Deals for the Week

Did you get your free box of Cheerios???? I got mine. I bought the largest box they had. I also got a coupon for a free loaf of bread. The drinks came from CVS and so did the pantyliners. (I took a two week break from cvsing). I actually even made $1 from the panty liner deal. Check this story out. If you notice there is a video on the top right hand side. It shows people who CVS like me, but are REALLY good at it.

http://www.abcactionnews.com/content/segments/cfa/story.aspx?content_id=ff54c620-f943-4a61-8802-784f9d583b9d

Have a great weekend!!!

School

The first two weeks of school are almost over. The boys have done very well. Jacob has managed to keep out of trouble (stay on green) and Joshua is keeping up. They both seem very happy there and I am so glad. I was a little worried about Joshua as he said he still didn't have any friends and he usually played by himself, but yesterday he told me that he has a friend now, Jonathan! He told me he scored a goal while playing soccer too, so I think that has really boosted him. Jacob has already learned one verse, one poem, and is working on the Lord's prayer. I can't believe the things they learn at such a young age.
I had my staff meeting yesterday. I must say I am not in the work mode. I have gotten used to this free time at home that I am not in the mood to go back to work. I am sure that will change. Of course, I have the jitters because we have our class lists now, and you always wonder how things will go. I got all the kids I wanted back except for one. My four year old class looks to be ok. I know most of the kids. Two of them were in Jenna's class last year, and most of them we had before. I did get Olivia and Emma back which are my favorites (oops...your not supposed to have favorites). There are two new children, both girls, but hopefully they will do ok. My three year old class should be interesting. I have twins (one boy/girl) one boy that has potty training issues, one boy that is "difficult" (according to Melody), one boy who is full of energy, one little girl whose mom is ALWAYS 20-25 minutes late etc. The rest I know nothing about. Hopefully things will go ok. It usually takes a couple of weeks for everyone to get into the routine, including me. Jenna has a good class. Three girls from last year are in there, including Hannah, who she really wanted to be with.

I Think My Scale Is Broken......

That's right.....I think my bathroom scale is broken. I keep standing on it and it says the same number no matter what I do. I had lost 6 pounds several weeks ago and somehow gained 2 back and it's been stuck ever since. I've been walking every day for AT LEAST 30 minutes, if not more, and I have really been watching the snacking. Usually I eat a light breakfast and lunch and eat a bigger dinner, but nothing HUGE! It gets discouraging. I would love to see a half pound a week at least, but nothing at all for the past 2-3 weeks????? I just don't get it. Maybe I should be content to be fat and happy!! My favorite show is coming on in a couple of weeks (The Biggest Loser). I have told Jack how I would love to be a contestant on that show. I'd quit the show and be happy after 25 pounds!! Oh well, I guess I'll keep trying!!!

Mrs. Martin

Mrs. Martin is a lady who lives down the street from my mom. For many years, she did preschool out of her home. It was a very nice, organized, structured preschool. It wasn't something where mom had free time for a few hours. She actually had bulletins boards and followed a schedule. In fact, Joshua went there when he was 2. I would go to mom's house and walk him down the street. Last year, she had a sale of all her toys and teaching materials. I bought a few things. Some of her toys were very old.

Anyway, Mrs. Martin must be doing some more cleaning because she called my mom last week wanting to know if I would want some magazines. Mom accepted them and I didn't think much of it, but when I picked them up, I realized I hit the gold mine! There were books just full of activities, games, bulletin board ideas, crafts etc. Then, she had a ton of teaching magazines full of the same plus templates etc. I feel like a kid in the candy store!! I am going through the magazines and just ripping out what I think I can use and then I plan on making a file system so that I can organize everything better. Otherwise, I will never be able to find anything when I need it. I hope some day I can use these things. I know Melody will let me use a few ideas, but obviously I can't take completely over the classroom. I hope that I can either move up someday to a teaching position (if anyone would ever leave) or teach in a school (now I wish I were teaching K4). There is a good possibility that I may be teaching children's church (or should I say helping) so maybe I can find something that I could use there (although most of this stuff is time consuming). This picture doesn't even show everything she gave to me. Thank you, Mrs. Martin!!!

A Day To Myself

Yes, that is right....I have a day to myself....not a full day, but a day to myself!! I am getting ready to take the boys to school and mom volunteered to keep Jenna for the day (it was her idea!!!). This has never happened before! I've had time with Jack or time out with friends, but not time at the house with no kids!!!
What will I do with my time? First of all, it will go so quickly. I'll go to the park (since I am up) and do my morning walk (I don't have much longer to do this). Then, I think I will come home shower, and climb back into bed. I'll either sleep (Jacob got me up last night, but he isn't sick) or just watch some TV in bed. I will enjoy the peace and quiet. After that I'll try to read a little. I know it will bother me if I don't get the house cleaned, so I am sure I will do some housework and then 2:35 will be here before you know it. I'll have to start working on dinner and homework at 3-3:30 and that isn't fun at all, but I'll gladly take these few precious hours that I have.

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary, sweetheart. It's been an amazing 11 years together (12 if you count our dating year). It was worth every email, all the money for those big long distance phone calls (which nearly gave my dad a heart attack, even though I paid for them), every weekend journey to see you! I Love you and wish us many many more! Happy 11 years!!

Enjoying the Days

This is what my house looks like. I have gotten so many projects done. I could really get used to having time to myself. I've been walking at the park and then coming home to clean, or running errands. I wish I had more time to enjoy this. It makes me not want to go back to work, but I know that in no time I will get attached to my new batch of kids and I know that if we want to even consider going back to SCS next year than I need to do something.....I just like being spoiled I guess!!!

