Hope Easter finds you happy and eating some ham and deviled eggs!
We are spread out and actually not celebrating today.
Bob is out with some co-workers in Argentina.
I am at home taking care of some household chores.
Rachel is at home taking care of her household chores from the move to her new house. Cash is helping??? And Veronica is doing activities with her dad's family.
Drew is at home taking care of his household chores in preparation for his move from his apartment to the house he and Rachel are sharing.
Haven't talked to Mike and Ryan. Miss them! Probably they are going to Easter Dinner.
Today is my mom's b-day. So yesterday, Me, Rachel, Veronica, Cash, Drew, and my friend Robin all drove to Joplin where we met Mom, had lunch, and did the exchange of gifts-Easter and birthday. We had a good time and Mom hasn't stopped talking about how beautiful her great grandchildren are. They are.
And Robin was nice and drove and bought me some ice cream AND didn't kill me with her driving. Sorry Robin, it wouldn't be me if I didn't give you some grief!
I had a busy week at school. On Friday I ran a lot of errands on the day off.
We are studying the Diary of Anne Frank and I love the opportunity to introduce my students to such an important work and to help them realize a lot about themselves. I actually had a boy who is often in trouble with the office, who is a bully, and has a bad home life complain when we stopped reading 5 minutes before class was over. He wanted to go on.
My friend, Sarah, who teaches special education brings her students to my class for this unit. The boy who yells out inappropriately talked to her about how he was affected by the video that Bob brought back from Holland. Our two boys who are in wheelchairs talked about how people with disabilities were persecuted by the Nazis.
The kids and the movie, Freedom Writers, reminded me that the Diary of Anne Frank isn't just a story. I have taught it enough that I needed to be reminded that I have a responsibility to remember the people who aren't here anymore to tell their story. Isn't sacrifice what Easter is all about?
Right now I am sitting at the computer in my nightgown and bathrobe and I am getting ready to do some mending and then go to school and get some work done done. (oops-Low by Flo Rider came on I had to dance...) It might not sound like much of a holiday, but I do enjoy time alone and not being responsible for other people. It is something I never had until now.
Have a happy holiday and remember everyone who helped you get where you are today.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
It's Official
It is official! Cash turned 10 months old today and he is WALKING! Say it isn't so! Pictures when he stops long enough for us to catch him!
Veronica and Cash love playing! Veronica has her sweet little animals and Cash is already playing with dirt.
Friday, March 14, 2008
B-U-S-Y 3-14
Hello to you all! It is March 14 and I am off of work! It is our two day spring break! However, I will be leaving in a few minutes to go to Osage Beach for the Middle School Conference. Good times and we learn some things and we get crazy in the evenings!
We are all well at this point. The sun has been shining occasionally and it was been warm outside a couple of times. It won't last.
Bob has been home and leaves for Argentina on Tuesday. As a favor to one of my friends he is helping with a first grader's project by taking a Flat Stanley. Can't wait until he has to explain why he is carrying a paper doll and taking pictures of it! Bob is working on his "novel" and he gets a lot more done than I do on mine.
I am just busy. Lots of meetings right now. I did enter the first chapter of my novel in a contest. If I win, I will need a whole book ready. That should be interesting.
Rach is working and getting ready to move. She recently got her hair done and it is cute.
Veronica is still pretty toothless and pretty sweet. We took both of the kids up to see Bob's parents and Veronica worked very hard to entertain Toni and Herman. On that note Herman and Toni seemed well. I think they were both tickled by the kids.
I am always amazed when I spend time with Veronica to realize just how smart she is. She is also funny. This week she took an anatomy book to school. Rachel sometimes gives her some of the college books. The book actually showed what you look like inside. I asked her if the book might be a little mature for her classmates, and she told me, "It's okay, Grandma. Momma took out all of the boy and girl parts."
