Sick Day!

OK! So I have taken a sick day! I know all you teachers out there are wondering why I am so crazy. Those of you who are not teachers are probably wondering what the big deal is.

Well...when you are in education for a living, you have chosen to make each day new. You don't go to work and do the same thing over and over. Although you may teach the same subject each day, you teach a different lesson. The students responses are different. Sometimes they get the concept immediately and othertimes they need a new slant on it before they can actually make sense of it. You don't just teach a child to read words; you teach a child to read well. To comprehend the text and to make connections to his/her life. You don't just teach them to sing a song. You teach them to add their own flavor to it. I could go on and on about the ART OF TEACHING...but this post is entitled "Sick Day", therefore I shall continue with this idea rather than go off on my teacher's "soapbox" tangent.

Because of this ever changing schedule, a teacher must spend hours (at least) preparing for his/her sick day. We can not just call in and suppose that he who is called to substitute will continue on in the same direction and with the same care as we have done so. Therefore, you type out your daily schedule, illustrating every detail from where they line up at the beginning of the day to how they should sit when being instructed at the rug. Then, you proceed to highlight all lessons and copy all materials. You even make an example of the art project so they will not get it wrong. You place cds in the audio system and set it to the right song. Then you place sticky notes all around the classroom indicating where materials are stored. After you are sure everything is in place, you turn the lights out (hours after other teachers - who by the way are feeling well - have left). You leave exhausted only to realize you have left plans and materials for only one day. Which means you better get feeling well or you will have to go through all this WORK just for one more day off of WORK.

So, you may be asking yourself...Why did she take a sick day then? I have only one explanation. And that is my beloved BROOKE! My wonderful intern. Who undoubtedly triumphed today as she continued with all MY plans and taught MY kids the way I would. Of course, while some substitute teacher sat and read a book and took home a paycheck.

I love you Brooke. I am so thankful for your hard work and dedication. You ARE a wonderful, talented teacher and I have loved working WITH you this year.

Now, I must go to bed. Writing this post has exhausted me and I have school tomorrow. Oh wait! It's SATURDAY tomorrow. Hallelujah!

Mexico: A Family Vacation

This year for our Christmas vacation, we took the kids on a Mexican Riveria Cruise. We left at 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6th and arrived in Los Angeles at 10:00. We had to wait for a little bit before we could board the ship. The kids enjoyed exploring the ship and before we knew it we were out at sea. Cason and MaKenah joined the kids club and went to the meet and greet that first night.

On Sunday, we enjoyed the beautiful weather and the kids made friends at the kids club. John and I took a ball room dancing class and learned (well, sort of) the cha-cha.

We arrived in Cabo San Lucas on Monday morning. We could see it was going to be a beautiful day. As we looked out the window we saw tons of parasailers and John and I decided that we would like to try our hand at it. We left the ship and found a great little "Mexican" driver named Jaun. We took us to see the sealions, the storks and the natural arch. Then we got to go parasailing. It was amazing! We finished off the day at Lover's Beach. We enjoyed watching people get swamped and lose their suits and, of course, a little body surfing. What a great day!

Tuesday, we explored Mazatlan with an amazing driver named Ernesto. He shared with us the great sites and also a little about his family and culture. We played at the beach and did a little bit of shopping.

Wednesday we were at Puerto Vallerta. We didn't do much here except spend time on the beach and at the Krystal Resort. We enjoyed the Mexican food and got a good tan. We finished off our souvenior shopping.

Thursday and Friday we were back at sea. Kenah spent almost every waking minute with Isabella and John and Cason enjoyed swimming. We watched movies, played cards, laid out in the gorgeous sun and ate amazing food. John and I took another dance class and learned the Samba (ooh, you should see our hips move). We went to the theater each night and saw some fun shows. MaKenah participated in the Magic show and John learned how to juggle (another story....but a good one!)

Things we will never forget....

1. Paul Scalley our cruise DIRECTOR!
2. Family tatooes
3. Cason's bottomless pit of a stomach...he tried and liked the escargot
4. MaKenah making friends with the entire ship
5. Our late night in the Red Lion Pub
6. Dick and Linda
7. The "Nerdy by day" "Hot by night" show girl
8. Our dancer instructors
9. Cason learning the art of dickering (way to go with that awesome soccer ball)
10. OUR awesome 167 sq. ft home and of course...the picture window!

I love family vacations! This one was one of the best!