Wishing upon a Star........

Snow Day 1/10/2011

2011-01-10T11:27:00.000-05:00

Madeleine, Caroline, Judy and Snowy having fun on a school day off!!!

$500 Grant Winner!

2011-01-09T14:53:00.000-05:00

You're looking at a very excited Science Teacher that just won $500 to use for supplies in the classroom!

Beautiful Girls waiting for Santa!

2010-12-23T16:04:00.000-05:00

2010 Christmas

2010-12-23T16:01:00.000-05:00

Almost ready for Christmas - but never completely!

This reindeer is either angry or guilty....don't know which. Enjoy!

2010-12-23T15:59:00.000-05:00

Pillows for Patients

2010-10-02T10:10:00.000-04:00

My homeroom took up donations for our monthly school service project. A parent sent in the pillowcase, I purchased the book called The Capture - goes with Gaurdians of the Gahoole, and I had enough donations to buy paint supplies. I enlarged a drawing of a barn owl, traced it onto the pillowcase and then all of the students got together and we painted this pillowcase. It is truly a masterpiece. They all loved it and the results are spectacular. I think we did the best job of all the classes!

Busy Busy Busy

2010-10-02T10:07:00.000-04:00

Wanted to share some great projects I've done at school. In September I had about 50 students gather together in groups and we created this terrific mural for our school. They did an outstanding job. I really should have been the art teacher don't you think? It measures 6 feet by 10 feet long. Quite an ambitious project but the results show that it was worth it.

Curly headed girls

2010-10-02T10:05:00.000-04:00

The girls love to get curlers put in their hair and get curly hair for the next day. Here is a picture of them with their beautiful hair dos! Enjoy!

4 Day weekend - well sort of....

2010-09-02T18:35:00.001-04:00

I have my Science MSP program tomorrow so it is sort of like getting a day off! Except for the driving part.
We are going to the lake this weekend for some rest and relaxation which I really need.
And just think! 2 more weeks and we have another break! Hurray!
Happy Labor Day weekend everyone!
Love Ya!

7 days down...how many more to go?

2010-08-14T10:11:00.000-04:00

First full week went pretty good! Here's to HOPE!

Exhaustion.....of course!

2010-08-06T18:26:00.000-04:00

This is a perfect description of me on Friday after school!
See you all on Sunday!

End of summer.

2010-07-28T19:19:00.000-04:00

I guess we all knew this day would come......back to work tomorrow.

Fun at the Creek!

2010-07-23T07:35:00.000-04:00

Caroline is a real rock climber!

Our day adventure along Sope Creek.It is very peaceful and beautiful.Madeleine fell in and got really wet.

Crazy fun in the pool!

2010-07-22T07:55:00.000-04:00

Geoffrey and the kids in their version of the human pyramid! Ouch!

Flying in a little plane

2010-07-22T07:53:00.000-04:00

Here are pictures of the plane I got to fly in. Small 2 seater. Pilot in front and I am in the back. The last shot is up in the air right after he pulled a 3 G on me (---rolling the plane for fun!!! ahhhhh! and I guess a wahoo! because we made it!)

Flower Bed Progress

2010-05-02T15:27:00.000-04:00

We have worked so hard this weekend. Take a look at some of the after shots. I transplanted these 3 azelea bushes from the right side of the old small flower bed and put them on the left side of the house. Previously there had been 3 nearly dead boxwood bushes there. I also trimmed the camelia bush into a small tree shape that I am hoping will fill out. You can see that we made a tremendous amount of progress today. I also transplanted a lot of grass from inside the flower bed to a large place in the yard that was messed up last year when we had our pipe issues. It will be great but still a lot to do. I bet we will need 50 or more bags of dirt. Time to try to relax before the weekend is completely over.

Also, bad news on the school front. They just told me on Friday that they didn't think I could move to 2nd grade. I am really disappointed but I will have to adjust. Everything will work out in the end.

