Merry Christmas

Well just so everyone knows I did make it to the U.P. without any problems. The weather was kind of bad when I flew in. It was blowing really hard and snowing a bit too. From Appleton to Green Bay there were 23 cars that I counted in the ditch. I could not believe it. But we made it home in one piece. I should have taken pictures. So far vacation has been good. There have been some low parts, but I can fill you all in later.

Christmas went really well. My brother had his girlfriend here and we all opened presents and the night before we had Santa at my grandma Karen's house. It was a lot of fun. I got everything that I asked for this year. My I-pod is so cute. My mom had it personalized on the back. I will take a picture and post it, but since I am here without my discs to load on their new computer, I won't be posting any pictures until after January 4th.

I hope everyon had a wonderful Christmas and next comes New Years. See you all soon.

My Wonderful Weekend

So I have to say that right now I feel really blessed. I have loads of great people in my life and as I get to know more people, I just feel even more blessed. If you all remember this summer I was dating my friend Carolyn's nephew, Dan. We dated for awhile and then we broke up, well you know how girls can be. We are now back together and it has been back and forth ever since he moved back to Colorado in September. Once he moved away I just found that I need to tell him certain things and ever since I have told him my feelings, we have been back and forth. Of course we are back and forth with being together because of the distance.

Anyways about two weeks ago we got back together and we said this time was it. We were not going to do the whole rollercoaster thing anymore. I told him it was just to much for me to do with the whole emotions and all that. So we have been doing really well and as soon as he said we could try the long distance again, he said "I am coming to see you this weekend." This is how the whole things happened. He decided to come and see me, but then it snowed between here and there so he couldn't come that first weekend. But he bought a plane ticket and was here the next weekend, which brings me to my wonderful weekend.

Dan flew out here on Friday of this past weekend and was here until last night. We hung out in Vegas and spent the rest of the weekend at his Aunt's house. We had a lot of fun together and I really got to see that he really has feelings for me and I think he saw that I mean business. I kept on him all weekend about our plans and what is next. But I will remember this for sure,"If it is meant to be, it will happen." This is what Dan told me on sunday night during our long talk. I just had to have some closure or some idea of what is in store for us. He is going to start school in January and I am so excited. This has been part of our rollercoaster. He just has not been to sure about things, but now he is good to go.

I had a wonderful weekend and I enjoyed spending time with him and getting away from my normal routine. I am pretty sure this relationship will be good to go for awhile. But I really miss him right now and I am totally greatful to him and his aunt.

Here is a picture of us from this summer.

15 Days Until I Go Home

So in 15 days I will get to see my parents and family and friends! I can't wait, but I have quite the list of things to do before that.

* Wrap Presents for Sub for Santa
* Finish teaching
* Do Lesson Plans for after break
* Clean the house really well
* Spend time with my grandpa
* Spend a weekend with a good friend
* Finishing Shopping for Grandpa's gift
* Do Christmas with him
* Bake Some Cookies for Christmas here

I am sure once I get home, my mom will have a long list for me there. I know she is hoping to have the tree up, presents wrapped, and all decorating down. All that would be left is baking and I love that part. I can't wait to go though! It will be fun!

Thankful Tuesday

So I have loads of things and people to be thankful for and I was thinking today about all of the wonderful people I have in my life. So this is going out to all of them. I don't know if I have picture of every person, so I am going to try.

First and formost would be my parents. Without them, I would not be in this world. My mother has been there for me through everything. She has been with me and helped me learn some hard lessons. My father made me a strong girl. He always calls me his baby girl and tells me I always will be. We are real close and love each other so much. Every time I talk to them we always say I love you, before we say good bye.

Next, are my grandparents. I don't have a good picture of my grandma Karen, but I love this lady. She is always there for me and has always told me to follow my dreams and keep it all up. She also has led a life raising 6 kids and taking care of her husband as he died from cancer. I love you! This picture is of my grandpa and grandma that live out here in Arizona. They are part of the reason I moved out here. I came to visit them while I was in college and then along came a job for me. I think that God sent me here for a reason. I moved out here in July and my grandma past away in October. It was tough, but I think God wanted me to be here with her during her last days and get a chance to really see how much they both love me. I hope one day I can lead the life they have done. Both of them have traveled and had so much fun doing it. My grandpa has so much knowledge and I hope I can have it. Without them, I think life would be different. I love you guys.