Baby Cash is this close to walking. He does walk when he doesn't realize it. He is making more noise. When he is eating if he doesn't get his food fast enough, he slaps his high chair tray, looks you straight in the eye and says, "Hey!" in way that you know he means BUSINESS! He also gets so excited when he gets to go outside that he stands up and lets out a yell that is similar to one Tarzan might release. See, he is related to me.
My Drewsie has been on spring break and working. He will be glad to get moved next month to the house he will share with Rachel, so that he can have cheaper rent. He keeps hoping for good weather, so that he can fly.
Haven't spoken to Ryan and Mike. Bob is going to call this weekend.
Cat is alive and so is the sluggish fish.
And I need to go get dressed. Believe the world will be grateful.
Have good times! Happy almost St. Patrick's day and Beware the Ides of March.
We are all well at this point. The sun has been shining occasionally and it was been warm outside a couple of times. It won't last.
Bob has been home and leaves for Argentina on Tuesday. As a favor to one of my friends he is helping with a first grader's project by taking a Flat Stanley. Can't wait until he has to explain why he is carrying a paper doll and taking pictures of it! Bob is working on his "novel" and he gets a lot more done than I do on mine.
I am just busy. Lots of meetings right now. I did enter the first chapter of my novel in a contest. If I win, I will need a whole book ready. That should be interesting.
Rach is working and getting ready to move. She recently got her hair done and it is cute.
Veronica is still pretty toothless and pretty sweet. We took both of the kids up to see Bob's parents and Veronica worked very hard to entertain Toni and Herman. On that note Herman and Toni seemed well. I think they were both tickled by the kids.
I am always amazed when I spend time with Veronica to realize just how smart she is. She is also funny. This week she took an anatomy book to school. Rachel sometimes gives her some of the college books. The book actually showed what you look like inside. I asked her if the book might be a little mature for her classmates, and she told me, "It's okay, Grandma. Momma took out all of the boy and girl parts."
Baby Cash is this close to walking. He does walk when he doesn't realize it. He is making more noise. When he is eating if he doesn't get his food fast enough, he slaps his high chair tray, looks you straight in the eye and says, "Hey!" in way that you know he means BUSINESS! He also gets so excited when he gets to go outside that he stands up and lets out a yell that is similar to one Tarzan might release. See, he is related to me.
My Drewsie has been on spring break and working. He will be glad to get moved next month to the house he will share with Rachel, so that he can have cheaper rent. He keeps hoping for good weather, so that he can fly.
Haven't spoken to Ryan and Mike. Bob is going to call this weekend.
Cat is alive and so is the sluggish fish.
And I need to go get dressed. Believe the world will be grateful.
Have good times! Happy almost St. Patrick's day and Beware the Ides of March.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Marching on in March
Hurray! A new day! A new month! And the sun is shining and it is close to 70 degrees outdoors.
At least until the morning when snow and gloom return. Oh well, live in the moment.
Bob is back from Holland. He found it interesting and brought back presents. Everyone was thrilled with their gifts. He even bought a stuffed animal for Cash. The last time he tried to buy a stuffed animal, Veronica was about one years old. When she saw it in the bag, she threw it to the floors and literally tried to stomp the stuffing out of it. We think it was because it was a little black and white dog wearing a red beret and she thought the dog was bleeding. In any case, Bob has been afraid to buy any more stuffed animals. Cash was much nicer about his little bear from Poppie.
I am feeling much more positive than last week. (And the fish is still alive.) This is a really busy time for me and I have things to do pretty much every day after school this week. And next week too. And the week after.
I am also a little thinner. I have been trying to be with some success!
Rachel has been working on her new house. She has been painting Baby Cash's room and it should be really cute. She plans to move in the next couple of months.
Drew is just going to school and flying when the weather lets him. He is flying all around the state on solo trips.
Veronica is just a joy. She came over one evening and we had girl time. We read and played games and just enjoyed our time. She offered to put pillows around when we played Twister, so I wouldn't break my bones.
