Good morning!

Lizzy sorry about your back. I hope it feels better today. Just think of all the calories you are burning doing all of this! I think Father's Day is one of the hardest to do. You can always fall back on flowers for moms but not dads. I also don't like to do ties for dads because so many don't even wear them. None of my little ones dads wear them. I like the pendant idea.

Rhonda the original idea for the footprint was a key chain. (It is on my pinterest kids craft board) I suppose they did the footprint on shrinky dink material. I just did the footprints on paper. They are also making a fingerprint frame. I just put a smaller piece of card stock on top and then they printed the edge. It is really turning out cute. I was going to put in on pattered scrapbook paper but I really like them to do as much of the project as possible and this worked better. I posted a picture of one of them on my blog.

Pat how did you do on your list yesterday?

Laurie did you get your errands done and your touch up painting done? Did you hear anything from your realtor?

Carrie and Paula I hope all is going well with you!

It is raining today so I hope we can get a lot accomplished. I have a couple more to do the fingerprints on the projects and then we will start wrapping them. We also have to work on a new letter.

I hope everyone has a great day!

Good morning everyone! Looks like it's gearing up to be a stormy day here. Hope it doesn't get too severe.

Lizzy, I hope your back is feeling better now. D hurt his back moving out my washer . I ache so much now that I don't even attempt it. I pulled something in my neck and as soon as I try to do something strenuous, it hurts so I stop. There is a light coming soon at the end of our tunnels. Is Terry in NC right now? If you guys do end up there, flights from Orlando are under $150 and a train is $90 one way. So doable!

Rhonda, that must have been scary that the guy who shot those 3 people at that farm was in Emporia. I'm glad they caught him. Maybe there will be some kind of miracle and they will find that little girl alive. He killed before. I hope they lock him up sor good this time. I love the little pic of Peyton (sorry,can never remember if i's Pey or Pay...hope I got it right). I know this has been a sad time for you but I sure hope you can feel the (((HUGS))) and love coming from those who care about you.

Pat, how's the Zumba coming? The first thing they taught us in the instructor class was if you see someone doing it a little different that they should be, that's ok. There is no right or wrng way. If you have rhythm, it looks a little better that if you have none at all...like you and me LOL The important thing is you are moving, you are burning calories, you are building muscle and you are having FUN while doing it!

Nancy your little one's projects sound nice. I always had a hard time with Father's Day because my Dad wasn't exactly the type who did all those things the greeting cards say. That's why I like making my own for him. Plus with the way he has been acting lately (like overnight drives from NH to MI on a whim) it's very hard. Just need to make one that tells him I love him no matter what :)

Paula, I wish I could help with the patina removal. I recently tried removing it from something and I couldn't find anything that worked so I just bought a new one. Plus you don't want to damage the copper. Good luck with it. The Zumba for the wii was tough to get started but really try it. Zumba is fun and there isn't a "right" way to do it. You just move to the music...feel the music. you don't need rhythm, you just need to move. Good luck with the craft weekend.

Well here's my list, how it stands today. Some stuff gone, others added

-clean oven and oven drawer DONE!

-wipe down inside and outside of kitchen and bathroom cabinets DONE!

-clean behind and under stove, washer and dryer DONE!

-clean out kitchen closet DONE!

-clean out the stuff I put on the side of the bed that you can't see...unless you go to the other side of the bed Got some of it taken care of DONE!

-take old paint (from living room) to Lowes so they can shake it up good for me

-return curtains and switchplate...first have to remember where I bought the curtains DONE!

-buy curtain rod and sheer scarf for living room window NOT DONE...STILL DECIDING ON WHAT i WANT TO DO WITH THE WINDOWS

-take bag of towels, sheets and blankets to PAWS The bag madeit to the car DONE!

-take other bag to Heart House (homeless shelter) the bag made it to the car

-take old monitor to the recycle place behind Heart House

-use the old living room paint to touch up some areas in LR and Kit

ADDED...

