Friday, April 1, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Spring Break
On Friday March 11, 2011, we had an early release day. I went to say goodbye to my grandmother in the hospital. She died that Saturday morning and we had her memorial service on Monday March 14. After the service, we went to the church where dinner was provided. Then we left and drove all night to Durango where we spent 3 days skiing.I crashed my skibike 4 times pretty hard- and have the bruises to show... From there, we went to Justin and Jessica's in Colorado Springs. We had a great visit, dlimbed rocks in the Garden of the Gods, and ate at a really neat authentic German restaurant. It was a very boring, long drive home, but I was glad to be back.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday 2/24
What a day!! So glad it's nearly over!
My morning began with megetting Radney up and taking him to daycare- via the donut shop. Then worrying about Danielle's surgery. After school, I picked up Rad, then Nick, and headed to the hospital. On the way we kept going in circles...after throwing a fit- and my iphone against the dashboard, we finally got our bearings and made it to the hospital. After we finished visiting, we thought we knew how to get back to hiway 75...but we got turned around AGAIN. We realized our mistake and proceeded to go in the opposite direction. As we traveled, we spotted a human lying in the lane we were in. Nick braked, put his emergency flashers on, and I called 911. Another man came up and called 911 also. This was not a good neighborhood to stop in...if you get my drift...it wasn't safe, and we had Radney. But we couldn't just leave her. She was nonresponsive, but by the time the ambulance and police got there, she was better. Apparently she had had a seizure and was coming out of it when we stopped to help. Her husband heard about it and he came to the scend worried that she had been hit by a car. When we left, the lady was doing much better, was coherent, and told me her name- Moa...
A few minutes later, I had THE biggest adrenaline rush!! Awesome!!
Now I'm exhausted and have a headache...going to bed.
My morning began with megetting Radney up and taking him to daycare- via the donut shop. Then worrying about Danielle's surgery. After school, I picked up Rad, then Nick, and headed to the hospital. On the way we kept going in circles...after throwing a fit- and my iphone against the dashboard, we finally got our bearings and made it to the hospital. After we finished visiting, we thought we knew how to get back to hiway 75...but we got turned around AGAIN. We realized our mistake and proceeded to go in the opposite direction. As we traveled, we spotted a human lying in the lane we were in. Nick braked, put his emergency flashers on, and I called 911. Another man came up and called 911 also. This was not a good neighborhood to stop in...if you get my drift...it wasn't safe, and we had Radney. But we couldn't just leave her. She was nonresponsive, but by the time the ambulance and police got there, she was better. Apparently she had had a seizure and was coming out of it when we stopped to help. Her husband heard about it and he came to the scend worried that she had been hit by a car. When we left, the lady was doing much better, was coherent, and told me her name- Moa...
A few minutes later, I had THE biggest adrenaline rush!! Awesome!!
Now I'm exhausted and have a headache...going to bed.
An Old Choctaw Saying
This is probably the best I've ever heard life explained!
TWO WOLVES
One evening an old Choctaw told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.
"One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
"The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Choctaw simply replied, "The one you feed."
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
So tired...
I am so tired and impatient. I wish TEA and our Texas legislature would get all their ducks in a row and give us some guidance about when we can make up our 5 bad weather days. I don't care when it is- with the eception of Spring Break- just as long as we know something soon. TEA is laying off people and so are the Region ESC's...NO ONE knows what is going on...TEA won't return phone calls or give guidance in writing. It's a mess!! But how did we get into this mess in the first place??? Something to think about...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
SNOW WEEK!!
Looks like THS is the only student who has even checked on the blogs this week...
I can't believe we've been out FOUR (4) days!! Might as well enjoy it because there's nothing we can do about it...just roll with the flow!!
Stay safe, have fun!!
I can't believe we've been out FOUR (4) days!! Might as well enjoy it because there's nothing we can do about it...just roll with the flow!!
Stay safe, have fun!!
Monday, January 31, 2011
What LIFE is made of--February 1, 2011 assignment
Life is made of the following:
