September 30, 2010

September is over and the week is almost over. Tomorrow is Friday, but I am not looking forward to it at all. Tomorrow is a PD day and I really do not like those. They are so tedious most times. Hopefully, tomorrow will prove to not be of the norm. We'll see.

Both kids had practice tonight. Michaela got to have swim practice in the pool at our Y tonight. They have the pool full now. So, there will be no more trips out to the O'Fallon Y anymore. I'm very glad for that.

September 29, 2010

I cannot even believe how tired I am. Our schedule is really wearing me out. I am really glad there was no practices tonight. Michael went to do the grocery shopping, too, so I could get some work done like grading some papers.

I am happy because this life is what I wanted when I was growing up. I wanted my own family and I wanted to be involved like this. I did not realize how much it could take out of you, though. But, I wouldn't give it up for anything in the world. I love being a wife and mom. I got really lucky and have a great husband and incredible kids.

September 28, 2010

Tonight was the last night Michaela will have to be at swim practice by 5:30. Thank goodness. That has been really tough. I don't know what we would have done without Michael's parents helping us out with this. They've been helping out with Caleb on Tuesdays too. They have been a Godsend to us ever since Michaela was born as far as being able to help out with the kids. They are wonderful grandparents.

Hopefully, at some point I'll be able to get back into a water aerobics class. We'll see. I need to get back to exercising and not stop this time. I've gained back all the weight I lost last year.

September 27, 2010

My principal came in to observe today. She was there for about 15 minutes. She left me a stack of sticky notes with her thoughts on them. It seems like she liked what she saw when she was in there. I feel the lesson went really well. My students did a great job. I was happy with them. We were learning how to write our own addition sentences.

September 26, 2010

We went apple picking today. It was very cool, almost cold. The wind on the river as we took the ferry across was uncomfortable. The apples were not as nice this year as they have been the past several years, but we had fun anyway. I love going up there to pick apples. Sometime I think maybe we should try the other orchard up there, just to see what it is like.

After we were finished apple picking, we drove up to Pere Marquette. The kids had never been there before. We ate in the restaurant there. It wasn't the best experience, but the food was good.

The kids played with the giant chess set. Michaela seems to know how to play some, but she is confused over the queen and king in the game. I don't know how to play but I do know that the queen is supposed to be in control and Michaela thinks it's the king. Papa tried to tell her it was the queen, but she didn't want to listen.

When we got home we did things around the house. It was just a very nice day.

September 25, 2010

Caleb had a football game today. They lost again. Michaela was not there. Her grandmother took her to her swim practice out at the O'Fallon YMCA so I could go to Caleb's game.
Next week I won't get to see Caleb's game because I will be at Michaela's first ever swim meet. I am feeling mixed emotions about this. It's supposed to be a lengthy day and we have to get up very early to be there, but I'm excited to see how she does.

September 24, 2010

Tonight was very stress full for me. I am so tired. I have been just dragging all day. I was having a hard time keeping my eyes open even when I was standing up and moving around the room at work. I have no idea what my problem was today. I mean yes, I expect to be tired with all we have going on right now but I literally was falling asleep on my feet.

Then, when I got home we had to rush to get ready and go out to O'Fallon for Michaela's swim practice. We left a few minutes early because last Friday we cut it a little close. Well that did no good because there was an accident on 70 that had us just sitting on the highway for about 20 minutes. It actually put me in tears because I am just that tired.

Once we got moving I was feeling a little better, but I knew that it would not be too easy going down Highway K once we got into O'Fallon. Well, it was worse than I expected. There was another accident in the left lane on Highway K at one of the stop lights. I started to feel like we were never going to get there.

Walt was behind us and let us over in the lane that was moving. That was really nice of him because he'd already let about 4 people over. But, we finally got there about 10 minutes late.

Then, my battery died while we were there. Again, Walt came to my rescue. He found someone with jumper cables and then helped that person jump start my van. I guess tomorrow we go buy a new battery for my van.

September 23, 2010

It's been a very busy evening. I had to drop Michaela off at swim practice. Then, take Caleb to football practice and wait there for a few minutes before walking across to Caleb's school to have conference with Caleb's teacher. I ended up talking to her for about 50 minutes. I really like her a lot.

