Coconut No Crust Pie

Mom gave me this recipe. My sister, Marianne, gave it to her. It is good and it is simple. Give it a try.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
1 3/4 c sugar
1/2 c self-rising flour
2 c milk
1 1/2 c coconut
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 stick oleo
4 eggs

Mix all ingredients in blender. Pour into a greased pie pan.

Cook for 45 minutes.

Geocaching

Check out this site... Rails to Trails. Maybe we can do some of this this summer. I know the kids would love it. Plan the family vacation. Maybe we can go to Tennessee where your brother is. I don't think he will be doing to much traveling this summer.

http://www.traillink.com/

Rain, Rain and more rain!!!!!!

It is raining again today. It just keeps coming. My garden is growing rapidly and I cannot get out there to weed it. The weeds are going faster than the flowers. I wanted to do some rearranging of the gardens, however I think it will have to wait until the fall now as I am a little leery of moving plants at this stage. I have done it before, maybe I will do some but not all.

Check out Rodz

Welcome family in Wales. Check him out. He is a really great kid.

Kids Cooking

I just read about this website today about these two girls. It is great to see the creativity that some folks have. Check it out. I linked it under the recipe section.
http://www.spatulatta.com/

Scrapbooking

Hey all, I have added some links to a few scrapbooking sites. If you love to scrapbook or want to learn how these sites offer some ideas and the equipment needed. To find the list scroll down, they are on the links list titled "scrapbooking."

Show DVD

The DVD will be here this weekend. I will go pick up our copy and try to share it with all. It has to be on a special DVD because it is too large of a file for a regular DVD. Be watching for more news about the show.

Magazine Update

This is a slow process. It seems I saved magazines for many years. I am finding some really good and useful information in them. As I go through them and the summer holiday arrives, I hope to have them finished by then.

I almost have all of the pictures scanned and in the computer. This is a BIG task. However when I finish all of this scanning I will need to organize them on my flash drive. That is going to be a challenge also. But at least it is all on the computer and I can move things around easily and it is taking up only the tower size space and not those big ole filing cabinets.

Family Fun

There are many sites that I have listed here to help the family have fun. Most of them offer many crafts or educational things to do with your children or grandchildren.

I know that my daughters have a blast doing little inexpensive things with their children. My daughter Cassandra volunteers at her sons school once a week. She helps the teacher with the students that are not learning as quickly as others. She furnishes crafts at the school parties. The teacher is young and is amazed at how much the students she is working with are learning.

My other two daughters love doing crafts also. My grandchildren love creating gifts for others. After all it is the child's creativity and displaying it makes them proud of what they have done.

One Of the Greatest Legislation in the State of Illinois

Six months from the time the DEADBEAT DAD's (or mother) files their taxes, the custodial parent will receive a check from the Federal Government. This is the only way that some custodial parents receive their support. Of course the state of Illinois also goes after their driver's license.

However wouldn't it be great if the DEADBEAT would just pay all along, instead of playing games and not helping with their children's care.

This is a real plus living in Illinois. Of course some will lie, they profess to some unwitting woman that they love them, they are truly the love of their life, they will go to church for them, they will do anything to prove they are in love with them, want to hurry up and marry them before Dec. 31 of any given year, so they can get credit for the unwitting ones taxes and hopefully she will have children to make the benefit even more so the government will take their new wife's tax refund and apply it to their deadbeat money owed so they can get out of trouble with the law. It also means that some other father is paying support for that child or children, (more money for them to spend on themselves!)

I feel sorry for these women that believe they need a man soooooooo much, they marry them 3 months after they meet them and one month after their divorce from their wife. These type of men are abusive in the end and of course they ALWAYS CLAIM THEY ARE THE VICTIM. Well if they have been married more than one time and in a few months they cheat on their wife with you!!!.... Get the hint... If they cheated on their wife (WIVES) (does not matter how many wives they have had!) they will cheat on you no matter how many wives down the line you are. A cheat and a scoundrel is always a cheat and scoundrel. They never change. Life is good the first couple of months/years... then look out. Remember if the ex(s) was (were) so bad you will be also. Women maybe you should check with the exs' (and I mean singular or plural!) to hear the other side.

One other thing that bothers me is the father that thinks he deserves time made up to them if the children are involved in activities and they let them go. What is up with that? If they were with their mother and the party or activity is going on, the mother is not spending that time with them. This is such a childish and immature behavior! Just an other selfish, self-centered attitude towards the children.

This school year

This school year is almost over. Yippee. It has been a short year, however retirement is looking good. 5 more years. It does not seem that I should be that old... It seems just the other day I was beginning teaching. I look back on those years and say... wow I have been having a good time for a good many years. I can't wait for the summer. I have so many things on my list that I want to do. I am getting a lot of the work done on my list right now. I almost have all the information back in my family files. It seems like I have been working forever. Back at 14956 names and information. Wow I wish there was an easier way of doing this. Oh well, it will get done as long as I keep on pluggin' away!!!

Indiana Beach Opening Week-end is Coming

May 2nd first day for park operation at Indiana Beach. No Beach activities but the rides are open. I think they have a new roller coaster for those that love them. Check out thier site to read about it.

Just the latest .....

First James is home. He will be trying to recoup for awhile. I don't know our plans yet for this weekend.

Second I have added more recipe sites. Some of them seem really good. Check them out.

Third have a great day.

One of The Danville Sparks Performance

Short Video Clip of My 10 Year Old Ice Princess

Last Performance For This Season

The last performance for this season is Saturday at the Civic Center. Both Rachel and Ashley will be performing. Rachel has 7 performances on Saturday.I sure hope she can remember that many.

Check back in a few days. I will try to have their performances on here. I have an extra SD card I will be taking along so I can take pictures and record as much as possible.

If you can come it is $5.00 and begins at 6:00 pm I think most people will be impressed with the talent of these skaters and their dedication. Their parents and families will be proud of them also.

Ice skating as with any other private/semi-private lessons are expensive and when you see the wonderful fruits of the expense it makes you know that you have not wasted time or money.

