Don We Now...

I didn't really mess with photos on my last post but here is a snap of the first concert of the season, the Lapeer County Community Chorus at Hunter's Creek Church. Then there's Ben (the shorty) playing the bell set and Fox with his Euphonium. Ben is quite diligent in his practicing and never has to be reminded to do it, which I love. He also goes beyond what they are working on during rehearsals and tries to figure out parts on his own, many times calling me in to play duets with him. Since we didn't rent the bell set he just practices on the piano and I think it's a good thing. Fox's run with band is coming to a close but he'll finish out this year. He did what I asked and tried it for middle school, it's not his thing and I'm ok with that, next year it will open up his schedule for more electives.

The past couple weeks have been a whirlwind of final preparations and performances. Although it was a bit crazy at times the Lord knew what he was doing in blessing me with these projects because it has really helped keep me going instead of wallowing around in grief. I know my mother would have appreciated and supported these endeavors and hope she's been looking over me through it all. Although our final dress/tech rehearsal for Star of Wonder left me wondering if this was truly going to minister. The annointing hit when the time finally came and the kids did a fantastic job, the shepherds rocked the house, actors delivered their lines well, the "wee" kings were too cute, and the vocal soloist touched my heart. One of our elders told me later he thought it was probably the best children's program the church had done. Glory to God! We even had a special moment at the end of the program, the second from the last song "Constellation Celebration" the kids come off the platform and dance around the aisles and when they came back up to the front a brother of one of girls danced up on stage with the rest of the cast. I was familiar with this boy and had him with us on Wednesday nights on a few occasions, he has some mental challenges but really comes alive when we work on music. Sister was concerned and tried to make him leave the stage but I intervened told her it was ok and invited him onto the risers with the group. He sang the final song "Look Up" (which he knew from being in with us) with the his face beaming and the biggest smile you've ever seen. It was truly precious and just that little moment made it all seem so worthwhile.

There were some other personal 'mini' miracles that happened surrounding my actors but I'll refrain from sharing them since they're personal, but as I started to get feedback and testimonies afterward it gave me a new understanding of why we were given this assignment. Pastor has also asked us back to do a couple selections from the program at the Christmas Eve service which was a bit of a surprise and a little last minute, but hey...I'm game.
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The school programs had a bit of a wrench thrown in due to snow days on Monday and Tuesday so we lost our 'dress' rehearsal for choir and two days of practice for the 4th grade skit. Then when we went to set the skit on the stage we had to change everything around because of miking issues. The kids did great and went with the revamp gracefully. I had to leave Mrs. Martin to finish things out because on top of everything else I was also running my daughter around because she totalled her car on an icy hill after the first snow fell. But it all worked out in the end, didn't they make for a cute cast!?

Friday night we went down to Rochester to drop off the band fruit at my in-laws and caught the light show on the way back. This is really a cool concept draping all the buildings and they've even added more down some side streets and further north of town.

Yesterday was the holiday choir program with the North Branch Schools. I had about 130 chairs set out initially and we had to pull out and set up another 100+ chairs there were so many people that came! I was floored. Unfortunately because of the trimester change, other commitments and some teenage blow-off the middle school and upper elementary group were not at their full capacity but they did well none-the-less. The NBE After School Chorus brought it full force and sang with all their hearts. Technical challenges aside it was wonderful. Afterward I had some positive feedback from several parents and grandparents plus had a father/son team with sound experience come up and offer to help me work out some kinks for the next program. What a blessing that will be. In all the excitment I didn't even take a picture even though I had the camera in my pocket the whole time. I emailed a few moms and hopefully they can send me some snaps.

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Well, even though this batch of musical activities has concluded I've already begun receiving the download for my next assignments....a choir pops concert on Valentine's Day, coordinating VBS (found one I'm really excited about), working the creative arts camp at Paint Creek Center for the Arts (already talked to the director about some theme ideas), and a future ministry of "Praise Rocks!: A Children's Musical Giving God the Glory" - hopefully put together in a Saturday Kid's Praise Club format. But for now I just need to get busy wrapping.

