December 30, 2008

Today we ran errands most of the day. We took some of the stuff we'd cleaned out of the kids' bedrooms to Once Upon a Child and let them take what they wanted. Didn't make a whole lot of money, but enough to give the kids each $10.00. Now, they have enough to buy a DS game each. While we were there I found a few pairs of pants and tops for the kids.

We took the rest of the stuff to Salvation Army and donated it. We still had quite a bit that Once Upon a Child did not want. I like taking stuff there because they always have someone waiting at the truck to take what you want to donate and they give you a receipt for taxes.

Then, we went and did grocery shopping. It was an expensive trip because I also bought stuff for New Year's Eve. I'm going to have to go to Dierberg's later to get a fruit tray because I don't like what Shop and Save offers in those.

We came home and had lunch and I did more laundry. It's amazing how much laundry I can do in a week. I have no idea how we generate so much in dirty clothes.

Tonight I went to Wal-mart by myself. Caleb was out of shampoo and we needed a couple other things from there. While I was out I went to Dierberg's and got the fruit tray. So, now I have everything I wanted to get for tomorrow night.

December 29, 2008

Today was supposed to be cleaning day. It was my plan to get all the cleaning done today so tomorrow we could do the shopping and not have to do anything more than just tidy up on Wednesday. Well, that did not go as planned.

The kids were really stubborn about cleaning rooms. I had to be on top of them all day and constantly to remind them how to clean their rooms. I was not a happy mama. I did not get the stuff done I wanted to do. I still have a few loads of laundry to do, the master bathroom to clean, the kitchen to clean/sweep/mop, and the basement to clean and vacuum, and the front bathroom and landing in front of the front door mopped.

We did manage to get the dusting, vacuuming upstairs, and front bathroom cleaned after the bedrooms were finally cleaned. I am exhausted from having to be right there on top of them and continually nagging at them to do it right.

So, tonight I'm just relaxing.

December 28, 2009

Let's see, today was a bit on the busy side.

We:

• went to church
• went out to eat lunch at Loco's
• did laundry
• cleaned up the kitchen
• started putting away the Christmas Decorations
• wrapped Michael's dad's birthday present
• went out to eat with Michael's family for his dad's birthday (Red Lobster)
• finished putting away the Christmas decorations

I'm glad we got all the decorations put away today. It'll be the first time in years that I'm not feeling rushed to get them put away before I go back to work.

December 29, 2008

Today was supposed to be cleaning day. I spent most of it supervising the kids cleaning their rooms because they got really stubborn about it this time around. But, they each picked out several toys to get rid of. Michaela actually chose to let go of her Barbie plane. I was surprised. It's not been an easy decision for her, but it was her decision.

I did manage to get some laundry done and a few things straightened up. But, decided to leave the rest until Wednesday. Tomorrow we'll be running errands.

December 28, 2008

Today we put away the Christmas presents so that the floors are at least clear. I think tomorrow we're going to take down the Christmas decorations. I just don't want them up when we have my family here for New Year's Eve. Plus, I don't want to spend next weekend when I'm so close to going back to work cleaning.

I managed to work on some pictures today even though I do not have my favorite software installed back on my computer yet. It's at work, so I gotta wait until I go back to work to put in on my laptop. I messed around with my digital picture frame, too. I could not seem to get it to work properly on my laptop so I hooked it up to the desk top. I got some of our vacation pictures put on there. But, I did not really get it completely done the way I want yet.

Tonight we went over to Steve and Stacey's house to play games. We ended up playing Wii most of the night. The kids joined us when we played Raving Rabbids II. It was the first time Steve and Stacey had seen that one and they loved it.

The four adults bowled four rounds. I did not win one of the games, but managed to beat Michael two of the three games. Then, Jake took my remote and golfed with Michael, Steve and Stacey. He's really good at it.

We came home around 10:30 and I had to go back and get my purse and camera because I was a dork and left them there.

December 26, 2008

Well, I did next to nothing today. I had planned on having the kids put away their Christmas presents, but my mom wanted to come over and see what they got with my grandma. They ended up not coming over until after 3:30 pm. They stayed until it was time to meet my brother and SIL for supper, so we left and went out to eat.

We went to Olive Garden. It was our second time there in a week. But, it was still good. It was nice to sit down and have that meal with my grandma. I enjoyed the time with her and my family.

After we finished at Olive Garden my brother and SIL came back to our house. My brother got my laptop and my work laptop online with our wireless. It's good to have my computer back working online. They stayed until about 10:00 pm and then went home.