Principles-
Morals-
Ethics-
Character-
Integrity-
Reputation-
Loyalty-
Trustworthiness-
Honesty-
Respect-
Fairness-
Responsibility-
Compassion-
Forgiveness-
Humility-
**Which 4 are the most important in YOUR life??
** Explain WHYeach one is important to you.
**Are there others that are not listed that are important to you? Which ones?
Principles-
Morals-
Ethics-
Character-
Integrity-
Reputation-
Loyalty-
Trustworthiness-
Honesty-
Respect-
Fairness-
Responsibility-
Compassion-
Forgiveness-
Humility-
**Which 4 are the most important in YOUR life??
** Explain WHYeach one is important to you.
**Are there others that are not listed that are important to you? Which ones?
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Jr. High Basketball
Congratulations to the Lady Hornets on an UNdefeated season!! Glad y'all finished up the season with a tournament win!! Congrats to the Hornets also- winning 3rd at the tournament!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Difficulties
Tomorrow I will have to walk into the classroom and be the professional I am supposed to be. It will be hard- it always is when there is a tragedy that affects a student, faculty member, or community member...Our community is small...we have 320 students Pre K-12...most of us have taught at least 20 years here...and we know the students' parents on a personal basis. It's really hard when a kid loses a parent or sibling...the younger the student, the more it affects me. Kids shouldn't have to bury a parent or sibling...
So...tomorrow I will put on a brave face, walk into the classroom and play it by ear. I will have to answer some hard questions, comfort students and classmates...and try to keep things as normal as possible. I am not looking forward to the next few days...
So...tomorrow I will put on a brave face, walk into the classroom and play it by ear. I will have to answer some hard questions, comfort students and classmates...and try to keep things as normal as possible. I am not looking forward to the next few days...
Friday, January 14, 2011
What a group of students!!
I'm sitting at home on a Friday night reading the blogs my students have been working on. We do daily assignments for Tech Apps class, but I have tried to encourage them to blog on their own time also.
It's really neat to see what these kids are doing...they don't complain (too much) about anything and willingly do their assignments. They are a very easy group of kids to teach and get along with!
The kids work well together and care really deeply for others. They have a friend who is in and out of the hospital during the school year. They have gathered in the locker rooms at break to pray for their friend...without asking them to do it!! I have taken some students to Children's Hospital to see our classmate and student and have been blessed by the words and actions of these young people.
Compassion is alive and well in our community!! There are still kids who care more for others than they do themselves. They look out for him and protect him while trying to let him have a "normal" life like they have.
Some of their blogs will probably be written to keep H up to date on what's going on at school.We know it's got to be tough on him and his family...and we continue to hold them up in prayer.
It's really neat to see what these kids are doing...they don't complain (too much) about anything and willingly do their assignments. They are a very easy group of kids to teach and get along with!
The kids work well together and care really deeply for others. They have a friend who is in and out of the hospital during the school year. They have gathered in the locker rooms at break to pray for their friend...without asking them to do it!! I have taken some students to Children's Hospital to see our classmate and student and have been blessed by the words and actions of these young people.
Compassion is alive and well in our community!! There are still kids who care more for others than they do themselves. They look out for him and protect him while trying to let him have a "normal" life like they have.
Some of their blogs will probably be written to keep H up to date on what's going on at school.We know it's got to be tough on him and his family...and we continue to hold them up in prayer.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Assignment: Patriotism
My students have to blog about Patriotism today. Since I never ask students to do something that I wouldn't do, I'm going to voice my opinion on Patriotism.
After 9/11/2001, I was angry at those who tried to destroy America and those who spoke against America, I told them I'd buy them a one-way plane ticket to another country. Even though we might not agree with everything happening in America, it is still the BEST and the MOST FREE country in the world. I did what others did- I bought car magnets supporting our troops, flag magnets supporting our country, and even started praying more for those who protect us.
But knowing about Patriotism is different from living it.I have learned a great deal about Patriotism since my younger son enlisted in the ARMY a few years ago. Up until then, I just went thru the motions- saying the pledges, holding my hand over my heart when the national anthem was played, and bowing my head when prayers were said at events I went to. I know now that what I was doing was NOT Patriotism...it was just a routine. I didn't listen to the words of the national Anthem or God Bless America.
I now have a TALL flagpole in my front yard- it was built by my husband in support of our son. Everytime I look at the flag, I pray for those who have sacrificed and are still sacrificing for us today. I have had many students sho enlisted in the militarty. Only ONE has not made it back so far. Sgt. Michael Shank was killed in Afghanistan. When I hear the National Anthem being sung and played, I sing...and I listen to the words...they have a deeper meaning for me than they did 10 years ago.
I realize now the sacrifices that our men and women make so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have here in America. They take the fight elsewhere so that war is not on our land. Sons and daughters leave their families, mothers and fathers leave their kids, parents of those in the military send them off to do their jobs, not knowing when they will see their children again, if ever. As a parent, that is the hardest thing...to go without seeing your children for months at a time. They are on their own and you can't be there for them, you can't help them like you could when they were little. You're not there to hug the hurt that they go thru...yes, sometimes it's a helpless feeling...but it is overcome by PRIDE. I am SO proud of my son and daughter-in-law, just as I am SO proud of all the students, friends, and family who made the military their choice. I can never thank them enough for the job they do...but I have found ways to show my Patriotism...I found a place on the internet where I can Buy A Joe for a Joe...a cup of coffee...and I have received replies from those soldiers who have been able to just walk in a get a cup of coffee that they didn't have to pay for. I have sent care packages to those overseas. I proudly say the pledges each and every day. And I do a lot more praying for those in service. When I see someone in uniform, I tell them Thank You. When I see an exstudent, I hug them and thank them...
