I'm so sorry this post is late...I was off to a pretty good start, updating every Sunday night, but I am here to admit, that our second week back to school was a little bit tougher than the first week.
Monday started w/ McKenna's Open House - we made it home by 8:00;
Tuesday was Andrea's Open House where we rotated through her schedule every 10 min. That took 2 hrs plus the additional 20 minute wait for a terrible rainstorm to pass - we made it home by 9:10 and everyone tucked in bed by 9:30.
Wednesday was my Open House (fortunately Scott picked up the girls) and I made it home by 8:30.
Andrea actually had to lift weights in PE class on Monday and by Tuesday was EXTREMELY sore, making swim practice almost impossible.
While at practice on Wednesday, Andrea was stung on the underarm by a bee. OMG, 48 hrs. later her arm was so red, so swollen, so painful and still, so itchy. I couldn't believe the week she was having.
McKenna and I both caught the back to school colds........

Now as we begin week 3, summer already seems but a distant memory......169 school days left until summer vacation!

On a brighter note, tomorrow is the first day of September; my birthday month, yippee! And look at that - a 3 day weekend coming up!

Also, this week is Andrea's first ever swim meet. She will have one every week from now until the end of October. Sometimes they are on tuesdays and sometimes on thursdays. If you ever want to come, just let me know and I'll fill you in on what time, otherwise, don't worry, I'll keep you posted :o)

I forgot to share what kept me from posting last night.....I was busy trying to finish this for McKenna's classroom teacher. (you know, when you have a student whose parent is the art teacher.....you can guess from there) Of course, I don't mind helping in any way I can :o)
It doesn't matter what this is (a sign w/ the class theme), I just wanted to share that these red stripes were a little harder than I thought to do!
It was a special treat that I got to work on this in my studio!
Love to all,
and hopefully, check back sunday :o)
Melle

Whew!

Survived the first week of school with only a few bumps in the road....
On Monday a few teachers gave Andrea a hard time about her schedule change and McKenna doesn't care for her aftercare teacher....other then that, it's going great!
My schedule is AWESOME this year and first graders will already be painting this week (am I crazy or what!).
Our eating fast food after Andrea's swim practice was still a problem last week, so the girls and I spent much time making a plan for our "better eating habits". I even grocery shopped and planned meals, only to realize....we will be at THREE open houses this week and won't get home until 8:00, if we are lucky! Well, there is always next week.
For all my friends who are finally heading back to school this week, may you get off to a great start!

Love you,
Melle

2nd day of school 2009

Well, the good news is......two days down and only 178 school days left until Summer Vacation!

No, really, everything is okay. I just really......really, enjoyed my summer.
Sorry, I didn't get here with the "first day of school photo", a little drama in the morning, so I have the "second day of school photo for you tonight".

Photo one, was taken on Andrea's 1st day of middle school and McKenna's first day of PreK-4, before you scroll to today's photo, I warn you.....I was surprised at how much they both have grown and at how much they have changed. Again, "bitter-sweet".

Day two, and I'm pretty sure my year is going to be just fine.
Day two and McKenna is adjusting to second grade; away from mommy and at a new building.
Day two and well, Andrea, I think is doing okay. It's not going to be easy. She has 7 classes each day, very demanding teachers and a swim team I really want her to be apart of. (I do think she's enjoying the swim experience. She hasn't come out and said so, but at this age....she hasn't said she hates it either.)

I'll keep you posted.
Off to bed, our 12 hour days are already taking their toll.

Love to all,
Melle

Bitter-sweet

I'm excited to see my students tomorrow, but I don't want summer to end. Must be what they mean when they say, "You can't have your cake and eat it too."

Well, our clothes are all laid out;





McKenna says mine is kind of "wild", I said "it's artsy"....in any case, it's new and that hasn't happened in a while! :o)

My lesson plans are penciled in for the week
and Andrea is still organizing her school supplies. She keeps putting it off.....hoping the longer she puts that off, the longer she can put off going back to school. I know she is worried about starting high school. I'm just worried about how fast I know these next four years will go.

To all my wonderful friends and mommies here in Ocala, may you have one more last wonderful week of summer (and/or productive work week). Be thinking of me!

Oh and one last thing, "Happy early birthday to me....", yep, that's a Cricut in my studio!!!


Michele, you owe me one big BOP on the head, 'cause I didn't wait until it went on sale - urgh! I just couldn't wait any longer. I did however, get Wal-Mart to honor a mispriced cartridge for $30, that was supposed to be $60. Now, if only I had a summer break to play with it!

Night all, best wishes,
Melle

I am grateful

As I sit here with only a few hours left of my summer vacation, I can't complain or feel sorry. I truly am grateful for all I accomplished, for the things we did and the friends I got to be with.
Tonight all the new uniform tops and bottoms are purchased and washed;
all the school supplies are purchased and sorted for either me or their teacher;
car is washed and vacuumed 'cause it may not see a sponge again for another 6 months;
most closets have been cleaned;
most bedrooms have been cleaned;
Andrea's room has been painted;
some teacher gifts are made;
I learned a little more about my photo editing software;
I scrapbooked some;
I walked some;
I swam some;
I laughed a lot;
I met Tim Holtz;
I almost climbed a lighthouse;
Witnessed my child seeing the ocean for the first time;
I witnessed a caterpillar turning into a chrysalis;
My faith was strengthened;
I ate popcorn at the movies, both indoors and outdoors;
I fondued;
and thanks to the help of my family, I made a creative space for me in the garage.

Chances are, if you are reading this, you had a hand in these great memories this summer, and I thank you so much.

I'm always a little excited and scared at the start of a new school year. It is so wonderful to see the children again and yet, I'm a little overwhelmed by the importance of this job.

Teaching and motherhood
the two most important professions on this planet, how blessed I am to do both.

Love to all,
Melle

more Tim - it just never stops!

Hello all!
Okay, I promise, I'll stop.....well, I'll try anyway. Check it out - there is a picture of ME on Tim Holtz's blog!!!! Well, ME and a bunch of other ladies, but ME. You can tell it was of ME 'cause I'm looking at the camera! Well, okay, okay, it's ME from a distance and you have to find ME among lots of ladies, but I'm there. Tim Holtz has a photo of ME in his camera!!!!!

I'm off to one last wonderful scrapbooking get-away (Thank you Michele! Thank you Yvonne!) this weekend and then, (gulp) I am back to work on Monday. But it's okay....can't say I didn't get a lot done :)

Love to all and I'll be back to share what I made,
Melle

more Tim Holtz goodness....

I thought I had a photo! Now you can probably see why this afternoon class was 4 hours and you can probably see why I'm not quite done yet. This class was called "Patchwork Pandemonium", each one of those pieces has been either, painted, inked, stamped or sanded. My fingers were covered and I loved it!
(If you are just now checking into the blog, be sure to scroll down just a little more to see me with you know who!)
Melle