October 2020

October was a flurry of fun events.  It started off with all the teachers getting ready to head into Plan B which meant we were prepping the room for students!  We were heading into hybrid mode which meant half the kids on Monday/Thursday and the other half on Tuesday/Friday.  It was going to make the gradebook very complicated, but we were getting to see the kids!  

I took some time off and went and had my hair done.  My gray hair was out of control and I needed a haircut as well.  It felt good to become human again. 

October 3rd Jen and Brian Isom came to town!  Jen was my college roommate and Brian was a friend from the singles ward back in the day.  They met when Jen came with me to a Valentine's singles ward activity.  I love that two of my most excellent friends found each other and have made an eternity out of it.  Jen had a goal to visit all the capital cities in the USA and she hadn't done the South yet.  They stopped by for a fun evening on their way from Raleigh to Atlanta.  I was showing Jen around the house and we had stopped in Nick's room.  She commented on his car posters and then told him that her dream car was a gun metal gray Dodge Charger.  He looked at me like I had prompted her to say that because that is MY favorite car too.  Jen laughed when she found out the reason for the puzzled look.  We hadn't told each other our favorite cars - we are just kindred spirit friends. We went to Bad Daddy's in Birkdale to have dinner and just hang out for the night.  It was like no time had passed since we saw them last.  I was also excited to have the kids meet them because I have told the kids stories about Jen and Brian.  They especially love the one about how Jen bit Brian the first time they met.  It was so good to catch up and reminisce.   Hopefully soon we will get to go and visit them in Las Vegas.  

Two cameras and I chose the other one (In case you were wondering about the kind of crazy look on my face.)  It was so good to see Jen and Brian!

Not only did I get to see Jen and Brian that first weekend in October, but it was also General Conference!  Best! Weekend! Ever!   The talks were uplifting and inspirational.  I needed to hear a lot of what they said and came out of the weekend feeing more hopeful than I have in months.  

Friday, October 9th we did a practice day for the new schedule.  The kids were still at home, but we switched them to the new bell schedule they would be following when Plan B started on Monday.  It was a hectic day with having to open two folders (two cohorts for the two days they would be in school) for each period and stay on track while Zooming with each class to make sure they understood the new schedule and the new folders and everything.  HUGE learning curve, but WE GET TO SEE THE STUDENTS ON MONDAY!!!!

After school was out for the day I helped fit Julie's dress for her son's wedding.  It was fun to spend some time just talking while we pinned and designed.  I also finally got the books we "weeded" from the school library back in March to Carolyn so she can use them for "her kids" at work.   It was a productive day.   

October 12th was the first day with the kids back in the classroom.  The whole day I felt like I was one step behind.  I loved having the kids in the classroom, but it was an adjustment staying on schedule and making sure we were doing what we were supposed to be doing.  The day ended much better than it started and I truly loved getting to know the kids in person.  They were so much different than during our Zoom classes.  

The 5th grade team on the first day of in-person. 
front row left to right: Costenoble, Bond, A. Oneal, Pirella
second row left to right:  Bish, In, Colberg
back row left to right:  K. Oneil, me, Leach

It was also Naomi's first day of in-person at the high school.  She loved it and her day was much calmer and more relaxing than mine.  

Naomi's shirt she did for her 7th grade science class is in the display case right by the front door to the school.  She has been immortalized.  

Official first day picture.  She helped me carry a bunch of stuff into my classroom and posed right before heading over to the high school.  

October 14th Nick found out that he got the job at Pike's Nursery.  He was really excited to have a job again.  

October 15th and 16th was Parent Teacher Conferences.  Mrs. Oneil and I did them together 1) because I had never done them before and 2) we needed both of us to fill up the time since we didn't have any beginning of year test scores to present and discuss.  I loved having her there for the more difficult parents who wanted to know why their student wasn't doing very well.  I learned a lot of tactful ways to say your child is not very smart and quite lazy.  

