10 Things Thursday

10 reasons I love our school...

1. The staff. We like each other and work well together and share in this ministry together. I am encouraged each day by these great people and their dedication to God's children.
2. The kids. We have such a great bunch of kids. And my class this year is especially cute.
3. The parents. Sometimes parents are the hardest part of my job, but the truth is, they love their kids and want what's best for them. And some of them are really, really great.
4. The curriculum. I get to teach kids to read and write and count and sing. And on top of all that, I get to teach them about the love of God.
5. My husband. I met him here a whole bunch of years ago when I was 10 and he was 11. The rest is history. (This is the 30th year for our school.)
6. My children. The boys are just down the hall and I get to see them several times a day. And Julianna gets to come to school with me in the afternoons.
7. My classroom. I have taught in this room for 8 years. I'm as comfortable here as I am anywhere.
8. The rewards. I don't get paid much. Not nearly as much as a public school teacher with 10 years experience. But the rewards I do receive could never be measured with dollar signs. My rewards are measured in smiles and stories and hugs and friends.
9. The environment. Working out in the world is hard for me as a Christian. Here I am surrounded by other Christians and don't have to deal with all that working in "the world" brings. Yes, there are still issues. We are human, after all. But in all my years teaching here, I have never heard a swear word spoken by any of my coworkers. (Although, I can't say that for my kindergartners.)
10. The future. I don't know how many more years the boys will attend our school, but Julianna still has a long future with this school that has meant so much to our family. And here's where I need your help. We are trying to start a 3 year old preschool program and are trying to find students to fill that class. I am especially dedicated to this project because it would mean that Julianna could start preschool next year and be just across the hall from me. If you know any families with 3 year olds who are looking for a great and affordable preschool option for their children, please pass our information on to them. Here it is. Thank you so, so much.

Coeur d'Alene Christian School
(208)772-7118
www.cdachristian.org

C-U-T-E

Adam: Mom, can I have some P-O-P?
(The boys have learned to spell words that they don't want Julianna to hear. But before I could answer...)
Julianna: Mom, can I have some C-D-F?

1 "Blessed Sunday" + 1 "10 Things Thursday" = 1 Manic Monday

Yesterday I was much too busy to write a Blessed Sunday Post. You see, I was blessed to spend all day at Silverwood Theme Park with my family and Kathy and her boys. So here are 10 things about our day at Silverwood.

1. It was a perfect day for it. 75 and sunny. And a September visit pretty much assures short lines for the rides.
2. The boys had earned their tickets from a reading program at school and we had bought ours at the school auction back in May. (Julianna is still free until she turns 3.)
3. It was great that Kathy and her boys were going on the same day. We met up off and on through the day to go on rides together. All four boys were glad to have buddies to play with, and the parents were glad we didn't have to go on the bumper boats.
4. Speaking of bumper boats, even the best laid strategy for soaking bystanders armed with quarter operated water canons cannot compete with said bystanders and their more powerful weapons. The outcome was four soaked to the bone boys and several thoroughly satisfied bystanders.
5. Magic is magical. I know it's all slight of hand and illusion, but it's still pretty amazing. Even when the audience participant exits his hiding place a little early.
6. There is nothing better than watching the face of a two year old on her first train ride. She loved it. The wind in her hair. The whistle. The train robbery.
7. Yes, I said train robbery. During a little stop on our way around the park, two miners/robbers boarded the train and collected money in bags. (Which is given to local charities.) Even though the show is the same as it's been for years, and the robbers seemed to be new to the gig, the kids liked it. (I think maybe the summer performers are more experienced. These autumn guys weren't quite as...umm...believable.)
8. It's all about the kids. The grown ups went on a few rides, but we mostly followed the kids around to rides and bought them food when they got hungry.
9. Adam got me on Panic Plunge and Timber Terror. He said the best part of the roller coaster ride was hearing me screaming all the way around. Yeah. Real funny.
10. Even though we live less than 5 minutes from the park, we only go once a year. And even though it's lots of fun, I think once a year is just perfect.

Kid Pics

My mom wanted new pictures of the kids for her birthday last week. So we went out in the yard and here's what I got.

Show and Tell

The first Friday of the school year = the first show and tell day of the year. Here's what we had today.

A grandma. K.'s grandma was visiting from Indiana and was a fine show and tell. After K. introduced her, she talked to them about how she comes to visit and what they do between visits (talking on the phone, talking on Skype, sending packages). It was very sweet.

Snow. Yes. Snow. A. had a science kit that created a very snow-like substance when he added some white powder to water. It was really cool. Even I thought so.

Pink Princess Bible. From I.'s cubby. Because she forgot to bring anything else.

