No, this entry isn't going to be all about Mc Donald's! However, it is going to be about a few of the things I am really digging at the moment.
1. I love fundraisers at restaurants. This week we attended a Booster Club fundraiser at Varsity Grill and a fundraiser at Chick-Fil-A for my school. I love that it gives me an excuse not to cook, but that by eating out, we are actually helping fund two really great programs. By the looks of the crowds at both, the fundraisers were great successes!
2. Crisp nights/mornings--I am really loving that in the mornings it is just cool enough to wake me up, and in the evenings, it is just right to sit outside. I am also loving the fact that the mosquitoes are finally at bay. When I am enjoying the back porch (after the kids are in bed), I catch the faintest whiff of a fire someone has built. Now, me personally, it is a little early to enjoy the roaring blaze but to each their own.
3. Scrubs for work!! We decided as a staff that this year we would all order scrubs. May sound strange to some people, but it really isn't that uncommon in the school world. It was great to wake up this morning and not have to worry about what to wear and if it was ironed. The scrubs are a wonderful, vibrant, royal blue with the cutest embroidery of a school house and children while saying "Euper Lane. . . Working Together" which is part of our new mission statement. It was also quite humorous to see the reaction of the students when the entire staff was dressed alike!!
4. the Little Penguin Merlot--'nuff said!
5. How much Russell is learning. It is almost as if I can see his brain expanding. He comes home every day with a new story, poem, vocabulary word, or concept. I love that his teacher actually enjoys her job, and that she is such a genuinely nice person who smiles SOOOO much!! Russell absolutely loves school, and I know it is because of the fantastic environment E.L.E. provides.
6. Baby toes (what did I say)? No really, I have always loved Wilson's baby toes. It seems like his little feet are just stuck in that perfect stage of freaking cute. I would kiss them if they weren't so stinky!! I know that they won't be baby toes for much longer (technically they aren't baby toes now), and I want to cherish the sweetness of them while I still can.
7. My family!! My parents will be visiting us next week, and I am looking forward to a good time. We don't have the opportunity to see my parents as much as I would like, and we really try to live it up when we get together. I am excited for Nana and Grandpa Ralph to see how much the boys have changed, take them to a Rebel game, and maybe even introduce them to a few new friends. My brother and SIL, Ryan and Shannon, are also going to visit us soon. They will come in for a short weekend trip, but we will fill it to the brim with activities!! I look forward to their visit for many different reasons than my parents' trip. Obviously, I want R and S to hang out with the boys, but I am being selfish, and I am really looking forward to getting away to F-ville for the Hog game. Tailgating, chilling, watching good football, and quality time with two of my favorite people--who could want more?
What can I say? Life is good right now. I think my positive outlook has helped me this fall to get over the little things that usually bring me down! I am loving life--even the hiccups along the way!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Cell Phone Plan
Okay, so this has nothing to do with my kids, or my job, or football, but it has been weighing heavily on my mind.
We received our monthly cell phone/tv/Internet bill and were astounded to find it almost $200 more than normal. Considering we have already added unlimited texting (what can I say, sometimes I don't want to talk to people, SHOCKING I KNOW), I really couldn't figure out why the bill would be so much. We do enjoy "renting movies off" like Russell says, but there is no way that we rented that many. When dissecting the bill, I realized that suddenly we were being charged for our daytime minutes.
I knew that I was going to have to be the one to call the cell phone company. First of all, the bill is actually in my name. Second, I wanted it taken care of sooner rather than later. So I settled in for a long winter's nap--oh wait, that is a different story. No, really, I settled in when I knew I had some time and waited for a live person (speaking English) to answer the phone. There were two ways I could approach the situation. I could "let them have it" like Justin thought, or I could be "PROACTIVE" as I learned this summer. I chose the later. Well, low and behold, it actually worked.
The very nice and helpful representative said that our plan had expired, and that we needed to sign up for a new plan. Seeing as how we don't have a home phone, I opted for the plan that allowed us to have PLENTY of minutes, and we were able to name 10 numbers as "mobile to mobile". FANTASTIC! She was also so kind as to back date the plan so it would get rid of the overages that were occurred, and we should see a credit on our next bill.
Now to the difficult situation. Those stinkin' 10 numbers that we had to choose. How to limit your top 10 people? Especially since we only had 10 numbers to be shared? So I sat down with my recent calls while Justin did the same, and we figured out who we called the most. It really wasn't hard to pick the first 5 or 6 numbers--they were pretty much all family. Those last 4 numbers were more tricky. Not that anyone would know if we picked them (or didn't for that matter), but I kept feeling that pang of guilt. What if this month I talk to so and so more than such and such, but next month, what if it changes. Well, evidentally the phone company had already thought of that! When I added our 10 people, it so kindly told me that I could change them as needed. Thanks so much!
