September 30, 2009

It is the last day of September. There are only 92 days left of 2009. There are only 85 shopping days left until Christmas. I cannot believe how fast this year is going by us. I only have 11 days left with my students in first quarter. So, my school year is almost 1/4 over already. No wonder I feel like I can never catch my breath.

September 29, 2009

I am so tired today. I did not sleep hardly at all last night and I just feel like crap because of it. I hate days like these. At least we did not have a staff meeting today.

Michaela was to get off the activity bus at home today. We gave her a key and we thought she may have to let herself into the house. Michael's parents agreed to be here when she got home to make sure she got in ok.

Since I did not have a meeting, I raced home as soon as I could. I grabbed Caleb from latchkey and managed to get home by about 4:10 p.m. Michael was already home and both his parents were here. I guess we all wanted to make sure someone was here to meet her. He bus did not show up here until almost 5:00 p.m.

While Michael and Caleb were at football practice, Michaela and I went to get her and Michael's prescriptions. We also went to Hobby Lobby so I could get supplies for my class to make insects tomorrow. Now, I just want to go to sleep. I've been trying to watch a new show I taped last Thursday and cannot keep my eyes open.

September 28, 2009

It's Monday again. Our Internet has been down more than it's been up since Friday. It's been a real pain in the butt. I finally broke down and called Charter this evening. I really hate calling them.

Anyway, the recorded woman confirmed that there has been an outage in our area and that they are trying to fix it. Before I hung up she did say, "If you'd like more information on Charter or the outage in your area, you can log onto charter.net."

Uh huh, yeah, ok.

September 27, 2009

This morning we had to be at the park by 8:00 a.m. We got there about 7:45 a.m. Caleb's game was scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Michael and I helped set up the chain for the game. That was cool getting to be a part of that. Michael was the announcer for the game. I was so proud. He's got a great voice for that and he did an awesome job. Caleb's team ended up winning 13 - 12! Yeah, that's two wins!!!

There was a birthday party at the park for one of the other players after the game. The boys got to play on the playground. They had hot dogs and cheetos and cupcakes for the boys. Caleb seemed to really enjoy it.

When we left there it was time to pick Michaela up from Anikca's. I'm not sure how much sleep she got. She called us at 1:30 a.m. to tell us she had just gotten back from the museum this morning. UGH! *LOL* But, I would rather her call me than not if she feels like she needs to do so.

We kind of hung out at home for about an hour or so and then left to go over to some friends' house from football. We stopped at Dierberg's to get some potato salad and drinks before going over there. We also got some watergate salad.

We spent the rest of the afternoon and part of the evening over there. It was a lot of fun. They are really nice people. I enjoyed my time over there quite a bit today. I'm really glad we went.

We are all trying to get to bed on time tonight. Tomorrow is another Monday.

September 26, 2009

It's been a busy day. This morning Michael took Abby to the vet for her yearly check-up and to get some meds for her allergies. She's been itching worse than usual this year. She's kept us awake some nights.

After he came home with Abby, we went as a family to run errands. We went to the bank and then to Michael's allergy doctor so he could get his shot, first. After that we went to Culver's for lunch.

Then, it was time for Wal-mart shopping. We went out to the Super Wal-mart in O'Fallon. We were able to get just about everything except for new chairs. We managed to leave three of our four lawn chairs out in Warrenton last week after Caleb's game. We also had to get a birthday present for Michaela's best friend and a card and gift card for a boy on Caleb's team.

We got home in time for Michaela to take a shower and pack her bags and have a little bit of time before going to Anikca's for her birthday party. I started laundry during this time.

I took Michaela to Anikca's around 4:30. They are going to the City Museum tonight, then sleeping over at Anikca's house. Michaela has been a little nervous because she's never gone down town St. Louis like that without me or her dad. But, there is no way she's going to miss her best friend's birthday.

This evening, Michael, Caleb and I went to Pizza Hut for supper. It has been so long since I've had Pizza Hut. Michaela will not eat Pizza Hut. So, we took advantage of her not being with us. We went to our Wal-mart after that and found some chairs. We bought four new ones because the one we have left is kind of messed up. So, now we have chairs again.

We are all going to go to bed at a decent time tonight. We have to be up at the park by 8:00 a.m. for Caleb's game tomorrow.

September 25, 2009

I'm so glad it is Friday. Caleb's team had an optional practice tonight. I thought he was going to go to it, but he's worn out right now. He just did not feel like going to it. So we ended up spending family time together. It was nice to slow down a little considering it's going to be another busy weekend.

September 24, 2009

I FINALLY got to go to my water aerobics class tonight. It was fun. It is a lot more challenging to do all those exercises in the deep water than in belly deep water. Some of it I don't feel like was as much of a work out as in the standing water. Maybe once I get the hang of it I will. I definitely felt it in my arms, thought. Some of it I am very clumsy at too. In any case it felt good to be able to get in there and actually DO some exercise finally.

