Busy few days...

But fun too. Tuesday morning I went to the foot doctor. She thinks I should have an MRI. Ya think? Then I did a bunch of errands. R stayed home from school. (P was home) She slept for nearly 24 hours. J came home from school and went to bed. Just S and I went to Chuck E Cheese for a school fundraiser. The bummer part of this, it was going to be all of us doing something all together. Wednesday was R's field day. And although she wasn't 100% well, she didn't want to miss it. I was outside selling water for the coaches, I talked to her teacher about her, and said she could come sit with me, if she didn't feel like she could participate. Yesterday was also an early release day. I worked on the yearbook and getting the house ready for bible study. P had to work, but the rest of our group was here plus a new family. 13 adults and 6 children total. Today R stayed home from school. I hope she kicks this bug she has. I got to go on the kindergarten field trip, and got paid to go. (I was in charge of a autistic boy) We went to see a play, at the Temple Arts Center. Very cool theater. Very fun show. Goodnight Moon. All the kids really seemed to love it. Tomorrow after my MRI at 7, I have to work all day. The laundry is really piling up. I like to do it twice a week. That's so not going to happen this week. J is going to work at boy scout camp again this year. He has to go to a meeting on Saturday (I hope he has a ride, so I can spend my day off working) and Sunday is my nieces baby shower.

Unusual and Usual

R woke up this morning, asking to stay home from school. This never happens. She never wants to leave me, but always wants to go to school. I was going to let her stay home, but she decided she wanted to go (I didn't even tell her I would be at school today, she didn't even know I was going until we left, so I know that's not why she changed her mind). I gave her some allergy medicine and a pain reliever for her headache. I was at school all day until 4, but only got paid for 2 hours. And I almost forgot to clock in. Then I went to put something away in the PTO workroom, got side tracked, and almost forgot to go get my first class. Oops. I hope the beginning of April is not as windy as today was. Updating the calendar bulletin board is not so fun, with the wind blowing as hard as it was this morning. I already hate this job because I am too short, and need to stand on a step stool. Which wouldn't be bad, if I wasn't so darn near afraid I'd fall. I did one time last year. The librarian helped me take pictures of new students and the 11 sets of twins we have at Sunrise for the yearbook. 6 more new kids to go and I can finish up those pages. 3 field trips, one PTO event (tomorrow is Chuck E Cheese Night) and field days and I'm done with the yearbook. Which is a good thing because the last 32 pages are due on the 17th. Then maybe I can work on some personal scrapbooking! S and R had dance classes today. R was supposed to have 2, she wasn't feeling so great near the end of the first one,we left before the next class started. She fell asleep almost as soon as we got home. She must have pushed herself to far today. Maybe tomorrow she'll want to stay home from school.

Aaaaaaaaaah _updated

Wining. My foot really hurts. It is so painful to walk. I was going to go back to my foot doctor this morning. I had an appointment. But my friend asked me to work for her today. I changed my appointment for next week. I have decided that if she's not going to do anything, more than taping it (that didn't even work, and was very hard to keep dry in the shower) I will have to find a new doctor. Yesterday at school we were supposed to have a fire drill. The principal forgot or something. Much to the aggravation of the teachers afraid to send students to the restroom, or even going themselves. It had to happen today. Once a month. Good thing it was a leap year! I can't believe it that 2 months of 2008 are over already. I had fun working with a student one on one on his state report. I made it a game. He did 4 pages, without one complaint. Which for this student is remarkable. There was a sub for the other kindergarten monitor for most of the week, today included. The man who subbed today is in a wheelchair. He was so much more help to me than the regular gal. (Fridays we work together and take the kids to the multi-purpose building for PE.) I actually had fun today. J is spending the night at my sister's house. Tomorrow he has a scout yard sale, my brother-in-law is the scout master, so yea I won't have to get up early to take him. S wants to spend the night at a friend's house, I'm not sure if that will happen. R is busy working on her mathathon workbook, for the Leukemia Society. Her teacher is giving every student who does it, a $5.00 pledge and a free math homework pass good for a whole week. I'm not sure what the deciding factor was for her, but she has been busy working since we got home from school. S on the other hand hasn't started hers yet. ****UPDATED**** R finished all her problems in 4 hours! Sarah finished hers by Sat. evening. Makes me very glad that the Deer Valley school board approved a new math curriculum for next year. The mathathon packets were fun to do, not the same boring worksheets. I can't wait to see how different change will be.

A little excitement

I start dinner a bit early while helping R with her homework. I left it on the stove but turned off the burner. Or so I though. I left the kitchen to read for a little bit before it was time to eat. I started to really smell bad all through the house. Chicken chow mien does not burn well. It stinks. I had turned to burner on high and not off. What a mess. We had roast beef sandwiches for dinner instead. Which weren't that bad, we had fancy hot dog buns from Costco and I heated the roast beef slices, so it was kinda like a french dip, just no dip. I haven't made chow mien in a really long time, I was so looking forward to it all day.

Nothing really new

J went camping over the weekend with his scout troop. P thought he had to work on Saturday, but it turned out he didn't. Which was a good thing because he was running a temp. all weekend. He is still kinda sick, but went to work yesterday. Sunday I had a PTO meeting, then P and I were supposed to look at our budget, but he didn't even get up until 5, and when I got home at 6,he was watching TV. I don't know if he came to look for me later, because I fell asleep early (not on purpose). S had to go to the orthodontist yesterday morning at 7:30. which made yesterday a long day. I fell asleep before any of the kids, but I did wake up around 9:30 and talked to the girls about going to sleep. I used to not be able to go to sleep until they were all asleep, I'm glad I'm finally over that. Even though I worry about them not getting enough sleep, or getting hurt, or something if I fall asleep first, I think they need to figure out for themselves how much sleep they need. This morning S had chorus before school, and J had a counseling appointment. The past 2 mornings S has set her own alarm and gotten up and been ready on time (she even made my breakfast for me this morning!) I am going to talk to her about her setting her alarm for every morning, it has been really nice making it her responsibilty and not mine to be ready on time. Tomorrow S has to go back to the orthodontist, then P and I have a counseling session, our "homework" was to do a budget and go out on a date once a week. Neither of which has happened. One date in 4 weeks (the lunch we went out to after our last appointment) and no budget. But to be fair P has worked 6-7 days each week for the past month, except for last week, and then him being sick, and I'm still fighting the cold, I think really started in October, but it no sooner gets better one day and the next I'm sick again. Plus all the physical therapy and doctor appointments I've had, hasn't helped much either. Thinking about doctor appointments, I went to see my foot doctor on Thursday. She taped my foot, to see if that would help. Not really. And I had to keep my foot dry, which didn't work so well to shower, even though I taped a plastic bag around my foot. I tried a rubber band 2 mornings and that didn't even work. This morning after my shower I took the tape off, since it wasn't working anyway, I thought there's no use in keeping it on. Walking hurts so freaking bad. I have to go back on Friday, to see the doctor at which point if she isn't going to do something to help me, I'm going to have to find a new doctor.