Christmas Day 2008

Merry Christmas! I love Christmas and today was wonderful. We had to drag Michael out of bed at 8:30 a.m. this morning. I think he'd have slept until noon if we'd let him. We had Christmas here at home this morning, as usual. I love our family Christmas morning when it's just the four of us and the dog. The kids were thrilled with their Nintendo DS's. They seemed to enjoy all their gifts.

Around 11:00 we went over to Michael's parents for McCoy Christmas. It was a very good afternoon. We all enjoyed each other's company a lot. I love watching the kids when they open their presents. I was excited to see my niece and nephew open their gifts. I think they liked them. I was also excited to see Gale and Lloyd open the mugs I had made for them. They really liked them and I'm so happy about that. They seemed happy with all their gifts.

We came home around 6:30 pm. We've had a nice evening at home. I kicked Michael's butt playing Battleship and then beat the kids at Sorry. The kids played with their DS's some more and I got out my new boom box. It's a docking station for my iPod and I love it.

Now the kids are in bed and I'm going to go take a shower and go to bed myself.

December 24, 2008

Today was not quite as hectic as the last few days have been. We did go out and do a couple errands, but not a lot. Michaela and I watched "Mama Mia" this morning in our pj's. It was WONDERFUL!!!!! I want a copy of it. I just loved it and Michaela did too.

The kids and I did not do much more than that. I did straighten up the house enough so that it looked like we cleaned. We did not do a deep cleaning, though. It was nice to have all the wrapping stuff put away. It's also nice to be able to see my dining room table.

Tonight was Christmas with my family. My grandma is in town and that was so cool to have her here for Christmas. I don't know the last time I got to spend Christmas with her. It was a great evening. We all got spoiled. The kids loved their gifts. We usually go to church, but we did not go tonight because my grandma was not up to going.

Santa has been here and it's time for bed.

December 23, 2008

It's actually already Christmas Eve. I'm still awake from the 23rd. It's been another long, busy day. I did laundry most of the morning. Michaela had to go to the doctor late this morning. It's nothing serious, but the doctor has put her on meds for a spastic bladder.

After we ate lunch I cut out the cut out cookies and the kids decorated them. I also made some instant pudding cookies. They turned out pretty good. I think next time I'm going to add a little bit of sugar to the chocolate ones, though. They are not as sweet as I'd like them, but they are still good.

I finally took the last sheet of cookies out of the oven around 3:30 p.m. The kids went to deliver cookies to our four neighbors that live closest to us. I had to sweep and mop the kitchen floor along with cleaning up the baking mess because we had sprinkles all over the floor. Those may be small but they hurt when you step on them. Since I'd done some cleaning as I went I was finished cleaning by 4:00 pm.

I took a break at that point. I laid down on the bed and watched Gilmore Girls. It's on in re-runs on Family Channel at 4:00 here and I love that show.

I made pancakes for supper, but I was not hungry so I didn't eat. Once supper was over and dishes cleaned up AGAIN, I left to go get a few last minute things. Of course it was crazy out. There were people everywhere and all of them seemed in a panicked daze. It had gotten over 32 degrees so we had cold rain falling. With as much rain that fell, if it had stayed cold we'd have at least a couple inches of snow.

The rest of the evening I spent wrapping presents. I didn't think I'd ever finish that. But, everything that is going to get wrapped is wrapped. I did not want to have to do any of that in the morning.

I will still have a few things to do tomorrow, but I'm not going to rush myself around at all. I'm hoping the kids will let me sleep in a little.

December 22, 2008

Today was busy... this is what I did
Got up at 6:00 am
Made rice krispy treats
Took dog to groomer (they put a jingle bell on her hip and we're now calling her jingle butt)
Went to the grocery store
Went to the post office (golly they were slow today)
Went to Wal-mart
Folded a load of clothes
Went to pick up dog
Folded another load of clothes
Made lunch
Made chocolate chips cookies (6 dozen)
Made chocolate cherry cookie dough
Went back to grocery store ... had forgot to get sour cream
Made cut out cookie dough
Made peppermint cookies (2 1/2 dozen)
Cleaned up kitchen
Wrapped a few presents
Made supper
Cleaned up Kitchen
Now, the chocolate cherry cookies are in the oven (2 1/2 dozen total)
The kids decorated the rice krispy treats before supper so they are put away, too

Tomorrow, I still have three loads of laundry to finish, roll out and cut out cut out cookies and have kids decorate them, wrap presents for my family and finish wrapping them for Michael's family, clean house (it doesn't need a super clean, just kind of over the top, but still), get the boiled shrimp to take to my mom's on Wednesday, take Michaela to the doctor (suspect a UTI), and take cookies to neighbors.

