20 minutes until Grey's...can't wait...Jay is hoping that Hahn and Torres kiss again. Gross! That is one story line I could have lived my entire life without! I heard they are writing Hahn out though, because the network is not cool with the way the show is going, if you know what I mean!
Thursday...let's see. Mr. Obama is still the President-elect. I worked today. I taught 8th grade and 5th grade. I was also able to visit with Carlos for a bit. It's always good to hear his laugh. Mary, Alex and I went to the playground after school and we spent a good 3 hours there playing. Nathan and McKennah were there, Jackie, Katie, and David came, and finally the other Nathan and Becca showed up. Lots of people. We didn't go to karate because the kids were playing so nicely. I know we told Jake we'd be there today but they were just having such a great time. I hope he will be there tomorrow so we can get his birthday party invitation.
Mary had to soak in the tub for a long time tonight - she was that dirty. Yuck. That's what playing in the dirt and woodchips will do to you. Tomorrow is the last day of Alex's restriction. He has been talking non stop about not forgetting to turn in his homework tomorrow. He is on it and he will not forget! I hope this worked and he will continue to work hard and remember his responsibilities. It's so hard being 7!
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Life Is Good
I went out to dinner tonight with Tara and Natalie. It is always good to recharge with my girls - especially when it's just us. We laughed, we planned a shower, we laughed some more. I hated having to go home!
Last night was church. Tuesday night was Bunko. It was at Lisa's house and it was wonderful. Of course I only won a stupid consolation prize but the rest of the night was great. Amy went for the first time. She was a last minute sub and I think she had a good time. I am hosting Bunko in November and I have already purchased most of my prizes. I am SO excited about it.
The kids are great. They have each had a turn with strep - all on different weeks, of course. Mary was the last one. The little baby had a fever of 104 for two days. Once we got the drugs in her she was good but I hated that she had to feel bad. I stayed home with her on Monday and Jay was able to work from home and stay with her on Tuesday. I have been working hard on making a sub lesson plan so that I won't have to think twice about calling in sick next time. It's hard for me to think that far in advance, much less have all of the materials ready. One in advance? It may as well be a year! Some teachers don't have a problem with it, in fact some teachers have their entire school year planned out before the year even starts. Not me. Considering I have been a teacher for about 5 minutes, it's hard to do! But I know it will get easier with time and I am looking forward to when it doesn't take me so long to get one class together. It will come.
Okay, enough blogging. Must go play Word Challenge...
Last night was church. Tuesday night was Bunko. It was at Lisa's house and it was wonderful. Of course I only won a stupid consolation prize but the rest of the night was great. Amy went for the first time. She was a last minute sub and I think she had a good time. I am hosting Bunko in November and I have already purchased most of my prizes. I am SO excited about it.
The kids are great. They have each had a turn with strep - all on different weeks, of course. Mary was the last one. The little baby had a fever of 104 for two days. Once we got the drugs in her she was good but I hated that she had to feel bad. I stayed home with her on Monday and Jay was able to work from home and stay with her on Tuesday. I have been working hard on making a sub lesson plan so that I won't have to think twice about calling in sick next time. It's hard for me to think that far in advance, much less have all of the materials ready. One in advance? It may as well be a year! Some teachers don't have a problem with it, in fact some teachers have their entire school year planned out before the year even starts. Not me. Considering I have been a teacher for about 5 minutes, it's hard to do! But I know it will get easier with time and I am looking forward to when it doesn't take me so long to get one class together. It will come.
Okay, enough blogging. Must go play Word Challenge...
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Success!
Our first week at school was a success. The kids all enjoyed the start to the new academic year and I managed to stay employed at my new job. I worked three days this week (and yesterday I had only one class) and it all went well. I learned a lot about everything. I see how I'm going to have to do things differently for some classes and how others will just be easy peasy. But in general, they are all good kids and it will be a good year.
Liv LOVES middle school. She has made a ton of new friends, she has old friends in her homeroom, she has made new friends on the bus. She is going to join the orchestra and the running club. Wow! That sounds great! She is still reading like a madwoman and we can't seem to stop that but I guess we could have worse problems.
