I had a pretty good weekend. I was able to spend time with my whole family at my sister's place in MD. Mom and I made the Thanksgiving meal and it turned out great. Ness had to work on Black Friday. I did not go shopping at all this year. Ness, Jay, and I took an evening stroll through the beautiful park down the road. I went back Saturday morning for a leisurely walk and also had my devotions there. There were many ducks, geese, and swans in the pond.
My car did get fixed, but it wasn't a couple hour job like my dad thought it'd be. It was more of an all day job since the fluid leak happened to be the water pump. The power streering belt was loose as well. Ah, the joys of having a vehicle.
I'm thankful for:
1. My family and friends
2. For God's love even though I don't deserve it
3. Living in America
4. My job
5. My students
6. My church
7. The opportunity to serve Christ
8. Freedom
9. For Jesus Christ dying on the cross for my sins
10. For the abilities God has given me
This is a short list of thanks. God has given me so much. As the Bible says, "Daily He loadeth us with benefits." He truly does if we take the time to notice. It's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day things that we take for granted.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
I was just able to upload the pics. :)
The VBC Ensemble went to another church and after, we went to Jalapeno's. They had the greatest cheese quesadillas.
The upper elementary went to the Ice Park for a field trip today. All almost went well. Two of my kids ended up getting hurt while skating, but other than that, it went well.
Another group shot
The upper elementary supervisor.
The surprise blessing waiting for me when I got back to school.
The note said, "Have a Happy Thanksgiving!"
The VBC Ensemble went to another church and after, we went to Jalapeno's. They had the greatest cheese quesadillas.
The upper elementary went to the Ice Park for a field trip today. All almost went well. Two of my kids ended up getting hurt while skating, but other than that, it went well.
Another group shot
The upper elementary supervisor.
The surprise blessing waiting for me when I got back to school.The note said, "Have a Happy Thanksgiving!"
Monday, November 17, 2008
Nobody likes a boring spelling class!
These are my notes from the teachers' convention.
I. Primary objectives of spelling
a. Teach the spelling of many words
b. Learn to use the words correctly
c. Teach spelling rules
II. Other objectives
a. Increase vocabulary
b. To use a dictionary
c. To enjoy good poetry
III. Homework
a. How to set up the paper
b. Give HW 3x a week
c. Use good penmanship and copy carefully
(Could use as a penmanship grade)
d. Vary the assignment
(alphabetical order, 1x, 2x, write list backwards, make it a story, syllables, sentences)
e. Spelling Club - only have to write list 1x rather than 2x
f. Have students tell parents the list
g. Have students write and say the list at the same time
IV. Introducing a new lesson
a. Pronounce each word, emphasizing its sounds and syllables
b. Class repeats
c. Explain the meaning of unfamiliar words
d. Use each word in a sentence
f. Point out other aids in memorization
V. Practice the list
a. Say, spell, say (lasagna, l-a-s-a-g-n-a, lasagna)
b. Vocabulary: pursue, p-u-r-s-u-e, to chase, pursue
c. Vary the groups and the ways the words are spelled
(Football, cheerleader, boys, girls, computer, frog, crescendo, decrescendo, snap/stomp/clap)
d. Other activities (to be done after the list has been recited at least once)
contests, ruler tap, instant recall, proof-reading exercises, scramble words
e. Be creative
VI. Pen/paper reviews
a. Sentence dictation - listening skill, accuracy, and good penmanship
b. Copy Cats
c. 100% rows
d. Sweet Success
e. Be creative
VII. Poetry
a. Read it to the class with good expression and have them follow along
b. Explain the meaning of unfamiliar words
c. Mark pauses or accented words
d. Add motions
e. Work on the whole section, not line by line
f. Enjoy it
I. Primary objectives of spelling
a. Teach the spelling of many words
b. Learn to use the words correctly
c. Teach spelling rules
II. Other objectives
a. Increase vocabulary
b. To use a dictionary
c. To enjoy good poetry
III. Homework
a. How to set up the paper
b. Give HW 3x a week
c. Use good penmanship and copy carefully
(Could use as a penmanship grade)
d. Vary the assignment
(alphabetical order, 1x, 2x, write list backwards, make it a story, syllables, sentences)
e. Spelling Club - only have to write list 1x rather than 2x
f. Have students tell parents the list
g. Have students write and say the list at the same time
IV. Introducing a new lesson
a. Pronounce each word, emphasizing its sounds and syllables
b. Class repeats
c. Explain the meaning of unfamiliar words
d. Use each word in a sentence
f. Point out other aids in memorization
