Wednesday, June 30, 2010

June 30, 2010

Today the kids and I had a day out.  We went to The Ulysses S. Grant Historic Site and to Grant's Farm.  This was the first time we'd been to the Historic Site.  It was really cool.  The kids got to do these workbooks and earn a Junior Ranger Badge.  It really helped all three of us learn even more than we would have had they not had to complete activities in those books.  Plus, they even did a little swearing in ceremony when the kids got their badges.  It was really cute and they both were very proud.  So was I. 

Then, we went down the road to Grant's Farm.  It was PACKED today.  We had to wait in line out in the parking lot just to get to the bridge that takes you to the tram station.  It was past lunch time and took us about an hour from the time we parked the van until we finally got into the park and made our way to the food patio.  We were all getting grouchy from being hungry. 

After we ate we went through the horse stalls.  Some girls were giving the horses heart worm medicine when we were there.  Some of the horses seemed to think this was ok, others not so much.  Then, we went to see the llamas and camels.  One camel would not come to the front of his enclosure because he was at the back, leaning over the fence eating something out of the horse's pasture. 

The kids wanted to feed the goats, so that's where we went next.  They each got two milk bottles and went into the goat yard to feed them.  Again, they had to wait in line just to get into the goat yard.  But, they both enjoyed that very much. 

After feeding the goats, we went to see the Elephant show.  It was really cool.  They explained all about elephants and their anatomy.  We got to see the elephant use it's trunk to pick things up, blow up a big balloon, and spray water.  She even played a harmonica and danced.  The show was a lot of fun.

We wandered around the park a little more and then it was time to go home.  The line was very long to get back on the tram again.  However, it did not take as long to get out of the park as it did to get in.  We only waited about half an hour from the time we got into line until we got to the van.  But, it was a very hot wait because there was almost no shade where that line wove around.

Tonight I took Caleb to his swim lesson.  He's finally swimming with his face in the water.  He got over his fear of putting his face in the water some time ago, but he has been trying to swim free style without putting his face in the water, but not tonight, he did a good job.  I can see the improvements he's made.  I'm really proud of him.

Michael got mulch to put around the flowers, pool and swing set in the back yard tonight.  The yard is really starting to look so much better.  Michael has worked so hard on it.  He's such a good guy, no wonder I love him so much!

June 29, 2010

This morning we went grocery shopping.  Then, the rest of the day I spent working on my assignments for my classes.  I was really dreading it because as usual I put it all off to the last minute.  But, as usual, once I got into it I really enjoyed it all.  I think I'm going to enjoy all three classes a lot.  However, I am glad to have those assignments completed.

June 28, 2010

The kids and I went to Wal-mart to find flowers today.  I was surprised we found as much as we did. For one, we were looking for flowers that can grow in only partial sun.  For two, it is getting close to the end of flower selling season.  Busy Bee Plant Land has already closed up shop for the year.  I was afraid we may have to go to Park View Gardens.  We would get a discount there because of our Park Pass Port Cards, but still, they are a bit more pricey than other places. 

When Michael got home and went out to work in the yard, he realized the pump on the fountain was not working right.  So, I took it up to the local water gardening store and had them find me one that we could replace it with.  Ouch, those things are expensive. 

Then, he decided that the one big purple plant we bought was not enough.  He wanted three more to surround the fountain with.  It was a good idea so I went back to Wal-mart and got three more of those.  I'm glad to be able to just sit down now.

June 27, 2010

This morning I went to my church.  After it was over I picked Michaela up from Anikca's.  We came home for a little while and then went to Michael's church.  For lunch we went to JJ's because we can use our Park Pass Port Cards to get 10% off our bill there. 

This afternoon we worked around the house.  Michael worked out in the yard as much as he could.  He's really making it look good out there.  We are going to need more flowers, though.  I guess the kids and I will go to Wal-mart tomorrow to see if we can find some more.