-Call a rental place to rent a hedge trimmer

-Buy some peroxide to help get rid of carpet stains to make it easier for Stanley Steamer

-Call Stanley Steamer

-Laundry...in process

-Clean bathrooms

-Hang up towel bar, etc... (this scares me LOL)

-Return the cover I bought for the porch rocking chair and find something to use (can't find any covers for rockers!)

-Clean front porch

-Clean back patio

-Clean up the sheds a big (sweep and get rid of cob/spider webs)

-Clean out front corner of yard and maybe plant some flowers

-Clean all around the inside of the windows

-Clean off shelves in laundry room

-Clean hall closet (throw away any plastc containers without lids!)

Like you all wanted to know all that LOL I do like to put my big lists on here so that I can be accountable and also I have a place to look...can't say I lost the list LOL

this is my list for the next 7 days. I'm sure I can get it done. Oh, and I'm also looking for PT work...preferably 3 nights a week, like from 5p-10p. That way I can be here during the day for any showings and on the nights I would work, we wouldn't be able to have any showings because Sadie is not allowed in D's car and we are not changing that.

So my Friends, please keep good thoughts for us that we can get this sold within the next year. I don't think I can keep doing this, not knowing when we can leave, for longer than a year. We are not trying to keep the house spotless every second. If there's a dish in the sink and someone comes to see the house...oh well...we live here. I get up every morning at 8 whether or not I've slept well and the first thing I do is get the bed made and the room and bathroom tidied up. it feels good and looks nice. But I can't live under the stress of tyring to keep everything perfect. I packed all my scraproom so that room could be clear. I am second guessing that decision. I did keep out a few things to make stuff for my Nephew's graduation open house but that's it. I'm feeling like my passion and creativity is packed away and gone. If after 6 months we don't sell, I'm unpacking it. I just don't like it to not be at my finger tips...at my beck and call.

Well, I wrote a novel but thanks for listening to my last paragraph. I guess I had to vent a little.

Love you guys!

Later

Good Friday evening! Well, I feel like we are finally at the final starting gate for the end of the school year. Next week, I do my California Standards Testing....Tuesday-Friday. The rest of the school year is spent covering anything we haven't yet covered, especially in Science and Math; and preparing for our Open House. I will add to that, cleaning out my classroom so I can be ready to leave on the last day of school. I need to stay very focused and not waste any time. Thankfully, I think this week was Terry's last or next to last trip until I am out of school, so I can work later and leave some things to him here at home. (I hope)

Perhaps, just perhaps, we are making S-L-O-W progress on the Terminix issue. A contractor is to stop in on Monday to look at the damage, write up a scope of work bid, then submit it to Terminix. After that...well, it all depends on how long Terminix takes to approve it.

In the meantime, we are closing in on the final interior painting. Tomorrow, I am meeting him at Home Depot to select hardware for the cabinets, look at hardware for the doors, and anything else he deems necessary. I suppose I should also look at mirrors, towel rods, TP holders, and light fixtures. We have to empty our closets this weekend and then he can do those and begin in the kitchen. This week, the granite gets installed. And, the following week is the flooring. At that point, we can put the finishing touches on the interior.

By then, we have to have everything else out of here...packed, wrapped, boxes, and GONE! So, we are far from out of the woods....I'm not sure I see that light yet or not, Laurie! LOL

In the meantime, I need to write lesson plans to cover the next two weeks. I will be shifting gears and the students will be doing more hands-on things with science and also more writing. It's way more intense and crazy-making for me, but far more meaningful for them. Say a little prayer for my patience, please.

Their Mother's Day cards were great and they took them home today. On Monday, I want them to work on a little poem to write about themselves to pump themselves up for the testing...like of an acrostic poem using the letters of their name and test-taking tips. Here's an example: if the student's name is Marco:

M - mark out any obviously wrong answers
A - always read the directions
R - read the answers first
C - carefully read the questions
O - only focus on one question at a time

They can color it and I'll put it on the inside of their privacy folders for Tuesday morning as a reminder of their own knowledge about good test-taking strategies.

I also want to buy some snacks for them like crackers and cheese, pretzels, and fish crackers along with personal packs of tissue. I might put all of those items into a zip-lock bag and have that on their desks when they come in. It all depends on how much time I have to assemble it all this weekend.

