August 31, 2010

I did not get home until it was time for Michael and Caleb to leave for practice tonight. I wish our staff meetings would end sooner. I was so tired when I got home. I really couldn't think about anything.

Luckily, Michael was able to come home normal time tonight so he could pick up Caleb from latch key. I am going to go to bed early tonight. I will be going to bed right after the kids are tucked in.

August 30, 2010

Well, I felt so stressed out this weekend, that I was glad to go back to work and be in the regular week routine. It was an o.k. day. I started assessing my students' reading skills today. I ran out of the forms, though. I am going to see about making copies myself because copies are not coming back from the copy center for some reason.

It did feel good to be back in the routine, though.

August 29, 2010

Today I spent most of the day working on stuff for work and doing laundry. I was trying to get most of it done before Kay came home with my mom. Of course, mom tried to make it as difficult as possible for me to see Kay. Every time there's a chance at a meal together, my mom tries to monopolize it.

As usual she was going to have a meal from a place she knows I do not like. I understand that Kay mentioned it, but when I called, I don't know why it was so hard for her to ask Kay about changing plans. Oh, no, instead, it was all about, well you can just come over while we eat what we want and sit in my smoke smelly apartment and just take the "left overs" of time. It's just very infuriating.

Anyway, it all worked out that we met them, Brandon and Karen at Pasta House. Brandon didn't even know Kay was home. Hell, he didn't even know about the family reunion. Yet, mom gets mad at him for not calling her and for focusing on dad's side of the family.

It was great talking to Kay, though. Gosh, I miss her. I miss the times I spent with her and Kathy growing up. I hate that Kay lives in California. But, I loved spending those couple of hours with her.

August 28, 2010

Today was GS camp day. This year we were at Camp Cedarledge for camp. It's an absolutely BEAUTIFUL camp. But, it is very large. It takes a long time to walk anywhere. We definitely got our exercise in today, especially when we walked to the lake. It took 15 minutes just to walk from our lodge to the parking lot. It was worth the walking though because, as I said, it's just beautiful there.

The girls got to do archery this year. That was a lot of fun. It's been forever since I shot an arrow. Michaela did pretty good. Actually, all the girls did really well at it. I was impressed.

They did crafts, went canoeing and went swimming. By the time we got to the pool we were all very hot from walking from the lake. I was so ready to get in the pool. However, the water was REALLY COLD. Not refreshing cold, but COLD. But, I did get cooled off. At one point I had to jump in completely, because a bee was attacking me. It sounded like a jumbo jet in my ear.

The meals were really good this year, too. The planning committee did a great job with everything. I really like the day time activities. I just do not enjoy sleeping there at all. So, Michaela and I left after the bonfire tonight.

As we were getting in the van Michaela said she had to go to the rest room. Well, the closest one was right before we got on the highway. While we were there, Michaela discovered she had started her first period. That explains why she was such a huge grouch last night and earlier in the day. It was actually a pretty anti-climatic moment for us. But, my little girl is no longer a little girl.

I am really glad we decided to come home. It would have been really embarrassing for her if we'd have had to ask around all over the place for a pad. Plus, it meant less time spent around the people I am not comfortable around.

One of the people who I was working at not being angry at again, said something very mean to Michaela tonight. Michaela really has no idea how I feel about this person or why. I've not told her because I want her to not have negative feelings towards this person. But, I am about done with this person. I am just really upset that this person thought she had a right to alienate my daughter, again. I just have lost all respect for this person.

In any case, it is good to be home. I am going to really enjoy sleeping in my own bed tonight.

August 27, 2010

It is Friday. It was a good day at work. Then, I had to come home and rush around to get things ready to leave for GS Camp.

Michaela and I stopped at Wal-mart to get drinks and snacks first. Then, we went to Lee's to eat supper. After eating we stopped at the gas station to get some more ice. Finally, we were off to Pevely.

