May 31, 2008

This morning Michael took Caleb to his first day of t-ball. One of the little girls that Michaela was friends with in pre-school and actually up until they started first grade was there at the park. Her dad is Caleb's coach. Michael is helping coach again. But, Michaela and I did not go to the park yesterday. We had errands to run.

We did the bank thing. Then, we went to Walmart. Our Wal-mart has a really nice nail salon in it where Michaela and I get pedicures and we did that first before our shopping. Then, we did the shopping we needed to do. We stopped at Blockbuster on the way home, but they didn't have the movie Michaela wanted so she got Marble Mania for the Wii instead. Next stop was Taco Bell and then home so we could all eat.

After lunch Michael went off with his dad to buy what he needed to finish putting in our garden. I got laundry started and the kids were playing Wii for a while before going outside to play. It was so nice most of the day yesterday. Hot, but sunny and so summery.

After I got a couple loads of laundry done and a small nap in, I decided to go out and plant my flowers. I have five outdoor pots (one is a giant tea cup I bought Friday night) that I put flowers in every year. When I got outside I realized I'd not bought enough flowers to fill all my pots. So, Caleb and I went to Lowe's. I only found one flower there I liked so we went to Wal-mart. Yes, sometimes I think that is my second home. I got some more flowers there and then we came home.

I spent the next hour or so getting my f lowers into their pots and putting the pots where I wanted them. Just as I started cleaning up my mess it started sprinkling a little. Not a big deal except by the time the kids and I actually got inside it was POURING down rain and thundering. Michael and all his tools were still outside. So, he got drenched. It was a storm that formed over us because before I went outside there was NOTHING on the radar. So, I helped Michael get his tools dried off and cleaned out the dishwasher. I was a little upset because we had pork chops we were getting ready to grill.

By the time Michael got everything inside and got himself in the shower it had stopped, but there was more rain coming. So, somehow we managed to get the pork chops grilled between storms. The four of us gathered in the living room to watch Pirates of the Caribbean 2. Three of us fell asleep. Michaela is the only one who did not fall asleep in front of the television last night. I guess we were all tired.

Needless to say Michael did not get what he wanted to accomplished finished. Hopefully tomorrow after church he can. They've dropped our chance for rain to about 10% for today instead of 30% which is what we had yesterday.

May 30, 2008

It's Friday! Next Friday will be the beginning of my last weekend from which I must awaken on Monday until August. I have 7 days of work left for the school year. I'm working really hard to get all my paperwork done this weekend so I can work on packing up my classroom next week. Well, I should say all the paperwork I can do at home. There is some stuff I cannot do at home.

Tonight we bought the kids new baseball gloves. Caleb starts a new season of t-ball tomorrow morning. Michaela plays catch with him and Daddy some. I also got a giant tea cup planter while we were at Wal-mart. I wanted one last year, but by the time I got around to buying one they were gone. There were three left tonight when we were there and one was chipped.

I've been watching Kingdom Hospital tonight. It's a little weird, but interesting. I'm going to sit down on the couch in a little bit and look at the park summer brochure and the YMCA summer brochure. I need to get back into the water aerobics stuff.

I would have done it earlier, but I've gotten addicted to three games on Facebook. They are Blocky, Word Bubble and Northwest Trail. I tend to get lost in those games and forget the time. They are so much fun.

May 29, 2008

The season finale of LOST is on tonight. I am so looking forward to it. It's supposed to be really good.

I have 8 days of work left for this school year.

We have 47 days left until we leave for Destin.

May 28, 2008

It's hump day. I have 9 days of work left for the school year. I am so ready for this summer break.

Happy 9th Birthday, Michaela!

Nine years ago today my little girl was born. She was born at 6:03 pm on a Thursday evening via emergency c-section. She was a month early and weighed only 4 lbs when we brought her home. She was such a little peanut.

I cannot believe she's 9 years old already. This week she finishes her last week in 3rd grade. She's just growing up too fast.

Michaela got to open her presents this evening. She got the Polly Pocket Jumbo Jet, two Polly Pocket Stackable Studios, two Barbie movies and an outfit. All of it I bought at Christmas time for unbelievable prices except the outfit. I bought it yesterday at Wal-mart and it was not expensive either. I think in all I spent what the Jumbo Jet would have cost by itself if I hadn't found it at such a bargain price. She loved it all.

Then, we went to CEC for supper. The kids had a blast as usual. We came home with another 433 tickets. They should be about ready to cash their tickets in. I think we'll do that sometime this summer.

