Kids are AMAZING!

I never really write about my students other than the fifth grade freak out post (remember?) because I was moving to fifth grade from kindergarten. The biggest thing that I have really learned is that I truly love all children for different reasons. I love the projects and discussions I can have with a room full of 5th graders that simply would not have happened in kindergarten. Case in point, these photos my students took as a result of a photography unit I taught them. Aren't they just amazing?!

Worm Graveyard

WORMS. ARE. EVERYWHERE! I really don't like worms. I don't know if it's the fact that they look like snakes (which I LOATHE entirely) or what, but I just don't like them. We have had enough rain around here lately that every worm from here to New York City has decided to surface on our sidewalks around town. When I left school today it was virtually impossible to walk down the sidewalk and not squish one of the nasty little things. I realize the poor worms are just being forced out of their cozy little tunnels, but I don't like them anyway. The most disgusting part is the dead, dried up worms that are still laying on the sidewalks from the rain this past weekend. Yuck-o. Then, today I saw revenge on the stinky little jerks. See, the worms crawl to the sidewalk for refuge from the soaking ground, and as I was trying to navigate through the worm graveyard I was startled by a bird just barely missing me as he dove down to get a juicy morsel laying on the ground near my feet. I never really thought of our sidewalks as a bird buffet, but so be it. Bye bye little worm...may you rest in peace. Yet, on the other hand, may there be other hungry birds tomorrow!

You know what I love?

1. God.

2. Drew.

3. Finding a Long Lost Friend!
I stumbled across a friend from high school the other day over at Classmates.com and it is so good to talk to her and see where life has taken her. I love reconnecting with people who truly made an impact on my life.

4. Meaningful Discussions.
I love sitting down and discussing things that have meaning. It challenges me, encourages me, and helps me remember that I am a thinking, feeling, person. (Some days I wonder! lol)

5. Cookies. (Do I really need to say more?)

6. Naps.
I love a good nap. Why does naptime stop after kindergarten?

7. A back/neck rub from someone who loves me.
Seriously...I love it.

8. Laughing until my stomach hurts.
Most of the people around me can tickle my funny bone and I just love to laugh. I think it is good for the soul and body. I really like a good belly laugh.

9. Learning.
I know, I am a nerd...but so be it.

10. Comments on our blog.
I do. I can't deny it. :) It's better than a cookie and a nap!

You know what I hate?

FLAT TIRES.

Tuesday morning I was leaving for work when I realized..OH NO my back tire is flat. I went running back into the house like a half-crazed dog and cried out to Drew: "My tire is flat!" He promptly went outside and changed my tire for me and then I went driving off to school with that silly looking donut tire. I am grateful for the donut AND for Drew crawling around on the cement floor of our garage at 7:00 in the morning, BUT...I always feel sort of like I am walking around in nothing but my underwear on when I am driving with the donut tire. I mean, I physically turn red-faced thinking that every other driver and pedestrian is laughing at me and saying "That poor woman...she has to drive on the donut. tse tse tse..." Of course, that is not what is happening, but in my mind it is as real as the boogie monster that used to live under my bed.

The perfect day!

Yesterday (sunday) was one of the most perfect days I have spent in a LONG time. Thursday and Friday I was off because of spring break and then on Saturday we did some running around (that is, after the 4 HOUR COMPUTER UPDATE! Yes, Mr. Drew had to sit through 4 hours of updates to our software...I felt so bad for him!) and then there was Sunday....ahhhhh. After church, we came home and Drew cleaned, I should say detailed, my entire car! There are a ton of tiny crevices and I have never (ewwww) never been able to clean them out in the 8 years I have owned this vehicle. So, there was dirt, food particles, and even...probably...skin flakes crammed in there. It was DISGUSTING. Drew showed me how to clean it out safely with a cloth and a screwdriver...very slick. Anyway, it feels good to drive a clean car. After that, we went for nice long bike ride. This was the first time we have taken the bikes for a spin this year. It was soooo nice. However, I always forget how sore the bikes can make you after 6 months of non-bike riding. We cleaned the house together, made stir fry (yum), and then watched tv. Sigh...what a GREAT DAY!

Birds, Bees, and Allergies

I LOVE spring. I love the smells...the fresh air...the way I can open up my entire house and let the air permeate every square inch inside it. Spring has definitely sprung here! Drew and I have been walking in the evenings and we just listen to the birds chirping away. I found the second dead bee in our mailbox today when I checked the mail and, while I don't really care for dead creatures in my mailbox, there was a certain sense of excitement that only comes with the onset of spring. (Well, that and Christmas but I digress) Of course, with all this happiness and new life springing forth, my allergies are working overtime! You know, it is so darn beautiful outside and the air is so crisp...I don't even mind the additional discomfort in my sinuses.

Bridesmaid Dresses

I am so excited for my sister and her fiance Todd to get married and Cindy is just plugging along on her plans and arrangements. She asked me to be an attendant and so we have been looking for dresses. There have been several suggestions, but this one is the one she sent to me...I think it may be a winner. She wants it to be in Royal Blue, which is a also a beautiful color. What do you think of it?
(images from cybergown.com)