Friday, December 26, 2008
3-fingered Guitar Master
One of the things I ask for at Christmas was Rock Band 2. About a week ago when Kyle and I were walking through the PX they had two sitting there. Kyle knew that was his only chance it get it without having to pay shipping online, so we grabbed it and figured I wouldn't mind having it early. With there only being 2 in the store there was no chance of it still being there if he went and got it at a later time. He was right about me not minding, we have been playing it for about a week now and are having a blast. I am not sure who likes it more! Kyle doesn't like the drums (he thinks they are harder, but he is getting better) so I usually play the drums and he is on the guitar. If one of us is lazy we will be the singer. Kyle and I have worked our way from playing on the easy level to medium and hard. I get a kick out of watching Kyle play guitar because of his missing finger, but he is slowly becoming the 3-fingered guitar master (his thumb doesn't count since he is not using it)!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas!
Today was a great day! It would have been even better had we not woken up with dog poop all over the house from the dog we are dog sitting, but oh well, we just pretended the reindeer came for a visit. Here is a quick run down of what happened: Kyle and I woke up and spent the morning alone opening gifts and enjoying each others company (and cleaning up dog poo). Then around 1pm, he went and got some of the single soldiers from the barracks who didn't go home for the holidays. We enjoyed a good dinner then we all rocked out with one of my Christmas gifts, Rock Band 2. Once the guys left Kyle and I watched some Christmas movies. Then we got to talk to my family on the web camera, which makes it seem like we are a little closer during the holidays...I really miss and love you guys.
An oh so exciting slide show of 2 grown-ups opening stockings and Christmas Gifts:
Kyle, Suesse and I by our little Christmas Tree
The guys with full bellies
Today was a great day! It would have been even better had we not woken up with dog poop all over the house from the dog we are dog sitting, but oh well, we just pretended the reindeer came for a visit. Here is a quick run down of what happened: Kyle and I woke up and spent the morning alone opening gifts and enjoying each others company (and cleaning up dog poo). Then around 1pm, he went and got some of the single soldiers from the barracks who didn't go home for the holidays. We enjoyed a good dinner then we all rocked out with one of my Christmas gifts, Rock Band 2. Once the guys left Kyle and I watched some Christmas movies. Then we got to talk to my family on the web camera, which makes it seem like we are a little closer during the holidays...I really miss and love you guys.
An oh so exciting slide show of 2 grown-ups opening stockings and Christmas Gifts:
Kyle, Suesse and I by our little Christmas Tree
The guys with full bellies
Monday, December 22, 2008
Seiffen and More
Warning: This will be a long post!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Kyle and I go church. We get our info. for the Advent Candle reading, and look it over and get instructions from the Chaplin. I read my part over out loud so I am familiar with the text and discuss with Kyle the order that things will be happening, specially when he is suppose to light the candles. So, church gets started and we are up. We get up there and Kyle is suppose to be lighting the candles while I am reading the first couple sentences, yet, he is still standing right next to me. So I figure that he is waiting for me to start reading then he will start lighting...nope, I finished reading my part and he just stands there. He doesn't light the candles, he doesn't read his part, just stands there. I keep looking at him, waiting for something and finally whisper (yet we are right in front of the microphone so everyone can hear) telling Kyle "you need to light the candles," but, he continues to stand there smiling. I had to tell him 4 times to get him moving. After that it went off without a hitch, but he said he had looked over his part and thought the candles were suppose to be lighted later....NOPE, that is exactly why I told him to read it before hand. Oh well, the congregation got to have a good laugh at us. I am pretty sure that the Advent Candle lighting is suppose to be serious, but they had to know when they ask us to do it, we would mess it up.
After church we came home, packed fast, loaded the dogs up and hit the road. We went to a little village about 3 1/2 hours away Seiffen. It is up in the mountains so the roads weren't the best, but manageable. We had a lazy Sunday evening, we didn't want to leave the hotel because of all the fog, so we had dinner and then watched MTV (the only Channel in at least a little English) and went to bed early.
Monday, December 22, 2008
We got up and had breakfast at the hotel, then went into the town of Seiffen. The area was once a mining center but residents turned to wood carving when the tin ore ran out. Seiffen soon became noted for its toys and Christmas crafts. Through the generations, Seiffen wood crafters became masters of their art producing a line of nutcrackers, smokers, candle arches (schwibbogen), and candle pyramids, as well as numerous varied Christmas tree ornaments and specialty holiday products. We knew going in we would spend to much money, so we only got out of the bank before we left what we thought was acceptable to spend, and we amazingly kept to our limit. The town was awesome, we became very picky shoppers only wanting hand carved items and not the laser cut. Because of out pickiness the things we liked became more expensive, so we didn't buy a lot, but LOVE the things we did find. The weather was awful and we both were soaked, so we were glad to leave when we did.
Here are some pictures of the large woodwork in town.
Here are some pictures of the things that we bought. We are really excited about them all. We were a little upset because the biggest and most expensive item, was packed horribly. She put no padding around it, just set it in a box. Part of it broke, but we were able to glue it back together...thank goodness!
When we left the rain was pouring down. We had talked about going to Dresden but with the weather so awful and two dogs (who thankfully who we left in the car, I hate wet dog smell) with us we decided we would rather go home and visit Dresden another time. About 45 minutes into the drive home our windshield wipers stopped working. I was so glad I wasn't driving. Going down the country roads was bad enough, but the autobahn was worse. People driving what would be over 100 mph with the rain is just insane. Plus the sun was so bright, it was reflecting off the road and at times we were completely blind. Sometimes the windshield would get so covered in rain we couldn't see, but with the sun, it was 1ox worse. It was really scary. We both did a lot of praying. About every 30 minutes we would get the wipers to go up and down once, which helped for about 10 seconds. Luckily we made it home safe and sound. Kyle informed me he is used to driving with not being able to see, apparently it is hard to see out of night vision googles, but when he is driving with those, I am pretty sure there aren't people driving by him at 100 mph.
Kyle goes in for his first appointment on his way to laser eye surgery tomorrow. This is the look he was sporting on the way home. He needed his glasses since the wipers weren't working (his eyes aren't that bad, but when your visibility is limited you should wear your glasses if you have them), but the sunglasses were also a must with the sun.
This was taken about 10 minutes before we got home. This isn't half as bad as it was during parts of the trip. This is when the sun was down, so we didn't have the sun to deal with. I didn't think about taking a picture earlier, I was to busy being worried and helping Kyle watch the lines and for cars.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Kyle and I go church. We get our info. for the Advent Candle reading, and look it over and get instructions from the Chaplin. I read my part over out loud so I am familiar with the text and discuss with Kyle the order that things will be happening, specially when he is suppose to light the candles. So, church gets started and we are up. We get up there and Kyle is suppose to be lighting the candles while I am reading the first couple sentences, yet, he is still standing right next to me. So I figure that he is waiting for me to start reading then he will start lighting...nope, I finished reading my part and he just stands there. He doesn't light the candles, he doesn't read his part, just stands there. I keep looking at him, waiting for something and finally whisper (yet we are right in front of the microphone so everyone can hear) telling Kyle "you need to light the candles," but, he continues to stand there smiling. I had to tell him 4 times to get him moving. After that it went off without a hitch, but he said he had looked over his part and thought the candles were suppose to be lighted later....NOPE, that is exactly why I told him to read it before hand. Oh well, the congregation got to have a good laugh at us. I am pretty sure that the Advent Candle lighting is suppose to be serious, but they had to know when they ask us to do it, we would mess it up.