October 17th we left bright and early to go to the craft fair in Gatlinburg!  It was a super fun day and a miracle that everyone had the day off.  I loved spending time as a family and getting out of our four walls.  There were so many talented crafts people at the fair.  We all found something that was interesting and fun.  

Driving through the Smokey Mountains.  The low-lying clouds always make it look smokey - thus the name.  

The fall colors were really pretty as well.  

Walking the streets of Gatlinburg. It is a fun little town.  

At the craft show.  

My favorite find of the day.  Jeremy and Nick found a tea vendor and a lady who made yummy-smelling soap.  Naomi found a giant stuffed animal frog.  Steve had the most unique find of the day - a razor with and antler as a handle and another antler for the stand.  

After the fair the kids found an arcade and in this arcade there was a Star Wars game where you felt like you were in the cockpit of an X-wing fighter.  Everyone had to try it out.  

After attending the fair we found a little Southern BBQ place for lunch.  The food was excellent!  We spent some time roaming around Gatlinburg before getting in the truck and heading back home.  We all really needed this day out together.  

October 18th Steve and I voted early.  It was an interesting situation with masks, social distancing and lots of hand sanitizer.  They even gave each voter a pen which had a stylus tip so you wouldn't have to touch the screen with your fingers.  

Naomi's art project for school.  It is all done in pencil.  She is really good.  

Another of Noami's projects for Mrs. Tedder.  

October 19th Dr. Graham called me into her office to ask me if I would be interested in a full-time position starting as soon as Mrs. Joplin returned through the end of the school year tutoring the at-home kids when they didn't have access to their teachers.  I would be available on Zoom for the kids to pop in and ask me question about their science and/or social studies projects.  I would also be put in charge of any kids who were really struggling.  I would meet with them regularly to make sure they were organized and turning in assignments.  I asked for a few days to think about it as it would mean that I wouldn't be able to sub for the rest of the year.  

On the 19th, Steve and I also worked with our financial guy to get Steve's 401K from Premier rolled over into an IRA so we would have better control over how it was invested and we could continue to contribute to it.  

October 20th Naomi taught the young women in the ward how to paint a landscape.  They were in our garage and all wearing masks, but after 6 long months of not being able to meet they were happy with whatever they could get.  There are some budding artists in the group.  

Our garage as an art studio

Steve worked late that night getting the store ready for the big wig visit the next day.  Jeremy voted for the first time and Nick filled out all the paperwork for his new job. 

That is a spider in the middle of the web.  This was the best picture I could get, but the spikes were super cool.  He looked like a little crab. 

October 25th Nick voted for the first time.  

October 27th I made an appointment with Kelsey Kraaima.  Kelsey is really good with pixie cuts which is exactly what Naomi wanted. 

Naomi's new do.  She really likes it.  

SPIRIT WEEK AT SCHOOL!  Tuesday was Tie Dye Tuesday and Meg Bond tie dyed shirts in LNC colors for all of us.  

The 5th grade team in our cool tie-dye shirts.  Meg even tie dyed her shoes and mask.  

I had to take a picture of the sky.  This is without any filters or touch-ups or anything.  It was stunning!

October 29th was an interesting day at school.  The day started off with the door, which I KNOW was shut completely, creaked open in the most eerie way.  The kids were all a little freaked out.  About 20 minutes later there was a creaking in the ceiling just over our heads.  It sounded like someone was walking around above us, but I asked and that was not possible.  Not more than a half an hour later the power went out!  We were plunged into darkness.  The storm had knocked out the power.  I took advantage of the situation and went to the library and got some scary stories books for me and Mrs. Pirella to read to our students.  They had just announced to the parents that school was closing early due to a power outage when the power came back on.  The kids didn't know that the parents had been told to come get them, but the teachers did and we were disappointed when the school notified all the parents that we would not be dismissing early after all.  