We got down to the camp about the time everyone was trying to figure out where their sleeping spot would be. So, we walked into chaos. Yipee! LOL! All in all it got arranged. It was not as painful as it could be. There were over 30 people in that one room lodge. That's a lot of people sleeping together.

August 26, 2010

Gosh, it feels like it's been a long week and then again it feels like it is speeding by. Time is just really strange I think.

To be honest, I am not looking forward to this weekend. This weekend is GS Camp weekend. I don't want to go. I mean I REALLY don't want to go. But, it's for Michaela and not for me.

There is one person in particular that I do not want to be around. And, two others that I like to be around, but on the other hand I have a hard time feeling like I fit in with them anymore. It's just going to be very stressful. Plus, I'm pouting about not getting to go to Monmouth and see my aunt and go to the family reunion. I wanted to go so badly. A lot of the people that will be there I've not seen since my grandfather's funeral in May of 1992.

August 25, 2010

Today would have been my dad's 66th birthday. It is still really hard to believe he's gone sometimes. I still miss him. But, life goes on.

August 24, 2010

We had our staff meeting at the Pine Lawn community center again. It's going to get old going there. It would be nice to stay at our own building once in a while. I don't think we're going to be able to do that for a few weeks, though. Oh, well, it's not totally horrible. It's nice to see the people from Pine Lawn there. I really like them all.

On the other hand I was really exhausted when I got home. Michael had to pick up Caleb because there was no way I could get to Caleb, get home and fed before he had to be at practice. So, Michael picked him up and made sure he and Michaela were fed.

I spent the evening working on things for work. I am really glad it is time to go to bed.

August 23, 2010

Work seemed to go well today. I still have 18 students. I keep wondering if the other four students on my list are going to show up. One of them I am pretty sure is not going to show up. His teacher from last year said that this child's mother said they would be moving. So, maybe the other three will show up.

Caleb had his first day at Latch Key today. It was nice knowing he was there this afternoon and not having to be picked up by his grandparents. I don't know what we would do without them, but I don't like it when they have to do so much. They deserve to just enjoy their retirement.

Michael is now helping to coach the football team. Caleb is loving it and I think Michael is enjoying it too. I think it is good for both of them. I'm kinda proud of both my boys.

August 22, 2010

I slept in this morning. I really needed to just have some rest time. I had a lot I needed to get done for work and some laundry to finish. So, we did not go to church either.

I liked being home all day. I don't want to do this every Sunday, but it was nice to have one where I did not have to go anywhere.

August 21, 2010

I have not felt good most of the day. I've had a really bad headache. I've tried to get some things done for work, but I didn't accomplish as much as I had hoped.

I did get a little bit of house cleaning done. The kids did their jobs, too. Michael worked outside a lot today.

This evening Michael and the kids went to the Festival of the Little Hills. It sounds like they had fun. It was kind of nice to have a little bit of quiet time to myself.

August 20, 2010

I'm so glad it's Friday. It has been a very long and exhausting week. I wish I could just relax ALL weekend, but I have a lot I need to get done for work.

There were storms in town today. They managed to knock down part of a tree a couple houses down from us. The house is empty so there is not telling how long it will be before it gets cleaned up. It's all over the driveway and blocking the front door.

Our garden was messed up. Micheal had to tie up the tomato baskets. Our electricity was out when we got home, too. It came back on around 5:30. I was convinced it would be out most of the night. I'm glad I was wrong.

We went to Pasta House for dinner tonight. It was really good. I had some left over so I can take it in my lunch next week. YUM!

We drove past the river front this evening. Festival of the Little Hills started today. They closed them down early tonight, though because a couple more storms are coming through. It's starting to thunder already. I wouldn't mind if it stormed all night. I love sleeping when it's storming. Heck, I love storms anyway.

August 20, 2010

It's the end of the first full week of work. I am really tired and really glad it is over. I just want to go to bed and sleep for a week. But, I don't think that is going to happen. I'm glad we don't really have anything planned this weekend.