Yard Work

2010-04-29T16:22:00.001-04:00

We have been working on removing an old bush from the side of our house. It really opens the side up and looks a lot better. The bush was nearly dead and a new weed/brush was growing all thru it along with some dreaded ivy! Eeegads!
Geoffrey promises to build me a small garden bed so that I can plant some veggies in the only spot that gets full sun. I couldn't resist buying some veggie plants to sort of keep progress alive! In addition I purchased a few other sun loving flowers. I have had to avoid these plants for so long due to all of the shade we get.
I can't wait to see it come to life! Here are some pictures.

I also mowed the lawn today - got another day off because Madeleine was not quite better. I was feeling extra nice and even mowed my neighbors lawn! We don't know them very well and their baby kitty died on Monday so I wanted to do something nice for them. I know how hard it is with pets. Anyway, both kids have soccer tonight and Madeleine intends to play.
PS I have a lot of bird action going on in my front yard. I have a nest of woodpecker babies and I also have some new baby cardinals just learning to fly! So much excitement for me today!

Madeleine is sick today

2010-04-28T14:30:00.000-04:00

Strep throat again. We are home today and I am planning on being home with her tomorrow too.
School is winding down so it should be ok.
I've been working a lot on my garden. We have removed an old, dead bush from the side of the house and I hope to have a tiny veggie garden there!
Looking forward to summer. Only 17 days of kids left! YES

Worked all weekend!

2010-01-31T20:41:00.000-05:00

Ended up working most of the weekend. We did go for a family nature hike along the Chatt. River today. The girls get tired out so quickly!
I have my paperwork in for the convention so I will be in Savannah in a few weeks. I get to go to a beach for one of my field trips (assuming I didn't miss the registration deadline!) so keep your fingers crossed for me.

I've decided to try another year at 4th grade because I am supposed to only have to teach science next year instead of both science and social studies. I guess it really just depends on the student enrollment. Part of me is doing it because I am simply too tired and I have worked so hard this year getting together all of my centers/notes boards/etc. So I have my fingers crossed that it will be a lighter work load next year. The only bad thing is that I will potentially have to teach 80 kids so there is little to no bonding at all. Who knows though, I seem to change my mind on a daily basis.......
Peace Out.
PS Donna - get off of facebook and start keeping up with your blog again!

School Work

2010-01-24T10:59:00.000-05:00

Busy week ahead due to conferences with parents all week. I have Friday off but have to drive to Rome for my Science program. The school wants me to go to Savannah (paid trip) to attend the GA Science Conference in Feb. I wanted Geoffrey to go with me but he can not take off time from work.
One of my friends from Caroline's school is going. I nominated her for Science Teacher of the Year and can you believe it! She Won!!! I am so happy for her. I guess I will go - it does seem fun by reading the field trips that we will be allowed to do. My school has approached me about being the head of the science department for our school. I really don't know if I have the energy but it would look pretty good as a credential to have. But I guess it's only good if I plan on remaining a teacher..........There is always so much to think about and there always seems to be such important decisions to make.

Snow Day!!

2010-01-08T14:55:00.001-05:00

We're just chillin' and thinking happy thoughts! Wahoo!

kitty with heart

2010-01-03T21:18:00.003-05:00

Xyron practice

2010-01-03T12:20:00.000-05:00

Here is the first project made using the new xyron machine I got from Santa. Works like a charm!
Also here is a picture from the aquarium.

Home

2010-01-02T19:27:00.002-05:00

We are home from our adventure. It was a lot of fun. Just what the family needed! The Aquarium was terrific - I really enjoyed it more than the Atl. aquarium. Doesn't seem as commercialized. And what a beautiful view of the TN River. It was so cold! The girls were amazed to see it snowing this morning when we were having breakfast.

