Weekend Rewind...

Weekend Rewind....



I can't believe March is marching right on by....where have I been?  Little bit of this and that..

It sure has been Crazy around here.

I haven't been able to blog for a couple of weeks.  Not only have I been buried in school paperwork, class paperwork, wedding stuff, but I have kept these two for a few days...

School has been in state testing mode for the past week, and now we are getting ready for more county wide assessments--.  As an educator, I know assessments are important but there are so many other ways to test a student's knowledge than constantly giving computerized testing.  There was a saying I saw on a T-Shirt that read-Those who can Teach and those who can't pass laws on testing!  Totally agree!

March has been designated as Reading Month and grandson's school has had some neat Friday dress days-
Crazy hair day

 Cape Day

just a few-but I have enjoyed seeing grandson theme on Friday.  This past Friday was Super Hero Day-don't have a pic but he was Spider Man.  Elementary teachers Rock!!

Wedding planning still going on.  Last week daughter had her final fitting.  Hub and I met her on Saturday (along with grandson-because dad was on a golf trip).  I knew grandson would have difficulty staying and watching all the measurements being done on daughter, so I had planned for hub to take grandson to Chuck-E-Cheese.  However, there was a Toys-R-Us store next to the bridal shop!!  Hooray for Toys-R-Us!  The day went much smoother than anticipated.  There is still quite a few things to do.....can't decide on a food for the evening, decorations, music, etc....too much for me to comprehend at the moment.

The class I am taking ends the last of April!!  Yeah for me!  I have enjoyed reading some of the novels and learning new things but will be glad when I can check this off my list.  This time of year is hard enough with IEP's to write, testing to get through, class to finish, and on yeah-a wedding that is the planning.....I feel like I am in a whirlwind and can't stop.

The weather hasn't been too much to brag about.  We have had a couple of warm days so grandson is gearing up for T-Ball

Opening Day is scheduled for April 11th-only hope the air will be a few degrees warmer!  It is hilarious watching this age group. Not a care in the world, just let me hit the ball and run.  Watching them trying to catch is another story.  The ball is hit and all 12 rush to try and get it-it is like watching a swarm of bees!

Yesterday was our Easter Egg Hunt.  A warm 23 degrees with snow falling.  I wish the town would have cancelled but they didn't so this girl stayed home!

Today was Friend Day at church.  First of all, hub and I get there for Sunday School only to find out Sunday School was cancelled due to having Friend Day-we knew that only forgot!  So we had an hour and a half to kill!  I told hub this just goes to show we have too much going on, and we need to just take a step back and breathe for awhile.  Church was packed!! and afterwards we all enjoyed hamburgers and hotdogs for lunch.  The air was a bit nippy but the sun was shining.

Tomorrow begins my bus duty week.  Right now I am thinking-Shew-if we hadn't missed those snow days, we wold be enjoying Spring Break right about now.  But since we missed those days, no Spring Break for us.

Wishing all a Great Week-Happy Easter, and Enjoy Life!

Weekend Rewind.....

Weekend Rewind....

We have been out of school for two straight weeks!!!  Some bits and pieces....

It started snowing February 16th and the temps fell below zero and winter finally arrived.  Earlier we have had a very mild winter.  The temps were in the 50s and 60s and then WOW!! it hit.  The snow was beautiful and I could have sit for hours and just watched-so peaceful and so quiet.  I know many are thinking--out of school for how long?  how much snow did you get?  Well, about 14+ inches of snow but the temps were so cold our VDOT had great difficulty keeping the roads clear and clean.  On Tuesday, hub called and daughter's finance had an accident on his way to work.  Thankful he was okay, and hub was there to help. We aren't use to dealing with all this much snow at one time.

So what have I been doing??

I have kept grandsons a few days-played men, Star Wars, watched cartoons, cleaned, read books, and shoveled , played some more, cleaned, and shoveled, and just a never ending cycle!!

  I went to school to get some paperwork to begin, but having grandsons around, the paperwork to a back seat.

