May 31, 2011
Dear Kylie,
Well, I did it and I think I surprised you that I'd be able to complete the May Challenge. OK, I know I had to combine a few days, but for the most part, when I started I completed! Since Day 1, I've been thinking about Day 31, what would I say? First, my own words and then I'll end with a poem that seems to say it all.
My Words: As I Watch You Grow
You are a true blessing.
You have made dad and me complete.
You have a "bit" of stubborn in you, but it's a strength that will help you!
You carry the weight of the world on your heart.
You can multi-task well.
I wonder who taught you how to clean your room? I guess you're still growing in that area!
Your faith is very strong and causes me to reflect on my own.
You are low maintenance--most days!
No phoo-phoo for you--wonder if it was the brain squeezers that did you in?
Your love for others grows stronger each day.
When you know what you want, you go after it! When you're indecisive, oh no!
I could not be prouder of all you've accomplished and all that still awaits you!
I love you more today than I did yesterday.
Someone Else's Words: As I Watch You Grow
Do you know how much you mean to me?
As you grow into what you will be.
You came from within, from just beneath my heart
it's there you'll always be though your own life will now start. You're growing so fast it sends me awhirl,
With misty eyes I ask, Where's my little girl?
I know sometimes to you I seem harsh and so unfair,
But one day you will see, I taught you well because I care.
The next few years will so quickly fly,
With laughter and joy, mixed with a few tears to cry.
As you begin your growth to womanhood, this fact you must know,
You'll always be my source of pride, no matter where you go.
You must stand up tall and proud, within you feel no fear,
For all you dreams and goals, sit before you very near.
With god's love in your heart and the world by its tail,
You'll always be my winner, and victory will prevail.
For you this poem was written, with help from above, To tell you in a rhythm of your Mother's heartfelt Love!
Be Strong In All That is To Come!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Wedding Anniversary #23
Saturday was our 23rd anniverary. Where have the years gone? Although we spent a few minutes remembering that day (Kev golfing in the AM, Kev forgetting his vows he wrote, wedding at church, reception at golf course, and dance up town to find our car tied to railroad ties, and all our friends and family joining in the celebration), the majority of the day was spent getting ready for Ky's graduation and all the company coming in.
I woke up at 6:00 as usual, but stayed in bed until 7:00 before I got up and got busy: dusting baseboards, ceiling fans, and blinds! I also spent an hour in Ky's room "finishing cleaning" (see previous post as to what I discovered) and an hour organizing the office with work and personal stuff. Kevin cleaned carpets, did yard work, and was out at Sandlot with Kole dragging fields and mowing. I had a working lunch (nothing unsual) and didn't shower until 4:30--working the whole time. Kevin and I ran a couple of errands before enjoying dinner at Carraba's. We only talked about the kids once and really enjoyed our time alone as we're so busy usually that our paths cross while one is going in the door and the other out. When we got home we watched the Green Hornet, at least Kole and I did while Kevin fell asleep.
Definitely not spent like it was 23 years ago!
I woke up at 6:00 as usual, but stayed in bed until 7:00 before I got up and got busy: dusting baseboards, ceiling fans, and blinds! I also spent an hour in Ky's room "finishing cleaning" (see previous post as to what I discovered) and an hour organizing the office with work and personal stuff. Kevin cleaned carpets, did yard work, and was out at Sandlot with Kole dragging fields and mowing. I had a working lunch (nothing unsual) and didn't shower until 4:30--working the whole time. Kevin and I ran a couple of errands before enjoying dinner at Carraba's. We only talked about the kids once and really enjoyed our time alone as we're so busy usually that our paths cross while one is going in the door and the other out. When we got home we watched the Green Hornet, at least Kole and I did while Kevin fell asleep.
Definitely not spent like it was 23 years ago!
May Challenge: Days 29 and 31 You'll Always Be Daddy's Little Girl
May 30, 2011 (This blog entry was started May 29 but quickly interrupted by me having to go find a crib piece for dad that was in the attic while he was at Mike & Dawn's; therefore, just making one blog entry.)
Dear Kylie,
There is something special about the relationship you and your dad have. From the minute you were born, you had him wrapped around your little finger. You could do no wrong and to this day it is still true. No matter how old you get or even when you get married, you'll always be his little girl.
