Today, I am thankful...

...that the roof doesn't leak! I was NOT looking forward to today because the weatherman was predicting strong storms--maybe even tornadoes.  While I am not afraid of storms in the least, I was not looking forward to a day of calming young fears.  I have one student in particular who is terrified of storms.  We had a tornado warning several months back and spent the greater part of 2 hours in the hallway waiting for the storm to pass.  He was nearly inconsolable.  I spent a good deal of that time trying to reassure him that I wouldn't let anything bad happen to him, and I held him as he rocked and cried.  Finally, he calmed down and I was able to let go.  I was afraid some of my knuckleheads would make fun of him, but surprisingly they didn't.

Anyway, there was a brief tornado warning this morning at around 4:30 or 5:00, but the brunt of the storm passed us over.  It continued to rain throughout most of the day--quite heavily at times.  Our rain gauge here says we got over 2 inches today. 

On a side note, I feel rather strange today.  I noticed it at about 1:15 this afternoon.  My head feels weird.  It doesn't hurt, and I'm not exactly dizzy.  But I just don't feel normal.  (If you knew me, you'd likely argue that I'm not "normal.")  I don't know what else to say about it, and I'm not looking for sympathy.  Just wanted to document it in case I need this info later.

Hope your week is off to a great start!

Hugs and love,

Jealous

My parents woke up this morning on a cruise ship.  I'm glad they are having a good time, but I am so jealous!  J and I have been on 3 cruises and we love it!  The only problem is that my job really doesn't allow us to go when the rates are low.  Plus, right now we have more important uses for our extra money.  We talked about going on fall break some year when it's his turn at work, but we're optimistic that I will be unable to sail this October.  Someday...

2nd Date

Earlier in the week, J announced that he wanted to go to the movies on Saturday (today) and see The King's Spe.ech.  I blinked at him a couple of times to process what he'd just said before stammering out, "Okay."  Usually he doesn't go for movies set in another time. I didn't think he'd enjoy it.  That's why I hadn't suggested it when he said I could pick what we saw when we went out for Valentine's Day.  But I questioned him about it and he said that he'd heard it was good and he wanted to see it. 

We had a wedding to go to first, though.  A former student of mine.  Gosh that makes me feel old.  At least I managed to get married before any of my students, even if I didn't beat them all to parenthood.  Then, we headed to town for our second date this month.  Woohoo!  We're on a roll.  But it won't last.  Not that my husband isn't romantic or generous, but we're gearing up for our FET and we're tightening the purse strings.  It did help that we saved $70 at the grocery store after the movie between the plus card savings and coupons, and we snagged some pretty good deals at Tar.get beforehand via coupons and in-store specials.  I just love saving money.  I get this awesome adrenaline rush when I go couponing.  Does that make me a dork?  (Incidentally, if it does, I've been a dork from way back.  From the time I was old enough to walk around in the grocery store alone, my mom has sent me to find things.  It was like a game.  "Here, go see if you can find this item," she'd say, indicating the product on the coupon she handed me.) 

Ah, well.  AF didn't play any nicer today.  Tomorrow is CD 4, which is historically the worst day of the cycle for me.  Not sure why, but it's been like that for years.  At least it hit on a weekend so I don't have to deal with 23 fifth graders and an unwelcome wench at the same time.

Hope your Sunday is fabulous!

Hugs and love,

TGIF

I don't know about you, but I sure am glad it's Friday.  My students have been WILD this week.  If I didn't know  better, I'd have sworn there was a full moon every night this week!  I'm hoping to rest a bit this weekend.  We have some plans for tomorrow, but not for the whole day.  I would love to just survive AF this weekend.  She is not playing fair at all.  The only thing that's made it bearable at all today is knowing that this could be the start of something good.  Yes, that's right.  I choose to be optimistic. 

Happy weekend! 

Hugs & love,

Already?

