February 28, 2009

It was a hellacious morning. Michaela woke up with a fever again so we headed back to the doctor. Her doctor was not in today so we saw a doctor we've never seen before. I do NOT like this doctor. I was trying to explain some of Michaela's history with her respiratory problems and all the doctor would say to me was, "In my experience as a doctor...." Oh it was infuriating.

She sent us to the hospital with orders for a chest x-ray and a flu swab. The hospital did the chest x-ray but said their lab would not honor my insurance and told me to go to an outside lab for the flu swab.

When I got to the other lab they tell me that the orders are unclear. It says flu swab, but was written like a blood work up order. They called the doctor's office and informed them if they wanted a flu swab that the outside lab did not do those. I was so furious by this time.

Michaela's fever was going back up. She was miserable and they were talking about sending me some where else as soon as they could find a place that would do a flu swab. I finally broke down into tears and told them that unless Michaela's doctor called me personally and asked me to take her somewhere else I was not going to do it, I was taking her home. I mean, they couldn't have done anything for her anyway if it were the flu. They'd already ruled out any type of infection. The chest x-rays did come back negative like I tried to tell the doctor they would.

Tonight was much more fun. I went over to my mom's and Stacey and Melissa came over, too. We watched Mama Mia! together. That movie is SO GOOD! I just love it so much and it was so much fun to watch it with friends like that. I wish my SIL could have been there, but she's been fighting the flu, too. We really enjoyed the evening together.

February 27, 2009

Today was the last day of work for the people who got laid off. It was really sad. I just felt sick to my stomach a lot today. I know a lot of the students at school are just completely devastated. I feel so badly for them. It's just wrong to yank teachers away from them like this.

Michaela is still sick. She didn't go to school today. She stayed with Michael's parents for the day. I hope she rests a lot tomorrow. I think she has a cold. I am pretty sure that they will not give her any medicine if we go back to the doctor. So, we'll try to wait it out.

February 26, 2009

Michaela went back to school today. I don't think she's getting better though. Tonight she's got a little bit of a fever again. She's coughing a little more and still complaining of a sore throat. She's just laying around in her room and wanted to put on her pajama's already. I have a feeling she'll be going back to the doctor by Saturday.

I am not sure if she'll be ok to go to school tomorrow or not. I hate it when she's sick and we've just had one heck of a time with illness in our house this winter. It's really gotten old. I hope some sleep will help her tonight. If she can sleep and not cough too much.

February 25, 2009

I stayed home with Michaela today. She woke up with a fever and a sore throat. Since those were my symptoms when I had the respiratory infection, I called the doctor as soon as they opened. Luckily, there is no sign of infection. They did a throat culture even to make sure she didn't have strep. Her fever has been gone pretty much since I gave her the first dose of cough medicine with tylenol in it. She's been pretty quiet today, though.

She had to miss girl scouts tonight and was not real happy about that. It's the first meeting she's missed all year, though so I'm sure it's not going to hurt much that she missed this one. We have to go get her cookies from her leader at the end of the week.

I went to Ash Wednesday service at my church tonight. It felt really good to be there for that. It's been a very long time since I've participated in Ash Wednesday. I am hoping to get to church every Wednesday night during Lent.

February 24, 2009

Today at work we had a farewell for those who will be leaving us. We gave them gas cards. We also had cake and nachos and fruit and veggies. It was a good social time with co-workers. We did have a little bit of a staff meeting that went well, too. I am going to miss those who are leaving a lot, though. It hurts to think of them being gone.

I didn't get home until after 6:00 and my family was already gone. Tonight was Jr. JAMS at church and Michael took the kids to it. He said it was only three kids again and that the other little boy did not show up until almost half way through. Michael told the youth minister that 6:00 was too early especially when parents do not get off work until 5:00 or later.

February 23, 2009

It's Monday, and it's been a pretty good Monday. Work was good today. We got a lot accomplished in class. I came home feeling better than I have in over a month. It's nice to feel good about a day at work.

Michaela had gymnastics tonight. I went to the bookstore that is in the same plaza while she was in gymnastics. I wanted to buy a new bible. I was looking for a study bible. It is so hard to buy a bible. There are so many different kinds. I kind of wanted to buy a bible for Caleb and get a new one for Michaela. But, for them I knew exactly what I wanted. I'm going to have to order theirs because they did not have them at the bookstore.

