realities of teaching kindergarten

Today brought teaching into perspective...it can be a CRAZY day.

First--Shenell announced "there's a dead rat in the bathroom" upon inspection, there was a newly dead mouse--very healthy looking, but dead none the less.  Who was bleeding on our bathroom floor.  I quickly swept up the mouse and threw him/her in the bush.  I emailed the secretary to send someone down to deal with the blood.

Next--a student was having a rough morning and was "taking a break"  I had a little visit with her and she burst into tears saying she was "very sad".  I held her for several minutes as she wanted to be held and rocked.  I haven't written about this in our blog, but St. Croix is dealing with some very heavy issues with the closing of our oil refinery.  THE LARGEST EMPLOYER in the territory.  This student has a parent working at the refinery and I don't know if it is directly related, but would not be surprised as this student is extremely intuitive.

Next--playground duty, going beautifully, on duty with amazing woman, Ditty Layton.  report "M>>>> has blood on his face"  turn to look at M>>>> and he is covered in blood.  He had been playing on a piece of equipment and cut his head open.  I ran with him to the nurses office (was covered in blood myself) and helped for a short time.  As far as I know, he is doing very well and went to his doctor to get stitches.  A wonderful woman in Development was able to lend me a clean shirt and I will be washing my bloody shirt shortly.

Lastly--our kids made the most incredible bulletin board EVER!  I can't wait to post pictures. 

I love teaching and can't believe how many adventures can be lived in just one day. 

sorrell making

Brad with Sorrell flowers

pot of water

ingredients for Sorrell--ginger, cinnamon, cloves, sorrell

flower petals

Brad pitting the flowers

cooking the sorrell on the stovetop

budding photographer

centered and willing partcipant

Kathryn is becoming quite a little photographer.  Being a busy Mom, I don't always get to be a part of the photo opportunities that I see, so here are a few that have been captured by a new 6 year old.

pretty accuriate photo as I was starting my fever on this picture...not quite centered

clint eastwood movie madness

For the Olson exchange at Christmas this year, Brad scored a bunch of Clint Eastwood movies. In the land of plenty, I probably would not be watching this, but it's entertaining here in the tropics.

party rockers in the house today...

Great birthday party for Miss Kathryn Grace Olson.

Guests:  Sean and Loreen Paul, Vanessa, Otis & Nini Forrester, Jenny, Shane, Mikayla, Rachel & Brittney Wiest, Aaron & Kai Hutchins, Kaden, Kristen & Kaela Deller, Joshua, Leah & Crystal Rodgers, Justin, Giselle, Pamela & Jillian Guye, Menova & Bethany Lansiquot, Isabella & Emily Lopez.

Totally fantastic.  Kids and parents did not want to leave.  It WAS GREAT.

Happy belated to handsome Kyle Jr. and Adam



Kyle Jr. and Adam entertaining at Kathryn's 5th birthday party in 2011



The Blomgrens are coming the Blomgrens are coming!

Cory and Joan just called to say they are heading to St. Croix from February 15-22. It will be so great to spend time with them and show them some cool stuff from around the island. Amazing.

Swedish movies

I have started watching the Girl With A Dragon Tattoo movie series, the Swedish version. It is mesmerizing to listen to the sing song and think of my dear Momma and her lovely scandanavian lilt to her voice. The movies are very dark, but extremely well done. Bravo.

6th birthday party invitation

farewell Etta

You are a legend and your music will live forever.

full of opportunities

We are here again facing a glorious weekend in St Croix. What to do? I am going to take it a little easier than last weekend as I'm recovering from a nasty cold that sidelined me from a day of school. My boss, Jean told me to stay home as she could hear me hacking away in the classroom. It was just what the doctor ordered. Anyway, I will be taking it easy but not too easy as our days are numbered and fresh with opportunity.