So, AF showed up today--earlier than expected.  I figured she'd show up sometime this weekend...maybe even Monday.  But she surprised me today.  It wasn't exactly unannounced, though.  I was a little crampy on Tuesday, but nothing much yesterday.  Then, last night before bed, there was a bit of spotting.  Nothing major.  And it's not like I've not had cycles in the past where I'd spot for 3 days before the real thing hit.  This morning, the spotting seemed to have picked up at first, but then there was not much a little later.  So, I only wore a thin pad to school (but took the "heavy duty" supplies, just in case).  It's a good thing I went armed and ready because I needed it by 8:30. 

Right when my planning time started, I called nurse Kelli at NFC to report CD 1.  Of course, I had to leave a message, but that was okay with me.  I then commenced to crying for the next 30 minutes.  I'm not sure why.  I barely got a thing done the whole time my kids were at gym class.  I've been waiting for this cycle for nearly three months now.  The one where we get to try again.  But what if it doesn't work?  Then what? 

So here's the plan--J and I have decided to do a natural FET cycle.  I have to go for an u/s and bloodwork next Friday (CD 9--I should have had it done on CD 10 or 11, but of course my body couldn't cooperate since that would be a weekend).  I'm not sure what happens after that.  I got some paperwork, but the first couple of things it mentioned would happen didn't (not sure why), so I don't want to get ahead of myself.  All I know is, I've been given a second chance.  I just hope it works.  I'm not sure I can afford a third!

In other news, it's rained so much here...if we see a dude sailing by on an ark, we may just hop on!

Hugs and love,

Better post to come...

...tomorrow. Right now, my baby needs me. I'll be spending my evening holding my puppy.

Hugs and love,

Tomorrow is a big day...

...for Jax.  J has decided that it is time for him to be neutered.  We couldn't do it until he was 6 months old, which was at the beginning of the month.  Lately, he's stopped eating, though, and J thinks he may have "other things" on his mind.  Oh, he also said that he didn't want his dog to be able to reproduce if we couldn't.  So, anyway, I feel sorry for my baby tomorrow, but I know it is best for his health.  The vet highly recommended it.  I just hope he doesn't hate us forever!

Hugs and love,

I think he likes it

Boy, for somebody who said they'd never "dog-sit," Jax sure has his "grandma" wrapped around his little, er, paw.  Check out his new bed that my mom made for him.  He hasn't quite got the hang of it yet, but I think he likes it!

Hugs and love,

Goodbye, old buddy

We said goodbye to Sam this weekend.  We knew it was coming, yet it was still quite unexpected.  He was nearly 13 years old.  He lived a good life.  I know Jax will miss him.  They were, after all, napping buddies.

Jax even tried to take him for a walk a few weeks ago.

Goodbye, buddy.  Our house will be different without you.

Hugs and love,

Now I've seen (almost) everything!

As I was on my way to town to meet J yesterday afternoon, I realized that the car I was following was a bit, ahem, unusual.  At first glance, you might not notice.  Take a closer look, though.  Go ahead.  Do you see it?

Did you see it?  Here's a closer view.  The bumper is missing and has been carefully replaced by a piece of wood.  It's even been painted to an almost-silvery gray color. 

Now I've nearly seen it all!  Happy Saturday, everyone. 

Hugs and love,

Where I'm From

For several years, I had my students write a poem patterned after an excerpt from a George Ella Lyons book called Where I'm From.  Of course, the avid writer, I always drafted a poem in front of them as an example.  For some, it helps to see the process.  Others, however, get often get intimidated when their work does not turn out as long as mine.  (Why is it kids are so caught up with their work being long enough?  That's one of my least favorite school related questions.  Is this long enough?  or How long does this have to be?  There is no correct answer!  It has to be long enough to say what needs to be said.)  Anywho, I haven't been able to do this particular project the past couple of years, and I miss it!  You'd think I'd run out of ideas to include, but I have about 5 "Where I'm from" poems and they are all VERY different.  Here's one I came across while cleaning out some files on my computer.  I think I wrote this one in 2006.

Where I’m From

I am from lemonade stands,

From Kool-Aid and Rice Krispies’ Treats

homemade, not from the store

I am from the make-shift “beauty parlor” under the maple tree,

pink clip-on earrings

and potato chips in the red can.

