The Crimson Crab

Dexter & Little E

crimson crab

lady sweet bug

Sleep well

Michelle Obama!

Emmet's testing

Emmet loves the word, "no" - he also likes to scream at the top of his lungs, kick his feet, swing his arms and pound his feet. I do not know where he gets that Irish temper? hmmm...I love him, especially when every other word is, "I love you mommy"...or "daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy!" Emmet loves to sing songs like, "a doodle, doodle doodle, a doodle, doodle doodle, a doodle, doodle dooodle doodle" (Blue's Clues) and his other big favorites are: Super Why, The Wonder Pets and The Little Einsteins. We are so lucky...and he'll be three in April!

Michelle's Worm Compost

Michelle created a worm compost from scratch in her K class! She is not afraid of worms, spiders or snakes. She loves critters and exploring outside. That's my girl...

iGoogle

iGoogle

When I call in sick...

iGoogle: I almost feel it is counter productive, because the students seem to conduct themselves differently. The students who are good students usually are consistent, but the students who have had issues in the past in any classroom, seem to not have as much control. So what do I do? Do I just bite the bullet and go to school, get others sick just so that my students will stay on task? Very frustrating and I hope to find some peace about this...tomorrow is a new day and I pray that everyone will be on time, with their supplies and ready to work...

My Birthday

On October 11th, we went to Nona's for dinner. While all of our kids were being watched by some of my students, we enjoyed BBQ'd ribs, Pork Loin medallions, Pot Roast with fresh spinach, The mixed grill with chicken, skirt steak and scallops.

The evening was spent with laughter, memories and looking into the future and always reminding ourselves how lucky we are to have each other and to be able to spend time with each other.

I remember the days when Mike and I lived in that small in-law on Boynton Court with the Simons and how we were connected in so many ways with our Sunday dinners, Pumpkin carving parties and celebrating the New Year by exploding gingerbread houses and lighting fire crackers.

I am very glad that the Carrellas moved back to California...we missed them so much and it is so nice to have them back on this coast and sharing more cherished memories, spending time with our kids and having a community of friends. Thanks for a wonderful birthday!

Hase, you are my best friend and I thank you for loving me at any weight, any mood and most of all marrying me. Our kids love you, Daddy and embrace that you are present in their lives. I love you.

Registering Voters on October 18th

This last weekend Michelle and I got up early and went to the Democratic Headquarters in San Carlos. Michelle and I met up with four of my students from Ms. Berry's Government class. Juana, Arnulfo, Joseph and Karen. We were trained in about thirty minutes on how to register people to vote. As we were being instructed, so many others started to trickle in to the point where the training room was standing room only! How exciting it was to see all different ages from all different walks of life using their Saturday to help others! We went to the Sequoia Station Safeway, set up our flag, put on our Obama T-shirts and started to inform many that Monday is the last day to register.

For the most part, we encountered many positive people, but each student had at least one negative encounter with someone about Obama, democrats, and other political issues. I was so proud of these students and they represented Sequoia proud. I was very happy to be a part of it.

Bill Arnold

I saw so many humming birds today and just a general version of nature...I miss you Bill; your smile, sense of humor and you amazing sense of guidance...you always had the best advise, the best laugh and the best way of dealing with the work place and I thank you for your friendship...I wish you lived longer - you could help so many on this planet, something tells me that you are helping others in another realm...thank you for being in my life :) k-a

Our New Compost

We got it all set up...ready for making and saving so much...I now have completed all my green goals for the year! ciao!

Mike's turkey/meatball lasagne dish

Call mike for the recipe...he really is an amazing cook! Mama Coleman - props for raising such a great son!

Thanks Marco & Donna

Thanks for watching the kids on the 16th - I was able to be present, really present at my daughter's back to school night; Thank you, Donna, for coming to pick up Marco ...and your comments and your generosity ...what can I say? Thanks for helping our whole family!

I am grateful

10 years ago, I knew how lucky I was, but I realize now that I have surpassed what I ever imagined as a human being...I still need to do more work, but I am so grateful for all that I have:
My life, health, home
My husband/best friend/mentor/and true soul mate (no other...)
My kids - AMAZING EXPERIENCE!
My job - very rewarding...it only took 10 years for me to realize it! Ah, I am a late bloomer
My family and friends - there is always someone a phone call away who is always willing to listen to me when I need someone to talk to
My mom, dad and even my step mother, who taught me how the world works and through forgiveness....is the way to peace
Forgiveness in all things- as a former student, Israel, taught me, "Hey, every one needs a second chance"

Tim's tribute

My other hope for this blog is to catch up on the life time novel I have been working on since I was 12. I need to get back to 2008; I need to document 2005.06,07 - Tim, a student of mine, when he was a freshman, encouraged me to document the many special moments I experienced when I was pregnant with Emmet (just like I did with Michelle) - so now...Tim is a senior, and I will complete this - I really am so lucky to have all that I have, thank you Tim!