Remember when...
Cherish those times! I'm glad you have that special relationship.
Dear Kylie,
There is something special about the relationship you and your dad have. From the minute you were born, you had him wrapped around your little finger. You could do no wrong and to this day it is still true. No matter how old you get or even when you get married, you'll always be his little girl.
Remember when...
Saturday, May 28, 2011
May Challenge: Day 28 CLEAN
May 28, 2011
Dear Kylie,
I think it is safe to say, for the most part, we have agreed on most things over the past 18 years. However, the one thing that we have a varied understanding of is "clean." Your room has always been a "do not enter for fear of never making it out" room to me. And, I do know, I've nagged you more than you've cared to hear about your room. So, this past week, when I knew you were going to do a "one big clean room" day, I was thrilled! And, I must say as I walked by it last night, it did look pretty NEW!
So, this morning, when I went in to do the deep cleaning (blinds, baseboards, ceiling fan, wash curtains and comforter), I was amazed (well, not really) as to what I discovered. I've put all the "treasures" that I found that don't have a home yet in your laundry basket. They are all awaiting your return from camp to find their home. Let me list for you a few things I found:
~2 plastic hangers
~6 pencils, 2 markers, 3 pens
~bottle of GermX
~2010 Relay For Life program
~luggage tag for HR06
~2 copies of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
~Bible
~bandana
~key chain
~lap top case and sleeve
~frisbee
~goggles
~rain boots (weren't those to go to camp?)
~XMAS blanket
~3 backpacks, 1 purse, 1 athletic bag
~pair of pantyhose
~2007 Camp Cho-Yeh picture
~bikini bottom (where is the top?)
~flip flops
~hair brush
~pencil case (no, the pencils, markers, and pens weren't in there)
~4 contacts
~$100 cash (did you forget to take that to the bank?)
~2 pairs of sunglasses, 1 of which is broken
~3 containers of mints
~3 bottles of aspirin
~tennis ball
~water polo ball
~calculator
~glue stick and 2 rolls of scotch tape (hmm, aren't I always looking for those?)
~instructions for a watch
I think what is almost funnier than the above list (yes, I can laugh at it and hope you can as well) is that Dad had gone in your room earlier and said your room looked really good! I guess, when put in perspective from a week ago, he was right. I wonder what he'll say when he gets home from the cages and sees it now!
I only took one garbage bag of stuff (won't even tell you about those treasures) out. The rest is waiting for you to deal with on WED or THURS.
Hmm, I wonder what Ginny's definition of "clean" is for when you're at A&M....
Dear Kylie,
I think it is safe to say, for the most part, we have agreed on most things over the past 18 years. However, the one thing that we have a varied understanding of is "clean." Your room has always been a "do not enter for fear of never making it out" room to me. And, I do know, I've nagged you more than you've cared to hear about your room. So, this past week, when I knew you were going to do a "one big clean room" day, I was thrilled! And, I must say as I walked by it last night, it did look pretty NEW!
So, this morning, when I went in to do the deep cleaning (blinds, baseboards, ceiling fan, wash curtains and comforter), I was amazed (well, not really) as to what I discovered. I've put all the "treasures" that I found that don't have a home yet in your laundry basket. They are all awaiting your return from camp to find their home. Let me list for you a few things I found:
~2 plastic hangers
~6 pencils, 2 markers, 3 pens
~bottle of GermX
~2010 Relay For Life program
~luggage tag for HR06
~2 copies of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
~Bible
~bandana
~key chain
~lap top case and sleeve
~frisbee
~goggles
~rain boots (weren't those to go to camp?)
~XMAS blanket
~3 backpacks, 1 purse, 1 athletic bag
~pair of pantyhose
~2007 Camp Cho-Yeh picture
~bikini bottom (where is the top?)
~flip flops
~hair brush
~pencil case (no, the pencils, markers, and pens weren't in there)
~4 contacts
~$100 cash (did you forget to take that to the bank?)
~2 pairs of sunglasses, 1 of which is broken
~3 containers of mints
~3 bottles of aspirin
~tennis ball
~water polo ball
~calculator
~glue stick and 2 rolls of scotch tape (hmm, aren't I always looking for those?)