After church we came home, packed fast, loaded the dogs up and hit the road. We went to a little village about 3 1/2 hours away Seiffen. It is up in the mountains so the roads weren't the best, but manageable. We had a lazy Sunday evening, we didn't want to leave the hotel because of all the fog, so we had dinner and then watched MTV (the only Channel in at least a little English) and went to bed early.
Monday, December 22, 2008
We got up and had breakfast at the hotel, then went into the town of Seiffen. The area was once a mining center but residents turned to wood carving when the tin ore ran out. Seiffen soon became noted for its toys and Christmas crafts. Through the generations, Seiffen wood crafters became masters of their art producing a line of nutcrackers, smokers, candle arches (schwibbogen), and candle pyramids, as well as numerous varied Christmas tree ornaments and specialty holiday products. We knew going in we would spend to much money, so we only got out of the bank before we left what we thought was acceptable to spend, and we amazingly kept to our limit. The town was awesome, we became very picky shoppers only wanting hand carved items and not the laser cut. Because of out pickiness the things we liked became more expensive, so we didn't buy a lot, but LOVE the things we did find. The weather was awful and we both were soaked, so we were glad to leave when we did.
Here are some pictures of the large woodwork in town.
Here are some pictures of the things that we bought. We are really excited about them all. We were a little upset because the biggest and most expensive item, was packed horribly. She put no padding around it, just set it in a box. Part of it broke, but we were able to glue it back together...thank goodness!
When we left the rain was pouring down. We had talked about going to Dresden but with the weather so awful and two dogs (who thankfully who we left in the car, I hate wet dog smell) with us we decided we would rather go home and visit Dresden another time. About 45 minutes into the drive home our windshield wipers stopped working. I was so glad I wasn't driving. Going down the country roads was bad enough, but the autobahn was worse. People driving what would be over 100 mph with the rain is just insane. Plus the sun was so bright, it was reflecting off the road and at times we were completely blind. Sometimes the windshield would get so covered in rain we couldn't see, but with the sun, it was 1ox worse. It was really scary. We both did a lot of praying. About every 30 minutes we would get the wipers to go up and down once, which helped for about 10 seconds. Luckily we made it home safe and sound. Kyle informed me he is used to driving with not being able to see, apparently it is hard to see out of night vision googles, but when he is driving with those, I am pretty sure there aren't people driving by him at 100 mph.
Kyle goes in for his first appointment on his way to laser eye surgery tomorrow. This is the look he was sporting on the way home. He needed his glasses since the wipers weren't working (his eyes aren't that bad, but when your visibility is limited you should wear your glasses if you have them), but the sunglasses were also a must with the sun.
This was taken about 10 minutes before we got home. This isn't half as bad as it was during parts of the trip. This is when the sun was down, so we didn't have the sun to deal with. I didn't think about taking a picture earlier, I was to busy being worried and helping Kyle watch the lines and for cars.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
It's a...
BOY! We went to the doctor on Thursday and they said they are 90% sure it's a boy. We are both really excited to meet this little guy in a few months. I really can't believe that I am already in my 5th month of pregnancy. Here is a picture of our baby boy's head. Hopefully everyone can make sense of it. The ladies at school always want to see the ultrasound pictures but are a little slow and I have to trace the outline of the head for them. Then some of them still didn't understand and see the profile of the babies face.
20 weeks
In other news, we started our dog-sitting last night. Suesse and Nutmeg actaully get along really well and they entertain each other so that is really nice. Nutmeg is a barker and if someone is walking by the door she goes nuts, but other than that a pretty good dog. She has some sort of rash, so she is on all kinds of medicine. We have to give the dog pills 5 times a day...crazy. They are capsules too, so we have to cover them in peanut butter to get her to eat them, fun times! If the rash doesn't get better we will have to start putting some ointment on it, that sounds messy to me.
Kyle and his female dogs (note that female dogs is really not the word that he uses to refer to them)
Nutmeg and Suesse
Tomorrow Kyle and I are possibly headed up to Dresden after church. We haven't completely decided yet. We have to be at church to do the Advent Candle reading, and then we have to be back early Tuesday morning for an eye appointment of Kyle's, so it will be a fast trip if we decide to make it. Hopefully the roads are good, we also plan on going to Seiffen, this little woodcarving village in the mountains, but only if the weather is okay.
We are glad to be on break now, and hoping for a relaxing time with whatever we decide to do!
20 weeks
In other news, we started our dog-sitting last night. Suesse and Nutmeg actaully get along really well and they entertain each other so that is really nice. Nutmeg is a barker and if someone is walking by the door she goes nuts, but other than that a pretty good dog. She has some sort of rash, so she is on all kinds of medicine. We have to give the dog pills 5 times a day...crazy. They are capsules too, so we have to cover them in peanut butter to get her to eat them, fun times! If the rash doesn't get better we will have to start putting some ointment on it, that sounds messy to me.
Kyle and his female dogs (note that female dogs is really not the word that he uses to refer to them)
Nutmeg and Suesse
Tomorrow Kyle and I are possibly headed up to Dresden after church. We haven't completely decided yet. We have to be at church to do the Advent Candle reading, and then we have to be back early Tuesday morning for an eye appointment of Kyle's, so it will be a fast trip if we decide to make it. Hopefully the roads are good, we also plan on going to Seiffen, this little woodcarving village in the mountains, but only if the weather is okay.
We are glad to be on break now, and hoping for a relaxing time with whatever we decide to do!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Just wondering...
1. I am wondering how exactly my husband went to work today. He has been leaving at like 3 and 4 in the morning and getting home after 9pm, so I don't really bother to see him off. I am puzzled this morning because the car is still in the parking spot, and his bike is still here. Did he run? It is a little chilly for that, and he was really didn't have that much time. Plus, I am annoyed that the car is here and he took my car key because he lost his, I really have some errands I could be running and I don't like the bus.
2. I am wondering how my Christmas Break is no longer me and my husband spending time together, but now me, Kyle, and two single soldiers spending time together. Apparently two guys aren't going home are now going on our little trips and spending the Holidays with us. They are NOT invited to Paris with us.
3. I am wondering how my dog is going to like Nutmeg. We are dog sitting a little wiener dog over break. Suesse hasn't been the friendliest dog lately, she better be on her best behavior tomorrow for the doggy meet and greet.
4. I am wondering if we will find out the baby's sex tomorrow. Our last appointment the baby would not cooperate with us. I have been able to feel the baby moving around lately...its so strange.
5. I am wondering how it is that the military can be so controlling. I canceled the dogs vet appointment a couple weeks ago. I called, spoke with the receptionist and told them I could not be there. However, yesterday my husband got a letter in the mail telling him that his command was being contacted about his "NO SHOW" appointment for his dog Suesse. Grr...they are the biggest tattle-tails in the world. Apparently my call was not soon enough, it has to be 24 hours in advance not to get a letter telling your commander you have been naughty. Plus, it was my doing, he was not even here. To bad for him, I am his responsibility...haha, I could get him in major trouble. Hopefully he doesn't have to do to many push-ups.
