Speeding Through...

I can't believe that today is December 1 already. What happened to November?? Life in our house has been plugging away. I lost my voice at the beginning of the month which makes teaching difficult. I had to stay home that day. That also happened to be the day the Joe "disappeared". The next week Lydia was blessed with pink eye. I was sad to say home, but even more upset that she had to miss Awana. She loves going and spending time with other children, learning about God, and learning her verses. Her daddy and I are very proud of how well she is doing. The rest of the month went by without a hitch. We got the house all decorated, but decided to not put any up outside. Call me a Scrooge, but no one ever sees them and I freeze my toosh off taking them down each year (those that the wind or the dog haven't gotten yet). So, they stayed in the box. Black Friday shopping was fun with Darla. Although after 5:00 a.m. I just couldn't stay awake any longer and fell asleep on the way home. I got everything wrapped and under the tree already. I'm waiting for 3 books and 4 movies to come in the mail that will have to be wrapped, and I still have a gift card to purchase and then I'm COMPLETELY DONE!!!

Until next time...

"Missing" Family Member...

Since my sister, Darla, doesn't really blog, I'm going to tell the story for her...

Yesterday my brother-in-law, Joe, went to work for an 8:00 training meeting which was across the street from the place he works. Darla had talked to him at 7:30 and everything was fine. At 9:30 she found out that he had never made it to work. Thinking the worse (as anyone in this situation would), his employer sent out people to start looking for him and they also reported him missing. Darla called me (I was home sick) and I of course freaked out. I called my dad who came over so we could help look also. I called Gail at work and he left work to start looking. Joe's father left to head to Eddyville to start looking as well as Joe's brother-in-law, Kenny. Joe's mom, Cindy, and sister, Sarah, started calling all the police departments in the counties that he drives through on the way to work. No one had reported any accidents, but they said they would start looking. Joe's brother, Bill, called the hospitals in the areas, but no one could find him. Everyone had been calling his cell phone, but Joe wouldn't answer. At 11:30 Joe called Darla and said that he was fine, and that he had been at work. He had gone straight to the training meeting and not clocked in (not sure if he was to do this or not). When he hadn't clocked in, his car was not in the parking lot, and he wouldn't answer the phone, they assumed that he was not there. It really freaked everyone out, but in the end it all worked out and everyone was safe. I pray that we never that to go through that again.

New Church...

Gail and I have found a church that we BOTH like and enjoy attending - Mark Baptist Church. We've tried several churches in our area, but none of them felt like "home". I grew up attending church and was baptized at a young age. When I met Gail, we starting attending the Lancaster Baptist Church. Gail was baptized there and we enjoyed going. Over time pastors changed and the people changed and it started to feel more like an obligation to go rather that we really wanted to go. We stopped going for a couple of years. During that time I started to really think about what I wanted in a church. I actually had a check list.
#1 - We could enjoy worship as a family.
#2 - Had a great kids program.
#3 - Felt like home.
#4 - Great pastor.
#5 - Strong Church family.
#6 - Not to far from home. (I know that sounds bad).

I tried out a couple of churches, but they didn't meet every part of my checklist. During this entire time my sitter kept trying to get us to their church. Gail had wanted to go a couple of times, but I really didn't. Finally, one Sunday morning in early August I decided that we were going to her church. Gail couldn't go because he had something to do. I waited in the lobby for Tina and her family and they were surprised to see Lydia and I there. During that service I had so many emotions. The story really touched me. I laughed, I cried, and it was one of the best times that I've ever had. The next week, Gail went with me and he had the same feelings. We LOVE our new church. I love the feelings I have the entire week after going and I notice that my attitude has changed. I really watch the things I say and do. My check list has turned into my list of the things that we love about our church and I have also added another.
#7 - Being a Christian is not just a Sunday activity.

The church family up at our new church lives and breathes being a faithful Christian. I LOVE IT!!! I hope that all of my readers (hopefully I still have readers) have a church that they love and enjoy going to. I can honestly say that it has made a difference in our lives.

Awana Question...