August 19, 2010

Gosh, it seems like it's been a very long week. I kept thinking today was Friday. I got another student today, but then I lost one, too. It seems one of my little girls did not finish KG last year so they put her back in KG. That kind of bummed me out. I really liked her.

Today, Michael found out that they are not re-scheduling the last baseball games so baseball is over. Since Caleb's last swim class was last night, he now can focus on just football. Michaela does not start swim practice until the middle of September, so we have a few more weeks before we are completely busy. Part of me is looking forward to it and part of me is dreading it.

The kids scared me to death today. They were not home when I got home. Their book bags were here, but they were not. I panicked. I called Michael's parents and they did not know where they were. I went down to get in the van and noticed their bicycles were gone so I figured I would head to Anikca's first. But, before I could get out of the driveway, I saw them coming from that direction. I think I've made my point now that they are NOT TO LEAVE THE HOUSE until Michael and/or I get home.

Michaela and I went to do the grocery shopping while Michael and Caleb were at football practice tonight. I really hate that job. Of course, Thursday nights are the busiest nights at the grocery store. It wasn't too crowded, but people just stop and block the isles and don't even bother to move when they see someone who wants to come down the isle. It's very frustrating. I'm glad it's over. I think though we do need to get in the habit of going to the grocery store on Wednesdays instead of Tuesdays, since come the end of September we'll have football and swim practice on Tuesdays.

August 18, 2010

Well, the 2010-2011 school year has begun for my students. I had 17 students show up today. I've never had that many students show up on the first day of school. I thought that was really cool. I am so happy so many showed up on the first day.

It was very hectic in the morning, though because we had to get to the room and turn right around and go to music and some how I had to take attendance even though I do not know them yet. Boy was that stressful, but we made it through it. There is a possibility that once we get into a routine, it may not be too bad having planning first thing in the morning. I just have to completely change my mind set and put some thought into our schedule.

It was a pretty good day all around. I like the way we are doing lunch time now. We have 45 minute lunch periods and teachers spend 15 minutes of that time on duty. I think it will make the lunch room and playground much nicer places. That is if everyone does duty the way it should be done. We'll see. I know the two teachers I do duty with will work at keeping the students under control.

Tonight was Caleb's last night of swim classes. I told him he could start again in January, but for now, football is enough. He was a little upset because his teacher recommended he stay in Guppy Plus. But, only one child in his class was recommended to move up to Minnow. Caleb said she made fun of the rest of them. I told him to ignore her. Some day someone will do the same to her and she'll realize that it hurts.

August 17, 2010

Today was our last day at work before students come to school. We the whole morning until 12:30 in a staff meeting. So far I do really like our principal. It seemed like a productive meeting, I just wish it hadn't taken so long.

I went with some co-workers to Oscar's for lunch. I don't think I'll go there anymore. Both times I've been there, they've been incredibly slow. It made me late for an appointment I had with my new principal.

I just wanted to talk with her one on one for a short time to just get to know each other a little more. I enjoyed our talk. I think we got a better feel for each other. I am nervous, anxious and a little excited for her to visit my classroom. I hope whatever is going on when she comes in is fun to watch.

I did not get my classroom done as well as I would like, but it is presentable for students. I'm a little stressed that my planning period is first thing in the morning this year. I will have to figure out how to make it work because I understand that we all have to have our turn at crappy planning period times. This year is my turn. I'm sure I can figure out how to make it work, but I wish I didn't have to.

I was at work until 6:00 p.m. tonight. Then, I went to the park to get Michaela. We went out to O'Fallon to get her clarinet. I plan on making sure she practices more than she did with her violin. After all, now it's for a grade. I hope she continues to enjoy it.

August 16, 2010

We had some in service meetings today at work. We had to be at the high school for the meetings. I am not sure what the point was of either of the meetings, but I did enjoy at least some of the time. I really could have used that time in my room, though. I'm really not sure how I'm going to get my room done before Wednesday morning.

I stayed at work until 5:30 tonight. I would have stayed longer, but the custodians threw me out. They wanted to go home. So, I left.

