The Owens "4"

I asked for it

2012-02-08T15:08:00.000-08:00

Funny Samuel story.

Samuel and I were in the car when he started acting up. Here is our conversation.

Samuel: being a smart mouth...

Me: You need to change your behavior.

Samuel: I did change my behavior.

Me: How?

Samuel: I changed it from good to bad.

Me:

He was so serious. Like, super serious. He wasn't being smart when he said it. It was just matter of fact with those big, cute eyes opened up really wide.

I have to give it to him, he was telling the truth. But he straightened right up after this.

My Samuel is so funny.

The Excitement is BACK!!

2011-08-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

I've talked a lot on here about leaving my position as the preschool teacher and moving to a position teaching children with vision impairments. I wanted to do this for so long but when we actually started working and when the first syllabus came in from Western Michigan, the doubt started creeping back in.

What if I'm too old to learn anything else?

What if my brain is already FULL?

What if my fingers are too rittled with arthritis to learn braille (not sure where that particular hysterical rant came from since I do not currently have arthritis, but I still thought of it)?

What if I can't figure out all of the technology of having online classes? I did go to school during the time of actually GOING to class with a real live professor standing up front teaching.

But, after I had my little breakdown, I drank some whiskey and I'm so much better. Seriously!! I really think I can do this (as long as I lay off the whiskey....braille and whiskey probably don't mix).

So, now I'm really excited about this job and going back to school. My kids are so great and the teachers have been really nice to work with (well, not one but I'm TRYING to be positive here people).

Healthy Harrison

2011-06-30T16:58:00.000-07:00

Harrison had his 12 year check up today. He is as healthy as a horse, according to the doc. Also, he has a clean bill of health to do sports this fall at school. The doc asked about his heart murmur and if he had been cleared by a cardiologist. He got a clean bill of health at around age 8 or 9 from the cardio. She said the hole was closed but the docs may hear an echo. Dr. Lewis listened for a long time and never heard anything, thank goodness.

In addition to his regular physical, he got the sports physical paperwork signed so he can play sports at school. He is going to do Cross Country this fall. Practices start July 15. He is supposed to be running every day but only gets to run a few times each week due to swim team and playing with his friends. He has to be able to run at least 3 miles without stopping by July 15th. He can already do that so I am not worried about him. I do need to get him a couple of more pairs of running shoes. He wears them out FAST with all the running.

In the winter, he will hopefully, play Basketball and in the spring he will do Track. He will be super busy but that is best for Harrison. He does better at school if he is busy and has less down time.

One funny thing happened today on the way back from the doctor's office. We were listening to the radio and there was a commercial about "Red, White and Boom". When he heard it, he whipped his head around and asked, "did they just say Red, White and BOOB???" HAHA, the mind of a middle schooler.

You Big Crybaby!!

2011-06-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

I have been really excited about my new job. Seriously, excited. Teaching kids with visual impairments is what I have wanted to do for about 4 years. However, I NEVER thought it would be so hard to leave TCE. I got everything packed up in my room, all paperwork turned in and then... it happened. As I was walking to the office to turn in my key and do the final check-out I could feel the tears right under the surface. I never in a million years thought the simple act of handing my key to my principal would make me start crying but I couldn't stop those tears from coming. I won't go into all the snotty, teary eyed details but, once I got home I cried for about an hour. I will really miss being part of the TCE family and seeing all those familiar faces everyday. Samuel has one more year at TCE so I will have to be really involved as a parent.

Bittersweet

2011-06-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

Well, it is official (almost). I will be leaving my position as the preschool teacher at my school to take a position as a teacher of the visually impaired for the district. I am so super excited about this but at the same time so terribly sad.

When the news started to get out and more people started to ask me about leaving, I realized that I have spent the majority of my teaching career at this school teaching in the preschool program. Not only that, two of the major events in my "grown up" life have occurred while I have been at this school.

1. I met my hubby in the teacher's lounge when I was in grad school and working there as a special education assistant. I actually first noticed him the year before at the end of the year band concert. I told the other assistant "he's hot" and she wrinkled her nose at me. I thought about him off and on during the summer but we actually didn't meet until the next fall. I was taking my break in the lounge and he had his planning at that same time. We met this way and talked for a few days before he asked me out. We kept our dating a secret while I was working there because we didn't know if there was a rule about staff members dating. We used to leave sweet little notes in each others mailboxes.

2. I had both my babies while working there. Well, that surely didn't come out the right way. I didn't ACTUALLY have the babies at work but you know what I mean. What I should have said, the staff at school helped me celebrate the birth of my children. My kids have practically grown up there.

And don't even get me started about how the administration and staff have welcomed Samuel into the school and made his transition to this new school so successful. He LOVES it there and has really grown socially, academically and emotionally. He actually LIKES school and now sees himself as a smart kid who can do well in school. I have been asked if I will leave him there or take him to another school and I can say WITHOUT A DOUBT he will stay there. I wouldn't dream of taking him out of such a supportive school.

Now, to my new job. The great thing about this position is that it is an itinerant position, meaning I will travel to different schools each day to work with students who have visual impairments or are blind. Another great thing about it is that instead of having my own classroom of students, I will work ONE ON ONE with students. That means I will basically have my classroom in my car. No classroom to get ready, no bulletin boards to put up, no furniture to arrange.

I'm so excited I just can't wait for school to start in the Fall. In the meantime, I guess I'll have to settle for going to a few Professional Development meetings to learn about different types of visual impairments and how to deal with them in the classroom.

Who would have thought I would love school so much that I would be going back at 40 years old?

Back to School

2011-05-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not talking about all the school supply sales. I'm not talking about next school year either. I AM talking about me going back to school to add on another teaching certification. I have wanted to add on the visual impairment certification for quite a few years but the timing was just never right. Every year I keep thinking that I should just bite the bullet and do it but never have. Well, I'm biting that bullet.

In Kentucky, there is only one university that has the certification program for Teacher of the Visually Impaired. I was so excited to get registered at University of Louisville. I only needed 6 more classes according to their website. I was totally blown out of the water when I received an email stating I could not register for the program because the state of KY had suspended their program to anyone not already enrolled due to lack of funding. They have to offer the classes to people currently taking classes but won't let anyone else register. I was so disappointed. I was very mad. I was an email writing maniac. I tried EVERYTHING short of bribery and threats to get in their program for the classes. I mean, seriously, it's only 6 classes. They are going to offer them anyway. Why can't they let me take them?

The professor at U of L was great about emailing me different schools across the United States who offered the program. The bad thing about taking classes from another state is that I live in Ky and can't be traveling every weekend to some other state. He finally emailed me a booklet listing all of the universities across the USA that offered the certification. My name is all over the place. I emailed no less that 10 universities trying to find a program that fits my situation.