V. Practice the list
a. Say, spell, say (lasagna, l-a-s-a-g-n-a, lasagna)
b. Vocabulary: pursue, p-u-r-s-u-e, to chase, pursue
c. Vary the groups and the ways the words are spelled
(Football, cheerleader, boys, girls, computer, frog, crescendo, decrescendo, snap/stomp/clap)
d. Other activities (to be done after the list has been recited at least once)
contests, ruler tap, instant recall, proof-reading exercises, scramble words
e. Be creative
VI. Pen/paper reviews
a. Sentence dictation - listening skill, accuracy, and good penmanship
b. Copy Cats
c. 100% rows
d. Sweet Success
e. Be creative
VII. Poetry
a. Read it to the class with good expression and have them follow along
b. Explain the meaning of unfamiliar words
c. Mark pauses or accented words
d. Add motions
e. Work on the whole section, not line by line
f. Enjoy it
Monday, November 10, 2008
Today was interesting. Well, over the weekend, I noticed my bank account seriously lacking in funds and was hit with some overdraft fees. The only thing was, I was pretty sure I was set up so that wouldn't happen. I opened a savings account that could be pulled from. Apparently, that didn't happen. So, I planned a trip to the bank to figure out what happened. Now, with my car out of commission (which I think I narrowed down the problem and shared that with my dad), I was going to walk to the bank (not the first time I've done it either). As I was grabbing my purse, someone stopped me to ask me where I was going. I told him that I needed to take care of something at the bank and then he asked me to deposit his checks at his bank and that I could take his car. Yeah. Sure. No problem.
I was able to get things cleared up at my bank and even able to get the fees taken cared of. Big relief there. So, I then went to the other bank to make the deposits. I went through the drive-through line and everything was all well until I had one of those nearly choking experiences by the words coming someone else's mouth. Now, mind you, they weren't "bad" words, but they certainly weren't expected, either. As I was waiting for the receipt, the teller said, "Have a great day MRS. *_____*!" What?! No way!
Now, that takes a bit of trust for someone to ask another to make a deposit for them, so I was thinking that I was at least considered trustworthy. But, for someone else to think of me as his wife....ACK! And to think I used to do business with this bank...
Anyway, I am looking forward to the teachers' convention this week. Only two more school days and then off to Hampton. I even get to see some people from Fairhaven as well as some other friends from VBC. It'll be a better year for me, I think. It helps to finally know some other people outside of FBS (not that there's anything wrong with the people I know).
I was able to get things cleared up at my bank and even able to get the fees taken cared of. Big relief there. So, I then went to the other bank to make the deposits. I went through the drive-through line and everything was all well until I had one of those nearly choking experiences by the words coming someone else's mouth. Now, mind you, they weren't "bad" words, but they certainly weren't expected, either. As I was waiting for the receipt, the teller said, "Have a great day MRS. *_____*!" What?! No way!
Now, that takes a bit of trust for someone to ask another to make a deposit for them, so I was thinking that I was at least considered trustworthy. But, for someone else to think of me as his wife....ACK! And to think I used to do business with this bank...
Anyway, I am looking forward to the teachers' convention this week. Only two more school days and then off to Hampton. I even get to see some people from Fairhaven as well as some other friends from VBC. It'll be a better year for me, I think. It helps to finally know some other people outside of FBS (not that there's anything wrong with the people I know).
Thursday, November 06, 2008
I hate it when people try to mother me when they are not in the position to do so. It's so frustrating. I know someone who thinks that whatever she does is the best thing and therefore I should be just like her. Umm...no. I'd rather not. You can have your life because I do not envy you in the least. Thank you. Let's move on.
I talked to my brother this evening. I so miss making fun of him! I love the booger. :) My favorite line was when we were talking about the weather, I told him that is was nice here and maybe next week I'll pull out a sweater. He said that he has been wearing the hoodie Mom got him before school. Then I told him that he should should have it washed....(thinking...thinking...) He was so slow to that. :) (If you didn't get it, I'll be happy to explain...but it takes all the fun out of it.)
Things are really getting tough around here. I can't get ahead for anything. And my health insurance nearly doubled.
