Oh, I am so sad. I don't mean boo-hoo sad, I mean lame sad. I sent out all of my "please pray" emails and then forgot to update everyone on my Dad.
Ok, so...the Friday before Thanksgiving Dad had a left scapulectomy. Yes, that means his "chicken wing" is gone along with about half of that side of his collar bone. The surgery itself went as well as could be expected and he recovered quite nicely. The couple days following the surgery were entertaining as he was on a TON of pain killers and muscle relaxers (he had post-surgical hiccups). He doesn't really remember much about those few days which is good because he wasn't very nice. Note to self, next time a loved one has major surgery, switch to "forget everything they say directly after surgery" mode and try not to take anything personally. Wow, he let out a couple of doozies! After a few days in the hospital, Mom was able to bring him home on Thanksgiving. What a treat! We we able to celebrate as a family on that Saturday...a true blessing.
The surgeon was very happy with the surgery and the pathology report noted that they seemed to have removed the entire tumor. Praise God! He is now off all of the pain meds and working on his PT. He can move his hand to his mouth (more than we expected so soon) and he is able to dress and feed himself. Quite a feat considering many in the same situation lose their arms entirely. I have come to realize just how much we take for granted. His color is back to normal and so is his sense of humor. He was pretty depressed there for a while. At the moment he does not need further chemo for which his is extremely grateful. He has lost a ton of weight and looks great. He's happy about the weight loss just not a fan of chemo as the newest "plan". Unless you are really looking you can't really tell that he is missing part of his shoulder. Not that we were focusing on that, but what we worry about changes with every milestone.
As for me, this holiday season was one of looking back on our lives and being truly and utterly thankful for what we have. It's so easy to do in times of crisis and I just hope I can keep it up throughout the coming year. I have also decided no resolutions this year. All I do is break them and then get mad at my utter lack of will power so, this year I am just going to work on a few little things and see where I go from there.
Thanks again for all of your prayers and good thoughts. I know they worked and I am so blessed to have all of you in my life.
I wish you all a happy and HEALTHY new year! Be safe tonight and try to stay off the crazy roads.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
The problem with being and extrovert is that I feel like there are no random things that you all don't already know, but here goes.
Here are the rules:
1. Post the rules on your blog
2. Write 6 random things about yourself
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post
4. If you are tagged, just do it, and pass the tag along!
1. I love black licorice. I don't know if that is random, but I was just thinking about the fact that I like Halloween because you can get black jellybeans. That's actually one of the only things I like about Halloween. How sad that I don't think that holiday is more fun.
2. I would love to skydive. I just need to find another crazy soul to go with me. Tim is not all that thrilled about heights so he's out. I know, the man can fly on his stomach on the bottom of a huge plane while pumping a highly flammable liquid into a plane that is also flying, but he hate heights. Go figure. Maybe that's more of a random thing about him. I love the sensation of falling and think skydiving would be amazing. Any volunteers?
3. I have found that as I get older I have a hard time being "silly". Oh, don't get me wrong, I can be sarcastic and completely inappropriate, but silly is something I just can't do. I watch Kathie, Liann, and Corrina and I am completely envious of how much fun they have with the strangest things. I wish I could do that. My silly just always comes out really lame.
4. It really bugs me that so many people are bothered by the fact that I hate tomatoes. Why does anyone really care? I think they are nasty and the texture makes me shiver a little. Yuck. Yes, that means that I don't like salsa or anything else that has chunks of the smooshy little devils. I'm not a fan of catsup, although I will dip fries in it if I can't find ranch dressing. It's interesting how many questions usually follow my confession of hating tomatoes. What about salsa? What about catsup? What about spaghetti sauce and chili? Not even on burgers? How about (insert other ways to eat tomatoes)? Ok, seriously, I have a friend that hates chocolate chip cookies. Why are we not more focused on him? Now that's weird. For the record, I do like spaghetti sauce and chili, just not anything that has tomatoes in their semi-original state.
5. I really like living in Running Springs and living by my parents and in-laws. I don't have any desire to move away. I don't want to leave CA and I don't think our state sucks. I think we are lucky to live in such a beautiful place with so many great adventures just hours away. I like spending time with my parents and consider them friends. They keep me sane and grounded and are really good to me, especially when Tim is gone.
6. I suck at being a military wife. I don't understand most of the rules and really, I think most of them, the rules not the people, are stupid. I hate ironing camo uniforms and I don't think it should matter if you can see your reflection in your boots when you are running through the jungle. I know that it is a necessary evil and I, like Katie, am glad that we have men and women that are willing to do this so I don't have to. Back to the wife part. This last training nearly killed both of us. I hate knowing that my husband is not always happy, warm, and safe. I knew what I was in for when I signed up for this. I'm just saying that I'm not very good at it. I refuse to live in places like Kansas or Oklahoma and I don't really have any desire to live over seas. Visit, yes. Stay, no.
For the record, I do not need anyone to explain to me that rules and being disciplined makes you a better soldier. I get it.
Tagged:
Christina
Corrina
Liann
Beth
Heidi
Katrina
Here are the rules:
1. Post the rules on your blog
2. Write 6 random things about yourself
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post
4. If you are tagged, just do it, and pass the tag along!
1. I love black licorice. I don't know if that is random, but I was just thinking about the fact that I like Halloween because you can get black jellybeans. That's actually one of the only things I like about Halloween. How sad that I don't think that holiday is more fun.
2. I would love to skydive. I just need to find another crazy soul to go with me. Tim is not all that thrilled about heights so he's out. I know, the man can fly on his stomach on the bottom of a huge plane while pumping a highly flammable liquid into a plane that is also flying, but he hate heights. Go figure. Maybe that's more of a random thing about him. I love the sensation of falling and think skydiving would be amazing. Any volunteers?
3. I have found that as I get older I have a hard time being "silly". Oh, don't get me wrong, I can be sarcastic and completely inappropriate, but silly is something I just can't do. I watch Kathie, Liann, and Corrina and I am completely envious of how much fun they have with the strangest things. I wish I could do that. My silly just always comes out really lame.
4. It really bugs me that so many people are bothered by the fact that I hate tomatoes. Why does anyone really care? I think they are nasty and the texture makes me shiver a little. Yuck. Yes, that means that I don't like salsa or anything else that has chunks of the smooshy little devils. I'm not a fan of catsup, although I will dip fries in it if I can't find ranch dressing. It's interesting how many questions usually follow my confession of hating tomatoes. What about salsa? What about catsup? What about spaghetti sauce and chili? Not even on burgers? How about (insert other ways to eat tomatoes)? Ok, seriously, I have a friend that hates chocolate chip cookies. Why are we not more focused on him? Now that's weird. For the record, I do like spaghetti sauce and chili, just not anything that has tomatoes in their semi-original state.
5. I really like living in Running Springs and living by my parents and in-laws. I don't have any desire to move away. I don't want to leave CA and I don't think our state sucks. I think we are lucky to live in such a beautiful place with so many great adventures just hours away. I like spending time with my parents and consider them friends. They keep me sane and grounded and are really good to me, especially when Tim is gone.
6. I suck at being a military wife. I don't understand most of the rules and really, I think most of them, the rules not the people, are stupid. I hate ironing camo uniforms and I don't think it should matter if you can see your reflection in your boots when you are running through the jungle. I know that it is a necessary evil and I, like Katie, am glad that we have men and women that are willing to do this so I don't have to. Back to the wife part. This last training nearly killed both of us. I hate knowing that my husband is not always happy, warm, and safe. I knew what I was in for when I signed up for this. I'm just saying that I'm not very good at it. I refuse to live in places like Kansas or Oklahoma and I don't really have any desire to live over seas. Visit, yes. Stay, no.
