Funny Day...

This week my second graders are taking the California STAR test. Since this is their first experience in the world of standardized testing it has been quite interesting. Today one of my students finished his test in less than 10 minutes. (The test should take between 40 - 50 minutes.) My first reaction was, "Are you kidding me? You can't possibly be done!". In which Sam (names have been changed to protect my job) replied, "Yes I am. I answered every question." I checked his test and he had answered every question. The problem is... he answered "B" to every single question! What was he thinking????? Later, after everyone had finished I overheard "Sam" telling his buddy, "I think I did really good today. My dad told me if I didn't know the answer to the question, bubble in "B"." Thanks dad....I can't wait to see "Sam's" score!!

Fun Weekend

It was so fun having Courtney home this past weekend. As usual she keeps us going...in a fun and energizing way! She flew in on Wednesday and was able to watch a little of John's water polo game. We left early to get something to eat and have some girl time (we didn't get enough)! She was so tired from packing and moving apartments that she was falling asleep on the couch by 9:00. Thursday I was at school and Courtney spent the day at the dentist and having lunch with Ron. We spent the afternoon watching a marathon of America's Biggest Loser...let's say it was quite inspiring. John talked us in to going to a movie on Thursday night, we had the theatre all to ourselves.very FUN. Friday we went to Courtney's doctors appointment. I could finally see the bone growth on her x-ray's...so EXCITING. She is doing amazingly well..we feel so BLESSED. The rest of the weekend was spent with Courtney's friends from college. She is so lucky to have such a great group of friends. They are all remarkable young men and women. I love being able to put a face with the many name(s) we hear from Courtney. Good news....Kristen is coming to visit in a couple of weeks. It looks like Spring term will fly by!

Spring Break...Finally!

I love spring break! Especially this year. The weather is beautiful and it is so fun spending time with John. I'm sure it will be one of the last years he wants me around so I'm enjoying every minute of it. I spent the weekend watching conference, which was amazing. Yesterday I took John and some of his friends to TAB. It was another perfect day in paradise! Thank you Retta and Steve for sharing your paradise with us! Today is errands: dog groomers, hair cuts, grocery shopping. Tomorrow I have a fun morning planned with my dear friend Melissa(Temple and lunch). I'm praying the girls are sleeping and studying and not stressing over finals. I miss them both!

What a Difference a Year Makes...

It seems like yesterday that I was in the awful position of receiving a RIF notice from CUSD. What a difference a year makes...this year I am in the lucky position of not receiving one. Although lucky, it is a sad day. Too many of my friends and colleagues are being RIFted. What is a RIF? It is the acronym given to a "Reduction in Force" letter that is mandated by the California Ed. code which states that if a permanent employee might not be needed for the following school year, they must be notified by March 15. Now the good news is if you receive one, it does not mean you will be laid off, just a chance. The real lay off notices come on May 15th. So to my teacher friends, "I'm sorry you have to go through this again."

Quiet House

The girls are gone and once again our house is quiet. I walk in their rooms, straighten their covers and then close the door and wait until they come home again. I wonder if I will ever get used to them being away? I hope not. I miss you both!

Rainy Days and Mondays Always.....

Today should have been a great day. First of all both of the girls are home for a long weekend, and I have the day off for President's Day! (Thank you Abraham Lincoln and others!) The problem is I got up this morning and decided to gather the information for the dreaded task of filing our taxes. SOOO depressing. We pay a small fortune in income taxes, make too much to deduct any of the girls tuition expenses, never qualify for anything back from the government, and lastly we will still probably owe more money to the government. I HATE TAXES!

Wonderful Wedding

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend one of my dearest friend's daughter's wedding in the Newport Beach Temple. The bride was absolutely beautiful!! The reception was held on a perfect January-California afternoon - 80 degrees and sunny!! I love being a part of these special moments! Congratulations Kristin and Christopher, you deserve the best!!!