I am from eating on China on Christmas Day

and paper plates the rest of the year

From homemade ice cream the whole family helped crank

Make mine peppermint

I am from the directionally-challenged

(though I fought to overcome it)

from “Go to your room—and don’t read!”

and “I’m going to give you something to cry about…”

I’m from performing for an imaginary audience,

A cash register plug for a microphone

From my first recording at age 6—

Amazing Grace—mom still plays it

I’m from “know-so” salvation at an old-time altar.

I’m from a backpack of supplies

My getaway gear—

What happened to the water in my TicTac containers?

From the generous and tender-hearted

I am from the albums full of memories

the fiercest winds can’t blow away.

Maybe I'll write an IF version someday.  It might be interesting to see how far I've come.  Ah, well.  Hang in there, gals.  The weekend is nearly here!

Hugs and love,

On the mend

I am glad to report that I think I am FINALLY on the mend.  My throat is almost completely better (barely a scratch, and mostly right after I sneeze or cough).  I was a bit congested and sneezy this morning, but it mostly cleared up after my shower.  I still have an occasional wheeze and cough that is akin to that of a smoker (never smoked a cigarette in my life).  It's really more annoying than anything. 

I'm just relieved that this junk seems to be packing its bags and will hopefully be out of here in a few days.  That means it is unlikely to interfere with our plans for an FET in March.  Yikes!  How did it get here so soon?  I anticipate AF's arrival sometime next weekend (or very soon after).  I expect time will move swiftly after that.  I'm nervously excited about the whole thing.  The process is much less invasive than the fresh cycle was, but I know that success rates are likely diminshed a bit.  *Sigh*  Oh, the things fertiles never have to think about...

If you have a moment, send some love to my buddy.  She got some sad news today.  Love ya, hon.

Hugs and love,

Day 2

of feeling like crud!  Hopefully, I can shake whatever it is that has taken over my throat and respriatory tract SOON!  I'm terrified that it will disrupt our upcoming FET cycle.  I may even have to break down and go to the d-o-c-t-o-r if it doesn't clear up in the next day or so.  I make this really funky sound when I try to take a deep breath.  If my voice would just go, then I'd have a real reason to stay home from work.  I hate to miss, though.  It's a lot more trouble to plan for a sub than to just teach when you feel like poo. 

Ah, well.  The weather is quite lovely here, today.  I'd just like to document how thankful I am for it.  Hope it's nice where you are!

Hugs and love,

Feeling Crummy

I'm not feeling so hot.  My throat has been doing *something* since Friday evening, and even though it really doesn't feel worse, it is definitely not better.  Sorry, guys.  I've got nothing witty to share with you today.  I just don't have the energy to think.  Besides, I have papers to grade and things to finish for my upcoming Civil War unit (my favorite, by the way).  Hope you're having a fabulous Tuesday!

Hugs and much love,

Kids’ Answers to Questions on Love

I've seen these sorts of things travel the email circuit many times, and I started doing them in my own classroom a few years ago.  Usually, I do this at the end of the school year, but we were coming back from 4 1/2 days off for snow (plus the weekend), so while I tried to figure out exactly what I hoped to accomplish today (it really should be against the law to have a holiday on a Monday at school), I let my students respond to these survey questions.  While some of their answers are not quite as comical as in years past--I blame it on the fact that I did not have time to read them examples--it is still refreshing to see a kids-eye view on the whole love thing.  Some of them even seem wise beyond their years.  Enjoy!