After we got home Michael's parents came over to give Michaela her present from them. They got her Playground for the Wii. She and Caleb love that game. They showed off their skills for Grammy and Papa after we all ate cake. I think Michaela really enjoyed her birthday.

May 26, 2008

And, so Memorial Day weekend is coming to an end. I don't get another non Saturday/Sunday off again until my school year is over. But, that's ok because there are only 11 days left of the school year. Tomorrow begins the trek to the light at the end of the tunnel.

Today was a good day. I'm very happy with the way it went. I got laundry started this morning and then went to Wal-mart. I needed dishwaher detergent and laundry detergent. While I was there I found some clothing items on sale. Michaela now has three more pairs of shorts and three more shirts for summer. Caleb has two more pairs of shorts. And, I have three new shirts and a pair of capris. I got some really good deals too. Oh, and I got two pairs of the Wal-mart brand of Croc type shoes.

When I got home it was time for the kids and I to leave. We had plans to go to the movies. We went out to the mall to see the movie. While we were walking to the theater, we went by two stores that had Webkinz in them and we looked at them. I owed them each a new one and told them after the movie we'd buy them.

Then, it was on to the theater. We went to see Speed Racer. All three of us were really excite about it. I've been wanting to see it so badly since I saw the first preview. I LOVED the cartoon Speed Racer when I was a kid. It was my very favorite. And, the movie did not disappoint me. But, then again as I said I loved Speed Racer as a kid. The kids both loved it, too. It was so much fun. It didn't even seem like it was more than two hours long. It's a bit cheesy in the effects, but then again the cartoon was pretty cheesy, but I loved it all the same.

After the movie we went into one of the stores with the Webkinz. Michaela got the pink dragon. Caleb got the blue rhino. They both are thrilled with their new Webkinz. I told Michaela as part of her birthday we'd order her a Webkinz bracelet sometime this week.

When we got home Michael had cleaned the carpet and was ready to go exchange his cellphone. He decided that he did want a Rumor, too instead of the flip phone he'd oringinally gotten. His rumor is black with a blue qwerty. We then went to Best Buy and got him a phone case that he could live with because the one that Sprint sells for the Rumor is very bulky. We also bought a cleaner for the Wii.

Then, we went out to eat at a local mexican restaurant. Once we got home, I got to work on the laundry and Michael went to get the birthday present I bought Michaela at Christmas time from his parents' house. He's been mowing ever since he got home. I colored my hair and now I need to go wrap Michaela's presents.

May 25, 2008

Happy Birthday to Karen, my SIL. And, happy birthday to Abby. Karen is 33 today and Abby is 11. Abby didn't feel too well this morning. She yelped in the middle of the night and then went to hide under the bed. At about 8:00 am I finally coaxed her out. It seemed after she ate and moved around some she was better. She's acting like our dog again.

We went to my mom's for BBQ today, but of course had to spend most of the time inside because it was raining AGAIN! I'm sick of rain. In case I hadn't mentioned it before. It was a nice meal and believe it or not we all got along the whole time.

Of course my mom, Karen and I talked in the kitchen and some outside between rain storms and the men stayed in the living room watching baseball. That probably helped. We stayed there until early evening and then came home.

My brother and Karen followed us home. Brandon played Mario Kart with Caleb some. It made him decide he wants a Wii. Then, the kids and I "showed off" on DDR. *LOL* None of us are any good at it, but it's still fun.

May 24, 2008

I'm so tired of rain and clouds! It was supposed to be hot and sunny today. Instead it's chilly and rainy most of the day. And, cloudy when it wasn't raining. We had planned on getting our garden in today. Michael wanted to mow at the duplex and next door. This evening he did get some mowing in done at the duplex, but that was it.

We spent the morning doing errands and the kids did their chores. I made a birthday card for my SIL and Michaela made a birthday card for the little girl who had her party today. Michael napped a lot this afternoon.

I took Michaela to the birthday party and then went to Best Buy. I bought another Wii Wheel and DDR for Wii. I'm going to try out the DDR tonight. I'm excited about that.

I just wish we'd go a couple weeks with no rain. We've had more rain the past two months than we had all year last year. It's starting to get annoying. Now they're saying it's going to rain the whole holiday weekend.

May 23, 2008

TGIF!

I am so glad that it is Friday. I swear this is the school year that never ends. It's the end of May and I still have two and a half weeks of work to go. Michaela's last day of school is next Friday. Then, she and Caleb go to Guppy for another week. They will be with Grammy and Papa for the last two days that I have to work. Those will be their first two days of Camp Read A Lot.

