Last Notes to Self , Community BBQ, and First Annual Court Dance

This morning I wrote my last school list of "things to do" as I kept some java close by after a late, late night scoring exams and doing grades. Today the Community BBQ was held during lunchtime at school. Everyone in the community is invited to share a potluck with the students and staff at our school. A huge crowd enjoyed hamburgers, lots a great salads, and sunshine.
Later we held our first annual middle school basketball court dance. Here is a group of girls trying out some new dance moves. CG and I orchestrated some excitement at the end of the day as we wheeled out a huge garbage can full of water balloons. Is there nothing more fun than having middle school students line up and have a water balloon battle? The only thing more fun is having teachers with their own stash of water balloons that caught the students off guard!

Sitting and gazing at the beautiful sky tonight was a peaceful end to a hectic day. One last morning and the school year will come to a close.

Summer Begins on the Last Day of School!

For the last forty-seven years I have greeted summer on the last day of school. Whether it was as a student or now a teacher my first day of summer never coincided with the calendar. The last day of school was the first day of summer! Students spotted snow at their homes in the area this morning, I had to dig out my heavier coat when I left the house, but the colors of the late spring garden and the variety of birds in our feeders make this season seem more like summer. The collage above reminds me of what I have to look forward to Friday.... an easy chair, a cool drink (or maybe hot chocolate this week!), flowers blooming, birds singing, a new book, and sunscreen. I have loved my teaching year very much, but I am quietly counting the hours until Friday when the students aren't looking.

Where The Red Fern Grows Revisted

The early morning was exciting at our house. Annie decided to get Shelby to play Where The Red Fern Grows and tree a raccoon some time during the night. This poor guy got stuck in our young maple tree instead of a tall pine. He couldn't climb any further. We convinced the dogs we don't live in the Ozarks and that a raccoon isn't a threat to our safety. Once the dogs got inside and JEJ snapped a picture, the raccoon came down the tree and ran to safety. They are still on the lookout even later today for that guy. I guess they want their dog food to be protected!

Camera Critters: Perfect Poses

Last evening I caught perfect poses of our English Springer Spaniel Annie

and our Australian Cattle Dog Shelby. Sometimes it is hard to catch them so still. Enjoy other Camera Critters here.

Parade Magazine Inspiration Close to Home

Today the cover story in the Parade magazine is entitled " The War They Still Fight" and Major Jason Waggoner shares the story of his recovery from losing a leg when he stepped on a booby-trapped mortar round in southwest Baghdad. He talks in the article of the support of his wife Brianna pictured above. Five weeks after the accident he was discharged and began rehab and has even played golf now with his prosthetic leg.
Every story you hear about the war breaks your heart. Then one really hit hard because it is close to home. Brianna is my neighbor KH's daughter. We all heard of the explosion right after it happened and have kept Jason and Brianna in our prayers as we kept track of his progress. What an inspiration to see this beautiful picture of this couple on the cover of Parade magazine this morning. KH's grandson is also pictured in the article. Jason is quoted as saying "My mission is to get well." You can find this story by Tim O'Brien at http://www.parade.com/.

Class of 2008 With A Grandson Included

Today was graduation at my school. Being a small school we never have large graduating classes. I like that because it is much more intimate and meaningful. We have a tradition of using a local drumming group to play the procession preforming the tribe's native drumming songs. Another tradition is that graduates choose a family member to escort them. We have sisters, brothers, grandparents, and children of the graduates walk in with them. I love the part of our nontraditional graduation procession.When I married my husband his children were raised so I acquired a large family of children and grandchildren. One of the grandchildren graduated today. It was a joy to watch the family filled with pride and joy as Q graduated. Here he is posing with another graduate and cousin at the end.

Two of the second grade students I visit every day as I work in their classroom came up to greet me and pose for a picture. I love seeing families and friends gather for a significant event in the lives of their children and grandchildren. There are lots of smiles, tears, pictures taken, and flowers presented. It was a good day!!