Now that's Dedication...

Friday afternoon, Wendy and I, along with other faithful teachers, showed true dedication. Just in time for bus riders to make the trek to their large yellow friend, the bottom fell out and we were right in the middle of it! Our school is under construction, which means we have long walks every where we go and our bus circle doesn't have shelter... (even if it did it wouldn't have mattered because it was a windy rain).

Being the teachers we are, we hung right with our little ones...making sure each and every one boarded the right bus. I even picked up a child I had last year who was standing in the middle of the bus circle bawling! It was a true sight to see! I wish I had a picture of my bus list. Imagine me walking, with 15 or so little ones trailing behind, POURING rain, glasses soaked, can't see, and my paper bus list is disintegrating before my very eyes...I would search for the bus number and the students who rode that bus and my paper would tear into little pieces...It was so funny.

The funniest thing about the whole process was that if we had just waited 2 minutes, we would have been dry as could be! It was literally the quickest down pour I have ever witnessed...it was like the rain Gods were watching and laughing!

Thankfully, all our children could wait on their buses and they didn't get so wet...and also, thankfully it was Friday, and we didn't have a meeting or parent conference waiting! I will leave you with a few more pictures for you to laugh at...and please do! Please laugh, because we did when it was all said and done!

Vacay!

I live for Vacation in the summer! Every year, since before I was born, my parents have ventured to the beach for a week in the summer. For the past 20 + years we have spent our time at Sunset Beach, NC. If you have never been there, you should go. Sunset Beach is the very last beach in NC before you enter SC. For as long as I can remember, the only way on the island is by venturing over the one lane swinging bridge...to some, this is a hassle...to those who live there, this is what make Sunset Beach.

Sunset Beach is a quiet, serene spot that has somehow escaped the surge of tacky beach businesses...you know what I mean, a wings or waves on every corner... not here. This place offers an escape from the busy life...a huge beach during low or high tide...and a time for our family to bond and make memories each year.

Enjoy the montage I have created...makes me wish we were back. Thank you Mom and Dad!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I Am Woman!

I once worked for a superintendent who wouldn't allow you to complain or criticize about anything unless you provided ways to improve upon the problem or had alternate strategies. My husband is this same way, and to an extent, I am as well... I say all of this to warn you... This post may have complaining and criticizing and IT WON'T have solutions! :) But, because this is my blog, I have a right to vent.

If you have kept up with my blog then you know I am getting anxious about going back to school. Well, Wednesday we had our school wide planning day (which was fantastic) and I took a moment to peek into my classroom. Here is what I saw:


Each year, a "floor crew" comes through and waxes and cleans our floors. I know it is a tough job...one that I do not want. But from the looks of the second picture, they had a fun time TOSSING my things on top of each other and making it very difficult to make heads or tails of what was where. I don't get it. I had a lamp broken, computer wires twisted together, magnets strewn across the floor, etc...I felt like my room had been vandalized!

Again, I know this is a tough job...moving furniture and cleaning and then moving it again and cleaning... but come on! A team of 3 to 4 MEN come to do this and they leave a room in this shape....in which, 1 WOMAN is going to have to re-create a visually appealing and effective learning space.

Instead of letting this make me even more anxious and stressed about beginning of school, I decided to TAKE CHARGE! :) My co-worker and one of my best friends Wendy and I went to school yesterday and we, with the help of her 18 year old son, got our space back to normal! Now I can focus on planning, decorating, organizing, etc. So, are you ready....here are the after pics!

Wordless Wednesday - Butterball to the Rescue!

You know, these wordless Wednesday posts kill me...because it's hard for me to be "wordless"... Anyway, we ran into Rusty (my bestie's husband) on the waterway Saturday and we "rescued" him! How funny that we were there when he needed us...Sorry for the pics Rusty, but I knew Kira would appreciate this!

School Mode

My mind is operating in school mode.  I get like this every year.  Normally not this early, but nevertheless, it happens.  I can't sleep, I can't focus on anything but school, and I feel anxious. Some people call this "habits of a good teacher"... I call it FRUSTRATING!  