The kids played outside in until about 8:45 p.m. tonight. It was a really nice day. It's supposed to get into the 80's tomorrow. It should be a great weekend most of the weekend. As of this morning they were only predicting rain for Monday afternoon or evening. I'm just very grateful for three days off in a row. I hope it gives me the rest I need to face the last 11 days of school.

May 22, 2008

I'm so glad it's almost the weekend. This has been a really stressful week at work. The students' behavior is going downhill quickly. This is just the very worst time of the school year. Although, we did have a fun assembly today and the kids were pretty good during it. It was the orchestra students and bad students and school choir performing. We also had dancers. One of our aides teaches dance to girls who wish to participate. It was a lot of fun.

Tonight was just a quiet night at home. The kids played one the Wii. I messed around on Facebook and Michael worked on stuff for work. I also watched the season fianle of Grey's Anatomy.

May 21, 2008

Tonight was Michaela's last official Girl Scout meeting of the year. We had to go to a mall that is about half an hour from our house when there's no traffic. But, we had to be there by 6:30 so of course we got to sit in rush hour traffic. I have only been to this mall once since it re-opened. Several years ago it was rebuilt and had been closed during that period. We were meeting at Build A Bear in the mall and I had no idea where it was. I'm also not used to this mall so I just parked at the closest parking lot that I came to. This of course was on the complete opposite end of the mall from where I wanted to be and the mall is a VERY long mall.

The girls all got to build a teddy bear (either light brown or dark brown) and put a Brownie uniform on it. They also got ribbons to decorate the bears. It was cute. I managed to forget my camera. They had a lot of fun, though.

May 20, 2008

Not a whole lot going on here today. Normal work and school stuff. Michael mowed the lawn. The kids and I hung out at home for the evening. Work was uneventful.

Oh, but something I forgot to blog about yesterday was that ugly tree our neighbors used to have is gone! They had this 45 foot pine tree that was just monstrously huge. It took up part of our yard and made it hard to walk past it on the sidewalk. It was dying. It had been dying for a long time and I was always afraid that it would fall over onto our house. It was so big it would have taken out most if not all of our house.

It was there in the morning when I left for work. I came home from work early yesterday around lunchtime and it was gone. No signs of debris or anything. I almost passed up my own house because the tree was not there. I'm so glad it's gone.

May 19, 2008

It was a busy day here. Michaela had her honor choir concert this afternoon. They started with the fourth grade orchestra. There were several violins, a chello and a viola. They did really good. You could tell they had worked really hard on their music.

Then, came the entire fourth grade playing their recorders. The music teacher took time to explain what the kids have been learning all year. They also had some of the kids playing other instruments like drums and bells and such. They did really well too.

Finally, the honor choir got to do their thing. The honor choir is made up of 4th and 3rd grade students. They did great. It was so cool to see my daughter up there singing with the choir. I missed one of her cute parts because I managed to sit where the teacher was blocking my view of Michaela. But, it was all good. She was surprised I was there because I'd told her I couldn't make it. It was so cool to see her so happy and excited to see me.

Tonight was her gymnastics "performance." They had it set up like a gymnastics meet. Michaela has really come a long way in less than a year. She was so excited to show off for me. It was fun to watch. I have a lot of pictures I have to upload and mess around with.

May 18, 2008

Could we actually be getting some spring? The last two days have been wonderfully beautiful outside. We've had two whole days of sunshine and temperatures in the 70's. It's supposed to stay in the 70's all week, too.

When I was out doing errands yesterday I drove past our local open air produce market. There is also an open air plant shop right next to it. They both were just packed with people. With the sun being out and being able to drive around with my window down it really finally started feeling like warmer seasons. I feel like summer may actually come this year.

Michael decided to start building the new area for our garden today. He decided to move it to another part of the yard this year. Where we had it has gotten to the point where it does not get sun except for early morning. Plus, we've planted tomatoes up there so many times, I think the soil has said, 'ENOUGH!' So, we're putting it next to the wall that was built last summer for the swimming pool. There is sun on this part of the yard most of the day until late afternoon.

I've been nursing my sore back most of the day. Well, between loads of laundry anyway. The kids have been outside most of the day. They have played Mario Cart on and off, too. But, mostly they have been outside. They are going to probably need extra soap to get clean tonight. They played on the jungle gym in the back yard and in the sand box. They've had friends over some, too.

I am going to try and color my hair tonight, but am not sure I'll get a chance to do so. We'll see. Other than that there's not much else going on here today.