Next week, I'm not going to do much of anything.

December 21, 2008

Today is the first official day of winter and boy was it COLD here. It got as low as 5 degrees with wind chills well below zero. This will also be the 400 post to my blogger blog. That's a lot of posts.

I went and did grocery shopping for baking stuff today. We did not go to church. Michael and his dad went out to Michael's work to finish working on the pipes. They were able to get it all done.

Tonight we went to supper at Olive Garden with Michael's side of the family to celebrate Michael's mom's birthday. Her birthday is actually tomorrow. It was a nice meal. My MIL seemed to really like her gifts. I enjoyed the company and the soup, salad and bread sticks very much.

The kids and I started baking tonight, but nothing turned out right. I am not very happy about that.

December 20, 2008

Michael went to work this morning and I did not get out of bed until after 8:00 a.m. That almost never happens. The kids cleaned their rooms and I spent most of the day getting our Christmas cards printed out and addressed.

Michael came home around 3:30 and took a shower then rested for a while. Griff came over around 4:30. I went and got pizzas for the kids and Griff and then Michael and I went off to do some shopping.

We tried to go out to eat at Trailhead, but they could not seat us until after 7:00 pm. We ended up at Applebee's and the service there was very slow tonight. That usually doesn't happen there.

After we ate we went to Lowe's and got two things for Michael's dad. Then, we went to the mall and finished shopping for Michael's mom. We also found something else for Michael's dad. Finally, we went to Petsmart and got stuff for Abby from Santa.

While we were at Petsmart, the guy that was fixing my laptop called and said he could meet us to give it back to us. So, we met him and gave him his money and he gave me my laptop. He was able to get almost all my data off my old hard drive for me. He put in a 160 G hard drive for me and installed most of the important software like IE and Office and stuff like that.

I'm so happy to have it back. But, my brother is going to have to come over again and get our network set up again. I can't use my laptop to surf until then.

December 19, 2008

It's Winter Break!!!! I'm so glad that school is out for two weeks. I really need the break. Although, this past week has been a lot better than the rest of the semester has been. I am trying to be positive and believe that that is a sign of positive things to come.

Tonight the kids and I stayed home. I wrapped presents again. Michael went out shopping again. It was a nice quiet night at home. I watched old episodes of LOST while I wrapped presents. Michaela did help some, too.

December 18, 2008

Just one more day of work for this year. Tomorrow is our last day of school before Winter Break. It's the last day for my kids, too. They only have half day, though. Their grandparents will be picking them up and taking them to a movie after school.

My students got their tests for the end of the unit/chapters in Reading and Math done today. I am finished grading them, too. I feel like I'm rolling right along, thankfully. I did not want to spend time grading those during my break. I've managed to get the benchmark assessments graded as well.

Again, tonight I wrapped presents for most of the evening. Michael and Caleb skipped the pack meeting for boy scouts. Michael went out to do some Christmas shopping. It's a whole week before Christmas, he's early doing his shopping this year.

December 17, 2008

Somehow, this week seems so long. It's only Wednesday. I woke up this morning thinking it was Friday at first. I shouldn't complain too much since we had Monday off, but I think that just made it seem longer this week.

I spent most of the evening wrapping presents. Other than that not much going on here. It looks like I'll have all my paper work done before Christmas break at work, except final grades, but that won't be too big a deal.

December 16, 2008

We went back to school today. I brought my final gift for Secret Santa today. There was a Dr. Pepper and two Heath bars on my desk when I got here. My principal had my name. I knew it was him. He’s been so funny about the fact that “someone wanted a key to my room.” He gave himself away so badly, but it’s been fun.

I did something really stupid, though. I brought a Coke for my person. I decided to ask the Librarian Assistant to give it to my person for me. But, when I did I wasn’t paying attention and I accidentally gave her my Dr. Pepper instead. I was so mad at myself. But, in the end I got it back.

The weather was not good today. It iced and sleeted most of the day. Driving home was just as bad as driving to work. Michaela and Caleb were at Michael’s parents’ house. Michaela was supposed to have violin lessons after school and concert tonight but both were cancelled. When I got to Michael’s parents’ house they were eating supper. They fed me too. And, then they called Michael to tell him to come eat, so I got out of making supper tonight. WOO HOO!!!!!

