11 1/2 days and counting....

This year could not end fast enough....even if today was the last day. Unfortunately, it's NOT! There are so many things left to do at work it isn't funny. Tonight I have a parent meeting for the HIV movies and materials. Hoping that not too many people will show up. Tomorrow is the Boys Puberty session....I think with my recent luck (none) that I will have Dan come from DMS to cover this information with them. K3 has a league track meet in Stockbridge that starts at 3:00. Guess I won't make that one?! Next Monday and Tuesday are the HIV lessons with the 5th grade....Wednesday and Thursday are the Track and Field Days (somebody please locate the valve that will stop the rain by then)....and the following Thursday is the 3rd grade Track and Fun day. I need to remember that somewhere around January I was looking for things to keep me busy...now I have a surplus.

Enough whinning for now....I am leaving you with two happy pictures. I got 3 hanging baskets for the porch and this is Konnor with his Billy Bob teeth from his party. Hope they make you smile!

Book em, Danno!

Some of you may be too young to get that phrase (ie: Beth, Kandi, Jill, and all of my younger friends). That was yesterday in a nut shell and I'm using NUT loosely. I can't tell you how many stressful events have occured in my life over the past week....let's re-cap some of the highlights. First, I was told that I couldn't have my track and field day on the scheduled date (had a contract with the HS since November 05)....next, I was informed that I would probably be moved to the HS or the MS to teach science again next year....thirdly, I spent 6 hours spraying off tie-dyed t-shirts in the freezing cold rain....fourthly, I remembered (way too late) that I hadn't covered the Puberty and HIV units with the 5th grade. None of those events can hold a candle to yesterday's excitement though! During one of my PM gym classes, my very violent and emotionally unstable student decided he didn't like the fact that someone else was doing the jump ball to start our game. He proceeded to push and yell at the student that was in his way. Unfortunately, the other student didn't want to back down at that point. He decided to do some pushing back. I stepped in between the two students and broke up the shoulder banging with my own shoulder. I thought that would be the end of it until they lined up to return to their classroom. He decided to scream and yell at me stating "you aren't my boss, you can't tell me what to do, get away from me....etc. etc." When the teacher arrived, I asked him to remove the student. The student was not going to comply with him either. He continued to yell and scream at me all the way down the hall. My principal and I tried to get him to calm down. Nothing was working. He was allowed to go back to his class....left his class....went to the office.....called 911 on me. Yes, you read right, that little "shxx" called the cops because we weren't being fair. To make a long story short I was called out of my class to talk to the police....I felt like I was being reprimanded....the student had to leave the building. I cannot believe that it happened?! He's in 4th grade for God's sake! PS this is the same student that had me up against the wall twice last year in similiar situations. I love my job! NOT!!

Today was the first two sessions of Puberty ed. Went ok....here is one of the statements that was in my question box. I think it says it all! Why do we have to go through this thing, why can't boys because they are smelly and mean! I will get a good laugh out of that one for years to come. She is only 11 and doesn't know how right she is!!

Rain, rain go away.....

No, seriously the rain can go away sometime real soon! I'm sick of soggy dogs, dirty shoes, and having a birthday party for 10 boys in the rain. Konnor had his "official" party yesterday. We ended up taking them to DMS gym with a bunch of my equipment from gym. They played and played. I wouldn't have survived that party in my house. There were a few boys that were far from well-behaved. Kinda' put a damper on my enjoyment. I guess that doesn't really matter because Konnor had a good time. Thank God birthday parties, at our house, are every other year.....maybe he'll forget and I can squeeze in a couple more years before the next one.

Shhh, don't tell anyone!

Don't tell anyone that I posted twice in one day. There has to be a law against that somewhere. Kirk2 just got home with the camera from JCW and I wanted to share Konnor's present (actually it is for Kraig and Konnor to share for their birthdays, but Kraig was not impressed) with everyone. He is very excited!!!! He has been wanting one for about 2 years now....we have been actively looking for about a year. He rode it around the yard once last night in the pouring rain. Didn't seem to phase him one bit. He has been riding it ever since he got home from school today. Yes, it is still raining, but we just keep changing his jeans and socks and sending him back out to brave the elements. He just came in(8:45) to get gloves....must be getting cold?!

Need wheels for this week!

These are the shoes that my friends and I need to purchase in order to get everything done that we need to in a week. Beth needs two pairs!


Sorry it has taken me so long to get posted again. This week has been a blur. Monday I was told about the track change....Wednesday was choir concert and konnor's birthday....Wednesday I was also told I may be moved to the MS or HS science next year....Thursday we started tie dying t-shirts....and today I spent the day in the rain, rinsing and washing tie dye t-shirts. Did I mention I don't care for the laundry mat. I finally finished at 4:30 and was too wet, cold, and tired to go watch Kirk3 throw the shot in the rain at JCW. I know I won't be winning the mother of the year award, but I had really worked hard today.

