The computer's so bright...I gotta wear shades.

Twister

...the girls (and Logan) playing Twister Skip-It.

All parents like to see their children getting along.

Both Worlds

Emma was asleep with "both" dogs.

Ice Cream

I had a few bucks and treated the kiddos to something from the ice cream truck.

Emma reading her journal from 1st grade while waiting for gymnastics.

Sleeping Late

Carnival

Addi & Abby with the classic sun grimace.

Carnival

...fun at the carnival yesterday. We are going back today.

Soccer

Emma received her soccer trophy.

oops

I'm guessing I didn't pull up the entire Hosta.

Summer Break

...a little last day of school treat at Lokal's.

Soccer

Emma had her soccer party tonight. Another year of soccer in the books.

1st Grade

...Emma's last day of 1st grade.

Addi would rather sleep on the floor just to be in the same room as her sister.

Addi's requirement for washing dishes is a dance outfit.

The Place

It's important to have a secret place to read and just chill out. :)

Soccer

...half-time at Emma's soccer game.

After School

Zelinn, Addi, Emma & Emma

Derby Time

Emma and Addi at the Borget Derby.

Roll It

Addi was determined to help Dad with painting her room. She did a great job.

There's about a 2 degree difference at the top of the triangle.

Emma

Treats

Concert

Collective Soul still rocks after 19 years. It's refreshing to hear bands who concentrate on sound quality instead of just "loudness."

Hanging After School

Scrub Scrub Scrub

She's at it again. Addi is very domestic for her age.

Goalie

...time for soccer.

...snow still in the mountains.

Strategy

The beauty of the girls taking a bath the night before is not needing to do it in the morning. This allows me to sleep in 15 minutes. Score.

Breakfast Buddy

The doll is a little creepy.

Business As Usual

...almost time for dance and gymnastics.

Addi

Oreo Face

My Back Hurts

...not my first option for drawing but 7 year-olds are more flexible.

Soccer

Addi had her first Spring soccer game this morning.

No Running

Emma's first day of her short lived Running Club participation at Hidden Hollow.

...waiting for the traffic to clear.

UofL

I'll Have Another

Addi likes her double stuffed Oreos. Who doesn't? ;)

Going At It

Addi has been washing dishes.

Emma at Rebecca's 7th birthday party.

My driveway is flaking away. The concrete contractor is brilliant.

Education

I've been racking my brain lately trying to decide whether to go back to school or not. Additional education can be a plus but I'm worried about the educational climate. I'd really like to avoid paying 20 grand for a masters degree and be in the same position 18 months later...unemployed.

I've decided not to start a masters program until I've secured a job. Maybe a future employer will help with the cost of this endeavor. No amount of schooling is without stress but the stress factor in finding a quality masters program has been grinding on me. I will continue to substitute teach and take each day one by one.

Substitute teaching has taught a lot about myself. I've learned that I can "calm" an out-of-control 1st grader with only a two-minute talk. I'm able to manage high school classrooms known for scaring off substitutes. Elementary school students still yell my name after just a single time substituting for their class. Middle school students recognize me around town and always "Hey, Mr. B." me.

Do I think I can be a good teacher? You bet but health teachers aren't treated the same as science (Health IS a science.), math or foreign language teachers. Teaching isn't all about cramming information down a student's throat. It's also about giving students confidence that they can trust the teacher. I'd consider myself a success if ONE student gained confidence in my classroom and applied that confidence throughout their other classes.

I work well with students and I know the teaching material. Hopefully, I'll have my own classroom soon.

Best buds again for today.