Today was Mexican Mother's Day and I got a bunch of presents again. One girl wrote me the most touching note about how I taught her to read this year...which isn't true...but she thinks it is. I also have given her a bunch of books because she loves to read so much. And she thanked me again for the books. She is such a sweetheart and loves school and reading so much. These kids have so little. Today, I gave them each a pencil and a couple of girls asked for another pencil to put inside their cards so they could give their mothers a pencil for Mother's Day. How sweet! If I had thought about it, I could have bought some little thing for them to give to their moms.

We are forming another GATE class so I was able to refer three students to that class. It is so exciting to think that three of my students will be able to go to GATE next year. It pleases me to think how happy that should make their parents when they get the phone call! One of my kids from last year was finally able to go and she is so excited!

We have added a new location to our home search: Waco, Texas. The home prices are fabulous....not the weather so much....it's very close to where Kathy H. lives now. Anyway, just thought I'd toss that one out there! Crazy, huh!!

Everyone take care....talk to you later.

Good morning everyone and a very special

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Edited by user Sunday, May 12, 2013 6:01:26 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Just wanted to come in and wish you all a very

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

I see that:
Laurie is bored.
Lizzy is still as busy as can be. (Make sure you lift with your knees, not your back)
Pat is dancing up a storm.
Paula celebrating the arrival of spring.
Nancy was having fun making cute cards. (Hope the parents like them.)
Rhonda is working late and has cards to do.

Carrie is busy learning and doing social media for Jim. Ran around like a crazy person this past week getting donations together for a fundraiser. It was a huge success. They were looking to make $2000-3000 for the swim team at the club but ended up making over $6000. They'll be able to replace the starting blocks with safer ones and other stuff.

Have a wonderful day.

Good morning!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's day!!

Carrie that is fabulous that the fundraiser made twice what the goal was!

Paula do you have problems with the neighbors behind you or do you just like like having the privacy? Did you get your scrapping stuff put away?

Laurie with your list I can't believe you are bored...or did you get it all done? Enjoy Walmart's new carts! LOL

Lizzy how is Terry's arm? I hope it is healing quickly. It sure sounds like you keep moving forward with your projects even though you feel like the progress seems slow. Do you have a date set for the open house?

Pat what are you up to this week?

We got together with both my mom and MIL over the weekend. We took my mom out to eat and had my in-laws over here. It was a nice weekend.

Carter got together with a classmate to work on a project and half of the boys didn't show. I just don't understand why they set a time and then some don't show. They have to do this project to pass this class. I was extremely upset about it as they met twice and the same boys didn't show both days.

I managed to clean out my drawers in my bedroom and find places for the new clothes I bought. The clothes I got rid of are on the curb to go to Saver's. They are coming around today. It is nice so I don't have to drop it off anywhere.

I better get to work!

Have a great day everyone!

Good morning. Is it still morning. I went to workout class and then stayed for Zumba too. Whew! I had the most fabulous weekend. Spent Saturday with Jenna, then Sunday Jim took me plant shopping after church. Then he and Chris built me a garden for vegetables. I have to go plant it today when and if it warms up. I got breakfast made to order and Chinese for dinner. Gotta love that family of mine.

Pat sorry about your mom's pain. I sure hope the steroids work. Being in pain all the time is very challenging and it's hard on you when you can't do anything about it. I also saw on FB that you had a good mother's day with DD. Glad the day picked up for you.

How is your list coming along, Laurie? I can't keep my house clean 5 minutes let alone all the time.

Nancy sounds like you had a nice weekend. That is awful that the boys didn't show for the project. I hate group projects because there is always one kid who gets stuck with most of the work.

Paula do you like to pack up your stuff and take it somewhere to scrap or is it better to not have to pack it up and just use it?

Lizzy you should be counting the days now! What made you look at Waco, TX? I think you have plenty of places to look at in all those places.

