So, I've been trying to decide what I was going to blog about to end the year. I could detail my frustration at the grocery store on New Year's Eve (seriously, where did all those people come from), but that's news we all can relate to. Let me try something different. What will not be part of our lives in 2011?
Good-bye 2010, Hello 2011
Good-bye swimming, Hello water polo
Good-bye 1 baseball team, Hello 2 baseball teams
Good-bye frozen tundra family get-togethers, Hello graduation get-togethers
Good-bye braces, Hello beautiful smile
Good-bye summer vacations with Ky, Hello Camp Cho-Yeh ALL summer long
Good-bye grad school reading, Hello Nook reading
Good-bye 8th grader & senior, Hello Freshmen
Good-bye 130, Hello 115
Good-bye weddings, Hello great niece or nephew (can I be this old?)
Good-bye work OCD, Hello relaxed family time
2010 was a great year, no complaints from me. My hope for 2011 is that my family and friends find peace, happiness, and health knocking on their door. God bless!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Random Thoughts From Trip to Iowa for XMAS
Over the past week, there have been many things I could've blogged about. Many days I could've blogged, but just enjoyed "the moment" and didn't feel like sitting in front of a computer. So, I've decided to just put all my random thoughts in one post. Are you ready?
~Snow is snow! Although it may look pretty at first, I still don't like it!
~Jeans made in Texas are definitely made out of thinner cloth!
~Thank you Uncle Jeff for telling me Victoria's secret!
~Fast food has an entirely new meaning.
~Without electronic devices, I'd be able to catch-up on my sleep while traveling.
~Our kids have no idea how lucky they are with the modern "travel conveniences."
~Cabana boys sometimes go on strike.
~Sitting around a big table playing a silly game is lots of fun, even if I didn't win!
~4 year olds are remarkable in so many ways! Why don't all children have the same advantages my niece has been given?
~Sometimes I just couldn't advance the pages fast enough in my Nook.
~Some meals can be served mostly all from the white family (mac n' cheese, mashed potatoes, turkey deli meat, bread, lemonade)
~When it's cold enough, van doors can freeze and not open for several days. Good thing the kids are still small/agile enough to climb through the back end!
~Attending XMAS Eve service in the church I grew up in is very comforting.
~Often the elderly are as anxious as a 4 year old to open gifts.
~Even a driver's ed instructor might have difficulty with snowbanks.
~Dogs can get lonely after being around so many people and Murphy.
~The movie "Christmas Vacation" was really just a warm-up to "Home Alone"
~Where was Jesus' birthday cake? Oh well, we had plenty of other festive goodies to choose from!
~My brother DOES know how to cook! I must get the corn chowder recipe.
Oh, I'm sure I'll lay in bed tonight and think of many others. But, I must go serve Jesus Birthday Cake before the big Iowa bowl game. And why is the game being played so late...(I know, another random thought!)
~Snow is snow! Although it may look pretty at first, I still don't like it!
~Jeans made in Texas are definitely made out of thinner cloth!
~Thank you Uncle Jeff for telling me Victoria's secret!
~Fast food has an entirely new meaning.
~Without electronic devices, I'd be able to catch-up on my sleep while traveling.
~Our kids have no idea how lucky they are with the modern "travel conveniences."
~Cabana boys sometimes go on strike.
~Sitting around a big table playing a silly game is lots of fun, even if I didn't win!
~4 year olds are remarkable in so many ways! Why don't all children have the same advantages my niece has been given?
~Sometimes I just couldn't advance the pages fast enough in my Nook.
~Some meals can be served mostly all from the white family (mac n' cheese, mashed potatoes, turkey deli meat, bread, lemonade)
~When it's cold enough, van doors can freeze and not open for several days. Good thing the kids are still small/agile enough to climb through the back end!
~Attending XMAS Eve service in the church I grew up in is very comforting.
~Often the elderly are as anxious as a 4 year old to open gifts.
~Even a driver's ed instructor might have difficulty with snowbanks.
~Dogs can get lonely after being around so many people and Murphy.