May 17, 2008

We went to a party last night. A little background on this. The party was a 40th birthday party for one of Michael's old friends. We've not heard from these people in at LEAST 3 years... probably longer. The guy that turned 40 and his younger brother were really good friends of Michael's and his brother when they were growing up. And, even into adult years until who knows what happened. The lady that is married to the younger brother and I were pretty close for a while, too. At least I had thought so. She is the one that threw me my baby shower when I was pregnant with Michaela.

Then, a few years ago we were having a party and I called to see if they were coming and she would not come to the phone. I could hear her in the back ground telling her husband to tell me that her mom would be in town that day. He had said, "I thought she was coming this weekend instead." Then, she says, just tell her my mom will be here. So, after that I stopped calling and she didn't call. About a year later Michael stopped getting calls, too. He used to hunt with both brothers and their dad all the time. They stopped asking him to come a long and were always busy when he called. He also used to play softball with them all.

Then, out of the blue we get this invitation. Neither one of us knew what to think. But, we decided to go. We had my mom keep the kids since we really were confused by it all. They spent the night with my mom, too.

It turned out ok. I never did feel comfortable there last night, but it wasn't horrible. Of course it didn't help that I'd hurt my back while changing sheets yesterday and was hurting all evening. But, the lady that I'd been friends with did take some time to talk to me one on one. But, it was kind of a weird conversation. There are some things she said that I don't think she realized were ... I don't know just kind of dumb to say given what had happened. I seriously think she was just trying to be friendly. And, we found out that another guy had kind of just replaced Michael in the hunting stuff. I think in a way Michael was relieved to know what was going on, but on the other hand it hurt. I seriously don't think they all realize how hurtful they've been. I don't know. I need to stop thinking about it.

We stayed longer than I'd planned, but most of the conversation was decent. They were disappointed we didn't have the kids with us. But, most of them have never even seen Caleb so that seems strange. The weirdest part is we used to be at all their parties like this and so we knew all the other people in their lives. All the kids have grown so much I had to wait and watched who called who mommy to know which kid they were. A couple of them looked just like mom for me to know, but not all of them. And, now there are "new" friends that we'd never met before. The friends from their church were a little stand offish. Not all of them and not too bad. I'm sure if I'd made more of an effort it would have been better, but I was just not comfortable enough to be as friendly as I usually am.

I'm glad we went. But, I'm glad it's over, too.

May 16, 2008

Tonight was Caleb's KG graduation and I bawled so bad. It didn't help that two of the teachers who had had Caleb as a 3 and 4 year old were sitting behind me crying over all their "babies" graduating. Our cam corder broke last night so we have no video. I think this upset Michael even more than me. I did video a few small segments between taking pictures with my camera.

It was a good night, though. They did the dance recital with all the kids that take dance through the school. Then, the KG graduates came out and we watched a video they did of them that was so cute and so funny. After that, they showed off with some stuff they'd learned throughout the year. Then, they went backstage to get their caps and gowns on.

During this time the people who run little guppy did their thing... "state of Little Guppy address" and awards to staff members and stuff like that. They really do a good job of showing support and gratitude to their staff.

They added a new award this year for any staff member that used to be a student and came back to work there and is a dedicated worker. They named it after one of their former students who died earlier this school year. He was a little boy who was in KG at a public school this year. His brother had been in Michaela's 3rd grade class until they moved away after the younger boy passed away. Michael even teared up over that one.

Then, it was time for the walk. Caleb's class came out in their caps and gowns and got their "diplomas." Or as a KG teacher at my school calls it their B.A. in Rhyme. I thought that was cute. After they got their diplomas, each child's parents were called up to the stage and their child gave their mom a rose. I wanted to grab him so bad and run off some where where I could keep him my little boy for at least a little longer.

After that they did the slide show. This is where they've taken pictures that parents have given them and pictures taken throughout their years at Little Guppy and put it into a slide show. Of course we're all crying through that. Michaela even cried through it last night.

After it was all over my brother and SIL followed us back to our house because Caleb wanted them to watch him open his present. Then, he and Michaela played Super Mario Cart until around 9:30. We were all tired so my brother and SIL went home, the kids went to bed.

May 14, 2008

Well, the week is half over now. So far it's been a pretty good week at work. This is good. I am starting to get my grades in order for our final report cards. I've got a couple weeks yet, but I don't want to be scrambling to get it all together at the "last minute."