Well, I did it. I found a great program that is very well known for being a great program. I will be attending Western Michigan University from the comfort of my own home. I will be doing most of the classes online (which I have never done before). I say "most" because next summer I will be moving to Michigan for the hands on classes. I am so excited about this. The program is a Master's program. I never thought about getting another Master's degree. I already have one so I didn't really think I needed another one. But, this opportunity is too good to pass up. There is a grant that helps with tuition so that really helps a LOT!!

This whole process has made me think that MAYBE I could go and get my PhD. I have some friends who are going through the "doc" program at UK in special education. I could do it too. I don't really want to teach at the college level but I would love the degree just for me.

Middle School Honors Band

2011-01-30T14:28:00.001-08:00

This year was Harrison's first year to try out for the middle school Honors Band. Being a band director's son, he didn't really have the option to NOT try out for it. He auditioned on trumpet and baritone. He plays the trumpet in class and has learned to play the baritone just for fun at home. I am proud to say he was one of only a few to audition on 2 instruments. Long story short, he is the 2nd alternate on trumpet so he probably won't be called to play trumpet. However, he came in 3rd on baritone!!!! Not bad considering he was competing with all the middle school 6th graders in the county. He is so proud of himself. Here is a pic of us toasting the next night when we got the results. Don't worry, it is sparkling grape juice!!

How did "HE" know I needed that?

2011-01-18T19:27:00.000-08:00

I am constantly amazed at how I always get a "message" at just the right time. I can be having a terrible day and question the choices in my life and... BAM...I get a message that brings it all in perspective. The last couple of times I have read a particular friends quotes on FB (you know how you are little lady), it has been something that I NEEDED to read at that time. It has happened at least 3 times recently and happened again today at our faculty meeting.

I have been feeling really bad about my class and my choice of teaching in general. I always start feeling this way when I get overwhelmed. Today, we had a whole meeting about "getting over myself" and the feelings, hang-ups, etc that we all have that stand in our way. It was just what I needed to hear. Sometimes (OK, many times), I let my feelings get hurt or get angry at people and, let me tell you, it is HARD to let it go. I can seriously hold a grudge!! But today we talked about just letting things go and doing what we need to do to "get over ourselves". At first I thought, this is crazy and a waste of my time, but as our administrative dean kept talking, I thought, "dang, she is making sense and is up there, brave enough to say what I am thinking about my classroom, students, how I feel.

So, thanks God for putting message this in my path. Keep it up, big guy!!!

1st snow day of the year

2010-12-13T16:18:00.001-08:00

Today we had our first snow day of the school year. I was so happy when they called off school last night. It was nice to not have to decide whether or not to call in or go to work. I like having the decision made for me. The boys and Shaun thought they would camp out in the den and keep the fire in the fireplace going all night long. Samuel got cold so he came up and snuggled with me.

Anyway, I thought I would get tons of stuff done today but.... NOPE. I finally got up and got a shower at the crack on noon!! The boys just played here at the house. They had some friends come over and go sledding in our back yard. I should have gotten pictures but I just didn't think about it. It was just too cold out there!!

So far we have a 2 hour delay tomorrow. I'm still praying for the powers that be to call off school tomorrow. A girl can hope. I know we will have to make up these days but I would rather make up these days when the weather is NICE!!

Anyway, a girl can dream. I'm doing the snow dance now.

Jumper Cables

2010-12-10T16:37:00.001-08:00

Well, I'm the proud owner of jumper cables. Yea me, YAHOO, YIPPEE!!! I know what you are thinking. "Jumper cables... why is she so happy about jumper cables." No, I haven't lost my marbles and my car didn't need fixed either. Let me explain.

I have been passing out and getting dizzy for over 2 years. Shaun says much longer but as this is my blog, I get to say how long (I feel powerful behind this keyboard). It has been a long road to figuring everything out. My first symptoms were just getting dizzy and ALMOST passing out. Not just once, but, over and over for days. Can you imagine my doc when I go in to tell him I'm almost passing out? It kinda went something like this.

Doc: So what brings you in today?
Me: I almost passed out 6 times last night.
Doc: So, you passed out 6 times last night?
Me: No, I ALMOST passed out 6 times.
Doc: Hmm, well, how many times did you pass out?
Me: None, I just almost passed out.......6 times.
Doc: (insert long pause here and funny look on his face)
Me: (nervous and realizing I sound like an idiot or hypochondriac) I know this sounds crazy but every hour or so I get really dizzy and feel like I'm passing out so I lay down or sit with my head down and it passes.
Doc: OH, so you never actually passed out?
Me: &%#$$&&$& (cursing in my head)

This is where all the referrals started. I have seen so many doctors; cardiologist, neurologist, ENT, general doc, back to the cardiologist. Nobody could figure it out and each one referred me to the other doc. Possible diagnosis were vertigo, low blood sugar, brain tumor, heart issues but every test came back fine. FINALLY, I actually passed all the way out and hit the floor. My general physician was excited for the new symptom. He pretty much told me what I had but to get the actual diagnosis I had to see the cardiologist again and wear that lovely holter monitor. Unfortunately, my symptoms are so random that they don't always happen when the doctors want them. So back to the drawing board. I was in tears when my doc finally said, "don't come back to me because I don't know what else to tell you". Well, you know me and my mouth. I had all kinds of nasty thoughts running through my head of things to say to him. Unfortunately, I was so distraught I just left and cried in my car in the parking lot. As I was walking out he did tell me to go to the ER the next time my spells happened so they could hook me up to the heart monitors right then and catch it on the monitors. I guess he felt so bad for me he had to tell me something. It turned out that was great advice.

I had more spells so I went to one particular ER (I shall not repeat its name but I will never go again to that ER). They were getting ready to conduct some sort of drill. There were people walking around in their "space suits". Anyway, she hooked me up to the monitors for about 30 minutes, told me I was fine and it wasn't heart related and sent me on my merry little way. I just sat there and finally asked her "So, you're going to let me walk out of here and get in my car even though I told you I keep getting dizzy and almost passing out?". She said "yep" so I left crying once again.

So I lived with these spells for about 6 more months refusing to go back to the ER or the doctors. I mean, what's the use? They can't figure it out and don't seem to want to. So, at the beginning of this school year they came back.... bad. I felt terrible so I went to a different ER this time. I am so glad I did. The ER physician assistant thought I had vertigo and was insisting that is all it was. I told him my symptoms and what my general doctor thought it was (it is a really long name). He didn't like me contradicting him very much. Anyway, I felt another dizzy spell come on and beeped the nurses station telling them to check the monitor. SCORE!! They caught it on the monitor. My heart stopped for a few seconds making me feel dizzy. I think the nurse was more excited than I was. He came bouncing in my room yelling "we got it, you're not leaving the hospital". I was pretty excited too just because it was finally documented. Well, the ER physician assistant wasn't so happy for me. I think he was mad because I was right and he was wrong. His response was "Well, looks like it was your heart. I hope you're happy". HUH?? What a jerk!! But I did tell him I was happy that it was finally caught so I could do something about it.