September 23, 2009

It was a really hectic night tonight. I'm really glad we did not have girl scouts. I had to be at Michaela's school by 5:45 to meet with her principal about my concerns. I have just felt like the school is not keeping parents very well informed of things. The talk with the principal went great. I really like her and she was very receptive to my concerns.

After that I had to rush up to blockbuster to drop off a movie. Then, I was scheduled to meet with Caleb's teacher at his school by 7:00. That went pretty well, too. No surprises there. He's still talking too much, but other than that not getting into trouble. He's doing his work and he's working well with his reading teacher.

Then, I had to be back at Michaela's school to talk to her teacher right after that. No surprises there, either. I like her teachers, too. They seem to really want to challenge Michaela, which she really needs. So, all is good here.

September 22, 2009

Today was a much better day at work. I had a really good talk with my principal. I am really glad I got a chance to have that talk. It made me feel a lot better.

I had the scare of my life tonight, though. Michaela was not at Angie's when I got there. She stayed after school for cross country club today. Angie had seen a bus go by but wasn't sure it was the right bus. I went and got Jack In The Box for supper, took it home and went back to Angie's.

Michaela still was not there. I called Michael's parents to make sure Michaela was not there. Michael's dad went to look for her at the park and at school while I waited for the bus. By this time it was 5:45 p.m. I was freaking out.

I finally called 411 to see if I could get a phone number for the bus company without having an address. They were able to put me through to the bus company. After talking to them and having them radio the bus, they confirmed that Michaela was still on the bus. She had missed her stop because it's in a different place than the regular bus. The bus driver had two kids that missed their stops. She brought Michaela back around after she finished her route. It was 6:00 pm before Michaela got off the bus. I've never been so happy to see a yellow school bus in my life.

I think Michael is going to leave work early on Tuesdays and Thursdays from now on to pick Michaela up from her after school activities, if he can work it out.

September 21, 2009

I am too tired and too emotionally drained today to even think about writing much.

The Big Bang Theory starts its 3rd season tonight and that is about all I can say.

September 20, 2009

We woke up to lots of rain this morning. It kind of ruined our plans to go apple picking. I guess we'll have to try again next weekend.

We went to church today and Michael's parents had us sit on the wrong side of the church. It threw everyone off! *LOL* I think it made everyone a little uncomfortable. One of the ladies that sits behind us grabbed my arm and tried to make me sit in our regular spot. It was weird having Michael sit on my left side. But, I guess the sermon sounded the same on that side as it would have on the other side of the church. I'm still amazed the church did not tip over.

We went to Pasta House for lunch. Michael's parents had a $25.00 GC and so did we, so we got a free lunch today. Can't beat that!!!

I've been trying to get laundry done today. I also worked on the pictures I took yesterday at Caleb's game. Other than that I've pretty much done nothing.

September 19, 2009

Caleb's second football game was today. We had to drive out to Warrenton for the game. We won 20 - 0. It was a great game and we all had a lot of fun. I really like the other parents and the boys were so excited. They were jumping up and and bouncing up into each other after the last touch down they got.

Lauren spent the night with us. She's such a sweetie. I really like it when she's with us. We went to Pantera's for supper. Then, we went to two different Halloween stores. Michaela and Caleb both got their Halloween costumes. Michaela is going to be an Indian maiden and Caleb is going to be a vampire.

I enjoyed the day very much.

September 18, 2009

TGIF!!!!

We went to the Balloon Glow tonight. It was nice outside. There was very little humidity and the temperature was comfortable tonight, so it was a good night to walk through Forest Park.

The balloons were awesome as usual. They had a giant birthday cake balloon this year to celebrate the Bunny balloon's 20th birthday. It was really cool.

I love going to the balloon glow. It is one of my favorite traditions that we have created with our kids.

September 17, 2009

Tonight was Open House at my school. We only had 5 first grade parents show up. I'm so glad the day is over. I'm really tired.

Michaela had her first day of after school activities today. She's doing choir on Thursdays. She had to take the bus to her grandparents' house. She did not get there until there was only about a half an hour left until she had to be at her first night of swimming. Her grandparents took her. I got to their house around 7:30 to pick her up.

I am so ready for the weekend.

September 16, 2009

Today was grandparents' day at my school. I had about 8 grandparents in my room all at once. It was great. They really seemed to enjoy themselves and I enjoyed them. It was fun to have them in there to see what we do during the day. I'm very happy with the way it went.

This evening was our second girl scout meeting of the year. We found out that the boy scouts are going to be there on the same nights we're there. That means that we had to share space with the other girl scout troop. It was confusing at first but I thing we've got it all worked out.

