Survivor: Inservices DAY TWO

Today was long but productive and fun. I puttered around my classroom a bit, sat through meetings and Inservices that were somewhat informative, but mostly social. I went to lunch with my 7th grade team and it was nice to take a breath and get off campus (especially because our air conditioner isn't working properly!!). I am mostly done in my room, but I have a few things I want to organize a bit more so it looks all pretty. Plus, I haven't even begun to make copies for next week. Let's hope that gets done tomorrow...

Goodnight.

Survivor: Inservices

Today was my first real day back to work. I survived. It was a little surreal being back in the building with all of the staff and such. It felt good to be around the familiar faces and to introduce myself to the newbies. We had some laughs, complained about funds and made some plans for this school year. I hope to have more time tomorrow to get a lot of odds and ends finished up in my room. We'll see.

My hubby and I and the kids went to Chili's tonight, and as soon as we walked in the door, I was spotted by Hormone Boy (have you forgotten such a memorable student? Oh well, this would be a good time to take a trip down memory lane. See Not Your Average Teenage Angst http://lionheadden.blogspot.com/2007/01/not-your-average-teenage-angst.html It's worth reading again. I know I just did.) Anywho, he was wearing a nice "wifebeater" shirt and holding the hand of a pretty skanky looking girl (was that mean?) and he said hi to me first. Funny, because I thought he absolutely despised me (case in point. Hormone Boy's at it again http://lionheadden.blogspot.com/2007/01/hormone-boys-at-it-again.html ), but apparently not, because he has gone out of his way to talk to me every time I've seen him since 2 school years ago (which must have been at least 4 or 5 times). I guess you never know which ones will have a fond memory of you...

I wonder what tomorrow brings...

Meow

Things are a little better since my last entry. As far as our littlest "kitty" Gracie, we are trying soy formula and are now playing the Waiting Game to see if it helps.

I'm trying to make the most of today and tomorrow, as I officially return to work on Wednesday. I am ready to go back, that is for sure, but I also treasure time with my little ones at home. I'm torn, really. I wish I could have both: work a little and be home a little. But that's not in the cards for me. And I know we'll all make the best of it.

Oh, and a little snippet before I go: the other day Mason and I were talking about his Preschool and he asked if Elmo and Zoey (from Sesame Street, for the uninformed) could come to his school. I said, "Maybe they could, who knows?" to which he said, "Yeah, maybe. But not Cookie Monster. He'd eat my school!" Just thought that was funny...

It has been a challenging few days...

I am exhausted. Physically and emotionally. Mentally. Metaphysically? Metaphorically? Hypothetically? And any other way you can be. Let's see if I can rememeber why...

Well, first of all, we thought we were making headway with Gracie's colic, but I swear it has returned. She's spitting up and spewing like Old Faithful once again and she seems really uncomfortable. We also think she MAY BE teething. Last night, she was wailing uncontrollably, and biting down on her fingers. We're not sure. But we do know that it is grating on our nerves and we feel bad for her.

Tuesday, I had a scheduled teeth cleaning and exam at a dentist's office. It has been years. And years. I think some time before Hubby got out of the Army, I went. Who knows when that was. 5 years ago? I'm not sure. Anyways. I had an appointment for 2 and they told me to be there 20 minutes early to do paperwork. So I get there at 1:40 and have the paperwork filled out lickety split. And then I sit. And sit some more. I was finally seen at 2:20. They took me back and did 16 X-RAYS (Apparently that's standard for them). Then I sat. And sat some more. The dentist finally came and poked around in my mouth a bit with his ice pick, spouting out numbers and abbreviations to his assistant. That always makes me nervous. Then he went behind my chair and started typing stuff. Also made me nervous. Then he disappeared. Then I waited. It was after 3 by this time. Then he came back and said that I need 5 fillings!! I guess the existing ones I have need repairs. Then he left again. Finally, at 3:40, when he came back in the room for the billionth time, I asked how much longer and he said that they were about to get started on the cleaning and it would be another half hour!! That's after I have been there since 1:40!! I then told them that I had other things to do and that I'd have to reschedule. I get to the front and they give me the quote for the fillings before insurance and it was almost $800!! Yeah, no thanks. I was steaming. After complaining to the receptionist, she told me that usually the hygenist does the cleaning, but they scheduled me with the dentist, and he had 4 other patients he was seeing at the same time! That's why he kept leaving the room so much!! Gee, thanks. So needless to say, we are now in search of another dentist that won't leave me in limbo for 2 hours!!