Son Update

James is still in the hospital. He is healing, however it is very slow. He is unable at this time to put any weight on his legs or feet. He hopes to go home in the next six days, however that is his hoping more than reality. He still does not have feeling in his one foot that they had to reconstruct. He really would like to get back to work, however that won't even be considered by the doctors for at least another 4 months. He will be in a wheelchair for at least that long. He seemed to be in good spirits when I talked to him last night. If you wish to send him cards make sure to send them to the house. Someone will make sure he gets them. He has been moved from the critical care hospital to one near home in Crossville. There are many people there that will help him. I am going down as soon as school is out to get him to therapy each day. Keep him in your prays and thanks to all that prayed for him already.

Where has this week gone!

This week is just "flying" by. It doesn't seem possible that it has gone by so quickly. It is Thursday, Ashley and I came to Casi's to help her get things ready of the birthday party Saturday. We went shopping early this morning and got all of the goody bags. On Friday we are going to go get the cake. Aunt Lara is getting other things for the party. Grandpa and I purchased all of the party supplies. I think that is a pretty good birthday. We also got Austin a Wii. He has had it since after Christmas so he could have it during the winter months.
Casi and I went by the barn today. The guys putting on the roof are doing a great job. It will look good when they finish.
We are not sure how many kids are coming to the party. It seems that there is another birthday party in the kindergarten class. So we will see how many kids show. We have enough goody bags for 24 kids. On Saturday morning we are going to pick up cup cakes and ice cream.

I am working on a small scrapbook for little James as his dad thinks we need to give him copies of some of the things we have done through the years. He will be in rehab for at least 4 months. They were finally able to do the skin graft on Monday. He is going as an inpatient because he will need lots of care and help. He is planning on getting a lawyer to make sure things get paid for and that he will have enough to pay bills until he can go back to work. If you have a picture or two or three or... you think he would like in the scrapbook email me the picture.

Lara and Amanda will LOVE This site

I have discovered a new auction site, well at least for me. It is the http://www.shopgoodwill.com They auction stuff that has been donated around America. It has just about anything you could imagine. I am going there to bid on an instrument that brings back GREAT childhood teacher memories. I loved that teacher because she had the harpsichord. I would take it home and play and play and play. When I saw it... I was actually showing my STEP students the site as another "frugal" shopping place when it popped up on the smartboard screen. They said, "Wow you must have really good thoughts right now because you have seen this instrument. When you buy it, bring it and share with us." They have violins on there. All kinds of things. Some of them are very valuable... Of course being valuable only means what others are willing to pay for something. Check it out. At least here you are supporting a good cause and not someone else's pocket.

Son in Accident

We don't have many details yet, however the recovery time will be long. We know the driver of the vehicle that hit our son was drunk. We know that his body is pretty broke up. As more information becomes available I will let you know. His Dad is heading out today, Mara is there right now and so is Charlie. I will be going next Thursday as my husband needs to be home next Friday. Our son has to have a hip replacement, surgery on his ankle and they were not sure what all else. Prays for him are welcome.

Devon and Casi have been Visiting for the Past Week

I have had my little "monkey" and his mom at my home for the past week. Devon's new word is monkey. When he wants something and doesn't get his way he will say, "oh pooh!" When you make him mind because he is doing something he shouldn't he'll whisper, "mean."
Devon's dad came and got him this weekend to take home. Austin was sure glad to come visit grandma and grandpa. We went to the church rummage sale and he bought a brief case.
We had a blast though this week as we have been cooking and entertaining them. We all went to Kickapoo to see the deer and geese. Austin took pictures at Kickapoo. The deer were walking right up to your car. It was so great. The geese weren't afraid either. It was a beautiful day and it seemed lots of people were enjoying it. There was even someone camping in their motorhome. Seems the electric and water are still on. The shower houses were all open also. I will post some pictures as soon as I can.
Casi will be staying until tonight. We are evicting a tenant and Casi is going to court to take care of it. After that and dinner, her dad is taking her home. I am not sure if he will be spending the night or not.

This Site is REALLY One My Lara will LOVE

http://volition.com check this one out it is full of great information and places to go and look for more information.
http://www.buy.com/ - great place for bargin shopping

Here are some short video clips of the skating competition.

Our Little Snowflakes

Our "little snowflakes" skated in a competition this weekend. They did really well. Rachel won 3 Gold Medals, 1 Silver Medal and was the highest point winner and overall winner for the skater age group 10 - 12 year old class. Ashley won one gold and 1 bronze. We are so proud of them and are glad our investment in lessons are paying off.
Here are a few pictures of Rachel and Ashley.

31 Years as a Teacher.

I have spent 31 years as a teacher. The only time off is when I had my children, which were only part years. I feel I have been pretty stable with my job. I like where I teach, like the people I work with and just enjoy doing my job. I work hard to keep current with what changes there are in the school laws. I have seen many changes over the years, but there are two that disturb me. 1. We have a group of young teachers. They lack a professional attitude needed to teach students. They are not dedicated to teaching in our district. It is obvious that we are just the stepping stone until a better paying teaching job comes along. 2. The attitude of students towards learning. Even with the offer of extra time available they don't want to take it. I believe that one of the reasons is that they feel it is punishment since grade schools use it that way. At the high school it is a time to get extra help so you don't have to struggle in subjects.
One of my students finally stayed because her mother told her she had to. When we were done she said can I stay tomorrow. Well we only offer a bus 2 days a week, so no. Now she is a regular. I think this is good for her and maybe it will help her see how quickly she can get her homework done if she just sits down and does it at home.

The Girls Skating

It doesn't seem possible that the end of skating season is so close. The recital is April 4th. Another winter is almost over. It sure does seem like spring is just a few days away. Spring break is only 20 days away. I wonder how much work I can get done between now and spring break. I have much paper work to get done. So I guess I will be needing to get busy. The great thing is that I will only have a few IEP meetings at the end of the school year since most of mine are seniors. I will have a new group of students next year.

The End of February

Wow February is over. Well almost. Today and tomorrow. It will be time for March. Kite flying and spring break. Where oh where has this year gone. Only 10 more months until Christmas. It looks like March is going to come in as a lamb. 50 degrees prediction for Sunday. We will wait and see. It seems the weather forecast changes a few times a day any more. Maybe that is because we have become to sophisticated with our technology and it is harder to forecast.