Then there are these two children. They are cousins of mine and I have loads of cousins. I am so thankful for all of my cousins, aunts, and uncles. They are great. We have so much fun together and they all have given me so much to look forward too. My cousin Danielle, in the picture, is one that I love a lot. I have taken care of her since she was little. The same with LeRoy in the picture too. All of my cousins have been a very lively part in my life. They have made me learn so much and helped me to be so mature. I love you all.

Lastly, these two women. Wow is all I can say. Stephanie is like the big sister I never go to have. She helps me so much and makes life seem so much better. She is always there for me and she cares so much for me. She makes my life so much brighter everyday that I see her. I am also thankful for Stephanie's husband Steve. He is my principal and he is so good. I love working with him and he is so helpful to me and makes things seem so much clearer to me. Thanks Stever for all you do for me. And then there is Carolyn. She is another wow. We go shopping together and people call her my mom. I love it. She is great and we share so much with each other. She is someone that I can go to with anything and she sees where I am coming from. She is kind of like an aunt or something to me. I know she wants me in her family, but there is this boy that is making that impossible. I love these girls so much.

Well I am sure, I missed some, but basically all of my friends are also people I am thankful for. I am totally thankful for all of my friends and colleagues at Beaver Dam Elementary. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Slide Show from My Mom's Visit and Halloween

My Mom Was Here

So my mom was here over the weekend of Halloween. I know it has been weeks since Halloween and it is almost Thanksgiving, but I thought it was about time to get the pictures up. I have been super busy and unable to get to things, so finally here are the pictures and what we did.





Day 1: Picking my mom and Jane up at the airport and eating dinner on the way home. They found it quite irriating to drive in rush hour traffic, but I did just fine on my own.





Day 2: They came in and helped with my Halloween party and did a few things for the PTO Carnival. We also lost power at the school, so we were without air condition for part of the day. My mom said I am a good teacher, but that I was mean because of my rules. That night we all helped at the carnival and came home and passed out candy.





Day 3: We went up to St. George. Our friend, Jane had never been to Utah, so I took her up there and we drove to Zion. We had fun sightseeing and shopping. Then that night we did dinner and went to a casino in Mesquite. They had fun that is for sure.





Day 4: Time change!!! So we got up early so they would not be late missing their flight. So I dropped them off and back to Michigan they went.





I had fun with them here and I hope next time it can be longer and not so rushed. But I know they both want to come out here soon.

Top Five of A Crazy Week

Having Halloween Be Over
I know some people love Halloween and I do too, but this year I was glad to see it go. I loved doing the carnival and having my mom here for the weekend, but I was happy it was over. I loved being able to go to school on Monday and take it all down. The only sign of it that is still up are some of my pumpkins in the hallway. I have been way to busy to actually take it all down.

Having a New Group for Tutoring
Last quarters kids were good, but these guys are so much better. They are willing to talk and tell you what they are missing or what they don't understand. I love it! I actually feel like they are learning and I have the whole quarter planned out. I do at times wish I could call in because of the crazy day I had at school, but they make it easier. And one of the teachers has their kids so trained to behave well, that I don't have a lot to do to keep them in order.

Getting Out My Invites
I am having a Leia Sophia Party and I am so excited for it. I just want to be able to have everyone come to my house for once. I can't wait to have everyone here and have a chance to show off and just have friends around. In case you did not get an invite, Lynsdy and Jenny you have one coming, the party is November 20th at 4:3o at my house. I hope to see you all there and you don't have to buy if you don't want too. I just want people to come.

Having My Mom Here
I am going to do a seperate post on this with pictures too, but I figured I would add it. My mom was here over Halloween. It was so great to have her here and my friend Jane. We laughed a lot and got to spend time together. It was nice to have someone else here to talk to and have to help me out with things. I think she realized how hard my job can be at times for me and what I go through too. There will be a seperate post and pictures later.

Riding My Bike
I know it sounds dumb, but I love it. I love eating dinner, waiting a while, and then going for a ride of my bike. I love knowing that I am doing something good for myself. I have not done it in a few days because I came home real sick the other night, but doing better now. My kids at school laugh at me because they say teachers don't ride bikes, but when you look like me and you want to look better, you have to take it into your own hands.

I have today off! I love this new week already. So here is to a good week and fun things to come.

So Much Has Happened Lately

Well we have been so busy at school lately. Birthday parties, firemen visiting, getting ready for Halloween, and finishing up a quarter of school. I can't believe one quarter is done and another is about to begin. I have also been busy in my own life. I have been busy going to different things on the weekends and trying to figure out what I want next from life. Everyone is helping and it is great, but I have to do this on my own at times too.
So school stuff!

Yatzary had a birthday and her parents came in and did a little party. Birthdays are kind of big in my room, but the parents are good about asking and keeping it simple.