October 30th was costume day.  I broke out my Elphaba outfit and had fun at school  

Madison and I were twins.  Great minds think alike.  

That night Nick went to a church single adults party.  He was excited about his French maid costume.  Everyone at the party like it too and voted for him for "Best Costume".  He had a really good time.  

All dressed up for his party.  

Getting into character.  

Steve and I went to a small party at the Arias's house.  We had a great time playing games and socializing for a bit.  It is amazing to me just how much I miss getting together with friends and how much we took it for granted before Covid.  

October 31st Naomi and I went to Mrs. Oneil's house to paint her shutters black to match her new, purple door.  Naomi needed service hours for school so this was a win-win.  Back at home we make preparations for Halloween.  Nick was going to hand out with his friends after work.  Naomi went to Leah's to be with her friends as well.  Jeremy was working so it was just me and Steve.  He was happy and content playing in the garage with his new (off of Facebook market) bandsaw.  Due to Covid, we only had two groups of trick-or-treaters - the Tufts/Warner clans and my seminary kids.  Instead of the usual two or three pieces of candy, everyone got a handful.  

Naomi in her gruesome Halloween makeup.  You can't see it, but on her left cheek it looks like there is a hole in her cheek and her teeth are showing through.  She lives for this time of year and an excuse to due gross makeup stuff.  I think she may have a career here.  

September 2020

September 1st started off with a bang - literally.  We had a wicked thunderstorm right on top of our house all night long.  It started about 1 am and lasted until about 8 am.  The thunder was so loud it rattled the windows and the house sounded like it was getting power washed. Torrential downpour!!!

September 2nd all of the teachers and staff at the middle school met for a drive-by farewell to Mrs. Hammond.  She had decided to retired a year early due to COVID.  Steve dropped Nick and Naomi off at the middle school so they could be a part of the farewell caravan.  She was such an instrumental influence on both Nick and Naomi and I would credit her for  helping them get set up for success all their years at LNC.  I am sad to see her go, but she will have a life-long legacy at the school.  

September 3rd Jeremy had a phone interview with CPCC for  a support position and Nick applied at Aesics.  

September 4th another one of Steve's scouting buddies hooked him up with more free cedar.  A cedar tree had fallen on his property and he just wanted it gone.  Steve is a happy boy.  

September 6th and 7th Naomi and I blitz painted the living room and kitchen.  

BEFORE PICTURES

Prepping the walls and getting the ceiling finished.  

Her favorite part of the whole painting project - getting to sit in the cubby above the fireplace. 

AFTER PICTURES

It is so much brighter and feels more open.  I love the new look!

Now that the downstairs is done I had time to notice nature again.  There are so many cool things in the world if you take the time to notice.  

Twisty tree

Amazing spider web.  This was first thing in the morning with all the dew accenting the detail.  

September 9th I tutored the kids all day.  We fixed some Google problems and got more organized.  We even had a dance party to celebrate getting stuff done.  Steve also got some bites on his resumes he had given to friends who handed them out to some of their friends.  Cross your fingers.  

September 10th Steve had two interviews.  One of them was planned and the other was impromptu.  He felt good about both of them.  Also, the LNC Board voted to go to Plan B (2 cohorts, 1/2 capacity) starting on October 12th.  We have a month to get everything planned.  

September 11th Nick had an interview with Aesics.  The manager gave him a stapler and told him to sell it to her.  He started messing around with it while telling her about the features.  At one point, he was trying to open it to show how you can staple things to walls and he accidentally stapled his finger.  Without missing a beat he said, "You can see how sharp the staples are!"  If he doesn't get the job at least he created a very memorable interview.  

September 15th Steve taught the boys at church how to use a bow and arrow.  They have been wanting to do an archery class for some time and we are finally back to in-person activities.  Steve when down to Camp Belk and borrowed some bows, arrows and targets.  The boys really enjoyed it.  Bishop Arias wants to buy bows for all his kids now. They really enjoyed it as well.  

