Sabbatical no longer

My wedding sabbatical has ended: I am returning to my weekly blogging. While things haven't quite settled down in the De Boer household yet, they're close enough. Actually, Sarah asked me the other day if I felt settled. I responded that I did, and she said that she wasn't quite yet. Maybe it's the stack of five crates in our hallway? We've made progress though, and that's what counts.

I am approaching the four week mark of school. At times, it seems really far away. Other times, it seems really close! I know it'll be over before we know it. This week, my students have been pretty good. We've had a great understanding and expectation for how things are supposed to run in our classroom. The warmer weather and excitement for special events has made things more talkative in the classroom, but there are fewer conflicts.

My allergies have been awful the past week. Sarah and I made the financial decision to leave the windows down yesterday after my fauc--I mean nose kept running all night for a few straight days. Today's rain helped though; I feel leaps and bounds better than any other day this week. I even had a student bring in a note from her mom saying that she needed to stay inside during recess to avoid the pollen.

With my new move, I'm carpooling to school now! Laura (the 4th grade teacher) and I drive from Fairmount together. It's been great having company in the car and saving on gas!

Sarah and I are still developing new routines in our new life as a married couple. One of my favorites so far has been our bi-weekly trip to New Jersey, where we go to Wegman's for groceries and get the cheapest gas in the country (only $3.40 last week). We've also stopped at Bed, Bath, and Beyond to spend our gift certificates and fill out our home. Who'd of thunk shopping would be fun? Certainly not me!

I'm pretty excited about the Cubs this year. Even though they've been in a funk recently, their offense has played well. Half their starters are reliable, and the other half should only be used as middle relievers.

This afternoon, I got an e-mail from Walden (where I'm getting my masters in reading). They approved my request to take two classes at a time this summer. Consequently, my final portfolio is due on September 15. After I turn that puppy in, I'll be done!!! Can't wait.