Delightful Duchess

Gosh, its been a long time

2009-07-16T14:30:00.002-05:00

so for a long time, I just haven't blogged. I guess after a while you get burned out or something. Work was crazy, the school year dragged on and on, then I was planning weddings for my daughter and then six months after that, my son. We have just been kind of crazy around here.

But, I think it is time to re enter the world!

How is everyone else doing with life, economy, getting ready to retire, grandkids, foster kids, work and just every day life.

Retiring????Where has the time gone???

2008-05-20T15:38:00.003-05:00

I feel like its been forever since I have posted. Yes, it has been a while. I think after so long a time, time just slips away and you forget some of the things you use to do.

Lets see, what has been happening. Well we have been doing a ton of research on retirement. I wish I could retire, but have about seven more years or so, but my husband can retire in January 09. We have been overwhelmed with all the stuff that goes into retiring and trying to figure out how people do it. There are so many things that you don't think about having to pay. Not only insurance.....health, life, dental, car, home, etc, then there is survival benefits.

Did you know that life insurance from an employer will decrease over three years to 25% of what you have? So you retire at 62 and by 65 you have 1/4 of the insurance you had while you were working. Don't you need it MORE now that you are older??????

What about long term insurance?? It cost a fortune to have and most is for 20 years. Ok, so you retire at 62, get twenty years of long term insurance, then at 82, what do you do? How many people will insure a person that old?

Anyway, this has taken much time trying to sort it all out. I have also been working on weddings! Yes, plural! I have three getting married in the next year or so, and that is taking up time....not to mention work.

So, glad to be posting again!

Thursday Thirteen #23

2008-01-30T18:40:00.000-05:00

Whats been keeping me busy?

1…. Thanksgiving and a house full of people

2.... Wedding in Pa. for neice

3.... Family reunion

4..... Christmas Eve with 12 of us

5..... Not to mention Christmas

6..... "Baggage" arrives with her four.

7...... Shopping, cooking, cleaning

8...... "Baggage leaves, very sad.....

9....... Back to work

10...... Son engaged

11...... Youngest daughter wedding planning

12...... Oldest daughter wedding planning

13..... Hubby looking into retirement

Exhausted!!!!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Teacher Workdays

2008-01-28T05:25:00.000-05:00

Today is a relaxing sort of day at work, mainly because there are no students. Funny thing to say about a school, but the kids get a three day weekend and we get to enter grades, etc.

The good thing about this workday is it means we are half way through the year! Midterm exams are over, the second nine week grading period is over and we are ready to start the second half of the year. Pretty soon we will be counting down the days. This usually happens around double digit day, which means we have 99 days to go.

So, today we have plenty to do but also will be having a soup and bread luncheon and will be able to socialize with other staff. We usually only see our grade level teachers and lunch is way too short. I think we need these type of days just to rejuvenate the moral of the staff.

Sunday without football!

2008-01-27T15:44:00.000-05:00

Its a strange day with no football. We usually spend the day with several games on and plan dinner around half time. Today we read the paper, went to the grocery store and then looked for something on tv. I know the Super Bowl will be on next week and then we wait for baseball to start.

What did we do before sports were on tv?

Do you remember when there were Sunday drives? When the family went to visit relatives? When everyone ate dinner together?

Here's to Sunday!

3 weddings and a retirement

2008-01-26T14:44:00.000-05:00

My my, where has the time gone? Its been several months since I have posted, I know, that is not good, but I have been very busy. Not only with the holiday, having family here for Thanksgiving, then the 12 of us here for Christmas, then Baggage and her crew here for a week and back to work. It was a truely wonderful holiday!

So now I have been planning weddings, researching retirement and doing the usual.

I am becoming an expert at events and think it could be a new career!

More post to come!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-10-23T19:43:00.001-05:00

Thursday Thirteen # 25

2007-10-17T19:23:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things I already have for Christmas.
(ok, you have to realize that I have a huge family and don't worry, I didn't list anything that would take away a surprise. My family has its own site and other than Baggage, I don't think any of them read my blog. They just don't know what they are missing!)

1…. Redskin socks for daughter
2.... jump rope with book on rhymes
3.... candle sets
4.... Books for mom
5.... Bobblehead for nephew
6.... knives for stepson who is a chef
7.... Redskin jersey for same stepson
8.... matchbox cars and mat
9.... Redskin flag for hubby
10.. shawl for daughter-in-law
11.. stuffed bear
12.. 3 throw blankets
13.. 8 "token" gifts for siblings.

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wordless Wednesday

2007-10-16T20:00:00.001-05:00

Thursday Thirteen # 24

2007-10-10T16:13:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Way To "BE"

Be strong enough to face the world each day.
Be generous to those who need your help.
Be frugal with what you need yourself.
Be wise enough to know that you do not know everything.
Be foolish enough to believe in miracles.
Be willing to share your joys
Be a leader when you see a path others have missed.
Be a follower in the midst of uncertainty.
Be sure where your next step will fall, so that you will not stumble.
Be sure of your final destination, in case you are going the wrong way.
Be loving to those who love you.
Be loving to those who do not love you: they may learn to love because of you.
Be yourself!

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Thursday Thirteen # 23

2007-10-03T18:29:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Reason why I have not been here

1…. I got overwhelmed
2.... My computer wasn't working well
3.... The end of the school year
4.... The beginning of another school year
5.... Cleaning out clutter
6.... Going on vacation
7.... Spending tons of time researching places to retire
8.... Helping plan wedding
9.... Training my german shepherd
10.. Did I mention I was overwhelmed
11... Felt guilty for not replying to all the post
12... Took on being Yearbook Advisor
13... Spent time with hubby!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wordless Wednesday

2007-10-02T19:49:00.001-05:00

Same gender classes

2007-09-28T05:31:00.000-05:00

The first month of school has been extremely busy but things are starting to settle down. I absolutely LOVE the two same gender classes I am working with this year. After all the training we had last school year, I wasn't sure I would like it, but I was totally wrong. I am with two all girl classes and can really see how much better it is for them. One of my co-workers is working with an all boy class and she is not so sure she likes it. We learned that you have to be a special kind of person to work with each gender. I know I am made to work with the girls!

Our school is doing a pilot program and right now just our 6th graders are involved. Next year they are hoping to expand to all grade levels. The students have the option of same gender or co-ed. We have one team of each, girl, boy and co-ed. I will keep you posted on how the year goes. Right now I just can't believe we can have 31 girls in one class and it is one of the best classes I have ever been in!

Off to work!

Ok, so where have I been?

2007-09-01T08:41:00.000-05:00

I use to be pretty active with this blog. I love how it was designed for me by "baggage". I was keeping up with it, but then life got too crazy and it basically stopped. I also don't have access to the computer during the day at work (duh, we are supposed to be working). However, now I am going to try to get back into keeping this up.

I want to ad information so my family can keep up with what is happening. I come from a huge family and think it might be nice to have like a "family" blog. Don't know if I need to add a link or whatever. I have some really smart kids and I am sure they can help me with this.

Otherwise, we went to NYC and Canada over the summer. Had a great vacation and now its back to work. Have had new "foster grandkids", have a daughter getting married next year, a son with exciting things happening in his life and a hubby who is looking into retirement. So, there is alot going on.

If anyone has any suggestions on how to incorporate an extended family link into a blog, please share.

Is Wordless Wednesday and Thursday 13 still happening????

Nice to be able to post again!

Where has the time gone??

2007-07-06T09:28:00.000-05:00

It seems like such a long time since I have posted, but its been busy around here and now I feel I have time to update.

The end of school went fine, we had a ton of things to do at school to pack up the rooms and get ready for summer. They are using my school for summer school and we are also having a lot of room changes next year. It amazes me how much stuff you accumulate over the year.

A few days later we had our family reunion which is camping for three days. The weather was great and we came back without any problems at all. We even took our dog with us and she seems to love camping! We will take her again in October.

I did get to see several relatives that I haven't seen in about twenty years. They are cousins from my dads side of the family. His sister was having an anniversary party and we were invited. My dad died 29 years ago and it was great to get to see relatives. We talked about putting together a blog for updates for the family.

Otherwise, right now I have been doing some cleaning, getting ready to go on vacation in August and to a workshop at the end of July for school. This is the first time in six years that I have not worked over the summer and I am not sure what to do with all the time I have. I have realized that you can only watch so many TLC shows and shopping is not a good thing when you don't have the money to spend.

