WEA RA

I'm in Spokane right now as a delegate to the representative assembly of our state's educator association. Things are going well and already we have debated and voted on two highly controversial topics. I am pleased to be part of the delegation set forward to initiate change in our policies, business items and resolutions of our union. Education is changing... Faster than I can keep up with. In a time when schools are struggling more than ever to provide more than what we get as well as make miracles happen with student achievement, this is a place where I have a voice in that change and feel empowered instead of overwhelmed. We are here. We are interested, involved, and vocal. It is too easy to sit back and whine hoping someone will make a change for you. Challenge yourself to become part of the change you wish to see in others. (paraphrased from Ghandi) Things can happen but, they're not likely to happen without getting out of your comfort zone.

Educators are currently in the hotseat about our less than successful education system. I watch teachers spend more waking hours doing the best damn job they can and yet, many voters, even legislatures want to take money from our schools to make up for the terrible budgets due to our economy. If only those individuals understood the many times we have wept because we love our students yet have our hands tied behind our backs.

Education is on the move. I am pleased more than ever to be involved and taking a leadership role in education. I'm not afraid. Who better to fight for than our next generation?




It's a good day here in Spokane to be a teacher!

Whats goin on.

Sorry for the delay on posting this. I wrote if a few nights ago. Enjoy.----

I am sitting at my computer across the living room from Annaka’s room. I hear Naomi working through “Horton Hears a Who” by Dr. Seuss. Tonight I was let off easy…. most likely for good behavior. I will explain.

Night time prep typically finds me marching Annaka off to get her jammies on, teeth brushed, potty potted, babies bedded, books read, prayers prayed and daily recap all told with the fervor and detail of a little girl. Naomi normally takes Adelyn and gets her to sleep with the customary battle of the wills. Ultimately she wins though she usually falls asleep herself.

Tonight was a little different. Tonight I took care of Adelyn. I don’t quite understand it but she goes to sleep better for me than Naomi. Adelyn only had a couple minutes of struggle before she decided to roll over to her tummy and call it quits for the night. It was p

robably less than 10 minutes and she was out. It is not that I don’t enjoy putting either Adelyn or Annaka to bed. It is just that it is not usually that easy.

So here I sit with my newly found free moment or two. I hope to get some pictures up and a quick recap of what has been going on up here in the back woods.

Naomi: So to start off I will comment on Naomi’s status. I think I will keep this short and let her talk about herself when she gets a chance. I will just casually comment on what I have been seeing. It is simple really. I will actually sum it all up with the following statement. Naomi is sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Adelyn: This little blessing has started walking. She is fully able to move as she desires. I think as she gets a little better on her new wheels it will give her

a better chance against big sister. She also is now 1 year old. You will see some pictures below of her birthday. Lets just say she could give Will or Haden a run for their money on a biggest bite of cake challenge. I am also not saying she is tidy… but it makes it in.

Annaka: Has been a whirlwind. Literally! She spins… dances… tackles (and I am sure you can guess who)… runs…runs… runs… She has been enjoying baseball. She actually hits better from a thrown ball from me than off our Tee.

Caleb: I have been moving about on my gimp leg. It has been improving and the Dr. finally gave me the OK to do more strenuous things. I am coaching baseball right now. Matt is in his senior year and I have been enjoying this group. There are still challenges b

ut I am quite proud of the progress they have made. To give some perspective last season we didn’t win a game. So far this year we are 6 and 7. With probably 4 games we could have easily won with a one or two play change. Dbl header tomorrow so we will see how we do vs. Chewelah.

Garden: Yup. Plants are goin in. Raspberries…planted. Blueberries… planted. Veggies… planted. Starters… planted… weeds…yup planted!

Well I may add more to this in the morning. I am wiped. Na has gone to bed (still not feeling well) Adelyn and Annaka have long been asleep. The quiet.. is nice.