Randomness

For Valentine's dinner I made spaghetti and baked a cake, per S's request for dinner. R was worried that we were only going to have cake. It was too funny. P surprised me by remembering 2 books I want to read and got them for me. And flowers, candy and a very large balloon. We gave the kids their treats, then worked on a couple of mini puzzles I got for R. I thought it would be fun to do together as a family, until we were doing them, and R got mad. Friday morning I worked at the middle school, even though I could barely walk. I tried different shoes, and different combinations of shoes, but nothing seemed to help. By the time I got home I could barely walk. I was thankful for my cane to lean on, and P was off, so he was in charge of dinner. (he ordered pizza, but still I was thankful I didn't have to cook) Sometime after school J fell asleep on my bed reading. I kept poking him to get up, because I knew if he slept then he would never go to bed. He finally got sick of me poking him and he went to his room, and slept all night long. At 8 this morning when I got up he was awake, I was so shocked, but he really had just gotten up to take out his contacts because he had slept with them in. At which point, I thought things seemed a little too clear myself, and releized I also slept in my contacts! I rarely have done this, I guess I was pretty tired last night myself. Sometime before dinner last night S came and told me R just threw up all over the couch. I was very thankful again P was home. I don't do so well with vomit. When I was a kid I couldn't even blow my nose without gagging. P cleaned up the couch, R came and laid on my bed with me. She threw up again. It happened so fast, I'm glad P had given her a bowl and a towel. She knew I can't handle the smell, and offered to leave my room. I agreed that would be a good idea, I didn't think P would want me throwing up too. He soon came down to our room and asked if I wanted to watch a movie with him and the girls. While I did I also knew I wanted to be on the couch and I didn't know if R could handle sharing the couch, plus I was reading (Touching Stars by Emilie Richards). I fell asleep before the movie was over. S had a stomachache, she took a bowl and towel and fell asleep in the hallway before the movie was over too. (I didn't know this until this morning) R is better today, S is still complaining of a stomachache and I still can't walk without pain. All I've done all day is read, take a nap and (not on purpose) and laundry, J helped me do all the walking back and forth to the laundry room and my bedroom, but I was the brains of the operation and folded hung everything up. I'm thankful it's a 3 day weekend, hopefully my foot can heal before I have to walk on it a lot on Tuesday.

Happy Valentine's Day!

What a fun day so far. S had her first first trip today. To the Halle Heart Center. I was able to work out a little deal with my first kindergarten teacher so I could go on the field trip. This is the 3rd time, I have been there, once with J, and once last year due to not enough chaperones. It was way nicer with a daughter. If my foot felt better I would have loved it more. I decided to call the foot doctor, since it's been a week, and I can barely walk. I can't get seen until next Thursday. I asked S what we should have for dinner, she said cake! Silly girl. You'd think I'd already have this meal planned out, but no I don't. P gets off early today, so he'll be home for dinner, I guess I better figure it out.

My day thus far... It's going to be a long day

This morning before I left for physical therapy, I started some laundry, in addition to all the regular morning stuff. I usually do laundry on Tuesday night, but I really didn't feel so good last night. I fell asleep before J got home from scouts, (his uncle brings him home for me) and I don't even really remember sending R to bed, I'm sure I must have since she was in her bed this morning when I woke her up. As usual my head is swimming with thoughts as I drive to PT, only instead of going to there, I almost drove to DV Middle. Luckily they are close by and not in 2 different directions, so I was only a few minutes late. As I am laying down, while the elec. shock torture is happening to my knee, I remember that the PTO needs to pick up muffins we are having donated by Me Me's Cafe. Thank goodness, someone else volunteered to do this, and I just had to make reminder calls to make sure they were going to get picked up. I drop by home after the knee torture, and start anther load of laundry, before going to the doctor's to have the knee looked at. The doctor does think more therapy would be a good idea. UGH. Stop at Home Depot to get painter's tape, (for school to hang posters) Come home to work on laundry before going to work. It's pretty sad that I started this laundry before 7 am and only have 1 load done at 10:30.

Teenagers

Teenagers are a different species. My oldest included.

Knee(s)

I had my 5th PT appointment this morning, thinking that Wednesday will be my last. Only at my evaulation today, my therapist wants to do 6 more. UGH. I am tired of getting up early, then leaving the girls to finish getting ready for school, with a timer set to tell them when to leave. (P is home) Over the weekend, I stretched the arch in my right foot (I'm sure to compinstate for my left knee. I can barley walk. While I was in PT torturing my legs and feet, both DV Middle and Sunrise called. To be fair DV Middle called first, so off to work I went, even though walking is painful. I noticed the first day I was at the Middle school, there is this sidewalk is not level, I usually stay far away from it. Well today I forgot and fell. On my right knee. Luckily I bled on the outside this time. Tore my jeans too. What's really weird is that when I got dressed this morning, I remembered it was these jeans I wore 2 weeks ago when I fell, and and not since then. Bad omen, to think of that while getting dressed or what? The principal at DV asked me to work tomorrow. He'll be off campus and he wants to make sure there's enough coverage. Later today back at Sunrise I felt my left calf pull, like a charlie horse that would not go away. I'm sure that must be from PT and walking to compinstate for my knee and foot arch. I want a wheelchair now.

Party !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fast Week

This has been a very fast week, and I didn't even work on Wednesday. But I have done 3 pt appointments,a doctor's appointment, worked 9 extra hours at a middle school, which make me love my kindergardeners more. Celebrated R's birthday. by taking her lunch at school. Then of course there was all the afternoon activities, and J had a very early ortho appointment one day, follow the day of partying the night before with our bible study samll group. I'm hopping the weekend goes by slowly to rest up. Other than tonight, I want to go by fast, because it's R's first birthday sleepover party!

Happy Birthday Baby!

My baby is 8!!!! She of course got the royal treatment of breakfast in bed. Well, we took her, her breakfast, she opened her gifts took a shower, got dressed and is now eating it. It's a funny thing in the mornings, that S can never get to breakfast fast enough in the morning, but R likes to wait and eat last. That was just a little side note to help me remember, this is really a birthday post. R we are so wonderfully blessed by you, and so thankful God gave us you to raise. I love your tender spirit and that you care about others (for the most part)You are beautiful inside and out. I love you!

Cool Thing

I had to drop the girls off at dance this afternoon, then do a few errands, like pick up S's prescription at the doctor's off then go have it filled at Fry's. Banking for Sunrise PTO. I get back to The Dance Shoppe, when I am hit with from S "Mommy look at the dancers of the month board." And lo and behold one of the dancers is S! She was pretty excited to see her name up there for the first time ever. I'm pretty proud too, but I'm biased, because she's my daughter, and I've always loved watching her on stage.

Cold, Cold, Cold,Cold

Oh the weather outside is frightfully cold. Not freezing, but dang cold when are not used to this kind of thing. Makes me feel bad for all the people visiting our valley of the sun for the Super Bowl or FBR Open, and it was chilly. Next weekend it's supposed to be in the 70's again. I don't do well with the constant change in temps. It is not wonder that I've had more colds I can count the past 4 months or so. It's pretty cold out there today, but at least I'm in the muddle of a cold, but then it will warm up, then go down again, and again I'll have another cold. Maybe it would be better living back east were is a constant cold, freezing cold. all. winter. long. R has a cough, that she even suggested taking medicine for (my kids don't take meds. well, it sometimes feel like I have to stand on my head to get them to take them, no not really my head but any tricks I can come up with.) J kinda has been coughing a little all weekend, but this morning he had a bit of a temp. so he got to stay home in his nice warm bed and sleep all day.While I go put up with smart mouthed teens for a few hours, then go deal with paint and kindergardeners in the same room. What was I thinking? Really it wasn't so mad, and it really seemed to calm them down, they seemed to be bouncing off the walls when I went to get them. You just never can tell with paint which way it's going to go, paint flying everywhere or perfict little children happy they get to paint. Speaking of flying everywhere, today I worked at the middle school for a few hours and was in the OCR room, helping a student (I should point out that there were 13 OCR students today)anyway while I as helping pencils, papers and shoes are being thrown around the room. I took away all there throwing objects and kept the shoe, under the desk, and made them all lay their heads down for a nap. If they were going to act like kindergardners, then I was going to treat them like one.

knee update

I went to the doctor yesterday morning, and she gave me the OK to stop using the cane, which really was pointless anyway. I started PT today. 2 hours. The eletric. shock really hurt. I had almost 2 inches of swelling. It's feeling hot and looks rather swollen now, I guess I better ice it after I drop S at her dance class.

11!

S is 11 today, but not officially until 4:32 pm, so she says! Not that she minded breakfast in bed this morning! She also got to open her gifts from us, 3 more Webkinz! She's up to 8 now I think? She so loves playing the games on the computer. I gave her the option of me bringing her in lunch today at school, or going out for dinner tonight after her jazz class. She picked dinner, smart girl. She really is a bright girl, she lights up our lives, and stages she dances or sings on, and she's an honor roll student too. I love you, Happy Birthday!

