Random Happenings

I have a cold, so i promised myself that i would take it easy today. Lay around. Read Baby Laughs and Secrets of the Baby Whisperer. Finish thank you notes. Sleep. Maybe watch a movie. I want to be healthy for the Super Bowl get together tomorrow.

Yesterday, one of my lovable students brought me three hand knitted hats that she made for the baby. They are absolutely adorable. I showed them off all day.

i just made a much needed hair cut appointment and a pedicure appointment for Tuesday. My hair is so long, frizzy, and thick. I haven't had a spa pedicure since i got married. TJ paints my toe nails, but he is a little busy and at the salon i will get so pampered. I cannot wait.

TJ took yesterday off and worked on the built-in. He is getting pretty far. Today, he hopes to start the scary part of finishing the shelves. He just needs to cut the plywood for the back. He also has to take it apart and put it back together again. I think he said something about sanding it one last time before he finishes it too. He thinks he might have to redo the top of the window seat. . . he says that his inexperience played a role. He loves how the top of the bump out in the shelves came out, so now he knows. The top is currently warped, but beautiful. He said that when he cuts it to hinge in the part that lifts, there will be nothing there to hold down the warp. I am so excited to see what it all looks like finished. It looks so good now, he doesn't want to do anything to mess it up. . .

Hooray for Snow Days

Every school is closed, including colleges Libraries are closed, even trash pick up is canceled for today. It is drifty and with the wind chill it is -15 outside. We are both home. Hooray! I didn't feel very good this morning, so i am so thankful for a snow day. I got home kind of late from my shower and then had a bunch of phone calls to make, so i didn't get much sleep either. Now, i feel pretty good. There are four of us that are pregnant at work. Sara (the one on the left) was put on bed rest last week. She is due at the end of February. Then i have the next closest due date- march 25th. Then Jessica is March 29th (i think) and Shonda is April 1st. We are all so close. It is fun to share stories, especially with Shonda because this is her first baby too. This is a page from a book that i got at the shower. It is so funny. Someone took a picture of it for me!My shower yesterday was so fun and touching. I was surprised by how many people showed up. I got a little teary when i was thanking everyone, but other than that i made it without crying. Gertie got the most adorable clothes, cuddly blankets, wonderful bath products, cute books, and her car seat and all of its accompaniments.

I got home to a bunch of messages on the machine. My step-dad is in a drug induced coma right now. It was a yucky ending to a wonderful day.

Today, i am washing Gertie's clothes. I should start thank-you notes too.

Next Year

Next year I won't be. . .

• going on field trips
• writing the agenda on the board
• reading aloud Where the Red Fern Grows
• teaching arrays and area
• eating lunch with my friends everyday
• watching kids swish fluoride in their mouths and spit it up
• writing out name tags
• buying markers, colored pencils, scissors, and glue sticks for 26 kids
• entering grades
• taking attendance
• smelling pancake on a stick
• doing the lunch count
• writing biweekly newsletters
• cleaning the board
• meeting with parents
• attending grade level meetings
• getting "professionally developed"
• going out for recess duty
• conversing with adults on a regular basis (except for TJ)
  

Wow the list could go on. I just got back from the board meeting and they approved the superintendent's recommendation to give me unpaid leave. As i was driving home, it all became so real. I am looking forward to next year. I don't know what to expect, but i am definitely willing to give it a try. I might love it, i might not, but at this time i feel it is right for Gertie and for us. I am just so excited!!!

Immigration Gumballs

This is kind of long (9 min.), but interesting. You have to be patient to get to the gumball part. . .Just wondering what people think. My friend pointed me to it.

Happy Birthday!

Today TJ turned 29. I thought of him all day at work, hoping that he was having a great birthday. We worked at school for a little while and then went out to eat. We have kind of been celebrating his birthday throughout the week. I made him Fred cake on Tuesday (i remembered to make a cake this yea) and gave him is present on Sunday. Today he got his card. And cards from family came. He is loved.I really can't begin to write about how God has blessed me with such an amazing husband and friend. I love all his weirdnesses. I love his heart and his mind. I love the good that he does with his hands and with his words. I love his compassion for people and his nonjudgmental ways. I love the way he listens intently to others. I love the way he makes me giggle until i cry. I love the way he kisses my forehead and wipes away sorrowful tears. I love his long hugs and his lingering kisses. I love how he talks to Gertie and stops at meijers almost daily to get me Simply Apple Juice, so i can drink it with crushed ice. I love when he rubs my head at night as i drift off to sleep and i love his TJ laugh that shakes his belly as he holds it. I could go on and on. . . I love him.

Snow day for both

I think over the last 6 years, TJ has only had one snow day and i have had too many to count. So, when i looked on the TV this morning i ran into the bathroom to where TJ was taking a shower and i made up the best song and dance to announce that we did indeed both have Snow Day. I was hoping and praying for one. Today, i was supposed to leave school at 8:45 with 26 students and take them to the muskegon museum, eat lunch there and then go straight to pool school at the Y. I was in for an exhausting day, one in which i wasn't sure if i would make it. But now i am eating a warm orange roll with a cold glass of milk. The sun is pouring into the house and the sticky snow looks amazing stuck to the branches. I am not sure if i am going anywhere. Well, i have to go to school to drop off sub plans for the morning tomorrow because i have a conference to go to in Muskegon tomorrow. Our driveway is pretty crazy. TJ's truck got stuck in the driveway after we got back from Shelby last night. We (mostly TJ) was out there until 8:45 trying to rescue his truck while i made the S10's clutch cry. I haven't driven a stick since about 12 years ago when i cruised around in my moldy chevette. I stalled the truck once and spun the tires a number of times, but finally the truck was freed. I think on our way to school and the secretary of state we are going to stop at pikadills and have some warm homemade soup. YUM!

Why i love being a teacher. . .

My students got to choose to write a fable or a tall tale. I am just getting around to correcting them and i had to share a sentence from one of them. . .

"She traveled really far far away. She traveled to texas, tokieo, indeana, Mrs. Sipie, and last but not least Japan."

It was the Mrs. Sipie that got me laughing. I love kids. They make me smile.

Getting Ready

My friend started going into labor six weeks before her due date. That got me thinking. . . how ready am i? I am only nine weeks off. She is a teacher friend that teaches across the hall, so i was left to help out the sub. She didn't have time to get ready, to leave instructions, to leave some sort of a plan on what needs to be taught while she is gone. So, i just spent an hour typing out a "Helpful Hint" paper my long-term sub/friend. I have along way to go, but i already feel better. We have different user names and passwords for our e-mail, gradebook and attendance program, and telephone. Just having those ready for him saves three phone calls once little Gertie is with us! Because he has been a teacher for 30 years, i don't have any worries. I wrote that he can follow my plans, or do what he wants, as long as he does the common assessments for the report cards. He should have fun. There is all that little junk to explain like the monthly book orders, what kids expect on their birthdays, what books we have already read from the third grade book closet, how to pack up my room at the end of the year, etc.