I had to pick Michaela up from the park. She was there with Michael and Caleb for football practice. Michael is helping to coach this year. I just love how he gets involved.

I thought maybe Michaela and I would go to get her clarinet tonight, but she had forgotten to bring her supply list for it home from school. So, I guess we'll go get it tomorrow night. She has to have it by Wednesday.

August 15, 2010

Today was the retirement service for Pastor Arle. He has been with our church for 25 years. It is hard to believe it's been that long. I was 16 when he came to our church. He's done a lot for our church. It's going to be very strange not having him standing at the pulpit.

The service was very good and the church was PACKED. It was great to see so many people there to honor him. I'm very sad he will not be our pastor anymore, but I also realize that he has earned his retirement. I hope he and his wife are able to have many years of happy times in retirement.

The meal was very good, too. A lot of people put a lot of work into it. There were over 400 people there for the luncheon but there was still TONS of food left over. They did a very good job with the program, too. It was a nice day.

August 15, 2010

I really enjoyed church today. We went to my church. There was only one service. It was as special service because our pastor is retiring. He's been with our church for 25 years. Everyone loves him. He's just really an amazing man.

The church was PACKED. I haven't seen it that packed since I don't know when. It was so cool seeing all those people there. They had over 400 people there.

There was a luncheon program after church today. They had a slide show, pictures, people speaking, letters that were written, gifts for the pastor and his wife. It was really a touching, emotional day. The food was GREAT, too. There was so much of it that even though there were over 400 people there was still tons of it left. I am really glad we went. It was a great day.

When we got home I got to work on laundry. The kids and I cleaned the house too. It doesn't take as long when we all work together on it. I've also been working on lesson plans for the first couple weeks of school.

Michael made hamburgers and hot-dogs for supper tonight. We also had baked beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, apples and chips. It was a really good supper and nice that I didn't have to do much to prepare it.

August 14, 2010

Today did not start out the way we had anticipated. Caleb was supposed to have his last baseball game today. They were going to have a double header starting at 8:00 a.m. But, it stormed like crazy last night and the ball fields were too wet to play on this morning.

I did not feel well this morning so I skipped my water aerobics class. But, I did take Michaela to the Y for her swim class. It is the last one she will have. Next week we will be at girl scout camp when it's time for swim class. Her teacher won't be there any way.

Michael took Caleb to the doctor because he's had this rash for over a week that we cannot get rid of. Turns out he has a strep infection. He was given a steroid to take for five days. They also went to the DMV so Michael could get his motorcycle licensed finally.

Then, we took the van up to have it inspected. Turns out since it's not 5 years old yet it only needs emissions and not safety inspection. That only took about an hour and then we could go get it. While we waited we ate Taco Bell.

This afternoon, Michael and Caleb went to football weigh ins. Michaela and I went shopping with Gale.

We started at JC Penney. Michaela got a long sleeved henley, two button down blouses, and a short sleeved t-shirt while we were there. Next, we went to The Children's Place. My MIL bought Caleb two pairs of Jeans and two long sleeved shirts from there. Then, we went to Justice. Michaela actually had a hard time finding something there, but she finally found a really cute skort and a short sleeved shirt to go with it. Finally, we went to Sears. Michaela got a Bobby Jack long sleeved t-shirt and a Bobby Jack jacket at Sears. It was fun shopping with both of them.

This evening we went to Red Robin for supper. It was good. It's been a while since we went there. I really enjoyed it.

After we ate we went back to the mall. The jeans I'd picked out for Caleb were a size too big. We stopped in JC Penney first and got Caleb a sweat shirt and a long sleeve dress shirt. Then, we went back to The Children's Place and exchanged his jeans.

Then we came home. I changed the sheets on the bed and got laundry started. I've been listening to "Life as We Knew It" on audio book. I've really enjoyed it. I started listening to the companion book to it called "The Dead and Gone." I hope it's as good as the first one.

