1. Kindergarten Class: This week was the first time I subbed in a kindergarten class. I was pretty nervous beforehand. Kindergartners have such short little attention spans, and there were quite a few of them! It didn't help that the assistant principal took the opportunity to walk me to the classroom so that she would have time to tell me about one particularly difficult little girl. I expected to leave the classroom crawling from exhaustion. I was thrilled to find as I sat down at the teacher's desk during lunch time, however, that I was actually really enjoying myself! There was something about their energy, too, that was contagious. What a pleasant little surprise! I definitely admire those sweet teachers who are in the classroom with these little ones full-time and give them such a positive introduction to formal schooling.
2. Spanish Globe Game--The day after subbing in Kindergarten, I subbed in a high school Spanish class. Most of the periods were required to take a quiz and then play a Spanish-themed game. The last period of the day chose to play the "Spanish Globe Game." This game required the students to get in a circle, each choose a different Spanish verb, and take turns throwing a fabric globe to different people in the circle to practice saying the verbs while someone in the middle of the circle tried intercepting the pass. Make sense? Well, the main point is that after about 5 minutes of playing they invited me to join the game. Since high school was the last time I was in a Spanish class, they assigned me the word "hola" instead of a verb. Nice. Fortunately, I caught every pass and could remember enough verbs to pass the globe without going in the middle. Whew! I actually thought it was sweet of them to include me and was a nice way to bond with the students, something I don't usually get to do as the sub. It was a great way to end the day and the week. :)
3. Minestrone Soup--Last week my mom sent me a crock pot recipe for minestrone soup. This week I got around to making it, and it was delicious! Although the sun is making more frequent appearances in Pinedale, there is still plenty of snow on the ground (see the picture below). Soup was the perfect evening meal!
4. Let's Go Fly a Kite--Speaking of the increasing sunshine, Darren and I took the opportunity to get outside on one of his days off this week. Feeling the sun on my face for what felt like the first time in months was HEAVENLY. Before we were married, Darren bought a big kite board to use at the ocean or lake. Although we can't take it to the lake quite yet, he did want to open the kite in the backyard and see if he could catch a little wind. The wind ended up not being strong enough, but being outside with him and the kite board made me SO excited for summer and more sun!
5. Planning Parents' Trip--This week I spent some time on the phone with my parents discussing a visit from them in mid-April. I received some e-mails from my dad a few days later with their flight/hotel reservations. It's really happening! I can't wait!!
6. Spring Gift--We received a surprise gift from my parents this week with some spring goodies, including a beautiful platter with pictures of oranges and orange blossoms and a citrus loaf pan. This little gift made me so happy! About this time of year in Redlands, where I grew up, the orange blossoms started blooming and filling the area with their delicious scent. The smell of orange blossoms will always remind me of spring. Between the extra sun and this gift, my need for a little spring pick-me-up was definitely met this week!
7. Frozen Yogurt Shop--I was driving down our main street this week when I noticed a new sign being hung outside of a previously empty store. Upon further inspection, I found out that a new frozen yogurt shop (Pinedale's first) is opening up soon. Yippee!!
8. "Grit with Chip"--I had a great book talk with my mom on Saturday. We are reading Amy Chua's Triple Package and talked about her explanation of finding success when "grit" (or drive and determination) is combined with "chip" (having, in a sense, a chip on your shoulder or the need to prove yourself). This phrase resonated with both of us, and we could each think of a time when we felt a drive to accomplish something with a bit of an "I'll show them" attitude. It was a fun talk and made this phrase something that I'll remember.
9. Prank Videos--Darren and I spent a little too much time watching some prank videos on youtube one evening this week. I had followed one from a link on Facebook, and once I started watching I was hooked and began searching for more. I had to bring Darren in on the fun. I was laughing so hard at some of the pranks pulled on innocent bystanders, I almost felt guilty. Some included a fake spider, which made me laugh the hardest ... probably because I am known to giggle uncontrollably when I'm nervous/watching something scary (PSA: I am not a fun person with whom to watch scary movies). Laughing that hard with Darren by my side made my night.
10. ENGAGEMENT--We found out Saturday night that Darren's brother, Steven, got engaged to his sweet girlfriend, Brittany! We are SO excited for them!! Welcome to the family, Brit! They have yet to set a date, but we are looking forward to a wedding this summer. :)
What I love the most is that the picture is your BACKYARD. How spacious and lovely! Makes me want to ride horses!
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