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I'll leave with a quote from Bill Rancic (I love the Bill & Guilliana show).

"Everything will work out alright in the end; and if it's not alright, then it's not the end."

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Have a blessed Christmas everyone!

Fall Festival Fun

The third week of school went off without much incident other than Ethan had a couple reprimands, nothing to serious, the worst punishment was he had to stay in from recess one day because he and another boy were throwing rocks out in the open field behind the playground. No meets for Fox. Ben had soccer pictures one day and a game on Thursday which they got clobbered in; it will be really good for them to get busy during practices this week and work some kinks out. Saturday we had planned to do another nine holes at Maple Springs but it was cold and windy and when we got to the course they were closed! So, plan B went into effect which turned out to be a great time. We (me, the boys & Grandpa Q) headed over to Past Tense, an apple orchard and gift shop which I had never been to in the 12 years I've lived in the area. Shame on me. They were having their Fall Festival which included some basic carnival games, giant slide, hay rides, a haunted house, corn maze, etc. We were excited to still get in a little golf on their 9-hole putt putt course!

This was a really cool set up for Ben, future putt putt designer of America, to see since he's always trying to set up courses on our property much to my chagrin since they are not the easiest things to mow around and I find parts with the tractor. So these 'portable' holes were pretty ingenius.After golf we headed back to the corn maze (sorry no pix, just picture big tall corn and us wandering around aimlessly). For the first 40 minutes we divided to conquer eventually starting to mark symbols on the ground to note paths that were dead ends or that we'd tried before. Our effort was to no avail since we found ourselves at the start again! However, we had a no fail attitude and ventured back in again, with a little hint from the ticket taker, and in 20 minutes we victoriously arrived at the designated exit. Fun time and we got some exercise in. Next, we headed into the restaurant for some lunch and I picked up the traditional cider and donuts to have back at the homestead.

While I went and puttered around in the gift shops the boys got busy on some more carnival games and went down the big slide, and I mean ALL the boys big and small. When we met up again I could hardly believe all the game prize booty they acquired. Being it was the first time I had ever ventured through the shop there I felt I was in the corn maze again, it was huge, with various holiday theme rooms, garden stuff, plus every type and color of fake flower known to man; I had to ask for directions to find the front door again! The antiques shop was interesting as well and the loose leaf teas smelled fabulous, I almost purchased a couple flavors but decided to hold off for now.

Dad followed me back to the house where we dropped off the boys. I wolfed down a cinnamon donut and some cider then he gave me a ride down to my in-laws where I picked up our new/used Astro van!!! Yes! After three weeks of being down a vehicle and having to run Alex to work and classes and all the boys activities and mine it will be nice to finally have Alex able to get herself around independently again.

Another amazing development is this is my first post from my own home on our new hi-speed Internet! Woot! We finally made the jump to Hughes Net which is really the only option I have for my area. Rob already had a router and Sunday after church I picked up a wireless USB adapter for the boys' computer and they are up and rununing which makes them happy beyond belief. We're finally living like the real world, no more dial-up.

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I've also had a few new opportunties come my way but things are still in the works so no details yet just know good things are happening. Fox has two meets this week in Caro and Marlette. Ben just has practices with a game on Saturday. I'll be diligently working on my current editing project and subbing on Friday in the Ruth Fox building (I finally grabbed a job). Alex has been working almost 30 hours a week plus going to class; she says they're all pretty decent and the Algebra class is "super easy" so far. That was the one she dreaded the most. She's talked about definatly transferring out for next Fall but I'll believe it when she actually gets the ball in motion. Right now it's time for me to learn to let go of the reins, step back and give her the space to fail or achieve on her own. If she asks for my assistance I will certainly comply but I will not be the force to get things going initially, that she'll have to put into effect herself. For a fomer homeschooling mom used to orchestrating many educational endeavors on behalf of her children this is a very challenging task. God give me the grace!

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* All photos except for the Astro van compliments of Dad with his new Droid phone. Thx!