I officially hand delivered my FMLA leave paper and my letter to the superintendent requesting a child-care leave for next year. I am anxious to hear back. This is all so real, yet so not.

Anyway, i am sure i will blog more today, but for now, i am returning to my ' helpful Hints.' I am sure i will 'nest' in my classroom as well as in my home. TJ is, of course, in the garage working away. We did find a bullet heater for the garage that takes Kerosene or Diesel for %50 off at The Home Depot. Good thing because it is 7 degrees out. Lowes and The Home Depot have been out of them forever, but i guess that was a good thing because now they are on sale. I also notice $5 dollars off a gallon of paint now until Monday, so now would be a good time to make a final decision on paint colors for Gertie's room.

Sticky Snow

Snow is stuck on each and every branch and power line and i am sure that is why Montague doesn't have power. Yes, i am home on a day when i should be teaching 26 little kids. I am so relieved, excited, and thankful. I woke up at 4:30 and could not go back to sleep. I looked outside and by looking at the roads knew we had school. Little did i know that school did not have any power. Hip Hip Hooray!! I was up from 4:30 - 6:30 and went back to bed. It was wonderful.

Last night, while driving back from a friend's house, i thought i was going to die. I have never been in such a snow storm with such sloppy roads and terrible visibility. I was driving in unfamiliar roads in an unfamiliar rental car. TJ was driving ahead of me, thank goodness, and he even said it was absolutely terrible. By the time i got home after nine, my stomach was upset, i had a headache and i was so stiff. TJ had to stop to clear the headlights because he knew neither one of us could see where we were going, and there was deep ditches on both sides of the road. Yuck! It felt so good to be home. And it feels so good to be home. Kim was right~ thanks Kim!

Will this Week Ever End?

This first week back is a killer. Maybe because of the humid pool school that made me feel sick on Tuesday, or maybe the IEP that i had during planning today, or maybe because it is the first week back after freedom. I am tired. I don't know how much longer i can take this week. Will it ever end? I also have so much going on after school that is not allowing me to keep up with correcting papers or with sleep.

But, i learned today that the white car is fixed and ready for pick-up and i am scrapbooking with friends on Friday. I also learned yesterday that these same friends are throwing a shower for me for people at work at the end of this month. Exciting! My first shower. . . i wonder how many times i will say "cute"? I truly love the people i work with. I am going to miss them so unbelievably much next year. It is really starting to sink in, especially when i look around the room and file things away to use again. I still have to get it okayed, but the word is out. . . people know and are giving me their opinions. My principal now knows, not by my doing, but that is okay. It is not like it was top secret. I was going to tell him right before i filed the paper work, and that is still my plan, unless he brings it up. Time is going by. Things are good. We are both (meaning me and TJ) so exhausted. And i know TJ is just a little stressed about building this built in. It will all work out. That i am confident about.

Cutest Pillow EVER!!!

Okay, so i have spent my morning making another pillow. I am really enjoying myself. I act as though Gertie can't come until my pillows are made. . . it is a little strange i must admit. Anyway, this is by far my favorite pillow. I added pink piping between each stretch of fabric, green chenille ric rac on top of the microfleece, and purple pom pom balls for trim. The back is the softest chenille fleece fabric. TJ loves the stuff.Now, i should probably get some other stuff done on my list. . .this is my last official day of vacation. The next break is mid-winter break. It is going to be a long stretch.

Dear Truck

Dear Red S10 Pickup,

I know we haven't always gotten along. I know i have been known to complain about your grumbling and groaning and your shaking and rattling, and for that i am truly sorry. When i think back we have such a history. i still see the faded smiley face sticker i stuck to your dashboard to make TJ smile years ago. I still see the faded Taylor sticker in your back window. You used to be our date mobile, our main way of getting around. Sometime in my snobbiness, i lost appreciation for you, and for that again i am sorry. Although, you must admit that i was very thankful for you this summer during our landscaping project and treated you with utmost care.

You have over 100,000 miles and have been with TJ for almost 10 years. He truly loves you. He actually enjoys driving you. I must confess, sometimes i get jealous of you. Because you are a stick, you often take TJ's hand off of my knee. I guess i can handle that.

Anyway, this letter is primarily to thank you for all you have done recently. You really came through for us as now that you are our only source of transportation. With your rebuilt transmission and exhaust system, you really are a good little truck. . . a truck that has gotten my husband to work every day this week, gotten us to our ultrasound to see our baby girl and to Jo-anns to buy some fringe. Even though you don't have heated seats, a back seat, or a covered cargo area. . . i still love you and am thankful for you helping us through this tough time. You know, TJ has never doubted you. He is a loyal and faithful owner. . . me not so much.

Thanks again and keep up the good work!
Lindsey

P.S. Is there any way you can make it so the passenger side seatbelt doesn't lock on me more and more every time i move. I feel as if the seat is holding me hostage. If you can't, i understand. I am still thankful for you.

More Sewing

Today i finished two pillows. I had a problem with the pom pom fringe because it is so thick. The thickness made it difficult to pin the two right sides together. I intended the fringe to go all the way around the outside seam, but plans quickly changed when i couldn't pin the two layers together and still manage to make the raw edges line up. Anyway, here are some pillow pictures. . . i know. so exciting. . .

Yes, those are tiny honey pots and Eeyore buttons

This pillow turned out funny looking. The back is bumpy green . This is my first attempt at piping. . . there is green and pink piping around the pictures. It turned out much more boring looking than in my head.

Have I mentioned that I love my Sewing Machine?

Today, i started making a pillow that has a flap and three buttons. It helped me forget that i was carless today. Even if TJ was home, i still don't have a car that i can drive. I haven't driven a stick in 10 years. I changed my presser foot on my sewing machine by putting my button hole foot in. The cool thing is is that i put my button in the foot and then the machine automatically knows the length of the button hole it has to make. Of course my three buttons have little pictures of classic eeyore. I am making the pillow with plaid fabric that has pooh honey pots every now and then in the pattern. When cutting and laying out the fabric, i am proud to write that i was able to actually line up the lines on the button flap. I was very impressed with myself. The fabric seems a little boyish, so i think i am going to get some pink piping or pink poof ball fringe for the edge of the pillow. That will make it more girly and more funky. I love my machine. It is so easy to use and seems to love me back.

Today, the effects of the snowplow clearing our road was our very full recycling box launched across our driveway. I peeked outside to see Simply Apple Juice containers and newspaper scattered all over the yard, road, and ditch. I got my exercise today as i tromped through the deep snow to collect our trash. But, i went out after hearing from the doctor that my sugar levels are good, so i was in a good mood while bending and tromping and huffing and puffing.

Tonight, i am going to have to turn in early. I feel exhausted. I didn't sleep well last night and it is catching up with me. :) TJ is napping as i write, but he had a full day of school today. Tomorrow he is taking a half day off so he can go and see our baby girl on the ultrasound monitor with me. We are both so excited. Check baby ellis blog for pictures tomorrow!

