The Canadian Tuxedo

Thanks for the encouragement that I got from my last post! I really appreciated the comments. Here's some more writing for you...

Last weekend we had our annual get together at my parents house to celebrate Grandma Novie's birthday. I'm sure the guest of honor was there in spirit and happy to see the family together. I was trying to hold myself together most of the car ride over. The kids must have been sleeping because I had complete control over music choice with no whining from the back seat. My ipod is faltering and the screen has gone completely blank. This means when I want to listen to my music I have to take a shot in the dark as to what comes over the speakers. Wouldn't you know Alison Kraus came on first. Are you kidding me? I'll Fly Away, REALLY???? Good thing I had on big dark glasses and a 45 minute car ride so I could just be a little sad. I soothed myself with some Black Eyed Peas and yes, I hate to admit it, Britney. Go ahead and judge if you want to, I was trying to find some snappy distraction.

After that car ride and arriving at mom and dad's, I unload the kids, along with all of the paraphenalia that go along with having them out of the vehicle. I slipped on my trusty jean jacket and walk on over to where the family has congregated outside. The first words out of my brother Jeff's mouth were, "Rockin' the Canadian tuxedo, huh?" I have never heard of such a thing in my life, but leave it up to one of my brothers to introduce me to new vocabulary. It didn't take me long to realize he was referring to my denim on denim ensemble. I was already aware of the fashion faux pas, so it clicked right away. Lee, my youngest brother chimes in with a comment on wearing one lined with sheepskin. They are cracking up. Humbled, I went inside and took off my jacket. Hmph! :)

Writer's Block

Right now I have several blog entries that have not been posted. I have hesitated each time before pressing the publish button. Perhaps I just don't trust myself in my sleep deprived state, or perhaps I just don't trust myself enough, period.

I want to write something a little more honest, yet I don't want to air out my dirty laundry, burden others with my problems, or offend others who have different beliefs from my own. Maybe I just shouldn't think about it so much. I don't want my blog to just be a bunch of cheery fluff, but at the same time I don't want it to be negative. If I'm being honest I also don't want to write about things that might cast me in a negative light, especially to those who may not know me as well. Also, I don't want to feel judged for some of the choices that I have made. Sometimes I wonder if past students of mine read the blog. That one always makes me question myself. Do I have anything I wouldn't want them reading on my blog?

I'm definitely overthinking it, aren't I?

Happy Birthday, Diantha!

We all met up with Diantha in the gym where she was multitasking--eating lunch and holding auditions for the upcoming talent show

Evelyn--bright, shining starlet









Ella copying some moves from Diantha's students. They are working on a performance of Michael Jackson's Thriller

The boys

Diantha directing her students and another group of fourth graders. The kids were so synchronized. It was impressive. You could hear them all stomping in sync. Nice work! Isn't it amazing that in one school day Diantha can teach these little ones to read, problem solve, cooperate as a group, AND get their groove on?!! Teacher of the year!

Yesterday Stephanie and I, along with our munchkins went out to Diantha's school to wish her a happy birthday. It was fun to see her in action with students. She is such an amazing teacher and a beautiful woman. What an honor it is that I get to call her my friend! I love her the world over. On the drive Will commented how nice it was that we get to see Diantha and even hug her instead of just seeing her on the computer (she has returned from a year teaching abroad in Australia). I almost lost it. I love that woman so much and I just nodded and agreed with Will that it was nice that we were going to get to see her in person. So glad to have her back in the U.S.A.!