Got milk?

First off, Gracie's sleeping in streak is over. She got up at 4:45 two nights ago, and 5:15 this morning. I don't count that as sleeping through the night. It needs to be at least 6 to count in my book.

Secondly, we've decided not to give Grace breastmilk anymore. Long story short, we've been mixing 4 different types of formula and we just re-introduced a little breastmilk to it, and it made her spitting up problem worse. She was gagging and spitting up 4 or 5 times per feeding. And some of it looked like mashed potatoes! Nice, huh? So, we've decided to give her formula only. And we're gonna donate the stored breastmilk we still have in the freezer. There's this organization called the International Breastmilk Project that gives donated breastmilk to sick children here in the United States, but also to babies in Africa whose mothers can't breastfeed because they carry HIV/AIDS. Check out their website: http://www.breastmilkproject.org/ And I was gonna just throw the milk away!!

So maybe Grace can't use it, but others can. I guess I was meant to put in all the time and effort of pumping all that time to bless other babies.

God works in mysterious ways, doesn't he?

We're on a roll!!

Well, since my last blog entry, Gracie has slept through the night 3 nights in a row!! Thank you, Lord!! Maybe this outfit will be a lie from now on. We'll see...

It ain't easy being green

Time for a change. Again. You can always tell when I'm home more, when the blog changes a lot, huh? Oh well. Change is good.

You know what change I would like and pray for every night? Gracie to sleep through the night. She makes it to 5 or 6 on occasions, but not consistently. All would be well, if our little princess would decide that she could be content with staying snuggled up warm in her bed until at 6 in the morning (if we're gonna dream, let's wish for 7 or 8, shall we?). I think she'll give in soon, but until then, I guess I need to be happy with only one wake up a night. And the fact that we only have one baby. Have you ever seen the tv show "Jon and Kate Plus 8"? If you haven't, check your local listings and just breeze by it one of these days. It makes all mothers feel better about their situations. She had 8 babies in two pregnancies!!

I guess one baby not sleeping through the night yet is nothing in comparison. I'll shut up now.

Proud to be an American

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!! So, without getting too political or in-your-face with you any of you, I just want to say that I hope you remember why we celebrate this day. It doesn't matter where you stand on the wars that are going on, or what politcal party you're from, or what race you are, or what religion you practice or what your stand for at all. Really, in this instance, it doesn't. Because no matter who you are or what you believe in or where you're from, someone came before you and fought and died for you to live the way you do. You couldn't live so freely, knowing that you can pray to whatever God (or god) you want without being persecuted for it, you can eat in whatever restaurant or use whatever public facility you choose without fear that someone might see your skin color and kick you out after a severe beating. We are who we are because of our history. And most of that history involves Veterans and soldiers that did what they needed to do and what they thought was right. We often forget that or think of it as cliche'. But today should be a reminder of why we have the luxuries we have and the price others before us paid.

So, as you're grilling your hot dogs and burgers, or chugging down that icy cold beer or just laughing it up with your buddies, remember how lucky you are to hang out with whomever you want and talk about whatever you want. It's good to be free, isn't it?

This time tomorrow...

It will officially be summer, at least for the kids in my District. That seems weird to me, as I've been home and away from work since Spring Break. I often forget that summer hasn't even started yet. I keep thinking about things that need to get done in my classroom and how I'm going to get over there to do them, and that stresses me out. I want to have the mentality of "oh well, I'm on Maternity Leave!! I'll get them done when I darn well please!", but most every bone in my body wants to go down there right now and take care of them. I MIGHT try to go by the school tomrrow, as it is the last day. We'll see though, as it all depends on Grace's schedule.

It's been weird enough being out and about during a weekday, now I'll be seeing my students (some hiding, some seeking me out) around town.

Ain't it great to be a girl??

I went to a special thing last night. It's called the SHE event. Check out the website if you'd like. http://www.sheevent.com/index.php It was an emotional, powerful and empowering time. It was time to spend with fellow Christian girls of all ages (there were little girls up to Grandmas and probably even great Grandmas), without children!! If you're familiar, the Christian singer Rebecca St. James was not only the main performer, but also the host. It was neat. The end.

Happy 8 week birthday, Gracie!

Well, Grace is 8 weeks old today. She'll officially be 2 months old on Wednesday. Wow. I'm beginning to completely forget what it was like before. I guess because my day is so consumed by mommy duties that it has escaped my mind what it was like to just have one. Things were easier, I'll tell ya that. I didn't realize how independent Mason had become until we had Grace. He can dress and undress himself. He can feed himself and clean up after himself. He can sit for long periods of time and read and watch tv and play without needing aide from us. And Grace is not only an infant, but she's colicky (or something. we haven't figured it out yet) and that makes for long days. She cries a lot. Spits up a lot. Needs to be held a lot. I want to get things done and feel I should as I am at home all day, but there are times, when I have like 5 unfinished projects scattered about the house (half folded laundry, some dishes put away, etc.) and it's frustrating. I know "this too shall pass", and before we know it, she'll be Mason's age, saying quirky things like, "I smell something like snack" or "Juice and milk and water are good for our tummies" or "I can read. The letters are T, K, M, A, B" like her big brother.

I want to enjoy being home. I want to be thankful that God has blessed me with more time at home than the first time. I want to be glad I'm not working. And I pray that I get to have these feelings before the summer's over. We have Grace's 2 month checkup on Monday, and we'll discuss our frustrations with the doctor. I hope she has some answers. And I hope I can soon be thrilled to be home with 2 children.

This is me. Bored.

It was time for a change. Hope you like the new color scheme. It's kinda fun and summery. 'Til next time...

Is it wrong that I miss my school?

I've been back to visit my school twice in the past week or so, and I kind of miss it. Don't get me wrong, it's so nice to be home everyday, making memories with my 3 year old and watching my infant change and grow before my eyes, but walking back into the school gave me such a familiar feeling that I miss at times.

My first visit was last Friday. I was nervous for some reason. I took Mason and Grace with me, so it was a bigger production to get there, so maybe that's why my nerves were skittish, but I don't know. As soon as I walked through the front doors, it was like I never left. Granted, it had only been 6 weeks, which isn't long at all, but still. A lot can happen in 6 weeks. Anyways, the ladies in the front office went gaga over Grace and tried to talk to Mason, but he's on this kick that he hides any time someone asks him just about anything. Frankly it's getting a little annoying. I know kids can be shy and it's better than him leaping into the arms of strangers, but I just wish he'd respond or answer people when they talk to him. But I digress. So after hanging in the office for a bit, we trudged upstairs (via the elevator, of course) and went to my classroom. Mrs. Former Assistant Principal was delighted to have me come by and she wasn't at all put off that I disrupted class. I let the kids come up row by row to see the baby and of course to chat with me. It was strange to see them. They still felt like my kids and it felt like my classroom, but with a slightly different feel. The girls were especially pleased to see the baby and me, but the boys seemed indifferent about the whole thing (not surprising). After that, Mason and Grace and I returned to the front office and I ended up feeding Gracie in Mrs. Principal's office. And I needed to go through 5 weeks of mail. Apparently, Mrs. Assistant Principal "just hadn't thought to" check my mailbox, so needless to say, there was quite a bit to weed through. Mostly junk, but I had to hand her some of the things to actually give out to students!! I realize she didn't want to go through my personal mail, but you'd think she still would have checked! Ah well, not my problem I guess.

My second visit was this past Thursday. I had to return some paperwork to the school anyways, and I figured I could visit another group of my kids. This was a shorter visit, but still a thrill for my kids and a lot of teachers that I encountered. Mason still didn't want to talk to anyone, yet many people tried to ask him if he was enjoying being a big brother and having mommy home. This class was also happy to see me and asked vehemently that I come back. I laughed and said that wasn't going to happen. Is there a part of me that kind of wishes I was going back this school year? Maybe. I wouldn't want to leave Gracie with someone already (although she will be in more than capaable hands next year, being that we're leaving her with a friend from church that lives in the next subdivision over from ours), but I kind of wish I could get out of the house everyday and be in the presence of other people. And get paid again. And I'm off track again. Well, anyways, it was nice to go back, and I plan on returning to visit at least one more time, as I have one more group of kids to see. Plus there's end of the year stuff that will still need to be done. And I want to know the schedule for next year.