 I was also offered a job at LNC through the end of the year helping out the Support Squad with the distance and at-home learners who might need a little tutoring in science and social studies.  

September 16th Nick got a new stereo for his car.  He is one happy boy now that he can play his songs and ramp up the base.  Steve interviewed with the president of a company out of Florida.  Everything went well, but his 'no compete clause' is causing problems as this company is in the same line of work as Steve did at Premier.  Steve cannot work in the same field until the end of January.  They are willing to wait so we will see what comes of it. 

I said yes to the job at LNC.  Dr. Graham was really happy.  I will start immediately after finishing up as Ms. Joplin.  I am both excited and terrified at the same time - mostly excited.  

September 17th it rained all day long.  The remnants of Hurricane Sally dropped just over 6 inches of rain on Charlotte.  

September 21st the kids turned in their biomes project.  They created a travel brochure for a specific location in one of the world's biomes.  I felt like I was travelling virtually while grading them.  It was a great project!  The kids enjoyed it as well.  WIN-WIN!

September 22nd Nick interviewed at Sherwin Williams.  

September 23rd was a busy day tutoring at school in the morning and meetings in the afternoon.  Steve helped at the Bishop's Storehouse distribution in the morning and went to the dentist in the afternoon to have a cracked tooth repaired.  In the afternoon I took Nick to see Dr. Vallat about his numerous MRSA infections.  The doctor at Urgent Care had recommended getting in touch with a dematologist to see if we could stop the infections with Nick. Dr. Vallat gave us some great ideas.  Nick started them as soon as we got home by taking all his personal belongings out of the bathroom and even hanging his towels in his room so no one else will use them.  No more sharing in their bathroom.  Nick also cooked dinner that night.  He wanted to try getting steak done just right.  Nailed it!

September 25th we had a small get together for Sara Muller's birthday.  She had an escape room game for us and it was really fun.  Steve spent the day making his own target for archery. 

September 26th I was home alone for the first time since the quarantine started.  It felt really weird.  Steve and Nick were at work, Naomi was with a friend and Jeremy had a job interview.  I got so much done.  The bathrooms got cleaned and the yard got weeded.  At 5 I went to The Point on Lake Norman to pick up Naomi and her friend, Maeve, who had been hanging at a house where Maeve's sister was house sitting.  From there we went to Nicole Pirella's party for her husband and then to Five Guys for dinner.  Another notable thing, I got all my grading caught up.  It was a great day.  

September 27th I took Nick to the Urgent Care AGAIN for another MRSA sore.  Steve turned a bowl on his new lathe.  It was pretty cool.  

September 29th the MRSA was not getting any better so I took Nick back to the Urgent Care where they lance the second sore that was really close to the first sore.  The poor kid just can't catch a break with this stuff.  The new stuff Dr. Vallat gave us to try didn't even have a chance to start working before this MRSA took a hold.  UUURRRRRRGGGGGG!  We will beat this.  

Well, September came in and went with a lot of commotion.  Here is to a more quiet October.  

August 2020

August we continued the trend of working on the kitchen and getting the yard cleaned up.  August 1st I spent the day digging up and separating the iris bulbs.  They really love the area where they are planted and have been multiplying rapidly.  I gave several bags to friends and neighbors who have been admiring them through the years.  I am spreading a little bit of Nantucket Drive all over Charlotte.  

Lane came and got the plumbing hooked back up for the kitchen.  It is starting to come back together.  

We picked out the tiles for the backsplash.  I love the metallic hint in the tile that brings out the metallic in the countertop.  

While trimming the bushes out front I found Nick's keychain.  It had fallen off when he was running out the door to work.  I decided to have a little fun - we all need a little fun this year, right?!  I sent him a ransom text.  Below is how it all played out.  

Sunday, August 2nd we had dinner with the Nowatniaks.  Amanda (then Dickey) used to play in our backyard with Jeremy when they were little.  She is now married and she and her husband have purchased a house in the neighborhood.  It was fun to reconnect and catch up.