Saturday was a gorgeous blue sky day.

Daughter, finance, and myself attending a cake tasting event.  Wow-I knew I shouldn't had eaten breakfast!!

After much deliberations, the decision was made.  Three flavors-well four flavors counting the groom's cake was decided on-vanilla strawberry, lemon blueberry, and dreamsicle, and peanut butter carmel.  I was well pleased with the decision.  Of course, I asked daughter why finance came?? he doesn't like cake!!! But oh well-at least he did try some samples.

Hub is not very interested in all this wedding stuff.  However, daughter did play for him the song they will be dancing to.  A tear did roll down his cheek. Trying to ease the situation-I invited hub to zumba with me-just to get in shape for the 'big dance'.

Hub wanted to grill out.  What? the temp is not even forty.  Yes, the sun was beginning to set and it was not snowing but talking him out grilling was not going to happen.  He always says it is never too cold to grill...so with snow on the ground, he fired up the grill.

No use arguing with him over this.
The snow was still hanging on....

even in our fireplace outside..

Hub enjoyed grilling and I enjoyed the steak.  We all did!


  Now I am beginning to feel overwhelmed because I know tomorrow my feet will hit the ground running and not stop. I also have bus duty all week.
 

There is a retirement meeting tomorrow after school, and I plan on attending.  Some days I am ready to retire and just walk, and then there are other days when I just can not imagine retiring. Hub, I think,wants me to retire, but I just don't know.  I keep telling him I have the insurance and it is scary to think that I work for insurance but it is the truth.  So we will see....

Getting back in the swing of things will be difficult but eventually it will be okay.

Have a great week and Enjoy Life!

  

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Glad to be joining.  It has been awhile and I have surely missed it.  Thanks Joyce!

1. When did you last have to interact, either by phone or in person, with someone in a government run agency? On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the experience? (10 being fabulous and 1 being pass the Tylenol)

Just last month.  I rate this experience a 6, the person on the other end probably a 1 with two Tylenols.

2. The current governor of Wisconsin is considering a run for President next time around. Walker attended Marquette University, but never graduated. In terms ofany candidate running for the office of President (not asking here if you agree or disagree with Scott Walker's politics) would the lack of a college degree influence your vote or no? Would that be a factor in your support of any candidate running for public office, even a role less weighty than President?

Oh gosh, I don't really know.  I know some people who have attended college and have not a lick of common sense and I am like-what catalog did your degree come from.  On the other hand, there are people I know who have never attended college and I am like WOW! you could have fooled me.  

BUT, a President I don't really know.

3. When did you last visit a place or site named for George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, and what was that place or site?

Many years ago when I visited D.C.

4. February 16th was President's Day in the US, but did you know it was also National Almond Day? I didn't think so : ) Do you like almonds? If so, what's a food/dish/recipe you enjoy that contains almonds? 

I love almonds.  I usually keep a bag and when I have an urge for a snack, I grab a handful of almonds.  A recipe with almonds-????

5.The television program Saturday Night Live celebrated it's 40th anniversary this past weekend. Were/are you a fan of the show? If so what has been your favorite (or one of your favorite) skits, sayings, or characters that came out of the program?

My favorite skit has been Mr.Bill episodes.  I can remember college days sitting on the floor in my dorm room watching these episodes.

6. Anything purple within ten feet of you? What is it?

Yes, Grandson's Batman toys.

7. Back in December I asked you to submit a question for a future HP as part of a giveaway I was hosting. I grabbed this one from those entries, submitted by Zoanna who blogs over at Penchant for Pens. Thanks Zoanna!

She asks, "How often do you make your bed, and how do you like to make it-pull the covers all the way up over the pillows, tuck the covers in around the pillows, or place all the pillows on top of the covers?" 

Bed is made the minute I get up. I have to make my bed!!  wish I could make younger daughter do this but she sees no need to make a bed.  I pull the covers over the pillows.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

We finally got SNOW!   It was beautiful! The snow started on Monday and school was closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  The temps are to be below zero for the next few nights so I am thinking no school for the remainder of the week.  I was able to use my time wisely on Tuesday-much cleaning done.