Kultz

I know this will not be a big surprise to some of you. Stop laughing big brother. But I fell today at school. Are you still laughing? You better stop now. My shoe slipped off a wood chip that was on the sidewalk. I fell hard on my left knee, since the tail bone injury from the school bus fall, I didn't have checked out for months. I decided to have it looked at. 5 x-rays determined it is not broken, but swollen and bruised. I have this neat brace to wear and a cane. And I'm supposed to keep ice on it as much as I can. I will have to go have it rechecked on Wednesday. The cough is much worse too (couching up lots of gross junk), because the knee happened at work, I couldn't get a side of antibiotics with the pain pills. bummer.

achy all over-whiny

I knew yesterday, I was starting to get yet another cold. I went to bed and fell asleep at 8, way before the kids did, but I heard not a sound after my head hit the pillow. What I didn't think yesterday is that I would feel this bad, just one day later. We did not go to church today. P had to be at work at 12, and while I could/should have taken the kids myself, I decided not to, plus is was raining and cold out. I laid on the couch and watched a movie, then went and laid on my bed for a few hours. I really don't want to have to go out, but I have a PTO board meeting at 5. My head, neck, ears, chest, throat, and my calves (now that's a new cold symptom) HURT :(

Hannah Montana Party

Having her friend's decorate a pillow case, is a fun tradition. 3 girls left already, they couldn't spend the night. 4 are staying along with a bunny that came to the party with one of the girls too.

sick

R wasn't feeling good this morning. She said she had a stomachache. She showered and tried to go to school, I let her stay home. She has not missed any days of school this year, so I figured she needed a day off. I should have known she wasn't feeling good yesterday when she took 4 hours to do her homework. She laid on the couch all morning, without even turning on the TV, that's pretty sick. Before I left for work at 1, she was complaining of a headache. I gave her some medicine, but she says it's still bugging her. Poor thing, I hope it gets better before S's friend's come over for her birthday party tonight.

Randomness

Yesterday I got my orthotics for my feet. They hurt. I have to wear them an hour a day progressing everyday by an hour. The doctor gave me another shot of cortisone. Yesterday my heel felt fine, but today it hurts. I think she put the shot in at the wrong place. I started reading a new book yesterday while the girls were at dance, I couldn't put it down. I was up until 3 reading. I will not be starting a new book today, no matter how bored I am. I did go back to bed for a few hours this morning after getting the kids off to school. I am working a few extra hours tomorrow, and all day on Thursday, so it was good I at least stayed up so long on the day I could go back to sleep for a little while. S's party is on Friday, I am so sad that not many friends will be coming. I know one will be here for sure, but other than that, I haven't heard for sure if anyone else is coming. I feel so bad for her.

I was so tired...

But now I feel so awake. Grrr, why is that? Today was a lovely lazy Sunday. Went to church played with the toddlers, went to service. Had a quick lunch, went to Michael's and Wal-Mart to finishing getting stuff for Craft Night at school on the 1st, S's slumber party on the 25th, and R's slumber party on the 8th. Finished a book I was reading. Played dominoes with S & R, then they helped me put together my craft projects for school next week.

Worth of a Woman

THE WORTH OF A WOMAN One Flaw In Women (you will see what it is in the end) Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take 'no' for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have the compassion and ideas. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give. HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

10 days all run together sorry

For some reason, paragraph's do not want to work on this blog for me. It's been 10 days since I posted anything. Even my brother has noticed! It's been busy or relaxing since the first of the year. I wanted to relax the last few days before we had to go back to school, other than getting all the Christmas decorations cleaned up and put away. But the front door still has it's wreath on it. I did not do the outside decorations, but I suppose it will be me that changes the front door decoration. I just don't seem to remember it unless I'm driving away and I look back at the house and yell at myself under my breath. Monday was raining and cold, and back to school. While I only got paid for 2 hours, I was at school all day. Monday after my 2 hours at the girls' dance studio, I had an errand to do for PTO and my book club. Tuesday and Wednesday was not rainy, but I was at school all day. Wednesday night was also bible study night. P had to work, so not only did I have to make dinner, and make the house presentable, I had to plan something to study. Yesterday, P let me sleep in, I did not have to do anything at school until I went to work at 1. But last night was our quarterly PTO meeting (the board meets monthly, but we only hold parent meetings 3 times a year). Today I was at school all day again, but I got paid for the whole day! (I covered a special ed aid shift). This may not seem like a lot, but also in all my spare time, I have been working on the yearbook. I spent 15-20 hours on it during break, and all this week, when I had a chance. I have some fine toning to do, but have all the pictures now! I will have the first 64 pages that are due on the 21st done hopefully by next Thursday. The program we are using is web based, the server will be terrible next weekend, with all the schools trying to get their pages done on time. I think they should stagger when the pages are due, it wouldn't be so bad. Oh, I remembered I organized a food donation drive for a really needy family at Sunrise. This makes it seem like I did a lot, but really I was just the brains of this project so to speak. Other than a few emails to staff and a phone call to the family that's all I did. The response was tremendous. I'm thinking up a project to keep the donations coming it, and the be able to put food boxes together all the time. We have lots of families that could be blessed by a surprise box. I'm thinking if we make it a raffle, and have it go home as a raffle prize then parents will not be embarrassed by the donation. I'm excited. I hope I can share with the principal my vision and she OK's it. So far the staff that I've talked to about thinks it a wonderful idea.

Happy New Year!

P worked till 11:30 PM, he made it home just minutes before midnight. Here we are toasting in 2008!

Merry Christmas!

The kids and I went to church tonight. P has to work until 8. It's been a busy day getting ready for tomorrow. If I remembered everything, all I should have to do tomorrow is cook and clean. Julia and I are breaking tradition this year, we are going to her house instead of them coming to ours. I made cinnamon rolls, juice, and will make my famous egg dish. She'll have sausages and pancakes. Should be a yummy brunch. Dinner will be turkey and all the fixings.I have all ready to cook (or take out of the fridge.)- green bean casserole, broccoli and cheese casserole, mashed potatoes, stuffing balls, celery sticks with cream cheese, olives, cranberry sauce, rolls (they kinda exploded by rising to much, the kids assure me they are good.) chocolate cake with whipped cream and strawberries for dessert.

A picture of each girl during their parties at school today

On Break and Foot Doctor

The last 2 days I've been putting in more volunteer hours, than hours of getting paid for the whole week! Yesterday afternoon was also the band/chorus concerts at school, and S did not get sick. I would have if I was on the risers the stupid maintenance man (plant foreman), did not clean them from the 7th when she got sick. He also did not insure that one of his employees put the risers on the stage (his last day of work before break was Tuesday). The chorus teacher had to do them herself. Well, that's not true, J came to have lunch with me and I made him help her, while I watched her class for her. Today I was there for the girls' parties, but was in and out of them because I needed to take gobs of pictures for the yearbook. I know teachers are busy, but please they surely have had time to take a few pictures of their class. It's not like I just sprung this on them, I've been asking, begging, nagging, reminding since the first day of school. The first 62 pages of the yearbook are due on Jan. 21st, I'd really like to at least work on the yearbook an hour a day during break. UGH. I wasn't supposed to work today, but the cafeteria monitor took today off, and the sub she got couldn't even be there until 11, lunch was about over by then, due to an early release today. The kids were upper hipper being the last day before break and full of sugar from their breakfast parties (donuts and the like) right before lunch. It was kinda funny though, the little kids ate lunch (well not a lot) but the 5th and 6th graders had it figured out, they just ate and weren't hungry. My heels have really been bothering more than I can possibly stand (pun intended), I called my foot doctor who had an opening today! I just really thought I'll be lucky if I can get an appointment during break. She took x-rays, and made plaster feet impressions (she is going to have orthopedics made for me), and she gave my right foot a shot of cortisone, and will do the left on Monday. I'm supposed to stay off of it for a few days as much as possible, that will make the Monday shot a little tricky since the next day is Christmas. Right now the right foot is pretty much throbbing. Oh, yea she said I could take some Tylenol. Good idea! Wished I would have thought of that before. When she examined my feet, she said she barely pressed on my right heel, it hurt so bad she said I practical jumped to the ceiling. I guess the pain it's just not all in my head. My last rounds of cortisone were 15 months ago, and I need 3 shots in each foot. The shots are really pretty painful, so I hope it works well, on the first shot, OK maybe I can stand 2 rounds. Really whatever it takes. Not being able to walk with out being in pain, is horrible.