For the record, I do not need anyone to explain to me that rules and being disciplined makes you a better soldier. I get it.
Tagged:
Christina
Corrina
Liann
Beth
Heidi
Katrina
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Comin' Home to Mama!
Tim passed his last check ride and is headed home! It feels like it has been years, but it's only been a couple of months since we saw each other. I can't wait to have my family back together again. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!! It's been a really emotional 5 months and it was hard to spend our anniversary apart. This was the first time in 11 years that we were not together to celebrate. I'm pretty sure that I would have been a crying, snotty mess if I hadn't spent the day with Kathie, Liann, and Corrina and the evening with my parents. I know this is what I signed up for when I married military, but it gets to me after a while. It sounds like another deployment is just a few months away. We'll see. The ones in the winter will be harder because we don't tend to have as many friends and family visiting then.
Well, we are headed into week five of this school year and it is proving to be another great year. Although I don't think I will ever have a class like my darlings from last year, these kiddos are pretty good. I have a few little nuts in the pile, but it seems to be my calling...check with me in June. The good news is that I still love what I do and the time goes by pretty fast. I'm physically and emotionally exhausted each and every day which is why I haven't posted anything lately. Somehow, writing more at the end of the day just seems like a great big chore. Sixth graders seem way more "advanced" than we were and I don't mean academically! We are going through a big "inappropriate touching" phase at the moment. Wasn't thinking about that when I signed up for this. There's a whole new lingo to learn also so we sat around yesterday informing each other of the newest phrases for "touching". If only these kids could be as creative in their writing. Recess duty is exhausting...
Paul Bunyan starts his senior year on Tuesday. Wow! Senior pictures turned out great, but we are going to head down to a reasonably priced portrait studio and have more taken. The lowest priced package is $60. That is for 3 pictures. Yes, I said 3. What a racket! These people must be rolling in it because the package with the pictures you actually might want, such as wallets, is priced at about $100 and you still only get three sheets. If you are the kind of parent that can't let pictures of your baby go to waste, you can pay $300 for the whole lot. Are you kidding me? I love my kid, but not that much.
Well, we are headed into week five of this school year and it is proving to be another great year. Although I don't think I will ever have a class like my darlings from last year, these kiddos are pretty good. I have a few little nuts in the pile, but it seems to be my calling...check with me in June. The good news is that I still love what I do and the time goes by pretty fast. I'm physically and emotionally exhausted each and every day which is why I haven't posted anything lately. Somehow, writing more at the end of the day just seems like a great big chore. Sixth graders seem way more "advanced" than we were and I don't mean academically! We are going through a big "inappropriate touching" phase at the moment. Wasn't thinking about that when I signed up for this. There's a whole new lingo to learn also so we sat around yesterday informing each other of the newest phrases for "touching". If only these kids could be as creative in their writing. Recess duty is exhausting...
Paul Bunyan starts his senior year on Tuesday. Wow! Senior pictures turned out great, but we are going to head down to a reasonably priced portrait studio and have more taken. The lowest priced package is $60. That is for 3 pictures. Yes, I said 3. What a racket! These people must be rolling in it because the package with the pictures you actually might want, such as wallets, is priced at about $100 and you still only get three sheets. If you are the kind of parent that can't let pictures of your baby go to waste, you can pay $300 for the whole lot. Are you kidding me? I love my kid, but not that much.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Hmm...
You scored as a Maximus
After his family was murdered by the evil emperor Commodus, the great Roman general Maximus went into hiding to avoid Commodus's assassins. He became a gladiator, hoping to dominate the colosseum in order to one day get the chance of killing Commodus. Maximus is valiant, courageous, and dedicated. He wants nothing more than the chance to avenge his family, but his temper often gets the better of him.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Vacations
Oh, how I love summer vacation. If I could only sleep past 5:30 life would be wonderful. I guess by the time I sleep until eight, it will be time to go back to school. Oh well.
My vacation has been so full. I got to spend two weeks with my step son and nieces and nephew and Paul Bunyan and I have had some great mom/son bonding time. I have also been working on house projects like crazy. Tim is still gone and it's a good time to get some of the projects done that have been hanging over us the last couple of lean years. My project list is as follows:
rip out floor and toilet and lay new floor and put in new toilet in Paul Bunyan's bathroom
sand and stain deck
repaint front of house
put up new trim around front door
new faucets in master bath
new faucet in kitchen
rip out carpet and replace with laminate flooring in Paul Bunyan's bedroom
Those are the completed projects. My to do list still has a ton of stuff to get done:
replace floor and vanity in guest bathroom
texture walls in master bedroom and repaint
build some sort of work space in shed
possibly repaint master bath and living room
build new section of fence in backyard
build retaining wall in backyard to stop all of the dirt from settling against the house
Whew, I'm exhausted. The good thing is that it is a good exhausted because I am getting so much done. I know that as soon as I am done with this list, I will have a ton of other things to do over my break in November. With any luck, by the time PB heads off to college next fall, we will be done with most of our projects and will be able to take a vacation. One can only hope. I find that all of the work keeps me from thinking about the fact that my honey is gone so long. We did these separations a bunch when we were first married, but I am finding it significantly harder to do this the longer we are married. Our 11th anniversary is in August and it will be the first time we have been separated and not able to celebrate together. I'm not sure how I will be dealing with that yet. Maybe I can find some girlfriends to go out with me :). Thankfully, the puppy keeps me pretty busy and he is growing so fast. He is still adorable and seems to be doing well with the housebreaking. Can I tell you how much easier the whole process is when you have a dog door?
Daytime television sucks by the way. There are some seriously wacked people out there. I know that's not exactly the revelation of the century, but it really hits you hard when it's in high def. I have however been watching a lot of DIY television and have been getting some really great ideas to add to my project list. The trick is not to watch a show that centers around a newly completed project as it only serves to teach you that everything you just did could have been done easier and cheaper. Live and learn.
You would also think that with all of this "alone" time I would have found a way to work on my relationship with the Lord. Well, you would be wrong. I just can't seem to find my way in that world and I am feeling further and further away from the spirit. I have a really hard time picking up the books or just talking to Him. This is especially interesting because I know I should pray about it, but I'm having a hard time praying...my own little catch 22.
On the bright side, I get to go see Kathie next week! Yeah!
My vacation has been so full. I got to spend two weeks with my step son and nieces and nephew and Paul Bunyan and I have had some great mom/son bonding time. I have also been working on house projects like crazy. Tim is still gone and it's a good time to get some of the projects done that have been hanging over us the last couple of lean years. My project list is as follows:
rip out floor and toilet and lay new floor and put in new toilet in Paul Bunyan's bathroom
sand and stain deck
repaint front of house
put up new trim around front door
new faucets in master bath
new faucet in kitchen
rip out carpet and replace with laminate flooring in Paul Bunyan's bedroom
Those are the completed projects. My to do list still has a ton of stuff to get done:
replace floor and vanity in guest bathroom
texture walls in master bedroom and repaint
build some sort of work space in shed
possibly repaint master bath and living room
build new section of fence in backyard
build retaining wall in backyard to stop all of the dirt from settling against the house
Whew, I'm exhausted. The good thing is that it is a good exhausted because I am getting so much done. I know that as soon as I am done with this list, I will have a ton of other things to do over my break in November. With any luck, by the time PB heads off to college next fall, we will be done with most of our projects and will be able to take a vacation. One can only hope. I find that all of the work keeps me from thinking about the fact that my honey is gone so long. We did these separations a bunch when we were first married, but I am finding it significantly harder to do this the longer we are married. Our 11th anniversary is in August and it will be the first time we have been separated and not able to celebrate together. I'm not sure how I will be dealing with that yet. Maybe I can find some girlfriends to go out with me :). Thankfully, the puppy keeps me pretty busy and he is growing so fast. He is still adorable and seems to be doing well with the housebreaking. Can I tell you how much easier the whole process is when you have a dog door?
