Cool Kids

Just before Christmas Break, our school had a can drive competition with a neighboring school, also my alma mater. The kids collected over 50,000 cans for local food pantries. Just when I think my job is stressful and almost too depressing due to apathetic kids, stuff like this reminds me that a lot of our kids are really cool and that some of the most important learning takes place outside the classroom. Enjoy the video. Yes, I work in a sort of circus but that's what makes it fun.


http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/video?id=6541237

Christmas 2008

Our new tree!!!!!!

What would Christmas vacation be without snow storms, illness and cabin fever? Thanks to the snow that I "love" so much, break started one day early for Z and I. Then the snow shut down and delayed Cousin C's birthday party thanks to tons of it and 40 mph winds making it impossible to reach his house, poor kid. Christmas itself was great, Z's last as an only child. This year he was totally into it, not wanting to eat, nap or wait for anyone else as presents were calling his name. Thank you to all who made it great for him, he loved everything! Remote control cars, tools and cooking stuff were the hot tickets this year.

Then after the big day, illness set in. Usually break is healthy for me as I get out of the germ infested place I work but not this year. All three of us got the "leaks" right after Christmas, just luckily we all took a different day. Mark and I ended up in the ER due to dehydration from it. Mine was subtle, I was having crampy contraction thingys which sent me right to Hurley for 2 hours of monitoring and instructions to drink gatorade. Mark ended up getting 2 bags of IV fluids. 3 days later, he's now able to eat solids somewhat. Luckily Z's bout with it was overnight and he bounced right back. So we missed the ball being dropped this year and our annual get together with friends was postponed. Oh well. Hoping for a great 2009 anyway.

Hoping you all had a wonderful holiday. Enjoy the pictures!

Waiting for and waving to Santa as he arrives at the Village Hall.

Z loved the big guy but wouldn't talk to him, he just smiled and waited for the candy he knew was coming.

Remote control was the order of the day. Cousin A got a remote control helicopter that entertained children and adults alike.

Grandma and Z in the tunnel.

Safety First!

Christmas is for the big kids too!