March madness.

No, I'm not talking about the college basketball tournament.

(Although how crazy is it that I have no teams left on my bracket??? That has never happened once in the 16 years I have been making picks--sheer madness!)

For some reason, this month has just been insane.  Weather.  Activities.  Work.  Church.  We've just been hit hard all the way around.

Yes.  This was taken on March 11.

Andrew's Pinewood Derby was in March as well.  Andrew wanted a BYU car in honor of Jimmer.  He and Glenn and Uncle Daryl spent a long time doing whatever it is they do to that block of wood.  All the effort paid off, as Andrew's car ended up being the fastest!

Two of the several scouts caught up in the BYU craze.

Ready to race!

A very happy boy...last year his car did not win a single heat.

Last scout standing!

Now you know what that means...it means your car goes on to the district race.  I scowled at Uncle Daryl over that one.  All I wanted was for Andrew to win a couple of heats, not the entire thing!  I removed myself from that situation faster than you can say "Teach me how to Jimmer," and boys were on their own.  The district race was yesterday, and let's just say we are not moving on to the next level.  Fine with me.  I am happy though, that Andrew did have a small taste of success.

We also got to listen to Emma's first Jazz Band performance.  What a talented group.  This was a middle school jazz concert, so there were about 5 other schools there.  Our school was the only group with more than one flute, clarinets, and even a cello!  I was sad that Emma and the flutes were in the back, so we couldn't see her...

When they started playing "In The Mood," I got a little choked up, since that song reminds me of my grandmother.  I know she would have loved hearing Emma play it.  What I love about the video is that you can really hear the flutes...Glenn was standing up in the back and it really sounds great.



Now while I know that the craziness is never really over, I think a little break is in order.  The kids are out of school, so I won't be working, my parents are coming in tomorrow, and it is time for a little R&R.  I had a two hour nap yesterday and a {ahem} slightly longer one today, and I am starting to feel a little more normal.

It's time to put March behind us.  This month came in like a lion, and this week, it better be leaving like a lamb.

I got this one in the bag.

First, a little background.

You all know that I have been subbing as for teachers and special education aides in our school district.  It's been going great.

Several teachers have asked me if I was on the certified sub list -- for the classroom teachers.  And although all our district requires is a bachelor's degree and $25, I was too scared to do it.  I don't have much of an education background, and didn't think I could do it.

Until the one day I walked into Andrew's classroom as a parent volunteer and got a load of the yahoo who was subbing for his teacher.  I have no idea where they found this guy.  Somewhere at the bottom of the barrel, I'm sure.  Basically I took over reading groups.  I got everyone settled, told the sub what he should be doing, and made sure the groups ran smoothly.  And I walked out of that room 45 minutes later thinking, I could totally do this.

So I filled out the form, tracked down my college transcripts, and dropped off my check at the board office.  A couple weeks later I got a call that I was approved and could start looking for jobs on the website.

Ok, I am sure nothing will come up, I thought.  I had just been talking to a classroom sub who said she had been having trouble finding jobs.  My expectations were very low.

But lo and behold--the very first night a job popped up.  The only thing was that is was at the junior high.  For the Spanish teacher.  What?  Nah, I could never.  Or could I?  My Spanish is probably at a 7th or 8th grade level...maybe I could...

After a careful consultation with my own two junior high-ers, I decided to accept the job.  I got lots of pointers from Leah about what not to do as a sub.  Basically don't talk to the students or try to be their friend.  Or speak in the foreign language in a high-pitched voice.  Ok, I can do this.  Especially with the approval of and encouragement from the kids.

I was nervous, but not as much as I thought I would be.  Maybe because I had no idea what to expect.  Would the kids be out of control?  Would I have to call for back up?  Would I have to give out demerits?  Would I get hit in the back of the head with a spit ball?

Well guess what?  Nothing happened.  There isn't even an exciting story to tell.  I was with 3 and a half periods, and not one kid acted up.  Everyone took their test and did their assignment quietly and then if they finished read a book or quietly chatted amongst themselves.  One kid did tell me that there was a camera behind the eyes of the life-sized poster of Edward in the back of the classroom that makes sure the subs do what they're supposed to, but other than that, the kids were well-behaved and very polite. One girl even told me she liked my bag as we walked out of the classroom.  What is this, the Twilight Zone?

So I'm sorry I don't have a dramatic tale of the chaos that you might expect a sub in a junior high to encounter.  But I'm no longer afraid to stand in for the classroom teacher.

And you better believe I'll have that bag with me.

Muchas gracias, estudiantes.

Spring Concerts Part 1

The Michael Jordan of cellists

Leah is as thrilled as ever

And she thought she wouldn't make it...

More musical goodness to come in on Monday with Emma's first Jazz Band concert and in May for Music a la Mode...