Farewell for Now

This past weekend was the funeral mass for my mother Judith Ann (Pesto) Quatrine. It was a beautiful pre-spring day and many came out to pay their last respects. The Guest Book had no less than 210 names, people were literally signing in the margins. She was loved, respected, and revered by all and will be missed but remembered with fond memories.

In true Judi fashion I purposed to take as many pictures as I could of family and friends. Since her request was not to be laid out but instead be cremated immediately it gave an entirely different vibe to the whole visitation. Although people were sad and sorry the overall atmosphere was light and filled with happy stories of Judi-ness.
The only off set was that none of her family, my aunts or cousins spoke to me, not one word the entire seven hours of visitation or at the funeral. This was mind-blowing to me, unfathomable, totally unacceptable and would not have pleased mother at all. They did however speak with James and my sister-in-law Shelly. No worries, it was a big room and there were lots of people. There were friends from all walks of life, grade school, high school, people she taught with, church friends, ladies she volunteered with at the soup kitchen, someone from St. Vincent DePaul brought a plague to honor her as a Jubilian for all her service stating they'd need 5 people to replace her.

Our neighbor from down the street growing up, Julie (Dusty) Torres, flanked by myself and my brother James.
From my Dad's side, Uncle Ken, Aunt Phyllis, cousin Vince and wife Bernadette, his mom Aunt Jan and me.
Two sisters I went to high school with, Julia Salerno (left) was in my grade and an elementary school playmate and her sister Paula who was a couple years ahead in school was mentored by my mom in many ways as she took on responsibilities as Union Steward for the district. A quote from Paula about my mom, "You may not always like what Judi had to say, but you had to respect her, she was a smart cookie and knew her stuff. She would never ask anything of you that she wasn't prepared to step up to herself."
Again from Dad's side (his family always loved mom, even after the divorce), Great Aunt Marge, cousin Deb, Great Aunt Vi

<--Sheri (Moskowitz) Noga a friend & confidant from my harrowed teen years. Bernadette, a dear friend of mom's from St. Ambrose->

The aerobics ladies! Sue, Andra and Anita who brought food over twice a week during the final lap of the journey and prayed diligently with and for mother throughout the entire ordeal. I now consider them all friends myself. [Ethan took this picture.] The Tangles girls! My friend, whom I've known since high school, Anna (Natasy) Thaut, the only hairdresser I'll ever go to and Becky DiBella who did mother's hair for years and transitioned into a friend as well.

My buddy and sounding board, Jan Klisz, whom I inherited through marriage and has been there through thick and thin.

My niece Nichole, my brother-in-law Paul Anthony, my sister-in-law Julie and the soon-to-be high school graduate and my mini-me, Alexandra Elizabeth!

Friends from The Path, Shelly and Frank Sollars.

High school chums, Julie (Walbrecht) Hiotaky and Sue (Poma) Hawkins who blessed me so much by driving in from Antioch, IL with her fabulous hubby Steve.

My cousin Ken and his wife Linda who lost her mother to lung cancer earlier the same week we lost Judi, so we are kindred spirits in mourning and knowing the joy of seeing someone released from suffering.

Fox Robert Parton rockin' a new suit and super cool sunglasses.




<--Benjamin Atticus (age 10)

Ethan Daniel -->
(age 8)

A final photo of the estuary with a candle placed by Benjamin to represent gramma's light shining down on us for ever, and a white rose placed by Ethan symbolizing gramma's pure love that will continue to grow in our hearts.

The Luncheon afterward was graciously hosted by a fellow retired teacher and friend of mom's Dorothy Wassinger. It was a casual affair with yummy cold salads, no alcohol and lots of mingling, which was mother's signature style. Of course after my brother's truthful and heartfelt eulogy my aunts were no longer speaking to him. They came in and made an embarrassingly quick exit causing all mom's friends and neighbors plus family from Dad's side to inquire of my brother and I as to what the matter was. Typical of the sisters Pesto was all we could reply.

Left side photo: Sue and Steve Hawkins, Rob and myself, Alex and Ben

Right side: Fox Robert, my dad Dennis, Dorothy W., Alex, Me, Ethan, and Joe Lentini Jr.