Wonderful surprise

yesterday, i got a phone call in the morning from my friend Mary. The next time we planned on seeing each other was in April when she came to visit the baby. She was calling because she was in Muskegon. I was excited all day to know that i would be able to see her for a couple of hours that night. TJ built forts with Keller and played monster, horse, and tyrannosauruses rex, while Mary and i talked. It was wonderful.

Yesterday, TJ also started gluing the face of the window seat on. It looks beautiful. And he put the crib together. When i woke up during the night, i could see it in the nursery. It made me smile. We don't have the mattress yet, so i can't put the sheets and stuff on it, but it still looks adorable. I started painting the lamp for Gertie's room. It is my old lamp from when i was little. The lamp base has three little drawers that i am going to paint different colors and then i am going to put bumpy fleece on the shade and pom pom balls hanging from the rim.

Update

The tow truck is coming to pick up my car and take it to a body shop. A husband of one of my friends owns a body shop, so we are giving him lots of business with two cars, especially the red one. Who knows when i will see Big Red again. The good news is the white car was far from being considered totaled. We were worried about that because the car is so very valuable to us. . . it is a good car with no monthly payments. We are going to drive the white car for a few more days, since the adjuster can't come see it until Wednesday, but she wants to see it at the body shop. Then we will be down to one car. . . the s10 truck, which i cannot really drive and don't really want to. I don't have school next week, so it should all work out. . . hopefully.

Christmas was nice. It didn't quite feel the same. That could be because of many things. . . i miss my mom, i miss my grandma, jason wasn't there, we were carless, we didn't go to the Eve service, and we got into town late. It was great to see everyone and to hang out a little bit with them.

I have been living in a soft, brown maternity sweat suit i got from gail and steve. My dad made me the nicest candles and soaps. Our Christmas gifts are put away and i put all the Christmas stuff away yesterday. We played with our digital photo frame. Watched Transformers, Mean Girls, and Shrek the third. All my new maternity clothes are neatly hung in my closet. We moved the living room back to normal. We have been feasting on cookies. I have been sipping chai and reading a Mary Higgins Clark book. TJ used Trevor's chainsaw to cut up the tree into manageable pieces. We are on our way out the door to go shopping and spend some gift cards. Then we are headed back. TJ is going to work on the built-in and i am going to sew.

I have many plans for my next week off. I have to clear up the fiasco with a credit card that i haven't used since 2001, but has a charge from 2004 from St. Louis, a place i have never been. I have/want to sew for little Gertie. I want to organize all our electronic pictures into folders and hopefully in one spot, instead of several. There is always school work. I need to make loopies. I have already been paid for one that needs to be made. I want to get my haircut. I love having time off. I am going to make sure to relax as well. :)

Stranded

We are pretty ticked. When i called the insurance company yesterday to file a claim, the lady told me that we would most likely hear from a representative today. Well, we called the office, and they are close today. That lady really messed up our plans. If we knew sooner that a representative would not get in touch with us, we could have rented a car yesterday and left as planned. Instead, we learn after all the car rental places are closed for the day. Jered so kindly offered to pick us up after work today and drive us into town, but we were all a little worried about space with three bodies, luggage, and , of course, gifts. Steve is on his way over now to pick us up. I am sure he did not want to spend 6 hours on the road on Christmas Eve. We will miss the Christmas Eve service.

When TJ gets back into town, instead of working on the built in like he had hoped, he is going to be busy taking care of a tree, debris, and plans for getting two cars repaired. And, he goes back on the 2nd. This just kinda stinks. I am trying to stay positive and so far, it is actually working!

We have been enjoying our kitties and our new table. . .

Insurance proof. . .

Change of Plans

Well, we were supposed to head out of town today. But waking up to both cars crushed by a tree changed our plans. It is very windy here. The wind took down a tall pine tree, landing it right down on both of our cars. The red saturn got the brunt of it. It looks as if it was in a rollover accident. The roof is all pushed in, my door frame is completely bent, the windshield is broken, the driver window is broken, there is bark and sap in the inside of my car, and two doors won't open. The white car's hood is damaged and we are not yet sure of the damage under the hood. We don't want to open it up until the insurance company contacts us. The trunk landed on both. . .

This in combination with my 12 hour fasting four hour glucose test yesterday is not a great way to start vacation.

almost free

A half day away from Freedom for two weeks. I can hardly contain myself. The kids are wild and filled with excitement about Santa's visit. A half day away. . .

Oh, and our new table, chairs and bench come today!

Restlessly Tired

I am so restless. I am pacing around the house, yet i am so exhausted. I am waiting for my hubby to get home from Traverse City. The house has been too quiet that last three days and my classroom has been too boisterous. I don't feel like reading. I don't feel like eating. I don't feel like doing school work or cleaning up. I am restless.

I still have so many Christmas presents to buy. I don't think i have ever been this behind. The ones i do have are at least wrapped and ready to go, but i still have so many people who are presentless. Yikes!

All is quiet

The dishwasher is humming. TJ is napping. The tree and village lights are glowing. Wrapped presents sit under the tree sparkling. It is so peaceful. Jered, Daddy-o, Aunt Carol and Uncle Mike just left. We were celebrating jered's birthday. Dad brought a beautiful poinsettia plant for us and TJ's favorite homemade cookies. I have the warm inside feeling that only family brings. I love the conversation, the laughter, the food, the company. I love that everyone is so different, yet there we are sitting in the same room. . . loving each other. I am so thankful God put all these wonderful people in my life because i might not have surrounded myself or had the opportunity to surround myself with them. I am glad i get to see them all in a few weeks. Jason was missed, though and he will be at Christmas time too. It was so nice to have everyone over. Next weekend gail and steve are coming over. I love having visitors.

Now i really don't want to do school work. I have to. It seems to make the house so much less peaceful as soon as i drag my bag of school stuff out. I worked a little before family came, but didn't finish. It is hanging over my head. I really just want to curl up with a good book and drift off to sleep. As i write this, i immediately try to think of the ramifications of doing just that. . . too many to count.

Any time now

Any time now i should see my hubby's face and know that he is safe and sound. He left at 6 this morning and has basically been lifting stuff or driving all day. Everyone got really nice furniture out of it. He has so much to do when he gets home. It is after 8 now. He is not planned at all for tomorrow. Yesterday, instead of doing school work, we were moving furniture around to make room for the new additions. Moving things downstairs wasn't all that easy because it required cleaning up and organizing the basement. It looks really good down there, now. I have a whole craft area for my scrapbooking and sewing. We also moved the tank desk down there with the computer. In the red room going in its place is a day bed for visitors (finally we have a place to offer people to stay) and book shelves with glass doors.