Little Villager and Sister Villager-Snow Queen

This was a wonderful but full weekend. P was off and able to take the girls downtown to the theater on Friday afternoon for rehearsal. J and I worked on finishing baking Christmas cookies. Sat. the girls performed 2 shows, J and I sold mistletoe (him for a lot longer) Our church had our outreach Angel Tree party. It was awesome to be there. I just wished I didn't have to miss one of the Snow Queen performance. Today was 2 more Snow Queen performances. P was off so he got to see his daughters dance too, and I didn't have to drive either. I'm just not that comfortable driving downtown at anytime, but especially at night. After last night's show, I managed to follow my brother-in-law back to the freeway, we didn't plan it that way, but I was so grateful it happened that way!

sinus headache

I'm about done in with sinus headaches that will not go away. Yesterday was a long day with one. I worked all day, then goofed around school for another hour waiting for R to finish in her after school reading class. Dropped the girls off at home, went to our church offices for the last planning session before Saturday's outreach party. I am there until 6, pick dinner up on the way home. Fed the kids, take J to scouts, start laundry and tonight's dinner, because it's our bible study night and we are having a dinner Christmas party. Made corn bread, baked a cake, fought with the children to clean their rooms and go to bed. Went to bed with a headache, woke up with a worse one. Laid down this morning to try to get rid of it, that didn't work. Now I have to go to work, clean the house, host a party. Did I mention that P has to work and will not be here tonight?

sick

S was better on Thursday and Friday, but yesterday started throwing up again. I haven't let her eat more than a few crackers today even though she says she's feeling better. Yesterday was baking Christmas cookies day, R helped for a little bit, but got bored fast. R's friend came over and was a big help, I think I'll invite her over when I bake more often! I had a terrible sinus headache all day on Friday. While the girls were at choir practice P, J and I decorated the Christmas tree. I was out of sleeping pills for Friday too, and didn't sleep all night long. It felt wonderful to sleep last night. I have no idea why I can't fall asleep at night unless I take sleeping pills. I usually have no trouble taking little naps during the day (if, I ever have time, not lately)P went with J yesterday to cut mistletoe, on their way out the door P tells me he found another box of ornaments (we were wondering how we fit all of them on, on Friday night, usually there are too many and P strings them up in between the family and living rooms.) P and I went out last night. The only movies I want to see are ones I want to take the kids to see, so we just went to dinner and then shoe shopping for me :) I have lots of shoes, but they all hurt my feet, I hope the new ones I got last night will be better. We didn't go to church today, I wanted to sleep in and let S sleep so hopefully she'll get rid of this stupid bug she has. It's just about time to leave to take the girls to Snow Queen rehearsal, if they would ever finish getting ready that is.

3 hours

That's how long it took J and I to do our family Christmas cards. Today was an early release day, and since I didn't get a chance to do them on Sunday, I used this chance to sit down and do them. J did the easy part, licking half the envelopes and putting on all the stamps and return labels. If, I ever got myself organized enough I'd have labels made up for the addresses too, maybe that should be a goal of mine for 2008 to do that before October, well at least before December and I sit down to send out cards. LOL

disappointing x 3

My F-I-L makes me crazy. He calls and wants to know if P can get time off to go to the Holiday Bowl in San Diego with him over Christmas Break (winter break, whatever) 4 days. This just makes me nuts. Why would I want my husband to be gone for 4 days? One year many years ago I at least got a vacation out of this deal, F-I-L wants P to drive with him and go to the game and rest a day in between driving. F-I-L didn't ask me what I thought about this plan, just assumed I would be OK, with with it. I already feel like a single parent while P goes off to work 5 afternoon/evenings a week, if he gets any time off during the time the kids and I are home on break, he better be here. 2nd disappointment was I asked F-I-L if he had any plans tonight, S had her chorus concert tonight. He couldn't come, I even told him what it was I wanted. But he consoles me with, well he'll see her on the 16th in The Snow Queen. Whatever, UGH. S has been complaining on stomach pain for 5 days. Tonight in front of a packed cafeteria she throws up for the first time, on the stage, but before they started to sing. I probably already was making parents mad at me, because I was sitting down front on the floor, taking pictures (for the yearbook, but they probably didn't all know that, they probably thought I was just a rude parent ) When S first started throwing up, I climbed up on the stage to get her and take her to the bathroom, luckily I had some friends who sprang up to help me with paper towels and Sprite for her. After she washed out her hair as best as she could, we left. I left my camera with a parent in the front row. I have know idea who she is. She seemed really nice and said she would get my camera back to a staff member for me. I'm a little worried about it, but getting S home was more important.

Lights!

P worked all afternoon, while I was busy doing some errands and other stuff, so I didn't quite get to starting our Christmas cards. opps. P did a great job on the lights, they are very pretty.

Getting Ready

I feel stressed this year getting ready for Christmas. This weekend is wrapping gifts weekend. I spent a couple of hours last night organizing gifts (bringing them in from the laundry room and putting them in my closet), I spent 5 hours wrapping today sitting on my bed, and managed to knock a box on top of my head and hit a corner of a box on my eye(it still hurts.) I can't put the gifts away. P and J left a mess and all the outside lights and things in the laundry room, even though I got the gifts out last night there's no way of getting them back in and still be able to do laundry. I can't even open my big freezer, I can barely even see it. The gifts are all over the living room floor. P went and bought our tree today. Usually he and his Dad and one or more of the kids go cut down a tree on this day. Didn't get picked this years lottery. This year we decided to go with a fake tree. Which is sad for P, but better for my allergies. P went and bought it before he went off to a football game with his Dad. It's not set up yet, the kids and I will not be working on it today. P was going to work on the outside lights for a little while before meeting his Dad but because of rain and mud wants to wait until he's off next week. Which makes me sad, I feel so much more Christmasy when the outside it done up too. The kids helped me move the desk that was in the living room back into my room and we moved my chair and ottoman to the living room. For the past 3 years we've had the Christmas tree in the family room, this year I want it back in the living room.Tomorrow will be work on Christmas cards day, and finish up a few crafts, Next weekend, J will be gathering mistletoe the girls and I will spent time baking cookies, and the last Snow Queen rehearsal. Which flows right in to Snow Queen week (well that's how it feels) dress rehearsal on Friday night, and the 4 performances over the weekend. The last week of school before Winter break, then the last weekend before Christmas. Then Christmas! YEA!

Profit

The only good thing about all my volunteer hours this week is that we made a good profit in the holiday store and that's with making up grab bags for today to get rid of everything. Because I didn't want anything left over, some of the junker stuff the PTO has had for years and years. Everything we sold was $2.00 or less, but we had great stuff (the stuff we bought this year). Name brand stuff and not dollar store junk. We were all done and cleaned up before 10 this morning. Around 11:30 it started raining and it hasn't stopped, I was glad we were done with the store, and I only had to deal with the candy carts and kids who are so not used to rain this afternoon (when it rains it always reminds me of the first snow storm growing up, kids are just amazed). The girls want to go to choir practice tonight,darn it, I have to go back out a few more times tonight. I'd do love to just wrap up in a blanket and relax.

Is this week over yet?

I really hate to wish time away, but I really really wish this week was over already. The school holiday store is happening this week, I've been at school at 8 all week (except yesterday when I went to the doctor first, but then I punched in and got paid for the day by subbing) and I'm tired and my feet hurt. Today I got home the earliest by far at 4:30, which makes for a long day when you don't feel so good.

Sinus infection and allergies

That's what the doctor decided was wrong with me. I saw a new doctor in the practice today and I must say she was good, she noticed without me having to tell her I'm on blood thinners, she was careful in what she gave me, in an antibiotic and new allergy medicine.. I always have to remind doctors of that. She wouldn't let me have a flu shot either until I get better, yuck now I'll have to go back for that in a few weeks.

