October 29, 2008

It was a good day at work. The reading first rep was in the building and she visited my room. I got a nice note from her left on my desk. It really made my day. Then, at our grade level meeting we were able to get through our agenda quickly so I had some time to work on things. That was really nice.

I left work right at clock out time, today, though. It was Trunk or Treat night at church. This is the third year they've done this and we always enjoy it. The kids love it. We didn't do too much different with the van this year. We added some scene maker things that I got at Wal-mart, but the rest was about the same. Some how we managed to win a prize for decorated car again.

Ryan, one of the older kids roasted a hot dog for me and that was really nice. He even brought it to me and I really appreciated that. It was cool to have him be that thoughtful.

Jeremy and Kelly brought their kids and came to it this year. It was cool to see them there. Jenessa had a very pretty costume. She enjoyed the S'mores quite a bit.

Kelly and Jenessa helped wrapped Michaela up in the mummy wrap game. She looked so cute and it was fun to watch them wrap her up .

I also enjoyed talking with my friends from church, too. It's always good to see them. I miss them when I don't get to see them. I feel like I've really found some good friends amongst the ladies there. It means a lot to me that they really seem to like me for who I am.

I am really tired now. For some reason my feet hurt tonight and I'm not sure why. Tomorrow is going to be a long day because of Parent Teacher conferences and it's my day with no planning period, but I'm not dreading it like I have in the past. I'm actually looking forward to it a little. I think it's going to be a good day and evening.

October 28, 2008

It was a really busy night tonight. When I got home it was time to make supper, so I made bacon, sausage and eggs. We also had sliced apples. It was good.

After supper, Michael went in search of black plastic so he and the kids could carve the pumpkins they got when Michael picked them up this afternoon. I made a grocery list while he was gone.

When he came home I went to Wal-mart and bought a few things for tomorrow night. Then, it was off to the grocery store. I went to a different store tonight. I did this for a couple reasons. I wanted to test the truthfulness of the commercials.

It seems that the prices at our regular store are going up so I wanted to see if it really was cheaper to shop there than the other stores. Also, the other store is closer to home so it meant I got home quicker.

Well, it's not cheaper. It's a little more expensive. For now I think maybe we should stick with our regular store. I'm a bit disappointed because our regular store is one where you have to bag your own groceries and I just hate that. I know I sound like a spoiled princess.

When I got home Michaela helped me bring in the groceries. I put the groceries away and then it was time to put the kids to bed. After I got them in bed I filled goody bags for my class, Michaela's class and Caleb's class. I bought stuff from oriental trading for these. I got toy filled pumpkins, bubbles, magic slates, mini blow pops and game night candy.

The game night candy is cool. It comes in boxes that look like miniature Clue, Life, Monopoly, Operation and Sorry games. The candy is the hard powdery type candy that is fruit flavored and it is in the shape of the playing pieces from the game. Clue has candlesticks and wrenches. Operation has hearts and funny bones. Sorry has blue and yellow pieces. Life has cars and spinners. Monopoly has scottie dogs and cars.

October 27, 2008

It's gonna be a busy week for us this week. Tonight was gymnastics of course. I did stay at work until almost 5:00 pm because I'm just trying to get caught up. I am really hoping to be able to get a lot done during Parent Teacher conferences this week, too. We'll see. I've already got a list started, but I need to try to prioritize it. I know I'm just so tired and so tired of being tired.

Michaela is enjoying gymnastics more now. I guess the talk that the manager of the gym had with Michaela's teacher helped. She is loving going again and likes her teacher now. I'm very happy about that. I would hate for it all to be ruined for her because of one teacher.

I got my new phone today. Michael got it activated for me. He tried to get my contacts from my OLD phone put on my new phone, but it had been discharged for too long and everything is gone. So, tonight I worked on rebuilding my contacts in my phone. I got a text message from someone I don't know and had a very interesting conversation with them. I let them know that whomever they were trying to text had stolen my telephone.

They tried to tell me that I text them first and they didn't know what I was talking about. In any case I'm sure whoever has my phone will get the message that they cannot use my phone anymore. I wish they'd just give it back so I could have my pictures.

