Wednesday, January 28, 2009
NO SCHOOL! SNOW!
I really think we could have gone today. However in the country the roads are bad so the buses wouldn't be able to make it. So we have 3 days to make-up this spring. NO MORE SNOW DAYS. I want to get out in May not June.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Great site for Danville, Illinois School Alumni
Alumni of Danville schools, check out the following website. Maybe some of you went to one of the schools that are not supported any longer and would like to help. I don't know much about this site except wow I have some pics I could add to their collection. I know it says Douglas Elementary for a web address however they have many of the schools. Here is a link to the site:
http://www.douglaselementaryschool-danvilleillinois.com/index.html
http://www.douglaselementaryschool-danvilleillinois.com/index.html
Monday, January 26, 2009
Found a Wii Fit
Many phone calls, maybe tomorrow. Yes we are unpacking a box of... I have purchased a Wii fit for Lara and Chris. Now the search is on for Mario Cart... If I would have know at Christmas that Wii was the present of choice and that we would all end up with one... If only I had known we could all play this game together... IF IF IF ... Now we all have Wii Fit... Mario Cart you are so allusive... I have Game Stop in my speed dial...
Can't wait til Lara gets her new phone... she usually calls me each day...
Can't wait til Lara gets her new phone... she usually calls me each day...
Devon the Demon
Well not really. He just likes to see what he can get away with. Today the poor frog is without a home. Devon destroyed it. Austin will be upset when he gets home. What can we say. I guess I need to get more sand ordered from the frog store so Casi can save the frog. He was actually jumping around in the house. He finally landed on Casi's foot and she captured him and put him back in some water. Poor frog. I guess Devon was just letting the trapped creature loose.
Book Store
I would like to open a book store with used books and new books. I would like to open it close to Casi so she could run it. I think she would enjoy it and I think Devon would love looking through books and pretending to read. (He loves going to the library.) Of course Devon is all boy and destruction is his favorite thing. Any one with extra books you don't want and want to help start this store... let me know... in fact we may make it a store that will donate the profit to Make A Wish foundation or to the cancer victim fund we have dreamed of for so long.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
January Almost Over
Wow has this month passed quickly. One more week and it will be February. I have been busy scanning more things into my computer. I can't wait until it is warm enough to work in the attic again. Maybe everything I have to scan will be done by then and I can attack the attic with full attention. Don't get me wrong it is not because it is a "clean house" type thing. I just have so many things that I never use and feel I should get rid of them so others may have them if they want the excess. I am also trying to make sure I have all of my genealogy things from there and stored properly. When Kristina and her girls moved in a few years back I just put things up there and didn't keep it real organized, so now I need to go through all the containers and find stuff, throw stuff out, scan stuff and just feel organized once again.
Lara's phone was stolen while she was shopping. However since it is a smart phone they will not be able to activate it, so they wasted their energy. Technology is so advanced these days. Any way thank God for the insurance we carry on the phones.
I finally was brave enough to purchase Julian's workout program for the Wii. She is as tough on it as she is on the show. Will see if the combination of her workouts and the Wii fit workout will quicken my weight loss.
Lara's phone was stolen while she was shopping. However since it is a smart phone they will not be able to activate it, so they wasted their energy. Technology is so advanced these days. Any way thank God for the insurance we carry on the phones.
I finally was brave enough to purchase Julian's workout program for the Wii. She is as tough on it as she is on the show. Will see if the combination of her workouts and the Wii fit workout will quicken my weight loss.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Projects for Kids for Studing their Family History
I cannot find this link any more so I have scanned it. I am placing it here for all to share. Hope you can use it to help develop an awareness of their family history.
A great resource I found on Recording your personal history -- MSN Family
I found this article years ago on the Internet. Amazingly it is still there. Here is the URL so you check other articles on their site.
http://msn.ancestry.com/landing/msn/10steps.htm?SourceCode=4286&o_xid=4286&o_li (You will probably need to cut and paste it into your browser.)
