I am a teacher at heart..

I never thought that I would be begging for a teaching position, but doing so has really shown me how much teaching children means to me.  Every time I prepare for an interview or email another principal I write these paragraphs or say these things that I've learned through various professional training sessions or in my Master's courses.  It feels strange to "toot my own horn" but I know that I'm a good teacher.  95% of my students met or exceeded the standards on the end of the year test during my very first year.  Since then  my scores have remained high and that can only be for a few reasons: 

1. my students are willing to work hard and do their best to meet their parents', their own, and their teacher's high expectations
2. my Masters in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment has really helped me prepare lessons and activities that are interesting and valid for the standards
3. my classroom management skills are such that my students develop intrinsic motivation and want to succeed on their own, not just to make me or their parents happy

I was so sad not to have started the school year with everyone.  It's almost like I'm not part of the community yet.  I love teaching and would love to be preparing my classroom and planning lessons right now...

My Boykin Spaniel... Ladybird

First of all, I love this website for Boykin Spaniel Rescues: http://www.boykinrescue.org/bsr/index.php

The way that they create a story about each dog really make it hit home... sweet puppies.

So growing up, we always had a dog and at least one cat.  Marcus' family always had at least one dog but mostly had smaller dogs like poodles, miniature pinschers, and as of recently a daschund.  As you know, Marcus and I already have two cats and now that we're in the house we're finally ready to seriously look at breeders.  For the longest time, I wanted a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  But due to overbreeding, they are often inbred and have many health problems such as bulging eyes and severe ear issues.  But I still think they're adorable.  See?  

 Too cute, but they're bred for their looks not their brains.  A lot of times, their eyes are so big that they can't see so well.
Because of all that research, I wanted to find a breed that is known for its health and laid-back personality.  I found the Boykin Spaniel.

Owners say they have the strength, build, and size of a spaniel with the laid-back and intelligent personality of a lab.  They're great with other dogs, cats, and even children.  Perfect for us!

Pictures of the new Water Heater

A few weeks ago I wrote a post about replacing our 34 year old water heater, original to the house.  See post titled: "Rinnai Water Heater".


I am finally ready to post the pictures from that endeavor.  Below you'll see the original and what we have now.  The difference is pretty amazing because we went from a monster tank at 4 to 5 feet high and at least 2 and a half feet in diameter to a wallet-sized control panel.  Thank you Brittingham Plumbing and $600 in rebates...

 

 Obviously these were taken outside where the tank itself is located.  It's out of site but not out of mind... because our hot water is "instant-on" and endless.  Let's all say it together... "Ahhh"