Academic year winding down

I was walking to social function on Friday with some colleagues, and it was remarkably cool for June.  We realized that the extended school year has been much more bearable, because there have been so few hot days this spring.  I am sure I would be going crazy right now if it was in the 80s.

I have finally finished the sprint at the end of the race, in terms of work.  For the last 3-4 weeks, I had several performance evaluations, finals to write, and an application for a National Board Certification support program.

The good news is that my evaluations have been positive and I have been assured I will be back next year (with tenure, whatever that is worth!).

I am very frustrated with the political system in Chicago and Illinois.  The pension system outside of Chicago remains in jeopardy, with reform necessary to ensure the state does not go bankrupt - but the Illinois constitution prevents pensions from being reduced.  A deal needs to be made, and whatever reductions/cutbacks they make to the state pension system will likely be levied on Chicago pensions with time.  So I watch with anticipation.

The Chicago Board of Ed has been living on pension holidays for over 10 years now, failing each year to provide the proper amount of funding into the system.  The holiday ends next year, and the district owes $600 million, compared to the $150 million they paid this year.  That is a big chunk of change that will eat up budgets district-wide.  We will be living through pain now because of years of living beyond our means.  Despite a modest enrollment drop, Chicago has opened over 100 new schools in the last 15 years.  It is no wonder they are willing to fight to close down schools now - it was not wise to invest all that money to open new schools without considering the long-term financial obligations of maintaining a bloated system.

In other school news, I will also have a student teacher from Michigan State last year.  He will be with me for half of my day, from August through the end of April.  I should have 3 chemistry and 2 biology classes - though the bio classes will be different preps.

Because of the time saved thanks to the student teacher, I decided to spend next year applying to become a National Board Certified Teacher.  The process is a big, big pain but there is plenty of prestige, money, and the chance to grow a lot professionally through the process.  I worked nonstop for 3 weeks on an application to select into the district support program.  I turned in my 40 page application earlier this week, and I await feedback from them.  The next step is a two week summer program in July to introduce me to the cohort.

Because I will be busy for those two weeks, and because the summer is shorter than the past, we decided to forego the long-desired bathroom renovation and focus on small projects instead.  I am disappointed by this, but I have been using the upstairs bathroom for showers to take my mind off it.

When Rachel's Dad was in town, we started work on our new bedroom doors.  I did finally get them installed - kind of.  I actually have not finished the knob installation and there is some work with the trim that needs to be done to ensure the doors close properly.  But they are good enough for now - and look way better than the white hollow door doors!

Today I spent the day working outside tearing up grass for the small patio we will install behind the garage.  We will put our patio table and new umbrella there once it is done.  I hope to take advantage of cool weather this weekend to get as much done as possible!  I am looking forward to sipping some cool beverages out there in the evenings once it is done...

-alan

Gone too soon...

My dad has been visiting us for the past few days and he snuck out of the house this morning before we were awake to say goodbye.  I think this act is telling of his entire time here and the overwhelming sense that I can't believe it is already over.  I'm really sad he's gone.

As a kid I was never great with goodbyes in the moment but always found a way to move on from momentary sadness.  Big goodbyes like leaving the US for China and then leaving China are always really tough on me but I've grown somewhat desensitized to saying "see you later" to my family.  I guess that is par for the course when your parents live in Taiwan.  This time, even though I didn't say a proper goodbye, is harder somehow.  I don't know when I will go to Taiwan next or when our relatives from the Far East will be back stateside.  

I think everything is compounded to by the fact that Sarah and Dave are now in Taiwan too.  They and my parents get to hang out all the time.  While I don't mind a little distance and am certainly glad we are all not under one roof, it is hard to think that I am missing out on so many new memories they will share together.  I wouldn't say I'm jealous but still just a little bummed.

I went to upload the pictures from my dad's time here and there are only a sorry few from our beautiful trip to the zoo.  I know we were instructed to take more, but seriously we were dealing with time flying by at warp speed.  I'm a still a little bummed that I didn't get a shot with him or even a picture of him with Daniel.  We have so few chances to be together as a family and create physical memories with photos.  I prefer to be in the moment and not force a ton of shots, but with time together as such a precious commodity I really dropped the ball.  Sorry if this has taken a dark turn but sometimes the reality of having family so far away just hits you.  I guess we are just going to have to fly out there sometime to capture the moment.