Long time friends of mom's from her college years, Judy and Ray Holland and John and Georgia Boyse. They were a great blessing during those final weeks, Judy and Georgia came over one day with lunch and had a wonderful visit with their friend. Mother appreciated all the calls and visits from everyone and it really helped keep her going. I wanted to have a big "celebrate life" party to get people together before the funeral but when I talked to her about it she said it would be too depressing and awkward. She was better off visiting with people one on one or in small groups. One evening a group of teachers from Salk Elementary, where mom used to teach, stopped by and serenaded her with songs that they changed the lyrics too, inserting her name wherever they could. It was quite a hoot and she loved it.

This last photo has two of mother's main stays in town. Mr. Gary (boyfriend Gary my brother and I started referring to him as) who was the BMOC of the Starbucks crew and dear to mom's heart. The morning before she went unresponsive she asked to see Gary. So at 5:30 in the morning I called his cell, he was over within half an hour. I'm not sure exactly what she told him because I let them have privacy but what I gathered from her request was she just wanted to thank him for being such a good friend. She really loved him a lot and thought the world of him. Next to him is her across the street neighbor Jackie who went through everything with us, and I mean everything, she helped take care of the pets, the house, mom, us, you name it. She is a fabulous human being and a great blessing. Words cannot express my gratitude to these fine individuals.
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It's been quite a journey and one I wouldn't trade for the world. I will very much miss my mother but I will also purpose to carry on her legacy by impacting and speaking out for the lives of children, giving my time and talents freely, and reaching out to people that I know are in need. I also forgive my family for their terrible behavior as we paid our last respects to a wonderful lady, may they somehow make peace within themselves.

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This however will be my final blog post. In light of recent events I do not feel as though I want to share my life publicly for the time being. Those that truly know me and care about me are welcome to get a hold of me and be a part of my life. These are the ones I will hold dear in my heart and I am happy to say that I now consider many of mother's friends my friends as well. God is good all the time and his mercy endures forever. May you be continuously blessed with challenges and accomplishments in your life. I know I have much to be thankful for.

In Loving Memory

This morning mother's battle with cancer came to an end as she passed quickly and painlessly on to dance with her Father in heaven. As I waited for the hospice nurse to come and make the pronouncement I put on praise music and danced and sang her all the way on up in a celebration of heart I know she would have appreciated and been blessed by; then I noticed this little bird suddenly come and sit up on her porch watching and singing, a sign that she is now free as a bird with no cares of this world but still silently here to watch and guide us lovingly, all the while singing His praises. I pray her legacy for impacting children will live on in me and I know she has sown into her grandchildren's lives in ways I cannot even put into words. They will always remember her love and encouragement especially when they need it most, as will I.

God bless her precious soul
may she rest in peace
Judith Ann Pesto Quatrine
September 7, 1942 - February 27, 2010

Love from Ethan

Ethan brought the cutest poem home from school I just had to post it!
They were writing out poems in cursive.

I bought a box of chocolate hearts,

a present for my mother.

They looked so good I tasted one

and then I had another.

I couldn't seem to stop myself,

I nibbled on and on.

Before I knew what happened

all the chocolates were gone.

I felt a little guilty,

I was stuffed down to my socks.

I ate my mother's Valentine.....

I hope she likes the box.

===

I Love a Good Word

Just a very quick post this time. A couple weeks ago at a Wednesday night service Pastor Francine Wells delivered an awesome message that will make you think. Please enjoy this audio feed and be blessed.

Hear, Speak, Believe

A Lovely Sunday

On Sunday Mom was feeling on an energy upswing after a low key week of much napping. She surprised me by announcing at 7:55am that she wanted to go to 8:15am Mass. Ok, let's do it, was my reply. We had already eaten a fabulous quiche with clementines on the side for breakfast so all we had to do was get dressed and take care of dog business before we loaded up and headed to St. Ambrose, arriving at 8:40am which in mom's world is right on time. After communion we made our leave. Do you want to make any stops before we go home? I inquired. I'm thinking Starbucks, she piped back. Sounds like a plan to me.





