What the girls and I did last night

My friend got us free tickets from Girly Girls, and we rode with her family so I didn't even have to drive downtown like I hate. The girls had a great time, it wasn't very crowed at all, except at the snack bar! We probably waiting in line for 45 minutes for some very expensive nachos and popcorn. We brought own on water, thank goodness we didn't have to buy some outrageously priced drinks. We got home about 10:30, I wanted to try to get to sleep right away since I had to get up at 6 today to take J to met his scout troop, who were meeting to drive to the Grand Canyon today to hike through the caverns. I was late dropping him off, only because we are leaving and he pulls out the demaine(sp) box, only to find it empty. Stuff like this really drives me crazy, if you use something up throw the box away and tell someone. Or in the case of the no water for open house (PTO) mention to someone that there's only 30 water bottles. Luckily I had looked myself that morning to cover that error, but for goodness sakes, I can't keep up with everything. I laid down for a few hours this morning after dropping J off, now I'm starting laundry, so it can at least be started before taking the girls to a kids church swim party this afternoon.

Tonight is open house

I've been on my feet almost all day. Defiantly sweating all day, and now tonight is open house. I can't wait to sweat some more and stand for the next several hours. J and I had to go to Fry's and then back to school already this afternoon, to get water and put it on ice for the PTO. It's really hard to work all day at the school and still keep up with PTO stuff. The principal said they have a few calls in to replace the para pro that I'm subbing for but so far no one has called back for an interview.

2nd day

J didn't set his alarm, I had to push him out the door in 10 minutes, so he wouldn't miss the bus, UGH! My day was better, I just wished there was some training involved with doing my subbing job in the morning. Basically I was told just to go with my instincts. That's a pretty far margin if you ask me.

part 2, my how you've grown

S 5th grade! To me, not as a dramatic change for S, but as for the other 2, wow. I was putting the pictures on my computer and was so stuck how much they've changed in a year.

My how you've grown!

First Day!

Was so hot! Recess was canceled and the kids had rainy day schedule. My kids did great getting up and getting ready with out too many melt downs ( really only R, her shorts didn't fit right) I had a pretty easy morning, going in between special ed students, making sure they were doing OK. The afternoon was terrible. First off my room's AC did not work on Friday. The facility guy said it was fine, I think he just didn't want to go up on the roof. The other monitor and I decided to combine our classes today, since her room's AC was working. My first class was wild, really beyond wild. The second class was better, but I had to go after 1 of them that left the room without permission! It was tough not knowing their names, and being the first day of school and them not knowing the rules. The girls had a good first day. J must have done OK, he's a little busy with watching all the TV he's been without all day to get any answers from him!

I did it!

I have my scrapbooking caught up, until I take pictures tomorrow that is. After church the kids and I went to Costco to pick up pictures and had lunch. For 5 hours I worked diligently on my goal. I can start to work on my own wedding scrapbook again now. P watched a movie with S before he went to work at 5. R went to a friend's house. J got the use of the computer for hours on end. Everybody was happy doing their own thing. Packed lunches, did nails, fought over what they were wearing for the first day. I still can't decide what I'm going to wear. The girls are goofing around in their room and J is supposed to be showering. I am so ready for bed.

What grade are you in?

I am struggling a little bit remembering what grades my own kids are in. Yesterday someone asked about J and I said he was in 8th grade, opps so not right, didn't I just tour the high school campus he will be going the day before. I can't stand that S is a 5th grader, and R a 2nd grader. I'm sure if asked I would get this wrong too. Don't even ask me how old I am. I just did a survey and put the wrong age. I must have way too much on my mind.

My Monkey

I sent 2 disposable cameras with S to camp, we finally got the pictures back last night. Out of 54 possible only 9 were very good. But, I guess that's better than none if I didn't get her the cameras.

Apple of my Eye

Have you seen that song video? I've seen it at the movie theater several times. Yesterday when S and I were at the movies, I asked her why all the apples were boys. Her reply "the girls must be the pears!" Do you have a pear shape?

8 hours

I was at school for nearly 8 hours today, half of the time I was getting paid! 2 of the special ed para pro quit already. The principal asked if I was interested in the position. I am not, but I will not mind subbing for any classified position. Monday morning I am subbing. My classroom, is the farthest away from the kindergarten classrooms. I will also have to do playground duty for 15 minutes. While the second graders our out there. I worked for several hours today on my room, and I called in support to help me (my kids). We stopped and got dinner, and then I dropped the kids off at home and went to Walmart to get some plastic storage containers. There was nothing in my room, and I'm starting from scratch. Tomorrow was already packed with having to go to the grocery store, doing laundry, and cleaning the house, now I need to add working on my classroom. R didn't want to go sat hi to her teacher, she just wanted me to point her out to her, guess she was too nervous. S made herself at home in her teacher's classroom.

Long and Fun

Today was a long day, because it started so early. I am not looking forward to getting up at 6AM starting next week. Today started at 6 AM because J and S had orthodontist appointments at 7:30 AM, YUCK. Afterwards we went to J's high school to tour the campus, which would have been funner if it wasn't so dang hot already at 8:45 AM. Rested and read for awhile, then S and I went to see Daddy Day Camp, which really wasn't as funny as the first one. After our movie we went shopping, and stopped at In and Out Burger and split a cheeseburger meal and chocolate shake. When we got home P took J to a movie Die Hard. I wanted to get all my scrapbooking caught up for the year before school starts, I don't know if that will happen, (working on my neighbor's stuff slowed that down, but I made good money.) Anyway tonight I worked hard on my goal, I'm closer, but not sure if I'll make it or not. Tomorrow I'll be at Sunrise in the morning to give the teachers their back to school gift from the PTO, then I hope I have enough time for lunch before I start work at 12:30. If I ever get Sarah to go to bed tonight, that's where I'm headed.

Whew

Many paper cuts later, 800 student folders have been assembled. What a relief that chore is done. The PTO also served lunch to the staff today, which was supposed to start at 11, but the teachers weren't back from their meeting at the district office, so instead of the eating last, we ate first. I am looking forward with meeting with the principal on Friday to answer the many questions I have about my job. Unfortunately, she probably won't be able to answer them. I don't think someone at the district office has thought is position all the way through. I am so tired, I think I'll try to rest before bible study tonight.

working hard

I started working this morning at 8:30, calling Starbucks for a donation, then picking it up. At Sunrise, stuffing folders, and such till 2. I was starving when I left. Rode 5 miles on my bike, cooked and cleaned up from dinner. Started laundry, and did it all myself, so 4 loads, just took 3.5 hours, not like the 3 loads in 5 hours last week. Tomorrow I'll be back at school working on folders, cleaning up our workroom for the year, and service lunch to the teachers and staff. Tomorrow I'll get to have lunch before 2, yea. We have our life group/bible study group coming tomorrow night, cleaning the house has to fit in somewhere too. Just trying to take the days one at a time this week. Friday will be good, because it's the first day I get paid for working at school.

Power school

The power school website for DVUSD was up just now, and I got to check who my kids' teachers are. S is very pleased. I already had known who R's teacher was going to be and am not real thrilled with that choice for her. J had her in 2nd grade, and while she's a good teacher, I just don't know if it will be a good fit for R. J will have ROTC 2nd period, he'll be happy with that. I don't know any of his teachers I hope they're good.

Who's your doctor?

