I'm not nearly as good a correspondent as I would like to be - I haven't posted in the past 3 weeks. That doesn't mean nothing has happened during that time; I've just been too busy to speak about it.
So, what has happened?
For starts, our darling Geneva turned 21 today.
On the other end of the spectrum, our baby parakeet died. He couldn't fly (or reach water easily), so I was hand-feeding and giving him water with an eye dropper. I did this in the classroom as a way to teach the children how to nurture an animal. They all responded really well, wanting to pet him, showing concern. When I put him back in with the other birds, they decided to cull the population (by fatally attacking him). Natural selection is effective, but not kind.
You may have noticed that our 35-foot pine tree in the front yard has disappeared. Removing it was a tough decision. I always tell children how important trees are - they clean our air, provide a home for the birds, give us shade.......and then I disappear one! Just for the record, here is my new rap - that type of tree belongs in the forest (it was cracking my walls, driveway; and it was probably headed for my water pipe). It also shaded my garden, and cut way down on food production. I will be planting 3 more manageable trees in it's place. I told the children it is okay to cut down a tree if you replace it. So, just in case the children mention the tree, would you repeat my justification. Thanks, it will help me feel vindicated.
On August 20, my friend, Angela (Director of Red Barn Montessori) will sub for me. I will be attending a training seminar to become a certified teacher/trainer in Positive Discipline. She will also sub for me on September 20, the day after my wedding.
I will be postponing my honeymoon until our next vacation.
We had some fun with the cardboard cut-out. Here is Joseph.
Here is Leif, who told me he was having a baby.
This is Savannah and her orange peel art.