And then there were 2 and 1/2!

2 weeks ago, Daniel was the best sport! With the help of a dear neighbor from St. Mary's, the owner of Studio S, we took Maternity photos together. The setting under a pier in Fernandina Beach was absolutely perfect. It was relaxed, simple, and serene. Perhaps the last moment of serenity in our lives.

Thank you to our fabulous photographers Susanna and Lauren Hand. The pictures are exactly what we didn't even know we wanted! Just be prepared to see a lot of belly!

"This is the End..."

Using The Doors' famously coined phrase...the last day of school has finally arrived. Honestly, I thought this day would be sadder than it is. This has probably been the last day I will ever teach in a public institution.

As many of you already know, Daniel and I decided a long time ago that we would make do on one salary for as long as we needed to allow for a "stay at home" parent. Lucky for me...since the Navy owns him...I am the chosen one. Although we will be regulars at the Good Will and Discount Bread store, we will make do.

And actually, I am only sad to leave my job as a teacher, teaching students (what I signed up for). I am not sad to leave any of the crap that comes along with it. For the last 8 years, I believe I have been less appreciated by students, parents, administrators, and general public than I can stand. And it seems to have gotten progressively worse with each new year, requirement, and standard. I have finally reached the breaking point (you know what that is- when your paycheck is far less than your worth) and it could not have come at a better time.

And although I will not be getting paid for teaching, we all know I will be teaching our little man...the most important job in the world!

This year has been a taxing one. This year more than any other, I have worked harder and longer to receive less praise and appreciation than ever before. Thank you Callahan! On the up side, I have enjoyed many of my colleagues and made some really wonderful friends! You know who you are- and no matter how you are made to feel- you really are fantastic teachers!

I want to leave this year with some simple but wise words for all teachers out there. Most of us are amazing at our jobs! No matter what they say to you or what the public reports about you- it is not your fault if a student fails. At some point this country is going to have to realize that removing all responsibility from the student and parent and placing it all on the teacher is only enabling our future leaders. Hand-outs do not encourage success or instill self-sufficiency or pride. I am reminded of a quote: "If you give a man some food, he will eat for a day. If you teach a man to hunt, he will eat for a lifetime." It seems that many of our students have eaten curriculum each day of their publicly educated lives, only to graduate without the skills to hunt for it themselves! But enough about that- jumping off the soapbox...
I just had to say my peace-

Anyway, here goes...a life without a paid job. I am unsure of what the future holds for me, but perhaps I'll write a book, or open a boutique, or start my own line of ...something. Whatever I choose to do- I know I will be respected and appreciated more than I ever have been before. And R-E-S-P-E-C-T means the world to me!

For now...farewell, adieu, parting is such sweet sorrow...or is it?

Our "Fly Boy"

Hey all,
I wanted t post the best address for Daniel, in case you want to send him anything. When I get the list of approved items, I will post that for you too. As of right now, stick to letters only. Thank you for all your continued support!

Daniel Russell
VP-10
PSC 903 BOX 17
FPO AE 09859

"Get your feet out of my face!"

Oh, wait...those are my feet! This past weekend, Daniel and I went to have a 3D ultrasound of Foster at 31 weeks. He was a trooper and in the beginning, we got a few quick glimpses of his face. Then... his hands went into his mouth, and his feet covered his face. It was as if he knew we wanted to see his face and he was determined to play games with us- Hide and Seek. He hides...we seek and seek and seek!

It is amazing what technology allows today. It appears that Foster may have Daniel's lips and chin and my nose and cheeks. Whether that is cute or not??? We'll just have to wait and see.

3 more weeks and we'll know for sure!

A Camden County Flashback

It was with much anticipation that I looked forward to the baby shower being thrown in Camden County. As many of you know, Daniel and I spent 2 years living in St. Mary's, Ga., while Daniel was a submariner. I taught 3rd grade at Mary Lee Clark Elementary School, where I met so many wonderful people. I have kept in touch with several of them, and they wanted to throw me a shower, so I agreed. Darlene provided her lovely home, while Courtney, Charis, and Kami provided all the rest. Old neighbors, collegues, my sister, and mother-in law-came to wish us the best of health and happiness as we bring Foster into the world.

I was reminded of how wonderful our life in St. Marys was. Each place we have lived seems to hold a special place in our hearts, and Camden County is no exception. I appreciate all the effort and care that went into the special day and a special thanks to my hosts and my family who came from out of town to join in the fun.

For the third time...pictures will be posted when they come my way!

Fernandina Friendship

Recently I was lucky enough to have two friends I met when we last lived in the area throw a fabulous baby shower to help me prepare for Foster's arrival in July. Sondra flew all the way from CT to help Robin host the event. It was such a lovely weekend, as my mom and dad surprised me with a visit too! Old friends and new friends gathered on the island for a morning of fresh food, sweet treats, and fantastic company.

Again, the spread was amazing. The decor even suited Foster's nursery. Not that I was at all surprised, as both Robin and Sondra have impeccable taste! (All my friends do, it is a requirement!)


Thank you to all of those who came from far away and for those who just came down the street. Your support is appreciated more than words can say!

"Taking a Shower" at CIS

Although this may come as a surprise to many, I actually do not being in the spotlight for extended periods of time. Perhaps that is why I enjoyed playing the character parts in musicals. I got my 5 minutes of fame here and there, but never had to be the center of attention for any length of time. When I was engaged 6 years ago, many people at school wanted to throw me a "school shower." I just couldn't imagine sitting all alone up in a chair surrounded by 100 sets of eyes eagerly awaiting my next move or comment. As many of you know, I refused the shower and opted instead for a small gathering at a teammates house- much more my style...not to mention...more cake for me!

So, it was with gritted teeth that I accepted the opportunity to be honored at CIS this year. I was told that this was the way things were run. Unlike me, I went along with the charade and allowed my closest friends at school and dearest teammates, Heather and Missy to "Shower me!"

As suspected, I ended up at the front of a very large cafeteria, in a chair...alone...with several dozen pairs of eyes glaring at me, while I attempted to accept flattery of how great I looked (what a lie- as any pregnant woman knows, no matter what they say or how kind they think they are being- you only see one thing in the mirror- atl east I only see one thing in the mirror- FAT!), how lovely it was for me to be able to stay at home next year (I totally agree- although we will be shopping at the discount bread store), and of course listen to how excited everyone was for me.

Don't get me wrong...I am so grateful for all the people in my life. And for the generosity, kindness, and support I have received over the years. I am still amazed that even with my dry sense of humor and sarcastic sensibility, that anyone really ever gets me! Those who do...you are probably the only people who actually read my blog!

With that being said, thank you so much to the entire 4th grade at CIS who took the time and made the effort to help make Foster's arrival in the world easier on the both of us! A special thank you to Missy and Heather- the colors were perfect, the diaper cake precious and the Publix cake...delicious! I love you guys and can't wait for it to be my turn to shower you ( In front of a very large group of people!)

PS- I will post pictures just as soon as my good friends who threw the shower send them to me!