Tomorrow we have a soccer game at 1:00 and then a birthday party at 3:00. K3 has a baseball scrimmage at 1:30. I don't think we are going anywhere for Mother's Day. I gave my mom and Mrs. Putnam hanging baskets and cards on Wednesday after the concert. I just want to stay put for a day.

Next week, I have to teach Puberty lessons and HIV lessons to 5th graders on Tuesday and Thursday (also the following Monday and Tuesday). Wednesday I meet with the PE teacher from Camden and swap information for the track and field days (May 24th and May 25th). Only 14 1/2 days left of this school year. I hope I can make it in one piece......

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KONNOR AND SHIRLEY!

Well, I'll begin today by wishing Konnor and Shirley a very Happy Birthday! I'm sure that 8 years ago Aunt Shirley was thinking "oh joy, I get to share my birthday!" May and June are birthday months for both of our families. Mr. Putnam's (grandpa) birthday was yesterday, Konnor and Shirley's is today....Kraig's birthday is in June....and so is our anniversary. Don't forget to throw in Mother's and Father's day into the mix. The boys have a choir concert tonight so the "official" party will be held on Saturday after our soccer game. Tonight both sets of grandparents are coming for dinner and cake, of course, before the concert. Tonight should be a total blur.

Konnor and Chloe decided to play soccer last night when we got home from our scrimmage. She is actually quite talented. I think we may have another Air Bud on our hands. This is a quick shot of them after they had already ran around the yard forever. She was also pretty "pooped out". What a moose?!

Have you ever wondered what 60 cupcakes looks like? Where here you go! Konnor is in the multi-age classroom which is has many positive attributes, except when your bringing snack. I finally finished about 10:30....wow what a lot of frosting and sprinkles. Of course, Konnor was in charge of sprinkles, so there are a ton on my floor in the kitchen. I figure people will pick them up on their feet and by next month there won't be any left.

The track and field dilema is solved. I guess, come to find out, Peter had been working on moving the HS meet to the college for a couple of weeks. Glad he let me in on that tidbit of info! I seriously could have had an anxiety attack or worse over that little scare. Glad things have been solved and their is nothing that has to be changed now. Got to go!

Is it only TUESDAY?!

How could such a great attitude (from all of the R&R this weekend) be squashed so quickly? Simply answered...have the HS call you and say that there is no way that you can have your 4th grade Track and Field day on the day you have it scheduled for. No lie...even though I have had a contract with them since NOVEMBER, they told me today that the League Track Meet was being hosted by HHS (known this since JUNE 05). I could not believe my ears! So now I am anxiously awaiting a solution to this definite problem. The worst part is the athletic director and his secretary are pointing the finger at each other and no one is taking the blame. Or even saying sorry for that matter. To make matter worse...he is the one that did my job for 4 years previously. He knows what goes into the planning of these two school track meets. Sigh!!!!! I feel like my chest is being sat on by an elephant. Possible solutions to this mess...move the HS track meet to the college (but former President Roche died this weekend and they are doing a hupla thing sometime next week)....take the track meet to Camden(which would involve a lot of hassle)...move the track meet to Tuesday (too many cruddy things to list as to why this stinks). So my friends thanks for the great weekend and unfortunately the "glow" didn't last as long I needed it to.

Is it only TUESDAY?!

How could such a great attitude (from all of the R&R this weekend) be squashed so quickly? Simply answered...have the HS call you and say that there is no way that you can have your 4th grade Track and Field day on the day you have it scheduled for. No lie...even though I have had a contract with them since NOVEMBER, they told me today that the League Track Meet was being hosted by HHS (known this since JUNE 05). I could not believe my ears! So now I am anxiously awaiting a solution to this definite problem. The worst part is the athletic director and his secretary are pointing the finger at each other and no one is taking the blame. Or even saying sorry for that matter. To make matter worse...he is the one that did my job for 4 years previously. He knows what goes into the planning of these two school track meets. Sigh!!!!! I feel like my chest is being sat on by an elephant. Possible solutions to this mess...move the HS track meet to the college (but former President Roche died this weekend and they are doing a hupla thing sometime next week)....take the track meet to Camden(which would involve a lot of hassle)...move the track meet to Tuesday (too many cruddy things to list as to why this stinks). So my friends thanks for the great weekend and unfortunately the "glow" didn't last as long I needed it to.

The BESTEST weekend ever!!

I had a very enjoyable weekend. Beth, Kandi, Jill, and I went to the Hamlin Camper on Saturday for a Scrappin' Campin' weekend. It was a blast! We started scrapping around 2pm and never finished until 12:30am. We stopped briefly for pizza and a photo shoot, but other than that we scrapped to our hearts content. It had been since January that we had all gotten together. I can't tell you how theraputic laughing is....and I'm not talking jolly giggling....but hold your belly, roll around on the ground, hope you don't wet your pants laughing. I am so pleased with my weekend project. I have been taking pictures of George and Sue's animals for three years now. I have always wanted to put together an album she could take with her to show of her "children". I started and finished it all! Wow, that was awesome. I also worked on some Shot Put and Soccer pages. Thanks for the wonderful weekend girls! Let's not wait 3 months to do it again.

