P.E.
So, instead of actually doing any kind of physical activity in PE yesterday, the kids (even the ones who weren't supposed to have PE today) all sat for an hour and listened to a pitch about how to raise money for diabetes. When did fund-raising become a part of the curriculum? I have so many issues with this it's hard to know where to begin.
1. I hate fund-raising at school...they lure the kids with promises of prizes if they raise a
certain amount of money and then the parents are the "bad guys" when they don't want
or can't participate.
2. The kids are learning to only do good works when there is something in it for them, hence
the prizes.
3. They already watch "health" movies when they have PE on Fridays (another hour of no
physical activity. Isn't that the point of PE?).
4. They are taking up valuable time away from other classes because the students that were
supposed to have other Specials (art, music, theatre arts) were sitting in the gym.
Have I said enough?
T.V.
After being let out of class extremely early, I thought to myself, "It will be so great to be home and spend time with the family. Maybe we can find a show to watch all together." I was actually quite excited at the idea of all of us enjoying one show (it very rarely happens). 7 o'clock rolls around and I start flipping channels to find a good family show. Here is what I found:
Medical mystery that is too graphic and contains adult themed discussions.
Lawyers that will sleep with whoever happens to be around after a hard day.
Adults returning to college with an emphasis on one student who is sleeping with a professor.
Three nerdy science guys on a trip to Vegas trying to find someone with whom to "score".
Vampires...'nuff said.
What happened to family shows at 7 pm on prime time television? Not one major network has a show that is appropriate for the whole family to watch. No wonder we never watch TV together. I can remember watching Cosby with my family every week when I was a kid.
It was a somewhat disappointing day.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The Grindstone
My nose is almost there. Made it through the first class but I can't really say I am excited to be back. Honestly, I really enjoyed just being a housewife for a month. So, the semester begins. I only have two of the six books that I need...compliments of the university bookstore. Hopefully they will all arrive this week.
I really should be reading textbooks but I think I'll finish the Clive Cussler book first. MUCH more interesting!
Off I go :)
I really should be reading textbooks but I think I'll finish the Clive Cussler book first. MUCH more interesting!
Off I go :)
Monday, January 4, 2010
Back to School
For the kids! I still have two weeks of freedom...if you call deep cleaning the house and finishing random projects freedom. Already I'm behind. But that's what happens when you can't breathe and end up sleeping on the couch.
The goal for today: take down Christmas. Always bittersweet. I also need to call the piano tuner, order books and clean the kitchen.
Speaking of ordering books, why is it that the professors don't put the required textbooks up until the last second? Do they not realize that some of us order them online and they have to be mailed? Grrrrrr....
Other goals for the next two weeks: see New Moon and get a pedicure. Maybe I should do those first :)
The goal for today: take down Christmas. Always bittersweet. I also need to call the piano tuner, order books and clean the kitchen.
Speaking of ordering books, why is it that the professors don't put the required textbooks up until the last second? Do they not realize that some of us order them online and they have to be mailed? Grrrrrr....
Other goals for the next two weeks: see New Moon and get a pedicure. Maybe I should do those first :)
Monday, December 28, 2009
Christmas
Well, we had a wonderful Christmas season this year. We made cookies, went caroling, saw a wonderful Nativity program in Austin and enjoyed much time with family and friends. I always love this time of year and really tried to just relax and enjoy it instead of going crazy with activities and shopping. I did my fair share of shopping and went to plenty of activities but it seemed that it was still a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Maybe it was all the Christmas books I read or the Christmas music I listened to. Whatever it was, this Christmas was a blessing to me.
Here are some pictures from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in no particular order. The cedar in the air, and consequently the meds in my system, are blocking my brain activity so I couldn't figure out how to do that. Enjoy anyway! :)
Nerf guns from Aunt Emily's family!
Bekah loves to pose for pictures!
Making cookies! This is my favorite holiday activity, except for the Nativity program.
