Well, maybe not. Tomorrow we are taking a school field trip. We are going to see...High School Musical on Ice! Could I be more excited? The answer to that is, yes, I could be more excited. However, it is a day away from the classroom, so that alone makes it fun. MK is very disappointed that she isn't going. She goes on and on about how much she doesn't like HSM, so I didn't get a ticket for her, but she was hoping for a day off of school. Oh well. She, of course, has seen HSM 1 and 2, she is just at the age where it isn't cool to say so.
Speaking of MK, her birthday is Monday. She will be 13. I am amazed every time I think about it. She has declared the month of May "Maddiepalooza." There will be no living with her.
No news on the job front for next year. I applied at another Christian school in town. There is a preschool there, so T. Willy and I took a tour of it yesterday. He seemed very comfortable and even asked to go outside where the kids were playing. I think he'll be just fine.
That's about it. Have a great day!!!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Happy Birthday, T. Willy!
Thursday was T. Willy's 4th birthday. We had his birthday party today. It was very simple and a lot of fun. We made new friends and caught up with old ones. Here is just a sampling of pictures.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
I dream perchance to sleep
Saturday. I look forward to Saturday all week. Saturday brings the promise of sleep. During the week I stay up too late and get up too early, and I sacrifice a lot of sleep. But Saturday...that is the day that we have no morning obligations. On Friday nights we keep T. Willy up a little late, so that he will sleep in. That is what we did last night, and it worked. T. Willy slept until 8:30 this morning. I, however, was up and ready to go at 6:16. This is later than I usually sleep, but I really wanted to lounge in bed. I got up, checked email and started thinking.
I had been hoping to be hired by the county school district for the next school year. That is becoming very unlikely. They are starting layoffs right now; there is little chance that they will need me. So I started thinking about what else I might be able to do. Hence, my early morning was not wasted. I filled out job applications and transcript request forms, and we'll just have to wait to see if anything comes of it.
Last night the Big Man watched hockey, and the kids were occupied, so I went shopping all alone. It wasn't for long, but it was nice to just get away for something fun. I was debating between 2 dresses. They were similar, and I was leaning toward one, then I looked at the price tags...I chose the one I wasn't leaning toward, because it was marked down to $6.99. I couldn't believe my eyes. I took it to the clerk and asked if I was reading it right. She couldn't believe it either, but said it was correct. I reached in my pocket and paid cash for it. I cannot tell you when, if ever, that has ever happened. I am just hoping there isn't some enormous flaw in it, and that it won't completely fall apart when I wear it.
I had been hoping to be hired by the county school district for the next school year. That is becoming very unlikely. They are starting layoffs right now; there is little chance that they will need me. So I started thinking about what else I might be able to do. Hence, my early morning was not wasted. I filled out job applications and transcript request forms, and we'll just have to wait to see if anything comes of it.
Last night the Big Man watched hockey, and the kids were occupied, so I went shopping all alone. It wasn't for long, but it was nice to just get away for something fun. I was debating between 2 dresses. They were similar, and I was leaning toward one, then I looked at the price tags...I chose the one I wasn't leaning toward, because it was marked down to $6.99. I couldn't believe my eyes. I took it to the clerk and asked if I was reading it right. She couldn't believe it either, but said it was correct. I reached in my pocket and paid cash for it. I cannot tell you when, if ever, that has ever happened. I am just hoping there isn't some enormous flaw in it, and that it won't completely fall apart when I wear it.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
True story
We live near an Air Force base, and I am fortunate to have several airmen in my night class. Tonight our topic was improving writing through the use of strong verbs and adjectives. We talked about checking for overused words while editing. I gave an example of reading a first grader's writing. It might read, "This was a good day. I had a good time. My mom is good..." etc, and using the word 'good' so many times because it's a word they know how to spell with confidence. One of the airmen, let's call him George (really not his name) raised his hand. With a confused look on his face, he asked..."Do first graders know how to talk?" The moms in the class pounced on him. He was so embarrassed, but admitted there are no children in his life. It was a running joke all night. Poor guy...poor uninformed and now blogged about George.
Have a good night!
Have a good night!