I feel so much better knowing that I don't have to choose people forever. I mean I had to do that once, and I made a really good choice, but what if I messed this one up? PRESSURE!
We received our monthly cell phone/tv/Internet bill and were astounded to find it almost $200 more than normal. Considering we have already added unlimited texting (what can I say, sometimes I don't want to talk to people, SHOCKING I KNOW), I really couldn't figure out why the bill would be so much. We do enjoy "renting movies off" like Russell says, but there is no way that we rented that many. When dissecting the bill, I realized that suddenly we were being charged for our daytime minutes.
I knew that I was going to have to be the one to call the cell phone company. First of all, the bill is actually in my name. Second, I wanted it taken care of sooner rather than later. So I settled in for a long winter's nap--oh wait, that is a different story. No, really, I settled in when I knew I had some time and waited for a live person (speaking English) to answer the phone. There were two ways I could approach the situation. I could "let them have it" like Justin thought, or I could be "PROACTIVE" as I learned this summer. I chose the later. Well, low and behold, it actually worked.
The very nice and helpful representative said that our plan had expired, and that we needed to sign up for a new plan. Seeing as how we don't have a home phone, I opted for the plan that allowed us to have PLENTY of minutes, and we were able to name 10 numbers as "mobile to mobile". FANTASTIC! She was also so kind as to back date the plan so it would get rid of the overages that were occurred, and we should see a credit on our next bill.
Now to the difficult situation. Those stinkin' 10 numbers that we had to choose. How to limit your top 10 people? Especially since we only had 10 numbers to be shared? So I sat down with my recent calls while Justin did the same, and we figured out who we called the most. It really wasn't hard to pick the first 5 or 6 numbers--they were pretty much all family. Those last 4 numbers were more tricky. Not that anyone would know if we picked them (or didn't for that matter), but I kept feeling that pang of guilt. What if this month I talk to so and so more than such and such, but next month, what if it changes. Well, evidentally the phone company had already thought of that! When I added our 10 people, it so kindly told me that I could change them as needed. Thanks so much!
I feel so much better knowing that I don't have to choose people forever. I mean I had to do that once, and I made a really good choice, but what if I messed this one up? PRESSURE!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
"My Mommy" as told by Russell Key
What does your mommy say all of the time?
*I love you!
What makes mommy happy?
*hugs and kisses
What makes mommy sad?
*When you bust your elbow open
What does mommy do that makes you laugh?
*tickles me and makes funny faces
What was mommy like as a child?
*little and growing bigger and bigger
How old is mommy?
*31
How tall is mommy?
*3 foots tall
What is mommy's favorite thing to do?
*go to work and play games
What does mommy do after you go to sleep?
*eat candy
****At this point Russell got frustrated having to answer all of the questions. So I couldn't get the rest of them answered. I tried to get Wilson to answer some questions, but he just stood there saying, "I don't know, I don't know, I DON"T KNOW".
Oh well, I guess that is pretty typical. Boys just don't have a lot to say, even if it is about their mama.
*I love you!
What makes mommy happy?
*hugs and kisses
What makes mommy sad?
*When you bust your elbow open
What does mommy do that makes you laugh?
*tickles me and makes funny faces
What was mommy like as a child?
*little and growing bigger and bigger
How old is mommy?
*31
How tall is mommy?
*3 foots tall
What is mommy's favorite thing to do?
*go to work and play games
What does mommy do after you go to sleep?
*eat candy
****At this point Russell got frustrated having to answer all of the questions. So I couldn't get the rest of them answered. I tried to get Wilson to answer some questions, but he just stood there saying, "I don't know, I don't know, I DON"T KNOW".
Oh well, I guess that is pretty typical. Boys just don't have a lot to say, even if it is about their mama.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Throwback Thursday
Let's go back to 2007. Russell was younger than Wilson is now, and Wilson was a tiny baby!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Top Ten Pics from 2010
Since I am going with the "top ten" list theme, I thought about the "top 10 pics from 2010". If you are a friend of mine on facebook, you have seen these before, but some of these pics are too darn cute not to post again! I realize the year isn't over, but who cares.