Don't ask me, when the GYN office asked me I couldn't answer. Here's why. I went to have my mammogram done today. I've been going to the same office since I was pregnant with J, but a few years ago my doctor retired, so I just switched doctors. Then last year, I had to see on of the other partners for my ablation, and really all the names on the door sounded kinda familiar, since I've been at the office for so long, and another one of the doctor's delivered R, and with another one assisting. I was stumped when they asked me who my doctor was. At first I guessed wrong, I came up with the ablation one, not my one who took over my chart when my doctor retired. The mammogram tech was laughing at me, but she totally understood, and before she was done, we figured out who my doctor really is. Before I had the mammogram done, I had my blood checked next door at the heart doctor's office. It was slightly high again. I have to go back and have it rechecked again in 2 weeks. My blood pressure was a little high too :(

Why I am awake in the middle of the night.

There is some excitement with fire trucks. Rachel heard them and came and got me, I'm not sure what's going on yet...

weekend

Friday evening, Rachel was watching a movie in my room, Pat and Joseph were watching one of the Lord of the Rings in the family room, and even though Sarah was so tired she went to a friend's house. The guys had the TV so loud it wasn't even possible to read in the living room. I laid down on Rachel's bed to read, and fell asleep, why is it when you are trying to be awake you fall asleep, and when you are trying to sleep you can't sleep? After my nap, and Sarah got home, I started laundry, because wouldn't you know it, all Sarah's clothes were sinky from camp. Not nearly as bad as Joseph's were, still the hamper is in my room, therefore wanted them washed. It took until 2 AM to do the laundry. It would not have taken me that long if I did it myself, but I had help. First Joseph, then Pat, couldn't seem to handle moving the clothes from the washer to dryer or starting machines. I say lightly that I did the laundry, I really just separated it, and put it away. If it's late at night, or hot, or whatever other excuse I can come up with, I have taught the 2 oldest kids how to use the washer and dryer, to help me so I don't have to go outside. (especially since the house across the street was tore down, you can see the front of the house from Grovers, which though it isn't Bell Road, it's busy enough for me not to be prancing around outside in my little nightie.) If ever we moved into another house, one thing on my lists of many wants would be a house with the laundry room inside the house. Saturday, S went to another friend's house P and J toured the Cardinal's stadium with J's scout troop, while Rachel and I went to Recollection's for their Fall open house. I made the free project, signed up for 2 classes, and spent some of my earnings for the scrapbook and frame I did for my neighbor. We met Pat's parent's at Lone Star for dinner. I had never been there before, the steak was so much better than Bill Johnson's, no flame burned flavor, very yummy. My in-laws were so wonderful, they had gone to Flagstaff for Cardinal's camp weekend, drove back to Phoenix for dinner and drove back up again last night. I didn't know this until it got out accidentally. They didn't want me to know, because I would feel bad, which I did. I had started to get a migraine last night, took some medicine and went to sleep, probably before the kids did. This morning, I was still so very tired, I didn't wake up for church. I was supposed to go to a leadership meeting tonight, but my headache was coming back, and I wasn't driving, and Pat went to work, I didn't want to get stranded with a headache and no way home, if my ride wasn't ready to leave yet, and I didn't think it would be a good idea to drive.

She's Back from Camp

This is her volleyball team. As you can see even though I had heard that it was raining quite a bit, there's sun in her eyes, in this picture. They did get to do some outside activities when it wasn't thunder storming. She is pretty tired, she said she had a great time, and her pastor said she was wonderful.

Once I was there

There I mean as Sunrise Elementary school, where I am co-president of the PTO and kindergarten monitor, do I realize I have much to do to get ready for school. It's like once there you just get sucked into it, or something. Since Pat is on vacation this week, I asked him to help me pick the school t-shirts, and I took in all the stuff I had bought for the school. Then I thought of copies needing to be done, request forms to be filled out, going through mail, and on and on. I was just there 3 hours today. But there is so much more to do to get ready. And I need to look in my classroom and decide what I'm going to do with it, and plan what I'm going to do with the kids the first week of school, help put together welcome 800 packets (but all the stuff isn't in yet)

Another job

I just got back from my neighbor's house, and her and her mom loves the pages I did so much, they asked me to do a frame of various wedding pictures too. I guess I'll be going shopping tomorrow and looking at frames.

Finished

I have my neighbor's scrapbook done. 19 pages of people I don't know. I left room for her to add journaling if wants. I'll take her the pages tomorrow and find out if she wants me to add anything. I'm not sure if she wants me to put them in an album or not, they are just the pages. I'm not sure how much I should charge her either, I used stuff I already had, since I had started my own wedding scrapbook last summer, but haven't worked on it since then. I just kinda got stuck on my own, and have been working on other things. Someday I'll go back to it, and will need more stuff. But I think mostly I want to charge her for my time, 6+ hours. It feels good to finish something.

Challenge

One of my neighbor's asked me to do a scrapbook of her brother's wedding, which was last October. I said I would, since I thought it would be no big deal, except it is really hard to put expression into the pages, when you don't know any one in the pictures. OK, I know the flower girl and the sister of groom. (I don't know my neighbor very well at all, though) There's not that many pictures, and a lot of them are basically the same. I've worked for hours on it this afternoon, and put together 7 pages so far. I'm done for today. I hope she likes them. Since it's been almost a year since the wedding I know she's in not much of a hurry to have it done, I would like to get it done before school starts, so I don't have it hanging over my head to finish for her. I have know idea why I would say I would do this other than, I was flattered that she asked me.

recap of my birthday

Woke up early with breakfast in bed, and my presents from my hubby and children. Went to church and served in the toddler room, there was 2 extra adults, and we only had 7 2 year olds. Pretty boring. Went to service on the way in I was handed my card and muffin from the church office staff. After service, we hurried home to get Sarah's stuff for camp. they were going to met at the church office, which is within walking of our house. Instead they change to meting back at SDOHS, (which had we known we would have put her things in the car when we left in the morning.) Then the rest of us went out for lunch for my birthday. Rachel was complaining of a stomachache, she fell right to sleep as soon as we walked in the door. Pat and I left Joseph in charge and went to a movie, using my birthday coupon from Cold Stone. My sister and BIL came over to bring me my birthday present. After they left, I was reading and feel asleep before I finished probably 10 pages. I'll have to figure that out when I pick the book again. opps.

Happy Birthday to me

Last year I was OK turning 40, but this year I am really struggling with being 41. Plus I had a nice party last year and a day having spa treatments. For some reason 41 just sounds so much older to me, and I've noticed a few more wrinkles this year. I've had a migraine most of the week, I hope I wake up without it today. We are scheduled to work in the nursery in the morning at church, and Sarah leaves for church camp for the week at 2. Pat is on vacation this week, I asked him what we were going to do, he said he'd let me know. I'm hoping this means he has planned stuff for us to do. I hate it when there's nothing planned and he's on vacation.

Arrowhead Staples Rocks

Yesterday, I wanted to check out Recollections big sale. I found some things,and a cute idea to do for my BIL's birthday. I had already stopped at the Staples at 7ave, and Bell to pick up some folders for our school. They let me get 135 for 1 cent each, because I talked to the manager and told him they were for a school. (The PTO puts together welcome folders for all the kids, so need 800) After we left Recollections I said to myself isn't there a Staples near Arrowhead? Yes, I remembered correctly, and asked how many folders I could get and they said I could do as many as I want, but they have to ring them up in transactions of 25 each. So, wonderful. I got 600! Which was only 24 transactions. Which was great for the school, but not so wonderful for the customers in line behind me. They were able to call some help up, which I'm glad for because I was feeling terrible about taking all the cashier's time, but I was also was so grateful that I wasn't going to be having to go out all week to get folders. I already had 75 folders from the last time they were on sale for a penny. So, yeah, I'm done buying folders.

Three times as much

Joseph had counseling sessions this afternoon, we stopped for dinner and Wildflower Bread Company afterwards, and since Payless is in the same strip mall the kids wanted to look for shoes for school. The girls and I got shoes for less than Joseph's size 13 sneakers on sale. I'm sure I could have looked around for other shoes for him that were cheaper, but since he liked them, and they fit well, I just bought them. At Christmas I got him, what I thought were totally cool sneakers, but he hated them and we were at Kohl's for hours (I am not kidding, it was so not fun for me) while he tried on shoes to exchange them. I liked it when the kids were little and they didn't get much or any say in what shoes they wore.