I am really enjoying my new cellphone. Michael and I have text messaged a little back and forth. He even sent me one first today. It was only to ask if I wanted him to pick up the kids because he and Caleb had hair cut appointments for 5:00 pm. He's still trying to decide if he wants to keep the phone he picked out or if he wants to take it back and get one like mine. I think I'm going to suggest that we add the texting option to our plan.

My other toy I've been enjoying lately is Facebook. It's not like Myspace or other blog communities. It's a social utility. It's so much fun sending little gifts back and forth with my friends. It's got some fun games on it too. I just really like it. It doesn't really have a blog on it, but everything else is so much fun and I have this blog anyway, so I'm happy.

I am almost finished with "The Tenth Circle." I ordered three more audio books from iTunes tonight. I also ordered two actual books from Amazon tonight. I'm going to do some major reading this summer. Especially when we're on vacation. We have 62 days until we leave for our vacation.

May 13, 2008

I'm very tired tonight. Best thing about today was that I did not have to stay for a staff meeting at work today. Can't thing of anything that really was all that bad about today.

I'm about 2/3 of the way through "The Tenth Circle" by Jodi Picoult. I like this author. This is the second book of hers I've read. I just am a little uncomfortable at how "broken" she makes her female characters. And, a lot of the time, they never do redeem themselves in anyway. In both books I've read there's TOO MUCH "poor pitiful me" crap going on. But, this one is getting better as I go on. I will keep reading her books. But, I cannot wait until Tracy Chevalier publishes a new book.

May 12, 2008

Just three more Mondays left of my school year. Yes, I am counting down like crazy. I'm just very ready for it to be over. I'm even more ready for the weather to get warm and stay warm. It was nice today, but it's supposed to rain again tomorrow.

Nothing too exciting went on today. Normal work and home stuff happening. Michaela had gymnastics. Next week is their "performance" week. She's nervous and excited about it. She has a couple stunts she cannot seem to get mastered that she's worried about. They have had paper covering the observation windows the last two weeks so parents cannot watch what is being planned.

Mother's Day 2008

It was a great Mother's Day for me. I feel nothing but happy. It was a quiet morning before we went to church. Church was basically quiet and uneventful. There seem to be a lot of people missing, but I believe those are people who went out of town to seem moms that don't live around here.

After church we went to Wiliker's for their Mother's Day buffet. It's always a very nice buffet. We went there to eat with Michael's parents, Michael's brother, our SIL and our niece and nephew. Of course Michaela and Caleb were in heaven getting to see their cousins and Caleb was beside himself with joy getting to sit between his Aunt Kelly and his cousin Jeremy Jr. We got Michael's mom a fern so all we gave her at the table was the card I'd made for her. I think she liked it.

I got to show off my new phone. Kelly got a really nice digital picture frame key chain. Jeremy Sr. had even taken the time to put pictures on it for her. She seemed very happy with it. It was a very nice and thoughtful gift. I have one of those some where that I got from someone at work, but I've never done anything with it. Maybe I should find it. I've no idea where I put it.

After lunch we came home and just hung out for a while. I did some laundry and we waited for it to be time for my mom and Griff to come over. They came over around 4:00 pm or so.

We sat and talked and the kids played Wii. I got Caleb to play tennis with me. He beat me. After that my mom and I bowled a couple games and then we got Michael and Griff to bowl. Michael beat us all. I didn't do as well as I usually do.

Then, we went to Trailhead for supper. It was so nummy. I love that place. Michael and I had the nachos of course. Michaela had shrimp. Caleb had peperoni pizza. My mom had a sandwich and soup. Griff had some kind of salad with chicken in it.

Two big meals like that in one day and I'll be surprised if I am even hungry come breakfast time. But, I thoroughly enjoyed both meals. Soon, I'm going to have to just cut down on the calories and stuff. I really need to do something about my weight.

After we were finished with supper we came home. It was bedtime for the kids so they got in their pj's and we tucked them in. Michael and I watched enough of Survivor to see who won and then turned off the television. I won't go into what happened next.

But it was a wonderful day. Probably one of the best Mother's Days I've ever had.

May 10, 2008

Michael had to work today. It's the first time he's had to work on a Saturday in a while. I really don't like it when he has to work on Saturdays. The thing is I got into such a routine with Saturday mornings when he was working that it totally threw me off when he didn't have to work. It's silly, but when he's home I can't seem to keep that morning routine and it throws off my book keeping practices. But, I'd still rather he be home.

Soon, Saturdays are going to be different anyway. Caleb's t-ball is on Saturday mornings now. It was really the only time I could him in. They don't seem to offer much in the way of week nights for his skill level. Next summer he will probably be starting actual baseball.