I found this gem while searching for inspiration as to how to keep positive during all this negativity and feeling of desperation.  

August storms are amazing.  

Here comes the storm.  

There is always a rainbow afterwards.  

August 3rd I took Steve to his first wound care appointment.  They reopened the wound, drained it again and packed it.  They said it looked good and wanted to see him again in a week.  Hopefully we are on the mend and Steve can start to feel human again.  

After the appointment I went into the school to help with ipads, computers, anything the tech department needed.  Steve worked on the backsplash all day so we can get the kitchen back to functional.  He spent the majority of the day finding a tile cutting saw since the saw we had been using was old and not ideal for this type of a job.  While I was at the school I found out that I am starting as Mrs. Joplin the first day of school instead of two weeks in.  She and Dr. Graham thought it would be less confusing for the kids if I were to just start out the year.  Exciting and terrifying at the same time.  I started learning Schoology more earnestly from that moment!

August 4th we found out that the tile we wanted to use shattered when it was cut.  Back to the tile store to pick out something that would work better.  We had something picked out that we sort of liked, but couldn't find anything better so we were settling on it.  I went to get a flat cart to load up when I passed a display with the most beautiful and perfect tile!  We had missed it!  I ran back to Steve and showed him my new find and we both agreed that this was the tile we needed. YAY!!!  We purchased the tiles and went home to start installing it.  Pictures coming!

August 5th we got Nick in to the eye doctor before our insurance changes.  He was able to get his new contacts.  Naomi's school laptop was having issue so I took her into the high school to have the tech team look at it and get it fixed before school started.  Back at home we mowed the lawn and I spent time prepping for school and seminary.  Brandon Ortiz came that night and got the kitchen plugs wired and ready to go.  

August 6th I met with Rendee to go over how we were going to do seminary this semester.  We got everything divided up and the lesson schedule on paper so I could send out an email to all the students and families about the plan.  

I then went to school and met with Mrs. Joplin to do some planning.  I am so glad I had this time with her because I was worried about how things would go and what I was supposed to be doing.  She is amazing and answered all my questions.  We have a plan in place and I feel much more confident going into the school year.  

August 8th I got to take a diversity seminar and learn how to relate to the students in my classroom.  Steve got a job at Lowe's.  Remember when I told you about asking God what He needed me to do when Steve got laid off?  I thought redoing the kitchen was a sign that we would be moving.  I think it might have been to make sure that Steve was in Lowe's three times a day so he wouldn't miss the open interviews.  Steve went over to pick up something for the kitchen, came home, changed into a shirt and tie, went back over with a resume in hand and came home with a full-time position in the paint department.  We have benefits again starting in October!  Only one month on Cobra.    Nick has decided that he wants to learn to play the piano and is teaching himself.  All the music theory from Mr. McSwain for two years is paying off. He is getting good.  

August 8th I finished the trim and door jams in the hall and the bathrooms.  Steve kept working on the backsplash.  Things are coming together.  

August 8th I did more seminary stuff and got to play that evening with the Cuillards.  We roasted marshmallows and had a great time talking.  

August 10th - Steve's wound is healing nicely but needed some extra help.  We are packing it with collagen to make sure the wound is healing from the inside out.  It was also my official first day as Mrs. Joplin.  I was in meetings all day getting ready for the first day of school.  Steve got the backsplash all glued in place.  All we need to do is grout it.  I spent the last part of the day replanting the iris.  

August 11th was a prep day at school.  I also got to hold a baby squirrel.  One of the staff members found it and is keeping it alive until one of the animal rescue units is able to take it in.  So cute!!!  Steve talked to a recruiter and got the island wrapped in bead board.  

August 13th - The first day of school.  

Naomi "in class" on the first day of school.  

The traditional first day picture by the front door.  