I love my job...absolutely love it.  I love the challenge of working with 6 year olds, the glimmer in their young eyes when they are excited about learning new things.  I love the fact that I get to sing, dance, read, and sit Indian style every day of the week.  I love meeting new parents that are just as excited and fearful as their children on the first day of school.  I love field trips and playgrounds and I even love the intimidation of "testing" and "meeting standards".  I love children and I love seeing them reach their potential and beyond.  (Notice that I didn't say "I love having my summers off..." - This is because I work summer camps during my "off" time to make money... yes for those who think we just "have off" in the summer - WRONG - we don't get paid!  Off my high-horse now and back to blogging...) 

Having said all this...I HATE beginning of school jitters and planning.  Partly because it CONSUMES me and my mind and partly because I am just as nervous as the children.  

Each year I think, next year will be easier (preparation for the first days at least).  And each year, it's just as difficult.  I am the type of teacher and person that likes to keep things fresh and new.  I constantly evaluate my programs and methods during the year and tweak or change things for the following year....yes, I know this is what "good teachers" do... but it always makes for long hours and drained minds come August!  

I feel better having written this out... If there are other educators out there in the blogging world or parents with great resources, I would love your ideas for beginning of school, classroom layouts, routines, etc.  

Until then, I will be here, at my computer, searching for great ways to teach writing and exciting ways to integrate technology, and ways to end beginning of school nerves ;).  Happy Learning to All! 

 

Happy Anniversary...

To Us!

Six years ago today, I married the love of my life...and it's so nice to report that I only love him more today... I know, I know, mushy...but true! We have accomplished a lot in 6 years...we both have careers we love, we have a loving and healthy extended family (and dog), we bought our first home, and we invested in a turkey farm. I hope that this is just the start of the many wonderful things that life has to offer for us. We love each other and enjoy each other's company...and these days, what more could you ask for? Here we are 6 years ago today.


Jim and I had the best weekend at the coast celebrating our anniversary. We took a long boat ride Saturday where we explored the Morehead City waterfront and Adam's Creek. It was the perfect day for boating. Mr. and Mrs. Lynch came along with us and we all had a great time.

Saturday night we headed to Beaufort to eat at the Spouter Inn. We had never eaten at this particular place before but it was very good. We were drawn to this restaurant because it offers waterfront deck dining and boat docking. The original plan was to drive the boat to dinner, but the weather interfered with that. It was a nice, cool evening...perfect for dining outside. Here are a few pics from dinner.

After dinner we walked around the Beaufort waterfront. I love how everyone at the coast lives as if there is no time restraints...there were bands playing, crowds enjoying the evening on huge sport fishing boats that were lit up like Christmas trees, and couples walking hand-in-hand... just a serene, peaceful place.

What a perfect day and evening. Happy Anniversary to us!

Wordless Wednesday: Robotics Camp!

Jersey Boys

Anyone who knows me knows that I love singing, dancing, and family...and last Thursday night I was able to enjoy all three when we saw the Broadway hit, Jersey Boys at The Progress Energy Performing Arts Center. Before going any farther in my post I must tell you that it was incredible! After every musical, I leave the theater saying that it was the best musical I've ever seen. Well, with Jersey Boys I didn't say that...but I can tell you it was the best MUSIC I've ever heard. It amazes me how these performers can sing, dance, and act and do so without any imperfection. The sound quality of their voices is stunning. When watching pop stars and such on live award shows or even watching them in concert, they NEVER sing perfectly, and RARELY bring chills to your skin. But, the cast of the Jersey Boys did just that.