Michael brought Subway home for lunch. After lunch I started laundry and then took the kids up to my mom's. They had a date to plant flowers and vegetables and then come back here to plant sunflowers. Michael was mowing the lawn next door.

That's when I went off to the mall by myself. Yes, by myself. How wonderful to be able to wander around a mall without having to worry about anyone else's pace. I went to The Mills because they have a store there that has all this smell good type stuff and I wanted to get my mom's mother's day gift there. I got her this lamp thing that you sit smelly crystals on top of, some crystals to go with it and oil to freshen the crystals when they stop being smelly.

Then, I went to Achievers. I do not allow myself to go in this store but once or twice a year because I always spend so much in there. I did get some things I really needed, though. The sales people kept bugging me which was annoying as I had my iPod with me and was listening to my most recent audio book.

Finally, I went to The Children's Place Outlet. I love that store. They ALWAYS have some kind of sale going on. I ended up getting two shirts and a pair of shorts for Caleb and two pairs of shorts and a shirt for Michaela. I spent under $50 for all of that IN SEASON merchandise.

When I came home we decided we needed to go get MIL's gift. We went to three stores, in the rain, before we finally found a really nice fern for her. She likes to set them on her front porch. It is so full and has all these shades of green in it. It's really pretty.

Next, we went to the Sprint store. It was time to get new phones and add Michael to the same plan I'm on. This means we upped our minutes. But, the price is not bad at all. Especially since most of the people Michael calls are all on Sprint, so we don't get charged for those minutes. I got a really cool green Rumor phone. Michael got a blue Katana. I've been having a lot of fun with my phone already. This is probably my Mother's Day gift. I wonder since Michael got something too, does this mean I get something on Father's Day? *LOL* j/k

We went out to eat and then came home. I spent the evening getting the kids clean and making Mother's Day cards. My cards are pretty good. Not a great as I'd like, but they are still pretty.

May 9, 2008

Yeah! It's Friday! Only 22 more days left of the school year. Next week the state is coming to our building for a visit. After that it's time to start dismantling things that I will no longer need for the school year.

It was teacher appreciation week this week. My principal did a really good job with it this year. He always has tried to make this week special for us. On Monday he had breakfast catered in for us and gave us a little extra time in the morning before the students came into the building. On Tuesday he had a beauty consultant come in and do hand and foot treatments and a relaxation exercise. The men opted to leave and enjoy a staff meeting free Tuesday afternoon. Wednesday and Thursday were little treats in our mailboxes and nice notes from our principal. Today he had lunch catered in and it was delicious.

I've been doing some major research into online schools. There is so much information out there. I've started a spread sheet so I can compare them all at a glance. I thought I would finish the spread sheet tonight, but there are so many online schools to weed through and my eyes are getting droopy already. I'm just waiting for 9:00 pm when the kids go to bed so I can take a shower.

May 8, 2008

I think I've finally decided what I want to be when I grow up. I've put off getting my Master's degree for a number of reasons. None of them are great reasons, but the one half way decent reason is that I just was never sure what I wanted to get it in. I have thought for a long time that I wanted to go the counseling route. But, something just kept holding me back. I thought it was just the money thing, but now I know it's not.

I realized after watching our school counselor that I just do not like the idea of administering all those tests they have to administer. Also, I know it's a very involved program that would include more statistics classes and I'm horrible with that. I just don't know if I'm up to getting that involved when I have two young children.

Well, for a while now I've been considering getting a certification in reading. Recently, I found out that to be a reading coach in a Reading First school you have to have a Masters Degree and a reading certificate. That is a job I would really love. But, I also love using technology in the classroom and have looked into that. In the state of MO you do not have to have a specialized certification to be a computer lab teacher or hold a similar position. However, more and more colleges are offering degrees in this area.

To get my reading certification I do not have to have a Masters in reading, I just have to have a Masters and then take the few extra hours after I earn my Masters to get the certification. So, if I get a Masters Degree in Educational Technology and then enter a certification program for an extra 15 hours in reading then I've got the credentials to do either/or and am more marketable.

Also, the way a teacher's salary scale works is you have multiple tiers. The first tier is for people with just a Bachelor's Degree. Usually a district will continue to give what's called step raises for 15 years for a Bachelor's Degree. After that you get the yearly cost of living increase and that's it. The next tier is Bachelor's plus 15, which means after you get 15 credit hours past your Bachelor's you move up and this bottoms out at about 17 years. After that you have the Master's Degree which bottoms out at about 18 or 19 years experience. Next, comes the Masters plus 15. Then, finally the Doctoral Degree.