Ten Steps to Recording Your Personal History
– Juliana Smith
As family historians, we often forget that we are an important part of our family's history. It should be easy to write our own life story, since we know more about ourselves than anyone else, but we still tend to put it off. Here are a few ideas to help get your personal history project off the ground.
1. Schedule some "me" time.
With today's busy schedules, we often find ourselves rushing from one task to the next, with little time for ourselves. By scheduling a little time to record your personal history, you are allowing time for yourself to reflect on the day and on your life as a whole; this can often be very therapeutic. It can be whenever is most convenient for you—after a hectic day, before the morning rush, or while your spouse is watching a TV show you despise.
2. Make it convenient.
By choosing a method that is convenient, you will be more likely to follow through. If you are more comfortable in front of the computer, create a file for your journal there. You can choose your own platform—from specialized software to a basic word-processing document. If you are more comfortable with a journal and pen, find one that you can take with you anywhere. You can fill it out while you are on a swing in the garden, in a doctor's waiting room, on break or lunch at work, in bed, on an exercise bike, on a bus, train, or plane, or even in a car (preferably not while driving though!).
3. Do a little at a time.
While the task of documenting your personal history may seem overwhelming at first, if you do it a little at a time, you will find it much less intimidating. If you focus on smaller periods of your life and don't try to record it all at once, the project will seem much more manageable. If you think of something for another period, you can jot down a note for later reference. It doesn't necessarily have to be done in chronological order, and you can pick and choose your focus as the mood strikes or as memories are stirred.
4. Interview yourself.
If you have a hard time or are not comfortable with traditional forms of journal writing, you might want to interview yourself, just as you would other family members. Ask yourself the questions you would ask an ancestor if you had the opportunity.
5. Liven it up with current events.
By including events that were in the news during the period you are recording, your history will be more illuminating as you set it against the context of the times. You may also find that by recalling historical events, you will be stirring more personal memories.
6. Jog your memory.
Events are not the only thing that can bring back memories. Photographs, letters or cards, yearbooks, and other memorabilia can all serve to bring back those memories that have been pushed to the back of your brain. Familiar smells and sounds can also be powerful memory stimulants.
7. Introduce your friends and family.
Include tidbits about those around you. By including friends and family, your descendants will have better insight into family relations and the way you interact with others.
8. Let your light shine through.
By sharing your thoughts, ideals, favorite quotes, and jokes, you will give your readers a glimpse into your true self and let them know what a truly unique and wonderful person you are!
9. Get help online.
There are many sites online that can give ideas, stimulation, and information to help you create a captivating personal history. Here are a few:
Writing the Journey: Online Journal Writing Website
www.writingthejourney.com/
(I really liked this site and will be going back to visit myself! It includes ideas, information about journal-keeping software, a free newsletter, an online workshop, exercises to improve your journal-writing skills, and more.)
“Seven Thoughts About Keeping a Journal,” by John E. Lane
www.wofford.edu/studyabroad/journal.htm
10. Make it fun.
There are no rules. If you have fun creating your memoirs, your readers will most likely have fun reading it. Be as creative as you want, and include whatever you want. Photos, textiles, maps, pressed flowers from your garden, news or magazine articles, receipts, recipes, song lyrics or poetry, favorite quotations and jokes, cards you've received, a picture of a sunset—anything that makes you happy or sad or makes you think.
However you choose to preserve your memories, they will be a reflection of you and your devotion to preserving your family history, and your family will love you for it!
http://msn.ancestry.com/landing/msn/10steps.htm?SourceCode=4286&o_xid=4286&o_li (You will probably need to cut and paste it into your browser.)
Ten Steps to Recording Your Personal History
– Juliana Smith
As family historians, we often forget that we are an important part of our family's history. It should be easy to write our own life story, since we know more about ourselves than anyone else, but we still tend to put it off. Here are a few ideas to help get your personal history project off the ground.
1. Schedule some "me" time.
With today's busy schedules, we often find ourselves rushing from one task to the next, with little time for ourselves. By scheduling a little time to record your personal history, you are allowing time for yourself to reflect on the day and on your life as a whole; this can often be very therapeutic. It can be whenever is most convenient for you—after a hectic day, before the morning rush, or while your spouse is watching a TV show you despise.