Stuffed Snow White doll. From a trip to Disneyland. Very cute.

Soccer trophy. Kindergartners are always proud of trophies. It's a show and tell staple.

Blankie. That T. got for her birthday when she was "little."

10 Things Thursday

10 ways school is different this year from last.

1. My class. Obviously. This year I have 8 students and 7 of them are girls. Yes. There is only one boy. He doesn't seem to mind.
2. My classroom. I cleaned a lot and rearranged a little. I like it.
3. The boys are in different classes. Last year they were in the same class since our school has combined grades. Them being separated is a good thing. For everyone.
4. Julianna. She is with my sister until lunch and then with me at school for the afternoon. That's not different. But what is different is that she's no longer the baby who needed me to hold her and rock her and feed her. She's now a little girl who plays and draws and makes things out of play doh.
5. The staff. One of our teachers moved to a new school. It's just not quite the same. We are happy for her, but miss her all the same.
6. My behavior management procedure. Last year I would write or erase stars by the students' names on the white board. This year I have frogs with each child's name. When they misbehave, their frog moves from their lily pad to the time out log. Which means the student has a 5 minute time out at recess. If they misbehave again, their frog moves into a pond. The pond is a 10 minute time out. We'll see how it goes. No frogs have had to jump anywhere yet. (So I make my naughty kids "go jump in the lake." Which isn't as bad as what Kathy does. She makes her naughty kids sit in the "Hole.")
7. My afternoons. I only have 2 or 3 kids who stay with me all day. So I volunteered to teach art to Josh and Adam's classes. I'm looking forward to it. I have some fun ideas.
8. My arrival time. Last year I got to school right on time...or a little after. This year I'm determined to be a few minutes early. So far, so good.
9. This year I won't be helping Kathy with all her extra curricular school stuff...book fair, auction, book fair, etc. Wait, yes I will. That's not different at all. Besides, if I don't help her, she'll put me in the "Hole."
10. My attitude. I am aiming for excellence. For my students. And for myself.

And so it begins...

Today I woke up to an alarm, changed out of my jammies before breakfast, and wore socks.

School has begun.

Making lunches, laying out school clothes, planning lessons, smelling like play doh and white board markers, reading a million picture books, singing the ABCs way more than should be required of any grown up, cleaning up spilled watercolor water, teaching phonics and numbers and handwriting, giving permission to go to the bathroom, get a drink, and sharpen a pencil, knowing within the first three minutes of the day who will be a "pleasure to have in class," knowing within the first two who will not.

Yes, school has begun. Another year to teach...and to learn.

Blessed Sunday--Pet Edition

Last April at our school auction we bought a pet package. It had a huge bag of dog food and a basket of toys and various dog supplies. Also included was a certificate for a free puppy adoption from our local humane society shelter. A puppy? Another puppy? I certainly didn't mention to the boys about the certificate. I would have never heard the end of it. But Arrty and I had been talking about getting a companion for Jake. Even at six years old he likes to wander and find friends to play with. We were thinking that if he had a playmate here, he wouldn't wander so much. So this summer I started checking the shelter website to see what dogs they had available for adoption. Not many puppies come in. Last week there were three chow mix puppies. After a little research and advice from those who know (Kathy and Arrty), I decided that those weren't the dogs we needed for Jake or the kids.* But this week when I checked, there was another puppy available. She was a beagle/border collie mix. Are you kidding me? If I have a favorite breed, those two are on the top of the list. So I called Arrty and he agreed to meet us at the shelter after work to meet her. I still didn't tell the boys what was going on. Just that we were going to town to meet their dad for a surprise. Adam could hardly stand it. "Can we do fun things where we're going?" "Kind of." "Is there food there?" "Ummm, yes." (But not for us.) "Will we like it?" "Yes. Yes, you will." As we turned on the road, there was a sign pointing the way. Josh saw it and said, "Really, mom? Really? Is that really where we're going?" He knew what it was because we got Luke there last year. Then I explained to them about the certificate and that we were going to meet a puppy and see if she could be right for our family. They were beyond excited! All my kids love animals!

Well, the boys and I instantly fell in love. (Julianna was more interested in the kittens.) This puppy was really sweet and friendly and easy going. Through all the activity going on around her, she was pretty calm. I asked a few questions and filled out a bunch of paperwork, and a few minutes later, we were walking out with a new family member.

So, without further ado, meet Piper.

Here she is meeting Jake. He is very patient with her and loves having a new friend.

