Poor Henry

I came home to find that Henry had puked all over the first floor. I sat down at the computer after cleaning up and taking him out, and he curled up in the corner of the office. It is kind of hot, and I guess the wood floor is comforting to him?
I hope he feels better tomorrow. I think he may have to go into his crate- I'm too tired and pregnant to come home from work and clean all the carpets.

Henry taking a break from puking by resting with his nose against the vent. No wonder his breathing sounded funny...

Weekend Update

- I am ready for this baby to come out. I spent a good half of the weekend on the couch, zapped of all energy. Out, Grant!

- We had a lovely dinner on Saturday night with some friends. We did some walking, too. I like socializing some. I wonder if we'll really be all that altered when the baby comes. Can't you take babies out to restaurants? Sunday, Joann came to visit with Katherine, who is the cutest nearly-two-year-old (except Amelia, of course). They wore me out- I had to pick up after Katherine.

- The laundry got done!!!

- SOL testing started today at school. I didn't give any tests today; I test kids Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Everything went well with my group that hung out with me. I was very pleased.

- Troy sold the Audi. There simply aren't words for the happiness and relief that brings me.

I feel like there's a lot of whining in here. Please don't get me wrong- I'm very happy. I'm just frustrated with the end of school nearing. Life really is good in Lynchburg!

Today I learned that my "too tired to think" point is at noon. It used to be 2 pm.

Another Week

Time just keeps going. I'm so glad we're in town this weekend. I need some good, early-to-bed sleep that has no alarm on the other side. Troy's watching "Pan's Labyrinth" tonight. He wanted me to watch it with him, but Gwyn described it as the most disturbing thing she'd ever seen. I told Troy I was opting out.

Henry was good all day today. No messes!

School is on a funky schedule on Tuesday due to Falwell's funeral here in town. They're worried about transportation, so they're releasing everyone an hour early. It makes no sense since the funeral is at 1 pm. They'll be sending some buses out as the funeral is just beginning and ending. I guess we were all kind of hoping for the day off if they were going to alter our schedule.

Today I learned that teachers are always desperate for an excuse to have a day off. Maybe everyone, everywhere, in every job feels this way.

Today's Real Entry

Ah, the joys of home ownership. We will be spending an outrageous amount of money to get a new part for the air conditioning. Fortunately, the part is under warranty. The outrageous amount of money goes to the lucky guy who puts the thingy in.



I took a couple of photos of my flowers today. I should've done it before the snowball bush, tulips, and lily of the valley faded. Those were really beautiful.

Lupine- this pick was Troy's. Its growing really well and spreading out.

Clematis- Another pick of Troy's. Its growing up the railing to our deck.My peonies- I planted them four years ago. The first year they didn't sprout. The second year they sprouted and grew, but didn't bloom. Last year they bloomed. This year, they are ENORMOUS and beautiful.

I came home today to three piles of Henry vomit and one pile of Henry poo. I can't figure out why he puked. That's one of the great mysteries of my life. Its been going for several years. I think I would feel let down if it stopped and we never figured out why. I must say- anyone watching would've enjoyed the show of me trying to clean all that mess up with my big belly in the way.

Today I learned that having a relatively new home can still be relatively expensive.

House Advertisement

I found this on the Lynchburg MLS realty page today. I did not change anything.

"Remarks: Wonderful two story home that stands out through upgrades and meticulous preservation. Located in a private cul-de-sac this home is perfect for anyone that wants the privacy of the country and convenience of a 10 minute drive to Lynchburg. Pristine hardwood floors, ceramic tile and custom cabinets enhance the open floor plan. From the kitchen, breakfast nook, or dining room enjoy the serene private wooded rear yard while entertaining or eating. Enjoy 9 ft., ceilings in the finished basement in addition to to the cathedral ceiling in upstairs bedroom. Secret storage room just through master bedroom closet is perfect for storage or an imaginative mind."

Oh dear.

Naked Clowns

First of all, let me show you my Mother's Day present from Troy:

Its for timing contractions. I think Troy just wanted an excuse to buy a pretty red stopwatch. I guess I shouldn't grumble too much; he did get me something.

As for naked clowns, we were studying fish today in reading, and we were talking about how the clownfish got its name. I asked one of my students, "What do clowns usually wear?" thinking that he would respond with something about bright clothes. His response?

"Nothing! They wear nothing!" I can only hope that he thought I'd asked him what clownfish usually wear. Because clowns with nothing on scare me.

Today I learned that my OB's response to any quesionable discomfort I have is, "You're pregnant." Even sharp intense pains. Its all because I'm pregnant. Lucky me.

