October 31, 2009

It's been an eventful day. You'll have to forgive me if this is hard to read as at t his point in time I've almost (as in a few ounces away from) finished off a bottle of wine and it's hard to see what I am typing. I am floating.

I went to Target and Wal-mart today and people were crazy. But, I got done what I had planned. I also managed to get a few loads of laundry and a nap in today, too.

Michael, the kids and I went to Steak 'n Shake for supper. Then, we came home and got ready for trick or treating. Michaela has not been well today. But, we had her on meds and decided to let her go out anyway.

We went to Michael's brother's house first. My niece looked awesome as Cleopatra. Michaela was an Indian maiden and Caleb was a vampire this year. After we left Jeremy and Kelly's house we went to Michael's parents' house. The kids went to a couple houses over there and then we went to my mom's house. Finally, we came home.

Michael took the kids out trick or treating while I stayed home to give candy to trick or treaters. I guess it was too much for Michaela as now she's in need of a breathing treatment. Michael is on his way over to his brother's house again to get albuterol since what we have has a date in 2007 on it. But, Michaela only has a couple years left to trick or treat so it was just too hard for us to keep her home.

Now, I'm listening to the radio while surfing the net. I have pictures from tonight that I will share later. The kids are in bed. We'll give Michaela a breathing treatment when Michaela gets home. I've had almost a bottle of wine so I'm having a hard time seeing what I'm typing so I guess I'll stop for now.

I hope everyone has had a safe and happy night!

October 30, 2009

Today was a short work day. Since we were there late last night, we only had to be at work until 11:00 a.m. The students had the day off and we had three hours of parent teacher conferences. I had three more parents show up today. That was 10 total. For where I work, that's a very good turn out.

When I left work I went to St. Louis Bread Company. I love that place. I had half a Turkey Bravo sandwich and French Onion Soup. YUM! I got to sit in a quiet corner by myself and eat a peaceful lunch. I had planned on reading while I ate, but left my book in the van. It was still a very nice lunch.

After that I went to Angie's to wait for Michaela to come home from school. Michaela and Caleb both had half days today, too. Caleb went home with Chase so Michaela was the only one I had to worry about picking up. I got to talk to Angie for about 45 minutes before the girls got home.

Michaela and I came home around 1:30 and just hung out at home for a while. I took a nap this afternoon. That was heaven. I hardly ever get to do that.

Around 4:15 Michaela and I went to get Caleb. Michaela said she wasn't feeling great. So, when we got back home I took her temperature. She had a slight fever. She's complained of a sore throat, too, but has been eating and drinking ok. She took a shower around 5:00 pm and wanted to get into her pj's early.

Michael and Caleb went to see Jeremy Jr. play at his school's last home football game tonight, so Michaela and I have been home by ourselves. It's been very quiet at home. Michaela went to bed at 8:30. I figured that was best since she's not been feeling well. I hope she shakes this off, I really would hate for her to miss trick or treating.

Now, I am waiting for Amityville Horror to come on.

October 29, 2009

It was a very long day for me. I was at work from 8:15 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. We had a regular school day. Then, we had a 45 minute break. At 4:30 parent teacher conferences started and they lasted until 8:30 p.m. Since it takes me about 25 minutes to drive between work and home, there is no possible way I could come home between school and conferences.

I ended up having 7 parents come tonight. I think that's more than I had all year last year. It was nice to see so many of them. I only have 15 students this year so that was almost half.

I did get a surprise at work today. There seems to be an activity going on to surprise people. I got "ghosted." I got a trick or treat back with a few things in it on my door. It had a really cute little bat/ghost plush toy, a candle and a popcorn ball in it. Now, I'm supposed to surprise two other people in the same type of way. I like things like this, they are fun.

October 28, 2009

Last weekend a 15 year old girl was gang raped, robbed and beaten outside her school during the homecoming dance in California. This is really bothering me. According to news reports as many as 20 people could have been watching and taking pictures during the 2 hours that the victim was being raped. Supposedly, they lured her into a secluded court yard/alley with alcohol and after she'd drank enough to be drunk, started raping her and beating on her.

