One week down...

It's funny how after one week of working with these little kiddos, I can learn so much about them, and about how the year is going to look. Overall assessment.....it's going to be a doozy. I suppose I should have been more prepared for this, considering it's been a couple years since I've had "one of those classes". However, in spite of the difficult first week, there were a few moments of laughter mixed in. Here are a few of my favorite quotes....

At the end of the first day, the kids and I were sitting on the carpet talking about how we felt the day went. One kiddo (who has already turned out to be quite dramatic) just looks at me and says, "I'm depressed! Wanna' know why?...." To this, I responded "Nope." ;)

There's a picture of Kyle and I from our wedding as my desktop background. I closed out of the file we were working on, so the picture popped up. The responses just starting flooding the room..."You're married?!?!" "Is that your wife?" "You're white!"

One of the things they're most excited about in First Grade is having their very own desk. No more tables, or sharing space, they have a spot that's all theirs. They of course are obsessed with looking in their desks, playing with what's in their desks, and really just opening and shutting them over, and over, and over.......On Friday, I was trying to bring home the point that we can't all be opening and shutting our desks while others are talking because it's distracting and LOUD. To which one little smarty replies "Well, I guess you just need to get some oil then." Wow....

Here's hoping next week is an improvement :)

It's almost here.....

Oh man! I've been working in my new classroom off and on for the past 3 weeks, and can't believe that it's already time to do this again! As I've been sorting through things from my kiddos last year, I've found a few precious notes and pictures that are good motivators. :) However, yesterday I stumbled upon a quote from one of my kiddos from the beginning of the school year. He simply said, "Did my mom sign me up for this?" HA! And there in lies the task I, and countless other teachers, are embarking upon. In my one room, in my group of 25+ students, I'll have the kiddos that leave me notes and pictures and want nothing more than to come to school and learn everyday.....AND the kids who truly believe their parents have just signed them up for a boring activity that they don't want to do. I guess that is part of what makes teaching so exciting, challenging, frustrating, and rewarding....figuring out how to get all those kiddos to learn something by the end of the year, and maybe even enjoy school! As promised last year at this time, I'll keep you posted on the many stories that these kids always provide. Here's hoping for a great year ahead!

Vacation at Lake Vermilion

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Wascally Wabbit!

Well, it finally happened. I woke up this morning to find a rabbit munching on our garden! To make it even worse, it chewed off the only bean plant that grew from the first planting. Go figure! Guess it's time for a fence. :)
We did have our first "harvest" which was fun....we're hoping for lots of tomatoes and peppers in the near future. :) I put a few other shots of the garden on the "Latest Hardie Pics" link, so check 'em out!

Perfect Summer Weekend

I LOVE SUMMER!
We started the weekend with a Friday night wedding.
Saturday Kyle went fishing, I sang at church, and came home to dinner cooked and candle's lit! :) Then we decided to explore a new ice cream shop we heard about....The cone in the picture is a KID'S SIZE! $3---I think Nelson's Ice Cream changed my life--ha!
Then Sunday was church, and a birthday party at Como with friends, food, and a fierce game of kickball.
I hope you're enjoying summer....don't let it slide by too fast!

July 4th Fun

What a great way to celebrate! We had fun with family and friends all weekend...here are a few pictures, but check our Shutterfly link on the side for the rest. (They're at the end of the "Memories from '09" album)We were the losers of the first night of Lawn Golf...but we still had fun! :)

Gina and I, working on breakfast

Andrew, Daniel, and Aaron trying out our cool 3D firework glasses!
Enjoying the fireworks from the Hardie's backyard, by the campfire

New Pictures

Hey all! We've updated our Shutterfly site with the latest pictures of the outside of the house for those of you that haven't made it out to visit us yet. Yes, we finally have grass--woohoo! Just click on the "Latest Hardie Photos" link, and the pictures are at the end of the "Memories from '09" album. Remember, we'd love to have you over ANY TIME! :)