Things to Do Before Back to School

1. Have lunch with a friend!


Melinda and I have been friends for almost 30 years. We've been through a lot together, good times, and not so good times, but the best part of it all is we "get" each other and are not afraid to be truly honest with each other. I believe everyone needs a best friend with whom will rally for them yet, let them know when they are off track. Melinda is one of those kind of friends to me. We use to live about 10 minutes apart and saw each other often, but now Melinda lives in Crystal Lake and I in Aurora, over an hour apart. Needless to say, we are not able to get together often because of the distance and our schedules, but we do manage to meet at least once a year at favorite restaurant, Maggiano's in Schaumburg. I believe everyone needs a Melinda in their life.

2. Prepare my Classroom.

In my five years of teaching this has been the first year that I didn't need to completely set up a new classroom - so Kristen and I were able to put up a "Dr. Seuss" type tree outside of my classroom. Students involved in my Buggy Book Club can put a bug on the wall with the name of their book. By the end of the year my wall is pretty full, as last year my 8 students who participated read almost 1000 books! Way to go kids!!


3. Visit with the Newlyweds.



Jake and Lauren stopped by for a couple of days before heading out to DC for their fall internships. It was so fun having then around again. The two of them are like "two peas in a pod". One night while playing Spinner with them Erik called and we video chatted with his family. It was so fun to be all "together" via the Internet and to see Eli keeping his parents hopping. He is quite a busy guy! They are such a sweet, cute family and we look forward to the "Eli Show" each Sunday night.

On Thursday Lee took them down to the train and off they were to DC. We were all a little concerned about the train ride as after we had bought them tickets, we heard all kinds of horror stories on the train arriving hours late. But they arrived only 17 minutes late. If only the airlines could do that. We wish them all the best on their fun adventure.