Spring is here!
Perhaps I am overly optimistic since it snowed last year in May, but I am so excited for warmer weather. I enjoyed practicing some macro photography today with my tulips.


I think this one was my favorite:


My photography session was shortly interrupted by my little hot mess Tucker.


Tucker probably suffers from second-child syndrome. While Jake's life was carefully documented for his scrapbook, I realized I have not taken many pictures of Tucker. Which will be problematic for his scrapbook. So I started today.

What a handsome boy.

He needs a haircut.


I love how he naturally sits in first position.


While Jake and I are kindred spirits and would gladly spend our days soaking up the sun...


...Tucker is always, ALWAYS on the move. Like in this fun action shot here. He looks like he is levitating.


Jake, wake up. Jake, play with me. Jake. Jake! JAKE!


Mommy, Jake won't play with me. Will you?? Here I come!


Jake and Tucker really do have so much fun playing together...when Jake is not busy laying in the sun, of course. And they always want the exact same toy, at the exact same time.


I saved the best for last. No photo shop here, folks. Those crazy eyes are totally real.

I love my puppies- they bring so much joy to my life each day.

As my semester comes to a close (yes, I know it's only April! ), I am looking forward to having a bit more time on my hands. I taught my last class of the semester this morning, during which I got really excited about this one topic but then kind of laughed it off since I knew most of the students didn't really care...

But then I got this email this afternoon:

Hi Kelly,
I just wanted to take a few minutes to thank you for your GSI-ing this semester. You apologized for being passionate and I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for your passion all semester. While this may not come through in this class, I'm a pretty passionate person. My loved ones tell me I care too much about everything all the time, and I'm off to UC next year to start a dual-master's in social service administration (social work) and public policy. My passion lies in education and child welfare policy. My friends tell me I'm a lot to handle sometimes because I don't really stop caring/questioning, and so, as a student, it's been nice to see a GSI deeply passionate about the work she's pursuing. So, thank you for always being so organized and prepared, thank you for answering questions, and thank you for bringing your passion to discussion every week.
Best,
[Student]

So that, my friends, is why I teach. If just one student can be encouraged and find something to be passionate about, it's all worth it. I talked about public health, AIDS, and policy all semester long. And someone was listening.