Irony, in Second Grade

The second grade is putting on a play. Its called, "I Need A Vacation." There are parts for a family of a mom, dad, and three siblings. A line in the song goes, "Jane gave dad quite a scare, Mom is pulling out her hair..."

The irony? They gave the part of the mom to a girl with alopecia. She really has very little hair to pull out. Even weirder? No one- not one of the four teachers nor the music teacher- noticed in two weeks of rehearsals, until I showed up one day and started laughing at the choice of mom. I couldn't believe they'd missed that.

Today I learned that this is teacher appreciation week. The PTO had lunch brought in. I love free lunch.

Butterflies and Birds

My second grade reading group read a story about butterflies. We were comparing and contrasting butterflies and birds, and I wanted to know how they are the same. We'd already gotten the wings and flying thing. I called on another student.

"Butterflies are insects and birds are... birds!" Ah. A triumphant answer on the similarities of these two creatures.

The right answer was they both lay eggs.

Back Home

We're back in VA after Jack and Debby's wedding. It was a very nice event. I have yet to go to a bad wedding. There was no drama, everything was lovely, and a good time was had by everyone. The food was yummy! I did spend a good bit of the time with my feet up, but I'm pregnant. There's only so much partying my body can take. I'm just surprised I made it til midnight and got everyone home.

It was lovely to see my parents, sister, and brother-in-law. The aunts, uncles, and cousins were a delight. I can't think of anything funner than making fun of my cousin's "Greek god" of a prom date.

The house is still standing. We both tend to get anxious as we enter the neighborhood, thinking that perhaps the house burned down while we were gone. But its still here! The grass is currently being mowed by one good husband.

The only disappointment was that I thought we'd be able to pick up Henry today. Turns out its only medical discharges. So I'll have to look at pictures and think fond thoughts. It'll be nice to be able to get ready in the morning without having to take Henry out.

Today I learned that my stomach has just barely enough room for a burrito. Enough, but just barely. Mmmmm. Guacamole.

Wedding and Mother's Day

Three day weekend, all thanks to Debby and Jack. I will enjoy being out of school tomorrow to celebrate your marriage! I hope the weather is great, the guests generous, and the love abundant.

My students wrote letters to their mothers today for Mother's Day. The following is my favorite:

Dear Mom,
Happy Mother’s Day. I hope you have safe trip. You are the best mom in the world. Thank you for everything you buy me. I like when you cook ribs. Love, ---------

Its the simple things, isn't it? I'm starting to wonder what kinds of letters Grant will come home with in a few years. What will he thank me for? What will he love about me? What sorts of strange things will he tell his teachers about home? I know all sorts of things about my students' families that would probably make them blush. I hope Grant and our other children have some sense of discretion.

Today I learned that a game of Monopoly with the assistant principal can make a student's day.

My Cutie Pie

I bought Henry a new toy recently- its made just like a tennis ball. Not the same shape, though. He just loves it. It comes up to bed with him every night- I keep stepping on it during my many trips to the bathroom.

Henry taking a break- its such hard work to keep a wild toy under control. Its like watching a rodeo.

I love this one- he put his paw through and started gnawing on the toy. Then he couldn't get his paw out. Bless his heart- he's not all that bright.

Gas Update

29.8 miles per gallon. Ha!

Nursery Photos

Just for you, T...
Poor Henry. He's so confused by this whole thing.

Scary Man

I heard about this on the radio today, and I laughed so hard. I wonder where I can find my own weird folk singer for my classroom...

Bob Dylan reportedly scared the children at his grandson's kindergarten after treating the class to a live show.
The "It Ain't Me Babe" singer has allegedly been dubbed the "weird man" by children in the class, in the Los Angeles suburb Calabas, where his son Jakob Dylan's child attends.
A source told the New York Post newspaper: "The kids have been coming home and telling their parents about the weird man who keeps coming to class to sing scary songs on his guitar.
"He's been visiting the school just for fun, but the kids don't appreciate they are in the presence of a musical legend. They just think of him as the weird guitar guy."

We've had a nice weekend. Very low key. We went to a Cinco de Mayo get together on Friday at a friend's house. Yesterday we put up the changing table in the nursery, and I've been rearranging it every two hours until I have it how I think I want it. Which lasts for another two hours until I go back and move more stuff. I'm looking forward to the next week at school. Tomorrow is a work day- no students!- and Friday I'm off. Three days with the kids- not too bad.

Today I learned that Troy still makes awesome banana bread. There's nothing quite like the heel with butter. Mmmmm...