August 13, 2010

It's Friday the 13th, but it was not a bad day. It was actually a pretty good day. We got to work in our classrooms all day today. I've never been given a whole day at once to work in my classroom. I think I got a lot done. I still have a long ways to go, but having the entire day did A LOT to ease the stress of beginning of the year stuff, especially since I didn't have any time to work in my classroom before we got back to work.

I left right at 3:30 today. It's Friday and I just refuse to stay late on a Friday. I will probably stay late both Monday and Tuesday, though. I just want to make sure the room is completely ready for when my students come in on Wednesday. That means the kids will need to go to their grandparents' house after school, but I don't think that will be a problem.

Tonight we went to Applebee's for supper. It was really hot in there. I don't think their air conditioner was working right. The poor managers looked miserable and I bet the people in the kitchen were miserable, too.

After we ate we went to get McDonald's gift cards for the baseball team. We also got goody bags, bouncy balls and glow sticks. It's just a special treat for the end of the season since we really don't have time to take them out for pizza or anything.

August 12, 2010

We had inservice meetings today. It wasn't too bad. Those of us in K-2nd only had meetings in the morning, so we got to work in our rooms some this afternoon. One of my co-workers and I made up a supply list to hand out this afternoon/evening at "Meet the Teacher Night," so I didn't get a whole lot done in my room, but I did get some things done.

I had about 4 parents show up for "Meet the Teacher Night." I hope that is not any indication on how many students are going to show up for school. I have 19 on my list. I hope they all show up. I have a feeling high numbers is going to be important this school year.

Michaela did not have problems with the bus today. But, she and Caleb both went to their grandparents' house because I had to be at work until 5:30. Michael picked them up and went to the park with them. Caleb had football practice because the ball diamonds where they practice for baseball were too wet to have practice.

I picked Michaela up from the park and we came home. I have a feeling this fall is going to be like this a lot, but that's ok, being busy is not a bad thing.

August 11, 2010

It was back to school and back to work for the kids and me today. I cannot believe summer break is over already. I have mixed feelings about it being over this year. Part of me is actually ready for the "normalcy" of the school year, but of course I always miss having the days with my kids.

Michaela is catching the bus from home this year. For the first few days her grandparents are coming over to help her get used to the routine, but then she will be on her own to get herself on the bus in the mornings. It will come about 45 minutes after Caleb and I leave in the morning. Then, in the afternoons she'll be home by herself for about an hour before Caleb and I get there.

This morning she missed the bus. I guess they were standing on the wrong side of the street. Why the bus driver couldn't stop and ask them if they were waiting for him, I don't know. It's the first day, it's normal for people to be confused, but whatever. That's why we had her grandparents with her. She also had some confusion getting off the bus. I'm sure it'll be better tomorrow, though.

Caleb will be going to latch key this year, but again I waited too long to get him signed up and have to wait until the day after school starts to get his paperwork turned into the Y. That is frustrating, but it's partially my fault, so we'll just deal with it. In any case what this means is when everything is running the way it is supposed to run, I'll pick Caleb up from latch key and just be able to come home from there most days. I won't have to go to two different places to get my kids in the afternoons.

Work was ok today. They had our all district meeting (the convocation as it is called now) very first thing instead of waiting until the last day of our week of meetings. I like that idea. I think it's better having it first instead of last.

We met our new principal today, too. So far she seems o.k. I have a positive feeling in my gut about her personally. I'm not sure I have a positive feeling about the teachers at Garfield getting to go to the new school, though. Maybe I'm paranoid, but if the subtleties of actions and words are being read correctly, it doesn't look promising for us. But, I'm really just planning on going and doing the best I can for my students and letting God take care of the rest.

August 10, 2010

Today is the last day of summer break for me and for the kids. We all go back to work/school tomorrow. It has just flown by way too fast.

We went out to my work this morning. I moved my furniture around and put it where I want it. Then, we brought the stuff in from the van that I got this summer for my classroom. I don't like that I've not had any time to work in my room yet.