Daytime television sucks by the way. There are some seriously wacked people out there. I know that's not exactly the revelation of the century, but it really hits you hard when it's in high def. I have however been watching a lot of DIY television and have been getting some really great ideas to add to my project list. The trick is not to watch a show that centers around a newly completed project as it only serves to teach you that everything you just did could have been done easier and cheaper. Live and learn.
You would also think that with all of this "alone" time I would have found a way to work on my relationship with the Lord. Well, you would be wrong. I just can't seem to find my way in that world and I am feeling further and further away from the spirit. I have a really hard time picking up the books or just talking to Him. This is especially interesting because I know I should pray about it, but I'm having a hard time praying...my own little catch 22.
On the bright side, I get to go see Kathie next week! Yeah!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Boys, boys, boys
Just a pix of my boys...for those of you that know them, this looks an awful lot like Richard, David and Tim.
This is my nephew, the Camster, Paul Bunyan, and my step son. We have a full house this week with five, yes five, kiddos. It has just confirmed why I only have one :) I'm EXHAUSTED! More power to those of you with multiple children.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Newest Addition
I know, I'm a glutton for punishment...
This is the newest addition to our family. His name is Madden and he is about 2 months old. Everyone at school laughed at me and decided that, with my boys gone most of the summer, I needed a new project.
I guess this is what empty nest does to some people. At least it's not a baby :) He's the sweetest puppy and really smart. I forgot how much energy they have...
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Seven days left.
Wow, the time has just flown by. Ok, maybe I wouldn't have said that back in February, but now it seems like I just started. I was talking to my kiddos today and all I could think was "Man, I love what I do". Even when they bug the tar out of me, I love what I do. Thank you to all of you that have prayed for me and loved me and been so patient with me during this entire process. I take no responsibility for the grammar in this post as it is 12 am and I have been grading for what seems like an eternity. Yes Michael, I can beat what some of your college students write about. God forbid some of my kids write a story that does not involve blowing something or someone to smithereens. Alrighty then...maybe I will move onto the story about kitties. This should be a real page turner.
BTW - did you all know that Mt. Everest was located on the continent of Wyoming? Learn something new every day, don't you.
Wow, the time has just flown by. Ok, maybe I wouldn't have said that back in February, but now it seems like I just started. I was talking to my kiddos today and all I could think was "Man, I love what I do". Even when they bug the tar out of me, I love what I do. Thank you to all of you that have prayed for me and loved me and been so patient with me during this entire process. I take no responsibility for the grammar in this post as it is 12 am and I have been grading for what seems like an eternity. Yes Michael, I can beat what some of your college students write about. God forbid some of my kids write a story that does not involve blowing something or someone to smithereens. Alrighty then...maybe I will move onto the story about kitties. This should be a real page turner.
BTW - did you all know that Mt. Everest was located on the continent of Wyoming? Learn something new every day, don't you.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Yippee! Woo Hoo! Yee Haw! Yes! Hallelujah! Huzzah! Hot Diggety! w00t! Cheers! Sweet! Awesome! Out of sight! Alright! Hooray!
Yes friends and neighbors, I received an assignment for next year! Drum roll please...you can't hear Paul Bunyan playing the drums as I type this. I get to stay at my school, I get to teach 6th grade, AND I don't have to move out of the room that I'm in right now. How do you beat that? You don't!!!!!!!! I am so blessed. This year continued to be amazing and I definitely know that I made the right career choice. I love the kids and don't even mind 6th grade.
Off to bed...
Yes friends and neighbors, I received an assignment for next year! Drum roll please...you can't hear Paul Bunyan playing the drums as I type this. I get to stay at my school, I get to teach 6th grade, AND I don't have to move out of the room that I'm in right now. How do you beat that? You don't!!!!!!!! I am so blessed. This year continued to be amazing and I definitely know that I made the right career choice. I love the kids and don't even mind 6th grade.
Off to bed...
Monday, June 02, 2008
Well, still waiting for an assignment and still working on the patience thing. I spent my morning planning with the sixth grade teachers and I was sad and excited at the same time. I know that the Lord has something in mind for me and he has a plan so I know that wherever I end up, it will be the right place. I am finding that really easy to say, not so easy to believe sometimes. As it gets closer to the end of the year, 16 days, I am getting more and more eager to begin planning for next year. So, I will just continue swimming, toward what I don't know, and I will hope the waters stay fairly calm.
I was sitting on the couch yesterday watching some sappy movie again. Don't ask why I keep doing this to myself. Anyway, it suddenly occurred to me that my baby will be taking his SENIOR pictures this summer. What? When did that happen? As Slater's baby takes her first steps to becoming a toddler, my baby takes his steps to becoming an adult.
One last thought before I head off to bed. I was cleaning my laundry room when I spotted the box for my back up fire extinguisher. On the box it claims that it is a "multi-purpose" fire extinguisher. What exactly is a multi-purpose fire extinguisher? I always assumed that a fire extinguisher only had one purpose. So, can anyone tell me what, other than putting out fires, a fire extinguisher does? You know what happens when you assume.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Notes to self...
Don't watch P.S. I Love You four days after your husband leaves for three months. Really good movie, really bad timing.
Do go see Harrison Ford in the new Indiana Jones movie. As a matter of fact, go see Harrison Ford in ANY movie.
Don't try to be happy-go-lucky with a bunch of 12-year olds...that never goes well.
Do go see the new Sex in the City movie with great girl friends...can't wait.
Don't assume the the nice, spring weather will last until the holiday weekend. Duh! How long have I lived up here?
Do take a four day weekend and watch movies and eat brownie batter.
Happy holiday weekend all!
Don't watch P.S. I Love You four days after your husband leaves for three months. Really good movie, really bad timing.
Do go see Harrison Ford in the new Indiana Jones movie. As a matter of fact, go see Harrison Ford in ANY movie.
Don't try to be happy-go-lucky with a bunch of 12-year olds...that never goes well.
Do go see the new Sex in the City movie with great girl friends...can't wait.
Don't assume the the nice, spring weather will last until the holiday weekend. Duh! How long have I lived up here?
Do take a four day weekend and watch movies and eat brownie batter.
Happy holiday weekend all!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
So, I just watched Evan Almighty. Not a horrible movie. I do love Lauren Graham and Morgan Freeman. Anyway, I heard this speech that God gives to Evan's wife and it really hit home for me.
God: I love that story, Noah and the Ark. You know, a lot of people miss the point of that story. They think it’s about God’s wrath and anger. They love it when God gets angry.
Joan: What is the story about, then? The ark?
God: Well, I think it’s a love story about believing in each other. You know, the animals showed up in pairs. They stood by each other, side by side, just like Noah and his family. Everybody entered the ark side by side.
Joan: But my husband says God told him to do it. What do you do with that?
God: Sounds like an opportunity. Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, do you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If they pray for courage, does God give them courage, or does he give them opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for their family to be closer, you think God zaps them with warm, fuzzy feelings? Or does he give them opportunities to love each other? Well, I got to run. A lot of people to serve. Enjoy.