Rumor is that I'm teaching a block of 7th grade Honors Language Arts. We'll see if that pans out. Could make things interesting. But for now, my main focus is intended to be Mommy Duty, I suppose. And I am thankful for that. I just wish I could have it both ways.

What's so magical about the 6 week mark??

A lot of people (including doctors) seem to think that once your newborn hits the 6 week mark, things start to run smoother. Hmmmm...tomorrow Gracie will be 6 weeks old (gosh, that was fast!!) and we're still working out some kinks. She has a serious spitting up problem (she's like Old Faithful. A screaming, unhappy, pooping Old Faithful...) and we are still in the changing-all-the-variables stage right now. We're hoping to get it figured out asap. In fact, we have an UltraSound of her tummy scheduled for Tuesday. They want to make sure everything's in working order and the valve going into her stomach is the right size or something.

She's also not sleeping through the night quite yet. I know we were spoiled with Mason, and we knew going into it that there was a chance she wouldn't be as eager to sleep through the night as young as he, but she was sending us false vibes about a week ago when she was sleeping until 4 or so. But she's back to waking up around 1 or 2 most of the time now. Maybe it's related to the problem mentioned above. Only time will tell, right?

Luckily I'm not really suffering from the Baby Blues this time around, because that would make things a billion times worse. Not to say I don't have my moments of tearful frustration, but at least I haven't thought of walking away and joining a circus. (Note: I did not seek a circus last time, I was just making up something ridiculous) But I do have times during the day when I miss work. I know if you read archived blogs from 2 months ago, you would be shocked to read this one, as I was SO READY to leave work then. But I miss the predictability of the job. I miss the interaction. And I miss getting out of the house without children. My children anyway.

I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel, I just wish it was brighter. And closer.

All right. A Blogger friend of mine did this on her page, and now I'm doing it here. Read on, and then you're it!!

1) What was I doing 10 years ago?
Ummm...Well, I was 19, going on 20 (really?? Oh my, I'm getting old!!). I was in college as a Sophomore, just a few months away from moving to Flagstaff to go to NAU. I was dating my Hubby and he was in the Army, living in Tennessee. Much different lifestyle then.

2) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today (not in any particular order):
1. Call our doc about Gracie's continual spitting up.
2. Call the school district regarding a check I was supposed to get.
3. Get dressed.
4. Find a place in my closet for some clothes that don't quite fit me again.
5. Take a nap. Wishful thinking...

3) Snacks I enjoy:
Food is my friend. In fact, we're so close, that it likes to stick around on my body forever...Anywho, I love desserts, like ice cream, cake, cookies, donuts, etc. I also love pizza. And nachos.

4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Stop worrying about money forever.
2. Buy a big enough house that the kids could have a big playroom. And we could have an office for the computer. And a guest room. And a maid.
3. Set up college funds for the kids so they'd be set.
4. Buy brand new cars. Maybe electric cars.

5) Four of my bad habits:
1. Chewing on my fingers.
2. Being really, really sarcastic.
3. Being lazy at times.
4. Eating too much. Too often.

6) 5 places I have lived:
1. Phoenix, AZ
2. Anchorage, AK
3. Manassas, VA
4. Clarksville, TN
5. Prescott Valley, AZ

7) 5 jobs I have had:
1.Worked in about a half a dozen daycares.
2. Mervyn's.
3. Substitute teacher
4.Little Caesar's
5.Middle School Language Arts teacher.

8) 5 peeps I wanna know more about:
Well, I don't imagine anyone on here will fill it out, so no one I guess.

They're growing too fast!!

We went to Grace's 1 month appointment today, and she is now 8 pounds, 3 ounces and 20.25 inches long. I had a feeling she was over 8 pounds, as she was beginning to fit in size 1 diapers, but I still couldn't believe she was that big already!! And she's a month old today!! Man oh man.

Oh and my first baby? He can completely dress and undress himself, brush his own teeth, identify the upper and lowercase of letters of the alphabet as pairs (he can match up a lowercase "a" with an uppercase "A", for example), he can dictate the words in some of his books, and the biggest thing??? He's on his last Pull-Up at bedtime!! That means after tonight, it's underwear all the time, baby!! He's been dry and probably ready for underwear at bedtime for a a month or more, but we thought we'd wait and ease him into yet another change. I think he'll be fine. He always wakes up dry and he does sometimes tell us in the middle of the night that he has to go. I'm so proud of him. And he'll be going to Preschool in the Fall.

What a blessing that my babies are healthy and growing up right on track, but as a mommy, sometimes you have to just sit back for a moment and let your eyes well up with tears and wonder where the time has gone...

Howdy howdy howdy!!

Hello y'all...As you can see, we're hanging in there and being a little crazy too. Here's Mason turning his little sister into Woody from Toy Story. Yes, he thought of that himself. And yes, he put the hat on her all by himself and started saying, "Howdy howdy howdy!" It was funny. The end.

Our little beauty queen

Our second child is so much higher maintenance than Mason. She fusses more. She takes longer to go back to sleep. She spits up like a volcanic eruption. She doesn't really like the swing. She spits the binky out, but then cries because she wants it. She likes to be swaddled, but quickly gets at least one arm out and then cries.

But ain't she the purdiest baby girl you've ever seen?

Ahhh...

Things are looking up. Our little Gracie girl is 3 weeks old today!! Crazy, isn't it? And really, I can't remember what it was like before she was here. Well, I got more sleep, that I remember. But she's definitely getting lots of rest. And so is Mason, which is good. I try to nap during the day, since most of the time, one of Grace's naps coordinates with Mason's. But I still feel tired. Oh well. I can sleep when I'm dead, right? Until then, I am enjoying being a Mommy of Two. And I will enjoy it even more when our baby girl sleeps through the night.

First full day survived

Well, today was officially the first full day that it was just Mason, Grace and I all day. We survived. No one got hurt. No one starved. Nothing caught on fire. I didn't break down into tears. So I consider that a good day. My hubby left the house around 7:45 this morning and won't be back until 6 or so tonight. A long first day for us, but we made it. Between Grace's feedings, I managed to do and put away laundry (3 loads), put away dishes, played outside with Mason, watched some tv and wrote a grocery list. Not bad.

I took Grace for her follow-up weight check appointment yesterday, and she's up to 7 pounds!! That's above her birth weight!! Yippee!! We revel in the little things.

I guess that's it. It's still weird to me to not be at school, but I'm getting over it. I've spoken with a few colleagues, and they said that Mrs. Former Assistant Principal is flourishing as my sub. She has stated that I am so organized that she comes in minutes before school starts and leaves right after school. That's a prideful moment for me. I spent the last month of work in nesting mode, preparing a binder for her, including lesson plans, assignments, procedures, rules, etc. I guess it was sufficient.

So, that's it for real. Nothing else to say. This is my life now. Two kids. At home. And I'm surviving so far.

Has it really been a week????

Wow. This time last week, Grace wasn't even born yet. But she is a week old, and that's unbelievable. This week has been a whirlwind, to say the least. Everyday has gotten a little better, with a pseudo routine and my healing. I don't walk around like an arthritic 80 year old anymore and the incision is staple-free now, which is a step. And big brother Mason is still infatuated with his little sister Gracie, at least for now. Anyways, we're getting along okay, and I'm obviously finding time here and there to do things aside from baby care. Will blog again soon.

She has arrived!!!

Our C-Section was Friday morning, and Grace Maureen is doing well. Here are the stats: born at 8:14 a.m. and she was 6lbs, 14 oz (smaller than Mason--he was 7 lbs 9 oz), 19 inches long. We came home yesterday. Mason seems real excited to be around her (at least for now) and we're all adjusting to being a family of 4. I'm hobbling around okay, but I'm bruised and look like a crazed maniac took a chainsaw to my lower abdomen, but other than that, we're getting better and better. Will write again soon. And of course there will be pictures soon.

'Tis twelve and a half hours until showtime...

