Delay

Sorry for the delay in pictures and updates. I haven't even had time to reply to all the emails I have gotten. We are in Indiana right now celebrating my niece, Kaitlyn's first birthday. I have been on the go for the last week and have been really sleepy and a little worried/stressed about all I have to do. But I wanted to at least update you on the last week.

The kids did really great at the Day School. Caleb and Ian had so much fun those two days. Riley loved it too although you would never know it the way she was hollerin' when I left her in the morning and when she found out I was in the room to get them. But I know they are in good hands and are making friends.

I have been in and out of in service's and meetings. I haven't really gotten to clean my room and start organizing it, which is stressing me out. We have meetings next week and then a few days to work in our rooms. Matt is going to help me move furniture on a few evenings and then next weekend, to paint my room. My room was basically the drop spot for anything and everything. I spent 2 1/2 hours one day just throwing trash away. I also have a possible list of my students. So far I will have 12 tenth and eleventh graders. Most have MR or Autism along with another disabilities. I am hoping to get them involved in the Special Olympic activities this year. Maybe after I have been teaching for a few years I will be brave enough to take them to the skiing competition in December. :)

I haven't cried about leaving the kids or had any really crazy or insane emotions (I don't think). I wasn't sure how I would feel having the kids in ano0ther school that is 10 min away. But I was actually fine with it. I look at it this way- if something were to happen in my bldg, I would be worring about my kids rather while trying to get students to safety.

We are heading home tomorrow morning, so hopefully I will be able to get our FL vacation pictures up along with some from Kaits birthday. I may even supprise you with pictures of my crazy room (before and after shots!) I'll try not to leave the 2 loyal readers we have out in the dark! :)

Back Home

We are back home from our vacation. It was a lot of fun and the kids really enjoyed the beach. I will hopefully get the pictures up later today. I have a million phone calls to make and paperwork to get done. There are some really good shots of the kids and I have a ton to tell about our time. I wouldn't even be able to do it justice right now so check back tonight or tomorrow for all the fun stuff!

I start work tomorrow. I have training tues and wed, then have "workdays" at LHS the rest of the week. Then next week we have county wide training and a few workdays before the kids start. So I am off to the working world once again. I have to admit I am slightly nervous. It has been a while since I have taught. I know that it will all come back to me, yet I also know there are significant changes with in the last 4 1/2 years.
I know the kids will do great. The boys are so excited to start school. Riley hasn't a clue what will be going on, and I am sure she will have the hardest time, but I also know that with in a week she will be fine. Pleas keep all of us in your prayers as our family dynamics change. It will take some time for all of us to become adjusted to the new schedule and roles. Thanks!

More than meets the eye

Matt and I were able to go see Transformers last weekend. I have to admit I really liked it. I tend to get into movies if I really like them, and this one pulled me in. It took me a little bit to get who all the transformers were beside Optimus Prime (SP?), but if you get the chance to go see it- do. I think you might just like it.

Inside the Opryland Hotel

While Matt's family was in town, we hit the Opryland Hotel. I had never been inside and I have to say it was absolutely beautiful. Walking around the gardens and seeing the beautiful flowers and waterfalls was great. The kids loved looking and touch the flowers and the water. Matt and I are planning on taking the kids back around Christmas time. They have an amazing display of ice sculptures and lights.

Family Camping

Every year Matt's family goes camping some place nearby. This year since we are now in TN and live by a campground, they decided to come here. So the kids, Matt and I didn't really camp- we stayed at our house. The campground is only about 5-10 min from our house and right on the lake. We had a blast swimming and spending time with family. The guys went fishing out on a boat (no not ours!) and enjoyed it. Here are some pictures from our time:










This last one is of Caleb swimming with his life jacket. I haven't been able to get the kids in swimming lessons this summer and will shoot for next summer. I bought the life jackets for swimming and going out on the boat. By the end of our day at the lake, Caleb could swim (doggie paddle) all by himself. Of course someone was always near by, but he was doing great. Riley finally let me take her out and had so much fun that she wined and got Matt's Aunt JuJu (judy) to take her out. Ian was pretty content to play in the sand and wade into the water about up to his knees. So it was a good introduction to our Florida trip. We shall see how they do in the ocean!! :)

Sorry I haven't updated in a while. We have been really busy these last 2 weeks. We had family in town after the fourth, for family camping (pictures to come soon) and then I have been trying to get things ready for our trip to FL this week. Doing laundry, packing and trying to get the house in order, plus do paperwork for school has kept me extremely busy. I will try to get pictures of the weekend up later this evening. You may not hear anything for a while since we will be in Florida- We will be swimming in the ocean, sticking our toes in the warm sand, checking out the alligators at the Alligator Farm, touring the Old City, and spending time with family.

Following in the Footsteps of Friends

In the recent months, several friends have chopped off their hair. I was biding my time till right before I started work, but decided now was the time. These are not great pictures as it was late at night, but hopefully you'll get the idea. I plan on going shorter and getting some highlights, but I wanted to get use to it before I freaked out my kids. Riley did well- she knew who I was. When the boys were her age and I cut my hair they freaked out and wouldn't come to me. I was happy she did ok.

Gone Fishin' part 3

*Just proof that Riley was there*

More Gone Fishin'

Gone Fishin'

Saturday evening we took the boys fishing. Matt had found some neat fishing poles for the boys on our grocery trip earlier, and the boys were VERY eager to test them out. We headed down to the lake, got Matt and the boys set up, set the bait and threw them in. Each of the boys caught several fish. They were all pan fish except Matt and I think Caleb caught a baby bass. It was insane! We would get the worm on the hook toss it in, turn around and they had caught one. Matt hardly got to do any fishing for himself. The boys were not to eager to hold the fish at all. It took all we had to get them to hold the line. (it was the whole flopping thing). All in all we had a ton of fun. Riley enjoyed wading in the water with mommy and eventually the boys joined us. It was a beautiful day. I wish I had gotten a picture of the sunset that we saw. It was breathtaking. Hope everyone enjoys the pictures! (some are turned sideways- I still haven't gotten Matt to show me how to get them turned!- Sorry!)