At the moment I am sitting and waiting for a job assignment. Now, don't get me wrong, I am completely thankful that I have a contract and a job for next year, but the waiting for an assignment is killing me. I am watching all of the the teachers plan for next year. I am helping as best I can, but it's hard when you don't know what you're planning for. I am not, by nature, a patient person. I was praying for patience and it just wasn't happening. I guess I was hoping that a pill would just pop into my hand and all would be well. What I realized was that God had actually given me the opportunity to be patient. DUH! I feel like the people in those V8 commercials that get thunked in the head. Thus began my journey into the world of patience. I of course have failed miserably, but I keep getting up, dusting myself off, and marching on.
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.Psalm 27:14
God: I love that story, Noah and the Ark. You know, a lot of people miss the point of that story. They think it’s about God’s wrath and anger. They love it when God gets angry.
Joan: What is the story about, then? The ark?
God: Well, I think it’s a love story about believing in each other. You know, the animals showed up in pairs. They stood by each other, side by side, just like Noah and his family. Everybody entered the ark side by side.
Joan: But my husband says God told him to do it. What do you do with that?
God: Sounds like an opportunity. Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, do you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If they pray for courage, does God give them courage, or does he give them opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for their family to be closer, you think God zaps them with warm, fuzzy feelings? Or does he give them opportunities to love each other? Well, I got to run. A lot of people to serve. Enjoy.
At the moment I am sitting and waiting for a job assignment. Now, don't get me wrong, I am completely thankful that I have a contract and a job for next year, but the waiting for an assignment is killing me. I am watching all of the the teachers plan for next year. I am helping as best I can, but it's hard when you don't know what you're planning for. I am not, by nature, a patient person. I was praying for patience and it just wasn't happening. I guess I was hoping that a pill would just pop into my hand and all would be well. What I realized was that God had actually given me the opportunity to be patient. DUH! I feel like the people in those V8 commercials that get thunked in the head. Thus began my journey into the world of patience. I of course have failed miserably, but I keep getting up, dusting myself off, and marching on.
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.Psalm 27:14
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Prom update...
Ok, details for Kath and Beth -
The car is in one piece.
Paul Bunyan made it home by curfew (12:30 am. Huh?)
They ate mozzarella sticks, onion rings, salad, freckled lemonade, and a pineapple smoothie.
They said the place was about 200 degrees and nobody wore their extremely expensive jackets. Why not just rent the shirt and vest next year?
DJ, no band.
The kids had a great time.
Next year, Palm Springs. Anyone want to come down and have a party at our time share?
Any details I left out?
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Paul Bunyan's all grown up!
Tuxedo rental - $138
Prom tickets - $125
Pretty yellow corsage - $25
Sending your baby off to his first prom - Priceless
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
God is good
Just about the time I am feeling as though I am at the very bottom, God does something wonderful and fills my soul will light.
Explanation...
About two weeks ago my dad was diagnosed with kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma to be more exact). He went through many, many tests and they decided that removing his left kidney was really the only treatment as this type of cancer apparently does not respond to chemo or other such treatments. He waited patiently, ok, maybe not so patiently, for two weeks. His surgery was this morning and was a complete success. We have to wait for about five days for the pathology report, but the surgeon thought everything looked pretty good and seems to think that he was able to remove the entire tumor. The kidney was huge seeing as it was mostly tumor. Yucky! The digital age is wonderful because they were able to take a picture of the kidney right after they took it out. Did I say yucky? Excuse any typos - I have been up since 4am because I went to the hospital with my parents this morning.
I can't really say why I didn't write about this earlier. I really felt that he needed the prayers, but somewhere in me I felt that the more I talked about the cancer, the more "real" it became. These past couple of weeks have really sucked for our whole family, not just for me. It really does put some things in perspective. Life is short and family is precious. I'm not completely sure what I would have done if I had lost my dad and I'm glad that today was not the day to find that out. Rather than praying for a good outcome I found myself praying for peace about whatever outcome God had planned. That was really difficult, but seemed to be the right thing for me to do. Maybe I shouldn't say this, but I'm glad, beyond words, that our Lord was not ready to call him home today. I need him here with me for a while longer.
In other news, Paul Bunyan is off to Prom this Saturday. Am I really that old?
Hug your loved ones really tight tonight...for my dad!
Explanation...
About two weeks ago my dad was diagnosed with kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma to be more exact). He went through many, many tests and they decided that removing his left kidney was really the only treatment as this type of cancer apparently does not respond to chemo or other such treatments. He waited patiently, ok, maybe not so patiently, for two weeks. His surgery was this morning and was a complete success. We have to wait for about five days for the pathology report, but the surgeon thought everything looked pretty good and seems to think that he was able to remove the entire tumor. The kidney was huge seeing as it was mostly tumor. Yucky! The digital age is wonderful because they were able to take a picture of the kidney right after they took it out. Did I say yucky? Excuse any typos - I have been up since 4am because I went to the hospital with my parents this morning.
I can't really say why I didn't write about this earlier. I really felt that he needed the prayers, but somewhere in me I felt that the more I talked about the cancer, the more "real" it became. These past couple of weeks have really sucked for our whole family, not just for me. It really does put some things in perspective. Life is short and family is precious. I'm not completely sure what I would have done if I had lost my dad and I'm glad that today was not the day to find that out. Rather than praying for a good outcome I found myself praying for peace about whatever outcome God had planned. That was really difficult, but seemed to be the right thing for me to do. Maybe I shouldn't say this, but I'm glad, beyond words, that our Lord was not ready to call him home today. I need him here with me for a while longer.
In other news, Paul Bunyan is off to Prom this Saturday. Am I really that old?
Hug your loved ones really tight tonight...for my dad!
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Spinning...
At the moment I am sitting in my classroom watching my little darlings take their excruciating state test. I will miss this. I found out this morning that two primary teachers have been assigned to 6th grade for next year. The problem with this? There are only four 6th grade spots to begin with and only one person that I know of is moving to another grade. Hmmm…that means that I do not have a spot in 6th grade next year. Ok, I can deal with this. I knew I was lowest on the totem pole so I am not completely surprised, but I am still a little sad by this news. I was really holding out hope that I would just stay where I am. The other part that makes this difficult is the fact that these two teachers have NO desire to teach 6th grade. UGH! Head hitting desk…trying to hold back tears and teach at the same time.
I know that God will put me where he wants me and I’m sure that it will be fine, but the waiting and wondering is killing me. I hear all of the other teachers getting ready and making plans and it stings a little. Ok, it stings a lot. I find it hard to go to the lunch room where teachers whine about their assignments and I just want to yell “at least you have an assignment you whiny, ungrateful wenches”, but alas, I hold it in and just smile.
Justine Bateman looks really old. I know, side track…I’m watching Desperate Housewives and she just appeared on the screen looking really bad.
That just gives you a glimpse into the workings of my mind these days…is that a goat?
I know that God will put me where he wants me and I’m sure that it will be fine, but the waiting and wondering is killing me. I hear all of the other teachers getting ready and making plans and it stings a little. Ok, it stings a lot. I find it hard to go to the lunch room where teachers whine about their assignments and I just want to yell “at least you have an assignment you whiny, ungrateful wenches”, but alas, I hold it in and just smile.
Justine Bateman looks really old. I know, side track…I’m watching Desperate Housewives and she just appeared on the screen looking really bad.
That just gives you a glimpse into the workings of my mind these days…is that a goat?
Monday, May 05, 2008
Not the brightest tool in the shed...
Yes, that is how I am feeling these days...like a big mixed metaphor. I actually uttered this phrase at Starbucks the other day. I'm sure that's a party foul or something.