I've really been struggling in a different area. *__________* and I have been in communication since May. He's even called a few times and come to see me. Since school started, our communication has nearly come to a standstill. It's hard to understand what is going on right now. I did try to give him an easy way out (that was hard to do because I didn't want to do that), but what was I to do if I rarely hear from him? He responded with a "I don't want to lose all contact with you." And yet, I still don't hear from him. I don't even know what to call what we had, whether it was a relationship or a friendship. I find this fella to be a great guy with many of the same standards (music, especially). It's so hard to find guys with any standards these days, let alone Godly ones. He is a history teacher in a Christian high school and seems to have a wonderful opportunity serving the Lord where he is at. I think it is great to see a guy who loves what he is doing. The only thing is, he seems not to have any time for me, except for maybe a few minutes on the weekend, or every other weekend, to send me an email letting me know how busy he's been. I know all about how busy a teacher can get. I am one as well. In fact, I have 100 papers to grade right now. (And that's not an exaggeration). I'd be better if he would clarify where he wants to go in this friendship/relationship rather than let it die off. I'd like to say I'm content waiting on the Lord, but that'd be a lie. I am really tired of living on my own. It's no fun cooking for one (and I rarely cook because of that). I want someone to care for and someone to care for me. It really is hard to see all the people I grew up with getting married and having kids. I've drempt of that for some time now, but it seems more and more that all I'll be is an old maid. If that's what the Lord wants for me, then Ill learn to be content with it. *__________* has great potential. He's comitted to serving the Lord, committed in his job, and is one of those "nice guys." I just want/need some direction.
Anyway, I'm off to try to knock out some of this grading. This stuff is killing me! I can't stand grading penmanship papers! Their writing is better than mine!
I talked to my brother this evening. I so miss making fun of him! I love the booger. :) My favorite line was when we were talking about the weather, I told him that is was nice here and maybe next week I'll pull out a sweater. He said that he has been wearing the hoodie Mom got him before school. Then I told him that he should should have it washed....(thinking...thinking...) He was so slow to that. :) (If you didn't get it, I'll be happy to explain...but it takes all the fun out of it.)
Things are really getting tough around here. I can't get ahead for anything. And my health insurance nearly doubled.
I've really been struggling in a different area. *__________* and I have been in communication since May. He's even called a few times and come to see me. Since school started, our communication has nearly come to a standstill. It's hard to understand what is going on right now. I did try to give him an easy way out (that was hard to do because I didn't want to do that), but what was I to do if I rarely hear from him? He responded with a "I don't want to lose all contact with you." And yet, I still don't hear from him. I don't even know what to call what we had, whether it was a relationship or a friendship. I find this fella to be a great guy with many of the same standards (music, especially). It's so hard to find guys with any standards these days, let alone Godly ones. He is a history teacher in a Christian high school and seems to have a wonderful opportunity serving the Lord where he is at. I think it is great to see a guy who loves what he is doing. The only thing is, he seems not to have any time for me, except for maybe a few minutes on the weekend, or every other weekend, to send me an email letting me know how busy he's been. I know all about how busy a teacher can get. I am one as well. In fact, I have 100 papers to grade right now. (And that's not an exaggeration). I'd be better if he would clarify where he wants to go in this friendship/relationship rather than let it die off. I'd like to say I'm content waiting on the Lord, but that'd be a lie. I am really tired of living on my own. It's no fun cooking for one (and I rarely cook because of that). I want someone to care for and someone to care for me. It really is hard to see all the people I grew up with getting married and having kids. I've drempt of that for some time now, but it seems more and more that all I'll be is an old maid. If that's what the Lord wants for me, then Ill learn to be content with it. *__________* has great potential. He's comitted to serving the Lord, committed in his job, and is one of those "nice guys." I just want/need some direction.
Anyway, I'm off to try to knock out some of this grading. This stuff is killing me! I can't stand grading penmanship papers! Their writing is better than mine!
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Lord, You are in control. The outcome of this election will not surprise You. I know You are still in the miracle working business and we need a miracle to keep Obama from being elected President. Of course, You can still still produce good from evil (think Nebuchadnezzar, people). I trust in Your infinite goodness. The best thing a Christian can do is keep praying!