We arrived at the coffee shop and two of her main buddies were already there; within minutes we had a group of nearly 8 regulars gathered around a couple tables with more stopping over to give hugs, blessings, and words of encouragement to mom as she enjoyed a Cheese Danish and Vanilla Rooibos Tea. I savored my Peppermint Mocha and had a nice chat with some people I had and hadn't met before while mom caught up with her peeps. Good Time.



Getting back to the house I got mom hooked up to the oxygen for a 'fill-up' and settled on the couch to rest up before our afternoon outing. Her nap was interupted by a brief visit from my cousins bringing good wishes, a baby to kanoodle, and some fabulous spinach pie. They left, mom napped briefly, and I worked on the computer. Had some lunch then her friend Joanne arrived to pick us up to go to the DIA to see the film 'La Danse' along with two other friends, Dorothy and Cathy.



The documentary by Frederick Wiseman on the reknown Paris Opera Ballet was extremely well-done although very long. We found out as we made our early exit that they were given the wrong cut. Instead of the 152 minutes version, this one ran nearly 3 hours long. Yikes. I love listening to them speak French and the dancers were nothing short of phenomenal in their athleticism and execution. It was also refreshing to watch a dance film that didn't focus on the grueling aspect of dance: the injuries, egos, financial struggles and I was also impressed at the variety in choreographic styles the company chose to use within their season. On the way back to the house in a carful of friends mom commented 'it's so good to be out in the world again.' She's been very good about not pushing herself and making sure to rest and eat right but she can only take so much of being cooped up inside and needs to break out every once in awhile. Soon the weather will be warmer and she can sit out on her porch, read and enjoy the sunshine and fellowship with neighbors and friends that walk by regularly with their dogs. Back at the house I took Jake and Brulee for a quick walk, had some of that wonderful spinach pie with mom then handed the baton to my Aunt Marcia who was on Princess Duty for the night. A very blessed Sunday indeed.

Love Fest 2010

Ok, I know it's sappy and not very original but February is declared the month of Love Fest this year with each post focusing on people, things, events, and concepts that I love and find joy in. First I'll start with the Pastors and Elders of my church. The photo below from the left features Pastor Jeff Wells, Cindy & Harold Green, Josette & Michael Morales, Brenda & John McCumons, and Brad & Kim Johnson (Pastor Francine, Jeff's lovely wife is not in this picture). These people are amazing to me and have brought me much joy and encouragement during happy and sorrowful times in my life. They continue to strive for Christ-like status but are fully aware of their humaness and short comings. My "show the love" campaign that has come about lately stems mainly from their example and teachings throughout the years. Another thing that I love - newborn babies! Carrying them, birthing them, nursing them, singing to them, rocking them, washing them, loving them, and watching them grow. Can you guess which one of my babies this is?
And the last point for this post, I love to praise and worship! No greater joy can come from letting loose and singing praises for all to hear, at church, at home, in the car, in the store, loudly, softly, in the natural or in the spirit, I love to praise! Last night I was up singing with the adult P&W team for the first time in almost two years and it was awesome. Although I've done a lot working with the children on choir music and with the youth P&W team these past couple years it was wonderful to return again to where I started with FCFC, on the platform under the annointing of some amazing P&W leaders. With His grace I hope to be part of it again more regularly in the future. Find the Love - Feel the Joy!

February 2010

All About Blog

The world of blogging is such an interesting animal. I'm always amazed to see where my hits come in from, they are international at times. Many are from friends and family I know, many from extended friends I've never met in person, and some are totally random. It would bless me to "meet" and find out more about who's visiting so please add on as a follower, that way if you have a blog I can check in on you in your neck of the world. It is surprising and reassuring to know that no matter where on this great globe we live, everyone deals with similar issues in life, the trials, tribulations, successes, surprises, burdens and blessings. Don't be shy, join in on the fun. Follow my blog and I'll follow yours!