A Day In The Life of Kindergarten

I posted Joshua's schedule the other day, so I thought I would share Jacob's day. I wish I could be a fly on the wall!

8:15 take roll/pledges
8:30 Bible story, songs, prayer time
9:00 math concepts and games
9:30 penmanship
9:45 snack
10:00 recess
10:30 phonics concepts and games
11:00 reading groups/seatwork
11:30 lunch
12:00 recess
12:30 story time
12:55 quiet time (rest time)
1:30 social studies, science, in class activity
1:55 pack up
2:00 electives
Electives=show and tell, art, spanish, music, pe.

Jenna-Bean

Jenna got a haircut. See Jenna before:

And now the after:

It Was A Good First Day

The boys came out to carpool with smiles on their faces. They both had a great day. They haven't made friends yet, but they enjoyed it. Joshua said he loved this school. He did think it was a longer day than the public school, but I told him it really wasn't. I think he feels a little overwhelmed by some of the work, but the first night of homework wasn't bad. I am thankful they both had a great day.
I didn't have much time at home. I walked after dropping the boys off, ran home, took Jenna to dance, ran the bank and store and then we had an hour before getting the boys. This morning I walked at the park again. It sure beats the treadmill.
Here is Joshua's day:

8:15 opening pledges/roll
8:30 Bible
8:55 Phonics/language
9:15 Math
9:45 writing
10: recess/bathroom
10:30 spelling
10:40 seatwork
10:50 reading groups/seatwork
11:30 lunch
12:00 recess
12:30 bathroom
12:40 check seatwork/help students
1:00 poetry/reading/math drill
1:15 science/activity time Mon, Thurs, Fri
electives Tues, Wed
2:00 History/activity time Mon, Thurs, Fri
electives Thurs, Fri
2:45 Dismissal
Electives are: art, Spanish, music and PE.

First Day of School

The boy's got off great this morning. They were actually up early. Jacob was very eager....I am sure that will wear off. We headed off and then had to turn around because I realized that Joshua forgot his crickets. He was supposed to bring in some "critters". Anyway, we walked Jacob in and he was fine. Joshua went by himself. I am so anxious to hear about their days. I keep looking at their schedules seeing what they are doing all day. I didn't cry, but I have been thinking of them all day and hoping they have met new friends and had a great day. I'll post more tomorrow.

My Babies Are Growing Up.....

My kids are growing up too quickly. Jenna went to her first sleepover last night at Kimberly and Lauren's house. I was worried that she would cry, but she did great. I think I was the one who was sad. I came home and realized my baby was growing up and then I worried about her. On top of that, I was so worried about meeting the teachers, so I didn't have a good couple of hours. Joshua's teacher is an experienced teacher and I think he will do fine. He has 13 in his class including him, which is the biggest class. The work looks like it will be demanding. I hope he will catch up and do ok. He isn't used to such a work load, so I hope he will stay with the class, and not get discouraged. (what can I say....I AM A WORRY WART). Jacob was so anxious to go to his class which made me happy. He kept saying "now can we go to mine". He has a young single teacher, but I was very impressed by her. He has 11 in his class including him. I'll post more about their first day next week. After their orientation, we took the boys for a treat at DQ. Jack is taking the boys today to see Prince Caspian, and they are so excited!

Last Day of Summer Vacation

This is our last full day of vacation before school starts. (except for the weekend). I get a mixed feelings about it. Yesterday, I had the feeling like it couldn't get here soon enough. I was really ready for them to go. Then I start to think about it and I get a little sad. Jacob starts kindergarten!!!! Both boys are starting something new and will have an adjustment to make and that makes me sad. I think of all the battles of getting them up, fed and out the door in time. At least carpool line won't be like before. With a small school, I'll be able to get them very quickly. We meet their teachers tonight. I am a little nervous about it and again, I am not sure how I feel. So I guess on one hand I am ready for summer vacation to end, and on the other end I am ready to keep them here for a few more weeks!!

A Rainy Day with Friends

The kids had fun with their friends yesterday. Of all days, it had to rain. Even with friends here, I kept hearing "we're bored....can't we go outside". They had fun though. We'll enjoy our day here just hanging out at the house and getting ready for our fun filled weeekend!!

Getting Ready For Friends

We are trying to get in all we can this week before a new school year begins. Today we are having some friends over to play. Josh and Jake love anyone that can talk or play Star Wars with them! Wes, Wil, Skye and Bryson are coming over, and Sara and Michelle for me to talk to while everyone is playing. Sunday is Michelle's b-day and we needed some type of dessert so the kids helped me make her a cake. I think they enjoyed licking the bowl more!! ( I put my menu up on the side for this week.)

I Need Some Marriage Advice......

I need some marriage advice. Next Saturday is a very special occasion and I would like to get something special for my someone special. I am tired of buying him clothes for work, not to mention he is getting picky in his old age (ha ha). I just want it to be special. Any advice? I keep thinking of some things, but they are too expensive, or then I realize they are things that I want, but I want this to be for the special somebody! Help me make it a special day!!

signed,

clueless!

Craft with the Kids

I found this craft on the Crafty Crow (thanks Sara for the website). I needed a salad spinner, so I found one at Walmart for $2.97. I cut a piece of cardstock the size of the inside spinner. The kids had fun splotting paint in and spinning it and then seeing what their creations looked like. I really like that every one's was unique. I even did some. We put them outside to dry because they were VERY wet. Next, we took paper towel holders and painted them and let them dry. I used all washable paint so that I could do this again. I hung Joshua's up like this. I really need some string to make this work better. All I had were pipe cleaners. I'll get some string so that I can finish Jacob and Jenna's. It was fun to do this with them, and I am so glad I FINALLY found a craft on my level!!