So, I have come to the conclusion that evacuation is no easier the second or third time around. There is something surreal about standing in your home and deciding what is truly irreplaceable and what is just "stuff". At the end of what seemed like hours, but was just minutes, we left with two large containers of belongings. Don't get me wrong, I feel truly blessed that we had so much time to get stuff out and our house is still standing, I'm just commenting on the feelings. What is important? The cake topper from our wedding? The outfit Paul Bunyan wore home from the hospital? The stacking dolls Kathie brought back from one of her many adventures? I think we all packed as though we would be back the next morning. I sit here thinking about all of the other "stuff" that I should have brought. Of course, those thoughts only last a few seconds and then my brain switches over to, "Thank you Lord that my family is here and they weren't what I had to leave behind." Ah, that leads me to my other problem...too much time to think. I am off track at the moment so I generally sit here, alone, and ponder life. Way too much pondering lately. UGH! I'm feeling a little like Slater at the moment. This blog is just all of the junk that's been in my head the last few days. We are back on line, thanks to Tim and his need for all things computer (he has a new cellular access thingy). I'm not even in the mood for paragraph breaks so you will have to find your way through here...sorry. At least I'm using capital letters and complete words...LOL. I miss all of my out-of-state friends even more. It was so hard not to just jump on a plane and visit Idaho, Oregon, and Georgia. The latest word is that we wont be able to go home until Saturday or Sunday. LARGE tear running down my face. I want to sleep in my own bed. Sorry, a little self-pity there. I really just want to get home and start cleaning so we can get things back to "normal". I was soooooo happy to hear that Liann's house made it. I know it was a little sketchy there for a while. By the way, Disneyland is an awesome evacuation idea. Next time (hopefully there wont be a "next time", but it's good to be prepared) we should all meet at Disneyland. So, my wonderful hubby would like to use his new toy so I better sign off. Thank you for all the prayers and good wishes...

I'm not sure that I've mentioned this yet...I love my job!!!!

These last few weeks have been amazing. It's hard to believe that I only have three weeks until we are off track for FIVE weeks. Yes, I said FIVE weeks. What am I going to do for FIVE weeks? These next couple of weeks are going to fly by because I have a ton to do before the end of the trimester...report cards, reading tests, student-lead conferences, two district tests, etc. Along with all that I have to teach AND pack up my classroom. Even with all of that, this job still seems like a dream. Let me get this straight...I only work 185 days, I'm off for a month at the end of each trimester, I'm only contracted to work 7.25 hours per day, I don't pay for my benefits, AND I make more money than I've EVER made. Even on the bad days, I can't believe that I'm finally here.

I got a really nice note from my principal today thanking me for my hard work. It was a great way to start a Monday. I really like working for him and we get along really well. I can't believe how nice my first year has been so far. I have heard so many horror stories (see Christina) and I feel truly blessed to be where I am with the kiddos I have. I have even managed to get "Third-person boy" to stop that horrible habit. It took some work, but I think we licked it.

Enough of that...Paul Bunyan has his last driving test next Sunday morning and can't wait to take his driving test. How can he possibly be old enough to be driving? Where did all the time go?
This is a picture of Paul Bunyan and Heidi's kids at Avila Beach a couple of months ago. Mom and Dad have a timeshare up there and Mom took the kids for a "spoil your grandkids" weekend. They all had a great time and Mr. Bunyan was really good at keeping the kids busy. My mom is trying to spend as much time with him before he heads off to college. It sounds silly, but the time will be gone before we know what hit us. He went to homecoming this weekend. How many of you remember homecoming being a big deal? Now, it's $10, the kids wore jeans, and the dance was on the tennis courts. Whatever! I guess we actually won the game on Friday so, it can't all be bad.

The second picture is Heidi's youngest hamming it up. Just felt the need to post this 'cause I think she's cute! She looks so much like Heidi!

Off to grade writing assignments. I think I need some wine first! Just kidding...or am I?