So, my point is that if I did the Masters and then the reading certification program that would put me at Masters plus 15. This would take me about 2 1/2 years. The only problem is to figure out how to pay for it. Oh, and I'm planning on doing this through an online program. OH, and I guess this means I'm supposed to grow up???? Not sure I like that idea.

May 7, 2008

We're testing at school this week. Our students take the Terra Nova test every spring. It's a new version of the test this year. I really hate standardized tests. They just really are very unfair and therefore, they are not valid. Yet, this is what we use to "grade" schools by. Just an example: on our test there is one question where the kids are given three pictures and the teacher gives them a word and tells them to pick the picture that has the same ending sound as the word given.

The ending sound is /p/. The pictures are rope, tree, and zipper. The problem is the zipper is up half way and the pull is sticking out. So, a first grader looks at that and sees zip. Therefore, you've got rope, tree, and zip; two words have the /p/ sound at the end. Half my students marked the zipper. And, honestly, I had to look at it for a few moments to figure out what they meant. So, half of them got it wrong, when they really didn't get it wrong. They applied the skill correctly, but won't be given credit for it.

Tonight, Michaela had girl scouts. It was at a McDonald's with an indoor playground. They got they their cookie sales prizes and patches. Each of them got a Happy Meal and then got to play for a while. I talked to two of the other parents and enjoyed being able to just talk for a while. The girls really enjoyed themselves.

Michaela and I started Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix tonight. We finally finished The Goblet of Fire last night. Some day we'll catch up with the rest of the world in the Harry Potter serires. Especially since the author has finished writing the series now. I want to read the Chronicles of Narnia series with her next.

May 6, 2008

Today at work our principal had a woman come in and do a little pampering for us. She let us try some stuff that make our hands soft and felt and smelled good on our hands. She also did a foot treatment and a relaxation exercise. I only did the hand thing because I was self-conscious about my smelly feet. But, it was a very thoughtful thing for him to do. It was nice for him to think of that.

It was just gorgeous outside all day today. The kids played outside until 8:00 pm. That is usually bedtime, but they needed to get clean before going to bed, so Michaela took a shower and Caleb took a bath. Michaela has developed a cough and asked for a breathing treatment. I JUST put the nebulizer away. We hadn't used it in over 18 months. It's been sitting out that long. Of course, the minute I put it away, we have to drag it back out. It always happens that way. As soon as I put it away, she needs it.

My back has still been bothering me today, but I think it's getting better. I hope so.

May 5, 2008

Another Monday has come and gone. I've got four left of this school year. It was an ok day at work. It's teacher appreciation week. Our principal had breakfast catered in for us. It was pretty good.

Tomorrow we start the Terra Nova test in our school. One of the aides at our school is coding my test books for me. This is such an incredible help. That is one of the most time consuming things in the world to do.

While I was helping one of my students during math today I hurt myself. I was bent over his desk helping him figure out what he was doing wrong with a problem. All was fine until I stood up. I don't know exactly what I did to cause it but I got a pain shooting through my lower back. It's been bothering me ever since.

This evening has been a pretty normal Monday night. Except, Michael's parents came by with their new vehicle. They got a Lexus Hybrid. It's beautiful. Michael got to drive it and the kids went for a ride. I did not feel like climbing up into it and then trying to get back out of it with my back hurting. I'm sure I'll get a chance to ride in it at some point, though.

May 4, 2008

I just hate how fast the weekends go by. It's back to work tomorrow. Oh well, the sooner it begins, the closer I am to summer break. After tomorrow I only have 4 Mondays left.

It's been just a family day today. We went to church and then out to eat with Michael's parents. The rest of the day has been spent doing regular life stuff. I did laundry and cleaned out Caleb's closets and drawers. I now have three very big trash bags full of old clothes from him to give to Melissa at church for Zach. I'm not going to have to buy much for Caleb this summer.

Michael and his dad went up to the duplex to mow. Then, Michael came home and took care of our yard. The kids were playing outside. At one point they went next door to watch a movie with our neighbor's granddaughter.

When they came home we went to Walmart. We had a few necessities to buy. Michael needed some yard stuff and some allergy medicine. The kids both got two pairs of shorts and two shirts.

We grilled hamburgers for supper. I also made mac 'n cheese, corn, raw carrots and cut up apples. It was a pretty good supper. Afterwards, the kids took showers/baths and got clean. I'm still working on laundry. I'm looking forward to bedtime, though.