I am beginning to bum out because it is back to work on Monday. I have had a great break and rested a lot. I feel guilty because I have not worked at all! But it has been wonderful to not think about it. I know that January will be very busy at school with conferences. I just pray that I can make it thru. Every day is a day closer to 5/22! YES!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T19:35:00.002-05:00

Hello 2010! We are celebrating and have driven up to TN. We are staying at a little motel with an indoor pool. The kids are swimming their legs off. Tomorrow we are going to visit the TN Aquarium and then home. A wonderful and spontaneous way to start the new year off.

I will try to post much more regularly!
Talk to everyone soon. JO

Caroline's Room

2009-07-22T14:30:00.004-04:00

Here are pictures showing the beautiful new color of Caroline's room! She went for a deep purple and it turned out great! It actually looks more purple in the room.

She loves it!!!

Completed Block 2!

2009-05-29T22:36:00.002-04:00

Here is block 2 - completed. I still have to do finish block 1 but I really liked 2 the best so I did it first. I hope that we can get these done. The colors are beautiful!

Today was my last day at school and I am out for the summer! What a relief. I just hope I can just relax this summer instead of always thinking I have to be doing stuff!

Happy Summer Everyone!

The girls are coming home tomorrow. Yay!

Congratulations to Jason!

2009-05-24T10:49:00.003-04:00

My nephew, Jason, graduated from high school on Thursday and my sissy gave him a wonderful party to celebrate his accomplishment. It was a struggle and he made it. I hope he knows how much he is loved.

Updated....Caroline Bridges

2009-05-17T17:06:00.003-04:00

Well, the baseball game was rained out and so we managed to get Caroline back to town in time to bridge from Daisy's to Brownie! She had a blast and it was the right decision. Also, later, we found out that we should be able to transfer the tickets so I am so glad we made it back in time.
She was so happy to walk across the bridge!!!

Here are pictures of her bridging!

Going to the Braves Game thanks to Caroline!

2009-05-17T11:56:00.002-04:00

Caroline won Braves tickets to today's game agains the Arizona Diamondbacks.
I hope it doesn't get rained out. She had to choose between the game and attending the bridge ceremony to go from a Daisy to a Brownie. She was so happy to present it to us! And it is our 12 year wedding anniversary! Yay for us!

Congratulations to Madeleine!

2009-05-17T11:52:00.003-04:00

Madeleine won 2nd place for the entire STATE of GEORGIA for her Bridge Building skills in Science Olympiad. She competed against 62 other Georgia and Tennessee schools. We are astounded at her performance! She, as a 3rd grader and competing with children up to 6th grade, was able to medal in this competition! This was completely unexpected! We are so proud of our daughter!

Check out my cool Mehndi!

2009-05-03T10:54:00.004-04:00

We had our Spring Fling yesterday and I got this cool henna tattoo. It should last 1-3 weeks! Totally awesome. I'm going to try to get a clearer picture of it but it is hard to take it by myself!

Also, here is a picture from our recent birthday visit to Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Geoffrey and I had a beautiful day!

No Snow Day for Us....

2009-03-02T16:43:00.001-05:00

But it looks like everyone else got one! Hope you enjoyed it!
Peace Out...JO

Happy Weekend Everyone!

2009-02-15T09:08:00.002-05:00

Things are a mess right now at the house. Between the various pipe issues, the fridge, the van, and everything else things are really a mess. But my spirits are still about half way up. Keep your fingers crossed for us that the plumbing problem will not be too expensive.
I was so excited (for about a minute) to think that I was going to get to work in my classroom on Monday for the teacher workday. But Friday afternoon we all get the email that we have to attend a seminar at some school in downtown ATL and be there before 8am. For heaven's sakes - it really doesn't make any sense -the administrative decisions that are made are bizarre. I just don't know what to do, especially now with the latest release of information regarding the teacher cutbacks. You know you always hear that there is this huge teacher shortage - I finally become one and so they decide to make cut backs. I'm sure art will be the first to go so there goes my wish for getting into that subject. I don't know what I should do.
On a positive note I did get showered with Valentine's from my students. It's funny because on Thursday I was so mad at that class and they all knew it so they must have decided to try to make nice. I think I got a valentine from everyone as well as 2 stuffed animals, 4 flowers, cards, and candy galore. I also got a ceramic elephant candle holder.
Yes, sounds a little different but it was really quite thoughtful.
I can't wait to go to the tea party next weekend. Except that it will make the weekend fly by. Sunday Caroline also has a girlscout function to attend so my weekend seem to go by super fast.
I can't believe that Feb. is half over either. I guess that it is good that the days are going so fast because that gets me closer to summertime.
Peace out. JO

