Last night we had the great opportunity to meet some friends for dinner we haven't connected with much for the last 8 years. Holly and Warren came to Ky's graduation and it was that night that Holly and I made a pact we'd get our spouses together to meet for dinner once this summer. Well, last night was the night--Lupe Tortillas at 6:30.
About 5:45 as we were getting ready to leave, we noticed the wind picking up and sky getting very dark. Kole was a bit anxious (never has really liked stormy weather) but we told him it would probably just be a quick rain storm and be gone as fast as it came. As we were heading down to Lupe Tortillas we noticed behind us the lightning and ominous skies that were right over our neighborhood. Maybe it was more than a quick rain storm?
After we sat down and ordered drinks, Kole called. He was inquiring what he should do since it was hailing. I guess he hasn't had enough life experiences (especially this summer) with storms to know how to react? Kev told him to just stay inside and not worry about it--it's just hail! A few seconds later we received a text picture of the hail--golf-ball sized, I'm not so sure!
We enjoyed a great dinner and lots of catching up. Somehow the conversations always centered around our kids! We made a pact to try to get together again this fall once we got a few weeks of school under our belt!
We approached our neighborhood around 9:30 and noticed a lot of twigs littering the streets and even one tree that was struck by lightning. Guess it was a bit more than a quick storm. Once we got in the house, Kole was quick to debrief us on the entire storm and how scared he was. I guess we felt bad for a minute that we weren't home, but in the end, hopefully the experience helped him overcome one of his fears! As we went into our bedroom, Kole noticed that our windowsill was wet. We lifted the blinds and sure enough one of our windows was cracked all the way through and we had a leak. So much for "Just Hail!"
$215 later the glass has been replaced. No fears though because Kevin studied the process carefully and feels confident he could replace a window on his own now! I just pray it doesn't happen again for us to test out his learning!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The Difference in Boys and Girls Enrolled in Drivers Ed
So, Kole started drivers education last week. He was really dreading it as Kylie didn't leave him with a good impression about the experience--BORING AND A WASTE OF TIME I believe were her words. However, he hasn't complained yet! Last week he asked Kevin to show him where the dip stick was located. (I guess he knew better than to ask me--I could've found it--that's what owner's manuals are for!) Kylie might think we were referring to her if we mentioned dip stick--a blonde thing! Now when he rides with us, he'll make comments about other people's driving or ask us questions about a driving decision we made--never happened with Ky! I guess this is just one of those things that he's way more interested in than her and is actually enjoying the experience!
Maybe, just maybe, he'll be the opposite of Ky and enjoy his high school experience as well. We'll know soon enough!
Maybe, just maybe, he'll be the opposite of Ky and enjoy his high school experience as well. We'll know soon enough!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Wedding
Oh, how fun it was to go to Diane's daugher's wedding in Wimberly, Texas. Ann, Moira, and I left Houston around 10:30 but didn't get to the other side of Katy until after 12:00 due to construction! We should've been half-way there by that time--UGH! Oh well, we made the most of it by catching up and hearing all about our summers. Once we got to Buckees we made a pit-stop, before continuing on. We got back on I10 West but were so busy chatting that I didn't pay attention to the GPS telling me to exit until I heard "recalculating" Oh well, we took the next exit and turned around, heading towards New Braunfalls where our hotel was. Once we got to our hotel, it was a little before 3:00 but the sign said check-in at 3:00 so we were in good shape--or so we thought! Nope, neither of our rooms were ready so we couldn't check-in and get dressed for the wedding. No worries, we got the name of a good restraunt to check-out while our rooms were getting ready. Either we weren't paying close enough to his directions or his directions were wrong, but by 3:30 we were no where near any restraunt, but it was beautiful country we were viewing! We decided to proceed to Wimberly and find a place there to eat and change. Plugged the address into the GPS and we were off! Found a pizza place for lunch and decided the restrooms would work to change. As we left we told the waitress/manager that we were going to use the restroom to change for a wedding. She said she had a "hot tub room out back" that we could change into. We took her up on the offer and did speed changing before heading to Old Glory Ranch. GPS was very accurate but the traveling was quite an adventure with 1-lane roads, inner tubes with ladies who shouldn't be wearing a bikini floating by, and people standing in the road so we couldn't easily pass. We continued up a winding road to the top of a hill where we found Old Glory. We parked the van in the back 40 and then rode in a golf court to the chapel. We saw Diane right away and she was absolutely STUNNING!
During the ceremony it was so exciting to see the bride and groom just constantly beaming at each other. They were both so happy! I can only hope our children find that same love--although several years from now!!!