Wrestling with dad.
She actually sat down and started practicing her cursive the moment she opened this present from her NaNa.
The whole crew.
NaNa's traditional "Find Baby Jesus" game. Every year she waits to put out her nativity so the kids can help and whoever finds baby Jesus is the winner.
Hefner grandchildren.
random shot.
It's so rewarding to find the perfect gift for someone. This year it was for Zack. I had my heart set on a Dallas Cowboys jersey for him. Well, after seeing the prices of those I was about to settle for just a plain old, nothing special Cowboys tshirt from Walmart. But that last shopping outing, we went to Academy and decided to look at their Cowboys stuff, just to see. I found a tshirt that I like better than the one I had but then, out of the corner of my eye, spotted a tshirt that had Zack's favorite player's name and number! It's almost the same as a jersey but better cause it was way cheaper! I believe I was jumping up and down in the store out of excitement. The look on his face when he opened it made it all worthwhile. That is how a kid is supposed to look at Christmas.
Besides celebrating the birth of my Savior, that is why I love Christmas. It's a special time to make the people around you happy in a special way. It's not the stuff...it's the joy and excitement of pleasing others.
One other note; the kids and I had a special opportunity to bless some others in our community. As I sat feeling low one morning (stupid cedar trees) Paul's Sunday School teacher called and asked what we were doing. "Nothing," I replied. "Want to go deliver some of those boxes to the homeless?" she asked. A few weeks prior, the kids had made boxes for the homeless that included snacks, personal hygiene products, etc. The idea was that we would all keep some in our cars and hand them out when we saw the homeless as we drove on our various routes during the week.
I have to say, I wasn't all that excited about it but I knew that I needed to do something for someone else to get out of the grumpy mood I was in. So we met at the church and away we went. I can't say how many boxes we handed out but it was a lot. And it was rewarding. I know that not everyone we saw may have "deserved" a box but we were learning to love people where they are, not how we think they should be. And that's what Jesus taught! I'll never forget looking in my mirror and seeing the homeless man we had just delivered to reading the card a child had made for the box and getting a huge smile on his face. His day was blessed and so was mine.
Here are some pictures from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in no particular order. The cedar in the air, and consequently the meds in my system, are blocking my brain activity so I couldn't figure out how to do that. Enjoy anyway! :)
Nerf guns from Aunt Emily's family!
Bekah loves to pose for pictures!
Making cookies! This is my favorite holiday activity, except for the Nativity program.
Wrestling with dad.
She actually sat down and started practicing her cursive the moment she opened this present from her NaNa.
The whole crew.
NaNa's traditional "Find Baby Jesus" game. Every year she waits to put out her nativity so the kids can help and whoever finds baby Jesus is the winner.
Hefner grandchildren.
random shot.
It's so rewarding to find the perfect gift for someone. This year it was for Zack. I had my heart set on a Dallas Cowboys jersey for him. Well, after seeing the prices of those I was about to settle for just a plain old, nothing special Cowboys tshirt from Walmart. But that last shopping outing, we went to Academy and decided to look at their Cowboys stuff, just to see. I found a tshirt that I like better than the one I had but then, out of the corner of my eye, spotted a tshirt that had Zack's favorite player's name and number! It's almost the same as a jersey but better cause it was way cheaper! I believe I was jumping up and down in the store out of excitement. The look on his face when he opened it made it all worthwhile. That is how a kid is supposed to look at Christmas.
Besides celebrating the birth of my Savior, that is why I love Christmas. It's a special time to make the people around you happy in a special way. It's not the stuff...it's the joy and excitement of pleasing others.
One other note; the kids and I had a special opportunity to bless some others in our community. As I sat feeling low one morning (stupid cedar trees) Paul's Sunday School teacher called and asked what we were doing. "Nothing," I replied. "Want to go deliver some of those boxes to the homeless?" she asked. A few weeks prior, the kids had made boxes for the homeless that included snacks, personal hygiene products, etc. The idea was that we would all keep some in our cars and hand them out when we saw the homeless as we drove on our various routes during the week.