October 26, 2008

I have spent most of the day working on grading papers and updating my grade book. I was able to get most of my report cards filled out. I need to put in the attendance and art grades. The art teacher has not posted his grades yet. Gee, thanks, like I wanted to wait until the last minute to turn in my report cards. I left my attendance book at school. I could wade through the online attendance record, but I have to look at each student one day at a time to do that. It'll go much quicker if I just look at my book at work. Hopefully, next quarter they'll have the report function working on our online grade books and I'll not have to fill out a report card.

I also did a lot of laundry today. Michael worked on his truck most of the day. He needed to replace the master cylinder for his brakes. Of course this ended up taking a lot more time and effort than he thought it would.

The kids were great all day. They played with the light brite and games. They also went outside and spent a lot of time playing with the neighbor's granddaughter. They were back and forth between our house and the house next door quite a bit. It was a pretty good day. I just wish I'd not had to do so much stuff for work. However, I seriously think by next weekend I'll be caught up, as long as I am able to work uninterrupted during my planning periods this week.

October 25, 2008

Most of the day was spent running around. Michaela and I went and ran errands this morning while Michael and Caleb were at a boy scout function. We took Abby to the vet. Her toe is better. She has some inflammation in her ear and we got drops for that. Since she got so sick last year when she was given her vaccinations and her rabies vaccination is good for three years, the doctor decided to run some blood tests to check her protection levels of her vaccinations. If they come back ok, we won't be giving her shots at all this year. I also had to get her some more heart worm medication.

After we dropped Abby back at home, Michaela and I headed to Wal-mart. First we went into Payless Shoes and to Michaela a new pair of tennis shoes and a pair of boots. The boots will be good for dressy outfits and she can wear them with her Halloween costume. Then, we did weekly shopping at Wal-mart and got candy for Halloween. On the way home we got Taco Bell and brought it home to eat.

After lunch, all four of us went to three hardware stores to look at railings. We still need to put a railing on our new front porch. We decided to get what we saw at Lowe's. Michael and his dad went out later this afternoon and got a few pieces to use to figure out how we will configure the railing. I think Michael makes things a lot more complicated than they have to be, but hopefully, they have it figured out now.

We took the kids out to eat at R.T. Weiler's tonight and then came home. Michael fell asleep early. Caleb, my little sports nut, finished watching the Mizzou game by himself. He kept coming into the bedroom every time they scored, which was a lot last night. After Mizzou won their game, Caleb found the hockey game and watched it until I made him go to bed. I love that he's so much boy!

October 24, 2008

Tonight we ordered a new phone for me. I had insurance on my phone so we had to call the company that handles insurance for Sprint. They will be sending out a new phone soon. We will probably get it by Tuesday. The man at the Sprint store was very nice and helpful since the people we tried to call ourselves did not know what to do. I would rather have my phone back with my pictures on it, but since it did not turn up at school today and none of my students seemed to see anything I'm pretty sure I'm never going to see my phone again. It really bothers me and makes me sick to my stomach.

October 23, 2008

I'm very upset tonight. My cellphone was stolen by one of my students today. It's really upset me and I'm taking it pretty hard. I love my class and really thought I could trust them. Whom ever took it did it right under my nose. The thing that bothers me the most is that I had pictures on there that I'd not take off of it yet. They were pictures that meant a lot to me. I just want to sit and cry.

October 22, 2008

Tonight was wonderful. I went out with three friends. We went to The Melting Pot for Ladies Night. I love that place. It is so YUMMY!!!! Ladies Night there is so much fun. Since the meal is served in courses, it takes quite a while to eat it so it gives you plenty of time to talk and be silly and laugh and have fun.

Our waiter was great, too. I don't think I've ever had a bad waiter there. But, this guy was able to joke around with us just as much as we joked with him and that is always a lot of fun.

The ladies I went with are just always a lot of fun, too. It's so easy to joke around with them and I feel comfortable making a fool of myself in front of them. I actually dropped some chocolate fondue down the front of my shirt and while it was a little embarrassing, I knew that it was ok to joke it away with them. After all, we all should have saved some for later.

I know one thing, it was so nice to have four hours where I did not have to think about ANYTHING but the food and enjoying good company. It felt really good to just have a "recess" for a while away from everything. I wish/hope we can do it a little more often than just a few times a year.