Good News!

2009-02-08T19:11:00.003-05:00

Wanted to share with you that my class was selected as one of the Class of the Month classes for our school! I am proud. Every month the principal selects 2 classes in the school who have shown great things. It is most likely due to my hard work for our 2nd grade assembly. We did a Solar System presentation and I made all of the planets and my class painted them all! At least I get to keep them.
Well, got to get thru the upcoming week. Valentine's Day party on Friday and then hurray! teacher work day on Monday. No kids!

Hope everyone has a great week! Honey, I have begun the countdown already and we are only in the 3rd quarter. (Progress Reports are going out tomorrow!)

Good Week Back!

2009-01-11T10:28:00.002-05:00

Well, I am happy to report that I actually had a good week at school - except for the outraged parent that the principal had to deal with. I got another new student but simultaneously another student left so I remained equal with my number of students. I have been blessed with having only 17-19 students and I pray that my luck continues for the rest of the year.
Also, I had my lesson plans done by Friday and my newsletter was done by Thursday! Hoping that I can keep it up! I finished report cards last week and only had to work late 2 nights! Much better than the first quarter. Now I need to get thru this week and I get MLK day off!

I was feeling so good that I started crocheting again! I haven't crocheted since last winter! I made Madeleine a cute gold bracelet and I am now working on a neck warmer. I need to practice because I own someone really special to me a hat....wink wink :)

I also got to work out twice during the week and I can already feel the extra energy it is giving me so I'm off to the basement to work out on the treadmill and the total gym!

I hope everyone has a super week! Peace Out!

Vacation is almost over...

2009-01-03T15:29:00.002-05:00

Well, vacation is almost over and I have to face reality. Too bad because I am finally feeling better. Had a great visit with my sis yesterday. The girls are happy and they had a busy day today. I finally got the holiday cleaned up around the house (not yet outside due to the wet weather) but still much better in our family room.
I have begun a new workout routine and hope that I can keep energy to do it. I have been really down in the dumps for several weeks and I really attribute a lot of it to my recent illness and having had to stop my running. I am so weak still and it was all I could muster to do 15 minutes on the treadmill but at least I did it and I do feel good about it.
I have high hopes thanks to my chat with Donna May and I hope that she can keep her motivation as well. We should try out the Valentine's Day Can....
Hoping to blog more this year! Peace out.

Another weekend....

2008-09-22T06:41:00.002-04:00

Besides having to work this weekend - PLU class 8-3 on Saturday, I had a terrific weekend.
We did another wonderful nature walk with the girls and it was such a fantastic day. It was a great mind reliever.
I don't know if I am going to make it thru this school year. I am already dreading getting up every day to go to work. I hope that it is just the school and not that I don't like teaching. We don't get any days off until Thanksgiving at our school and I have to work an extra day in Oct and Nov for PLU coursework. Because of ITBS testing I don't get a planning period at all this week and I have to eat lunch everyday with the children so I am with them all day with no break. It is incredibly hard.
Also, both of my girls are struggling this year in school. Madeleine is having a terrible time in math so I basically have to re-teach her at night.
One day at a time......
JO

The weekend is already over....