Back to the doctor for 2 boys!

This is the barn that I will be moving into if these boys don't get better soon!



Kirk took K3 and Kraig back to the doctor today. I guess technically this was Kraig's first trip and Kirk's 2nd trip. I might have to re-think the title. Yeah, like I have time for that. NOT! K3 ended up having a sinus infection on top of his throat crap and Kraig has a sty. I looked this one up this morning because I haven't experienced it before....just an infection of a gland along his eyelid...I say just because it isn't contagious. He is hurting and not real happy that we are making him go back to school. K3 is on meds and should be getting better. Konnor ate a little more yesterday so that is a good sign.

There is one bummer to having the elementary day schedule....not getting done until 4. Kirk is in a track meet tonight in JNW and I won't be able to make in time to see him throw. We didn't go to Leslie on monday for the same reason. I am going to have to start working on next Friday schedule. He will be at JCW and the meet starts even earlier. It wouldn't be bad if he weren't in field events, but those are the first to go. So...I guess Konnor and I will go fishing tonight after school. We went on Wednesday and had a blast. He was very sad that the fish weren't biting at the cottage this last weekend. His confidence is restored. Talk later :)

Why did the turkey cross the road?

I have no idea...maybe to get to the other side?! How could I have been soooo stupid? When we were planning this scrapping camping girls weekend, I totally forgot the turkey season started on the 1st for Kirk. Ooppsss!! Lucky for me he is not that bent out of shape because he got the month long pass. Whew! that was close. I am looking forward to getting away with the girls and do some serious scrapping. Lucky for me all of my stuff is still packed from the Saturday trip in January that we did. Haven't touched a thing. My BAD! I need to find some photo organizer thingy because I keep ordering from snapfish and the little green folders keep piling up. That will probably be my first job of the weekend. I think I am going to work on a "Farm" book for my neighbor Sue. They are the most loving, generous neighbors anyone could have. I have been taking pictures of their mini's and llama for years and want to put them together for her. She took pictures of our house being built and gave us a little photo album. It was very thoughtful. I thought maybe she could take her pictures when she travelled.

On the sick front....Kirk3 is worse today. I think I may have to take him back into today. His throat is killing him and now his eyes hurt. Kraig woke up with what looks like the start of Pink Eye...Konnor throat is sore and he hasn't had much to eat in two days. You know he is hurting when he doesn't eat because that boy can sure put it away. I feel like they have been so healthy this year and now their all falling apart at the same time. Good news....20 1/2 days of school..... I think we are gonna make it?!

From rags to riches....

It is amazing to me how well someone can clean up. Kayla looked great on Saturday for Prom. We looked at numerous dresses and finally decided this one was the best. She looked fabulous! She had a great game last night. Rough and aggressive is the name of the game...glad I had the chance to look at dresses with a girl....will probably be the last of that nonsense.

DMS track

Kirk3 had another track meet on Friday. He got second in shot and finished 1st in his heat for the 70 yd dash. I know he was disappointed with his throw. The boy from Coldwater threw 40'1/2"....that is really far. He was good.

Saturday, Kirk and I put mulch down in all of the flower beds. He mowed while Konnor and I had a soccer game. We barely snuck by with another win. I think Konnor had three goals again. It is hard to keep track of who shoots them in. Mom and Dad came down to watch. Kraig had his second baseball try-outs. Kirk3 just hung out with a friend.

Oh my aching back...and neck...and arms...and legs. Kraig, Konnor, and I went to the Lake yesterday to help mom and dad rake leaves, and get the cottage ready for fun. I raked for 4 hours and can barely move this morning. Kraig raked for about an hour and then lost interest...Konnor tried to fish but nothing was biting (water is still freezing)...fell in with his only set of clothes on....shot a new pellet gun grandpa got for him...and bugged the crap out of everyone because we weren't stopping to do stuff with him. All in all, we got a ton done (no literally, I think we raked a "ton" on leaves). It looks much better and there are only a couple areas that still need raked. I'd better get moving....do ya think I can teach from a chair today?!

The Snowbirds are BACK!