Anyway, I hope to get back into this blog. I actually feel out of touch! Can you do that with people you have never met?

Wordless Wednesday

2007-05-22T18:33:00.001-05:00

honeymoon

2007-05-22T18:02:00.000-05:00

So, I have been looking at places for my daughter to go for her honeymoon. Of course, she is not getting married for 17 months, but we need to start planning. I have checked out several places and found some really nice places in Hawaii.

I know several have said its expensive, but if you can see Hawaii once in your life, it might as well be on your honeymoon.

It amazes me how many different places you can stay out, what they offer and how many places you can visit. So, if anyone has any suggestions, don't hesitate to let me know. I love the looks of Maui beach front vacation homes and it might be my favorite. Maybe I should go there instead of my daughter!

Mothers Day

2007-05-13T10:02:00.000-05:00

Happy Mothers Day to Everyone!

A special day for everyone who is a Mom, regardless of when, where or for how long. I salute you!

A special Mothers Day to my mom, who gave birth to 10 children. Being the second oldest, I felt what having a huge family means. We didn't have much to eat, new clothes to wear, a room to call our own or the ability to do what other kids did. We did have the love of our Mom though. Today, she still cares about what her kids, grandkids and great grandkids are doing. She has accepted these grandchildren regardless of being born out of wedlock or adopted. They are all equal in her eyes. She taught us discrimination was not part of our lives. Our door was always open. I honestly feel that was one of the greatest things I have learned from her.

A special Mothers Day also to my daughter, "Baggage", who not only gave us our "Bug", that she adopted from foster care, but has also given us the ability to share so many other children that she has taken into her home. Being their foster mom is a God given gift that she has. I am so proud of her.

To my sisters, cousins, nieces, aunts, all my friends and co-workers, to Ann, (the MOG), to Audrey, and to those who can't be with their family today, I wish you the joy of being a Mom, the happiness of seeing them grow and the pleasure of hearing them yell, once again, "Mom, I need your help".

Happy Mothers Day

Talk with Pet Psychic

2007-04-22T13:10:00.000-05:00

We had a neat event in our community for dogs. They had different demos and lots of booths for food, health, photos, agility, fitness and adoption. They also had Diane Roadcap, who is a Pet Psychic. We have heard her on the radio many times and I was hoping we able to get an appointment to meet her. We were the last one to get a space!

So it was awesome when she first met us and said it was great that we adopted Kodi from rescue. We didn't tell her that, we only gave our name, nothing else. She told us Kodi was in rescue for three months and she was in W. Va.. She said that Kodi was very happy with us, very healthy, no health concerns.

The amazing things were that she said that Kodi knew we were talking about moving and she was happy about getting a bigger yard. She also said we will end up in Pa. or Delaware or even Tenn. ... We have been looking in Md. and Pa. but she said we will not be leaving in the Baltimore area but she does see us in Pa. or Del. , so we will see.

Also she told us Kodi likes popcorn! This was a shocker. We do not give her any people food other than string cheese. How could she like popcorn???? So this put a bit of doubt in what we were being told. We asked about why Kodi has been going in the bathtub. The response we got was that she likes it there, its like if she had a crate, which she doesn't want. She asked if it was ok to be in the tub. Diane told her that it was ok but would like her to spend more family time.

So we had an interesting talk with her, and after we got home, I talked with my daughter "Baggage" and guess what, she told me that she had given Kodi popcorn of several occasions!!! I never knew this and of vourse since it was against the rules, she never told me.

Does this mean what Diane told us was really true?? I am just amazed.
Check out her sight www.AminalsTalkToo.com

What do we need to retire?

2007-04-21T19:25:00.000-05:00

So we have been looking to what we need to do before my hubby retires. We are checking into where to live, what the benefits are, what insurance we will need and how much it will cost. It amazes how much you have to research before you can feel you will survive when you retire.

It looks like we could use some more life insurance. Hubby gets one year's salary worth of life insurance but research states you should have lots more. So, do we try to get more insurance? Have any of you checked into term life insurance? What about medical insurance? How do you handle that? I just wish there was a simple way to know all this stuff, before you retire.

So if anyone has checked into these things, if anyone has retired and knows how to get the correct insurance, please let me know.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-04-18T04:46:00.000-05:00

For all those who attended Va. Tech, especially my daughter, "Baggage".

What happened to spring??????

2007-04-15T19:40:00.000-05:00

Its been raining all day! Pouring at times and windy! What happened to the nice spring weather and pretty flowers?? We can't even plant because we are having freeze watch and even a chance of snow mixed with rain. I just want spring to come and stay. I am afraid we will have one of those years where its hops right into hot, humid and hazy!

Ok, so back to work tomorrow and then it will probably get nice outside! Go figure!

Thursday Thirteen #22

2007-04-11T18:39:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things I did over Spring Break

Left school two hours early with co-worker from England
Spent 4 1/2 hours in traffic driving to Pa.
Went to Green Dragon (farmers market)
Went to Wilbur chocolate to get Wilbur Buds
Drove to Intercourse, Pa. (really)
Watch a film about how the Amish arrived in the US
Got caught in traffic going back to Va.
Got new hot water heater
Went to Md. to visit daughter
Went on 4th trip for daughter to try on wedding dresses
Came home to do tons of laundry, grocery shopping and cleaning.

So now that I am back at school (work), I need a vacation from my vacation!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wordless Wednesday

2007-04-10T15:26:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2007-04-03T15:53:00.000-05:00

Weekend trip to visit my sister and show a co-worker from England how the Amish live.

Thursday Thirteen # 22

2007-03-28T18:55:00.000-05:00

ok, so it seems like no one liked the 8th grade World History or Math, so less go back..
Thirteen Things about 6th Grade Social Studies
I have added the answers! Sorry I haven't been able to visit everyone today, but will as soon as possible. Happy TT and Thanks for visiting!

1. Why was the United Nations created?
It was created to try and prevent future wars.

2. What is the definition of "The Cold War" ?
A state of tension between the United States and the Soviet Union without actual fighting
that divided thw world into two camps.

3. A democratic form of government was established in Japan after World War II. Who was
responsible for this transaction?
General Douglas MacArthur wrote the constitution making Japan a democracy.

4. The Berlin Wall divided the city of Berlin for 28 years. What finally brought about its
destruction?
It was brought down when communism collapsed in Europe.

5. What was one thing that the United Stated did after World War II to help stop the
spread of Communism?
The United States used the Marshall Plan to pump money into Western European ecomony
in an effort to stop communism from spreading.

6. What countries occupied Germany after World War II?
Great Britian, United States and France = West, Soviet Union =East

7. What happened when Castro allowed the Soviet Union to build Missile Sites in Cuba?
It sparked the Cuban Missile Crisis.

8. What conflict during the Cold War caused great division among United State citizens?
When the United States intervened in Vietnam to stop the spread of communism it caused
division among Americans.

9. How did the Korean War end?
It ended in a stalemate when a cease fire agreement was signed.

10. After WWII, advances in technology caused businesses to boom. What effect did this
technology boom have on the work force?
A new generation of women began entering the labor force as a result of the technology boom.

11. What is a Baby Boom?
A Baby Boom was a dramatic rise in the birth rate right after the war that has hs a lasting effect on society until now.

12. What caused a major change in the way people worked and lived after the war?
The interstate highway system allowed more Americans to live in the suburbs and drive to work.

13. When did the first American walk on the moon?
July 20, 1969 ( my birthday)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-03-27T15:38:00.000-05:00

Thursday Thirteen #21

2007-03-21T16:27:00.000-05:00

Since most people told me last week that they "didn't do math", lets try Thirteen Things about 8th grade World History.

1. According to Islamic belief, which two Biblical figures preceded Muhammad and are accepted as prophets?

2. Where did the Battle of Tours occur?

3. What is the Dome of the Rock?

4. What caused the culture and lifestyle to change during the Neolithic Revolution?

5. What could cause our factual understanding of history to change?

6. What was the fundamental cause of the Peloponnesian War?

7. In what two battles did the Greeks defeat the Persians and gain control of the Aegean Sea?

8. Who had Athens rebuilt after the Persian Wars?

9. The monotheistic beliefs of Abraham became the foundation of which religions?

10. What did Persia develop to help them govern their vast empire?

11. Into what language did Islamic scholars translate Greek, Persian and Indian literature and scientific texts?

12. What aspect of Greek culture influenced Western Literature, art and architecture?

13. The first societies of man were known as ?

ARE YOU READY TO GO BACK TO 8TH GRADE?