~instructions for a watch
I think what is almost funnier than the above list (yes, I can laugh at it and hope you can as well) is that Dad had gone in your room earlier and said your room looked really good! I guess, when put in perspective from a week ago, he was right. I wonder what he'll say when he gets home from the cages and sees it now!
I only took one garbage bag of stuff (won't even tell you about those treasures) out. The rest is waiting for you to deal with on WED or THURS.
Hmm, I wonder what Ginny's definition of "clean" is for when you're at A&M....
Friday, May 27, 2011
May Challenge: Day 27 Water
May 27, 2011
Dear Kylie,
I think it is safe to say, you have always been drawn to water. It is your beverage of choice. Since little, you were drawn to the pool. You have always enjoyed the beach. You swam and played water polo. You were a life guard and taught swim lessons. I'm curious what it is about the water that draws you in--the calmness, yet able to "stir it up" when need be? being able to see down under? how different the color might appear? how when you're swimming intensely you can drown all else out? the friends you met? a way to cool off? the way it feels against your body?
What is it about water?
Looking forward to seeing your "water days" ahead!
Dear Kylie,
I think it is safe to say, you have always been drawn to water. It is your beverage of choice. Since little, you were drawn to the pool. You have always enjoyed the beach. You swam and played water polo. You were a life guard and taught swim lessons. I'm curious what it is about the water that draws you in--the calmness, yet able to "stir it up" when need be? being able to see down under? how different the color might appear? how when you're swimming intensely you can drown all else out? the friends you met? a way to cool off? the way it feels against your body?
What is it about water?
Thursday, May 26, 2011
I'm So Excited and I Don't Have to Hide it Anymore!
The last 6 weeks have been an emotional roller coaster and I was unsure the ride would ever end!
The week after Easter I interviewed with Crystal at Fiest, 1-1. We met for 1.5 hours and it was an amazing conversation. That was a key factor, it felt like a conversation, not an interview. She made me really think about some things that I hadn't considered--what are my personal constraints? Got home from the interview and downloaded a book to my Nook to figure it out! She was interviewing quite a few candidates for AP and hoped to narrow the list down. She'd let me know either way once her list was narrowed down.
I was contacted to come back for a 2nd interview. This interview would be with 2 groups of staff members, liaisons and CPOC. I met with each group, consisting of about 8 staff members in each group, for about 45 minutes each. What was most amazing after that round of interviews is that I could tell those 2 groups and Crystal were on the same page in regards to vision for Fiest. That was amazing to me! I left that night knowing I really wanted to work there and hoped I was someone they were looking for as well. Although Fiest has changed since I taught there 10 years ago, it still felt like home, and I was being called to go there--I just had that feeling.
Crystal had hoped they'd have a decision made by the first Friday in May; however, the process took much longer than anticipated. The "not knowing" was the hard part! Then on Friday the 13th, I got a call from Crystal offering me the position. I was elated! I could tell those I worked with and my family that I was being recommended, but Crystal wanted the Fiest staff to know before the "rest of the world". THAT WAS HARD!!! I wanted to share my exciting news but I had to hang tight until all was finalized in HR.
But today, the waiting game was over. Amy, the other new AP, and I were introduced to the Fiest Staff. It felt so good to be welcomed home! Then, sitting in on a brief A-Team meeting and learning about what was coming up, just got BUSY BRAIN going again! I felt like I had a new "spring in my step" today after my news was shared.
Although I am extremely excited, I do know it will be hard for me to drive away from ISC at the end of June for the last "curriculum coach" time. These last 10 years have been the hardest I've ever worked, but it has also been a most amazing ride! I have met wonderful people, learned tons about curriculum and myself, and worked with amazing friends. It has been a good home for me for the last 10 years, but it is now time to "relocate". I know I'll be working even harder, but am so excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.
When I shared my news with a close group of teachers today, many were excited for me to have the chance to work with Tina again. Oh, yes, that will be fun, but I'm also looking forward to learning from Crystal about leadership and "all that she is"--she's an amazing lady and I know she will make me challenge myself!
I'm so excited and I don't have to hide it! (Go ahead, sing it!)