We were told that she is three months old (although the vet says she's probably closer to 5 months old). She weighs almost 16 pounds. (Jake weighs 95 pounds!) She's been great so far. She's slept in the boys' room since we got her without making a peep all night. She's only had one accident in the house. And she's sweetly put up with Julianna's unending attention. And for me, a newly inducted dog person, she's perfect. Just look at that face.

*The chow puppy that was still at the shelter was super cute and friendly. If you are in the market for a pet, please check the shelter website at www.kootenaihumanesociety.com to see what pets are available for adoption.

Dream a Little Dream

Here's how I know it's August. Cooler nights. North Idaho Fair. Aisles and aisles of school supplies at Target. And first day of school nightmares.

Since I started teaching 14 years ago, I have had at least one nightmare about the first day of school sometime during the end of August. Usually about the time I start working in my classroom. Two days last week were spent cleaning and organizing my room. So this weekend the dream came. There are a few things that these dreams always have in common. First, I'm never ready: my room is a mess and I don't know what I'm doing. Second, there are way more students than I thought I was having in my class. Third, there are parents around getting in my way and trying to boss me. And last, the kids misbehave, refuse to listen to me, and are just naughty.

Sometimes the dreams are silly. Like the year I dreamt that my class was full of rock stars. Jon Bon Jovi, Steven Tyler, Eddie Van Halen, and Slash all stuffed into kindergarten sized chairs. But unlike my other dreams, they were all very well behaved. That actually could have been a fun year!

But this 2010 dream was rather disturbing. Messy room? Check. Too many kids? Check. Annoying parents? Check. Naughty kids? Check. But if that wasn't enough, the kids were kindergartners the size of high schoolers. All taller than me. (Not that that's saying much.) And when I wanted them to line up to go to chapel they refused to be quiet and walk in a line. Once I finally herded them upstairs and got them seated, they still talked and played and were disrespectful. Then when it was time to go, they all went running out of the room. As I went chasing them, some of them went into a small room around the corner and started shooting blow darts at me! Not just spitballs. Actual DARTS! Ooh, that made me mad. Then when I got back to the classroom, the rest of the kids had left for recess without permission. Except for one boy named Pheadrus (it said it on his name tag) who was sitting quietly in his desk. Thanks, Pheadrus. Our principal came in and asked me if I needed help. By that time I was really mad, and therefore I did NOT need help. Shortly thereafter the kids all came in and sat down. And boy did they get an earful. Even the dart blowers were scared and sat quietly. I took control and soon they were all sweet little kindergartners. Well, not so little. They were still all 6 feet tall. And all would have been good, if it weren't for that mom sitting in my chair with her feet up on my desk.

Then I woke up. I still felt kind of mad. But mostly I just thought, "What was that about?" And then I sighed a sigh of relief knowing that if nothing else, all the students who walk into my classroom next Tuesday will at least be shorter than me.

Blessed Sunday

I don't know how many times I've posted about my children being blessings. Because they are. My greatest blessings. But on top of having three of the smartest, cutest, sweetest kids ever, they are also healthy. I say a quick prayer of thanks every time I see a child who is not healthy in some way. Today we had lunch with a family whose youngest son has juvenile diabetes. He has to test his levels 8 times a day. And take shots if he wants to have a cupcake. Wow. That's a lot for a second grader...and his family...to have to worry about.

My kids can see and hear and run and play and dance and sing and eat a cupcake any time they want. They aren't even allergic to anything. They are strong and well. And I don't take for granted for one second what a blessing that is.

Fair Pictures

Our family usually goes to the fair two days. One for motocross and one for the rodeo. And we walk around and see all there is to see before those events. But this year we had decided not to go at all. But when Dave at Huckleberries Online offered tickets to go, I took him up on it and took the kids on Wednesday afternoon.

First we went to see some of the animals. Julianna loved the pigs.

I think it was because most of them were pink.

She even got brave and touched a few of them.


Then we went to the Kids' Corner. Julianna did the bean bag toss.


And soon decided it was easier just to drop them in the hole.

She also found this fun sand box and scooped and poured for awhile.

For many years the boys have made pictures on these art spinners.

I was happy that even though they are older, they still made me a picture.

Adam is really concentrating on his masterpiece.


Julianna even made one.

Josh had to show her how to gently touch the paper with the marker

instead of trying to draw her own picture.

We saw lots of animals and Jules wanted to pet them all.

This goat was kind enough to oblige.

We also ate Hawaiian shaved ice, watched the police dog demonstration, looked at the photography exhibit, watched the hypnotist, and looked at lots of other animals. We had a great time and I'm glad we got to go for a few hours.