The girls played volley ball and basketball. They seemed to have a lot of fun. Next time we're going to play board games for a fun night.

September 15, 2009

I had myself in a panic today. I really thought that our progress reports were due tomorrow. I was really trying to figure out how I was going to get it all done in time especially since I'd not gotten grades from the ancillary teachers yet.

Then, it hit me this afternoon during my planning period. They are not due until NEXT Wednesday. I was so relieved. I've still got time. Tonight, I stayed home from football practice and I did not go go water aerobics because I wanted to get some grading done. Why does that take so long? I'm really tired and so bored from it all. But, at least I got some of it done.

September 14, 2009

I went to Caleb's practice tonight. It was fun to sit and watch it and talk with other parents, especially Stacey. I really enjoyed this evening. Michael got up and helped out with some of the drills. I like watching him get involved. He looked really good out there.

Michaela and I walked up there. She had homework she needed to finish before we could go up there. So, when she was finished, we walked up to the park. It was a nice walk. The weather was perfect for that kind of walk.

September 13, 2009

Today was Caleb's first football game. It was a really nice day weather wise. The older boys had a game before Caleb's so they lined up and Caleb's team got to run out on the field between them. It was so cute.

Caleb had quite a cheering section at the game today. Michael's parents were there. Brandon and Karen came and so did Michael's brother and our nephew. Stacey, Steve and Jake were there because Lauren is cheering, but I'm sure they gave a cheer or two for Caleb, too. Also, Marlene, her husband and Gina came to see Lauren and Caleb. It was really cool to have all those people there.

We did not win, today. As a matter of fact we lost pretty badly, but it was still fun to see Caleb out on the field. I am so proud of him. He's been working really hard and has waited for this day for three years.

September 12, 2009

Today I did a lot of laundry. I will still have about three loads to do tomorrow, but that's no big deal. I had to get most of it done today because tomorrow there won't be much time for laundry.

I also made two trips to Wal-mart. Why it is I can never remember every thing (and yes I do make a list) the first trip is beyond me. I also did bank and credit union errands.

Michael worked in the front yard. The part that was dug up to fix our water line break needed some help. He and his dad made two trips to get fill dirt and tamped it down as best they could. Now we need to get some grass seed. Hopefully enough grass will grow before winter that it'll keep that dirt from washing away.

September 11, 2009

Today DFS and the police were at my school for one of my students. It was a really emotionally draining day for me. Every year there is at least one that they come to talk to and find out that something wrong is going on at home. When it happens I look around and wonder how it is I keep coming back. It kills me every time and the older I get the harder it is to handle. At least they were not making her go home to where she was being hurt.

Caleb had practice tonight since they did not practice last night. Michael said he tackled someone really good tonight. His coaches were cheering him on! I'm so proud! I really hope this is a good season for his team. His first game is on Sunday.

September 10, 2009

Tonight was opening ceremonies for football. It was a crazy night, actually. I had to get away from work as soon as possible so I could pick up the kids. We had to be at the park by 5:45 this evening. Michaela had to wear her girl scout sash because it was also scout night at Null.

So, we went to the football field and found seats. Michaela stayed with us during opening ceremonies long enough to watch the cheerleaders do their thing and to see her brother's team introduced. Then, she walked across the field to the school for scout night.

Michael's parents came to the opening ceremonies tonight, too. The weather was perfect tonight. The sunset was really pretty, too. The football players and the cheerleaders all seemed really excited about the evening. It was fun to watch them. I'm excited for Caleb. He's wanted to do this for so long. I really hope they have a good season.

After the opening ceremonies were over we walked over to the school to get Michaela. Scout night was just ending, too. It sounds like it was a good night for them, also.

Then, we went to Steak 'n Shake because we'd not had supper yet. These late suppers are becoming a habit. I would prefer that not happen, but football season is not all year, so we'll just go with it for now.

September 9, 2009

I was really glad the students came back today. I like it when they are at school much more than when we have PD days. It was great to see them. I hate that we only have three days to learn this week, but I guess we'll do the best we can with what we've got.

September 8, 2009

Today was a PD day at work so we did not have any students. The first part of the day was spent working on common assessments for our grade level. That was a bit painful, but I think we got it done.

Then, we had a meeting after lunch that lasted until 3:30 or so. It wasn't too bad a meeting, but I am glad that it is over.

Tonight I went to my first GS Leader meeting. That was painful. I could not hear most of what was being said. I came home with a headache. I'm really not sure how they ever get anything accomplished.

September 6, 2009

Today, Michael, the kids and I went to the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden. It was really a great day. We went in the middle of the afternoon. It was PACKED. We had to park a couple blocks away, but it was a nice walk.