#10 I just love moments like these. When my boys are being so sweet and brotherly. What you don't see is that right after this pic one of them punched the other, and then they tried to push each other into the sprinkler.
#9 Oh, Wilson, how I love to put you in awkward places and then try to make you smile. Poor kid's butt was so hot from this cow's back. I don't think that is a smile, but it was still kinda funny.
#6 Just hilarious! When I ask the boys to "pose" you never know what you might get!! This was before Russell's birthday party, and you can see the excitement all over their faces.
#5 If you don't have boys, or children in general, then you might not know this common fact: Everything is a competition. Who can eat the fastest (and the most), who can yell the loudest (esp. when we are in a store), and who can get the most of anything. Notice that Wilson is peering into Russell's basket, and it really looks like he might be counting to make sure Russell didn't win.
#4 This kid wants a motorcycle. He talks about it everyday. We have set two ground rules:You have to be 18, and you have to wear a helmet. I know you might be saying "18?, why didn't you tell him 65?" I just figure if the desire is still around when he turns 18, I won't be able to stop him.
#3 My boys love their red-heads. These happen to be sisters and two of the sweetest girls we know. I really hope they continue this love affair since I didn't get a red-headed child. I might actually get my wish in grandchildren.
#2 My boys are growing up way too fast. Wilson turned 3 this summer, and Russell has started Kindergarten. I just want to push pause for a few years and keep them at this sweet age.
#1 Taken this summer at the lake, this picture emits the feelings of football. All of the kids are waiting on their daddies to get back so they can have fun. Now that football season is in full swing, I am constantly hearing, "When will daddy be home?" Justin puts in such long hours, and I know he wishes he could be at home. We all feel the same way!!
#10 I just love moments like these. When my boys are being so sweet and brotherly. What you don't see is that right after this pic one of them punched the other, and then they tried to push each other into the sprinkler. #9 Oh, Wilson, how I love to put you in awkward places and then try to make you smile. Poor kid's butt was so hot from this cow's back. I don't think that is a smile, but it was still kinda funny.
#8 This pic should be titled "You might live in Arkansas if. . . " --you use a bucket to make a snowman. . .you use beer caps for the eyes. . . your kids really don't know what a snowman is supposed to look like and think this one is awesome.
#7 Most awesome "I am serious about t-ball" face E.V.E.R.!!
#6 Just hilarious! When I ask the boys to "pose" you never know what you might get!! This was before Russell's birthday party, and you can see the excitement all over their faces.
#5 If you don't have boys, or children in general, then you might not know this common fact: Everything is a competition. Who can eat the fastest (and the most), who can yell the loudest (esp. when we are in a store), and who can get the most of anything. Notice that Wilson is peering into Russell's basket, and it really looks like he might be counting to make sure Russell didn't win.#4 This kid wants a motorcycle. He talks about it everyday. We have set two ground rules:You have to be 18, and you have to wear a helmet. I know you might be saying "18?, why didn't you tell him 65?" I just figure if the desire is still around when he turns 18, I won't be able to stop him. #3 My boys love their red-heads. These happen to be sisters and two of the sweetest girls we know. I really hope they continue this love affair since I didn't get a red-headed child. I might actually get my wish in grandchildren.
#2 My boys are growing up way too fast. Wilson turned 3 this summer, and Russell has started Kindergarten. I just want to push pause for a few years and keep them at this sweet age.
#1 Taken this summer at the lake, this picture emits the feelings of football. All of the kids are waiting on their daddies to get back so they can have fun. Now that football season is in full swing, I am constantly hearing, "When will daddy be home?" Justin puts in such long hours, and I know he wishes he could be at home. We all feel the same way!!Thursday, September 9, 2010
Shout out to all my PEEPS!
I am going to stick with the whole "top ten" idea for this post also.
I found this list on Yahoo, and I have to say, IT ROCKS!
Top 10 things Your Child's Teacher Won't Tell You (but really wants to):
#10 I am not a marriage counselor. When you are at parent-teacher conferences, let's stick to your child's progress, not how your husband won't help you around the house.
#9 Kids used to go out and play after school and resolve problems on their own. Now, with computers and TV, they lack the skills to communicate. They don't know how to get past hurt feelings without telling the teacher and having her fix it.
#8 Your child may be the center of your universe, but I have to share mine with 28 others.
#7 Guys who dribble a ball for a couple of hours a game can make up to $20 million a year. We educate future leaders and make about $51,000 a year (or less in my case).
#6 We take on the role of mother, father, psychologist, friend, and adviser every day. Plus, we are watching for learning disabilities, issues at home, peer pressure, drug abuse, and bullying.