June 26, 2010

Caleb had his first baseball game today, finally.  The last two weeks we've been rained out, but today everything is dry as a bone.  It was hot, too.  Michaela, Michael's parents and I all sat up on top of a hill under some trees.  It was much cooler up there than down close to the field.

Caleb was catcher for the game today.  He did a really good job.  He looked so cute in his catcher's equipment.  I was so proud of him.  He also got a triple on his last turn at bat.  He really did a great job.  His team won.  Although, the Y doesn't want anyone to keep score, of course some of the parents do because the boys want to know.  The final score was something like 15 to 6.  In all fairness, the other team had a double header today so we were the second game they played.

They also did team pictures today.  It seemed funny having pictures taken before we even had an actual game.  We just ordered the CD.  That way we can go to Wal-mart or some where else and have prints made at will and not be stuck with a bunch of stuff we don't want just to get what we do want.

Michaela is spending the night with Anikca tonight.  I will be picking her up around 9:30 a.m.  after I leave my church.  Before we dropped Michaela off at Anikca's we went to O'Charlie's to eat.  Kids eat free there.  Well, great because they've raised their prices on all the adult food and are really expensive now.  It was a little annoying, but the food was good. 

June 25, 2010

The kids and I went to the pool at McNair today.  We drove past the pool at Blanchette first, but it was just too crowded.  We were actually able to find chairs at McNair.  I think they've dragged out some more of the older chairs, because there seemed to be more chairs out now. 

It wasn't as hot today, but I had a hard time focusing on reading again.  I  had to keep getting in and getting wet.  The pool was busy, but not as busy as it was the last time we went to that pool.  Thank goodness.  I still could not swim laps there, though because there were just too many people in the pool.  But the water felt good when I did get in the water.

June 24, 2010

I think I've found the Master's Program in which I want to enroll.  After searching a lot of online schools this morning, I started poking around on the websites for UMSL, UMKC and Mizzou.  Mizzou has two different Ed Tech programs.  Either one would fit my needs, but one is more tailored for teachers than the other.  However, the other would leave me options if I ever wanted to leave the education field.  In any case, they both are very affordable and I know that they would be accepted at any Missouri school district since Mizzou is a big provider of teaching education and training here.  I hope some of the classes I've taken and gotten credit from UMKC for will transfer.  We will see.  I'm kind of excited that I've actually figured things out finally.

June 23, 2010

Today when I picked the kids up from camp we went straight out to The Mills.  We were going to try and see either Shrek or Karate Kid, but none of the movies there start until mid afternoon and I did not want to wait that long. 

So, instead we ate lunch at Subway in the food court.  Then, we went to the glow in the dark miniature golf place in the mall.  It was fun.  We even got glow bracelets.  But, it was pretty expensive.  I mean it's over $9.00 for adults to play. 

After that we wondered around the mall a little bit.  We went and watched the go carts and the kids played on the little play ground there.  We watched a little girl on the ice skating rink, too. 

When we got home the kids went right out to the pool in our back yard.  It's still very hot here.  This makes it a great pool season that's for sure.

June 22, 2010

I am taking three classes this summer.  I am wondering why I decided to do this.  I mean, I wanted to do it to get the credit hours I need for a raise, but I'm suddenly panicking.  I'm feeling overwhelmed already and the actual work in the courses is just beginning.  I am really wondering if I am going to be able to handle all of this at once. 

On the upside, they are all technology related classes.  One is on web quests, another is on using technology in the mathematics classroom and the last is on the new technology standards that our state has instated.  So, at least they are all classes that I know I will enjoy.

I really need to find a masters program that is going to give me what I want and need to get a degree in educational technology.  I have been looking around and it's just so hard to know what to trust.  Plus, so many of them are so darned expensive.  It's insane how much it costs to go to school. 

Monday, June 21, 2010

June 21, 2010

It was SO FREAKING HOT today!!!  I think the heat index got up to 102 today.  We went to the pool at Blanchette because it was just to hot to do anything else.  It was almost too hot to even be at the pool.  I wanted to read some while we were there.  I think I got a couple pages read, but it was just too hot to stay out of the water.  The concrete was scorching and I think I burned the bottoms of my feet.  They still hurt a little.