1. WHAT IS THE PROPER AGE TO GET MARRIED?

     • 16
     • 20
     • 21 or 26, I think that’s the right age
     • age 30
     • 24
     • 18
     • 25
     • 18 or older

2. WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
     • Kiss
     • go to fancy restaurants
     • Have dinner and kiss and hold hands
     • talk about personal stuff
     • go out and eat at good places
     • they talk about their interests and likes and dislikes
     • watch a movie
     • go to the movies and see a romantic movie
     • talk
     • eat

3. WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
     • when you are 12
     • when no one is looking
     • on a second date or when you get married
     • when no one is around
     • when you’re 20
     • at your house
     • when you find the right man/woman
     • when you are ready
     • on a first date
     • any time the mood is right
     • when you know you love them
     • when you are dating someone

4. THE GREAT DEBATE: IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
     • married
     • both/either one
     • married because you need someone to take care of the house

5. WHAT IS IT LIKE TO FALL IN LOVE?
     • fun
     • it’s like your heart is busting with love
     • awesome; lovely; nice
     • it feels okay
     • it is nice to fall in love
     • it’s like loving chocolate
     • joyful
     • it’s like falling in a hole that never ends
     • I don’t know, I am only 10
     • a dream come true
     • it feels wonderful

6. HOW IMPORTANT ARE GOOD LOOKS WHEN THINKING ABOUT LOVE?
     • very important
     • ultra important
     • it does not matter about your good looks
     • not important because if someone really likes you they won’t care about looks
     • middle of the line
     • it is important to look awesome
     • you don’t have to look pretty to find love
     • it only matters what is inside the person
     • well, of course you want to look your best

7. WHY DO PEOPLE IN LOVE OFTEN HOLD HANDS?
     • to show that they are in love
     • They want to be close together
     • because they like each other
     • because it is sweet
     • they think it is romantic

8. HOW CAN YOU TELL IF TWO ADULTS EATING DINNER AT A RESTAURANT
ARE IN LOVE?
     • if they kiss
     • they sit by each other and kiss and hold hands
     • when they stare at each other
     • they will have goofy grins on their faces
     • if they are talking and laughing
     • when they have candles and are laughing
     • the way they look at each other

9. WHAT ARE MOST PEOPLE THINKING WHEN THEY SAY “I LOVE YOU?”
     • they will be together forever
     • they’re thinking about their marriage
     • it shows that they are in love
     • I want you to be with me
    
10. HOW DO YOU MAKE LOVE LAST?
     • be nice
     • going on dates
     • don’t argue or fight
     • luck, and candy
     • by saying I love you
     • spend time together
     • you do all you can for them and buy them anything they want
     • don’t annoy each other
     • by making her happy


Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Hugs and love,

Extreme Makeover...

...blog edition.  I've been seriously contemplating a blog makeover lately.  While I'm happy with the layout and colors and such, I would just like to possibly personalize things a bit more.  It's just a little bit disheartening to visit another blog and see that they have the exact same design as mine.  It's like mine isn't special anymore.  I know that some of you have customized blog designs.  Do you have a site/designer that you'd recommend with reasonable pricing?  J will probably think it's ridiculous to pay money for something that isn't even known to most of the people that I know IRL, but I just feel a need to make it mine.  Like I said, though, I've just been throwing the idea around.  Nothing is definite yet.  Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Hugs and love,

A Date with my Valentine

My mom agreed to watch Jax today so J and I could go on a "Valentines date." We ran our usual errands--carwash, Wal.Mart, and the grocery (along with a couple more stops).  We also had a late lunch/early dinner and went to the movies to see The Dilemma.  It was nice to spend the day with J, even if we did seem quite busy with several places to go.  I hope everyone else who celebrates the holiday is as in love as I am.  J, if you're reading this, I know that I don't always show it, but I love you more than words can say.  I can't wait to see what our future holds.  No matter what God has in store, I know we can tackle it...together.

Hugs and love,

I'm SO over this snow!

Today was snow day #4 for the week (actually 4.5 for the students since we dismissed school at 11:00 on Monday) and #16 for the school year.  While I try very hard not to stress about the weather and its ability to wreak havoc on my lesson plans, I will admit that I was going a bit stir crazy, being stuck indoors with only Sam and Jax to keep me company all week.  I do love my dog, but he's not very good at conversation.

Some fellow teachers and I decided to meet for a movie and lunch today.  We saw the new movie, Just Go With It. It was supper funny, and I'd recommend it if you are looking for a good romantic comedy.

It is supposed to start warming up tomorrow.  I cannot tell how much I'm looking forward to thawing out. Didi mention that I hate being cold?