I worked on our Christmas card while Michael was at the grocery store. I guess it turned out ok. Michael and Michaela really like it. Michael did have me add a little Scottie Dog to it. It does look cute in there. I’ll print them out some time later this week and then get them sent off this weekend.

After the kids went to bed I went downstairs to wrap more presents. I’m almost finished wrapping the kids’ presents. I have just one more each to wrap, except what they are getting from Santa.

I still have everyone else’s presents to wrap, too. And, I need to go get some things for Abby. Michael and I still have to buy for his mom and dad and he has to buy for me. He always waits to the last minute to get my presents.

December 15, 2008

School was cancelled for both my district and the kids’ district today. There was ice on the roads. I can’t say I was upset about having to stay home all day. It was nice not having to leave the house. We didn’t either. I went outside to put something in the mailbox and then went out to get the mail and that’s all.

I finished up the laundry, messed around on the computer, watched some t.v. and started wrapping presents. Michaela and I watched a couple old Little House on the Prairie episodes together. That show still can make me cry.

I managed to get a few things wrapped before I had to make supper. We had Taco Salad for supper tonight. It tasted good, but I forgot the refried beans. Oh well, I really don’t need more carbs anyway.

It’s Monday night so it was gymnastics night. We’ve decided this is it for gymnastics until January. They are closed on Monday night two weeks from now, but we’re taking next Monday off, too. I need a break from it.

While Michaela was in gymnastics, I went down the street to Walgreen’s. I got four toys to put in the barely at gymnastics. They are collecting for the crisis nursery. Walgreen’s had a selection of toys on sale 4 for $13.98. I got a Littlest Pet Shop set, a Princess backpack with art supplies in it, A Hot wheels set and a set of airplanes for toddlers. I also got some things for the person at work who I’m Secret Santa for and some stocking stuffers for Michael.

When Michaela and I got back home, I started wrapping presents again. In the middle of it I did put the kids to bed. I started watching all the old episodes of LOST again. I know I did this last December, but I can’t help it I like to watch it from beginning and see the progression of the show again.

December 14, 2008

This morning was election day at church. Michael went to church early with his parents to vote. The kids and I went at normal time. After church we went to Pasta House and ate lunch.

This afternoon I worked on laundry and went out to get a few things I forgot yesterday. This included ink and card stock to make our Christmas cards. Part of me is not really looking forward to that this year. It’s a really big job. I just have no more ideas, either. Oh well, I’m sure I’ll figure something out. We did get our pictures in the “retro” color this year instead of just sepia or black and white. I wanted some color in our cards this time.

Tonight was the children’s Christmas program at church. It was so cute and they all did such a great job. I’m so proud of both my kids. They remembered their lines pretty well. Caleb needed a little prompting at one point, but that’s it. It was a really neat little program. I can’t wait to get pictures printed from it.

December 13, 2008

The kids had practice for the Christmas program at church today. They were there from 1:30 until 4:30 pm. It was kind of nice to have them gone for a few hours. I went and did some shopping for stocking stuffers.

After we picked up the kids from church we went down to Main Street to have our annual old time picture taken with Santa Clause. We did it in Union Civil war costumes this year. They were REALLY busy and managed to work us in. I’m glad because if they hadn’t been able to, we’d probably not been able to get them taken this year. They are booked solid through next weekend. The kids got to see a few of the characters wandering around, too. Hopefully, we’ll make it back to see more later on.

We tried to go to RT Weilers for supper, but they were packed. We drove past Trailhead and people were waiting outside. We ended up at Red Robin. I got a Chicken Caesar roll up and a bowl of French Onion soup. YUM!!!!

I should have wrapped presents today, but I’m so emotionally and physically exhausted from work this week I couldn’t face it.

December 12, 2008

It’s been a really long hard week at work. One of my students had DFS come up to school to talk to her. Even before she was a student here we’ve (the staff at work) have had suspicions about abuse of this little girl. Someone is abusing her sexually, but I think there’s other stuff going on, too. Every day this week I’ve learned a little bit more about what’s going on at home with her and it’s really killing me. I’ve not slept a full night since Monday night. I’m not sure when I’ll be able to sleep through a night again.

