Loves Lately...

A new post! What? Unheard of!

I barely have time to post these days, so two posts in one day should be a real treat. I decided I am giving myself the night off from grading, and my planning is basically caught up, so I have some time to sit and write. I have started about 20 different posts in my head about various things. I have things I would love to rant and rave about, but I never really know if I want to start those posts because they can get long and crazy. It's a bit easier to stick to the day-to-day things, rather than starting some long post about my own ramblings. So...our happenings lately...

We went to the Catonsville Arts and Crafts Festival earlier in the month. It was great! My friend, Lexie Bianco, does painted glassware, so I got to see her glassware in person. Absolutely gorgeous! If you are looking for some unique MD themed glassware, or some pretty painted glass you should check her out. She is the Glass Goddess on Facebook.

The weather has been out of its mind beautiful! I am talking 60-70 degrees, sunny, perfect fall weather. We have been enjoying walks to the park and backyard play. Lily loves seeing Abby, Charlie, and Andrew, her favorite neighbors!

School has been going smoothly. My classes are pretty good this year, which is always a blessing. I am enjoying learning a new curriculum (11th grade), and am enjoying refining, revising, and flat out changing the two I have previously taught (10th and AP 11). I have definitely felt busier this year-- but it's a good busy. Tom and I took over SGA which brings its own host of challenges and work. So far, we are working with very eager, excited group of students, so the transition as advisers has been an easy one.

This weekend upcoming I have my 10 year high school reunion. I am looking forward to seeing old friends, catching up with classmates, and enjoying an evening out. It should be fun!

We are busy, busy, busy come October. We'll see if I get around to posting (this month was busy enough...we are lucky I got the kid updates on here! And they were both a day or two late!!).

Until next time...

Jack is 7 months!

Lily is 27 Months! A day late...

At 27 Months Lily Loves...

1. ...as of exactly 27 months...putting her hair in pigtails! Still no bows, but we are making progress.

2. ...Toy Story. Over and over and over...

3. ...making art. She is a mean, lean hand printing machine.

4. ...dinosaurs! RAWR!

5. ...hiding under covers.

6. ...blue popsicles. 

7. ...showing off her artwork.

8. ...picking out her own clothes (and her brother's clothes...she usually picks dinosaur pjs for him to wear).

9. ...giving Fred treats when no one is looking (or, she thinks no one is looking...).

10. ...and, of course, mama and dada!

She still loves the paci. And her brother.

Camera Dump

Here are some pictures from our happenings lately. We had the stadium opening at the high school where I work, and Jack is playing, learning, and growing.

Wedged himself under the changing table...

Mr. Wonderful

Jack at the stadium opening

Heart

Rainbow

Lily loves Averi

Lily and Kenzi shaking their booties.

Stadium opening

Long baby

Too bad this is blurry. She was very excited to fit 2 pacis!

Love to bounce!

Thanks for the outfit Aunt Sharon!!

Quick Update

I am here. I am just so busy I have no time to write.

Jack had his 6 month appointment...and my guy is big! He is 21 pounds, and 30 inches! We were given the go ahead for basically any food (except high allergen ones). Everything is looking good! He is happy and healthy!

Lily is just talking like crazy. She is so smart and funny. She is always not crying at school anymore!

School is good, but so busy! I will write more on that later.

That's all I have for now. I will write a longer blog this weekend. Maybe. If I have time.

American Dream

The following is an essay that I assigned in my 11th grade English class. This is the response of one of my male students. I was simply shocked. His words are so true, every single one. I hope you enjoy reading this just as much as I did.

Based on the images, speeches, articles, poems, and songs that you have viewed, listened to, and read write an essay on the following:

Many people believe that reaching for "The American Dream" leads to riches and happiness that cannot be duplicated otherwise.  But some psychologists warn that "The American Dream" is merely an illusion and that its pursuit will end in misery.  Using your experiences, observations, and readings, do you believe that "The American Dream" is a worthy pursuit?

I do believe that it is a worthy pursuit. If the American dream was not actually real people would have stop referring to that phrase. I believe the problem is that for the “American Dream”, everyone wants to be Bill Gates or Oprah. Nobody, or almost nobody is content or knows when enough is enough. It is the same way with an artist. Anyone, or mostly everyone in the field of artistry can draw and paint a picture. But it takes a Master of Arts to know when to put down the brush and admire the work. For me, the “American Dream” is simply living on my own and being able to enjoy life, regardless of circumstances. That, I believe, is attainable.