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.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Election '08
Just to clarify where I stand, I do not support Obama in the least. I think is a poor choice as a president and I certainly do not want him in that office.
Taken from the McCain site.
John McCain believes we must keep taxes low to reward hard work and create jobs for all Americans.
Barack Obama wants to "spread the wealth around" and is more interested in controlling who gets your piece of the pie than he is in growing the pie.
John McCain has a comprehensive economic plan that will create millions of good American jobs, ensure our nation's energy security, get the government's budget and spending practices in order, and bring relief to American consumers
The Obama tax increase would come at the worst possible time for America, and especially for small businesses like the one Joe the Plumber dreams of owning. The small businesses Senator Obama would tax provide 16 million jobs in America. And a sudden tax hike for those businesses will kill jobs at a time when we need to be creating more jobs.
John McCain will break from the past to lead a great national campaign to put us on a course for energy independence. No problem is more urgent today than our dependence on foreign oil.
Barack Obama voted for the same policies that created the problem. He voted for the energy bill promoted by President Bush and Vice President Cheney, which gave even more breaks to the oil industry.
John McCain will make health care more available, affordable and responsive to patients and he will give families more choices over their care.
Barack Obama's plan will harm employer coverage, continues the push toward government-run health care and will damage private coverage.
John McCain has a record of working to end Washington's stagnant, unproductive partisanship. He will end wasteful government spending and put the government back on the side of the American people.
The American people have not seen Barack Obama forsake partisanship for progress. In his short time in the Senate, Congressional Quarterly shows he voted with the Democrat Party 97 percent of the time.
John McCain is committed to and has long fought for restoring fiscal discipline by eliminating wasteful government spending. Out of control spending has resulted in a weaker dollar, raising the cost of groceries and gas and killing jobs. John McCain will rein in federal spending to help our families in tough economic times.
Barack Obama plans to increase spending by nearly a trillion dollars. Already in three short years in the Senate, he has requested nearly a billion dollars in pork projects for his state and has been an eager participant in this corrupt system.
John McCain will shake up failed school bureaucracies with competition, empower parents with choice, remove barriers to qualified instructors, attract and reward good teachers.
Barack Obama wants our schools to answer to unions and entrenched bureaucracies.
John McCain had the judgment to understand that America's strategy in Iraq was failing and the courage to call for a dramatic change. That strategy is now working, and America is succeeding in Iraq
Barack Obama opposed the new strategy and predicted wrongly that it would fail. He voted to deny critical funds to our men and women fighting in Iraq.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Election '08
I am by no means a political junkie. I grew up in a family that did not vote (at least, not that I remember) and the stance was more with the Independent party. While in college, I did get involved in the elections as a poll book holder and a sign holder. I can say that I am a conservative.
When it comes to the elections this year, wow, what a time to pray for the nation! So many people are being steered in the wrong direction.
If you want to be told where your child can attend school, vote Obama.
If you want your kindergartener to learn about sex education and alternative lifestyles, vote Obama.
If you want an increase in federal income taxes, vote Obama.
If you want someone to appoint Supreme Court judges that have a changing interpretation of the Constitution, vote Obama.
If you want further restrictions on the right to bear arms, vote Obama.
If you want someone that supports public funding of abortions and not notifying the parents of a minor about having an abortion and not giving health care for survivors of abortions, vote Obama.
If you want sodomites to be considered a recognized minority, vote Obama.
If you want public funding for art that is pornographic or anti-religious, vote Obama.
Really, if you want a socialist change, vote Obama. I know I'm not.
Check this link out.
When it comes to the elections this year, wow, what a time to pray for the nation! So many people are being steered in the wrong direction.
If you want to be told where your child can attend school, vote Obama.
If you want your kindergartener to learn about sex education and alternative lifestyles, vote Obama.
If you want an increase in federal income taxes, vote Obama.
If you want someone to appoint Supreme Court judges that have a changing interpretation of the Constitution, vote Obama.
If you want further restrictions on the right to bear arms, vote Obama.
If you want someone that supports public funding of abortions and not notifying the parents of a minor about having an abortion and not giving health care for survivors of abortions, vote Obama.
If you want sodomites to be considered a recognized minority, vote Obama.
If you want public funding for art that is pornographic or anti-religious, vote Obama.
Really, if you want a socialist change, vote Obama. I know I'm not.
Check this link out.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
VBC Ensemble at Hanover
The VBC Ensemble sang for the first time in a church service tonight. It was a wonderful experience. Mr. Walton said that the US Marine Corps motto is Semper Fidelis, meaning "always faithful." He then went on to say that the Christian's motto should be Semper Gumby, meaning "always flexible." We needed to be tonight. Brooke was out of town (she the accompanist) but came back this afternoon. Wendy was already going to be the accompanist for the evening. With me having bronchitis, my voice is nowhere close to being back 100% so I was not able to sing at all with the group, but Brooke sang in my place. I was the official page turner for the evening (well, Adam said I paged the turns...lol!). Everything still worked out well. We went to Panera for dinner after the service and had a great time there as well.