Home schooling

I teach school, however I am not against homeschooling children. In fact I homeschooled 2 of my own children. They have done as well in college as our others. I find it hard to believe that there are so many people against it. If I had the resources I would open a school for kids. One where homeschooling was the bases. I think education has become a "boxed" enviroment where we expect all students to learn exactly alike. This is not realitiy. We need students to fit in all aspects of society. We need less "CORPOARTE" screw-up CEO's and more real life I need to work just to pay for food and gas, HONEST working people. Right now we have the corporate mantality. We need to get rid of that philosphy.

Check to make sure your driver's license is not on this site

http://www.license.shorturl.com Wow I came across this site and you should really make sure yours isn't listed here. If it is just click on the take me off the list and they will take your name off.

The Power of Being Positive

At the present time I am reading the book The Power of Being Positive. I am about half way through it. It any of my kids want to reading next let me know.... I will write a short review of the book when I finish it.

Rachel Cooks Us Breakfast

Rachel awoke at 5:30 this morning. She got ready for school and stated she was cooking breakfast. Okay what can she cook beside cereal... French toast. She made us French toast with bacon. It was very good. She can cook me French toast any time.

In search of some quick and easy recipes

I am in search of some quick and easy recipes for my students.. Of course they have made some suggestions of what they would like.

I've Been Searching

I have been searching for some great websites to search. Check them out and see if anything is of interest to you. TV, Movies, how to live on a dime, find out what the government is up to....

Indiana Beach

INDIANA BEACH OPENS MAY 2nd

Let's get our stuff ready. Campers, fishing gear, tents.... Wahoo! It is almost summer again........Amusement parks here we come!


Indiana Beach Dates and Times of Operation 2009
Indiana Beach operates on Eastern Standard Time and does observe Daylight Savings Time. We are in the same time zone as Indianapolis, Louisville, Cincinnati, & Columbus and we are one-hour ahead of Chicago & St. Louis.

Amusement Park Water Park Sand Beach
11am-6pm CLOSED CLOSED
11am-8pm 11am-6pm 10am-6pm
11am-11pm 11am-6pm 10am-6pm
11am-10pm 11am-6pm 10am-6pm
11am-6pm 11am-6pm 10am-6pm
11am-10pm CLOSED CLOSED
Black Out Day CLOSED CLOSED

Look what I have found!

Yes I know the title has led you to here. "What has she found?", you are thinking in your brain? I have found some really KOOL web sites. I have them listed on my school site also. They have so many great ideas, recipes, kids things. Hope you will click on them and join in on the fun.

Kettle Corn Recipe from allrecipes.com

Kettle Corn
Rated:

Submitted By: SUE202
Photo By: Allrecipes
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes Ready In: 20 Minutes
Servings: 5


"White sugar makes the Kettle Corn taste like popcorn balls. Use brown sugar and it will taste like caramel corn."
Ingredients:
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels

Directions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, stir in the sugar and popcorn. Cover, and shake the pot constantly to keep the sugar from burning. Once the popping has slowed to once every 2 to 3 seconds, remove the pot from the heat and continue to shake for a few minutes until the popping has stopped. Pour into a large bowl, and allow to cool, stirring occasionally to break up large clumps.

Cute Saying

Grandma's Recipe for a Loving Family
4 cups of love
2 cups of loyalty
3 cups of forgiveness
1 cup of friendship
5 tablespoons of hope
2 tablespoons of tenderness
4 quarts of faith
1 barrel of laughter

Take love and loyalty, mix it thoroughly with faith. Blend it with tenderness, kindness and understanding. Add friendship and hope. Sprinkle abundantly with laughter. Bake it in sunshine. Serve daily with generous helpings. Serves one entire home forever. --Anonymous

Go to my classroom site

Each day I search for ideas to give my students. I find great resources that can help them. I try to list them there each time I find some. Check it out.

Cookbook for my Senior Students

I am in the process of writing my annual cookbook for my students. Any recipes, helpful hints are welcome. Email me at playnejane@oakwood.k12.il.us
Here is the index to see if you have something you would like to contribute.

Table of Contents

Section 1 –How To and Other Things Important to Know
Section 2 – Meat
Section 3 – Vegetables
Section 4 – Fruits
Section 5 – Casseroles
Section 6 – Cakes, Cookies, Pies, Candies & Sweet Treats
Section 7 – Breads
Section 8 - Crock Pot and Microwave Cooking
Section 9 – Wild Game
Section 10 – Entertaining Ideas
Section 11– Cleaning Clues and Keeping an Organized Life
Section 12 – Internet and Other Resources

Happy Valentine Day

Hope all had a great valentine's day. It was a great day for 2 of my students. As freshmen I encouraged them to wrestle. One was an easy convince since he had been involved in youth wrestling. The other didn't want to look like a "sissy" and wrestle guys. Well he joined after many discussions, inviting the coach into my room when he was there, and getting him placed in the wrestling coach's homeroom. Well it is now their senior year and they both have scored well enough to be going to the state individual wrestling tournament. Way to go Rayse and Blake. Good luck to our team when it is sectional tournament time.

Rachel selling ads for Snowflake Classic

Rachel is selling ads for the program for the Snowflake Classic Cometition. If you would like to support her fill in the form. Send your money and form to where it tells you. Thanks. She wants to win the jacket they are offering.

Friday the 13th

Today is Friday the 13th. The natives are restless. The classes that are usually quite are supper talkative. It would be nice if they could just tone it down a bit. They are excited about the movies that are playing tonight and cannot wait to get to the "scary" movies.

Great Information for Teachers

The Internet is packed full of printable worksheets. Both teachers and sometimes parents and students can access them. It would have been wonderful to have found them when I was a much younger teacher. I have shared them with my daughters so they will have them to use in their classrooms. If you teach a great resource is Discovery Education streaming or united streaming. You have to join the organization to get access, however it is one of those sites with about every topic.

Holy Snikers ... Where did all the rain come from!

It has rained and rained and rained... Around here we know when we have a lot of rain is when the one park starts its flooding. Even with them making it deeper and raising the banks, it is still out of its banks and about 1/2 way to total flood. Usually this doesn't happen until spring, not this early. They are predicting snow for this weekend. That means if the temperature drops to quickly, we will be needing ice skates to get around.