Labs

The doctor's office just called, my labs came already and back normal. It feels slightly better today, but I can tell when I look in the mirror I can tell my throat is swollen. I think I'll wait until next week and see how it is before I go see a ear, nose, and throat doctor. This morning I went to have my finger poked for my blood level check, and it was way off, so I'll be adjusting that med dose, and having that rechecked in 2 weeks. Not the kind of out come I wanted today. I hate not knowing what's wrong with me.

Human pin cushion

That's what I feel like every time I have to get blood drawn, or an IV started. For some reason, no one can every get a vain on the first or second try. It usually is 3 or in some cases more tries. Last night I couldn't sleep. For some weird reason, below my chin on my neck felt very sore and I felt a bump. I asked Pat if he felt it and he couldn't. Talking and swallowing has been an issue today. I called and got an appointment at my doctor's. I didn't think I had step throat, but I know something is wrong. This is not a "normal" pain for me. Of course, they did a throat culture, which was negative. She sent me to the lab to check my thyroid, again. I say again because that's what they always do when they don't know what's wrong with me. I'll know hopefully by Friday what the blood work shows. In the mean time I'm to continue with warm salt gargles. If its not one thing it's another with me, jeez to I hate it.

Swimming

Today we took a little outing to PV pool. I couldn't get Joseph to go with us. It was great to be cool for a few hours!

What a Day

Last night, I woke up at 12:47 AM, but I had been so wiped out I thought it was 12:47 PM, and I had slept that long, which also meant I would have missed taken Joseph to the orthodontist, which would have been really bad because they emailed reminded me and called (if you miss the appointment they charge $25. Anyway, back to last night, I stubble out to the family room and find Pat who is busy feeding the fish and stuff, notice that it is dark outside. I had to ask, "so it's like almost 1 in the morning?" Man, was I confused. I went back to sleep, and got up at 9:30 AM to go to the orthodontist. When we got home, I spent the rest of the day, cleaning and getting ready for a BBQ tonight, with our life group. And I invited new people, and another life group, so the house was packed 15 adults and 9 kids. I am tired and sore. But it was a fun night, and I think everyone had a great time.

Gift of What?

Rachel wanted to watch a movie with me today. She found one of her all time favorites to watch, Sleeping Beauty. She used to watch this daily. So, I was really surprised when she said, the second fairy's gift was of SALT. I'm like, what? She said song! Rachel was so relieved it was song and not salt, silly girl!

Scrapbooking Night

I host with the ladies group scrapbook night at my house once a month.(on the 1st Friday)I kinda forgot about it today, as I made plans to take the kids to the movies, and we stopped for fast food for dinner. When we get home at 6:30, I'm like holy cow it's scrapbook night. Luckily the house was pretty OK. I am so behind on lots of scrapbooking projects I want to get done. So the night helped me get a project done for someone. That felt good to have one thing scratched off the to scrap list, but I really need some more motivation to do KEEP IT UP!. I guess it sounds like a need a cheerleader. Anyone else need a cheerleader in their life to do or finish a project? Maybe we could cheer each other on.

Reward

It only took 4 days, the girls' room is clean. Yes it was that bad, but there was plenty of goofing off too. I only went in there once and lost control with them, I just kept sending them back in if they came out to whine or complain. This afternoon, I am taking them to see a movie as a reward. Last night Pat and I went out as my reward for putting up with the nonsense for 4 days.

Happy 4th of July!

Pat has to close tonight, but we were able to hit a fireworks display on Tuesday. It was fun relaxing wait for the fireworks show to begin. Pat was great with the kids, walking around with them and trying to keep them entertained. It was dang hot outside for me. When the breeze would blow through, you think you would have relief but no, the air was just hot. It felt like a hair dryer to me. The kids spent their hard earned allowances on really cheap light swords. Even 14 year old Joseph. The girls have been cleaning their room since Monday. I refuse to help them. I need to teach them a lesson, but with each day, it's getting harder and harder. I just want them to learn to put their things away instead of shoving it in the closet or the end of their beds. They are in there again today. I am working on some laundry and I'll have Joseph grill us hamburgers for dinner. Nothing too exciting today. I hope you all have a safe holiday.

Waiting

I've been goofing off of the internet for to long this morning, waiting. I woke up early this morning, so I've had plenty of time to spare and getting frustrated that no one else is ready to go to church. I can hardly wait until the girls are teenagers, and they even take longer to get ready. I have a feeling we'll either be really late, or they will not be going with clothes on. Joseph feel asleep at 3 yesterday afternoon, got up on his own for dinner, then went back to bed, and slept all night. He didn't want to get up this morning. I think he's finally in the shower, but if he doesn't hurry he will not be eating breakfast.

He's Home!

He just walked in the door. The girls ran up to hug him, I'll wait until he showers! He's very task oriented right now, asked if he should just take his trunk to the laundry room, and separate the clothes and start washing them. He seems a lot more tired now, then he did last weekend. Must have been a harder week, attending camp than working at camp.

Still feeling Bleh

Sprite, has been my favorite food, the last few days. Of which must really mean, I've had stomach problems. I can not tolerate it when I am well. Even though I haven't felt great the last few days, I pushed myself to do things with the girls. How fun could it be for them, when I say I'm sick all the time? Yesterday we went to PV pool, and today a long list of errands, including going to the library because they couldn't wait any longer to get all their "prizes". (They really had finished reading right away, but Rachel lost her log sheet and found it on Monday.) Now where are all those prized treasures. Still in there bags on counter. Guess that's better than leaving them in the car!

My stomach hurts

I think my ulcers have been acting up for a few days now. Today is the worst, I haven't done much of anything. I did eat some frosted mini wheats for breakfast without milk, and just the thought of eating makes me sick to my stomach. It's going to be a long night. Pat went off to work and we are holding out bible study/ life group tonight. I just want to crawl back in bed, with a pillow smashed to my tummy. UGH

Home again, home again

Thus we are home again. All but Joseph that is, who will be at camp for one more week. He looked good, and even better after a good night's sleep in the hotel even though he slept on the floor in his sleeping bag! He slept in past 5 AM, which I'm sure did the trick, and was a good idea that he stayed with us at the hotel. The hotel was not one to write home about, it kinda smelled weird to me, but it was available and cheap. We went to a few antique stores after we checked out of the hotel this morning, I didn't find anything, but I loved looking around, although my ulcers were bothering me quite a bit, it could have been funner. Took Joseph back to camp, where he met up with his scout troop, we hung around for a little while before making the long 6 mile dirt rode bumpy exit from camp. One the way home we stopped at a friend's house (near Roosevelt lake), they are building and have been for many years, they are almost ready to move in, the house is wonderful, the pictures they've shown us doesn't do it justice at all.

Boy am I off in departure time

I thought we'd be leaving around 1ish. Well, now it's almost 3, and we haven't left yet. The girls and I are ready, (we have been for hours) we are just waiting for Pat. He left to go get gas a few minutes ago, hopefully when he gets back we can leave already. I can't wait to see Joseph!

half way through our bumpy, dusty ride through the red rocks

half way through our bumpy, dusty ride through the red rocks
Originally uploaded by muffinmet

It was pretty fun, and not at all bad on my tail bone. Although, even with a seatbelt on I felt like I was going to fly out of the jeep on some of the bumps. Pat held on tight to my hand, and I felt a lot safer.