Next, I had to rush across the park to where I was park (grabbing Michaela along the way because Stacey had brought her there when she brought Lauren to cheer practice) and beat feet to Michaela's school. I had about 10 minutes to do all this.

Michaela's teachers both love her. I enjoyed my talk with both of them. This was a shorter conference because they were swamped with parents.

Michaela and I got something to eat on the way home. Now I want to just collapse.

September 22, 2010

I went to Melting Pot for ladies night tonight. There were 7 of us that showed up this time. One of my co-workers went with us. It was so much fun. I just love it when we go there. I love the food, the company and the atmosphere. It just really gives us a chance to relax and enjoy each others company.

Michael and the kids went to White Castle for supper and then did the grocery shopping. He's such a great husband and dad.

September 21, 2010

This has the makings of a very long week. I am so glad tomorrow night is my night out with the girls. I need some time to unwind and forget about work for a while.

September 20, 2010

Tonight, Michaela bridged to Cadettes in girl scouts. She received her bronze award, too. I got to be part of the ceremony and that was cool. I'm really proud of her.

After the ceremony, the girls were given cupcakes so I went up to the park. Since, the girl scout meetings are at Null, I can walk up to McNair. I went up to see what Jody had to say to the parents since I couldn't stay until she got there earlier.

Then, I ran home and got the badge book for junior girl scouts. I promised it to another mom that is in Vicky's younger troop. I also needed the check book so I could pay for Michaela's girl scout registration for this year.

When, I got back to Null, I went up to the park again first. I went to see about ordering more jerseys or at least sweat shirts. I walked away not ordering anything. They cannot get the jerseys until the season is pretty much over. And, the sweat shirts were just too expensive.

So, I went back to the girl scout meeting. I filled out Michaela's registration and mine. The girls were just about done with their meeting so we got to come home.

I'm really tired and this whole week is going to be like tonight.

September 19, 2010

The rain ruined our plans for today. We had planned on going Apple Picking today. It rained/stormed all night and was still storming this morning.

We stayed home today instead. I worked on laundry and stuff for school. I also made four meals today. When I made lunch I made sloppy joes for lunch and also got beef stew started for supper tomorrow night. Then, when I made supper, I made spaghetti for supper tonight and a chicken casserole for supper on Tuesday night. This way supper is taken care of until Wednesday.

It was nice to be able to get so much done, but I'm bummed that we did not get to go apple picking. Hopefully, we'll be able to go in a couple weeks.

September 18, 2010

Today was another busy day.

This morning I managed to get the sheets changed and get laundry started. I also packed a lunch for Michaela and I in my bag I got from the zoo for being a Zoo Friends member.

Then, Michaela and I went up to West to pick up Lauren so we could take her to the park for the Titan's football game.

The football game was very painful again today. I think they played even worse than they did last week. It was pathetic and we lost horribly again. I think this is going to be a very painful season.

Michaela and I came home for just a few minutes after the game. I needed to change my shirt because it got very warm today and wearing that football jersey was a bit much.

Then, Michaela and I were off to swim practice. Michaela forgot her towel so I called Michael. He and Caleb got to swim practice about 10 minutes before it was over.

Once Michaela came out from the locker room, we decided to go get something to eat. We went to Applebee's on 94. We were all really hungry so it was good to get some really food in our bellies.

After that we came home. I did some laundry. I tried to do some stuff for work but I could not focus. Michael fell asleep and slept until it was almost time for the kids to go to bed. I'm really tired and will be glad when it's time to go to sleep.

September 17, 2010

Tonight was the first Friday of swim practice. I had to take Michaela out to the Y in O'Fallon. Wow, that place is like a spa. It's a very nice Y.

A very strange thing happened tonight while I was there. I was sitting at a table trying to read a book for work. There was another woman sitting there talking on the telephone. I heard her mention Rainbow Girls. When she hung up I got nosy and asked her about it. She confirmed that she was talking about the assembly in St. Charles.

I told her that the mother adviser there is my sister-in-law. She explained that she is pledge mother. And, she said that the person she'd been talking to on the phone was my sister-in-law! LOL! That was so weird.