Weather... You make me want to work in the yard!

The weather is absolutely beautiful. It is getting the creative juices flowing and the seed and plant catalogue shopping urge. The yard is too muddy to work in right now. But soonnnnnnnn...... The itch is there. I actually went out back and looked and looked and measured. My yard guy racked the leaves before the last snow. Now I have lots of mud....

Writing

I think I am about ready to start writing. I am not sure what I will write about, but this blogging thing makes you feel more comfortable with writing. I think I would like to write a novel about my family's adventure of coming to America in the 1880's. The boat ride here, the tales that have been spun, and make it into a novel that will create an interest of others in the study of genealogy.
Many times people think it is a boring topic. I find it exciting to find things out about my family roots. Unfortunately, my grandparents died and left few clues. I have gotten a few pictures from different places and I have been fortunate enough to meet others that have the same love of history and we have shared our pictures and information. Through this experience I have found my family in Wales. What a great feeling. I have longed since a child to go there, search them out, and just get to know them. How I wished this love of family history would have started when I was 5 years old and not the age it did. Now I am unable to talk with those that could help me. I have been trying to instill that love in my grandchildren. They find it interesting to read the stories I have written for them.
I just need to begin......

Cookbooks

I am scanning my cookbooks into my computer. One of these days I will organize all of the recipes from them into folders divided by recipe type. I have so many cookbooks that they take up two bookcases.
I have a clear fetish for cookbooks.

Getting The Attic Tackled

I just spent one hour in the attic. I did make another large dent in the stuff up there. I know my garbage people think I have a lot of trash. Well not really, but some of the stuff was my late aunt's, and cousin's and others that I just didn't bother to go through before I put it in the attic. Now I am weeding it out. Books are being donated to the library, genealogy type stuff - scanned and entered into my files - stuff no one wants - either will be donated to the animal shelter to help purchase things for the animals - to the church to take to the places it donates things --- or the trash. You only have room for so much stuff --- I am beyond my max and don't like it. I am not a saver, where as my husband is. Well so long for now as I am heading to my genealogy work. It never seems to end.

HOLY COW! Where did this weather come from?

I made a hair appointment for today. I did not expect it to be a day I would rather be outside than inside. It is absolutely beautiful outside. I am heading to the garden for some quick looks, a few measurements, mental planning for the near future. I cannot hardly stand the wait... Just a few more months and I will be outside most of the time so I need to be getting the inside to do list done... Well at least attack it.

Fire in Danville

Seems that one of the larger section 8 supplemented housing (apartments) projects went up in smoke today. I do not know how extensive but we are preparing to watch the evening news at the present time. It affected many of the students in Kristina's school. I hope no one was hurt. I don't like fires. But I really don't like fires that people are injured or loose their life.
Also one my friends son and his family lost their home to a fire. Thank goodness they were visiting his mother. It was an odd fire and they probably would have been injured.

Great Workshop

WOW My school and others in our coop can purchase computers for our students to have in their homes for $15.00 each. Our "boss man" is worried that others will complain why did we purchase for the kids with 504 plans or IEPs and not for all the students. Well because it is a program for our students only. That would mean for about $300.00 everyone of my students on my caseload could own a computer. Of course most of my students have computers, but the ones that don't really cannot afford them. I know there are others that cannot afford them, but the disadvantage of my students is that their other family members many times tell them they don't need to be on the computer, that they are not as important as them or their homework, when in fact they need them as much as the others do. Maybe more.

Stimulus Plan

I have thought about the stimulus plan and it still seems to be in the favor of just a few people who caused this all to begin with. Why not offer to every home owner with a morgage on their primary residence upto $100,000.00 dollars paid on the loan. The money would not go to the home owner, but go to their morgage holder. The morgage holders and the home owner both are winners. Doesn't it make more since?

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.

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

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...

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.

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.

Geocaching pics

Trying again tonight. Not sure why it turned some of them. Sorry

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!

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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?

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!

Happy New Year!!

To my family that is celebrating the new year... Have a great one. Wish we could have celebrated together. Let all meet in Florida next year and we can celebrate twice... one Welsh and the second American... Besides it will be warmer there than either of our places.

To my American born relatives... Celebrate smartly tonight...

To all may we have a great NEW YEAR 2009.....

Hope we can all get together soon!!!

The Four "C's" of Development

1.) you must start out being Committed to what you are doing.

2.) Through Commitment, you develop Competence.

3.) Through Competence, you gain Confidence.

Now that you have Commitment, Competence, and Confidence you can obtain the final "C"... Courage.

1.) Keep skid chains on your tongue, Always say less than you think. Cultivate a low, persuasive voice. How you say it often counts more than what you say.

2.) Make promises sparingly and keep them faithfully, no matter what the cost.

3.) Never let an opportunity pass to say a kind and encouraging word to or about somebody. Praise good work, regardless of who did it.

4.) Be interested in others: their pursuits, their work, their homes and their families. Make merry with those who rejoice; with those who weep, mourn. Let everyone you meet, however humble, feel that you regard him as a person of importance.

5.) Be cheerful. Don't burden or depress those around you by dwelling on your aches and pains and small disappointments. Remember, everyone is carrying some kind of burden.

6.) Keep an open mind. Discuss but don't argue. It is a mark of a superior mind to be able to disagree without being disagreeable.

7.) Let your virtues, if you have any, speak for themselves. Refuse to talk about the vices of others. Discourage gossip. It is a waste of valuable time and can be destructive and hurtful.

8.) Take into consideration the feelings of others. Wit and humor at the expense of another is never worth the pain that may be inflected.

9.) Pay no attention to ill-natured remarks about you. Remember, the person who carried the message may not be the most accurate reporter in the world. Simply live so that nobody will believe him. Disordered nerves and bad digestion are a common cause of backbiting.

10.) Don't be anxious about the credit due. Do your best and be patient. Forget about yourself and let others "remember." Sucess is much sweeter that way.

Ten Commandments of How to Get Along With People from Ann Landers

1.) Keep skid chains on your tongue, Always say less than you think. Cultivate a low, persuasive voice. How you say it often counts more than what you say.