6. I am wondering when my neighbors upstairs will realize that yelling at a 2 year old and 6 month old is really not an effective discipline tool. I was woken up at 2:45 by them cursing at the top of their lungs at their 2 year old, the crying and them screaming went on for almost 2 hours. And currently hear them yelling at the 6 month old to stop crying. Sometimes I really wish that people had to take a parenting test before they were allowed to have kids.
Well that is enough wondering on my part for the day. I think I better get my reading and potluck dish done for Bible Study tonight, or they will wonder why I am avoiding eye contact and not participating in discussion.
2. I am wondering how my Christmas Break is no longer me and my husband spending time together, but now me, Kyle, and two single soldiers spending time together. Apparently two guys aren't going home are now going on our little trips and spending the Holidays with us. They are NOT invited to Paris with us.
3. I am wondering how my dog is going to like Nutmeg. We are dog sitting a little wiener dog over break. Suesse hasn't been the friendliest dog lately, she better be on her best behavior tomorrow for the doggy meet and greet.
4. I am wondering if we will find out the baby's sex tomorrow. Our last appointment the baby would not cooperate with us. I have been able to feel the baby moving around lately...its so strange.
5. I am wondering how it is that the military can be so controlling. I canceled the dogs vet appointment a couple weeks ago. I called, spoke with the receptionist and told them I could not be there. However, yesterday my husband got a letter in the mail telling him that his command was being contacted about his "NO SHOW" appointment for his dog Suesse. Grr...they are the biggest tattle-tails in the world. Apparently my call was not soon enough, it has to be 24 hours in advance not to get a letter telling your commander you have been naughty. Plus, it was my doing, he was not even here. To bad for him, I am his responsibility...haha, I could get him in major trouble. Hopefully he doesn't have to do to many push-ups.
6. I am wondering when my neighbors upstairs will realize that yelling at a 2 year old and 6 month old is really not an effective discipline tool. I was woken up at 2:45 by them cursing at the top of their lungs at their 2 year old, the crying and them screaming went on for almost 2 hours. And currently hear them yelling at the 6 month old to stop crying. Sometimes I really wish that people had to take a parenting test before they were allowed to have kids.
Well that is enough wondering on my part for the day. I think I better get my reading and potluck dish done for Bible Study tonight, or they will wonder why I am avoiding eye contact and not participating in discussion.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Living Dangerously
Kyle doesn't get that excited about work usually, but...I don't think that he could contain his excitement about the next three days. Kyle is a paratrooper and this week is doing what he loves, being dangerous.
I have never jumped out of a plane or off anything remotely high for that matter, so I thought I would take a look on the world wide web to get an inside look. Kyle kept saying he wanted a head cam so I could see how great it was, well, I am kinda glad I don't have to watch him, it looks quite frightening to me.
He wasn't sure what type of aircraft they were jumping out of, but this is his first jump since Airborne school (which was like 5 years ago) so I am really hoping he doesn't come home with any broken bones. It is also a little chilly to be jumping out of airplanes if you ask me...maybe the snow will make a softer landing.
Well, here are a couple picture of what it looks like. I kinda wish I hadn't watched a video that showed how they do this. I am a little worried about him now and don't think he is going to be home till really late tonight, so I have awhile to wait and worry I guess.
I have never jumped out of a plane or off anything remotely high for that matter, so I thought I would take a look on the world wide web to get an inside look. Kyle kept saying he wanted a head cam so I could see how great it was, well, I am kinda glad I don't have to watch him, it looks quite frightening to me.
He wasn't sure what type of aircraft they were jumping out of, but this is his first jump since Airborne school (which was like 5 years ago) so I am really hoping he doesn't come home with any broken bones. It is also a little chilly to be jumping out of airplanes if you ask me...maybe the snow will make a softer landing.
Well, here are a couple picture of what it looks like. I kinda wish I hadn't watched a video that showed how they do this. I am a little worried about him now and don't think he is going to be home till really late tonight, so I have awhile to wait and worry I guess.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
WLC Graduation and Christmas Markets
Kyle is home! It is nice to have him back. Luckily the weather cooperated and I was able to go and watch his graduation. It was about as exciting as any graduation, but, we did get to go shopping afterward so that made me happy. Apparently Kyle is smart and he made the Commandant List, I am very proud of him!
CAN YOU FIND KYLE?
Today we went down to the Christmas Market. It is one thing I will miss about Germany when we leave. Every town/city has a market, and they are lots of fun. Lots of great food, and we got our apple cider in boot mugs! Plus we were able to get a couple more gifts for family...unfortunately we are a little slow on getting gifts and they won't be there in time, but hopefully they will be forgiving. We enjoyed the evening and are happy to be back in each others company.
CAN YOU FIND KYLE?
Today we went down to the Christmas Market. It is one thing I will miss about Germany when we leave. Every town/city has a market, and they are lots of fun. Lots of great food, and we got our apple cider in boot mugs! Plus we were able to get a couple more gifts for family...unfortunately we are a little slow on getting gifts and they won't be there in time, but hopefully they will be forgiving. We enjoyed the evening and are happy to be back in each others company.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Flannel
Tonight, while finally putting away the clean clothes I came across the flannel.
My husband will be the first to admit that he is a horrible dresser and has no sense of style. I usually end up sending him back to put on something presentable before we walk out the door. Thank goodness his job requires a uniform, and when he comes home from work we are just relaxing so his clothes don't matter...or I might go a little crazy!
In our 3+ years of marriage I have been able to weed out the most dreadful items in his wardrobe. However, there is one still lingering...the flannel. I am not opposed to flannel, it is just this flannel. He had this when we eet and weighed about 160lbs (way to skinny) and is still wearing it and is right around 200 lbs. Let's just say it fit when he weighed 160 lbs. Now he wears it unbuttoned and with the sleeves rolled up because they are a couple inches to short. It also has lots of holes in it. He has ask me to sew the holes, but I refuse hoping the entire garment will find its way in the trash. I also think that flannel should be used for hunting, farming, fishing and hiking, not everyday attire.
At the Christmas market I was able to find a new, much softer flannel, that most importantly will fit him. Tonight as I was going through clothes I was very tempted to throw out his old flannel. I didn't have the heart to go through with it. I know Thursday when he comes home that will be the first thing he pulls out of the closet...so the saga of the flannel continues. I hope that when he opens his new flannel on Christmas morning we will be able to part with the old. Maybe I can convince him we can use it in a sewing project.
Riding the train in his flannel. Ignore his weird smile. He was making fun of me. Notice the flannel is not buttoned.
The Sweatshirt over the flannel look.
Just hanging out with cousin Jami and me in his flannel.
A way to skinny Kyle who just returned from Iraq picking with up from the airport in his flannel.
Playing cards with the family in his flannel.
Getting his truck stuck in the snow wearing his flannel.
Note: After reviewing a few pictures that I found (mind you this is not close to all of them) I have concluded that the sleeves may have always been to short, they are rolled up in every picture. I also reconfirmed that when Kyle is skinny it looks more like I am hanging out with a little kid than my husband. Its a good thing I have fattened him up!
My husband will be the first to admit that he is a horrible dresser and has no sense of style. I usually end up sending him back to put on something presentable before we walk out the door. Thank goodness his job requires a uniform, and when he comes home from work we are just relaxing so his clothes don't matter...or I might go a little crazy!