Then came firemen day. This was quite a day. We all enjoyed the demonstration of what to do, but once we went outside the wind decided to take our hats away. But we had fun and that is what we need.

The last thing I have to add is what I did last weekend. Last Saturday, when I should have been up at Carolyn's too, I was at a quinceria for Lisa's daughter Ana. It was a very good experience for me and I got to learn alot about the Spanish culture. The pictures might be hard to see since I sat kind of far away.

There will be more soon because Mom is coming on Friday and I can't wait!!!! It will be so much fun!!!!

Marvelous Monday

So today we have the day off since it is Columbus Day, which is allowing me to get loads done at the house. Soon I will head to school and do a few things there. I know it is vacation, but I left right away on Friday without doing a few things that I want to get done. As I was getting updated on my cousin Danielle's life, I saw this cute picture of her and LeRoy. She has my aunt taking her senior pictures and this happened to be one of them. When we were younger, I use to babysit her all the time. She is currently 17 so I guess you could say I could still be babysitting her at time. Anyways people use to ask me if she was my daughter and such. We use to look a lot alike. We love each other a lot and she comes to me for everything. She is going through a rough time right now and does not have the greatest group of friends, so I tend to act like her mommy. Well anyways and then there is LeRoy. I can't wait to see that little guy. He is a miracle to have in our family. Both LeRoy and Danielle are. They are two people that are family would be incomplete if we did not have them. I love them both so much. I hope one day I can have wonderful children like these two. Love you both and miss you lots!

Unloading My Camera

So I know it has been a real long time since I uploaded pictures from my camera. I decided to finally uploaded some pictures onto this blog for once.

Since I have the SEI students this year I am using everything I can pull out of my sleeve to make them understand everything that we learn in my room. So our theme in reading is nature and our words had to do with camping. So we made a tent and pretended to go camping.

So this week learned about Commands. We played Simon Says for a while, so we did a train and then made funny faces. It was loads of fun and now we know what commands are for sure.

This week was homecoming week at the high school. So here is the parade and the football game. Hailey and Emiley are showing off their wonderful face paints.

Next time there will be more pictures but more frequently done.

Freaky Friday

Ever once in awhile in my life I seem to have day where things are freaky or I am just really jumpy, either way it makes the day out to be freaky. So this past friday was freaky for me.

It all started late Thursday night, when I was watching television. I really really wanted to see the Grey's Anatomy season premiere. So I changed the station to it in my room and placed the remote back in my grandpa's room. About 15 minutes later, the television channel is changing. I had been talking on the phone and did not hear anything in the house, the dog bark, or the door open. So I started to freak out and wait to see who it could be. I slowly open my bedroom door and watch for the light in my grandpa's room to be on and someone to move in there. Finally I saw him. So I calmed down a bit.

Friday morning I am in my room listening to music and putting test scores in the computer, trying to figure out what I am going to do to help my students, when in walks someone and says hi to me. I jumped so high and was so shocked to see this man in my room.

The last step was once again someone coming in my room as I working really really hard when in came Carolyn. She startled me and made me jump again. I don't know what is up with my nerves.

Frustrating Morning

So how long do you think it should take to make 26 copies? Well I found out this morning it can take almost your whole 45 minutes for math to make the copies. See normally I am well prepared and I was until I realized that I need workmats and did not have enough. So I went to make the copy of the mat. I walked down there to find a message on the copier telling me to add 11x17 paper. I cleared that and started to delete the jobs that were stored. As I started deleting the job, the numbers did not get smaller. So I had deleted 5 jobs, when I ran back to my room to let my aide know what was up. In walks one of the teachers into the work room to say she could not get to work this morning. In a snotty tone, I let her know that you need to read the screen and see what it is asking for. Then you need to clear it or fix the problem and then copy your work. After that I deleted another 8 of her jobs. So I deleted a total of 13 jobs!!! 13 jobs, what made her think that if the first one didn't work that the second would or the third or so on. I was just really frustrated and it made me want to scream. So I am so so so tired of people who can not figure out how to use the machine or at least read the screen. Just had to get it out there.

Top 5 Of My Wonderful Week

Finally, Finally I have had a good week. I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I guess I am finally realizing that there is hope, I am just going to have to look past what they can't do and be happy with what they can do. They are great kids and I love them all.

5. Saying goodbye to a friend:( My friend and co worker Amber moved away this week. She and her husband got a new job in Wyoming and we had to say goodbye to her this week. It was very sad and her little boy is getting so so big. I miss her already and so does everyone at school.