October 21, 2008

I actually feel like I got something accomplished at work today. Somehow I managed to go through my whole 50 minute planning period uninterrupted. That rarely happens. But, I managed to get a bunch of scores recorded during that time.

Then, after school, we were required to stay until 4:45, but did not have a meeting. I do not mind that at all. I actually appreciate that. I got the rest of the scores for the benchmark assessments recorded. I also got most of the papers that my students did today graded and all pencils sharpened.

I would have actually stayed longer (not a lot longer) if Michael hadn't had to be out with a customer for work tonight night. But, I had to go get the kids and on Tuesdays, they are in two different places so I really could not stay longer. I'm really wishing I had not committed to Career Ladder this year. We are supposed to start tutoring next week and I really would rather be able to use that time to get caught up and keep caught up. But, I'll make it all work.

In any case I am feeling a little bit of relief. I still need to finish grading tests that need to be recorded for quarter grades. These would have been done by now if it weren't for those benchmark assessments we were required to give. I also need to start getting papers filed so they are ready for PT conferences and get homework ready for next week.

I'm still so exhausted I cannot think by the time I get home in the evenings, though.

October 20, 2008

It's the beginning of our second quarter at work today. I've got everything except a skills test booklet and some math graded. I'm almost done with my grades. I still have to finish grading the benchmark assessments that the district gave us. They are insane. But, I'm optimistic I will get them done on time.

I'm not sure I'll get my career ladder responsibility forms. If I'm not able to get them done, then, I'm done with it. I hate to leave my co-rep in the lurch like that, but I am NOT going to work at meetings for Career Ladder and not get paid for it. Especially since most of those meetings go until after 5:00 pm.

I stayed at work until 5:00 pm today. It enabled me to get two of the tests I gave on Friday graded along with the assignments we did today. I'm going to do my best to grade as much as I can each day. It's impossible for me to stay that late every day, though.

I was also able to get at least one thing ready for tomorrow, too. I wanted to do more, but each task always takes longer than you anticipate and I think most people don't realize how much time grading papers takes or any of the other paperwork that has to be done. But, I'm going to do my best to get my stuff done when it's supposed to be done.

My mom took Michaela to gymnastics tonight. It was actually a last minute plea from me. I had two messages on my phone from Michael saying he was going to take a customer out to dinner with the sales person from work. He called me when I was driving home, too. Since I did not leave work until 5:00 pm, I had less than an hour to get to Guppy to get the kids and get them fed before Michaela left.

Michaela was thrilled that Nana went to watch her do gymnastics tonight and it meant I did not have to drag Caleb to the gym tonight. Eight minutes is a long time for a six year old boy to wait for his sister to have a gymnastics class. It gave me a little time with my son. He needed some mommy time desperately. And, Mommy needed some Caleb time desperately.

October 19, 2008

I spent most of the day doing laundry and working on things for work, AGAIN. I'm so tired of spending most of my weekends doing stuff for work. I'm tired of more and more work being piled on top of me.

I'm tired of my profession becoming something that prevents me from enjoying what it's supposed to be. I'm becoming very resentful that I spend most of the time I'm instructing worrying about how I'm going to get all the paperwork done on time. The students are supposed to be the saving grace of my job.

It's supposed to be the enjoyment I get from the time I spend with them that over shadows the stress, but the stress has just been increased so much that it's over shadowing the things that are supposed to make the paperwork worth it. It's just making me so angry that that enjoyment is being TAKEN AWAY from me. I've seriously broken down and cried a few times in the last couple weeks because I feel like I'm drowning and no one cares.

Between all of this and the idiot my husband works for constantly bouncing paychecks I'm ready to pack us all up and just leave this area all together. I know that sounds extreme and there's no way we would actually do it, but if there were even the slightest door of opportunity I'd be pushing Michael to take it. But as it is, we just really cannot afford to do anything like that. Soon, we'll probably be trying to live off just my paycheck.

Tonight I took the kids to church so they could be there for the Christmas program rehearsal. They both have a lot of lines to learn. But, they are excited about being a bigger part of it all this year. It will mean being at church every Sunday night, but I'm sure it will be worth it. It helped being around people from church. I really enjoy my friends from there. Michaela and Caleb enjoy being around their friends from church a lot, too.