Wordless Wednesday

2007-03-20T14:52:00.000-05:00

Cool Baby slings

2007-03-19T05:06:00.000-05:00

My daughter has foster kids now and one is a little thing. She loves to be held and screams when set down. Nothing unusual for a little one, especially one that placed with strangers. I suggested to my daughter about getting one of those slings that would make it easier to carry her around.

I was amazed that there are so many different kinds of slings and pouches on the market these days. They have ones with designer names, different colors, shapes, front and back. Not only that, they make them for kids! A little girl can actually carry her doll in on the the slings, just like mommy. Now isn't that a cool idea. It would also make a good adjustment tool for the child to be like mom when she is carrying around the new baby.

Oh, I also found some really cute "baby legs". They are like the leg warmers I use to wear. Haha! Only lots cuter. You can keep those cubby little legs warm when they just have on a diaper or even skirt.

So, even though I don't have my own little grandchildren, I have found it fun to shop for the foster babies!

Thursday Thirteen #20

2007-03-14T16:09:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Formulas
Do you know them????

A= 1/2 bh

S.A. = 2lw + 2lh +2wh

A= 1/2 h (b1 + b2)

p = 2l + 2w

S.A. = 1/2 lp + B

p = 4s

A = lw

V = lwh

C = 2πr

S.A. = πrl + πr2

C = πd

A = 4πr2

LA = 2πrh

These are from the 8th grade math formula sheet.
This is what they need to know for their Standard of Learning Test (SOL's)
Aren't we all smart!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wordless Wednesday

2007-03-13T15:33:00.000-05:00

Thursday Thirteen #19

2007-03-08T19:24:00.000-05:00

This is my 100th post, so here is my repost of my first TT.Thirteen Things I love 1…. I love my daughters
2. I love my son and stepsons.
3. I love my special "bug"
4. I love the hubby and dog.
5. I love chocolate Ice cream
6. I love bubble baths with a wine cooler and good book.
7. I love watching the snow fall.
8. I love reading the Sunday paper in bed.
9. I love spending time with my sister.
10. I love going out to eat, any meal.
11. I love feeling I am appreciated.
12. I love feeling good about myself.
13. The thing I love the most is knowing that I am loved.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wordless Wednesday

2007-03-06T16:08:00.000-05:00

Three weddings and tons of planning

2007-03-06T15:38:00.000-05:00

So we now have three weddings in my family. Two neices and a daughter. I have talked with my sisters and we are all looking into invitations. We will have two fall and one winter weddings. We also will cover three states. So, can we find the right invitations, what do we need, etc.

I told my sister about the bridal shower that I organized for a c0-woker and the invites we used. We are all looking at several differnet sites and recommendation from other people. Do you think we could find something that worked for all three girls? I doubt it and they wouldn't want it anyway, but hey, its a thought.

So, as we continue to look for dresses, decorations, reception places, churches, etc. I hope we can find the right invitations for all the girls.

Woman Information Search

2007-03-04T13:55:00.000-05:00

I have been searching for information on high blood pressure and weight control. I take meds for the blood pressure already. I found some interesting info. along with lots of other useful and somewhat different topics.

I like the message boards because I am not sure what I am looking for, but this give me some direction on what to look for. It also has given me a different perspective on how to handle medical conditions.

Another thing I found here is that you can rate a person. I heard about this before but had never actually found the site. No one I entered was on the rating, so I guess that is good!

Thursday Thirteen #18

2007-02-28T19:31:00.001-05:00

Thirteen Things to do on a School Snow Day
Especially those nice unexpected ones.

Go back to bed
take a nice long bubble bath
Go back to bed
Read as long as you want
watch TLC
talk online to "Baggage"
Read Blogs
Surf the net for vacation information
Watch Dr. Phil
Watch Oprah
Take a nap
Watch the fire in the fireplace
Be very thankful you teach and can have a snow day off!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-02-27T17:07:00.000-05:00

Thursday Thirteen #17

2007-02-21T16:30:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things about Thirteen ThingsOk, so I was at a lost about what to write and found this! Maybe not as creative but somewhat interesting.

Many buildings don't have a 13th floor

There are 13 stripes on an American flag

Jack the Ripper, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer, Theodore (Ted) Bundy and Albert De Salvo all have 13 letters in there name, as well as Marilyn Manson

Fear of Friday the 13th (yes this is officially a phobia) is called Paraskevidekatriaphobia. It is defined as: "People afflicted with a morbid, irrational fear of Friday the 13th." Supposedly ,21 million Americans are afflicted with this phobia.

There were 13 people at the last supper

Of course, Judas was the 13th guest and Jesus was crucified on Friday the 13th. I'm thinking that just wasn't a good day for him at all (see The Passion of the Christ)

The Vikings' hangman noose has 13 knots

There were 13 original US colonies

Rhode Island is the 13th state

13 men signed the Declaration of Independence

Millard Fillmore was the 13th President of the United States

Francis Scott Key wrote the Star-Spangled Banner on Friday, September 13, 1814

The 13th Amendment abolished slavery

THANKS FOR ALL THOSE WHO HAVE INCLUDED ME IN THE WONDERFUL TT!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-02-20T19:37:00.000-05:00

Gifts for Baggage

2007-02-20T05:41:00.000-05:00

Good morning! It is actually above freezing here and school will open on time!

Thanks to everyone who has sent gifts to help "Baggage" with her group of foster children. I should be receiving the packages any day now and will combine packages and ship out to my daughter.

It seems to be some issues with Wal Mart about this not being a "real" gift registry. I am thankful that they check into such things, but know a few of you have had issues. I will be enclosing all packing slips when I send to my daughter. We should be able to confirm your gift has been received.

The Amazon list is set up under the same "Bug Baggage" name. It is under WISH LIST. I am sure this name will be questioned also.

The blogging world has been awesome. I can not tell you how much I appreciate all the help that has been given to my daughter. Not only the material items, but all the support she receives. Thanks so much!

"Baggage" Help

2007-02-17T12:55:00.000-05:00

A special thanks to everyone who has already purchased items for the foster kids. It is amazing how the "blog" world comes to life.

I have added an Amazon register as well for those who can't or prefer not to use WalMart.

Both us the name Bug Baggage.

The links are www.walmart.com/register and www.amazon.com

Once again, thank for everything you are doing and I will make sure she gets them as soon as possible.

It's a Boy and baby gifts

2007-02-16T08:07:00.000-05:00

A coworker of mine just found out she is having a "BOY"! Of course she is excited and the first thing that came to mind was going to get a little something for him. This made me stop and think! We seem to naturally want to get something for the new baby. What about the not so new baby????

As you may know, especially if you have read my blog over the past week, that my daughter just got three foster kids. She will have them for at least two months. They come with the clothes on their backs.

So, I set up a registry for her. It's at www.walmart.com/registry. The name on the registry is Bug Baggage

She states she feels bad about asking and/or accepting help from others. I can understand that, she was raised to try to do things for herself before asking for help. However, if we can run out and buy the cute little newborn outfits for coworkers, why can't we help a foster mom? In many cases, they only get hours of notice before the children arrive. Its not the kids fault they are there! The poor kids have no idea what is happening when they are placed with a stranger.

I think our society needs to help foster parents out more. Instead of selling our used "stuff" on ebay or the local yard sale, how about donating to the DFS or maybe set up a place for foster parents to go to get items they need. I know some places have this, but most small towns do not.

Thanks again for everyone who has helped my daughter and all those other foster parents out there. Without them, where would these kids be?

Thursday Thirteen #16

2007-02-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

After 19 years of marriage and then three years as a single parent of three teenagers, I met a wonderful man and decided to get remarried. This was seven years ago.Here are Thirteen reasons why I got remarried.

He is a dedicated father who drove 4 hours every other weekend to pick up his son
He holds my hand when we walk anywhere
He likes to snuggle
He is a very hard working man
He brings me coffee in bed every morning (ok, so its 4:45)
He cooks breakfast every Sunday morning
He is athletic and goes to the gym 4 days a week
He likes the same sport teams that I do
He puts up with all of my family (that's saying alot)
He openly speaks his mind (good and bad)
He supports me in my activities
He lets me handle finances and plan trips (I prefer to do it MY way)
He loves me for who I am!!!!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wordless Wednesday

2007-02-14T10:35:00.000-05:00

Help for foster Mom

2007-02-13T13:16:00.000-05:00

I need to vent!! Just got off the phone with upset daughter!!

