Yeri Ju (tree in Mandingo)

On Saturday we decided to get a tree for our deck. We went to Farmington Gardens, a great garden center on the edge of Beaverton. Fode and I are both clueless about plants and stuff, so we spent a while just wandering around. Then we found someone to help us and after explaining that we really didn't have a yard, but that we wanted a tree, he suggested a japanese maple. We saw several and Fode found one that he really liked. I wanted to go to another store to check their inventory before buying. Fode was worried someone would take our tree so we took a picture and turned it so the bad side was out. Then we left and went to 7 Dees in downtown Beaverton. The store was nice, but the prices were way higher so we drove back to Farmington Gardens. Fode was scared that the tree was gone. We went back, and as I figured, the tree was safe and unpurchased. We bought it and carefully brought it home. We were so excited! We set it on the deck and welcomed her to our house. Today we went and got a big pot, and soil for the tree. Now Yeri Ju(Mandigo for tree) is all settled in.

After School Teaching...I guess I'm crazy...

So since teaching fourth grade, chasing after 24 students for six hours is not enough of a challenge I decided to teach after school classes. I hope you note my sarcasm. This was the first week and I am exhausted, only 15 more weeks to go! Oh vey!

Actually the group I have is pretty great. They are woking on basic reading skills, so my tired brain does pretty well with it. Also it is giving me a chance to continue my education of phonics, something I missed the first time around in elementary school.

Boy's Sleepover at the Q Day 2

We took a quick trip to Seaside. It was my first time. We had a blast! It only took about an hour to get there. The boys got to swing on the sand and try out bumper cars.

Boy's Sleepover at the Q Day 1

We had the boys over for the weekend( well actually just Saturday night). We lucked out on the weather so the boys had a light saber fight in Central Park( a park across the street from our house). The we went to visit Futbon and Comcoly, kids of friends of ours. The watched Coraline in 3-D. After the visit we went to Krispy Kreme for some yummy treats. Then they boys needed to brush their teeth after to get ready for bed.

Update on Our Life at the Q (our new home)

Last Friday Fode had an interview for the job he has had at PCC. This has been a dream job for him because he is working in the department that is his focus for school, Facilities Maintenance, so he gets paid to learn what he loves. I mean it, he has turned into a total nerd about Boilers, Condensers and other HVAC stuff. He took over someone position last January and has been considered a temporary employee since. They finally officially posted the job and he applied and had the interview Friday morning. Around 4pm Friday they called to offer him the job! We were thrilled. This means he is now considered a full employee and gets benefits and is part of the classified union. One of the best benefits is waived tuition!

On Saturday we had a house warming party to show off our place to family and friends. We had family, friends and co-workers stop by to check out our newly settled home. It was so much fun to host a party, but it wiped me out! Thanks to those who came and helped out!

Today I had a big day at my school. I had three people from the Oregon Department of Education come into my classroom to observe me teach a science lesson. The Beaverton School District is being audited for their ESL program, a standard three year audit. I was totally nervous to be observed, but it all went well! My class was great and my Student Teacher was a great cheerleader for me.