After we left my work we went to Chuck E. Cheese. It's kind of become a tradition with us to go there at the end of summer break. The kids came home with almost 400 tickets. They decided to save them up for a while.

The rest of the afternoon I did laundry.

This evening we took Michaela to the Y for swim team try outs. I am so proud of her. She made level 2! The head coach was really impressed with her flip turn while doing the back stroke. She was impressed with a couple things. I was just bursting with pride.

Lauren and Torie tried out, too. They had to wait to get in the water because the Y cleared the pool due to lightening. But, the did finally get to try out and both of them made level 1. It was so cool seeing them there. I'm really happy for them. They did a great job.

We went to Jeremy and Kelly's to get the baseball equipment, too. We talked to them for a while. It was good to see them.

This evening I did more laundry. Tomorrow we have to get up early and get back into our routine.

August 9, 2010

I had to take Caleb to the ENT doctor today. He was there six months ago and the doctor wanted to re-check his ears. There seems to be some improvement in his right ear. The left ear is about the same. There is no fluid behind his ears, so he doesn't need tubes. We have to take him back in a year to have him checked again.

After we left the doctor we went to Kohl's. The kids got their back packs for school. I wanted to get sturdy ones this year so we don't have to buy new ones half way through the year.

Then, we went to Payless. They both needed new shoes for school. It took forever to find a pair for Michaela. Her feet are as big as mine now. They are skinnier, but a size 7 like me.

This afternoon I worked on my final project for my last class of the summer. I was able to complete it and turn it in. I am really relieved to be finished with those three classes. I hope I don't ever have to take three classes in one summer again.

August 8, 2010

This morning we got up and got our things packed back into the van. We went to Shoney's for breakfast. It was really good.

After we ate we went down the street to the big read barn gift shop on the strip. Caleb got a baseball cap and I bought a t-shirt and another shot glass. We are coming home with four new shot glasses from The Titanic Museum, Silver Dollar City, The Ducks and Branson.

Then, it was time to head out of Branson. We sat on Highway (parking lot) 76 for over an hour before we finally got to the highway headed north.

We stopped in Springfield before coming home. We bought a cooler and ice to put the taffy in so it would not melt together on the way home or while the van was in the parking lot at Bass Pro Shop.

We ate lunch at Hemingway's. At this point Michael and I were both tired of buffets so we ordered from the menu. I had seafood fettuccine. It was yummy.

Then we wandered around Bass Pro Shop for a while. I got a sweater. Michaela got a top. Caleb got two shirts and Michael got a long sleeved shirt.

The kids tried out the shooting game and then we headed back out to the van. It was time to come home. We got home around 7:20 p.m. after stopping to pick up a pizza at Stefanina's.

After we ate and unpacked everything we went over to Michael's parents' house. We had to give them their taffy and put our suitcases back in storage over there. We stayed and talked for a while.

Now we're home, the kids are in bed and it's time for me to shower and go to bed.

August 7, 2010

It was our last full day in Branson today. Three days go by way too fast. I wish we had at least one more day here. It's been a great three days. I love these times with my husband and my kids.

This morning we got up and went to Peppercorn's for breakfast. This is the second morning we went there. It was not quite as good this morning as it was yesterday morning.

After breakfast we went to ride the ducks. We had to wait about 50 minutes before our tour began, but it was worth the wait. Our captain was Captain Hoot. He was a lot of fun. There was a family sitting behind us from Louisiana. They were the most Cajun family I've ever seen. They were so much fun. They joked around and had a lot of fun and made the whole trip fun for everyone. Between our great captain and the Cajun family it was just a wonderful time. Michaela and Caleb both got to drive the duck, too. They thought that was cool.

When our Duck tour was over we went back to our hotel to spend some time in the indoor water park. Ok, at this point I have to say it's not really a water park. It's an aquatic playground. It's designed mostly for kids. The outside part is designed for small children. There are two tube slides, a climbing structure with many places to dump or squirt water on other people, and a big dumping bucket. There is another small child play place inside. There is a small lazy river and two hot tubs. There is also a "pool" with several basketball hoops and balls.

