Highlights from Sparkleberry Fair 2011

The boys and I took in Jon's African ensemble this morning and then enjoyed the rest of the fair on such a beautiful day. Here are some of my favorite moments.

Eggs, Trains, and Water Sports

Grandma Diana was in town. We played in the water, colored and hunted eggs, and finally installed Ethan's train table base (Jon and I painted it). It's been a busy few days. Only 5.5 more weeks until two glorious months of summer where we plan to do a LOT more playing!!!

this morning's backyard discoveries

silly dogsnail

inchworm

Ode to a Toad (and Spring Break 2011)

As I potted plants while the boys were napping on this gorgeous final day of spring break, this thumbnail-sized guy startled me. A sign of a good spring break = the time and energy to post about a toad. All I have done this week is yard work, playing with boys and hounds, and other forms of relaxation, including much sleep.

THE BOX is on its way.

Here are my two good luck charms putting their sweet little hands all over THE BOX (as per my superstition) before I mailed it this Thursday, March 31 (the postmark deadline date, in true MK procrastinator fashion). Ethan is reassuring me that, no matter what, I am number one.THE BOX signifies the most stressful professional experience I have ever had: months of work toward my national boards. A friend described the process as working toward a master's degree in 6 months (or 3, in my case). SO TRUE! There are about 100 pages in there, 48 of which are my written answers to numerous questions about my teaching. I will be extremely surprised if I achieve certification this first year, especially given the numerous challenges I have faced this year: teaching in a brand new school in a brand new district in a brand new state while attempting to keep two young boys, one husband, and two hound dogs happy and well while trying to avoid living in squalor since all time that was once spent cleaning the house had recently been spent writing, writing, and writing. I definitely bit off more than I could chew. Period. I test May 14 and then it will all be over, or at least until late November when I learn my status and what entries (if any) I need to redo.

Perspective

Japan just had the 7th most devastating earthquake ever.

Jon's brother is in Japan right now for work. We heard that he is okay, thank goodness.

I am so sad for those families of folks who are NOT okay.

I have been whining about my looming national boards deadline (19 days), among other stressors. Hello?!?

Time for a perspective-adjuster.

Life really is precious and rare, and even in stressful times, being alive is pretty wonderful.

Ethan's First Haircut!

Today was the day. But, here they are last night with major bath spikes. Here he is today: the BEFORE pic.

Final shot of those sweet curls.

He was definitely not a fan, but didn't cry, either.

Some would call this El Ojo.

Again, if looks could kill...

Ah, the AFTER shot: a much happier boy, even though he does look even rounder with less hair [sigh].