Thank God! The snowbirds are back for the summer. Ever year, their stay in Florida gets a little bit longer. I can't say that I blame them....it is absolutely heaven down there. You can thank them for the hail and cold weather at the beginning of the week. Someone heard them complaining that it was TOO HOT in Florida. Not a lot of sympathy here. It does feel good to have them in the same state again and within hugging distance. Mom always takes the day to do fieldtrips with the boys. Konnor is excited to have her going this year. He said it's because "grandma doesn't want him to get lost." How cute?! They are going on a Nature trip to Camp Michindo. Who better to take than the Master Gardener herself. She also helps me with drop-offs and pick-ups during track and field days. Did I mention that I have to start work at 7AM on those two days? Who's brilliant idea was Track and Field days anyways?! The Art teacher started the tie-dye tshirt project with the kids this week....that means next week during gym we get to take off rubberbands and spray down shirts....oh joy! This year he is taking the shirts to the laundry mat so that means I won't have to take them home to "set" them in my washer this year. Well, got to get moving....it seems Konnor and I are taking longer to get around these days. Couldn't be that we have been practicing for 150 days. Still don't have it perfected.

25 1/2 days and counting!

This was the only pissy picture I could find, on short notice, to go along with this blog!! Frustrated...competitive...aggressive...where did these personality traits come from and where were they all my life?!

I know that all of you poor friends and family that have to work your fingers to the bone the "whole year" aren't going to like this post, so you might as well exit out now before I tick you off. For the love of God....when will this school year end. I keep trying to focus on the fact that the end is quickly approaching, but the kids are making that goal nearly impossible to attain. They are NUTS!! It is almost like they have started break already and we are there getting in their way. Honestly, I don't think they can remember any of the rules or procedures we have worked all year on. They are on BREAK! Unfortunately, the busiest time of the year is approaching for me too. I am getting ready for the the 6th annual Camden Frontier vs. Hillsdale track and field day. This is a huge undertaking! So here the kids are hardly putting any effort in and I am having to bust my "arse" (love it Kandi!). What is up with that?! Maybe I should put in the same amount of effort as they are and cancel the whole event. Oh, you know I won't, but that empty threat makes me feel better. Gotta go get ready for work.....Yippee!

It's just a sprain!

Thank you to all that said a little prayer for Konnor's ankle. It is just a sprain. He will start physical therapy on Thursday because it has been hurting for so long. Dr. Herbener doesn't want it to develop into a chronic pain. Yeah!!

I took him to the HS trainer after school to get it taped before our soccer scrimmage tonight.... I thought he would think it was really cool being just like the football players. NOT, backfired and he had it wrapped maybe 30 minutes. Sorry Jen! On the positive side, he played like a dog again. He is really starting to get "game" smarts.

Get ready for Track and Field days at Gier. Seems like it comes on way too fast. I still have a lot to get organized before May 24th and May 25th. We are practicing daily in hopes of beating Camden Frontier this year. It is usually split, but last year they won both. Well, got to get a movin'. Have a great day.

A 1st place in Shot!

Kirk threw his career best last night against Maple Valley. He is still trying to perfect the "spin" technique, but is getting better with each meet. He placed first in Shot....the only problem is that K2, Kraig, and I worked the event, and hence the picture from Albion again because we forget to take the camera. I will make sure to get some new shots on Friday even though we will be working the event again.

Konnor is "patiently" waiting for his x-ray results today. Did I actually use patiently and Konnor in the same sentence....what is this world coming to?! I am hoping it is just a sprain. He is doing so well in soccer right now, I would hate for that to end. I will post results later. He may have to sit out tonight at our soccer scrimmage. Boy will that be a bummer?!

Coach another sport? Are you crazy?!

Yep, that would be me! Crazy...certifiable...lunatic....nutty...out of my mind...I think that just about completely describes my personality. We were going to move Konnor up in baseball this year because skill wise he's probably is ready. However, after giving it some more thought, we decided to do one more year of coach pitch. We would hate to set him up for failure and frustration when we don't really have to. So....that's the reason for the beginning statements....I'm co-coaching Coach Pitch baseball yet again this year. Didn't I get on a soap box at the end of last year and say the I AM NOT GOING TO COACH ANOTHER BASEBALL TEAM! Well, I guess I'll have to step down from the box for yet another season. Hope to see you at the baseball field this summer.

Saturday means soccer

Konnor had another soccer game this weekend. Our team won 6-5 and was a very intense game. The boys have really played well this season. They are working hard and are starting to "think" about strategy instead of chasing the ball around the field. I took Konnor to our friend who is a trainer at the college. He had stepped on a tennis ball 2 weeks ago in gym and has been complaining about this ankle since then. Dave wants it to be xrayed on Monday. He thinks he may have a fracture in his growth plate. The thought of Konnor in a cast makes me shiver. He will not be in a good mood at all. Hopefully we will find out that it is just sprained and needs some rest. Keep your fingers crossed.

Kraig had his first tryout for baseball. He said it went fine. He has another one next Saturday and then he will probably be starting practice soon after. Kirk3 has baseball practice from 2:30-4:30 and open gym for basketball from 6-8. He wonders why he needs to use his time wisely???? Why homework? Tomorrow is another home track meet. Hope he gets to run again.

Hope you had a nice weekend!