May 3, 2008

It was a great day! We went to the drag races with another couple from church. This is the third year in a row we've done this. It's kind of become a tradition now. Usually there are other people with us, too. But, today it was just the four of us. Not even one kid with us. It was great to be able to just enjoy adult company for an entire day. The difference today was it was COLD! We all had about three layers on which was enough when you were down in the pits, but sitting up in the bleachers with that wind blowing was a little chilly. Usually we're wearing shorts for the drag races.

We dropped the kids off at Michael's parents' house a little before 9:00 this morning and then went over to Steve and Stacey's house. It's about a 40 minute drive to get to the raceway from where we live. Then, it's about a 10 minute walk from where we are allowed to park until you get inside the gate.

We wandered around the pits for a little over an hour or so before we started to head to the grandstands. I noticed I'd lost my headphones. I thought I knew where I dropped them so Stacey and I went back to look for them. I was right and found them. I'm usually ok without them until they get to the top fuel cars. Those are too loud to not have them on.

Stacey and I stopped for a potty break and then got a snack before going up into the grandstands. We found Michael and Steve and sat down. They were just starting the motorcycle races when we sat down so we didn't really miss anything at all.

This was still the qualifying races today, so it was a long day. They finished the first round about the time they were supposed to start the second round. During the break we went back down into the pits. Michael and I bought t-shirts for the kids. Caleb got another Nitrofish shirt (his third) and Michaela just got a general NHRA shirt that says "Anything you can do I can do faster." I looked for sunglasses but they were all to manish. We thought we were going to buy new insulated mugs, but all the ones they had were too small.

Stacey still needed to find something for Lauren so we sent the guys back up into the grandstands and Stacey and I looked for a shirt for Lauren. She got a cute little NHRA shirt with a heart in the middle.

The second round goes faster than the first round. But, they had a couple cars blow up and that always causes a delay while they clean the mess of the track. It was after 5:30 pm before we left. Michael called his parents to see if they minded if we went out to eat before coming to get the kids. I think his mom was relieved. It was really cold today and she (I think) wanted an excuse to not go and sit and watch Jeremy Jr.'s baseball game.

So, the four of us went out to TGI Friday's for supper. It was really good. We were all pretty hungry. Stacey and I had had a little something to eat earlier in the day, but the guys hadn't eaten anything. We were all pretty tired by the time we sat down to eat and I think we were really enjoying the no kid time. None of us seemed eager to get up from the table even when we were finished eating.

Steve and Stacey decided to pick up their two youngest kids before taking us back to their house to get our truck. I just love Lauren. She's such a cutie. I got to talk with her and hold her on my lap the short little drive back to their house.

We said goodbye at their house and went to get our kids. They looked really tired, too. It sounds like they kept Grammy and Papa pretty busy, too. Papa got home before we left and announced that Jeremy Jr. won his baseball game! Yeah! It sounds like he got a lot of chances to bat, too.

We finally came home around 8:30 pm. Poor Abby really needed to go outside. She seemed like she really missed us. She's not used to us being gone that long of a period without someone coming home to let her out at least.

Caleb somehow found the races we'd been to on ESPN with no problem at all and watched them for about 20 minutes before he had to go to bed. Michael kept it on. It's kind of cool to see them from the angle of a camera. But, now I can no longer keep my eyes open. Time for bed.

May 2, 2008

Yeah, it's Friday! I have 27 days of school left until summer break. It cannot go fast enough as far as I'm concerned. I am just really that anxious to get the school year over with.

We went and picked up Michael's motorcycle tonight. I think he's very happy to have it back and running correctly. The kids were excited. Maybe now I'll get to go for a ride once in a while too. I've not been on it since before I got pregnant with Caleb. And, I've only been on it once or twice since Michaela was born.

Other than that we all just basically chilled around the house tonight.

May 1, 2008

It's been a long day. Thursdays are the day during the week that I do not get a planning period. But, thankfully, my students get to go to computer lab. They had fun in there today. The computer lab teacher started teaching them how to use the paint program and had them making pictures out of shapes. It was fun to watch them do this.

I had a meeting after work that was long. I was there until 6:00 pm. We were only able to accept three plans out of 12. A lot of the teachers included things that they are not allowed to include and have been told dozens of times that you cannot put those things in there. It was pretty painful going through all of them, but at least it's basically done. We'll just have to check the things they changed which shouldn't take too long.

Tonight was pretty quiet at home. I am really tired, though.