Easter is my favorite major holiday as I love the idea of rebirth and starting over. It gives me a different outlook on all of the beautiful spring flowers and trees in bloom, such a larger significance to me.
I got home from the Chicago trip on Easter Sunday at 4:30 a.m. Baskets had been delivered from the Bunny when I got home.
Each year I anticipate beautiful pictures of the kids in front of some tulips or daffodils or a dogwood tree. Each year I am sorely disappointed. Sure I got cute pics of them with their baskets but Audrey was in NO mood to take any pictures (turns out she was getting strep throat) so I pretty much gave up before I began and decided to schedule a photo session with a local studio for spring break.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
The Wicked, I mean Windy City. Oh! What a Trip!
Being a teacher has one definite perk...field trips!
Last year I helped chaperone a Theater Arts trip to New York City, meaning that I got to go free! We got to see Spamalot and Curtains (David Hyde Pierce won a Tony for this performance!) and the kids had workshops with some cast members. Pretty cool! I loved this city and would totally run away and try to be a chorus girl if my life had been different.
This year we went to Chicago and had yet another spectacular trip. The first day was beautiful so we toured Navy Pier and Millennium Park before taking in Jersey Boys. I am an architecture kinda gal so I loved the new park. The new outdoor concert hall and "The Bean" were gorgeous that day, the sun reflected beautifully off the steel. I'd love to catch a summer show there.
Now on to Jersey Boys...that show was INSANE! It says a lot when there is a group of 40 high school kids standing up and going crazy singing and all the words and dancing to Frankie Valli songs like "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man" and "Oh What a Night." Definitely a must see musical! It is in Cincy this May and June...I smell a road trip!
Here is a Youtube link to a performance that I love from the Emmy's. Ignore the Soprano's tribute.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=hxbpyAx7CWA
Day two had us braving a snowstorm to catch the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum. It was fun to watch the dolphin show but I was pooped by the time we were done with the Field.
After a fun dinner we headed to Wicked. I was so excited to see this show because I love The Wizard of Oz. For the past 12 years I have tried to read the Gregory Maguire book several times but was never able to get into his style of writing, such a disappointment. It was supposed to be made into a movie about 10 years ago but never happened. I was giddy with excitement when Amy told me we were seeing Wicked in Chicago. LOVED IT! "Defying Gravity" is my new theme song: never be afraid to soar higher than those around you think you can. Only one downside to this musical: the flying monkeys were nightmare inducing! Another "gotta see" musical and it is coming to Louisville in January. I sure hope Santa reads this blog because I'd love a ticket in my stocking.
Here is a Youtube link to "Defying Gravity" with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the most formidable Broadway names today.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=TNv6cFUvU9s
Our third an final day lent itself to the Art Museum and lots of shopping. We saw an improv show at Second City, which was hilarious! It made me have a greater appreciation for those who do live comedy. I could never hold a straight face like they do!
A jam packed three days and three great evening shows!
Last year I helped chaperone a Theater Arts trip to New York City, meaning that I got to go free! We got to see Spamalot and Curtains (David Hyde Pierce won a Tony for this performance!) and the kids had workshops with some cast members. Pretty cool! I loved this city and would totally run away and try to be a chorus girl if my life had been different.
This year we went to Chicago and had yet another spectacular trip. The first day was beautiful so we toured Navy Pier and Millennium Park before taking in Jersey Boys. I am an architecture kinda gal so I loved the new park. The new outdoor concert hall and "The Bean" were gorgeous that day, the sun reflected beautifully off the steel. I'd love to catch a summer show there.
Now on to Jersey Boys...that show was INSANE! It says a lot when there is a group of 40 high school kids standing up and going crazy singing and all the words and dancing to Frankie Valli songs like "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man" and "Oh What a Night." Definitely a must see musical! It is in Cincy this May and June...I smell a road trip!