~The movie "Christmas Vacation" was really just a warm-up to "Home Alone"
~Where was Jesus' birthday cake? Oh well, we had plenty of other festive goodies to choose from!
~My brother DOES know how to cook! I must get the corn chowder recipe.
Oh, I'm sure I'll lay in bed tonight and think of many others. But, I must go serve Jesus Birthday Cake before the big Iowa bowl game. And why is the game being played so late...(I know, another random thought!)
Monday, December 20, 2010
What's Up With These Appliances???
Horrible flashbacks to last year at this time and our washing machine went out--granted a brand-new one less than a month old! The part was ordered, then on back order, and then the wrong part arrived. We had to take garbage bags of laundry to a laundromat--not an exciting way to spend our FRI nights! It took almost a month before they realized/accepted/just plain got tired of my phone calls to them before they gave us a brand new washer. We haven't had a problem since; however, it was so much NOT fun!
While I was in grad school, I did some baking, but nothing like I enjoy doing. Once school was over, I was looking forward to returning to baking goodies and new main dishes for the family. My first few attempts at baking were not ones to brag about; however, I just chalked it up to lack of practice. As the months went on this fall, it wasn't getting any better--things just weren't turning out and it seemed like everything was taking forever to bake. Right after Thanksgiving, we tested the temp of the oven. It was off by about 25 degrees, so I just adjusted my temps to 25 degrees greater and was starting to have success. Last weekend, I had the oven on for about 6 hours straight baking so many different things and it all turned out. This weekend I wanted to try a few different new recipes to take to Iowa and to share with neighbors and the swim coaches. I tried 2 different things and they were both TOTAL flops! I was so frustrated!
Our oven has an oven sensor, not a thermostat that is/has apparently gone out. The part has been ordered and the "some assembly" Kev is confident he can handle! If that $43 part isn't the answer, it looks like I'll be appliance shopping for the new year.
I do know they don't make appliances like they used to. My grandma still has the same WORKING refrigerator that I remember her having growing up! Please, with all our advanced technology, wouldn't you think they could make appliances that would last?
While I was in grad school, I did some baking, but nothing like I enjoy doing. Once school was over, I was looking forward to returning to baking goodies and new main dishes for the family. My first few attempts at baking were not ones to brag about; however, I just chalked it up to lack of practice. As the months went on this fall, it wasn't getting any better--things just weren't turning out and it seemed like everything was taking forever to bake. Right after Thanksgiving, we tested the temp of the oven. It was off by about 25 degrees, so I just adjusted my temps to 25 degrees greater and was starting to have success. Last weekend, I had the oven on for about 6 hours straight baking so many different things and it all turned out. This weekend I wanted to try a few different new recipes to take to Iowa and to share with neighbors and the swim coaches. I tried 2 different things and they were both TOTAL flops! I was so frustrated!
Our oven has an oven sensor, not a thermostat that is/has apparently gone out. The part has been ordered and the "some assembly" Kev is confident he can handle! If that $43 part isn't the answer, it looks like I'll be appliance shopping for the new year.
I do know they don't make appliances like they used to. My grandma still has the same WORKING refrigerator that I remember her having growing up! Please, with all our advanced technology, wouldn't you think they could make appliances that would last?
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Finals Week
Why is it with grad school over, I'm still involved with finals? High school finals week was a breeze, I think Ky only took one. However, she did manage to make a bulletin board, watch Legally Blonde, and play several games of cards. Rough life as a senior, but I when you've worked that hard for 4 years, you deserved some stress-free finals!
Then there's middle school finals. OMG! Not only do they have finals but several teachers have assigned projects as well. Apparently it's really only a 3 week grading period, so they are doing everything and anything to get grades. In Spanish II, Kole had to write and illustrate a 10-page children's book, translate a set of game board directions into Spanish, make and decorate a maraca (really?), and draw a map of a zoo with at least 20 animals labeled on it (realized that project at 10:00 PM the night before it was due!) His English class isn't much better!