Saturday, April 05, 2008
That was quick
And now it is just the weekend...our break is over. We stayed close to home, but accomplished a few things and had a good time. I enjoy my job, so I'm not sorry to go back, but it was very nice to be home too. On the last Friday before the break, we had parent/teacher conferences. I had been worried about one specifically...and without going into particulars, I've had some serious concerns about this student. The mother was so great and we are going to try a new course of action. I am really looking forward to getting that started. We only have a month left in my night class. I have enjoyed it immensely, but it has taken a toll on all of us. We are getting down to the wire, and I just hope I have prepared them appropriately for their exit exam.
Tonight we colored Maddie's hair again. We just did the tips...pink again. I promised last time, um, around New Year's to post a picture, but this time I really may do it.
Have a great day!
A
Tonight we colored Maddie's hair again. We just did the tips...pink again. I promised last time, um, around New Year's to post a picture, but this time I really may do it.
Have a great day!
A
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Spring Break
We are midway into our Spring Break. We haven't done a whole lot, but it's nice to have the break from school. MK had a friend spend the night last night. They stayed up late and made pancakes for breakfast...pretty much the way a sleepover should be.
Last night we met the wife of one of the Big Man's coworkers. They have lived here for a few months, but haven't met a lot of people. They have a little boy T. Willy's age, and the boys got along famously. We met at our local Burger King..neutral ground with an indoor playground. It was a nice change. I don't have a lot of "girl" friends. The Big Man's schedule makes it difficult to coordinate things, and my schedule this semester hasn't helped. We used to have a core group of friends, but they have all moved away, and we have just been too lazy to meet anyone else. She was great and easy to talk to, so we'll see what develops.
Our plans for next year are still up in the air. I have applied with our county, but I really don't know if anything will happen there, so I am looking into some other things. Florida offers VPK (voluntary pre kindergarten) so we are going on Monday to register T. It is available to all 4 year olds and takes place in the schools, however, I don't think it is offered at the school where T. will actually go for elementary. I guess we'll just have to find out on Monday.
So, that's what is happening for us. I hope you are enjoying your spring!
Last night we met the wife of one of the Big Man's coworkers. They have lived here for a few months, but haven't met a lot of people. They have a little boy T. Willy's age, and the boys got along famously. We met at our local Burger King..neutral ground with an indoor playground. It was a nice change. I don't have a lot of "girl" friends. The Big Man's schedule makes it difficult to coordinate things, and my schedule this semester hasn't helped. We used to have a core group of friends, but they have all moved away, and we have just been too lazy to meet anyone else. She was great and easy to talk to, so we'll see what develops.
Our plans for next year are still up in the air. I have applied with our county, but I really don't know if anything will happen there, so I am looking into some other things. Florida offers VPK (voluntary pre kindergarten) so we are going on Monday to register T. It is available to all 4 year olds and takes place in the schools, however, I don't think it is offered at the school where T. will actually go for elementary. I guess we'll just have to find out on Monday.
So, that's what is happening for us. I hope you are enjoying your spring!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Bonding
MK and the Big Man are taking a road trip tomorrow night. They are going to meet the Big Man's brother and family and some other friends in Mobile, AL to see their favorite comedian, Brian Regan. T. Willy and I are going to stay home and rest. Spring Break starts tomorrow after parent/teacher conferences.
Good night!
Good night!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Happy Easter!
Still having computer issues, but figured out how to get pictures from my cell phone. So here is one of me and another of T. Willy at his class Easter Egg Hunt...cheesy smile and all! I will try to get a picture of MK's outfit soon. I had one, but erased it too soon.
A Rose by any other Name - for you, "Miss Massi"
As you may know, I recently because reacquainted with my former English teacher. After learning my daughter's name, Madeline, she asked if I named her after the children's book character of the same name. (The official answer is no, but we have collected A LOT of paraphernalia over the years.) I am always interested in how people choose their children's names, so please bear with me as I share our story.
