Vultures

So I'm driving home and as we near our house I see a big black animal in our trash that was out for pick up. Too big for a cat but not shaped like a dog. As we get closer I realize there are 3 vultures in our trash! WHAT?!?!?!?!? They were HUGE. You totally can't tell from the picture. I don't know how to zoom on my phone - plus I was trying not to crash because the truck currently has no power steering. Anyway - it's not like we had an animal carcass in our trash. Probably nothing more than paper cups and oreo wrappers! hahahaha But apparently maybe they like oreos! I pulled up really close to them and they kind of just looked at me and then sauntered down to the next house's trash. What a cocky attitude! They looked at me like "Yeah - all three of us could take you!" So we got out of the truck and as we're going in I realize there's a fourth one on the peak of the house across the street - just watching from above. That was creepy! Kind of Darth Vader-ish!

I mean seriously! Vultures? In this town? In the dead center of a busy metroplex? It's actually the second time I've seen them around. So if you're nearby . . . keep an eye out . . . and watch your small children and dogs! hahaha

Me and My Bud

Watch out 6th grade! Here he comes!!!!

Yeowiee!

At some point (I think maybe the last week of school) I vaguely remember scraping some mulch/dirt/twigs out of the way with my fingers as I played with some child (who in my vague recollection that I can recall - remains just out of view). Immediately after I remember thinking - that wasn't a good idea - as I felt a little pain and noticed all the gunk under my nails. I thought to myself 'I hope I didn't get any splinters' and then blowing it off by figuring they would just work themselves out if I did.

WELL I DID - AND THEY ARE - AND IT HURRRRTTTSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For weeks and months now they have been working their way out from under my nail. I have managed to pull two out - then the process started all over again and I can see three more coming. I just sincerely hope that's all there are. It's really painful. I've been putting on the pain relief neosporin and covering it with a bandaid - but ow. ow. ow.

Ok - I'm done whining. I promise more exciting things have been going on. My life has not been reduced to this. I just needed to have a quick pity party for one.

And the party is now . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . over.

Thank you very much.

And . . .

Goodnight.

In the space of about 20 minutes today I got calls that two families close to me had lost loved ones. My heart hurts for their losses and for the grief they bear. It's always difficult to know that as we go about our usual daily tasks - others are experiencing that kind of pain and loss. In addition - one of our students is not fairing well and it's always difficult to watch such sweet and innocent children suffer. I always wish there was a way to lighten all of their suffering and burden - but sometimes it seems like prayer is the only way to ask for the peace and comfort their hearts really need. My thoughts and prayers are with all of them tonight.

Calling All Friends With Babies!!!!

Hey everyone! If any of y'all are at that point in life where you are using the gerber baby food tubs like these - and might possibly not mind saving them for me with the lids - I will love you forever! :o) There is a literacy activity I'm working on for my class and these little tubs would be perfect to store the letter tiles in. Mucho Gracias Amigas!