Another thing I found out about this little girl is that she’s the one that stole my cell phone. I believe a certain person in her life is teaching her to steal. From what I can tell DFS has had numerous times investigating this family. I’m just sick to my stomach because there’s really nothing I can do for her other than trying to make sure the classroom is as safe for her as possible. Somehow that seems so trivial.

December 11, 2008

It’s been a quiet night at home, tonight. I picked the kids up and we got home a little after 5:00 p.m. I made toasted ravioli with corn and sliced apples for supper. Michael worked late and did not get home until almost 6:30.

I messed around on Facebook most of the evening. I played Pet Society and Pack Rat. Michaela helped me out. She likes to play with me when I play Pet Society. Caleb watched some too.

Michael said the guy that’s trying to fix my computer said my hard drive crashed. He asked him to put a new one in it. He asked him to put a bigger one in for me. I’m getting a 100 Gig hard drive. I just hope my computer can run that big of a hard drive. The guy is having a hard time ghosting my hard drive. I may lose the stuff that was on it.

After they went to bed I took a shower. Now it’s time for me to go to bed.

December 10, 2008

Tonight was my night to help at girl scouts. We took cheesy popcorn and Kool-aid drink pouches for snack. The girls were not too bad. It just gets very noisy being in a gym.

They decorated snowflakes as Christmas ornaments. It was a cute craft. They used sticky foam, glitter glue, and markers. They all did a great job.

Then, they had snack and played Christmas bingo. It was fun to watch them. They all seemed to enjoy the snack, too.

After that they had their ornament exchange. Michaela ended up with a very cute little soft snowman ornament that she decided needed to set on the table where all my snowmen ornaments are sitting. It came in a little stocking ornament, so she got two, basically. She was very happy with it.

Anikca gave Michaela her gift before we left. Michaela opened it when we got home. It is a very pretty gold Scottish terrier ornament. Michaela loves it.

All in all it was a pretty good night.

December 9, 2008

It’s been a very hectic evening. I had staff meeting at school today. It was more of a work session, but I still had to stay until 4:45. I ended up staying until a little after 5:00 because I had to go directly to the car rental place to turn in the rental I’ve been driving for over a week. My van is finally fixed and was waiting at home for me.

Michael and his parents had met at the body shop to get my van earlier in the day. His dad drove it home and then they picked up the kids after school. They also fed them supper.

Michael and I had to rush from the car rental place to get the kids. Michaela made it home just in time to get in the car with Anikca. She went to Anikca’s ice skating lessons with her for friend night tonight. She really had a lot of fun with that.

Michael went and got supper for us from Taco Bell. He then took my laptop to a friend of his that fixes computers. Hopefully, he’ll be able to get the stupid adware and spyware off it that damaged my spyware software.

Michael also went by his parents’ house to look at the stables that his dad has made to go with our nativity figures. They have the same set we have. His dad made a big one for them and a smaller one for Michael’s brother. Michael is trying to figure out which one he wants his dad to make for us.

December 8, 2008

I stayed home from work today. My stomach has been such a mess. It was nice being home in the quiet with just the dog, but I wish I could do that when I don’t feel sick. I did nothing but lay around all day today. I probably should have tried to at least grade some papers, but I really did not feel like it.

I wasn’t on the computer much because there is something wrong with my laptop and I do not feel like sitting at the computer desk to be on the PC. I just want to stop feeling bad. I want to stop being tired.

I did feel a bit better this evening. I was feeling well enough to take Michaela to gymnastics tonight. They finally have the bridge open there. It’s an observation deck that goes across part of the floor. They are not putting chairs up there though, which kind of irritates me. It’s the best place to watch the gymnasts. The floor where the chairs are set up is close to the cheerleader area and the area for the little kids, but the gymnasts are off in the far corner so it’s hard to see them. It’s a bit irritating to me.

December 7, 2008

We did not go to church today. I worked on laundry most of the day and got all the bed linens changed. It always feels good to get that done. The kids cleaned their rooms.

I also went and did a little more Christmas shopping. I got some stocking stuffers for the kids. I got something else for my niece and my nephew so they are completely done. I got my MIL’s birthday presents. I also got a present for Michaela to give to Anikca. I usually let Michaela help pick that out, but when I saw this particular thing, it was perfect for her and Michaela agrees. I also bought a new snowman to go with my collection.

Other than that the whole day has been about laundry. Tonight the kids went to play rehearsal at church. Next week is the play. I will be very glad when this is over. I do not like having to take them somewhere every Sunday night. It should be fun to watch next Sunday though. They are excited about it.