Our first child is Madeline Kay. Although I adore the Madeline books, we chose the name for a different reason. We (I) just liked it. In the dark ages, meaning before the internet, my mother in law used to collect interesting articles and mail them to us. One such article was about a teacher in a very small town who had three sets of twins in her class. One of the twins was named Madeline, and I liked it, mentioned it to the Big Man, and kept it in my mind for several years. When we finally became pregnant, I never considered another girl's name. Her middle name was easy too. My mother, the Big Man's mother, AND my father, all have the middle name Kay, and I really liked the idea of naming her after them. In the hospital room, after she had been born, and it was time to fill out the birth certificate, the Big Man asked me if I was sure that her name would be Madeline. I remember eyeing him with a look that said, have you not been listening to me for all this time? He did not question me, and Madeline Kay it was.
T. Willy, Ty William, was our surprise baby. We had undergone some fertility treatments while trying to become parents. After we had MK, we were so happy and content with her and did not even discuss trying fertility treatments again. Of course, the desire for another child was always present, but it was not a priority. Forward nine years later, and surprise, we're going to have a baby! We had a girl's name picked out (Lauren Elizabeth) but were stuck for a boy's name. We finally agreed on Ty, once again, just because we liked it, and, no, not because we were Trading Spaces fans. His middle name came from the Big Man's dad, so all four grandparents were covered.
And we have two. As much as the desire was there for a second child, as soon as we had him, the realization was just as strong that our family was complete. And it is. So please, share with me the stories of how you chose your children's names!!!
A
Our first child is Madeline Kay. Although I adore the Madeline books, we chose the name for a different reason. We (I) just liked it. In the dark ages, meaning before the internet, my mother in law used to collect interesting articles and mail them to us. One such article was about a teacher in a very small town who had three sets of twins in her class. One of the twins was named Madeline, and I liked it, mentioned it to the Big Man, and kept it in my mind for several years. When we finally became pregnant, I never considered another girl's name. Her middle name was easy too. My mother, the Big Man's mother, AND my father, all have the middle name Kay, and I really liked the idea of naming her after them. In the hospital room, after she had been born, and it was time to fill out the birth certificate, the Big Man asked me if I was sure that her name would be Madeline. I remember eyeing him with a look that said, have you not been listening to me for all this time? He did not question me, and Madeline Kay it was.
T. Willy, Ty William, was our surprise baby. We had undergone some fertility treatments while trying to become parents. After we had MK, we were so happy and content with her and did not even discuss trying fertility treatments again. Of course, the desire for another child was always present, but it was not a priority. Forward nine years later, and surprise, we're going to have a baby! We had a girl's name picked out (Lauren Elizabeth) but were stuck for a boy's name. We finally agreed on Ty, once again, just because we liked it, and, no, not because we were Trading Spaces fans. His middle name came from the Big Man's dad, so all four grandparents were covered.
And we have two. As much as the desire was there for a second child, as soon as we had him, the realization was just as strong that our family was complete. And it is. So please, share with me the stories of how you chose your children's names!!!
A
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Don't nag
I did have pictures to post, but am having computer issues. So sorry.
All is well here. We are having a great time with my parents. Today T. Willy stayed home with my dad, while the Big Man worked and my mom and I took MK to the mall to buy Easter clothes. Her Easter outfit is not traditional in any way, but it suits her and unlike the dress she first picked out, may actually be worn again. I also got a dress which is lovely, so maybe you'll see pictures, but who knows?
The biggest treat tonight, though? MK was given an early birthday present, since my parents aren't able to be in town for her birthday. ROCK BAND!!! I couldn't believe it. I was more excited than MK. As you may recall, we played it last week at her friend's party. We were instantly hooked. And it hasn't changed. My mom and T. Willy played, but MK and I outlasted them. Finally we just had to turn it off so MK could get some sleep.
No joke...I saw this today: While in the yard at my in-law's house, the Easter Bunny walked down the hill and into a neighboring house. Okay, it was a guy dressed as the Easter Bunny with the head under his arms...anyway...the car he was exiting was a Volkswagen RABBIT. That just cracked me up. It still does, which means it's late and I should go. Good night and Happy Easter!
All is well here. We are having a great time with my parents. Today T. Willy stayed home with my dad, while the Big Man worked and my mom and I took MK to the mall to buy Easter clothes. Her Easter outfit is not traditional in any way, but it suits her and unlike the dress she first picked out, may actually be worn again. I also got a dress which is lovely, so maybe you'll see pictures, but who knows?
