happy 3 day weekend!

so, i allowed the kids to ask me some personal questions, to get to know me better. one of the questions was, "what's your favorite song?!" i informed them that there were way too many songs that i love and adore to pick just one. as i saw this, i see a hand in the back shoot up. i ask the student what he has to share and he tells me that "lollipop" by lil wayne is his favorite song ( here is the link, tell me if YOU think a 1st grader should have this as his favorite song: lollipop song & lyrics). i almost died-- on the spot. instead i informed him that it wasn't school appropriate, but i respected his taste in music and then suggested we listen to "down by the bay" on my silly songs cd.
this weekend i was able to meet up with one of my very best friends, PAULINA!!! she was home, in rapid city for her mom and little brother's birthday celebration. it was so good seeing her. my dad always says, "you seem to have a better outlook on life after spending time with paulina." i think that's true. pauli is one of my closest friends because we connect on so many different levels. thanks for a great day, collins family!
yesterday i was able to pick some new posters up for my classroom. holy moly, posters are expensive! i really wanted to get some Lakota--English picture posters, but they were $23 each! so i settled for a paul goble print and a lakota flag song poster. not what i initially wanted, but all i could afford. oh! i was able to get some groceries at fareway--what a delight! an actual grocery store with sales on products other than canned goods. I WAS IN HEAVEN. on my way out of town, i stopped at target and did some damage there, i now have a full length mirror (no more excuses for silly outfits, i can actually see them now), some more prizes for my good behavior treasure box, sticky tac and much, much more! it's amazing how much money i'm spending on my stinkin' classroom.
when i arrived home last night there was a giant spider in my garage. i usually brag about how i am unaffected by these creatures... apparently that is not the case. i had to give myself a pep talk, took some deep breathes, then walked away for a half hour... when i came back it was still there. so, i dominated it with one of my brown minnetonka moccasins.

this morning i was able to catch ali on skype. we discussed some wedding details--she found THE dress, band and possible caterer and i was able to meet baby ava via webcam! what a thrill :) skype has helped me to maintain many friendships, i am so thankful for that techy tool!
as for the remainder of my day, i will be writing lesson plans then going to a labor day party at the home of my student teaching field base supervisor for some yard games and a potluck. i need to get my lessons for this week planned, but also for the following week. i will be going home to verm to celebrate the big 2-5 that is creeping up this friday. i can't wait to see my parents and rijah, and to have some more kitchen utensils--i have had one frying pan for the past month. ugh.
i hope everyone has had a great weekend, spent with family and friends. we are all so blessed :)