End of July

This last week my class got a special visit from Amber & Abby.  They already knew of Amber & Abby because I use pictures of Amber & Abby to demonstrate how to sit criss-cross, stand in line, etc.  Amber led them through a few songs.  It was a lot of fun.  Hopefully they'll be able to visit again sometime during the year.

The first 2 weeks of school have been challenging.  There has been a lot of tears from the kids.  The majority of them have never been in a school setting, and it's a long school day.  8:15-3:15.  The first day I had 16, and now I have 25.  The cap is 30.  The first week I was bit and had to go to a worker's comp doctor to get my arm checked out.  Luckily the skin didn't break.  Despite all this, I have also had my share of good moments.  They are settling into the routine and learning the rules, which is making things a lot easier.  I get a lot of hugs now, and love the look on their faces during read-alouds.  It's nice having my own classroom again after 2 years of subbing.  James has come in to meet my class, as well as my Mom & Amber & Abby.  I also have extremely nice co-workers.  My neighboring kindergarten teacher is very sweet, and we work really well together.  Across the hall I work with a first grade teacher who moved here from San Diego with her boyfriend May 9th, 2 days after James and I!  She got her credential from the same school as I did, and moved to Tucson in pursuit of teaching, too.  

James is still being a good sport about working at Hilton, and is still fighting the fight to get a different job.  Earlier this week he had a phone interview and an interview in person for 2 different positions, and is getting really close to landing something.  We feel lucky that he is getting opportunities.  I am looking forward to having weekends together soon.  As of now he works Saturdays & Sundays so we only see each other evenings.  

Earlier this week my hotmail account was hacked into, and a mysterious link was sent out for a Canadian medication website.  A surprising amount of people clicked on the link, and were wanting to know if James was working for them.  No he is not selling Canadian drugs! (lol)  Be wary of future e-mails from me only containing a link with no messsage (don't click it!).  :)  Hopefully the problem has been solved, and I can keep my e-mail address-I've had it for 11 years!

Mid-July

Mid-July I had a lot of help from Tricia, my Mom, James, and my friend Sarah setting up my classroom.  It was so much work, and I never would have finished in time for back to school night if it wasn't for them.  We literally finished 30 minutes before families started showing up.  I had a good turn out.  15 families came.  

Sadly one of the days my Mom was in my classroom their home was broken into.  All of their jewelry was stolen.  My Dad had a few pieces and my Mom had a big collection that she was really fond of.  She is heartbroken because she had so many pieces of sentimental value, including jewelry that was her Mothers'.  It is very sad, but we are grateful that everyone is safe.  They have put security measures in place to ensure it doesn't happen again.  Within 2 days of that happening Dad on the Villalpando side fell from a ladder while doing yard work.  Luckily he only suffered minor injuries, and we are so grateful that he is safe, too.   

Wildlife Sighting 2

We were sitting in our jacuzzi on Wednesday and this lovely was cruising the pool deck. :p

This picture came up when I googled tarantula & I had to post it...
Who wants to come visit????

Wildlife Sightings

Coyote

Javalina

Rain & Hail-Go to next page cuz there is more blog for July!

It's hard to believe that August is already upon us.  It's been a very busy month for us.  As I "blogged" before, monsoon season has arrived.  The 4th of July was the kick-off date, and for 2 weeks after that we had a stream of amazing storms.  We are having a dry spell right now, but often see spectacular lightning in the distance. 

The 4th of July weekend marked my first weekend not working at the Hilton pool anymore.  My good friend Vanessa was in town and it was great to have her here.  She got to see our new place, and we spent a lot of time poolside.  

On the 4th James was off early, and we went to Casa Zabowsky.  We all spent a lot of time sitting on the patio watching the monsoon show.

Here is James seconds before the downpour.