Well, this is it. This is really my last blog before Grace arrives. Seriously. We have to be there at 5:30 tomorrow morning, so slim to no chance that I'll get on here in the morning. So yeah. I ate a good meal (have to fast after midnight) and now I am anxiously awaiting the in-laws' arrival in an hour or so, and then I will be anxiously awaiting morning to come, and then anxiously awaiting to the first meeting of our little girl.

Waiting is killer, isn't it?

37 hours from now...

We'll be heading into surgery. Wow. Basically, tomorrow is our last day at home before The Big Day. We've been cleaning and nesting and just getting things as organized and clean as possible before baby and before visitors. Today was real productive, with vaccuuming, laundry, giving Max a bath, among other things.

Yesterday was our last OB appointment. She didn't even check to see if I was dilated. She just said that if I go into labor before Friday, to just come on in. Then we went over to the hospital to get some lab work done. (aka blood and pee) I am now already wearing a pretty green bracelet that says I've had blood work done and it's the first of many stylish pieces of plastic jewlery that I get to wear in the next few days.

Funny little anecdote: While still at the OB yesterday, I was signing a bunch of papers and one was clearly a generic surgical form, because one of the boxes I had to initial was that, "I understand that this surgical procedure may not cure my condition". I had to laugh. May not cure my condition?? If I'm still pregnant when I leave the hospital, someone is getting a beating!! :)

May or may not get on here tomorrow. If not, TTFN and I will update you again when we have settled back at home, probably Sunday. And don't worry, there will be more pictures of little Gracie than you can handle. Like you had any doubt...

Still pregnant

Yep, not much to say. So, why am I blogging then, you ask? I don't know. Honestly, I just painted my toenails and I'm waiting for them to dry so I can go to the store. We have quite a list to get at Fry's, since this will be our last shopping trip for awhile, and we have visitors coming (my hubby's parents and his aunt will be staying here this weekend while we're in the hospital, and his mom is staying through next week). Also, let's be honest, the grocery trip gives me something to do. I've already sanitized Mason's toys, we've dusted and I'm in process of washing all of the floormats in the house. Tomorrow will be some more cleaning and stuff. It's nice to think that the house will be nice and clean and as germ-free as possible when we bring Grace home. And let's face it, cleaning is a nice time filler before she gets here.

Well, I'm sure I'll find some excuse to write again at least once before Friday. You can look forward to those aimless ramblings...

Mason Sees a Who

We went to see "Horton Hears a Who" this afternoon. Very cute. And our 3 year old sat through the whole thing. He didn't even get squirrely towards the end. It was worth the price of admission. And the time with our son who will no longer be an only child in 5 days. Good stuff...

The light at the end of the tunnel

Yesterday was my last day at work. It didn't really hit me though. I've been looking forward to this for months now, and when it finally came, I couldn't wrap my mind around it. Granted, I had some kids hugging me and saying goodbye and saying they'd miss me (probably mostly because they are afraid of the ex assistant principal being their new teacher!!), and teachers were wishing me good luck. But it just felt weird. I packed some of my personal affects, but most of my classroom looks the same. After I was done with everything, I just stood around for a minute and stared. Like I was forgetting something. Or I didn't want to go. Or something. I am so ready for this next chapter in my life to begin, but it still feels a little foreign and surreal to me sometimes. And it feels really weird to not be returning to work after Spring Break. I know my kids are in capable hands, but I feel like I'm going to miss out on something. Or I didn't plan or prepare enough. I don't know. I guess I could make myself crazy worrying or overanalyzing (I never do that!!) over what specifics I may or may not have remembered to leave. But when you get right down to it, it doesn't matter, my kids will be fine and no one will blame me for being unprepared.

Besides, I have bigger fish to fry (weird saying, and I'm not even sure it works in this instance but oh well)!! We're having a baby on Friday!! We're ready, believe me. And I think Mason's as ready as he can be. I have a list of things I would like to get done (like cleaning and whatnot) in an ideal world, but we'll see what happens. Either way, Grace is coming Friday morning and it will all be okay.

Play time!!

It's actually starting to warm up around here, and we're actually spending some time outside. It's nice. Mason's enjoying the activity and we're glad to be using the ginormous backyard for something. Someday soon we'll have a swingset and stuff, but for now, he's happy just running around and playing in the dirt.

And speaking of play time, this is my last week at work. My grades are done. The kids don't know that, as the general understanding is that we as teachers have until Friday to enter grades. But I'm done. I've checked out, to be honest. Today they did a fun worksheet where they designed their own postage stamp. Tomorrow my first block is getting the reward for being the best behaved by far (I did this every Quarter), while the other two classes are doing a St. Patrick's Day activity. Wednesday, I'm showing a super fantastic, ultra cheesy 1990 B.B.C. version of C.S. Lewis' "Prince Caspian". Thursday I'm showing "Pursuit of Happyness". Friday is an Early Release and a Jog-a-thon (major PTSO fundraiser). That's it. No more real work. No more grades to enter. I just need to keep my sanity (and my baby intact) for another 4 days.

Party!!

The things I learned yesterday

I was out on Wednesday. Tuesday was just a rough night, as far as not sleeping, having some contractions and just being generally uncomfortable. So, I figured I should take it easy, so I minimize the chances that I will go into labor at work in the next week.

Anyways...I came back yesterday to find out a few things: a)2 of my 3 classes were rowdy (my last block was bad enough to have another teacher come in and yell at them), b)the sub was crazy (and I don't mean crazy in the fun way--crazy like a nutjob) and c)I am so glad this is the last time I have to deal with having a sub for the rest of the school year. It's such a pain to be out. I left explicit plans via email to the principal's secretary (which is protocol at our school), but apparently the sub "didn't see the plans" until later 1st period. Grrr. And a plethora of names were left as rowdy students. I wrote 11 ASDs. I was furious. I know that having an easy sub breeds misbehavior, but I don't think that's an excuse. These kids are 12 years old!! They need to take responsibility for their actions! So, needless to say, by the time yesterday ended at school, I was relieved.

Last night, my hubby and I went to a follow up labor class at the hospital. Yes, we're having a scheduled c-section (hopefully), but I still thought it would be beneficial, which it was. We talked about our previous labor experience (it was just us and one other couple) and then the hubby's learned some relaxation techniques, which included massage. That was worth the $10 itself! Next week we'll take Mason with us, and we'll get a tour of the labor and delivery rooms and get to introduce him to the idea of it all. We've talked to him some about the baby coming and how Mommy and Daddy are going to be staying at the hospital for a few days and Grandma and Grandpa will be coming to stay with him, but I don't think he quite gets it. So, maybe taking him next week will help.

And that's it. I have one week of work (doing the happy dance) and 2 weeks until baby Grace comes. Assuming I last that long. I'm trying, man, trust me. I want to make it to the scheduled day. I don't want to stress or rush. And I want to clean the house and have some time with Mason during Spring Break first!! I guess we'll see what God has written in his planbook, eh?

Okay baby...

We're ready. We've had 3 baby showers (God bless so many friends and family members that love us and want to spoil baby Grace!!), we've got the room ready to go, the carseat is installed and of course I'm ready. We have less than 3 weeks (it was 3 weeks from Friday, actually), and I have 2 weeks of work. I don't think anxious quite defines it...

4 weeks from today...

Our little Gracie will have greeted the world, with squinty, shocked eyes. And we will be sitting there in the hospital, staring at her, thinking, "now what?" :)

And 3 weeks from today, I'll already be on Maternity Leave!! That's amazing. And crazy. And exciting. And a little scary. But isn't life always those things?

Bring it on!

Blessed, Overwhelmed and Overrun by PINK!!

In a matter of 24 hours, we went from having a decent amount of baby stuff that definitely would have gotten us through with a new baby, to having an ABUNDANCE of stuff!! I had two baby showers last week: one on Friday thrown by my fellow teachers and one on Saturday thrown by my mom. Holy Guacamole, was I a little taken aback! We are thankful for the love and support and friendships we have, but it's still a little overwhelming. On Saturday, I just kept glancing over at the gift table, and I swear the presents were multiplying on their own, because the pile wasn't diminishing!! Like I said, we're grateful, but I have a feeling we'll have to change little Grace 5 times a day just to get her in every outfit at least once!!