I did manage to swim about ten laps while we were there, though.  Some of them not quite as rigorous as I'd like because there were so many people even in the lap pool.  Most people were just hanging out in the water. 

The heat really zapped me, too.  I feel very limp tonight.  The kids came home and got in our pool right away.  They were out there for a little over an hour before they came in.  Now, after supper, they are off riding their bicycles.  They should sleep well tonight. 

Sunday, June 20, 2010

June 20, 2010

Today was Father's Day.  We gave Michael two t-shirts and a seasonal membership to our local car wash.  He seemed happy with that.  He got a card from each kid, one from me and one from the dog. 

I went to my church for early service this morning.  Then, we went to Michael's church later.  After church we went to Red Lobster with Michael's family.  It was a good lunch.  I ate too much, though.  I should have stuck with my usual crab legs, instead I got the Shrimp thing that had three different kinds of shrimp on it plus mashed potatoes.  My tummy did not feel good when we first got home.

I laid down for a little while.  Then, I folded a load of laundry. 

We did not have supper tonight.  We were bad and just had ice cream from Lyon's.  They give out free strawberry shortcake on Father's Day.  The kids got concretes.  It tasted yummy.

Michael worked out in the yard this evening.  He's trying to get the terrace's all pretty for when we have our BBQ on July 3rd.  He's getting close to being done with it.  He's been working very hard on it. 

The kids played in the pool in the back yard most of the afternoon.  Then, they played outside while Michael was working in the yard.  It's been really hot again today. 

June 19, 2010

Michaela and I had swimming this morning.  I did not get as tired this week as I did last week, but I did get hot.  It is weird to sweat in a swimming pool.  Michaela is really loving her swim class.  We stopped and got a sample of the practice schedule for the swim team so she and I both could see what we would be in for if she does join the swim team this fall.  It doesn't look too bad because I am sure she would be in either the first or second group.  It may even give me more of a chance to take more water aerobics classes.

This afternoon I ran some errands.  I went and got some things at Wal-mart.  Then, I got some more flowers at the plant stand up the street.  Then, I stopped and got Michael's Father's Day gift.

Caleb was supposed to have a double header game today.  It got rained out again.  This is starting to get frustrating.  At first we were perplexed by the decision to call off the games, but then it rained really hard this afternoon.  So whatever the reason was earlier in the day it would have been canceled anyway.

Tonight we went to Applebee's for supper.  I had their new Peach Sangria.  It was really good.  We went and got Michael's dad's Father's Day gift after supper.  We got him a gift certificate for Lowe's.  Michael has already bought him a sawzall blade and a big jar of cashews.

June 18, 2010

Today was our neighbor's funeral.  It was a nice service.  I am glad we went.  They have been good neighbors to us and it was a good way for us to show them we care. 

The kids played in the pool for a while this afternoon.  I made them wear t-shirts because even with sun screen they got burnt yesterday.  That sun is very hot this summer and very strong. 

This evening we went to Fazoli's for supper.  It was good but I am so tired for some reason.  I just am so ready to go to bed.

June 17, 2010

The kids and I went to the pool at Blanchette today.  We were not sure we were going to be able to go.  It was raining and thundering a lot this morning.  I stopped to talk to the teachers that are working with them at camp for the "conference" part of camp and then we grabbed Taco Bell on the way home.  By then it was sunny and getting warmer.

So, we headed to the pool.  We were meeting up with Caleb's best friend and his mom.  Another boy from basketball and his mom were there, too.  Blanchette has replaced chairs, too and they only have about half the chairs they used to have.  Thankfully, Lisa got there as the pool opened and saved us chairs.  But, the pool was not crowded today.  I guess people stayed home because of the storms this morning.  It did end up getting HOT though and I got sun burnt.  But, we all had fun.  I hope we can do it again sometime.