October 18, 2008

It's been another busy Saturday. Most of the morning was spent running errands and things like that. I did make it out to Kidsmart today. I really made out like a bandit this time. I was able to get TONS of books. They were allowing 35 NEW paperbacks, 20 NEW hardbacks, and 15 NEW non-fiction books. I was even able to get two novels for me. I also got a bunch more two pocket folders, some old pin fed computer paper for math stuff, crayons, pencils, prizes for my students, erasers, some miscellaneous stuff, and the best part I got holiday gifts for my students. They are book sets that come with some stuff that goes with the story. It was so cool to find those.

This afternoon I got in a tiny little nap. Then, it was time for Michaela and I to meet up with the girl scouts. We went out to Purina Farms for their Haunted Hayloft activities. After we all got there, the first thing we did was go on the hayride. I expected at least some decorations during the ride, but it was just the regular hayride they do out there all the time. Then, we watched the magic show and that was cute. After that they brought out the dogs and I love that part. Michaela was in heaven watching them do their thing.

Next, we went in to the barn and looked at the animals. They had the play area decorated and a very tame haunted house set up where they usually have the tricycles. It was perfect for families that bring in their toddlers and small children. Our girls enjoyed it, too.

Finally we went down for the cow milking. Each girl got to try milking the cow. They could not wait for that. They really enjoyed that all though most of them could not wait to wash their hands. We got a group picture and then it was time to leave.

After we dropped off the mom and daughter that rode with us, Michaela and I went to eat. It was already after 8:00 pm and we were both very hungry. We had a quiet meal at JJ's as there was no one else there except the employees. It was nice to have a sit down meal like that with just my daughter.

October 17, 2008

I'm so glad it is Friday. I guess I say that every week lately. But, the weekends are so necessary at this point in time. Today was a half day for Michaela and Caleb and it was their first day of going to the after school camp that is held at their school on half days. They really enjoyed it and were glad to not have to go to Little Guppy for most of the day. I think they are both getting to the point where they see Little Guppy as a place for "babies." It's all part of growing up, but they are not old enough to stay home themselves yet, so they will have to deal with it for a little while longer.

Two weeks from today begins some time off for me, sort of, anyway. On Halloween day I have to be at work for only 3 short hours. We have PT conferences from 9:00 am until noon. Of course the day before we have to be at work for a normal day and then until 7:30 pm for PT conferences, but that's ok by me when I get to leave at noon on the day after. I may go in regular time anyway to get some work done, but I may not. I don't know.

Then, the following Monday is a PD day for us so we do not have any students. Although, I kind of would rather have students. We have to go to our high school for PD this time. I don't like that. I'd much rather do it at our own building.

The day after that is election day and I have that day off. Michaela and Caleb have half day that day and they still want to do the camp after it, so I'll have most of the day to myself. Although, I'll probably pick them up by 3:00 pm if not earlier.

October 16, 2008

Sometimes it is very hard to live your life the way you believe it should be lived. I'm going through a time right now where I'd love to say things to certain people in my life, but it just goes against what I believe to do so. I know it would be wrong and I know it would be so very hurtful. I don't want to be hurtful even though I have been hurt, but yet there is that innate preservation instinct that makes me have the desire just to tear someone from limb to limb. So it means that I am struggling with myself to do what's right and wanting vengeance.

Ha! That word looks so harsh and in a way I suppose it is, but if it were as dire as that I'd not be having this fight with myself. The thing is I have the ability to bring a couple people to their knees if I chose to do so. But, I also know that in the process it would hurt people that I hold very dear to me and I cannot do that. Honestly, I really don't want to wish that kind of pain on anyone, even someone who has hurt me. It would not make me feel better. Somehow, though that primeval need to strike back still has to be dealt with on a level that is a lot more strong than I would rather not admit.

October 15, 2008

I had a Career Ladder meeting tonight at work. It lasted until 6:00 pm. I'm just drained. We found out there is a form that needs to be filled out numerous times for each participant. It's a bit extreme. I cannot wait until this year is over, because I'm so done with Career Ladder after this year. It's one of the stresses at my job I can control and it's way more stressful than any amount of money is worth. But, it also means there will be even less of me offered after hours.

