Getting back in the groove . . .

This last week students took the PARCC test--the rest of the country's version of the STAAR test.  Students who finish early can read, so I always bring some of my science books, National Geographic magazines, and I decided to bring some of my 'blog' books too (thought it might be interesting for them to learn a little more about Mrs. Bright).  As they were reading them, I recognized how awesome it was that I had all of those memories saved via the blog . . . then I started feeling guilty because I haven't kept up with the blog as I should be doing.  This isn't really a place to share with others, but a way for us (the bright family), to record the information and adventures that we have as a family.  And, I promise to do better.

So, what have we been doing since we moved to New Mexico last June?!?  We have been making friends.  We have been transitioning to new schools, and learning how to do it the New Mexican way.  We have been struggling to deal with the cold weather--the snow days have been really nice though!  And, since Josh put in the wood burning stove, we will be okay--it is so warm!   The kids learned to ski and snowboard.  Josh learned to cross country ski.  We had a fellow Texan move here--Matt Seagrave, who now teaches at my school.  Cameron has gotten her permit to drive!  She has already finished her classes, and is eagerly awaiting her 16th birthday.  She's only hit one mailbox so far.  We've figured out that New Mexican food will never be Tex-Mex, but do enjoy having the option of sopapillas at every meal--and we have learned that red chili is better.  :)  We've tried pinons, and green chili stew (yum!).  One thing is definitely for sure though . . . we love the trails, we love hiking, we love the sunsets, we love the mountains, and we love seeing the Milky Way from our backyard, and while moving isn't always positive, we are glad that New Mexico is our home.

One big highlight this past December . . . Moon Rock!  :)  I had gotten 'licensed' to check out Moon rock from the Johnson Space Center a few years ago, this year I finally had the courage to actually do it.  I had the Moon rocks and meteorite samples for about a week.  My students said, "Mrs. Bright, you look so happy!"  I was.  :)