During the ceremony it was so exciting to see the bride and groom just constantly beaming at each other. They were both so happy! I can only hope our children find that same love--although several years from now!!!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Getting Back in the Groove
I really thought when I blogged on July 4 I would get back in my routine of blogging. But as you can see, that didn't happen! I've just really had a hard time lately trying to balance everything and I guess blogging wasn't something I felt I needed to balance.
The most challenging part of this summer is I don't know what to expect and how to prepare. I think I've read about 10 different leadership books trying to get in that mind-set more, while still trying to learn more about curriculum. I have joined additional professional organizations to learn more about other content areas and leadership. I've been reading leadership blogs. I've attended lots of workshops, also. For the past 10 years, I've had my timeline of what needed to be done and always thinking ahead about what would need to be done next and this summer I haven't been able to do that. It's all GOOD though, as I know my principal is respecting our time and I greatly appreciate that.
I was able to create my office space this past week. The building is still under renovation so I couldn't hang things up, but I did unpack boxes and get a feel for my new home. We have a dynamo admin team and wonderful staff--so anxious to get it underway and build new relationships!
This weekend Ann, Moira, and I are going to Diane's daughter's wedding in Wimberly. Looking forward to the drive and catching up. It'll be a quick trip, but one final "hurrah" before the madness begins next week--classes Monday-Thursday, but it's all good training I'm looking forward to. Good thing I love to learn as I'll be learning so much this next year!
The most challenging part of this summer is I don't know what to expect and how to prepare. I think I've read about 10 different leadership books trying to get in that mind-set more, while still trying to learn more about curriculum. I have joined additional professional organizations to learn more about other content areas and leadership. I've been reading leadership blogs. I've attended lots of workshops, also. For the past 10 years, I've had my timeline of what needed to be done and always thinking ahead about what would need to be done next and this summer I haven't been able to do that. It's all GOOD though, as I know my principal is respecting our time and I greatly appreciate that.
I was able to create my office space this past week. The building is still under renovation so I couldn't hang things up, but I did unpack boxes and get a feel for my new home. We have a dynamo admin team and wonderful staff--so anxious to get it underway and build new relationships!
This weekend Ann, Moira, and I are going to Diane's daughter's wedding in Wimberly. Looking forward to the drive and catching up. It'll be a quick trip, but one final "hurrah" before the madness begins next week--classes Monday-Thursday, but it's all good training I'm looking forward to. Good thing I love to learn as I'll be learning so much this next year!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Gene's Surprise
This past week, Kev decided he would drive up to Iowa to be with is dad for some testing and to provide some company for him since he's been lonely. Although I offered he could take the van and I'd endure the truck for a week, Copperfield Automotive assured him his truck with over 100,000 miles was good to go! I decided to spend all Friday cooking meals and freezing them for Gene. I made muffins, rolls, cookies, and 6 meals split into 3-4 separate meals each. The cooler was full!
Kev took off at 3 AM Saturday morning and arrived in Postville at 9 PM. Gene was beaming when he saw all the food. Both his freezers were completely empty and now they are completely full!
So, although I had to stay back to get Kole to baseball and get some things done (as this is my only week I don't have a class or 2 to attend--although I am on a waiting list to attend one!), I felt like I was able to cheer Gene up and help in some way. It felt good pulling off that surprise!
Kev took off at 3 AM Saturday morning and arrived in Postville at 9 PM. Gene was beaming when he saw all the food. Both his freezers were completely empty and now they are completely full!
So, although I had to stay back to get Kole to baseball and get some things done (as this is my only week I don't have a class or 2 to attend--although I am on a waiting list to attend one!), I felt like I was able to cheer Gene up and help in some way. It felt good pulling off that surprise!
Closing and Opening Doors
Wow! Has it really been a month since I last blogged? I really thought once graduation was over, things would wind down, rather I think they wound up!
Since getting the Fiest position on May 13, I guess my brain has been on "overload". I've been filled with so many different emotions and I knew I had to close one door before I could fully open the other door. I had to close the door to Ky's CFISD career, but it's been so exciting watching the A&M door open. She had a great graduation party with most all her family here--the only thing she wanted for graduation! The campus totally fits her, her advisor seems very on top of it (good thing as I'm sure Ky doesn't want me challenging him!), she got her dorm and roommate assignment she wanted, got her AP credits she was hoping for, and has an awesome schedule. And although I know I'll miss her greatly, I'm so excited for the possibilities that await her. I pray that God continues to work through her these next 4 years and that they are the best 4 years yet! I can tell God has something special planned for her! She is an amazing young lady and I'm very proud of her.