Hello Out There Take TWO

Yep, I hit publish instead of save earlier....

I usually recap my weekend and week  but was kinda busy last night so....I have opted for this--

Hello Out There

We have had a very mild winter.  The temps have been warmish and no snow.  Usually we have missed around 10 school days by now.  So now it begins to snow....

and the temps have plummeted!!

I have a Kindergartener who loves to read!!  I am so thrilled about this.

He is in the accelerator reading program.  There are some days when he dislikes reading (as all kids do) but mostly he enjoys it.

He was also chosen Valentine King of his class...

I just love the smile on his face!

Our county is closed today so I have had these two at my house....

I have a feeling they may spend the night tonight.....

This weekend I purchased my mother-of-the  bride dress.  Glad I was able to find what I like-well, I found more than one dress I liked but....when trying them on-there was only a couple that I felt comfortable in.  Daughter was relieved--one less thing to stress over.  We have also booked the church and the country club so slowly but surely things are getting done-HA!

Little one is getting up....all stay warm and be careful if traveling.....

Wednesday hodgepodge

1. When did someone last suggest you 'chill out'? Or, when did you last tell someone (or want to tell someone) to 'chill out'? Or, when did you last tell yourself to 'chill out'?

I am told at least weekly to 'chill out' or take a 'chill pill'.  I do get 'worked up' over things and I want to take a stand and I know I can't control the situation and I want to so desperately to change things so daughter usually says to me- "Mom, take a 'chill pill'!  But I don't want to take a 'chill pill'!

2. What most recently caused your heart to melt? 

When a person asked hub to baptize her this past Sunday.

An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered." G.K. Chesterton  

Your thoughts? When did you last experience either an adventure or an inconvenience? How did you see it at first, as an adventure or an inconvenience?  Does it feel the same in hindsight?

My whole life has been an adventure and yes a slightly inconvenience!

4.  A Wendy's Frosty, root beer in a frosty mug, or a frosted chocolate cupcake...of these three, which one is your favorite 'frosty' treat?

A Wendy's Frosty is my favorite.  I do not like root beer and a frosted chocolate cupcake is just a little too much chocolate.

5. Would you say your life so far this year has been more like a circus or a symphony? Explain why.

Circus!  I feel I am becoming a great juggler-juggle schedules here, juggle wedding stuff with daughter-now I know it is exciting but juggling dates/places, etc. is getting to me, I know I will find balance.  
Then sometimes I feel like a clown--always laughing and saying to myself-okay what else is gong to happen.

6. Since it's a 'snow day' here, what's your favorite song containing the word 'white'?

Billy Idol-White Wedding  I have wedding plans on my mind or Michael Jackson Black or White about the human race not just one particular race.

7. If you had to leave the city you currently live in, what would you find the hardest to leave behind?

Some local celebrations we have-Apple Festival, Concert in the park, etc.
8. Insert your own random thought here.

First, No Ya'll don't get too upset with me-I would love to have some snow maybe a 5-6 inches!  We haven't had any snow this year and I want some.
I am beginning a new Bible Study tonight-Are You a Fan or Follower?  Sounds exciting and can't wait to begin.

Weekend Rewind

Weekend Rewind....

January
Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10

They kept predicting it.....the sky said so....but my knees weren't saying so......

SNOW

A red sky on Thursday morning which means 'sailors take warning'-remember this saying?  It was a gorgeous Thursday morning.

Thursday evening the weather report was calling for snow to begin Friday afternoon and we could see some measurable amounts.  This has been a very mild winter, in fact, this time last year my school system had missed 10 days-this year only two days due to extreme cold-no snow.  Hub and I had made plans to attend a high school basketball game.  We both enjoy going, and we were looking forward to watching some 'hoops'.