Lydia started Awana this past week. Gail was a little questionable on her ability to remember her verses. However, we've been practicing on 3 verses that were in her handout she brought home. After a few minutes of going over them, all I have to do is say the first word and she gets it. I'm very proud of her. She is excited to go back this week (hopefully she'll still be feeling well by then).

I have a question for you Awana leaders out there - Does perfect attendance count the singing at church on Sunday mornings or just Wednesday nights? My computer at home is messed up so I can't get to facebook or any of my e-mail contacts. So just message me on here - THANKS!!

Back Into the Swing of Things...

It has taken a couple of weeks, but I've finally gotten back into the swing of things. The first week back to school (although it was only 3 days) was very straining. My yard and house work went to pot. The second week was better. That week I basically just got the yard mowed. It took for almost 7 hours and 2 days after school to get it done. This week, my yard still looks good, my house is getting cleaned, the laundry is washed (1 load is still in the dryer), and I've been pretty good at getting the dishes washed. I would complain at this point about not having a dishwasher, but I haven't had a dishwasher since I lived with my parents so I don't really miss it.

Lydia has finally gotten back into her routine also. We've had a few rough mornings, but overall pretty good. She will be starting Awana next week. I'm a little nervous about her starting because this will be her first "thing". She's not big on strangers unless Gail or I are around, and even then she really won't talk. I know that once she gets going she'll be fine and it will be good for her in many ways. She's grow socially and also learn about God. I'm also looking forward to the time when I can get things done around the house (quickly) so that we can enjoy our time together.

Gail had his yearly "August trip to the ER". It happens every August. This year he hit his hand on a table at work just kidding around and it started swelling and turning colors. He had apparently broken his hand a few weeks prior without knowing it. When he hit his hand he rebroke it. It was the 2 year anniversary of his horse accident. Next August 17, he's staying in the house!!

Until next time...

Back to Work...

In my last post I listed some of the things that I'm going to miss when I head back to work. Don't get me wrong, I have loved this summer, but I'm also kind of ready to go back. So to try and convince myself of this a little more I decided to make a list of the things I'm looking forward to.

1. Being around adult again. (I have the best coworkers EVER!!!)
2. Lydia going back to the sitter's house and getting out of her attitude.
3. Getting back into responsibility mode.
4. My "meditation" that I get each day while driving to work.
5. The 7:00 a.m. phone calls to wake my parents up.
6. Not feeling guilty when it is 5:00 and I have no clue what is for supper.
7. Starting Fly Lady again. (She really keeps me on top of things.)
8. To stop my addiction to Facebook games. (I wish I would have never figured them out.)
9. Seeing students everyday and TEACHING!!!

Until next time...

Headed Back to School...

I can't believe that August is here already. I completely and totally loved this summer. After my school year last year, I was in need of a nice long vacation. We haven't really done anything as a family this year. I'd still like to go to the zoo one weekend, but that doesn't look like it is going to happen with the rain and Gail trying to get the hay finished. However, Lydia and I have had a blast. I've decided to make a list of all the things I'm going to miss.

1. Watching Lydia learn and play.
2. SLEEPING IN!!
3. Staying in my pajamas all day.
4. Taking my time eating lunch.
5. Cuddle time in the middle of the afternoon.
6. Having my house clean before the weekend so I can do whatever I want to do.
7. Having the laundry caught up.
8. Laying on the couch reading a book.
9. Staying up late and have to worry about getting up in the morning.
10. Not hearing my alarm clock.
11. Lydia getting to sleep in.
12. Waking her up and her giving me a bug bear hug and smile. Not looking forward to the crying and begging to let her sleep.
13. Going for days without driving.
14. Watching movies with Lydia and not having to think about the stack of paperwork that needs to get graded.
15. ...many, many more!!

Putting This Out There...