This evening we went to the visitation for our neighbor that died.  I did not realize it was going to effect me as much as it did.  Seeing her body brought all of us to tears, Michaela most of all.  We got to talk to Lucy's daughter and her grand daughter, so that was good that they knew we were there.  There were a lot of people there.

Michael took Caleb to baseball practice tonight.  Michael's brother and our nephew helped coach practice tonight.  I think it is so cool that they are helping Michael coach.

July 16, 2010

The kids and I went to the pool at McNair today.  Wow!  It was REALLY crowded.  I've never seen that pool THAT busy before.  We had to sit in the grass.  They have replaced some of their chairs.  They don't have as many chairs anymore, either.  But, even if they had, we still would have had to sit in the grass. 

It was really hot today, too so it was a great day to be at the pool.  I saw a lot of people there that I know so I got to talk a lot.  Of course it meant I did not get to read much.  Caleb found some boys to play with and a few of Michaela's friends were there.  It was a good day to be at the pool.

Tonight I grilled chicken breasts.  This is the fourth night in a row that I actually cooked.  I am really proud of myself.  My family has been able to eat real meals this week so far.

Caleb had swimming lessons tonight.  I took him this time.  It was fun to see him in the water learning to swim better.  He is really enjoying it, too.  He has the teacher Michaela had for her  private lessons and he likes her a lot.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

June 15, 2010

It was grocery shopping day. I really hate that chore, but it is over with for another week.

I wanted to take the kids to the pool today, but the radar showed rain coming. So, they got in the pool in the back yard. They got to swim out there for about an hour and half before the storms came. Then, it stormed pretty good for the rest of the afternoon.

We read for half an hour. We have been trying to do that every day. It does not always work out the way we planned, but we're trying. We set the timer and we all sit in the living room reading our books. I was a little skeptical that Caleb would actually read, but he can tell us what is happening in his book so he is really reading it. I'm really proud of him. He has come a long way with his reading.

Tonight I baked pork chops in the oven. We also had cheesy potatoes, string beans, steamed Asian vegetables and mac 'n cheese. This is the third night in a row that I actually cooked and did not just warm things up. I'm so proud of me.

I am hardly not sore at all anymore. I guess I'll be ok to go back at it come Saturday. I am hoping to get to the YMCA at least one morning this week to swim on my own. Maybe Thursday and/or Friday. We'll see. I need to get laundry done tomorrow, though.

Monday, June 14, 2010

July 14, 2010

I spent most of the day reconciling bank statements. It took a long time, but it feels good to have it done. I also had to pay this week's bills. I feel a big sense of accomplishment having finished all of it, too.

The kids were in the pool in the back yard most of the day. They really had a lot of fun. They only fought a little, not nearly as much as they usually do, which was nice.

I am still sore today, but not as bad. I've been trying to stretch my muscles as much as possible. It has helped some.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

July 13, 2010

I have been miserable today. That class yesterday kicked my ass more than I realized. I can hardly move today. I did not sleep at all last night. Between being sore, the indigestion from the nachos last night and Abby chewing, licking, scratching all night it was impossible to sleep. I did almost nothing today. I ran a couple errands and that is all.

But, tonight I did make dinner. We had roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, steamed corn, and pasta salad for supper. It was really good. It was the first time I could eat today too, so it was nice to be able to enjoy it. Caleb even wanted seconds of the roast beef. He did eat a little pasta salad and mashed potatoes, too. This is a big step for him. I'm proud of him for at least trying them.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

July 12, 2010

This morning was my first morning of my new water aerobics class. It kicked my ass. I think I may be a little sore tomorrow. But, it was a good workout. Michaela had her second pre-competitive class this morning. She has said she wants to join the swim team this fall. I know she could change her mind, but I hope she doesn't. It will mean this fall will be even crazier than usual because it is as much of a commitment as football, but I think it will be good for her.

