We were totally robbed in that kickball tournament.

The big Louisiana LEAP test is finally over. In May we'll find out if all the tutoring, and all of the hard core teaching paid off. To celebrate the end of the tests, we had a big kickball tourney. Coach let everyone kick (no matter how many outs we got). The regular third grade class got to all kick twice and my tiny class got to kick once. Of course, we lost. Booo for fixed sporting events. I got my hair done today. I went super blonde. It's pretty cute. I head home tomorrow. I haven't been to Siloam since Christmas. It'll be good to see everyone. A big late congrats to Brooke and Trevor who just welcomed little Sadie into this world. She is gorgeous. Since I can't post pictures of my kids, here are some pictures of my fabulouso room displays. I am a self-admitted dork.

Rock town

I know, it's been two months. I am a bad, bad blogger. This week has been LEAP testing and I know my kids would rock the test if they would just stop acting out throughout the entire test. No, you are not allowed to get up and scream, break pencils, sing songs (especially songs where you spell out words) or beat on the desk as hard as you can. On Thursday, a really bad thunderstorm came through Baton Rouge. I was in the cafeteria with the kids when the power went out. Of course, everyone screamed, and we tried to corral the kids and get them quiet. One of the teachers at my school raised her arms in the air and began shouting "CHILDREN, IT IS NOT THE THUNDER THAT WILL KILL YOU, IT IS THE LIGHTNING. CHILDREN, LIGHTNING WILL KILL YOU!" I had to tell the crying first graders that she was just being silly. It is the most hilarious thing that has happened in a long time. David and I decided on a whim to come to Little Rock for the weekend. We've enjoyed lots of eating, lots of seeing friends and family, and lots of catching up on sleep. Even though we were only home for 48 hours, it's been pretty sweet. We'll be back in the BR tonight. Next week is Spring break!

Mardi Gras.....keep it comin'

It's started. Massive amounts of king cake covered in delicious frosting, crawfish everything, beads beads beads, party party party. Yes that's right. It is the time of year in Louisiana that is so much more dangerous for your figure than Christmas... it's Mardi Gras time. To kick it off I went to an amazing party at my friend Sara's house. I danced the single ladies dance in stilettos if it is any indication of the amount of fun I had. Christy, E-Beth and Jeremy are coming down to celebrate the weekend before. Another perk of Louisiana, I get off two full days for Mardi Gras. Also, we might go to this festival where people ride horses and beg for chickens, which they then chase.... amazing.

At the dog park on Thursday, Boomer was attacked by another dog. His face was uber-swollen, but the vet took good care of him. Here's a sad pic.

This could be you

My kids are having a rough time this semester. I do what I can, but the ugly truth is that kids, in general, are mean. If I catch another student calling one of my student's stupid, dumb, retarded or otherwise, that student better run because there will be hell to pay. Unfortunately, I don't always catch them. In a last effort to encourage my kids despite teasing I have posted in my class the following "most horrible picture ever" of a very awkward, tall, frizzy haired, 9 year-old Mrs. Carpenter surrounded by her remarkably small friends. This says, I promise, life will get better when you get a little older, or if anything, at least you weren't as weird looking as Mrs. Carpenter.

The long awaited Jazz Funeral for the Bush Administration

Too much fun!

Things I LOOOOOVE

Skinny Cow Ice cream cones
Pandora (whoever came up with typing in whatever song or artist i love and making a free radio station based on that is a super genius.)
Wii Fit (you are my own, personal, not-too-judgmental trainer)
MLK day (actually a day off, I know AmeriCorps wants me to be doing service today, but I tutor kids AFTER work and on SATURDAY for crying out loud)
Shane Mercado dancing to "Single Ladies" on you tube
Ghost ride the ghost ride the ghost ride

Life marches on

I never post. I know I never post. I attribute this to having been in one place for over a year and having no plans of leaving the country. I guess you could say I've "settled down" which is infinitely less exciting to other people than to me. I'm having a ball being married, sleeping late, playing video games, teaching, starting a new garden, playing with my dogs, I just don't think anyone else is very interested in this blissful monotony. I solemnly swear to post when anything out of the ordinary happens. For instance, I went to an awesome brunch at one of my teacher friend's houses. David wanted to know if we should dress up. We got there and about 15 people were in their pajamas, mostly Teach for America teachers and it was amazing. I loved AmeriCorps, but I think maybe TFA is the way to go. You get a salary, you get to live with other cool people; you get 2 years of an education award; and most of you are over the age of 22.
On Tuesday we are having a "The long wait second line funeral for the bush administration" party. In New Orleans, brass bands are often a part of important social events, particularly "jazz funerals". The brass band will play and the "First line" will be the mourners and the "second line" will be people who are attracted to the music. Second lining is "uninhibited dancing at processions." David and our friend Katrina made a banner that says "mission accomplished" We are going to march down the street with the boom box. Then we are having an Inauguration party at the house. I'll definitely post pictures.

Holiday Blur

This Christmas was a super blast. Elizabeth and Jeremy's wedding was perfect. Everyone had a great time. After that we spent a week at David's folks and then a week at mine. We got a digital video camera and a wii fit! Now I can lose weight while playing video games and videotape it at the same time. Here are some pictures from a great Christmas vacation. Ghost ride the Christmas Vacation.

Snow Day

Today we had a snow day. Yes, in Louisiana, we had a snow day. It was very fortunate because I was going to call in sick anyway. Here is a picture of our house, enjoy.

Worst Blogger Ever

Okay, it's official. I am the worst blogger out there. I went to Elizabeth's Bachelorette party a couple of weeks ago and had a fabulous time. It was a much needed break from the absolute chaos of my classroom the last few weeks. I can't go into detail but it did involve broken noses, broken hearts, lots of crying, calls to authorities and so on. I've been totally exhausted. Thanksgiving was amazing. We went to my parent's and David's parents in 4 days. We both forgot our cameras, so I don't have any pictures, but David playing on the trampoline with my nephews was adorable. Jed turned 3 and Ashur turned 7. Christy and David and I took them to see Bolt. That's about it for updates. I'm coming home again soon and can't wait for Elizabeth and Jeremy's wedding. Christmas is also a plus. My job is really wearing on me. I need that burst of home to rest and gain the strength to tackle 5 more months doing whatever it is I've been doing. Love you all. Sorry for the lax blogging. I promise, you're not missing much. :)