I just want to impress you Dad!

Who would have ever thought that a 14 year old could put so much pressure on himself. Kirk told his dad last night, " I just want to impress you dad." WOW. What a powerful statement. Kirk2 responded that he didn't need to impress him, he just needed to do his best and try his hardest. So much emotion in this picture taken Monday night at Albion. Tonight is Davis Relays and Kirk2 and I are working the shot put. I know this sounds a little unfair to all the other shot putters, but I promise we won't cheat. K3 will be just throwing tonight, no running. With so many teams at the Relays, they only let a select few run. Well, enjoy another glorious 75 degree day. I know I'm loving having gym outside. I hope it doesn't rain from now until the end of school. Can't go back into that gym! Only 30 school days left for all of you that were wondering.

Hornet Soccer

Well now days if I'm not watching one of the boys sporting events....it seems I have been hooked on watching Kayla play Varsity Soccer. Let me tell you something...if you have never watched one of these games you should. These girls are brutal. Where was this sport when I was in high school? I would have loved it if I hadn't been such a "girly" girl back then. Actually, I wasn't all that girly because I was usually bossing a 12oo pound Quarter Horse around in a show ring when I wasn't doing cheerleading. One of my only regrets from HS is that I didn't participate in a "real" sport. I think my competiveness is more intense today then it was back then though. I could really benefit from getting out on the field and kicking some butt!

What a great start to the DMS track season!

Kirk had his first track meet last night at Albion. Columbia Central was there too. He had a great start to his season. I think he was a little disappointed with his shot put throws (but his dad just changed his technique this weekend and he is still getting used to it). He did place 3rd though.

His 70 and 100 yard dash runs were awesome. It is very exciting to see him run this year. He mostly threw shot last year and only ran occasionally. Now he is running everytime. He came in 1st in his heat for the 100 and 3rd in his heat for the 70. He was dancing in the infield when he finished his 100. What an accomplishment for such a large athlete! He even had girls from Albion and Columbia Central high fiving him too. WAY TO GO KIRK!

Easter Bunny Proxy...

I know that most parents are used to the whole Easter bunny thing, but I have been fortunate enough to have a Easter Bunny Proxy for most of my boys childhood. What's that you ask? Well, the Easter Bunny was still in the South, so that left the hoopla up to Kirk and I. Before we left FL the "bunny" (aka Mary Ann and Ron) handed us the Easter baskets wrapped in bags so no one was the wiser.....what they failed to remind me of was the HUGE plastic easter egg hunt outside that goes along with the real easter egg hunt inside.

I thought I had things pretty much under control....Kirk and I decorated easter eggs with Konnor (the 2 big boys were out for the night).... I had the cookie dough ready to make cut outs....had the food I needed ready for dinner on Sunday at Grandma Abbie's....under control right?! Well, luckily Konnor said "I wonder if the Easter bunny will hide eggs at Grandma Abbie's this year?" Eggs.....EGGS.....oh yeah those plastic easter eggs that have money in them. (insert forehead slap here) Lucky for me I had two bags of them in my Easter container in the basement.... (sigh) got them stuffed and hidden in record time (30 minutes from start to finish). So all was well in Hillsdale....moral to the story....either stay in FL for Easter or that bunny better start heading North a little earlier!

Make sure you notice the Hillbilly electric fence designed to keep Chloe out of the flower beds until they grow back up (she ate most everything to the ground last summer). Gotta love her?!

Spring has sprung in Hillsdale!

There were two tell tale signs of spring in Hillsdale this weekend.....a baby mini born on Friday night to Spring (momma horse's name) and Soccer officially started on Saturday morning!

Konnor had a great game! He scored both goals for the team. Not to mention that he had probably 9 attempts on goal that didn't go in. He was all over the field...he played a very "smart" game. It was exciting for us to start off the season with a win (2-1) instead of loosing (like we did all last year). We have the same group of boys back and some of what we worked on in the fall carried over (very exciting).

Spring's baby is not even 24 hours old in this picture. She is so adorable....looks just like a little grey field mouse. She is the smallest one they have had born on the farm, but she sure is spunky. Did I already mention she is soooooo adorable.

Konnor, K2, and I had a campfire last night. Love burning the Christmas tree during the first campfire of the year. It always make such a big fire. It was a little chilly, so the big fire felt good. Konnor spent the entire time wittling a stick (with his real knife) and listening to his dad tell him about the stories of when he was a boy scout. Good thing he is too young to pick up on the off color jokes about Girl Scouts and Brownies. I sure got a good laugh from them though.

Have a great Easter! Hope the bunny was good to you.