Here is a Youtube link to a performance that I love from the Emmy's. Ignore the Soprano's tribute.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=hxbpyAx7CWA
Day two had us braving a snowstorm to catch the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum. It was fun to watch the dolphin show but I was pooped by the time we were done with the Field.
After a fun dinner we headed to Wicked. I was so excited to see this show because I love The Wizard of Oz. For the past 12 years I have tried to read the Gregory Maguire book several times but was never able to get into his style of writing, such a disappointment. It was supposed to be made into a movie about 10 years ago but never happened. I was giddy with excitement when Amy told me we were seeing Wicked in Chicago. LOVED IT! "Defying Gravity" is my new theme song: never be afraid to soar higher than those around you think you can. Only one downside to this musical: the flying monkeys were nightmare inducing! Another "gotta see" musical and it is coming to Louisville in January. I sure hope Santa reads this blog because I'd love a ticket in my stocking.
Here is a Youtube link to "Defying Gravity" with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the most formidable Broadway names today.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=TNv6cFUvU9s
Our third an final day lent itself to the Art Museum and lots of shopping. We saw an improv show at Second City, which was hilarious! It made me have a greater appreciation for those who do live comedy. I could never hold a straight face like they do!
A jam packed three days and three great evening shows!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Tuesday Tell All: Working Girl
From the beginning of my teens I started teaching. I helped my aunt teach ballet lessons to her beginning class. They were darling! I also taught and coached my synchronized swimming team, Louisville Sea Dancers.
High School
My first legitimate job was lifeguarding. I worked at several places for the next 6 years. I love the water so I got paid for doing what I love! I also taught swim lessons.
My senior year I worked at O'Charley's as a hostess. Nothing exciting there but I enjoyed it.
College
Over the summers I still lifeguarded and taught swim lesson. Once again, how can you go wrong to get paid to tan and hang out with your freinds?
In college I worked at Central Christian Child Care Center with the 3 year olds. The kids were adorable but I knew I wanted to work with older children.
Another job in college was hostessing at 3's, Rex Chapman's restaurant. Not a momentous job but I did get to meet Rick Pitino and Billy Donovan.
When I moved to Frankfort after college I waited tables and bartended at Applebee's. Since it was such a small town I needed to meet people my age and that was the hub of the town. It was there that I met my dearest friend, Candace. That was worth more than any tip I could ever have earned.
Teaching
My first job was at Owensboro High School for two years, teaching sophomore and senior English. I loved teaching there! So much student involvement and opportunity to be a leader. While there I realized that I wanted to be back with my family so I headed back to Louisville.
Louisville Male High School was the first place I parked my grade book in Louisville. I taught senior English part time and was upset to find out that my position was not going to be available the next year. I didn't mind working at Peir 1 to make up for the part time salary. Travis worked with me there: I was in the front and in charge of wedding resigtries while Travis worked in the stock room.
Next stop: Jefferson County Traditional Middle School for three years. Although I made some lasting freindships (shout outs to Wendi, Kathy, and Marsha) middle school was not my thing.
Put on the brakes! My next and current job is teaching at Waggener Traditional High School, my alma mater. This has been my favorite job for many reasons. One reason is because we have such great students. Another is that I feel like I am able to give back to the school that helped form who I have become. Although I have been there for the past five years, I have taught sophomore English, humanities, theater arts and junior English. Now I am working in the media center as head librarian and I love it! I am able to encourage reading and work with students in a different capacity than that of a teacher. Another benefit is that I don't have papers to grade! I have become so close with the people I work with that I can't imagine working without them!
Wow, that was a long ride! Each job I held has taught me valuable lessons to make me the person I am today. I have learned patience, grace, compassion, giving, and the value of hard work.
High School
My first legitimate job was lifeguarding. I worked at several places for the next 6 years. I love the water so I got paid for doing what I love! I also taught swim lessons.
