motion left a huge reminder in the middle of my hand that no glove could have prevented. After some sanding by my dad, it was time to lay down the new tiles. They really do make a difference.

New Laundry Room Floor (The icky trim is slowly being replaced along with the door)

After the floors were finished, we began to replace the torn up wood trim along the floor. When we bought our home, it had been destroyed by pets. We slowly worked on replacing things but then started to look over some of it's flaws. A year in NH has reopened my eyes to the things that drove me crazy in the beginning. Now we are replacing the torn up trim with thick, white, country style trim. It really does modernize the house a bit. I am loving it.

New Master Bath flooring with new trim

Living Room got new trim. Now I need to sand and paint the trim around the windows

Dining Room is almost done...just some window trim painting and some wainscoting

Projects are slowly getting checked off the list. I sure could have used another week...or two. I am so very blessed to have such a handy dad who is willing to stop his own home projects to help me. I am SO thankful for the daughter discount that he gives me too....who can beat free labor? The time spent with my dad was the best though. I don't get to spend as much time with him as I'd like...this really was a special treat for the two of us. I am hoping to enlist as much of his time as I can get....I want to get as much done as possible before my hubby FINALLY comes home. Wish me luck!

Rearranging

Today was the last day before Spring Break. Conferences are done, grades are starting fresh, and restless bodies are ready for some fun. This is when my cleaning begins. This is a time for fresh starts and I am jumping at the opportunity. Before leaving work, I sifted through paper and got friendly with the recycling bin. Desks were rearranged and furniture found new places to take root. I love coming back to a prepared classroom with some little changes.

My cleaning itch made it's way home with me too. I moved the boys furniture and gave them each their own personal space. Framed pictures will come next along with personal touches. It was like Christmas for them. Eyes lit up and the exploring began.

"Do I seriously get my own private space? The little ones won't be able to get my planes and Lego's?", was my oldest sons first reply.
"Mama, I have all my favorite toys in here.", burst my youngest.

They share a playroom together and have loved sharing the bunk beds but a change was needed. Sometimes a little rearranging goes a long way. Let the Spring cleaning begin!

Bedtime Stories

I love bedtime and the opportunity it gives me to have some special time with my boys. They are both at unique ages and add a little extra excitement and enjoyment to my life.

I am a book lover, like most readers in this community. I tend to read a lot of middle grade books so I can put them in the hands of my students. Nothing makes me happier then putting a book in a child's hands. I get to do it every day in my job and in my life as a mom. 

I have two boys, ages six and three, who love to hear stories. J is my youngest and he enjoys a good picture book. He loves to hear the repetition of a good story and likes when I pause for him to add the words. We talk about pictures and what is happening. It's almost innate for him. What happens as they get older? Why do they forget to do things like this? 

My six year old is a phenomenal reader but lacks that drive to snuggle up with a good book on his own terms. We get to read chapter books together at night. I've introduced him to Geronimo and Thea Stilton, Jack and Annie from The Magic Tree House, and even Nan from Nan Cracks the Case. He enjoys each story but still hasn't found his just-right book. I'll keep introducing new books and will eventually find one that strikes him as perfect. 

Tonight was a night to break out the Ireland accent while two little heads rested on my arms. Heads got heavy and eyelids began to flicker. The perfect way to end a busy day. I finished the chapter, turned off the lights, turned on the laser stars, and gave goodnight kisses. As I got to the door, I paused to take in the picture. Two perfect boys snuggled together after a good book. I couldn't ask for more.  

Flicker

Yesterday was a long night of conferences...which led to me crashing on the couch while waiting for the clothes to dry. No post for yesterday...sorry!


Whew, whew, whew! Whistled the wind has it whipped outside my classroom window. I watched as the wind danced with the trees. It sashayed them from side to side with the occasional jerk. I couldn't help but stare while I waited for my upcoming conference. The dancing trees would stop for a rest, only to be dragged back on to the dance floor.

Black and back....black and back.

The lights began to flicker. It really didn't seem like it was that bad outside. My eyes left the papers I was grading to see the trees bowing to their partner. The wind had picked up the pace and was wreaking havoc outside. He was throwing a temper tantrum and it was effecting everyone.

Our Northwest windstorms have begun. Lights will go out and temperatures will dip from day to day. It is frustrating but it also means that Spring is finally here and the weather will warm up soon. I look forward to those blue sky days where the snow topped mountains stand out in all their glory. 

A Thank You

Today was our first day of conferences. I am always so nervous about the first day. Did I put enough helpful information in the packets for parents? Can I support the grades I've given? Will parents be upset about some of the things we need to talk about? The list is endless. I try my hardest to be the best teacher for each student in my classroom.

I had a couple of challenging conferences today. One parent wants her bright child to be challenged. I try to find ways to challenge her daily but I am always worried that it won't seem like enough. I had a couple of conferences that required some behavior concerns. I hate having those type of discussions but they make such an impact when done together. Each conference went better then I anticipated. The parents were so supportive and the children were so accepting of the conversation. It was almost too good to be true.

