A New School Year is Upon Us

Well tomorrow September is half over and guess how many school days we have had? 4. Only 4. Due to the crazy natural disasters that PA has uncharacteristically experienced lately, they shut down school during the first week. So we already used our snow days, and they have extended the year later into June. I am convinced we used snow days in Sept. because I am getting married in the summer so I'll conveniently be working right up to my wedding. :-/

Anyway, in the first 4 days....

Honestly, I was nervous about my class lists this year. I knew several of the kids (have taught some for the last 3 years) and it was looking bleak. BUT, I have been pleasantly surprised for the most part. I went from disliking the middle school environment to LOVING being there. My students (all boys & 1 girl) are eating out of the palm of my hand. They participate, pay attention, do their work, and even sing along to my crazy song chants for verb tenses! YES! 12-year old boys singing in class! AMAZING. They don't get my jokes, which I think are stellar, but that's ok. All in time, all in time...


Now, the high school class (only 5 students) is a bit exhausting. I come home ready for a winter hibernation nap daily and eat my way through stress. I have some challenging new students, and some challenging returnees. But I am praying for confidence and wisdom and it hasn't been terrible. Here are some favorite "first 4 days quotes:"

"The most important thing in my life is the Bible. No one can take it from me."--David, age 12

"Let me tell you about my family. Well I can't remember anything...but my mom is age 41." --Rigo, age 12

"My favorite class is ESL- even though it is only the 2nd day of school."--Dan, age 13

"Mizz, even though yer white, can you dance with good moves?" --Manny, age 19

"Miss Palmer, are you gangster? In a gang? Your eyes look dark and puffy like a gang member"--Samuel, age 15

"Oh God, I can't believe I have you for a teacher for the 4th year in a row. Can I leave?"--Karla, age 16, 1st day of school. :) Don't worry, she stayed after school chatting and working with me for an HOUR after school today. She loves me.

"Does anyone have any questions about pronouns or nouns?"-Me
"Yes, when can we leave?"--Bored student

There are about 3 more comments that are too inappropriate to write here. I swear, every year, I have one that just loves to make my face turn bright red by asking random awful questions.
It will be an interesting year to say the least.

Ok--time for bed! I need to be up in like 5 1/2 hours.

cooking up a STORM

One week ago today we were waking up to a flood in the basement. Maybe 6 or so inches of water and all our stuff "floating." While Hurricane Irene went tearing up the East coast I had a storm in my own kitchen cooking and baking.
I tried a few brand new recipes and everything was delicious. It made it bearable to be trapped inside of the house.

Here was my cooking list:

• Fresh Peach Lemonade!
• Pasta Primavera
• Lemon Meringue Pie (with Swiss Meringue!!)
• Bananas Foster Chex Mix
• Hot Ham & Cheese roll
• Beef Pot Pie
• Rhubarb muffins with lemon zest

Many of these things were made with fresh produce and it was a great way to wrap up the flavors of summer. Especially that fresh peach lemonade. You only need 2 fresh peaches and a fresh lemon on hand and you have a delicious drink that tastes like summer.

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 cups water, divided
• 2 medium peaches, chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 medium lemon, sliced

How-To:

• In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups water, peaches and sugar to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until peaches are tender. Remove from the heat. Cool. Strain, discarding peach skins.
• In a large pitcher, combine the peach mixture, lemon juice and remaining water. Add lemon slices. Serve cold or over ice.