Anyway, the house looks so festive. The tree is up (complete with its tinfoil hand-made star from our first Christmas together), Norvin the Reindeer is illuminated and moving outside (although, this year he is close to the house because i didn't want to take tj's shop extension cord), the evergreen lighted swoops adorn the front porch, villages look alive and bustling, snowflakes are scattered throughout the house, the beautiful wreath hangs on the door welcoming all who come, mostly empty Christmas boxes are restacked downstairs, Christmas Boyds are sitting and waiting for the holiday to come, and the mistletoe is hanging awaiting a couple of lovebirds to stand under it. I am tired, too. We both had long days. I think mine was more fun, though! I love all the lights at night. AND mixed with my baby kicking me. . . i feel so content, happy, and peaceful. I cannot wait to see my husband.

I did make TJ brownies to greet him when he gets home.

Bad timing

This morning at 6, TJ set out to grand rapids to pick up jered and then to the detriot area to meet my dad, aunt and uncle to move the rest of my granna's furniture out of her apartment. There was a sheet of ice over everything. . . my dad also had to travel in not-so -nice conditions. What a bad day to move. I am very thankful for cell phones today. I know a phone won't protect TJ, but it sure gives me peace of mind to know that he has one, especially on a long day full of driving.

Yesterday was such a busy day. We had to make room for the furniture and that included moving my craft table and our desktop computer downstairs. I also had to clear things out that Jered is going to help tj move today, that is way too heavy for me to help move. Today, i am doing school work, putting up the tree, finishing the rest of the christmas items, and doing laundry.

Ice scraper

After days of forgetting, i finally remembered to put my ice scraper back in my car. I guess i often remembered, but i was never at a place where i could do something about it. Teaching kids to subtract three digit numbers with two regroupings as the vision of my ice scraper entered my head was not a useful time. Nor was it when i was sitting in a dreadful meeting this morning or in the shower this morning. But, today as i was washing dishes, the image of my ice scraper came to me. I didn't want to stop to dry my hands only to get them wet again, so I told TJ "when i turn off the water, can you blurt out ice scraper for me?" He didn't need to. . .just the effort of saying ice scraper made me remember once the water was turned off. Finally, i can be at peace. What a day full of success. I hope you had a day that was as successful as mine.

Goodbye Grumpiness

Have you ever had one of those days of unexplained grumpiness? That describes my day (poor TJ) I think school is to blame, but i am not sure. I had such a wonderful day yesterday setting up my villages, sewing, reading, shopping for a table, and relaxing. Then today happened. I decided that i did not need to devote all day to school work, so i decided to go shopping. I think that made it worse. Because i had to eventually come home and get to work. Report cards are due this week, along with parent teacher conferences and only one day that has planning for me this week.

So, now i finally feel the grumpiness leaving me. Maybe it leaves when baby ellis kicks. Maybe it leaves when i relax with a good book, turn off most of the lights except for my lighted village. Maybe it leaves when i eat a dark chocolate drenched mint milano cookie. Maybe it leaves when i see TJ enjoying his hobby in the garage by working on the built in. Whatever made it leave, i am thankful for. I hope this week goes quickly.

Thank You, Granna

With some of my granna's inheritance money, i ordered a new dining room table, bench, and chairs today from Bells of Whitehall. I have been wanting a new table for years now. Our current table only seats four, leaves no room in the middle for food, and is badly dinged up. We are thankful for the table. When TJ and i first got married, our table was a card table. Then Sarah gave us this table and four chairs. It is still a sturdy table, just not very big.

Granna has bought us the crib for baby ellis, our entertainment center, and our dresser. Because of her, we have some beautiful furniture. This table is one that will be with us forever. . . and we got it for a real excellent price. We went for the bench, to save our paint job on the wall that is so close to the table. . . and we love the look of benches. . . they are hard to find. It is a custom order because they can not keep them in stock, so we could get it anywhere from 1 week to 6. I hope sooner than later. Now when we have company, we can actually all sit down. How exciting!!

Thank You, Granna!

Description:

42"W X 60"(W/2-16"LF)-92"

Additional Information:

Solid oak trestle table features an equalizing ball bearing metal glide leaf system which allows a single person to use. Also has self storage for both leaves. The bench also has additional storage.

Apple Juice

TJ just got back from meijer and found the greatest apple juice on earth. It is called Simply Apple. . . we get Simply Orange, but didn't know they had apple. It has no preservatives and no added water. . . just 100% pure pressed apples. And it is pasteurized. Yippee Skippie!!! It is yummy goodness, especially with crushed ice.

Stranded with a Perfectly Good Car

Friday, i had to race to north muskegon from work to get my flu shot and then race back up by work to meet my friends for scrapbooking. My appointment was at 4, and they actually took me ten minutes early. I was so excited because that meant that i would not be late to scrapbooking and dinner. I got into my car, my arm a little soar, and put the key in the ignition and it would not turn. The steering wheel was completely locked and the ignition was too. Now this is just a reminder that i am pregnant, so i have the patience of a pregnant person, i just got a shot in my arm, i was supposed to be somewhere, i don't have a cell phone, and i am sitting in a one year old car that is refusing to let me start it. I tried for a half hour trying to start my car, tilt my steering wheel, read my owner's manual, move the gear shifter, insert the key gently, harshly, upside down. No luck. Because i didn't even have heat, it was starting to get cold. I went back into the doctor's office, asked to borrow their phone, and i called my husband. I am not going to write how it ended. . . you might be able to find the ending on his blog.

The result of this? We both have brand new, first ever cell phones. Mine is pink. The people at verizon could not believe that we had never had one. I think we are one of the last people to get one. We will see if we both need to have one. We went in thinking only one phone, but you know how it goes. I will have greater peace of mind this winter.

We are Back

It has been a long three days. A lot of waiting. A lot of tears. A lot of hugs. A lot of small talk. It feels good to be back. I tried unpacking our luggage and the stuff from my granna'a apartment, but i am so out of energy. Friday, right after school, i have friends coming over for scrapbooking, which means tomorrow night i need to clean the house and go grocery shopping so that i have something to feed them. Then in less than a week, we will be back on the east side of the state for Thanksgiving. Busy. My school plans are so screwed up, but i am not going to worry about it tonight. I feel like it is 9 and it is only 6. I am going to have to go to bed early tonight.

Well, just wanted to check in. I am going to go now.

Granna

My dad called at 10:30 last night to let us know that Granna had passed away. I don't think it will really hit me until i get into town and see the rest of my family. Plans are up in the air as of now, and i just continue to sit at home and wait. My dad's birthday is Monday. . . i don't think it is going to be a good day for him. I'm not sure of jason's plans. i miss him greatly. I need to make sub plans, but i am not sure for what days yet.

I feel really bad for my dad and my aunt. I am sure they are exhausted, sad, and numb. Yuck. . .