2. Make it convenient.
By choosing a method that is convenient, you will be more likely to follow through. If you are more comfortable in front of the computer, create a file for your journal there. You can choose your own platform—from specialized software to a basic word-processing document. If you are more comfortable with a journal and pen, find one that you can take with you anywhere. You can fill it out while you are on a swing in the garden, in a doctor's waiting room, on break or lunch at work, in bed, on an exercise bike, on a bus, train, or plane, or even in a car (preferably not while driving though!).
3. Do a little at a time.
While the task of documenting your personal history may seem overwhelming at first, if you do it a little at a time, you will find it much less intimidating. If you focus on smaller periods of your life and don't try to record it all at once, the project will seem much more manageable. If you think of something for another period, you can jot down a note for later reference. It doesn't necessarily have to be done in chronological order, and you can pick and choose your focus as the mood strikes or as memories are stirred.
4. Interview yourself.
If you have a hard time or are not comfortable with traditional forms of journal writing, you might want to interview yourself, just as you would other family members. Ask yourself the questions you would ask an ancestor if you had the opportunity.
5. Liven it up with current events.
By including events that were in the news during the period you are recording, your history will be more illuminating as you set it against the context of the times. You may also find that by recalling historical events, you will be stirring more personal memories.
6. Jog your memory.
Events are not the only thing that can bring back memories. Photographs, letters or cards, yearbooks, and other memorabilia can all serve to bring back those memories that have been pushed to the back of your brain. Familiar smells and sounds can also be powerful memory stimulants.
7. Introduce your friends and family.
Include tidbits about those around you. By including friends and family, your descendants will have better insight into family relations and the way you interact with others.
8. Let your light shine through.
By sharing your thoughts, ideals, favorite quotes, and jokes, you will give your readers a glimpse into your true self and let them know what a truly unique and wonderful person you are!
9. Get help online.
There are many sites online that can give ideas, stimulation, and information to help you create a captivating personal history. Here are a few:
Writing the Journey: Online Journal Writing Website
www.writingthejourney.com/
(I really liked this site and will be going back to visit myself! It includes ideas, information about journal-keeping software, a free newsletter, an online workshop, exercises to improve your journal-writing skills, and more.)
“Seven Thoughts About Keeping a Journal,” by John E. Lane
www.wofford.edu/studyabroad/journal.htm
10. Make it fun.
There are no rules. If you have fun creating your memoirs, your readers will most likely have fun reading it. Be as creative as you want, and include whatever you want. Photos, textiles, maps, pressed flowers from your garden, news or magazine articles, receipts, recipes, song lyrics or poetry, favorite quotations and jokes, cards you've received, a picture of a sunset—anything that makes you happy or sad or makes you think.
However you choose to preserve your memories, they will be a reflection of you and your devotion to preserving your family history, and your family will love you for it!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Cannot get the pictures to load on the site.
I couldn't get the pictures to load. I do not know why. Will try later.
Cannot get the pictures to load on the site.
I couldn't get the pictures to load. I do not know why. Will try later.
Last Weekend in America for Isabela
This is the last weekend that Isabela will be spending here in America with us. It was wonderful getting to know her. I have finally loaded all the pictures off of my camera onto my computer. Here are some from the various fall and Christmas activities.
I will attempt to load a few on here. We had a wonderful time this weekend. Casi, Shane,Devon, Lara, Chris, Isabela, Kristina, Dustin, Rachel, Ashley, Mom and Jane went to the Monical's for pizza and some good laughs. Austin wasn't here. He went to his grandma Marty's house and spent the night there.
Saturday night All but Mom and Kristina spent the night here. We played Wii and laughed at each other. Had a great time. Austin arrived back in here on Sunday. We had a great time playing Wii and sledding. Everyone has left now and Isabela is heading back home on Tuesday afternoon.
It was icy on Saturday and Sunday we got more snow. Well this will be a winter to remember.
