I've heard it said that in order to get the rainbows, you must endure the rain. I say, in order to appreciate the smiles, you must shed some tears.
We've had the longest full moon on record this week. I'm tired. And I'm tired of parents who cuss. If I can't cuss at them, they shouldn't be allowed to cuss at me. Besides, it makes them look like the imbeciles they are.
Meetings with the superintendent... meetings with the personnel director... meetings about the budget (and math is hard!)... meetings about next year's calendar... called board meeting with all of the above... I now have some serious fanny fatigue (not to mention my brain refuses to let me form any more big words).
What a day! All the jaws in my school system are a-flappin! Today, I found out who will be my Assistant Principal for next year and it will be a man (yay for more testosterone in the elementary school). Also, found out about all the other changes in administration in the system. All I can say about the fruit basket turnover is, "Wowzer!" 
After waking up to a thunderstorm (my favorite weather for a Sunday at home), we lounged around and ate a leisurely breakfast. As soon as the rain stopped, I noticed how full the bird bath was. It gave me the idea to try a splash picture. I'm not exactly thrilled with it but it will have to do for now given the fullness of the day. It was a great weekend. I just wish it had been longer.
At my grandfather's family reunion, we explored an old cemetery - including several graves of family members who are deceased. There were tombstones that dated back before the American Civil War. One set of tombstones gave us pause as it appeared to be a father and his two young daughters who had all died on the same day in 1941. Was it a car wreck? A fire? Later, a Google search informed us that the two girls were swimming in the nearby river when they got pulled into a whirlpool. Their uncle dove in to help. All three drowned.
Yay for Fridays! We finished up the big, bad, state-mandated testing this week. I think the teachers are just as excited as the students. 
My husband bought a new truck while I was out of town earlier this week. Tonight, we took it for a drive. While my husband isn't ready to admit it, the truck is clearly a girl since she led us straight to dessert. All I need now is a good name for her.
We watched the sunset, yesterday, while waiting for our last flight home. It has been an amazing (and exhausting) week and I am excited for the opportunities that await my son.
As I walked around New Haven, I noticed these flowers (are they cherry blossoms?) on the sidewalk. Oddly enough, they were resting on some random glass pieces. For some reason, that just intrigued me (probably not as much as I apparently intrigued the locals who gave me some awkward stares). 
Yesterday, my son and I got up at 3 a.m. to head to the airport. After a 3 hour layover in Atlanta, we finally made it to JFK. Got to see my favorite niece and spend some time with her in Brooklyn. Then, after pulling our luggage all over Manhattan (did you see us?), we got on a train at Grand Central to head to New Haven. After checking into the hotel and grabbing a bite to eat, I zonked out. 
It was prom night for Mr. Funny and his high school friends. My husband and I fixed dinner for the prom dates and another couple. We ended the meal with chocolate fondue and a huge spread for dipping.
Went out this evening with a bunch of family and friends (13 in all) for a celebratory dinner in honor of the youngest son's awesome scholarship offer. I imbibed just a little. :)
If I didn't know better, I'd swear my husband was having a love affair with his kaffir lime tree. He closely inspects her every day. Her tiny blooms are adorable and produce the funkiest, brainiest-looking limes.
Just a weird random thought I had to pretend the wishbone was growing in a plant. If I could harvest that luck, I'd give it to our local Sheriff Department to catch the robber that caused us to be on a school lock down all day today. Even with the assistance of dogs and helicopters, the robber eluded the cops. 
Long day! Started with a stint on the radio (every administrator has to have a turn each year and it was my turn) with a DJ who is obviously struggling with latent school issues (maybe somebody picked on him in the bathroom one too many times). Still, he wasn't able to get much in the way of controversy out of me. 
Today is bittersweet as it marks the end of my spring break. It has been busy this past week: we cleaned out closets, we worked in the yard, and we played with family and friends. Yesterday, I got to take my youngest son's girlfriend shopping for shoes and accessories to get her ready for next weekend's prom. They even hung out with us for the evening (are we suddenly cool?... or are they growing up?). Today, my oldest son went on a 3.5 mile run with me. The time flew by because we talked the whole time.
Two years ago this month, Mili (aka Miss Poopy) woke up one morning and was totally paralyzed from her mid-back down. We rushed her to the vet and then to a pet neurologist (aka Miracle Worker). Given Mili's young age (she was only three), we pursued the surgery ~ despite the 50-50 odds of her ever walking again.
I only took 185 pictures today. It was a day filled with breakfast with friends (including powdered donuts for a three year old), a trip to the herb farm, an encounter with baby possums, flowers, laughter, and tears. In the end, I chose this picture of Ray from the herb farm. He was playing with a dog named Rufus (I think I might love all dogs named Rufus). 
I've been inspired by several people who have awesome jumping shots. I'll admit thought, it is a LOT harder than it looks. Particularly if you aren't wearing the right kind of shoes.
After a day of hanging out in the yard (I even have a little bit of sunburn... I'm so excited!), my husband and I went with some friends for some Mexican food. Libations may or may not have been served.
My friend, Ray, spent the morning with me so his mother could have some alone time. I was in big need of some play time. There were so many things he said that just made me laugh. 
This beautiful day was spent with my sweet husband cleaning out closets and working in the yard.
The sun has warmed up the south enough that my husband and I went on an excursion to a nearby swamp. We got to see a few alligators swimming along.
Today was Field Day and it was AWESOME! For some reason, I'm a little tired now but I'm so darn excited that this upcoming week is Spring Break. YAY!
~ Louis Armstrong