Alex is satisfied with his class. He has his friend David in class with him which is great and he seems to like the dynamics of the class. They did a bunch of assessments the first week so there wasn't much work going on. But he is happy and that's what counts.
Mary is a rock star! She loves kindergarten! I could not have asked for this experience to go any better. She is excited to go, loves her teacher, and has new friends. She loves to eat in the cafeteria and prefers to buy a lunch over getting a packed lunch. She insists they are not learning anything at school because they are just there to have fun. Yet she comes home every day and randomly lets me know all the things she has learned: "Mommy, did you know the heart is a muscle? Did you know I can count to 100 by 10s?", etc. Good for you MayMay! I'm glad you aren't learning anything!
So, God is good and He has blessed us beyond measure this week. I can't wait to see what next week will bring.
Liv LOVES middle school. She has made a ton of new friends, she has old friends in her homeroom, she has made new friends on the bus. She is going to join the orchestra and the running club. Wow! That sounds great! She is still reading like a madwoman and we can't seem to stop that but I guess we could have worse problems.
Alex is satisfied with his class. He has his friend David in class with him which is great and he seems to like the dynamics of the class. They did a bunch of assessments the first week so there wasn't much work going on. But he is happy and that's what counts.
Mary is a rock star! She loves kindergarten! I could not have asked for this experience to go any better. She is excited to go, loves her teacher, and has new friends. She loves to eat in the cafeteria and prefers to buy a lunch over getting a packed lunch. She insists they are not learning anything at school because they are just there to have fun. Yet she comes home every day and randomly lets me know all the things she has learned: "Mommy, did you know the heart is a muscle? Did you know I can count to 100 by 10s?", etc. Good for you MayMay! I'm glad you aren't learning anything!
So, God is good and He has blessed us beyond measure this week. I can't wait to see what next week will bring.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Another milestone. The baby has gone to kindergarten. She is now a woman and will soon be splitting the grocery bill. She is also going to start cutting the grass. Good for you Jay!
Today was the day that I dreaded for the last five years. I knew it was coming....I know it would soon be here. But this morning when I woke up, I silently said to myself, "okay Mom, are you ready for this?" And just as I said that I answered myself with an emphatic NO! I wanted to roll back over and cover my head with a pillow and never, ever come out. It's a good thing I had to pee so bad or our day might not have gotten underway.
Like always, Liv was up at the crack of dawn. I mean at around 6am. She should get a job delivering milk. Wait, they don't do that anymore, do they? Okay, she should get a job herding cattle or better yet...she should get a job learning to make the doughnuts. Yeah, that would be great! Okay, so she's already up when I get up to go to the bathroom. And as usual, she chooses that moment to come in and start talking to me. Me, sitting on the toilet - how am I supposed to be cheery at that moment? I'm hoping she'll soon figure out that early visits to Mommy's bathroom = grumpy mommy for the rest of the morning.
Back to the story. Liv is up, dressed, and eating breakfast when I go to wake up the twins. (You know they aren't really twins, right?). Alex is complaining that he didn't get enough sleep so I immediately distract him by talking about his breakfast bagel. It worked. He remembered there was pizza so he jumped right out of bed and started getting dressed. Mary is usually easy to wake up, especially when she has somehow sneaked into my bed in the middle of the night. I love her awake and she rushes to get dressed - it is, after all, a most special day!
The twins start eating, though Mary is really flighty - playing w/ Otis a lot. But that is really par for the course. I pack their backpacks, fix hair, wash faces, make sure teeth get brushed - all those wonderful domestic super mommy duties I have grown to love. All of a sudden it is time to GO (especially after Jay fixes the kitchen clocks to reflect the correct time). Off we go! Mary is having no problem at all. Neither is Alex. Me? Not so much. I was actually doing fine until the bus driver, Mrs. Allen, tells me that she can't believe that my baby is going to school. Thanks lady. Okay, I'll admit it. There were tears. What are you made of stone? Of course I cried! My baby was gone. She was finally on that yellow bus! There is no going back now! No more preschool, days off, or even half days. Ahhhhhhh! Here come the tears. Again.
