Hurricane Gustav

The news is flooded with talk about the latest storm approaching the Gulf Coast. I've been watching Headline News today trying to stay updated on the storm. They are saying this one looks as bad as Hurricane Katrina that hit New Orleans three years ago. I know New Orleans is better prepared for hurricanes now than they were several years ago, but I still hate to see it experience such a horrible storm. The projected path of the storm has it coming all the way to Dallas too. I'm guessing it won't be too bad when it gets to Dallas - but I'm sure we will get some wind and rain. I hope my brother and sister will be ok in Katy - but I'm sure everything will be fine. We'll see how it all plays out in the next 24 hours. Hope it weakens by the time it hits land.

Balloon Fiesta - Albuquerque

Going back to the Balloon Fiesta this past October (2007) was one of my best traveling memories. The feeling I got just being back in NM during that time of the year . . . I can't explain it. It brought back many wonderful memories of the years I visited the Balloon Fiesta when I lived in Clovis. Experiencing this with Kenneth H. was still one of the highlights for me! Those were the days!

I am hoping to return to the Balloon Fiesta again this year - but not too sure I will be able to make it work? I'd love to see Julia again and of course to visit Santa Fe . . . one of my favorite cities of all time!

Missing NM a little bit tonight . . . .

Because He Lives . . .

Chorus:

Because He lives,

I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives,

all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!

I attended the funeral for Linda's dad this afternoon at First Baptist Church Dallas. I was deeply saddened by the touching words of her brother as he talked about their dad. My heart went out to Linda as I know this has not been easy on her. I became consumed by the thoughts of those people close to me and how much I cherish the impact they have had on my life. It made me think of PapaJohn, Grandma Robert, Grandma and Grandpa Davis, Grandma Merrick, my parents . . . . I was sad today and it made me miss them . . . all of them.

New Puppy . . .

Leah, Riley, and Trey have gotten a new puppy . . . thanks to Dad! Dad drove all the way to Katy to deliver the puppy. I'm not into wanting a puppy - but this one is really really cute! I love this picture - just want to squeeze this little ball of fur! I can't wait to see the puppy in person.

I won the prize for picking her name!!! Leah was asking everyone for advice on names. I went with a New Mexico theme - and suggested Zia (the Zia symbol on the New Mexico state flag). Meet little Zia!

Election 2008

Obama made his runningmate decision a few days ago. He has chosen Joe Biden. I'll be watching the Democratic Convention in Denver this next week! I'm still in the Obama corner . . . we'll see how it all plays out!

Olympics coming to an end . . .

I just found this picture on the Internet and thought is was one of the neatest photos taken at the Olympics! This stadium has to be one of the best in the world. It has been referred to as the "birds nest" the past few weeks. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Beijing Olympics and hate to see them coming to an end tomorrow night. I'll be watching the closing ceremonies!

School Starts . . .

Last night was Meet the Teacher Night! Most of my new students traveled through my classroom to get the chance to meet me and to drop off some school supplies. I can already tell that this could be one of my best classes I've ever had -- and it is weird that I can already tell that just by my first impression of them last night. This could be the perfect class to end my classroom teacher career before pursuing other educational options??? Only time will tell . . . .

FDR Quote . . .

I found this quote really spoke to me when I visited the FDR Memorial this summer. I have seen it many times in my eight years of touring DC with my students, but for some reason it jumped out at me this time . . . and I snapped a picture.

" . . . any hatred is a wedge designed to attack our civilization."

Very powerful words by FDR . . .

WWII/Japan

I am working on a special list of books that will become required reading for twin boys coming into fifth grade next year. These two boys need a challenge above and beyond what is expected of the rest of my students. I'm trying to create this list of quality literature -- and also make it connect with what we are learning in American History and in Science.

I'm going to be requiring them to read books about many historical figures and events. I am at the point where I am adding topics from WWII. This is one of the most fascinating points in American History in my opinion. I enjoy learning about Pearl Harbor, Albert Einstein, the atomic bomb, Japan, etc. I am deeply saddened about the loss of life that occured on August 6, 1945, when the Enola Gay dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. As horrific as that was, Japan did not surrender. Three days later, August 9, 1945, the second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, and Japan then chose to surrender. When I study this part of history with my students - I really try to get them to connect with the devistation this bomb delivered. I think about the innocent young children who lost their lives . . . those bombs and the destruction are still hard for me to fully comprehend even today.

I love this clipart picture. I read in a picture book about the tradition in Japan where they light latterns and set them afloat on the water each year during this time of rememberance. I would love to visit Japan and these two cities someday to learn more about this historical moment. I know visiting these cities would be very emotional as I would become consumed with the moment. I hope to see Japan someday . . . and pay my respects . . .