Didn't call the doctor

I felt much better yesterday so I decided to wait to call the doctor about my cough. Of course with the drop in temperature this morning I should have just went ahead and called. By the time I left school today my nose was running again. Now, I wonder if I should wait until the cough is really bad again or just go in and see if she'll give me antibiotics?

Skipped Fall Right to Winter

Without any warning it's cold here in the desert. The temperature was a lovely this weekend, yesterday it was starting to drop. But this morning, was unbelievably cold. It seems like every year the weather does this and it shocks me. You'd think I'd get used to it. Nope. But, hey at least it's not snowing!

Proud Aunt

J and my nephew M in their dress blues.

busy, busy, busy, cough, cough, cough

I left my sister's house early on Thursday. R came home with me. J and S stayed. P wasn't even there yet, he had to work till 7. I just felt yucky. R and I laid on my bed and watched Miracle on 34th St. I was sound asleep right after it was over, I heard everyone get home, but I have no idea when that was. Friday morning I felt not much better, but I needed P to help me take my car in to be looked at. While we were out near Arrowhead we did some shopping at Toy R us, Target, Best Buy, Office Max (more like braved the crowds, but we did buy the gifts for the girls from their grandparents) P and I went out for lunch then to see a movie Dan in Real Life, it was cute. Went to Walmart. Picked up my car, then we picked up dinner to take home. I was completely whipped out and sick of coughing. I managed to sleep in till 9 this morning, but really had to push myself to do anything. I really just wanted to go back to bed. P didn't have to work until 5:30, he and J got the Christmas boxes put of the attic, the girls helped me get the stuff out of them so they could put the, empty boxes right back up there. Other than 4 boxes of tree things and the laundry room crammed with outside decoration boxes, there's some order to this madness. After P left for work and J went with his cousin to a shooting gallery, the girls and I went out for gyros and drove down to the 99 cent only store and got some things for school. When we got home we started on a few Christmas craft projects. I am beyond tired and my back is really hurting. I know if I felt better, I'd look at all that we got done today and be really happy. Maybe everything will look prettier tomorrow. And my doctor's office better be open on Monday, they were closed yesterday. It's been over 4 weeks of the coughing junk, I've have it, I want fixed now.

Happy Thanksgiving!

God has been really working on my heart and what I am thankful for. My friend and all the things her and her family are going through right now because of her husband's motorcycle accident. My friend with cancer. Students whose families can not afford a big holiday meal. Students who are not getting medical help they need for their behavioral problems, over all health, and dentistry. People who drive me crazy. And I'm sure there is much more I could think of. So instead of complaining today about my husband, my heart, feet, back and the cough that will not go away, my children with depression, ADHD, separation issues and 2 are in orthodontic care. I am thankful for my husband who has a job and is trying to be a better husband and father, we have medical and dental insurance, and I've been able to work a lot of overtime the past weeks to help our finances. A lot of great friends and family to count on. I hope everyone has a safe,happy, and thankful day.

"pig" race

This afternoon was the PTO fund raiser "pig" race. The winner, won $100. It wasn't either of my girls, but as you can see they had fun. I myself am glad it's over. It was fun juggling a class of kindergartners and being in charge of the race too. NOT.

Pictures from yesterday

I uploaded a few to my Flickr account on the right side bar. Not only was last night movie night, but S had her autobiography yesterday (she dressed for it), and it was the holiday lunch at Sunrise. P was off so he got to go and have lunch with the girls, and I had friends who took pictures for me!

Back to the hospital -updated 3 PM

My Friend M's husband was readmitted to the hospital yesterday afternoon. The rehab place unwrapped his foot after being wrapped up for a week without checking it and it looked gross. I haven't heard from her yet today, but yesterday she said they were going to have to do surgery on it. She therefore didn't come to movie night to help me, but I had lots of great helpers. 3PM- He did have surgery today, and he might have to have up to 4 more, he could possibly have to have his foot amputated. M will be making another appointment with the lawyer on Monday. The surgeon even told her to get a lawyer.

Whew!

Movie Night is over! We ended up having a few minor issues getting started on time- like McDonald's not being ready with our order at 5:45 like I asked twice, the microphone not working (the principal helped me find one on campus), my movie set up parent forgetting the speakers at his work (he left at 6:40 to get it and got back by 7, but he had to hook it up), but the worst of all is the LCD projector was not in the library, I asked the after school program if I could use theirs and at first she told me no, until I promised I would replace it if something happened to it. It's only a $850 piece equipment. No problem, Ha, you better believe I made sure it got put away safely myself. This week coming up the only PTO thing is our "pig" race for top sellers from our fund raiser. But the following week is our holiday store, and that week will be crazy, if I get through that then we are done with PTO events until the middle of January.

Almost 12 hours later

I "think" I'm done for the night, working and volunteering. I turned in the holiday families from the girls' school this afternoon to my church. I'm glad I got that done, I'm sad that I won't be at the Christmas party for the families (it's the same Sat. at the girls are dancing in The Snow Queen), but I'm glad I got to do my part. I called this afternoon and ordered 170 sandwiches from McDonald's for movie night tomorrow night. We had almost 100 pre-ordered and I ordered some extra. I'm hoping it will be a fun night. I also really hope this meal deal goes off without a hitch, I'm kinda scared about the whole thing, we've never done McDonald's before. And I hope I'm not forgetting anything important, I have volunteers, drinks, chips, candy, student counsel selling popcorn, raffle prizes, mystery bags and the movie are all ready to go. It's been tough working all the extra hours I have been and keeping up with my family, church and PTO, with both movie night and the holiday families being such big projects.

Pictures

We had our family pictures done and I finally got them back today. They did turn out well, but man was the wait long and the price a lot.

Whinning

My feet hurt, I wore a pair of Crocs that really hurt my feet all morning and I had lots of walking today. UGH. I came home in between schools and changed my shoes, (another pair of Crocs that I wear all the time. it was too late, my feet are so messed up. When I got home P was just getting up for the day. 12:45. After school, I had a few things to do and got home by 3:30. he was just going outside to mow the lawn. I asked if the house was clean then? Oh, no, but J is cleaning the bathrooms. I needed to take S to dance, start dinner, and go to Costco. UGH. After Costco, I finished making dinner, set the table, then afterwards I did the dishes and I swept, S dusted and J mopped. P did vacuum. UGH. I am so ready to go to sleep.

Frustated

With P. I have been seeing a counselor for a couple of months now, so I can learn how to communicate with him better. One "homework assignment" was to start to make lists for him to do. He's been doing OK with that, except I don't give him more than I really know he'll do, but there are plenty of other ways he could help me. Well, Tuesday night is laundry night, I try to keep up on the laundry twice a week, so I don't have 8 or 9 loads on Saturday. Anyway, the past 2 Tuesdays I have fallen asleep before it's finished, and he has on his own brought it in and laid it all out on the couch. (it would be too much work to put it away I guess, I know I was sleeping but the next day?) It's pretty frustrating to come home from working all day to have to put away laundry when your husband was home until 2:30, or off that day. Last night I finished 3 loads of laundry, and had the last (jeans) in the dryer before I went to bed, I didn't leave a note, but I left the laundry basket on the couch with the hangers in it for all the stuff in the dryer, I thought he would get the hint. I was wrong. UGH.