4. Being teased in the lunchroom! Yeah in some weird way my kids found out the teacher I am interested. Maybe it is because I was talking to one of his students about him and she was asking me questions about myself for him. So it is weird because when I see him in the lunchroom I am too chicken to say anything to him, but my kids are totally into picking on me and letting me know he is there. The lunch lady put them all on the wall for it, but she is another story. She wants absolute silence in the lunchroom and it bugs me.

3. Tutoring the 5th graders! Yeah this is my new job besides teaching all day long. I have decided that I want to help the kids out as much as possible. These are an interesting group of children, believe me. The first group I have is really quiet and well behaved. The second group has a mind of its own and just loves to do whatever they want and they don't care what happens to them. But I know they will change and they will learn. In the words of one of the kids," Learning isn't fun and I don't like to do it." That will change.

2. Finally getting to talk to him! Well here is the cutest story ever. My little student Louis decided to go over to Mr. Brewster last night while he was coaching soccer and let him know I was in my room and that I liked him. Mr. Brewster told him to tell me to come outside. So I was telling Mrs. Mills about this and decided to clean my window and hers. That is another problem at our school, but anyways. I went out and was cleaning windows and soon he was saying hi to me and then telling me to come and play soccer. Because it was hot, I told him no and then he was over talking to me. We talked for awhile and then someone got hurt and we ended the conversation. When I left to go home, I purposely walked out my backdoor just so he would see I was leaving. He said bye and all of his kids were like, "OOOOOOOOOOO!!!! MR. BREWSTER!" I loved it so much. I was glad we finally started talking. Now we will see what happens next.

1. Having A Good Talk with my buddy Daniel! He is always there for me. He is a good guy and when the things today were going to crap today, he made it better. I am so glad I met this guy. He is a good friend.

TO GO OR NOT TO GO? HELP

So I have this problem and I need some input. I have a friend getting married on Saturday and I want to be there so badly. Tickets right now are 29.00 for me to leave on Thursday. I want to go, but then my cousin is getting married next weekend and I said I could not go because of money. What do I do? I should go to both or at least the one that will cost less, but the substitute I want is already busy for someone else! I need some help and some input! HELP!!!!

Side note: I think there could be a date this weekend, so maybe I should stay?

My Week- Update

Crazy Week With A Good End!

As much as I suffered earlier this week about wanting my mom and hating my life at the moment it has gotten better. There was a down point on Thursday, but soon got better once I found out that a noisy person was passing things on without all the facts. So my week ended well because I found that someone is interested, he even had someone asking me what I like to do and where I like to eat so he can take me on a date, this is what I am told. I have also been told that he gets really red whenever my name is said or he gets an email from me. So this should be interesting.

Also, I went to see the new movie "The Women". Cindy and I went yesterday and it was a good movie. But don't go if you are looking for hot men. Because there are NO MEN in this movie. NONE AT ALL. Cindy brought that to my attention when we got back to her house. I guess I just never really noticed since I was so into the plot of the movie.

So here is my goals for next week:

Stations will run smoothly.

Individual small group to bring up my low students.

Science will finally start in my room!

After school tutoring will start!

Maybe a date on Friday night?!

I will go home with no headaches and no crying!

Well I hope everyone has a good week.

THE Five

The Five

10 year ago:

1. was 14

2. was working as a babysitter

3. was in 8th grade

4. had a horrible haircut

5.was living in Michigan

5 things on today's "to do" list:

1. plan stations

2. go out for sushi

3. watch the Packers- I like them a little more now that Favre is gone

4. iron my school clothes

5. talk to family

5 snacks I enjoy:

1. popcorn

2. peanut butter cookie dough ice cream

3. cottage cheese

4. Doritios

5. Soda

5 things I would do if I was a millionaire:

1. still teach

2. travel overseas more

3. buy a new house

4. pay off all my loans

5. have the wedding I want

5 places I have lived:

1. Caspian, Michigan

2. Mesquite, Nevada

3. Beaver Dam, Arizona

4. Sitka, Alaska

5. there is not a fifth place yet

5 jobs I have had:

1. babysitter

2. cook/cashier at Beef A Roo

3. kindergarten teacher

4. substitute teacher

5. second grade teacher

tag:

1. Erika

2. Carolyn

3. Jenny

4. Stephanie

5. Jeri- even though you don't have a blog you can email it to me.

Rules:Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person that tagged you know when you've answered the questions on your blog.

I WANT MY MOM!!!