The biggest treat tonight, though? MK was given an early birthday present, since my parents aren't able to be in town for her birthday. ROCK BAND!!! I couldn't believe it. I was more excited than MK. As you may recall, we played it last week at her friend's party. We were instantly hooked. And it hasn't changed. My mom and T. Willy played, but MK and I outlasted them. Finally we just had to turn it off so MK could get some sleep.
No joke...I saw this today: While in the yard at my in-law's house, the Easter Bunny walked down the hill and into a neighboring house. Okay, it was a guy dressed as the Easter Bunny with the head under his arms...anyway...the car he was exiting was a Volkswagen RABBIT. That just cracked me up. It still does, which means it's late and I should go. Good night and Happy Easter!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Our Town
So I live in a small town in the Florida Panhandle. It has many unique qualities. But one of the things that I find most interesting is our Burger King. We have 2 Burger Kings. One is a shiny new restaurant with an indoor playground. The other is (was) not. Its distinguishing feature? A drive-thru accessible only by the passenger door side or a serious reach from the driver's side. And now it is no more. Here is an article about it.
Burger King
Sweet dreams!!!
Burger King
Sweet dreams!!!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Happenings
I have not posted pictures in a very long time. Tonight will be no different, but I am working on some. My parents safely arrived in town this evening, and will undoubtedly give us reasons for some photo ops.
MK thoroughly enjoyed her friend's surprise birthday party last night. The Big Man was working, so T. Willy and I stayed with her for the whole thing. It was a blast. They have "Rock Band" which is Guitar Hero times 4. The kids had so much fun with it, and the adults even took some turns. They also had a Wii set up in a different area, so between the wonderfully patient dog and the Wii, T. Willy had a ball too!
And off to bed I go! Have a great night, and if I don't post pictures sometime this week, nag me! But not yet.
A
MK thoroughly enjoyed her friend's surprise birthday party last night. The Big Man was working, so T. Willy and I stayed with her for the whole thing. It was a blast. They have "Rock Band" which is Guitar Hero times 4. The kids had so much fun with it, and the adults even took some turns. They also had a Wii set up in a different area, so between the wonderfully patient dog and the Wii, T. Willy had a ball too!
And off to bed I go! Have a great night, and if I don't post pictures sometime this week, nag me! But not yet.
A
Friday, March 14, 2008
Friday night
Lots to do this weekend. My parents are coming here Sunday night. I haven't seen them since Christmas so I cannot wait until they arrive! It is warm here and I'd like to do some yardwork. T. Willy helped me pick out some flowers today. He had a ball, so that was inspiration to do more.
All is well at school. Everyone is adjusting to the news and just kind of thinking about the future. We are dealing with the news with a sense of humor. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of sarcasm. The kids are abuzz with news of what they are going to do next year. I have filled out a few recommendations for other schools. We're all going to be okay.
MK had the big state exams at school this week, and she is relieved to have it behind her. She is looking forward to her first surprise birthday party tomorrow. The plans are for a big night of "Rock Band." She hasn't played it before, but loves "Guitar Hero" so I think she'll like it.
And now a word from T. Willy. A few mornings ago, the Big Man got up early with us and fed T. Willy breakfast. I was getting ready, packing lunches, etc., and they were talking and laughing and having a big time. As we were on our way to school, I mentioned to T. how nice it was of his dad to get up with him. He said, "Yes, I love him...but I don't like his hair."
A.
All is well at school. Everyone is adjusting to the news and just kind of thinking about the future. We are dealing with the news with a sense of humor. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of sarcasm. The kids are abuzz with news of what they are going to do next year. I have filled out a few recommendations for other schools. We're all going to be okay.
MK had the big state exams at school this week, and she is relieved to have it behind her. She is looking forward to her first surprise birthday party tomorrow. The plans are for a big night of "Rock Band." She hasn't played it before, but loves "Guitar Hero" so I think she'll like it.
And now a word from T. Willy. A few mornings ago, the Big Man got up early with us and fed T. Willy breakfast. I was getting ready, packing lunches, etc., and they were talking and laughing and having a big time. As we were on our way to school, I mentioned to T. how nice it was of his dad to get up with him. He said, "Yes, I love him...but I don't like his hair."
A.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
This week
So a few things happened this week.