Slept in and Updates

I looked last night and made sure my alarm was set, but only caught the minute part not the hour part. Oops, S woke me up when she got in the shower at 7:20, which wouldn't have been that bad, but she needed to be at chorus at 7:30, and I needed to be at DV middle school at 7:30. We rushed through our showers, I ate a cereal bar on the way, and she brushed her hair, she was 10 minutes late and I was 15. The best part was, I felt a whole lot better this morning. My cough is still hanging on a little, but not nearly as bad as it was. I guess that extra hour of sleep was well needed, but maybe it was yesterday when I didn't do anything except drive J around for the Vetern's Day parade, and took the girls to dance, I didn't do anything else. My friend C started her chemo last week, I saw her on Sunday she looks good, she said she felt a whole lot better 3 days after her first treatment. My other friend's (M) husband (K) was released to a rehab place yesterday afternoon. He didn't need any surgeries on his foot or shoulder. No idea how long he will be in rehab, but he's on his way to recovery. M met with a lawyer today about the accident, she's worried about the other guy's insurance not paying. (K) could be out of work for a long time, it will not be easy for their family. M is planning on going back to work tomorrow. One more thing about DV Middle, I love the principal there, he is so on top of things and not stressed out like some principal's I know. He has made me feel really welcome, and I'm not even there to cover the whole day, I have to leave after second lunch to get to Sunrise in time. I'll be working the rest of the week there.

Emergencies- updated

I've been called to the office at school twice this week, and it's only Wednesday. Today was an early release day and one of our crossing guards got stuck at a doctor's office. I was on campus doing other things when I called, I had a counseling session this morning, but because I'm working hard on getting the rest of the holiday families set up needed to go to school at the end of the day. I'm glad I was there, to cover, but man was it hot outside at 12. One of my best friend's just called me her husband was in an accident on the way home from work. He rides a motorcycle. All they told her on the phone was he was awake. Why I didn't think of asking what hospital I don't know, so I'll have to wait until she calls me to make sure he's OK. Just one of the times you get a phone call and are shocked that you can't think. Please pray he is OK. I was able to get a hold of her as she walked in to the hospital, she was waiting until they put her in a quiet room to talk to her. His brain was exposed in big chunks, he has some swelling of blood around his brain, his left shoulder could be broken, and his right ankle or leg is broken. It's going to be a long, long recovery. My sister and I went to the hospital to check on them last night. He was awake, in a lot of pain, and couldn't remember the accident at all. The hospital was planning on rechecking the swelling with a CT scan at 10 last night, hopefully that there was not a lot, or he could have to have surgery right away.

Walmart

I don't shop at Walmart on a regular basis. But on Friday night I went to pick up a donation gift card for the PTO and thought I'd look around a little, I had a little time to spare before picking up the girls (who where singing with the church group.) J was with me, I ended up finding a few things for the girls for Christmas. I left J with my debt card because I needed to go to the bathroom, bad, and I needed to leave to get the girls. Half way to pick up the girls I jokingly said to J did I spend $200 dollars. No, he tells me the amount but then says wait the receipt says (blank), which is $40 more than the merchandise I bought. I called right away and went back. I was told the register balanced, so I would have to wait 24 hours to get my money back. I was mad. I made J strip when we got home just so I knew without a doubt that he didn't take the money. Many phone calls by me later, and P today, because I was working all day, and 71 hours later I got my money back and a $20 gift card for my trouble. Which really isn't the point of being ripped off, and having to go back twice, and fighting for my money. $40 didn't seem like very much until I thought about well, if I make $8.00 an hour (I make a little more than that, and more an hour when I sub as a para pro) that's 5 hours of work, then it seems like a lot, especially since if I wasn't working all this overtime like I have in the past 2 weeks, I only work 10 hours a week. UGH.

Keep praying

I don't understand all the details, but my friend C's cancer has compromised her immune system which is not good. She had a port put in this past week and starts chemotherapy on Wednesday. She's really scared and in denial and doesn't want talk about it. I just don't know what to say either. Maybe it's best not talk about it, I don't know, I'm scared for her and her family too. This is a BIG trust GOD, and His will to be done, other than praying and being with her, I feel lost and want to do more, but I don't know what. Her mom told me this morning that C will be participating in a new drug therapy group.

Long Week updated 8:30 PM

I am so tired and my cough from my stupid cold is still hanging on. I worked everyday this week, totaling over 35 hours. I had a lot issues with the PTO volunteers to deal with too. The Vice President quit today. The person I really have a problem with, decided today to not sell candy, and call the other volunteers and tell them not to come too, thinking that since Wednesday was Halloween kids all ready had enough candy. What? I don't think that is her decision, she's not even a board member nor did she check with myself or the other president. I called J to come help, and a teacher helped out, until I could clock out and even though kids had Halloween candy we still sold over $100 in candy, chips, and drinks. Go figure! Which is less than we usually sell, but not by much, but we only had one cart set up, we usually have one in the front of the campus and one in the back. My problem person emailed us (me and the other president) and resigned as did her friend who held the title of secretary, which I kinda figured would happen, but hoped she would not. I've made 3 phone calls to make sure no one else was going to quit, and they are not. I feel a whole lot better, that things will go smoother now, but I can not stand that none of them resigned in person, and left mid year. I had told them on Sunday I would not be back next year, (I would not even think about quiting mid year)

Trick or Treat

The last 2 years, P has allowed the girls to go trick or treating. Here they are in the get ups....

PTO

Today was a dreaded PTO board meeting. It was at my house, so I couldn't walk out today like I wanted to last month. But I did ask someone to leave. Feathers were straighted, so she didn't really leave, but I think I got my point across very well. I told them all I will not be part of this board next year. Maybe it was good to tell them and they'll straighten up their acts and do what they say they are going to do. That would be nice. I could go on and on, but I need to let this go. For now anyway!

I am so tired

I did not sleep well last night, which is not a good thing when you need extra sleep because you don't feel good and you have a way to busy of a day planned the next day. Just for fun I added in working all day too (we really need money and I could have worked at 2 different campus'). The PTO fundraiser orders came in today, not without it's share of headaches. But the last one of the day really stressed me out. At least 2 orders went to the wrong classroom, and haven't been found yet. One is the PTO vice president's, who has not been much of a help to me at all with this fundraiser, so to say it made me a little nuts it's putting it mildly. Tomorrow I will be working all day again, and I'm sure the headaches with the fundraiser have just begun.

4 times

Today I drove to Sunrise 4 times. Good thing it's close by. Once to take S to chorus, once to take R and neighbor girl to school, I came home and laid down, with the phone because I knew the school was going to call me in. I was almost asleep and I was right. Hopped in the shower, got dressed and went to work. Came home after school to get J for his counseling session, but had to pick R up from her reading group she's in 3 days after school before taking him. None stop kind of day. We had fast food for dinner, before starting laundry and taking J to scouts. I am so tired. The cold I was fighting last week, is winning this week. UGH......

Sugeries

Not me, thank goodness. I think I've had my share of surgeries. My FIL is having his hernia repaired tomorrow. It is out patient surgery. But still it's surgery. My friend C is having a double masestomy on Tuesday. She had a bone scan done last week, good news is the cancer is not in her bones. She'll be in the hospital for 2-3 days. To me that doesn't seem long enough.

The week is over all ready?

This past week has certainly gone by fast. I'm not even sure what made it go by so fast other than, subbing 2 days, working at the book fair at school another 2 days, conferences for both girls, feed the teacher night, holding yearbook meetings, plus all the regular stuff all week, dance, scout, work, ect. I have been fighting a cold all week too, and I'm about sick of that. Not much rest this weekend though, J has a scout thing in the morning, we are doing family pictures after that, I need to return something to Bed, Bath and Beyond, ect. ect. Sunday I work in the nursery followed by 2 hours of Snow Queen rehearsals for S on Sunday. R might also be dancing in the Snow Queen this year too. They didn't have very many Little Villagers and only 2 for the 3rd week (the week S is dancing). I contacted the director and asked if R could try out. They have a requirement of having to be 8 by performance weekend, R won't be 8 for 7 or 8 weeks later. I just thought since S and I were there anyway and they needed more little girls there would be no harm in asking. So, if R does well on Sunday she will be dancing this year too. Going back to conferences, no surprise S had all A's ans R A's and B's, and since I see their teachers everyday I know how citizenship wise they are doing well.

Can't Win

Today after school a student had a bad bloody nose. While I am helping him in the nurses office, R falls and cuts her toe and rips her toe nail. Back to the nurse's office we go. I feel bad that she got hurt while I was helping another student.