There was another man there looking for a bible, too. I think he was still trying to decide when I left. I got a NKJV study bible, but I think I'm going to get another one later on because I just could not decide. My NKJV bible is a life application study bible. The other one I want is a NIV bible that has a lot of side notes explaining things and giving background information and insight into the sociology of the time period during biblical times.

I have really been feeling the need to look deeper into things in the bible, so hopefully this will help. I may look and see if I can find an online bible study course. I looked at the bibles that are set up to read in a year, but it didn't have the study or extra information in it that I wanted. They also all start with Jan. 1. Well, not everyone is going to start on Jan. 1. So, I'm going to see what I can find online.

February 22, 2009

It was a pretty normal Sunday around here. We went to church this morning. Then, after church we went and had pizza at Pantera's with Michael's parents. It was a nice meal. It's been a while since we've eaten with them and I always enjoy having a meal with them.

This afternoon I mainly just did laundry. Michael worked on getting the new door knobs put on the front and back doors. He also helped the neighbors with a toilet. The kids spent most of the afternoon playing Wii. I did try to take a nap, but it's pretty much impossible around here for me to take a nap.

This evening was the chili cook off at church. They do this every year to raise money for the youth group to go to CIY in the summer. There was probably twice as many participants this year as last. They raised enough money for almost three kids to go to CIY. That's really good for a small church. They will have a couple more fund raisers before this summer, so they've got a really good head start.

It was a nice evening. I enjoyed visiting with everyone. There is a family that used to go to church there back before Michaela was born. They are back. Their oldest is a few months younger than Michaela. Actually, she's young enough that she's only in 3rd grade this year. I don't remember them, but she says she remembers me. She seems very nice and Michaela is loving that there is another girl her age at church now. I hope they stick around for a while.

After we were finished at church we went over to Michael's parents' house to see the puppy again. You'd think we didn't have a dog of our own. Michael had to take a tool back he'd borrowed from his dad, too. By the time we got home it was time for the kids to go to bed. I took my shower a little early and am going to go to bed a little earlier than usual, too.

February 21, 2009

Tonight was the Blue and Gold Banquet for cub scouts. We were fed Lee's Chicken (chicken strips, whipped potatoes w/ gravy, green beans, rolls) and had a choice of tea, lemonade or water. It was a good supper. We all enjoyed it.

They also had a dad and son cake off. Michael and Caleb did not make a cake. But, there were a lot of cute cakes. The one I had a piece of was really yummy, too.

The boys all got their badges to show their level of achievement. Caleb got his Tiger Cub patch. They painted their faces, too and of course Caleb thought that was really cool. The Weblos II boys had their Arrow of Light ceremony and are now officially Boy Scouts.

It was a pleasant evening. It was a bit long, but Caleb really enjoyed himself. They had games for the kids to play and each boy had made a cardboard car at their den meetings that they got to "race" around the room. I love seeing Caleb enjoy himself, so it was an evening well spent.

February 20, 2009

It's Friday again. I am very glad for the weekend. We went out to eat at Cracker Barrel tonight. It was not as good as usual. But, it was nice to get out and be with just my kids and my husband.

After we finished eating we went over to Michael's parents' house to see the puppy. I think she's grown quite a bit in just a week. She sure is a feisty little thing. She was in perpetual motion the whole time we were there. She's just so tiny, but a cute little thing. It seems she's almost paper trained, which means the next step should be fairly easy for them. They have her sleeping in the kitchen at night and so far that is going well for them, too. They seem very happy with her and it's really cool to see them playing with her and loving her.

February 19, 2009

I am physically and emotionally exhausted. The stuff going on at work is really weighing on me. It is like walking around in a morgue. I just feel so badly for the people who are leaving and even more badly for the students who are losing their teachers. The whole situation just sucks. I wish I had a magic wand and could just fix it for everyone. It just makes me want to lay down and sleep for a week.

On the up side, everyone at work seems to be bonding even more over all of this. Our building is a pretty cohesive group anyway. We've had our little squabbles here and there, but for the most part we all really like each other and like working together. I think if we were just left alone, especially with the principal we have, we'd make amazing strides.

