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!!