I got admitted that night and had the same tests done as before but they actually got the results they needed to get a diagnosis. Basically, my heart rate drops drastically (or in a few cases it stopped for a few seconds) and causes me to pass out or get really dizzy. I thought he would say something like "here's the pill to fix it" but was shocked to hear that I would eventually need a pace maker. He offered it in the hospital but I refused and said not yet. He did give me some meds but they didn't work for me. I ended up with another few days of dizzy so I called him back thinking I could just get an implantable recorder put in to document these episodes. While talking to the nurse, he just took the phone from her and told me "no" I couldn't have the device when what I really needed was the pace maker. He got me in quick... real quick. Like just a few days later. I was scrambling to get everything ready for a few days off work but I'm glad he did it that way. I didn't have too much time to think about it and freak out about it.

So, this is why I say I got new jumper cables. I have had to take off work for longer than I thought too. I thought that I would go back to work after 3-4 days but on Monday, I still couldn't lift my arm and sitting up still REALLY hurt. I has now been one week and one day and I can sit up with mild discomfort and lift my arm better but that still hurts too. I have developed some sort of rash on my shoulder but that could be from something else. Who knows. Once this thing heals I can do everything I once did with no restrictions. I was kind of bummed to see I couldn't use a jack hammer anymore (haha).

Anyway, long story short, jumper cables = pace maker = cured Krista!!

Random thoughts

2010-11-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

I was going to blog about all kinds of great stuff today but really don't have anything great and wise to discuss. Instead, I have several random thoughts that have popped in my head today.

I hate it when people stand too close to me. Seriously, I have a space bubble and this older lady was all up in my bubble standing in line at T.J.Maxx. I was waiting in line to pay when she walked up behind me. She was very close to my bubble but not yet in it. Still, that is too close for a stranger so I took a little step forward. SHE DID TOO. I was getting a little irritated so I took another little step forward and SHE DID TOO. I looked around thinking that maybe I was on that show "what would you do". Nope, no camera's. I took another step this time turning to the side so she was beside me instead of behind me. HAHA, I outsmarted you, you close standing, bubble invading lady. I was a little smug a little too soon. She took another step acting like she was looking at something on the shelf then ended up behind me AGAIN in my space. My mind was racing as was my heart. What should I do? Should I tell her to step back? Should I take yet another step forward? Should I .... SCORE, my turn in the checkout lane. Whew, saved by the quick sales clerk.
I wish I was a singer. I was driving down Nicholasville Road today singing to a Katy Perry song when I thought, dang, with the radio up loud and the traffic all around, I sound pretty good. HA! I don't care if I totally stink and can't carry a tune in a tin can, I seriously love to sing. I am so blessed to have a job that allows me to sing whenever I want and I always have an audience. I'm so glad they are only 3 and 4 and don't really understand tone, pitch and being in tune. They just love to sing with me. I'm thinking about getting a Karaoke machine for the boys for Christmas but secretly it is really a gift for me! I can't wait!! I think Harrison will LOVE it. He loves singing as much as I do. I have a hysterical video of him singing that I will post IF I can figure out how.

Maybe I will have some wise, insightful or even witty things to say tomorrow or later in the week.

Krista

I just don't get it!

2010-11-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

I don't usually post about my job or my classroom but I am so confused by a new little friend I just have to write it down. First, let me start off by saying I teach in a school where there are many children who are considered at risk just because of their socio-economic status. In the preschool program in our state, we take children based on low income and on identified disabilities. Throughout the years I thought I had experienced almost everything I could possibly experience in this particular school. I have had children with ADHD, physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities, oppositional defiant disorder, and even children who are medically fragile. I have had typical children who have so little structure in their home lives that they appear to have disabilities but are, in fact, very bright children who just needed someone to show/teach them to have boundaries.

Tourette's Syndrome is something I have only seen on television. I watched a movie about a man with Tourette's who went on to be a teacher. It was something like you would see on the Lifetime Channel but it was a great movie. Now, I'm not saying I have a child in my class with Tourette's because I am no diagnostician and have no qualifications to make such diagnosis. I am saying I have a child who has some very random behaviors. Very random and sometimes very violent. I pride myself on being able to just go with the flow in the classroom and if a child disrupts the classroom, I can usually go right on with what I'm doing. This child's first day I was so distracted I could barely get through our morning calendar group. The random shouting, the cursing not to anyone in particular. I have never been that surprised in my whole teaching career (well, maybe I have been that surprised during my first few years of teaching but you get my drift). When you look at this little child you just see this beautiful little face with these big beautiful eyes. It is so hard to accept that he has the mouth of a sailor and just acts/reacts in such a violent or random way. I definitely will be getting more info on Tourette's and ADHD in the very near future. I am hoping that once everything is checked out that there will be a different diagnosis for this little one. But in the mean time, I am just plugging away with him trying to do my very best to make him feel loved. He is truly becoming one of my favorite children despite the behavior. I always end up getting attached to the ones who take more time to get under control.

I always try to put a positive spin on things especially when I am in a very difficult situation. So, here is my "spin". At least I might loose a couple of pounds and get into shape with this little one in my class. Also, I might learn to be a more patient person and more accepting of other people's situations.

I have always been the kind of person who loves a challenge and this might just be one of the biggest challenges I have had in quite a while.

I love the smell of Lysol!

2010-09-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

I love the smell of Lysol! I really do. I especially love it when someone is sick in my house like last night. Poor Harrison has a stomach virus and was up the whole night throwing up. I felt so bad for him (and me since I couldn't sleep either). My mother in law brought me some Lysol and I have sprayed everything with it. I forgot about how much I love the smell (crazy, I know). He is feeling better tonight but still isn't 100%. I will continue following him around with the Lysol for at least another 24 hours just to be safe.

YIPPEE!!!

2010-09-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo!!! No preschool tomorrow!! I have 2 glorious work days with no students! Thank goodness. I am so behind on paperwork the I need these 2 days to get caught up. I can't wait to get up their and get to work (did I really just say that?). Anyway, here's 3 cheers to all the school system preschool teachers out there tomorrow. Hip Hip Hooray!! Hip Hip Hooray!! Hip Hip Hooray!!

School year 2010

2010-09-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

I know I have not blogged in quite some time. I just let myself get too bogged down with school, work, home, etc. I promise to be better with blogging. I mean, we all know I have a lot to say so I might as well say it here!!