My Granna

Today my Grandma turned 85. I call her granna because she hates the sound of granny and grandmother sounded too snobby to her. . .so Granna was invented. When i called, my aunt picked up the phone, which is not abnormal because she lives there most of the week. What was abnormal is that when my aunt held the phone up to my granna's ear so that i could wish her a happy birthday there was moaning and groaning coming from the other end. I can still hear that horrible repeated groan. My aunt was just told by the hospice nurse that my granna has about 48 hours left in her life. She cried when telling me, and i cry when writing about it.

I don't really know what to do. I want to visit and say goodbye, but i don't want to visit a dying, groaning granna and say goodbye for the last time. The last time i left her, which was a couple of weeks ago, she was with it. We hugged and kissed and i told her i loved her. She returned the sentiment and then i waved and said i will see her soon. That is a better way to say goodbye i think. Or am i just in denial? I don't have any terrible visions of my mom dying. . . it was so sudden. I know George does and he probably replays them over and over in his head, like i play over and over in my head the phone conversation when he told me my mom was gone. I have terrible memories of my grandpa trying to breathe before he passed away. The rasping sound of him trying to get air will stay with me forever. Now, i have the sound of my granna's groans. Will i have any regrets if i don't go say goodbye? She knows i love her. Would she be happier if i came and said goodbye? Would she be with it enough to know? Right now, i have a vision of the last time i saw her in my head. . .of her propped up in her bedroom surrounded by family photos, hooked up to oxygen, smiling and laughing and being so excited to meet baby ellis. I think that is how i want to remember her. Is that being selfish?

Staying Home

I got up, felt pretty miserable, but decided i needed to go into school. I really don't have sick days to use. . .i guess i do if i don't get put on bed rest or don't have a C section. Otherwise i am short on sick days. I didn't put any eye make-up on due to constant watering of my eyes. By the time i got to work, i felt terrible. I decided that with a lot of new stuff i was introducing, two meetings to go to, and recess duty that it would be better for me if i stayed home and was able to rest. The day at school was not going to be an easy one, like on Friday when i felt crappy. So, i might have just taken an unpaid day off, but i do feel rested and better. I ate TJ's homemade chicken noodle soup and drank a ton of juice. I slept a ton. In fact, i never really left the couch. Now, i am going to bed to get even more sleep. Wednesday is our doctor appointment. . . hopefully we can hear our little girl's heart beat!!

My Morning

So far, i got up and sat on the couch for an hour and a half with a caffeine free chai latte and a box of kleenex. This should be a fun day. My plans for getting a lot done are vanishing. I just want to get better and fast. I think now i will drink a huge glass of orange juice mixed with sprite (an Ellis thing, not a Michael thing) and sit on the couch for a little longer. I did manage to get a Pregnancy magazine read, but i really wanted to do laundry, clean, and get my schoolwork done. YIKES!

Nasty Cold

I have had a nasty cold for the last couple of days. . . almost didn't make it through school on Friday due to my throat and voice. I am trying to rest up this weekend, but as i look around i see so much i need to do. On Friday, i came right home from school and we went to GR to Babies R Us to register. That was so much fun. TJ was so helpful. Instead of saying "i don't know" he gave his opinion and helped immensely with the big stuff. He had already done a lot of reading/research on the stroller and car seat. It took a long time, and we kind of knew what big stuff we wanted already. It was things like bottles that was so overwhelming we just skipped it. There are so many kinds and we had no idea. We can update our registry online once we decide, and we want to register at Target too. They have the cutest classic pooh stuff and they are close to everyone. TJ got us a room at the new Marriott and we stayed the night. He got a room with a soaking tub, which is just what i needed after a long day on my feet. It felt wonderful. We woke up and headed to the Brandywine to eat the best breakfast food and to say hello to my brother, who appeared not to have to work there today. That kind of stunk.

I came home and took a nap. I feel pretty miserable. I hope Baby Ellis doesn't even know that i am sick. . .

Celebrating

After our ultrasound we planned on going out to eat to celebrate...if it was a boy we were going to New Holland Brewing Company (TJ suggested that knowing it was far away, but also being confident we were having a girl). If it was a girl we were going to go to 2 Tonys in Spring Lake. I had the tastiest Fettuccine Alfredo ever! Then we went to Target to buy a little newborn hat. :)

Check out the baby ellis blog for more details.

Money Well Spent

Our (mostly TJ's) life in the fall will be made easier by this purchase. . .

It blows OR sucks & shreds leaves.
You would not beleive the amount of leaves that have carpeted our lawn. It is so thick, the grass is completely buried. TJ would come home everyday and as he pulled into the driveway, would feel an overwhelmed feeling hit him.

Today, i am going to the mall and then i am going to come home and make loopies and clean the house. I have high hopes for my energy today!

Happy Saturday! I love being home.

Sleeping In

I slept in an hour today. Instead of 5:15, i got up at 6:15. It is becoming a Friday tradition for me. That means i got almost 10 hours of sleep last night. I have just been feeling so incredibly tired lately. I like Fridays, not just because it is the last day of the work week, but i am more relaxed with the kids. We have more fun, laugh more, and i am much more flexible.

I am so excited that we are staying home this weekend. I have quite a huge list of things i need to get done. My loopie basket is almost empty at school. I have mums to plant and ornamental grass to move. The house needs dusting and cleaning. Laundry, there is always laundry. Schoolwork, there is always schoolwork, too. I hope to eat a tasty pot roast. . .i miss my mom's pot roast. I want to bring in the patio and porch furniture. I wonder how much i will get done. I hope i am motivated and full of energy that i just don't know what to do with!

Well, i should probably go get ready for school. My grape juice is gone.

