Summer is in high gear!

I can't believe the summer is zipping by so fast. I happened to look at the calendar and realize we are into the June 20-somethings and can't remember what we have been up to these last three weeks. One thing I know is that there has not been enough swimming yet. If I don't swim every day I feel like that is not enough: big pools, baby pools, sprinklers...we aren't picky! Summer time is water time! Luckily my kids are little waterbugs like their mommy. Their daddy on the other hand? What a landlubber!

One of our favorite backyard water sports is the water slide. Audrey and Aiden absolutely fly off the end. I need to get video of it because Audrey really does get airtime at the bottom!

The summer is still young. There are many cannonballs to be splashed and many underwater turtle rides to be given. To all my waterlogged friends and family out there, I hope you are enjoying these beautiful summer months, wet or dry!

Tuesday Tell Alls: Graduation and one word

Topic For Tuesday May 27, 2008 - Graduation

Waggener High School: Nothing really stuck out for me from graduation. I was excited to start University of Kentucky but that is about it.

University of Kentucky: A great day! I felt like I really earned my Bachelor's of Arts in Secondary English Education. I was ready to student teach and change the world!

Spalding University: I was tempted to not attend this ceremony when I earned my Master's in Library Media Services. Then I thought twice: I got through the program in one year WHILE I was pregnant and WHILE I was working full time. This graduation meant more to me than the other two because my husband and son were there to share in my happiness.

Graduation time always makes me reflective. As a former student of the high school where I presently work, I get especially emotional. One tradition we have at Waggener is the Senior Walk. All the underclassmen line the hallways as the seniors wear their caps and gowns and take one final walk down the hallway and out the front door. I remember my senior walk. Aree and I walked down the hall arm in arm with our other friends behind us. I thought I was headed to UK to pursue some sort of medical career. Little did I know where I would wind up since I still didn't even know who I was yet.

When I see the seniors walking down the hall with their whole lives ahead of them I think of how much different my life is from what I had expected. I love the way it has turned out. My career fits my strengths, weaknesses and the goals I've set for myself and my family. Not meaning to brag but I am so proud of who I have become since that walk. It lead me to the front door of that very institution again to give back.

Topic for Tuesday May 20, 2008 - One Word

Answer the following with only one word.

1. Where is your cell phone? ....................desk
2. Your significant other?.......................asleep
3. Your hair?....................................ponytail
4. Your mother? .................................helpful
5. Your father?..................................playful
6. Your favorite thing?..........................kids
7. Your dream last night?........................blank
8. Your favorite drink...........................water
9. Your dream/goal?..............................changes
10. The room you're in?..........................basement
11. Your children?.....................................asleep
12. Your fear?...................................death
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years...........happy
14. Where were you last night?...................traveling
15. What you're not?.............................routine
16. Muffins......................................blueberry
17. One of your wish list items?.................bathtub
18. Where you grew up?...........................Louisville

19. What you read last........................Eclipse
20. What are you wearing?........................tshirt
21. Your TV?.....................................crabbers
22. Your pets?...................................fluffy
23. Your computer? ..............................HP
24. Your life?...................................incredible
25. Your mood?...................................reflective
26. Missing someone?.............................Grandma
27. Your car?....................................convertible
28. Something you're not wearing?................shoes
29. Favorite Store?..............................Target
30. Your summer?.................................swimming
31. Like someone?................................mom
32. Your favorite color?.........................green
33. Last time you laughed........................hour
34. Last time you cried?.........................Saturday

Congratulations Mike and Katie!

This weekend Travis and I traveled to Perrysburg, OH for his cousin Mike's wedding.

Gorgeous setting!

The wedding was perfomed at St. Rose Catholic Church which reminded me of St. Martin of Tours here in Louisville. Since we were not allowed to take pics during the ceremony I'll post a link to the photographer's site when their photos are available. There were so many personal touches, including her brother singing during the ceremony.



The reception was held at Toledo Country Club. The weather was perfect and we all got a little sun being outside. It was a perfect place to enjoy appetizers and wait for the couple to arrive. Due to that convenient fact that the country club sits on the Maumee River, the bride and groom arrived to the reception by boat. Look closely (I mean really closely) and you can see the bride waving excitedly as they pulled up to the dock.







Inside, the tables were titled after significant parts of their life. We were at the "Xtra Lease" table, the company for which Mike works. The cake was decorated with white scroll work and read, "Happily Ever After."

Gorgeous couple!

Mike and Katie were both glowing all day. Katie is very organized and Mike is very spontaneous so they fit well together. They are another example that there is a force that guides us to meet our soul mate. For some it is the Internet, for others like this couple it was a cruise ship!Katie's gown and Mike's tux were beautiful and their rings were incredible! Mike sure picked out some bling, which I guess he deserves since he is going to have to wear it for the rest of his life.

Gorgeous first dance!

For their first dance, Katie recorded "When You Say Nothing at All." The sun was coming across the sky perfect as they danced.



Although the song is saying that the silent times mean so much, I thought it was ironic that they talked throughout the dance! :)

Gorgeous mother-son dance!

Vicky SAID that she was not looking forward to being the center of attention during this dance but that doesn't seem the case in this video. Sorry it is sideways (I forget I can't rotate video on my camera) but you can see how much she enjoyed it!

Gorgeous toasts!

My apologies to Mr. Gannon as the pictures I took of his toast to his daughter and his new wife all have a head in the way.

Mike's dad, Big Mike, made a humorous speech that really fit his relationship with his son and what he wanted for his son's future with Katie...a strong emphasis on grandchildren! I wanted to crop this picture of his toast but I love little Mike's RED face! It almost blends in with those Stargazer lilies.



Mike's best man, Tony, made a fun toast informing us that they bonded over brownies and proclaimed himself Mike's "black brother."

Gorgeous family!

Although they were nervous, excited and exhausted, Mike's parents, Mike and Vicky, had a wonderful day. They even cut loose to "Get Low." To the window...to the wall! What a great occasion to get together with family we don't get to see as much as we'd like.

Last but not least, who can resist the Cha Cha Slide? Not me or Sonny and Pat, Travis' aunt and uncle!

Aiden at the Bat...I mean at Tee

The sun was warm and brilliant for the Cardinal ten that day.
No score was kept, just little boys and girls ready to play.
Sophie'd slid to second and Hayden had taken first base
Which meant that it was Aiden's turn to step up and set the pace.



Aiden was excited as he stepped into his place.
There was pride in Aiden's bearing and a smile lit Aiden's face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat
No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas Aiden at the bat.




A hundred eyes were on him as he walked amid the dirt
Fifty mouths applauded when he stood there in his shirt.
And when he walked up to the tee and lined up his skinny hips
Excitement flashed in Aiden's eye, a smile came from his lips.



The huge smile spread 'cross Aiden's lips, his heart began to race;
he hit the ball upon the tee and raced to Travis at first base.
His family was cheering, the little children they did shout
and there were high fives at all bases as Aiden rounded them out!

T-ball has been way more fun than I ever expected! Aiden loves to play, I think because everyone is watching him. He loves to make sure everyone is watching him and giving him a thumbs up while he is out there. Audrey is ready to get out there and play herself. She'll usually let us watch Aiden's first bat then it is off to the swing with a lollie for her.

Thanks to everyone that has come to watch him play this season!

Peter Cottontail

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.

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!

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.