Mothers Day and more....

We have been incredibly busy (I think that is silly....of course we have!). For mothers day we went to Emerald Downs to watch the horse races. What a great day!!! Recently, I got to see some of my family that I had not seen in forever at a birthday party for a family friend. I love this time of year...it is such a great opportunity to catch up with those we love!!!!
The grandmas bought Malia a horse mask when we were at Emerald Downs...we had such a great time!!!









One thing that Malia and I always take time for is to make dinner together. This is her latest creation...hotdog pizza!
We went to the ocean as a family and had the best time. Malia loved digging in the dirt and Ava...well she loved eating it!

Cheryl

On May 20th, it marked one year since my friend, Cheryl died unexpectedly in an accident. On this day we met for a dinner in her honor which was really beautiful. We all shared really great memories. As we were leaving, there was a rainbow. I took a picture...it gave such me peace!!!!

Teacher Appreciation Week!

I was spoiled rotten for teacher appreciation week...it is such a privilege to work with these kids and to receive everything was overwhelming...this is orange day (my favorite color). EVERYTHING you could think of...
Golf day...the kids designed golf balls and included a gift certificate to Chambers Bay...ARE YOU KIDDING????? It took my breath away!

This is my shy face...hiding behind all of the flowers...

Diet Coke and chocolate day! Yummy!!

What Do Teachers Make?

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor winner.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time, when their parents can't make them sit for 5, without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make? (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know about English, while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America .

Finally, I make them understand that, if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life. (Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention, because they are ignorant. You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make, Mr. CEO?

His jaw dropped, he went silent.