School started in August and we have been so busy I can't believe I am keeping up with everything. Harrison just started 6th grade and is middle school in the Spanish Immersion program. He is on the other side of town but can walk to his dad's school, if needed, after school. He is in the fitness club this year. They meet 3 days a week and work on being healthier. Right now they are running. He loves running so this is right up his alley. He wants to try out for the basketball team so this is a good way to get ready for all the running he will do on the basketball court. Of course, he is also in the band and plays trumpet just like his daddy. Shaun found out he was first chair trumpet so we are very proud of him. Now, if only we could get him to practice more.

Samuel is in 4th grade at my school and doing well also. Of course, he would love school so much more if it didn't involve work! He wants to play basketball too so I just signed him up through the local YMCA. He can't wait!! I used to be a soccer mom and now I'm becoming a basketball mom. Samuel still loves, Loves, LOVES art. He counts down the days until he has art as his special class. Even right now, as I type, he is drawing. I wish I could get him to paint more but he loves drawing. He wants to be in band too and play the french horn but band doesn't start until 5th grade so he will have to wait one more year.

As for me, I am busy with work, helping with homework (both in English and Spanish) and now I'm serving as a KTIP resource teacher for a first year teacher. What was I thinking?? It would be so much easier if she and I taught at schools that are close together but NOOOOO, her school is downtown. It took me about 25 minutes to get there the other day. I am excited about helping a first year teacher though. It will make me look at my own classroom practices and be a better teacher.

Between work and home, there isn't a lot of time for relaxation. I decided I needed to do something fun just for me so I'm starting piano again! I am so excited about it. I took piano lessons for a few years when I was younger so I know quite a bit about playing the piano already. I was always better at playing once I heard what the song was supposed to sound like so I found a book that came with a CD. I can't wait to get started. I'm doing this "self study" right now. Wish me luck!!!

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-24T23:05:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Christmas tonight at mom and dad's house. We had most of the VanWinkle family there. We are, talked and gave the children and Granny Jane presents. I got a lot of great pictures of Granny Jane with Harrison and Samuel and even got them to sit still long enough for another picture with Shaun, me, Harrison and Samuel with Granny Jane. She is amazing at 95 years old. I'm so grateful that my children will always have great memories of her like I did my Great Granny Gibson. I can't wait to get the pictures off the camera to post so everyone can see how YOUNG she looks!! I also got a few good ones of the boys with mom and dad that I will post too.

On another note, Samuel is so excited for Christmas BUT he is super excited about his birthday too. He was talking today about the day he was born and how we came up with his name. His full name is Samuel Aster Owens. Aster was my grandfather. We knew we wanted to name him Samuel but Aster came to us at the last minute and we didn't tell a soul about it. When he was born we were so excited to see little Samuel and new Aster was the name we should put with it. It was snowy and my grandmother couldn't come over and see us in the hospital. When I talked to my Granny Jane on the phone and told her what we named him she was literally speechless. She handed the phone to my Aunt Brenda. Brenda asked why Granny was crying and I told her what we named Samuel and she was also speechless and crying. So my Uncle Glen got on the phone and asked what in the world I had said to them to make them cry. Well, I was really confused at this and had thought I had done something really wrong. When I told him the name Samuel Aster, it made sense to him. I'm not sure of the exact date, but they said either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day was Granny Jane and Aster's wedding anniversary. I never knew that. So, Samuel is convinced that Aster is his very own Guardian Angel. I believe it too. Happy Birthday, Samuel. I can't wait for your birthday party later today!!

I'm Still HERE!!

2009-12-21T13:03:00.000-08:00

Someone pointed out to me that I had not updated my blog since August. I know I'm a slacker. I have come to terms with it and will look for a Slacker Support group soon (not now, but soon, seriously, I'm not kidding).

Let's see.... what has happened since August. Work..... work.....work... help kids with homework, run kids to swim practice, pick them up from their after school activities, work more. Nothing really very interesting.

The one great thing that has recently happened is we are transferring Samuel from his Spanish Immersion school to my school. He is so excited to be going to an all English school. Harrison will stay at the Spanish Immersion school and follow the program to middle school next year. Samuel never bought into the whole Spanish language thing and has limited understanding of the language. I think he just tuned her out during instruction. We agonized over what to do but in the end decided it wasn't worth him missing out on learning the content just to learn the language. He wasn't happy there at all. When we told him, he was so excited. He seems much happier now too just knowing that he will be coming with me in January.

I'll post pictures of Christmas and Samuel's birthday in a few days. I have had to make list after list to make sure I haven't forgotten something for either celebration. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that I don't wake up the night before Christmas remembering something I had forgotten. I THINK I have everything except a birthday cake. I need to ask him what he wants. I try to make his cake since store bought cakes are made with the same equipment they use for nut products. With Harrison's tree nut allergy, I try to buy from a store that uses different equipment or just make something here at home. Guess that is the last thing I need to do! I hope!

Getting back to school

2009-08-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in quite some time because we have been having too much fun during our summer vacation. We took a trip to PA for Molly's graduation party and to visit with Shaun's family (aunts, uncles, cousins, etc). It was a great trip. We even spent a few days in Erie and got to take the kids to a drum corps show. They loved it!

The rest of the summer, we have spent around Lexington. I spent a couple of days trying to de-clutter the basement storage room to make room for a few things I wanted to get out of the spare room. Why, you ask? For Harrison's birthday, he got his own bedroom. He moved back into the spare room. How strange that he is now in that room again. That room was the nursery when he was born. Anyway, I spent days trying to de-clutter that room and get him moved in. Harrison is now fully in his own room and he gets the bedroom suit that was his grandparents (Owens). He loves knowing that he is sleeping in the same bed that Grandpa Lester slept in long ago. Kelli and Brent bought the twin beds for their boys so that left us hunting for a bed for Samuel. Mom had a bedroom suit that she didn't like so she gave it to us. It is an old antique looking set and is really pretty. Samuel loves knowing that he got a bedroom suit from his Grandparents (Cromer) too!!

Summer has officially started

2009-06-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

Pack the classroom......check
Paperwork done...........check
House tidied up............check
Summer has officially started!!! I took a trip with some friends to Pigeon Forge from Monday -Wednesday. We has so much fun. I mean, who wouldn't love 3 days of shopping, eating, laughing and sitting in the hot tub. Yea, that last one has me hooked. Do I NEED a hot tub or just WANT a hot tub? I think I NEED one. But we'll just have to see how much we can get done on the house this summer before we look at that expense. One day soon though.... one day soon.

I came back with some new clothes for the summer and with a relaxed attitude. It is nice to be home but it was really nice to go away for a few days and not have any schedule or responsibilities for a few days too. Everyone needs that sometimes. Now is the time to get some of our summer "to-do" list done. We need to get the air conditioning guy to come look at our air conditioner and see if he can fix the leak or just replace it. Then, depending on how much that costs, we need to tear out the flooring and/or counter tops in the kitchen and get ready for new ones to be installed. I hope to be able to do both but we will just have to see after the air is fixed. Keep your fingers crossed for me that we can do both!! I have been drooling over new counter tops and flooring for YEARS.