Not much to blog about lately. Actually, not much that I think anyone would be interested in reading about lately. I have been very whiny as of late and didn't really think anyone would be interested in my blabbering on.
I have seven weeks left of school and I still love my job. I signed a contract for next year, but still have NO idea where or what I will be teaching. I don't know how long the "it's all in God's hands" attitude will last, but I am doing well so far.
Tim comes home on Wed. for about ten days....YEAH!!!!!!!!!!! He will be home for Mother's day and some other yucky family stuff we are dealing with at the moment. For that, I am extremely grateful. I need him here with me now and God seemed to know and provide. Why I doubted that I'm not sure.
My big accomplishment these days was installing a new floor and toilet in Paul Bunyan's bathroom. Talk about a fun time...It's not leaking, the toilet not the floor, and for that I am proud. The floor isn't leaking either :)
This is Heidi and my niece at Disneyland. Heidi won eight tickets on a radio station so the whole family went to celebrate Heidi's kids' birthdays. Yes, all three of them have birthdays in a one-month period. We had a blast. My Baylas wasn't too convinced about the "happiest place on Earth" stuff until she saw the princess parade. This adorable picture was taken at the beginning of the ride. She wasn't having as much fun near the end of the ride. That seemed to be the theme for the day.
This is what happens when you let my dad, child, and nephew loose in the shops. Only my family...you would have to understand the total and unabashed love for flying that the males in our family possess to really appreciate this picture.
TTFN!
Not much to blog about lately. Actually, not much that I think anyone would be interested in reading about lately. I have been very whiny as of late and didn't really think anyone would be interested in my blabbering on.
I have seven weeks left of school and I still love my job. I signed a contract for next year, but still have NO idea where or what I will be teaching. I don't know how long the "it's all in God's hands" attitude will last, but I am doing well so far.
Tim comes home on Wed. for about ten days....YEAH!!!!!!!!!!! He will be home for Mother's day and some other yucky family stuff we are dealing with at the moment. For that, I am extremely grateful. I need him here with me now and God seemed to know and provide. Why I doubted that I'm not sure.
My big accomplishment these days was installing a new floor and toilet in Paul Bunyan's bathroom. Talk about a fun time...It's not leaking, the toilet not the floor, and for that I am proud. The floor isn't leaking either :)
This is Heidi and my niece at Disneyland. Heidi won eight tickets on a radio station so the whole family went to celebrate Heidi's kids' birthdays. Yes, all three of them have birthdays in a one-month period. We had a blast. My Baylas wasn't too convinced about the "happiest place on Earth" stuff until she saw the princess parade. This adorable picture was taken at the beginning of the ride. She wasn't having as much fun near the end of the ride. That seemed to be the theme for the day.
This is what happens when you let my dad, child, and nephew loose in the shops. Only my family...you would have to understand the total and unabashed love for flying that the males in our family possess to really appreciate this picture. TTFN!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Dads
"To her the name of father was another name for love. "-- Fanny Fern
The things my dad taught me-
to change a tire
to be home on time
to say please and thank you
to put oil in the car
to put on chains
to love myself
make-up should be seen up close, not from 3 miles away
same applies to the smell of perfume
to take pride in all that I do
pictures are priceless
to play baseball
auto racing really is pretty fun
to install a toilet
to pump my own gas
the dictionary really is a great tool
dads are the bomb
Just because...
The things my dad taught me-
to change a tire
to be home on time
to say please and thank you
to put oil in the car
to put on chains
to love myself
make-up should be seen up close, not from 3 miles away
same applies to the smell of perfume
to take pride in all that I do
pictures are priceless
to play baseball
auto racing really is pretty fun
to install a toilet
to pump my own gas
the dictionary really is a great tool
dads are the bomb
Just because...
Monday, April 14, 2008
Fragments
Nothing really worth posting about lately.
Went to see Kathie. Had fun!
Paul Bunyan turned 17. Ugh!
Ten weeks left 'til summer break. Yeah!
Tim has been gone for two weeks. Four more to go until he is home for a week and then gone again for four months. Yes, I said FOUR months. Tears abound these days. I am lonely. Actually, I am beyond lonely. Darn it, I miss my husband and I miss my friends. Paul Bunyan, being a teenager, is never home and when he is, he is texting, working out, playing Warcrack, or hiding in his room. Mom is not the most entertaining person in his life anymore. Where did those days go?
The military messed up Tim's pay and we will be going yet another 15 days without his income. Broke and lonely...how fun.
Have not been able to find comfort in scripture these days. Humm.
BLECH!
Went to see Kathie. Had fun!
Paul Bunyan turned 17. Ugh!
Ten weeks left 'til summer break. Yeah!
Tim has been gone for two weeks. Four more to go until he is home for a week and then gone again for four months. Yes, I said FOUR months. Tears abound these days. I am lonely. Actually, I am beyond lonely. Darn it, I miss my husband and I miss my friends. Paul Bunyan, being a teenager, is never home and when he is, he is texting, working out, playing Warcrack, or hiding in his room. Mom is not the most entertaining person in his life anymore. Where did those days go?
The military messed up Tim's pay and we will be going yet another 15 days without his income. Broke and lonely...how fun.
Have not been able to find comfort in scripture these days. Humm.
BLECH!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Praise and sigh of relief
I feel rotten posting this after Christina's post, but I am 100% sure that place was not the right place for her. She has so much to offer and deserves a MUCH better assignment. So...
After much deliberation, our district chose not to pink slip any staff at this time. By ed code, pink slips have to be postmarked certified mail by March 15th and we just received an email from our union rep stating that they will not be making any reductions in certificated staff at this time. Christina, come to my school...more money, fewer transient students, great principal, wonderful staff, superb schedule, and ME! I know that it would be easier for you to be in the same district as your kids so I really am praying for you to get hired in the Rim district, but you can't blame me for wanting you around our school. We would be lucky to have you.
I am really feeling like God has a plan for me at this particular school site. I wasn't so sure at the beginning of the year, but each day that goes by He makes his intentions more and more clear. I do feel like this is the right fit for me and I can feel the Lord's presence with me every day that I enter that class room. Not being pink-slipped really confirms that for me. I feel so blessed to be where I am, doing what I do. I know that I have blogged about how much I love my job, but it still amazes me. My life and my mental health are so different these days compared to how I was at the hotel and the conference center.
That's all for now. Have to get ready for my BTSA training day that they managed to stick smack in the middle of my vacation.
After much deliberation, our district chose not to pink slip any staff at this time. By ed code, pink slips have to be postmarked certified mail by March 15th and we just received an email from our union rep stating that they will not be making any reductions in certificated staff at this time. Christina, come to my school...more money, fewer transient students, great principal, wonderful staff, superb schedule, and ME! I know that it would be easier for you to be in the same district as your kids so I really am praying for you to get hired in the Rim district, but you can't blame me for wanting you around our school. We would be lucky to have you.
I am really feeling like God has a plan for me at this particular school site. I wasn't so sure at the beginning of the year, but each day that goes by He makes his intentions more and more clear. I do feel like this is the right fit for me and I can feel the Lord's presence with me every day that I enter that class room. Not being pink-slipped really confirms that for me. I feel so blessed to be where I am, doing what I do. I know that I have blogged about how much I love my job, but it still amazes me. My life and my mental health are so different these days compared to how I was at the hotel and the conference center.
That's all for now. Have to get ready for my BTSA training day that they managed to stick smack in the middle of my vacation.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Airport 77 just met Posidon
I feel like a bad episode of Lost.
It is so apparent that God is in my life as I am surrounded by amazing and truly loving folks like you all. You need to know that I consider you as one of my most wonderful blessings.