I will attempt to load a few on here. We had a wonderful time this weekend. Casi, Shane,Devon, Lara, Chris, Isabela, Kristina, Dustin, Rachel, Ashley, Mom and Jane went to the Monical's for pizza and some good laughs. Austin wasn't here. He went to his grandma Marty's house and spent the night there.
Saturday night All but Mom and Kristina spent the night here. We played Wii and laughed at each other. Had a great time. Austin arrived back in here on Sunday. We had a great time playing Wii and sledding. Everyone has left now and Isabela is heading back home on Tuesday afternoon.
It was icy on Saturday and Sunday we got more snow. Well this will be a winter to remember.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Want to find out what is happening in my classroom
If you would like to find out what is happening in my classroom, please go to my classroom blog.
NO SCHOOL! NO SCHOOL!
Oh Yeah, no school! Not because of snow but wind..... Now I have time to go through more magazines... So here is my last finds...
1. "If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere." Vincent Van Gogh
2. "Happiness is a Green Thumb... Researchers at the University of Texas found that having a plant on your desk or views of green spaces from your office can lead to higher job satisfaction." Ladies Home Journal page 20 October 2008 issue.
3. "A Scent-Sational EXPERIENCE ... Aromatherapy isn't just hype - scents can indeed have a powerful effect on our mind and moods, scientists have found. When we smell something, an 'odor pattern' is sent to a specific part of the brain, and these signals can actually sharpen our thinking or regulate our emotions. For example, one recent study showed that the smell of coffee changes protein levels in the brain that can ward off the stress that's caused by sleep deprivation. So after de-stressing with your java, try one of the following fragrances, which have also been found to be beneficial:
**Rosemary improves memory
**Orange boosts happiness and reduces anxiety
**Jasmine calms nerves
**Sage eases physical pain"
article by Megan McClure, Ladies Home Journal, page 20 October 2008
1. "If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere." Vincent Van Gogh
2. "Happiness is a Green Thumb... Researchers at the University of Texas found that having a plant on your desk or views of green spaces from your office can lead to higher job satisfaction." Ladies Home Journal page 20 October 2008 issue.
3. "A Scent-Sational EXPERIENCE ... Aromatherapy isn't just hype - scents can indeed have a powerful effect on our mind and moods, scientists have found. When we smell something, an 'odor pattern' is sent to a specific part of the brain, and these signals can actually sharpen our thinking or regulate our emotions. For example, one recent study showed that the smell of coffee changes protein levels in the brain that can ward off the stress that's caused by sleep deprivation. So after de-stressing with your java, try one of the following fragrances, which have also been found to be beneficial:
**Rosemary improves memory
**Orange boosts happiness and reduces anxiety
**Jasmine calms nerves
**Sage eases physical pain"
article by Megan McClure, Ladies Home Journal, page 20 October 2008
Monday, January 12, 2009
Rachel Skating, Monday, Snow and Wind, me and my Wii-me
Rachel is here. She has been at the ice rink since 3:45. She just arrived home here to Grandmum's at 8:15. She loves the ice and the excitement of performing. It was snowing earlier when I took her a sandwich. However it has stopped for the time being. We are under a warning for snow and wind after midnight.We will see. So far this year we have not missed a day of school, knock on wood, no matter how bad the weather was... dense fog you couldn't see in front of your car, ice... so snow and wind... school will be on tomorrow.
I am proud of myself, I have not missed one day on my Wii... well Jane missed one day, however Fred exercised for her. I(and my alter-ego Fred) have lost 6 pounds now. Pat us on the back. We are working hard at this... 30 to 60 minutes per day. Can you imagine what I would loose if I did it 90 to 120 minutes per day...!
It is Monday and today we had some classes that over half of the students were out sick or they went home sick. Not good. I am glad I am as old as I am. Beginning teachers have a tendency to get sick a lot because they are not use to all of those germs... When you get to be my age they don't seem to affect you as much...KNOCK ON WOOD AGAIN!
