I have had the BEST day!
After breakfast I kept rolling and unleashed my inner power-cleaning fury on the house! Every room (except the basement – that’s Ben’s domain!) has been swept and/or mopped, disinfected and dusted, from TOP to bottom. I even scrubbed the tub, which I hate! 
Sometimes you just need a day off to do stuff you don’t want to do on the weekends, know what I mean?
It wasn’t all comet and Lysol though – I had a date with my Dad’s fifth grade class this afternoon, so I got cleaned up and had an early, light lunch! First up, strawberries & cheese.
Not at the same time. 
Strawberries are EVERYWHERE right now, but I rarely buy them because I hate cutting them up. Isn’t that lazy of me? At any rate, I just cut the tops off of these babies which took ~1 minute. Why didn’t I think of that sooner?!
A cold colby jack cheese stick was a nice supplement to my berries. Do you eat your cheese sticks like a…stick?…or do you peel them? I eat mine like a stick.
I also had the last of my Summertime Salsa Goat Cheese with Special K Herb & Tomato Crackers.
This goat cheese blend is SPICE-AY! In a really good way though, as I can’t tolerate super hot foods.
Locals: find the Northern Prairie Goat Cheese Stand, at the downtown Farmer’s Market, on the west side of 4th street as you’re heading down to Java Joes. I recommend their products!
And I will not be buying these crackers again because they’re highly addicting. Cracker crack, if you will.
After lunch I set out for my Dad’s school.
Every year, at the end of the year, his students do an “Apprentice” type thing, where each group picks their favorite candy and creates a marketing campaign around it, trying to convince the judges (me, my Mom and my Mom’s coworker) why their candy is the best. They’re supposed to make a poster, power point presentation, bring SAMPLES, create a skit, etc., to try and convince us.
Never underestimate a fifth grader, because these children were whipping out power point presentations that were better than what I could even do!
The Hershey’s Chocolate group had some stellar samples.
The Laffy Taffy group had a nice presentation.
Those kids were very animated (perhaps because they were hopped up on Laffy Taffy?!)
The Snickers group was SO cute!
A couple of them dressed up in blazers, and they even sang a little jingle while one of the boys played his sax. So professional!
The snickers sample didn’t hurt either. 
The Lemon Head group had a fabulous poster,
and excellent presentation of their samples.
Shot glasses!
The Sour Patch Kids group won due to an exceptional poster and choreographed dance routine they busted out.
Oh, and lots of sour patch candy. I was buzzing after all this sugar.
The winning group was supposed to get ice cream, but of course, my Dad brought treats for EVERYONE because “nobody leaves my classroom a loser!” The kids all cheered when he said this – it was hysterical.
My Dad is proof positive that it is never too late to change your life. He worked in the business world for 30+ years before deciding that life is too short to waste it doing something you don’t love. So, at 50 years old, he went back to school and became a fifth grade teacher. I’ve never seen anybody love their job more.
Plus – his kids ADORE him. We’re talking, invite him to all their baseball games, plays, piano recitals… and he goes! It’s so cute!
After I left school, I picked up an awesome frame for a cool postcard I bought when we visited the Laura Plantation on our New Orleans trip.
I LOVE THIS FRAME! It’s so ornate and historical looking! Now I just have to decide where to put it…
Then I made a pit-stop at my local library. I haven’t been here in probably 15 years (there’s that number again!) due to my preference for buying books over borrowing. (GERMS!)
I got over it though.
Apparently, since finishing American Wife, I have a newfound fascination for Laura Bush…weird. I wanted to check out her new memoir, but I’m 39th on the waiting list. Sheesh! I might just go buy it!
Anyways, the author who wrote American Wife said she used this biography as her main source of info on Laura, so I decided to give it a go. I’ll let you know how it is!
Any good books I need to read?! Your suggestions would be so very helpful! (I’m on the waiting list for Prep and The Help, btw!)
Ben and I are still trying to decide what to do for dinner…
What will you be having tonight?