10 Things Thursday

I know you have all been waiting on the edges of your seats to know if I actually did everything on my 10 things Monday list. The truth is, mostly. I didn't get to the hall closet and still have a little work to do in our room. But I also did a bunch of stuff that wasn't on the list. And since then, it's been a whirlwind of activity. So here are 10 things I've done since Monday.

1. Went to Chuck E. Cheese's. Julianna does NOT like the giant mouse.
2. Fixed dinner with my sister for family dinner night. West Virginia sandwiches*, chips, salad, and watermelon.
3. Went to girls' night at Alyson's and watched movies. "Far and Away" and "The Holiday."
4. Held a super cute little baby girl and wished for the millionth time that I would stop wanting more babies. I'm almost 40 for goodness sake.
5. Went to the North Idaho Fair. (Thanks Dave for the tickets. The cookies are coming.) Julianna loved the pigs. I loved watching my kids enjoy the fair.
6. Ate a half strawberry, half blackberry Hawaiian shaved ice. Mmmm. Wish I had one right now.
7. Went to Bible class. I learn something new every time I open the book.
8. Went to a staff meeting.
9. Volunteered to teach art to the older grades AND supervise student council.
10. Worked in my classroom. Still have lots to do.

*Ham and Swiss cheese on toasted French bread. Add whatever toppings you like. I like mayo and tomato.

10 Things Monday--Special Edition

10 things I WILL do today.

1. Finish cleaning/reorganizing the kitchen.
2. Empty and remove the bookshelf from the living room.
3. Laundry. Loads and loads of laundry.
4. Clean/reorganize our bedroom.
5. Get Julianna's room ready to paint...again.*
6. Supervise the boys while they clean their bedroom.
7. Supervise the boys while they clean their bathroom.
8. Clean out the hall closet.
9. Listen to music and sing along.
10. Play with my kids.

*I've had it cleaned up and ready a few times, but then Tornado Julianna hits it and I have to start all over.

10 Things Thursday

10 things that made me smile today.

1. My daughter using the word "bodyguard." Yes, she is two.
2. My daughter asking Kathy if she had any coins when I told her I didn't have any for the candy machine at the movies.
3. Hearing my children laugh out loud at the movie.
4. My niece trying over and over to sneak cups that weren't hers.
5. My sister's jalapeno poppers.
6. Music.
7. A butterfly.
8. Imagining my house perfectly organized.
9. Feeling peaceful.
10. Hearing Julianna sing "Blessed Be The Name of the Lord."

Potty Training 301

Potty Training 101: Introduction the Hard Way

Potty training Josh was an ordeal. Partly because of me and my too high expectations as a first time potty trainer. I think I put too much pressure on him. Partly because he is stubborn. It seemed like it took forever. And then it was a process. He'd do some things in the potty, but not others. He'd do really well for a few days then we'd go back to page one. But eventually by age 3 1/2 he was fully trained and rarely, if ever, had an accident thereafter.

Potty Training 201: If Only It Was Like This Every Time

Adam was a completely different story. Over Christmas break when he was 19 months old I took him to the bathroom and showed him what to do and that was it. Easiest potty training ever.

Potty Training 301: Pink Potty Plan

So here I am again in the midst of toddlerhood with Julianna. I had this brilliant idea about repeating Adam's miraculous Christmas break training with her last December. She knew the process and the words. I thought we were ready. But the whole two weeks of vacation she had this horrible cold and I knew it would be too much for her to add something else. Fast forward to June. The Monday after school got out I pulled out the pink princess potty and pull-ups. She'd sit on the potty happily. We chatted and read and sang. Nothing. Pull-up back on. Wet. Repeat the next hour and the next day and the next week. She's happy as a lark sitting there playing with me or even talking to herself and her bath toys, but always an empty potty. (Except for twice when she "accidentally" went while sitting.) And here we are mid-August having repeated the same thing all summer long. So Monday I went to Target and bought diapers. I know. Diapers. I didn't like it one bit and told her that. She didn't care. And since then she has happily worn diapers and even told me this morning that she likes diapers. I keep telling myself that she's barely two and there's plenty of time. But, oh, the disappointment of not reaching my goal of NO MORE DIAPERS. EVER. But if my first two potty training endeavors taught me anything, it's that it's all up to the kid. And to not force it. So we'll try again later...maybe Christmas break.

Rambling

Julianna said, "Fine," to me the other night. As in, "Julianna, come get your jammies on....Julianna, it's time for bed, come get your jammies on...Julianna Grace, come get your jammies on now!" "Fii-iine."

She has also started watching tv. Actually she only watches the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Over and over and over.

"Hairspray" was the best show of the summer theater season. Let me just say that it was all I could do to keep my rear in the seat and not jump up and dance. I was sooo happy when they invited us to dance at the end. Are you kidding me? Yes, I want to dance!