To make myself accountable, I decided that I'd put this out for all to read. I started the program "Couch to 5K" today. I have no intentions of being a lifetime runner or anything. In fact, I hate running. I decided to start it because I've known several people who have done it or are doing it. You start out pretty easy (or so I thought). When I looked at the website before the 60 seconds of jogging didn't seem hard at all. Once I started, I realized it was a little more difficult that it seemed. I finished the week 1 day 1 and felt really good (after a shower). I'm excited to build up to something. The week 3 of jogging 3 minutes at one time freaks me out a little bit, but I'll either get there or someone will have to come and save me. The reason I decided to start the program is to get into better shape. If I am able to lose weight in the process then that will be an added bonus.

I'm Still Alive...

I haven't posted anything in about a month because . . . well I've been lazy. Lydia and I are relaxing, playing, and just doing whatever we (I) want to do. Sleeping in has been really nice. However, I didn't want any of my hundreds of readers to worry about me. I am still alive. So far this month I've cleaned every room of my house (except for the basement it doesn't get bed), I've kept up with weeding the flower beds (a task I HATE), kept the yard mowed between all the rain, and tried a few new recipes (some of which were actually good). Lydia and I have played tee ball, went for wagon rides, done some swinging, walking, exploring, playing in the pool (all 4 inches, but it feels pretty good on a hot day), and gotten ready for her big third birthday party. Not much has been done worth blogging about, but maybe soon.

Funny From a Co-Worker...

If you've ever worked with kids, you know how important summer vacation is. Jeff Foxworthy also knows how important it is to teachers. ENJOY!!! :)

Jeff Foxworthy on School Employees:

YOU might be a school employee if you believe the playground should be equipped with a Ritalin salt lick.

YOU might be a school employee if you want to slap the next person who says, 'Must be nice to work 8 :00 to 3:30 and have summers off.

YOU might be a school employee if it is difficult to name your own child , because there's no name you can come up with that doesn't bring high blood pressure as it is uttered.

YOU might be a school employee if you can tell it's a full moon or if it's going to rain, snow, hail....anything! Without ever looking outside.

YOU might be a school employee if you believe, 'shallow gene pool' should have its own box on a report card.

YOU might be a school employee if you believe that unspeakable evils will befall you if anyone says, 'Boy, the kids sure are mellow today.'

YOU might be a school employee if when out in public, you feel the urge to snap your fingers at children you do not know and correct their behavior.

YOU might be a school employee if you have no social life between August and June.

YOU might be a school employee if you think people should have a government permit before being allowed to reproduce.

YOU might be a school employee if you wonder how some parents MANAGED to reproduce.

YOU might be a school employee if you laugh uncontrollably when people refer to the staff room as the 'lounge.'

YOU might be a school employee if you encourage an obnoxious parent to check into charter schools or home schooling and are willing to donate the U-HAUL boxes should they decide to move out of district.

YOU might be a school employee if you think caffeine should be available in intravenous form.

YOU might be a school employee if you can't imagine how the ACLU could think that covering your students chair with Velcro and then requiring uniforms made out of the corresponding Velcro could ever be misunderstood by the public.

YOU might be a school employee if meeting a child's parent instantly answers this question, 'Why is this kid like this?'

YOU might be a school employee if you would choose a mammogram over a parent conference.

YOU might be a school employee if you think someone should invent antibacterial pencils and crayons...and desks and chairs for that matter!

YOU might be a school employee if the words 'I have college debt for this?' has ever come out of your mouth.

YOU might be a school employee if you know how many days, minutes, and seconds are left in the school year!

Getting Closer...

I now have 18 hours of "school" left: 2 hours of Tiger Club tonight, 7 hours of school and 2 hours of Tiger Club on Thursday, and 7 hours of school on Friday. In that 18 hours we will entirely clean the classroom, go bowling for the afternoon, watch a movie, have a game reward day, as well as plenty of recess, specials, and lunch. I'm thrilled that the end is in sight!!

Summer is Just Around the Corner...

I am very excited for summer to get here. This will be the first summer since I can't even remember that I am not working. Not even a single day until sometime on August. At first, I was a little worried because I get bored being at home after a couple of weeks, but now I'm thrilled. I have my weekly cleaning lists ready to go, Lydia's birthday party to prepare, several preschool workbooks to do with Lydia, a yard to keep mowed, hopefully a garden to take care of, and a list of ballgames to attend. Lydia and I are going to do what we want and when we want it. I can't wait for the next 6 and a half days (57 hours) to pass!!!