Other than that, we are just going to be lazy and read, sit at the pool and hang out all summer long. Oh yea, we are taking a week long trip to PA for Molly's graduation party. It will be fun to see all of Shaun's family as we don't get to visit very often. The only thing I DREAD about the trip is the actual driving up there and back. I HATE long car trips. I can't read or do anything because of motion sickness so it is hours and hours of just sitting and doing nothing. Maybe I can get some good music on the MP3 player and sing the whole way up. Sorry boys!! Hee hee.

Why doesn't it feel like summer?

2009-06-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

So, here it is. School is out. I should be up at the pool chillin and relaxin but instead I am stuck up at the school packing up that crazy classroom to get ready to be moved to our new classrooms. I have been in that classroom for about 10 years. Do you know how much stuff a person can accumulate in 10 years? A LOT!!! I worked from 10:00-5:00 today and am still not finished. My plan is to be up there by 8:00 in the morning to get the rest of it done. I also still have some paperwork to do and get turned in to my principal but at this point, that is the least of my worries. Shaun has to go to a meeting 2 hours away tomorrow so I am going to see if Grammy can watch Samuel and take Harrison with me to help. I told him I would treat it like a job and would pay him for helping me. He will do great at helping me move some of the materials to the new room. He is a really good worker (especially when there is an incentive). I hope I get it all done tomorrow because if I don't, I will not be able to take my Gatlinburg trip on Monday.

The end of the year crunch

2009-05-30T05:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had Fun Day at our school. Let me tell you up front that no teacher looks forward to fun day (except for maybe those new teachers who don't know any better). We spend the whole day outside doing various events. The kids had a blast running and screaming all day but the teachers and assistants were so tired after the day. I got a text from my team teacher and one of my assistants telling me they were about to drop and that their legs were so tired.

Shaun was nice enough to take me out to eat so I wouldn't have to come home and cook. I was so tired I was falling asleep at the table if I stopped moving around and shaking my head. The boys had swimming lessons yesterday evening but Shaun dropped me off at the house so I could go on to bed. Thanks, honey!

There is still so much to do before the end of the school year. June is going to be one hectic month!
* Today the gang is coming for game night so I have to get this place straightened back up and food prepared.
* Tomorrow is my mother in law, Marge's, birthday so I have to plan the meal for that and get food ready for that in addition to going back home for Sunday dinner with my family (who I haven't been to visit for at least a month).
* Next week is the last week of school so progress reports have to go out and our end of the year party is on Thursday.
* I have to get the classroom pack up so they can move it to the new room (with a potty in it, yea, finally after 9 years).
* The 2nd week of June, off to Gatlinburg with the Hacienda gang (some fellow preschool staff).
* The 3rd week of June - off to Louisville for the Early Childhood Conference
* The 4th week of June - off to Pennsylvania for Molly's graduation party and visit with Shaun's family up there.
I can't wait until July when I can just sit up at the pool and do nothing!!

I think I can.... I think I can....

2009-05-27T18:27:00.000-07:00

I feel like the Little Engine That Could during these last few days of school. I walk around saying.... I think I can.... I think I can.... I think I can.... I think I can. I'm starting to believe it. ONLY 6 MORE DAYS. Just think, after tomorrow, we will be able to count it on one hand!!
I think I can...

It has been a crazy week!!

2009-05-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

Oh me, oh my! It has been crazy around here.

1. We had a bird get in our bedroom wall. We finally figured out we needed to do something and that it was in the wall when these little bugs started coming in our room. We knew it had to have something to do with the bird because the bugs were on the side of the room where we heard the bird. Anyway, I stayed home on Monday and called the Orkin man. He verified that the bugs were bird bugs, also knows as bird mites. SO GROSS!!. We found out the hard way that they also bite humans and leave a mark like a mosquito bite (and itch like them too). Well, when he said he wasn't going to treat it the same day, I almost lost it. Ok, I'll tell the truth. I did lose it. I started crying and kind of yelled at him that had I known he wouldn't do anything today, I would have called other companies and whoever agreed to treat it would get my money. Must have scared him or at the very least made him uncomfortable, but it worked and he stayed and treated the room. We have only seen 2 more alive so I'm going to have him come back and treat it again just to be safe. LESSON LEARNED - if you hear or see birds coming and going anywhere on your house, take care of it immediately. DON'T WAIT. We thought that the bird was in the gutter and had babies. We didn't want to kill them so thought we would wait until they flew away. We should have checked it out earlier and we would have seen it wasn't in the gutter but in the house instead. We did learn our lesson from this.

2. I took a personal day on Thursday so I could do more cleaning from the first bug bomb. Apparently my substitute was LATE, then LIED about when she got the call (said she was called that morning when actually the records showed that she was called the night before). She was wearing a mini dress and high heel boots.... to teach in a preschool class where 50% of the students have disabilities. HYSTERICAL. She was the talk of the school with what she was wearing. Anyway, after my morning class, she asked where the cafeteria was and left to get lunch. She never returned. NEVER! They searched all over the building for her and she was AWOL. Needless to say, she will not be subbing at TCE anytime soon. I laughed and laughed when they told me about her and that she felt like she had to sneak out and make a run for it. LESSON LEARNED - dress correctly for your job. And I will make a list of appropriate subs and request those people first!!

3. The last thing that happened, happened today. At dismissal, a relative of a student of mine was trying to hit on me in my classroom WITH THE STUDENTS RIGHT THERE. I was embarrassed and when I get embarrassed I start laughing hysterically. So there he was asking me if I was married, saying I looked like I was 21 (he looked like he was 18) and there I was laughing and laughing. My assistant had the funniest look on her face. Her eyes were huge like she couldn't believe he was saying that to me which made me laugh even more. I finally calmed down enough to tell him I thought I was a little old for him and that yes I was married. He couldn't believe I was almost 39. Then the funniest comment came out of his mouth. He said if he had to guess, he would guess that I was married to a black man. WHAT? How can you tell that by looking at someone. I guess you can imagine what I did. YEP, laugh even more. I thought I was going to pee my pants. LESSON LEARNED - I'm hot for an old broad (insert hysterical laughter here).

This has been one crazy week!! I'm still laughing from everything. How come crazy stuff always happens to me?

Pics from Samuel's 1st Holy Communion

2009-05-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from Samuel's 1st Holy Communion. He did great. He even waited until he was sitting before he made a face because he thought the bread and wine tasted terrible. He said the bread tasted like cardboard and the wine was disgusting. We are very proud of our little boy. He has waited for this day for so long.

Samuel before the service. Isn't he handsome in his little suit?

Samuel's class before the service.
He is squatting so we can see the kids behind him.

His banner that we made.

Father John (left) and Samuel on the day of his 1st Holy Communion.

His class and teachers.