My senior year I worked at O'Charley's as a hostess. Nothing exciting there but I enjoyed it.College
Over the summers I still lifeguarded and taught swim lesson. Once again, how can you go wrong to get paid to tan and hang out with your freinds?
In college I worked at Central Christian Child Care Center with the 3 year olds. The kids were adorable but I knew I wanted to work with older children.
Another job in college was hostessing at 3's, Rex Chapman's restaurant. Not a momentous job but I did get to meet Rick Pitino and Billy Donovan.
When I moved to Frankfort after college I waited tables and bartended at Applebee's. Since it was such a small town I needed to meet people my age and that was the hub of the town. It was there that I met my dearest friend, Candace. That was worth more than any tip I could ever have earned.Teaching
My first job was at Owensboro High School for two years, teaching sophomore and senior English. I loved teaching there! So much student involvement and opportunity to be a leader. While there I realized that I wanted to be back with my family so I headed back to Louisville.
Louisville Male High School was the first place I parked my grade book in Louisville. I taught senior English part time and was upset to find out that my position was not going to be available the next year. I didn't mind working at Peir 1 to make up for the part time salary. Travis worked with me there: I was in the front and in charge of wedding resigtries while Travis worked in the stock room.
Next stop: Jefferson County Traditional Middle School for three years. Although I made some lasting freindships (shout outs to Wendi, Kathy, and Marsha) middle school was not my thing.
Put on the brakes! My next and current job is teaching at Waggener Traditional High School, my alma mater. This has been my favorite job for many reasons. One reason is because we have such great students. Another is that I feel like I am able to give back to the school that helped form who I have become. Although I have been there for the past five years, I have taught sophomore English, humanities, theater arts and junior English. Now I am working in the media center as head librarian and I love it! I am able to encourage reading and work with students in a different capacity than that of a teacher. Another benefit is that I don't have papers to grade! I have become so close with the people I work with that I can't imagine working without them!Wow, that was a long ride! Each job I held has taught me valuable lessons to make me the person I am today. I have learned patience, grace, compassion, giving, and the value of hard work.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
In memory of Grandma
Travis' grandmother passed away this morning. We will all miss her dearly. Here is a video I took of her playing with the kids back in October. They loved visiting her and playing with her.
Although she didn't like having her picture taken, I snuck in a few here and there. When I find them, I'll post them.
Although she didn't like having her picture taken, I snuck in a few here and there. When I find them, I'll post them.
Monday, March 17, 2008
My pots of gold
I must live at the end of the rainbow because I live with these sweet little leprechauns. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Lately Aiden has loved to have his picture taken. You can easily see his willingness to sport a cheesy grin. Audrey thinks Aiden hung the moon so if he tells her, "Say cheese!" I can consider it done.
What is more Irish than R2D2? Audrey loves to read with Aiden and Star Wars is Aiden's newest obsession. Therefore he is learning all about the droids. I guess that is fair because Audrey had me paint Aiden's toenails last night after I was done with hers.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Tuesday Tell All Catch Up
What's in a name?
Kristen Kathleen
My mom and dad both loved Kristen. Kathleen is a derivative of Catherine, my mother's mother. i was supposed to be Ginny after my aunt Gigi but that didn't happen.
Travis Lee
Trav's mom and dad liked Travis. His father's middle name is Lee.
Aiden Parker
When we found out we were having a boy, Travis and I were going to name him Andrew. Then Andrews started popping up everywhere amongst our freinds and family. In order to avoid so many kids with the same name we chose Aiden instead. Little did we know there would be thousands of Aidens. Traditionally his name is spelled Aidan. I chose Aiden because Kristen is spelled Kristen.
Parker was always in the running. However, Parker Heckel sounded like a sneeze (as did Cole Heckel, another option). Everyone who knows my husband knows about his obsession with Spiderman whose real name is Peter Parker. I didn't want to use Peter so we used Parker as his middle name.