Okay. Round 1 done.
Liv's bus came about 45 minutes later. We sat outside with the cat waiting patiently. She was so excited. So the bus came, I waved to the bus driver, then I waved to my first baby sitting on that big, scary bus. And then it hit me. Forget about my little baby going to kindergarten - holy crap my oldest has just gone to middle school! There are bad people there. There are mean kids, there are ugly trailers, there is a whole world there that she will have to learn to live in and I won't be there! So I had myself a good cry. And then I forced myself to remember that we have raised her as well as we can. She is a godly child, she knows right from wrong, she has a good foundation - better than most. She will be fine. Won't she?
Okay. Round 2 done.
Round 3? That's a different story. Tomorrow is my first day of work. I think I'm going to start crying again.
Today was the day that I dreaded for the last five years. I knew it was coming....I know it would soon be here. But this morning when I woke up, I silently said to myself, "okay Mom, are you ready for this?" And just as I said that I answered myself with an emphatic NO! I wanted to roll back over and cover my head with a pillow and never, ever come out. It's a good thing I had to pee so bad or our day might not have gotten underway.
Like always, Liv was up at the crack of dawn. I mean at around 6am. She should get a job delivering milk. Wait, they don't do that anymore, do they? Okay, she should get a job herding cattle or better yet...she should get a job learning to make the doughnuts. Yeah, that would be great! Okay, so she's already up when I get up to go to the bathroom. And as usual, she chooses that moment to come in and start talking to me. Me, sitting on the toilet - how am I supposed to be cheery at that moment? I'm hoping she'll soon figure out that early visits to Mommy's bathroom = grumpy mommy for the rest of the morning.
Back to the story. Liv is up, dressed, and eating breakfast when I go to wake up the twins. (You know they aren't really twins, right?). Alex is complaining that he didn't get enough sleep so I immediately distract him by talking about his breakfast bagel. It worked. He remembered there was pizza so he jumped right out of bed and started getting dressed. Mary is usually easy to wake up, especially when she has somehow sneaked into my bed in the middle of the night. I love her awake and she rushes to get dressed - it is, after all, a most special day!
The twins start eating, though Mary is really flighty - playing w/ Otis a lot. But that is really par for the course. I pack their backpacks, fix hair, wash faces, make sure teeth get brushed - all those wonderful domestic super mommy duties I have grown to love. All of a sudden it is time to GO (especially after Jay fixes the kitchen clocks to reflect the correct time). Off we go! Mary is having no problem at all. Neither is Alex. Me? Not so much. I was actually doing fine until the bus driver, Mrs. Allen, tells me that she can't believe that my baby is going to school. Thanks lady. Okay, I'll admit it. There were tears. What are you made of stone? Of course I cried! My baby was gone. She was finally on that yellow bus! There is no going back now! No more preschool, days off, or even half days. Ahhhhhhh! Here come the tears. Again.
Okay. Round 1 done.
Liv's bus came about 45 minutes later. We sat outside with the cat waiting patiently. She was so excited. So the bus came, I waved to the bus driver, then I waved to my first baby sitting on that big, scary bus. And then it hit me. Forget about my little baby going to kindergarten - holy crap my oldest has just gone to middle school! There are bad people there. There are mean kids, there are ugly trailers, there is a whole world there that she will have to learn to live in and I won't be there! So I had myself a good cry. And then I forced myself to remember that we have raised her as well as we can. She is a godly child, she knows right from wrong, she has a good foundation - better than most. She will be fine. Won't she?
Okay. Round 2 done.
Round 3? That's a different story. Tomorrow is my first day of work. I think I'm going to start crying again.
Friday, August 8, 2008
School
I have been meaning to come to this blog for some time now. Poor neglected blog. I just get to reading everyone else's blog and then it's so late that I feel like I have to go to sleep. You know, since I have to get up and go to w-o-r-k now. But, I think my audience of one will forgive me.