Back again

Sedona was beautiful. The B & B was lovely. A relaxing time we had just to two of us. Although I am pretty tired right now. We did a jeep tour, saw a few movies, had a very nice dinner last night, used the hot tub and pool, and just relaxed. The girls are not home yet, I was really worried about Rachel but we talked to her both nights we were gone and she did really well. Rest up, do a little laundry, and pack for tomorrow's adventure to Payson. We don't have to be there until 5, so we won't leave until about 1ish.

Off we go, almost!

Pat and I are driving up to Sedona for a few days for our 15th anniversary! I haven't packed yet, either has Pat and he had to go to Petmart to get something for the fish while we're gone. I am so excited, it will be good for us to get away just the 2 of us. We'll be back Thursday sometime, and then we're going to Payson on Friday to spend the night to see Joseph, before his last week of camp. Busy traveling week ahead!

vandals-again

Pat has been trying to catch our little vandals. He almost did early this morning. A few weeks ago, golf balls showed up in the lawn. 164 of them, all in one pile. This morning there was a trail of them from the sidewalk to the house, plus spread all over the yard. Pat chased a tan truck through the neighborhood, in just his pajama bottom not even any shoes. It was just before dawn, he couldn't make out a license number on the truck, and they got away before he could get to them. Hopefully it was enough to scare them off. 5 bags worth balls this time. When the girls wake up I'll have them count them.

I can breath again

Well not really because my nose has been stuffed up for weeks, and I fell asleep last night before turning on the humidifier beside my bed. But figuratively I can. Yesterday was the girls' dance recital. They are both perfectionist and wanted to do the best they could. They have been practicing for what seems like forever at home. (the music started getting on my nerves, just about the minute they brought it home) They both danced wonderfully, Rachel had this part in her jazz dance that she always seemed to forget, but she got it tonight and boy was she happy about it. Being the perfectionist she told me about the few mistakes she did make, I reassured her she hid it well, and look wonderful on stage. Sarah's hardest class this year has been tap, she just shinned on stage and was awesome! I often watched her in tap and wondered why she was struggling so much, but maybe she wasn't really struggling, but her teacher saw more in her and made her repeat steps she'd miss, until she got them right, but this same teacher would let other girls go with making mistakes. Sarah is a natural ballerina, like how she holds her hands is soft/expressive like a dancer, and man is the girl flexible, her kicks and leaps prove it. My nieces also dance with the same studio, so we got to enjoy their performances also. Some fun dances this year, that showed off their dancing abilities.

I talked to my son!

He left a message on our home phone a little earlier, but we had just missed it. I TM him, and he called us right back! Rachel was to cute she didn't want to stop talking with him, she was trying to think of something more to say, she asked him about the soap at camp and what color it is and what it smells like. LOL He sounded very mature to me tonight. He has a list of things he wants us to bring him up on Friday for his last week. Contacts, belt, new hiking boots (his are falling apart), his travel alarm clock and money.

BIG NEWS

My sister's baby who just gradated from High School, is leaving for boot camp on June 29th. He was to go in January, but the Navy called today and they have a place for him on the 29th. I am just in shock, I thought we would have 6 months with him before he left for training. I will miss him, but I do know this is what he wants to do.

My Long Lost Son Called Tonight

But we weren't home, and missed his calls. He called twice he ran out of room on the tape the first time. He says he's loving the work, other than having to get up early to fed the horses. He said he's missing us and is hoping we are missing him also. I called his cell phone, he might be able to get the message and I also TM'd him, I know he gets those he just doesn't have enough reception to text back. It's sad I couldn't talk to him, but it was wonderful to hear his voice.

Beautiful Girls!

My 2 girls and their two cousins. Aren't they adorable? Pat went with me to take the girls to rehearsal this afternoon. We had to be at the school at 4:30, and managed to leave by 9:30. I thought of sending Pat to get us some dinner so we had time for the girls to eat before the next time they would be dancing. I'm so excited I love watching all those girls dancing, brings back lots of memories and longing to be up there myself.

Planning

Today, the Sunrise PTO board met with the principal to set our dates for the coming school year. It was just amazing to me how much stuff is already on the calendar. We came up with dates, then had to call 3 places we will hold events this year. Really we are doing 4 off campus. We have all our dates. It's going to be a busy school year. Because of adding 2 kindergarten classrooms from 2 to 4, and 2 monitor rooms, the campus does not have any extra rooms, we thought we were going to have to cancel our holiday store. Which would have been terrible since we've been buying stuff already like after last years. We have a lot of money tied up in it and the kids would be really disappointed in not being able to shop for their families themselves. Luckily we were able to brainstorm and come up with using the stage area in our new multipurpose building. Than the PE coaches can use the building if the weather is bad, and we have somewhere to set up. Geez. I am very happy we have a blueprint of the school year already, last year running around trying to get it all done at the last minute was crazy.

Popcorn

popcorn
Originally uploaded by muffinmet

Rachel tap class will be preforming from a fun song POPCORN

Jazz

Originally uploaded by muffinmet

"Joy to the World" otherwise know as Jeremiah was a Bullfrog

MY Ballerina!

MY Ballerina!
Originally uploaded by muffinmet

"If We Were A Movie"

slugger

slugger
Originally uploaded by muffinmet

Lots of pictures today from dance rehearsal. This is Sarah in her tap class "Take Me Out To the Ball Game"

I am so tired, and it's only Monday

I have no idea why I am so tired. I slept a long time last night. I did wake up several times but went right back to sleep. I had a headache earlier, it's mostly gone now, maybe the pain medicine is making me tired. It was a busy weekend. Friday night I worked on Pat's Father's Day gifts. (a t-shirt and tic tac toe game with pictures and sayings scrapbooked on the blocks.) I am not nearly done with the game. But I knew I needed to work on it as long as I could on Friday night, since he's on vacation this week. I have no idea when I'll be able to finish it. Saturday was chores and errand day. then Pat and I went to see the Pirates movie. Sunday church and my nephew's graduation party. It was great to see some cousins I haven't seen in awhile. We got home late, at 10 PM, I was curling the girls' hair for today's dress rehearsal at dance. I sold a bunch of books on E-bay, so off to the post office I went today, and went to the Deer Valley publishing office to order the student planners for next school year. I could never work there, the smell of the ink and printing stuff was so strong I thought I was going to throw up. I don't remember it being so bad a few months ago when I started this process of ordering the planners. Maybe it was the fact I already had a headache, and/or now is their busy season with printing all the handbooks, and stuff for the coming year. I best get a move on getting the girls beautiful for dance.

Fun Field Trip Friday

adjusting her skates
Originally uploaded by muffinmet

Great Skate!

Sarah of course was very sure of herself, out there roller blading. Rachel wasn't so sure, on her roller skates. I was safe on the side lines watching!

Rachel did surprise me by not giving up right away.

We were there for about 3 and a half hours. If they didn't have friends there they wouldn't have made it that long, me either if my friend wasn't there! My friend is a great skater, she went out with our youngest daughters, while our oldest ones just skated away.

It's a Small World

It's a Small World
Originally uploaded by muffinmet

Dress rehearsal at the studio for Sarah's jazz class today. Her ballet and tap are on Monday, along with Rachel's 2 classes. The studio will have a dress rehearsal at the school next Thursday, with the recital on Father's Day.

So, how many more times to I have to curl hair? 3, ugh. Sarah's hair is getting too long, and Rachel's is not long enough. It took me an hour last night to do their heads in curlers. I took them to JC Penny's and had pictures taken this morning in their costumes. The studio has a photographer at dress rehearsal, I just like to know what I'm buying, instead of waiting until they come in, and be disappointed with what I bought. So controlling I am.

Oh my aching neck!