And Ms. Cindy's throwing me another shower in two weeks.

Another week later...

It's been a week since I wrote last. I'm sure there's lots of things I could share, if only I could remember them...Well, I'm still pregnant. (Duh!) I've got 5 and a half weeks of work left, and 6 and a half weeks until we get to meet baby Gracie. That's a little crazy...My dear friend PBAF is headed to the hospital tomorrow evening to be induced, so should be meeting her baby Lily Thursday sometime. Man oh man, that blows my mind. I can't imagine how anxious she must be...Mason's had a stomach thing (throwing up) since Thursday, then he was fine Sunday, then he got runny poopy yesterday. Fun fun. I think he's finally getting over it...I have two baby showers next week: one at work on Friday (during half of an Inservice!!) and one on Saturday that my mom is throwing. It's really exciting, but a little overwhelming, because Ms. Cindy is also throwing one for me in a couple of weeks too. I think we'll have more pink than we'll know what to do with!! I am grateful, don't get me wrong, but I just can't imagine how much stuff we'll acquire (I am registered at Target and BabiesRUs, but I really don't know if there's enough for 3 showers!!)...Today is Super Tuesday, and I know my right and duty as an American citizen is to participate in the Primaries, but I can't. We never bothered to re-register to vote when we moved. We did, however, change our address on our Driver's License, so we can't even go to our former polling place. But honestly, I don't know who I would vote for, even I could. My hubby and I agree that so far one specific candidate isn't wowing us or really someone we could feel 100% confident with running this country. I guess we'll just see who comes out on top today, and then we'll be able to narrow down our choices...I really need to jot down some of the mind blowing things my little teenage geniuses have said lately, because I'm sure I could have enough to have a 3rd installment in my blog, Teenagers Are Common Sense Deficient. So, look forward to that. Someday...I guess that's enough random rambling for now. See you on the flip side (what the heck does that mean, anyways?)

What a shame

My girls are disappointing me lately. Yesterday, 3 girls at school (2 of them were my students) decided that they "just weren't going to go to class". They made up a fake story to see the counselor and then after their visit were sent to 1st hour, which they never made it to. I wouldn't have thought anything of my missing student (there's always someone absent for something), but another girl asked where she was and that she had been on the bus that morning. I call the office and inform them of this interesting bit of info, and lo and behold, an hour later, the story unfolds and they find all three girls attempting to leave the school. I guess it's to our advantage that they weren't brave, or else they would have been long gone. They're stupid (to be seen on the bus and then think no one would notice if they didn't show up to class), but not brave.

And today, during 7th hour, I confiscate a note that was being written and passed. I do not read notes out loud. I never have. I just think in this day and age, you'd have to censor so much of the note anyways, that it wouldn't be worth it. Plus, it's more fun to read it silently at my desk and get the curious stares from the writers and the rest of the class. Anyhow, I glanced at the note and read it's explicit message: two girls were discussing who they liked and if they would f*** that particular love interest. It was sick. I calmly left the note on my desk and went on with my teaching. I think they believed I just threw the note away and didn't even read it. I thouyght about what to say and do. I could have written them up an After School Detention for vulgarity. I could have called home to tell their mommies that their daughters were writing sexual content in my class. I didn't know what to do. So I waited until the end of 8th hour (over an hour later), and told the class that they were dismissed, besides the two girls. After everyone left, I called them to my desk and asked them about the note. They were dumbfounded. They said nothing. They stared at their shoes. I told them how disgusted and disappointed I was at reading the note. I told them that I was offended and did not tolerate that nastiness in my classroom. I told them what my options were as far as discipline. They were silent. I explained how much potential they both had and how they were not stupid. I gave them Lunch Detention for passing notes and explained how lucky they were. They still didn't say much. I don't know if I got through.

Sometimes my job can be so disheartening.

The many adventures of a chocolate goat, the closing gap and a pregnant babysitter

Wow, the things to share here. First of all, I know you're admiring the beautiful face of my son, with his "chocolate goat". The other night he was enjoying chocolate yogurt (sounds kinda gross, but it's pretty good, and better for you than cookies or ice cream). I just had to snap a shot.

Anyways, then there's the "closing gap" part of my title. This isn't really newsworthy (unless you live in the same town as myself--which one of you does, I suppose), but it still rocked my world. I went to the mall this weekend, and was more than shocked to find the Gap Outlet close to vacant and signs of "50% off Everything!" everywhere. They're closing for good!! Why wasn't I informed?!? A lot of Mason's clothes (and future sized clothes) came from Gap clearance. But I guess that's the problem. I never spent full price on anything there. I always veered right for the clearance racks. If there were too many people like me, I guess a place can't stay in business. So, I grabbed up a few things (including a onesie for Gracie that says "Honey" and then has a picture of a bunny on it) and walked away with my head hanging low. Okay, maybe not, but I was a little bummed.

And the last (and most momentus) bit of information: if you read the title, you probably already know: Our babysitter is pregnant!! Talk about pretty much knocking my socks off! And clearly it came as a shock to her and her hubby too. She's 41 and in no way was she trying to be a new mommy. But I guess God had other plans. She guesses she's about 8 weeks along, which puts her due date around mid to late August. Right around the time school's starting again. Hmmm...It got me and hubby thinking of what will happen to Gracie, as the plan was we would swapping Mason (because he's heading to preschool in the fall) for Grace. That may not be happening afterall. We were a little taken aback when the news was given to us at their house last night, but it's sinking in now. Every child is a blessing and I know this all happens for a reason. They certainly weren't expecting it (as this will make child #6 for them, with their birth children, adopted children and foster baby), but it happened anyways. Of course, because my hubby and I are both a bit sarcastic, cynical, and find any reason to make fun of people (shouldn't come as a shocker to any of you), we couldn't help but laugh at them. We were joking that it could even be twins. Wouldn't that make things interesting? We'll see what God had planned, right?

So, we'll give it some time and then start talking seriously and thinking about what our other options are for Gracie's care. We've already had a few potential offers, so we'll see. It'll work itself out in the end, but it's weird to think that Grace may not be spending the first three years of her life with Ms. Cindy, as Mason did.

And that, my friends, is what's been going on with me.

9 weeks from today...

We should be resting in the hospital, still in shock that we are parents of two children...My C-Section is scheduled for Friday, March 21. That's 9 weeks, people!! That means I have 8 weeks left of school. Crazy. In some ways, it seems still far away, but flipping through my planbook at school, it feels like it's tomorrow. I'm glad it's not tomorrow, but it will be here before we know it!

That's so unreal.

Our little chubby girl

New photos of Gracie to come soon!!

Tomorrow we go in for our 3D Ultrasound. We're really excited, as Mason's turned out really cool and we actually get to see her features and which one of us she looks most like (but most people think my hubby and I look like brother and sister anyways, so shouldn't they look like both of us equally?).

Once we've ogled over the pictures (and have showed them to everyone and the mailman), we'll be sure to post at least one.

That is, if she sits still long enough to get her picture taken. If you haven't seen a 3D where the baby was moving around, it looks a little creepy.

We shall see!

So much to say

Last week was amazing and wonderful and a joy and something I will never forget. I got to see one of my very best friends in the whole wide world, who lives practically across the world. My mom and I went out and surprised her for her baby shower and it was such a blast and a whirlwind. We went out last Wednesday and stayed until Sunday. There's so much I could say here and tell you about, but it's hard to put into words how I felt to be around her, and for us to be able to share our pregnancy, even for just a moment in time. In this picture, that's PBAF (and Lily Grace) on the left and me (and Grace Maureen) on the right. Someday they will meet. Until then, we will have the precious memory of the visit.

Our Tater Tot is 3!!

Well, it's almost been a week since our little Spud Bud, Mason, turned 3. Over the week of Christmas, he had a total of 3 birthdays I think, with the ending being this past Saturday. I think he thinks his birthday is like Mardi Gras, and it lasts a week!