2008-09-14T20:05:00.004-04:00

What a weekend. It was very busy and I feel like I've worked all weekend. Yesterday was gymnastics and tae kwon do, along with going to the store, general straightening up, getting my lesson plans done and then falling asleep on the couch! Today we gave Charlie a much needed bath, I did get to run, we went for a nature hike to Gold Branch - and Geoffrey got lots of pictures of mushrooms (we are going to study them soon), back home for showers, dinner and some tv. Of course I did stay busy with laundry, doing my school newsletter, prepping my things for school tomorrow, getting cookies made for Caroline's class, making snack bags for the week, and the list just never ends!!! Hey, I didn't get to watch the whole game but the Patriots won - even without Brady.
I'm in for another long week - and I have to work Saturday. The school sponsors several free PLU courses and it begins on Tuesday and then re-meets on Saturday. Boy I just can't seem to catch up. Maybe over Thanksgiving break.....
Geez, what was I thinking? Peace out......JO

Weekend is here!

2008-09-06T09:51:00.003-04:00

Yeah! Weekend is here and I am trying to relax but we have a busy day! Madeleine is now enrolled in Tai Kwon Do and Caroline is enrolled in Gymnastics - both taking place on Saturday's! They are very excited and I hope to have pictures to post soon. Unfortunately I have to get a new picture memory card because something happened to mine and the piece broke off of it so I can't take any more pictures on it! Drat's!
Hoping to see my family tomorrow for my nephew's birthday party! The girls love to go visiting.
Talk and see you soon! JO

2008-08-13T17:51:00.000-04:00

utter exhaustion. can no longer type......peace out.

2008-08-10T17:52:00.005-04:00

Class room is as ready as it is going to get! I'm exhausted and have worked harder than I have in a very long time. I am discouraged right now and pray that it will get better. I am dreading tomorrow......wish me luck.

I miss my girls already and really have been in a depression because I missed meeting their teachers. Madeleine got her very best friend in her class and just can't wait to get back to school. We are busy picking out first day clothes, etc. I will not get to see them off at the bus stop tomorrow so Geoffrey will be on his own for that.

Here goes nothing right! Signing out now. JO

Room Decorations!

2008-08-03T13:25:00.003-04:00

I can't wait to begin decorating my classroom with all of the new things that I have bought for the room. I am so excited! I got several reading posters for the library and writing area, a huge tree that I will use all year, Happy Birthday poster, Big Calendar, Weather Chart, Job Chart, Alphabet Chart, Money Chart, Welcome to my room sign, etc. I hope it turns out looking good!
For the tree area I am planning on using it seasonally and including all of the books that we have read for that season - for example to begin the school year it is an apple tree and it will read "We've read a Bushel of Books!", for fall - a Pile of Books, for winter, a Flurry of Books, etc. and the leaves will change colors, a bare tree for winter with snow flakes, etc.
I'm going to be cutting out my letters soon on the cricut! I also made a great sign for what kids can do when they are finished with their work.
The school is supposed to be laminating some of the stuff for me and I paid to have part of it laminated at the School Box. I have a lot left to do and the rest of the teaching staff is to report on Monday so we will begin having our team meetings based on grade level soon.
I hope to be able to post more pictures as it progresses!

1st Week of Work!!!

2008-08-01T18:23:00.005-04:00

My sweet babies are in Florida and they are coming home to me tomorrow! I've missed them so much-it is just not the same when they are gone.

Geoffrey and I did enjoy a dinner out last night to Maggiano's Italian Restaurant. I had a gift card and so that made it even nicer!!!

First week of work is down and I have been quite busy in my room. I will be in charge of science! That is incredibly exciting for me!!!

The picture's posted are of the first day and the progression I've made by the end of the third day. I'm exhausted. The school has no tools to use and you are basically on your own to struggle and break your back moving the furniture around until it suits you! Also having to lug stuff in from the van - trip after trip after trip! Also trying to lug desks and chairs from the gym to my classroom - wow I never imagined that it would be so strenuous! Notice the book cases by the rug that I had to assemble.