After much thought and little sleep, I realized that it's probably more me that needs to forgive me than anyone else. Some of my issues weigh heavily on my mind when I sit in church. I know that God has forgiven me, but I often wonder why. How could anyone forgive some of the stuff that I have done? Then, of course, my mind throws me back to the fact that our Lord is not just "anyone". He is kind and gracious even when we don't deserve it. Actually, ESPECIALLY when we don't deserve it. I never really doubted God's love for me so why do I doubt his grace? Why do I doubt his desire for others to forgive me? Why do I doubt his desire for me to forgive me? Judgement is something that I think about regularly. I know that I am guilty of judging others so I shouldn't be surprised that others might judge me. More verbal vomit...sorry! My brain has been so full of this stuff lately and church made it all come to the surface.
That's all I have for now. More later when I can form some complete thoughts.
BTW - Michael, sorry about the unibomber comment. Your beard looks, well, like a beard. I'm a wife and beards are not my favorite...so, there you go. Notice, I opened my mouth before I thought about what might come out!
It is so apparent that God is in my life as I am surrounded by amazing and truly loving folks like you all. You need to know that I consider you as one of my most wonderful blessings.
After much thought and little sleep, I realized that it's probably more me that needs to forgive me than anyone else. Some of my issues weigh heavily on my mind when I sit in church. I know that God has forgiven me, but I often wonder why. How could anyone forgive some of the stuff that I have done? Then, of course, my mind throws me back to the fact that our Lord is not just "anyone". He is kind and gracious even when we don't deserve it. Actually, ESPECIALLY when we don't deserve it. I never really doubted God's love for me so why do I doubt his grace? Why do I doubt his desire for others to forgive me? Why do I doubt his desire for me to forgive me? Judgement is something that I think about regularly. I know that I am guilty of judging others so I shouldn't be surprised that others might judge me. More verbal vomit...sorry! My brain has been so full of this stuff lately and church made it all come to the surface.
That's all I have for now. More later when I can form some complete thoughts.
BTW - Michael, sorry about the unibomber comment. Your beard looks, well, like a beard. I'm a wife and beards are not my favorite...so, there you go. Notice, I opened my mouth before I thought about what might come out!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Titanic meets Airport 77
Today was one of those days where the thoughts just keep coming and they just bump around in your head until you decide to get it on paper. It’s a little like tipping your head over and stuff comes out of your ears. Maybe I have been spending too much time with children. That was a really lame explanation.
I went to church today for the first time since Kath left. It made me wonder what I missed more, church or worshipping with Kathie. It felt really weird at first and then it didn’t. Warning…this post will only make sense to me! I’m not sure how comfortable I really was this morning. Joanna reminded me that sometimes it is about doing what God wants us to do, not what makes us comfortable. That being said, I completely agree but, should you feel nauseous? The worship was a little slow and I like it fast and loud. I love to sing my love of Christ really loud. We repeated some stuff that I wasn’t paying any attention to so I was lost and didn’t much care for that portion of the morning. The sermon, which started after a discussion about marriage and homosexuality that made me uncomfortable, was about Romans 5:1-5 and really hit home for me. I need all to know that I am in no way bashing the church; I am simply writing about my morning. Back to Romans…I often feel like the HUGE mistakes, ok sins, I have committed in my life are branded on my forehead for all to see. I feel like people know what I’ve done and are wondering what kind of Christian I really am. I realize that is my problem and nobody else’s. How vain of me to think that people have nothing else to think about than my salvation. Kathie can attest to the fact that there have been incidents in the past that tend to push me to those thoughts. I do have a couple of people in my life that feel the need to keep track of my indiscretions and remind me and others that I have sinned BIG.
Then, I read Kathie’s post. AMEN sister! That is how I feel every day. I used to pray that I could just be quiet. If I’m quiet, I can’t possibly say something offensive or shove my foot all the way down my throat. Obviously, I have been praying the wrong prayer. I love what Kathie wrote about praying that God puts kind words in my mouth. That’s exactly what I should be praying for these days. I am not always kind and I often say things before I think about them. So, Kathie and the sermon about working hard not to sin the same sin again really kicked my butt today. It’s actually much deeper than that, but that’s what you get today.
I am watching Ace of Cakes and someone ordered a cake of the Titanic sinking with an airplane crashing into the sinking ship. That is EXACTLY how I feel today. Titanic meets Airport 77. I want to go to church, but I want to feel good when I’m there. What’s wrong with warm and fuzzy while I worship? That was a completely rhetorical question for those that are chomping at the bit to tell my why Christianity and my faith are not always warm and fuzzy. I think I will give the church another try next Sunday. Remember the time I took Synnove to LGCC and the pastor was in the baptismal pool in his hip waders? Well, nobody was wearing hip waders so I guess one more chance won’t kill me.
I went to church today for the first time since Kath left. It made me wonder what I missed more, church or worshipping with Kathie. It felt really weird at first and then it didn’t. Warning…this post will only make sense to me! I’m not sure how comfortable I really was this morning. Joanna reminded me that sometimes it is about doing what God wants us to do, not what makes us comfortable. That being said, I completely agree but, should you feel nauseous? The worship was a little slow and I like it fast and loud. I love to sing my love of Christ really loud. We repeated some stuff that I wasn’t paying any attention to so I was lost and didn’t much care for that portion of the morning. The sermon, which started after a discussion about marriage and homosexuality that made me uncomfortable, was about Romans 5:1-5 and really hit home for me. I need all to know that I am in no way bashing the church; I am simply writing about my morning. Back to Romans…I often feel like the HUGE mistakes, ok sins, I have committed in my life are branded on my forehead for all to see. I feel like people know what I’ve done and are wondering what kind of Christian I really am. I realize that is my problem and nobody else’s. How vain of me to think that people have nothing else to think about than my salvation. Kathie can attest to the fact that there have been incidents in the past that tend to push me to those thoughts. I do have a couple of people in my life that feel the need to keep track of my indiscretions and remind me and others that I have sinned BIG.
Then, I read Kathie’s post. AMEN sister! That is how I feel every day. I used to pray that I could just be quiet. If I’m quiet, I can’t possibly say something offensive or shove my foot all the way down my throat. Obviously, I have been praying the wrong prayer. I love what Kathie wrote about praying that God puts kind words in my mouth. That’s exactly what I should be praying for these days. I am not always kind and I often say things before I think about them. So, Kathie and the sermon about working hard not to sin the same sin again really kicked my butt today. It’s actually much deeper than that, but that’s what you get today.
I am watching Ace of Cakes and someone ordered a cake of the Titanic sinking with an airplane crashing into the sinking ship. That is EXACTLY how I feel today. Titanic meets Airport 77. I want to go to church, but I want to feel good when I’m there. What’s wrong with warm and fuzzy while I worship? That was a completely rhetorical question for those that are chomping at the bit to tell my why Christianity and my faith are not always warm and fuzzy. I think I will give the church another try next Sunday. Remember the time I took Synnove to LGCC and the pastor was in the baptismal pool in his hip waders? Well, nobody was wearing hip waders so I guess one more chance won’t kill me.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
Why not.