Awwh those kids’ presentations are too cute – what a fun afternoon! I’d love to be a teacher to that age (but not any younger – too sniffy and dirty :p)!
I had homemade lentil and red kidney bean burgers for dinner
Ever since I read American Wife, I’ve been wanting to read a biography on her too! I’ll have to look for that one at the library.
We ordered Chinese – shrimp + veggies :0)
AWWWWW……..Your dad is AMAZING!
This post just made my day
When need more people like you and him in the world
In fact, I love your whole family….you guys seem to be genuinely kind and good people
*We need
]
[Whoa.....it's obviously been a tough week
If you liked “American Wife”, you should check out the author, Curtis Sittenfeld’s first novel, “Prep”. It’s been a while since I read it, but I remember enjoying it. Off the top of my head some titles that come to mind are “The Glass Castle”, “A Thousand Splendid Suns”, “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” (and the following two in the series), “The Help”….and about a million more!
I think I’d get along well with your father. How inspiring that he changed his path to pursue a career which now brings such joy. Teaching will do that to you!
And what a daughter to come and help him along! Have a good weekend!
Love teachers (my profession) and the students too! Those presentations look great! I am now really curious about those books and may have to make my way down to our library.
Hi Kristin,
)
I love buying my own books as well, and I have a GREAT site that has new AND used books, and I’ve NEVER been disappointed. The site is http://www.betterworldbooks.com. They have discounted books, and charge someting ridiculous like $.12 to ship! I have never had a bad experience with this sight, and they have everything under the sun! Also, I am a HUGE fan of New Orleans, and know you’ve become more interested since your visit. I highlyl recommend ’1 Dead in Attic’ written by a NOLA newspaper writer about the year followign the storm. Also, ‘Zeitoun’ about a man who stayed in NOLA after the storm- VERY interesting. I’ve got some other Big Easy books lined up for the summer- I’ll let you know how they are! (I’m a 5th grade teacher like your dad, and have plenty of reading time in the summer
Let me know what you think of the website!
What a fun day! I am about finished with Eat, Pray, Love & I adore it!
I’m off to dinner on the sidewalk downtown at a Mexican place that serves pitchers of margaritas . . . oh boy!
Enjoy the weekend!
That is so refreshing to hear what your dad did to get more out of life. I love hearing about things like this…it just makes me feel good:) Thanks for sharing!
I love that your dad changed careers and loves it! This is something I think about myself. I also loved American Wife and can’t wait to hear what you think of the biography. I really liked “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” series (there are 3 in the series) too.
Your dads story is so awesome – what a neat classroom activity too! Love the idea of framing a trip postcard, too, what a great memory to have.
You might want to read:
http://www.amazon.com/Audacity-Hope-Thoughts-Reclaiming-American/dp/0307237699 (by President Obama)
You always have the best days… oh to be young!
Although I had a wonderful day too!
I’m like 69th on the list for Laura Bush’s book. I just picked up The Help last night. Can’t wait to hear what you think about the biography.
I just finished My Antonia and loved it.
I love that your dad went back to be a teacher. I loved teaching but I went back for ministry and love it even more.
Since you are from Des Moines, it might as well be required reading, but Bill Bryson’s “Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid” is a great book. It is a hilarious memoir of him growing up in Des Moines as a kid! I read it on a plane and was crying I laughed so hard… I’m sure I was quite the site. Definitely check it out. It was so popular the DM Playhouse even made it into a play last summer!
Have you read The Middle Place? It was one of my favorite reads last year, only to be topped by American Wife! It’s a great memoir by a young woman/mother about her struggle with breast cancer.
I saw your parents last weekend that I feel like I know everything that is going on in their life from reading your blog. It was really great meeting them in person. I am totally guilty of wanting to buy books to keep to be proud of on the shelf. I read Prep a few year ago. LOVED IT!!!
Aww… how fun! Your dad looks very familiar. Where does he teach 5th grade at? Such a fun thing for you to do for him!!!