In our 3+ years of marriage I have been able to weed out the most dreadful items in his wardrobe. However, there is one still lingering...the flannel. I am not opposed to flannel, it is just this flannel. He had this when we eet and weighed about 160lbs (way to skinny) and is still wearing it and is right around 200 lbs. Let's just say it fit when he weighed 160 lbs. Now he wears it unbuttoned and with the sleeves rolled up because they are a couple inches to short. It also has lots of holes in it. He has ask me to sew the holes, but I refuse hoping the entire garment will find its way in the trash. I also think that flannel should be used for hunting, farming, fishing and hiking, not everyday attire.
At the Christmas market I was able to find a new, much softer flannel, that most importantly will fit him. Tonight as I was going through clothes I was very tempted to throw out his old flannel. I didn't have the heart to go through with it. I know Thursday when he comes home that will be the first thing he pulls out of the closet...so the saga of the flannel continues. I hope that when he opens his new flannel on Christmas morning we will be able to part with the old. Maybe I can convince him we can use it in a sewing project.
Riding the train in his flannel. Ignore his weird smile. He was making fun of me. Notice the flannel is not buttoned.
The Sweatshirt over the flannel look.
Just hanging out with cousin Jami and me in his flannel.
A way to skinny Kyle who just returned from Iraq picking with up from the airport in his flannel.
Playing cards with the family in his flannel.
Getting his truck stuck in the snow wearing his flannel.
Note: After reviewing a few pictures that I found (mind you this is not close to all of them) I have concluded that the sleeves may have always been to short, they are rolled up in every picture. I also reconfirmed that when Kyle is skinny it looks more like I am hanging out with a little kid than my husband. Its a good thing I have fattened him up!
Monday, December 8, 2008
3 Days!
3 days to sweep/mop the house.
3 days to put away 2 1/2 weeks worth of laundry that I finally washed over the weekend.
3 days to stop being lazy and start being a good wife again, that means I have to start cooking.
3 days to wrap Kyle's Christmas gifts.
3 days until I get to take a day off of school.
3 days until Kyle will be home!!!
I can't wait until Thursday, 3 more days!
I am so thankful today has come and gone! I have been dreading today for over a month. As many of you know as a teacher you often have yearly observations done by your administration. Today, was mine, and since I am only on a probationary certificate with the Department of Defense it is very important that I perform well, especially considering this is my last few months being on probation (I sound like a criminal). DoDDS is cutting back on teachers big time and often it is easiest to get rid of the newbies first.
The observation was suppose to be a hour long and they were specifically looking at our guided reading in the classroom. They told us not to do anything special, just to do what we normally do. Well, my class is pretty much anything but normal, and honestly they don't want to see what I'm usually doing. I'm not sure if I have mentioned, but I have had 5 students suspended from the bus for their behavior. 5 kindergarten students, and that is just the kids that ride the bus. And, I only have 3 girls in my classroom and 16 boys! Plus, all but two of my students had parents get deployed within the last month, so we have seen even more behavior problems than usual (only 8 school days until winter break!!!).
Okay, back to the story... to say the least, I do guided reading almost everyday, but it usually gets interrupted with someones misbehavior, or the new thing since dad's have been deployed is someone will wet their pants. My aide is a total pushover and lets the kids walk all over him, and has a very weak stomach (he can't even handle a little pee), so I have to be the bad cop and take care of all issues. Today I was very worried about how I would get through my guided reading lesson without interruptions and keep sanity in the classroom, and trick them into thinking that I am a fabulous teacher. Well, after being threatened with all fun being taken away for the rest of their lives (not really, but close) the kids came through for me. They were angels, but as soon as the two administrators walked out the door we were back to a normal, temper tantrum, pants wetting, and not getting along Monday. Plus, a big happy note for me, the principal and vice principal only decided to stay for 20 minutes not the expected hour, which is good, I don't think the kids could have survived with that angelic behavior. Now, I have my 1 formal done with and 2 suprise visits left... if only I could get a peak at their calendars to see when those suprise visits would be.
I am thankful that is over and now can stop worrying about that and focus on Christmas Vacation! I really do have a great bunch of kids and love them dearly, but we are all ready for a little vacation time!
3 days to put away 2 1/2 weeks worth of laundry that I finally washed over the weekend.
3 days to stop being lazy and start being a good wife again, that means I have to start cooking.
3 days to wrap Kyle's Christmas gifts.
3 days until I get to take a day off of school.
3 days until Kyle will be home!!!
I can't wait until Thursday, 3 more days!
I am so thankful today has come and gone! I have been dreading today for over a month. As many of you know as a teacher you often have yearly observations done by your administration. Today, was mine, and since I am only on a probationary certificate with the Department of Defense it is very important that I perform well, especially considering this is my last few months being on probation (I sound like a criminal). DoDDS is cutting back on teachers big time and often it is easiest to get rid of the newbies first.
The observation was suppose to be a hour long and they were specifically looking at our guided reading in the classroom. They told us not to do anything special, just to do what we normally do. Well, my class is pretty much anything but normal, and honestly they don't want to see what I'm usually doing. I'm not sure if I have mentioned, but I have had 5 students suspended from the bus for their behavior. 5 kindergarten students, and that is just the kids that ride the bus. And, I only have 3 girls in my classroom and 16 boys! Plus, all but two of my students had parents get deployed within the last month, so we have seen even more behavior problems than usual (only 8 school days until winter break!!!).
Okay, back to the story... to say the least, I do guided reading almost everyday, but it usually gets interrupted with someones misbehavior, or the new thing since dad's have been deployed is someone will wet their pants. My aide is a total pushover and lets the kids walk all over him, and has a very weak stomach (he can't even handle a little pee), so I have to be the bad cop and take care of all issues. Today I was very worried about how I would get through my guided reading lesson without interruptions and keep sanity in the classroom, and trick them into thinking that I am a fabulous teacher. Well, after being threatened with all fun being taken away for the rest of their lives (not really, but close) the kids came through for me. They were angels, but as soon as the two administrators walked out the door we were back to a normal, temper tantrum, pants wetting, and not getting along Monday. Plus, a big happy note for me, the principal and vice principal only decided to stay for 20 minutes not the expected hour, which is good, I don't think the kids could have survived with that angelic behavior. Now, I have my 1 formal done with and 2 suprise visits left... if only I could get a peak at their calendars to see when those suprise visits would be.
I am thankful that is over and now can stop worrying about that and focus on Christmas Vacation! I really do have a great bunch of kids and love them dearly, but we are all ready for a little vacation time!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Mainberg Castle Christmas Party
Not to many people can say their work Christmas party was in a castle. This year my fellow teachers and I had our Christmas get-together at the Mainberg Castle. I didn't even know there was a castle so close to Schweinfurt. The castle is only about 10 minutes from my house. It was very cool. We got to go on a free tour and the history was very interesting. I didn't get many pictures, partly because it was so dark and you couldn't see much. When Kyle is around we will have to go back and check it out, it was very cool!
Here is the link to the castle webpage...http://www.schloss-mainberg.info/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1. It is all in German, but you can see the outside of the castle.
This knight was right inside the front door of the castle.
Gail and myself. She teaches in the classroom right next to mine.
Apparently castles are expensive to heat. The bathroom was so cold! I had to stop at the fire place before going back to the party. I had goose-bumps the entire night!