2.) Make promises sparingly and keep them faithfully, no matter what the cost.

3.) Never let an opportunity pass to say a kind and encouraging word to or about somebody. Praise good work, regardless of who did it.

4.) Be interested in others: their pursuits, their work, their homes and their families. Make merry with those who rejoice; with those who weep, mourn. Let everyone you meet, however humble, feel that you regard him as person of importance.

5.) Be cheerful. Don't burden or depress those around you by dwelling on your aches and pains and small disappointments. Remember, everyone is carrying some kind of burden.

6.) Keep an open mind. Discuss but don't argue. It is a mark of a superior mind to be able to disagree without being disagreeable.

7.) Let your virtues, if you have any, speak for themselves. Refuse to talk about the vices of others. Discourage gossip. It is a waste of valuable time and can be destructive and hurtful.

8.) Take into consideration the feelings of others. Wit and humor at the expense of another is never worth the pain that may be inflected.

9.) Pay no attention to ill-natured remarks about you. Remember, the person who carried the message may not be the most accurate reporter in the world. Simply live so that nobody will believe him. Disordered nerves and bad digestion are a common cause of backbiting.

10.) Don't be anxious about the credit due. Do your best and be patient. Forget about yourself and let others "remember." Success is much sweeter that way.

Christmas

Another Christmas has come and passed. Dad and I spent the morning opening our gifts to each other. Dad got a new 42" TV for the bedroom, a DS Lites game, some games for his DS, a new mega flashlite for the motorhome, a mini flashlite for his keys, a new wallet and it seems like I am missing something. I got a Wii and Wii fit set.
About 1 o'clock Casi called and they wanted us to come to their house, we had just started playing with the Wii so we packed it up. We took our air matress and headed up to Casi's. We set up the Wii after the boys went to bed. Of course Austin told me he didn't like Wiis. So when I got him up Fri. morning it was set up and his Mom and I bowled each other. Pretty soon he wanted to try. Then he took over everyone. And he doesn't like Wii. We packed up to go and he wanted me to leave my Wii. No way Jose. On the way home Dad and I started making calls back home to different shops. The weather was as foggy as the night Santa discovered he needed Rudolph. Dad drove to Champaign to Game Stop and got a Wii for Austin and his family. Shortly after Dad left me off at the house, Casi, Shane, Austin and Devon show up at our house. What a surprise... We had just left their house. Glad Dad got the Wii. The girls arrived home to their mom's after a week at their Dad's. On Sat. the girls arrived as planned to open their presents. Austin was shocked at all of his and Devon's and Momy and Daddy's Wii and Wii stuff. He said I knew Grandmummy would get me one. We had a great Saturday. Rachel went ice skating with Austin, Casi and Shane. Then Shane went and purchased another Wii remote so they could have two people playing against each other. He was playing on my Wii when noone else was around... It was 70 degrees outside... sit inside in December and it being 70... no way! All in all we had a blast. However since the weather was sooo bad on Friday where Lara lives they didn't come home... so sad. My Mum did venture out and she ate with us and watched the great-grandchildren enjoy opening their presents. Devon got a bunch of cars.

Holiday Baking and Cooking

I have been soooo busy cooking... and then the weather came. I am freezing and refrigerating everything I can so I can have it ready to go on Jan. 5, 2009 when we go back to work. Today's weather --- freezing rain. Tomorrow's weather --- freezing rain. Lucky for us we are celebrating Christmas on Saturday since Lara has to work on Christmas Eve. It will probably be the last time we will get to see Isabela as she will be heading back to Brazil too soon after Christmas.
Casi had some teeth pulled today as she has wizdom teeth that seem to be getting in the way of her eating. After the holidays she is going in to have some cut out. Dad or I will be going up to her house to help with the kids unless Shane can get the day off from work.
Don't be shy about posting your ideas or remarks. Have fun and have a safe holiday.

Some pictures of the new motorcycle

Time to get caught up on photos.











This picture is of Chris getting ready to go for a ride on Dad's new motorcycle.














This is Kristina and Dustin getting ready to go on a date riding Dad's new motorcycle.

Nadolig Llawen

Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda

It is almost time for the jolly red suited man to arrive at our homes. May you all have a wonderful holiday season. I will have more time to post since we are on Nadolig Llawen break.

I will see you all in Newydd Dda --- 2009.

Peace and love
I am heading out to eat with James and my Mum.

Benefit Others - http://alternativegifts.org/

I was reading the school news today - There is a website that was mentioned that if you would like to give to others you can go to and help. It is called http://alternativegifts.org/
I went to their website and it looks very interesting. I am not sure of any specifics, however I think it is worth checking out if you feel the need to give during this season or any other time of the year.
My children were raised giving to families or others during the Christmas season. However the Angel Trees are not child specific any longer and I find it hard to donate gifts, especially some that are being asked for. -- Wii --- video games --- ds lites ---- these gifts are toys - expensive toys - ones most of us can barely afford to give to our own members of our families.
Well any how check out this great site. I know my Lara will be impressed with it. Peace. Have a great holiday season where ever you may live.

Christmas Shopping

I am about shopped out. I still feel I am not done. I may have to do some when I go to Lara's house on Saturday. I don't even have my presents wrapped yet. I am so far behind. I need to take a count of gifts to make sure I have gifts for everyone and that they are wrapped. I need to get the tree up. If Lara and her family aren't coming for Christmas I may not even get the big one out and just use the little one. It seems I have been so over worked this year. Have fun shopping all of you that like to shop. I think I will finish by getting online and shopping. Much easier than fighting my way through crowded stores with all the crazed people.

Geo Caching Vacation

How about a geo caching vacation this summer? Think about it. I know it is almost winter, however the summer will be here before you know it. Let's start planning.