I have to say, I wasn't all that excited about it but I knew that I needed to do something for someone else to get out of the grumpy mood I was in. So we met at the church and away we went. I can't say how many boxes we handed out but it was a lot. And it was rewarding. I know that not everyone we saw may have "deserved" a box but we were learning to love people where they are, not how we think they should be. And that's what Jesus taught! I'll never forget looking in my mirror and seeing the homeless man we had just delivered to reading the card a child had made for the box and getting a huge smile on his face. His day was blessed and so was mine.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Random Pictures
Well, since it's been sooooo long since I posted any pictures and I have discovered that I have been really bad at taking them this fall, the following is an assortment from the last several months :)
The boys and their bows...
Bekah as the Grumpy Cat at the school's book character parade (their version of Halloween). I actually forgot my camera on Halloween and have no pictures from the actual day :(
Soccer! Bekah is in the blue.
I love this picture. The trophies had little soccer balls that spun around so as soon as they got them they were enthralled for several minutes.
My awesomely delicious turkey at Thanksgiving! OK, Tim helped me smoke it a little bit.
Roller skating for the first time. She actually got pretty good...right before we had to leave.
When she opened this gift at her party, there was a resounding "OOOOOOOO!!!" from all the little girls. It was so cute. What girl doesn't like shiny, pretty things?
More birthday party...Bekah's friend Maddy in the yellow had a birthday on the day of the party so Bekah wanted her to blow out the candles with her.
More skating. From left, Paul, Bekah and Alyssa.
Paul and his volcano. Such a fun project!
The boys and their bows...
Bekah as the Grumpy Cat at the school's book character parade (their version of Halloween). I actually forgot my camera on Halloween and have no pictures from the actual day :(
Soccer! Bekah is in the blue.
I love this picture. The trophies had little soccer balls that spun around so as soon as they got them they were enthralled for several minutes.
My awesomely delicious turkey at Thanksgiving! OK, Tim helped me smoke it a little bit.
Roller skating for the first time. She actually got pretty good...right before we had to leave.
When she opened this gift at her party, there was a resounding "OOOOOOOO!!!" from all the little girls. It was so cute. What girl doesn't like shiny, pretty things?
More birthday party...Bekah's friend Maddy in the yellow had a birthday on the day of the party so Bekah wanted her to blow out the candles with her.
More skating. From left, Paul, Bekah and Alyssa.
Paul and his volcano. Such a fun project!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
A Whole Semester
Wow! I wish I could say that amazing things have happened since that last, long ago post. Alas, my life has only been a blur of studying and soccer games for the past three months. Thankfully, for many reasons, the semester is not almost over (two more weeks!) and I am able to relax for awhile.
I started Texas State University, Round Rock Campus, in September where I entered the education program for elementary school teachers. The classes are, shall we say, interesting? I haven't gained very much practical, useful information as of yet, but, such is life, right? I just do the work and hope that the volunteering in the actual school will prepare me for what my own classroom will look like. I guess I'm not a theory person. Don't care who said it, all I want to know is how I can use it to teach. Anyway, I'll end this tirade with saying that I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to go back to school.
Bekah had her second season of soccer this fall and they did fantastic. She played with the same team and they learned some stuff and won most of their games. Most importantly, she had fun! She started second grade and has a great teacher. She loves school and was upset that they had the whole week off for Thanksgiving. Silly girl.
Paul started fifth grade...sniff. I can't believe how fast they grow. We are holding off on football until the spring season this year so he can play with his friend. We'll see how soccer and football mesh with each other. We've not done two sports at a time yet so I'm a little nervous but I guess we can work it out.