I am proud of myself, I have not missed one day on my Wii... well Jane missed one day, however Fred exercised for her. I(and my alter-ego Fred) have lost 6 pounds now. Pat us on the back. We are working hard at this... 30 to 60 minutes per day. Can you imagine what I would loose if I did it 90 to 120 minutes per day...!
It is Monday and today we had some classes that over half of the students were out sick or they went home sick. Not good. I am glad I am as old as I am. Beginning teachers have a tendency to get sick a lot because they are not use to all of those germs... When you get to be my age they don't seem to affect you as much...KNOCK ON WOOD AGAIN!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Genealogy
I have been working on my files. I am almost done entering all the data again since I lost it, thank God I paper back-upped all of my files, when I had to have a new had drive a few (6) years ago. Feels good to know I am almost done with that part. Now I am heading to the attic to make sure I have everything from there (pictures, documents, etc.) I know I drive my family insane with my love of family history, but maybe one day they will want my information because they feel it is important or interesting. I am almost finished scanning important information and am trying to keep all programs current so it will always be available. I want to go to the nursing homes this summer and visit with some of the "old folks" to hear and record stories they have to tell. I will post them someplace on the Internet in case someone someplace will find them fascinating. Maybe I will create a book with their stories. Who knows. Well good nite. And good thoughts.
Lara votes
Lara needs your votes for her video that she submitted. Vote for her.
http://www.cbs.com/specials/grammys/moment/video_player.php?vid=180
http://www.cbs.com/specials/grammys/moment/video_player.php?vid=180
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Sunday, School Tomorrow
The vacation is over. I am a little discouraged as I did not get near as much done as I had planned to. Of course we need to hope for SNOW DAYS as on those days we have NO PLANS and can do those things that we want to do that we never seem to have time to do.
I do enjoy my job -- most days. However retirement is looking better and better. James is gone to Casi's house. Tomorrow is the big day. She has been seizure free since the surgery and now she can get a driver's license. Can't wait. I am so happy for her. Freedom awaits... well freedom to drive and go to the store if she wants to without depending on others to take her. She is already talking about getting more involved in the community and helping others.
I AM PROUD TO CALL YOU MY DAUGHTER CASI. Stay strong.
I am also proud of my other children.
I really don't have a lot to say. I am watching Stars on Ice. I am hoping Rachel is too as it would be a good opportunity to watch and study others and how they move. I sit here watching and thinking she has all of the basic steps now comes the fluff and stuff. Maybe one day we will be watching her on TV... or maybe I will get the opportunity to go to the Olympics to watch her perform.... Wouldn't that be thrilling. I wouldn't even care if she won a gold medal... just being there and getting a chance to compete. RACHEL I WANT TO WATCH YOU ON TV SOME DAY.
Lara, Chris and Isabela are back from Tennessee. From their site it looks like they had fun. See ya all in the spring, except Isabela... have fun the next 15 days. It was nice getting to know you.
Kristina and her family have been having fun with their Wii. I will be seeing Rachel tomorrow and she always spends Monday night after practice here with me. They want to work on their sewing. We will see.
James called and he wants his dad to go to Florida with him for the Daytona 200 motorcycle race. Dad is not sure yet. We will see.
Take care as I need to get some work done for school tomorrow.
I do enjoy my job -- most days. However retirement is looking better and better. James is gone to Casi's house. Tomorrow is the big day. She has been seizure free since the surgery and now she can get a driver's license. Can't wait. I am so happy for her. Freedom awaits... well freedom to drive and go to the store if she wants to without depending on others to take her. She is already talking about getting more involved in the community and helping others.
I AM PROUD TO CALL YOU MY DAUGHTER CASI. Stay strong.
I am also proud of my other children.
I really don't have a lot to say. I am watching Stars on Ice. I am hoping Rachel is too as it would be a good opportunity to watch and study others and how they move. I sit here watching and thinking she has all of the basic steps now comes the fluff and stuff. Maybe one day we will be watching her on TV... or maybe I will get the opportunity to go to the Olympics to watch her perform.... Wouldn't that be thrilling. I wouldn't even care if she won a gold medal... just being there and getting a chance to compete. RACHEL I WANT TO WATCH YOU ON TV SOME DAY.