Do you ever have one of those days where you wish you could have your mom? Well I am having one of those days. I want her here so badly right now. I guess I am just having one of those days where you really want to talk and there is no one that can listen or really help. I thought if I came home and cooked a good dinner tonight that would help. But it didn't because I didn't cook since my grandpa is not feeling well. He just doesn't look or is acting like grandpa tonight to me.

I love my mom so much and with all the crying I did today, I want her here. I want to be able to see her or something. I miss her so much and we are so connected. I guess she just knows when I need her and is willing to help me out however she can. I just need her and even though I have people that I work with who can help me, I just need her right now.

I just want someone in my life that can help make it all better. I remember being little and having a tummy ache, and who would fix it? My mom she could fix anything that was wrong with me.

I also miss that little one named LeRoy. He is getting so big and with the way my life is who knows when I will get to see him. Sometimes I think it will never happen. We will see.

Hopefully the week gets better soon.

My Life This Week

Drama!!!
I planned on being Drama free this year. That is not going to happen. Why is it that girls and guys can't be friends after breaking up? I want to be friends so bad, but I just don't know if it can work. Well anyways, my week . First the week started normal and then I started leaving school later and later each night and with a bigger headache each night. Finally last night I came home and just decided I don't know if I can do this anymore. I have decided that one day I would love to get married and have kids. Last night I realized I can't even make it home to cook for my grandpa. How can I get married and take care of that? Well I guess marriage is overrated right? Why do we need to get married? Then today, I found out that my ex boyfriend had his appendix burst last night. So I feel horrible and I totally am going to try and go see him this week. So yet the drama will continue!

Good Things!
One of my good friends is going to start his open business. I am so excited for him. Also, I am going to take charge of my life and make it go the way I want to. How am I going to do that? I am going to take the first step and ask someone to go on a date that I am interested in. I am tired of complaining and thinking I am not good enough, so I am going to do it on Monday. Wish me luck.

Sorry for the venting, but I had to let it out. This week has been one to not do over.

Picture Tag

So Carolyn decided to Tag me so everyone could see my house. Well just so you all know, it is my grandparents house. I am living with my grandpa. So here we go.

1 Self Potrait

See what happens when you don't have to work. You look horrible!

2 Kitchen Sink

Everything is in the dishwasher, except the cup I just used.

3 Favorite Room

I don't spend a lot of time in this room. I just know that my grandma loved this room. She has all of our pictures up and I love the way it is set up. People come over and we play pool and they ask me about my family. I guess when I miss my family I take a walk in there and I feel like I am with them all. I want a room like this in my house.

4 Laundry Room

I hate laundry but I love the fact that I have space to hang clothes that I can not dry in the drier.

5 Fridge

Can you tell that we just went shopping and the fridge is overfilled? We seem to do this every once in awhile.

6 Master Bath

This is actually my bathroom. Grandpa has the master bathroom. I love the jet powered tub I have. It is great.

7 Closet

It has loads of room and even has some of my grandpa's stuff in it, like his guns. But I love the hamper and the fact that I can hide my shoes on the door. It is great and my grandma did this for me. I need to work on organizing my clothes a bit better.

8 Favorite Shoes

I hate shoes and I can't stand ones I have to tie. So I love these because they were cheap and I can slip them right on and run out the door to school.

9 Favorite Part of My House

My grandma had these really cool light fixtures put in the house. See my grandpa built the house and everything is how my grandma wanted it. She has three of these lights and they look so cool on at night.

10 Dream Vacation

I have already been here to Toledo Spain, but I want to go back. I loved the small town feeling and the people there. This is where I wish I could go someday and possibly live there.

New Kids On The Block

I don't know how many of you were big fans of New Kids On The Block, but this summer they came out with a new song and I love it. They are also a group again and are on tour. It just so happens in October they are going to be in Las Vegas. I want to see them so, so, so bad. So I am going to try and save and go to it. I can't wait!!!!

Here is a picture of them!

Saturday Morning Breakfast

Since we all are teachers and decided we could not waste another weekend, Cindy and I decided we needed to do something fun. So we all got together and went to breakfast, which was so good and then went to see Mama Mia! after that. Both were a good idea. Plus we did some shopping. The whole gang did breakfast together and then the movie. In the pictures are, Erika, John, Cindy, Maria, Carolyn, Stephanie, and I.

Pictures of My Room and Birthday Surprise

Here are the pictures I promised of my classroom. There are not a lot, but I will take more. Life has been real busy lately. Here are some pictures of the cupcakes I got on Monday for my birthday. Jeri brought them to me and they came from my grandpa, mom, and dad. Thanks guys!!!!