The first involves work. We were called into a meeting last week. It was at 5:30 on a Friday evening to ensure that everyone was able to make it. Our principal prayed and immediately said, "Well, folks, we're closing." I cannot describe the feeling. Of course, the speculation had begun after we were told about the meeting. We were prepared for something big, but not exactly what it was. I work at a Christian school that is privately run, in that it is run by a family and not in conjunction with a church as many are. From what we've been told, the family just believes that it is time. Now it seems that when things happen, there is a general feeling of...that is the last time that will happen. I worked there for six years, took 3 years off while I stayed home with T. Willy and returned at the beginning of this school year. The people there have been very good to me and the school has been a part of my life for 10 years now.
We had our annual student vs. staff basketball game yesterday. I sat with the principal's wife. When he took the court, the students were yelling like crazy for him. She and I sat there and teared up, knowing that this would be the last time that would happen. There is a lot of that. The Big Man often calls it the school for misfit students. While that isn't the nicest assessment, it has an element of truth. Many of our kids have struggled in public school and have found a haven at our school. We wonder what will happen to them next year.
I had actually been planning to submit an application with our county school district. I have even arranged to take the state certification test in April. I just wanted this year to help T. Willy in his first year of preschool. He is just a few feet from me and I love it. He had a very bad week last week due to illness, and I cannot express how wonderful it was to be able to run to his class and comfort him and then be able to radio his teacher to see how he was. I will always be thankful for this year. I was hestitating to submit the application because I wanted a reference but did not want to seem disloyal. At least that has been resolved for me. So we will just have to wait and see what the future holds.
The next also involves school but in a different way. In my night class this week I quoted a teacher that I had in 7th and 9th grades. She was my English teacher, always my favorite subject, and she really made a positive impression on me. After the class I came home and decided to search for her on the internet. Voila! So if you saw the comments on my last post, you will know that I found her.
The experiences that I had in school were very different from those of the Big Man. He went to a huge public school and had no real relationships with his teachers. My school was a good size for a Christian school, but there were still only 42 in my graduating class. It was connected to our church in which we were very active. Because of school and church activities, it was not unusual for me to be there 7 days week. And I absolutely loved it. I am still in touch with many people from school, and while it wasn't perfect, I am thankful for it. And I am thankful for "Miss Massi" writing back to me!!!
The first involves work. We were called into a meeting last week. It was at 5:30 on a Friday evening to ensure that everyone was able to make it. Our principal prayed and immediately said, "Well, folks, we're closing." I cannot describe the feeling. Of course, the speculation had begun after we were told about the meeting. We were prepared for something big, but not exactly what it was. I work at a Christian school that is privately run, in that it is run by a family and not in conjunction with a church as many are. From what we've been told, the family just believes that it is time. Now it seems that when things happen, there is a general feeling of...that is the last time that will happen. I worked there for six years, took 3 years off while I stayed home with T. Willy and returned at the beginning of this school year. The people there have been very good to me and the school has been a part of my life for 10 years now.
We had our annual student vs. staff basketball game yesterday. I sat with the principal's wife. When he took the court, the students were yelling like crazy for him. She and I sat there and teared up, knowing that this would be the last time that would happen. There is a lot of that. The Big Man often calls it the school for misfit students. While that isn't the nicest assessment, it has an element of truth. Many of our kids have struggled in public school and have found a haven at our school. We wonder what will happen to them next year.
I had actually been planning to submit an application with our county school district. I have even arranged to take the state certification test in April. I just wanted this year to help T. Willy in his first year of preschool. He is just a few feet from me and I love it. He had a very bad week last week due to illness, and I cannot express how wonderful it was to be able to run to his class and comfort him and then be able to radio his teacher to see how he was. I will always be thankful for this year. I was hestitating to submit the application because I wanted a reference but did not want to seem disloyal. At least that has been resolved for me. So we will just have to wait and see what the future holds.
The next also involves school but in a different way. In my night class this week I quoted a teacher that I had in 7th and 9th grades. She was my English teacher, always my favorite subject, and she really made a positive impression on me. After the class I came home and decided to search for her on the internet. Voila! So if you saw the comments on my last post, you will know that I found her.
