Thursday, April 10, 2008

April 10, 2008





This is my very first attempt at documenting the "days of our lives." I must admit to feeling inadequate, overwhelmed and a little nervous. I've read lots of creative, inspiring, motivating, and uplifting posts from amazing people who seem to live extraordinary lives. What's that saying about the most important step to realizing your dreams is the first one? Well, consider this my first step. Hang on, here we go!

Today, Tom was the designated "Car door opener" for Mrs. Wells' Kindergarten Class at A.L. Lotts. He headed out the door with the young ones at 7:00. I followed out the door soon thereafter to inspire the young, impressional minds at West Valley Middle School. Since it's TCAP week, everyone is a little on edge.

Drew continues to amaze me with his track performances. He's consistently running the mile in just under five minutes. He shrugs it off as no big deal, but I am very proud of him. I know he's setting personal goals and striving to reach them. Sam thinks he's the coolest big brother in the world! Drew and Dane went "tux shopping" the other day. I only wish I could have been a fly on the wall to witness that experience. Drew is taking Darian Todd to the prom. I have been instructed not to take pictures because "I'm a guy, Mom. The girl's mom takes pictures!" Maybe I'll get Laura to make copies for me.

Chelcie continues to prepare to leave the nest. Yesterday she told me she was taking all the Bearden "stuff" off of her car. She plans to replace her BHS stickers with a Big Orange Power T! Can you believe it? My baby girl is moving on! She plans to be an elementary school teacher, and I know she will be a great one! Prom and graduation are at the forefront of her plans. She asked Trevor Brown to be her "lifesaver" and he enthusiastically agreed to escort her to the prom.

Tom is squeezing as much out of life as he can! He volunteers with the Ulster Project and Kiwanias. He coaches Sam's soccer team, and volunteers whenever anyone lets him know of need. Real estate is keeping him very busy. Lots of homes to show and houses to list! In the meantime, he works full-time as Mr. Mom, shuttling the kids here and there and being the "at home" parent for all four of the kids! He gets out of bed about 5:00 every day and heads to bed between 10 and 11. I think I would fall over with exhaustion if I got up at 5:00, even if I went to bed at 6:00!

As for me, school is keeping me busier than I really want to be, but this time of year is notoriously busy for everyone! I am one of the sponsors of National Junior Honor Society. This is the time of year for applications, parent phone calls, and emails. As Reading Department Chair, I am responsible for making sure Reading is being taught throughout our school. Fortunately, West Valley has scored higher than any other middle school in the county on all three benchmark tests this year at all three grade levels. Nothing makes a Dept. Chair. look better than a great team! I'm also working on the Knox County Mentoring Institute which exists to ensure that new teachers are not left to fend for themselves. I love working on this team, and look forward to seeing where this might lead. Also, Reach Them to Teach Them is gearing up for an amazing 2008 event! The news of the day is that we've decided that our keynote speaker will be Dr. Don Bartlette. Hillary Hudson emailed me that Comcast may want to be one of our primary sponsors! I'm sure I will write much more about this as we take steps of faith toward changing our world!

Today's highlights - Addie had soccer practice and scored 5 goals! Sam and his "soccer buddy," Spencer, flew an eagle kite for about 15 minutes before running off to act like boys. When we got home, Sam took a shower and gave himself a shampoo mohawk! Whenever he says, "Hey Mom, come here!" I never know what I'm going to find! Chelcie painted Addie's toenails bright pink! Sam commented that the song the "Top 8" on American Idol sang (Shout to the Lord) was a good song because it was "about ours Lord!" Addie has memorized "Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost. Every night before bed, she has to say it for me.

Well, my brief update about today has evolved into an introduction to who we are. Let's see how long I can keep this up!

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