Yes. I know that I have the saying completely backwards, but it was totally appropriate for us this week. A few of us from my school are involved in Ask 4 More Arts, an arts integration initiative in JPS. So, Tuesday we had a meeting at the Mississippi Museum of Art. And we were able to leave our "little mice" to go "play!"

All teachers know that professional developments in education always involve some or all of the following: colored paper, scissors, glue, Crayons, rulers, picture books, group work, etc. Because we work with and teach children, our professional development activities are children's activities or geared that way.

Maybe this is because most schoolteachers are self-proclaimed ADD victims since entering the profession and must be doing something to stay focused! Ha! I would certainly group myself in that category!

So, while we cats were away playing...our little mice were probably doing a whole lot of "busy work!" Oh well!

When the mice are away, the cats will play!

Mrs. Johnson is Up and Blogging

Mrs. Johnson's class is going strong and blogging to tell about it! Check it out!

Saturday in the Park...

Saturday morning, we woke up to pure beauty outside! Russ went for an 8 mile run Saturday morning, and I just could not wait to get showered and enjoy the day! I know...I should have gone running too! Anyway, he returned around 10, showered, and we headed to Cracker Barrel for a late breakfast. Yummy! As we were getting in the car after breakfast, I was asking Russ what we could do to enjoy this day even more. I was not looking forward to going home and doing laundry and schoolwork. He suggested we go to Vicksburg and check out the Civil War stuff. So, we did. Of course, we stopped by the house to pick up the camera first! Let me note right here that I realize how old we sound having eaten at Cracker Barrel and going to look at Civil War stuff! Russ's sister asked if we were going to stop by the barber shop, get a cup of coffee, and talk politics! Oh well!

So, we spent our Saturday in the Vicksburg National Military Park. You would think, with us both being from a Civil War town, that we would know all about it. But, sadly...no. In fact, we decided our next visit home should include a trip to Shiloh. We enjoyed our time together on such a lovely day!

I could not wait to sit on a canon!

There were more!

Russ certainly took advantage of this photo opportunity! Ha!

Illinois Memorial - There are 47 steps leading up to the door (that's for you, Julie!)...one for each day of the Siege of Vicksburg.

Standing on the front porch of the Illinois Memorial with the Shirley House behind me...this house is the only surviving wartime structure in the park.

Russ coming out of the Memorial - Notice the marble floors, walls, and ceilings all engraved with names from the war.

Russ just thought this was a good photo op!

Every time he headed up a hill, he would nearly fall! I tried to get one with my camera, but I missed.

Memorial honoring the African-Americans from Mississippi who participated in the Vicksburg Campaign.

Russ and me in front of the Mississippi Memorial.

Roan and me in front of the Mississippi Memorial! Ha! She was shopping alone in Memphis while Jimmy took the kids to the zoo. We were discussing fashion, mannequins, and brands all day to ensure she left with the best staple items for the fall! Ha ha!

About halfway through our 16-mile tour, Russ and I were dying for a Route 44 from Sonic. So, as soon as we finished at the park, we found the closest Sonic! Mmmmm! Wonderful Cherry Coke!

One our way home Russ talked me into FINALLY getting a Sam's Club membership. We stopped in before going home. We left Sam's with a 24-pack case of Yoohoo (LOVE it!), case of water, and cases of goodies for my students' treasure chest.

All in all, I would call this a wonderful Saturday in the park!

We're Gonna Party Like It's Your Birthday...

Yesterday, we celebrated Nonnie's 82nd birthday! My mom headed south for the occasion, and we all met at the nursing home for a par-tay! Woo hoo! I'm not sure if Nonnie really understood what we were there for, but everytime we told her it was her birthday, she would say, "Mmmm...don't even want to talk about that!" I'm guessing she does know that she is old mature in years!

Mama helped her open gifts and read all her cute birthday cards. All of the cards sang or had some music when they opened. Nonnie found this very interesting.

The cutie patootie cake!

Time to cut the cake!

My uncle, aunt, and cousin met us there too with the cake and ice cream. We had a great time visiting.

Uncle Howard, Clancy, and Aunt Patsy

Uncle Howard had to go to work, so he left early. Working nights is no fun! He works for MDOT, so we all honked when we passed him on the interstate on our way home! Ha!

Happy Birthday Nonnie!

The photographer with Nonnie and Pops

Goodnight kiss!

Happy Birthday Nonnie!

Today's Photo Shoot

So I cannot control my sweet hubby. He has this affair with his camera.

And when he wants to use it, there is no stopping him!

Russ had a sudden urge for a photo shoot after church, and Farley and I know better than to argue!

We posed where we were told and smiled away!

Russ's Day Off

So, while I was hard at work teaching all my little children - well...actually MY kids are now adolescents, which is weird, my dear sweet hubby was having a play day. At least part of his day was play. Yesterday, Russ was driving me crazy checking his computer constantly for some huge download he was working on. Apparently, it was yet another photography download! Since he was off today, I suppose he spent most of his day playing. There were many "projects," but I chose one to show you. This is an edited picture of the Golden Gate Bridge we took in San Francisco this summer.

Looks awesome!

Russ also spent his afternoon taking my grandfather to the doctor today. Isn't he the just the best husband ever!? By the time he came home, he had been to the grocery store and said he was going to "whip up something" for dinner. Who am I to argue with that?! I laid on the couch and took a little nap after an exhausting first week back at work while he slaved away in the kitchen. I woke up to a wonderful aroma...spices I think. Russ kept walking from the table to the kitchen until I heard him say, "Okay, it's ready." I walked in the dining room to a nice little setup with beautiful gourmet food! All the way down to the red wine reduction! I don't even know what that is! Russ said it was just something simple. Whatever! He also said that he was just "winging it." He saw Bobby Flay on the Today Show this morning doing something similar, but Russ couldn't remember what all spices he used. So, Russ just "winged it!" Seriously?! I need a recipe, measuring cups, and I am scared to use substitutions! It puts me to shame...which isn't very hard! Ha!

Sitting down to dinner....remember that I just woke up from a deep sleep!

Pure deliciousness!

So, I'm not sure I would call this Russ's day off! Thanks so much, Russ, for making me feel special always! Love you!

I Would Like to Introduce You...

...to Mrs. Johnson's fourth grade class.

Click to enlarge

I Think I'm Ready

So...now I THINK I'm ready.

HOT school elf to help. Check!

Primping school teachers. Check!

Parent contact on cute magnet "borrowed" from bloggie friend, Lindsey. Check!

Student books stacked and ready. Check!

Teacher books stacked and ready on really short shelves. Check!

Welcome back happies with raffia bows in cute Dollar Tree basket. Check!

Environment conducive to fun learning - or at least the kind I like. Check!

Encouragement? Needed! So, I helped myself to some. I asked parents and former teachers to write encouraging words on our Encouragement Wall. I'm so excited for the students to see the special notes from their families when they come in on their first day!

Encouragement. Now checked!

And displayed in a cutesy way just like any teacher would do. Check!!

Prayer over my students. Feel free to help me on that one!

Jordan
Monique
Kristin
Nareuna
Kenyada
Brindarius
D'Aubriney
Selicia
Nacolby
Sharnecia
Arrion
J'Darrien
Antasia
Tatyanna
James
De'Eric
Nadia
Lyric
Charles
Quintarrius
Sherrina
Jendaya
Sabbion
Laporsha

I think I'm ready! What do you think?