It's Almost Time for School Again!

I start going back into school next week. I will be moving classrooms so I have a lot of extra work ahead of me, but it will also be nice to now have a window! I still don't know if I am teaching 4th or 5th grade and it is staring to get to me. I am trying to prepare but there are so many things I can't do until I know what I will be teaching. I should find out around July28th. I will be taking a class on Thinking Maps next week and I should be able to sign up for my required 45 hour English Immersion Class (SEI) soon. I still think it is ironic that I will need to take a class on how foreigners (me!) learn English! :) We start our professional development on August 6th and the kids and parents come in to Meet the Teacher and see the classroom on August 8th.
I have really enjoyed the summer and the feeling of knowing that I have 1 job (not 3)... and that 1 job is "for sure!" I am not getting laid off and I don't have to fight for it or even interview for it. The only bad thing was that I couldn't afford to go home this year. It was/is really difficult and a huge reason I do not feel as renewed as I usually do by this time of year. Going home is like recharging my batteries. It was especially difficult when the whole family met in Skovde to laugh and just live for a week. Richard felt my pain since he had to stay in Tomelilla to set up the gym. I miss my family so very much and I sometimes wonder if some people even understand how incredibly difficult it is not to see anyone in your family, or any of your dear friends, for a year at a time... this time possibly 2 years! 2 years without hugging your mom and dad! 2 years without playing with your niece and nephews! 2 years without hanging out with your brothers and sister! 2 years without seeing your dearest friends smiling eyes!
Sooooo.... anyway... on a happier note: I am updating my classroom website. The home website is in a horrible format we have to use and we can't place pictures where we want or even resize them. A bit restricting, but I am learning to use it the best I can and am pretty happy with what I have so far. Love you all!!!

New Album Added from Mamma's Visit 2004!

I added a new Photo Album from when my mom, Bibbi was here in 2004.
The album includes pictures from Halloween pumpkin Carving, Birthdays, Surgery, Deck building, The Detroit Zoo, Dale & Ellen's wedding, Christmas & New Years Eve!
It is a BIG album, so make sure you have time before you dive in!

The Traveling Trio explores California & Superstition Mountains

Mama Joyce was here visiting for almost 2 weeks and we took a couple of quick and exciting trips! It has been great to have her here!!
Sunday/Yesterday we got up early and headed to California! Today/Monday we drove out to Superstition Mountains!
We have had a lot of fun and really enjoyed the views. However we did not take many pictures since there is no way to capture the beauty and do it justice on film. We did take some pictures though and I added those and some more pictures of our house in our Photo Album.
Next weekend we will get to see Nathan's brother Tom, his wife Laurie and their daughter Shanna!
It is great to have visitors and we hope to see more of you soon!

I added some pictures of our new place in Arizona!

Our place is still messy and there are plenty of boxes that need to be unpacked. I don't really want to put anything in the garage it's easy to forget about them... and what good do they do then?! No,... instead I am determined to unpack them all and get rid of what we don't actually use and need. It feels great!

We have a guest bedroom and bathroom that is ready and waiting for all of you!!! We can't wait to have more guests... We hope to see some Swedes out here too!!!!

Much love from us to you!