Every year our first graders go on a field trip to Rickwood Cavern.  Here I am climbing the steps in the  cavern.

Freedom

It's been a long time since I posted--but I've been tremendously busy doing other writing called the National Boards this year. I finished the portfolio portion last Friday and mailed the box that night which was 1 day before the postmark date (must be postmarked on or before March 31st). I woke up the next day feeling free but frequently had this feeling of shouldn't I be doing something? That was step 1, now I have to take the assessment test. So, I'm not free yet, but it sure feels that way!

Julia and Me at The America Idol's Live Show

This photo was taken right before the American Idol's Live Show in Birmingham, AL--Home of Taylor Hicks. Julia and I had a wonderful time. The show was awesome and all 10 of the American Idols from this season did a spectacular job! The audience loved this show and were so into it which made it so much fun! We had a blast!!

Erin's and Ranier's Wedding

Erin and Rainier are married! The wedding was beautiful! Two days later the couple flew to France along with their parents and Erin's sister to have a second wedding with Rainier's relatives. Erin and Jackie have been friends since they were in second grade (at the same elementary school where I teach) and all the bridesmaids and groomsmen have been friends for many, many years. They used to hang out at our house a lot. I can't remember another wedding, except my own, where I knew all the people in the wedding party so well. It was so nice to be at the wedding ceremony and to see Jackie and her friends coming down the aisle. Everyone looked gorgeous and we all had a lot of fun. Best wishes and lots of love to the newlyweds!! We all knew Erin would be the first to get married. But, who's next?--

Jacqueline's Graduation from SCAD

Jackie graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design on Saturday, June 3, 2006. She received a degree in Furniture Design and in Interaction Design. She and two friends have plans to start their own business. She and her two partners have been best of friends while attending SCAD. Jackie, you go girl!
Jackie's graduation ceremony was beautiful! The speakers were interesting, the media presentations were outstanding, and our cousins Blanche and Jay from New Jersey were with us. These photos were taken right after the graduation ceremony. The photo on the left and above are mom, Jackie, Julia, and dad. The one on the right are pictured from L to R: Blanche, Jo-Ann, Jay (in back), Jackie, Julia, and Rick. We are so proud and happy!

A Brand New Car For Me!

The photo below is of my new car and old car side by side. My new car, on the right, is a Lexus IS 250. It is beautiful and so much fun to drive! I love everything about it and I'm looking forward to driving it on its first road trip to Savannah next week to attend Jackie's graduation. I was inspired by Jackie's Jetta--I liked many of its features like heated seats and comfortable back seat area. Julia says that she is getting new car fever. Like Rick always says, "There's nothing like a new car!"

This Old Car... is my Pontiac Trans-Sport that Rick and I ordered 17 years ago and got it just the way we wanted it. It even has the original CD player in it--I think I was one of the first to have a factory CD player in my car. I've been driving this same mini-van for 17 years! It's been a great car! When we first got this car Julia was in 2nd grade and Jackie was in Kindergarten. Julia graduated from college 2 years ago and Jackie is graduating from college this year. So, this car knows alot about our family and would have a lot of stories to tell if asked. It carpooled our daughters and neighborhood kids to and from school for many years. It took us on many vacations from family reunions to beach trips as far North as Canada and as far South as Florida. It's taken us East to the Atlantic Ocean and as far West as Texas. It's been to small towns, like Shelby, Ohio and large cities like New York City. This photo was taken last week, so you can see that it still looks great--Rick has taken very good care of it--he's an engineer and he loves cars--all of our cars always look great because Rick takes such good care of them!

Happy Birthday, Jacqueline!

Jackie's birthday was Friday, May 12th. She sounded so happy on the phone. She picked out a new camera, a birthday gift from us, and took these great photos of her birthday party at Forsyth Park in Savannah and then later at dinner at Sushi Zen.