October 14, 2008

They unveiled the new Pack Rat on Facebook today. So far I am not impressed much. I like the draw card feature, but that's about it. I'm not real happy with the swapping thing as you can only swap with a card of equal or lesser value. There is no more making the value of your cards climb so you can swap with something bigger. That annoys me. It's not stealing at all anymore. Even those of us who played co-op used the feature of stealing to help us out, especially when dealing with the rats.

I also do not like the new ticket system. They still have the markets where you buy things with your credits, but they've jumped on the Paypal bandwagon and started markets where you have to use tickets. Tickets are only obtained by paying cash for them. That is a bit annoying. I could deal with it if it were just for retired cards, but they are offering some cards in new and current sets in these markets, too and making it near impossible to get those cards in other ways.

Another thing I don't like is there are no status bars in the markets anymore. You have no idea how many of each card are left when you go to buy something. This was not only important in trying to get something before it was gone for a while, but also to know how long it would be before a different card would be offered in that slot.

Also, I do not like that the smack talk walls are not permanent. What you write on the wall disappears as more actions in your pack or stash take place. Someone left me a message at one point and I could not read it because so many people had moved things around in my stash and the message was gone before I logged on.

Which brings me to the shared stash, another thing I do not like. Since the wall is not permanent, you can leave a message on it for people to not take things from this stash, but they may not see it. So, if a friend leaves something for you it may be taken before they get to it because people can't see the wall all the time.

October 13, 2008

I found this quote today and it matched somethings I was thinking about. So, I thought I'd share it.

Our minds have the need to “know.” When we don’t know, we make assumptions - they make us feel safer than not knowing. And we are pretty much always making assumptions. We assume that we know how someone is going to react to us. We assume that our efforts will or will not be successful. And not only do we believe our assumptions about what other people are thinking, but then we end up taking those assumptions personally and even end up resenting the person. To avoid assumptions, ask questions. It takes courage to trust the present moment, to allow other people to be exactly who they are, and to let life unfold according to its own plan… and it avoids a great deal of suffering.

-Don Miguel Ruiz

Also....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRANDON!!!!

My brother is 32 today.

October 12, 2008

I was up by 5:30 this morning. The dog wanted to be fed. I tried to go back to sleep, but I couldn't. I tossed and turned all night last night. I could not stop thinking about all I still need to get done for work.

Once Michael got up I folded another load of laundry and got to work on stuff for work. I was able to work about an hour and half before we went to church. My mom brought Michaela home around 10:00 am. We left for church at 10:30.

After church we went out to eat with Stacey, Steve and their kids. I got to see Lauren's pictures from her pageant. They were great. She looked so cute. It was nice to sit and talk with friends.

The rest of the day has been spent on laundry and work. I'm exhausted and am hoping I sleep better tonight.

October 11, 2008

It's been a busy day. This morning after I paid bills the kids and I left to run errands. We went to Wal-mart and did the weekly shopping there. Then, it was time to pick Abby up from the groomers. We brought Abby and the Wal-mart packages home. It was off to the Halloween Store after that. We got both kids their costumes. Caleb is going to be Commander Rex, a Clone Trooper from Star Wars Clone Wars. Michaela is going to be a Goth Girl. We even got fake piercings for her.

We grabbed some lunch from Taco Bell on the way home. After we ate it was time for me to get to work. I got the laundry started and then drug out my stuff for work. I haved TONS of papers I need to grade and lesson plans to write by Monday morning. So, that's what I did most of the afternoon with loads of laundry between.

At 1:00 my mom came and got Michaela. She's spending the night over there. At 4:00 Michael and Caleb left for the boy scout fright fest thing. I thought they were going to the one at Six Flags, but I was wrong, it's actually something that's going on at the boy scout camp that is near Six Flags. They got home around 8:45 so I had over 4 hours to myself.

I worked on grading until around 6:30 pm and then just spend time playing around online and watching the second season of Supernatural. I also did a couple more loads of laundry.

Michael and Caleb seemed like they had a good time. Michael took my camera and got some decent shots of the outing. He said the boys got scared, but still had fun. So, it was fun scared not terrified scared.