Here is the link to the castle webpage...http://www.schloss-mainberg.info/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1. It is all in German, but you can see the outside of the castle.
This knight was right inside the front door of the castle.
Gail and myself. She teaches in the classroom right next to mine.
Apparently castles are expensive to heat. The bathroom was so cold! I had to stop at the fire place before going back to the party. I had goose-bumps the entire night!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Just being a fattie!
Tonight I walked into the kitchen and looked at my counter and said, "man, what fattie lives here?" That fat-so would be me, considering I am the only one home at the moment!!!
I have been trying to eat so good because of my pregnancy, mind you, eating good consists of very light things that don't send my stomach turning. I guess I am doing okay considering I am now 18 weeks and have only gained 1/2 a pound.
But...now that I am able to keep food down a little better, (although I have horrible heartburn) I have started eating everything that is bad for you. Notice that every package in the picture is open. I just walk into the kitchen and munch on each a little at a time. So much for my 1/2 pound weight gain, that won't last long with this bad diet!
I do open up the fridge and eat a piece of fruit here and there to help me justify these bad eating habits. I also think that since Kyle isn't here I really have no motivation to cook and just eat whatever is handy.
The reason I share this is because I figure if I told everyone what a pig I was being I might be a little more motivated to stop being such a hog! I pray for self-control.
--By the way, this is the first frozen pizza I have EVER had. Being allergic to tomatoes never allowed me to eat frozen pizzas, I have only had homemade. So I am anxious to see what it tastes like. I imagine it won't be close to my dad's or like Kyle and I make, but I really want to see what this German, tomato free frozen pizza tastes like! By the way, the getting back to eating healthy thing starts tomorrow of course! :)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Missing Kyle!
Today I have really been missing Kyle. I thought that seeing him Thanksgiving day would help, but it probably only made it worse. Plus, a long weekend without work to keep me busy doesn't help, it leaves a lot of time for sitting around and feeling sorry for yourself. I always thought there would come a point when being away from each other would become more normal or easier, but that really it isn't happening for me. We have spent more time in our 3 1/2 years of marriage apart than together. I try not to complain to much, but that is often easier said than done! I am very proud of my husband and what he does, however, that does not make being apart easy. We do it because we have to, and because we love each other!
I only have 11 more days till I get to see him for about 3 weeks then he is off training in Italy for 2 weeks...yuck! I am thankful that he is somewhere safe and not and in immediate danger.
Kyle and I have learned to cherish the moments we have together and deal with the days we spend apart. I look forward to the time with Kyle will be home for good...haha, even if that is 25 years from now!
Here we are on one of our many adventures in Germany!
I only have 11 more days till I get to see him for about 3 weeks then he is off training in Italy for 2 weeks...yuck! I am thankful that he is somewhere safe and not and in immediate danger.
Kyle and I have learned to cherish the moments we have together and deal with the days we spend apart. I look forward to the time with Kyle will be home for good...haha, even if that is 25 years from now!
Here we are on one of our many adventures in Germany!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
I decided at the last minute to bring the laptop and I am glad I did. I have a bit of free time today and there is free internet in my room, so it gives me something to do.
This is how my Thanksgiving day went...I got up and found my way out to the NCO academy and waited in the car for about 30 minutes for Kyle to be released. After we found each other we went and sat in the Chapel from 0930-1210. At 1210 we went and stood in line at the chow hall. It wasn't even close to the best Thanksgiving meal ever, but it will do. Plus, I didn't have to put any work into it, so that helps with the amount that I liked it! After Kyle's dinner time we had about an hour to walk around, so we walked our turkey and stuffing off. We then got to leave the NCO academy compound from 1400-1715, however we had to stay on the military installation. We had a chance to hang out and go get Kyle a pillow at the huge PX (it made me feel like we were back at Ft. Campbell...the PX was so nice). It was nice to see him, but definitely not long enough. But I will be thankful that we even got to see each other at all. I am staying the night at the hotel and leaving for home in the morning. I decided with the weather it is best not to drive at night, plus even though I have a GPS I hate driving when I don't know my way! I just got back from Subway and am now eating my sandwich and watching the Macy's Day Parade.
It is always hard on Holidays to be away from my family back in the states. I really do wish them and wish it was easier to get home. I am so thankful for them and really miss them. I hope you guys are having a great Thanksgiving!!!
One last note...Today as you gather around your tables with your family, please take time to think of all the soldiers protecting our country who aren't with their families this Holiday season. Here in Graf and back in Schweinfurt there are soldiers leaving for Iraq today, Thanksgiving day. I admire them and pray for them as they say goodbye to their families today and over the next week to protect you and me. Plus there are already so many deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq and I pray from them and their families as they are apart this season.
Here are a few pictures from my Thanksgiving Day:
I thought this was funny. I didn't know where I was going, but when I saw a much of guys behind the chain link and barbwire fence in formation I knew I as in the right place. Kyle says he is in prison...it kinda does look like it.
This is Kyle all nice and full after his Thanksgiving meal!
This is the desk of Generals Rommel and Patton. It is located in the headquarters building at the NCO academy.
This is how my Thanksgiving day went...I got up and found my way out to the NCO academy and waited in the car for about 30 minutes for Kyle to be released. After we found each other we went and sat in the Chapel from 0930-1210. At 1210 we went and stood in line at the chow hall. It wasn't even close to the best Thanksgiving meal ever, but it will do. Plus, I didn't have to put any work into it, so that helps with the amount that I liked it! After Kyle's dinner time we had about an hour to walk around, so we walked our turkey and stuffing off. We then got to leave the NCO academy compound from 1400-1715, however we had to stay on the military installation. We had a chance to hang out and go get Kyle a pillow at the huge PX (it made me feel like we were back at Ft. Campbell...the PX was so nice). It was nice to see him, but definitely not long enough. But I will be thankful that we even got to see each other at all. I am staying the night at the hotel and leaving for home in the morning. I decided with the weather it is best not to drive at night, plus even though I have a GPS I hate driving when I don't know my way! I just got back from Subway and am now eating my sandwich and watching the Macy's Day Parade.
It is always hard on Holidays to be away from my family back in the states. I really do wish them and wish it was easier to get home. I am so thankful for them and really miss them. I hope you guys are having a great Thanksgiving!!!
One last note...Today as you gather around your tables with your family, please take time to think of all the soldiers protecting our country who aren't with their families this Holiday season. Here in Graf and back in Schweinfurt there are soldiers leaving for Iraq today, Thanksgiving day. I admire them and pray for them as they say goodbye to their families today and over the next week to protect you and me. Plus there are already so many deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq and I pray from them and their families as they are apart this season.
Here are a few pictures from my Thanksgiving Day:
I thought this was funny. I didn't know where I was going, but when I saw a much of guys behind the chain link and barbwire fence in formation I knew I as in the right place. Kyle says he is in prison...it kinda does look like it.
This is Kyle all nice and full after his Thanksgiving meal!
This is the desk of Generals Rommel and Patton. It is located in the headquarters building at the NCO academy.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Nothing to exciting!
Paris, here we come! I made our reservations last night. Kyle and I will be bringing in the New Year in Paris. He seemed a little more excited about it than I thought he would be. I can't wait to go check everything out!