Adopt a family outreach

My church adopted 30 families from the girls' school for the holidays. This year they will be doing it again but with some changes. The first one is the contact person who the church worked with is not at our school this year. It is a cool thing that I am a district employee so I can be the church-school connector. The families will get a Thanksgiving food box donated by the youth groups and delivered to the families. Then in December the life groups will provide gifts for the children and another food box. The only "catch" so to speak is we want the families to come to a Christmas party at our church offices for a meal, presentation of the birth of Jesus, games, face painting and such, then at the end of the party the children take home their gifts and stockings. I'm nervous about coming up with 30 families that need help and will attend the meal/program. Last year everything was delivered to the family homes. But it will be way cool, to see what God does.

Keep praying

My friend C had her biopsy this afternoon. Her mom called me and told me that the doctor didn't leave a mark. Not knowing what that meant, I had to ask. The lump was too large. She will met with her doctor on Thursday to discuss treatment, which will probably include a mastectomy, followed by chemo and radiation. I didn't talk C tonight, she was trying to sleep, the drugs were helping her. Other than my cousin who died of ovarian cancer 9 years ago, I have not had anyone close to me with cancer. C's mom told me tonight that when we're sick we have to trust God with our lives. Which I totally believe, but I also know that's not the easiest thing to do. A prayer group that I attended at the time of my Mom's stroke/heart surgery/heart failure/death,I remained in the group then just 8 months after my Mom's death I learn that my heart aneurysm was at a delicate growth increase. I knew I needed surgery right away.I felt like a time bomb, it wasn't so easy to trust God at this point. The prior 14 months were very stressful, didn't help much with that trust either. Through the prayers of this group, and so many other people, I was able to let go and trust God. Not that I didn't flounder because it would be a lie to say I hadn't. I was very blessed in having a wonderful and supportive friends. I pray that I will be a supportive and prayerful friend to C.

Snow Queen

S was cast as a Village Sister, today was the first rehearsal. The Village Sister part is a new part, and will require S to rehearse with the Little Villagers and Middle Villagers. There are only 2 Village Sisters in each show. It was hot in the studio today, it was a long 2 hours for me.

Cuteness

This week was spirit week at school, for some silly reason I didn't take any pictures. But that's not the point right now. One day was career day. On that day, I walk in to one of the Kindergarten classrooms, and one student asked me if I was feeling OK? I have been trying a new allergy medicine, on this day it started not working very well. So, I tell him, well actually my nose is runny today. He says "wait right here". He goes to his desk and pretends to pour me some medicine, and brings it back to me. I then notice he is dressed like an ER doctor. Later he even asked me if I was feeling better yet. He already was one of my favorite students (even though I really can't have favorites), he's just so cute. I was thinking later, do my kids do "cute" things like this any more? Not nearly as often as when they were younger. How very sad is that?

laundry tips

I had a terrible dream last night that I barely can remember now, but couldn't get away from it in my sleep. Finally I looked at my clock to see what time it was at it was 7 AM, if you know me, Saturday is my favorite day because I get to sleep in (on most of them anyway). I tried going back to sleep, but my back was hurting, finally at 8:30 I got up and started the laundry for today. I was pulling the jeans/dark clothes out of the dyer and out fell a dollar bill. But not a one dollar bill, but a twenty. Do I wait until someone asks about missing money or mention it? I think I should keep it, as my tip. Tip number 2 if you do laundry before everyone is awake there's less laundry. Why? Because the children think their bedroom floors make good hampers. I have the 4th and final load I am doing in the dryer now, and they just woke up, so I think they'll be doing their own laundry, or waiting till Tuesday when it's laundry day again.

My freshman

Not the best of pictures, and not what shirt I wanted him to wear. And a goofy smile, because he didn't want to still have his braces for his freshman pictures. He had to have oral surgery today to repair the gum line where there's a chain to pull a tooth down the right way, he can't get his braces off until this tooth cooperates. The pain medicine is working great, he's having no trouble eating just about anything in sight.

Oh Where, Oh Where... update

Have my little girls gone, oh where, oh where can they be? P went to look for them. Today is an early release day. I did not go to school at all. I didn't tell them to come right home. I just thought they knew. I guess I was wrong. I'm sure they are in the office or waiting on the map area for me. oops, I did not think this through very well. They were waiting for me on the map. They were not mad at me when they saw the mac and cheese for lunch. I defiantly need to remember to tell them what to do when I know I'm not going to be at school.

Depressed update on my friend

I've been feeling depressed all weekend with P and J away hiking. I miss them. J got home about 2:30. I missed talking with P last night, due to a little issue I was having with the girls and the phone. Today, I talked to him for a few minutes, but I had to see about picking J up so I didn't have a lot of time to chat, and the phone he was using was messing up and loosing it's signal. :( One of my best friends, C from church has breast cancer, her mother told me, her mom said that C is not ready to talk about it yet. Surgery could be as soon as this week.I saw C at church before her mom found me and C was at my house on Wednesday night, she seemed OK, more worried about her husband going hiking with friends this weekend. P is not sure when he'll get home tomorrow, I have my book club at C's mom's house at 7, I was going to stay home to met/greet/stay with P, but my heart says I need to go and be there for my friends. When I talked to P about it, he was in total agreement that I need to go. When C's mom asked me if I heard about C, I wanted it to be that she was pregnant, I just sat in shock after she told me, breast cancer. Big Prayers for C and her family. C went to see a surgeon yesterday (Tuesday). He didn't even examine her, took one look at her films and said we need to do a biobsey ASAP. Probably on Monday, the hospital needs 5 days for the radiologist to read the films. C has 2 lumps in her right breast and 3 of her lymph nods are effected too. She's really pretty scared, as is her husband and 9 year old daughter. C's mom is holding everyone together, right now.

One guy off, one to go

The girls and I will be alone this weekend. P is off to hike the Grand Canyon with his dad and brother. J is leaving later to hike the lava tubes with his scout troop. Keep us all in your prayers, please! Speaking of J, he is really getting into this high school thing, he wants to join the rocket club, and he he trying out for color guard for ROTC on Monday, which means he'll be pretty busy. I'm so glad he wants to finally do/be in something. I am a little nervous with how I'll be able to handle all the extra stuff, I'll have to do, for him (like rides and money) I need to remember to take it one day at a time. Which is easier said than done, LOL.

T.V.

Many of you know I don't watch a lot of T.V. but I do have 3 favorites that I try to watch regularly. It works out that they are all on Thursday night, which helps me to remember to watch them. Last night was the premiere's of all 3, and all I can say is boring, boring, boring. I'm very disappointed in all three of them.

I hate being hung up on

It hasn't been that great of a day. Being hung up on twice is not what I call great fun. The issue has been worked through as of this moment, but I have a lot of doubts. I am so frustrated and upset.

What lovely weather!

The weekend was lovely. Temperatures down lower than 100 even if it's 99 is still wonderful. Pat and I met up with 2 other couples for Happy Hour, I can't drink, Pat had a beer. We had a fun time, then went over to one of the couples house hung out for awhile. We even got a little rain on Saturday, seemed like a do nothing kinda day to me, so we watched movies and read. Sarah had her Snow Queen audition on Sunday, she would really like to be cast as a rosebud, we'll find out by Friday if that's the part she gets. We had to hurry right off, to get home and Sarah changed to go to her friend's house. I had a PTO board meeting at 3. I'm having a very difficult time with a person on the board, and I almost walked out on the meeting, that's how far I felt pushed. I have already decided not to be om the board next year. It breaks my heart, I love being in charge, I just can't do feeling so frustrated any more. Pat's on vacation this week. I didn't feel so good after school today, I asked him to take the girls to dance. R was upset that I didn't go, I had to promise to rest and feel better while she was at dance, so we could do something together to make it up to her because I didn't go to dance. I did feel a little better, so we chalk painted. At first she thought it was dumb, but them really got into it and loved it. Silly girl.

volunteer hours

I'm clocking in a lot of volunteer hours this week at school. Tuesday was the hearing screening all morning. Today and tomorrow morning working on the fundraiser packets that were due today. I'm sure even next week, I'll be working on the ones that come in really late. Tonight is McTeacher Night at McDonald's. PTO did not plan that very well :( oops, oh yeah that was me!

