Husky Season is Underway!

It's that time of year again--Husky season! New coach this year--so you never know how it's going to go.  But so far--3 and 0! 

The kids and Derek went to the first two games.  Then I went to yesterday's game against Michigan State (I am a true fair weather fan--but the weather was PERFECT and the time of day was right too).  The Husky fans were unsure how the game would go--but the Huskies were AMAZING.  So many fun things to celebrate.  It was a fun win. 

Ben took his buddy Noah to one game.  (It was way too hot for this mama.)

Ben took Oliver to the night game.  Who wants to watch a football game and get home at midnight? No way! But thankfully the kids and Derek do. 

Norton Reading Challenge 2022

 This year it was the Wild and Wonderful Norton Reading Challenge.  HERE IS OUR LIST.  As usual there were those who didn't read the books.  But for those who did--it was a fun list.  I was surprised at home much being a dog owner helped me love and feel deeply the ones about wolves, Call of the Wild, Wolf Called Wander and Never Cry Wolf.  I didn't love Small Spaces--not really my genre.  But everyone else liked it (especially Ben as it was his suggestion.) The Donut Fix led to the "life-changing" donuts for the Challenge night.  They were good--so good. But the chocolate cream wasn't my fav.  Also, I let some of them rise too long.  The kitchen was a disaster as Libby and Derek finally decided to pull out the pasta maker I got Derek for Christmas as well. So we were well fed last Sunday.  It was quite the day! 

Derek, Geneva and I were on a team together (usually I make the Kahoot--so I don't play.  But this year Clark stepped up to the plate--so I got to play. ) It was a great team effort! 

The Life-Changing Chocolate Cream Donuts recipe.  (I also liked the second book--the Donut King.). Middle Grade books For the WIN! 

Back to School 2022

 It feels so good to be back in school.  Sort of.  I mean, I love routine.  But I do miss my morning walks with Buddy in the daylight and my time in the garden. 

I was really having some mixed feelings about going back--but then we had Meet the Teacher Night and I got to meet some students.  Then I got excited again.  I have a new teaching partner who wants to try all the crazy Norton projects.  So it should be a good year.  I do have a couple of difficult students.  One who spent most of last year having meltdowns in the hall.  We've had a bit of that already--but she's doing better due to some med changes I think.  She and I are building a good relationship.  I also have a student with Tourettes.  That's a new one for me.  He's really bright and has his tics and blurting mostly under control.  But he does like to talk a lot.  Highly Capable students are a fun bunch. They'll keep me on my toes. 

Ben was SUPER nervous/excited about Middle School.  He was very happy after the first day and then he got settled into the routine and said it just feels normal now.  I guess that's good?  He starts the intramural cross country they are doing for 6th graders this week.  It's only on Tues/Thurs, days he can take the activity bus home.  So he can do this without help (aka rides) from me! 

Sarah talked non-stop after her first day.  She was super happy.  She enjoyed the day before school when she got to serve as a WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) leader for 6th grade orientation.  She does say WEB pride (homeroom) is super boring though.  How can this be?  Seems like a missed opportunity.  

I didn't get pictures of the kids getting on the bus, because I was trying to get back to Shorewood with Libby's quarter zip for the 1st day of school assembly. She brought the wrong drill uniform.  In the end I didn't make it.  But she had a black hoodie, so she was able to perform anyway.  Sigh.  

Dropping off Libby on day 1--then rushing back to get pics of the other kids getting on the bus.  See above--haha.  

Libby is already complaining about drill--but also enjoying it.  And Driver's Ed is dominating her life right now.  The driver's ed school we chose has homework before each class.  And it's 3 days a week.  She's been driving us around a bit (can I say--THIS IS SO SCARY!) Thankfully she's already getting better at driving and no cars, pets, or people have been hit as she's taken to the streets.  (Knock on wood.)

 Derek is coaching football on the actual SW football coaching staff this year.  So he's busy busy with practices and games.  He took Libby and Ben on the sidelines with him for various games this week.  So I guess overall...we are off to a good start!