TGITH

Kraig definitely has the right idea here! I know this title won't catch on with the public...but thank God it's Thursday because I'm whipped! I am so thankful that this was only a 4 day work week because another day would have probably killed me. My morning started off with extra time (I thought) because Konnor didn't have tutoring at 8. Well, that lasted a whole 5 minutes when Chloe saw a neighbor cat by the other garage and proceeded to chase it across the road and then to the back property. As if that wasn't a long enough chase...she decided to take us by the lake, through 5 neighbors yards, to the college baseball field, around 3 dorms, to the preschool on Hillsdale St and then finally collapsed by a dead rabbit by the arboredum. I have never been so spitting mad at that mutt in my life. Luckily we got home, changed out of our muddy school shoes, and made it to school as the bell was ringing. Needless to say, after work tonight she got her neck shaved hairless and her collar is fully charged. So far, so good. I'm glad it wasn't Kirk chasing her because she would be dead for sure. I think I am going to curl up on the couch and watch a movie tonight. No work for me. Ok, maybe some laundry, but that is definitely where I draw the line. Hope everyone has a "Good Friday" and a Happy Easter.

Shuffle board anyone?

I had to take this first picture because it made me laugh at all the things you can't do at Pennbrook....can't walk on the courts...can't drive through the golf course...can't have horseplay (which means any type of fun) in a 55 and over community. Grandpa Ron had to set it straight with one of the "Grumpy Man" as Konnor called him (outloud). The "Grumpy Man" definitely needs to take a chill pill and enjoy life a little.

I know this picture looks totally posed, but it wasn't! The boys had a little hand shake ritual that they did before they "took on" each other. Of course, this good sportmanship only last about 30 seconds between these two, but it looked good anyways. Konnor and Kraig actually became quite skilled at this game. The only problem with playing against them is they would always knock my shuttle "thingy" off the court....not really that funny when you only make a few good plays. The best part of going to mom and dad's is that the boys can go and do things without us worrying about them too much. Gated communities make a lot of sense...maybe they should make them for younger families too.

Here a gecko....there a gecko....

The Great Gecko Hunter (aka Konnor) was at it again as soon as the wheels stopped spinning on the truck. He is completely content to hunt down these quick little creatures. There is only one poor Gecko running around FL with a short tail. One of the attempts left Konnor hanging onto a tail and no Gecko was attached. This mean little one latched onto Konnor hat and wouldn't let go. Mom had to pry his little mouth off the hat with her finger nail. All I can say....is I'm glad he chose Geckos instead of Crocs.

Where to begin??????

Well, I guess I begin by saying.....I CAN'T BELIEVE I HAVE TO GO BACK TO WORK TODAY! I really could have climbed back into bed and stayed there all day. I know I haven't done much for a week...but get real, 6:00 is way too early.

I decided to start with a post of the "Florida Kristin" as my friends referred to me as during our first trip to FL. I don't think I have ever had so much R & R time in one week before. Daily routine usually looked something like this....7:30 get up and have breakfast....8:00 coffee on the Linie (I know this is spelled wrong but it is the other word for screened in porch -- pronounced len-i)....9:00 sometimes go for a walk or go on a mini outing...12 lunch.... and then usually pool for the afternoon....dinner....more porch time (spent reading or doing Stidoku (sp).......10:00 bed (on the most comfortable mattress ever).

Now you know why coming back to work and reality is sooooo hard. I had it made in the shade for 9 days.....I had a cook (mom)....a housekeeper (dad).....a laundry fairy that I wish I could have packed in my suitcase (mom)....a driver (Konnor, Kirk, and Kraig took turns (ok, really they fought over who would drive it every chance they got!) with the golf cart). What more could a girl ask for?! I think I will pack my bags again soon.

We're Baaaack!

Just a quick note before I go downstairs to finish laundry and do homework with Konnor....I know 36 hours in the car and not 1 lick of homework done by anyone. It probably didn't help that the 3 boys were constantly on dramamine (sp?) for car sickness. Yuck! I will start officially blogging again tomorrow...I have lots of pictures to share. Glad to be back....even if it is freezing!

I know I've forgotten something...

I know that I have forgotten something....but for the life of me I can't think what it would be. I will probably figure it out somewhere around Georgia...too late to turn around then. I figure that if it is something that we can't live without I know where Walmart is in Leesburg. I was really hoping to go back and edit the 100th blog yesterday...but as you can see it didn't happen. I was lucky to make it to bed by 11:15 (really, really late for me on a school night)

Well, we have just about everything in the truck and plan to pull out of dodge around 5 ish. Chloe can't go to the kennel until 4:30 so I know we will be hard pressed to hit the road by 5. First stop will be Louisville Kentucky sometime around 11. I already have a room so we won't be hunting one down like we did last year. Tomorrow morning we plan on hitting the road at6 and driving until we are there... probably around 7 PM. We figure tomorrow night will be hot tub and fuzzy navels for us and basketball pick up games for the boys. They love going to the court and finding boys from many different states to play ball against. Probably their highlight of the trip.