An Amazing Weekend

We just got back from our amazing weekend. The color up in traverse city and then down the west side was absolutely stunning. We left on Friday at about 4:30. We made a surprise stop at little river casino to surpirse my dad as he worked a blackjack table. His table, like many, was empty, so we were able to stay and chat for awhile. . . no hugging, of course, because his hands have to stay in plain sight and can't touch other people (not even a shaking of hands is allowed). I walked into the casino with a dollar in my pocket and left with the same dollar. Pretty impressive! While we were walking around, waiting for dad to get off of his break, we ran into John and Sherry DeBoer. They live in Muskegon and we never run into them here, yet we visit Manistee and there they are! John married us six years ago. He is one of the greatest guys we know.
We then left dad to his bordem and made our way to The Cherry Inn Hotel. It was really windy and as we got close to the hotel we ran a traffic light becasue it was out. We noticed that it was very dark on the bay side of the road. We went to the outskirts of Acme and didn't see our hotle, so we turned around and figured it must have been out of power. In the dark, i was able to make out the sign for the hotle, and we pulled into the dark parking lot. We checked in by flashlight. Apparently the power had gone out 40 minutes ago. The elevators were down so we climbed up the steps to the top story of the hotel, opened our room and it was pitch black. TJ grabbed a flashlight from the stairwell, so i could pee on our toilet. I have never been in such a dark and unfamiliar place. We lit the gas fireplace and opened up our balcony window and listened to the waves. TJ went back downstairs and carried all of our luggage up the stairs. The power came on while he was walking up the stairs, but he didn't want to get stuck in the elevator, so he kept walking. What i loved about it, was our attitudes and the attitudes of the workers. TJ and i didn't let it get us in a bad mood. . . we made jokes and did our best with what we had. It is very typical that something like that would happen to us. When the power came on, it revealed a wonderful room. . . we had a giant soaker/jet tub for at least two people, a fireplace, a sitting area with a view of the bay and a balcony. We even had three tv's. . . one in the bathroom! The relaxing bath was one of my favorite parts. TJ bought sleepy dream bubble bath from bath and body works. That stuff was awesome.
On Saturday, we had a delicious breakfast, shopped on Front Street, and drove around to look at color. We also checked out a new coffee shop and other shops that they are putting in a renovated giant former mental hospital. We ate at the blue tractor. Because my bed time is so early, we headed back home around 6, took a relaxing bath (without the tubside alcohol of course), and then watched Knocked Up.
Today we drove around to North point, then down to Empire and Beulah. That drive was the best drive we have ever been on. The sun was shining, the trees were on fire. The road curved and wound through hills and lakes. We stopped and ate at the Cherry Hut on their last day of being open. We both had a hot turkey sandwich with potatoes and gravy. Then we went between Platte lake and Crystal lake. I asked TJ to turn on Platte drive because it sounded familiar. Then i had him turn on Birch trail and Birch drive and we took the windy, leaf covered road back to my dad's old cabin on Platte Lake. I have so many good memories there. I couldn't believe i was able to find it after 10 years. We pulled into the driveway and all the way to the house (we could tell no one had been there for awhile). TJ laughed as he said, "we better not tell your dad what is hanging in the window." I looked and there was a stained glass Ohio State O. Yikes! I pointed out the beautiful field stone that made-up the fireplace and how the huge windows on the front mimicked the ones on the back, so you could see right through the house to the lake. I pointed out the driftwood address holder at the end of the driveway and the tree i think my dad hit where the bark was scarred. I pointed out the dirt road that veered off to the side where i road on the back of my dad's motorcycle, being very careful not to touch the exhaust with my leg.
On the drive home, we took our time. It was beautiful and relaxing. When we got close to Hart, we both started thinking about all we had to do for school. Then, as we pulled in the driveway, TJ said "screw school! I am working in the garage." He is still in there. I unpacked, started laundry, and picked up. Now i have to get to school work. Tomorrow i have a TAT meeting, a grade-level meeting, a staff meeting after school and recess duty. Tuesday, i am meeting with the lady at central office after school to sign some papers about my leave. Busy. But so glad we took time to get away and spend time with each other. TJ truly is a great companion.

TGIF

Tomorrow, after school, TJ and i are getting away for the weekend. It is greatly needed. he was out of town and then parent teacher conferences. By the time he got home, i was half asleep. I am looking forward to spending a quiet, relaxing weekend with the man i love. I truly enjoy his company. I wish we could leave now. Poor guy is at conferences again. YUCK! And i am getting sleepy. . .

Besides a getaway, tj also seems to need a few days of being at home. He is anxious to start the built-in, but hasn't had any time. The day he took off to work on it, he was sick and wound up doing smaller chores, like blowing out our irrigation and buying me a precious moments. Maybe next weekend. . . less than 160 days until baby ellis could be here!!!! It is going fast.

The newest member of my collection. . .

When i came home from scrapbooking on friday, there was a card and a wrapped present for me. Our anniversary was on Saturday, but knowing we would be out of town on that day, tj thought ahead and got me the best, most fitting card ever and this. . .It is called "together is the nicest place to be." This is a typical night at our house. . .TJ rubbing my head as i go to sleep, remote or another cat in his other hand. Because it is past my bed time, i really cannot even begin to put into words how thankful and happy i am about the last six years and the man i got to spend them with. I am excited as i think of the next six years. i love you, TJ. . . i always will.

I forgot the mention, i totally got TJ a woman's card by accident. It said just what i wanted it to, so i missed the fact that it had a pink peony on the cover, fancy writing on pink paper, and a detachable bookmark with a ribbon! When i had realized what i had done, I was laughing so hard i was crying. I signed it anyway, hoping he would focus so much on the words that he would be oblivious to the fact that it was made for a woman!! Ya, he wasn't oblivious. . .really how could you be, unless you had baby brain.

Grocery Shopping

I was going to go grocery shopping yesterday after school, but just didn't have the energy. I barely did today, but i managed it. TJ is in traverse city, so i went alone. Some of you are probably thinking "i always go alone." Well, i don't. Since we have been married we go shopping together, until recently. TJ has been going alone because i couldn't stomach it or have the energy.

Today my cart was such a mess without TJ compulsively putting everything in its place. In single life, i would have never noticed what a chaotic mess my cart was, but after grocery shopping with the man for over 6 years, i am able to see my weakness in cart organization. Notice, i am only able to see it, not fix it. I love that TJ has rubbed off on me. Before i even entered the store i wrote most of my check out because i can never handle loading, writing, and bagging at the same time.

When i arrived home and unloaded the car, i noticed another TJism that i have picked up. I took everything out of the bag and set it on the counter. I used to laugh at tj for doing this, thinking why touch an item twice. . . just take it out of the bag and put it away. I did it. I caught myself when i had already emptied four bags onto the counter. I touched each item twice!

After unloading, i realized that the cashier gave me back my check after it had been run through the register. I don't think he was supposed to do that and i didn't notice until i got home because it was in a pile with the receipt and coupons. I should probably run back up there. . . no way!

TJ will be gone at the conference and then parent/teacher conferences for the rest of the week, so dinners are up to me. I immediately resorted to my single days filled with pasta roni, rice-a-roni, and nachos. I am pathetic!

Most of all, i realized just how much i look forward to seeing tj after work. On a cold and rainy day i want to cuddle and eat some of his chili or soup. I am sure some of you are rolling your eyes. I am just not used to tj being gone. I know i will make it. i always do.

I dragged myself home today

I am tired. Tired from the weekend. Tired from the lack of sleep i have gotten recently. Tired from doing curriculum work today. I am tired. My plan was to grocery shop on my way home today. impossible. Instead, i came home and saved energy for cleaning up the kitchen, unpacking from the weekend, and correcting papers. I just need to sleep. TJ leaves for a conference in traverse city tomorrow for two days.

Despite being tiring, my weekend was wonderful. I have missed my family dearly. We got to hang out with matt, lori, trevor, steve, gail, dad, granna, and aunt carol. We also got to talk to jason, which was great. I really miss my brothers. i didn't get enough dad time, so we are going to meet for dinner later. We didn't get into town until 11:30 ish. . . way past my bed time and i was unable to fall asleep in the car. Then i was up late (okay late for me) on Saturday trying to visit with people when i was half asleep. Then we didn't get home until 8 yesterday. I am tired. Did i mention that i am tired??! AND we are going out of town on Friday, again!