I am amazed that some states don't have more to help foster parents. My daughter just got three kids and they will be with her for atleast two months. She has nothing for these kids except for what she has gotten in the last few days. She does not get reimbursed for atleast another month. How are these foster people supposed to be able to provide food and clothing, diapers, toys etc. I guess if you have a really nice savings account, you are fine, but otherwise, it takes alot to take care of three kids for a few months without getting any money to help. She even had to purchase car seats because her local agency didn't have any. Not to mention high chair, playpen, booster seats.

When people take foster kids out of the goodness of their hearts, there should be someone to help. I know she lives in a very small town, out in the middle of nowhere, but still. These kids need everything. She even has to purchase the school supplies needed. One child wants to take valentines into school, like every other child is doing, however, in order for the child to do so, my daughter has to purchase them. Once again, out of her pocket. She wants to do this but just doesn't have any money left. She is worried about being able to pay bills because all her funds have been going to get things needed for the kids.

Maybe you say she shouldn't of taken the kids, but they are an emergency placement and it was only for a few days. Now it is for atleast six more weeks. How do you say NO now, where would the kids go, there are no foster homes open.

Everyone does things for new parents, there are baby showers, etc. Well, I think we need to help foster parents as well. I feel so bad for the kids who are taken from their homes, placed in a home where they don't know anyone, nor have anything that belongs to them. I admire the people who will take these kids. Imagine how you would be able to handle three kids, instantly, who came with only the clothes on their backs.

How much do diapers and pull ups cost? What about socks, underware, pj's, toothbrushes, combs, sippy cups, shoes, shirts and pants. How much do three kids eat? What about the medicine because they all came to her sick?

So, what do we do? Many of you know my daughter, have read her blog and know what she has done in the past. My suggestion is that we do something to help her out. She works at home and can't get her work done because she has 4 kids now and they can't seem to find a day care placement for the two younger kids. They don't even return her calls.

I have asked my daughter to set up a registery for things she needs and post on her blog. They basically have a walmart there. She does grocery shopping and everything at the Walmart. Even if you have clothing items you can send, that would be wonderful.

If you can help, either let me know or visit her blog. I can give you more information via email.

EDIT: A registery has been set at WalMart under Bug Baggage for anyone wishing to help with gift cards.

Foster NANA

2007-02-10T18:04:00.000-05:00

My daughter has been a foster mom for several years now. She adopted her daughter from the foster care program. There have been several times when I would get a call about a "placement" she was getting. This happened again this week.. She kicks into a different mode. She has so much to do in such a short period of time. She has to drive to get these kids immediately.

I always feel so sorry for the kids. I know how scary it must be for them to be removed from their home and given to a stranger. They come with nothing! Sometimes the parent does not want to give the child anything to bring, not even a favorite toy or blankie. This is so hard on the kids.

My daughter has her hands full again this time. She is required to take them to the doctors within 24 hours, she has to get food and clothes and sleeping arrangements. She gets them sick and well. It always amazes me at how she can do this. She becomes this wonderwoman.

As with most cases, she doesn't know how long they will stay. Then the hard part of sending them back home.

As she tells me, I am a "foster Nana" again. I find it strange to believe that I can get attached to children that I have never met. The little one said "Hi" to me on the phone today.

Anyway, not many people can do this job and I am soooooooo PROUD of what my daughter is doing. She is one awesome MOM.

Thursday Thirteen #15

2007-02-08T16:38:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things I learned from a Bridal Show.My WW is of my daughter on our first trip to try on dresses.Fall wedding in 2008

The average age for a female to get married in the USA is now 27
40 % of women get married more than once! (ok so that's me)
The # of wedding in the US dropped over 16,000 since 2003
Las Vegas is the #2 place to get married (Istanbul is #1)
Average # of guest invited to wedding is 164
In 2000, more men were ready to get married than women
2/3 of brides belong to at least one website (the knot)
A SLICE of cake can cost $3.75 ( stunned)
"Destination" weddings are very popular this year (beach)
The average wedding in China cost $19,000
The average wedding in USA cost $38,000
More couples are living together before marriage than ever before
Flowers, cakes, limos, violins, bands, djs, honeymoon places, invitations, favors, tux, flower girls, ring bearers, reception place, church, rehearsal dinner, MOB, MOG, BM dresses, gifts for wedding party and lets not forget the Wedding Dress!

Totally overwhelming!!!!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wordless Wednesday

2007-02-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

Freezing temps and students

2007-02-06T05:59:00.000-05:00

Its freezing! Literally way too cold to even go outside, not to mention those who WALK to school. We have walkers and as I see them coming into the building, I wonder why someone didn't drive them. With the wind chill factor, its -7 degrees. Surely some parent is around who can pick up a car full of kids.

We also have some kids who are in class with short sleeve shirts! I know some may not have warm clothes but are the parents seeing what their kids are wearing to school! I talked to a student yesterday who told me he couldn't do his work because he was too cold. This is a good, quiet student. I sent him to the nurse' office where we have a closet full of "additional" clothing. This is usually used for those who wear inappropriate clothing and need to change.

So right now it is 11 degrees with a wind chill of 2. We are on regular school schedule. I have my layers on, nice to have school sweatshirts that I can wear. Calling for light snow tonight, one to two inches. Think we can use a SNOW DAY !!!!!!!!

Please make sure your kids are dressed properly and if you can give a neighbor child a ride, please do so.

Thursday Thirteen

2007-01-31T16:58:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things about Same Gender Classes

Another 7 hour inservice given by Dr. Sax. Some very interesting information. Some useful, some not so useful. Decison will come soon to let us know if we will have a "pilot" program next year.

Here are 13 things that I learned.

1. The female brain has 20% higher blood blow per gram of tissue. The male brain is 8 % larger, (has some emply space)

2. In premature babies, weighing about 2.6 lbs, girls who had very soft music playing, gained 50% more weight and left the hospital 12 days earlier than those who didn't have music playing.

3. Music therapy did not work for prematue boys because they couldn't hear the music.

4. Girls will interact face to face with friends. Boys want to be shoulder to shoulder.

5. At 18 months of age, girls have a vocab. of 90 words and boys about 40 words.

6. Small groups do NOT work for boys.

7. Using LAST Names work better for boys.

8. Girls like eye contact, Boys feel threatened.

9. Girls will sit and listen, Boys need to move around.

10. Girls work well sitting in a cirle, Boys need straight rows.

11. Boys are motivated by dividing into teams, having someone in charge, shake on it, asking "are you ok with this"

12. Girls are motivated by knowing there are NO Favorites and that everyone has equal access to the teacher. Girls want to please.

13. In 1996 US vs. VMI. Same Sex Education is legal provided comparable courses, services and facilities are made available.

For more information: www.whygendermatters.com

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Wordless Wednesday

2007-01-30T17:15:00.000-05:00

No wonder we had to go to the restroom
so many times!!!

Edit: To answer many questions about where this is....well, its in a very nice steak house in Dale City, Va.

Thursday Thirteen

2007-01-24T19:18:00.000-05:00

Thirteen of the most difficult times I have had being a Mom. This comes after my daughter had a difficult day and once again, I felt helpless.

Having little ones who had a high fever and staying up all night worrying.
Walking away from a screaming child as I leave her at home with the sitter.
Punishing a child because I knew it was the right thing to do.
Not taking homework into school after child left it at home.
Watching a child lose an important game.
Being a single parent and not being able to buy a new coat for a child because I didn't have the money.
The first time I left a child at college, 4 hours from home.
Putting my Marine on the plane to Japan, knowing I will not see her for a year.
Having a sick Marine call from Japan and there is nothing I can do to help her.
Having a child tell me she was abused.
Feeling there was nothing I could of done to stop the pain caused by the abuse.
Not always being able to be physically there when something important happens in their lives.
Feeling helpless when your adult children face disappointments and know that its all a part of growing up and that I can't change it.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wordless Wednesday

2007-01-23T17:15:00.000-05:00

Thursday Thirteen

2007-01-17T17:30:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things about Same GENDER ClassesOur middle school is considering becoming a speciality school. It would contain same gender classes. According to the research, boy and girls learn differently. Here are 13 differences between the boy and girls.