Hopefully we can fine tune that as he gets older...
Anyhow, here's the picture from his party invitation, a
picture of his birthday cake from the party, and his very favorite present (A Larry that transforms from Larry, LarryBoy, King George, a viking and Little Joe).

Happy New Year's Eve Eve!

I cannot believe tomorrow is the last day of 2007. It takes me months to get used to writing '07 and then Bam! it's time for a new year. Crazy.

And I still have a week left of Christmas Break.

Yahoo!!

I know I'm a Grammar nut, but this is just ridiculous!!

One of the presents Mason got for Christmas was this generic Lego set, with jungle animals. And according to the label, it came direct from Taiwan. And apparently no one in their shipping and labeling factory could translate. Here's what the package says:

Jungle Bricks Set: Special for you of children design!!

There are orang, elephant, giraffe and so on they are very likeness!

Bricks Set: The excellence designer. Collect all these new exciting set. It will give you infinite pleasure.


I especially appreciate the "infinite pleasure" statement. Maybe I should play with it...

Tag--I'm it!!

Okay, I've had a few friends "tag" me lately (post a blog and then basically dare me to do the same theme) and I've pretended not to notice. I have decided to finally pass it on. So here goes...

Here are random things about me that you may or may not know:

• I chew the skin around my fingernails until it bleeds. Yeah, bleeds. I don't know why. It hurts like the dickens and it's extremely disgusting and embarassing, but I can't stop. I want to. Can't figure out how.


• I don't get Sudoku. I've had my hubby try to explain it to me, but I just don't get it. Nor have I ever been able to solve the Rubix cube. Or see those pictures you're supposed to be able to see within another picture.


• One of my favorite movies is Mean Girls. I know it's super cheesy and it has Lindsey Lohan in it, but it makes me laugh. And as a teacher, I totally find humor in revenge on The Plastics.


• I subscribe to People magazine. And I like to say that I don't care about celebrities, but I think deep down I do. I keep track of that crap.


• You know that song "Christmas Shoes"? It makes me cry just telling people about it. If you've never heard it, Google it. But have Kleenex handy. And Tim McGraw's song, "Don't Take the Girl" and the Lonestar song, "I'm already there" (especially the version with the audio clips of wives and children saying hi to their daddies that are deployed) makes me cry every time.


• When I first get into bed, I have to twist my back around in this contorted position so that it will make a Snap, Crackle, Pop! sound and it grosses out my hubby every time.


• I take showers that are so hot that my skin is a nice pinkish red when I get out.
• I could eat pizza every day. Really, I could.
• I don't know how to play chess or checkers. Or know how to sew. Or knit. Or cross stitch.
• I wish I never had to move out of this town. I hate moving to a new city. But I know I will probably have to leave and that scares me.

I guess that's it. Hope you learned something. Now, let's see...I don't have a lot of blogging friends, but I'll tag Hip Mommy. :)

Merry Christmas!!

Well, only 2 hours and 15 minutes until Ol' St. Nick is expected to plop his plump self down our chimney (which we don't have) and eat our cookies and drink our milk (which we're not leaving out) and then leave us presents (which we've already opened, because we're splitting up the Holiday). Ho ho ho!!

Hope tomorrow is a blessed day for all and Santa is good to you.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS WITH A TWIST:
1. Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?
2. Multiple Personality Disorder ---We Three Kings Disoriented Are
3. Dementia ---I Think I'll be Home for Christmas
4. Narcissistic ---Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me
5. Manic ---Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and...
6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me
7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire
8. Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why
9. Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy oooh look at the Froggy - can I have a chocolate, Why is France so far away?
10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder --- Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells...


Merry Christmas!!

The Countdown

5 days until Christmas. And more immediate...

1 1/2 more days left of school!! Yippee!!

I don't sound excited, do I? :)

Was this really a month ago?

Here are some belated pictures from Thanksgiving. And yes, that's Mason in a pool. Hard to believe, since it's been bone chilling around here lately!!

Much waited, much anticipated...much invigorated??

Before you start thinking to yourself, "Finally! Princess Lionhead finally got off her dairy aire and wrote a blog!!", remember how busy things can get for you and then realize that it's about the same here. So, get over it. :)

Anyways, I know in my last blog I promised to write the next one about the genius things my lovely hormonal angels have said to me. And I still want to. So I'm going to attempt to conjure up the ones I can remember (my memory can normally be lacking, but having a baby sucking at my brain can make things even less likely to stay in my cranium). Here are a few:

1. Mrs. Lionhead, what if your baby is born Amish? (yes, like the guys with the sideburns, tophats and the horse and carriage)

2. Can illiterate people think? Breathe? See colors? Wouldn't they just shrivel up and die?

3. If I could correspond with someone from another country, it would be from Hawaii. (I told her that Hawaii was part of the United States, and she said, "but it's not connected?")

4. (I had written some instructions related to research papers on the board, specifically regarding using resources. I had written that they need to use at least 3 resources and 1 must be a book and a hand went up...) Why does it say "I must be a book on the board?" (I had to laugh--especially when another student admitted she had actually written "I must be a book" in her notes!)

5. (This one's not mine, but it's a story worth telling. The science teacher was having a discussion about how the brain sends signals to parts of the body. And one student asked how a newborn baby knows how to breathe for the first time. The teacher reminded them that they had learned about which part of the brain is responsible for body functions and he asked if anyone could remember the name of that part of the brain...) I know what part of the brain does that!! Isn't it the Uterus?

I think that's all I can remember right now. My hubby hears my anecdotes from teaching everyday and he gets a little worried of that generation. They could be one of his students in just a few short years!! They'll be serving our food at McDonald's soon!! And they'll be the ones administering our medications when we are old and rotting in a nursing home!! Isn't that a comforting feeling?

I love them, but I worry about their common sense. Or lack thereof.

Update on my sister

I talked to my dad this afternoon and my sister is doing well. They took 1/3 of her liver and a growth just about the size of a soccer ball!! The surgery went faster than expected, and they say she should be able to go home in a few days. The recovery will be the tricky part. Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts for her. I know they were felt and heard in her heart...

On a lighter note, you can look forward to my next blog that I plan to write this weekend: a continuation of the blog I wrote about a year ago: Things My Students Have Said Part Two or Teenagers Are Common Sense Deficient. I wish I had written down every little mind blowing anecdote in the past year, but alas, I'll have to devise a list from my memory. And you can look forward to that...

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Just a note to say that I hope all of my readers (my huge total of about 4) had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, ate loads of fattening foods, enjoyed some laughs with friends and family, and then slept well. If you were crazy enough to go out on Black Friday today (which we actually were!!), hope you didn't get trampled by angry shoppers and you got what you went out for. Have a fantastic rest of your weekend and I will post pictures later.

Settling in

Our house looks like a real house now. We've unpacked most boxes and every room looks lived in. We're finding things in the drawers we put them in, and we've figured out which lightswitch goes to what. It feels good to be settling in. Eventually we'll actually have friends over and then it will feel like home.

We also went down to the little park near the house last weekend. It was fun, especially for Mason. He took LarryBoy and the Larry Mobile down the slide and he of course wanted Mommy and Daddy to take their turns going down the slide with him. I'm just getting around to posting the pictures, so here ya go.

Hooray for a Trash Can!!

I never thought I'd find myself delighting in the sight of a green plastic trash recepticle sitting outside of our house. But I am very happy.

Long story short (because it's too frustrating and too boring to retell), we have been trying to get a trash can from the new company that is required in our new subdivision, for 3 weeks now!! We are the first residents that have moved into our cul-de-sac (but certainly not the first residents to live in our neighborhood, by far), but the Trash Company basically said we didn't exist. They thought we were in a town that's a 4 hour drive from here!! After 5 phone calls to the Trash Company (and many aggravating moments where God tested Hubby's patience), a truck pulled up this morning with our can. It was a lovely sight. It means we don't have bags upon bags of trash that we have to lug to the nearest dumpster.

Hooray!!

Think Pink!!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen (but I think I just have Lady readers!), we're having a girl! She was showing all at the doctor's office, so there was no doubt!!

We can't wait to meet our little Grace Maureen in less than 20 weeks!!