Caleb was supposed to have his first baseball game today, but it rained. It actually poured like crazy where the game was supposed to be, but here at home it hardly sprinkled. The baseball diamonds turned into muddy swampy messes. It was a bit disappointing, but it gives them one more week to practice before an actual game. They did give us the shirts and hats, though. I think we are going to need to exchange some sizes. The mediums are awfully small.

Tonight we went to Trailhead for supper. It tasted good, but I'm getting indigestion now. I've never gotten indigestion after eating there before. I hope this is a one time thing.

Friday, June 11, 2010

June 11, 2010


Today I cleaned my side of the bedroom really good. I got in the corners where I don't clean all the time. Boy was it dusty. I was so tired of the pile of stuff and the chair over there, that I went to Family Dollar and bought two very inexpensive shelving units.

They were easy to put together because they did not require the use of any tools. One is a corner unit and the other is a small four tiered unit that matches the corner unit. They enabled me to put all the books and stuff that was stacked in that corner into neat organization.

I also have a place for my computer to sit and a designated spot for my purse and camera and tripods now. My dresser is cleaned off and there's so much space on top of it now. It looks so much better over there and I was able to get everything dusted real good and the floor vacuumed better than it has been in a long time. It took me a long time but it looks so much better and I'm very happy with it.

Tonight I've been sitting out in the back yard on a beach chair. I came out to be with the kids while they played. Then, they started to argue so I sent them inside to take showers. So, I've been sitting out here enjoying the weather, drinking my Bud Ice and messing around on the computer.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

June 10, 2010

I had to call the vet about Abby again today. She is just itching so bad she's got scratches all over her belly now. They prescribed antibiotics and a steroid for her. I will be so glad when the bandage comes off her foot so we can bathe her and take her to the groomer. She needs a bath really bad and she's getting so furry.

The kids and I tried to go see Alice In Wonderland again today. It was sold out. So we went to Blockbuster and rented it. They each rented a Wii game, too. It was a pretty good movie. I really enjoyed it. I liked it much better than the old cartoon version. Although, I had trouble staying awake after not getting much sleep for two nights in a row.

Caleb and Michael had baseball practice tonight. Michael texted me to tell me that it was raining out there when they got there. The sun was still out, but it was pouring down rain. It only lasted a few minutes so they practiced any way. Their first game is this Saturday.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

June 9, 2010

We tried to go see Alice In Wonderland this afternoon. The show times online were wrong and we missed it. So, we'll go see it tomorrow.

Last week, when I had to be at work, it was hot and sunny. I went by the pools a couple times on my way home and they were packed. I was jealous. The past two days, now that I'm off work, have been cloudy and rainy. Not fair!

This evening Michaela and I went to Vicky's for a camp meeting. Caleb had swim lessons so Michael took him to the YMCA. Michael needed to pick up a chest protector for baseball anyway.

I am very ready for bed. Abby has gone nuts with itching lately and she kept Michael and I awake a lot last night.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

June 8, 2010

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Summer Break!!!! It started off with taking the kids to Camp Read A Lot, taking the dog to the vet, doing the grocery shopping and doing some laundry. Actually, I'm not planning on us doing a whole lot this week. Maybe we'll go to the dollar show to see Alice In Wonderland, but not sure. I'm just glad to not have to get up and drive the 18 miles to work for a couple months. It's nice to not have to get out of bed right away in the morning right now.

Monday, June 7, 2010

June 7, 2010

Today was my last day of work for this school year. I am very glad to be on summer break. I will miss my principal next year. I really enjoyed working with him this year. Not everyone in my building would agree with me, but I am am glad he was part of our building this year.

There are going to be other people I miss next year if they do not get their jobs back, too. I am going to check on them on the 17th, because that's when they are supposed to know if they have their jobs next year or not. I feel so badly for them because it's got to be very nerve wracking to not know.

Michaela and Caleb started Camp Read A Lot today. They both seemed to have really had fun. They both like the teachers they got. I look forward to meeting Caleb's teacher and seeing Mrs. Schwartz again. I will get a couple hours to myself every day for the next three weeks, too.