October 10, 2008

It's Friday and I'm so happy about that. There is nowhere I have to go this weekend. Michael and Caleb have a boy scout thing tomorrow and Michaela is going to spend time with my mom. I'll be working on grades all weekend. I'll be glad when that is done. Tonight I am going to just sit and watch television. So, it is going to be just a quiet night at home.

October 9, 2008

I had a lot of fun with my students this morning. We did a new vocabulary game. They were in two teams. Each team had a set of cards with the vocabulary words for the week on them. They also had a magnetic white board and magnetic letters.

I read the definition for a word. Then, they would find the card for the word and spell it out with the plastic letters. They loved it and it was fun to watch them work together to figure out each word.

After we were finished with that, I took away the letters and the magnetic boards. Then, I gave each team a set of cards with the definitions on them. They had to match up the word cards with the definition cards. This was even more fun, I think. They did a GREAT job with both games. I took pictures of it. I was very happy with how it all turned out.

Tomorrow is testing day. It's the end of a theme so we've got skills tests, spelling tests, and the theme test to take. I've also made up a vocabulary quiz since we had more words than what the book had listed. I hope they do really well on all of them, but I'm very interested to see how they do on the vocabulary quiz.

October 8, 2008

Tonight was Michaela's bridging ceremony. She is now a full fledged junior girl scout. It was a short ceremony. They basically gave out the certificates and membership pins to everyone. All of the girls are 4th grade except one, who is in 5th grade and a junior girl scout for the second year.

Michael's parents came for it. Michael and Caleb were there too. Anikca had her aunt there with her. I sat and talked with her for a while. I talked with another mom I really like a little too. She brought Michaela and I home. I'd sent Michael home with Caleb so they didn't have to sit through the whole meeting. It was an enjoyable evening. I am glad it's over though.

October 7, 2008

It's only Tuesday and I'm already hoping Friday gets here quickly. I'm still coughing and it's driving me crazy. I didn't even feel like eating much tonight. I had some soup after the kids went to bed, but that's about it.

I did the grocery shopping tonight. I decided I would go because I also needed to go out to Johnny Mac's by the mall. They have girl scout stuff there. I needed to get Michaela's sash and the patches that she's supposed to start it out with. I ended up getting her the junior girl scout handbook, too.

October 6, 2008

I really was not ready to go back to work today. The weekend was just too short, even with having Friday off. I could really use a day or two to myself. I'm so tired and this cough that I still have does not help matters at all.

The day at work was pretty good though. My students are a great group of kids. I'm really enjoying them this year. I'm very lucky to have this group this year.

Tonight was gymnastics, as it is every Monday. I had to talk to the people at the gymnastics place about Michaela not liking her teacher. The manager of the gym was busy teaching, but she's supposed to call me later in the week. Michaela seemed to have a better time tonight, though.

I got a few more things for the kids at Once Upon a Child again tonight, but I did not spend as much as I did last week. I found Michaela this really cool pair of jeans and a dress. I got Caleb a dressy outfit that he can wear during the fall and winter months.

October 5, 2008

Well, we're back home again. We got up early again this morning. Kay and the girls had to be at the airport here by 10:45 and we agreed to bring them back. I wish we could have stayed up in Monmouth for a little longer, but I am also happy to have had the car ride with Kay, Alexis and Courtney.

It was really hard on Kay and the girls to leave. I hate seeing them cry. I wish I could make it better. I know it's hard on them to leave when their visiting time is over.

The ride back to St. Louis was pretty quiet. Kay and I were not paying attention at the same time about the time we got to Winchester so we missed a turn. It put us about 8 miles or so out of our way, but no big deal. We made it back in pretty good time anyway. I enjoyed the little bit of talking we got to do in the car. I think this is the first time I've had time with Kay away from my mom, grandma and Kathy since she lived with us when I was a teenager. It was great to get her to myself... kind of... for a while.

Alexis and Courtney are really turning into wonderful young ladies. I can't believe how much they've grown up already. They both seem to have pretty good heads on their shoulders, too. I really wish I could spend more time with them and see them grow up.

Once we got home I spent the rest of the day doing laundry and grading papers. The story of my life. Michael's parents took us out for supper, too. It was Michael's birthday dinner. We went to Olive Garden. It was YUMMY!!!!!