Hugs and love,

Mystery Solved!

The case of the missing mouse is now closed. I found it this morning under the loveseat in the family room. I don't know *why* I didn't look there before. Of course it was the only logical place to look. It just happens to be in about the same place as my Kin.dle the other day when it went missing. (The Kin.dle was actually under the couch instead of the loveseat, but we have since rearranged the furniture, so it is really the same spot.). I think I've found somebody's favorite hiding place!

Hope everyone is staying warm!

Hugs and love,

The Case of the Missing Mouse

Other than Mic.key, the only mouse I'll allow into my house is one to operate a computer.  When J surprised me with a new laptop on Christmas '09, I was delighted that he thought to include a wireless mouse so I would not have to depend on the built-in touchpad.  While it is functional, I much prefer the feel of a "real" mouse when I can.  It worked great, too...for a whole year. 

Then, Jax found it on New Year's Eve.  It hasn't been the same since.  When I discovered that he had it, I quickly snatched it away.  It had bite marks on it, but seemed to be in pretty good condition, still.  I gave a test run, and it still worked.  The scroll roller was a bit hesitant, but other than that it worked perfectly.  So I resisted buying a new one.  After all, mine still worked, right?  Right.  The last time I saw it was Sunday evening.  My mom played Internet Spades on my laptop during the Super.bowl.  I blogged from my phone on Monday and Tuesday, and I don't think I even had my laptop out at all.  (FYI, it's "resting place" is plugged in under the end table in the living room.  We aren't in there much, so it is out of the way.)

I went to get it a little while ago so I could catch up with everyone and work on some school work (yes, we are on snow day #14 now, thank you very much), and I could not find the mouse ANYWHERE.  Since the second time I caught Jax with it, I have been putting it up on top of the end table behind a picture for safe keeping.  Today, it wasn't there.  I looked under the couch, behind the couch, and all around the living room.  No mouse.  Rats.  (Pun intended.)  I have a sneaking suspicion the culprit drinks from a bowl and is currently napping on my shoes.  I'll have to ask him about it when he wakes up.  ;-)

Hugs and love,

No motivation

I just can't seem to think of anything witty to post about today. Maybe it's the snow, maybe it's the cold. Or maybe it's the horrid headache I've had today that just won't go away. You'd think I'd be a pro at dealing with them, but it's been over 3 years since I had this many so close together. I'm not looking for sympathy, I'm just attempting to explain why I'm so boring today. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Hugs and love,

New favorite pastime

We rearranged the family room on Saturday, and Jax found a new love. I guess if you can't be outside playing, this is the next best thing.

It just happened to be snowing while he was looking .  Guess who's ready to go play now?

Can we say sinful?

It's a long story how these cookies found their way into my shopping cart as I was doing my weekly grocery run on Friday evening, but we broke them out for our Super Bowl get-together with my parents this evening.  All I can say is 1) it's a good thing there were other people here or I'd have eaten the entire dozen myself, and 2) they are almost as good cold as they are warm from the oven!  If you find yourself in a low, low place or just need a good pick-me-up, I highly recommend these cookies!

FYI, we had the caramel variety.  Yummy!

Hugs and love,

7 Reasons Not To Mess With Children

A relative emailed this to me the other day.  I thought it was too cute not to share. 


1. A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales. The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small. The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale. Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible. The little girl said, 'When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah'. The teacher asked, 'What if Jonah didn't go to Heaven?' The little girl replied, 'Then you ask him'.


2.  A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing. She would occasionally walk around to see each child's work. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was. The girl replied, 'I'm drawing God.' The teacher paused and said, 'But no one knows what God looks like..' Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, 'They will in a minute.'


3.  A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds. After explaining the commandment to 'honour' thy Father and thy Mother, she asked, 'Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?' Without missing a beat one little boy (the oldest of a family) answered, 'Thou shall not kill.'


4.  One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head. She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, 'Why are some of your hairs white, Mum?' Her mother replied, 'Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white.'  The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, 'Mummy, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?'