The people who hurt this girl are obviously horrid creatures and hopefully our justice system will give them the maximum punishment allowed by law. Honestly, the beast in me would like something more horrible to happen to them, but I guess that would make me just like them.

However, the people that stood and watched and took pictures are just as bad. How could someone just watch, take pictures, laugh about it all? How would they feel if it were them or someone they loved? Would it be a photo op then? Would it be funny? How would they feel if people just stood by and allowed something to happen to someone they loved?

To anyone who has just stood by and let something happen I hope you live with shame and guilt your whole life. I hope the fact that you did not help the person who needed it haunts you with every breath you take. It is not just because of rapists, murderers and other sick minded criminals that people feel unsafe in this world, it is also because of all of you that just sit there and watch that causes this world to be unsafe. There are so many things I would love to say to those of you who fall into this category, but one of the improvements I'm trying to make on myself is to not let anger and rage take over in my heart.

For anyone who has kids, hold them close. Let them know every day how much they mean to you and how much you love them. Talk to them about the dangers of going off with others into secluded areas drinking alcohol. Keep your lines of communication open. It is never the victim's fault when these things happen. Our only hope is to try and arm our children with as much power and knowledge as possible against people who want to hurt them.

This poor girl that was so brutally victimized may never be able to heal emotionally from what was done to her. The only way she would have any hope of recovering is if she has the love and support that everyone needs from her parents and family. I cannot even imagine the road she has ahead of her. She's only 15 and this one horrible night will probably effect her the rest of her life. She was victimized not only by her attackers but by those who decided it was a fun show to watch.

October 27, 2009

Caleb's practice was canceled again tonight. We have been getting so much rain this fall. I usually do not mind rain, but holy cow, I'm tired of it. I'm not sure if the rain is to blame, but driving to work has sucked so far this year. There have been more accidents on my way to work so far this school year than there has been in the whole previous 7 years I worked at my school.

October 26, 2009

Working on report cards tonight. I will really be glad when this week is over. We have parent teacher conferences at the end of the week. On Thursday I have to be at work until 8:30 p.m. Then, I have to be right back at work at 8:00 a.m. the next morning. The good part is I get to leave at 11:00 a.m. on Friday. I will be very glad when that time comes. And, this is the week between regular season and playoffs for Caleb's football team, so there is NO GAME this weekend. Of course it is Halloween this weekend, but that's ok. Next week is a short week.

October 25, 2009

Caleb's team won their last regular season game today. Troy lost their game, so that means Caleb's team goes to the playoffs this year! Yeah!

The game today was really something else. Caleb's team started out really great. They scored three unanswered touchdowns. Then, all of the sudden the referees got diarrhea of the penalty flags. They were throwing flags at Caleb's team for every little thing. They sure ignored all the face mask grabbing that the other team was doing, though. The coaches on the other team were being real jerks, too. They kept screaming about illegal formations. The refs never called that so I'm not sure what the hell that was all about. I think at one time the long haired hoosier coach on the other team was yelling at one of our boys. It was crazy. The person running the score board clock was not paying attention, either. He kept "forgetting" to start the clock during the last quarter.

In the end none of it mattered because we stomped butt anyway. The final score was 26 - 13. And, we are playoffs bound!

October 24, 2009

I spent most of the day working on grading papers. I also did laundry. We went to Wal-mart in the early part of the day. It was not an exciting day, but it was nice to have a weekend day at home.

October 23, 2009

It's Friday again. It was a pretty uneventful day at work. Tonight we went to Locos for supper and then came home and just hung out until bedtime.

October 22, 2009

All my students were at school today! Yeah!!! It really was a pretty good day in our class. They made pictographs and had to write a question to go with their pictographs. They did really well with it. I'm very proud of them. They are starting to show more progress. Yeah!!!

Tonight football practice was canceled because of the rain. Michaela and I stayed home from swimming and water aerobics because I am just wiped out tired and she had quite a bit of homework. So, it was one evening that all four of us were home. I don't think the dog knows how to handle it. She's been very confused about where to lay down or what to do.