Seriously, shouldn't the focus be studying and getting a good night's sleep!
Then there's middle school finals. OMG! Not only do they have finals but several teachers have assigned projects as well. Apparently it's really only a 3 week grading period, so they are doing everything and anything to get grades. In Spanish II, Kole had to write and illustrate a 10-page children's book, translate a set of game board directions into Spanish, make and decorate a maraca (really?), and draw a map of a zoo with at least 20 animals labeled on it (realized that project at 10:00 PM the night before it was due!) His English class isn't much better!
Seriously, shouldn't the focus be studying and getting a good night's sleep!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Kindergarten Cop Promoted to Sheriff
So, for those of you've who read my blog last week and wondering "So, what's going on?" here's the update! Let's just say there's a new sheriff in town!
1. We walked to our room in 4 minutes and 30 seconds today! (Last week it took over 30 minutes)
2. "Mrs S I like you. You care about me." (Last week, "I want to go back to my class NOW!" and screamed and kicked while saying it.)
3. We read 3 books aloud with discussion! (Last week it took over 30 minutes to try to get through one book and the only discussion was me explaining how to sit and listen to a book!)
4. Each student read out of their book bag and felt like they were readers! (Last week they were throwing their book bags and shouting I CAN'T READ.)
5. They were attempting to write words and stretching sounds on their own with a dry erase board and marker. (Last week they were fighting over the markers and pressing with the tip of the marker into the board while scribbling with the markers.)
6. Words heard from the students today: "Thank you." "You look nice today." "I like your haircut." "Yeah, you can make a lower case e now." "You waited for Mrs. S to call on you." (Last week: "Shut up" "You are stupid" "I don't like you" "I'm going to hit you" "My momma will come after your momma" "I will poke you until you cry with my pencil")
So, how did the cop become sheriff? It wasn't the $$$ I spent on different motivational things. It wasn't the time I spent trying to find the "just right book" that would make the point. No, I think it was the expectation I had for them and the love I showed them "no matter what". Oh yes, there were times I wondered what I had gotten myself into. (After the first day I was asking the entire admin team and otehrs for ideas to survive as I've never seen anything quite like it.) Although these children's home situation is so different from anything I've ever worked with so closely, their needs are very similar--treat me with respect and love and I'll do the same (eventually!)
Being sheriff is so much easier than being cop!
1. We walked to our room in 4 minutes and 30 seconds today! (Last week it took over 30 minutes)
2. "Mrs S I like you. You care about me." (Last week, "I want to go back to my class NOW!" and screamed and kicked while saying it.)
3. We read 3 books aloud with discussion! (Last week it took over 30 minutes to try to get through one book and the only discussion was me explaining how to sit and listen to a book!)
4. Each student read out of their book bag and felt like they were readers! (Last week they were throwing their book bags and shouting I CAN'T READ.)
5. They were attempting to write words and stretching sounds on their own with a dry erase board and marker. (Last week they were fighting over the markers and pressing with the tip of the marker into the board while scribbling with the markers.)
6. Words heard from the students today: "Thank you." "You look nice today." "I like your haircut." "Yeah, you can make a lower case e now." "You waited for Mrs. S to call on you." (Last week: "Shut up" "You are stupid" "I don't like you" "I'm going to hit you" "My momma will come after your momma" "I will poke you until you cry with my pencil")
So, how did the cop become sheriff? It wasn't the $$$ I spent on different motivational things. It wasn't the time I spent trying to find the "just right book" that would make the point. No, I think it was the expectation I had for them and the love I showed them "no matter what". Oh yes, there were times I wondered what I had gotten myself into. (After the first day I was asking the entire admin team and otehrs for ideas to survive as I've never seen anything quite like it.) Although these children's home situation is so different from anything I've ever worked with so closely, their needs are very similar--treat me with respect and love and I'll do the same (eventually!)
Being sheriff is so much easier than being cop!
What a Fun Night!