Boo!

Yeah it's me. Yeah it's been over a week. Get over it. Things have been a teensy bit crazy hectic around here.

We got our keys to our new house today (supposed to happen yesterday, but that's another story). Hubby's been over putting up vertical blinds and he is currently still at the house installing our automatic garage opener. Yep, brand new house in a brand new subdivision and it didn't come with a garage door opener. Lame. Tomorrow he'll be putting in ceiling fans, finishing the blinds, along with many other things. I still don't think it's really hit me that we're moving first of all, and that we actually BOUGHT this house. It's so very exciting, but also so scary. It's a good thing, I know.

Next Thursday we find out if our baby lion cub will be a king or queen of the jungle. I had a teacher at school today predict that I'm having a boy. We'll just see. Maybe I should have a pool going?? If I'm having another boy, praise the Lord. Mason will have a playmate, and I'll know what to expect. And Lord knows we have boy crap up the wazoo (and trust me, that's a lot!!)!! We'll just see I guess.

Any boy name suggestions? We haven't really agreed on one yet. And maybe we won't have to...

I'm tired, but I will say that yes, yesterday was Halloween. And yes, my students were a little wired and talking about candy and costumes and trick-or-treating. And yes, today, I had about 5 or so kids absent in each class. Out too late? Candy hangover? Who knows?

Alright, tomorrow's our last day in our current house and I have work and the In-Laws are coming. And I have my state test Saturday morning. Lots to do. And not a lot of time to rest. Goodnight.

Blue tape, so many signatures, a fat check...and a dead snake??

We did our initial walk-through for our new house today. What a crazy event. It gets really hard to stare at white walls and find tiny cracks or nicks in the paint. The superintendant followed behind us, slapping blue tape on the mistakes and looking bored. Nice guy, but he looked bored out of his mind.

Then, there's all the signing. My goodness. So much signing. And I'm pretty sure by the 95th time I signed my name, it didn't look a darn thing like the first time I signed it. I guess they don't care as long as you signed it. We even signed a paper saying that our name with middle initial was the same person without the middle initial!

And the fat check: yeah, that's a little painful. I've never seen so many numbers on one check before. It's a good thing, but also a a little frightening.

And the dead snake, you ask? Well, we drove by our place the other night, and as we were pulling out, our headlights shone on one of the trees and we saw this thing that looked like a skinny rope hanging down. Taking a closer gander, my hubby realized that it was a little gardener snake and it was dead. Weird. I've never seen a dead snake that was coiled around a tree with its head hanging down, have you? Well, that was a week or so ago, and when we went for our walk-through, it was still there. But not as pretty. It was decomposing and smelled like rotting kitty litter. And when the superintendant attempted to yank it off the tree with a hammer, its insides dripped on the concrete. Yuck.

A lot goes on when you don't go to work on a Tuesday, eh?

Uhhh...what?

Here are some recent "what is going on here?" moments going on in my life, brought to you by Yours Truly:

1. Apparently the Everything bagel makes me throw up. Yeah. Last Sunday I had one for breakfast, and within 10 minutes, I was puking "everything but my toenails" (as my dad would say). And this morning, I had another one (not thinking it was at all related to the last time...silly me) and by the time I was well on my way to dropping Mason off at Ms. Cindy's, my stomach exploded. All I could do was snatch up a Target bag I had on my passenger seat, shake everything out of it and place it under my chin. I didn't even have time to stop the car. Mason was needless to say, a little confused.
Note to self: stay away from the Everything bagels.

2. Somehow, in some other dimension, a long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, 2 weeks ago, I was able to be in a town about a 4 hour drive away from here at the same time I was here. We got a Traffic Violation Notice in the mail today, from the said town. They had blurry pictures of a license plate that looked vaguely like ours, a driver that looked sort of like my hubby, in a car that was a Toyota, but not the same model. Interesting. I gave them a call, and they laughed. I guess we just need to mail in our vehicle registration, and prove that it wasn't us, that drove 55 in a 40 mph zone. Weird.

3. I guess one week of Fall Break was not enough for most of my students. All day they were groggy and whiny and sloth-like. By 7th hour, they were a bunch of slugs that could barely keep their eyes open. I told them they were spoiled, as every other school I've worked in never had Fall Break, and furthermore, I NEVER had Fall Break when I was in school. The neighboring district gets 2 WEEKS off for Fall Break. I tried to explain to my distraught students that you are still in school the exact same amount of days as any other district, it's just how they break it up. They just don't see it that way.

Sometimes in life, I just have to stand there, with my eyes squinty, my mouth hanging open and say, "Ummm...what?"

Trick or Tater

We will be moving around Halloween this year, so sadly, no decorations will be put out. But, since Mason's been going through a lot of changes and disturbances in his everyday life (Ms. Cindy getting baby Joe, then they moved, then we're having a baby and we're moving), I found him a Halloween gift at Fry's. This is Mason and his new Trick or Tater Potatohead. Boo.

Ahhhh...

I have a new reason that I've been slacking on my blog the last few days: I'm on Fall Break this week. Ahh, glorious Fall Break...

The end of last week was pretty busy but not too stressful. I did, however, send a kid (whom we shall call Name Name, since he has the same first name and last name) to the office BEFORE the first bell on Thursday, for being rude to me and then flipping off two students. That was special. Friday was uneventful, as it was an Early Release and the kids were just finishing the movie "Hercules" (we just wrapped up a unit on Greek Mythology and they wrote Mythology Narratives of their own). Oh, and grades were due. No sweat. Saturday, I had some time to myself, as Hubby attempted to take Mason to an airshow (but it was too much of a hassle). I went to the Christian store to get the new Veggietales, "The Wizard of Ha's" (very funny parody of the original), got a smoothie nearby and went to Kohl's, since it just opened here last week. I managed to get brand new master bath towels and stuff for when we move. That was fun. Yesterday, I felt very drained and yucky, so we skipped church. Later, I felt better, so we ran some errands, then met Ms. Cindy's family for lunch. Today was my first official day of Fall Break. Mason and I have had a nice, restful day. I spent the morning playing with Mason, watching "Wizard of Ha's" (this is Time #3, by the way), packed a box and played outside a bit. We also went to Target and Costco. In a little bit, we're off to meet Hubby at my doc for my monthly prenatal visit. Nothing exciting planned for this appointment, as I am only 15 weeks along. But I think next visit (next month) should be my UltraSound. Yeah!!

Well, Mason's been left to his own devices in the living room long enough. Hope all is well with my faithful readers and Fall is finding you in a pleasant mood. See ya.

I made a funny

I actually originally wrote this blog over at my myspace, but I thought I'd share it with you all too. Hope you get a chuckle out of my lack of attention--look, something shiny!!

I saw a student in the halls today with a really funny shirt. And I have to say, it takes a lot for me to say that, as most of their shirts are either just dumb or insulting (like, "Genuis by birth, Slacker by choice" and crap like that). But here's the funny one: "9 out of 10 doctors say I have A.D.D.--look a butterfly!!" Now, that's funny. I know A.D.D. is overdiagnosed and a term that is overused and overemphasized, but it's still a funny--Wait, what was I saying? Oh yeah, A.D.D. Yeah, A.D.D. is funny. Wait, no it's not. I don't know what I'm saying. Hugs are nice. Especially ones that are warm and just the right amount of tightness and come from someone you love. Ahhh, love. Robots are cool. I want one that will clean my house. I hate cleaning my house. It's always messy and the bathrooms are my least favorite.Have you read the book "Everybody Poops"? That's a funny book. It's about how every animal poops and it's supposed to help kids go potty. It's funny.

You know what else is funny? This shirt I saw on a kid today. It said: "9 out of 10 doctors say I have A.D.D.--look a butterfly!!"

Isn't that special?

First thing first hour this morning, a kid throws up on my carpeted classroom. Nice. He wasn't looking too good beforehand, but said he was fine. Luckily, there wasn't any wretching noises and it wasn't chunky. The kids, of course, acted like they had just witnessed the most utterly disgusting event ever in the history of humankind. They were pulling their shirts up to their noses and flying out of their seats to get away from it. I told them to get over themselves. Yeah, it was gross, but I'm pregnant and I was standing right near it, and couldn't smell anything. Buncha babies...