Christmas Plans

Wow Christmas is just around the corner. I tell my students each year on the first day of school, "I hope you are about done with your Christmas shopping." They are always that's a long way off. Well the time seems to fly by and they always say about this time, "Man I should have started shopping in September." Haha time does fly.
I have been busy with my shopping. I now have the gifts laid out to see whom I need to purchase more for to get the right balance. I am pretty close on everyone. Just a few more small items for some is all I need.
Some folks in this family are really tough to find the perfect gift for as they are either, "I deserve better than this." even though you have spent a few hundred dollars on them, or they just don't have a list, or what is on their list is just plan too expensive or something they will probably never use.
James wants a new flat panel for our bedroom, however he wants it to be at least a 32 inch screen. I don't think we need that large.
It is a challenge and he is basically the only one I have left to buy for.

"Black Friday" Shopping

Isabela wanted to experience Black Friday shopping. So after we ate, I went home with Lara, Chris and Isabela. We arrived at their place at about 11:00 PM on Thanksgiving nite. At midnight, Isabela, Lara and myself went shopping at the outlet mall. The store Isabela wanted to go to had a line 3 blocks long. Needless to say we didn't stand in line there. We did find Devon a Christmas gift. And we got Christopher a gift. Then Lara and I each purchased a new pair of tennis shoes. Isabela purchased Chris' gift also. We went back to Lara and Chris' (2:30 AM) and went to sleep for a couple of hours. Lara was scheduled to work at 7:30 AM. Chris woke up to take her to work and he and I went out shopping. We didn't have much luck with finding what we set out to find. However we did find a few bargins. James drove up to Lara's to pick me up and then he joined us on the ultimate gift hunt. We finished some of our shopping while there. I found that the bargins of the past were not there and that it was hardly worth it to go. But of course I don't like shopping so I guess you can't be disappointed if you don't get excited about the chase. My thoughts about this whole black Friday thing is that the real bargins happen about the end of January and that is when you should be shopping for next Christmas.

Happy Holiday

Thanksgiving has come and gone. We had quite a few family members come for a great meal. This year we had it at Mom's. She was down in her leg, so getting up the front steps to my home would have been a challenge for her. I did help prepare the meal and my great husband helped to get the place ready. This year, since we were going to serve the evening meal, we decided to do something different. We had chicken and noodles instead of turkey. Besides Turkey's were just overpriced and I wasn't willing to pay it. I managed to make some goodies the morning of the party - peanut brittle, brownies made the ole fashion way, rice krispie treats, pickle wraps, and waterchestnuts wrapped in bacon. Ashley and I made pink mints and cherry press cookies last week. All the treats were eaten and everyone took left overs home with them.
It was a great Thanksgivig.

Presentation at the Transition Conference

I survived the speaking engagement. Actually it went very well. I have received many emails telling me how great it was and that they would like more information. I need to get the information into a format I can send over the Internet or burn a CD with the information on it.

I am getting prepared to go to another speaking engagement in December. James is going along since he has those days off. He will get to just relax and enjoy himself.

Well I need to get busy and do some more work for Monday.

Presentation at the Transition Conference

Another Great Weekend

Lara, Chris and Isabela have just left. We had a great time. When they arrived Sat. we had pizza. In the evening a movie was watched by all except me. I needed to get work done on the computer for school on Monday. Then we played Worst-Case Scenario. Isabela and I were a team and Chris and Lara was a team. Isabela and I won.

Sunday morning we got up to a new time -- daylight savings time. That messed everyone up. LOL We cooked breakfast, invited mom over for lunch after church. We then went to mom's to get Lara and Chris's Christmas tree. Ornaments are still in the attic.

Rachel performed at the civic center for the hockey game. They are a group of very talented young ladies. We watched the hockey game and the fights. There was blood drawn just a few times.

Lara, Chris and Isabela left in time to get home for the Colts game. I did two more presentations for Monday.

James went for a motorcycle ride and Chris got to ride the new red bike.

Almost Halloween

I am glad to say that Trick or Treat is almost here. We only have 3 1/2 days of school this week. Halloween Day we will be having parent teacher conferences. I only have one scheduled this year. Maybe more will sign up soon. Usually folks just drop by to say "hey!" I have some of the greatest students and parents around. Of course just two weeks ago we had Swap Day and I had many parents then. Most of us talked then.

Well happy halloween. I will be writing later. I need to finish my presentation for the Transition Conference. AAAGGGHHH!!

It is about finished then I need to write the information for the folks that are coming to hear me present. I will have to rewrite it for the conference in December since I am making it a fall theme. Oh well I will only need to change backgrounds and maybe some of my transitions.

Where has October Gone

Here it is the 16th of October. The first quarter has quickly passed. I can feel Christmas Carols about to come bursting out of me. I know that if I find an XM station playing those songs I will be "blasting" them over my stereo. I had Rachel last night and the night before. Poor thing has to stay with grandpa and grandma 3 nights a week. Well sometimes I will take her home if she wants to go. Last night she didn't have skating practice, I offered to run her home since it was early. No she wanted to stay with her grandparents. We always have kept our doors open for them to come visit.
Casi called last night and wants me to find out where the train leaves up around where they live. They want to go to the Thomas the Train ride. I think it would be a great train ride to St. Louis and that riding Thomas would be WOW! I know that Devon will REALLY be excited and Austin will like it also.
All for right now.
Da Bo

Great Weekend

This weekend we spent picnicing, geocaching, and just havin' plain ole fashion fun. On Friday I had meetings all day. On Saturday I planned to get "tons" of work done. Instead I ended up working on things important for school... lessons. On Sunday I met up with the kids at Turkey Run. We cooked out, went on a hike, played, did some tumbling, then we went geocaching. The geocache was near a covered bridge. Isabella really likes America. However while geocaching it began to get dark, especially in the woods. This bothered her, but she stood strong and we all came out with just a few bug bites. When we first arrived at our geo spot there were some deer standing in a field. Leaving there the field was full of deer resting. She took lots of pictures of the animals. Chris and Isabella went back to Michigan City as Isabella had school Monday and Chris had to work half day. Lara came home with Kristina, Rachel, Ashley and me. What a surprise for her dad. He was glad to see her. On Monday I took Lara over to Kokomo so they could sign the paper work to sell their home there. I know Lara and Chris will miss it and I know their neighbors will miss them. Lara got the recipe for the sugar cream pie that is so wonderful. Lara, Chris and I went to have dinner at Outback... Bloomin' Onion, baby back ribs, sweet potatoes, apples and their bread. Great meal, good company, and many laughs. I headed home and Chris and Lara went geocaching. Now we are all back in the swing of things. Rachel is getting excited about going to the skating competitions. However many of them seem to fall on Jason's weekends. She is not happy. She is scared he will not take her to them. I hope he can find it in his "fatherly" heart to do what is important to his children. The activities they are involved in are important to them. It is important that they learn they are important and not just a financial "burden." Sometimes it is important to see that the money paid in support is not all the support that is needed for your children. Enough of my rantings and how disappointed I am in their father by how he treats them and their mother.