Baby Cash continues to learn new things. One more tooth, makes five, and he has discovered the joy of singing. Loudly.
Ryan and Mike's maternal grandmother Dolores took her phone over, so the boys could talk to us. It was nice to hear from them, but Ryan didn't seem very happy in general. They are both happy to be 17. They plan to graduate from high school next January. WOW!
We looked at a house for my mom to buy. However, she is terribly sick right now with the flu. She also is disgusted enough with her work, that she may retire before August. Hope so, we worry about her.
Bob's parents are over the flu. Toni has a birthday this week. We haven't seen them much. Either they have been sick or we have been sick or Bob has been gone.
Bob and I also did some house and land looking. We want to build a small house in the future. It will be our LAST move until we die. I know, you don't believe it. Bob means it!
Okay, that's all I've got. And I have way too much to get accomplished this week and today to blog any longer.
Have a great week ahead for you and yours!
At least until the morning when snow and gloom return. Oh well, live in the moment.
Bob is back from Holland. He found it interesting and brought back presents. Everyone was thrilled with their gifts. He even bought a stuffed animal for Cash. The last time he tried to buy a stuffed animal, Veronica was about one years old. When she saw it in the bag, she threw it to the floors and literally tried to stomp the stuffing out of it. We think it was because it was a little black and white dog wearing a red beret and she thought the dog was bleeding. In any case, Bob has been afraid to buy any more stuffed animals. Cash was much nicer about his little bear from Poppie.
I am feeling much more positive than last week. (And the fish is still alive.) This is a really busy time for me and I have things to do pretty much every day after school this week. And next week too. And the week after.
I am also a little thinner. I have been trying to be with some success!
Rachel has been working on her new house. She has been painting Baby Cash's room and it should be really cute. She plans to move in the next couple of months.
Drew is just going to school and flying when the weather lets him. He is flying all around the state on solo trips.
Veronica is just a joy. She came over one evening and we had girl time. We read and played games and just enjoyed our time. She offered to put pillows around when we played Twister, so I wouldn't break my bones.
Baby Cash continues to learn new things. One more tooth, makes five, and he has discovered the joy of singing. Loudly.
Ryan and Mike's maternal grandmother Dolores took her phone over, so the boys could talk to us. It was nice to hear from them, but Ryan didn't seem very happy in general. They are both happy to be 17. They plan to graduate from high school next January. WOW!
We looked at a house for my mom to buy. However, she is terribly sick right now with the flu. She also is disgusted enough with her work, that she may retire before August. Hope so, we worry about her.
Bob's parents are over the flu. Toni has a birthday this week. We haven't seen them much. Either they have been sick or we have been sick or Bob has been gone.
Bob and I also did some house and land looking. We want to build a small house in the future. It will be our LAST move until we die. I know, you don't believe it. Bob means it!
Okay, that's all I've got. And I have way too much to get accomplished this week and today to blog any longer.
Have a great week ahead for you and yours!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
A Sign of Hope
If you read my last entry, you'll notice that our lives have been a bit dreary. Hard to feel good when the weather is so gray and things just keep happening.
In the last entry I wrote that the fish and the cat were still alive. So, yesterday after a trying day where I am trying unsuccessfully to fight off a cold... I am just trying to get home so I can collapse on the couch.
The first thing I notice is that Jack the fish, who has been sluggish for a couple of days, is laying on the bottom of his bowl. There is NO movement. I go and make noise on the side of the bowl and NO response. Then I wiggle the bowl and again NO movement. So, now I take the stick of bamboo and tap the fish. NOTHING. Eyes are dull, its little fins are not moving, and it is just floating there.
At this point, I am like, "Oh great, my life sucks and one of the ONLY two good things I had to talk about in the last blog is DEAD!" I was pissed. I don't even like the fish that much, but dang it...it shouldn't be dead.
I leave the dead fish there for a few minutes. Then I come back and start draining the water, so I can throw the little beta body out into the field which constitutes a burial in this crappy weather.