I've said it before and I'll keep saying it. Public education needs to be revamped. We need to stop letting people who don't have a clue about teaching make decisions. We need to stop letting politicians and career administrators run things into the ground. Having things set up the way they are just are not in the best interest of our students.

February 18, 2009

Michael stayed home from work again today. This stomach flu really knocked it out of him. He's finally getting back to normal, though. I hate it when he's sick. It just throws everything off here at home. Luckily, he doesn't get sick very often. I hope this is the end of the sickies here for a while.

Michaela has not liked having her daddy sick either. She's never seen him sick like this before and it kind of scared her. She was very worried. But, she's my worry wart anyway. She's so much like I was at that age, it's scary.

February 17, 2009

Michael stayed home from work today. He's been really sick. The stomach flu got him bad. He had really violent vomiting last night and in the middle of the night. He looked like a train wreck this morning. He's starting to get better, but he's had a rough day. I'm glad he doesn't get sick often, because when he does he gets the worst of it.

Work was ok today. Our staff meeting was better than usual. Our principal had a woman come in to talk about school culture. It seems she's going to come back a few more times to do more with us. I liked her. She was very laid back and our exercises were not taxing at all. It was as enjoyable as having to stay after work for a staff meeting can be, although we did not leave until 5:00 pm tonight.

65 Days left of this school year.

February 16, 2009

It's President's Day so the kids and I did not have school. This is a good thing because Michaela was up half the night throwing up. Caleb is the only one who got much sleep last night. I've been dragging all day. Michaela has rested most of the day. She's better now. I know she's really tired and worn out, but she'll live.

Caleb went over to a friend's house this afternoon. He was so excited he couldn't stand it. He wasn't even going to stop and let me see him to the door. He ran past his friend's mom to the car before she could even say hello to him properly.

Tonight Michael and Caleb are getting hair cuts. Michael is not feeling well at all. I think he's getting sick now. I just hope that's the end of sickness in our house.

February 15, 2009

It's been another quiet day at home. With the exception of going to Wal-mart, we did not go anywhere today. We didn't go to church. Caleb seems to be better, but we wanted him to rest some more and Michaela woke up with a sore throat. It's not stopped her from eating, but still I'd rather not take the chance in it getting worse.

I am making beef stew for supper. As much as I don't like to cook, I do like making things like that because it can be used for more than one meal. Plus, I love beef stew. I think I'm going to make corn bread to go with it tonight, too. I'm thinking of getting some beans and making ham 'n beans tomorrow since I don't have to go to work.

February 14, 2009

It's Valentine's Day. Fifteen years ago today, Michael proposed to me. It sure doesn't seem like that long ago. But, then again it doesn't seem like it could have been almost 23 years ago we had our first date, either.

We didn't really do anything for Valentine's Day this year. Caleb has been sick and neither of us really felt like it.

However, it was a good day. We hung out around the house all day. We gave the kids their Valentine's. I did some laundry. Michael went and got his allergy shot. He also went over to his mom and dad's house twice (the second time Michaela was with him) to see the puppy. Yes, my husband loves dogs.

Michaela practiced her recorder for a little while today. She's just started playing it so she's not very good, but it was still cool. As I was growing up I dreamt of being a mom and a wife and having my own family and having days like this. I dreamt of that more than anything else and now I'm living it. So, while we may not have done anything "special" for the day, I still loved the day because I got to spend it in my own home with my own family. I love my life.

February 13, 2008

It's Friday the 13th! It was not a horrible day, though. My students were pretty good today and we got a lot accomplished. Our superintendent was in our building today and decided that Friday afternoon after school was the best time to come to talk to us. I stayed ONLY because my principal specifically asked us to stay. It was of course, another bunch of bull. But, whatever, I don't care what he says anymore. All I care about is doing the best I can for my students and that's what I'm going to focus on.

Tonight we went over to Michael's parents' house after supper time. They got a new puppy today. She is a miniature phantom poodle. She's so cute and so tiny. She weighs just a little over a pound. She seems like she's gonna be a little lover. She played a little while we were there, but I think the whole day was tiring on her. She makes me want another puppy.