#5 Please, no more mugs, frames, or stuffed animals (or lotion). A gift card to Starbucks or Staples would be more than enough. A handwritten thank-you note: EVEN BETTER.
#4 When I hear a child belch/fart, I remember that a student's manners are a reflection of his/her parents'.
#3 The truth is simple: your child will lie to get out of trouble.
#2 Parents give their kids the pricey gadgets and labels, but what kids really crave is for you to talk to them. They want to know you are interested in their lives.
#1 There are days that I want to quit, but then that one smile or hug from that one kid, changes it all.
I always knew I was supposed to work with kids. I thought I wanted to be a child psychologist, but I quickly realized that I needed to be more hands-on. I have never doubted my choice to become a teacher. I love every day, even the hard ones. I know that one day one of my students will look back on me and think, "My teacher cared." And to me , that is the real lesson I teach.
I found this list on Yahoo, and I have to say, IT ROCKS!
Top 10 things Your Child's Teacher Won't Tell You (but really wants to):
#10 I am not a marriage counselor. When you are at parent-teacher conferences, let's stick to your child's progress, not how your husband won't help you around the house.
#9 Kids used to go out and play after school and resolve problems on their own. Now, with computers and TV, they lack the skills to communicate. They don't know how to get past hurt feelings without telling the teacher and having her fix it.
#8 Your child may be the center of your universe, but I have to share mine with 28 others.
#7 Guys who dribble a ball for a couple of hours a game can make up to $20 million a year. We educate future leaders and make about $51,000 a year (or less in my case).
#6 We take on the role of mother, father, psychologist, friend, and adviser every day. Plus, we are watching for learning disabilities, issues at home, peer pressure, drug abuse, and bullying.
#5 Please, no more mugs, frames, or stuffed animals (or lotion). A gift card to Starbucks or Staples would be more than enough. A handwritten thank-you note: EVEN BETTER.
#4 When I hear a child belch/fart, I remember that a student's manners are a reflection of his/her parents'.
#3 The truth is simple: your child will lie to get out of trouble.
#2 Parents give their kids the pricey gadgets and labels, but what kids really crave is for you to talk to them. They want to know you are interested in their lives.
#1 There are days that I want to quit, but then that one smile or hug from that one kid, changes it all.
I always knew I was supposed to work with kids. I thought I wanted to be a child psychologist, but I quickly realized that I needed to be more hands-on. I have never doubted my choice to become a teacher. I love every day, even the hard ones. I know that one day one of my students will look back on me and think, "My teacher cared." And to me , that is the real lesson I teach.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
What can I say?
I know that it has been another year since I posted. I really wanted to keep up with the whole "blog world", but I just can't seem to do it. I don't feel guilty. Not keeping up with the blog just means that I am WAY TOO BUSY with other things.
I have decided that I will just post a "Top Ten" list for my new post.
Top Ten Things My Boys Have Taught Me
#1 Never (and I mean EVER) have nice stuff. Not a good vase, nice pictures on the walls, good clothes, or even nice snacks. They will get broken, ruined, eaten, smashed, or otherwise become unrecognizeable. It just happens. I actually cried the other day because something (now I can't remember what) was broken. It just happens. The best saying I have ever heard is "Boys--noise with dirt on it". SO TRUE!
#2 Always ask your boys how you look. They will make you feel better. Even on my worst hair day, or a day when I am feeling fat or silly, I ask my sweet little boys, and they say "Mommy you are beautiful!" Love it.
#3 Always trust your mommy instinct. If you think something is wrong, it probably is. If you think they have flushed something valuable, they probably have.
#4 Make them use their manners. There is nothing better than being at a resturaunt, and your child says, "Yes, m'am, I would like mac and cheese." The look on the wait staff's face was great. She just smiled, and smiled, and smiled. And deep down I felt like "Yes, all of those timeouts just paid off!"
#5 Try to keep a journal. I am not the best about this, but I really try to write down the funny things they say. Like "Did you know that we have a vampire in our class?" "Really, Russell?" "Yep, she has a whole lot of gold teeth so she must be a vampire." Or "Okay Tootie Pootie" which is said to EVERYONE that is around (wilson) no matter if we are at WalMart or if he is with Grandmother at the Library.
#6 Being out numbered has it advandtages. I can always play the "oh mommy can't tackle/box/hit/jump/whatever because she is a girl. Why don't you wait and ambush Daddy?"