5.  The children had all been photographed, and the teacher was trying to persuade them each to buy a copy of the group picture. 'Just think how nice it will be to look at it when you are all grown up and say, 'There's Jennifer, she's a lawyer,' or 'That's Michael, He's a doctor.' A small voice at the back of the room rang out, 'And there's the teacher, she's dead.'


6.  A teacher was giving a lesson on the circulation of the blood. Trying to make the matter clearer, she said, 'Now, class, if I stood on my head, the blood, as you know, would run into it, and I would turn red in the face.' 'Yes,' the class said. 'Then why is it that while I am standing upright in the ordinary position the blood doesn't run into my feet?' A little fellow shouted, 'Cause your feet ain't empty.'


I LIKE THE NEXT ONE IN PARTICULAR

7.  The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray:

'Take only ONE . God is watching.'

Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies.

A child had written a note,

'Take all you want. God is watching the apples.'

 

 

Hugs and love,

 

Deal of the Day

My mother raised a bargain hunter, and I was able to move in for the kill this evening!  Last Sunday, J pointed out a jacket in the Ko.hl's circular that was on sale--clearance--that he might like to have for Christmas next year. (Yes, I shop this early.  Actually, I've usually already bought a few things by this time.  I'm slipping...)  I didn't have a chance to go to town until today.

I met J for dinner and then he came home so Jax wouldn't have to be alone so long.  I had a few errands to run, and I stopped off at Kohl's to check on a registry list.  Turns out the registry is not up for some reason, but I decided to check out the coats while I was there.  I found a jacket with a zip-out fleece lining on sale for only $26 (original price was $120).  Plus, I had 15% off!  I also bought a new bathing suit bottom that I hope I can't wear this summer, and a couple of other gifts that I'll probably share some other time.  I was just so excited about my good deal.  And I even got $10 in Kohl's Cash.  (Although that is usually when I have a hard time finding things I like--when I have "free" money.)  I saved $133, most of which was on the coat.

Yeah, and then I went to the grocery store and bought myself a $2.24 apple.  But that's another story for another day.

'Night, all!

Hugs and love,

Look who's ready for night-night!

I snapped this picture of Jax the other night as I was getting ready for bed. Too bad that little cutie was in my spot.  He wasn't happy about moving over to make room for me!

Hugs and love,

Groundhog Day

In honor of the day, I thought I'd share this clip.



If you had to choose a day from your life to live over and over and over, which would it be? For me, without a doubt, it would be our wedding day. It was the best day of my life. Everything went perfectly, J and I were still oblivious to the fact that our family would not be so easily expandable, and all was right with the world. In fact, until I watched the video a couple of months later, I didn't even know that J's infamous SIL hid our niece's pacifier and refused to give it to her so she screamed through the entire wedding. Yep, that was the only day I've ever felt like a princess.

I'm usually not in favor of being the center of attention, but that was my one perfect day. That's the one I'd relive. What day would you choose?

Hugs and love,

Happy February!

Poor February.  I think it got the short end of the stick.  I mean, think about it.  People look to January for a fresh start at things with the new year.  They look forward to March because it brings the hope of warmer weather with the arrival of spring.  But February?  It's safely tucked in between, right smack-dab in the middle of WINTER.  Oh, and not to mention that "r" in the middle of the word that people always stumble over.  Do you enunciate it or not?  Sure, there are some special days scattered throughout--Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day (yeah, I didn't celebrate that one for many, many years), and Presidents' Day come to mind.  It's also the month we have set aside to acknowledge the American Heart Association's push to be heart-healthy (National Heart Month) and we observe Black History Month.  But, did you know there are other official (or, in some cases "Un-official") observances for li'l old February?  Here's a list I came across this afternoon, well, really by accident.  Perhaps you'll learn something new, too!

•National Cherry Month 

•National Embroidery Month

•National Grapefruit Month

•National Snack Food Month

•National Wild Bird Feeding Month

•Responsible Pet Owners' Month

•Children's Dental Health Month

•International Friendship Month


With much of the country expecting (or digging out from) storms of all sorts this week, I hope you are all safe and warm!

Hugs and love,