Dana Graduates!

This event has been a long time in the making.  

I really don't know where to begin, so here it goes, this is Dana:

Dana is older than I am (by a little bit, I am not going to tell you her age, in case there are strangers reading this,) as I get older I appreciate her more and more every year.  If you think I am organized you haven't seen anything, if you think I am driven, again, nothing.  Dana got married at a very young age to Gregory (also occasionally referred to as Bill, but that is a story for another day,) this is Greg:

A note to add here is that the last time Dana graduated was just a few years ago (well, more than a few, but again you aren't going to make me tell her age, she will YELL!)  Dana and Greg got married young with a baby on the way, the crazy kids that they were, baby #2 and baby #3 were very close behind.  Here are those babies now, Braden, Amber and December:

Aren't they cute?  These are my nieces and nephew (note: Braden and I are 17 months apart.)  After Dana graduated from high school her and Greg had babies to take care of and she has been working her tail off ever since to provide for them.  Luckily now they are grown and Dana and Greg get to do some fun stuff like vacation.  After all this child raising, house making and working Dana was finally able to take her future back into her own hands (knowing that her children are doing just dandy for themselves.)  Dana is one of the most organized and intelligent person I know, but she would NEVER put that spotlight on herself (she will probably crawl under a rock and hibernate after reading this post,) so there was no doubt in anyone's mind that she would be successful at anything and everything she does in life.  So back to school she went and she has been trudging along for quite awhile now taking classes here and there and  trying her hand in a little bit of everything.  Finally she found a cohort that was amazing and perfect for her through Greenville College; where she was able to attend classes in Bloomington with the same small group for several months to complete her degree in Organizational Leadership (no surprise there right?)  She has been done with classes since last summer, but she waited to walk until this year, why?  To wear her cords that designate that she graduated with honors!  Wow, now if that isn't motivational I don't know what is!  Here are some more pictures from that wonderful day. Congrats Big Sis - I am SO proud of you ~ Love, Kimberly

Master's Take 2

So my graduation was actually the first of the string. Mine was May 8th, Killian May 14th, my sister, Dana, May 22nd and then this Saturday West and NCHS gradations on May 29th. That is a lot of graduations.

I was very lucky in the fact that my family is so supportive of my crazy school addiction. My wonderful (tolerant) husband came with my two boys and my sister brought my parents to the ceremony. It really means a lot to up among the giant crowd and know that someone is there for you and only you. Here are some pictures from the day!

 How can you not love these handsome boys?  They did well considering how long the ceremony was; thanks Chad for being there (and doing laps with Cohen) sharing this with them is great!

Preschool Graduation Slideshow

Slideshow design created with Smilebox

Get ready....

I have been severely behind on blogging, so I uploaded and tried to organize pictures last night, tonight I will try to post some of them.... Get ready.....

Concerts Done

I am happy to report that orchestra concerts in Unit 5 are now done for the year.  I am very glad, this year has definitely been a very trying year for many reasons.
My concert at PJHS last night went as well as can be expected for a jr. high orchestra, no complaints here.  I honored my 8th graders who are moving on the high school next year with flowers and a class picture.
Tonight was the senior recognition concert at West.  It is so strange watching students you started in 5th grade play their final concert in Unit 5, and unfortunately for many of them it could be their final concert ever!
Congratulations Class of 2010!  You will be missed.

P*A*S*S*

Great News!

I passed my principal certification test!

Daily Thought

“Stress is the trash of modern life—we all generate it but if you don’t dispose of it properly, it will pile up and overtake your life.” ― Danzae Pace

Killian's Preschool Picture

I am very behind on blogging, I cannot wait for this summer when I can stay on top of things. Tomorrow night Killian will graduate from Shining Lights Preschool, here is his graduation picture, love him....

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Want to see where I have been hiding out?  Come on over to Normal West this weekend for their production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" Tonight, Friday May 7th and tomorrow Saturday May 8th at 7 p.m. as well as Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.  Tickets may be purchased at the door.  Maybe I will see you there!!! 

Daily Thought

This one was perfect for the week I am having:
“If life gives you limes, make margaritas.”
― Jimmy Buffett

Daily Thought

(from RealSimple)

“There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want.”


― Bill Watterson, "Calvin and Hobbes"

contest...

Friday night I took my 7th & 8th grade orchestras to IESA (Illinois Elementary School Association) Organizational Contest.  We have been fortunate that my friend Dan has hosted at Chiddix the past few years, which means no long bus ride (thank goodness!)  I was able to perform with both 7th & 8th and only had a few kids missing.  I really think that this experience is good for them; a little healthy competition really helps.  I won't go on my rant about teamwork, but I think that this is important.  They behaved like true professionals (I was impressed!)  The looked good (dress and posture) and performed about as well as I could ask for.  I was really proud of them.  7th Grade got a II and two I's for a I overall; 8th grade got straight I's (two of them perfect scores:))
These are some of the best moments in my job... so proud....