October 21, 2009

It was an extremely busy day today. Work was the calmest part of my day.

After work I was supposed to go see Michaela's cross country meet. But, I spent an hour and half driving around west county unable to find the stupid school they were at, so I rushed back to town to meet Michaela at her school. By the time I got there I had to use the restroom really badly, so I went into the school and found a restroom. Just as I was coming back out the bus pulled up.

Michaela and I got home in time to change clothes and go to girl scouts. After girl scouts we went through the drive through at McDonald's because Michaela was so hungry she was getting a headache. Then, we came home. I made soup for myself.

Now, it's time for bed. I'm so freaking tired.

October 20, 2009

It was a long day at work. We had a PD session after work. Then, I went to Caleb's football practice tonight because Michael is sick. He thinks he may have kidney stones. He's in a lot of pain and has a fever. I hope they are able to figure out what is wrong with him tomorrow. It was fun watching Caleb tonight, though. He and I don't get to do too much together. And, while this wasn't exactly us doing something together, it was Mommy being there without anyone else there.

October 19, 2009

The weekends just go by way too fast. I really was not ready for it to be Monday already. I hope this week goes by fast. I'm really looking forward to the first Thursday and Friday in November. We do not have to go to work that day. It's so we can go to the NEA conferences. It will be a nice break. It's not meant to be a four day weekend, but it's still a bit of a break.

It was a pretty good day at work though.

October 18, 2009

Today was Caleb's last home game. His team played Kirkwood. They won!! It was 6-0. It was a great game to watch. I'm so proud of him. He's really taken to football and he enjoys it so much. I'm so happy it's been a positive experience for him. It's really helped his attention span at school some, too.

If they win next week they will be in the playoffs. The first playoff game would be against Chesterfield, which is the best team in the league. But, it's double elimination, so they would still get to play two games in the playoffs no matter what. BUT, they have to win next week first.

After the game we went to Pantera's with Michael's parents and Jeremy and his side of the family. It was a nice lunch.

The rest of the day was pretty normal Sunday.

October 17, 2009

It was a family day. We spent the morning and early afternoon out running errands and shopping. I love being with my husband and kids like that. It may sound silly to some, but the small things like that really mean the world to me. I feel so blessed because I have a husband I totally love and that loves me just as much. And, we have two beautiful, wonderful kids. This is what I dreamed about the whole time I was growing up.

Tonight we went to my mom's for birthdays. It was time to celebrate Michael's, Brandon's and Griff's birthdays. It was a very quiet, calm evening and meal. This is a good thing because I'm feeling kind of tired tonight. All in all it was a good day.

October 16, 2009

I was SO GLAD to wake up and know it was Friday this morning. This week just seemed so very long to me. It was the last week of the quarter for my school district. I'm gonna have some major paperwork ahead of me over the next week or so.

Tonight Michaela and I went with the girl scouts to a play (musical) at the local community college. It was put on by a children's theater group that is made up of 3rd -12th graders. The kids worked hard on it, you could tell, but the script was so bad. It was a horrible play. I feel badly for the actors because they were not given much to work with but they really did work hard on it. The girls really enjoyed it. Michaela loved it and I'm really glad she enjoyed herself.

It was great getting to spend time with some of my favorite women, too.

October 15, 2009

Tonight was water aerobics night. We had a lot of people show up for class tonight. It was a lot of fun, but I'm exhausted now and really want my kids to go to bed so I can go to bed. Michaela is finishing up homework. Caleb came home full of mud from football practice. He showered and is now having a bed time snack.

October 14, 2009

This is my 700th blogger post.

Tonight has been a very quiet night at home. That's nice for a change. I think we all needed the down time. I actually fell asleep for about an hour after supper. I'm also going to try to be in bed by 10:00 pm tonight.

My online class for this fall has started. I was going to take two classes again, but one of the ones I signed up for was canceled. That happened over the summer, too. I picked another one, then, but I never did figure out what I wanted to replace this one with, so I'm only taking one class for this fall. It's a science class, using technology to enhance your science curriculum. It should be interesting.