Dad and his 2008 Harley

Well, he is trading it in on a 2009 Kaw.... I know he loves Kaw's and really misses the one he used to have. The Harley just isn't real comfortable.

The meetings went well this morning. Just so much new to digest along with new reg. changes. I really wish someone in the congress would ask for teacher input....!

I am "decluttering" the attic. I have a little of every one's things up there, plus dad's and mine. I have a few antiques if any of you want them. (My family only.) There are two sets of dishes, one was my grandmother's and one was my mom's. I think Mom's we will use at Thanksgiving, since she just had her 90th party it would be great to use them again. We are so blessed to have a solid foundation for a family to build on. Of course the docs are telling us that she will probably live to be at least 120. I guess that is what honest, hard working, loving families have to look forward to.

I am very proud of all four of our children. You all understand hard work and dedication. Your financial sense makes you good strong people. I love the fact you are all good with money and managing credit. It shows in what you can purchase when you want it. I am proud of the fact that you are all going to college to become teachers and physical therapist. It is tough though on getting together since it seems between your work schedules and school we can't get together much. (Austin can't wait for the next vacation!)

Casi we are all proud of the fact you decided to go through with the brain surgery. You are showing us how strong you are. Dad and I have both discussed how much happier you seem and how you are more like the little girl with the ocean blue eyes and the big wide grin we knew.

It seems odd not having a million things to do. I have finally caught up with the work I needed to get done to feel prepared for school. I am now a week ahead of schedule and I can now get a few weeks ahead I hope.

Next Saturday I will probably be doing Sat. school as Brenda asked me to do it. I always let the "young ones" have an opportunity to do it for the extra pay, however she doesn't want that next week because of how many and who the students are. The good thing about it is the pay on payday.

The desk I designed for Nichole is working great. She really loves it. Now she can be in her wheelchair and do homework with enough area to work and within her field of vision.

I do have a gripe with someone, but I won't put it on here in case they decide to read it. He just.... Oh well some folks just don't understand what family is and how you should own up to your responsibilities... Co-operation is important to keep children okay. I don't like the childish game playing. Besides he didn't do much supporting when married so why when your not. Get the hint! Besides this is my site and I have a right to my opinion and the knowledge that leads to this opinion.

Off that blink, blink, blink subject.

Bella we would love for you to stay awhile longer. It is so great adding you to our family. Mom loves you and so do the rest of us. Lara and Chris are really great "parents." Goes back to the fact they have two great sets of parents and families that understand that families can extend beyond just the house you live in and/or country.

Dad Orville is still not well. He is deteriorating so quickly. Mom makes sure she goes out to feed him at least once a day. He won't eat for anyone else for some reason. We are not sure why. I guess mom's face is kind of familiar or maybe she reminds him of his mother. I think she will have a hard time loosing a second husband, however he is not much more than a vegetable now and it is heart breaking. The people at church always ask about him.

Speaking of church, Chris I will let you know the exact date of the next noodle dinner. It is suppose to be sometime this month.

How is the house sell going? I sure hope it gets closed-on soon. Lara then you can just go to school and not have to worry about the house in Kokomo.

Well I will leave for now. I will try and post my pictures off my camera this weekend. Time is a limited resource. I try to use mine wisely. Sitting here writing...well forgive me but I just need some aaaaaaaaahhhh time.

Dad is in bed, as he is back on his shift. He was to go to the dentist yesterday for a teeth cleaning... no power at the dentist office. Soooooooo. Long drive for nothing.

Da Bo

It has been a month?!!!

Lara's site states it has been a month since I last posted. Time is "flying" by! I hope I can catch up to it. The first quarter is over next Friday. Just doesn't seem possible.
Rachel and Ashley are once again into their after school activities. Rachel is at skating now, so I have a few minutes til I need to go pick her up.
I don't know about the price of gas where you live but I paid 3.27 this morning and on the way home the same station had it at 3.03. I lost .24 cents per gallon. AAgghhh!!!

My students are producing great power point presentations for my speaking engagements. It is kind of nice being one of the top teachers around these here parts. Golden Ruler look out I will be a winning again. I would like to win the Disney teacher of the year. Who's Who in American Education is nice also.

Well the bad news is that the co-op has decided to change the program we are using. Hang it all. I spent over 50 hours after school and on week-ends with the last change (last year). I hope we don't change directors again for a real long time.

I have been asked to participate in several committee meetings. So my life is busier than normal. I need to get off so I can go pick up Ray. She will be finished shortly with her jump and spin practice. She improves every time. GGGGGooooo Rachelllll!!!!!!