In other good news, tomorrow morning at 0645 I am dropping the dog off at the kennel, then after school I am headed to Grafenwoeher. I am excited to spend the evening enjoying food and good company with my friend Daisy and family. She was my aide at school for most of the year last year and we became great friends. I am so excited to get to see her again. After dinner I go to my hotel and will anxiously await 0900 Thanksgiving Day morning so I can see my hubby!!! Kyle and I get to spend from 0900 to 1800 together. It should be nice to see each other and enjoy the mess hall making all the fixings for us. Anything you have ever dreamed of having on Thanksgiving they will be sure to have. I can't believe all the stuff they cook up. This will be my second Thanksgiving in a row in a Army Chow Hall. Last year my friend and I decided that since it was just the two of us and our husbands were deployed there was no point in cooking. The dinner was pretty good, so I am looking forward to another year of not cooking the turkey! But, more than dinner I am looking forward to spending some time with Kyle. I will stay the night in Graf and leave Friday morning.
Friday I have a doctor's appointment and if we are lucky I will be able to find out the baby's sex! I can hardly wait...hopefully the baby will cooperate! After the doctor's appointment I think my friend Lacey and I are going to do some hanging out. We never get to hang out anymore with our husbands home and her new baby, so it should be fun!
I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and takes time to remember all they have to be thankful for!
In other good news, tomorrow morning at 0645 I am dropping the dog off at the kennel, then after school I am headed to Grafenwoeher. I am excited to spend the evening enjoying food and good company with my friend Daisy and family. She was my aide at school for most of the year last year and we became great friends. I am so excited to get to see her again. After dinner I go to my hotel and will anxiously await 0900 Thanksgiving Day morning so I can see my hubby!!! Kyle and I get to spend from 0900 to 1800 together. It should be nice to see each other and enjoy the mess hall making all the fixings for us. Anything you have ever dreamed of having on Thanksgiving they will be sure to have. I can't believe all the stuff they cook up. This will be my second Thanksgiving in a row in a Army Chow Hall. Last year my friend and I decided that since it was just the two of us and our husbands were deployed there was no point in cooking. The dinner was pretty good, so I am looking forward to another year of not cooking the turkey! But, more than dinner I am looking forward to spending some time with Kyle. I will stay the night in Graf and leave Friday morning.
Friday I have a doctor's appointment and if we are lucky I will be able to find out the baby's sex! I can hardly wait...hopefully the baby will cooperate! After the doctor's appointment I think my friend Lacey and I are going to do some hanging out. We never get to hang out anymore with our husbands home and her new baby, so it should be fun!
I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and takes time to remember all they have to be thankful for!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
First Snow of Year and Thanksgiving all in one day!
Well, it is official it has snowed in Schweinfurt. I think we have had some snow flurries last week, but nothing that stuck. Mind you, there wasn't much snow this morning either, but a little, so I am counting this! While I do like the snow, I hate driving in it. I am hoping the roads are good tomorrow because I think I get to spend the day with Kyle. However, it is suppose to be snowing the next 3 days. When I talked to him last night he said they have Sunday off and he thought they were allowing visitors. It would be so nice to spend the day with him.
Here is a picture of the "snow."
Tonight I am headed to Thankgiving dinner with my Schweinfurt Elementary School Family. I am bummed that Kyle can't be there, but I really do enjoy my co-workers and it will be nice to celebrate Thanksgiving with them, even if I don't have Kyle at my side. I signed up to make a salad and take a dessert. So I made a seven-layer salad and pumpkin pie. Hopefully they both taste good, I think they both look like they have the potential to taste good!
Here is a picture of the "snow."
Tonight I am headed to Thankgiving dinner with my Schweinfurt Elementary School Family. I am bummed that Kyle can't be there, but I really do enjoy my co-workers and it will be nice to celebrate Thanksgiving with them, even if I don't have Kyle at my side. I signed up to make a salad and take a dessert. So I made a seven-layer salad and pumpkin pie. Hopefully they both taste good, I think they both look like they have the potential to taste good!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Bringing in the New Year in Paris?!?!
So, I am hoping to have Kyle convinced to bring in the New Year in Paris. Bringing in the New Year has never been a big deal to me. The most exciting thing I have done (that I can think of) is gone to our church's game night on New Years. Usually I am bed in sleep, so just sitting on the couch watching TV. So I decided that since we aren't going back to the states for Christmas we better take some special trips around here while we have the chance.
I don't really have this strong desire to go to Paris, but I do want to go, especially since we are fairly close. Kyle has no desire to go what-so-ever so that is a biggest challenge in getting us there. However, I found a tour through the travel agency on post and it is a reasonable price and they do all the planning for you and provide the group with a guide...my kind of planning. Plus, I can't imagine a more memorable way to bring in the New Year than being in Paris on Concorde Square. We would be there two nights and during the day see tons of sights.
I ask Kyle about this last night, and he didn't say "no" he just changed the subject quickly. I am going to try again tonight, he has a really busy day, maybe he will be to tired to know what he is agreeing to! The only problem is that I am pretty sure Kyle has to be back early from his Christmas Block leave to work on his Expert Infantry Badge, let's hope that doesn't start until Jan. 4.
Wish me luck tonight! I should be hearing from Kyle is a few hours and I am hoping for solid answer so I can reserve a place for us!!!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Christmas Shopping
I look out my window and just about every apartment across the road is decorated for Christmas. Most of them were decorated the day after Halloween. I think the rush to get decorated was due to the deployment that is coming up for most of the families living here in Schweinfurt. (Kyle is part of a unit based out of Italy and he isn't leaving as he just returned from a 14 month deployment in July. But, the Brigade that is stationed here is getting ready to go back to Iraq after being home for a little over a year) Some husbands have already left and others are leaving in the next couple weeks. So most families are having an early Thanksgiving and Christmas. Working with the kids of these parents is very interesting, for some of my kids this is their dad's third or fourth deployment. It is so hard on them, I can't imagine saying goodbye to my dad for a year or more.
Well, all their Christmas decorations got me thinking I should probably start shopping. Today I finally finished getting gifts for Kyle. We are really bad at suprises and we want to get the other one what they want, so usually Birthday's and Christmas leave little suspense. This year we decided to make a list of at least 10 things that the other person could pick and choose from. This way, we couldn't be sure of what the other one got us, so at least there is a little suprise. I made my list and gave Kyle 13 ideas. However, the other day I opened his list and found 1 item on his list. I was pretty peeved because I took a lot of time and thought into coming up with 10 things that I thought I might like for Christmas and Kyle only had 1. I think he only had one due to wanting guns and I kept telling him I couldn't get him a gun. We are not allowed to have Guns here in Germany, he had to leave his at back in the states, so why he wants more to store at my parents is strange to me. Anyways, he did give me a few more ideas over the phone due to my pestering and luckily I saw his original list with guns and more before he deleted it and left one item, so I was able to remember a few things he had said he wanted. Most of the things I got him he will know about or could easily guess. But...I am very proud of myself because I thought of something we were going to buy a long time ago, that he really wanted, but thought it was a little to spendy. So, Kyle will have at least one suprise on Christmas! I am really hoping I don't spill the beans to him between now and then, it is so hard to keep a secret from him, but I know I can do it!
Now, he is going to have to be creative. He thought he would have internet access to order my gifts while he was at school. But, he has no way to use the internet, so I am going to be very interested to see what is under the tree for me on Christmas morning, it really is going to be a suprise.