Well, got to get moving. One more day of work....and it looks like it will be nice enough to get out of the gym some today. Thank God! I can't tell you how blah gym has been this month. The kids are itching to get OUT!

My 100th post....

This is my 100th post and I want to do it up right....I will have to wait until I have more time to edit it. I just didn't want Kevin to visit this morning and not have anything new to read....Have a great DAY KEVIN!!

Plastic Bubbles....

This is the over 60 water volleyball game from last year that was such a blast...watch out seniors, I'm in for next Thursday!

This is one of those times in life where I wish we could live in a plastic bubble. It just hit me yesterday at school, when kids were yacking everywhere, that what if one of us gets sick before we leave and then we can't leave.....what a scary thought. To top off all of my fears, Kirk and Kraig both came home from school with sore throats. (think it is sinus drainage though) Now this isn't a problem for Konnor or I because we have soooo much Amoxicillon in our systems right now, I don't think we have even the good stuff growing in our bodies at this point. I told the boys to stay far away from everyone....keep your hands out of your mouth and away from you face....wash your hands every chance you get....and by all means DON'T GET SICK!! I hope that scare tactic will work for us. 3 days to go....really hope it works!

We leave in 4 DAYS....YIKES!!

Can't wait to see Big Al again this year!

I always wondered how does such an overly organized person (like myself) let things get out of hand. Do you realize that in 4 days I need to have everything ready to go and it didn't happen much this weekend. I went shopping of Friday night with Kayla for prom dresses. Very neat experience...and to have a body of a 17 year old that hasn't been abused by motherhood...was rather depressing. We found many nice dresses and I don't think we found any that didn't look good. Saturday I went to a Tea at Jen's house to meet her sisters from Ohio. First of all, let me rephrase, Tea doesn't always mean hot brown drink...in this case it stood for Te-quila. Jen had all of the fancy china, table clothes, candles, and plenty of Tea. It was a hoot listening to those sisters talk. I really think that there is some special bond between sisters (not that I don't totally LOVE my brother!) Their mannerisms were the same, their parenting was similiar, it was just a belly splitting time. Still trying to get over strep...those to activities just about did me in....Kirk and I watched a movie with Konnor (Chicken Little) and then went to bed. Sunday, I picked up, did laundry (surprise there I know), did the shopping, and then came home to organize and started pulling a few things together. Soooo....tonight it is hurry up and PACK!!

Got some SERIOUS packing to do!

Yikes, time flies when your having....life! I can't believe that in 5 days we will be rolling out of Hillsdale for what I hope will be a fun packed week of R&R. I just checked the weather and it looks like we should be basking in the sun most of the week with temperatures in the high 80's. I sure know I'm ready for warmer temps. and blue skies.

What on earth was that white crap falling from the sky yesterday? The flakes were so big, I thought they looked like snowballs falling from the skies. Enough is enough!

I think I will try to get somethings packed today. I am always packing too much and I hate it. Thank God mom and dad have a washer and dryer, so laundry isn't an issue. I can at least wash and have the boys rewear their shorts and t-shirts. Well, better get a move on. Hope you all had a safe and relaxing weekend.

It's Friday and I'm ready for work!

Shirley and I tooling around in Dad's new ride...I could seriously drive this golf cart around Pennbroke all day! I wonder if there is a tour guide position open?

Hmm...wouldn't you know it...I finally feel like I can tackle this work thing and it's Friday. Oh well, better luck next week. I did work Monday and Tuesday, so I guess it wasn't a total wash. I sure hope my kids are good today. Still a little tender when I swallow or talk, but not achy, temp., and whatever else I was feeling. I am hoping to play on their sympathy a little today. It will probably work with my older classes, but the younger one's won't give a rip. (even though they're the ones that I'm always coddling when they get a "tiny" boo-boo)

Well, tonight I get to go prom dress shopping. I am really looking forward to it. (No little Kirk is not cross -dressing these days) Kayla has asked me to go with her to Lansing to look at dresses. I figured it might be the last time I ever get asked to do something like this, so I should probably take advantage of it. If nothing else it will be fun to just hang out with "just" her for a bit. Well, I'd better get moving for work. Have a great day! K:)

I would rather be ...

I'd rather be soaking up the sun in a hot tub in Florida, than where I am today. Yuck! Day 2 of staying home with strep. I probably could have forced myself to go because I don't feel as bad as I did yesterday. It only hurts to swallow and talk....oh yeah, you have to be able to do both of those things to teach 175 kids gym in one day. MY BAD?! I found out this morning, when I dropped off my lesson plans, that the aides covered my classes yesterday by showing them movies in the Music room. Boy, doesn't that make you feel important. If another person tells me that what I do is important...I'm gonna scream! (maybe only whisper today) If that doesn't shout "Glorified Babysitter" ...I don't know what does. As long as the teachers get their 40 minute prep, who cares what they are doing. Just GREAT! Hopefully there will be a sub for me today....