The kids had a lot of fun and it felt good to cool off some. It was relaxing. Michaela met a boy there named Cody. They floated on the lazy river together and climbed around on the climbing structure together. Cody even put up her tube from the lazy river for Michaela. It was cute.

After a couple hours we went back to the room and changed clothes. We went for an early dinner at Olive Garden. It was really good. I enjoyed the meal very much.

When we were finished eating we went to play miniature golf. We played at a place called Lost Treasure. A little train takes you up to the beginning of the course after you pay. That was kind of cool. It was REALLY HOT while we were playing miniature golf, but we still had fun. Caleb was very happy because he'd been wanting to play golf since we got to Branson.

Then, we headed down to Branson Landing. That must be the place to be because it was COMPLETELY PACKED down there. It's nice, though. It's an outside mall with brick walk ways and street lights that change colors. Michaela got an outfit at Justice and she and Caleb both got t-shirts at Del Sol.

We got to watch the fire/water fountain show, too. It went off twice while we were there. The first time we were sitting up on one of the landscaping terraces. I video taped it. There were three little kids sitting next to me that were just having a blast watching it. After it was over and people started leaving, we moved down to sit on the wall of the fountain.

We had to wait about 25 minutes for it to go off again, but it was worth it. Seeing it up close like that was so cool. We caught some of the spray from the fountain and could feel the heat from the fire. It was just amazing. I'm so glad we went down there.

By the time we got back to the room it was after 10:00 p.m. And, now it's time to go to sleep in this hotel room for the last night.

August 6, 2010

Today we went to Silver Dollar City. I have not been there since Michael and I went there the year before Michaela was born. Silver Dollar City holds a lot of memories for me. These are some of the good memories of growing up. I have always loved that place. It was so much fun taking my kids there and watching them experience it for the first time, even though it has changed a lot since I was their age.

We rode Thuderation, Fire in the Hole, The Flooded Mine, The Train and Michael and Michaela rode the water flume ride. We wandered around the shops and the little village. We saw the show at the saloon. We had pizza for lunch and only ate ice cream for supper. We also went on the tour of Marvel Cave. We ended up spending 11 hours there. It's amazing how fast a day can go by when you are doing something fun.

Michaela and I got Silver Dollar City t-shirts and baseball caps. The caps were free. Caleb got a stuffed dolphin. I also got a Silver Dollar City shot glass to add to our collection. We bought some peanut brittle at the candy factory and then bought tons of taffy at the taffy shop.

It was a really good day and now I'm exhausted.

August 5, 2010

Today was our first full day in Branson and we woke up to thunder storms. It always rains when I go to Branson. We got a late start because we were really tired from the drive last night. We just kind of drove around for a little while. We tried to get tickets at a "visitor center" and it was just a time share scam.

We had lunch at Starvin' Marvin's. It was pretty good. It was a buffet and the food was really good. Their blackberry cobbler was EXCELLENT. By the time we were finished eating the rain had slowed down to just sprinkles.

When we left the restaurant we went to The Titanic Museum. I was really afraid that Caleb would be very bored, but he wasn't. They did a good job making sure it is interesting to all age levels. You get a boarding pass before you go in that has the name of someone who was a passenger on The Titanic and a little bit of information on that person. By the time you get to the end of the museum you can find the name of your person and find out if "you" survived or did not when Titanic sank.

Michael is the only one of us that did not survive. He was a 2nd class passenger who was a doctor. Michaela was a stewardess that survived. Caleb and I were both 1st class passengers who survived. I survived even though my husband ran off and left me and my three children to save himself. My children and husband all survived, too.

This afternoon we went down to one of the outlet malls to buy jeans to wear to the show tonight. When we went to buy tickets this morning to Noah, it was very chilly in the building and we didn't bring long pants. So, Michael got jeans at the Levi's store. Michaela and Caleb got jeans at The Children's Place and I got jeans at Eddie Bauer.