We've just come in from the pool. It was hot but it felt really good in the shade so I didn't even make it in the water this time. The Alexes played great, as always. Riley and Liv played well too but I have to say, I missed little May May! She was at Ashlyn's...and is actually still there. I called over there to see if they girls wanted to swim but Joel said he thought they were happy playing and he didn't want to interrupt them. I just called again to say we were home but he said they were still doing fine. Whatever! Some peace and quiet!!!
Okay - onto the topic of the day. I know you are all dying to hear about my job. Yikes - it is still weird to say that. So, I went to pre-planning on Monday very nervous. I took the kids and dropped them at the daycare at the school. Even though they were in the same building, it was weird. Anyway, we had meetings all morning but I learned a lot of new info that helped me a lot. I was able to meet some of the new teachers and some of the old teachers that I didn't know already. Even though I've taught there for two years, I've never been required to attend faculty meetings or do anything "official" so after the meetings and the new teacher orientation, I felt much better. I now know all about the fire/tornado drill procedure, the workroom rules, I know all about the Laminating Lady, I know how to use the complicated copier. It was very informative. I was able to start working in my classroom - can you believe I have my own classroom? Yippee! I re arranged the desks, cleaned out my big new teacher desk, cleaned out the shelves and cabinets - man! Mrs. DePue had a lot of junk! I mean a lot. Papers everywhere. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out my lesson plans. I am still not sure about long term LPs because I just don't know what level my students will be. I have a lot of ideas. I have so much at my disposal I just need to pray that my creative juices flow. I went to Orientation last night and met a lot of my students. They were TALL! I was a little intimidated. But I am seriously looking forward to my first day - which thankfully isn't until Tuesday. I have time to get my nails and hair done on Monday. That reminds me, I need to call the place and make an appt.
So, that's all the news. I wish I had some witty banter or funny stories to share but not today. Today is Friday. TGIF! I wish everyday could be Friday.
We've just come in from the pool. It was hot but it felt really good in the shade so I didn't even make it in the water this time. The Alexes played great, as always. Riley and Liv played well too but I have to say, I missed little May May! She was at Ashlyn's...and is actually still there. I called over there to see if they girls wanted to swim but Joel said he thought they were happy playing and he didn't want to interrupt them. I just called again to say we were home but he said they were still doing fine. Whatever! Some peace and quiet!!!
Okay - onto the topic of the day. I know you are all dying to hear about my job. Yikes - it is still weird to say that. So, I went to pre-planning on Monday very nervous. I took the kids and dropped them at the daycare at the school. Even though they were in the same building, it was weird. Anyway, we had meetings all morning but I learned a lot of new info that helped me a lot. I was able to meet some of the new teachers and some of the old teachers that I didn't know already. Even though I've taught there for two years, I've never been required to attend faculty meetings or do anything "official" so after the meetings and the new teacher orientation, I felt much better. I now know all about the fire/tornado drill procedure, the workroom rules, I know all about the Laminating Lady, I know how to use the complicated copier. It was very informative. I was able to start working in my classroom - can you believe I have my own classroom? Yippee! I re arranged the desks, cleaned out my big new teacher desk, cleaned out the shelves and cabinets - man! Mrs. DePue had a lot of junk! I mean a lot. Papers everywhere. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out my lesson plans. I am still not sure about long term LPs because I just don't know what level my students will be. I have a lot of ideas. I have so much at my disposal I just need to pray that my creative juices flow. I went to Orientation last night and met a lot of my students. They were TALL! I was a little intimidated. But I am seriously looking forward to my first day - which thankfully isn't until Tuesday. I have time to get my nails and hair done on Monday. That reminds me, I need to call the place and make an appt.
So, that's all the news. I wish I had some witty banter or funny stories to share but not today. Today is Friday. TGIF! I wish everyday could be Friday.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Another Week
This past week has been difficult at best. For lots of reasons. But there have also been happy moments. This week was Teacher Appreciation Week at MCCS. The kiddos always make me feel so special. They gave me flowers, gift cards, lotions, candy, and I even won a door prize. Yeah me! They talk when they don't need to. They don't listen half the time. They want to talk about stuff that has nothing to do with Spanish. But they are all so special. I love hearing their little opinions and their reactions to the things we are learning. Excellente classe!