First Communion

2009-05-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

This Sunday at 9:00, Samuel will make his First Communion. We are so proud of him and so excited for him. He acted like such a goofball tonight at the practice but when his turn came to practice what to do, he totally knew what to do.

We found the perfect suit for him. We have a really cute tie. Now for the shoes. Sneakers with a fancy suit just would not be appropriate. Gracious, who knew that shopping for a boy would be so difficult. Samuel already has rosary beads and a wooden cross for his room. So now the question is what to get Samuel for a gift. He, of course, would LOVE another Lego set but I'm not sure. We usually do a religious gift then another one that is small. The Lego set he picked out was definitely NOT small in either size or price. He sure knows how to use those eye lashes to try to get what he wants. Girls, beware when you are older!! I'll post some pics when we get them. We can't take pictures or videos during Mass so I'll have to scan in the professional pic that we ordered and I can post the before and after pictures.

Here we come Boston Marathon!!

2009-04-18T15:40:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the Defender Classic 5K Race at Bryan Station High School. It is a great fundraiser for Shaun's band. Shaun, Harrison and Samuel participate every year. They get really excited about it every year. Last night after swimming lessons, Samuel came in and told me that they were eating carbs to prepare for the race today. Both boys are in the 9 and under age category. Typically Harrison comes in first place (every year except one when he was maybe 4 or 5 and a 9 year old beat him). Samuel is typically 2nd or 3rd place depending on how many kids are entered in that age range. This year was no different. Harrison was 1st place with a time of 27 minutes and Samuel was 2nd place with a time of 37 minutes. Check out some pictures of my little runners.

Here is Harrison at the start of the race. Look at that smile!

Samuel and Shaun at the middle of the race slowing down for a little water.

Harrison, Shaun and Samuel right after they all finished. The look proud AND tired!

Samuel and Harrison with their awards for coming in 1st and 2nd place in their age division.

Spring Break is BEST

2009-04-03T15:12:00.000-07:00

I will sure miss this week after it is gone. It has been so nice to slow down and just relax for a change. Spring break always seems so full of possibilities at the beginning of the week but around Thursday I start asking myself, "Where did the time go"? We didn't go anywhere for the week as a family. It is just too hectic and we are taking a trip mid-June to Pennsylvania and hopefully to Niagara Falls so decided to save out pennies for that trip. The boys and I did go back home and spend one night with mom and dad. That was nice. My old friend Shannon came up and we looked through old pictures and laughed and laughed. The boys were sooo funny with their reactions to the pictures and hair styles. Harrison just tells it like it is while Samuel just laughs hysterically. We have 2 more days before going back to the daily hustle and bustle of work, school and homework for the boys. The good news is that the boys will be doing swimming every Friday so that will be something to look forward to each week. Only 8 more weeks of school left this school year. I think I can.... I think I can.... I think I can....

My growing boys

2009-03-23T10:08:00.001-07:00

Harrison is so excited. He went on his first over-night field trip today. The 4th grade is going to northern Ky the the 4-H camp for one night. This is all he could talk about the whole weekend. We finally got everything packed up last night. I'm sure he will be fine but he has never had an overnight trip without parents or at least close friends supervising. I can't wait to hear how it went and what fun he had. He is growing up, that is for sure. I'll post some pictures when if I get any from the trip.

Now for Samuel. He is turning into such as compassionate little boy. We had to have our sewer line replaced and it took the company a full week to come back and fill in holes in the yard. Anyway, the guy finally came back on Friday. I looked out and saw Samuel "helping" him shovel the dirt into the holes. What a sweetie!! He was so proud of himself. Sorry for the quality of the picture. I couldn't find my digital camera so this one it takes from the bathroom with my cell phone camera. I made it black and white because for some reason, color pictures all turn out blue!!

Ice storm 2009

2009-01-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

We have been out all week because of the ice and snow here in Kentucky. I was so excited on Monday when school was canceled because I was feeling terrible and really didn't want to take a sick day but didn't want to go to work either. When we woke up, we couldn't figure out why there was no school because there was only a "dusting" of snow. It was ridiculous but I went back to sleep anyway because, like I said, I felt terrible. Monday night is when the ice hit. We woke up Tuesday morning to a thick sheet of ice covering everything and we continued to have freezing rain all day. Harrison did get out and TRY to go sledding but it was difficult. Going down was fine. He absolutely flew down the hill. Coming back up the hill was another story. It was so funny to watch him and his friend Diana. They would get almost up the hill then start sliding back down. They had a blast though. We continued to get freezing rain all day and night Tuesday. Wednesday (today) we finally got some snow. It was huge, wet snowflakes. It only snowed for a couple of hours and now the sun is out. Here are some pictures I took. I took them from inside the house so please excuse the quality. I wasn't going to go out in this mess. I'm scared of falling branches of chunks of ice!!!

Harrison going ice sledding.

The ice on our shrubs.

The front yard. It is shiny from all the ice. It looks like an ice skating rink!!

After the snow, this is the branch that fell. We typically park our car in that spot but Shaun moved it down the street when we knew we were going to get all this ice! Smart move, honey!!

The tree limbs on the power lines that attach to our house. We still have power!!

I LOVE long weekends!!

2009-01-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

This has been a really nice LONG weekend. On Friday we had a "cold" day. I was really surprised at around 3:30 on Thursday to hear that we would be out of school on Friday just because of low temperatures. But hey, I sure wasn't about to complain. AND Monday was MLK day so we were out of school on that day as well. But wait, there's more. Preschoolers do not come to school on Tuesday so I will have no kids tomorrow at work. YIPEE!!!! I spent this weekend working on lesson plans/newsletters for the rest of the year. I have made pretty good progress but there is still much to do.

Last night it finally snowed so the boys were really excited to get out and go sledding. They had a blast. Harrison really wants to learn to snow board so I caught him trying to stand on his sled and go down our hill in the back yard. He didn't have much luck, poor kid. I might have to see about getting a snowboard for him to use in the snow. He is so athletic that I don't doubt he could learn to do it quickly.

If you notice the time this is posted, you will see what a Pepsi does to me if I drink it late in the evening. UGH! I'm going to be wiped out tomorrow morning at 5:30.

We're back!!

2009-01-08T18:34:00.000-08:00

I always forget how difficult it is the first week back at school after Christmas break. It is like day 1 all over again only with more children than the first day. You would think that the children would come back in the classroom and think to themselves, "oh, I remember this place. It has rules and consequences". But no such luck. I am completely exhausted and can't wait for tomorrow at 2:40 when all of my lovely students go home for the week and I can get the room back in order and ready for next week. I also can't wait until all of the work is done and I can go home!!

If it has been difficult in the classroom, it doesn't compare with my kids at home. We were total bums over the 2 week break; staying up late and sleeping in until lunch time (and I'm not exaggerating). I will not make that mistake again!!! You would think that as a teacher I would know that routine is very important in a child's life but, hey, teachers/parents get lazy sometimes too.