Monday, November 03, 2008
Just a regular day
So, I deal with kids all day. Many come up with these really lame excuses as to why they didn't finish (or start) their homework and today was no different. Mind you, they had the weekend to complete it and they had time to work on it (even finish it) in class on Friday. The biggest excuse I get is, "I didn't have time." Parents, please realize that the job of your child is to be a good student, not excuse maker. I get to talk to one parent who asked me if I read the note in the steno (which I had not since their child was tardy today). Apparently, as he was working on his book report with his father, the wise man that he is, realized that his done did not even read the book (which he had a month to do so). So, dad wrote a note to let me know that his child needs to have a "zero" for not completing the book. I completely agree. This is the second book he has failed to read this year. I am glad that his parents are stepping up and showing him that it is important to complete the tasks set before you. Thank you.
In after-school care in the pre-school (I work there when needed throughout the week), the kids were so wound up. A bunch of them wanted me to time them as they ran around the playground (a whopping 12-15 seconds that it takes). One little boy then says, "I'm fast than a car with sneakers!" Hehe... Oh, there was also a fender bender across the street as a little black car rear-ended a little black truck. This road is ridiculous. This stuff happens daily around here since it is so busy.
I'll be voting after school tomorrow. Josh is letting my borrow his car since mine is on the fritz again. I wanted to vote before school, but after will have to do.
Well, it's time to finish reading the book I started. I have enjoyed ending the evening with some light reading.
In after-school care in the pre-school (I work there when needed throughout the week), the kids were so wound up. A bunch of them wanted me to time them as they ran around the playground (a whopping 12-15 seconds that it takes). One little boy then says, "I'm fast than a car with sneakers!" Hehe... Oh, there was also a fender bender across the street as a little black car rear-ended a little black truck. This road is ridiculous. This stuff happens daily around here since it is so busy.
I'll be voting after school tomorrow. Josh is letting my borrow his car since mine is on the fritz again. I wanted to vote before school, but after will have to do.
Well, it's time to finish reading the book I started. I have enjoyed ending the evening with some light reading.
A questionnaire...I haven't done one of these in ages!
FUN QUESTIONNAIRE
1. What is your middle name? Rene` (don't forget the accent mark!)
2. How big is your bed? Twin
3.What are you listening to right now? Marion Avenue Boys
4. What are the last 4 digits in your cellphone number? 8270
5. What was the last thing you ate? Stretchy mac-n-cheese with bacon bits
6. Last person you hugged? umm..one of the kiddos at school, probably
7. How is the weather right now? Nice and cool :)
8. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Mom
9. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? attitude/demeanor
10. Favorite type of food? pasta or chocolate
11. Do you want children? Yes
12. Hair color? Brown with highlights
13. Do you wear contacts? When I feel like it
14. Favorite holiday? Christmas...that's when I get to spend time with my family
15. Favorite Season? Spring
16. Have you ever cried over a love lost? Yes, but I'm over it now
17. Last Movie you watched? Love's Long Journey
18. What books are you reading? Montana (4 books in one)
19. Piercings? One in each ear
20. Favorite Movie? A Walk to Remember
21. Favorite college football team? none
22. What were you doing before filling this out? Thinking about what to blog about
25. Favorite animal? Dog
26. Favorite drink? Water, Dr. Pepper, hot chocolate
27. Favorite flower? Lilacs
28. Have you ever loved someone? Sure
29. Who would you like to see right now? My family and M.A.R.
30. What color are your bedroom walls? White
31. Have you ever fired a gun? Does paintball count?
32. Do you like to travel by plane? Sure
33. Right-handed or Left-handed? Right
34. If you could go to any place right now where would you go? Anywhere
35. Are you missing someone? Most definitely
36. Do you have a tattoo? Nope
37. Do you still watch cartoons on Saturday mornings? Nope
38. Are you hiding something from someone right now? Nope
39. Are you 18? Past that
40. What is the wallpaper on your cellphone? Uh...can you believe I actually have to look at it to answer this question...A purple rose
