Teacher Appreciation

Monday the parents spoiled us by our annual teacher appreciation day. We went to Lone Star and had bloomin onion, cheese fries, chips and dip, plus our choice of lunch! Wow, that was SOOOO good!!! We also got a lot of gifts....a place mat with the kids pictures on it, mary kay lotion, earrings, a poem in a frame, a corsage and then we each got a gift from Southern Living at Home. Although I really like this, I think all the teachers should have gotten the same gifts. Some got these really beautiful serving platters with matching salt and pepper shakers, some got some casserole dishes, some beautiful pots. I got a hurricane "bowl". I like it and am grateful, don't get me wrong, but I really liked and could have used some of the other things more. I think a lot of people wanted what others got. I try not to feel too bad. One lady got a set of 2 mugs.....2!! Oh well, I'm sounding ungrateful and that is so wrong. I enjoyed the day and I got spoiled so I need to focus on that!

Discouragement

I had a little discouraging day. First of all my surgery did not give me the results that I had hoped for. Because of my circumstances, the doctor could not do the full blown procedure but just had to burn as much as she could. After just a few weeks I'm running into some of my same problems. Granted they aren't as bad as before, but I was hoping for better results and I feel that I'm back to the drawing board. It also brings me down because the surgery cost over $11k. We have to pay about 10% of that which is still a lot and I truly truly feel we just wasted a lot of our money. That amount would have paid for part of tuition or something. I've had a really bad emotional day over it. I do go back to the doctor tomorrow, but I don't think she can wave a magic wand and make it better.
Secondly I've been a little discouraged about what to do next year. Do I try to get 5 days (if available) stay 3 days, don't work at all and just be sub at SCS, try to find other work at another preschool? I think most of you know how badly I want in at SCS and I still will not quit praying about it. Mrs. Davis asked me to sub this week. When I replied to her and told her I could, I also told her about how I was praying about next year....take 5 days, 3 days or just sub. She said she would take the "sub" route. I would do that, but there are several weeks/months where I wouldn't get much at all. That doesn't pay bills or help out on extras. I guess in the back of my mind I was hoping that she would have something for next year (they are growing). I'm still praying for a miracle.
On top of this, there are still some things going on at preschool where it is obvious favoritism is going on and there are times where I feel like I am being pushed out or that it's time to leave. Right now no one knows for sure if they will even have a job next year. My 4 year olds are so special to me and if I gave that up for no permanent work, I think I'd be lost. Right now God has not shown a clear path or opened/closed any specific doors, so I guess I'll just keep waiting...."I'm waiting on you Lord though it's not easy". (one of my favorite songs). I'm thankful to blog because I feel like someone is listening and I can unload!

Durham Bulls Night.....

I always love this time of year. Jack's company always has a picnic at the Durham Bulls game. This year we had the party deck on the third base line. It was perfect baseball weather. We were so close to the outfielders and also part of the opposing team's deck. We had all the hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas, macaroni and cheese, chicken, potato salad that we wanted. I missed the ice cream, but we did get Italian ice. At the end of the game they had a REALLY IMPRESSIVE fireworks show. We had a great time and a great "family night". I truly hope that my kids will remember all of this. I remember my dad's company picnics and how much fun we would have, and all the prizes we won. I want my kids to remember the same thing....the time we spent together.

My Plans are not His plans.....

It's been one of those crazy weeks. You know one of those weeks where you think you have everything planned? The weeks where you think you will have a nice slow week? Instead of volunteering Monday for computer, Mrs. Davis called me and asked me to sub for second grade. Then she asked me to sub Tuesday afternoon (my day off). I thought maybe Wednesday I could come home and get things done or run errands. Well, Tuesday night I take Joshua to the doctor and he has strep. Although he felt perfectly fine and had no fever, he needed 24 hours on antibiotics before I could take him to school. So he came with me to preschool and got caught up on work. I came home did a couple of things and came up with plan B. Take him to Target, get lunch with him and spend some one on one time with one of my children. That plan got changed. Phone rang on the way there saying Jacob was feeling bad. Ended up spending the rest of the afternoon at the doctor to find out he had strep. So today, Joshua can go to school and Jacob has to stay home! I'd take strep throat over the stomach bug any day. At least they are playing and having fun and eating and not puking!
I tried to find the verse this morning (its 6:30 so my eyes aren't good or my brain working) but I know there is something about how we can plan and plan, but it's God who directs our steps and I keep thinking about that. I also know there is "my ways are not your ways". Hopefully by Saturday everyone should be non-contagious!!

