Our introduction to the Blogging World

Alex and I decided to start a blog so our out-of-town family and friends can know what we're up to. I constantly get grief from people saying we don't call enough, which is true. This way we can share the new things in our lives and the associated pictures at the same time. After all, Alex and I are in an exciting time in our lives.

I started back to school last week for my 6th year. I can't even believe I have been teaching that long. Last year was my best year in a lot of ways. It was my first year as Mrs. Moran. I had great kids... really cool, lots of personality, smart, and lots of my best athletes to date. My FCAT scores were through the roof, and our 4th grade was in the top 10 in the state. This year is slow starting. The bonding process seems slower this year than last year. Some of the kids have zero personality, but I know it's early and I know there are some sweet, smart kids from good families so I'm excited to get to know another 40 kids this year. I've also been teaching long enough now that I have several younger siblings of kids I previously taught, and this year I have the third child from one family to come through my doors... meaning I've been doing this for an amount of time making me OLD. It also means that I have developed a reputation with families (and their friends and neighbors) at my school for being a great and fun teacher. Oh, and I had my 10 year high school reunion a few weeks ago. It was fun. The best part was feeling that I was in the group of those who had changed for the better, in my clothes and hair if nothing else, but also in the other ways people change as they go through their 20s. There were too many people who seemed exactly the same. Here's Jenn and I... some pretty hot mamas, with our guys.

Now for Alex... and saving the best for last because he really has much more exciting things going on right now than I do. Alex is in the middle of his Fire Academy training. He is taking classes two nights per week and all day Sunday. He is loving it and is kicking ass in the classroom and in the field. He is making some new friends, forming a study group with some and working out with others. Sunday is the best day for him because it is the day they do the bulk of their physical activity. He loves the exercise component and is really getting into great shape. Well he was in great shape; he's in even better shape now. His classes continue through October and then he'll take his state exams for certification as a licensed Florida firefighter.