I was planning on taking the girls to the pool today, but Mother Nature threw us for a loop today, and gave us cool and windy weather, (I'm sure growing up I swam in much worse conditions, but I am no longer young) I decided to work on the Sunrise scrapbook, instead. I over did it a little, my neck hurts :( I was on a roll and didn't want to stop, until it was too late. opps. The girls are now at friend's houses, I am enjoying the quite, reading won't be a good thing. Maybe I can find something to watch on TV.

Cravings

Yesterday afternoon, while I was sitting watching Rachel in her dance class, all I could think of is wanted a fountain diet coke, not from a can or bottle but from a fountain. Pretty silly. While Sarah danced I took care of that craving. I knew I would be up late because of the caffeine, but I also had a headache, so I justified the caffeine. (caffeine helps my headaches, along with a few Tylenol) Tonight a little after dinner, all I could think of was soft serve ice cream. I surprised the girls by asking if they wanted to go to McDonald's for an ice cream cone. They of course didn't have a problem with going along with me. I don't know what is causing these weird cravings, but I've felt good after my diet coke and ice cream. Wonder what I'll crave tomorrow? I hope not lobster! This could get expensive. (not that I would mind eating lobster it's been a long time, LOL)

Up early

Rachel had a friend spend the night last night, I guess they didn't know they could sleep in, past 7 AM. Pat was up very late last night, hooking up the computer we had in Joseph's room, in the living room on my scrapbook desk. So, I'm trying to keep them quite. Which will get a little more tricky soon, Sarah who spend the night at a friend's house last night will be home soon (with her friend). Joseph called last night! The first time in 8 days I've talked with him. He sounded a little tired. He said he was having a great time, and looking forward to having troops at camp this week, (they've been cleaning this week) Yesterday, we went to church, but I managed not to attend service. At the 9 AM service, I was in a meeting, and at 11 AM worked in the toddler room. We had 16- 2 year olds (2 adults and our 4 kids combined helping). That is an amazingly high number for our church and in the summer. Since I usually work in the toddler room during the 9 AM service, I didn't know many of the kids, which made the whole thing even more challenging.

Sun and Scrapbooking

I can't believe I was able to be creative after spending the day in the sun (and Paradise Valley pool). My friend and I took our girls for the afternoon, and even though I reapplied a few times sunscreen I still got burned. They girls had a blast jumping off the diving boards, so it is worth it. Tonight was my monthly scrapbook night, I've been working on a scrapbook of the school year with my friend, I was able to get several pages done, but we still have a long way to go. I'm glad it doesn't have a deadline to get done by. I'm not sure how (if we can have one anyway) get a school yearbook done next year. This year we had too many parents not want their child's picture published that we couldn't do one. Who knows what will happen next school year.

Bittersweet

Tonight was my sister's baby's high school graduation from Moon Valley. Today also marks the 17th anniversary of my baby brother's death. At my brother's graduation from Deer Valley High School in 1988, my sister was pregnant with my nephew. At the same venue, although there has been a name change to the building. The former Sundome is now Maricopa City Events Center.

Way!

Funny story from this morning. I wake the girls up and am hanging out with them a few minutes while they wake up. Rachel tells me it sounds like I'm going to sleep. I ask her what she means, and figure out it's because my nose is all stuffed up. Last night, after I was asleep, Rachel came in my room and told me she was scared, she said I told her to sleep on Daddy's side of the bed. She then tells me, she thinks she'll try her bed first. I do not remember having this conversation at all. I asked her if that really happened last night, she said yes. I say no way, she says way! Smartalic. It's scary that I was so tired I don't even remember this at all. (well not from last night anyway) Too bad I didn't sleep as well the rest of the night. I woke up before 4 and couldn't go back to sleep, till after 6, it was had to drag myself out of bed at 8:30 to go to the chiropractor.

Made it

Joseph made it to camp and the girls and I made it home safely. It was a rough start of the day. The cars were egged and confetti left on them again last night. I was so tired I fell asleep early last night, only to wake up at 12 AM not being able to go back to sleep. At 1, I went out to the kitchen for a drink, and found Pat still awake. We had talked about us all taking Joseph to camp. I am really nervous about driving on 87 and the dirt rode to camp. Joseph wanted to sit up front and just wanted me to take him, so Pat was going to make me just take him. I was mad, I asked Pat to go with me, and I'd sit in the back if he would drive. I knew he really didn't want to go, since he has to close tonight. He did set his alarm and the snooze went off several times before he got up and showered, only to not go because he must get the egg off of his car right away to protect the paint. I also think he was mad at me for not cleaning up the cars, while he showered. I was a little busy getting myself and the girls ready. We were supposed to met at 7 with at the asst. scout master's house to follow her up,and we were late to met her as it was, (Joseph had to be there at 10, we just made it) I called and told her we would be a little late. The kids and I left Pat in the driveway cleaning off his car. We stopped and did a car wash on the way to get most of the egg slime off. I got pulled over and given a warning for driving too slow on the way home. We weren't following the asst. s. m., she was going to camp in Payson for the weekend. The girls and I got lunch and made it home by 1:30, to find Pat back in bed of course, and a paper plate with a crying face and sorry on the counter. I went in our room to put my socks in the hamper and he says, hey, I just said hey back and left the room. I am just too upset to talk with him right now.

Klutz

I am such a klutz. Which isn't anything new. Even back in high school, I got an award at my job for being the klutziest. My latest fall, was last night. The last step before my feet should have been on sold concrete I tripped and fell and landed on both knees. I didn't bleed much, but they burned all the way to the car, and it really felt like the left one should have been badly bleeding. After sitting for a little while last night, when I went to get up I knew. When I went to bed, I took an ice pack with me, because the pain was moving down my leg to my foot. It is now swollen, hot and bruised. I've been icing it every 2 hours. I just thought about Joseph giving me his leg brace from his injury last summer. I am praying it will fill better if I baby it a few days. It was in major pain driving this morning to the orthodontist. Wiggingly off my tail bone was not fun. It's going to be an even longer drive to scout camp on Saturday. UGH.

Here he is!

He did it! Joseph walking across the football field tonight, for his 8th grade promotion! I was holding my breath, until I heard his name called. Even though I knew he finally got his act together and turned in some work this quarter, well everything but language arts, which he had to play catch up, because he started out the quarter not turning in anything. In his other core subjects he got A's and B's this quarter. I'm praying this will continue in High School.

Boring

Tonight was Joseph's scout Court of Honor. It's pretty boring when your kid doesn't get any awards. My BIL has taken over as the scout master. He was trying to get a slide show to work on the screen at the church, only it wasn't working, so the start time was delayed a little, I even had time to come back home and get the spirit stick Joseph left at home, even though I asked him before we left if he had everything. UGH. I'm glad the girls went with my friend to the talent show at Sunrise, they had a much funnier night, and I didn't have to keep them happy. Also up in the air is when Joseph needs to report to camp. He thinks it's Friday, the other boy in his troop thinks it Saturday. Either way, I have to drive him up, and take the girls with me. The other boy's Mom was going to take Joseph, but now she can't, I just don't like driving much at all, but on the Beeline to Payson, it makes me even more nervous. Big news for my nephew, he was accepted in the U.S.Navy today! He's pretty excited. He said tonight he may not leave for boot camp until January, but he's hoping for Aug.

donuts with Dad

donuts with Dad
Originally uploaded by muffinmet.

Pat had to take this of himself and Sarah. I was way to busy to take pictures, or enjoy the morning. We had a great turn out this morning, with just one problem we ran out of cups for the juice. Luckily I was able to borrow some from a teacher. We had enough donuts, with plenty of leftovers for the teachers.

Afterwards, I took Rachel's teacher the scrapbook, I made for her . She loved it. Then the PTO had to help put together emergency buckets, cleaned up the PTO workroom, put drinks on ice. Managed to come home for an hour for lunch. Then back to school to sell candy (everyday this week to get rid of everything, we really don't have much left)

I was yawning so badly while I was sitting still during Rachel's dance classes. Now I must be off to pick up Sarah. I think going to bed early is in the plan for tonight, hopefully the kids will agree with that, Pat's at work.