I did get a $100 gift card from GA so kindly referred to as "Sunny Money". But I've already spent $350 out of pocket. At least I am keeping a running total -maybe we will be able to do some tax deduction or something.

Still nothing in the mail from my ebay win of books. I am beginning to get annoyed with the delay.

Hopefully next week I will have my posters laminated and ready to hang! Talk to you soon! JO

Meet Mr. Skinny Bones!

2008-07-25T11:16:00.004-04:00

Mr. Bones! Recycled milk jugs (1/2 gallon size). Saw this online and knew I had to make it for my class! I originally thought we could try it as a class project but after making it I know it would be too difficult for 2nd graders! Especially using the glue gun. I don't know if you can tell from the picture but I included a sticker heart in his chest! He is so cute! We don't buy the full gallon jugs so my skeleton is a Skinny Bones! He is actually quite tall -almost as tall as Caroline! (The feet and the hands are traced from her!) I may add a little bandana to his neck something to jazz him up!

Also, here is a picture of the girls with Donna's new kitty - Bony Bella. The girls absolutely love kittens!

We are headed to FLA tonight for the weekend and the girls will stay down with their Grandparents next week since (sigh) I start to work next week. YIKES!!! Got my Cricut! So Excited - haven't been able to get it up and running yet but you know I am taking it to FLA!!!

Talk to you soon, JO

I'm getting a Cricut!!!

2008-07-21T10:47:00.002-04:00

I know it was probably not the most responsible thing to do but I've ordered a Cricut Expression with my economic stimulus money! Wow - what a rush! I can't wait to get it. The package I ordered includes 4 cartidges! (Even Paper Pups! My FAVORITE!)
I am planning on making my wonderful sister a thank you card for all of the hard work that she has done in helping me plan for my first year of teaching!!! Thank you Donna May!
I can't believe summer is almost over! This is my final free week with the girls and then it's back to work for me!!! I'm really nervous and excited at the same time!

New Painting

2008-06-01T11:13:00.003-04:00

Hello all, so sorry I haven't posted lately. I have really been tied up with the kids and with teaching and I haven't had time to do a whole lot. We are having a great time together and had things to do everyday this past week! Between playdates, visit from Donna and going places like the park - the week flew by!

Donna came for a visit and I took her to her stitching shop, we ventured to a China Buffet and then we went to the pool. We had a great time - I hope she thought it was worth it since she got stuck in a lot of traffic on the way home.

The family went to the pool yesterday and I got a bit sunburned but we need to work on some base since we are going on vacation to the beach in about 2 weeks.

I did this small painting (5x7) painting for my friend for her birthday. It turned out really beautiful! She loved it but admittedly, it was sad to see it go! I will have to do another one soon because it really feels so good to paint.

It's Official! Well, Almost....

2008-05-08T18:38:00.003-04:00

News! News! News!

I received a job offer today for a 2nd Grade classroom. It was a toss up -I had interviewed for both the 2nd grade and the art room. I didn't have to choose. I'm glad that the decision was not left in my hands. I will need all the prayers and luck that can be given my way! I will go in next week for all of the final paperwork, etc. to become official! At least I can really relax and celebrate this summer knowing that I will be blessed with income coming back in this fall! My first day to work will be July 30. Wow, I can hardly believe it. I haven't even had my last day of work in insurance yet and I already have this job fallen in my lap. I am very lucky.

I hope you enjoy the newest card. This one was commissioned by a friend. I made a similar one for myself. I am planning on working up a fall, winter, summer, spring series and would really like to get it framed. They are much more beautiful in person that the upload portrays.

Can't wait to hear your thoughts! Signing out. Peace.

2008-05-05T17:00:00.004-04:00

Here is a picture of the wine cork boquet that I did for my friend. Her son is getting married and they are going to use it during the rehearsal. It turned out so great! Much better than I expected. I know that she will be happy with it.