I had to close the door to someone watching over Kole. Elementary was easy, but middle school can be so tough for kids. However, with Kole and Kevin together, it was a great three years for both of them! When they gave each other that final hug on the last day of school while playing the student/faculty basketball game, I knew this door closing would be hard for both of them. I think part of why it's going to be so rough is that baseball coaching ended in addition to their days constantly together ending. But with the Aragon door closing, the Cy-Falls door has already opened. It has been great that Kole made the summer Falls baseball team as he's got to meet new people. He's also been doing the conditioning campu 4 days a week, 2 hours a day and has met lots that way. His original anxieties about high school have diminished. And, although he's growing very tall, soon to pass me up, he is still so skinny, that I worry he'll end up in a trash can! The one thing about Kole though is his sense of humor will get him through it. He has a good head on his shoulders and is very open with us. He's a great kid and super proud of him as well!
But, one of the biggest doors that has closed has been working as a curriculum coach. The last 10 years have been amazing for me. I have learned so much, both regarding curriculum and about people. I had the chance to observe great leaders in action and it was those leaders that inspired me to complete my Master's. I met some of the most amazing teachers in the world, many of which I feel proud to be able to call my friends. I have been part of a great team and will miss tremendously the wonderful professional conversations we shared and their strength for me when Kev's mom died. They too are people I am proud to call my friends. But, on June 30 I taught my last face-to-face class and I packed up my office of 10 years. Goodness have I acquired a lot! It was a good thing Kev helped me, as there couldn't be time for getting sentimental--dump in a box and load it in the van! (Yes, his packing and my packing aren't the same!) I'll spend this week going through everything.
I thought I'd be sad pulling out of the ISC parking lot, but I wasn't, because it was then that I could finally open the door to Fiest wide open! I am so lucky to work for a wonderful principal who will challenge me in ways I've never been challenged before. It will be a year of tremendous growth, but that's what life is all about. The admin team is amazing! The teachers, students, and Fiest community are great! And, I get to work with my best friend again--Life is Good!
Looking forward to all the doors that have opened!
Since getting the Fiest position on May 13, I guess my brain has been on "overload". I've been filled with so many different emotions and I knew I had to close one door before I could fully open the other door. I had to close the door to Ky's CFISD career, but it's been so exciting watching the A&M door open. She had a great graduation party with most all her family here--the only thing she wanted for graduation! The campus totally fits her, her advisor seems very on top of it (good thing as I'm sure Ky doesn't want me challenging him!), she got her dorm and roommate assignment she wanted, got her AP credits she was hoping for, and has an awesome schedule. And although I know I'll miss her greatly, I'm so excited for the possibilities that await her. I pray that God continues to work through her these next 4 years and that they are the best 4 years yet! I can tell God has something special planned for her! She is an amazing young lady and I'm very proud of her.
I had to close the door to someone watching over Kole. Elementary was easy, but middle school can be so tough for kids. However, with Kole and Kevin together, it was a great three years for both of them! When they gave each other that final hug on the last day of school while playing the student/faculty basketball game, I knew this door closing would be hard for both of them. I think part of why it's going to be so rough is that baseball coaching ended in addition to their days constantly together ending. But with the Aragon door closing, the Cy-Falls door has already opened. It has been great that Kole made the summer Falls baseball team as he's got to meet new people. He's also been doing the conditioning campu 4 days a week, 2 hours a day and has met lots that way. His original anxieties about high school have diminished. And, although he's growing very tall, soon to pass me up, he is still so skinny, that I worry he'll end up in a trash can! The one thing about Kole though is his sense of humor will get him through it. He has a good head on his shoulders and is very open with us. He's a great kid and super proud of him as well!
But, one of the biggest doors that has closed has been working as a curriculum coach. The last 10 years have been amazing for me. I have learned so much, both regarding curriculum and about people. I had the chance to observe great leaders in action and it was those leaders that inspired me to complete my Master's. I met some of the most amazing teachers in the world, many of which I feel proud to be able to call my friends. I have been part of a great team and will miss tremendously the wonderful professional conversations we shared and their strength for me when Kev's mom died. They too are people I am proud to call my friends. But, on June 30 I taught my last face-to-face class and I packed up my office of 10 years. Goodness have I acquired a lot! It was a good thing Kev helped me, as there couldn't be time for getting sentimental--dump in a box and load it in the van! (Yes, his packing and my packing aren't the same!) I'll spend this week going through everything.
I thought I'd be sad pulling out of the ISC parking lot, but I wasn't, because it was then that I could finally open the door to Fiest wide open! I am so lucky to work for a wonderful principal who will challenge me in ways I've never been challenged before. It will be a year of tremendous growth, but that's what life is all about. The admin team is amazing! The teachers, students, and Fiest community are great! And, I get to work with my best friend again--Life is Good!
Looking forward to all the doors that have opened!
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