On a different not, this is a big bummer, but just our luck...his school is not allowing visitors until further notice. Apparently someone was abusing the system. I am still hoping I can at least go enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner in the chow hall with him!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Good Job!
I have talked to Kyle for about 5 minutes each night since he left for school. So far things are good. He didn't meet the weight standards (according to him, its my fault, I cook for him) so he had to be taped. He passed the tape which he was really excited about. He was 1% over as of Friday, and was concerned because he didn't really eat any less, probably ate more than usual over the weekend! I had a message on the house phone when I got home from school saying he did good on his Army Physical Fitness Test today also. He has been having a hard time with push-up form. He will do like 75 push-ups and only get 40-60 counted....talk about annoying. So, these are the two things that he was most worried about with this school. So, hopefully the rest of school is smooth sailing. I am glad he got the part he was worried about out of the way! Good Job Kyle!!!
Oh yeah, he also thinks I can come and visit him. He is like a prisoner. I go to the chow hall and they will ask if there are visitors for each company. When the call Bravo Company, I have to then let them know his student number 220 so they can call him out of formation to visit with me. I then get to eat with Kyle and spend his dinner hour with him. Haha, I will be really embarrassed, but oh well. I am thankful that I get to see him even if it is only for an hour. To bad it is a total of 4 hours in the car there and back for an hour worth of a visit. Luckily I have some friends that live around where his is at school so hopefully I am able to go and see them too!
Oh yeah, he also thinks I can come and visit him. He is like a prisoner. I go to the chow hall and they will ask if there are visitors for each company. When the call Bravo Company, I have to then let them know his student number 220 so they can call him out of formation to visit with me. I then get to eat with Kyle and spend his dinner hour with him. Haha, I will be really embarrassed, but oh well. I am thankful that I get to see him even if it is only for an hour. To bad it is a total of 4 hours in the car there and back for an hour worth of a visit. Luckily I have some friends that live around where his is at school so hopefully I am able to go and see them too!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Hurry Up and Wait
Today has been a memorable Veteran's Day. I got to spent it with about 23 soldiers waiting. This morning I thought I was dropping my husband off to go to WLC for the next 30 days. I decided I would wait with him for the bus, so I could spend as much time with him as possible before he left. Plus, I had the day off, so its not like I had anything to rush home to. We arrived at his work around 10 am. It is now 1800 (6pm) and I just got home. Apparently the bus didn't get the memo about picking them all up. So, as it seems to happen ever so often in the Army we hurried up just to wait. He was released at 1300 and told to come back at 4 tomorrow morning so we decided to go get new tires put on the car while the mechanics weren't busy. While we were getting tires put on Kyle was called back in. So we rushed the mechanics (hopefully the tires don't fall off or anything) and got Kyle back to work in a hurry, just in time to wait another 4 hours. Well, I was hoping Kyle might get to come home tonight, but no such luck, I just said goodbye, so now it is me and the dog for a while. Please pray for Kyle and these next 30 days, he is going to school for non-commissioned officers, I don't think it is going to be much fun.
Now as far as veterans day is concerned...Being a military wife has really made me appreciate the sacrifices that veterans have made. I think life is hard as a spouse now, but I can't imgaine what life was like without cell phones and internet. The most I have ever had to go without talking to Kyle is about 3 weeks. I can't imagine going a year or longer with no communication, maybe an occasional letter. The scarifies the soldiers and their families made is unfathomable. I also appreciate those serving today. I am amazed to all that goes into being a soldier and all the little and big sacrifices they make every day to protect us. So today, I just wanted to say "THANK YOU VETERANS." Saying "thank you" really isn't enough for all they do, they deserve
so much more.
-Kyle on top of a mountain in Afghanistan.
Now as far as veterans day is concerned...Being a military wife has really made me appreciate the sacrifices that veterans have made. I think life is hard as a spouse now, but I can't imgaine what life was like without cell phones and internet. The most I have ever had to go without talking to Kyle is about 3 weeks. I can't imagine going a year or longer with no communication, maybe an occasional letter. The scarifies the soldiers and their families made is unfathomable. I also appreciate those serving today. I am amazed to all that goes into being a soldier and all the little and big sacrifices they make every day to protect us. So today, I just wanted to say "THANK YOU VETERANS." Saying "thank you" really isn't enough for all they do, they deserve
so much more.
-Kyle on top of a mountain in Afghanistan.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
A Crazy Week
It has been a crazy week. Kyle has been preparing to leave and I can't believe everything he has to pack. He is leaving for a month for a non-commissioner officer training. I spent two night in with him at work helping him pack. We went back to his work after dinner and worked on finding and packing all this stuff until after 2200 each night. We have heard WLC is like basic training for NCOs. Haha, it should be lots of fun. All I know is that a lot of money has gone into this school. His stuff getting stolen could not have come at a less inconvenient time. Being in Germany presented a couple problems finding replacement gear. We have ordered a lot off the internet, but of course it doesn't get here that quickly so he is borrowing a lot of stuff. We aren't really excited that he is going to be gone for a month, but it should hopefully help him get a long awaited promotion. His school is about 2 hours away and we have heard rumors that I can go and have lunch and dinner with him. I hope this is true, but we will wait and see. I am at least hoping I can drive up and have Thanksgiving dinner with him in the chow hall. We were suppose to have a bunch of company, but now it will just be me at home alone if I can't go see Kyle. And I won't be making Thanksgiving dinner just for myself.
While Kyle has been preparing for WLC, I have been preparing for the dreaded Parent/Teacher conferences. I always say I have to come up with nice ways to say not so nice things about people's children, their pride and joys. I never thought after last year, a class could get any worse, ha! I was wrong, this class is like 5x as bad. I have decided that I will be honest with everyone and say something like "You know, your child is out of control. Being disciplined at home would really be helpful. Have you ever tried spanking?" I wish I could say something like that, my aide suggested stratigically posting the Bible verse Proverbs 13:24 "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." To bad I would lose my job if I did any of these things, and some parents might think I am for beating children! I am pretty worried, because by the end of the month, I will have 3 girls in my class and 16 boys in my class. I will need some major prayers come December. I really do love these kids, they are just really naughty, and way to many boys plus I have been in need of this little break. By the time I see them next I will have had a 6 day break, which is so sweet!
Well, I just thought I would share about our ever exciting lives. Oh yes, we have decided nothing to serious must be wrong with Kyle, the doctor's have yet to get back to us.
While Kyle has been preparing for WLC, I have been preparing for the dreaded Parent/Teacher conferences. I always say I have to come up with nice ways to say not so nice things about people's children, their pride and joys. I never thought after last year, a class could get any worse, ha! I was wrong, this class is like 5x as bad. I have decided that I will be honest with everyone and say something like "You know, your child is out of control. Being disciplined at home would really be helpful. Have you ever tried spanking?" I wish I could say something like that, my aide suggested stratigically posting the Bible verse Proverbs 13:24 "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." To bad I would lose my job if I did any of these things, and some parents might think I am for beating children! I am pretty worried, because by the end of the month, I will have 3 girls in my class and 16 boys in my class. I will need some major prayers come December. I really do love these kids, they are just really naughty, and way to many boys plus I have been in need of this little break. By the time I see them next I will have had a 6 day break, which is so sweet!
