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A sad day for all.....

Hello, from the beautiful state of Idaho. So far we have been having a great adventure, however with every experience there are opportunities for all to go right, or wrong. Today we had a tragic, sad event happen and we are all a little down and out.

Justine, Madison, and I were all saddled up to go on a late morning ride. This was our first ride since arriving 5 days ago, so the three of us were anxious to explore the trails and exercise the horses. I rode a quarter horse named Tuck, a horse known for his good nature and trusty trail rides. The family dogs were going to follow along (as they always do) and we began out journey out away from the barn and up a small hill to a ridge overlooking the ranch. Justin, the lab, and Rocky, the maltese were either beside or in front of us the entire time. They were sniffing, romping, and just plain having fun. All of a sudden my horse, Tuck, slipped/tripped and began to kneel down, got up and went into a sudden cantor at which I pulled the brakes and whiplashed my neck. Tuck and the horse in front of me stepped on Rocky and broke his little neck. He died instantly and as soon as the horses settled down Justine got off her horse and went over to Rocky.

What more can I say? We just burried Rocky and the family is crushed. This little guy was a very special dog, and I also loved him so....much. Please live each day to the fullest and appreciate you animals, because in an instant it can be over. Life is so fragile and precious and we must always remember that.

Michelle<3

First week in Idaho

Hello Friends and Family,

As soon as I remember how to post pictures on this blog, I will send a few :-) We arrived safely, and it has been nonstop all week. From setting up school in one of the trailers, to exercising the horses and learning about ranch life, I have been going full speed ahead.
The family property (3,400 acres)is very beautiful in a remote part of southern Idaho. We are actually just a stones throw from Wyoming. Tomorrow we will go into the town to of Grace ( the new Sun Valley---the billionares took over Sun Valley, and the Millionares are now in Grace--Haha) to do some shopping and exploring. Justine said there is a terrific bookstore and chocolate shop that she wants to visit. She is also quilting and has offered to teach me sometime this trip. So we may get the fabric for that and begin a blanket. Needless to say, this is a very talented and gifted family and the kids are amazing as well.
I will sign off, and hopefully send pictures in the next week. I need my beauty sleep as I forgot my creams and lotions----my cosmetic bag of all things!! Good thing we don't need much out here on the range:-))

Nighty night, Michelle~

Leaving tomorrow:))

Hello again,

Well, we will be taking off tomorrow for the ranch in Grace, Idaho. This year the family is taking Rocky, the maltese, Justin, the lab, and Miss blue, Madison's pony!
Somewhere in St. George, Utah, we will spend the night in a "pet friendly" hotel!!

I have all my curriculum boxed up, however 50% of our lessons are online, so 2 laptops are all we need:-) I have been told that we have internet access on the ranch, however I don't know about my T-Mobile cell phone roaming capabilities. I have downloaded Skype. As soon as I get my microphone figured out, I should be able to communicate with friends and family.

I must admit that I have brilliantly packed up all my things in 2 small cases. For a 6 week trip I will only need jeans, shirts and jackets. Anything else I can borrow from Justine, as she keeps a full wardrobe as well as other supplies at the ranch. I look forward to keeping up this blog, and sending along pictures as the adventure unfolds.

Until my next blog......Adios.....Michelle

My first week...

Hello again,

I have completed my first week of work and feel that it was successful! My teaching hours are 9am-1pm, with prep at my leisure in the afternoon. I have been taking the toll road up to Huntington Beach, however, Sept. 20 we will leave for 6 weeks in Idaho. The family is going to be comprised of 4 adults (me and the nanny), 2 kids and 3 pets. I believe that we will be trailering one or two horses and a motor home as well. This way we can take side trips from the ranch and venture out to see the beautiful country or even head up to Canada! Last year they headed east to Mt Rushmore for a "History" lesson. I am open to any adventure that comes our way:-) The only inconvenience so far is the carting of books and teacher manuals back and forth. Maybe I will do my prepwork at the house before heading home. Yes, this sounds like a plan!!

ttfn Michelle AKA Luvey

First day of work.......

Hello and welcome back to school:-) I have begun my teaching job in Huntington Beach, California, and will be commuting there until mid-September. I have a few luxuries that make this job really pleasant. I can leave my house after rush hour traffic, and wear jeans, shorts, and tee-shirts! We are all very casual and that makes teaching extra special!!

I will be using an assortment of different curriculums and responsible to turn in several work samples for both my students. We will be doing more "hands on" projects and scheduled field trips then a normal class does in Orange County. This week I am assessing my 3rd and 5th grade students and reviewing all the chapters in the textbooks for preliminary lesson planning. Then, I will be fine-tuning the material that is California Standard driven and I can begin to make short term plans. It seems over whelming at first, but I have lots of experience with these grades, so I am confident that it will all come together.

Cheers! Michelle AKA Luvey :-)