Is the week over yet?

Next week, I mean. Last week of school, one last PTO family event, serve at church in the nursery, Joseph's scout court of honor, Joseph's 8th grade promotion, getting Joseph ready for his 5 week adventure in scouting, driving to the scout camp on Friday. I wished all those things we as simple as just typing the words, but they'll be work getting them done, and I don't mean to complain because it's going to be hot for a really long time still, but, it's hot, too hot already and it's not even June. The heat is already making me tired. And Pat has to close 4 nights this week. I guess I should just get used to it already, but I can't. I hate that it seems like he's never home. And I was angry today because like most days, he just gets up and does his things (walk on the treadmill and take a shower) and then just goes off to work. Not that I can complain too much, the girls were over at a friends house swimming all afternoon, and Joseph is away with his scout troop. But who took them to these places, me. Why would he want to get up really early on a Saturday morning to drop off our son? Or drop the girls off on his way to work? I did ask him to call me when he got to work and he looked if his store had the coolers the PTO needs for next year. He did call, and I went to get them, when I saw him I saw him talking and smiling at a co-worker and the more I think about it the more upset I become. I want to him to be talking and smiling at me.

UGH!

I can't find my social security card. I kinda need it to fill out paperwork to work. I had scheduled orientation for tomorrow. Yuck, now I will be going to the social security office instead to apply for a new card. If I knew where my birth certificate was I could use that for ID, but I don't know where that is either. UGH! My orientation was postponed till Tuesday.

Chiropractor

I went to the chiropractor this morning. I haven't gone in weeks, busy and sinus issues have kept me away. He gave me a natural allergy pill to try to see if that helps me from so much sinus pressure and headaches. I hope it helps. Yesterday afternoon after going to see Spiderman with Pat, (I'm sure going from a cold movie theater to the hot outside is what triggered it) I had another bad one, and lasted for hours, pain and sick to my stomach. Sometime after dinner and dropping Joseph off at scouts did it finally get better.

Prayers please-update

Sarah's teacher had bypass surgery in Feb. and had been back to school for 3-4 weeks already, but now is back in the hospital with an infection through out his body. His wife also teaches at Sunrise, and they are planning on retiring at the end of the year. When I saw her today she was just a wreck, which is so not like her. When he first had the surgery she was very positive. Mrs. was Sarah's 2nd grade teacher. I'm sure Sarah is also upset that Mr. is back in the hospital. Update- 5/16 He is doing better, the antibiotics they are giving him in the hospital are making him feel much better. Sarah has been praying that not only would he get better, but that he would get better fast, so he'll be able to come back to school before the last day.

I'm getting a little sick of this

First our house was toilet papered and confetti all over the cars and mail box on Easter, then a few weeks later confetti all over the yard, and cars. Now this morning eggs. All over the cars, doors and carport walls. This is just not funny any more. Pat said last night he had a feeling something was going to happen. UGH, I can't believe it :( This is just some of the mess found this morning. I didn't have time to take pictures of the cars. The kids and I stopped on the way to church and got a car wash. All the egg slime is not off the roof of the car, Joseph is outside now with the girls hosing down and scrubbing the mess. YUCK!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out here in cyper space!

I got to celebrate a day early with my family. Pat was off om a Saturday, that alone is enough to celebrate! I got up at 9:30 and no one was awake yet. I read the newspaper in peace. By 11 the girls were up, and I started my quest of waking Pat up. Finally at 12 Pat and the kids brought me breakfast in bed. And my gifts too. This is my favorite gift. I saw it a long time ago and fell in love with it. Pat remembered and got it for me! When Sarah was born he gave me a print of a Mom holding her newborn, and both girls thought it was of me and them as a baby. I love this one, Mom holding her older daughter, it was cute when I opened it the both though it was them still :) After breakfast, we went to play indoor mini golf. Which at times was stressful with the kids, by the time we left everyone was happy. Well maybe not me, Pat beat me by 3 points! This lion one is the hardest hole. We went to Abacus Inn for an early dinner. Followed by coming home and watching Shrek, and the end of the Phoenix Suns lose to the Spurs tonight :( Then Pat and I started our marathon of watching 24.

Geez is it hot today!

Earlier in the week, I noticed my winter gloves in the car and thought I should put them away. This afternoon after leaving my car parked in the sun all day (I did have the shade in the front window) I couldn't even touch the steering wheel. I was glad I didn't move the gloves, I used them has hot pads to drive home. I think I will not be moving the gloves anytime soon. Our school was locked down for almost an hour this morning. The kids were not in danger, it was a custody issue. After finally getting though my craft project with the K class this morning, I helped Rachel's teacher test reading, for the quarter. Had lunch with Rachel, did the afternoon K class craft with them. Then I went back and got the rest of the kids through the reading test. Now I've just gotten home after selling candy after school. I'm thinking Joseph should cook dinner, I'm tired, but maybe he is too, he had his field trip today. To the Wildlife Zoo. (what a dumb field trip for 8th graders) Tomorrow (Pat's off) we are going to celebrate Mother's Day. Pat has to work on Sunday, I don't remember when, but he'll miss going out for bunch with his Mom. That reminds me, I need his help getting her gift put together.

Reference check

The school is trying to do my reference check. I haven't worked in a long time, so it's not that easy to do. I gave them numbers from people I work with at church in the children's ministry. But that wasn't enough, the secretary called and asked if there was any former parents from the child care kids I took care of that they could call. I'm thinking you've got to be kidding me right? I haven't done child care for almost 7 years. I tried looking though all my old records to come up with a name and phone number. I must have put the kids files somewhere else, because all I found were business receipts. I pulled out the phone book, and luckily found the phone number of the Grandmother of one little boy I took care of. Amazingly I remembered her last name, which isn't even the same as her grandson. I called her and left a message to let her someone would be calling her, she called me back, a little while later. It was fun to talk with her after all these years, she hasn't changed much at all! Her grandson doesn't live with her any more, but he lives close by, and she volunteers at his school once a week. She's still an awesome grandma!

In 2 weeks

School will be out for the year! Man has this year flown by. I am excited for the break and having the kids home, (Joseph will be gone for the first 5 weeks though) I am also hesitant to have them home too. It drives me nuts having to constantly be after them to clean up after themselves. Just makes me feel like I must be doing something wrong that they haven't gotten this concept yet. It's not like it's something I've just recently started or anything. I know it isn't my fault, God gave us all free will, it just seems like he gave my children a higher portion!Yesterday was a blur. Busy all day and our life group met last night, I fell into bed last night, and was still so tired this morning. I laid back down after I got the kids odd to school, it wasn't very restful though, because there's been a lot of noise coming from outside this week, as workers are working on cleaning up the burnt house across the street. It's taken them 3 days to clean out the backyard and now today they have a crane and are starting to attack the house. I'll be glad when the eye sore is gone. Today after school, Rachel has a counseling session, Sarah has dance and then her chorus concert. My oldest nephew has his ROTC awards ceremony tonight too. I figured out how to sort of be at both. My sister will pick Joseph and the video camera up on her way home from work. Pat has an early day today, he's off at 6:30, he'll go to Moon Valley and watch the ROTC thing too, which is closer to his work than Sarah's school and the ROTC thing starts at 7, Sarah's chorus starts at 6:45, Pat has more of a chance to get to Moon Valley on time than Sunrise. This has been a very hard decision, wanted to be at 2 places at once and not disappointing Sarah or my nephew. In theory it sounds like a pretty good plan, I just hope it all works out. On a really sweet note, this morning a friend of mine brought me a small vase of 3 roses one for each child for Mother's Day. In Mexico they celebrate Mother's Day today. What a sweet girl she is :)

Well Check!

