Vacation

Does a teacher ever stop thinking of their classrooms and things that they can use in their classroom?  I know wherever I am at, I always am thinking of how I can use something in someway in my classroom. 

When we were on vacation these past few days, I kept getting things for my new bulletin board idea that I want to do in my classroom.  It is mainly an "About Me" bulleting board where things can be brought in and displayed on the board.  Of course, I got a patch and pin at Sleeping Bear Dunes.  I also was thinking of how I could incorporate our little sailing adventure into my class too. 

We had SO much fun on the trip.  I can't remember a time of being more relaxed or just at peace with everything.  We really enjoyed our times together as a family and not having to punch a clock to be somewhere at a certain time.  Yes, our skin is a little more sunkissed now (or lobsterized) and we all have sand in our hair, but I wouldn't change it for the world.  It was a great trip.  We spent all day on the beach on Tuesday and played in the sand, built sand castles, 'walked the plank' (or the boat dock), 'dug for treasure', and laid out on the cabana.  It was wonderful!  God gave us great weather to enjoy our time with eachother and a beautiful place to do it in.  I love Traverse City.  I had really been there mostly when I was little in the winter (awesome Cross-Country Ski places around).  To be there now in the summer after many years was great.  I cannot wait to go back... we did make it home in 4 hours and 15 minutes... not too far to make a weekend trip.... hint hint honey! ;p

I also realized when we were there that I would love to live there.  It is just big enough to not be a small town, yet not huge either.  There isn't the congestion that there is here at home.  The places around there are so beautiful.... maybe one day we could do a summer house.  Ahh dreams... it would be great, but more than likely not a reality... at least not for a few years.  I have to become a called worker of the church (so that I can get called there) and I also have to convince my loving husband that the winters are not that bad up there, it isn't that cold, and that the snow piles on the side of the roads that are higher than your car are nothing to be worried about.  :)  Until then... pictures will help keep that memory and dream alive...

                      My little guy and I on the top of the Dune Climb with Glenn Lake in the background.

                                    Our family with Sleeping Bear Dune and Lake Michigan in the background.

                                                                    A Michigan sunset with my little man.

                                                              Building sand castles with Daddy.

                    'Walking the Plank' as it was called... more like walking out to the end of the dock.

                                       Look at that adorable Captain... he did a wonderful job steering the boat.

                                                                        My little Captain and I.

                                                              A family that sails together has lots of fun together!

Summer

The summer has been great so far this year.  I have gone on several little vacations, with the bigger one coming up next week.  (I cannot wait!)  It has also been a busy one with my sister coming in with her little guy from Phoenix for a month.  They are about half way through their trip here. 

Today, I had the pleasure of being on the otherside of the interview chair.  It was an interesting experience asking the questions instead of answering them.  I found myself answering the questions myself in my head of what I would have answered!  We have so many good candidates for our aide positions that are available.  I will be praying hard for the Lord to lead me to the right fit for me and my students next year. 

I have also started my colloquy program.  For those that don't know what the colloquy is, it is a series of classes that I have to take through Concordia University in order to remain at my school.  I have to become certified on religion in short.  The classes are only 25 days long.  There are about 15 hours of videos to watch and then small paragraphs to write.  Then at the end, I have to write a one page paper for my portfolio.  I decided to do the portfolio track because I don't want to write the big paper at the end of the paper route.  The portfolio breaks up that paper into each class.  I find that easier.  So far, doing good.  Luckily we can move at our own pace with it.  Since I know I will be busy next week, I have been working on it non-stop the last 9 days.  I am about 60% done with the class so far and it is only the 10th. :) 

Along with hanging out with Landon, starting my colloquy, and then interviewing, I still am working in my room a little bit.  Thankfully none of the construction is being done in my room.  Today, I had some time inbetween the interviews to run down to my room and go through some of my file folders.  I ended up just throwing them into an empty drawer at the end of the year and that bugged me because it was so disorganized.  So I emptied them out today and worked on it.  I got most of it done.  now I just want to make tabs for what sections I have so that I know where one starts and one ends. 

All in all... a great summer so far!  I cannot wait for the new school year, but yet I want to enjoy my time with Landon so much this summer. 

Shipshewana

It has been quite a while since I posted on here.  It got crazy near the end of the year with all the final things going on with the end of Kindergarten.  The kids did a fabulous job on their End of Year Celebration!  I was SO proud of them.  I promised myself that I wouldn't cry- but then I opened the door to where we were going, saw the parents and looked back at my kiddos and I lost it!  I couldn't help it!  They have grown SO much over this last year.  I am really going to miss this class. 

The week after school got out, we had our end of year teacher meetings.  Then this last week (got home yesterday) I was in Shipshewana, IN.  If you have never been to Shipshewana, I suggest that you go.  On Tuesday and Wednesday every week, there is a HUGE flea market there.  I got lots and lots of items for my classroom (including Happy Birthday pencils.. 100 for $10) for really cheap.  I will have to try and take a picture of all of my stuff later and post it.  Really excited about everything that I got there.  Bring your money when you go; they have something for everyone.  I was also super excited to find little toy dolls there that go with our doll houses at school!  When I came into the room, I had the doll house, but no dolls!  I picked up several dolls that I know will fit in there and some furniture too.  When I brought it all out the first night, I was really surprised to see my son who is 3, start playing with them all.  I knew then that the kids would like them a lot.  I can't wait till the girls get to play with it this year.  Otherwise this huge doll house would just be taking up more room on my shelves. 

If you do happen to go to Shipshewana make sure you hit the flea market.  It is only there Tuesdays and Wednesdays expect the major holidays over the summer.  Also, I suggest eating, or at least getting, cinnomon rolls at The Bread Box.  They are SO yummy!  I got a bakers dozen to bring back... I will be freezing some.  I have loved them since I was a little girl.  I also suggest driving over to Middleburry, IN and staying and eating at the Essenhaus.  When I was little, I use to stay there all the time.  This year they were booked when we wanted to go (BIG quilt show going on) and we were only able to go and eat there.  You should check it out.  Great home made Amish food. 

I will be going through some ideas and gathering others this summer for next year's classes.  I cannot wait to meet my kids, but I am going to enjoy my summer! :)  Lots of things to make this summer and do- a teacher's job is never done!