Oh, was the Rattler Party Saturday night at our house fun! I'm not sure I've laughed that hard in a looooong time. When the coach has a chance to "cut loose", he sure goes to town! Clear beverages and table dancing were a winning combination for him. I didn't know he liked so many things that started with "S"! Glad he finally had a chance to unwind!
The players hung out upstairs with the gaming systems while the women shared bottles of wine and the men hung outback. It was a beautiful evening. We served fajitas and eveyone else brought the side dishes. 35 people filled our home, so it was very cozy!
Besides the coach unwinding for once, the other highlight of the evening was the gag gifts he had for each of the players to coincide with their nicknames. He was quite the comedian pulling the gifts out of the bag.
What a great group of boys! We are very blessed to have been a part of so many of their lives. What great families!
The players hung out upstairs with the gaming systems while the women shared bottles of wine and the men hung outback. It was a beautiful evening. We served fajitas and eveyone else brought the side dishes. 35 people filled our home, so it was very cozy!
Besides the coach unwinding for once, the other highlight of the evening was the gag gifts he had for each of the players to coincide with their nicknames. He was quite the comedian pulling the gifts out of the bag.
What a great group of boys! We are very blessed to have been a part of so many of their lives. What great families!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Puny Pointsettia
Something is working!
It still took 30 minutes to get to our area; however, that included a restroom stop that seemed like it would never end. The 2 girls haven't yet learned how to tolerate each other, so when we got to the restroom, I decided to send them in one at a time so they'd both have a chance of coming out unharmed. After the first one comes out, I send the second one in. She's scared to go into the restroom by herself, so she stands in the doorway crying. Now I can't go in with her because the remaining students would...well you get the picture if you've read previous blogs. I suggested she not use the restroom but of course she HAD TO or else. Thank goodness an assistant principal walked by at the time to help her in the restroom!
When we got to the room, the first minutes of what seemed like an eternity, but it probably was only 2 minutes, the students screamed, crawled around, and basically got in each other's faces. Trying my endless list of tricks to get them calmed down wasn't working until I finally started whispering and that was the calming factor--never forget that one with this group! After about 10 minutes, the KGN AP joined us and gave them their "heart to heart" talk after they all spent their recess yesterday practicing walking in the hall and became experts at it! I guess experts aren't always long-lived? After her visit, my mention of the video cameras, and I documented everything each child did (positive & negative) in a notebook, they all came together. We read a book in less that 15 minutes, carried on a conversation about the book, and drew a picture of their learning. We then read another book and our time was up.
They are learning consequences. Long story short--one boy lost his beanie baby privilege, cried for 25 minutes about it, (while the others did a good job of ignoring him), one boy finally said, "You know if she says you're playing with it that you'll lose it, she means it. Stop crying and make good choices so you get another chance." MUSIC to my ears!
These are great kids that need structure. I feel like I'm providing hope for them and hopefully lots of hope for their teacher! Granted I've had to readjust my time-frame of accomplishing some of my goals with them, but I still think I can get them there. I won't be seeing them again until MON, so we'll see what MON brings.
So, why did I title this Puny Poinsettia??? One member of the admin team gave me what she called a "Charlie Brown Pointsettia" as she wanted me to have something to brighten my time in my space. I suggested I not pick it up until I was done, as I was uncertain the condition it would be in after we got done. She insisted it couldn't be that bad, so I took it with me. Although it did survive the intial scuffle, by the time we left, half the dirt was dumped out and some of the leaves pulled off. Now, it really is a puny pointsettia!
It still took 30 minutes to get to our area; however, that included a restroom stop that seemed like it would never end. The 2 girls haven't yet learned how to tolerate each other, so when we got to the restroom, I decided to send them in one at a time so they'd both have a chance of coming out unharmed. After the first one comes out, I send the second one in. She's scared to go into the restroom by herself, so she stands in the doorway crying. Now I can't go in with her because the remaining students would...well you get the picture if you've read previous blogs. I suggested she not use the restroom but of course she HAD TO or else. Thank goodness an assistant principal walked by at the time to help her in the restroom!