I can get ahead of myself so quickly on here! (haha) My mom, my aunt Alice, my mother-in-law, and my aunt-in-law Gina (is there such a term?) all met in Raleigh for this fun evening. We had dinner at Cafe Luna, one of my favorite Italian restaurants downtown. We had a quaint little corner table with a great view. The food was wonderful, as always, and the wine and conversation was even better! You know, I'm very lucky. My mom, Alice, and I have always had a special relationship...best buds, shopping partners, etc. But I can say with all honesty that I share these same relationships now with my mother in law and her family. It's great!
Here we are at our table.
Now back to the musical. Jersey Boys is a rags-to-riches tale of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. It takes you from the beginning, the slums of Jersey, the gangster lifestyle, to quick fame and the pain, addiction, and loss that can come with money. As I said in the beginning, it wasn't the best overall musical I've ever seen...at times a hard to follow storyline and language. But, the music was phenomenal!
Some of the songs that I recognized and sang along with were: "Sherry", "Can't keep my eyes off of you", "Big girls don't cry", "Oh what a night", "Walk like a man", and "Workin my way back to you babe". These are true classics...most any person over the age of 25 could hum or sing along.

Wonder what songs from my era (90's - today) will become classics? What do you think?

Wordless Wednesday: No Dune Swimming!

Happy Birthday America and Captain Zane!

Jim and I spent July 4th with family and friends at the Crystal Coast. It was a weekend full of fun, great weather, and boating! What could be any better than that?

On Friday, Jim and I got up semi-early geared up to go fishing. The wind was out of the North, which sets up for a calm day on the ocean...nothing better! I guess my excitement got out of hand because while untying the boat, I twisted my ankle and had to skip out on the perfect day of fishing. Instead, I had to stay inside with my foot elevated and ice packs galore! Leave it to me, huh? Here's a pic of my nice swollen ankle (left one).
Thankfully, it wasn't a horrible sprain and I'm doing much, much better! Jim went fishing own his own and didn't have any luck...he says he was 30 minutes too late! HA! He would love to blame his lack of luck that day on my accident.

On Saturday, we had a the pleasure of boarding a 45 foot catamaran sailboat to celebrate the 90th birthday of Captain Zane. Captain Zane is Jim's aunt Gina's father-in-law....digest all that info for a moment. Do you have the connection now? Ok.

As you can probably guess, we are a close family and that also includes extended family. All of Captain Zane's children, spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were along for the celebration. We had about 35 people total on this awesome sailboat! Here is a group shot. Captain Zane is on the far left.
We boarded ship at 12:00 noon and sailed in the ocean to the Cape Lookout lighthouse and seashore...it was beautiful! The boat was huge and had plenty of shade and spots for us sun-lovers. My favorite spot was the netting at the front of the boat. While laying here, you felt as if you were gliding on the water...amazing. Here is a shot of my favorite spot and a view of the sails above.

While visiting the lighthouse, Jim and I stopped for a photo that we find very funny! The sign reads "No PWC within 150 feet of shore". The guide on the boat said that PWC stood for "People With Children". We thought it was comical and we were the only adults on the boat that could relate, so we opted for a photo! It was a perfect day. Perfect for celebrating America and our freedoms and perfect for celebrating the amazing 90 years that Captain Zane has had on this Earth. I will leave you with more pictures of our fun day. And if you're interested in taking the sailboat out as we did, click here for the link.

Our nephew and niece, Jackson and Grayson. Grayson had the most fun...she had better sea-legs than any of us!

Jim and I posing in front of the lighthouse.

I don't know if you can see all the boats docked up, but this island was packed with boats! Look how beautiful this beach is...we went shell hunting and swimming here.

Here is Jim's Aunt Gina and her daughter Sarah. We all loved the netting!

The American Flag that flew from the top of our sails...Happy Birthday America!

Wordless Wednesday: Green Thumb in the Making?

I know I said "Wordless" but I feel it necessary to explain the hole on the right side...I dug, and dug, and dug until I couldn't dig anymore when planting these impatiens...There were too many roots to dig through on that one side...I wish you could have seen them 3 weeks ago...little babies. They are filling in nicely though, and soon the hole won't be there. Next year, I will plant them earlier so that by this time they will be even fuller.

My new Sego Palm! I love these plants!