Well I need to get busy. I have to figure out why Facebook won't promote my ads. Then get busy with the garden. Vacuum the main floor as the dogs have dragged in all the stuff off the trees. And I have a webinar at 2PM. I'll need to find time for a shower too.

Hi friends! Sorry I've been MIA...busy with the house and school...as usual. The State testing began today so now we are 25% done with it. Then, I taught one math lesson and then we began a new science unit. Done for the day. Tomorrow, I'll repeat except we won't do science. I'm not sure what we will do for the 30 minutes after lunch. I guess we will check the science homework and then on Thursday, we will start doing the hands-on activities.

Tomorrow, the granite counter gets installed, then next week, the new flooring. After that, I think we will definitely be moving toward the finish line. In between, we can begin to wrap up the packing and begin to finish up things. I'm so eager to get this ordeal over with!

Work and retirement is beginning to get sad. Today, I was recognized at the staff meeting for being compassionate and caring toward my students. I got teary. On the 29th is the party at my work. On the 23rd is the school district's party to recognize the teachers who will be retiring.

Pat, I trust your mother will get some relief from her pain from the steroid shot. Please keep us posted.

Carrie, congrats on the success of the fundraiser!

Rhonda, I hope we hear from you! Many good thoughts heading your way.

Nancy, I'm so glad you bought new clothes....and got them all put away.

Laurie, I'm sorry you are bored. How about some good reading?

Paula, as usual, you are busy....and it's just about time for the cottage trips, too!

I've got to run and get ready for the granite people as well as do some work for tomorrow!

Everyone take care.

Hello all...

Pat, sure hope your mother is getting some relief from the pain. Glad you had a great mother's day even if you didn't get the flower beds done!

Laurie, will keep my fingers crossed that good things come from the showing later this week. Enjoy your travels.

Lizzy, I do understand your feelings about retirement. You have been such a caring teacher for so long, I know you will miss your students and they will miss you. Glad the saga of the house re-do is nearing completion. Won't it be so nice to have it all done??

Nancy, hooray for new clothes! Great excuse to clear out the dresser drawers.

Carrie, did you get your plants planted? How fun - having a new vegetable garden. You are always so busy!

Paula, great idea to let the guys give some ideas of what to write on the pages of their fishing trip. Makes them a part of the creation as well!

Things have been a bit overwhelming here. I have had to work late almost every evening. I was promoted to Office Manager with HR responsibilities. This was part of what I was hired to do but they have been phasing in my duties. The announcement was met with some problems from some of the staff. But things are beginning to settle back down. Tonight I went to Amber's spring music concert. She was selected as one of two from her school to attend the Shrine Bowl camp and to perform at the annual Shrine bowl football game later this summer. This is the second year she has been selected for this camp. She had such a great time last year.

I spent most of the day outside on Sunday - cleaning weeds out of flower beds - again. Then mowing the entire yard. I am loving the rains we have been getting but it sure makes the grass grow. I have been enjoying my hummingbirds and orioles. Hope to get the rest of the flowers planted in pots. Need to pick up more potting soil!

Wow you hit a good sale Paula. I have been looking to get a Kitchen Aid but just can't bring myself to put out the dollars for a new one! And you got some good scrapping supplies. I haven't seen any scrap supplies at the sales here so far.

As for how I feel about the job. I am all over the board about it. I enjoy most of the job but some of the people here are back stabbers. And there is so much family involved that you have to really watch every step. I love the work in my job just not the dealing with some of the people. I need to learn to leave my "work" at work! I tend to worry and think about it a lot when I am home.

And yes, I am very proud of Amber. And I am shocked each time I see her now - she is really beginning to look so much like her mother! She is really maturing and becoming a very caring young adult. She tries to hard to please everyone that I sometimes wonder if she is taking herself into consideration.

Hope everyone has a good day.

Good evening. I spent most of the day outside planting flowers and directing Jon on where to put mulch. It was gorgeous and very warm.

Paula I did see the news on Angelina. I was rather surprised by the whole thing and now I hear that she is taking her ovaries as well. Talk about being proactive. I called my doctor about it and he put me in touch with another doctor out of Dallas. This guy is one of the biggest researchers and he really stresses keeping an alkaline body. Not to eat acidic foods. Interesting and very true.