We all have different opinions on what Patriotism is...as we grow older and wiser, our opinions change. I am much more patriotic than I was years ago, and I will continue to support our military and be thankful I am in America!
After 9/11/2001, I was angry at those who tried to destroy America and those who spoke against America, I told them I'd buy them a one-way plane ticket to another country. Even though we might not agree with everything happening in America, it is still the BEST and the MOST FREE country in the world. I did what others did- I bought car magnets supporting our troops, flag magnets supporting our country, and even started praying more for those who protect us.
But knowing about Patriotism is different from living it.I have learned a great deal about Patriotism since my younger son enlisted in the ARMY a few years ago. Up until then, I just went thru the motions- saying the pledges, holding my hand over my heart when the national anthem was played, and bowing my head when prayers were said at events I went to. I know now that what I was doing was NOT Patriotism...it was just a routine. I didn't listen to the words of the national Anthem or God Bless America.
I now have a TALL flagpole in my front yard- it was built by my husband in support of our son. Everytime I look at the flag, I pray for those who have sacrificed and are still sacrificing for us today. I have had many students sho enlisted in the militarty. Only ONE has not made it back so far. Sgt. Michael Shank was killed in Afghanistan. When I hear the National Anthem being sung and played, I sing...and I listen to the words...they have a deeper meaning for me than they did 10 years ago.
I realize now the sacrifices that our men and women make so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have here in America. They take the fight elsewhere so that war is not on our land. Sons and daughters leave their families, mothers and fathers leave their kids, parents of those in the military send them off to do their jobs, not knowing when they will see their children again, if ever. As a parent, that is the hardest thing...to go without seeing your children for months at a time. They are on their own and you can't be there for them, you can't help them like you could when they were little. You're not there to hug the hurt that they go thru...yes, sometimes it's a helpless feeling...but it is overcome by PRIDE. I am SO proud of my son and daughter-in-law, just as I am SO proud of all the students, friends, and family who made the military their choice. I can never thank them enough for the job they do...but I have found ways to show my Patriotism...I found a place on the internet where I can Buy A Joe for a Joe...a cup of coffee...and I have received replies from those soldiers who have been able to just walk in a get a cup of coffee that they didn't have to pay for. I have sent care packages to those overseas. I proudly say the pledges each and every day. And I do a lot more praying for those in service. When I see someone in uniform, I tell them Thank You. When I see an exstudent, I hug them and thank them...
We all have different opinions on what Patriotism is...as we grow older and wiser, our opinions change. I am much more patriotic than I was years ago, and I will continue to support our military and be thankful I am in America!
Monday, January 10, 2011
SNOW DAY!!
Didn't have to work today due to SNOW!! Roads were pretty bad,but I thought I'd do some backroad hunting...I took a wrong turn and instantly knew I was in trouble. Only way out was forward so I tried to keep going. Everything was ok until I started fishtailing...couldn't control it and got sideways on a dirt road with the ice and snow melting. Thankfully I had cell phone service, so I called a friend. Chad, Dustin, and Brenton managed to get me back on the road, turned around and unstuck...
Lesson: 1- pay attention to where you're going, 2- stay at home when the roads are bad, 3- take the 4 wheeler!
Lesson: 1- pay attention to where you're going, 2- stay at home when the roads are bad, 3- take the 4 wheeler!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
First Snow of 2011...
I LOVE the SNOW!! If it's going to be COLD and WET, then I want SNOW...a lot of it. I'm sorry I don't get to go to work tomorrow and I know the kids are glad THEY don't have to go to school. At least I prepared in advance and bought plenty of groceries. I've had a nice day- church, lunch with parents, nap, then a nice hike into the woods with Ben (the Schnoodle) and my camera. It was really nice watching the huge snowflakes. They fall silently...those that fell first, melted, but as time passed, the millions of others covered the surfaces, cooling them, and then the powdery accumulation began. By the time I started back to the house, the snow had covered my tracks.SILENCE is good for the SOUL. You don't realize just how noisy the WORLD is until you find silence...and peace...and understanding...
I'm planning to enjoy the time off. I'm not going to town or even cooking a meal...just relaxing...
Be safe out there...stay home!! Enjoy the snow day tomorrow!