I went in to the school in case I had a question about attendance or anything else.  It was a hectic day making sure I kept on schedule, opened the folders on time, took roll on time and got everyone on Zoom at the right time.  We made it with no casualties.    Steve got the backsplash grouted.  

The second day of school was MUCH better.  Steve and Naomi went out for rootbeer floats to celebrate a successful first two days.  Nick went to a young adult church pool party.  He had a great time meeting new people. 

August 15th Steve and I visited an old friend from a long time ago. He had seen Steve's woodworking on Facebook and contacted Steve saying he had some cedar trees on his property he needed to cut down and would Steve like the wood.  It was fun reconnecting with Chestin while we got the tree cut up and loaded into the back of the truck.  We finished just as a huge rainstorm started.  

August 17th the doctor said that Steve's wound was healing well. That is a relief.  

August 18th was a tough day.  It would have been difficult at school, in-person, getting everyone logged into the various programs we will be using throughout the year, but it was incredibly frustrating trying to do it over Zoom.  I was ready for a diversion by the end of the day.  Steve provided that diversion. He had finished making a bowl for Sharron (Chestin's wife) to say thank you for the cedar.  We delivered it to her that night.  It was fun to see our friends again.  

The second week of school went much better.  I felt confident enough to attempt working from home on Thursday and Friday. 

Steve started at Lowe's and he really likes the low stress.  He also loves that he comes home and doesn't have to worry about work. It is going to take some getting used to with the different shifts.  He is used to working an 8-5 job and now his schedule is all over the place.  He is just grateful to have something to do.  

August 21st Nick called me to tell me a sore we have been watching as possible MRSA popped at work.  I immediately took him some first aid stuff to cover the wound.  

August 22nd we went to InstaCare and had them drian the wound.  The culture came back as MRSA which is frustrating, but not surprising.  Steve went as the official adult with Naomi and her friends to a local thrift store so they could shop and spend time together.  I got the ceiling painted.  Nick went to lunch with some new friends he made at the church activity.  

August 23rd we went to church for the first time since April.  It was only a short meeting, but we were all together and we got to take the sacrament. It was amazing.  I hadn't realized how much I miss meeting together for church.  

August 24th Zoom was down first thing in the morning.  It was incredibly stressful as the kids were freaking out that I wasn't online and I had several messages on Schoology about "where are you?"  We got it all figured out though and things went smoothly the rest of the day.  

Steve got a call from his brother in Colorado asking for him resume. There was a job at the hospital where Bradden works and Steve would be perfect for it.  Crossing our fingers.  

Publix spent a couple of days filming a commercial in our neighborhood.  It was pretty cool to watch the process.  Here is the link https://www.ispot.tv/ad/n8RL/publix-super-markets-delivery-cart.  The red tree in the first shot is my tree in my yard!!!!  All the neighborhood shots are of my neighborhood.  The house where the lady comes out and waves at the cart is the exact same model as my house.  My kids learned how to ride their bikes on that street.  Pretty cool stuff.  It is a good taste of Charlotte as well.  Below are pictures of the crew getting everything ready for the shoot.  

August 27th Steve and I have officially been married for 27 years!!  Whoa!  I spent the morning with Nick at his UTI orientation.  He is so excited to FINALLY be starting mechanic school.  

Nick at his orientation.  You can't see the huge smile on his face under the mask, but it is there. 

We got a call from Colorado saying they were filling the job internally but would keep Steve's resume on file for other positions.  We were sad to not get to be near Bradden again.  Trying to stay positive, but it is hard.  

The kids came in for a meet and greet.  Ms. Oneil and I loved getting to see the kids faces for real insted of just on a Zoom screen. 

First day of in-person tutoring.  I love getting to know the kids better.  

I spent the 29th painting the kitchen. It is getting so close to done.  I am excited.  

August 31st, 2020.  Nick's first day at the Nascar Technical Institute.  He LOVED every minute of it.