What a great day! My mom taught 5th grade for years after staying home with us and loved it. It’s such a great age because the kids aren’t in the puberty stage yet (well, most aren’t) and they’re just plain sweet! My oldest will be in 5th in the fall *sniff* where does the time go!? So proud to hear your dad took life by the horns and now lives his dream!
We had leftovers tonight since we had our kids’ baseball games after dinner. I would recommend anything by David Sedaris. He’s hilarious and you’ll be laughing/snorting (maybe that’s just me) out loud! Also A Girl Named Zippy is a good read. I can’t remember the author and there are a few other books after that one which continue the story. Let us know what you start!
You’re not alone, Bridger. I agree on David Sedaris…you can’t go wrong there. I met him last fall when he came to one of our local colleges and he is just as funny in person as in his books.
I am also into Philippa Gregory’s queen novels (‘The Other Boleyn Girl’ for example). They are historical fiction, but very little is fiction from them. There are a few books from the Tudor reign and she is working on a series about the War of the Roses right now. All good stuff if you’re into that kind of thing!
Good for your dad! We need more male teachers like him in schools. What a great story. I’m sure his students will remember him (fondly) for the rest of their lives.
LOVE your postcard and the frame is perfect! We ended up at Macaroni Grill for dinner tonight, not somewhere I go often but it was ok.
Books are my ADDICTION! I buy them used though, I could tell you the last time I bought a new book. Since you are into cooking you definitely need to read Julie & Julia if you haven’t. It was SOOO much better than the movie. The book is absolutely hilarious. I am actually picking up the new Laura Bush book at the library tomorrow (I think I started out like 40th on the list, and if your library is like mine, don’t worry it won’t take long til you get it!) and I’m excited to read it. I have also been into the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris. They’re the books that the True Blood series is based on. I could go on and on and on about books I’d recommend but I’d be here all night!
Your dad is so inspiring! Good for him. And I felt the same way about American Wife, and just got Perfect Wife — I’ll be curious to hear what you think about the latter.
That is such a great story! I commend your date for doing that because that is not an easy thing to do at all!! Impressive!
Sounds like a great day for you!
The Middle Place, The Secret Life of Bees, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan are a few that come to mind. Loved reading about your dad’s class–I’m a teacher, now stay at home mom. Inspiring!
I saw somewhere else that you can use an egg slicer to slice up strawberries.
Your dad looks like the sweetest man ever. Teachers really don’t get enough credit imo. It’s hard work! Tonight I went with breakfast for dinner and made a cinnamon, honey, and banana oatmeal.. mostly based on your oatmeal tips and tricks
I also love to read, but admit that I mainly stick with breezy chick lit books that are fun. I adore British humor, and if you do as well you might like the book Thanks For Nothing Nick Maxwell. It’s along the lines of say Bridget Jones Diary and it had me cracking up at my office. Hope that helps, enjoy your weekend 
What a fun idea for a project! I would’ve loved to have done that in 5th grade, a great way to get creative!
I finished American Wife a few weeks ago and am also very interested in learning more about Laura Bush. I guess I’ll wait a little while to get her book at the library, since I’m too lazy to buy books!;)
How inspiring your dad switched careers – we need more dedicated teachers like him!
Your dad’s career change is inspiring. And that’s what’s propelled me out of anonymity to comment…along with the fact that my 11-year old cousin is in your dad’s class! She was just telling me about her Apprentice presentation tonight. Her group went last, but I didn’t catch what candy she presented. I hope she was part of the winning sour patch kids group
Plus, just a few weeks ago, she was telling me (excitedly) how your dad showed up to her piano recital. Truly, he is a fantastic teacher.
The Glass Castle is a must-read!Also, I recently read The Book Thief, which was excellent. I think it’s technically for teens or “young adults,” but it’s one of those books that I can’t stop thinking about – it’s about a young German girl during WWII-amazing!
What a fun day!! My moms a teacher 3rd grade
I’m going to start reading the Carrie diaries – tonight it’s take out and a movie with a nice bottle of wine – a perfect date night – ps you HAVE to read honeymoon with my brother – it’s about a guy who gets left at the alter and then gets demoted at his job all in the same week; from the title you can guess what he does next 
sooo good u would love it cause it’s about traveling too!!