4 Things About MEME
4 Jobs I've Had
4 Things About MEME
4 Jobs I've Had
- Busgirl at Country Store
- Kitchen / cabin cleaner at Camp O-Ongo
- Hotel Manager
- Teacher
4 Movies Watched Over and Over
- Princess Bride
- American President
- Steel Magnolias
- Top Gun (I'm not afraid to admit that Tom Cruise was hot BEFORE he was wacked)
4 Places I Have Lived
- Idaho Falls, Idaho
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Glendora, CA
- Running Springs (30 years this month)
4 Shows I Watch
- Frasier
- Cashmere Mafia
- Good Eats
- Gray's Anatomy
4 Places I Have Been
- Disney World
- Yellowstone
- Hawaii
- D.C. (Obviously, never out of North America)
4 People Who E-mail Me
- Heidi
- Jerry
- Mario
- Tim
4 Favorite Things To Eat
- Chocolate
- Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Steak
- Big, juicy cheese burgers w/fries
4 Places I Would Rather Be
- Hawaii
- Anywhere with my husband
- Idaho or Georgia
- Disneyworld / Disneyland
4 Things I Look Forward To This year
- Summer vacation
- Tim flying in an airplane
- Girl's weekend in Idaho
- Paul Bunyan's first summer job
4 People To Tag
- Heidi
- Jerry
- Mario
- Synnove
Friday, February 01, 2008
Not so sick anymore, but not completely healthy. You never know how good "well" feels until you don't have the energy to blow your nose. Trying to talk to children and walk at the same time had become a HUGE chore.
I get to sew with Joanna, Synnove, and Deborah on Sunday and I'm really looking forward to spending some time with adults. Tim has been gone for the last week and will not be home until the 9th. I miss him terribly! It's hard to have your other half gone for that long. Paul Bunyan is great company, but it's not the same so I am really excited about Sunday.
My kiddos are getting a little hyper these days and they needed to have a "talking to" by the principal while I was out sick yesterday. Their little faces looked pretty pitiful when they found out today was "silent day". That is exactly what it sounds like...no talking for the entire day. I don't think I've ever seen them produce so much work. My autistic student is falling farther and farther behind so we are working on placing him in SDC to prepare him for Jr. High. I don't really want him to go, but the rest of the class is so much further ahead of him that he really shouldn't be considered "mainstream" anymore. It's a double-edge sword if you think about it. He does well behaviorally in the class, but he reads and works math problems at a 4th - low 5th grade level. I end up having to make a lesson plan for just him and, lets face it, I really don't have time for that when I have 25 other students. Bummer.
In other news, I had a puppy for three hours the other day. He was adorable and Paul Bunyan loved him for the 30 minutes he was able to be with him. We noticed fairly quickly that he was throwing up water so I took him to the vet almost as soon as I got him home. Note - he was a stray that I found at work. To make a really long and sad story short, he had Parvo and I had to put him down that same night. According to our vet, it would cost $800-$1,000 to help him and he would have had a less than 50% chance of living. At least he didn't die in a ditch in Colton. He was warm and loved for the time that we had him. Needless to say, Tim is taking King to the vet next week because I can't go to the "house of death" for a little while.
Have a good weekend!
I get to sew with Joanna, Synnove, and Deborah on Sunday and I'm really looking forward to spending some time with adults. Tim has been gone for the last week and will not be home until the 9th. I miss him terribly! It's hard to have your other half gone for that long. Paul Bunyan is great company, but it's not the same so I am really excited about Sunday.
My kiddos are getting a little hyper these days and they needed to have a "talking to" by the principal while I was out sick yesterday. Their little faces looked pretty pitiful when they found out today was "silent day". That is exactly what it sounds like...no talking for the entire day. I don't think I've ever seen them produce so much work. My autistic student is falling farther and farther behind so we are working on placing him in SDC to prepare him for Jr. High. I don't really want him to go, but the rest of the class is so much further ahead of him that he really shouldn't be considered "mainstream" anymore. It's a double-edge sword if you think about it. He does well behaviorally in the class, but he reads and works math problems at a 4th - low 5th grade level. I end up having to make a lesson plan for just him and, lets face it, I really don't have time for that when I have 25 other students. Bummer.
In other news, I had a puppy for three hours the other day. He was adorable and Paul Bunyan loved him for the 30 minutes he was able to be with him. We noticed fairly quickly that he was throwing up water so I took him to the vet almost as soon as I got him home. Note - he was a stray that I found at work. To make a really long and sad story short, he had Parvo and I had to put him down that same night. According to our vet, it would cost $800-$1,000 to help him and he would have had a less than 50% chance of living. At least he didn't die in a ditch in Colton. He was warm and loved for the time that we had him. Needless to say, Tim is taking King to the vet next week because I can't go to the "house of death" for a little while.
Have a good weekend!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
I have found the downside to teaching...germs! My class could be a lab for the CDC. My luck, I got this raspy, gross cough over the weekend. What a lovely way to spend my time off. UGH! I was supposed to sew with Joanna and Synnove today, but decided not to share the wealth at this particular time. Call me selfish. I want all of the good germs just for me. The real bummer is the fact that I absolutely hate writing sub plans so I will limp my hacking self to school tomorrow. I would feel worse about that if I hadn't been coughed on and sneezed on every day for the last two months. At least I cover my mouth and wash my hands.
Every time I take my cough medicine I think of Lucille Ball and her famous Vitameatavegamin episode. This is pretty much what I look like every six hours. That stuff is nasty, but it sure works.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Friday funnies and other goodies
So, there I was teaching about ratio and rate when I heard a little voice singing "super freak, she's super freaky" just over my shoulder. There was my autistic student singing his heart out instead of taking his math notes. If you know anything about the tone and inflection of an autistic child then you know that this was more of a yelling than a singing. Ok then. Nothing better than some comic relief in the last 30 minutes of a Friday.
Next. Sound out this word - sexion. I had to, so you should too. That was on the paper I read this morning. I love my job.
Praises, praises everywhere. My year is now officially half way over. I have six weeks left until we have another 4-week break. I can't believe how amazing this year has been so far. My principal has been so wonderful and he makes my job easy and fun. I am learning a ton from all of the teachers and even more from my kiddos. They make this job worth all of the political crap. Who needs drugs? This is the best high ever!
Many of you know that Tim has been working toward a job as a boom operator since July. We made it through many days of depression and sadness because flying is the only thing he has ever really wanted to do in the Air Force. Once they started allowing Lasik, he was all over this. The last couple of months have been awful, one disappointment after another. I have been praying and re-praying and changing my prayers for months. I have consoled and promised that all would work out for the best. I put my faith way up in the air and promised that God would not fail him. I know that really is not my place, but I did it anyway, mostly because I believed it. Well, Tuesday we found out that all of the paperwork was finally approved and Tim will be living his dream very soon. His cheeks are rosy and he smiles constantly. Goodness gracious, great balls of fire! Kath, you thought he looked good in his uniform, you should see him in a flight suit. Now, we just wait to find out when he leaves for a three-month flight training in Oklahoma. Sounds fun, don't you think? I am so thrilled to see him excited about his job and I can't wait to see him with his wings.
Well, that's enough gibberish for now.
Next. Sound out this word - sexion. I had to, so you should too. That was on the paper I read this morning. I love my job.
Praises, praises everywhere. My year is now officially half way over. I have six weeks left until we have another 4-week break. I can't believe how amazing this year has been so far. My principal has been so wonderful and he makes my job easy and fun. I am learning a ton from all of the teachers and even more from my kiddos. They make this job worth all of the political crap. Who needs drugs? This is the best high ever!