My week was a blessed and productive one. I finished another batch of writing work, got some domestic duties accomplished, had my own personal praise & worship party, helped Ben get his Book Report mapped out for an ongoing project at school; he did it on "Lost & Found" by Andrew Clement. Ethan and Ben are also beginning to work on their Valentine Mailboxes, progress reports came home for them this week and both have a lion's share of As in all areas. Woot! Fox is continuing to type his novel into the computer and revising as he goes. Social Studies and Science have been most intriguing to him as they learn about Ancient China & India and are beginning the Periodic Table of Elements. This is refreshing to me since these were the two areas I felt I was unable to spend enough time with him on as a homeschooling educator because my time was being pulled in to many directions; it's good to know he is getting more info and opportunity in these subjects.

I've also been checking in on mom daily, she is getting stronger everyday, has stopped using her walking stick so much to get around and has been getting dressed without assistance; may not seem like much but if you know from whence she came this is huge. She also got out and about with my brother yesterday for the first time since coming home from the hospital this last time and friends have been stopping by and calling constantly yet at just the right intervals to give her time to rest as well.

Friday I was happy to be an abundant blessing for my dear friend Jen who is the Office Manager at my church. Since they downsized the office staff I have been volunteering and going in one day a week to help out with time consuming tasks. The past few weeks I was unable to be of help since I needed to be there for mom or sub, but was glad to return and at just the right time. I was successful in getting the newsletter together, making CD duplications for visitor packets, cutting and stuffing the inserts for our weekly bulletin and just being there to vent and have a laugh with her. Good times. In the evening I took the boys to see The Stand Strength Team at New Life Church in Attica, MI. They are based out of Sterling Heights, MI but travel nationwide to minister in schools and churches, using feats of strength to parable the salvation of Christ, plus some of the team members are musicians and they can totally rock. Pastor Shrek is one of the most fantabulous drummers I've witnessed in a while and he can preach! When they're in the schools they promote respect and responsibility but when they're at churches they "get 'em saved." We saw several friends from church there and Ethan found a buddy from school too. Great way to wrap up the week.

Tonight after dinner I'll be heading back down to Grosse Pointe to hang with the moms until Tuesday, looking forward to attending mass with her tomorrow morning and doing whatever she needs done while I'm there.

Alexandra had her driving privileges returned this week but is still on "probation" and making a concentrated effort to up her responsibility level and show respect plus she has a new appreciation for her independence. You don't know what you've got until it's gone, eh? She has also taken on the task of understudying a role for the One-Act that the school is bringing to competition since one of the girls has a prior commitment on one of the competition weekends. This is a daunting task to come in last minute and step into a pivotal part but I'm impressed the drama teacher has such faith in her to rise to the occasion. "Cut," the one-act she's directing, goes up this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at North Branch High School at 7:30pm every night. Come on out and join the fun.

Remember, when you point the finger at someone, there's still three pointing back at you.

Up Your Blog

It is during times of great trouble and tragedy you learn the most about a person's true character. As things have progressed with my mother's health I have come to find out many judgements and misconceptions some of my family have about me and it is truly disconcerting. Never in my life have I had more opportunity to be Christ-like, I am determined to continue to show the love to and for my mother and they can whip me, beat me, and tie me to a tree I will not enter the quagmire of vile they spew or return a verbal punch. My first reaction upon writing this is to defend myself, my life choices, my finances, my marriage, my husband, my kids, my relationship with my mother, but then I think, no. I have nothing to defend. My life may not be perfect but it is filled with love, grace, humility and tons of future potential. I have all that I need through His riches and glory.


Mother is still a constant source of amazement to me and I honestly enjoy being there to care for her. She has set a goal to "get stronger and get better." While others are quick to voice the reality the doctors have set forth I continue to stand in faith with her and rebuke any negative thought or word spoken about her condition. As it is written in Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Since I know Judi has claimed Jesus as her Savior, this power she has full entitlement to.