#7 Embrace whatever interests they have at that time. They change favorites so quickly, it will only stay around for a short amount of time. So if they enjoy picking their noses---oh wait--don't indulge that one. If they enjoy super heros, allow them to jump off of the couch. If they enjoy dancing, be sure to grab the video camera. If they like your clothes, well indulge them , but make sure to watch it!
#8 It is never appropriate for your Kindergarten student to sing the Hannah Montana theme song at lunch. Just in case you ever need to put that rule in place, just tell the little ones--it will get you 5 minutes under the tree at recess.
#9 Invest in LOTS of clothes. they get ruined really fast with no real reason. Even the activities that seem "safe and clean" can come out with torn shirts, stained pants, or otherwise RUINED clothes. And that is okay. Just DON'T invest in really expensive clothes.
#10 Cherish all of the moments. Even the really tough ones, you know the ones where you want to cry but have to be tough. I can't even tell you how quickly the last 5 years have passed. I have a Kindergarten student and another cutie that started "big school" at day care. I have always heard how quickly it passes, but to experience the speed takes my breath away. Snuggle, smell, kiss, squeeze--do whatever it takes to keep that sweet baby smell in the front of your brain. You will need it later (note number 1).
ps. We have decided that 2 is good. I am not saying NEVER, but for now we are happy with two. Our two boys keep us so busy (not to mention football) that I can't imagine throwing another person into the mix. Hope this finds everyone healthy, happy, and full of love!
I have decided that I will just post a "Top Ten" list for my new post.
Top Ten Things My Boys Have Taught Me
#1 Never (and I mean EVER) have nice stuff. Not a good vase, nice pictures on the walls, good clothes, or even nice snacks. They will get broken, ruined, eaten, smashed, or otherwise become unrecognizeable. It just happens. I actually cried the other day because something (now I can't remember what) was broken. It just happens. The best saying I have ever heard is "Boys--noise with dirt on it". SO TRUE!
#2 Always ask your boys how you look. They will make you feel better. Even on my worst hair day, or a day when I am feeling fat or silly, I ask my sweet little boys, and they say "Mommy you are beautiful!" Love it.
#3 Always trust your mommy instinct. If you think something is wrong, it probably is. If you think they have flushed something valuable, they probably have.
#4 Make them use their manners. There is nothing better than being at a resturaunt, and your child says, "Yes, m'am, I would like mac and cheese." The look on the wait staff's face was great. She just smiled, and smiled, and smiled. And deep down I felt like "Yes, all of those timeouts just paid off!"
#5 Try to keep a journal. I am not the best about this, but I really try to write down the funny things they say. Like "Did you know that we have a vampire in our class?" "Really, Russell?" "Yep, she has a whole lot of gold teeth so she must be a vampire." Or "Okay Tootie Pootie" which is said to EVERYONE that is around (wilson) no matter if we are at WalMart or if he is with Grandmother at the Library.
#6 Being out numbered has it advandtages. I can always play the "oh mommy can't tackle/box/hit/jump/whatever because she is a girl. Why don't you wait and ambush Daddy?"
#7 Embrace whatever interests they have at that time. They change favorites so quickly, it will only stay around for a short amount of time. So if they enjoy picking their noses---oh wait--don't indulge that one. If they enjoy super heros, allow them to jump off of the couch. If they enjoy dancing, be sure to grab the video camera. If they like your clothes, well indulge them , but make sure to watch it!
#8 It is never appropriate for your Kindergarten student to sing the Hannah Montana theme song at lunch. Just in case you ever need to put that rule in place, just tell the little ones--it will get you 5 minutes under the tree at recess.
#9 Invest in LOTS of clothes. they get ruined really fast with no real reason. Even the activities that seem "safe and clean" can come out with torn shirts, stained pants, or otherwise RUINED clothes. And that is okay. Just DON'T invest in really expensive clothes.
#10 Cherish all of the moments. Even the really tough ones, you know the ones where you want to cry but have to be tough. I can't even tell you how quickly the last 5 years have passed. I have a Kindergarten student and another cutie that started "big school" at day care. I have always heard how quickly it passes, but to experience the speed takes my breath away. Snuggle, smell, kiss, squeeze--do whatever it takes to keep that sweet baby smell in the front of your brain. You will need it later (note number 1).
ps. We have decided that 2 is good. I am not saying NEVER, but for now we are happy with two. Our two boys keep us so busy (not to mention football) that I can't imagine throwing another person into the mix. Hope this finds everyone healthy, happy, and full of love!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)