Audrey Elizabeh
After loosing two pregnancies Travis and I prayed for another child. I told God I didn't care if he blessed us with a boy or a girl, I just wanted to add to our family. In order to show him I was serious, we didn't find out the sex of our second child. I loved not knowing because it kept me focused on getting mentally ready for a baby. Plus we were going to move and didn't plan on decorating a room for the baby for less than one month.
If Audrey was a boy his name would have been Cooper Drake. I just liked Cooper and it sounded cute with our last name. I chose Drake because it is my mother's middle name.
Since Cooper will never have a chance to make it into our family's name database (two kids is plenty for us since we both work), I "gave" the name to my friend Amber who just had a baby boy, Cooper Adrian Jaggers (the first leap day baby in Louisville!).
However, we had a beautiful baby girl. Audrey comes after my father's mother. Elizabeth...I just loved the sound of it with Audrey.
Kristen Kathleen
My mom and dad both loved Kristen. Kathleen is a derivative of Catherine, my mother's mother. i was supposed to be Ginny after my aunt Gigi but that didn't happen.
Travis Lee
Trav's mom and dad liked Travis. His father's middle name is Lee.
Aiden Parker
When we found out we were having a boy, Travis and I were going to name him Andrew. Then Andrews started popping up everywhere amongst our freinds and family. In order to avoid so many kids with the same name we chose Aiden instead. Little did we know there would be thousands of Aidens. Traditionally his name is spelled Aidan. I chose Aiden because Kristen is spelled Kristen.
Parker was always in the running. However, Parker Heckel sounded like a sneeze (as did Cole Heckel, another option). Everyone who knows my husband knows about his obsession with Spiderman whose real name is Peter Parker. I didn't want to use Peter so we used Parker as his middle name.
Audrey Elizabeh
After loosing two pregnancies Travis and I prayed for another child. I told God I didn't care if he blessed us with a boy or a girl, I just wanted to add to our family. In order to show him I was serious, we didn't find out the sex of our second child. I loved not knowing because it kept me focused on getting mentally ready for a baby. Plus we were going to move and didn't plan on decorating a room for the baby for less than one month.
If Audrey was a boy his name would have been Cooper Drake. I just liked Cooper and it sounded cute with our last name. I chose Drake because it is my mother's middle name.
Since Cooper will never have a chance to make it into our family's name database (two kids is plenty for us since we both work), I "gave" the name to my friend Amber who just had a baby boy, Cooper Adrian Jaggers (the first leap day baby in Louisville!).
However, we had a beautiful baby girl. Audrey comes after my father's mother. Elizabeth...I just loved the sound of it with Audrey.
My Snow Babies
Two polar opposite things I always wanted for my kids to love: swimming and playing in the snow! So far they are adhering to my plan...somewhat at least.
We have had two larger snows this year. No, Wendi, they are nothing compared to Utah but they were pretty big for Kentucky (I'll get into the wacky weather in my next blog). The first snow was right before Valentine's Day. The ice storm came first (beautiful and Ansel Adams-y) and started in the middle of the day so school was let out early. I think that makes teachers happier than the students! The snow fell on top of that and we ended up with about 6 inches of snow. Aiden had strept throat so we made him stay inside. Audrey said it was "pweeedddy" and wanted to see it. Even though she giggled when the snow fell on her, she wouldn't touch it. She kept her hands up the whole time to avoid touching it (as is evident in the second picture of her).
At the beginning of March we got quite a large snow over a two day period. We ended up with a 12 inch accumulation. Audrey was snowed in at my mom and dad's so I was determined that Aiden and I go out and play. He was in his room listening to music and reading his Star Wars book when I bundled up and snuck out of the house. Stealthily I snuck to his window and bombed it with snowballs. I saw his little head pop up and stare at me. Then I heard him squeal, "Hey! Daddy get my coat!" He came out and we had a fun little snowball fight. He even helped me shovel. Poor thing doesn't realize that will be his job in a couple years. Good times!
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