BOYS
misdiagnosed ADD/ADHD
vocal tone-responds to more direct, louder tone
excited about math
vision-entire field
location, direction, speed
Where is it now? Where is it going?
feelings-none of your business, feels uncomfortable
competive
risk takers-over estimate abilities
bullying characteristics-few friends
friendships (2-12), shared interest
build camaraderie
discipline-victim-oriented inductions

GIRLS
easily distracted by noise
vocal tone-responds to a calmer, soft tone
vision-center of field
color and texture
what is it?
feelings-comfortable discussing
collaborative
less likely to take risks
under estimate abilities
threats/confrontation, may experience nausea
bullying characteristics-many friends,socially skilled
friendships-(2-3), focus on each other
discipline-parent-orientated induction

Wordless Wednesday

2007-01-16T19:14:00.000-05:00

traffic at 6:30 am
Guess this is why it takes me 30-45 min. to go 7 miles.

Bingo for Mom

2007-01-15T14:05:00.000-05:00

Recently my mom was put on this portable oxygen to help her with shortness of breath. She is 72 and loves to go out and play bingo. She usually gets there a few times a month. I recently found a new site that will allow her to not only play bingo but slots also.

I think this will help her keep busy and doing things she has fun doing. Much to my surprise, she can also play poker! My mom is a big game player and to think that she can now play differnt types of bingo games from the comfort of her house, regardless of the weather, is great!

Ok Mom, yell B I N G O

Is this January???? Do we have to take exams?

2007-01-14T19:49:00.000-05:00

Today and tomorrow it is supposed to be nearly 60 degrees here! This is amazing for the DC area. Of course they are saying it will be a high of 30 on Wednesday and Thursday, so I guess I will continue with this cold.

I wish we would get a good long blast of cold, some snow and then let spring come. Not that I like cold, I actually hate it, but we need to kill some nasty germs hanging around school and besides, we need at least one SNOW DAY!

We are starting to review for our 8th graders mid term exam. YUCK! I am only involved with the World History exam, thank God. The reveiw packets are huge and the exam is really difficult for most of them. It also counts as 20 % of their grade. Our special education students have so much trouble retaining all the information, doing the packets and then passing the exam. Most of them can do the work, some choose not too, some just bubble in the answer sheet and some work their butts off.

Anyway, between exams, warm weather and football playoffs, I think we need a BLIZZARD!

Thursday Thirteen

2007-01-10T20:01:00.000-05:00

It can be a long, boring drive to go those 7 miles to work each day. It usually takes me 30 to 45 minutes each way. So I notice alot about the cars around me. Here are 13 "vanity tags" that I saw on my way to work in one day!

IM SGL
HILTOPR
HOLSUM
TOYTWN
SKYLES
COURT RP
FIIIINE
TRBO RSH
LKYLNDZ
HST TCH8
4X4HER
DRV2FR
IMRFAN

Wordless Wednesday

2007-01-09T17:13:00.000-05:00

EDIT: This is in Danali State Park in Alaska. He DID NOT kill anything. The racks are there for display to show how big the moose and deer can get. The man doesn't hurt at all, well only for the things he misplaces!

Motivation Monday meme

2007-01-07T15:30:00.000-05:00

Sweet Kitty and I are both trying to lose weight this year. We are looking to start a meme to get others motivated with us.
Our hope is that we can get people from around the world to join us. Sweet Kitty is in Germany and I am in Va. (USA). Hopefully we can not only have enough bloggers from around the world, but if we keep track of the total pounds lost and put one pound per mile, we could virtually visit each other. How far is it from Va. to Germany?

The goal is to do one minute of excercise for each comment you receive. Of course, this can be in additon to whatever your routine is now. So if your goal is for 15 minutes of walking, then you would do an extra minute for each comment you receive.

So if you are interested, leave a comment on either blog and we will keep you posted on the upcoming Motivation Monday meme!

Why would anyone get up at 4:30 am?????

2007-01-06T11:12:00.000-05:00

ok, so I got alot of comments about why I would get up so early. Well, my hubby works in DC and you have to allow at least an hour to get to work from where we live. Sometimes it can take two to three hours, depending on traffice on 95. So, to avoid some of the traffic, he leaves home at 5:05 in hopes to be there by 6. If he would leave at 6, who know when he would get there. He doesn't have to be there until 7.

So, why do I get up? Good question! One reason is that I am a morning person. I also have tried to stay on his schedule, it makes the marriage work better. We go to bed around 9 each night. I leave for work around 7 so my time in the morning is "my time". I have plenty of time to get ready for work, check emails, pay bills, throw in a lot of laundry, prep something for dinner, whatever. I like not being rushed.

Coffee! Yes, hubby does bring me a cup of coffee in bed each morning around 4:50. He is ready to go to work and we have a cup of coffee together and watch the morning news. Again, it makes our marriage work better. He is a man of habit and this is a habit that I rather enjoy.

Finally, to answer another question, neither cases of bread or can veggies lasted long in my family. Nothing lasted very long. We grew up poor, moved alot, and learned responsibility at a very young age. At least the older ones did. There are many things I would liked to of had, opportunities that I missed out on and things I wished I had never experienced. However, my family is very important to me. My very best friend in the world is my sister who is a year older than me. We have some issues in my family, some have been in trouble with the law, some have had several marriages, some have had kids outs of marriage, But, Mom has a rule, still to this day. We have reunions twice a year and you leave your problems at the door!

It works!

Thursday thirteen

2007-01-03T19:20:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Facts about ME(some think they are weird)

I am next to the oldest of 10 children
I get up at 4:30 every morning (ok thats a bit weird)
Hubby brings me coffee in bed every day (awwwww)
I drink at least 6 bottles of water every day
I have worked in Special Education for 20 years
I was a girl scout leader for 20 years
I coached an award winning cheerleading squad in middle school for six years and was never a cheerleader in school.
I only remember going camping for vacations as a kid
My parents only got can vegetables and bread by the case
I don't remember NOT having a relative living with us growing up
We always seemed to have a dog
I have bio children known as "the good one", "the smart one" and "the favorite one".
I am a cancer survivor of nine years.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-01-02T19:32:00.000-05:00

View from bathtub

Losing Weight?

2006-12-29T08:32:00.000-05:00

As I have been reading the "resolutions" for next year, I notice many people want to lose weight. Ok, so I am with you on this! Just haven't written my resolutions yet.

I remember watching Oprah one day and heard her talking about the "hoodia" appetite suppressant. It has been around forever and seems like an easy way to lose weight.

Of course I went to the site and have been researching "Hoodia". Seems like p57 tricks the brain into thinking you are full. Well, I need something to trick my brain! Glad the hoodia plant doesn't have to be chewed on like it was in Africa. Can you imagine eating a plant like a catcus?

Thursday Thirteen

2006-12-27T14:33:00.000-05:00

Thirteen GOOD and BAD things about the Holidays

Good--- Family. We got to spend time with most of our family.
Good--- Graduation. My daughter "Baggage" graduated from
college, right before Christmas.
Good--- Engaged. My youngest daughter became engaged on
12/21/06 to a wonderful young man.
Good--- Mom survived her first holiday season without her
husband who died in July.
Good--- C0-worker got feeding tube removed before holidays.
Good--- All shopping, wrapping and preps were done in time.
Good--- House looks very festive, see last TT
Bad----- NO SNOW
Bad----- I have been sick for almost a week now. Dumb cold.
Bad----- Not everyone could be here on Christmas
Bad----- Hubby had to go back to work
Bad----- To sick to go out shopping after Christmas
Bad----- We have to go back to school on Tuesday. Not enough time to read all these books I got, take decoration down, clean house and even think about doing taxes!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wordless Wednesday

2006-12-26T19:45:00.000-05:00

Eve of the "EVE"

2006-12-23T19:06:00.000-05:00

Today was a busy day and I am not quite done. Went to the grocery store and there was not an open parking space, so I ended up parking near where the christmas tree lot was. Ok, so it was good to walk the short distance!

It took some time get all the groceries and get through the checkout. I am only hoping I didn't forget anything. I had a list, but you just never know. I hate having to put all the groceries away.

Hubby vacuumed the house and mopped the floors while I was gone.
That was a big help. I had to clear the dining room because I use it as my office most of the time, but with family coming tomorrow night, we need the table. Anyway, most of the house is clean and ready, the laundry is done and once I go over the bathrooms in the morning, we should be good.