February 12, 2009

I finally got a chance to use my Wii Fit for the first time tonight. It made my Mii fat. But, no surprise there. It took a lot longer than I thought it would to get everything set up before it would let me play the games. I managed to do enough to open up two of the locked games. I also managed to get hot and sweaty, so I guess that I must have been doing some good. It was fun. The kids liked it too. Now, I'm feeling tired and less fatigued, so it's a "good" tired, or at least a better tired than I have been feeling.

February 11, 2009

I went to the board meeting for my school district tonight. I guess the only thing I can really say is that I don't really believe a word that any of them said. Their body language made it clear that our students are not their number one priority. So, at this point I'm going to try to just deal with those things I can control. My students are important to me and at this point all I can do is make sure that we keep focusing on our learning in our classroom.

All of the mess that's been going on in my district has made it very difficult to sleep at night. I am hoping to be able to sleep tonight. I am hoping the fact that the board meeting is over I can just relax at least for a night or two.

February 10, 2009

I am not really sick anymore. But, I still have no energy and very little appetite. Of course the no energy thing is not helped by the fact that I cannot sleep well lately. But, it is more than that. I just hope I can stay well for a while this time. Maybe then my energy level can get back up (maybe I can get a good night sleep here and there). I'm not too concerned about the appetite thing, though. I'm sure that will be back soon enough.

February 9, 2009

It was a very interesting day at work today. This afternoon as I was in the middle of teaching a math lesson all of the sudden my Smart Board went off as well as my teacher computer and half my lights in my classroom. About 2/3 of the lights and electrical equipment in our building went off.

There was also the smell of burning electrical wire in the building. We had to evacuate the building. We were outside waiting for the fire department to make sure it was safe for well over an hour. There was a transformer that blew up outside on the pole that stands at the edge of our parking lot. Hopefully they will have it fixed tonight so we can get back in the building tomorrow.

Tonight my Wii Fit came via UPS. I ordered it a little over a week ago. I have not been able to play with it yet, though. It is Monday so I had to take Michaela to gymnastics tonight. And, I'm really tired tonight. I'm feeling much better and actually was able to sleep in bed all night last night, but I still do not have much of an appetite and my energy gets zapped really quickly. Hopefully, I will not get sick again for a LONG time.

February 8, 2009

I got very little sleep last night. I still cannot breath when I lay down, so I spent the night on the couch again. I'm beginning to feel like I'm never going to get to sleep in bed again. I tossed and turned and had weird dreams most of the night. So, I've been just dragging all day.

I got a lot of laundry done yesterday, so I didn't have as much as usual to do today. That was a good thing. I've been working on stuff for work a lot today, though. I can never seem to get caught up and I'm someone that would prefer to be ahead of the game. I am really tired of feeling like I'm always behind in everything as far as work is concerned. I could probably work non-stop, around the clock for a month and still not be able to stay caught up with all of it.

It wasn't as warm today. But, still was warm enough for the kids to play outside with just jackets. They were able to play without being disturbed this time. Which is good since I really needed to get some work done.

I really hope I am able to get a good night's sleep tonight. Maybe I'll be able to make it through the whole week at work, too. It would be nice to be able to work the whole week without getting sick or having a snow day.

February 7, 2009

I had to deal with some bullies today. Michaela and Caleb were outside this afternoon riding their bicycles when two older kids came by on their bicycles. They were riding real close to my kids, too close, and making them nervous. They were taunting them and chasing them up into our garage.

When I first heard commotion I thought it was Michaela and Caleb argueing. But, then I looked out the window and saw the other two boys. I watched the one who seemed to be the leader ride down and wait for Michaela to come back towards the house and block her way. He then rode behind her real close and chased her up into the garage. Our windows were open and I could here him tell the other boy to stay there and make sure my kids stayed in the garage and did not come out.

At this point I decided to make my presence known. I went outside. The leader was gone. I told the other boy to go home and stay away from my house. I also told him he needed to stop picking on my kids. Of course he denied it. I told him I'd heard him and his friend and been watching them.

A little while later they were back. I chased them off again and asked the leader if it made him feel like a big man to pick on little kids. I know this boy, sort of, because he used to go to Little Guppy. He's been gone from there a couple years now. I am guess he's about 14 which makes him twice Caleb's age.