Wednesday, I woke up and got the kids ready to go to Preschool and the babysitter so I could go work in my room. Then I discover my keys are missing. And Hubby's already at work. I realize that my keys are at Ms. Allergy's house ( a work friend that has serious food allergies) because we visited them the night before. It's only 7 in the morning and I'm afraid they won't even be awake yet. Thank God they were awake and they live just a few blocks away, so her hubby drove them over to me. I got the kids loaded and took them to their respective places. I got to my room and decided I would put material up on my bulletin boards this year, because I'm tired of butcher paper. So I ran to Walmart and got what I needed. Let's just say I'm thankful the lady in the craft section gave me a little extra, because when I got it back to my room and cut it, I screwed up big time. First of all, I should never be trusted to measure and cut anything. Secondly, I couldn't get the material to stay on one side of the board while I stapled, the air was also off in the building so I was sweating like a warthog (I imagine they sweat a lot!) and my hands were moist. I ended up having to use pieces together to make one board and one small board didn't get any material at all. I just wanted to throw something. And because of that big production, I have to go back to my room tomorrow and get the rest of my to-do list finished so I am not worrying about it next week during Inservices and such.

Sigh. I guess that was it. I'm just tired and drained. So, you're welcome for such a lengthy blog!! I hope you appreciate what I do for you!! :)

I'm a big kid now!!

Today was Mason's first day of Preschool. He was so excited last night, he didn't fall asleep until well after 9, even though we put him to bed at 8! He didn't have a problem saying goodbye to me when I dropped him off, especially because we were in time for waffles and applesauce for breakfast!! When I picked him at noon, he told me that they played outside (and he went on 4 SLIDES!!), ate cookies and orange juice for snack and they sang their ABC's. I couldn't help but to smile. I'm so happy that he had such fun. It will make dropping him off there everyday a lot easier...

I also took Grace to her 4 month appointment today. She measured 23.5 inches in length, which was good (that's almost 5 inches since birth!!), but only 10.12 pounds. That's in the 5th percentile. The doc said she wasn't real worried, but we needed to watch her intake and make sure she's getting enough. She seemed to be getting chunkier and heavier..

My babies are growing up so fast. Grace turned 4 months old today, and today was Mason's first day of Preschool. I'm in a happy place, don't get me wrong. I just can't believe school will be in session this time in 2 weeks.

It's down to the wire

Next Monday, Mason starts Preschool. It'll only be for a few hours, but still. He's starting Preschool! I need to go into my classroom for a little bit, so Grace is going to her new sitter Allison's house and Mason will be going to Preschool. He'll go two days next week: Monday and Wednesday (all day!!). He's excited and really, so am I. I'm so happy for him that he'll be making new friends and having new experiences and getting to do lots of fun stuff!! I just can't believe how fast he's grown. When I started this blog, he was 8 months old. Now, he's 3 and a half!! Grace will be 4 months old on Monday! And I know she's going to be in great hands with Allison. She has a 2 year old son of her own and she's a loving, caring, Christian woman. I feel completely comfortable leaving Grace with her. It's just caught up with me a bit that I'm going back to work.

But I do look forward to all of the comical events that will occur in my life, as I am thrusted back into the world of Hormone Central (a.k.a. middle school). Prepare for some mind blowing stories coming soon!!

Until then, I am wrapping my mind around everything that's going on in the near future, with a teary smile...

Playing is hard work

We have learned that if tired enough, Gracie will sleep anywhere. She has slept on the changing table, on the floor, in her carseat, in your arms, in her swing, in her bed (of course) and in her Jumperroo (see above). It was so cute, but a little sad too. Poor thing played so hard that she passed out...

Yesterday, Mason got out some modeling clay and played around with it a bit. But quickly, the activity turned into Mason telling Mommy what animal to make, and then Mommy attempting to make it. Note: I am a LANGUAGE ARTS teacher, not an ART teacher. So, give me a break. :) From left to right, the clay animals shown, are: a fish, dog, cat, bunny, turtle, snake and snail.

I'm gonna wipe my bottom at Preschool!!!

Yesterday was a great time. I took my big man Mason out for some Mommy Time. We went to Old Navy and got him a few new outfits (crazy clearance prices!!) for going to school, then to Target for a napping-at-school blanket (he picked Wall-E), then to Peter Piper Pizza for some lunch and games. He had a blast. I got $5 in tokens and he ran around playing practically every game. He found one of those games where you aim the token for the spinning wheel there are different values on holes that you aim for. He shoved in the token willy nilly and BAM! he hit the 50 ticket spot!! Score!! He was so proud to pull out the mile of tickets and show them to me!

At the end, he had 134 tickets and he eagerly took them to the prize counter. For the $5, he got a cheapy plastic Army truck, one army man and a bouncy ball (which probably would have cost less than a dollar total in a toystore), but it was worth it. He found pure delight in the game playing and showing me his skills on ski ball so much so that I followed him around with a similar feeling.

And of course we talked about him going to Preschool. He's pretty much psyched now. We have the First Day of School outfit laying on his dresser and he has asked when he gets to go. And we've been working on him wiping his own bottom (a huge feat for a 3 year old, as it easier for Mommy and Daddy to help, than Mommy finding tracks in the Underroos!), and he came out of the bathroom with his chest all puffed out and he said, "I'm gonna wipe my bottom at Preschool!"

I was a proud Mommy...

My happy little family

Even though I feel stir crazy at times, and even though I so want to get out of the house and interact with other adults at times, and even though I am honestly looking forward to returning to work (in 1 month!!), I still look at my kids and know how much I miss them when I'm not around them. And it amazes me how much they are changing and growing everyday.