The week after Easter I interviewed with Crystal at Fiest, 1-1. We met for 1.5 hours and it was an amazing conversation. That was a key factor, it felt like a conversation, not an interview. She made me really think about some things that I hadn't considered--what are my personal constraints? Got home from the interview and downloaded a book to my Nook to figure it out! She was interviewing quite a few candidates for AP and hoped to narrow the list down. She'd let me know either way once her list was narrowed down.
I was contacted to come back for a 2nd interview. This interview would be with 2 groups of staff members, liaisons and CPOC. I met with each group, consisting of about 8 staff members in each group, for about 45 minutes each. What was most amazing after that round of interviews is that I could tell those 2 groups and Crystal were on the same page in regards to vision for Fiest. That was amazing to me! I left that night knowing I really wanted to work there and hoped I was someone they were looking for as well. Although Fiest has changed since I taught there 10 years ago, it still felt like home, and I was being called to go there--I just had that feeling.
Crystal had hoped they'd have a decision made by the first Friday in May; however, the process took much longer than anticipated. The "not knowing" was the hard part! Then on Friday the 13th, I got a call from Crystal offering me the position. I was elated! I could tell those I worked with and my family that I was being recommended, but Crystal wanted the Fiest staff to know before the "rest of the world". THAT WAS HARD!!! I wanted to share my exciting news but I had to hang tight until all was finalized in HR.
But today, the waiting game was over. Amy, the other new AP, and I were introduced to the Fiest Staff. It felt so good to be welcomed home! Then, sitting in on a brief A-Team meeting and learning about what was coming up, just got BUSY BRAIN going again! I felt like I had a new "spring in my step" today after my news was shared.
Although I am extremely excited, I do know it will be hard for me to drive away from ISC at the end of June for the last "curriculum coach" time. These last 10 years have been the hardest I've ever worked, but it has also been a most amazing ride! I have met wonderful people, learned tons about curriculum and myself, and worked with amazing friends. It has been a good home for me for the last 10 years, but it is now time to "relocate". I know I'll be working even harder, but am so excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.
When I shared my news with a close group of teachers today, many were excited for me to have the chance to work with Tina again. Oh, yes, that will be fun, but I'm also looking forward to learning from Crystal about leadership and "all that she is"--she's an amazing lady and I know she will make me challenge myself!
I'm so excited and I don't have to hide it! (Go ahead, sing it!)
May Challenge: Day 26 Fiest Memories
May 26, 2011
Dear Kylie,
Well with today being the big announcement day at Fiest, I thought it would be fun to think back on some Fiest memories we shared.
*Some breakfasts consisted of Ding-Dongs!
*Although I'd never home-school you, I did get to work with you in the pull-out GT in kindergarten.
*You were a ladybug in the KGN program.
*When you got to go to Iowa to surprise Grandpa Zieman when he was being sworn in as an Iowa Senator, your teachers knew how important it was that you had perfect attendance, and...
*You liked it when your grandparents came to visit and ate lunch with you.
*You enjoyed "hanging out" in mom's room after school.
*You earned all As AND perfect attendance all five years.
*You did have a run-in with a certain EMM.
*Some of your Fiest Friends you will graduate with at Falls.
*Mrs. Flores showed you teacher life "outside" of school.
*You loved razzing Mrs. Krolczyk.
It was fun having you there with me. Will you come back and visit Fiest when you're home for a break?
Dear Kylie,
Well with today being the big announcement day at Fiest, I thought it would be fun to think back on some Fiest memories we shared.
*Some breakfasts consisted of Ding-Dongs!
*Although I'd never home-school you, I did get to work with you in the pull-out GT in kindergarten.
*You were a ladybug in the KGN program.
*When you got to go to Iowa to surprise Grandpa Zieman when he was being sworn in as an Iowa Senator, your teachers knew how important it was that you had perfect attendance, and...
*You liked it when your grandparents came to visit and ate lunch with you.
*You enjoyed "hanging out" in mom's room after school.
*You earned all As AND perfect attendance all five years.
*You did have a run-in with a certain EMM.
*Some of your Fiest Friends you will graduate with at Falls.
*Mrs. Flores showed you teacher life "outside" of school.
*You loved razzing Mrs. Krolczyk.
It was fun having you there with me. Will you come back and visit Fiest when you're home for a break?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)