I wouldn't do that if I were you.....

Sharing a straw with me would be a horrible idea today. I never went to sleep last night (until 5:00 AM) and woke up with really bad case of strep. The doctor said there was so much strep on the swab it ran across the counter by itself. Gross visual I know. Konnor had been complaining of an ear ache...so I took advantage of not feeling well myself and took the day to take us both to the doctor. Konnor has a cold and an ear infection. He didn't want to go to school after our appointment so his dad said he had to take care of me. Actually....he could have just left me to rot on the couch and I would have been happy. We are on movie #3 and not enjoying it much. He definitely doesn't know how to sit. He did however make me Chicken noodle soup by himself for my lunch. Pretty cute?! Well, I have just used all my energy typing this little blog and need to go lay back down.

Florida bound....

I know it was only a few short weeks ago that I was starting the last count down to Florida, but here it goes again. 10 days and counting....I just about can't stand it! Every morning Konnor says I wish we were leaving for Florida today....I know the feeling. This time I'm going to sit by the pool in the warm sunshine instead of huddling around the hot tub just to stay warm. Everytime I talk to Dad he says he is sitting in shorts and a tank top. One day they actually had the nerve to say it was a little too warm. Bring your tan bodies back to freezing Michigan and I bet you won't say that. 2nd day of springs forecast calling for snow flurries.....YUCK!! Have a great day and keep thinking Happy Spring thoughts.

PS Beth the plants are poking through down here too. We actually put up an electric fench around our landscaping to keep Chloe from eating any more bushes. We are hoping it is a temporary fix.

Weekend Update...

It is pretty sad when you have to go back to work just to get a break....what a weekend?! Kraig finished his basketball tournament up on Saturday. It was definitely ugly. I think this picture about sums up the last game....please don't score AGAIN and please let this end SOON! They played two very good teams that play all year together. That is the problem with a "tournament" team. You don't play enough together to really know what everybody is capable of doing. Kirk came home from Festival extremely pumped. This was the first time that Mr. Boswell has had an eighth grade choir get all 1's. He is even thinking about taking them to State Festival this year. I am sorry we didn't go now. They only sing for 5 minutes to the crowd....we went last year but decided not to this year. Konnor spent the entire weekend riding dirt bikes with his buddy Drew and helping the neighbors in their barns. He NEVER stops!! Thank God we have such patient neighbors because, quite frankly, Kirk and I need a break every now and then. Most of Sunday was spent doing HOMEWORK. The end of the marking period is Friday, so the crunch is on. Well, better get a move on....have a great day!

PS Thanks Kevin and Shirley for going to grandma's saturday. I finally remembered to call her last night when it wasn't Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune time. She sounded happy to have "good" hair. Now I just need to tend to the pedicure. My BAD!

Puppy Love?!

I needed to post something warm and fuzzy this morning because my mood is anything but that. Konnor and Chloe watching TV the other night. Not posed, but how cute. We went from Kraig's basketball tournament at 6:10 (they won) to Kraig's talent show at 7 (got 3rd place) to home by 9. Now we are up, had breakfast, 2 teenagers showered and dressed for their concert (now doing homework), 1 grumpy 7 year old in the tub, and a 11 year old MIA- (but I think he is still eating). We are off to Kraig's tournament games in Reading and the teens are on their way to Okemos for Choir Festival. We need to get to Sam's sometime today and the laundry is a mile high (mostly clean in baskets). So...needless to say...I'm not in the best mood! Hopefully I will feel better once everyone is at their destination and I can soak up a little sunshine. Hope your day is HAPPY!

Now I know why I was a cheerleader....

I definitely know why my HS career was spent as a cheerleader. I can't play basketball to save my soul. The only thing I can do on the court with any kind of success is play defense. I didn't even end up on my back last night...which is a plus. I did, however, dive out of bounds after a ball and took a 5th grader with me. Oh yeah, then there was the time that I almost crushed another 5th grader by sitting(falling) on him. Thanks to Mrs. Flynn, I was saved that embarrassment. I could see the Daily News headlines...."Gier PE teacher sends one to the hospital after crushing him under her fall". Of course they would probably put a picture of Godzilla in the article too. The teachers came out victorous in the end. We always wait to see how they act and then decide if they will win or loose. They had started talking smack early yesterday morning, so they were pretty much going to loose all along. Sometimes you have to take those extra precautions to make sure they learn a lesson in sportsmanship.

No WAY!

The minute Anne's camera flashed I knew that this one would take a lot of explaining. I just happened to be up stretching when "Hung" here walked by. First of all, who in their right mind would call your son Hung and secondly why would he have to walk through at that moment. I really couldn't sit any longer and I was trying to keep myself occupied until dinner was served. I met this nice little server....I think his name was Woody...not really but he was made of wood. They said that was the only new person I met the whole trip. Yeah, really FUNNY! NOT!!!