SMILE..

When you draw a smiley face, what do you draw first? I was putting some of papers today at school and realized that I always do it in the same order: eyes, smile, and circle. I tried to do it differently and I just couldn't do it. So I ask, how you do?

Cancer Does Not Stop at Nighttime...

I thought I would share with you the purpose of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. I admit to being one of the people who wished the Relay would end at 10:00 so that I could head home and get some sleep in my bed, but after reading this I look at the Relay totally differently.

Relay for Life starts at dusk and ends the next morning. The light and darkness of the day parallel the experiences of the cancer patient undergoing treatment. The Relay begins at sunset, which symbolizes the time a person is diagnosed with cancer. As the evening progresses, it gets colder and darker - this represents the patients' struggle as they endure the emotions of being a cancer patient.

The time between 1 to 2 a.m. represents when the cancer patient starts treatment. They become exhausted, some sick, not wanting to go on, possibly wanting to give up. As a participant in the Relay, you have been walking and feel much the same way. Like the cancer patient, you cannot stop of give up.

The time around 4 to 5 a.m. symbolizes the completion of treatment for the cancer patient. Once again, they are tired, but they know they will make it.

The sun rising represents the end of the treatment for the cancer patient. They see the light that life will go on. The morning light brings on a new day, full of life and excitement for new beginnings. As a participant, you will feel the brightness of the morning and know that the end of the Relay is close at hand.

When you leave the Relay, think of the cancer patient leaving their last treatment. Just as you are exhausted and weak, so is that person, but there is hope in the new day! The money raised at Relay will support patient services, lifesaving research, education, and advocacy efforts... and that is why we Relay!

REMEMBER: There is no finish life until we find a cure!!

Wishes...

Do you ever wish that some people were dandelions that you could snap their head off? Yeah, me too.

Pick Your Battles...

Lydia is to the stage where she tries to be very independent in everything she does. She wants to brush her own teeth (I let her start and then I take over), put her shoes away, pick up her toys (sometimes), open and shut the door, and several other things. Many of these I'm very thrilled about. However, she also is starting to want to wear certain things. If I get out a dress she wants a skirt. I get out flip flops and she wants tennis shoes. Even her under ware has to be what she wants. Over the past couple of weeks I've fought her on things like this because of the crazy weather. Yesterday morning, I gave up. I had out capris, a t-shirt and flip flops. She wanted to wear her Aerial jammies with rain boots. It then occurred to me that who really cares what she wears. The only people that see her are the people at Casey's in the morning. So, she wore her jammies and we put her clothing in a purse. I did fight the rain boots because it was supposed to be warm and her feet would get all sweaty. She looked so funny walking out of the house. I wished I had taken a picture (I may have to stage it). So, I'm slowly learning to give up control of things that really don't matter and letting her be independent.

Easter Pictures

I have done several posts today of all pictures. I realized that I hadn't posted any since September. They go clear back to Christmas. I hope you enjoy them.

Lydia's Easter goodies from mommy and daddy.

Lydia waiting to see what the Easter Bunny brought her.

Checking out mom and dad's gift.

Easter Bunny candy.

More Easter Bunny.

The bunny even hid stuff on Papa while he was asleep.

The hunt is on.

The "Easter Bunny" resting. Mom helped me hide all of the candy.

Lydia with all of her candy. It didn't seem like that much when I bought it at the store.

All dresses up for church.

Hayden, Lydia, and Claudia had an Easter egg hunt after lunch. They had fun searching.

Look everywhere. They each had a different color egg to find. It was a lot of fun.

Hayden and Claudia

Lydia

Hayden

Claudia

I love this picture. All dressed up and riding on a tractor.

Watching the Chipmucks 2 with Grandma.

Mimme (Grandma Mary) bought the kids kites for Easter. Lydia got a Dora kite.