Today, Mythology Narratives were due. I told them about the Final Drafts on Thursday. Thursday to Monday is how many days?? Apparently not enough days, I realize, as I glance over my puny pile of stories that made it in today. 36 were turned in today. Out of 77 students. Granted, about 10 kids total out of my 3 classes were out today, but still. Let's just say for the sake of being hopeful, that all of the absent kids would have brought their papers today had they been at school (which is doubtful, as I am assured that some were "out sick" for the very opposite reason), that's still a whopping 46 out of 77. That's shameful. In fact, I think that's the worst percentage I've had in my 6 year teaching career. Oh, and by the way, I gave them an extra 15-20 minutes at the beginning of class today to finish! Problem was, most that didn't turn in their assignment didn't even bother bringing it to class. I even had one, for now we'll call Complacent Boy Reincarnate (since Hormone Boy last year was the first Complacent Boy) that flat out admitted that he didn't do it, didn't plan on doing it and didn't care that he was getting a big fat 0 out of 100 for not doing it. I told him that he was a big boy and that I wasn't going to hold his hand, and that I was sorry that he didn't think he had to do the assignment, but he would be very unhappy when he saw his report card. He just shrugged his shoulders and said, "I know." Sigh...

What a day.

We got rid of our crap!!

We had a yard sale today. I hate yard sales. I really do. I hate scavenging through the house looking for items that we haven't used in decades but still manage to have a reason to keep around. I hate compiling all the crap to sell. I hate labeling and pulling it out into the driveway.

That being said, we needed to get rid of some crap. We're moving in like 5 weeks and I really don't want to pack up stuff that we don't need or use anymore. So, we had a yard sale. It went pretty well. We made about $36. That's not a lot, but it's something I guess. It's like 2 visits to fast food. We didn't really have any big ticket items, just a lot of odds and ends. Ms. Cindy and her crew brought over some furniture and baby gear to sell, which they did, for the most part. Luckily they had a trailer, so when the sale was said and done, we just loaded up the leftovers and dropped them off at a donation place.

Yeah for having less to pack!!

Whee!!

This weekend was fun. Friday night we went to the County Fair. We took Mason last year, but I don't think he cared too much about it. This year, he got a kick out of all the animals and the people and the lights and the food (we had nachos and an incredibly greasy corn dog--not to mention the deep fried Twinkie, deep fried Oreos, deep fried Nutter Butter and deep fried Snickers that we shared with Ms. Cindy's family!!) and the rides. This year we took him on his very first ride: the Merry Go Round. He looked a little scared at first, but after one or two rotations, his eyes lit up and he couldn't stop smiling. It was pure joy.

Saturday, we went to two parties: one for a friend at work (whose house will be just a few blocks from our new one!) and one from Ms. Cindy's middle child's 7th birthday. Both were fun, but parties with cake are always better!

Sunday was church and me helping out in the nursery.

Today I woke up feeling like doody (yes, AGAIN) and Mason was a bit sniffly. I called out and stayed home with my son. We both went to the doctor and she said we both just have a cold. So, she didn't prescribe any meds. I just hope it goes away on its own.

That's it. You now know everything there is to know in the history of everything.

And now, what you've all been waiting for...

(or at least the frequent visitors of this blog--not people that just happened upon my blog hitting the "Next Blog" button...)

A BLOG ENTRY FROM ME!!
I know it's been over a week. I'm sorry. Every night I get online to check me email and read other blogs and I come by here and think, "I should write something" and then guess what? I don't. Just don't feel like I've had much to say I guess. And I know you dedicated readers wouldn't admit it, but no one wants to read uneventful blogs. Who cares if I went to the store or took a shower or watched tv?

So yeah. I haven't been avoiding you, just my blog. :) Work's busy as it's been since August. Tomorrow's our first Fantastic Friday of the year, which should be interesting. For those who are actually able to go, there will be a teachers vs. students volleyball game and BINGO going on. Too bad I can't hang out to see how that turns out. I'm assigned one of the Retraining Rooms (where the kids who've been slacking on their grades get to go!) so, I'll just be sitting in my room with 15 students that have bad grades. And honestly, I'm going to take a guess and say less than half show up, because last year proved that kids that know they're not going to Fantastic Friday just don't come to school that day. Nice, huh?

I can't believe we have 2 weeks until Fall Break. That means 2 weeks until the Quarter's over! And 2 weeks before I'm 1/3 of the way through my time this school year! Yowza! And on top of that: 6 weeks until we move into our new house!! Our closing date is October 23, and we'll probably move the next weekend. That's unbelievable. It feels like there's so much to be done. I know it will all work out in the end, but right now, I feel like I'm at the bottom of Mt. St. Helens and someone's telling me to climb it in an hour! (thank goodness that's not the case, huh?)

Well, just wanted to check in and remind you that I'm busy and lazy. Not a good combo. Will write again when there's something interesting to say, I promise.

6 Years

This time 6 years ago, I was in the second or so week of my very first year teaching. I was teaching 6th graders in Virginia and didn't live all that far from D.C. and the Pentagon. It was a very scary day. I didn't know how to handle it or what to say to the kids. I remember my hubby being in Korea at the time. I remember living with PBAF and how it took her all day to evacuate from her job in D.C. I remember going to New York the following March and seeing wreckage and hearing the silence and feeling chills up my spine.

My current students were in 1st grade at the time. Some remember and some don't. We talked some today, because I think it's important that they know something.

And my story might be a little more hard hitting and personal than a teacher that was in the West at the time.

I will never forget.

Ba Bump Ba Bump Ba Bump...

We went to the doctor on Thursday. We heard a heartbeat. Everything's a-okay with the baby. :) I'm 11 weeks, due March 28, with a C-Section at about 38 or 29 weeks. No Ultra Sound until probably late October or early November, when we will hopefully find out the sex. Yippee. :)

Here's a couple of magic tricks for ya!!

Poof! A week just disappeared and it's now the next Tuesday and I am writing another blog!

Ta-Da! Our son accomplished extreme potty accomplishments this weekend at Grandma and Grandpa's house: he told Daddy he needed to go potty when we were at IHOP, he peed like a champ at their house (and preferred going WITHOUT the potty seat!!) AND pooped 2 times in the potty this weekend! We were so proud of him!! Hopefully that means underwear is around the corner. (as long it's around a corner that comes before Baby #2 arrives, I'll be happy!)

Abracadabra! Our son is growing up before our very eyes. Aside from the potty achievements, I realized sadly the other day that he has grown out of his cute orange shoes. If he's wearing thin socks he can get his feet in them, but his little toesies are at the very ends. So sad. So now he has all these orange clothes and boring white shoes to wear them with...

And the most powerful yet aggravating magic trick of them all...

Voila! I am down with the snotty junk!! Yee-haw!! It came around right before we headed down to see the in-laws this past weekend, and it just kept getting more and more debilitating. I napped everyday and tried to drink lots of fluids and administer the slim list of meds that I can take now that I'm pregnant (nose spray, Sudafed and Robitussin). Nothing worked for too long. Luckily I have my first OB appointment this Thursday, so I figure if I'm still a sickling, I'll have my doc prescribe me some antibiotics. I really don't want to take medication while I'm pregnant, but this sickness is taking its toll on me and I can't get proper rest or even spend quality time with Mason if I'm feeling lousy.

Hope you enjoyed the magnificent magic show. Don't forget to tip your waitress...

Yeah yeah yeah...

I know. I haven't really blogged since my birthday. Sorry about that. As usual, time has been whizzing by my head and all I can do is whip my head around and blink twice and say, "What the heck was that that just flew by?" Plus, I'm 9 1/2 weeks pregnant, people!! I'm busy making a baby! I NEED MY REST!!

Anyways, school is definitely keeping me busy. The team leader thing is very time consuming, as most of my after school time is spent making the list of detention attendees and preparing reminders for the following day. My kids aren't too bad this year (as of yet), but once again, my last block of the day seems to be my most challenging. It goes in order this year, actually. My first block is really sweet and participatory. My second block is mostly good but a little talkative. And the last block, well there's a lot of blurters in that class. Yet, they don't have anything to say, when it comes time for volunteers to share answers. That's a little frustrating. We're working on that.