October 13, 2009

Today is my brother's 33rd birthday. Happy Birthday Brandon!

Today at work we got a chance to work in our classrooms during what is usually staff meeting time. That was really nice. I'm really glad I had that time. I feel like I actually accomplished something.

Tonight I did the grocery shopping. Caleb did have football practice even though it was drizzly outside. He had a really good time at practice tonight, though. Michaela stayed at practice with Michael and Caleb. She was really cold when she got home. I told her she would get cold.

October 12, 2009

It was a busy afternoon/evening. I left work right away so I could get home to change clothes before picking up Caleb. I wanted to grab my camera, too, but forgot it.

After changing clothes, I went to get Caleb. He and I headed to the park. It was a MAD HOUSE there. There were people EVERYWHERE and there was not a parking spot left in the whole park. So we drove all the way around and then went and parked at the church next to the park. Michael got there when we did, too.

Michaela's race was supposed to start at 5:00. It started a little late, but it wasn't too long. She ran the mile in about 11.5 minutes. She did really good again and she seems to really be enjoying it. I'm so glad she's liking it so much.

When her race was over, Michael brought the kids home. Caleb got started on his homework and Michaela relaxed a little. I went and got McDonald's for supper.

After we ate, Caleb got ready for football practice. He and Michael left around 6:20 p.m. Michaela and I went up a little later. We stayed about 45 minutes or so and then came home so Michaela could get in the shower.

Caleb and Michael got home around 8:30 p.m. Caleb took his shower and now the kids are in bed. I won't be far behind them. I'm really tired. It is very tiring being so busy, but honestly, I love it. I love having kids old enough to be involved in activities like this and I love being there to see them enjoying their activities.

October 11, 2009

This morning we had to drive out to Ladue for Caleb's football game. It was at a private high school out there because O'Fallon's field flooded pretty badly this past week. The high school is beautiful. It's a very expensive place to send your kid, though. Caleb got to play most of the second half. I love watching him play. His team lost again, but for me knowing he is getting to do something he loves is the best part.

When we got home I started working on the laundry. I also cleaned up the kitchen. Then, I went through Caleb's closet and drawers. I took out all the clothes that no longer fit him and flipped the winter and summer clothes around. Michaela did the same in her room and I also did the same for my closet. I will get to my drawers later. I managed to finish laundry today, yeah!

I went to Wal-mart tonight because in the process of cleaning out drawers and closets I realized that both kids had no pj's that fit. So, I had to go buy them pj's. I got each of them four pairs. They should be good to go for now. They made need a couple more pairs each, but that can wait for now.

October 10, 2009

We did a lot of shopping during the first part of the day, today. We needed lots of things at Wal-mart. The, we also had to go buy a few more things for football. Caleb needed a body armor shirt to help keep him warm now that it's getting cold. Michaela got one, too. They will also be able to wear them to play outside when/if it snows this winter.

Abby got groomed today, too. She needed it badly. It has been close to 8 weeks since she was last groomed. She looks so much better and I'm sure she feels better too.

Tonight the kids spent the evening with Michael's parents because Michael and I had hockey tickets. It was the magnetic schedule night. We've not gone to that promotion for several years. Getting the magnetic schedule was the highlight of the night. The Blues SUCKED big time tonight. They lost 1-2 to L.A. It was really pathetic.

The Cardinals handed over the series to L.A., too, tonight. It's not a great time to be a St. Louis sports fan right now. I'm sure the Rams will lose tomorrow too.

October 9, 2009

I'm glad it's Friday. I may have only been at work three days, but having been sick makes me get tired a lot easier right now. I hope I get some of my stamina back soon.

We went to O'Charley's tonight because when we tried to go to Trailhead there was an hour and half wait there. O'Charley's was good. I could not finish my meal though, it seems my stomach has "shrunk." This is a very good thing. I'm happy about it.

On the way home we stopped to get Caleb's anit-biotics that the doctor called out for him today. It seems they did find strep growing on the test swab they did the other day. He's still eating fine and has been acting like himself. I guess we caught it at the very beginning. That's a good thing.