I love when we go do family stuff like that. I enjoy spending time with my husband and my kids. We wandered around the Botanical Gardens the rest of the day. Michael and I both took our cameras and we both got a lot of really cool pictures. I think I took around 400 pictures myself. I will have many more than that once I'm finished editing them. That's going to take a while to do, though.

We got to see part of the Japanese drum concert. The kids and I really enjoyed it. Michael was bored with it, though. We stayed until it got dark so we could walk around the candle lit Japanese Garden. We also went up to the statue of George Washington Carver because they had the fountains there lit up, too.

We stopped at Steak 'n Shake on the way home to eat. It was a really late supper for us, but the day was perfect. I'm so glad we went.

September 7, 2009

Today was Labor Day, so we all got to stay home today. We did not go anywhere. Michael worked outside. I worked on laundry and teacher stuff all day. Caleb cleaned his room and vacuumed. Michaela spent the whole day working in her room. It's going to take at least another day before it's even close to being acceptable.

Michael and Caleb had to be up at the park tonight for football practice. So, we ate a little early. We had grilled chicken, Stove Top, and fresh vegetables for supper.

It's back to work and school tomorrow.

September 5, 2009

Today was a pretty uneventful day and I am really happy about that. We spent the day together mostly. I did not even make the bed this morning.

This morning we went to pick the van up from the dealer. It had to go in to have a recall part replaced. We stopped at the furniture store close to the dealer to look at loft beds. We want to put one in each of the kids' rooms.

Then, we brought the van home and went off to do errands. We stopped to eat first. Next, we went to Wal-mart. After that we went to JC Penny. Michaela got a really cute outfit for her picture day. Then, we went to Bass Pro Shop to get Michael some jeans. Next, we went to Johnny Mac to get Caleb's football pants we had ordered. Finally, we went to Blockbuster so the kids could rent a couple Wii games.

At home this afternoon, Caleb played his Wii game. Michael and I watched the Mizzou game. Ok, so I napped and then watched the last quarter. Mizzou kicked some Illini ass!

Tonight we went to Cracker Barell to eat. I found the cutest Halloween decoration there. It's a Jack-o-lantern that looks like Jack Skeleton's head. It has an orange flashing bulb in it. I got a stand for it that looks like a little witch. I just love it.

Tonight we're just hanging out at home.

September 4, 2009

It's is Friday. There is a full moon and you sure could tell it at work. Gosh, the kids were off the wall. I am really glad the work day is over and we have a three day weekend ahead of us. My students have a four day weekend because we have a PD day on Tuesday.

I am VERY tired and cannot wait until the kids go to bed. They are behaving pretty well here at home, but my ears are tired of children's voices today and I just want to let my brain go blank for a while.

We have no plans this weekend and I'm so happy about that. It is the first time in several years that we've not had ANYTHING that we HAVE to do. Well, except pick the van up from the dealer tomorrow. It's there to have a recall part replaced. I did all I could to make sure we had no plans with anyone. I really want this weekend to just be about Michael, me and the kids.

It will be the last weekend for a couple months at least that we don't have anything to do as Caleb's regular football games start next week. I'm looking forward to watching him play, but I know I will also be glad at the end of the season.

My muscles are really sore tonight. The exercise I did this week must've really pushed me this week. That is a good thing, but it's really hard to move right now. I am going to take some Advil before I go to bed tonight.

September 3, 2009

I am very proud of myself tonight. I exercised on my Wii Fit for 45 minutes. I did about 32 minutes of aerobic exercises. Then, I did the rest in yoga exercises. I was sore today from kickball last night. But, I think I'm going to be more sore tomorrow. A couple of the yoga poses really were rough tonight, but at the same time I could feel a little bit more flexibility already.

September 2, 2009

Tonight was our first girl scout meeting of the school year. I really enjoyed the meeting. We started working on a sports badge tonight. We played kickball. It was the mom's (and a brother) against the girls. I think the moms had more fun than the girls.

I went up the street to get snacks while they moved on to play four square. I got them oreos and lemonade.

While they had their snack they also did an interest survey to see what kinds of badges they wanted to work on this year. It was a great night.

September 1, 2009

It is September already. There are 114 days of shopping left until Christmas. It'll be here before we can even take time to think about it.

Not much to talk about today. Grocery shopping is done again for another week. Michael says Caleb did a good job at football practice tonight. I just love the way he looks in his football gear. He's so cute. Michaela had a pretty uneventful day. She's been having some drama on the bus lately, but I guess it went smoothly today.

Our most recent water line break is fixed. The yard is a pile of dirt and there's a big hole where the sidewalk used to be, but the leak itself is fixed and we no longer have a banging noise from air getting in the water pipes. The guys that fixed it are really nice. I enjoyed talking to them.