School starts soon. That's all. I just had to say it.

This morning the kids and I went and picked green beans in my mom's garden. After we picked them, they wanted to break them so then we did that. It was a great time with my kids and helped mom out, too.

Then we went to the beach. They love the beach. The boys hardly got out of the water the whole 3+ hours. And as I sat and watched my boys dig in the sand and play with their sister, I quietly hoped that they'll still want to dig and play at the beach next summer...and the next...and the next.

I've tried to read "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" three times this summer. It's been hard for me to get into. I think this third time's the charm.

Speaking of books to movies, I went to see "Eat, Pray, Love" last weekend. First let me say that I love Julia Roberts. And I liked the movie maybe even better than I liked the book. And now I want to travel the world. Alone.

Speaking of alone, I went to that movie alone. Some people who know me think it's weird that I go to the movies alone. But it's one of my favorite things to do. I go and sit where I want and drink my Diet Coke without having to share and watch the movie and laugh and cry whenever I want. You should try it.

WILD

The Idaho Fish and Game Department has a program called Project Wild. It's to help teachers learn how to include wildlife studies in their curriculum. Many years ago I took WILD and then had a super fun time taking the week long WILD II in McCall. We watched herds of elk, howled at wolves, caught and released salmon from the hatchery trap, caught and tagged bats, and crawled inside a bear den. And we did tons of activities from the books they gave us. I learned so much about Idaho wildlife and had so much fun doing so.

So a few weeks ago when I was signing my boys up for a hunter safety class on the Fish and Game website, I clicked over onto the WILD page and found Project WILD for Early Learners. It's a class especially for kindergarten to second grade teachers. I found out the details, asked my sister if she could keep the kids while I went, and signed up as quickly as I could. I was really excited because I've always loved the WILD program so much. Also, it's an easy and cheap U of I credit towards my teacher re-certification. And they give us lots of great stuff!

So Tuesday and Wednesday I spent the day in the classroom at Cabela's being reintroduced to this great program. There is a new book just for early learners that is perfect for me...lots of pictures and easy lesson plans that include music, lots of art, and snacks! Over the two day class we looked at every lesson in the book in one way or another. The facilitator and IDFG staff led some of the activities. And some of the lessons were taught by us during peer teaching. (There was a mixture of teachers, day care providers, and even a few grandparents taking it just to have the information for their grandkids.) We talked about things from the water cycle to earthworms to salmon to Idaho raptors to bears.

One of my favorite parts was the discussion that the IDFG facilitator gave about bears. Did you know that we have 20,000 black bears in Idaho including up to 4 per square mile in the Priest Lake area? Did you know that when bears are born they weigh only 6-8 ounces? Yes. Ounces. And did you know that after they put radio collars on some bears in the spring they go back while they are hibernating and retrieve and replace them? And that sometimes the bears wake up and aren't happy?!

But as much as I liked the class as a whole, my very favorite part was the raptor discussion. I've seen it a few times before because it's the same program that is presented to schools. But this time was special. Beth, who led the discussion, works with the IDFG and cares for injured birds who can't be released into the wild. She brought four of her birds with her to our class. As she started her presentation, she mentioned that they had four birds and only three handlers. Would anyone volunteer to hold one? Ooooh, me! My hand was the first one up and I got to hold an adorable Western Screech Owl named Ilene. (She was hit by a car and had to have her right wing amputated and tends to lean to the left a little.) So I put on the long, leather gloves and Ilene climbed on my hand. She sat there and looked at me with her huge, yellow eyes for the longest time. I pretty much fell in love with her. Here's a picture of a Western Screech Owl. It's not Ilene, but looks a lot like her.

As I walked out to my car on Wednesday afternoon saying bye to new friends and carrying my bags of treasures from the class, I was so glad I had found out about it and was able to go. It (almost) makes me look forward to school starting so I can share what I learned with my students.

I'm Back...

...kind of.

So much to do, so little time. But I will be checking my email and stopping by my favorite blogs occasionally. But unfortunately the countdown to school has begun (for me at least) and the precious moments that are left of my summer vacation will be better spent away from my screen and keyboard.

Hope everyone else is having a great summer. Enjoy the sun!!

Unplugged

Starting after I publish this post, I will be going "unplugged" for a week. No blogging or reading blogs. No online news. No games. No email.

I have realized that I am slightly addicted to my PC and have been neglecting other things because of it. And it's August. AUGUST! My summer is quickly dwindling away and I have hardly crossed anything off my to do list. So for the sake of that list, I will be unplugged.

See you next week.

Blessed Sunday

Blessed be the name...