Have my three step-sons and two of them have wives that will come. We always get together on Christmas Eve with hubby's kids. They are really big eaters, so I hope we have enough food. Its will be good for them all to come early also and watch the Redskin game.

On Christmas day, it will only be hubby and me until later in the evening with my youngest daughter and her boyfriend get her. I wish all the kids could be here, but thats not possible. maybe one year they will.

Ok, got to get back to prepping meals.

Happy Holidays!

Friday, full day of school, wasted??

2006-12-22T05:32:00.000-05:00

So, we are going to school today! Not even an early dismissal and are basically supposed to do "curriculum related" material. Its been a really long week and the kids are wild and just don't want to be there any more than the teachers do.

Several surrounding counties got out early on Wed. and today even the government workers are getting out at 1 pm. BUT, we will stay in school, with whatever kids show up today and then fight the traffic home to start our "winter" break.

Its a short break this year for us also. There are times that we get almost two weeks off. This year we only have from Dec. 25 to Jan.1 and start school back on Jan. 2nd. It will be a short week off and then we start all over with trying to get the kids back into the groove of learning. (haha)

Anyway, we will get credit for being in school, and I will keep hoping this is the year we get some snow days off!

Off to work!

Thursday Thirteen decoration tag

2006-12-20T20:07:00.000-05:00

Our House

So, lets play tag!

Blogger was acting up, so my daughter and I decided to do a tag team TT.

Go to "baggage" to
see the rest of my TT!

Angels on mantel

More angels

and still more angels

Some of my Snowmen

Part of Santa Collection

Big Ben in the village

School house area

Country Inn with fountain

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wordless Wednesday

2006-12-19T19:04:00.000-05:00

That was last year.
This year we broke records over the weekend for heat!

Another wedding Idea

2006-12-18T16:53:00.000-05:00

Not to long ago, we talked about my daughter having a fall wedding and some great ideas. I was also thinking about if a wedding could be in the fall and by a lake or beach. She seemed to like the idea of all the colors of the trees overlooking a body of water. So, as I usually do, I started researching the idea. I found some really cool ideas. One that I especially like is, "message in a bottle". I thought you could do alot with that theme. Also is one that has a sand dollar with Always-Ever. Isn't that romantic.

Of course, I am sure my daughter has her own ideas on all of this, but it is sure neat looking to see what cool ideas you can come up with these days. Something different, unique!

Thursday Thirteen

2006-12-13T17:31:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Reasons to go to the Family Reunion

It is basically mandatory
You get to drive two hours each way
You get to see your 4 brothers
You also get to see your 4 sisters
Not to mention the 28 grandchildren
You are assigned food to bring
You have an exhange name for gifts
You get "token" gifts from siblings
You bring home lots of Christmas Cards
You get to draw your name for next year gift exchange
You get plenty to eat
You get to hear all the family gossip
You are thankful that you have a family that gets together twice a year!

Wordless Wednesday

2006-12-12T18:13:00.000-05:00

Future wedding thoughts.

2006-12-11T20:32:00.000-05:00

I was talking to my youngest daughter over Thanksgiving about what she would want for a wedding. She loves October and wants to get married in the fall. I found this really cool site that not only has wedding invitations, but also cool stuff, like "save the date" cards.

It also has some really neat "theme" sets, like if you wanted to do a beach or disney theme. I am still looking to find the "fall theme"

Of course, she has to get engaged and set a date, but it is never too soon to start looking for just the right invitations.

Cookies, Cookies and more Cookies

2006-12-09T15:54:00.000-05:00

ok, so I have spent many hours today baking! Of course I do not like to cook and baking just about goes right along with the cooking is no fun!

The good part is hubby is working today, I have Christmas music blasting, the tree is on and pretty and the house smells good. The bad part is that my feet and shoulders are hurting, there are sprinkles all over and the sink is full of dishes.

Each year I bake about 20 dozen cookies for my husband to take into his job, along with making chocolate covered pretzels and then throwing in some candy. The guys eat all of it like in one day! I started this about seven years ago and I know they appreciate it, but it is time consuming.

Right now I have 2 dz. peanut butter, 4 dz. oatmeal, 4 dz. choc. chip and almost 5 dz. cut out sugar cookies. I am calling it quits for today!

No, you can't eat any!!!

Presents online

2006-12-09T09:52:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, I am a morning person and like to get things done early. I am really not useful after dinner. This year I had done a ton of shopping online. I found a great site where you can get coupon codes for a ton of online sites.

I have even made a list for my husband, who hates to go into any store, except like Home Depot or Lowes, and even that is an in and out process. I am hoping he will take the hint and go to atleast Target online and do his shopping, otherwise, I may not be very HO HO HO on Christmas morning.

Were You There???

2006-12-06T19:01:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things places I might of seen you in the past week!!

1…. Post office, had to mail packages to "Baggage"

2... Bed, Bath and Beyond--20% off coupon

3... Michaels-- 10% off, got some new candles

4... Target--looking for Corelle square plates (don't have them there)

5... Wal-Mart-- its open 24 hours and I need gift boxes

6... Linens and Things-- 20% off, looking for flannel sheets

7....CVS--bogo on several things I was looking for.

8... Best Buys---still looking for something for step son

9... Bank-- ran out of money (bet you were there)

10...Kohls---15% off and 1/2 price sale

11....Borders---everyone needs books for Christmas

12....Impressions--got to get the hair done before the holidays

13....Potomac Mills--ok, you must of seen me there. It only has about

100 different stores and 18 movie theatres.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Wordless Wednesday

2006-12-05T16:46:00.000-05:00

Kodi (female) was gotten from German Shephard Rescue 14 months ago and will just sit and wait for us to let her in. She doesn't even bark!

Cancer talk

2006-12-05T06:29:00.000-05:00

My "roomie" at school, we share the same classroom, just had surgery yesterday to remove a tumor. He has already gone through the chemo and radiation to shrink the tumor. The surgery went great and he will be out of work until the end of January.

A few months ago, I lost another friend and coworker to breast cancer.

A discussion at work has been about the number of people getting cancer. My point to them is that I don't think more people are getting cancer, I think more people are openly discussing Cancer. I think more people are having early detection, treatment and a higher survivor rate that ever before. People are being educated and listening.

For years I said, "why me". I was a single parent with three teenage kids, living on food stamps and working in the school system (thats another topic). I couldn't "afford" to have cancer. To take off work for six weeks. It was Christmas!! But, we did survive. The church, family and friends, helped so much.

The "why me", well I think I figured that out several years ago. It can happen to anyone, but what you do from the experience, makes the difference. I feel its to be there for other co-workers, friends, etc., who need someone to talk too. To tell others to GO get that mammo, or how important it is for any regular checkup. I survived because it was detected early. This month marks nine years!!!

Keep talking the cancer talk!

What Homework????

2006-11-29T19:17:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things about "why I don't have my homework"from middle school students

I forgot
Its in my locker
ummmm, its at home
at Mom's work (???)
someone took it on the bus
can't find it, but I did it
You didn't give it to me
Another teacher took it, can you believe it.
my sister picked it up by mistake
Mom spilled coffee on it
Did it on the computer but ran out of ink
I had better things to do
"I don't do homework"

I am just shocked by the number of students who have missing assignments and they just don't seem to care.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wordless Wednesday

2006-11-29T05:22:00.000-05:00

In my thoughts

2006-11-28T21:10:00.000-05:00

On Sept. 7th, a very close friend and co-worker lost her two year battle with cancer. I have thought about her alot at work and different things happen daily that make me want to call.

Today I came home from work and my dog was hiding in the bathtub! My friend would call me everytime we had a thunderstorm or tornado warning to see if I was hiding in the shower. It was always something she did. Today I wanted to call her and tell her Kodi was in the bathtub.

Also, I found out today that our school yearbook is being dedicated to her! What a wonderful tribute to a very dedicated teacher!

Lady, you will be remembered by so many students and staff.
We all love you and miss you dearly!

Thursday Thirteen

2006-11-22T21:06:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Reasons Why Thanksgiving is Special To Me

I grew up in a very large family, so any holiday meant we got to have a "real" meal and would have plenty to eat. We had a "last supper" type table, big enough to sit the twelve of us. My mom would get up very early and start cooking the biggest turkey she could find. The house smelled great all day. We could even watch the Macy Day Parade in our pj's. It was a day to relax and have fun as a family. It was a day that both parents were home.

