Meanwhile, back to work...

My time away from the rigors of the classroom was my vacation
this year.  I so enjoyed being with my daughter, son-in-law, and
granddaughter, but, if I expect to eat, my focus needs to be
redirected to my calling to teach. It was amazing how I simply
could not fully concentrate on things that needed doing when I
began school this year.  I am humbled that God allowed me to
accomplish that which was needed immediately, and then once
the arrival of my granddaughter occurred and I was back at work,
the clarity of focus returned and I am seeing all the undone things
and getting them taken care of.

I am very excited at the level of interest and intent that my students
have this year. I am also overwhelmed at the amount of students that
I have before me.  My AP class has only one student but he is incredible
to see at work (probably headed for a career at Pixar - the Disney
Animation Studio).  My High School Art I class has 24 students, who
surround a small group (six students) of Advanced Art artists, so
that class tops out at 30 students in one period.  What happened to
the small intimate groups that could easily interact with each other and
me???  We are managing to accomplish my lesson plans and if we can
corral some "talkers" that are distracting everyone, we will stay on track. 
Yes, Sabrina, I'm talking about you. ;o)

Middle School Art is a class of about 24 students and they are seeming
to finally get on track as well.  We began the most important lesson that
I teach in art - linear perspective.  I love these lessons because this is
where I see the "lights" go on when they begin to understand just how
it works.  And they find out that it is not asdifficult to draw as they thought...
when you know a few basics.

Elementary Art has begun a new 'Seashore Treasures" project and
everyone is excited about reliving their summer adventures at the beach. 
We are drawing items found on the beach and next week we will spray
paint backgrounds to resemble sand. They love it when I say they can
paint!  And I love it that they are excited.

I have the greatest job in the world...I am blessed.

The Vernon's newest family photos...

Here is my precious family with beautiful Miss Aubrey!

We are so blessed...we are just relieved and thankful for a safe albeit stressful delivery. Mom and daughter are doing well. They are making necessary adjustments to each other in the sleeping and eating departments. Nursing is going well and 'little missy' will be up to birth weight soon.

I have had some adjustments as well, to being back in my own bed again (and not on the floor beside Aubrey's crib!), and sleeping longer than 2 hours at a stretch, and being back at school with lesson plans, ordering supplies, registering for an art educator's conference and making preparations to lead a workshop at another conference. All the things I just couldn't concentrate on while awaiting my granddaughter's birth...well, no more excuses! On with life and the education world...but what a wonderful respite, spending her first few days with our newest 'little twig'.

Beautiful threads continue being woven...

My beautiful granddaughter, Aubrey Virginia Vernon, made her appearance at 10:50 pm Saturday, August 29th, after a day of labor and, once at the hospital later that evening, a surprise C-section. My daughter was delivered of my 10½ lb. grandbaby, who was 21” long with beautiful dark brown hair.

I’ve never seen a couple more ready for a baby than Kellan and Rob. Every thing they have done in their home for her, all the paraphernalia they have her, and the way they awaited her birth with such confidence, showed the most maturity of new parents that I’ve ever seen. I feel like a fifth wheel, so much so, I mentioned that they had it so together I might just go home early, since they didn’t need me. There was a bit of panic at the mention of it and the new day has brought news of “little twig” having a high belirubin count and having to spend the day with her “glowworm” pack. We’ve put the day and Aubrey and Kellan and Rob to rest and await the news tomorrow about whether or not they all come home and start life together.

And now, the "Tree of Life" has a new 'twig' (appropriate, but not original with me...a friend blessed us with the thought!). Thank you, Abba, for safety and blessing on this precious family.