The VBC Ensemble
(Mr. Walton, Adam, Ashley, Brooke, Hope, Nicole)
Tim, Adam, and Ashley
Tim
The girls
Singing
Practicing
Practicing
Random pic of me
Hope, Brooke, and our cute little buddy watching the inchworm special olympics
(you had to be there to understand)
Hope and Brooke
Random pic of Hope
Staged random pic
Brooke and our little buddy
Random pic of Brooke
Ashley, Hope, and Brooke
Ahsley attacking Hope and Brooke...who knows!
Random pic of Ashley
Ahsley and Brooke
Ahsley and Adam
Nice one, Ashley!
Practicing
The VBC Ensemble(Mr. Walton, Adam, Ashley, Brooke, Hope, Nicole)
Tim, Adam, and Ashley
Tim
The girls
Singing
Practicing
Practicing
Random pic of me
Hope, Brooke, and our cute little buddy watching the inchworm special olympics(you had to be there to understand)
Hope and Brooke
Random pic of Hope
Staged random pic
Brooke and our little buddy
Random pic of Brooke
Ashley, Hope, and Brooke
Ahsley attacking Hope and Brooke...who knows!
Random pic of Ashley
Ahsley and Brooke
Ahsley and Adam
Nice one, Ashley!
Practicing
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Last weekend, I was able to go to MD to visit one of my former college roomies. I had a wonderful time! The change of scenery and people was very welcome and refreshing. Jen and I caught up and watched The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants on Friday night (a family from the school was able to drop me off at the Metro station) after she picked me up. Then, we went to visitation devotions before heading off to Wal-Mart so Jen could finish an errand. Of, by the way, the chicken parmasean from Pizza Hut is EXCELLENT! Before we went to the corn field maze, we spent a couple hours at a mall and had lunch there. The maze was great! I had never been to one before. It took us almost two hours to find our way out! I stole all these pictures from Jen since I didn't have my camera with me for this trip.
I certainly enjoyed my mini-but-much-needed-vacation. The only thing is, I came back sick and it turned into bronchitis. Tomorrow at school, we have our fundraiser incentive of the teacher dunk tank. My students are totally pumped about dunking me. I told them it wouldn't happen becasue they all can not throw and that the'll miss the target completely. :) I'm planning on bringing my swim cap and goggles for a special effect.
Torry
Thomas and Annie (and he has a pumpkin under his shirt)
Thomas and Annie again
Sherry with her maglight
Sherry (Jen's sister..she also went to Fairhaven)
Sam (or Rockstar, Mr. Mom, or James Dean depending on Jen's mood..lol!)
Nadia and I on the hayride
Me in the corn maze
Josh (or as Random Person as Jen called him), Dan, and Sam
On the hayride
A few group shots :)
One of those candid "gotcha" shots of Dan
Dan and Sam
Dan and I not too long after we arrived at the River Valley Ranch Corn Maze
An 8 months pregnant Annie and I
I certainly enjoyed my mini-but-much-needed-vacation. The only thing is, I came back sick and it turned into bronchitis. Tomorrow at school, we have our fundraiser incentive of the teacher dunk tank. My students are totally pumped about dunking me. I told them it wouldn't happen becasue they all can not throw and that the'll miss the target completely. :) I'm planning on bringing my swim cap and goggles for a special effect.
Torry
Thomas and Annie (and he has a pumpkin under his shirt)
Thomas and Annie again
Sherry with her maglight
Sherry (Jen's sister..she also went to Fairhaven)
Sam (or Rockstar, Mr. Mom, or James Dean depending on Jen's mood..lol!)
Nadia and I on the hayride
Me in the corn maze
Josh (or as Random Person as Jen called him), Dan, and Sam
On the hayride
A few group shots :)
One of those candid "gotcha" shots of Dan
Dan and Sam
Dan and I not too long after we arrived at the River Valley Ranch Corn Maze
An 8 months pregnant Annie and ISunday, October 12, 2008
Sometimes, I really dislike being a female. Mainly, it has to do with emotions. I can't stand feeling excited, confused, upset, frustrated, mad, depressed, alone, and crowded all at the same time. I wish other things were clear-cut and easy to understand. Well, one situation in particular, anyway.
So I had CPR training Saturday. I was not happy about it being scheduled at the last minute and take away my only day to get something done on top of that. My hand hurts from all the compression practice we had to do. The class took about 2 hours since we spent 2 hours taking the first aid portion online. This is the second time I have taken a CPR class and while I'm glad I know how to do, I'm even more glad I've never had to use it on any one.
College midterms are coming up as well as the school's first quarter. I'm looking forward to going to the teacher's convention next month. I get to room with Kammie! That'll be fun!
Nessa and Jay came down for a visit Saturday afternoon. We had a good time and didn't spend too much money. We all had SOBE's and SlimJims for our movie snacks. We made Jay watch two chick flicks. lol
My class is going to drive me up the wall this year. I feel so bad for having such a short fuse, but these kids just don't listen! I am trying to work on my response to them and Lord willing, it will get better as I let Him work through me.