Without further ado, I'll share the precious memories we did immortalize.  Wednesday Andrew played hooky from co-op and we went to Lincoln Park Zoo.  It was hands down the best day in terms of weather that we have had this year.  It was beyond gorgeous.  I wish we could have a proper spring filled with days like that!

While I found parking (snagged a free spot, woot!) the guys checked out the farm.  Andrew was impressed by the baby chicks.  It is quite a marvel to see them emerge from their shells and how they are so much more mobile than human babies.

 Speaking of which, Daniel sports his freaked out face while chilling in the stroller.  It was his first time at the zoo so he had to read up on it before he fully visited.

 Andrew had fun hoarding the fake food from the big tires.  Grandpa encouraged him to climb in the centers and he eventually did. He did share with another kid who came to the display.  Sharing is not always easy for a two year old.

 Grandpa points out the camels to Andrew.  Notice their matching hats.  One kid saw dad and said "mom, he looks like a cowboy."  As long as it wasn't a Dallas Cowboy I think my dad was ok with the comparison.

 Aww so cute!

 It was great going to the zoo early in the day.  There were a lot of people but no big crowds.  Andrew could walk right up to the displays and stay there as long as he wanted.  My dad was great at pointing things out to him!

Daniel wanted out of the stroller to see the gorillas too!  

 I loved going into the Big Cat house this time.  You know we love us some wildcats, but that day the tiger was particularly entertaining.  He kept making a loud, deep cry.  It even stirred Daniel who was at this point sleeping in the Ergo carrier.  The tiger even walked around for us too.

Rawrrrr....Go Cats!

 This is supposed to be Andrew's scared face...it looks like a yawn to me!

We went to see my mom's favorite animal, the giraffe.  They are so tall!

 Hello Mr. Hippo!

Daniel gave me a nice smile, but Andrew was enthralled by the meerkats!

 Rhino butt!

Thursday Alan took off from work and we got to all hang out together.  We went bowling in the morning and Alan got his career high game at 254.  The awesome play was tainted a bit by Andrew splitting his lip and bleeding everywhere.  I guess that's why parents shouldn't let their 2 year olds carry 14 pound balls.  For lunch we went to Edzo's Lincoln Park where my dad enjoyed his burger.  He is a burger aficionado so it was good we introduced him to one of the best spots in Chicago.  When we returned home the men worked on sanding and staining some new bedroom doors. Begone with you Hollow Core!

Friday we went to Andrew's art class and made some great watercolor projects on paper and on a stuffed monkey.   Then we headed down to Costco and had some lunch.  My dad finally introduced me to his beloved ice cream bar.  I have to say it was pretty tasty!

Saturday was fairly low key but that is where I really get to appreciate having my dad around.  He gets an A for sure in terms of playing with the boys.  He gets really into it and doesn't seem to tire (unless he is reading a book).  It was so fun to hear Andrew get excited about "Long long time ago" stories like we did when we were kids.  I would hear "More again story."  Dad even watched the kiddos Saturday so Alan and I could go out for a bit.

Sunday was Mother's Day and the real star was Alan.  Even though he was leading music at church he managed to go shopping, make much of breakfast, and set the table before I was up.  It was quite a spread and I felt quite appreciated.  Post church and nap, we went out to Pita Inn for a Mother's Day dinner.  Yum!

So I guess this is kind of a Father's Day post too soon.  I love you Dad and thanks for your visit.  You are welcome to pop in again anytime.  Next time we need to take mom's advice and use the camera.

All aboard for a fun time!

The past few days have been full of fun activities and yummy treats. Grandma Allmen was in town and it was Andrew's birthday on Thursday!  Daniel was also dedicated at our church on Sunday.

We kicked things off on Wednesday with Andrew bringing "dirt" to co-op.  He liked it but didn't touch the gummy worms hiding inside. Note to self: don't put coconut on kids' stuff in the future, they can't handle the texture.  Many of his classmates didn't want their treat because of the fake grass.