Rhonda congratulations on your promotion of sorts. It's hard when there is family involved. I hope they aren't too bad. And congratulations to Amber too. It must be fun to watch her grow up.

Lizzy the retirement spiral has started. You will still be busy when it all ends so I doubt you'll miss it right away.
How do you like the granite?
Pat have you decided when you are leaving for Cali yet?

Nancy I saw the ice on the news last night. That is downright freaky. I sure am glad you didn't experience any of it up close and personal.

Well the social media lessons continue but I am gaining some. I have had webinars daily lately. I'll be glad to have a day "off" tomorrow. I have to get to the mall tomorrow for a bridal shower gift. The shower is Friday night. Not much else happening. LOL this in no way reflects how busy I am.

Good morning!

Lizzy so sorry about the house issues. Hopefully it will be over with soon. If only Terminix would call back you might have a better idea of when it will all be done. That is really poor business practice on their part. Were you able to find the cooktop last night?

Carrie enjoy your day off today. You need that break to refresh!

Laurie I hope the showing goes well today.

Rhonda, Paula and Pat I hope you had productive days yesterday!

Not a lot new here. We will have another nice day here. We have rain chances tonight and tomorrow so we will get out as much as possible today.

I hope everyone has a great day!

Lizzy, sorry you are still having to deal with Terminex! I sure hope you can get it resolved quickly. Maybe doing what Carrie mentioned might get them to move quickly. Did you make it out to search for a new counter top stove? I think the counter people should have to pay for that! Too bad that these mishaps had to happen when you are nearing the end of the house spruce up! Hang in there! It will be over and finished soon!

Nancy, glad you are having the nice weather that we have been having.

I had to work late tonight - again! But I did come home and get a graduation card made for my niece. I will be going to her graduation on Saturday.

Here are a couple pics of the card. I found this idea on pinterest and it was pretty simple to make.

Good morning!

Rhonda I love the card. I checked it out on pinterest. I will have at least one card to make and that one would work. I haven't received the invite yet though. I imagine soon. I know I will get it since it is my niece. They always go about 3 - 4 days longer than our town so I guess it is still about 3 weeks away. Sorry you are having to work late. I imagine it cuts into your crafting and yard work time.

Carrie that is good advice for Lizzy. They are a big company and I imagine it would not be beneficial to them to have that kind of bad exposure.

Pat sorry you have to be careful what you say. I went through that with Riley when he was graduating. It was very difficult and took a toll on me emotionally. Enjoy picking out your plants. I will need to get my tomatoes and basil soon.

It sure has been quiet here. I hope all is going well for everyone!

It is raining here and will be all day. It actually sounds like it may stick around the next few days. We do need the rain. I have areas in my back yard that are dry and the grass is just not getting green.

I am not sure what is in store for the weekend. I need to get a few groceries and I want to try and coordinate that with our church service Saturday evening so I can stay home on Sunday.

Well I started this 2 hours ago. I guess I better post this.

Have a great day everyone!

Good Saturday morning everyone.. It is a dreary overcast one here and it will be slightly cooler than it has been. Not sure how much we will get done in the yard, but we will do what we can.
Yesterday, we picked up a few plants for the veggie garden and annuals for the front island. Not many, since we will not have a lot of planting opportunities over the next few days if the forecast doesn't change.

Nancy, glad you are getting much needed rain, but I know you like to be able to get the kids outside to play. Too bad the rain doesn't come at our convenience.
Paula, I have been loading free books onto my tablet for reading. They take up NO space, so to speak. I have about 3 dozen, but that includes a couple brain puzzle books (thanking Carrie for that idea), and a few cookbooks.
Rhonda, besides the graduation this today, what else do you have planned? Were you able to get your plants planted?
How about everyone else?
I need to get off the computer for now and see what the radar looks like. That will determine what I do next. If it is going to rain, I would like to go to Costco and look at some luggage they have in the cpn book. I also want to p/u some salmon. If it not going to rain, I need to get outside and finish what I started yesterday.