The Someday Park

When we bought our home 6 years ago, we were told that the empty 25 acres of dirt across the street would not stay that way for long. Plans were in action to convert that space into a park with trails, trees, and lots of open space! Even better, the construction was set to begin within a few months of us moving in. We were willing to compromise on space and lack of yard because of this and quickly signed on the dotted line for our first home.

Spring and summer came and with every pass of a large piece of construction equipment, we held our breath in anticipation for the digging to begin.

But it didn't. And it still hasn't.

Due to a technicality between the City of Denver and the City of Aurora, there has been an ongoing argument about water rights and thus we have no park. Still. What we DO have is the evolution of nature at it's best...

Over the last year grass has begun to grow, trees have filled out and our "someday park" is at least a peaceful to look at as the sun sets each night. :) No more dirt, just green. Goes nicely with my Spartan flag.

And for this, I am thankful.

A Rambling of Sorts

I've had a lot to be thankful for lately...

It's, of course, Memorial Day. This day always makes me think of our family and friends who so bravely and honorably have fought for what our country stands for. We owe so much to our service members and veterans and should be grateful for them more than once a year, if you ask me.

School's winding down, the weather is getting better by the day and the thought of summer just around the corner makes me want to squeal!

The kids and I are heading to Michigan in the end of June for our annual summer trip. I'm stoked! This year, I decided not to be crazy and drive cross country on my own with two squirrelly young ones....for all our sanity! It won't be the same without Chris but we're coming up with all kinds of creative ways to be sure he is included in our adventures.

I finished my mom's new website. Check it out if you're interested...it's pretty cool, if I do say so myself. :)  www.debbiemcfalone.com. The cool part is that it went ON THE DAY SHE GRADUATED with her Ph.D.!! She is officially Dr. Debbie McFalone and we are all so, so proud of her!

I attended a few graduation open houses this weekend of former students. It is always such an honor when kids who I haven't taught for 4 years want to share such a momentous occasion with me. I love meeting their families, seeing their friends and running into other students that I haven't seen in years. It definitely is a proud moment to see them all becoming so successful, confident young adults.

I've stunk at writing regularly lately, I know. On the other hand, I'm kind of OK with it. My days have been jammed-packed from 4:30 a.m. wake-ups to 11 p.m. flops into my pillow. I am constantly striving to strike a balance in my life...and for the last few weeks, the balance has swung in a different direction.

But, I'm back. :) And for this, I am thankful!

And for your Memorial Day pictorial enjoyment, take a look at my adorable, slip 'n sliding kids!

Ricky Ticky Techie

I love being a techie dork. I've been working on a new site for my mom's consulting business tonight and I'm soooooooo excited about how it's turning out! It's fun to be a part of her success in a behind the scenes way and I'm grateful to be able to offer my services doing something I love and not have her be taken to the bank by some random website designer.

It's always nice to help others...especially when it's your mom. :) And for this, I am thankful.

Just Perfect

I'm not sure that I ever expected motherhood to be as it is: a wild, crazy, passionate, rewarding, frustrating, hilarious, educational, and adventuresome experience. In fact, these descriptors can't even do justice to what being a mom is like to me. Sometimes there are no words. The pictures below do a pretty nice job of summing up what motherhood is like...

Today, I was reminded about the level of enjoyment that can come from a simple day with no plans. As a result, we played, we ate, we went to the mall, we laughed, and we attempted to take pictures. :)

It was a great Mother's Day. To all those who mother, you are deeply appreciated and loved!

 Trying to take a picture of the kids and I. 

 Nico waaaaaaay too excited to get into the bath. Got into the bathroom before I could get him undressed! We haven't laughed this hard in a LONG time. 

Sofia and I. :)

I Might As Well Take It

I'm the world's WORST patient. I hate going to the doctor. I hate taking medicine. I hate taking days off work to rest. I hate everything about being sick. The problem is, when other people are sick, I have no problem offering advice (read: being bossy to my husband) as to what they should do.

Today though, I finally reached a point where I realized that if I was going to dish out demands for others, I needed to be able to take them as well. I have been feeling progressively worse over the last week and today was no exception. After encouragement (for the umpteenth time!) from Chris to call the doctor and a breathing vitals check by our school nurse, I finally made the call.

Good thing too. I ended up having an ear infection, a sinus infection AND bronchitis! I'm good to go on antibiotics for a while!

Today I learned a lesson about being stubborn and listening to others. I need these reality checks every once in a while. And for this, I am thankful.

Honesty

Honesty is hard. Especially when you are caught in the middle of a lie.

Today, I caught two of my students writing notes on their hands just before I was about to give out a test. I couldn't believe it. Not those two students! I quietly asked the students to wash their hands and then handed out the test. I could tell that the two kids were shocked I hadn't made a scene and didn't deny them the opportunity to take their assessment. Instead, I let them think.

When everyone in the class was finished with the test, I pulled over my two students one at a time to talk. I didn't accuse. I didn't yell. I didn't embarrass. All I did was ask why? For these two students, that would be punishment enough.

The conversation that ensued with both students was one of mutual respect and deep regret from their end. It was hard. In the end, they each walked away a little more grown up. They had made a mistake that every teenager does. I was just pleased to see that they were each reflective enough to know that it should not be one that is repeated!

I'm so thankful with how things turned out today. Having conversations like this are some of the toughest parts of my job. It requires me to be honest and hold my students accountable as they grow and develop into young adults. It's a tremendous responsibility.

And today, I think I held up my end of the bargain.