LOVE what your dad did in his classroom. I’m working on my elementary ed degree too! I LOVE kids and also am a full supporter of never staying in a job that doesn’t satisfy you! 80% of americans are unhappy in their jobs. sad day!
The Horse Whisperer, if you haven’t read it yet!. Am reading it now, i can hardly put down that book. though i have not watched the movie. will try to resist watching till i finish the book or else it will ruin my reading of it!
Wow, good for your dad! He looks more like a teacher than a businessman
prep is really good!
I second The Glass Castle, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Im currently reading The Book Thief. I also really enjoyed The Hunger Games. I thought it sounded weird but once I started I couldnt put it down!
That’s SO SWEET about your dad!! Kids seem to always love male teachers for some reason.. and we certainly need more! Those presentations are SO CUTE too!
I just have to comment that my dad did the exact same career change when I was in college. He was (still kind of is) a journalist and updated his teaching credentials to become a high school newspaper and yearbook teacher/adviser. The students LOVE him! and some even take his elective classes because he’s an outstanding teacher. Love hearing stories about people going back to school to do what they are most passionate about!
ps-I teach 4th grade and was very impressed with the presentations!
Well, I’m sort of a book junkie so this is a tough question!! 2 of my favorites that I recommend to everyone are The Hospital by the River and Mountains Beyond Mountains…they will literally change your life! Oh, and have you checked out Goodreads.com? Its a MUST for anyone who loves organization as much as I do. You can create “bookshelves” for yourself, and you can organize books according to “read”, “to-read”, or “currently reading”, and its really addictive! It helps me remember all the books I keep saying I want to read!
omg! When do kids in DesMoines get out of school for the summer?! My kids have been out for 2 weeks in Kansas City!
Those are FIFTH graders!? Amazing.
When I was in the fifth grade we didn’t utilize Power Point (or even computers)… it was a bit different back in the late 80s/early 90s…
I’ve read both Prep and The Help. The Help is much smarter than Prep… The Help is one of my favorite books I’ve read – it’s that good. I couldn’t put it down.
I think you’ve completed your list, but a great memoir is Hope’s Boy… about a boy in foster care. Very good, very moving.
The first book that popped into my mind was A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. I love that book.
I was the exact.same.way after reading that book! I too went to the local library and found the wait for her biographies were super long. I will probably try again in a few weeks though.
Can I just say how much I LOVE it when you write about your dad??? He just seems like an AWESOME individual…and I know you think so too!
My heart just warms when you write about him.
(I just wanted to say that…I love the rest of your blog too!
especially being a fellow Iowan and hyvee employee..I can tell you’re a loyal shopper! 
)
@Abby…Thanks so much for sharing the website for betterworldbooks.com. I checked it out and found many of the above books in the bargain bin. Five books for $15 and free shipping! So Exciting!!
The Lake Shore Limited by Sue Miller–I’m reading it now and haven’t been this entranced by a book in a really long time!
Kristin, I can’t tell you how much this post made me smile. I have recently decided to go back to school to become a teacher as well and seeing your dad was very encouraging! THANK YOU!!
I recently read “Firefly Lane” and “Water for Elephants”. Loved both of them. I couldn’t read them fast enough!
Hearing the story of your dad’s reinvention of his life gives me hope. Thanks. And I love the frame. did you find that at a chain store, where I might also find one, or some place local? love your blog and have been turning my friends onto it as well.
Awww, I love the story about your dad! I’m doing the EXACT same thing… heading back to school for Education after being in the professional sales world. Although I am only 28, it’s super scary. I’m hoping to start in the Fall at Drake and will ultimately end up with a Masters in El. Ed. I am beyond excited and cannot wait to get started.
I think you will like Prep. Have you ever check out Half Price Books? It’s on University in the same strip mall as Kohls and you can find all those books there for super cheap.
Tell your dad I think it’s so cool what he did! I’m definitely inspired.