Today, I didn't send Joseph to school, he had a orthodontist appointment this morning, and a doctor's appointment at 12. Seemed silly to me to drive back and forth to Desert Sky. I did have him help me cut out some things I need for school on Friday, since he was home, and I wouldn't let him watch TV. After the doctor's we went to lunch, and stopped by the Boy Scout store, because he needs to have an extra uniform at camp this summer. When we got home, Pat hadn't left for work yet, I played the guess how much he weighs and how tall is he game. Pat was much closer being to his height than his weight. He's 5' 10"! Weighs 172 pounds! He got to get 2 booster shots too. It's a lot more fun taking a 2 year old, or even 5 year old for a well check, (and playing the guessing game) than it is a 14 year old, made me realize it won't be long before he can take himself to appointments;(

Less than 6 weeks away

It will be recital time for the girls. I had a doctor's appointment today, and had to schedule a follow up, for 6 weeks from now. The day after recital. (that's how I figured this out) And at dance today we got the recital information on which shows the girls will be in. Wonderfully, their dances and their cousins (a total of 10 different dances, are all on the same day!), 2 shows, but really I was bracing myself for being at 4 shows over that weekend. Rachel and Sarah have been practicing all weekend, the songs are already starting to get on my nerves! Today during Rachel's classes I noticed she knew the dances so well, she was ahead of the music. Silly girl.

Offered a job!

I had my interview today, for the 2 hour a day position at Sunrise. The job sounds wonderful. I will be working 1-3 pm, and will plan activities to do with kindergartners during their teacher's prep time. The K's will not go to specials like the older kids do, I will be the specials for them. It's a lot better of a job then I thought it was. The district has to do my reference check before, I'm officially hired. I'm not sure how long that will take, but I'm so thankful for this great chance to do something, that I might actually like and help out our finances.

I can't fall asleep...UGH

Too much on my mind. I went to Phoenix College this afternoon and took the para pro test. The testing was supposed to start at 3. I got there a little after 2, I had to register first. I signed in, went to the cashiers office (paid for the test) and was taking the test by 2:30. The first part was writing, I had to write a pretend business letter, their was a practice one before the real test, and it was timed. I finished the practice with time to spare, hit the submit, and it took me back to the main menu, I thought I did something wrong, when in fact the computer program accepted my practice for the test. So, I thought right away I must have passed the writing part. Next I did the math section, I had to flag 3 of the questions, because I wasn't sure I figured them out right (all the tests are timed) I went back to them after I finished the rest and I still finished up the math with time to spare, took a break and went to the bathroom, came back and took the reading test. I also finished way before the time ran out. I was a nervous that maybe I just went to fast and didn't get the questions right, but I took a deep breath and submitted my answers. The gal printed my scores and right away, I knew I passed all 3 tests! I am so proud of myself. I couldn't wait to get in the car and call Pat and tell him. It was a little after 4, it didn't take me nearly as long as they said it would to take the tests. Now, I'm praying all goes just as smoothly with my interview tomorrow afternoon.

Hire me

I've practiced the para pro test twice, tomorrow afternoon, I'm going to go to Phoenix college and take it. It's supposed to take 4 hours, I'm praying I do well on it. Hopefully, I'll be able to work the last few weeks of school. I applied for the 2 hour aid position for next year at Sunrise, and have an interview on Thursday afternoon. Test first...interview for next school year...get hired on for the remainder of this school year, that's my plan. What's God's? Time will tell, please pray for us.

Colorful yard

Colorful yard
Originally uploaded by muffinmet.

Joseph has his all day camp orientation today (I had to stay to fill out his paperwork, he'll get a ride home from another Mom, who was planning on hiking a nearby mountain, while the boys learn all their stuff, I am thankful to her, it's hot out there in the sun, and it's a long drive to the Heard Scout Pueblo at 20st and Baseline) .

When we went outside to leave this morning, we found confetti all over the yard, cars, and mail boxes. I let the wind blow it off my car on the way, I'm sure it was the same group who performed this stunt Easter weekend. I wonder how many times they'll do this? UGH

Enemy

I know I've made an enemy at Sunrise. I'm actually even a lot nervous about how she will treat my daughters in class. I thought about all last weekend, and I just couldn't stand the art teacher calling students bad or good depending on their behavior. I saw the principal Monday morning (I didn't make an appointment, I was just at the right place at the right time) and told her about the bad/good and she asked me to write it out for her. So, I did. I've been avoiding this teacher all week, because I knew the principal would have to write her up. She found me today. I avoided her when she first found me, because I was in the middle of an art project with the kindergartner's. (the scary part is, those kids are probably the only kids on campus who did art this week) She found me after school. She was disappointed that I didn't come to her with my complaint, instead of involving the principal. (I really could have gone on and on with the principal, with all I saw, I just couldn't let this bad/good thing go from my mind) I really didn't think of talking to her first, because I know this woman is so much worse with the students then she let me see. I ask her about the "I will not be bad in art class", she wrote on the board, but she blew me off saying the 5th grade teacher said to do that (which wasn't true), I really don't think she would have taken me seriously. The art teacher has told another PTO board member she will never allow parents in her art room again. I was there because she couldn't handle a simple thing with the kids, coloring on fabric squares that she had complete typed out instructions for.

Help, I've fallen and can't get up

Well, that's what I was saying last night when I rolled right out of bed. I had been asleep for less than an hour, I remember dreaming, then the next thing I knew I was on the floor! There's not much space there, I called for Pat to help me but he was still in the family room and didn't hear me, I thought he was already in bed, because at first it seemed like it had been hours since I had fallen asleep, until I looked at the clock anyway. It took me awhile to figure out how to get myself off the floor and back into bed. I hit my knee on my landing, so I couldn't put weight on it, and I have a hard enough time trying get up from the floor when I'm fully awake, because of my stupid back.

Figured out the problem

While Rachel was dancing yesterday, I noticed during her second class how very tired she was. She had complained about how tired she was during her second class. I never really saw it as her being tired, just defiant. I guess it just really hit me yesterday watching her. We talked about it on the way home,(previously she had decided she only wanted to take one dance class next year). what she didn't know is she could take her 2 classes on separate days. She was happy to hear that, and wants to take both her classes next year, just not on the same day. (I haven't told Pat this yet, he was too happy Rachel only wanted to take one class, because of the cost) Rachel and I talked about then she couldn't fight with me on dance days. She said "she wouldn't or I can put her back in the classes on the same day, deal?" Sounds like a great deal to me. I can't wait to tell Pat, NOT!

Is It Bedtime Yet?