I was also glad, in some ways, that we NEVER went to someones' house on a holiday. First off, would you want someone coming and bringing their nine kids? At home we had our own stuff to do and play with and besides, someone was always getting in trouble, so it was better to be home and less embarrassing for everyone.

Holidays are for families and I am glad we get to do Thanksgiving twice. Once with my husbands family and then with the kids here on Saturday to do our own feasting.

So, here are some the things I am Thankful for:

1. My Mom...not only did she give me life, but she is a very special person.

2. My Dad and stepdad...both deceased now, but both played an important part in my life.

3. My husband who is my partner, my friend and my love.

4. My three wonderful, intelligent, beautiful children, who make me so very proud.

5. My grand-daughter who has given us a new outlook on life.

6. My three step-sons who have added to much to our family over the past seven years.

7. My four brothers and four sisters who always keep our family interesting , to say the least.

8. My sister, who is my bestest friend.

9. The partners/spouses that are with our children.

10. My german shephard rescue dog, Kodi.

11. My job, even though it doesn't pay well, I enjoy what I do and I can do it well.

12. I am a cancer survivor.

13. My faith in God that what I do here on Earth is what I am supposed to be doing and that I am making a difference.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY!

Edit: I am very Thankful to Baggage who fixes this when I mess up!

Wordless Wednesday

2006-11-22T13:52:00.000-05:00

Little Wishes Program

2006-11-22T05:44:00.000-05:00

My daughter, Baggage, adopted out of the foster care program. There is not only a great need for more foster parents, but help to give these kids a few things they want. With the holiday season right around the corner, please consider helping make a WISH come true.

The program is called Little Wishes. It is a program in the St Louis area which grants Christmas wishes to children in foster care. The wishes vary from action figures, art supplies, popcorn parties, sweaters, a class ring, and art lessons.
In Missouri, most foster parents receive less than $300 dollars a month for foster children. That money has to pay for everything the child needs. Many people are under the false assumption that you can make money doing foster care, however, $300 dollars doesn't begin to pay for just the basics, much less compensate a foster parent for the time they spend caring for the children. Most foster parents aren't rich. They just want to help a child. In addition, many children are living in group homes or residential homes like Bug was, and they don' t have foster parents to buy them any Christmas gifts.
When Bug gave to live with me, she came with two pairs of underwear, three pairs of socks, and a suitcase of clothes that didn't fit her. She had a few dolls, a book, and a pack of play dough. She had never taken dance lessons, gone to mall and picked out a wardrobe, or got to go to an amusement park.
There are over 1,000 waiting children in the St Louis area alone.
If you would like to grant a wish, click here. You can also help by purchasing holiday cards. The money goes to help the Little Wishes program.
Also, if you are going to do any online shopping, please do it through this page.
Each time you do, the online store will donate a portion of the money to Little Wishes. For instance, if you shop at Amazon through that page, 12 to 15% of your total order will be donated.
You can choose a wish by category, child's name or price. Also, there is an option for you to donate additional money in order to help the cover the cost of finding families for children who are waiting to be adopted. You can also give a present in the name of someone else, and the organization will send you a card to give to the recipient.
Please, please consider donating to this very worthy cause. Please tell your friends and family.
Also, from now until Thanksgiving, for every person who posts about Little Wishes on their blog and comments here to let me know, Bug and I will donate an additional $5 dollars. Let's see how much good this one little blog can do.

As you have your Thanksgiving meal with family and friends, please keep these kids in your prayers. They would be very Thankful just to have a family.

Where to go...Where to go???

2006-11-15T19:08:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things about Vacationing Where?

I was on vacation in NC and have been reading “1,000 places to see before you die”.
Here are 13 places I found and a brief description of that place that would make me hesitate about why I would want to go there. (other than I can’t pronounce them)

1. Cliveden England----1960 setting of infamous Profuma scandal

2. Ullapool Scotland—no tv, phone and the generator shuts down at night

3. Malawi Africa—1150 sq. mile park inaccessible to cars, use horseback

4. Nizwa Oman—seat of the imams who ruled much of the interior for centuries.

5. Xi’an Shaanxi, China—2200 year old Terra-cotta soldiers

6. Paro Valley Bhuton—most remote and tantalizing corner of Asia

7. Ashkhabad, Turkmenistan—premier source of rugs for serious buyers with a trained eye

8. Old Bukhara Uzbekistan—where goats have unofficial right of way

9. Yangon Myanmar—battling tropical humidity and the dilapidated fume-belching buses, enjoy the only wine bar!

10. Saba—gumdrop-shaped 5 square miles are mostly vertical

11. Dieppe Baytown St. Kitts—Cloud-crowed volcanic island

12. Essex Conn.—one traffic light and no fast food joints in sight

13. PLACE WHERE PROTESTERS PROTEST, WHERE LOCALS TAKE THEIR DOGS TO ROMP, INTERNS SPEND THEIR LUNCH HOUR SUNBATHING, ITS ALSO THE VITAL FIRST STOP ON ANY VISTOR’S TOUR OF …….
WAIT,…..I’M HOME….ITS WASHINGTON DC

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Home Sweet Home

2006-11-12T15:39:00.000-05:00

A special Thanks to Baggage for posting for me. Even if it was not what I had intended, it was very special. I will post this week what was intended for last week, or maybe not. How can I compare to last week????

I promise I will get caught up with TT as soon as I get the laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping and getting package ready to mail to Baggage.

We had a very relaxing time, went way too fast and I am NOT looking forward to going back to work/school, tomorrow. YUCK!

And the Redskins are horrible today!!

Thursday Thirteen

2006-11-08T21:05:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things about DELIGHTFULDUCHESS AS TOLD BY HER DAUGHTER BAGGAGE WHO SCREWED UP

Hi everyone! Delightfulduchess went to the beach this week and left me, Baggage, in charge of posting her Thursday Thirteen. She emailed her TT to me, which apparently I deleted. Oops. Sorry Mom. So here are 13 wonderful things about my Mom, delightfulduchess, instead of her previously scheduled post.

1. My mom has a very awesome daughter. Wow. I mean, could she be any luckier? Minus the fact that I deleted her email of course.

2. My mom is exceptionally organized. She organizes her Christmas shopping with a precision I can only assume she learned from an elf.

3. My mom has very pretty blue eyes. She gave them to me. Not literally. That would be disgusting.

4. My mom is a very good Nana. She has been nothing but positive and accepting of me adopting from the beginning. When I got selected to parent my daughter, she sent me flowers.

5. My mom makes good broccoli soup.

6. My mom is a very careful driver. A very slow driver, but a very careful one.

7. My mom is a morning person. This means if I have a crisis in the morning, she is available.

8. My mom can sew like nobody's business. She made my prom dress, my wedding veil, and most recently my daughter's princess Halloween costume that got her a ton of complements.

9. My mom actually knows what a blog is.

10. My mom has a very nice dog.

11. When my mom dies, she said I can have the Oprah DVD that I gave her for Christmas. Which is nice, because it was expensive and it is a good DVD.

12. My mom does not freak out when I discuss sperm on my blog.

13. My mom never would get mad that I accidentally deleted her Thursday Thirteen and posted my own in her place. Nope!

What to EAT???

2006-11-01T19:09:00.000-05:00

I don't enjoy cooking! I never know what to cook. I hate coming homefrom work and have to figure out what I want to make for dinner. I always seem to buy the same stuff. I need HELP. So here areThirteen Regular MEALS!

Honey BBQ Wings
Meatloaf
Spaghetti with garlic bread
Hot Dogs with baked beans
Beef Stew in crock pot
Chili in crock pot
Corn beef Hash
Salmon
Mrs. Pauls Beer Batter Fish
Tacos
Pork Chops
Ham Slice
Shake and Bake Chicken

PLEASE HELP, I only use the basic spices and really, really, don't enjoy cooking. I would have someone make all my meals if possible!!

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Bathroom shower

2006-10-30T20:30:00.000-05:00

As you may already know, I have been dealing with this severe sprained ankle for about a month now. One of the adjustments has been taking baths and showers. I had to start taking showers downstairs because step and then stepping into the upstairs shower was very painful. So, we are lucky to have a walk-in shower downstairs. It has a great shower head that has wonderful presssure. Now I am hooked on the downstair shower. People have told me how great it was, but I have just showered upstairs most of the time because my clothes are up there.