41. Are you afraid of the dark? Nope
42. Favorite hangout: my room
43. 3 things you can't live without? Bible, family/friends, chocolate
44. Favorite songs? Bow the Knee, Pilot Me, many others
45. What are you afraid of? Losing loved ones before they come to know Christ
46. Are you a giver or a taker? some of both
47. What are your nicknames? Nikki, Sis, Sister, Nic, Miss Cole, Cole, who-uh
48. What is your dad's middle name? Gene
49. What do you sleep in? pjs
50. Stuck on a deserted island, and can only bring one thing? Bible
51. Favorite TV commercial? None really
52. First thing you'll save in a fire? Whatever I can grab
53. What is your favorite color? Purple
54. What are the things you always bring with you? My purse with my wallet, Ipod, 3 sets of keys, and chapstick
55. What did you want to be when you were a kid? At first I wanted to be a singer and then I decided on being a teacher
56. What do you usually do when the alarm turns on? Umm..at school I usher the kids outside and then call roll
57. What color is your bedsheet? coral
58. Who do you want to meet? I don't know
59. What do you think about before you go to bed? Lots of stuff
1. What is your middle name? Rene` (don't forget the accent mark!)
2. How big is your bed? Twin
3.What are you listening to right now? Marion Avenue Boys
4. What are the last 4 digits in your cellphone number? 8270
5. What was the last thing you ate? Stretchy mac-n-cheese with bacon bits
6. Last person you hugged? umm..one of the kiddos at school, probably
7. How is the weather right now? Nice and cool :)
8. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Mom
9. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? attitude/demeanor
10. Favorite type of food? pasta or chocolate
11. Do you want children? Yes
12. Hair color? Brown with highlights
13. Do you wear contacts? When I feel like it
14. Favorite holiday? Christmas...that's when I get to spend time with my family
15. Favorite Season? Spring
16. Have you ever cried over a love lost? Yes, but I'm over it now
17. Last Movie you watched? Love's Long Journey
18. What books are you reading? Montana (4 books in one)
19. Piercings? One in each ear
20. Favorite Movie? A Walk to Remember
21. Favorite college football team? none
22. What were you doing before filling this out? Thinking about what to blog about
25. Favorite animal? Dog
26. Favorite drink? Water, Dr. Pepper, hot chocolate
27. Favorite flower? Lilacs
28. Have you ever loved someone? Sure
29. Who would you like to see right now? My family and M.A.R.
30. What color are your bedroom walls? White
31. Have you ever fired a gun? Does paintball count?
32. Do you like to travel by plane? Sure
33. Right-handed or Left-handed? Right
34. If you could go to any place right now where would you go? Anywhere
35. Are you missing someone? Most definitely
36. Do you have a tattoo? Nope
37. Do you still watch cartoons on Saturday mornings? Nope
38. Are you hiding something from someone right now? Nope
39. Are you 18? Past that
40. What is the wallpaper on your cellphone? Uh...can you believe I actually have to look at it to answer this question...A purple rose
41. Are you afraid of the dark? Nope
42. Favorite hangout: my room
43. 3 things you can't live without? Bible, family/friends, chocolate
44. Favorite songs? Bow the Knee, Pilot Me, many others
45. What are you afraid of? Losing loved ones before they come to know Christ
46. Are you a giver or a taker? some of both
47. What are your nicknames? Nikki, Sis, Sister, Nic, Miss Cole, Cole, who-uh
48. What is your dad's middle name? Gene
49. What do you sleep in? pjs
50. Stuck on a deserted island, and can only bring one thing? Bible
51. Favorite TV commercial? None really
52. First thing you'll save in a fire? Whatever I can grab
53. What is your favorite color? Purple
54. What are the things you always bring with you? My purse with my wallet, Ipod, 3 sets of keys, and chapstick
55. What did you want to be when you were a kid? At first I wanted to be a singer and then I decided on being a teacher
56. What do you usually do when the alarm turns on? Umm..at school I usher the kids outside and then call roll
57. What color is your bedsheet? coral
58. Who do you want to meet? I don't know
59. What do you think about before you go to bed? Lots of stuff
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Saturday, November 01, 2008
The Adam Complex
So, the newshounds will dig up all the dirt they can on McCain and Palin, but moment something negative comes out about Obama (click here to read it), they automatically try to place the blame on the McCain/Palin or Bush administration.
"Information about the deportation case was disclosed and confirmed by two separate sources, one of them a federal law enforcement official. The information they made available is known to officials in the federal government, but the AP could not establish whether anyone at a political level in the Bush administration or in the McCain campaign had been involved in its release."
Nothing like a biased, democratic media for you. So, was it the Obama/Biden campaign that shared all the dirt they could with the media about McCain/Palin? Most likely, but they wouldn't tell you that.
"Information about the deportation case was disclosed and confirmed by two separate sources, one of them a federal law enforcement official. The information they made available is known to officials in the federal government, but the AP could not establish whether anyone at a political level in the Bush administration or in the McCain campaign had been involved in its release."
Nothing like a biased, democratic media for you. So, was it the Obama/Biden campaign that shared all the dirt they could with the media about McCain/Palin? Most likely, but they wouldn't tell you that.
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