When I have the water out and I am getting the paper towel coffin and reaching to grasp the fish, Jack SUDDENLY jumps straight up into the air. He is ALIVE.............!
Now, I have to get some water to him quickly, so he will continue to be alive. I did and he is just fine. I don't know if he was hibernating or dying or what, but he is back!
So, just remember when your day or week or year seems as though it will NEVER end, maybe your fish will come back to life. Maybe there is hope for me yet!
Have a great day! I think I even see the SUN!
In the last entry I wrote that the fish and the cat were still alive. So, yesterday after a trying day where I am trying unsuccessfully to fight off a cold... I am just trying to get home so I can collapse on the couch.
The first thing I notice is that Jack the fish, who has been sluggish for a couple of days, is laying on the bottom of his bowl. There is NO movement. I go and make noise on the side of the bowl and NO response. Then I wiggle the bowl and again NO movement. So, now I take the stick of bamboo and tap the fish. NOTHING. Eyes are dull, its little fins are not moving, and it is just floating there.
At this point, I am like, "Oh great, my life sucks and one of the ONLY two good things I had to talk about in the last blog is DEAD!" I was pissed. I don't even like the fish that much, but dang it...it shouldn't be dead.
I leave the dead fish there for a few minutes. Then I come back and start draining the water, so I can throw the little beta body out into the field which constitutes a burial in this crappy weather.
When I have the water out and I am getting the paper towel coffin and reaching to grasp the fish, Jack SUDDENLY jumps straight up into the air. He is ALIVE.............!
Now, I have to get some water to him quickly, so he will continue to be alive. I did and he is just fine. I don't know if he was hibernating or dying or what, but he is back!
So, just remember when your day or week or year seems as though it will NEVER end, maybe your fish will come back to life. Maybe there is hope for me yet!
Have a great day! I think I even see the SUN!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Ahhhhhh Quiet! 2-17-1-24
It's Sunday morning here and it is quiet. It has been a stressful week and I am glad the old one is over and the new one is starting. If you remember the old Hee Haw song of "Gloom, despair, and agony on me....Deep dark depression, excessive misery. If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all...
Bob has been home and working locally. He did take a day off on Thursday because of the weather. The weather sucks. It is so bad that we aren't trying for warm weather anymore. We are simply trying to sunshine and an end to various forms of precipitation.
Wait the phone. It was Bob. He is trying to drive through snow to the airport to catch an overseas flight to Amsterdam, Holland in a truck that isn't shifting and has the check engine light coming on sporadically. It also had trouble starting this week. This morning he burned his breakfast, and had to come home already once because he forgot his phone.
The Amsterdam, Holland part is cool if he ever gets there. I really wanted to go too, because the Anne Frank House where they hid during WWII is there. I teach a play about the diary and it would have been neat to go there. Bob has promised to make a visit if he has time.
I started off the week with two students very publicly and uncharacteristically refusing to do something minor that I asked them to do. One parent supported my response and the other did not. I am being kind because the one that did not support me caused a much worse situation than that. I have to decide if my punishment for the student is worth the grief the student himself will have to deal with when it comes to dealing with his own parent. On that topic, I learned a long time ago to do what I think is best because no matter how much good you do as a teacher, sometimes you just have to go with the flow.
I had two days off at the end of the week which normally would be nice, but I've babysat for four days straight. However, I do love the babies. To top all of this off, one of my male co-workers (who was a former student of mine) was arrested for felony counts of inappropriate behavior involving minor boys. I got to see a lot of the local news crews in action on the road behind my house.
Our shower broke. The plumber repaired it, but not before we had to saw a HUGE hole in the dining room wall that was remodeled and painted this past summer. Now, I have to hire someone to repair the hole so I can paint it again.
I did get a few hours to meet with a writing critique group. That was productive.
Rachel has had some trouble at work and learned that sometimes people don't want you to answer questions they ask.