December 6, 2008

Today Michael had to work. I got up a little after he left and worked on the check book. It needed to be updated and balanced. I’d put it off way too long. I’ve been good about keeping up with the bills, but the balancing thing not so much. It took me four hours. I need to not wait that long again. It was painful.

I worked on stuff for work this afternoon. I don’t feel like I made much progress, though. I’m so tired of having no time at work to do things like grading papers and then it just stacks up on me. I resent all the extra crap they make us do and then don’t care one bit about how much time it takes at home to do the stuff we should be allowed to do at work.

Tonight we went to Cracker Barrel for supper. The kids wanted pancakes. I had the chicken and rice. It was really good. Michael got fried fish, of course. We saw some things there we want to buy as gifts. I’ll go back tomorrow and get them. They were just too busy tonight to try and do more than pay for our meal.

December 5, 2008

It’s Friday and I’m very glad about that. It’s not been a bad week at work, but I’ve had A LOT of visitors in my room this week and that’s a little more stressful than just a regular week. My students were pretty good about it all. I’m really ready for Winter Break, so Friday feels very good right now. Just two more weeks of school and then I’ll have two weeks off.

I am hoping to get all my semester paperwork finished before Winter Break. I am not doing much for work during the break. I am seriously considering not sending anything home with my students even. I usually do, but I don’t want to do work during the break and I think it’s only fair to let them relax too. It’s been a stressful semester for all of us.

December 4, 2008

The superintendent came in my room today. He came in right after my principal left. My classroom has been grand central station this week. I’m just glad they were all impromptu visits. I do not like planned visits. They stress me so much. Surprise visits are so much better because I don’t have to think about them, they just happen. It was kind of fun to watch the children interact with the superintendent.

Our last superintendent never did come in and talk to my students like that. I think it made them feel important. I talked to them about it afterwards to let them know that he does this so they know he thinks they are important. It was nice to see him here even if it was a little overwhelming.

December 3, 2008

I had a visitor in my classroom today. She is one of the district people. She is not liked in this district at all. She was a principal until this year. Everyone that worked under her at her school did not like her. I’ve not had anyone say anything positive about this woman.

This year she goes around and visits classrooms. Then, anywhere from two weeks to a month later she’ll come back and take up one of your planning periods to tell you all the negative things she saw. So far no one in my building has received even one positive comment from her. She tells people it’s for professional growth, but then has very little constructive criticism to give and nothing positive to say. It amazes me that no one is doing anything well. I’m so not looking forward to her coming to talk to me.

The one good thing about it is that she is not allowed to say anything to our principal about what she tells us. It can have no effect on our evaluation. So, I’ll just let her have her say, smile and nod and take it all with a grain of salt.

December 2, 2008

My principal came to watch our math lesson today. I like it when he comes to watch. There’s so much he doesn’t get to see that I know he’d love seeing. The kids like it when he comes in, too. He’s very well liked by the kids. They have a great deal of respect for him. I’m very glad he decided not to leave our school.

I do not like the rental car that Enterprise gave me. It’s a Chevrolet Uplander. It’s a mini van I guess. It’s bigger than my van, that’s for sure. The head rests in the back limit my vision. The steering wheel sits up too high and cannot be adjusted. It’s just very big, awkward, and uncomfortable. It’s also ugly. I hope they do not have my van very long.

December 1, 2008

It was back to work today, for three weeks before Winter Break. It was HELL getting to work. It was snowing VERY lightly outside this morning and of course the commuters around here had to act like the sky was falling. It did not matter which way I took to go to work, every highway that I can use was messed up with multiple accidents. I was about 15 minutes late for work.

Work was good, though. I feel we got a lot accomplished in our class today. I started using centers during math time today and not just reading. My students have been using centers long enough now that introducing this new part of it should go pretty smoothly. It went pretty well this afternoon.

After work, I had to take my van to the body shop. I met Michael there around 5:00 pm. His parents picked up the kids. We dropped the van off and then headed to the car rental place. We had to spend more time there than at the body shop. They gave me a Chevrolet Uplander. So far I am not impressed with it. But, it'll do until I get my van back.

I went to get the kids after that. By the time we got home it was almost 6:00 pm and Michaela and I had half and hour to change clothes and get out to gymnastics. Thankfully, Grammy and Papa had fed the kids supper. I'm not sure what we'd do without them.

So, now the day is over and I'm exhausted again. I would love to have one evening where I'm not so tired.