October 4, 2008

We got up early this morning and left the house by 7:00 a.m. It's about a four hour drive up to Monmouth where my grandma lives. For some reason it seamed like a really long drive today. I was tired, but I had to stay awake because Michael doesn't know the way so I had to make sure he took the right turns.

We got to Monmouth around 11:00 a.m. First we checked into the hotel. Then, we decided to get something to eat. We went to Burger King. While we were there my mom called my cellphone. So we went to my grandma's house. Kay and the girls were there. I cannot believe how grown up they are and they are both just gorgeous.

We went to Kathy's around 1:30 p.m. It was so nice to have us all together. I've really missed them all a lot. A bunch of my relatives that I've not seen for a very long time were there. I was really happy to see them all. I enjoyed the afternoon a lot. I think I got to talk to everyone. I can't believe how big Blake has gotten and how in the world is it possible Matt is an adult????? He was a baby just yesterday.

Tonight a group of us went out to get something to eat. This included a friend of Kay and Kathy's and their daughter who is a friend of Courtney's. It was a fun evening. I really enjoyed talking to everyone and visiting. The kids were really good, too.

After we went out to eat we went back to my grandma's house and visited there for a while. It was hard on Courtney when her friend left. I'm sure she misses her a lot. I felt really bad for her. It cannot be easy to be away from a good friend most of the time. I wish they could move back to this part of the world. I hate them being so far away.

October 3, 2008

Today is Michael's birthday. He is 41. He thinks he's old, but I think life is just beginning. Besides, he still looks really good.

The kids and I stayed home together today. I took a personal day from work. I hope they send a decent substitute to my class today.

The kids spent a lot of time cleaning their rooms today. I did laundry. I cleaned the kitchen and vacuumed upstairs, too. Michaela helped Caleb with his room so I let her off the hook from her other chores for this week.

We also went to Wal-mart this morning. We had to get birthday gifts for my grandma and for Michael. We got a 500 minute calling card for my grandma. We also got her a candle and some butterscotch discs. She loves those.

We got Michael three things, too. He got a new long sleeved oxford shirt, a new wallet, and an Alan Jackson CD from us. I'm sure he'll be pleased. We also found two really funny cards for him.

Michael is cleaning the carpet right now so it'll dry while we're going tomorrow. Then, he's going to go get a couple bags from his parents' house so I can pack a change of clothing for each of us. I'm sure he'll get his present from his mom and dad while he's over there.

I need to color my hair tonight, too. My color has gotten really bad and needs to be done. I want it to look better while we're up at my grandma's and aunt's houses. We'll be getting up around 5:30 in the morning so we can leave by 7:00 a.m. That'll put us in Monmouth around 11:00 a.m. if not earlier.

October 2, 2008

Today was Friday for me. I am taking a personal day tomorrow. Michaela and Caleb have today and tomorrow off from school. The teachers in their district had to be at school until late on Wednesday for PT conferences and again today. They were there all day today and into this evening. They have today off as well as the kids.

I went and talked to Michaela's teacher and Caleb's teacher last night. They both are doing well. Both teachers are pleased with their progress. Michaela's teacher still really does not impress me. But, I've been told that out of the three that teach 4th grade at that school she's the best. I'm not sure that's saying much.

Tonight I went and talked to Michaela's SOAR teacher. She just loves Michaela to death. She's also very pleased with Michaela's progress. So, I guess at this point I'm pretty lucky. Both my kids are doing well and there is nothing big to deal with. Yeah!

Caleb and Michael went to Caleb's first den meeting for cub scouts tonight. Michael said that the den leader seems really organized. Hopefully, this will be a good experience for both Michael and Caleb.

October 1, 2008

Today is my grandmother's 80th birthday. I am her first born grandchild and since I will be 40 soon, that means she's been a grandmother for half her life. I can't believe she's 80. We're going up to Monmouth this weekend for her birthday party. My aunt that lives up there is going to have an open house at her house for the party. It should be fun. My aunt from CA will be there with her girls. I am looking forward to seeing everyone.

It was a pretty good day at work. I just don't seem to ever have time to get any grading done at work. I am very frustrated with having to do it all at home. I'm so far behind because of this. Other than that things seem to be calming down some at work and I'm finally finding my footing. I'm glad. I do not like the way I've been feeling.