Anyway, I started researching other shower components for the upstair shower. Hopefully I will get out of the walking boot soon and can use both showers. However, I still want to replace the one upstairs. Not only did I find several that I liked, I found that you can get a heated towel rack. This would be wonderful to have. Think I will add it to my Christmas Wish List!

Rescue Dogs

2006-10-25T14:53:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things about our Rescue Dog

We rescued her one year ago from http://www.shepherdrescue.org/
Her name was Buttons but we changed it to Kodi
She is afraid of men, especially tall men
She is afraid of sudden noise
She is afraid of sudden movement
She knows all the basic commands
She is very well behaved
She stays in the yard, no fence
She carries a toy in her mouth all the time.

10.She can tell time, no joke, she knows when its bed time!

11. She loves playing in the snow with "Bug"

12. She is a great addition to our family!

13. If you ever want a dog, visit rescue, they have great

dogs who need your love.

WE just love KODI.

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Same Sex Classes??

2006-10-25T04:53:00.000-05:00

We have a new principal this year and the talk has been about making our school a "speciality school". This is not unusual in our area. Our school is VERY diverse to start with. I think we have kids from 28 different countries and going down the halls, you have the feeling of being in the "United Nations Building" instead of a middle school. Our ESOL population has about doubled this year also.

Anyway, I have been doing alot of thinking about "same sex" classes and think it would be great for our school. Middle school kids are NOT what they use to be. It amazes how much PDA, (public display of affection) goes on. The kids can't go down the hall without hugging, doesn't matter whom, they just hug, girls to girls, girls to boys, boys to boys, just hug! They flirt all the time in class, worry too much about how they look, wear inappropriate clothes. I have never seen so much cleveage in all my life!

From what I have been reading, studies show that students do better in class, pay attention, less distruptive and test better, when only with the same gender.

So, what do you think?

WILBUR BUDS!!!!! yum YUM

2006-10-20T04:46:00.000-05:00

In Pa. there is a small quaint town named Lititz. It is located right outside Lancaster. I love this place, not only because one of my sisters live there, who just happens to be my best friend, but because it is a great place to live.

In the middle of town there is a park and one of those circles that you go around. If you go to the right on the circle, you can get to the Pretzel factory and if you stay straight you can go to Wilbur Chocolate. The town actually smells like chocolate on some days! Anyway, since my kids were little, we would go visit and go to the pretzel factory and of course get chocolate.

They have lots of great things in the store but the thing I really love is called Wilbur Buds. They are small pieces of chocolate that looks like a bud. You can get dark or milk chocolate. It basically melts in your mouth!

So, I always get boxes of Buds and give them to co-workers and family and everyone always wants more. This year I am actually taking a co-worker from England to Lititz to not only get chocolate and pretzels, but to see how the Amish live. Yes, they do have horse and buggy there and they hitch up at the great farmers market/grocery store. Great place to visit.

Ask Baggage about her adventures to Lititz and her love for Buds!

Comforting Foods

2006-10-18T18:04:00.000-05:00

Thirteen FOODS that make ME feel GOOD(Can you tell what kind of mood I am in? Warm chocolate chip cookiesOatmeal with brown sugar and butterChocolate Ice CreamBaked sweet potatoesWatermelonHot, freshly buttered popcornRedskin Chili with cheeseCornbreadPancakes with apple butterWendy's FrostyCheddar Potato ChipsWilbur budsSunday morning Omlets made by hubby!

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Friday the 13th

2006-10-14T05:27:00.000-05:00

My students get crazy about having to take a test on the 13th and not to mention its the 13th of October! Anyway, either they know the material or they don't and after reading the test to them, I don't think many of them know the material. Middle school is tough! The kids are in between the fun cut and paste, field trips and walking in a straight quiet line down the hall to being swamped with homework, loud crowded halls and not quite sure what they are doing in life. These kids "go with" and "dump" each other all the time. They have more PDA (public display of affection) than I have ever seen. They can't go from class to class without hugging! Yes, its against the rules!

Anyway, the day followed by me reading about Baggage and her blog and parenting skills, along with researching information about training a service dog. I know this blog must be boring also, but who cares, its for me.

The highlight of the day was the call from Bug about how well she did on her testing and how much she has improved. I remember the first time I took her to Borders and she wanted to get preprimer type books. Of course I led her to the chapter books. Now the child reads all the time, just like her Mom. I am very proud of both Bug and her Mom for doing such a great job this past year and I know Bug will enjoy her new school.

Oh, YES, I am working on the princess outfit. Now Bug said she thinks sequents would be pretty. I think I will mail them to her along with the dress and let them put them on!!

Hope everyone can enjoy the weekend, the snow in Buffalo (Hi Chuck) and the beautiful changing colors here on the East Coast!

2006-10-11T18:29:00.000-05:00

Thirteen COOL THINGS ABOUT BEING THE "NANA" OF AN OLDER CHILD

She could TALK from the beginning.
She didn't need to be POTTY TRAINED
She FEEDS herself
She can DRESS herself
You can take her shopping and hear, "THAT'S NOT MY STYLE"
She send me EMAILS
You can teach her to COOK and SEW
She can WALK the DOG
Say says, very loudly, "NANA"!!
She can pick up the phone and CALL me.
She can do CHORES
She gives me a t-shirt that says, "THIS NANA BELONGS TO BUG"!
SHE LOVES ME!!

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Rough Week

2006-10-11T18:09:00.000-05:00

So I have been trying to work at school, staying out of the halls with all the middle school kids and using my chair to move around the classroom. It has NOT been easy. Then trying to use the crutches to hobble down the hall to get to the rest room, and of course, another teacher is in there!

Then its everyone asking "what happened" and I keep saying that so and so kicked me or something. Even said to one person that I feel trying to ski! Haha, I have never been on skies! It sound so much better than saying I sprained my ankle carrying laundry!

On top of the ankle issue, I have not been to the the grocery store in almost two weeks, my husband has been going, doing a good job, but he only gets exactly what is on the list. Well, I have not done a great job and putting the "list" together. I only put the thing we run out of, not the things I need to make a certain meal. Like I made "redskin chili" for the game last Sunday, but then didn't have cornbread or biscuits. I would of just picked them up when I shopped, but he didn't know we needed them. Anyway, meals have been interesting.

We also got a new assistant principal at school, a new SPED teacher and I know my schedule is going to change. I just like it the way it is now and am concerned about what the changes will be.

And then there are a few family issues. My mom is still adjusting to my stepdad dying and one of my brothers is having some legal problems. Also "Baggage" is going through a tough time and I don't live close to her to really "be there" for her.

One good thing is that my followup mammogram is ok. They did 5 views today and my doctor was acting weird but she said "we will continue to keep an eye on this", come back in six months.

So, hopefully next week will be better.
Keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers.

2006-10-04T16:18:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Reasons for already starting your holiday shopping!!!!!!(before Halloween)

You are one of ten children
You have 3 bio and 3 step children
Your 6 children all have S. O.
You have a very special grand daughter
You have 28 neices and nephews
Your work does "secret santa"
Your coworkers exchange "token" gifts
You have to get packages in the mail early
You can find what you want
You don't have to stand in long lines
You can buy online and still have time for delivery
You have a "hubby" who is difficult to buy for
YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE THERE IS SOME MONEY LEFT IN DECEMBER SO YOU CAN GET SOME PRESENTS!

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1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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Ankle and Hubby

2006-09-30T09:52:00.000-05:00

So, I can now hobble around with one crutch! Making great progress. Now to return to work! Doctor said I could, but limited?? Limited work???? Well, he said limited walking and standing! I teach!! Go figure! I will just have to sit in my chair and wheel myself all over the school. I change classes every period, different room and will only have to fight my way through about 1000 kids. Should be interesting.

On the other hand, my hubby has been great. I know I shouldn't complain when he asked, "what are you doing, or where are you going". Like I can actually GO anywhere. I would say, "just the bathroom", or "getting water". He keeps telling me I am supposed to "stay off the foot". I know that!!
He has been going out of his way to take care of me. He has taken off work to "help" me. He has fixed dinners and taken care of the dog and even gone to the store. He literally HATES going to any store, other than Home Depot. He is a good guy. I am thankful that I have him!