Project 365:: Day 210

Day 210 Watch out world. This kid is a real stud and he knows it.

Project 365:: Day 209

Day 209 We got the boys a bubble maker because if Kannon had his way he would ask us to blow bubbles all day long. As expected the boys LOVED the bubble maker and chased, popped, and tried to eat bubbles.

Project 365:: Day 208

Day 208 We went to the aquarium today and Kannon practically ran the whole time. He would run up to the fish and scream "woahhh". Kannon especially loved the jellyfish and spent a lot of time running up to them. What a cuite!

Project 365:: Day 207

Day 207 This what happens when your camping trip is freezing, raining, and the boys wake up 5:45 am to groggy parents--let them eat Oreos!

Project 365:: Day 206

Day 206 We went on our first camping trip of the summer! It was Kannon's second time camping and Clark's FIRST time camping!! We went to Bainbridge Island and both boys loved taking the ferry to get there. We found a nice campground that was along the beach and had a great playground. We saw an eagle, cooked brats, and watched Emma relentlessly pursue a stick. All in all it was a great trip----except it felt like February!! It is cold and rainy here!!!

Project 365:: Day 205

Day 205 Again, we love this little trouble maker. Clark is sneaky and before we know it, he has tipped over a water bowl, destroyed the blinds and spilled my coffee.

Project 365:: Day 204

Day 204 I love this little trouble maker!!

Project 365:: Day 203

Day 203 Nothing is better than homemade cookies with extra peanut butter and rolled oats. Kannon decided to have 4 for breakfast--while I wasnt looking, he pushed the stool to the counter to reach these yummy treats. What a stinker!

Project 365:: Day 202

Day 202 "Hands full" doesnt quite cover it all.  I am one busy mama now that I have a very mobile baby and one very brave toddler.

Project 365:: Day 201

Day 201 Lunchtime at Revel!  These boys loved all the new menu items!

Project 365:: Day 200

Day 200 We celebrated our arrival back to Seattle with a trip to the market and coffee. Nothing says "welcome" better than a piroshky from Piroshky, Piroshky. Kannon wouldn't share his with anyone.

Project 365:: Day 199

Day 199 Finally, we are home. The cats, dog, and even the gray skies welcomed us home. Now if only my laundry would wash itself.

Project 365:: Day 198

Day 198 Just when I thought my life was a little under control. Hello, grad school application! I will hide from the GRE that is calling my name until further notice. Grr!

In other news, we fly home tomorrow. Seattle!!! I cant' wait. And, Ms. Lily emailed me today to tell me she misses summer school. I hope she stays in touch!

Project 365:: Day 197

Day 197 Kannon hasn't left my side since I got home. He has been extra cranky and latched on like a little monkey. I think he is paying me back for leaving him for 5 weeks. He also has Hand-Foot-Mouth disease....an icky childhood illness that causes blisters to develop around the hands, mouth, and feet. Maybe it is the combination. Poor kid!

Project 365:: Day 196

Day 196 Mama's home!!! I caught these kids off guard when I snuck upstairs to see the minute I got home. Kannon ran to my arms and Clark crawled to my feet. It is clear these kids missed me.

Project 365:: Day 195

Day 195: Lily's letter today?

Dear Mrs. Pittman,

I am going to miss you sooooooo much. I never liked school. Now I love school and it is over! Teach me next year. K? Thanks.

--Lily


School is over!!! Tomorrow I clean up my classroom and drive to Long Beach. These 5 weeks flew by (with a little bit of dragging) but I will miss my students at Solano Elementary. Go Tigers!

Project 365:: Day 194

Day 194 Just a few more days before I see these cuties again!!!

Project 365:: Day 193

Day 193 Dale sent me a picture of my zucchini plant's fruitful contribution. I almost forgot all about these bad boys!

Project 365:: Day 192

Day 192 I started my last Monday of Institute with a bang. Today, walking into our school I felt comfortable and welcomed as I realized I missed my students over the long weekend. I was optimistic throughout the day but deeply saddened when I remembered that I will be saying goodbye to all my students in 4 short days. The end is near. When I think about the end, I wonder "what kind of teacher am I? Have my kids been successful? Do they respect me as a teacher? Have I done enough? Have I worked hard enough? Will I be successful back in Seattle? Where will these kids be next year, or the year after?" The questions plagued my brain and then good 'ole Lily hands me this:

Dear Mrs. Pittman,

It was an honor for you to teach me. It was fun, you helped me a lot and it was soooooooo fun, amazing, incredible.