The sun came out and it got hot this afternoon. So for about an hour and half the kids went swimming in one of the outdoor pools at our hotel. Michael and I sat and read the visitor guides we'd collected for Branson.

Then, it was time to get ready for the evening. We changed closed and headed out to find something for supper. We ended up eating at Dairy Queen. After we ate we headed to The Sight and Sound Theater where Noah: The Musical is shown. We got there about 45 minutes before the show began and wandered around the building some. We took some pictures.

The play was really good. Caleb got a little antsy before the intermission because it did get a bit long before that break. It was over 2 hours long. I really enjoyed it. I think it got a bit preachy at the end when Jesus came out. His monologue was way too long and was very redundant. Other than that it was enjoyable. The sets are amazing.

August 4, 2010

It was a busy day today. I got up when Michale got up. By the time he got out of the shower I had made cinnamon rolls, changed the sheets on the bed and folded a load of laundry. Before the kids got up I'd cleaned up the dishes in the kitchen, paid bills and folded two more loads of laundry.

The kids and I had a few more errands to run this morning. We had lunch with Michael's parents at O'Charley's and then went to the Sprint Store. Michaela got her first cell phone. Her grandparents paid for the telephone. She is now on our plan. I have mixed feelings about this. She still is so young for this kind of responsibility, but she is a responsible kid and I feel so much better about her being at things without me now that she has a way to get a hold of us if she needs us.

When we got home we spent the rest of the afternoon getting our suitcases packed for our trip. I also did a little bit of cleaning.

Michael got home around 5:00. I already had the van loaded up. We had a couple last minute things to grab and Michael needed to change clothes. We got on the road a little before 6:00.

There was a lot of construction once we got on highway 44. We stopped about 7:15 to eat supper at a Burger King. We did not get to our hotel in Branson until about 10:00 p.m. They did not have a room for us close to the water park and I was not happy. After we got the van unloaded we walked around the property our hotel is on. It consists of about three buildings of rooms, a building with a theater, restaurant and miniature golf course, a building with an arcade and pizza buffet, the water park, two outdoor pools and an indoor pool w/hot tub. It's a large property. We of course are on the far side of the building that is furthest away from the water park.

August 3, 2010

The kids and I did some errands this morning. I got laundry started and then we went to the pool at Waplehorst. We got there a little before they opened. We had to wait about 10 minutes before they opened. We got the chairs right under the umbrella at the bottom of the slides. I like sitting there. I get to watch the kids coming down off the slides.

We spent about four hours there today. The kids had a lot of fun. It was a relaxing afternoon. I am glad we had this time because we may not get any more days like this before school starts since we're going on vacation tomorrow. We are all excited about that. Tomorrow will be a busy day getting ready to leave.

August 2, 2010

I took the kids to Great Skate today. They got to skate for about two hours. They seemed to really enjoy themselves. It was a nice time and I enjoyed watching them. I managed to finish reading a book that I've been reading all summer. I am glad to be finished with it.

This evening was Caleb's first football practice. While he and Michael were at practice Michaela went to run some errands. We went to Hobby Lobby to get her a new loom because her other one broke. We also got a garden stone kit so we can make a little memorial stone for Abby.

Then, we went to the Sprint store because Michael's parents are going to get Michaela a cell phone as her baptism gift. Michaela has one picked out and is very excited about this. She did not know about it until we went to the store to look at them. Now, we have to let her grandparents know about it.

After that we went to Wal-mart. We got some groceries including some snacks for our trip to Branson. We got home about a quarter til eight. Michael and Caleb got home a little before nine. I'm hoping to get a good night's sleep tonight.

August 1, 2010

I have felt better today. I went to my church for early service this morning. I am glad I went. Then, Michael's church had a special luau Sunday with dinner after wards so we were at church until early afternoon.

I spent the rest of the day doing homework. I managed to complete it all by about 8:00 pm or so tonight. I am finished with two of my classes now. I still have my final project to complete for the other class and it is due next week.