My Best Friend's Wedding

On Saturday, June 20, 2009, Kira Peoples and Rusty Kroboth tied the knot! Now, I have always been a fan of weddings...from the dresses to the ceremonies to the flowers...everything! My wedding was all I ever dreamed it would be and many fantastic memories were made that evening...but my best friend's wedding...well, it was perfect. Perfect in every way and I couldn't be happier for her. I have spent the past week reflecting on the ceremony and deciding how I could document this special time and I still am afraid I will not do it justice. Just know, it was an evening filled with love, friendship, laughter, tears, and absolute joy!


Kira has been my best friend since our senior year in high school. We have been there for each other through the good times and bad...many failed relationships, many late night rendezvous, many hour-long phone conversations, many cheese fries shopping trips, many many wonderful times! Kira was my maid of honor and it was my pleasure to serve as her "would-be matron of honor".

One thing I have always admired and loved about Kira is her quirkiness. She is definitely not the "run of the mill" type and her wedding was the same way. She and Rusty were determined to share a meaningful time with family and close friends during their wedding festivities. In fact, Rusty's grandparents celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on this same day. Fate, huh?


We met at Ball Airport in Louisburg, NC for a hometown cookout before the wedding. We all wore comfortable summer attire and shared in good food, cold beverages, and fun times before the wedding. Around 8 o'clock, Kira and her entourage headed to her childhood home to get her dressed and ready. She was surrounded by her mom, sister, aunts, and friends. She looked beautiful and happy. We arrived at the church at 8:30 and Kira walked down the aisle with her dad in what would be the prettiest, sweetest ceremony I've ever attended.


The church was dimly lit by candles. Beautiful. The ceremony was short, but special with little Kira touches sprinkled throughout. Joni and I read her favorite poem, "I carry your heart" by EE Cummings and Surely the Presence was sang by all. My favorite part was when Kira and Rusty traveled the church aisles and lit our own personal candles...the whole church was filled with candle light...absolutely breathtaking.


It was a special day...special for Kira and Rusty, their family and their friends. I am so happy they found each other and couldn't be prouder and happier for my best friend.

My Favorite New Toy...

WORDLE! If you haven't heard of wordle, let me introduce you! A wordle is a tool for generating "word clouds". Here is an example of one I created to introduce myself at GADGET camp this week:

I am so excited about this tool. I can see may ways to use it in both my personal life and at school. I made Jim a wordle for his birthday using NC State colors and words that describe him. I plan to frame it for him to put in his office.

At school, I see awesome vocabulary potential. We could use this tool the same way we use circle maps or other braindrain tools. It would also be great for teaching synonyms and word choice in writing.

So, you are probably saying "OK already, how do you do it!"... I know, I know, you are excited! Visit www.wordle.net and just enter words. That's all! The more you enter the same word, the larger it appears in your cloud. Once you create your cloud, you can play with the font, position, colors, etc. In fact, you can click on "randomize" at the bottom and look at all the neat-o choices.

Go, have fun! Create your wordle...and share it with me. Let me know what you think. Tell me how you plan to use it.

Before and After

Before...

After...

Wow! What an improvement. Now, if I could convince Jim to landscape... :)

Welcome to The Lynch Life!

Blogging is something I have been wanting to do for a long time. I use blogs at school, I follow friends and their blogs, and now it's time to share my own world with those who care. So, let's get started!

My husband, Jim, and I have been married for almost 6 years. We met at NC State, fell in love, and the rest is history! We live in Goldsboro, NC and spend as much time at the coast as possible. We have a red-heeler doggie named Woody. He is our pride and joy!
Jim raises turkeys and works in hog waste management for Goldsboro Milling Company. He loves his work and loves to fish when time allows.
I teach first grade at Moss Hill Elementary School in Lenoir County. I absolutely love teaching and am so blessed that I wake up happy to go to work each morning. I accomplished my National Boards in Teaching this year and encourage all educators to give it a try! I am passionate about the children I work with and the small, yet significant impact I can make on their little minds.

Well, there's your update. I'm excited about the documentation of our life and hope to hear from you!