Yahoooooo School Has Started

Austin's first day was Aug 13, mine was Aug 18th and students on the 19th. I have gotten much of the paper work done that I needed to finish. Now I have to begin actually teaching. So far I have been having a great time. The smartboard final connections were made today and the last class for the day got to write on it. They were soooooo excited. Some kids from earlier in the day came in and they started protesting because the others used it first. I invited the football coach to use some space in my room since they changed his teaching assignment he did not have a desk any more because he became a floater. I got the computer network set up in my room today. He came in and told me he was so glad he had a techy to share rooms with and that he knew that things would get done for him when needed. I showed him the football interactive part and how he can show plays using the smartboard. He is now really excited. He uses DVDs to show the games so he is excited about my wide screen. It is as big as a chalkboard. My students so far are really great. I got a new one from North Ridge. He at first was nervous, a little I am going to be bad... however the students that were in the room at the time let him know real quick that it was okay to be COOL in my room and that I was their favorite teacher. He let up and by the end of the class we had him laughing and participating in doing math problems with us. Things will be okay I believe with him now. I gave myself the largest case load. Of course some of the kids only see me and not one of the other two. I gave our newbee the easiest case load. I just feel it is only fair to start her off easy. If we change programs again this year I will be sitting in front of the computer trying to do paper work data entery for hours again. I hope not. I am going to go to the meeting to voice my opinion. I feel they need to either hire someone to enter this data or pay use overtime. If we have to enter this data I will approach the boss lady for either subs so we can work on entering data or pay us overtime. Since I make close to $375.00 per day I don't think they will want to pay me overtime.
Casi seems to be doing well. I have not heard from her for the past couple of days. I missed Lara's call this morning because my phone was at home on charge. I will talk to her in the morning. I am going to finish showing the movie 13 going on 30 for the STEP class. The boys seem to be enjoying it. We are discussing the movie - looking through the eyes of a child in an adult world. I really am not sure I am describing it exactly. However I do know the discussing that I have planned for when we end the movie.
In English class we are starting out reading Phantom Tollbooth. Tim said he felt like it is written about him. I that is good. Milo is alot like time that is why I chose the book.
It is getting late so I think I shall go to bed. Tomorrow is Friday. I need to call my Mum as a relative of her's contacted me by email. It is one of her Aunt Lizzie grandchildren. I know she will be excited as they are the ones she did not keep good contact with as adults. I hope it is another one of Zelva's children. Or who knows which one it might. be. Talk later.

Yipers school is ready to start.

I have a training class tomorrow. ALL DAY! Oh well such is life. I know it will be fun and I know that I agreed to it if I were to get the grant for a smart board. Well I got the grant. I have yet to see the smart board. Ed, the greatest maintenance person in the district (we are a little biased at the high school), is going to take the dry erase boards down tomorrow. The smart boards should be here next Monday. My room is taking shape. Ashley and Chelsey have been coming out to help me get things ready. Ed built me a new bookcase. I designed a desk for Nichole and Ed is going to finish building it Wed or Thur. (I knew someday I would use that mechanical drafting class.) Sometimes I wish I would have stayed in engineering and other days I am glad I am teaching. With engineering I would not have all this time in the summer to spend with my family. That is the greatest benefit of teaching.
Casi and the boys are here again. We are getting ready for a rummage sale. It is Saturday. I need to get things out of the attic. I need to call the people that collect the stuff left over as I plan to not carry one item back to my attic.
Really not a whole lot to say tonight. I posted my pictures of my garden at the family site.
By the way Kristina Austin wants to thank you for Toby. They have played together for hours now. Austin has taken him on 3 long walks. Both are being good. Austin is beginning to think about Santa's arrival. He is hoping he has been good enough.
Time for bed. Have to be up early tomorrow.

Austin

Austin called all excited because his picture was in the newspaper with his diamond. He had no idea it was going to be in the paper. What a kid. Doesn't he just make you laugh. Devon was hungry while I was trying to talk to Casi so I will call her back later. I want her to scan the article and post it to our family site.

What a GREAT FAMILY I have!!!!!

Honesty, is important. Not hiding for fear someone will find out the truth, what a way to live. That is what I love about my family... HONESTY!!!! Doesn't it feel good to know that when you go to bed at night you have been honest with yourself and with others. Not having to hide things because you have TOLD LIES to others and do not want them to be found out. Especially if you believe they can be used as proof that you are not honest or that people may get together and the real truth be found out. One thing we have always taught in our home is honesty. The truth will always come out in the end. BE PROUD OF YOUR GOOD CHARACTER!!!!
Check out my pictures of the backyard on the family site. I have not learned all I need to know about this one, and I don't seem to have much time at the present.
I have to decide if I want to attend another workshop that goes along with being the department head. I probably will since it is one about new changes. Yee gads as long as I have been doing this job you would think we could stick to the same rules for a few years.
I have a new special needs teacher this year to train. The computer I hope will not frighten her. I am now in my new classroom as we hired a new English/History teacher this year. So I moved to a room even larger than my last one and it has air conditioning.
Dad and I are loving the new car. It seems so different to drive a smaller car since I have been driving the Tahoe. I miss it in ways, however I do not miss it on fill ups. LOL
Lara is in charge of planning the family trip for 2010. I am not planning a trip for next year except with mom. Since we want to visit some of the older relatives, we have to say older only because they will all be 90+ by next summer. However they all still drive, go where they please, take care of themselves and are just a great group of people to hang with. Do you think I can get Mom to Disney again?
Marianne's scare turned out to be nothing major, so all is good again. Lara and I are taking the boys to Indiana Beach on the 12th, the day of Casi's surgery. Also Austin will be in kindergarten on the 13th... His very first day of school. I will take pictures, just like the others first day and first bus ride. You know he could just run across the field and he is at school, school policy... He must ride the bus.
Talk later.

Up date --- backyard

It is almost finished. Well at least for this year. Except you know I will have to weed it. My goal of July 4 seems.... wow! It looks good when you look out the upstairs bedrooms windows. Well I am going for now. I have another 10 hours of work tomorrow. Talk at you later.

Okay Lara I will update quickly

As you all know I have been pretty busy. Being the head of the department means extra work for little pay. I have had meeting to attend, paper work for the state, and I have been invited to be a guest presenter for two conferences. I have been working in the yard alot. I have almost finished the monumental task of the backyard. But you know dedicated flower garden people... it never ends. I am preparing to depart to go to Casi's home and pick her and boys up. She wants to sew... however I need to get things done here so she and the boys have been coming here. Only 4 weeks till we head off to Arkansas and seems I have gotten very little done. I will add to this later as I need to hurry and get the LOVE of my life his lunch. It seem stange fixing a lunch at 10 am however that is when his is scheduled. I know I am probably the only person in the world that reads what I write... except my wonderful daughter Lara... Lara you have been a blessing since the day you were born. And by the way Rachel is ready for a photo shoot she told me. I guess maybe Kristina told her you thought she is turning into a beautiful young lady. I have to agree... It is my great genes you know... My family has that look. I think her hair helps alot also. Ashley is missing dance class. I told her this year I was going to have her go to a dance studio that does not compete... Well that didn't go over very well .... she liked being on the stage... go figure. All for now. tahtaa