Hi, everyone! Today was our kiddos' first day - such excitement! We have a new principal and our whole building is buzzing with optimism. Teachers keep coming by my room to see all the great stuff I brought back from Alaska. I am so ready to start on my quilt, but since my classes are "special" (reading support), I won't actually start them until after Labor Day. I am going to use the star saying that was on the bookmarks this summer for the theme. I've designed the center square and I'll have some of my older students design other squares. I'll have all my younger students put their names on fabric squares to scatter around the edges. The whole star theme is how I'm going to start the year.

Jane, my youngest daughter started high school this year, too. She had a great first day yesterday - thanks in huge part to a teacher who made a huge deal over her - he had "heard" that she made varsity softball as a pitcher. (Tee, tell your daughter that all the hard work will pay off).

I hope everyone is as excited about the new year as I am. I'd love to hear how all of you are doing.

Debbie