So I had CPR training Saturday. I was not happy about it being scheduled at the last minute and take away my only day to get something done on top of that. My hand hurts from all the compression practice we had to do. The class took about 2 hours since we spent 2 hours taking the first aid portion online. This is the second time I have taken a CPR class and while I'm glad I know how to do, I'm even more glad I've never had to use it on any one.
College midterms are coming up as well as the school's first quarter. I'm looking forward to going to the teacher's convention next month. I get to room with Kammie! That'll be fun!
Nessa and Jay came down for a visit Saturday afternoon. We had a good time and didn't spend too much money. We all had SOBE's and SlimJims for our movie snacks. We made Jay watch two chick flicks. lol
My class is going to drive me up the wall this year. I feel so bad for having such a short fuse, but these kids just don't listen! I am trying to work on my response to them and Lord willing, it will get better as I let Him work through me.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Living? Check.
Breathing? Most of the time, check.
Family? Check.
Friends? Check.
Job? Check, check, and check.
I know I am blessed with what I have, but why do I feel so "blah" these days? This school year is really pulling a number on me. This week was ok with the kids, but I know I never want to have another class like this. Unfortunately, next year's is no better...perhaps worse. I feel like all I ever do is work related stuff. Lesson plans take FOREVER to do (glad I'm now three...technically two...weeks ahead), breaks are joke, aides are few, days are long, and pay is minimal. I hate living paycheck to paycheck, but the Lord has not failed me (and He never will). Oh, not to mention I practically LIVE at the church or in my classroom. I am there Sunday though Saturday for hours.
My family seems to be getting it together (generally speaking), but there are plenty of problems. Just found out that Mom, Dad, and AJ may not be able to make it out to Nessa's for Thanksgiving. I'll only make if Nessa picks me up (since my car has issues...nothing out of the norm there). Nessa, her boyfriend, and I are planning to drive up to MI for Christmas (since none of can afford to fly). That'll be interesting. Not sure if I'll be able to make it a week without visiting the ER at least once while we're there. Then again, it wouldn't be a normal visit home without not being able to breathe and creating some fun in the ER with the crazy stuff Nessa and I do to lighten up the moment. We have had hospital staff tell us to quiet down (shocker, right?).
I think I'm in need of a change. Just not sure with what to change, though. Life's not bad here, but...well, I don't know.
I want to go on a long trip away from here. California sounds good. I'd love to hang out with Mimi again. Maybe even go see Glenn and Katie. I'd love to see Carol before she and Adam head off to Mongolia. I'd love to visit my home church and see those who have influenced my life for the best. I miss so many people right now. Yes, I've made friends here, but I still feel disconnected. That could also be my fault. Maybe getting older does that to a person.
*sigh*
Breathing? Most of the time, check.
Family? Check.
Friends? Check.
Job? Check, check, and check.
I know I am blessed with what I have, but why do I feel so "blah" these days? This school year is really pulling a number on me. This week was ok with the kids, but I know I never want to have another class like this. Unfortunately, next year's is no better...perhaps worse. I feel like all I ever do is work related stuff. Lesson plans take FOREVER to do (glad I'm now three...technically two...weeks ahead), breaks are joke, aides are few, days are long, and pay is minimal. I hate living paycheck to paycheck, but the Lord has not failed me (and He never will). Oh, not to mention I practically LIVE at the church or in my classroom. I am there Sunday though Saturday for hours.
My family seems to be getting it together (generally speaking), but there are plenty of problems. Just found out that Mom, Dad, and AJ may not be able to make it out to Nessa's for Thanksgiving. I'll only make if Nessa picks me up (since my car has issues...nothing out of the norm there). Nessa, her boyfriend, and I are planning to drive up to MI for Christmas (since none of can afford to fly). That'll be interesting. Not sure if I'll be able to make it a week without visiting the ER at least once while we're there. Then again, it wouldn't be a normal visit home without not being able to breathe and creating some fun in the ER with the crazy stuff Nessa and I do to lighten up the moment. We have had hospital staff tell us to quiet down (shocker, right?).
I think I'm in need of a change. Just not sure with what to change, though. Life's not bad here, but...well, I don't know.
I want to go on a long trip away from here. California sounds good. I'd love to hang out with Mimi again. Maybe even go see Glenn and Katie. I'd love to see Carol before she and Adam head off to Mongolia. I'd love to visit my home church and see those who have influenced my life for the best. I miss so many people right now. Yes, I've made friends here, but I still feel disconnected. That could also be my fault. Maybe getting older does that to a person.
*sigh*
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Just thought I'd share this with you. I found it interesting.
I fall under the young, unmarried woman portion, but I'm certainly NOT voting for Obama. NOBAMA '08!
You should also see this very disturbing video. I don't know how to post a video here, so just click the link.
I fall under the young, unmarried woman portion, but I'm certainly NOT voting for Obama. NOBAMA '08!
You should also see this very disturbing video. I don't know how to post a video here, so just click the link.
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