What a long week! Today I felt like I was running around with my head chopped off at Sunrise. Not only was I in the art room all day, except for I also had to do be in the kindergarten classrooms, AM and PM to get their quilt squares done. Some how in between, I managed, to set up the coolers and put the drinks on ice for selling after school, and worked on putting notes and wooden skewers in the teachers mail boxes, so they could have their class make flags next week for culture diversity week. Then of course selling candy after school. Dropped the girls off at home and went and got pizza for dinner at Little Ceaser's for dinner, not great pizza, but cheap. Hurried Joseph out the door at 5:30 to take him to his scout meeting place, for the troop to drive together for their camp this weekend. I started quizing him too late if he had everything though. He forgot his contact solution and case. Then I realized too late I did not have a house key to get back in the house. I had left it for Joseph for after school, since I knew he would be home before me. (he had his own key, but lost it awhile ago, I just haven't remembered to replace it, until he needed a key, then it was too late. I should also mention that he says he didn't lose it, but my house key from my set of keys just disappeared one day, I am so not that stupid) Luckily my sister was home and had an extra contact case and a house key, and she lives close by to where I had to drop Joseph off at. He gets his stuff out of the car, I fill out the permission slip, I drive to Ace hardware to get a key made, on the way I notice he doesn't take his pizza or drink he bought to take with him, and now it is past the time they were supposed to leave, so I did not go back, so I'm sure it will be my fault he'll be hungry tonight. As the girls and I are leaving Ace, Sarah says wait I forgot something. She goes back in but doesn't come back with anything (I didn't know she even took anything in) She tells me it's the neighbor girl's Ninetendo DS game, (as I am driving away)I tell her she'll have to replace it, and I ask which game is it. One that just resently came out, so it would be probably over $30. It's going to take her a long time to save that kind of money. She's crying, I'm mad, I'm saying, you were responsible for the game, you need to give her yours until you can replace the hers (why you might wonder would she have someone else's game that she already has herself is- the neighbor wanted Sarah to get farther in the game for her) I finally think to ask her to check her pockets, and lo and behold the game is in her pocket. I made her give it back on the way home. Now it's about 7, and almost time for me to start to fight with the girls about going to bed.(Pat's at work, of course and misses all this fun)

Kindergarten aid

I applied for the kindergarten aid position at Sunrise for the remainder of the school year. I was going to be interviewed today, but I need to take a state test first to see if I qualify. I've contacted the district office to find out where I can take this test. Please pray if it is God's will for me to get this job or not, that everything will work out. It would really help us out pocket book wise, so Sarah can go to church camp, dance recital tickets, etc., etc, etc. for this summer. Money is so tight now, I just don't know what we are going to keep the kids busy this summer. I also heard today there is a 2 hour a day position for an aid next school year, that really would be perfect, it has not been posted yet on the district web site, so I can't apply for it yet, but that would be perfect. I'm more than a little tired today, after spending 2 days with the art teacher, and my legs hurt, feet hurt and are swollen. The quilt the PTO is putting together is going to be really neat, the kids are doing an awesome job with their quilt squares. I'm not sure how well it would have worked if we left the art teacher alone to accomplish this with the students. I really wonder about her. My new work for her is she is a loon. I'm not quite sure what I mean by that, I liked the word it seems to fit, she doesn't seem all there to me.

The Nicest Girl

Today I was at Sunrise, mostly taking over for the art teacher, (she is terrible, with the kids) helping the kids make there own quilt square for a whole school quilt the PTO is putting together for multi-culture week, to be displayed in our new building. One charming 1st grader today, told me I was the nicest girl he knows. Very sweet, but then again he doesn't know me very well! He was in the morning K class last year, that wasn't Rachel's class, but since I did art projects in both classes, I knew him last year, so it wasn't like he just met me today!

Walking

Yesterday I saw the chiropractor. When I first started seeing him, walking was a very bad thing. Now, all of a sudden it's a good thing. He wants me to walk 20 minutes each day. I didn't have time yesterday to use the treadmill, today I walked for the first time in a really long time. It's been something or another keeping me from walking, heel pain, back pain, cold, sickness, tail bone, etc. etc. excuses. My legs feel fine now, but later when I can't walk, will see if this walking thing happens again tomorrow.

Happy Birthday!

To my Heman! Today is my husband's birthday. We have a tradition that on birthday's we serve the birthday person breakfast in bed. Pat had fallen asleep on the couch last night, I had to ask him to please go to bed, so we could celebrate his birthday. He has to go to work this afternoon before the kids get home from school and close, so we had to do something this morning, before the kids left for school. Breakfast and presents in bed, that will be it for today. Saturday he's off early so maybe he'll want to do something then.

Too much fresh air

Yesterday was windy and lovely outside, I didn't even think about my allergies, until this morning, when my head was so stuffed up, it was hard to breath. I laid down for an hour after I sent the kids off to school, before the appointment I had this morning. I didn't make it to the appointment, 5 hours later, I woke up! While I was sitting watching Rachel dance a few hours later, I thought my head was going to burst. After dinner, I laid down, and fell asleep, went and got Sarah, and before the kids went to bed, fell asleep again, they kept waking me up to tell me good night, I about jumped to the ceiling every time. I want to try to stay awake for a few hours, at least one anyway, so I can take some more medicine, and hopefully wake up tomorrow pain free. The house is a wreck from Easter stuff everywhere and me not doing anything all day :(

Happy Easter!

We woke up this morning with an extra Easter gift left in out yard and on our cars :( The first time ever, and hopefully the last our house was papered, and cars covered in confetti.The day can only get better from here.

I did it!

I figured something out on my own. I am so proud of myself. I can't say what it it, because it's for Pat's birthday present :) The kids and I colored Easter eggs last night. I left 6 for Pat to do, he always misses out on the fun stuff, but he didn't get today before going to work.

Movie Night

Was successful if you don't count the numbers or if we broke even :( We ordered way to many pizzas. When Marlene brought Sarah home from dance, I asked if her two middle kids could come help me at movie night. They rushed right out of the car. I had a hard time keeping the younger one busy, he'd finish his job, and wanted another task. I got home after 10 last night, and I slept terribly, I had this weird leg cramp that kept waking me up. I had to set me alarm for 7 this morning. My neighbor asked if I could watch her daughter this morning. So, while the rest of my family is still fast sleep. I''m awake with the TV blaring in the back ground. But at least it's keeping her busy, so she's not bugging me or begging to wake up my girls.

Useful

I felt useful already today. I get a call from Sunrise at 8, with a parent wanting to pick up their candles. I wasn't even dressed, yet. I hurry and get dressed and get there and she only had one candle. Oh brother. But as I was in the office and emergency arose and I ended up staying and helping in the office till almost 10, doing late passes and answering phones. It is kinda funny because the one secretary's name is Janet and I was at her deck, so people would come in looking for Janet, not realizing they found one! I had dropped Sarah and Rachel off at 7:30 this morning for chorus, and wasn't planning on going back to Sunrise until this afternoon, for candy sales, and to get ready for movie night. It did feel good, that I could help in a small way already today.

Independence

Big difference from a child being independent and to teenager who needs? or wants Independence. This afternoon, I'm at Sunrise and I get a call from Joseph and he tells me he's going to a friend's house and then they are going to church, and he'll be home around 9. What!!!! I think it would have been better if he asked me if he could do these things, instead of telling me. Joseph has never gone to a friend's house after school before, so that in itself is a huge step for both of us. I'm very thankful he remembered to call me and tell me, but don't you think it would be better if he asked me though?

Crazy Days

The last two days have been crazy. Mostly all Sunrise PTO stuff, but today I threw in grocery shopping and laundry. I could list all the stuff I got done, but it would drive me crazier to rethink all I did. Tomorrow will be much more relaxing, I think anyway. But who knows what I'm forgetting. Tonight was our last PTO open meeting for this school year. We elected officers, we really just decided what we wanted to do next year. We had decided to expand our board next year already. We will have co-presidents, and co-secretaries, and a vice president and treasure. My friend and I will be the co-presidents. We really had decided this already, we work well together, and what one of us doesn't think of the other one does. Thursday night we are holding a movie night, showing Charlotte's Web. Thursday will be another long day. I really don't know what I was thinking going to the grocery store today when no one was home to help me unload the groceries. I try to do just one big shopping day per month, then either ask Pat to pick things up while he's at work or just stop and get a few things that are on sale. I felt so overwhelmed just bringing in all the bags, and then I had to unload it all and out it away, UGH I'll be glad for the day off of school on Friday.

Happy April Fool's Day!

Happy April Fool's Day!
Originally uploaded by muffinmet.

My Dad always tried to joke with us on April Fool's Day. I keep the tradation alive by doing some food trick every year. This is this year's, "eggs" for breakfast!