Love, Lily

She followed this letter with a picture of the two of us standing side by side. Some of those questions are now answered but so many still remain. I really hope that every one of my students perseveres far behind high school and I really hope that Lily becomes President in 2040, like she dreams.

Project 365:: Day 191

Day 191 Yesterday, my friend, Lauren, and I went to Sedona and enjoyed visiting some places from childhood. Those slippery rocks and warm creek water were exactly what I needed to start my last week of Institute. Today was the perfect girls day. We treated ourselves to some serious shopping and an amazing massage!

Project 365:: Day 190

Day 190 I love this little lady!! Jess is pregnant with her second child (her first is a few days older than Kannon) due any day now! We had so much fun talking over breakfast. I am definitely going to miss not being closer to her---maybe one day our kiddos will marry one another?

Project 365:: Day 189

Day 189: Go see Larry Crowne! It has been awhile since I saw a movie that really made me feel good. I was smiling ear to ear by the end! I miss my kids but I am enjoying all time I have to see movies and hang out with friends!

Project 365:: Day 188

Day 188: Today Kannon decided to wash his hair with ketchup. I only heard about it via the phone but I cant wait to see a picture of my blondie turned redhead!

Project 365:: Day 187

Day 187: I am so sorry I dont have more pictures. I will be going through my iPod as soon as I get home to see what kind of crazy things my grandparents documented of my children in my absence. Until then you can only imagine what my little guys look like! Clark popped his first tooth and started REALLY crawling on the same day!!! I cant wait to see that pearly white in person!

Project 365:: Day 186

Day 186 So I know I am missing some days. I dont have a camera with me and I haven't been receiving many photo updates from family. But, rather than wait, I am going to share with you the reason I now have to buy new glasses.

Another reason why Arizona and I dont get along. If you want to see the full set: http://www.azfamily.com/outbound-feeds/yahoo-news/Photos-Huge-dust-storm-slams-Phoenix-metro-125054709.html?gallery=y&img=0&c=y#gallery-image

Project 365:: Day 184 & 185

Day 184& 185: There really should be a picture here but Dale has neglected my requests for a photo I snapped on his iPad....maybe this will be his hint. In any case, Dale took a few days out of his extremely busy schedule to hop on a plane to Phoenix and celebrate the 4th of July with me. It was the first time in over 2 years that Dale and I got be free and wild! We had so much fun barhopping on Mill Ave, watching a movie downtown, and running away from a bulging storm. I was so sad to see him go but we only have a few weeks left and I will be looking forward to my return.

PS Dale and I have decided that couple getaways will become a monthly routine---I guess I should find a babysitter!

Project 365:: Day 183

Day 183 Today is a little different. On Friday we shared our reasons for being here. Many of us left behind friends, jobs, familiarity. I left my husband and 2 children--a dog and 3 cats. What the hell am I thinking? The question was phrased "who do you teach for?" For many it was a student they had a met, a student they had taught, both deeply personal. I was in tears when it came time to speak.

"Who do you teach for?"

"I teach for my brother. I had a transformational teacher and was able to overcome the burdens that weighed my shoulders. My brother did not. Today, I stand here because of the support of my family and my hard-work, but it all started with a teacher--a life-changing, path-altering, teacher who saw my potential, heard my voice, and made it known. My brother was tossed through the system and never had those kinds of teachers to support him. I teach to do right by him. To make sure that no children are left behind in a system that failed them. I teach for Sam."

Project 365:: Day 182

Day 182 This boy just never stops! He is always here, there, and everywhere. When I call Nana & Papa, you can hear him racing around with his new favorite truck. I am so bummed I am not there....but only 2 weeks left!

Project 365:: Day 181

Day 181 Clark may not be crawling yet but he is ready to go!

Project 365:: Day 180

Day 180 These boys are in good hands! Nana and Papa might be exhausted running after them but they are happy doing it!

Project 365:: Day 179

Day 179  This kid is pretty much mobile.  I wouldn't exactly call is crawling as it is more of squirming but it wont be long.  I hope he saves his cruising until I am done with training!!!  I will say I watched Kannon and Clark via Skype and nearly peed my pants watching Kannon drag Clark across the floor.  I think Kannon wants his brother to crawl!!!!