My husband Gary and I own a cafe and store.  It is called The Barn.  This is his full time job.  I love the great food!  It is in Climbing Hill, Iowa.  We serve daily specials and have lots of fun with the customers.  It has become a sort of extended family. 

My 21 year old step-son, Ben, is living in Omaha, Nebraska.  He is working hard and going to college.  My 20 year old step-daughter, Krystal is living in Omaha.   My 8 year old step-daughter, Angela is in third grade.  She lives with her mom and comes to our house every other weekend to visit. 

Joshua, my 9 year old, is in third grade.  He attends Sgt. Bluff-Luton School.  His teacher is Mrs. Huse  He loves school and playing with his friends.  He lives with us and visits his dad and step-mom frequently.  He loves to think, create and imagine. 

Samantha is the OURS of the yours, mine and ours family.  She is 6.  She is learning to ride her bike but likes the exercise bike much better.  It doesn't let her get hurt.  Samantha attends Sgt. Bluff-Luton School as well.  She is in first grade.  Her teacher is Mrs. Kasik.  Sami likes to learn, write, color, and draw.  She especially likes to listen to music.

Don't forget "Grandma".  She's my mom and spends a lot of time with us.  We enjoy her company and have fun together.  Grandma not only works full time as a librarian, she is my chauffer, babysitter, assistant teacher, travel companion, but mostly, mom and friend.  She even has a name, Elaine!  When you read below about the Climbing Hill Auction Team, Elaine is a proud member as well.  Unfortunately, she usually is taking kids to the bathroom or get snacks and drinks.

I taught third grade for 6 years at Hinton , Iowa.  I was the library media specialist for 5 years, also at Hinton.  This school year (2001-2002) I am the 6-8 grade technology teacher, the web page designer and the grant writer in the Sergeant Bluff-Luton Community School District.  I love the change and the time that I get to spend with students.

My mentor and administrator for many years, Mr. Gerald Scott, has encouraged me to be a life-long learner.  By studying, reading, practicing and reflecting on my teaching, my professional career has grown to levels I would never have imagined. 

I have one Master's degree in education from Morningside College, in Sioux City, IA. See their web page at http://www.morningside.edu/. 

I also earned a Master's degree in Library and Information Management from the SLIM program at Emporia State University, Emporia, KS. See their web page at: http://www.emporia.edu/s/www/slim/slim.htm 

I have completed the process of National Teacher Certification in the area of Early Childhood Generalist.  I am awaiting the results for sometime at the end of November.  It is a GREAT learning experience. Check out the information on National Teacher Certification at
http://www.nbpts.org/. 

In my "spare time", I teach for Wayne State College through the Regional Education and Distance Learning Office. I teach as adjunct faculty for Morningside College and  I also teach for the Area Education Agencies 4 and 12 in Sioux City and Sioux Center, Iowa.  When I am teaching the on line and on site classes, I get a new charge and love for learning and teaching. 

As for hobbies, I have told you mine; learning, teaching, and my family. When I have spare time, I love to take photos and do scrapbooking. I also LOVE to rubber stamp.  What fun to stamp and scrap! Check out
http://academic.wsc.edu/redl/classes/tami/scrap.html

My newest love is to go to auctions.  We joke about the Climbing Hill Auction Team.  Samantha and I enjoy going to auctions with Ping.   He started as a customer in our restaurant and became an important member of our family.  He even bought a firetruck at one auction...a REAL firetruck with the sirens and the lights!  
 
We have 2 dogs. KC is a yellow lab.  I think he is part horse...but that is just me?!  Popcorn is a rat terrier.  She is a cute thing, but REALLY yippy.  Guess who Popcorn likes to take a nap with...ME!  It's a great excuse to have to rest "The dog needs to get some rest!".  Now Popcorn went for a permanent visit to Krystal's house.  She loves it there and Krystal enjoys having a pet.

That's all about me.  I would love to hear about you.  E-mail me at thebarn@netins.net!

Tami J. Little