Oh, What A Difference A Day Can Make!

Friday afternoon the phone rings. It is a friend of mine that says to me, "We got our papers today!" She coincidentally works for the same company in which I interviewed for last week. The schools are closing on June 29 due to Ford doing major cutbacks. These schools were for Ford employee children only. I never realized how much a region relies on certain products. With the news of Ford losing billions of dollars, this area is in a financial standstill. Please, if you want to do something patriotic, buy American. The amount of people losing their jobs, living in desperation, is absolutely terrifying around here. I have to say, I proudly drive a Ford (bought before entering Michigan).

On a much brighter note...

Juliana asks me last night if we can "pleeeeease go to church tomorrow?!" "I love the beautiful music and nice old ladies like GG." GG is her Great-Granny, my Granny. So, we went to church this morning and much to my surprise I noticed her singing and responding, as good Catholics do, throughout the Mass. One moment that I found extremely funny, was when she had her hand on her heart, belting out, "Alleluia, Alleluia!" Unfortunately, she had the song confused with "America the Beautiful" which is why her hand was on her heart. She's turning into such a little lady. It's wonderful to watch, and makes me teary all at the same time.

It will be fun to watch her during the next few months at church before she begins her Catholic school education in the fall. Yes, we have finally decided where to send her for Kindergarten. It has been a long road reading up on test scores, and performance scores for private and public schools. Many districts have "school of choice" so we looked into public education in other cities and never found anything that made us as comfortable as our final choice. Juliana will see her new school next week and may even meet her new teacher. Very exciting time for us.

---THE PICTURE ABOVE IS JULIANA AND GG THIS SUMMER IN CALIFORNIA---

Crossing New Paths

I finally found something I have been searching for during the last two years. A fun school that pays well, and is willing to hire me as a Kindergarten teacher, rather than putting me in a room to change diapers all day long. I had my first interview this morning, and I believe it went well. I am waiting to hear about my second (intense curriculum) interview. I have a good feeling, so we'll see! Finding day care for Kevin is not easy. Wish me luck!

While I am still at home, we've just been enjoying the fresh snow and bitter cold air. Just another day in the life of us.

Exploring My Family Tree

During the last two weeks or so, I have been inundated with creating a photo book for my Granny's 90th birthday celebration, and putting together a slideshow on DVD as well. I have been receiving pictures from as early as 1851 of Miles Standish (nope, not the one from the Mayflower, check your history). Although, Plymouth Rock is nestled somewhere high in my family tree. This project needs to be completed by early February, so I can have the book all ready for our trip to California in early March. It is so much fun to see the pictures that I receive. I have had the chance to relive memories from my Granny and Grandpa's house in Atherton, CA., weddings, and just fun times throughout the years. My cousin Ryan suggested that we name this project, "Around the World in 90 Years". I love that idea!

Wish me luck getting this project completed! I'll need it! Attached are a sample of pictures that I have received. DON'T LAUGH! The top picture is of my Great-Great Grandmother holding my Great Grandmother in 1899. The bottom picture was taken in Hawaii. Those pictured are my Mom, cousin Tim, me, cousin Krina in back, and Auntie Carol.

Missing Daddy

We have missed Daddy all week, although he is in the air right now on his way home. Such a great man is our rock around here. He likes to say I hold the glue to this family, but I beg to differ. Hey, we can agree to disagree on that one!

Our days have been full of activities since Daddy left for Washington DC. We have been to story time at the library, to the gym (thank goodness), friends have come over, Juliana's 5 year physical, and of course school too. While we are at home, Kevin has learned what I call "The Holmes 500". He runs in circles from the living room, to the kitchen, down the hall, and around again and again. Jason calls it "The Goo 500". "Goo" is Kevin's nickname. The entire time he does this, he always has two yellow legos in his hand. I can't figure out why he has a fascination with yellow, although it's funny to watch him plow through red, blue, green, black, or any other color, just to find the yellows. SILLY BOY!

Looking forward to Daddy walking through the door...

A Little Reflection

I realized lately why I bothered to spend my professional life as a teacher. Nearly a month ago, one of my former students (who will remain nameless, simply because he/she did not give me permission to write about them on the internet), sent me a request to write a recommendation letter to enter a top notch school for the remainder of his/her education. In the letter written by this adorable child, was his/her report card for 6th grade. ALL A's! I can not say I was happy just for the grades, I think I had a moment of gratification because he/she took the time to send the report card to me after so many years.

I remember sitting in my dorm rooms at night or up late nights after college, cutting endless decorations, preparing lesson plans, creating silly songs, etc. I thought this was a crazy profession and I often wondered why I started it in the first place. I now know why. I am still in touch with many of my former students and their families. It is a wonderful feeling to know each of the children are happy, flourishing, and loving childhood.

I write this entry on the eve of this wonderful child's 12th birthday and thinking of the special times in Kindergarten. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIDDO!

Ringing in 2007!

We rang in the New Year full of class, although without a glass of champaign in our hands. My sister Stephanie called at 5 seconds to midnight eastern time, and screamed "HAPPY NEW YEAR" just as the ball in Times Square hit the 2007 lights. It made me realize that it is possible to celebrate together even when you are thousands of miles apart. I LOVE YOU STEPH! Thanks for the call, it meant a lot.

If you look at the attached picture, that is exactly what we have to celebrate, our two babies and our little family. Playing with Legos, building houses, towers, baskets of laundry, and running around like crazy people were the highlight of our day and night on December 31, 2006.

We are looking forward to another year full of memories, events that are still unknown and unplanned, and witnessing Juliana's and Kevin's milestones throughout the year to come. Happy New Year to you!

Smile--it makes people wonder what you've been up to!

The Magical Tooth Fairy

The Tooth Fairy stopped by our house last night! It was definitely a night full of anticipation. It began while brushing Juliana's teeth before bedtime. I noticed it was barely in place, so I did not want her to swallow it in her sleep. I gave it a little nudge, and -SNAP- it came out. Just as I said, "I GOT IT!!", she panicked, turned her head, and yes, she swallowed it. Although the tooth fairy did not have a tooth to take back to fairyland, she did leave what Juliana asked for. Juliana asked for "only coins, no dollars. They are only paper!" She got a gold dollar with, I won't attempt to spell her name, on it. Around 5am, she woke up excited telling us that the Tooth Fairy came by! She is still very excited and loves to play with her special money.

We know for sure that our baby girl is growing up. Time flies.....