Thank you Lord, for planting joys among my sorrows. You always take care of my every need.
"Our joys are made better if there be sorrow in the midst of them. And our sorrows are made bright by the joys that God has planted around about them." (Streams in the Desert, M. Cowman)
Thank you Lord, for planting joys among my sorrows. You always take care of my every need.
"Our joys are made better if there be sorrow in the midst of them. And our sorrows are made bright by the joys that God has planted around about them." (Streams in the Desert, M. Cowman)
Friday, January 4, 2008
Citizen of the Month
Olivia was chosen as Citizen of the Month for her fifth grade class. Jay, Mary and I enjoyed a brief celebration this morning at her school where she was presented with a certificate. Her chorus also sang for us in preparation for their January 17th concert at the Capitol. We were very proud. This was Olivia's second time receiving this honor - there is only one chosen each month and there are only nine school months. With 22+ kids in her class, well, not everyone is able to be chosen. And since I finally got my new camera (!) I was able to take some good shots and also to take some videos of them singing. Now hopefully I will be able to upload the pics and video to the blog.
Liv and her certificate (upside down!)
The boys playing silly games
Mary with her dog Coconut.
Olivia receiving her certificate
from Dr. Epperson
Liv and her certificate (upside down!)
Mary and Olivia
In other random news, today was Mary's first day back at school and my first day back at work. I had to struggle to remember my class schedule - it seems like forever since school let out for the holidays! Someone had the cute idea for the teachers to have "secret pals" and give anonymous gifts in January and February. I received one today. It's a nice idea and kind of fun to wonder who had your name, but we are limited to $1-$3 for each gift. What can you possibly get for that amount? And I have a teacher that I've never even met before. But I do have a list of her likes and favorite things.
Otis went out the other night and stayed out for 24 hours! He chose the coldest night of the season to go catting around. We were all very worried about him and the kids were especially anxious. He came home wet, cold, and with a partially frozen tail. And starved for food and attention. Needless to say, he hasn't gone out at all today.
We went over to the Turner's for dinner tonight. Very casual...pizza, sodas, playstation...it was all good.
The boys playing silly games
The kids playing in Ashlyn's
playroom
And just because she's cute...
Mary with her dog Coconut.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Parties and more parties
We are finally done with all of the kids' holiday parties. Alex had his this past Monday at 9am! Who wants to party at 9am?? Luckily, Monday was the first day of Jay's vacation so he was able to "party" with us.
Today we had Mary's party at 11am and Olivia's at 1pm. Mary's was a lunch and then the kids made gingerbread houses - they loved, loved, loved making them. Who doesn't love frosting and all the candy you can eat? I read a story to them (The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado) and then we had our book exchange. After the presentation of the teachers' gifts we rushed out and headed to Liv's party.
Liv's class had pizza and cake - even though they just got back from lunch. I had sent in some sugar cookies which were gone in no time. While they were eating, Mrs. Davis ran a game of Bingo - the kids enjoyed it a lot, especially since there were lots of prizes. Thanks to the room mom who made it all happen! The older the kids get, it seems harder to get parental participation and also to find something they can enjoy in a short amount of time. But bingo fit the bill pretty well. Since the day was just about over, I checked Liv out and we all went home.
Liv's class had pizza and cake - even though they just got back from lunch. I had sent in some sugar cookies which were gone in no time. While they were eating, Mrs. Davis ran a game of Bingo - the kids enjoyed it a lot, especially since there were lots of prizes. Thanks to the room mom who made it all happen! The older the kids get, it seems harder to get parental participation and also to find something they can enjoy in a short amount of time. But bingo fit the bill pretty well. Since the day was just about over, I checked Liv out and we all went home.
Only one more day to go until we are all officially on vacation. Can't wait. We are barely hanging on for the last few days. It has been SO hard to get the kids up and out this week. I know they are tired and anxious for their vacation. I'm with you kiddos!
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