Jenna's birthday celebrations

You know being a kid is great. You can extend your b-days as long as you want. Last Tuesday was Jenna's birthday. I was able to go to school and have lunch with her and her friends. I also took a cookie cake for them to share. Later that evening she had a soccer game (which she didn't want to miss) and she scored 2 goals!! We quickly headed to Red Robin which is where she wanted to celebrate. The kids were excited to see "Red Robin" actually visited the store that night!!

Saturday she took her friends from school (thank goodness for small classes) to "All about me". I know some people hate the place because of the name, but I try to downplay the name and ignore it. She and her 4 friends got their fingernails and toenails done and then spent an hour in the party room having cake, pizza, and opening presents. I think she had a great time. I'm still having a hard time with my baby turning 6.

Money Saving Monday (early)

Thanks Walgreens and CVS for giving me FREE items every week. This week I got two bottles of shave cream, dial soap, Dove shampoo all for free! Also, I scanned my CVS card when I went into the store and it gave me a coupon for $1 off any CVS paper product. I went over and they had toilet paper rolls 2/$1, so with the coupon, I got those free!! How about you.....any good deals for your week?

Last Day in Washington

Saturday was my favorite day of all. We were able to arrange a tour of the White House. I felt so important going through all the security checks and seeing people on the street trying to get in without having a scheduled tour. Unfortunately I could not take a camera or a purse but we really enjoyed going in. When we got out, Jack got a lot of shots with his camera phone, but I don't know how to copy those over. We also visited the Lincoln Memorial. Again, I didn't have pictures, but we do have some so that we can have them for our book. Everyone was very tired Saturday so after breakfast Sunday morning, we headed for home. I really want to go back because there is so much we didn't get to see, and there are some things I didn't get to see all of. Maybe in a few years we will head that way again.

Washington Trip Day 2 and stuff

Julia Child's kitchen

Friday morning we woke up and had our BIG breakfast. The kids loved eating as much as they wanted. It helped cut down on our expenses too! We headed into DC and visited the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. The kids LOVED the dinosaur exhibit. We didn't have as much time as we wanted so we left and went to the American History Museum. You could stay a day here for sure!! We didn't get to see the entire museum (3 floors) so I was a little disappointed. It's like NY.....there is so much to see and not enough time. After that we went to the US Capital for a tour of that.

On a separate note, today is my time to start 2 week grocery shopping. I did it last time, and then had a meal delivered to us and then we went on vacation, so we really need to get to the store. Here is our menu:

BBQ ribs/corn on cob/rice

Cream cheese chicken/potatoes

Appetizer night

meatballs

burritos

pancakes, eggs, bacon

chicken nuggets/french fries

chicken ceasar wraps

breaded chicken breast

durham bulls baseball game/company picnic

cheeseburgers/ff

roast, corn, potatoes

tacos

salad/baked potato

Happy 6th Birthday, Jenna

Today, my baby turns 6. That's really hard for me to say. My little girl is growing up so fast! Time is flying by. I always love this time of year because I can say I have two 6 year olds and they are not twins!! I wanted to write you a poem for your birthday, but I'm not really good at that, so I just wanted to tell you how much I love you.

I love to watch you play soccer. I love to watch you so determined to get a goal and then think it's no big deal once you do!

I love the way I have a shopping buddy! You always love to go with me and tell me what is "adorable" and what would be cute to buy!

I love the way you always make me beautiful pictures. You have a gift of doing that.

I love the way you always come and give me hugs! I love to see your sensitive side when you think there is something wrong with me.

I love the way you love school so much. I love to see you interact with your friends.

I love the times we spend painting your toes!I love to see the way you are growing. I look forward to watching you grow more into the woman God has called you to be. Always know how special you are. Always know that you are a gift from God to me and daddy. Happy 6th Birthday, Jenna!! We love you very much!!

Washington Trip Day 1

We left for Washington on Thursday morning. Jack did all the driving because he wanted me to rest (such a good husband). We arrived in Alexandria, VA around 11:30 or so, checked into our hotel and caught the metro (right across the street) into DC. Our first stop was the Air and Space Museum. The kids really wanted to see this after seeing Night at the Museum. The best part of DC is that most of the museums are FREE!! We stayed a long time there and then headed over to the National Archives. That was very busy, but I noticed it was busy all the time every day. I'm not sure if the kid really realized the importance of seeing the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, but someday they will. We caught the metro back to the hotel and the kids had fun in the hot tub (the pool was too deep). Unfortunately, I am under restrictions, so the pool and hot tub were off limits (and I just bought a new swim suit). I managed to walk around just fine. I did take some pain med's on Thursday, but all in all felt fine going around walking.