Michael saw them again this evening and walked around the corner in the direction they keep disappearing towards. We think they must have been staying with grandparents because they went into a house that is diagnally in back of our house. The couple that live in that house are elderly.

I guess I'm going to hang out with my camera the next time my kids are outside on a nice Saturday. This is the second time this has happened. The last time was a Saturday, too. After I get some pictures, I'll take them to the grandparents' house.

It was a really nice day today. We broke a record with the temperature. It was up to 74 degrees. It was wonderful to have the windows open and be able to get outside some.

Michaela went over to Anikca's for a sleep over this evening around 5:00 pm. She was really excited. It's been a while since they had time like that together. I need to let Michaela have Anikca over sometime within the next month or so.

This evening Michael, Caleb and I wandered around Lowe's. We are starting to look at bathroom and kitchen stuff and flooring. We are hopefully going to do some major renovating around the house this year. We will also need a new front door and a new door leading out to the garage. I wish we had the money and room to extend the back of the house out some, but that's not in the cards.

February 6, 2009

It was a good day at work today. I really enjoyed work today even though by lunch time I was not feeling well and wishing I'd stayed home another day to recuperate. I managed to get through the day, though. Advil helped some.

Tonight Michael and Michaela went to the Father/Daughter dance for Girl Scouts. So, Caleb and I went out to eat at Denny's together. I don't know the last time Caleb and I had time together, just the two of us. It was so much fun. He's growing up so fast. I love that boy so much.

Now, I'm really tired and my throat is hurting again. I'm going to take some more advil and lay down until Michael and Michaela get home. I can't wait to hear about it. Michaela was on cloud nine about going out on a date with her daddy.

February 4, 2009

I stayed home today because I am sick yet again. I was really afraid I had strep throat. Turns out I just have a really bad respiratory infection, but it's making my throat, ears, teeth, gums, head, etc. hurt. My whole body aches even when my fever is down. I get chills and then sweats. I had it all night when I was trying to sleep last night. My symptoms started yesterday morning, but just kept getting worse.

I went to the doctor today. He gave me a z pack and a whole list of instructions to follow. I have been doing my best to do what he said. I modified it a little. He told me to alternate Tylenol and Aspirin, but the aspirin did nothing for me. So, I've started alternating Tylenol and Advil like the pediatrician has us do with the kids when they have stubborn fevers.

I have had no energy today. I actually had planned on just doping up on Dayquil and Advil and trying to make it through the day at work, but at one point this morning I was sitting down and when I stood up I almost fell down from being dizzy. I have a feeling that this infection is messing with my inner ear a little.

The doctor gave me a note to stay home from work tomorrow too. I hope I am feeling better by tomorrow night. I really did not think I'd still feel this badly by now, but I still feel really crappy. And, Abby keeps irritating me because she's decided that the blanket I like to use when I'm sick is her favorite blanket and she keeps taking it over.

I am so tired of getting sick. I've been sick more often this school year than I have been in the last three school years combined. I'm ready to start spraying my students down with Lysol. Ok, yes, I am kidding.

February 3, 2009

I work with some pretty amazing people. It was a difficult day for me at work, but by the time I left I felt a whole lot better because of the talk I had with two of my co-workers. Our building has a lot of people that are incredible teachers and human beings. I feel very lucky to have had to good fortune to meet them all.

February 2, 2009

It felt weird at work today. As long as I'm in the room with just the kids, things are fine. Personally, that's where I want to be anyway. If I could do my job and never have to deal with any other adult except to send them home, I'd be a very happy person. But, that is not possible. I feel so badly for the people who have to leave at the end of the month.

Tonight I did not get the kids until after 5:00 pm. I had an errand to run after work so I left work right at clock out time and did that before picking them up from Guppy. Michaela had to be at Gymnastics by 6:30 so we got McDonald's for supper. Blagh!

February 1, 2009

It's been a typical Sunday here. We went to church, out to eat and home to do laundry and stuff around the house.

We watched the Super Bowl tonight. Sheesh, that was a nail biter in the last few minutes. It was a good game, but I'm sad that Arizona lost. But, then again, the team I root for hardly ever wins, so I'm kind of used to it.