I'm planning to enjoy the time off. I'm not going to town or even cooking a meal...just relaxing...
Be safe out there...stay home!! Enjoy the snow day tomorrow!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Winter Weather
So...looks like we're going to get some winter precipitation- finally...It's funny that the meteorologists can't forecast any better than they do especially with the technology we have! Must be nice to be a meteorologist- a job position where you can be WRONG most of the time- and KEEP your job!! Maybe they need to consult the Old Farmer's Almanac BEFORE they consult the computer models...
Keep an eye to the sky- it's your best bet for forecasting your own weather- correctly! Sure hope it snows like it did last year!! Enjoy!!
Keep an eye to the sky- it's your best bet for forecasting your own weather- correctly! Sure hope it snows like it did last year!! Enjoy!!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
I SING:
Because there's an empty grave,
Because there's a power that saves,
Because HIS grace is real to me.
Because I'm not alone,
Because I know I'm going HOME,
Where I shall sing throughout eternity.
(Kingdom Heirs)
Because there's a power that saves,
Because HIS grace is real to me.
Because I'm not alone,
Because I know I'm going HOME,
Where I shall sing throughout eternity.
(Kingdom Heirs)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Class
I'm going to let my students create their own blogs...these kids are creative, brilliant, and will work hard on the project. Anxious to see how their pages come out!
Monday, January 3, 2011
January 3, 2011
First day back at work after Christmas Break! By 1 pm I was really needing a nap. Trying to get the students back into the routine ASAP!! The DC guys beat Avery tonight!! YAY!! STILL undefeated!!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Welcome to 2011!!
January 2011 came in with a COLD breeze!! I'm looking forward to 2011 for several reasons: skiing trip, new grandbaby, Radney's 3rd B-day, and visiting with Jessica and Justin in Co Springs.
There are things I would like to accomplish The this year...some are ongoing, some are new. My #1 priority is to get in touch with my cousin, Danny. Long story, but MY family hasn't heard anything from him since May 2010...I'm pretty sure that SOMEONE knows where he is and how he is doing. All I want is to hear from HIM to be certain he is ok. People make mistakes...but it IS possible to turn your life around and make atonement for the wrongs... I know...I've been there and done that. Family doesn't turn its back on family- NO MATTER WHAT!! I regret that I didn't do what I thought about doing...I am confident I could've been the buffer he needed. I also regret that there has been family conflict, but conflict has made me and my family stronger. Choices are hard to make. I believe in doing what is right, not what is popular. I speak the truth and don't mince words. Nothing is sugar-coated with me. My family and my students and colleagues respect me because I don't DEMAND respect or allow my INTEGRITY to be in question. Respect has to be earned, and it is earned by gaining trust. I have lost respect for some because they didn't want to tell us what was going on...but, eventually, when you hide things, they will show up in the light where the problems have to be dealt with. Oh- if you don't deal with things now, you'll have to deal with them down the road...and it's more difficult.
I'm proud of MY family! They know I am here for them UNCONDITIONALLY... I might not always like the behavior, but my love for them will never diminish.
I am on a mission...don't know where it will take me or the people I'll be in contact with, but I'm not afraid to undertake it.
If you happen to know anything about my cousin Danny, his whereabouts, etc...please contact me.
There are things I would like to accomplish The this year...some are ongoing, some are new. My #1 priority is to get in touch with my cousin, Danny. Long story, but MY family hasn't heard anything from him since May 2010...I'm pretty sure that SOMEONE knows where he is and how he is doing. All I want is to hear from HIM to be certain he is ok. People make mistakes...but it IS possible to turn your life around and make atonement for the wrongs... I know...I've been there and done that. Family doesn't turn its back on family- NO MATTER WHAT!! I regret that I didn't do what I thought about doing...I am confident I could've been the buffer he needed. I also regret that there has been family conflict, but conflict has made me and my family stronger. Choices are hard to make. I believe in doing what is right, not what is popular. I speak the truth and don't mince words. Nothing is sugar-coated with me. My family and my students and colleagues respect me because I don't DEMAND respect or allow my INTEGRITY to be in question. Respect has to be earned, and it is earned by gaining trust. I have lost respect for some because they didn't want to tell us what was going on...but, eventually, when you hide things, they will show up in the light where the problems have to be dealt with. Oh- if you don't deal with things now, you'll have to deal with them down the road...and it's more difficult.
I'm proud of MY family! They know I am here for them UNCONDITIONALLY... I might not always like the behavior, but my love for them will never diminish.
I am on a mission...don't know where it will take me or the people I'll be in contact with, but I'm not afraid to undertake it.
If you happen to know anything about my cousin Danny, his whereabouts, etc...please contact me.
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