Good News

My union person met with our central office person to discuss my wanting to take the rest of the year after the birth of baby ellis as a leave and to take all of next year as a leave. We met today during my planning. Both union people i talked to were a little concerned because the contract states a year from birth will be granted, which means i would have to come back to work in April of next year for nine weeks. Well, the central office person interprets the contract differently, but in a good way for me. She says that i get my 12 weeks and then my child care leave would kick in for a year from that date. So, i am good until June or August. . .depending on which schedule we go with.

I am so relieved. He said that there still could be some problems up ahead, but he didn't foresee any.

Sunday's List

Balance Checkbook
Pay Bills
Laundry
Empty Dishwasher
Make Loopies
Read MEAP Assessment Book
Correct Papers
Cut out Pattern for Bumper
Sew TJ's Shirt

I got a lot done on my list early this morning. Then i took a nap and have been dragging ever since. It is going to be a busy week. Tomorrow i have recess duty, grade level meeting and a staff meeting. Tuesday the MEAP starts, i have library :( and i am getting my hairs cut. Wednesday we have a doctor's appointment for Baby Ellis and then on Friday i am either scrapbooking or going out of town. The week is going to fly by. Time is flying by. . .i get the feeling that March is going to be here before i know it and i am starting to freak out about all that needs to be done, purchased, and all the changes that are going to occur between now and then. Exciting, but scary!

Yum. . .

This morning, after getting to work, i had a huge urge for grape soda. I almost went out three times to get some, but then my friend came into my classroom and i could tell she had been crying. We talked for about 40 minutes. Grape soda got put on hold. Friends come first. TJ picked me up some on his way home. I am just finishing it now. Yum. I also just finished a big bowl of buttered noodles covered in pepper and Parmesan cheese. Double yum. Now i am going to satisfy my sweet tooth with a TJ bar cookie fresh from the oven. The man is good.I corrected a pile of bar graphs and tally charts my kids made last week. The pile has been haunting me. Every graph is different and there is so much to look for. . . it took more brain power than i have had lately. I was hoping to get a lot more done, but i am unmotivated right now and it is bed time. Tomorrow is a new day, with a few more papers.

Happy Birthday, Mom.

Today my mom would have turned 60. I am actually not going to write a big, long post about her. For right now, i feel emotionally drained, especially after reading TJ's memories. I, instead am going to show you two pictures i received in the mail today from my aunt and granna. They are from my mom's birthday in 1978. I am four months old. Notice Jered's face in the one picture. . . i am sure it is because he has to hold me. It is odd for me to see her wedding ring on her finger. I don't have a memory of her wearing it, but i have seen it in her jewelry box so many times that i definitely recognize it. Also, check out my dad in the background looking so hip in his shiny shirt as he looks at his family. I almost enjoy the background of pictures just as much as the foreground.

Tomorrow i am going to school. . .

and it is October first. I have not gone to school on October first in four years, ever since my mom passed away. October first was her birthday and i would stay home to celebrate her life and cry about her passing. I know it sounds weird. It was just something i needed to do. Last year it fell on a weekend. This year, i don't have the sick days and i think i will be alright.
In previous years, i would

• Paint my toe nails (she loved having her toenails painted and always thought i should)
• Watch My So Called Life (this was our favorite show)
• Watch our wedding video (to hear her voice)
• Look through photo albums
• Take a nap
• Cry
• Blog

This year i will be surrounded by students and adults. Really no chance to cry. I do think that i will be alright. I will definitely live my day with many many memories going through my head of her. They will make me smile. Maybe i will cry when i get home. Either way, i am going to school tomorrow.

New Pictures

My dad got me a furby when i was younger. I had it when i lived with Sarah. We both found it kind of creepy, but funny. When we moved, i hid it in some boxes she was taking with her. I guess the bumps in the road made it turn on and talk the whole way to her new place. She finally disassembled it and apparently kept the eyeballs! I still have a picture of furby that i keep tucked in a kitchen cupboard door. . . it makes me smile every time i open it!

Corbin with Furby's eyes! CREEPY!

Aren't they adorable!!

Weekend

Last night, i stayed out later than i have in months. . . which is why i think i am taking a nap in a few minutes. We went out to eat with Kathleen and Rich before heading over to the Frauenthal for the opening season of the symphony. Rob and Kim have season tickets, but were not able to go last night, so we got to go. It was spectacular. The pianist was my favorite. I was absolutely mesmerized by his hands, his talent, and his odd quirks. I must admit, however, that i was excited to go to bed, too. Waking up at 5:15 and staying up until 10:30 about did me in, but i am so glad we went.

This morning we woke up and headed to gary's in Montague for some breakfast. We then went to Octoberfest and bought two mums, a huge sweatshirt for super cheap for when i am really big and just want something cozy to wear, and we of course looked at all the pumpkins and apples. Yum. Now TJ is going to mow the lawn, clean out the gutters, and build a built-in. I am going to take a nap and then clean. Right now, i am chilly and tired and i just want to crawl into bed!

Our Typical Annie

This is what Annie looks like most of the day. . .
Napping.
Drooling. . . profusely.
Tongue hanging out.
Looking unintelligent or drunk.
Stinking.
She has problems.
We still love her.
Most of the time.If you look closely, you can see the string of drool coming from her tongue.

Paying Bills

This morning, in between blowing my nose, i paid bills and balanced the checkbook. The checkbook balanced to the cent in a matter seconds. What a great beginning to the day! I am such a dork. I am starting to get a little worried about finances, and i should be. Many of you know that i am not planning on working next year and i am taking unpaid leave at the end of this year. Money will be tight. I am a firm believer though, that you spend what you have. When tj and i were first married, i worked at hallmark and he went to school. It was tight, but we made it. Our mortgage is about 2 hundred more than our rent was at the time and we do have other expenses that we have added to our lives. . . some we can take away, some will stay. I guess i am not used to being so worried about finances. My check has been going into savings for the last three years, transferring some out as needed. But next year, there won't be that option or as much of the savings. I know this is what God wants us to do though. He will provide, and we will make the necessary changes. We realize a family trip to Disney or the latest clothes and gadgets will not be a part of our lives, and we are alright with that.

The scary thing is, i can only take a year leave from the date of the birth of our child, which means if the board does not grant me more time than they have to, i will likely have to resign. That scares me. Teaching jobs are so hard to get these days. TJ wants to take a leave the following year, while i go back and teach. If the board doesn't grant me what i am asking for, that plan will not work. We will have to see. So much to think about.

I remember my mom living from pay check to pay check, almost like a juggling act. She was pretty talented at juggling. Hopefully, she passed on some of that talent. Even if i continued to work, things would be tight with having to pay for day care. No matter what, we are having a baby and babies cost money. I cannot wait!!!

Today is a day of school work and laundry. I either have a cold or allergies. Yesterday, i think i was running a fever, but today i just feel completely stuffed and my eyes are watering, which makes me think allergies. Anyway, i better go put the next load into the washer. I feel more at peace about finances now that i wrote about it. Blogs are good for that.