Well hello there grandma!  It is nice to see you again.

Andrew woke up on the morning of his birthday requesting candy for breakfast.  I met him halfway by putting chocolate, marshmallows, peanut butter, and bananas into pancakes.  For some reason I think anything can be breakfast appropriate when housed in a pancake!  Later we headed out to the neighborhood Yoga Shop for a free music/movement class.  He did a great job following directions and dancing along to the music.  His favorite part was popping the bubbles the teach blew around the room!

All that activity tuckered this new two year old out.  Here's the aerial shot of him sleeping in his new toddler bed!  Bear, dog, brown bear check!  All the babies must accompany him for proper sleep.

It was good he rest because we went to a very exciting train themed diner for dinner.  Decked out in train themed decor, this 50s diner is a dream for the young and young at heart.  

Yes, our food was delivered by a train..if only the Metra brought us dinner every night.

Andrew was excited when his birthday cupcake came out, but loved the train whistle on top most of all!

Daniel took a ride in the train but big brother didn't want to join in the fun.

Friday was no fun with both boys visiting the doctor and getting shots.  Andrew made the most of it by taking full advantage of the Sesame Street stickers he was given.  

We had more train themed fun on Saturday when Alan got out the Lionel set from his dad.  It was pretty impressive to see how fast it could go.

We took a walk to a new park in the neighborhood.  Andrew was mostly interested in the wood chips but he managed to show off his climbing skills too.

 Daniel just enjoying life and loves watching his big brother.

Sunday was full of celebrations, friends, and food.  Some friends joined us at church to see Daniel's dedication.  Here's Andrew making sure there is a Bible between himself and "Mali."  

Here's the family up in front during the dedication.


Afterwards we had a delicious lunch (gracias carnitas tacos) and Andrew got his birthday cake!

While Daniel didn't get any cake he had fun being held by our neighbors.

After cake Andrew immediately started opening gifts (without us in there).  How is it that his has this birthday routine down already?  He got some great gifts.  Here he is cutting food from Tom and Sarah.

After nap he tried out his tricycle and Northwestern train from Grandma.  He can barely pedal right now, but I'm sure he'll get the hang of it by the end of summer!

Daniel poses here for his monthly shot.  I love those bright eyes and killer smile!

 -rachel

If Daniel could write this entry...

Lately things have been getting a lot more interesting around here.  I am able to control my giant head a little better and mom has been taking us on outings more and more.  I like getting out and seeing the world.  When we stay home mom just makes me sit with her on the couch while she checks facebook or makes me take these stupid pictures (oh no my four month shoot is coming soon).

 I know resistance is futile.  She'll keep taking the picture until  I make a cute face so I might as well comply.

Andrew has been having fun doing art projects lately.  I guess he is even in a class.  I usually sleep through it so I can't say it is all that interesting.


I can't wait till mom turns the markers over to me!


Back when Dad was on spring break we got to go see the butterflies at the Nature Museum.  I think Andrew was a little scared, but I was very brave.

I have been really happy lately bouncing in my chair.  Mom also thinks I was playing Peek-a-boo. 

 
Do you think this is the face of a boy who peek-a-boos?

To I went to the mall with my homeboy Nicholas.  He is a week older than me and was born in 2012 but he doesn't rub it in my face.

 We like hanging out.  Sometimes the big bro and sis come too.

 I think we've grown a lot since our last adventure together to the Garfield Park Conservatory back in February.


Our adventure out today ended with Andrew and Amalia's gymnastics class.  Nicholas and I usually hang out by the the door or are worn by our mommies.  I'm pretty glad that I was asleep in my carseat and not worn by mommy when she did this!

 Andrew is getting better at gymnastics I guess.  He can do somersaults really well (and he gets a lot of stickers) and now started climbing the walls!

 Check out that headstand!!!  We both have a large head to stand on.

I'm now pretty tired so I'm going to suck my pacifier and peace out.   Just wait until there are more videos of the tricks I will do.  For now I'm having fun just being the baby.