the girls and I had a spontaneous camp out at the ranch. Just us three. I ran home to fill my car with blankets and pillows and toothbrushes and a lantern. Stopped to stock up on s'mores and water. There was nothing else we needed. We stayed in the barn apartment. No elect, water or plumbing yet. I had a hard time sleeping. The pack of coyotes and their babies kept me awake. Not very soothing. I had so much fun. I've been wanting to camp just us girls. I loved it!

Cat chose to fly for her birthday. How are we going to top this. My brave daughters!

The big kids had fun but Addie was a natural.

I don't actively think or feel the pain this holiday brings, but it's there in my short temper and my quick tears. I know it, but no one else does. I don't know if it will ever go away. Add a layer of guilt and fatigue. Losing my dad on Christmas Eve changed me forever. I want to be happy. I do. I'm trying.

I so rule my world! Now com'on, I'm not gloating... ok I am. Oh Yea.

My student says, "Mrs.G, when we finish an essay or project and we see all the work we did in one packet, it's crazy. I mean we do a lot of work." I'm not sure she was complimenting me, but I was pretty PROUD! And I know she was too!!

My classes have read three novels( one Shakespeare), written three complex essays, read 20+ stories and 25 expository articles and completed eight major projects. (This is off the top of my head) We have annotated and answered in writing till our pens are out of ink and there is no paper left. It is true my students have done a lot of great work! Pretty cool!

So my life just got a whole lot busier. Cat was suppose to only play club vball this season bc I didn't want to have conflicts with basketball. Her bkbll coach said we will work it out, so we signed her up. Addie is playing winter soccer. Yes, I love my child and will be cheering from inside my car. We were going to pass on basketball for Addie until they BEGGED me to sign her up bc six little 6 year olds needed a 7th player to complete her team. So come Jan 7th we will be playing FOUR sports and I only have two kids under the age of 10. Frk works nights so it's all me taking them to practice. Don't get me wrong, I love every minute of it. I'm helping assist coach Addie's team bc they needed a woman on the bench. Sat started the season. Addie made about ten steals and fast breaks! She made 8 of the 14 points. They only played with five girls. They were so red and tired. Warriors! Catalina vowed to do BETTER than Addie lol, but fell short at three baskets. Her team won 38-10. They quit keeping the scoreboard at 25-0. The girls on BOTH teams looked soooo good. I LOVE bring a mom to athletes.

mine wld be you

my prin said my lesson was great. She complimented the culture in my class. She said it felt safe and the students showed that. I need to work on my wait time. She's right. I always feel rushed to deliver. I'm grateful she gave me a chance and appreciates my teaching skills. I feel like I can breathe easy.