When we got to the room, the first minutes of what seemed like an eternity, but it probably was only 2 minutes, the students screamed, crawled around, and basically got in each other's faces. Trying my endless list of tricks to get them calmed down wasn't working until I finally started whispering and that was the calming factor--never forget that one with this group! After about 10 minutes, the KGN AP joined us and gave them their "heart to heart" talk after they all spent their recess yesterday practicing walking in the hall and became experts at it! I guess experts aren't always long-lived? After her visit, my mention of the video cameras, and I documented everything each child did (positive & negative) in a notebook, they all came together. We read a book in less that 15 minutes, carried on a conversation about the book, and drew a picture of their learning. We then read another book and our time was up.
They are learning consequences. Long story short--one boy lost his beanie baby privilege, cried for 25 minutes about it, (while the others did a good job of ignoring him), one boy finally said, "You know if she says you're playing with it that you'll lose it, she means it. Stop crying and make good choices so you get another chance." MUSIC to my ears!
These are great kids that need structure. I feel like I'm providing hope for them and hopefully lots of hope for their teacher! Granted I've had to readjust my time-frame of accomplishing some of my goals with them, but I still think I can get them there. I won't be seeing them again until MON, so we'll see what MON brings.
So, why did I title this Puny Poinsettia??? One member of the admin team gave me what she called a "Charlie Brown Pointsettia" as she wanted me to have something to brighten my time in my space. I suggested I not pick it up until I was done, as I was uncertain the condition it would be in after we got done. She insisted it couldn't be that bad, so I took it with me. Although it did survive the intial scuffle, by the time we left, half the dirt was dumped out and some of the leaves pulled off. Now, it really is a puny pointsettia!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Baby Steps
So, I began my role as Kindergarten Cop today. Here's how my 2 hours went:
First 30 minutes: Time it took to walk from point A to point B with my 6 students.
Next 30 minutes: The time it took to read one book from cover to cover.
Next 15 minutes: Work with magnetic letters. Only 2 children threw them and no one ate them. They did a very nice job of cleaning up by the time I counted to 20.
Next 20 minutes: Time it took to take students to the bathroom, drop one off at the nurse, one in DMC (one girl slapped another girl), get a band-aid for another (injury caused by sliding on floor and getting a carpet burn), and time to walk back to my teaching area.
Next 15 minutes: writing HFW on dry erase boards, earned 2 minutes free draw
Last 10 minutes + 20 additional minutes: Time it took to walk back to class with only 4 boys, since one girl was in DMC and the other girl walked back with another adult since she was yelling in the 4 boys' faces.
Then, as I was leaving, one of the 4 boys (who had spent at least 30 minutes crying because he wanted to be with his other teacher) came up and hugged me and asked me not to go. Those are my baby steps!
Tonight's To Do List: Revamp thinking for TH and find an adult book to read about children who come from poverty. I have to better understand these children so I can better help them and their teacher.
First 30 minutes: Time it took to walk from point A to point B with my 6 students.
Next 30 minutes: The time it took to read one book from cover to cover.
Next 15 minutes: Work with magnetic letters. Only 2 children threw them and no one ate them. They did a very nice job of cleaning up by the time I counted to 20.
Next 20 minutes: Time it took to take students to the bathroom, drop one off at the nurse, one in DMC (one girl slapped another girl), get a band-aid for another (injury caused by sliding on floor and getting a carpet burn), and time to walk back to my teaching area.
Next 15 minutes: writing HFW on dry erase boards, earned 2 minutes free draw
Last 10 minutes + 20 additional minutes: Time it took to walk back to class with only 4 boys, since one girl was in DMC and the other girl walked back with another adult since she was yelling in the 4 boys' faces.
Then, as I was leaving, one of the 4 boys (who had spent at least 30 minutes crying because he wanted to be with his other teacher) came up and hugged me and asked me not to go. Those are my baby steps!
Tonight's To Do List: Revamp thinking for TH and find an adult book to read about children who come from poverty. I have to better understand these children so I can better help them and their teacher.
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