New ATC Cards

2008-05-03T16:32:00.003-04:00

No word yet on the teaching job. I had hoped to hear something by Friday but there has been trouble with our phone and it (and our internet) had been out. So I will have to wait a bit longer. I'm ok with waiting.

So what do you think of the new cards? I really love them. They are both paper/paint collage.

I got to go to Archivers on Friday and got to do some in house paper projects that was really fun. I also saw that they have a new quickcutz machine that we did some die cuts from That was neat. I'm not quite clear which one you have because the lady told me once you have the machine you can buy different sized platforms for the die cuts. Is your's the hand held press? Listen, wanted to mention that I saw the most adorable Halloween Bat and it looked like it was the tiny one. Can you give me more info about what you have? Archivers doesn't sell the cricut at all. They are purely quickcuts and sizzix. They had one other type of machine that I didn't recognize. The girls had a birthday party to go to this morning and soccer was cancelled. Madeleine is at a spend the night party tonight.

Wish me LUCK!

2008-04-29T20:42:00.002-04:00

I have been called for a second interview for the art teacher position. I'm scared stiff and have my fingers crossed! WOW this is so exciting.
As a beginner I don't have a lot of project work to show but I can only pray that they can have a little faith in me!
On another note, I am smitten with the Cricut Expression machine! I want one super bad! Why are they so pricey?!!! I have found some pretty good deals - if you can call it that, but it is hard to part with that kind of cash for my hobby! Although they continually boast how great it is for teachers! I'm using that in my corner!
Well anyway, keep sending me your good thoughts and pray that I don't blow it!

Newest Card

2008-04-16T20:44:00.003-04:00

Here is my newest card. It looks better in person that the scan. The scanner shows everything! Having a good week so far - finally starting to feel better.

Sadly, the 5k was cancelled due to lack of participation. Our school is not dependable that way.

There wasn't enough people to warrant a road closure which is required for an organized run. They are still having the 1 mile fun run/walk so the whole family is going to participate in that. I guess it is just as well since I've been sick and unable to run a lot lately.

I'd love feedback on the art.

Thanks

2008-04-13T22:14:00.002-04:00

Here is my newest ATC card. This is only drawing and colored pencils-no collage. I am working on a new collage that should be complete tomorrow.

I woke up a bit under the weather and am worried that my Mom will get my chest cold!

Thanks to everyone who came out for Madeleine's birthday yesterday! Gammy & PopPop, Uncle Patrick, Aunt Donna, Aunt Cathy, Katey and Donny. She is 8 years old today and was blessed with a wonderful birthday week. Between her sleepover party, going to Florida to spend time with one set of Grandparents, a birthday celebration with her other set of Grandparents and tonight I think we are all partied out!

Hope no one else gets sick! Hopefully will have another update tomorrow with a new card.

Little Bird

2008-04-06T20:40:00.002-04:00

I miss my little birds so much. I did this little collage today while missing my babies. They are swimming it up in Florida!

2008-04-06T10:11:00.005-04:00

Here are some of my new ATC cards. I love them all. It would be hard to let them go because they are all so special and wonderful!

ATC Cards

2008-04-01T21:47:00.002-04:00

So I am now totally hooked on these ATC cards! I have completed 2 and started several more! I really want to purchase one from ebay! I will be posting some updated pictures soon of my cards.
Caroline began her gymnastics tonight and Madeleine also had a soccer game. Hectic night but we managed to get everything done. Madeleine is so looking forward to her birthday slumber party on Friday. I can't believe my little bear will be 8 years old! There will be 6 girls plus my 2 -imagine that - 8 excited little girls all giggling and crying at the same time. YIKES!

Nothing new to report regarding teaching.

Your Patience is Rewarded...

2008-03-18T17:38:00.000-04:00

She's IN!