Daddy and Lydia flying her kite.

She was impressed with Dora that she could fly so high.

Watching

Giving Landon her "expert" advice.

New Couch, Lydia's Nightly Buddies, and My Little Helper

Here is the "new" couch that we bought from my brother.

The "new" love seat. I didn't a picture of the recliner, but it is just dark brown. Lydia loves the new furniture and will tell people about them when they come to you house.

These are the buddies that Lydia had to sleep with each night. After she goes to sleep I go in and take most of them out.

Here is (by name) Sheep, Tall Pig, Dolly, Baby Kate, Pink Pony, Giraffe, Alice, and Bella.

Pink Baby, Green Baby, Dora, Baby Piggy, Brown Horse, Horse, and Mouse.

And here is one happy little girl to be surrounded by her buddies.

Those of you who don't know, I enjoy cleaning. Lydia also loves to dust and vacuum.

Here she is helping me vacuum under out bed. She even holds the real vacuum cord.

Valentine's Day Dinner

I'm not a creative cook by any meals, but I was pretty impressed with my Valentine's Day Dinner I made for Gail.

I boiled Penni pasta.

Cut a package of Hillshire Farms sausage and sauteed it with green peppers and onions.

Added a can of diced tomatoes right at the end. Then you mix that with the pasta and spaghetti sauce in an over safe pan or bowl. Sprinkle with a little cheese.

Put in the oven until the cheese melts and YUMMO!!

New Year, New Toys, New Troubles

We started off the new year by purchasing a stock trailer. Our old one was in bed shape when we bought it, but replaced a lot of the metal and repainted it. We were kinda attached to the thing. However, it started getting flat tires EVERYTIME Gail used it. Even if he hauled a few sheep for his brother the tire would go flat. He couldn't figure out what the problem was, but decided it was time for a new one. Gail was really proud of this trailer.

My Grandpa Franklin died on January 2, 2010 on his 93rd birthday. The grandsons were to carry the casket the day of the funeral. My aunt decided that they should wear sweaters. Of the 6 grandsons only 3 had sweaters. Gail hasn't worn a sweater since she was a little kid so we had to borrow one from Joe. Gail was not happy that I took his picture, but it is the only time it will happen so I had to capture it.

When I clean I usually pile the toys on the table so I can vacuum. I turned around and Lydia was up there playing away. I grabbed the camera and then got her down and told her it is unsafe to be on the table.

Our kitchen water pipes froze in January. Gail got down in the crawl space to see if he could do anything and Lydia (Little Helper) had to check things out as well.

Our first snowman of the winter was built in January and melted the very next day. A short life he lived, but he was pretty cute. I had bought a snowman kit with came with the stuff you see and couldn't wait to use it.

We exchanged one of Lydia's Christmas gifts because she got doubles and got this tee ball set instead. She loves it and it quiet the little slugger. Yes, we let her use it in the house, but there isn't much that she can break.

Batter Up!

Christmas Pictures

New Christmas Jammies. She gets a new pair every Christmas Eve so they look nice in pictures.

Her stuffed dog that Santa brought.

The tree and presents on Christmas morning.

Lydia had fun helping Annie and Charlie open their stocking. They got new collars.

They also got treats and bones under the tress. Lydia had to help with that also. The dogs just stood by licking their lips. It was cute.

The BIG gift was her play kitchen. After I bought I read reviews about it on the Toys R Us website. People said that it didn't hold together and was hard to put together. I was really bummed out because I'd gotten it back in July and was excited to give it to her. It was not that hard to put together, but did take 2 of us. And it has held up really well. In fact, it looks the same now (April) as it did when she got it.

Before she even had the paper torn off she washed her hands in the sink.

Over Christmas break we went as a family to Lydia's first movie. We went to Chipmunks 2. It was a fun and Lydia LOVED it. She was dancing in the aisle.

Darla's birthday is on December 29th so the borrowed the kids and we decorated cupcakes. Claudia and Lydia wanted pink and Hayden wanted green. They had fun.

They were thrilled to show her the finished project.