Friday is almost here!!

The end of the ponytail :(

2009-01-02T12:30:00.000-08:00

Shaun finally did it. He let me cut off the ponytail he has been growing for 3 years. It was finally long enough to donate. We chose Pantene Beautiful Lengths because you only needed 8 inches of hair (but he had a little over 10 inches) and because they provide FREE wigs to women who lose their hair to cancer. Many years ago, my grandmother had breast cancer so I really wanted him to donate here. Here are the pics of me cutting it. Harrison was videotaping while Samuel was taking pictures. They turned out pretty good for an 8 year old. Doesn't he look so handsome with his "new do".

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2009-01-01T18:11:00.000-08:00

We had a great New Year. We stayed in and watched the ball drop from the comfort of our own room. Shaun, Harrison, Samuel and I cuddled up in our bed and watched TV to ring in the new year after making and eating cookies (yummy). There has been so much good food this holiday season that I really need to go back to work just to keep myself from becoming as large as a whale. Anyway, we just wanted to wish all of our family and friends a great new year!!

What are the chances???

2008-12-28T13:10:00.000-08:00

Me drying my hair with the vents.
Jumping Kelli and Brent's van.
Just waiting for some help.
Jumping our van.

On Friday, Kelli called me to come get her, Brent, Aaron and Isaac from Sportsmen's Warehouse at Hamburg because their van died. Shaun took our van to go get them. Getting the car-seats out of her vehicle and into ours is no little feat but they managed. Well, guess what? Our van wouldn't start either!!! What are the chances that BOTH vehicles would have dead batteries at the same time. So they called me to bring jumper cables so we could at least get to Sam's to get new batteries installed. I had just gotten out of the shower when they called so I had wet hair and no make-up on. Not a pretty sight but she is my sister so I went out to get them. They mentioned that we could look around Sam's while the vehicles were getting worked on so I was not too happy about having to go in public with wet hair and no make-up. I went into panic mode and decided that I could at least have dry hair if I had to go out and see people so I cranked the heat up in the van and dried my hair with the air conditioning vents. Kelli was laughing so hard, but there was no way I was going in a store with wet hair. So, after taking the time to dry my hair, the men decided to just buy batteries and take them back to our house to put them in themselves. Crazy day.

Samuel's 8th Birthday

2008-12-27T17:22:00.000-08:00

Opening up one of his birthday presents! Look how excited he is.

Lego Batman for the PlayStation. Thanks Grammy and Uncle Brett.

Samuel with his birthday cake. It says "Dude, Samuel Rocks".

Among all of the Christmas celebrations, we also have Samuel's birthday to celebrate. If you don't remember, his birthday is on Christmas Day so that makes it difficult to make sure it doesn't get lost in all of the other celebrations. We already had a small family party down in Mt. Vernon for him with all of his cousins BUT I like to acknowledge it on the actual day too. After all of the Christmas activities are out of the way that day, we then do his birthday celebration. We just had a small cake that we doctored up with blue icing (his favorite color). Notice what he wanted me to write on the cake in the pictures above. He got a couple of presents but is not getting his real birthday present from us until later this week when we can take him out with us to pick it up. He has always wanted to go to Build A Bear and make a bear so since this will be the last year he will probably want to do something like that, we decided to take him. I'll post some pics of that later in the week.

Christmas Day

2008-12-27T17:01:00.000-08:00

The boys actually slept in on Christmas morning until around 8:30. Not too shabby. They were really excited about going down stairs to see what they got. Santa brings 4 gifts for each of them and, of course, the stockings. Harrison got Louisville items (sweatshirt, hat, etc), Bakugan and a Ripstick (basically a skateboard with only one wheel in the front and one in the back). Believe it or not, he can already ride it. Samuel got 2 Indiana Jones Lego sets and a paint set (complete with some canvas boards, new acrylic paints, paint tray and new brushes. He was really excited about the art set. Then they got a joint gift of a PlayStation. I think they had a great Christmas. I love to watch their reactions when they open their presents. Lots of screaming in excitement. It was a wonderful Christmas. Here are some pictures for you to see.

Did I ever mention.....

2008-12-23T11:40:00.000-08:00

I hate wrapping presents. I really, Really, REALLY hate doing it!!! Typically, I put it off and put it off until Christmas Eve. Then, on Christmas Eve, we are running around like maniacs to Margie's house for lunch and then off to Rockcastle for the VanWinkle family Christmas for dinner. Then back to the house to put the kids to bed (sometime around 10:00 or 11:00 since they are so excited). THEN, I begin wrapping the presents. I end up staying up until around 3:00 a.m. and am exhausted the next day. BUT NOT THIS YEAR!!!!!! I have almost everything already wrapped. Now I'm off to Margie's house to wrap the gifts I hid down there. I have no clue how I will get them in the house but I'll do it. I might have to leave them in the van and sneak them in after the kids are fast asleep. I won't know what to do with myself on Christmas day after getting a full nights sleep. No grouchiness, no falling asleep on the couch; I'm a little freaked out.

1st Annual Cromer Cousin Christmas Extravaganza!!!

2008-12-22T14:22:00.000-08:00

On Saturday Kim, Kelli and I got our children together for a Christmas party instead of buying tons of presents that they don't really need anyway. The kids painted salt dough ornaments, had a 12 days of Christmas scavenger hunt, ate lunch and decorated a gingerbread house or gingerbread tree (the little ones made ice cream cone Christmas trees). They had a blast and didn't even get the bead ornaments or the painted glass ornament crafts I had plans for.

SNOW DAY!!!

2008-12-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

We woke up this morning to snow and ice so NO SCHOOL FOR US TODAY!! We all slept in and are having a lazy day at home today. Here are a couple pictures of the boys eating their pancakes (a special treat on snow days). Samuel loves, Loves, LOVES whipped cream on his and went a little overboard. When they get outside and play in the snow, I'll post more pictures.

On a different note, Samuel made his First Reconciliation on Sunday night. He was so nervous but did great. He wrote down what he wanted to say in case he got nervous and forgot what to say but I told him he could also say anything else he wanted to once he was in there with the priest. He was really happy when he came out and said it really wasn't that hard. He was bummed that he couldn't take his candle home with him that night but I think they get them on Wednesday at their class so he is fine with that. We're proud of you Samuel!!

Harrison gets a new class

2008-12-02T16:54:00.000-08:00

Harrison got a surprise today when he went to school. The principal pulled him out of class and explained that she wanted to move him to the other class on the same 4th grade team (so he would still have the same teachers). He was really nervous but ended up REALLY loving the other class. We asked him why he loved the class so much and he said it was much quieter and easier to pay attention. I think that was also the reason they decided to move him. His original class had some trouble makers in it and made it very difficult for him to concentrate (and easy to goof off). Ms. Bell, the principal, told him to "try" it for a week and let her know how he feels about it. He told us tonight, he doesn't want to go back to the other class at all and will tell her tomorrow. I'm proud of him for recognizing that this is the better class for him to be in rather than wanting to stay in the other class with all of the clowns.