Key West

I have thought about Key West many times this summer - thinking about the three times I've been already - and when I'll go back again! It has been just a little over a year now since I was there last. I realized this summer that I think I need to visit Key West at least every other year. There is something magical about that place for me. I know I love the laid back atmosphere and attitude, the tropical feel, and just the fun! I like how it makes me feel to be in Key West . . . I can completely forget all of my worries when I'm there! I hope I'll be able to find a time this coming year to revisit one of my all time favorite cities!

Missing Key West . . .

Beijing Olympics 2008

Michael Phelps is the BEST! He has made history in this olympics as being the most decorated olympian of all time! He has earned more medals than any other athlete in the olympic games. He is amazing to watch and I have tried to see all of his events. It is great seeing history being made . . . and I'll probably always remember this olympics for that reason. Way to go, Michael!

I keep thinking about Boston . . .

Boston . . . what a beautiful city! I think I really fell for this city! My thoughts keep going back to the time I spent in Boston a few weeks ago. I loved the historical significance of the entire city - and just found it to be clean and beautiful. I could live in (or move to) Boston, but don't think I could handle the harsh winters. I saw many highlights of the city. I look forward to the day I return to Boston! I will remember this visit to Boston for many years to come!

Walking down Chandler Street (where we stayed in our hotel) to get to the Back Bay sub station was a daily routine. The streets of Boston were full of personality and charm!
Jason poses at the Back Bay sub station where we caught the subway to take us all over Boston. The Boston subway was very easy to use (unlike NYC - which was a little more complicated). Boston subway is the oldest subway in the United States!
USS Constitution "Old Ironsides"

We toured this beautiful ship which was the oldest commissioned warship in the world still afloat. It was built in 1797 and saw battles during the War of 1812. This ship has been around as long as the US has had presidents.
Getting a guided tour of the ship - and this is the gun deck.
On the top deck - called the spar deck.


The back of the Constitution!
Inside the museum of the USS Constitution
Traveling along the Freedom Trail to the Bunker Hill Monument
A snapshot of a typical street with homes in Boston.
A large map posted at the Bunker Hill Monument showing the path of the Freedom Trail.

Bunker Hill Monument
It is called the Bunker Hill Monument, but is actually on Breed's Hill. It was such an awesome feeling to stand on this hill overlooking Boston and thinking about what happend on June 17, 1775 as the British colonists were fighting for independence!
The popular quote that appears in many textbooks that describes the colonists orders by their commander telling them when to shoot at the British Redcoats as they climbed the hill to attack.
A little house near the Bunker Hill Monument that I thought looked really neat. I also liked the old flag with thirteen stars representing the thirteen colonies!
This picture was taken in the Boston Common at Frog Pond which becomes a place for public ice skating in the winters and in the summer (which is what I saw) it is a swiming area for kids. There were TONS of kids playing in the water! The Boston Common is the oldest city park in the United States, dating back to 1634.

The Old State House -- now a subway station and museum. You can enter the subway on the ground floor and the top two floors are a museum. This building was important for me to see because of the role it played in the "Road to Revolution." This is the site where the Declaration of Independence was read to the people of Boston!
A plaque on the side of the Old State House.
The other side of the Old State House. I am standing on the exact location where the Boston Massacre occured March 5, 1770.
Granary Burying Ground (the city's third oldest cemetery) - the final resting site of the three signers of the Declaration of Independence, many notable Revolutionary War Patriots, and the five victims of the Boston Massacre. I am posing by the grave of Samual Adams, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
On the Boston Harbor Cruise getting an incredible view of the city from out in the harbor.

This was a beautiful park known as the North End of Boston near the busy harbor. There was lots of fun shoping and eating in this area. This is very close to Little Italy too - which was one of my favorite places to hang out and do some people watching! We had one of our best meals in Little Italy!
We left Boston on July 21, and drove down to Quincy, Massachusetts, the home of the second President of the United States, John Adams! This statue of John Adams is right across the street from the First Parish Church, the location of his final resting place.

John Adams . . . . signer of the Declaration of Independence, framer of the Constitution of Massachusetts, and second President of the United States!
First Parish Church in Quincy, Massachusetts
The plaque located on the outside wall of the church where John Adams and John Quincy Adams are buried with their wives.
John Adams banners are on many downtown city poles.

08-08-08 ----- the Beijing Olympics!

I'm watching the Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing . . . . WOW!!! Just incredible! This has to be the BEST ever! I'm watching the parade of countries now - so many people. I'm hoping to see as much of the games as I can - it will be tough with going back to school.

I love the floor painting in the middle of the stadium where the athletes are walking and their foot prints are creating the painting -- is the coolest thing! I can't wait to see the final product.

I think this date is gr8! It is so cool having the games start on 08-08-08.

"One World, One Dream"

Good luck USA!