New Job

Two years ago, I left Woodridge Elementary to become an Elementary Technology Curriculum Coach (ETCC). I was ready for a change and new experiences. As an ETCC, I had responsibilities at Stevenson Elementary and Spiritridge Elementary Schools supporting teachers on the implementation of curriculum, instructional technology, and providing professional development. I also had responsibilities as a member of the district curriculum department working to develop the K-5 curriculum. I learned so much in this role and am thankful for the work my team was able to accomplish and the many people I was able to meet and learn from; however, this spring I decided I needed a change. I missed working with students. I missed working with one group of professionals. I missed going to one location for work. I missed having a schedule. I missed teaching.

In light of all that and after much prayer and discussions with Cliff, I explored the possibility of returning to Woodridge. It is a wonderful school community and an amazing staff and principal. Thankfully, it was possible and next year I will be teaching 2nd grade at Woodridge. Having taught special education, 4th grade, and 5th grade at Woodridge, I'm excited to be back to with a community I love and working with younger students.

While I'm loving every minute of my summer vacation, I am looking forward to all that the next school year will bring.

Repurposing

In the last few weeks, Cliff and I have really tried to take a hard look at our home and consider if the space we have is being utilized well. One of the areas that has bothered me for awhile now is our front entry. It had two hooks available for coats, jackets, purses, etc. but it lacked personality.

While garage "sailing" a few weeks ago, I found three old windows for $1 each! It was SUCH an amazing bargain. I bought one and then Cliff and I went back for the other two. We were thrilled. We ended up putting one outside on our fence and were so happy with how it turned out. I had a vision for how to use one of the others inside to spruce up our boring entry.

I took the old window and attached four hooks that I bought at Target very inexpensively. Then I found some cork squares at Staples and trimmed those down to fit inside the window panes. Then Cliff attached it to the wall for me!

Now, as we come and go from our home, we see faces of our favorite people - family and friends who love and care for us, yet still have hooks there for all the items that must be hung. I think this was a successful project!

We still have one more window - any ideas for us?

Garden Update

We have lots growing in our garden now, but the Seattle "spring" was overly cool and wet this year. Some of our little seeds have boycotted growing altogether, but thankfully in the last few weeks, as the sun has been peeking out a bit more, they've begun to actually grow!

Here's a few pictures to give you an idea of how things are coming along. We're hoping July brings some warmer, sunnier days so our tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini get the sun they need to produce a lot of goodies!

Berry patch - raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries!

red cabbage

collard greens

lettuce and kale

potatoes

zucchini

sugar snap peas

tomato plants