I'm feeling okay by the way. Fatigue is by far my worst symptom at this point. Yeah, I wake up feeling icky and again before mealtime, but it's not too bad. No throwing up, so that's a blessing. I just feel whooped at the end of each day. And on the weekends, my energy level is that of a paralyzed snail. I want to get more done, but my body wants to just let the couch suck me in until Monday morning. I really hope my stamina picks back up or I'll never get essays graded over a weekend! But hey, at least I'm prodcutive at work. Although, I do feel a little forgetful and ditzy lately. The baby is sucking my brain!

Well, hubby will be home and Mason's watching Elmo. Ta ta for now.

Found 'em

Here are the other shoes I got yesterday. And these were only $4.50 (because of BOGO at Payless) Yeah for more shoes I won't have to tie when I can't see my feet anymore!!

Happy Birthday to me!!

Today was a pretty good day. Most of my kids remembered to tell me "Happy Birthday" (since I mentioned it yesterday) and one even gave me a book. My hubby bought me a laser printer for my classroom (so I don't have to use the communal one like everyone else), Ms. Cindy gave me a Target giftcard (worth $29!) and my in-laws sent me a check. Which I took and bought these shoes.
And another pair of Airwalks, which I couldn't find a picture of. They're cream with brown and pink plaid stripes. Fun.


Happy Birthday to me!

Stucco, Doors and Shelves!!

Our new house is on its way! We went by there today, and they've stucco'd the outside and put interior and exterior doors on. And there are shelves in the closets! It's exciting. It's one step closer to being ours. :)

Week Two: Almost Done. Really?

Wow. It's been a crazy week. I'm just getting into the swing of things with being one of the two Team Leaders for the 7th grade, so it's taking some practice (things would go smoother if I had an aide, but that's another story!). I've started actually teaching some (mostly still review though) and it's gone okay. Most kids are being receptive and are well behaved, but there are already a few that are trying to make themselves known. I'm enjoying Mrs. Principal's son, which is a lot of fun. I have a handful of kids that are really, really a lot of fun to have in class and they've already begun to share things with me and it seems that their comfort zone is real relaxed with me. That's good. We'll see how the year progresses.

Well, I'm off to watch a little mind-numbing tv and then beddy-bye time. Goodnight and tomorrow's Friday!!

P.S. My birthday's in 5 days!! :)

The greatest day of Mason's life. Ever.

Yesterday was the ultimately perfect day for Mason. The best part was when we went by our local Christian store and Bob and Larry from Veggietales were there! We weren't real sure how he was gonna react (I really predicted he'd stand off and look at them from a distance), but he ran right up to them and hugged them and gave them high-5's and wouldn't leave them alone!! It was really cute!!

Later, we went to Ms. Cindy's littlest daughter's 4th birthday party. Mason had fun there too, as he knew most of the kids and they played with Play Doh and Potatoheads and he got to help her open her presents. Later, we had cake.

I'm sure Mason won't remember yesterday as years pass, but as of right now, it was the best day of Mason's life, by far.

Week One: Done!!

I can't believe it's Friday. Really. The week went by really fast. I guess with the first 3 days of school being a weird schedule and doing the Boot Camp thing, the days just zoomed by. I was really happy when yesterday arrived and we were on regular schedule. It was nice to start the real routine. I'm still not exactly in the real swing of things (as I feel it would have been wasted to delve headfirst into the curriculum too soon as a lot of kids move around and leave and whatever for the first couple of weeks), so I had some down time at the end of each block. Luckily I have Mad Libs which keep them entertained, and they love reading my Guiness Book of World Records or Ripley's Believe It Or Not books. Next week we will do some real work.

And I'll be glad when next week comes, then I will only have after school duty. The first week, everyone is on morning and afternoon duty, as kids get used to maneuvering around the building and finding their classes and getting into their lockers (oh, how the 6th graders look to be on the verge of tears the first few days over those darn lockers!!) and all that jazz.

Now I just need to get a T.A. I had my pal Hockey Boy (one of my 7th graders from last year) as my 1st period T.A., but the P.E. department stole him from me! So, because I am one of the 7th grade team leaders, I am scrambling to find another former student to be my T.A. There's a lot to get passed to other teachers and stuff 1st period every day. We'll see if I can snag one up on Monday.

Now, it's Friday night, I feel whooped and I have 2 days of rest!! Ms. Cindy's littlest girl is having her 4th birthday party tomorrow, so that should be fun. No other plans. Just resting. And getting ready for Week Two.

Day one: DONE!!!

I survived the First Day of School and I can say it wasn't THAT bad. I was really stressed and even felt the anxiety on the inside, just because I didn't feel like I was as prepared this year as I was last year. I ran around this morning before school, trying to get some things done and I didn't get much of it done, as they asked teachers to go to their duty stations 10 minutes earlier than planned. Apparently since school starts an hour and 15 minutes earlier than last year (last year: 8:45, this year: 7:30), there was some confusion on when we would open the doors in the morning and let them in for breakfast. I sure hope they get it figured out, because if I don't get to school until 7, 7:05 is gonna be unreasonable to start duty. We'll see.

Meeting my kids was interesting today. I have 4 students this year that are siblings of students I had last year. That's kinda weird. I am going to try not to compare them. I also have Mrs. Principal's son this year and I think he's gonna be a firecracker (and if you knew Mrs. Principal, you'd know why. She's admittedly ADHD and very high spirited!)! I predict he's smart but a little quirky. I can deal with smart but quirky...

Didn't tell them I won't be there the last quarter of school, as I wanted to ease them into that. I'll probably tell them soon though, because I don't want it to be a secret and they're gonna start asking pretty soon, since a lot of my regular clothes don't really fit me anymore! And perhaps if they know, they will be sensitive to the fact that I will need to eat in class and run to the potty while the neighboring teacher watches the class.

This year I'm helping with Boot Camp. Not military Boot Camp (yeah, could you really see me doing sit-ups or running or anything resembling an excercise?!?), a kind of training we give all of the students on the rules and regulations and procedures for our school. Basically, the first 3 days of school are Early Release Schedule for regular classes, and then they spend the last 2 hours of school in Boot Camp. It's mini classes on all the stuff we want them to know. I am getting to teach Drills (Fire Drills, Lockdown Drills, etc.). We teach the class 8 times a day. That's saying the same thing 24 times over 3 days! I don't mind being a part of it, but I really wish I had recorded my shpeel and could just press play for each class...

Well, I would really like to spend time with my son and hubby now. I shall get back to you soon!!

A lot to say and not a lot of time to tell it

We are heading out here soon to celebrate our 7th Anniversary (the real day is tomorrow), by going to see "The Simpsons Movie" (Hubby's choice, of course) and eat at Red Lobster (my choice!). But I wanted to stop by and say I didn't drop off the planet or have my baby yet (we've got another 7 1/2 months to go, people, so calm down!). Just been REAL busy. School starts Monday and I guess I'm ready. Eeek! Can you ever be ready? We handed out schedules for 7th and 8th graders last night and that was interesting but tiring. I saw some of my students from last year and they were bummed to hear I wasn't going to be teaching them for 8th grade. Oh well. At least I get to see them every once in awhile when they pop in to say hello. I even saw a few of my 8th graders from last year, as their parents were getting their siblings' schedules. That was fun. We've also been doing a lot of house paperwork stuff and tomorrow we go to pick out countertops and flooring! Yippee!! Lastly, I've had little to no energy a lot of the time, being that I'm about 6 weeks pregnant now. The morning sickness kicked in the day teachers had to return to work (of course!). It hasn't been too bad, I just feel icky and my stomach churns. No blowing chunks. Yet. Yeah, and I've been trying to enjoy the last few moments of summer with Mason and my hubby before school starts.

So that's what I've been doing. And it's only gonna get busier. I will try to write again, probably Sunday about the house stuff or after the First Day of School. Ta ta.