Tonight I watched this week's episodes of Flash Forward and Fringe online. Both shows are getting really good. I'm enjoying them a lot. I've been trying to catch up on The Forgotton, too, but just can't seem to get there. Hopefully, soon. I tried to watch Supernatural, but The CW's website would not cooperate with me.

October 8 2009

I went back to work today and Caleb went back to school. I was actually looking forward to it. I missed my students and missed being in my classroom. It turned out to be a pretty decent day, but I had to do a lot of catching up to do with my students as the sub did noting I'd left for them to do. My students told me he sat at my desk and ate most of the day and that he kept falling asleep.

Tonight was swimming/water aerobics night for Michaela and me. It felt good to get in the water and work out. I really enjoy it. It's weird, once you've been in deep water like that for an hour, it's hard to get out of the water. When you do get out you feel VERY heavy.

It's a big sports night for those of us that live around here. Cardinals played game two of division playoffs and lost because they played like idiots. The Blues are playing their third game of the season and at present time are losing 3-1. Mizzou is playing Nebraska and they keep handing the ball right over to Nebraska. Nebraska just handed us two points on a safety. WOO HOO.

Between all this I am still trying to watch Fringe. But, I'll probably have to watch it online along with tonight's episode of Flash Forward.

October 7, 2009

Caleb and I stayed home again today. I am more tired and shaky than anything today. I am starting to feel human, but still have not slept well. I think if I could get a good night's sleep I'd be much better.

Caleb has not had a fever since this morning. Hopefully, he will not wake up with one again tomorrow. I'd like for him to go back to school, especially since I am planning on going back to work.

I had to do battle with Charter today. I got a phone call telling me we had not made a payment in September. I knew that was wrong so I looked it up online and sure enough there it was on my bank statement. Finally, they figured out they had credited that payment to our telephone bill instead of our cable bill. They are going to fix it. I'm so tired of Charter.

Today was Michaela's first cross country meet. There were over 50 girls in her race and she came in 38th. I am so proud of her. She took off and did not quit at all. She worked so hard at it today. She's only been training for two weeks and her running club only meets once a week. She did GREAT!

October 6, 2009

Caleb and I both stayed home today. He's been very quiet compared to his normal self. He's had a fever off and on. I took him to the doctor. He tested negative for strep. They see no signs of infection and don't think it's the flu. It's just a virus, I guess. They did not give him any meds because of this.

I also went to the doctor. I have been diagnosed with a sinus infection, which I was pretty sure is what he would say. I got these ginormous horse pill anti-biotics. They are huge. They are bigger than my vitamins which I have a hard time swallowing. he also told me to get Mucinix in the red box. Shhhhh, don't tell my nose, but that seems to be helping. I'm actually breathing out of both nostrils right now. It's also dried out my mouth really bad. But maybe I'll be able to sleep tonight.

I've been fighting a fever, too. We are both staying home again tomorrow. I've already let my school know. My principal asked the sub who was in my room today to come back tomorrow. I will go back to work on Thursday. Hopefully, Caleb will go back to school then, too. He's been kind of bummed that he's missed football practice so far this week. But, I think he liked having mommy to himself today. I kind of liked it, too.

October 5, 2009

It's been a painful day for me. I am sick. I went to work because my sub folder was not ready yet. I had all the info typed up, but none of it printed and put in the folder. So, I went in to make sure that was all put together. I was hoping I'd feel better as the day went on, but of course just the opposite happened.

By the time it was time to come home all I could think about was getting home and getting into bed. I stopped and picked up Caleb because he was at his grandparents' house because he'd gone home from school early from not feeling well. Then, when I got home I logged on and set up for a sub tomorrow. I've already got a doctor's appointment set for tomorrow afternoon.

Michael was great tonight. He went to the store to get mac 'n cheese for the kids for supper. I told him I wanted Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Ocean Spray cranberry juice cocktail and some soup. He ended up having to go to three different grocery stores to get it all. What a guy. He also made my soup for me and brought it to me in bed.

I think Caleb is fine. He wanted to go outside when we got home and was hungry most of the evening. He did complain of a headache again this evening but since taking some Tylenol he's been fine.

