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.