Lara, Chris and Isabela are back from Tennessee. From their site it looks like they had fun. See ya all in the spring, except Isabela... have fun the next 15 days. It was nice getting to know you.
Kristina and her family have been having fun with their Wii. I will be seeing Rachel tomorrow and she always spends Monday night after practice here with me. They want to work on their sewing. We will see.
James called and he wants his dad to go to Florida with him for the Daytona 200 motorcycle race. Dad is not sure yet. We will see.
Take care as I need to get some work done for school tomorrow.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Looking Through Old Magazines
I have been looking through my old magazines -- find what I was keeping it for and then tossing in the recycle bin at school.
I came across an article, this will tell you how long it has been since I have cleaned my magazine rack, on "circle journey." (website: http://www.circlejourney.com/ideas/index.asp ) It seems to be something like a journal that you share with others. This is what the article in Woman's Day, Dec. 6, 2005 page 14:
" 1. Join together. Gather a group. Fewer than 10 people works best.
2. Book it. Pick a journal or scrapbook that's small and durable enough to go through the mail....
3. Choose a theme. 'The hardest part of a project is sometimes just coming up with an idea,' says Stanley. To make it easier to craft, brainstorm themes such as favorite quotes, travel spots, or life goals.
4. Give direction. Outline instructions on the front page or the life goals.
5. Send it off. To mail, enclose in a plastic bag and pack in a sturdy box. The organizer can keep the journal or each member can get her own book to hold onto when it's finished." Debbe Geiger
I thought this sounds like a great idea for the grandkids to be able to keep in touch with Isabela. What do you think?
I came across an article, this will tell you how long it has been since I have cleaned my magazine rack, on "circle journey." (website: http://www.circlejourney.com/ideas/index.asp ) It seems to be something like a journal that you share with others. This is what the article in Woman's Day, Dec. 6, 2005 page 14:
" 1. Join together. Gather a group. Fewer than 10 people works best.
2. Book it. Pick a journal or scrapbook that's small and durable enough to go through the mail....
3. Choose a theme. 'The hardest part of a project is sometimes just coming up with an idea,' says Stanley. To make it easier to craft, brainstorm themes such as favorite quotes, travel spots, or life goals.
4. Give direction. Outline instructions on the front page or the life goals.
5. Send it off. To mail, enclose in a plastic bag and pack in a sturdy box. The organizer can keep the journal or each member can get her own book to hold onto when it's finished." Debbe Geiger
I thought this sounds like a great idea for the grandkids to be able to keep in touch with Isabela. What do you think?
Me and my Wii-Me
Well I have officially started... Well I started Christmas... I am now contemplating when I will fit this into my schedule once school starts. I also created my alter-ego Fred. I wanted to compare the male-female roles of the Wii. I do believe the males are dominant. Fred scores higher, has a lower BMI and seems to be more physically fit that my Wii.
I attribute this to the fact it is produced in a country were the male figure is considered dominant. Of course in most society of the world this is true also.
I plan to make my Wii as fit, if not fitter, than my alter-ego. Plan - to make Fred the guinea pig... he will do the exercises first each day. He will be weighed first each day ... etc. Take that Fred... I challenge my alter-ego to surpass me! Well we all know he cannot succeed at this task since I am in control of the "program."
I challenge my family to a fitness duel... I know all of us have Wii Fit.... Can you beat me? Some of you need to gain and become more fit -- others, like me, need to lose. I CHALLENGE THEE!
I attribute this to the fact it is produced in a country were the male figure is considered dominant. Of course in most society of the world this is true also.
I plan to make my Wii as fit, if not fitter, than my alter-ego. Plan - to make Fred the guinea pig... he will do the exercises first each day. He will be weighed first each day ... etc. Take that Fred... I challenge my alter-ego to surpass me! Well we all know he cannot succeed at this task since I am in control of the "program."
I challenge my family to a fitness duel... I know all of us have Wii Fit.... Can you beat me? Some of you need to gain and become more fit -- others, like me, need to lose. I CHALLENGE THEE!
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