Well, I just thought I would share about our ever exciting lives. Oh yes, we have decided nothing to serious must be wrong with Kyle, the doctor's have yet to get back to us.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Sneaky Kids
For those of you who don't know, I teach kindergarten. It is a very interesting group of children, I have a very wild group this year. I have never meet so many children who just don't care, and that their parents don't care either.
Well, I always knew kids were sneaky, but this group is particularly good at it. Today I was casually talking to a parent and to end the conversation I said "well, I look forward to seeing you on Monday for conferences." This mom stopped and gave me a very puzzled look, and I reminded her about the conference and thanked her for returning the form saying she would attend. She looked at me more puzzled. She explained that she never signed a permission form much less even saw one. She said her daughter empties her folder before she gets a chance to look in it and whenever she looks in it, it is empty. (This explains why homework is never done, something that was going to be talked about at the conference.) I informed the mom I would send home a permission form again the next day.
When I got back to the classroom I looked at the returned forms and found the one from this particular student. Sure enough it had "yes, I will be attending" checked, and it had a date. The date was more interesting... in about 5-7 year old handwriting it said 11/03/08/2008. Then I realized there was no signature. I checked them off quickly that morning as I received them, I guess I wasn't looking at the signature section to carefully. So, I am concluding that Ms. Sneaky Pants returned this on her own. She has been in some trouble lately and I believe to avoid getting in trouble at home she takes my notes out before mom and dad see them. She is smart and can read, but I am amazed that she was smart enough to keep the top half, check yes, and date it. Her parents need to watch out, once this girl masters their writing they won't know anything that is happening. I have decided emailing and calling her parents will be best in the future.
Aren't kids so cute???
Well, I always knew kids were sneaky, but this group is particularly good at it. Today I was casually talking to a parent and to end the conversation I said "well, I look forward to seeing you on Monday for conferences." This mom stopped and gave me a very puzzled look, and I reminded her about the conference and thanked her for returning the form saying she would attend. She looked at me more puzzled. She explained that she never signed a permission form much less even saw one. She said her daughter empties her folder before she gets a chance to look in it and whenever she looks in it, it is empty. (This explains why homework is never done, something that was going to be talked about at the conference.) I informed the mom I would send home a permission form again the next day.
When I got back to the classroom I looked at the returned forms and found the one from this particular student. Sure enough it had "yes, I will be attending" checked, and it had a date. The date was more interesting... in about 5-7 year old handwriting it said 11/03/08/2008. Then I realized there was no signature. I checked them off quickly that morning as I received them, I guess I wasn't looking at the signature section to carefully. So, I am concluding that Ms. Sneaky Pants returned this on her own. She has been in some trouble lately and I believe to avoid getting in trouble at home she takes my notes out before mom and dad see them. She is smart and can read, but I am amazed that she was smart enough to keep the top half, check yes, and date it. Her parents need to watch out, once this girl masters their writing they won't know anything that is happening. I have decided emailing and calling her parents will be best in the future.
Aren't kids so cute???
Friday, October 31, 2008
Quick Pettit Family Update
In one day I will officially be done with my first trimester! Thank goodness, I am hoping that means the sickness will soon go away. I also have a cold which doesn't help.
Today we had our last first trimester doctor's appointment. The doctor said everything looks great with our alien baby. I don't have to go back for another month so that is nice. I included two pictures from the ultrasound today.
I hope this doesn't mean our baby is going to be a thumb sucker!
The 3-D photo of our alien baby!
Other than baby news, life has been interesting here. On Wednesday Kyle got over $1000 of military gear stolen out of his locker at work. It should be tons of fun replacing it all. I have a feeling he will be getting gear for Christmas!
He also went to the doctor because of his cold, plus he has been having these horrible night sweats. I wake up to go pee and I am usually soaked in his sweat. The bed feels like he had an accident come morning time. The doctor had such positive news regarding this. He said it could be one of three things...
1) Tuberculosis. Kyle has been a carrier of TB since his last deployment to Iraq. But just because you carry it, doesn't mean you have the disease. Well, apparently night sweats is a common sign that the disease is no longer dormant.
2) Malaria. Three of the people Kyle was deployed with and worked closely with in Afghanistan have already come down with this disease. So this is a very possible answer also.
3) Thyroid Problem. Now, this is a more positive outlook. It's not good, but better than the other options.
I am sure you can all guess which option number we are hoping for. Plus they can't do anything for this cold until they figure out what is wrong with him. He had blood work today, which could take up to a week to process. Jokingly I told Kyle that with his luck his results would be "well you have malaria, which weakened your immune system and then allowed tuberculosis to become active, and yes, you also have a thyroid problem." I just say that because he has horrible luck with everything. The doctor also took back x-rays because they think he has fractured vertebrae in his back...oh the goodness is just overwhelming.
We also found out great new that Kyle will be leaving Nov. 12-Dec. 11. I am pretty bummed that he will be missing Thanksgiving, but "thankful" he will be back in time for Christmas. He is going to Warrior Leadership Training for a month.
Even though life is a little rocky at the moment we are trying to stay strong in our faith and continue to pray that God will see us through it all. It is hard sometimes to understand why with have to go through so many unpleasant things at times, but we know that God has a reason for everything. (I just wish He would fill me in one the reasons sometimes)
Today we had our last first trimester doctor's appointment. The doctor said everything looks great with our alien baby. I don't have to go back for another month so that is nice. I included two pictures from the ultrasound today.
I hope this doesn't mean our baby is going to be a thumb sucker!
The 3-D photo of our alien baby!
Other than baby news, life has been interesting here. On Wednesday Kyle got over $1000 of military gear stolen out of his locker at work. It should be tons of fun replacing it all. I have a feeling he will be getting gear for Christmas!
He also went to the doctor because of his cold, plus he has been having these horrible night sweats. I wake up to go pee and I am usually soaked in his sweat. The bed feels like he had an accident come morning time. The doctor had such positive news regarding this. He said it could be one of three things...
1) Tuberculosis. Kyle has been a carrier of TB since his last deployment to Iraq. But just because you carry it, doesn't mean you have the disease. Well, apparently night sweats is a common sign that the disease is no longer dormant.
2) Malaria. Three of the people Kyle was deployed with and worked closely with in Afghanistan have already come down with this disease. So this is a very possible answer also.
3) Thyroid Problem. Now, this is a more positive outlook. It's not good, but better than the other options.
I am sure you can all guess which option number we are hoping for. Plus they can't do anything for this cold until they figure out what is wrong with him. He had blood work today, which could take up to a week to process. Jokingly I told Kyle that with his luck his results would be "well you have malaria, which weakened your immune system and then allowed tuberculosis to become active, and yes, you also have a thyroid problem." I just say that because he has horrible luck with everything. The doctor also took back x-rays because they think he has fractured vertebrae in his back...oh the goodness is just overwhelming.
We also found out great new that Kyle will be leaving Nov. 12-Dec. 11. I am pretty bummed that he will be missing Thanksgiving, but "thankful" he will be back in time for Christmas. He is going to Warrior Leadership Training for a month.
Even though life is a little rocky at the moment we are trying to stay strong in our faith and continue to pray that God will see us through it all. It is hard sometimes to understand why with have to go through so many unpleasant things at times, but we know that God has a reason for everything. (I just wish He would fill me in one the reasons sometimes)
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