I texted Karen to tell her I knew who she'd been talking to. It was funny.

September 16, 2010

Holy Cow! It was a busy night for me. This was my day from the time my students went home until now:

• Short staff meeting
• Drive home in traffic
• Get Caleb at latch key
• Home long enough to get Michaela and have Caleb get his football gear
• Stopped to pick up Lauren
• Took girls to swim practice
• Took Caleb to football practice and waited for Michael to show up
• Went back to swim practice and waited for it to be over
• Had Michaela get her Y membership card
• Went back to the park so Lauren could go to cheer practice
• After talking to other football moms for a little, went to Taco Bell.

Now, I'm eating my Taco Bell waiting for the time the kids are in bed so I can take a shower and go to bed.

September 15, 2010

It's the middle of the week and it feels like it should be Friday already. We all were home this evening so I actually got to make supper and we got to sit at the table together. It doesn't happen much lately. I made taco salad.

The big scottie that lives in our neighborhood was walking down the street when we were getting ready to clean up after supper and Michael noticed him. He said something about it and it just made me start crying. I miss Abby so much still. I miss having a dog in the house. It hurts not having her here. I think it must really be sinking in with me. It's just seemed so surreal up until now that she is gone.

It's more than that, too. I just hate not having a dog in the house. No dog will ever replace Abby, she was one of a kind and I will always lover her so much, but the house just isn't the same without a dog to come home to. I hate not having a dog to love.

I did the grocery shopping tonight. Michael mowed the neighbor's yard. The kids got to play outside and enjoy not having to be anywhere.

When I was in the car, I started crying again. It's not just Abby. Things at work have really gotten stressful. I've been trying so hard to not let it get to me, but it is starting to take it's toll. I hate not knowing what's going to happen, but then again, I'm really scared of finding out. Our principal has called a staff meeting for tomorrow which really upset me because I promised Michaela I would be at her practice tomorrow. I'm going to somehow make it all work, but it's stressing me more.

Anyway, I guess it all just came to a head tonight when I was on the way to the grocery store. I read a thing today that said to turn off everything and listen to God. So, I tried it. At one moment when I was crying and driving in my silent van, I got this overwhelming sense of peace and just a knowing that everything is going to be alright. At one moment it was so strong it took my breath away. I wish that moment would have lasted longer, but it was enough to calm me down and make me feel better. I guess the whole talking to God without any interruptions thing works. I am feeling better.

September 14, 2010

Tonight was open house at my school. It went pretty well. I wish we'd had more parents show up, but the ones that did show up were a lot of fun to talk to and they seemed to enjoy my power point presentation. I hope they did anyway. I got compliments on it from my co-workers.

I ate an early supper with some of them this afternoon. Actually, mine was more a snack because I wasn't that hungry at the time. We had so much fun talking and joking around. I really enjoy my co-workers. They are a great bunch of people.

Michaela said she had a good swim practice. It sounds funny calling it that when it was dry land, but she seemed to enjoy herself. Her grandparents picked her up here and took her because I had to be at work until 7:30 tonight.

I am really tired so I hope I sleep well. I am glad there is nothing more than grocery shopping that has to be done tomorrow night.

September 13, 2010

Monday reared it's ugly head again this week. This is going to be a school year in which Mondays are hard. At least I have a group of children in my class that I just really love already. They are all so sweet. I've got my work cut out for me with a few of them, but that's ok when they are so lovable.

I just wish I were not so tired right now. I've started taking some B12 on top of my multi-vitamin hoping it'll help with the energy level. We'll see.

Tonight, Michaela and I went to get her shorts for swim practice. They have to have two pairs of shorts to wear during swim practice. It strengthens them while swimming. Plus they get used to swimming with that extra layer and then when they swim with just their suit for meets they'll be faster. At least that's the theory, I think. In any case she starts swim practice with dry land exercises tomorrow night.