Tomorrow, I'm taking Mason out for some special Mommy Time at Peter Piper Pizza, and also to get a First Day of Preschool outfit. I'll be sure to blog afterwards to let you know how that goes.

Isn't family such a blessing?

Maybe this is true...

I took a survey, via a fellow Blogger's page, and this is what my results said:

You Are An ESFJ

The Caregiver You are sympathetic and caring, putting friends and family first. A creature of habit, you prefer routines and have trouble with change. You love being in groups - whether you're helping people or working on a project. You are good at listening, laughing, and bringing out the best in people. In love, you value harmony and mutual understanding. You will apologize or give someone the benefit of the doubt, if it means getting over a fight sooner. At work, you are good at building relationships and connecting with people. You would make a great nurse, social worker, or teacher. How you see yourself: Organized, dependable, co-operative When other people don't get you, they see you as: Opinionated, critical, and know-it-all

What's" Your Personality Type?

A little daytrip down Memory Lane...

Yesterday, we were at Costco and had a surreal moment: we ran into the lady that introduced my hubby and I, 13 years ago, when we worked at Little Caesar's. She was the one who convinced me to ask him to my senior prom!! The last time we saw her, Hubby and I were just dating and had visited her. That had to be 9 or 10 years ago. So, now we've been married for almost 8 years and have two kids!! It was a crazy moment. Funny thing is, she looked the same. I'm pretty sure Hubby and I didn't. Especially since I was 17 and Hubby was 19 when she met us...

New layout

Yes I know. I changed my layout. Again. And maybe you're tired of coming here and seeing a new background every 2 days. Oh well. I am enjoying trying something new. And this one is easier to read. And it's pretty. So there.

Super Happy Funtime

Summer is in full swing. In fact, today at 4:59 p.m. is the official start of summer. Which is weird, since it has felt like summer here for awhile now: I've been off of work for 3 months, and the weather's been toasty warm for a month or so.

Even though I am getting a bit stir crazy and feeling ready to return to work, I have been enjoying my days lately. Like I mentioned in my last blog, we've had a few kiddos visiting lately. Well, since then, I've had some sort of social interaction every day this week. Monday, I spent all morning at Ms. Cindy's house. Tuesday was Bible Study. Wednesday, my friend came over with her two girls. Yesterday, I was over at Ms. Cindy's house again, helping her friend organize Ms. Cindy's baby shower. Today, a work friend is coming over and we're venturing out to the mall. Tomorrow, we might be having some friends over for dinner. Sunday is church and probably Del Taco. I don't know about Monday, but Tuesday will be interesting. I have offered to watch Ms. Cindy's 3 youngest, while she and her her hubby and two oldest kids go for a doctor's appointment. All day. I will be in charge of 5 children under the age of 8 all day. Should be a memorable moment in time.

And that's it. My days have been filled with baby duties, entertaining a 3 year old, and attempting to be social with other human beings. It's working out pretty well so far.

Happy Summer!!

Wowee

The past day and a half or so have been crazy but a lot of fun. Especially for Mason. Yesterday afternoon, my dear friend came up with her two girls for a visit and to meet Gracie. The kids had a blast. They played outside (a lot), colored pictures, watched movies, we all went for a walk, and today, we went to the courthouse area and had a picnic lunch. It was really great for me to spend some quality time with my friend whom I rarely see anymore because of distance and just life in general, and it was fun to watch our kids play together.

We parted ways at the courthouse around 1:45, and by 4, we had another visitor. Ms. Cindy's son came for a sleepover. He's 7 (almost 8!) and Mason and he are the best of friends. So, they immediately ran outside and started digging in the sand, swinging on the swings and pulling around the wagon. Later, they watched "Chicken Little".

I've enjoyed the company and being the hostess, but I really found joy in watching Mason with these children. It just warms the heart to see your child making memories with friends and loving that they are sharing their world with others.

But I do need a nap...

Everybody was King Fu fighting!!

We braved the theater with our 2 month old. Crazy and maybe stupid, I know. But actually, she did okay. We hadn't planned on going to the movies today, but Hubby and I were bored from the moment we woke up this morning. And we slept in and missed church. That's the main activity on Sundays. So, we packed up the kids and headed to see "Kung Fu Panda". There were a few parts that were a little scary for a 3 year old (the bad tiger Tai Lung is pretty frightening at times), but overall, a sweet message. It inspires you to be who you want to be, not what people expect you to be, and also to find inner strength to do things you think you can't do.

If I was reviewing the movie (which I haven't found a place that will pay me yet!!), I'd give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Or pandas. Or whatever.

Okay, this is too good...

This is not my story, but I had to share it, being the Grammar nut that I am. You'll see why...



So, a friend of mine went to a Fairwell Party for a friend of hers and the cake ordered is classic. I guess the person that ordered the cake said to the Walmart employee, "I would like the cake to say Best Wishes Suzanne and underneath that, We Will Miss You."



And this was the result:

Oh man, that just pains me. And makes me laugh. And just further proves my theory that common sense is slowly losing popularity...

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?