Wow! We saw snakes!

Yesterday, while at Dawe's Arboretum in Newark, (http://www.dawesarb.org/visitor.php), my husband and I, our children and my parents were treated to some amazing sights while touring the Cypress Swamp.

We had been looking forward to seeing tadpoles and I sat down on the raised boardwalk and peered into the water with our children. Our older daughter pointed out a salamander and I squealed in delight. I haven't seen a salamander in the wild since I was a child. (I must admit, I laid down on the walkway to get a better look.)

Moments later my husband, who was pushing my mother's wheelchair, spied the little snake on the log in the picture above. I popped up and went running to look. I haven't seen a snake since our oldest was a bitty toddler picking blackberries with me. I grinned at the creature and scurried back to the car for my cell phone so I could take a picture. If all of this wasn't enough, my father spotted a snake swimming that was at least two feet long!

About this time another family arrived with their adult son who had a lot in common with our two younger children. I pointed out the critters to him and he was equally delighted. What a treat. What an amazing ecosystem! Without Dawe's such a swamp wouldn't exist here in Ohio. Dawe's is a wondrous place. Please consider a trip. Admittance to the arboretum is completely free and the staff is friendly and helpful. There are places for picnics and public bathrooms. Upcoming events include a Bonsai show on June 12th and 13th and many summer educational programs.

Our garden grows!

As the year came to a close I had mixed feelings that every teacher understands. I was a little sad. Some of my students will not be back for the summer. I may not see them again. As they have been a part of my life since August, I will miss them. I was also happy. My students made good academic gains and I was proud of their progress. I was excited about the long summer before me and eagerly anticipating the summer camp I am leading.

Like the corn my students are growing in our school garden, the best things in life take time. Anything worth doing... worth learning... worth having... is worth the time and effort it takes to nurture it. If we were to stop tending our garden now, we would get nothing but perhaps a few ears and a lot of weeds. Since I am looking forward to having a "corn party" and enjoying tomatoes with my summer campers, this is not an acceptable option.

Because of this, I will help my charges tend our little oasis of nutrition. Day by day, I will teach them how to weed, when to water and what to do about the pests that may arrive. Together we will learn... together we will work... together we will share the joy when our efforts pay off!

sighing just a bit...

Mother's Day Tea... check
Green Egg's and Ham Play... check
Report Card assessments... check
Report Cards and Report Card suggestions and comments... check


sigh....

Now it's on to Conferences and our end of the year party...
after they're done I'll jump into my course to renew my license and start searching for a job in a district... help plan the "Crew X" activities I am in charge of at camp (I am very excited to be leading the "big kid" camp!).... work on the gardens at home and at school and have wonderful adventures with my family....

But for today...
I will smile...
I will sigh...

For you see it is our youngest guy's 12th Birthday!

Yay for him!
Yay for us!
What fun will we find today?

The show is done...

Three cheers for my Kindergarten students! Our Play was a success. Kids, Parents, Grandparents and other assorted loved ones couldn't have been happier. Me? I was relieved and so very proud. Thanks to my husband for his great animal shapes. For the boxes he tied on his roof and cautiously brought home to me. For all his help, I am so grateful. For a wonderful co-teacher and helpful parents and principal... yup... I give thanks as well. Yay!

A Very Happy Mother's Day...

Our adventure began with a hunt for a monument. My husband and I had heard tell of a unique roadside attraction in Dublin, Ohio. So with a click to a favorite roadside attraction website and another click to mapquest, we set off to share a bit of whimsy.

Our kiddos were unimpressed when we pulled into the Scioto Park on Riverside Drive. From our parking spot we could see a patch of river below, a grassy hill and just a hint of the sculpture. We invited our children to walk onto the head of Chief Leatherlips and we went below to take the first photo. Our kids thought they were simply standing on a stone viewing area.

Once their pictures were taken, we asked our oldest to trade places with us and take a snapshot of dear old mom and dad. When everyone trooped down the hill they were surprised by the face staring out of the slope.

Before we left, we headed down the hill and gazed at the Scioto River. There were ducks swimming, birds singing and swooping over the water and wildflowers near the path to the water. If you think this sounds like something you might enjoy sharing with a dear one, head over to http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/9791 and check out this adventure idea.

If you go, don't forget bread for the ducks, a picnic for the shelter house, some kids for the playground and of course, a camera to capture the moment.

We followed the Scioto...

Following the river, we admired the beautiful houses and the view of the water. We left Riverside Drive and ventured onto a two lane road lined with shady trees. It was peaceful and quiet.

At least it was quiet...until I saw an amazing sight. I could barely believe my eyes and I told my husband to stop the car. Standing in the water were at least six great blue herons! Murmuring, I opened my door and startled all but two or three.

Tiptoeing down a path to the water, I snapped my cell phone camera just in time.... to catch a lovely memory of the beautiful Scioto! Despite my inability to share a photo of those majestic birds, it was still a wonderful experience. The cost?... Only a bit of gas for our car.

Later... a hike...

Our drive took us past Delaware, Ohio and Grady Hospital where our middle child was born. It seemed fitting to muse about her birth on Mother's Day; she seemed to like it as well. After lunch at Arby's (Under $23 dollars for five adult size appetites. You really should try out their dollar menu! yum!), we headed to one of our favorite parks.

Though the eagle's nest is shrouded by leaves, there is still so much to enjoy at Highbanks Metro Park on US Route 23 North, near Polaris, Ohio. The trees tower, the hills beg to be climbed and peace seems to surround you as you walk.

As we enjoyed our time together, we saw a family in front of us stop and stare at a tree. The father reached out and touched something. I heard him say..."dead"... and they walked on. I was curious, what was, "dead"? Walking toward the tree I gasped, there was a beautiful dragonfly motionless on the trunk of the tree. Bending forward, our family admired the creature. I pondered collecting it's body to show my Kindergarten students. It was then that the breathtaking insect moved!

I'm not kidding... hand to heaven... It was ALIVE! Our family cheered... we snapped a picture and attracted the attention of the next family coming along... As we walked away, they stepped up to enjoy the show. We hypothesized that it was the unseasonably cool weather that made the animal so unusually tranquil. Whatever the reason, in all my thirty six years, it was the first time I have ever seen a dragonfly so still.

What a discovery... what a gift... priceless and yet free for all to share... I am so glad to be mom to my children... wife to my husband... child to my Creator... I am blessed...

What have you seen lately that made you stop in awe? Go ahead... tell someone... share your experience... Happiness is meant to be passed on.

Now and Always... I pray that you are blessed.

A slightly wet walk...

Yesterday my daughters and I hiked the dog trail at Highbanks Metro Park. At times it was a bit misty, but we didn't mind. Today my husband is taking the children to a local museum for an outing so I can work on some things for school. Later we'll venture out to play with our pooch and visit my parents for dinner.

Though I have a busy week ahead, as I am sure you do too, I feel grateful for the moments I am able to spend with those I love. May the week ahead of you be a good one... may your adventure be all it should... May you be blessed!