Thankfulness

This morning, as i am driving to school, i was overcome with thankfulness. All these things, events, people, flooded my mind and my heart. The family i was born into. The family i married into. My husband. Our jobs. Being pregnant. Being a mother soon. countless and countless more. It started my day off right, a little teary eyed, but right.

It amazes me how when your day starts off good, it just gets better. Bad or annoying things are easier to brush off. Good things seem to find you, or maybe you find the good things. All the smiles and good, just make the good even better. That is how today was. That was my morning.

i was able to brush off when i knelt down to help a student and midway into our conversation he wiped his nose on his sleeve and made a string of snot, a rope really, stretching from his sleeve up to his face. It was disgusting. Yet, it was all the good things that stick out. All the little things that made me laugh or made me smile. All my thankful thoughts played over and over again in my mind. And as i went through the day, more were added. Good thoughts were attracting good thoughts. I look around, and i am so overcome again with thankfulness. It was like a list to God of all the things and people that i never want to take for granted, that i want to thank Him for creating and placing strategically and purposefully into my life, for making our paths cross and intertwine.

Used to

I used to get to school at 7.
Now i get to school at 6:30.
I used to get home around 4.
Now i am lucky if i get home by 5.
I used to be able to correct papers when i got home.
Now i eat, clean up and go to bed.
Something has got to change.
I used to not be pregnant.
Now i am pregnant!
I used to stay up until 10.
Now i go go bed at 8.
Life used to be and is good.

Fellow Parade of Home Goers-

You must check out house/condo number 20 and you must wear blue. . . also don't forget to check out their advertised "enter net alcove"

Just in case you hadn't noticed my links

TJ has a blog. . . and so does baby ellis.

Fall Fun

i love fall. We just returned from the farmer's market. . . yum, fresh tomatoes and apples and nectarines. Then we went to a breakfast dive and had a tasty breakfast. Then on to meijers (yuck) and now we are going to some parade homes. It is a cool crisp sunny fall day. Oh, and we stopped at a hallmark store. I really wanted this precious moments and i couldn't find her anywhere else. Since i am now in my second trimester, i thought i would finally get her. There are a lot of precious moments to celebrate pregnancy, but this one seemed appropriate to buy for myself and seemed appropriate for our situation. I used loopie money to buy her and she is making me smile. Her title is "The Good Lord Always Delivers" and she is holding a book of baby names. Awe....how cute. I know some people reading this feel like vomiting right about now.

Kids? Pregnancy? or Both?

I don't know if it is my group of students this year, or my hormones or a combination, but i am getting so irritated with my kids. Other third grade teachers are saying the same things, but one is also pregnant. The kids do not listen or follow directions. I model what i am asking them to do. I say the directions verbally as well as write them on the board. I have them discuss what they are going to do next with the kids at their table. I ask "are there any questions someone might have? No questions. Then, i set them free and i have a ton of kids come up to me saying, "i forgot what we are supposed to do" or "what do we do" or " i don't get it" or "teacher, teacher". AAHHHHH! The "teacher. teacher" has got to stop. . . they are in third grade and my name is easy to pronounce.

During direct math instruction about pictographs, i had to tell two students for the second time that day to put their Captain Underpants books away. I love reading and i am glad for their enthusiasm, but sometimes you have to do what you don't necessarily want to.

Thankfully, other teachers feel the same way. Thankfully i have planning tomorrow, unlike today. Thankfully i am pregnant. . . i am just so happy about that. Thankfully i have a job that, for the most, part i love.

I guess i need to pray for patience. I have noticed since being pregnant that my road rage has increased and i often find myself bothered by inanimate objects. These are kids. . . kids who see me for seven hours out of their day. I have so much responsibility, so (too) much influence and power. It creeps me out. I need to have patience. All teachers need it. . . even the pregnant ones. Please pray for us.

Breaking the Silence

One can tell school has started. . . silence from my blogs. I was in bed by eight every night, after getting home at 5 or 6. I was/am so tired, but i made it through the first sweltering week.

My students seem like a nice bunch of kids. There are already two that are driving me nuts, but i am sure it is hormonal. One poor boy keeps crying. I feel so bad for him. He has some anxiety issues and can't keep it together. Once he was crying because he rode his scooter to school and it looked like it was going to rain. He just could not get it together enough to tell me. It was impossible to understand. When i finally figured out what he was talking about, we promptly called his mom to have her pick him up. Then he started freaking out thinking that she was only coming if it was raining and he wanted her to come no matter what. Another call home was made because he could not calm down. He couldn't even talk to her to get words out. Crazy.

I am looking forward to sleeping in, at least not hearing my alarm sound. I will sleep past 5:15 tomorrow and i am kind of excited. I think i am going to go eat some crispy crowns, olives, and muenster cheese. Dinner here i come!

A Wonderful Ending

Since tomorrow TJ and i will both be working on school things, today was the last official day of summer for us. And what a wonderful ending it was. This weekend, with our getaway, was just what we needed. We finished off the weekend with me sewing inside as i listened to the hum of wordworking tools in the garage. TJ played around and tested his leigh dovetail jig as i wore out the tips of my fingertips with putting in and taking out pins in fabric. We also cleaned a bit inside and in the garage and finished some odds and end jobs. I got tired so suddenly that i had to stop a sewing project when i was almost at the end. I just couldn't go on. However, i do think i am beginning to get some of my energy back. . . i didn't nap today and i worked until 8:45. Hooray! Just in time for school.

I also ate mashed potatoes that my loving husband made me. YUM! I am ready to settle on the couch as TJ, surrounded by cats, reads his book. Sounds nice. Most Sundays won't be like this anymore. . .

Relaxed and Rejuvenated

We just got back from our last summer celebration. It was perfect. . . just what we both needed. I feel completely relaxed and rejuvenated, especially compared to when we left. We shopped a ton in GR. I got some maternity clothes for school, a snoogle body pillow, thank you cards for all the baby gifts baby ellis has already received, and some other things. We ate out a ton (one place i took one bite and had to get it out of my view). I did have the best cinnamon french toast, though at a place called Sundance. We took a walk around our huge hotel and on the sky walk and then we took a walk along the river. Then we had more errands to run. I told TJ that i didn't want to go back home and empty the dishwasher and pay bills, so he took me to a movie. Bourne Ultimatum was excellent. Now i am home, and it is too late to do my chores, so i guess i will go to bed soon. What a perfect plan. It was absolutely wonderful. We needed that. We just enjoyed each other's company, held hands walking down the sidewalk, laughed together, dreamed about baby ellis, and enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine. I did burst out in tears when i saw two kids that were in the backseat of a hot car, left alone by their mom shopping in the mall. The security guy was questioning the older girl. The other child was crying and in a rear facing car seat. I never appreciated those security guys as much as i did then.