I'm so STUFFED

2008-11-28T06:26:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving this year and have lots to be thankful for. At my mother-in-law's house, Shaun's Aunt Joanie and Uncle Sonnie came down from PA. Turkey, stuffing, perogi's, ham, sweet potatoes and green bean casserole. ALL YUMMY! Then off to Kelli's for my families Thanksgiving. Chicken n Dumplings, turkey dressing, shuck beans, rolls, mashed potatoes/gravy and Aunt Sue's famous salad (Ok, probably only famous in our family but we LOVE it). I'M SOOOOOO STUFFED but it was nice. Now, tonight we are back at my in laws for left overs (probably for the whole weekend). I will need to get on the treadmill and do lots of sit ups after this weekend.

Samuel is wanting to go shopping today and I just may be crazy enough to take him out; that is, if we can find any place to park anywhere in Lexington.

Hope everyone had a great Turkey Day!

A busy Thanksgiving

2008-11-25T20:47:00.000-08:00

We have a busy couple of days ahead of us this holiday weekend. Shaun's Aunt Joanie and Uncle Sonnie are coming down for Thanksgiving. They will be here tomorrow (Wednesday). We haven't seen them since last year. The kids are really excited about their visit. We will be having dinner at Grammy's house on Wednesday, lunch at Grammy's AND dinner at my sisters on Thursday and dinner at Grammy's again on Friday. Whew, I can feel the pounds piling on as I type. I will definitely need to hop on the treadmill this weekend. This will be our first holiday to deal with Harrison's tree nut allergy. I will have to ask about everything that is brought to eat since EVERYONE is bringing a dish. Not fun to swell up and go to the hospital on Thanksgiving weekend. I'm sure everything will be fine, just want to be extra careful. HAPPY TURKEY DAY EVERYONE!!!

Hey, yeah, great!

2008-11-12T18:36:00.000-08:00

You know who I'm talking about. Tomorrow is dad's birthday. Harrison and Samuel are distressed that we can't be there with cake in hand to sing at the top of our lungs. I told them we could go shopping for him on Friday (just no time during the school week) and take him a cake on Sunday but they just heard shopping and cake and wanted it right now. Samuel was all for shopping for dad. Of course shopping to Samuel means "buy me something" in his mind. It should be interesting to see what they want to get him. What do you get the man? No more socks and shirts!!! We gotta think of something GREAT to surprise him (because he will be expecting socks and a shirt).

All I want for Christmas.....

2008-10-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

My baby has finally done it. He has lost his 2 front teeth just 3 days apart. On Thursday night we pulled the first one and on Sunday we pulled the other one. The one on Sunday was definitely more traumatic for us all. It was just hanging there and he could even twist it sideways but it just wouldn't budge. We all had a turn trying to pull that tooth. I was starting to get sick to my stomach from trying to pull it. NOT MY FAVORITE THING TO DO!!!!! Notice, I'm a teacher, not in the medical profession. Finally, just he and I went into the bathroom and I had him rinse his mouth a couple of times and relax. Then on the next attempt, POP, out it came. No muss, no fuss. He was so excited.

The tooth fairy has been really tricky at out house, too. She didn't get to our house with the first tooth until after he was awake and eating breakfast. She taped his money to the fridge and counter. He saw it after breakfast when he was walking through the kitchen to come upstairs. With the second tooth, she taped it to the wall by the stairs. That tooth fairy is a slick chick, that is for sure. You never know what she will do next. :)

I tried to get him to sing "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth" but he was not having any of that. He does say that it is difficult saying his /S/. He says they sound funny. I love it. My baby is growing up.

Booo Hoooo

2008-10-16T17:11:00.000-07:00

Let's see....

Pulling up carpet this weekend.....NOPE!
Finding dirt colored carpet.....NOPE!!
Painting the 4 cabinets in the kitchen so it can be FINISHED....NOPE!!!
Being lazy this weekend and reading some awesome books.....YEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I started reading the Twilight books and LOVE them. I finished Twilight and am starting the next one in the series. I love, love LOVE reading books in a series and these haven't disappointed me. So, sorry floor and cabinets. It's me time. Maybe next long weekend in November.

Yeeee Haaaa!!!

2008-10-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

Well, we are beginning out 4 day weekend. Let's see....

Ballgame.... NO!
Contest.... NO!!
Work....NO!!!
Waking up early.....NO!!!!

I can't wait to relax and curl up with a good book. That is what I call relaxation. But not too much relaxation. I am planning to rip up some carpet at the top of the landing and finish painting the 4 cabinet doors that I started painting this summer. Whew, I'm tired already thinking about it. I'm REALLY hoping to get a deal on carpet for the stairs and landing. Dirt colored carpet is what I'm keeping my eye open for.

Can I figure this out?!?!?!

2008-10-11T18:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a pic of the boys on the first day of school. YEP, I know it is October, but hey, I'm new at this and wanted to see if I could upload a picture. Anyway, they go to Maxwell Elementary which is our Spanish Immersion school in the city. They teach language arts/reading and social studies in English and teach math/science in Spanish. Harrison just came home with an assignment to read a book in Spanish and write a 5 sentence summary IN SPANISH. He wrote 11 sentences and seemed like he knew what he was writing. Of course, I had no clue!!! Samuel, on the other hand, acts like he has no use for Spanish but, I have found out that he really does understand more than he lets on. What a stinker!

Lego-Maniac

2008-10-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

It's official, Samuel is a Lego-Maniac. He just has to have all of the different Lego sets. Every weekend, he asks for a new one ("please, please, please"). He has a couple of the Indiana Jones sets, Lego Agents, and various other ones. But that doesn't keep him from asking for more. He is really talented at creating different things with Legos. He will play for hours with them. He also LOVES the Lego.com website and wants to post pictures of his Lego creations. Here are some pictures. Maybe he will be an architect when he grows up!!!

Orchestra vs. Band

2008-10-11T07:36:00.000-07:00

Harrison is in the 4th grade this year and is eligible to be in orchestra. Band is not offered until he is in 5th grade. We told him he had to be in orchestra and next year he could be in band. He DIDN'T want to do orchestra, though. But once he got the viola, he LOVES it. He told me not to tell daddy, but he might want to do orchestra again next year. He was so afraid that Shaun would be upset by it, but as long as he is doing something with music, we're happy. I still think that he will end up in band before it is all over. We'll just have to wait and see what happens. I'll post a picture and possibly a video of him playing his viola when I figure out how to do this.