September 12, 2010

Today was the parents' meeting for the swim team. Wow, what a commitment this is turning out to be. It looks like I'm going to be even busier than I thought. After looking over football schedule and swim meet schedule, I talked to Michaela and she has agreed that if she can do the first meet we'd kind of hang back and just do practices until at least November. This means I only have to miss one football game and she'll still have AMPLE opportunity to be a part of swim meets because swimming goes until June.

For now, she has day land practice at our Y on Tuesday and Thursdays for an hour. Then, she has pool practice on Fridays and Saturdays at the O'Fallon Y. This will last for about 2 1/2 weeks. Then, she'll have practice on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with dry land happening for part of the time on Fridays.

It is going to be a very busy fall for us. I'm really kind of glad swimming didn't start earlier and that football is not any longer.

September 11, 2010

Today was Caleb's first football game for this season. They got cremated. Chesterfield beat them 38 -0. It was painful to watch. Hopefully, we'll do better the rest of the season.

We've had Lauren with us all day. Jake had a band competition, so Stacey dropped Lauren off at our house at 10:00 a.m. so she could cheer at our game. She came home with us and is spending the night tonight.

We were going to give her back to Stacey at pictures for the football team tomorrow, but those have been canceled. Instead, we're giving her back at the swim team parents' meeting.

It's been a lot of fun having her around. She has really come out of her shell and just has such a cute personality. I love how she laughs at our jokes. She's just so cute.

September 10, 2010

Tonight was the pub crawl for Caleb's football team. We had a lot of fun. I got very drunk and silly, but it was a lot of fun. There was a sea of gold Titan t-shirts swarming around Main Street. It was really great to see all those people down there with Titan Gold on. Jody did a really good job organizing it. I'm really glad we went.

September 9, 2010

It's finally Thursday. I've been so confused about the days of the week this week. I guess having Monday off and not having students on Tuesday has just thrown me off like crazy this week. I kept thinking that Wednesday was going to be Thursday. Now, Thursday is over. yeah! Tomorrow is Friday!!!

September 8, 2010

Tonight I did the grocery shopping. Grocery shopping is just going to have to be done on Wednesdays instead of Tuesdays, at least for a while. It is the only day of the week we won't have things going on.

Michaela went to football practice with Michael and Caleb. They were supposed to have a scrimmage game, but it didn't happen. Michaela was bored and called me just as I was finishing up making myself some soup. So, I put that on hold and went to pick her up. They were just finishing up practice when I got there. I guess she could have waited, but I could not sit down and enjoy my soup when I knew she wanted to come home.

September 7, 2010

Today was a PD day at work so there were no students. We had our PD at Pine Lawn Community Center. Our new principal has been doing this since she's supervising two schools. It was actually a pretty good PD. I feel like someone takes it seriously that when they want something from us they have to do all they can to make themselves clear. In that aspect, I feel more respected than I have in a long time as far as professionalism goes.

This evening was Caleb's football opening ceremonies. It was a nice evening. The weather was very nice and of course the boys and the cheerleaders were excited to get a chance to show off some. The cheerleaders did a GREAT job! I got a couple really good pictures of the cheerleaders while they were doing their routine.

September 6, 2010

Today the four of us spent the day together at the zoo. It was a lot of fun. We saw most of the animals. The hippos were fun today. There were about four of them out in their habitat today and they were all swimming around and active. I got a couple really cool pictures of their heads sticking out of the water.

We got to go in to see the penguins and puffins this time. I love seeing them. They are one of my favorite exhibits to visit.

The sting ray exhibit was still open so we went in there again. Michael had not seen them yet so it was cool watching him experience that for the first time. Michaela got to feed them. She really enjoyed that.

We also went through the centennial exhibit. They have a room at the end of the bird house that they've turned into a little mini museum that portrays the 100 years that the zoo has been open. That was very interesting.

We rode the train today and the kids rode the carousel. It was a really great day.

This evening I've been working on a few things for work and doing laundry.

September 5, 2010

Today we went to O'Charley's to have lunch with Michael's parents after church. It was a nice lunch. We had a nice talk and enjoyed each other's company.

After lunch we went to Johnny Mac's to get Caleb some football pants. He needed new black game pants. He will need them come Saturday because his first game is next Saturday. He also needed new gloves because he's lost his. Apparently, he lost them at the scrimmage game last week and waited until now to say something instead of then when we could have looked for them.

