Visitors!

It’s been about a month now in my new home in New Mexico and everyday I'm in awe of the beauty around me.  My whole life I lived in a concrete jungle but really did love all the wonderment of living in a big city ...but now to be so close to nature, the beauty of the mountains and the open spaces is something I hope never becomes my norm.  The differences are huge, the pace a far cry from what I am used to but all in all I am settling in and adjusting and loving it!  Yesterday I set up a hummingbird feeder in the corner of our yard and in no time we had little visitors... they are amazing creatures to watch!  Interestingly it would have been the first day do school and although I have to admit it was a little bittersweet, taking time to watch these amazing creatures was priceless!

Greetings From New Mexico!

Flash back to June 27th . . . we left Chicago for our new life in New Mexico. It was a very difficult last few weeks . . . saying goodbye to my dear friends and family even though there were promises of seeing them soon…  Our plan was that we would be renting a house until about the July 4^th weekend, well we learned quickly we now live in the land of “manana” (an attitude we will grow to love but not when waiting to get into the house) and when building a home you are at the mercy of inspectors. . .  Flash forward to July 23^rd  we finally get clearance to move in . . . yes we were a bit off on our schedule of the 4^th weekend! It was a crazy adventure those 3 weeks but we managed to hang in there because really what choice did we have?! Since moving in we have been working like crazy trying to unpack, organize, and of course buy things that we want/need to make it a comfy home for us and for those who may come out to visit.  There will be more to come on this new adventure . . . but for now I will go out back and enjoy the view of a hot air balloon flying in the sky. . . a site I hope never becomes “normal”

Spending Time with Friends . . .

Since getting out of school one week ago I've been packing  like a crazy lady . . . but I've also had some time to spend with friends.  Here are some pictures from a weekend trip to celebrate with 40+ year friends the year we all turn 60! We spent quality time with each other in Door County!

By the Harbor in Fish Creek

Shopping and of Course Eating!

My Friends . . .Priceless

View From Our Condo . . . Glideon Lodge

Letter To The Children . . .

Dear Children of Robert Frost School,

I am writing this letter to you to let you know how special you all are.  You know who I am, I am a teacher that feels fortunate to have had you in my life over the years. 

Let me tell you more about me.  I became a teacher because I wanted to make a difference.  A difference in the lives of children just like all of you.  I wanted to not only teach you how to read, write and do math, but also to become strong independent thinkers and problem solvers.  I loved when you got excited about learning and when you even taught me a few things.

Now I would like to ask you something.  When you look in the mirror, what do you see?  Do you see someone that may become a doctor who heals people, a scientist who may find a cure for cancer, a lawyer who will fight for people and their rights or even a teacher who will make a difference for another generation of children?

Do you know what I see?  I see children sitting right in this room who are our future.  Children that work hard to be the best they can be.  Children that respect all the differences that make our school so very special.  Children that will make this country better than it is today.  Children that filled my bucket with a few words, a note or even a picture and you didn’t even know how much it meant to me.

And so children of Robert Frost school my message to you today is really simple, reach for the stars, never ever give up on your dreams, and always remember you can do whatever you put your mind to do.  Always work hard and when it seems too hard you know you always have a teacher near by to help you!
xoxo

An Evening To Remember!

A perfect evening . . . for a perfect career!  Last Friday night my school friends planned a retirement party that left my heart overwhelmed and humble.  Every detail was thought through and in the end the night surpassed anything I could have imagined.  I am so grateful to have been a part of my school for all these years . . . so thankful to have worked with a group of people that are caring and compassionate.  People that are there for each other when it really matters . . . people that may disagree sometimes but always put the good of the children first.  And all the kids over the years . . . I honestly could not have imagined working anywhere else! 

It’s hard to believe it’s almost the last day of my career
I remember so clearly the first day of that first year
So many memories, that I will set apart
And will forever keep them safely tucked in my heart
So lucky I’ve been to have worked with people who care
Relationships that in most work places I’m sure are rare
And of course there’s the kids . . . some challenging most not
All I’ve ever wanted was to help give them the best shot
They really had powers . . . especially on days I was blue
A simple note, picture, or hug meant so much more than they knew
A tough job for sure but one I’ll treasure for ever more
But now it’s time to head west for the next opening door