I went home in high spirits and ready for another LONG day tomorrow. I check my school email a couple times a night just in case parents have last minute questions that I can take care before everyone goes to sleep. I had a special one waiting for me tonight. 

A mom wrote to say thank you for taking the time to get to know her daughter and to work with her through the challenges this year has brought. She said that it was nothing short of a miracle that I was able to get to know her and her quirks so well. She thanked me for our conversations and the support we've given each other this year.

It brought tears to my eyes to hear/read this. We have been on a journey together and it has had it's ups and downs. I know that wonderful things will happen for this young lady and I am so blessed to have had a part in her life. These are one of the many things that I love about my job. I truly feel like I make an impact everyday.

Play Day

Today was "Play Day" for me. My mom has season tickets at the two local theatres in Seattle. It's kind of our mommy daughter time. This time we got to bring my sister-in-law with. It was so nice to have girl time with out the little ones around. On the agenda today was lunch, the play, and Pike's Market. A fun filled day with a little touch of Spring in the air to keep us dry.

We started by walking off the ferry and heading to lunch. My lunch consisted of shrimp and lobster tacos. I wish that I would have taken a picture for you. Two blue crispy tortillas were wrapped in a soft flour tortilla and filled with lightly sauteed shrimp and lobster. They had a buttery taste that complimented the tangy lime dressing that went on top. The bed of lettuce was spotted with pico de gallo which gave it some extra zip. My mouth is watering just explaining it to you.

Next stop was the Paramount theatre. They are showing "Mamma Mia!" right now and it was AMAZING! It was such a well rounded show. The story was beautiful, the acting was superb, the costumes were blinging, and the singing was goosebump inducing. I am one of those people who get goosebumps on my arms when I hear something amazing. Today, I had goosebumps upon goosebumps. An amazing show full of laughs, shaking in your chair with the beat, and a few tears. I left with the urge to watch the movie. If you haven't gotten to see this, I strongly recommend you take the time if it comes to your town.

After the play, we worked our way back down to the ferry. On the way is Pike's Market. This area is mostly known for the boisterous fish throws that launch sea creatures back and forth to each other while yelling and singing. It's also know for it's amazing fresh flower arrangements. It's one of my favorite things about Seattle. They also have amazing produce vendors snuggled in between the seafood and flower vendors. With Spring, comes an abundance of flowers. The roof of Pike's Place is covered with flower pots of Daffodils. Rows and rows of them. You can't help but look up in amazement. Today's arrangement consists of Daffodils and Tulips. They look perfect on my table. When you buy them at the stand, they wrap them in paper for their journey. It's like a mini parka for the flower. People nestle them in the crook of their arms like Ms. America. It's a sight to behold all the flower arrangements that make it on to the ferry.

Such a perfect way to end the weekend. Now it's time for me to stuff my conference folders and get ready for a busy few days. Have a wonderful week everyone!

Spring Has Sprung

photo © 2011 Matthew Grapengieser , Flickr

Spring has finally arrived in the great Northwest and I couldn't be happier. The timing is perfect and my window of opportunity was wide open.

The boys and I woke up to a hazy day. I began kicking myself for not mowing the lawn when I got home from work yesterday. I figured that we'd take some time to snuggle before heading to the store to get our weekly food trip out of the way. When we'd return...I'd mow the lawn, no matter what.

While we were out, I picked up some Hyacinth, Daffodils, and other flowers to fill our pots with. I was in a hopeful mood and figured that some Spring flowers might do the trick. We cruised through our checklist and exited the store to warmer weather and the sun kissing our cheeks.

The boys were anxious to get home so they could play outside. We weren't home 5 minutes before lunch was eaten and little boy hands were digging in the dirt. I love when screen time takes a backseat to sun time.

While they were digging, I went to work on some flower planting. Soil was gently shifted to the side while I decorated my garden for a new season. Dead leaves and fallen flowers were given a different resting place while I pulled and picked. The Hyacinth fragrance was already filling my nose as I nestled the flower pots into their places.

The lawn mower was pulled out of the shed, filled up with power juice, and yanked at (repeatedly). It was like a couch potato getting back in the gym...with each pull I made, it pulled right back in disgust. I finally won out! It roared and complained but began to comply as I pushed it through the overgrown lawn. The first mow of the season.

Grrrr.....sputter, sputter....stop!

Pull the clogged grass out of the way and try again....yank, grrrr....

With crazy weather comes inconsistent mowing. Which in turn leaves thick, long grass in places that need a little more persistence. My arm got it's workout today.

Allergies + mowing the lawn = itchy hands, eyes, and skin.

Beautiful lawn + fragrant flowers + blooms on the fruit trees = One happy home owner