Now, I'm going to go take some Nyquil, brush my teeth and go to bed.

October 4, 2009

Today was a great day. We went up to Eckert's in Grafton to go apple picking. It was a beautiful day outside. It was on the cool side temperature wise, but the sun was out so it didn't feel too cool. It was just perfect to go apple picking.

We took the ferry across the river to get to Grafton. It's so pretty crossing the river. I'm so lucky to live in such a beautiful state. Michael's parents went with us, so we took the van.

We got to Eckert's and ended up wandering around a bit before getting on the wagon. They were having chain saw carving there today and some of the work they had done was just gorgeous. It was fun to watch them at work, too.

We had a long ride on the wagon today. They took us to the other side of the road. I did not even know that their property went over there. But, we found some great apples. We got to pick red delicious, golden delicious and johnathan apples. The kids got to play around in the play area for a while, too.

When we left Grafton, we came back to town to go to Red Lobster. It was Michael's birthday dinner. It was a nice meal. Michaela had crab legs herself for the first time ever. It was so much fun watching her grandfather teacher her how to crack them open. I love the relationship that my children have with their grandparents.

The rest of the afternoon I have worked on pictures (which FB won't let me upload right now) and done laundry. I am progressively feeling worse, though. I think this cold had caught me, or sinus infection or something. UGH! I don't have time to be sick.

October 3, 2009

It's Michael's birthday! My hubby is 42 today.

We had to be up at the park by 2:45 today. They did football pictures today. The boys seemed to do pretty good with it. I was impressed they were able to get 30+ 6/7 year old boys to sit/stand still long enough to get a team picture of them.

Caleb's game started at 4:30. It was a long game today. It ended up lasting 2 hours. They lost to Chesterfield 6 - 18. Caleb did not get to play much today. We didn't have the ball much and he was not put out as first string today. But, he did get to play. He's really loving football.

It was cold, and grey and windy today so it was not real comfortable sitting on those bleachers, but it still is a lot of fun to cheer my son's team on. I wouldn't miss his games for anything in the world. Michael's parents came, too. Caleb had a big cheering section today. Griff was there and so were Michael's brother, his wife and our niece and nephew, as well as our niece's boyfriend and one of our nephew's friends.

Tonight we went to Stefanina's for supper. We went to the full service restaurant out in O'Fallon. It's been a long time since we've been there. I don't think we've been since before either of the kids were born. It was a nice meal.

After eating we went to Michael's brother's house. Michael's parents were there too. Our niece made cupcakes so Michael got a special birthday cupcake. She did a great job, they tasted really good. We also got a few pumpkins that they had from a friend's farm. We have a HUGE one this year. It took Michael and his brother to lift it into the truck.

I have not felt great today. I think I'm coming down with a cold or a sinus infection, not sure which. I'm taking Nyquil before I go to bed tonight. I'm not feeling HORRIBLE at this point, but hopefully, making sure I get rest will help keep it from getting too bad.

October 2, 2009

It's Friday night and I am at home. No, I'm not complaining. I'm really tired after sitting in the most boring PD meeting I've ever sat in today for work. I'm so glad it is over.

Michael and Caleb went to football practice. They were making up for not having practice last night. It was a two hour practice. Michaela was in her room most of the night so it was pretty quiet in the house while the boys were gone.

I managed to get a few loads of laundry done, the dishes in the kitchen cleaned up and the sink scrubbed really good. I also got Michael's birthday present wrapped. I feel like I accomplished quite a bit for a Friday night.

Now, it is time to watch the episode of Flash Forward that I missed last night.

October 1, 2009

I went to water aerobics tonight. This is my second week to go to class. I really am enjoying it. I got worn out like crazy tonight, though. But, it feels good. Michaela has swimming lessons at the same time, so it works out great for us.

Now, I am watching Fringe. I love that show. I look forward to it every week.

Caleb's football practice was canceled tonight because of all the rain we got today. It rained like crazy the first half of the day. At work the thunder was so violent it made the projector to my Smart Board shake. Caleb's practice is re-scheduled for tomorrow night.