Many of you know that Tim has been working toward a job as a boom operator since July. We made it through many days of depression and sadness because flying is the only thing he has ever really wanted to do in the Air Force. Once they started allowing Lasik, he was all over this. The last couple of months have been awful, one disappointment after another. I have been praying and re-praying and changing my prayers for months. I have consoled and promised that all would work out for the best. I put my faith way up in the air and promised that God would not fail him. I know that really is not my place, but I did it anyway, mostly because I believed it. Well, Tuesday we found out that all of the paperwork was finally approved and Tim will be living his dream very soon. His cheeks are rosy and he smiles constantly. Goodness gracious, great balls of fire! Kath, you thought he looked good in his uniform, you should see him in a flight suit. Now, we just wait to find out when he leaves for a three-month flight training in Oklahoma. Sounds fun, don't you think? I am so thrilled to see him excited about his job and I can't wait to see him with his wings.
Well, that's enough gibberish for now.
Monday, January 07, 2008
What? Where?
So, Paul Bunyan is now a licensed driver. Or, the way I like to put it, I am now the proud owner of my very own errand boy. Talk about mixed emotions. I love being able to send him out to run the errands that I am to lazy to do, but he's alone in the car for Pete's sake! What? The look on his face after he passed his driving test was priceless. He was crying, I was crying...I'm sure all the lovely the people at the SB DMV thought we were nuts. At least we had all of our teeth while we were hugging, jumping, and shouting.
Today was the first day back from break and, of course, it snowed this weekend. I am fortunate being a dainty girl and all, I didn't have to shovel one flake of snow. My boys took care of all of the blowing and shoveling. I don't know how we ever lived without our snow blower. Not that I have to use it very often, but when I do it's wonderful.
Should I be scared by Kathie's You Tube find? Just for her and Liann, MSN says that today is "National Pass Gas Day." Really? They have a day for that? Ok then!
Today was the first day back from break and, of course, it snowed this weekend. I am fortunate being a dainty girl and all, I didn't have to shovel one flake of snow. My boys took care of all of the blowing and shoveling. I don't know how we ever lived without our snow blower. Not that I have to use it very often, but when I do it's wonderful.
Should I be scared by Kathie's You Tube find? Just for her and Liann, MSN says that today is "National Pass Gas Day." Really? They have a day for that? Ok then!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Well, today is a first. We actually, for the first time EVER, purchased firewood. Um, ok. Tim and Bob got a dead wood permit and went out in search of firewood, but found that the forest had been picked clean. Actually, the lumber places on the mountain had cut down all of the burned trees as well as picking up all of the dead wood. So, now we have to pay for our wood. That seems a little obnoxious to me. I have always seen that as one of the benefits of living in the woods. Maybe they just weren't looking in the right place? Oh well. We ordered a cord of eucalyptus and we will see how long that lasts this winter. It will kill me if I have to buy wood again this season considering we paid more for the wood than I would have paid for a ticket to go see Kath.
I have successfully put off lesson planning and my BTSA assignments over the vacation. I suppose it will be a long night on Sunday. You would think that I would get started early considering I had two weeks, but alas, old habits die hard. Ok, once you reach a certain age, old habits are pretty much set in stone and will limp along as usual.
One of the big pluses of vacation is the amount of family time we've had lately. Paul Bunyan and I have had some great mom and son time the last couple of days. I'm even venturing into the world of Guitar Hero III. What I have managed to prove is that I am not coordinated in the slightest. Pretty much, I suck! Paul Bunyan just laughs and tells me that with practice I will improve. I'm thinking that I've had enough of "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" and I'm ok being a lame video game player. Tim, on the other hand, is working feverishly to get me interested in World of Warcraft. Why? Why would I want to play this game? He keeps trying to work the angle of "family time". Seriously? He has plenty of friends to play the game so he is just going to have to be happy with me making dinner and doing the dishes. Maybe I should convince him that laundry and toilet cleaning can also be used as "family time". We do have three bathrooms, one for each of us :)
I have successfully put off lesson planning and my BTSA assignments over the vacation. I suppose it will be a long night on Sunday. You would think that I would get started early considering I had two weeks, but alas, old habits die hard. Ok, once you reach a certain age, old habits are pretty much set in stone and will limp along as usual.
One of the big pluses of vacation is the amount of family time we've had lately. Paul Bunyan and I have had some great mom and son time the last couple of days. I'm even venturing into the world of Guitar Hero III. What I have managed to prove is that I am not coordinated in the slightest. Pretty much, I suck! Paul Bunyan just laughs and tells me that with practice I will improve. I'm thinking that I've had enough of "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" and I'm ok being a lame video game player. Tim, on the other hand, is working feverishly to get me interested in World of Warcraft. Why? Why would I want to play this game? He keeps trying to work the angle of "family time". Seriously? He has plenty of friends to play the game so he is just going to have to be happy with me making dinner and doing the dishes. Maybe I should convince him that laundry and toilet cleaning can also be used as "family time". We do have three bathrooms, one for each of us :)
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Found friends
Found friends are fun. Just as I was feeling sad that so many of my friends are so far away, I do a little mid-morning blog reading and find long lost friends. What a treat. It is great fun to find out how our old school chums turned out after so many years.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Wow, another year is beginning. It always feels so hopeful.
Our holiday went off without a hitch. We hosted appx 30 friends and family and we had a wonderful time. We even had Kathie and Tony stop by and that was great fun. I really miss having her around...and she does dishes.
The kiddos in class did fine and were genuinely excited by the gift bags Santa (that's me) left on their desks on the last day of class. God was definitely with me that day and I could see him working wonders with all of those kids, not to mention me and my heart. We had a party, the last time I do that but that's a story for another day, and we had tons of great homemade food. The kids ate like champs and sat patiently while I tried in vain to get my speakers to work so I could show "Polar Express". No luck, but all was not lost because I had read it to them the day before and the applauded at the end. I also read them "The Night Before Christmas" and I was surprised how many of them had never heard the story. They applauded at the end of that one too and I found myself getting a little choked up while reading. Many of the kiddos just stared, wide-eyed while I read and they loved both stories. Never underestimate the value of reading to kids. Especially if you can begin a tradition. So, without the movie the kids just sat and talked to each other. Those are conversations that are always fun to overhear. I wonder how many X-Boxes and Wiis were actually under the Christmas trees. I'll find out on Monday. I actually miss my kiddos and am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. We have eight weeks left before we are off for the month of March. I know it will fly by.
No resolutions this year. No real reason for the decision, just decided I didn't want to do it this year. I actually feel very comfortable about this so no worries there.
Happy New Year!
Our holiday went off without a hitch. We hosted appx 30 friends and family and we had a wonderful time. We even had Kathie and Tony stop by and that was great fun. I really miss having her around...and she does dishes.
The kiddos in class did fine and were genuinely excited by the gift bags Santa (that's me) left on their desks on the last day of class. God was definitely with me that day and I could see him working wonders with all of those kids, not to mention me and my heart. We had a party, the last time I do that but that's a story for another day, and we had tons of great homemade food. The kids ate like champs and sat patiently while I tried in vain to get my speakers to work so I could show "Polar Express". No luck, but all was not lost because I had read it to them the day before and the applauded at the end. I also read them "The Night Before Christmas" and I was surprised how many of them had never heard the story. They applauded at the end of that one too and I found myself getting a little choked up while reading. Many of the kiddos just stared, wide-eyed while I read and they loved both stories. Never underestimate the value of reading to kids. Especially if you can begin a tradition. So, without the movie the kids just sat and talked to each other. Those are conversations that are always fun to overhear. I wonder how many X-Boxes and Wiis were actually under the Christmas trees. I'll find out on Monday. I actually miss my kiddos and am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. We have eight weeks left before we are off for the month of March. I know it will fly by.
No resolutions this year. No real reason for the decision, just decided I didn't want to do it this year. I actually feel very comfortable about this so no worries there.
Happy New Year!
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