Busy, Busy, Busy Bee... That's ME!!

I don't usually like to make a post without pictures, but I figured it had been way too long since my last post, so I thought I'd fill you in on the Aurand happenings as of late... pictures to follow later.

Since my last post....

School has started back! I am on what's called "extended day" this year. It just means that I don't get a planning period. So I teach 7 periods a day, with two of those periods having two classes in one period (i.e. my first period is Drawing I and II). I see 223 students a day. So far, I am hanging in there. My students are really good and I love what I'm teaching. Right now, my Drawing classes are learning about the Elements of Art and Principles of Design and how to compose a good composition. My Ceramics class is making rattles and whistles using pinch pots. Intro to Art just finished a "What is Art?" unit and began their color unit today. Painting I and II are working on self portraits, while 2D/3D just finished their Stippling projects. I have been learning how to plan, prepare, and grade between, during, and after class. Again, so far, so good.

Though I am also coaching softball this year, which is both exciting and completely exhausting. I have always wanted to coach and that was one of the reasons I became a teacher, so that I could coach. However, after having Weston I was happy with the idea of waiting until he was older to try to coach. Things change, I suppose. The girls played really well in a season kick off tournament and then stalled during their first two games losing ones they shouldn't have. Luckily (for them), they- Varsity and J.V.- beat Hiram last night pretty good. The bats were alive and the defense was good. We still have several things to work on during practice, but doesn't every team?

Also, as you read in one of my summer posts, I am one of the co-sponsors for SGA this year-- I am leading the 10th and 9th graders. Granted, they pretty much lead themselves, I am just a facilitator. The other two sponsors I work with are great, and I am really excited about helping to plan Homecoming this year!

Of course, since I am such an over achiever... I am also on the graduation committee. This will be our first graduating class and a lot of the decisions we make now will be in place for a long time and I am so happy and proud to be a part of that decision making process!

My Boys! Matt and Weston are thriving in my short absence (my schedule will start to clear up by the end of September). Matt is still playing on his indoor adult soccer team with some guys from his work. I took Weston out to see his game this week and they looked great-- killed 'em! Speaking of Weston... our little man has two additions... his bottom front teeth are coming in-- YAY! He is getting so big, so fast, and I love every minute of him.

What the Future Holds... This school year's calendar has a nice gift for teachers in September-- a week off! So we are packing everything up, baby included, of course, and flying to Boston to see Matt's side of the family. We are so anxious for all of Matt's Aunts, Uncles, Cousin, and Grandmother to meet Weston (the sweetest baby in the whole wide world)! Though we are also fairly nervous about flying commercially with him. Wish us luck.

October, which has, traditionally, been a big month for us, will bring Matt's Aunt Amy (hopefully) for a visit, and my step-mother, Carrie also. Don't forget about the afore mentioned homecoming in October too!




Okay, I think this blog has continued for long enough, and I am exhausted... so I will have to sign off now... but I promise pictures soonish.