Meet Michael...

This is Michael. Michael the frog. This is officially the second animal I have brought home from school, except this time the addition to our family is under entirely different circumstances. Those of you who have been in my classroom know that I have a HUGE frog collection on display - stuffed frogs, plastic frogs, glass frogs, wood frogs, pictures of frogs...frogs, frogs, frogs! I have been "threatened" for the last five years by students that they were going to bring me a real frog, to which I always responded, "That is the worst idea I have ever heard in my life." So today, Karina - a student I had for two years in a row but who is no longer in my class - walks into my rooms with her hands hidden behind her back. 

I say, "Karina, what is behind your back?" 

She says, "Nothing." 

I say, "Karina, you're scaring me. What's behind your back?" 

She places the baby formula can on my desk, lifts the hole-poked lid, and says, "Look what I got you!" 

What came out of my mouth next surprised me the most. 

I yell, "I LOVE HIM!!!" 

And now Michael - who is named after Michael Phelps the swimmer - is swimming in his new bowl in my dining room. 

Funny how the worst ideas actually end up being the best ideas...even funnier how sometimes it takes a teenager to make you realize this. :) 

What happens when grandma comes over???

Take a close look at these pictures and what you'll realize is that when grandma coves over, ANYTHING goes.

The Big 4-0!

Forty years ago today, my sister came into this world with a bang! Actually, I'm not really sure if there was a bang or not, but I do know that nine years later, when I came into the world, I was welcomed with open arms by her and have pretty much been held there ever since. It's sort of like my sister was a pre-emptive birthday present for me, and I've never stopped appreciating her. Lisa, you have always been more than you ever needed to be. Your unconditional love, your unwavering support, your grace and integrity and strength and perseverance have not been lost on me. I love you more than words can say, and on this day I say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! May your next 40 (and then the next 40 after that), be as fruitful as the first (Yes, I said fruitful). I love you!!!

The proof is in the pudding...or the display board.

My entire future lies in the hands of this binder...

...and this display board.

Yes, that's right, my ENTIRE FUTURE!!! It doesn't matter that I have spent the last five years dedicated to "perfecting" my teaching craft by attending workshops and conferences, lesson planning until I can't even see straight, volunteering to chaperone dances, and most importantly of all, genuinely loving my students. No, unless my fabulous display board and binder full of crap can prove I am indeed capable of doing my job, I may not get my professional teaching certificate and I may be back to my high school days of flipping burgers and pouring ice cream at the local Dairy Queen. Sometimes I wonder about the ways of the world, but all in all, I am feeling pretty confident that on Monday, all will be approved and I will be done with this process. I just have to say, if my display board isn't given some sort of ribbon for at least participating, I am filing a complaint.