Keeping Busy...

It's the last week of school here in Tampa Bay, and the students are definitely feeling it.  I can relate in some ways to a high school teacher, since my eighth graders are always "graduating" on me.  The news that I'm not coming back next year has spread through the staff, and everyone I've spoken to has been positive and has wished me luck.  I will miss so many of these great people next year, but look forward to meeting new colleagues in the UAE.

Dress like the students day - I think I nailed it!

I finally cleaned out my closet and the few boxes I had in my bedroom from our move in September.  So much throwing away of old papers and random stuff.  It does feel good!  Many, many bags of clothes for Goodwill as well.  I don't see the point in bringing most of my very old, outdated clothing to my new life.  Like many other moms, I always buy for myself last, and haven't really gotten any "new" clothes (I buy most of my stuff at the consignment or thrift stores) since I've been pregnant.

No rest for the wicked, however.  My boxes came from the Institute for Reading Development last week. This is always the start of "summer" for me, as I have been summer teaching for IRD for several years.  I definitely appreciate their professionalism and the opportunity to teach many different ages and skill levels in one summer.  The money isn't bad either. ;-)  Saturdays and Sundays will be especially fun, as I'm teaching preschoolers and beginning readers on those days.  I love being with that age for limited periods of time. They are so eager to learn and have so much fun with books.

Well, hello IRD boxes! 

While I'm teaching on the weekends, Jon will have time to practice his full-time dad skills before we leave for Abu Dhabi.  I'm sure he's going to do an amazing job!  It's pretty crazy to think that in just a few months, we'll be living halfway across the world.  I hope we're ready, but I know that we'll be supporting each other and be part of a great community of educators and their families.  Till next time!

Dad and Aurelia reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Double rainbow after tornado in our area (we are all fine)