The rest of the day the kids and I worked on cleaning the house. I also worked on laundry. Then, tonight I made tuna casserole for supper. I did not realize it was going to be so emotional. But, when I opened the tuna I realized the last time I made tuna casserole was the last time Abby got tuna as a treat. It just really hit me hard that she was not there to enjoy the tuna this time. I miss her so much.

September 4, 2010

Today we went to the Arch Rivalry game. It's a game that has been an on again, off again tradition between Mizzou and Illinois State during Labor Day weekend. This is supposed to be the last one, but it may be back in a few years, who knows.

Anyway, it was REALLY fun! The atmosphere in the dome was so friendly. It was great to see fans from both sides just enjoying the game and really enjoying each other, too.

The game was really exciting. It started out not so good for Mizzou. But, by the second half they were more into the game and ended up winning 23 - 13. It was a nail biter, but it was so much fun.

I went to Kohl's this morning before the game to get another shirt. I could not take the other shirt back because JCP doesn't open until 10:00. I found a t-shirt and a baseball cap.

After we got home from the game I went and did some shopping at Wal-mart. I was really proud of myself. I did not stray from my list hardly at all and when I did it was because I remembered things that we really needed. I also was home in less than an hour.

I made spaghetti for supper tonight. It was good and it was nice to have supper at home.

Michael and Caleb went to Jeremy and Kelly's tonight for the fantasy football draft. Michaela and I stayed home and had a girls' night. We popped popcorn and watched "Pretty in Pink." It was Michaela's first time seeing a Molly Ringwald movie. It was a special mother/daughter time. We ended up having time to watch "Legally Blond" too.

September 3, 2010

It's Friday!!! And, this is a three day weekend! I am really glad this week is over. It will be nice to have three days off this weekend. It will be the only day off we have until Thanksgiving.

Tonight, Michael had to be at work late again. They are having trouble getting machinery in place. It's been a long week for him because of his company moving to Highland. He's not happy about this move and I don't blame him. It pretty much sucks.

The kids and I went and had supper at Wendy's close to the mall tonight. Then, we went to the mall. We were in search of Mizzou shirts for tomorrow. We were going to go to the Mizzou store, but it is closed, so we went to JC Penney instead. Michaela got a black shirt with a tiger head made of yellow and white rhinestones. Caleb got a gold jersey. We got Michael a gray t-shirt with a Mizzou helmet on it. I got a long sleeved t-shirt that has a layered look to it.

When we got home I tried on my shirt and it's too tight. I guess tomorrow morning I try to take it back. I'm really disappointed that it does not fit. I couldn't try it on with the kids with me, though.

September 2, 2010

I felt better at work today. Keeping focused on my religion really does help. I am going to work on that and just be grateful for the positive things in my life. I cannot control how other people act, think, or what they say. I can however control how I react to everything. So, that's what I am trying to do. It's not easy.

Caleb's team had a scrimmage game against the Boy's Club team tonight. Caleb is playing offense. It was raining some earlier. Then, they had to call off the game because the lightening got too close. No one had scored yet. Caleb enjoyed himself. It was fun for me too.

Michael had to be at work late again tonight because they were loading up the equipment and machines to be moved to Highland. I guess they are going to convoy out there tomorrow with everything.

I'm glad tomorrow is Friday and we have a three day weekend.

September 1, 2010

Ok, so work was VERY stressful today. The kids were very difficult and the stress of the year just really got to me today. I cannot let this stress get to me like it did my second year at this building did. I will not allow work stress to put me in that place again.

So, I have taken some time tonight to read some devotionals. I am going to do the same in the morning. I am also switching my iPod to Christian music for a while at least. I need to really keep my mind and heart on God to get me through all this. I don't want to become a depressed, angry, upset mess. It would be very easy to fall into that this year, but I'm going to do everything I know to keep from letting that happen.

Michael did not get home until late tonight. They are getting ready to move to Highland. It's another thing that has been causing stress in our house. He is not happy about it and I don't blame him. I wish I could do something about it for him, but it's really out of my hands which is hard to deal with by itself.