The experiences that I had in school were very different from those of the Big Man. He went to a huge public school and had no real relationships with his teachers. My school was a good size for a Christian school, but there were still only 42 in my graduating class. It was connected to our church in which we were very active. Because of school and church activities, it was not unusual for me to be there 7 days week. And I absolutely loved it. I am still in touch with many people from school, and while it wasn't perfect, I am thankful for it. And I am thankful for "Miss Massi" writing back to me!!!
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Back in the land of the living
We are pretty much all well again. The Big Man is recovering and is back at work. The kids and I are okay, and we're all just hoping illness is behind us.
Not much to report. My parents are making plans to come here in a couple of weeks. That should be fun. We haven't seen them since Christmas, and T. Willy always has some new tricks to show them. Today's trick? He has figured out that if he licks his hand and lays it on the freezer shelf, it sticks! Don't ask me how he learned it, I'm just hoping he doesn't figure out that his tongue will do it too!
Have a great day!
A
Not much to report. My parents are making plans to come here in a couple of weeks. That should be fun. We haven't seen them since Christmas, and T. Willy always has some new tricks to show them. Today's trick? He has figured out that if he licks his hand and lays it on the freezer shelf, it sticks! Don't ask me how he learned it, I'm just hoping he doesn't figure out that his tongue will do it too!
Have a great day!
A
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Greetings from the infirmary!
We have had a quiet weekend. The Big Man had minor surgery on Friday. I had planned to take the morning off, get him settled in, and then go to work so he could rest. Unfortunately MK started running a fever on Thursday, so I took the whole day off and nursed the family. After naptime the school called and said that T. Willy had gotten sick at school. So I nursed them all Friday night. T. Willy started running a fever last night, just as MK's broke. She is well today but T. Willy and I are both sick. My voice was completely gone for half of the day, so we'll see what tomorrow has to hold. It's a little inconvenient to try to teach without a voice. T. Willy slept nearly all day, which was scary because he doesn't even nap at home, but he's up and playing now.
So now I'm off to watch the Oscars, although I don't think I saw a single nominated movie. But I did get to see Amy Adams on the red carpet, the star of Enchanted, my favorite movie of the year!
So now I'm off to watch the Oscars, although I don't think I saw a single nominated movie. But I did get to see Amy Adams on the red carpet, the star of Enchanted, my favorite movie of the year!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Time to Blog Again
Nothing really new to report. We're all doing fine. We're not big observers of the Valentine's holiday, but we had a fun night. The kids got presents and I actually cooked dinner. With our hectic schedules of late, that is really a big deal! I defrost and serve food, but that night I actually cut and peeled and seasoned, etc.
On Wednesday the head of the English department sat in on my class. Wow...I was NERVOUS! I was shaking and stumbling over my words. Then we did something out of the ordinary that broke the ice. We were concentrating on writing that night. (Me teaching writing...it's almost laughable.) The assignment was to observe something and then write about it, using the things we've been learning to describe it. So we left the classroom and went to the library. It was everyone's, including my, first time to the campus library. As we walked there, Mrs. H. said she thought it was a good idea, so that really helped. One of the students also said she was nervous. She mentioned that the class was so serious. When we returned to the room, I was much more relaxed, especially when I saw Mrs. H. grading papers. She sat with me after the class and gave me some helpful, but not critical, words of advice, all of which were extremely valuable. She hired me and I really wanted her to feel that she had made a good decision.
So, that's it. Hope you have a great day!
A
On Wednesday the head of the English department sat in on my class. Wow...I was NERVOUS! I was shaking and stumbling over my words. Then we did something out of the ordinary that broke the ice. We were concentrating on writing that night. (Me teaching writing...it's almost laughable.) The assignment was to observe something and then write about it, using the things we've been learning to describe it. So we left the classroom and went to the library. It was everyone's, including my, first time to the campus library. As we walked there, Mrs. H. said she thought it was a good idea, so that really helped. One of the students also said she was nervous. She mentioned that the class was so serious. When we returned to the room, I was much more relaxed, especially when I saw Mrs. H. grading papers. She sat with me after the class and gave me some helpful, but not critical, words of advice, all of which were extremely valuable. She hired me and I really wanted her to feel that she had made a good decision.
So, that's it. Hope you have a great day!
A
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