Happy Weekend to All!

Its Friday. I survived another week. Grant spent about twenty minutes this afternoon trying to come out my belly button. My students were all nuts. The teachers are tired and cranky. But we've made it again.

Not much planned. I went to bed at 8:30 last night since we're going to a party tonight at a friend's house. I might stay awake until ten or so! I need to get to the library tomorrow, since I have some books that are due Monday. I've been reading up a storm. I liked "A Good Year" by Peter Mayle. It was a quick, fun read. "Ella in Bloom" was also good- I can't remember the author. I'm almost done with "The Ballroom on Magnolia Street" by Sharon Owens. Its been cute so far.

I've also been doing some Hardanger work again. I don't know why the mood hits when it does, but I just go with it. I'm hoping that this project is one I'll finish. I think I have too many started.

Today I learned that most dogs don't like the sound of rocks or coins shaking in a metal can. This can be used to discipline them. I'd never heard it before.

Gas

I've been driving my Civic for nearly a year. Gas prices here are at $2.89 a gallon for 87 octane. I'm turning in to a miles-per-gallon snob. I set my little trip meter each time I fill up, and after I've put more in the tank I get all excited about my 34 mpg or disappointed with my 27 mpg. Is that sad? I'm beginning to wonder.

Its raining here, which we need greatly. However, it has caused Field Day, the day I dread most of all, to be postponed from tomorrow to next Friday. Yippee! I'm off next Friday to attend a wedding. I GOT OUT OF FIELD DAY!!!

Today I learned that my dad's new chemo pills are sized for horses. Yuck.

Relay for Life

We had a lunch at school today to raise money for the relay team. We made a lot of money, but it was a lot of work. I helped with cookies, salad, and distribution. I think I'll discourage any coming lunches. I'm too tired, or too pregnant, to deal with this! However, the money is helping us get really close to our goal.

The kids have lost their minds. I want no more writing about bodily functions! It may be terrible that they're done with their portfolios- there's not all that much that we're needing to get done in my room. We are reviewing for their math SOL test.

Henry has done well staying out of his crate while we're at work. This is his second week of being all grown up, and he seems to be handling it quite well. No accidents or mass destruction.

Here's Henry, wearing an old sweater of Nana's with my assistant Gwyn. He's so much cuter than my sister's cats.

Today I learned that my principal doesn't trust the other staff at the school not to eat each others' lunches. We had to write everyone's names on their bag. Just in case.

Its been awhile...

I've decided to try this blog again. I started the baby focused one, but there's not all that much to write about. However, I do enjoy being a member of the blogging community. So here I go. If this fails this time, I'll give up. I promise.

Its hot and my ankles are huge. Guess what my OB told me? Its hot and you're pregnant. Its normal. Lucky me. My blood pressure is fine, though. So I'm in good shape.

Work is going well. I'm getting things all wrapped up, which helps me sleep at night. Boy do I sleep well at night! I wake up a lot to use the bathroom, but I'm dreaming and all. I had a dream last night that was reminiscent of Titanic. Boats sinking really quickly into the ocean. There were several other extremely surreal moments, but the boat sinking thing was really freaky. I felt like I was free falling in my dream.

Today I learned that sometimes kids with really big learning problems don't qualify for special education. Even if they really need it.

Spring Break

It's about darn time. Today is a workday until about noon, then we teachers get to officially start our spring break. I love my students, but I need these ten days away from them. We even had an episode of angry spitting on Wednesday. No, I don't work with llamas. I've been spending the morning getting things cleaned up in my classroom so that I'm ready for school to start fresh in a week.

I have a good bit of stuff to do over spring break, so don't worry about me getting bored. I just can't believe I'll be completely finished with school and grad school in less than two months. I've also been adding to my summer schedule by offering to work with more kids over the summer. I'm up to four definitely, one tentatively. Five kids should keep me busy.

Wednesday I learned that I can have my students mop the floor if they spit on it.

Better Day

We got so much done today! I'm very proud of my students. Behavior was much better after talking to another teacher and coming up with a plan. The kids, thank goodness, will buy into just about anything.

Tonight should be busy. I'm meeting a professor, baking cookies for a "spring table" at school tomorrow, and grocery shopping to bake aforementioned cookies. I guess busy is good. No chance to get bored. People keep thinking I'll be bored this summer. First of all, I don't think I will get bored. Second, is there anything wrong with being bored?!? I happen to think it might be welcomed to wake up with an empty day ahead. I know Henry would like that very much!

Today I learned that I'm going to have to raise a stink if I don't want to play golf this weekend.