Today I was in a first grade class again, this time there were no major development issues to deal with just one boy with behavioral concerns. I'd been in this room before and did fine, today however I had to send behavior man to the office, something I try to avoid at all costs. The morning progressed without incident but after lunch, during Writing Workshop time when the children are supposed to write independently and quietly for 20 minutes, things got a tad bit too unfocused for my taste and I had to repeat myself too many times without results. So, the biggest culprit was removed from the class and the rest were instructed to copy some statements I wrote down and put up on the ELMO. "I will do my best. I will work quietly. I will follow directions. I will do my own work and not bother my neighbor." This was done in almost utter silence. They knew I was pushed as far as I was going to go. From there we progressed quietly, using whispers as people finished the dictated assignment, on to their math page for the day. Upon completion and review of the math I did allow them to have their Choice Time free play, snack, and watch a little "Kipper" I pulled from my Netflix Instant Movies. We finished the day with success and I can guarantee those students know not to mess around with Mrs. Parton. I love to have fun with the kids but we will get the work done, because that's what we're there for! Lately I've been getting much better at addressing the class with an authoritative voice that is not yelling, very effective.

Oh, and I pretty much lined up a job for myself when I'm ready for it.......

Artwork by Fox

Happy December everyone! It doesn't seem possible that we should already be in the last month of the year, at least the weather has been acting more spring-like than winter-ish (except for this afternoon that is). This week I was blessed to get 2 full days and a half day substituting. Wednesday I was in the Junior High special education room, that actually served 5th, 6th and 7th graders. They were a decent bunch and the teacher aide was great, we really had a good day. I also had the daughter of Fox's Cross Country coach in there for a little bit, we had some nice conversations. There are only 2 boys that stay in the room the entire day, the rest rotated in and out from their regular classrooms. This morning I picked up an afternoon gig in a 1st grade room, before leaving the house I grabbed a few of my favorite picture books to read just in case we had down time. Oddly enough when I arrived and spoke with the teacher briefly before she headed out she said that Writing Workshop was first, starting with reading a book to them. "Oh, I just happened to bring a few of my favorites with me today," I said. "Perfect" she replied, "I was just thinking I should pull something for you to use." We got through everything but I'll admit this was not one of my favorite groups to work with. They were quite talkative, even while working on assignments and major tattletales (a pet peeve of mine). When I took them down to Art class I passed Ethan's class going in for gym, all the kids were calling out to me "Hi, Ms. Robyn, see you tomorrow!" Hopefully all will go well in their 3rd grade class tomorrow. I think if I taught regularly I would like 3rd grade. They are mature enough to act accordingly but young enough to still have some silly fun with.

These art pieces are my favorites from Fox's 1st Trimester Art Portfolio, a kooky collage, paper weaving, and Cross-Link creatures. Although I haven't gotten Fox and Alex's official report cards yet I did check their final grades online, Fox received an A in everything except for Math and SeminAR which he got an A+ in. Alex ended up with a B average but the final grades were sort of a bummer, two As and two C+s, wish she could have squeaked those up to a B- at least. I know because of the play being in final production and performance she really didn't make the effort she should have to do a last week of the trimester follow up with her teachers to make sure they had grades for everything she allegedly turned in. Hopefully a good grade in her college class will help bring the GPA up a bit.

Things have been getting a little weird with my mother and her 'condition.' She was having pain in her back and ended up with a pain patch (morphine I believe) and on Vicodin, this has not helped her mental or emotional state. Now they have her on Methadone to wean her off the pain meds before they do the vertebrae reconstruction procedure (spinal cement they refer to it as) to build up the deteriorated bones so they're not pressing on the nerves anymore. The procedure is at the end of next week, let's pray it goes smoothly and is successful in restoring her 'temple'.

Rob has been down in North Carolina all week (his second trip in 3 weeks) to fix a machine that was not repaired correctly in the first place. Unfortunately it was one of his company's employees that messed things up originally so this was a lose money venture when they started out, but the fates of favor turned in their direction so that he and another tech ended up getting extra work out of the company making the excursion 'in the black' opposed to 'in the red.' PTL

Monday the Direct TV was installed. The kids and I have been jonesing out to various shows. Monday I watched umpteen episodes of "Million Dollar Listings," Tuesday I got caught up in "ReDesign" and also I got to do a couple "Namasta Yoga" workouts, plus I'm recording some to do whenever I want. I just don't get the whole run-the-same-program-multiple-times-in-a-row deal, it's different episodes but the same show. Nice to have television though.