I got my evaluation today. It was really good. I am very happy with it.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

June 6, 2010

It was a wonderful Sunday. The first part of the day we just stayed home and did things around the house.

This afternoon we went to Michael's brother's house for a B-B-Que. It was a celebration for my niece's birthday. She will be 14 on Tuesday. We got her an iTunes card and I burned all the Nickelback CD's for her. I also burned Shinedown's CD for her. She was excited about that. It was cool seeing her happy about that.

My sister-in-law's brother from Texas was there, too. He came up for the wedding. He is so funny and I really like his wife, too. She's very nice. They have two little girls. Their oldest is 4 and then they have a baby, too. Both are adopted and both are so darned cute.

We had a lot of great food. We danced. There was a flag football game (no I did not play). And, there was a lot of good conversation. It was just a very nice afternoon and evening. I am very blessed with the family I married into. I really have no idea what I ever did to be so lucky to have my life, but whatever it was, I'm glad I did it! :-P

Saturday, June 5, 2010

June 5, 2010

We went to a wedding today. Michael's brother's wife's nephew got married. It was a long ceremony as it was full Catholic Mass. But, it was a very pretty ceremony. The bride is a really pretty girl. They both looked great and they looked great together.

The groom was very nervous and kept messing up his vows. It must've been contagious because then the priest messed up the blessing of the rings. It was pretty funny, actually and everyone got a good laugh.

Tonight was the reception. It was out at a golf club that Michael and I went to for another wedding reception several years ago. It is gorgeous out there. The reception went very well. They had it so organized. The food was wonderful. I really enjoyed myself. Caleb had a ball dancing. He's my little dancing man. He was so cute out there on the dance floor. He even learned how to do the electric slide.

Friday, June 4, 2010

June 4, 2010

It was the last Friday of school. I have one more day left of work for this school year. I will be very happy when Monday afternoon comes.

I don't have a whole lot to finish on Monday to close up my classroom. Just a few last minute things to box up and some electrical equipment to unplug. I should be able to get that done before lunch time on Monday... well except unplugging all the electrical stuff. I want to be able to use the computer until it is time to go home. It is very hard for me to believe that I have completed 17 years of teaching already.

This afternoon I called the teacher that will be working with Caleb at Camp Read A Lot. She sounds very nice. We had a good discussion about Caleb. I wish I could take them to their first day of camp. I won't get to go in and see their classroom this year because I cannot be there on the first day. That kind of bums me out. But, I'll get to meet Caleb's teacher and say hi to Michaela's. She got the teacher that taught Caleb when he was in first grade. So, she already knows her.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

June 3, 2010

The week is almost over. I was able to get quite a bit done at work today, which really did a lot to relieve some of my stress and lower my panic level. The end of the year is just the most stressful for me. I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, though, I think.

Tonight, Michael is having his first practice with the baseball team. He is coaching Caleb's team with the aide of another dad. I think Caleb thinks it's pretty cool that his dad is coaching his team. They will have their first game a week from Saturday.

Last night Caleb had his first swim lesson. I think he has a ways to go yet, but Michael says that Caleb has the same teacher Michaela had for both spring sessions and she did a great job with Michaela. I hope she can help Caleb, too.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

June 2, 2010

Tonight I went out with some friends. We met at Old Mill Stream Inn on Main Street. I really like that place. I love their mill fries, but they were out of them tonight. I wanted to pout.

But, we had a really good time. I enjoy those nights so much. It feels good to just get to be one of the girls and get to talk the way we talk when there are no kids or men around. We always have so much fun and laugh so much. It was what I really needed tonight. I even had desert.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

June 1, 2010

It's June! Just four more days of work and I'm done for the year. I really hope this week goes by fast. I am just so over it for now.

It was not a bad day at work, though. For the most part my students are hanging in there pretty good. I'm not having near the amount of behaviors that I usually have at this time of the year. They are just really good kids. I'm going to miss them. But, not enough to want the year to be longer.

Michael went to mow tonight. I have just been very tired this week. I am hoping come next week that will change.