New school year

We're one week into the new school year. So far it's going well. Except that it is really hot and muggy, and the library has no air conditioning. Which is rather uncomfortable... bleh. We're both teaching the same classes from last year, so to give ourselves a new challenge, we have a student staying with us. He had some behavioral problems last year and he wasn't going to be reaccepted, so we offered because we like him and think he can do better. We're hoping things will go well and he'll be able to transfer back into the dorm by the end of October. That's the goal. So far it's going pretty well. We had a bit of a hiccup yesterday, but now I think we're back on track.

I'm teaching mostly Juniors again this year, and this class seems to be a more studious bunch, which is kind of fun for me. In English, my first period class is silent. I have to beg them for interaction. It's like pulling teeth. My second period class can't get enough of the interaction. It's always interesting to see how different the dynamics will be between two classes when you present the exact same material.

We have a lot of new staff this year, and that presents some challenges. I have no internet in my office for my desktop computer or my laptop, which is pretty aggravating. I have to go to the computer lab every time I want to print anything off. And our grading system is web-based, so I haven't been able to put in any grades yet, which is frustrating. We'll see how it goes. I'm definitely missing some of the old staff, but enjoying getting to know the new ones, and hoping they'll be good for the kids. After all, that's what it's all about. I'm mostly excited about this year, despite desperately wanting to leave last year. We're senior sponsors and we have senior retreat coming up next weekend. We're hoping it will bring the class together some, because wow, that has not happened yet. There are a lot of challenges, which is a good thing.

Wedding time

This summer Michael was the best man in the wedding of his childhood best-friend, Joe. Here are some pics of the evening.




Isn't he handsome?

My sister-in-law, mother-in-law, and me.

The bride, groom and Michael




Michael giving his best-man toast. He choked up a little. It was sweet.

At Shelli's

Here's Justin and Shelli when we visited them in July in Atlanta. Her apartment is super cute.


A family photo. Shelby is not especially good at looking at the camera. We have lots of shots of half of her face.


Shelli and Justin with the Loser's trophy.


The trade.


Us with the loser's trophy. Not looking real good here. It was about midnight. Right before the drive to Nashville.

Getting ready for the reception

Me, Christa, and our honorary sister, Leslie, getting ready for Christa and Wes' wedding reception/shower.



It's a little less nerve-wracking the second time around.

Our new favorite meal

My mom and Dino went on a vacation this summer and at some restaurant near Glacier National Park, Dino had the most amazing baked potato ever. So of course my mom tried to duplicate it, with fabulous results while I was visiting. So I made my own attempt, and we've been enjoying this ever since.



On the bottom: a baked potato. Then a combination of olive oil and herbs and seasonings of your choice (I use an Italian mix, cumin, fresh garlic, plus garlic salt and black pepper). Topped with sauteed vegetables of my choice: I like broccoli, onion, zucchini, and red pepper. Then on top, kalamata olives, grape tomatoes and feta cheese. It's pretty amazing, and very filling. No side dishes needed.

We had this for lunch today. Fabulous.

Unloading the camera

This is the new furniture we built. Kind of. A kit from Target helped a lot. It's nice to have a place to put all this stuff.