2008-03-17T19:52:00.003-04:00

Well, luckily we were able to get Madeleine in for soccer. The registration ended back at the end of January but she didn't really want to play.....until last week! When suddenly it was really important that she play! Well, leave it to good old Mommy! I lucked out and swiped up the very last available spot. And thanks to the tornado, last Saturday's games were cancelled so she will not miss a single game! WaHoo! She has a game this Saturday - she will have to go in cold but we will practice with her here at home. Practice is once a week so we will have a busy schedule.

Caroline had some excitement too, going to her very first play date! She's been to others with Madeleine and/or me but never just by herself to a friends house. It was very exciting and she seemed to do great. Now with Madeleine doing soccer I feel like I should get her re-enrolled in gymnastics which she has been asking about for quite some time- there goes any free time I might have had!

We are looking forward to PopPop's annual Easter Egg Hunt this weekend. I can't wait to see everyone.

The tree clean up began and of course it looks like we are not getting the tree's cleaned up out of our yard -just the neighbor's yard. That really bites but I guess we will have to put our own muscle's to work. The neighbor is able to get her fence repaired. At least she doesn't appear to be too aggrivated about the incident.

Nothing new to report regarding stitching, crochet or art.
Talk to you soon.

Check out my RUG

2008-03-09T19:09:00.003-04:00

This rug was a fantastic find! I went to a church consignment sale - this Pottery Barn Rug was marked at $75. It was close to the end of the sale and I offered them $25 and they accepted then because it was the last day of the sale I received an additional 30% off ....total price was only $17.50! Now all I need is an actual class room to put it in! It is 5 ft x 8 ft - very large. My girls are in love with it and Caroline told me that even if I don't get a teaching job I should definitely not return it! Ha Ha - she is so clever!

Storm Damage

2008-02-27T19:41:00.003-05:00

Well the storms that blew thru yesterday took down 2 large trees in our back yard. Luckily they did not hit any homes but they did demolish our neighbors fence. Further, we are going out of town for the weekend and can not even assist to quickly get it cleaned up! Per our insurance agent the "victim" ie. the neighbor, is supposed to turn this in as a claim under their insurance. Unfair for them I suppose but at least it is out of our hands for now. We have offered to get out the chain saw when we get back. They seem to be taking the news OK so far. We will see as the days progress if it stays cordial.

I had an exhausting day at work and the stress levels are very high - which is probably one of the reasons that I have so many gray hairs! I did receive good news and have an official invite to the upcoming county job fair next Friday so keep your fingers crossed and wish me luck.

Tagged

2008-02-26T20:29:00.003-05:00

So my silly sissy tagged me.
7 things about me....
I generally don't like to be tagged - besides, if you know me you already know these things about me......
I am not very good at stitching but try to do it to please my big sister.
I can multi task which annoys my husband because he thinks I don't finish projects.
I prefer to be around fewer people because I fear society is crumbling.
I love to be with my family.
I love to run. I don't think I'm running away from anything but it does make you wonder. Deep comment don't you think.
And finally, I'd rather be painting at the beach.

Now you know my secrets.

I made a delicious dinner tonight with spicy apple meatless sausage and pecan, garlic rice with vegetables. Absolutely Fabulous. Chef quality. Maybe that should have been one of my 7 things.

Gather

2008-02-24T17:43:00.005-05:00

Here is the finished project!
I have several more to go (Thanks to DaisyGirl!).

Now we have to frame it! I will be looking for help with that from big sis. (Wink Wink)

We had a pretty good weekend and I can't believe it is already Sunday evening. I'm really dreading going into work tomorrow. Oh well, I guess that happens to us all.

2008-02-21T06:32:00.002-05:00

Last night we got Chinese food and my fortune cookie rang the bell! It indicated that I was about to begin a great adventure - and Madeleine shouted out "like teaching". She is so excited about the idea of it. Wish me luck!
Stargazer

New Blog

2008-02-17T17:52:00.000-05:00

Wow, this is my first blog! My sister got me thinking I should do this so we could easily keep up with each other. I will try to post some pictures but it will be trial and error!