Drew hasn't been able to get any flying done because of the weather.
Ryan and Mike turned 17 on Thursday. We haven't spoken to them except once since the middle of December, as apparently they aren't taking our calls. Didn't have any problem taking the money we sent them for Christmas gifts. Or Valentine's. Hard to send birthday gifts when you can't ask what they would like. Pretty frustrating since we have also sent them a phone card to use.
The babies have colds and they are sharing with everyone.
The cat is alive and so is the fish. The hermit crab is dead.
On that note, I quit this depressive missive. As I said, I am looking forward to a fresh start. Now I am off to use my "new" shower. I really hope YOUR week was much better than ours.
Bob has been home and working locally. He did take a day off on Thursday because of the weather. The weather sucks. It is so bad that we aren't trying for warm weather anymore. We are simply trying to sunshine and an end to various forms of precipitation.
Wait the phone. It was Bob. He is trying to drive through snow to the airport to catch an overseas flight to Amsterdam, Holland in a truck that isn't shifting and has the check engine light coming on sporadically. It also had trouble starting this week. This morning he burned his breakfast, and had to come home already once because he forgot his phone.
The Amsterdam, Holland part is cool if he ever gets there. I really wanted to go too, because the Anne Frank House where they hid during WWII is there. I teach a play about the diary and it would have been neat to go there. Bob has promised to make a visit if he has time.
I started off the week with two students very publicly and uncharacteristically refusing to do something minor that I asked them to do. One parent supported my response and the other did not. I am being kind because the one that did not support me caused a much worse situation than that. I have to decide if my punishment for the student is worth the grief the student himself will have to deal with when it comes to dealing with his own parent. On that topic, I learned a long time ago to do what I think is best because no matter how much good you do as a teacher, sometimes you just have to go with the flow.
I had two days off at the end of the week which normally would be nice, but I've babysat for four days straight. However, I do love the babies. To top all of this off, one of my male co-workers (who was a former student of mine) was arrested for felony counts of inappropriate behavior involving minor boys. I got to see a lot of the local news crews in action on the road behind my house.
Our shower broke. The plumber repaired it, but not before we had to saw a HUGE hole in the dining room wall that was remodeled and painted this past summer. Now, I have to hire someone to repair the hole so I can paint it again.
I did get a few hours to meet with a writing critique group. That was productive.
Rachel has had some trouble at work and learned that sometimes people don't want you to answer questions they ask.
Drew hasn't been able to get any flying done because of the weather.
Ryan and Mike turned 17 on Thursday. We haven't spoken to them except once since the middle of December, as apparently they aren't taking our calls. Didn't have any problem taking the money we sent them for Christmas gifts. Or Valentine's. Hard to send birthday gifts when you can't ask what they would like. Pretty frustrating since we have also sent them a phone card to use.
The babies have colds and they are sharing with everyone.
The cat is alive and so is the fish. The hermit crab is dead.
On that note, I quit this depressive missive. As I said, I am looking forward to a fresh start. Now I am off to use my "new" shower. I really hope YOUR week was much better than ours.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Happy Valentine's Week
Busy times for all of us.
Bob went to Nebraska and returned. Close to home this week and then possibly Buenos Aires. He sent me some lovely flowers with a beautiful card for Valentine's Day. I was the envy of my co-workers.
I worked and then worked some more.
Rachel also worked. Drew went to school.
Veronica was sick, then well, then sick again. Poor baby!
She did get to enjoy Valentine's day and the Father/Daughter dance. Doesn't she look so grown up. Poor Poppie was upset.
Cash was great. He sings and talks all of the time and we don't understand a word. You can tell he and Poppie have good times.
Xena the cat is alive and sad when we make her go out of the enclosed breezeway. You will notice in the pictures that she isn't too thrilled with Cash. He is inside. The cat is outside. The funny part is they both just want to trade places.
Have a great week and show each other the love.
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