Oh my achy feet

My feet are mostly fine while I'm walking around at school, but after I get home and sit to make sure homework gets done, my feet are pretty much done too. The whole rest of the evening is not much fun for me hobbling around. I've been wearing off brand Crocs for awhile now, at first they were wonderful for me. But now not so good. I've ordered 2 pairs of real Crocs that I hope come in soon. And they bring my feet some happiness or I may chop my feet off. I just can't stand the radiating pain every night. Tomorrow night is a school event, McTeacher night at McDonald's. I'll be on my feet a lot and I'll have to put on my best acting abilities, so know one knows how bad it really is.

Wild Goose Chase kind of day

R had a friend spend the night and they girls had a great time and fell asleep by 12. I had a meeting at church this morning, afterwards J and I started out looking for jungle boots. We had looked up the address for Allied Surplus before we left, which lead us up to 43th Ave. and Dunlap. The sign was on the marquee but the shop was no longer there. We try Sportman's Wherehouse, they had lots of boots but not the ones J said he needed. The employee looked up where we might find these boots, and we are off to 35 Ave. and Osborn. I made J call first to make sure they had them and in a size 13. Me not knowing if Osborn is north or south of Thomas gets off the freeway at Indian School, but there is no 35th Ave. on Indian school, backtracking in neighborhoods I don't know make me feel really uncomfortable. Somehow I did manage to get us to the right spot and J got his $81 boots. Left there and had to drive back to the Target near Sportman's Wherehouse because J also needed play dough for a school project, and a lint roller for his ROTC uniform. I had called Pat and asked if he and the girls could start the laundry because I was already getting really tired and would be crying if I came home to find nothing done. Laundry was started and the house was cleaned up. Yeah! I was so pleased. As, I am waiting for more laundry to dry I check my email kind of a big mistake. I now have 2 pains in my side that are making things very difficult at school. Really makes me wonder how they handled authority as a child, did they always argue with their parents and teachers then too? Unless some changes are made I can not be part of the PTO board next school year, if they are in it I am out. It's only been a month and they are making me more nuts that I already am. It's frustrating because I really enjoy being part of the board, I just can't stand my authority being over ruled, without talking to me about it first. Here's a little example- I ask someone to call and remind the parents who have volunteered for our vision screenings this coming week and to tell them where to met at 8:30 or before. Someone else said that calls were not needed, and we could tell them when they get there. I'm like, WHAT! I don't even know some of the people who signed up. The nurse needs 9 people. We have 7 or 8, what if something comes up and a few don't show up? We're in big trouble. UGH! I guess it was just easier last year because I was the one make all the calls and doing the schuduling. In other news, I went to the luncheon yesterday with Ms Principal and asked about what happen on Thursday and me taking 2 classes. The secretary was wrong in not finding a way to cover the shift. It would have been way better for me to come in earlier and take the kids one class at a time for teacher's prep. Hopefully she'll remember this, but she's kind of a scatter brain so I won't hold my breath with that. I also asked about special ed para pros shifts not being covered, and they should be, and again the secretary doesn't understand that either. Title 1 para pros who work with the reading specialist do not get subs. It doesn't seem that hard to me to remember this stuff, but I guess i's just me. Is it really any wonder they is so much frustration on campus?

Day Off! Heat Vent

Today was the 2nd early release day of the school year. Because I cover afternoon preps, I had the day off today! So far, I haven't had to sit through any boring meetings either. I feel better today. I bought some lavender and peppermint oils for my sinuses. What relief! R had a bloody nose yesterday morning and again last night, I think I should be oiling her up too. Anyway back to my day off, I think I worked (volunteered) harder today, because I didn't have to work. I am so sick of this heat, and sweating. When oh, when is it going to cool down?

Weird

Today was so weird. But it was nice having the morning all to myself and not working. I could have done something really productive, but really, I didn't feel like it. I did have another sinus headache, (I had several last week and working was way hard)Today I just took some medicine and relaxed. After my lovely 2 hour shift, and taking the girls to dance, it's back again. UGH.

Crafty Day!

Today's project! I signed up for 2 classes at my favorite scrapbooking store, Recollections, using birthday money :) Today was my second class, this is what we made, I learned all kinds of different techniques. My wish list for Christmas is a pasta machine, polymer clay, pearl powders, and gold leafing. And from my last class the envelope measure cutter and bone tool. I did get some fun things today, and used the money I got for doing my neighbor's second album. Maybe I should get really good and freelance! When I got home I worked on a stuffed turtle for an example for my K classes tomorrow.

Chorus, PTO and stuff

Sarah joined chorus again this year. Tue. and Thurs. mornings from 7:30-8:15. Today was the first day, and if I had Rachel ready, we all could have gone to school. I have several things I'm behind on. I went in early on Tuesday, and stayed late, and last night was our first school wide PTO meeting. Today was the kick off of the school's major fund raiser. We had 2 assemblies this afternoon, and almost perfect times of my kindergarten classes. I got it to work out that way, so I would be at both assemblies, as co-president of the PTO, I thought I should be there, and because I was working, I got paid too! Speaking of pay, today I got my second paycheck. The first one was for only 4 hours, this one was much larger, and they got the pay rate adjustments done right. I get paid more as a para pro, even though really that doesn't make sense to me. The para pros are in a classroom with a teacher, but as the monitor I take the kids to my classroom, and have to plan activities to do with them. Tomorrow should be my last day working all day for awhile, at least until I'm called in that is. The new gal is supposed to start on Monday. I think I have a doctor's appointment next week, maybe even Monday, that I won't need to reschedule now.

I can't even sleep in

Not that I didn't want to, but I guess my interal clock said it was time to get up. But I am still very tired. I tried to go back to sleep, after breakfast (no one else was awake yet, anyway). But I had read an email this morning that had my mind reeling. It's still reeling, this person is like a pain in my side that won't go away. I'm not sure what to do any more, I'm leaning heavily on just not responding to her, but I'm not really sure that's the best option. Will she then think she's "won", then? I just really don't have the energy to go round and round with her again. Pat and I went out yesterday afternoon and talked, really it seemed like I did the talking and he did the listening. I'm praying he heard me, and there are some changes.

I'm a little sick of the heat

I know I'm not the only one in and around Phoenix that is sick of the temperature breaking records for number of days over 110. The heat is making me sick, physically and mentally. I hope that today being the first of September there will be a turning point and the temp. will start to drop. I still don't have an end date insight of when I can stop subbing, the school has hired someone, but it takes awhile to get references and paperwork done. I really like for the most part the special ed kids I work with, and will miss being with them everyday, but I am looking forward to having some mornings off too. Working with these special ed kids, make me so thankful that my kids are normal learners. Even with J not doing any work all through middle school and barely passing, it wasn't the case he couldn't do the work, he just chose not to. High school has been good for him, he is doing awesome! I really never thought I would see 100 percents in his grades again. But, not only do I see them after 3 weeks of school, I see 5 of them! S and her ADHD is under control with medication and even though she's had a little problem with a water bottle goofing off in class and changing her answers on a worksheet, (her teacher talked to her about by changing the answer she's really cheating herself, by not marking it wrong and learning her mistake) she is doing really well. R is doing really well and making some new friends, and since I've been on campus she's loved hugging me throughout the day, so she doesn't miss me. I love that because I'm on campus my girls can't get away with anything, because I'm right there and their teachers can tell me things right away. Now the other member of our house is driving me crazy. Enough that I took over J's counseling session yesterday, and made my own for later in the month. I was so glad that after hearing what I said, the counselor said to me, it sounds to me like you are a single parent and don't have a partnership in your marriage. That's exactly how I feel. She gave me an assignment to schedule a time with him so we can talk. Last night he thought we should talk, but I asked if we could wait until Sunday afternoon, when I am not trying to sleep (it was well after 11 PM last night)When I'm tired and already emotionally drained is not a good time to talk to me. Please pray for us and some how I will be able to share all my hurts, and frustrations with him.