When I left for school, it was raining and the temps were in the 30's.  As I was taking my students to the library, I looked out and it was snowing not much but snowing.  About an hour later, the announcement was received-Schools would be Dismissing Three Hours Early!  It was no longer snowing, but the weather was calling for the temps to drop fast and rain turn into snow. All sport events were cancelled, and the  general rule is for teachers to stay a couple hours longer however, the school system had said teachers may leave once all students have left the building.  Gosh-the snow must be finally coming.  Grandson rides the bus to my school so he was given a snack while I finished up some school work.  

At home, Nate (AKA-grandson) and I played, read some books, ate some 'junk' food,  and watched television.  When his father came, he asked to spend the night, but his father said he couldn't. It was still raining-no snow.

Hub and I didn't want to sit home twiddling our thumbs so we went to the movies.  Both of us have been wanting to see American Sniper and we could make the 8 o' clock showing.  We grabbed a pizza for dinner and headed out. I can't remember the last time hub has been to a movie theater-I think it was when the movie Passion of the Christ was showing.  I still can't believe he went with me.

American Sniper was a great movie.  Some of the language made me cringe, but the movie did have me realize how much one dedicates his life for our country.  I know I say I love my county, but am I as dedicated as one who fights for our county?  After the showing, it did take a few minutes to leave-most just sat there-the ending does this-not to just hurriedly get up and leave but sit for a minute or two and ponder the affects of war.

On the way home, it was still raining-no SNOW- and hub said something I have never heard him say before.  He said if he regretted anything, it was not signing up for the services.  What?  Yes, he said he wished he had signed up for the service to defend our country.  Did the movie, cause him to think this? No more talking-just listening to the music on the radio and the weather report still calling for SNOW-but now the report said the snow would hit at 4am.

Saturday woke up to RAIN-again.  Dreary day to go outside.  I am taking a class-Young Adult Literature-so I curled up and read some of the novels we are required to read. Much novel reading was accomplished-3 down and 7 more to go!  That's pretty good for me, at least, that is what I told myself.

The rain has ended and sunny skies were seen Sunday with temps back in the 50's.  No wonder we are all having a rough time getting rid of colds.

A blessing happened on Sunday at church. A friend accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior and asked hub to baptize her.  What a testimony of hub's character and a humbling experience for me.

This has become one of my favorite songs.... Enjoy your  week and Enjoy Life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH9kYn4L8TI

Wednesday hodgepodge

1. American Idol is back for a 14th season. Are you watching? Have you ever watched? If you were to audition for the show (or were made to audition), what song would you sing?

Yes, I have watched American Idol a few years ago.  However, I don't watch now because I haven't cared for the judges in the past years.
"In the Morning when I Rise" because I have told myself this year, I will sing this song on the way to school-I am in a much better frame of mind.

2.  Mark Twain is quoted as saying, "If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first." 

So when did you last have to 'eat a frog'? Or two? How'd that work out?

I really try hard not to but here lately I have put off some things in order to accomplish other things I thought was more important at the time. Usually tell myself-might as well do it early and get it done with.

3. If you were going on safari, what is the number one animal you'd want to see?

Leopard-

4. January 21st is National Granola Bar Day. I know. Do you like granola bars? Chewy or crunchy? Your favorite flavor? How about regular granola? Let's exhaust this topic in honor of the holiday okay?

Yes, I like granola bars-chewy.


I put regular granola in my yogurt.


5. If only__________________________________________. 

If-the biggest word in the dictionary. So many ifs....
I guess... If only I could turn back time.


6. You can add one item to your bedroom. What will it be? Keep it family friendly please.


How about darker blinds!  Maybe it is my age but it seems like there is so much light in my bedroom.  When I go to bed it is dark but around 3 or 4 it is daylight!!  

7. What is one thing you've enjoyed about winter thus far? If it's not winter in your corner of the globe, what season is it, and what is something you've enjoyed about whatever season it happens to be?

What winter?  We are experiencing unusually a warm winter, in fact, only a couple of days where the mercury plunged and only a trace of snow.  I wouldn't mind having some snow (no electrical problems) and a little cooler temps.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Hub had his oncologist appointment last week-Great Report!