Tim has enjoyed a successful hunting season so far and we've all enjoyed the fruits of his labor. I made some delicious deer chili last week. My best so far, if I do say so myself. He went to Colorado in September and had a great time hunting for elk. Unfortunately, he did not bring any elk back with him. Something to look forward to next year.
Finally, today is my baby's 8th birthday. I can't believe how the years have flown. I look at pictures of my niece, Rachel, and remember when Bekah was that little. I miss my baby but look forward to watching Bekah grow into a young woman...okay, that it totally a lie! I don't want her to grow up at all! I miss my baby!
Enough of that! Happy Birthday to my precious daughter. I love your smile and your silly jokes. I love that you will still snuggle with me when you are tired. I love that you are active and love to play with your friends. I love that you are so smart you can already do multiplication up the the sixes without help (a little bragging there). Thank you, Lord. for sending me Bekah. I pray You will guide her and keep her safe under Your wing always.
I started Texas State University, Round Rock Campus, in September where I entered the education program for elementary school teachers. The classes are, shall we say, interesting? I haven't gained very much practical, useful information as of yet, but, such is life, right? I just do the work and hope that the volunteering in the actual school will prepare me for what my own classroom will look like. I guess I'm not a theory person. Don't care who said it, all I want to know is how I can use it to teach. Anyway, I'll end this tirade with saying that I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to go back to school.
Bekah had her second season of soccer this fall and they did fantastic. She played with the same team and they learned some stuff and won most of their games. Most importantly, she had fun! She started second grade and has a great teacher. She loves school and was upset that they had the whole week off for Thanksgiving. Silly girl.
Paul started fifth grade...sniff. I can't believe how fast they grow. We are holding off on football until the spring season this year so he can play with his friend. We'll see how soccer and football mesh with each other. We've not done two sports at a time yet so I'm a little nervous but I guess we can work it out.
Tim has enjoyed a successful hunting season so far and we've all enjoyed the fruits of his labor. I made some delicious deer chili last week. My best so far, if I do say so myself. He went to Colorado in September and had a great time hunting for elk. Unfortunately, he did not bring any elk back with him. Something to look forward to next year.
Finally, today is my baby's 8th birthday. I can't believe how the years have flown. I look at pictures of my niece, Rachel, and remember when Bekah was that little. I miss my baby but look forward to watching Bekah grow into a young woman...okay, that it totally a lie! I don't want her to grow up at all! I miss my baby!
Enough of that! Happy Birthday to my precious daughter. I love your smile and your silly jokes. I love that you will still snuggle with me when you are tired. I love that you are active and love to play with your friends. I love that you are so smart you can already do multiplication up the the sixes without help (a little bragging there). Thank you, Lord. for sending me Bekah. I pray You will guide her and keep her safe under Your wing always.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Countdown!
One week till school starts! Bekah is cheering and Paul is moaning. And I am in between. We've had a great summer. Wonderful vacation, lots of play time with friends and plenty of relaxing for me. But, it's time to get back into the swing of things.
My plans for the fall are school, of course, and starting a fall garden. I'm so excited to get my front flower bed to actually look like a flower bed and a kitchen garden with tomatoes, herbs and greens. With classes only two night a week, I should have plenty of time to work on it and be at the school some too.
Other goals include getting my leg to heal (it hurts when I run) so I can train for a 5K in October and keeping up with my Bible study. I've been reading some really great books this summer. My current study is on Ephesians 5 - 6, the armor of God. And I'm reading a very convicting book called The Power of a Woman's Words. It's really making me think before I speak and try to find ways to use my words to lift up the people in my life and praise my Savior.
As always, God is so good and continues to provide for us in this time of slow construction. Tim's job remains secure for awhile...again. It all depends on bids being accepted. I consistently praise the Lord for allowing Tim's company to win bids at the last second to save jobs.
That's all for now...Goodnight!
My plans for the fall are school, of course, and starting a fall garden. I'm so excited to get my front flower bed to actually look like a flower bed and a kitchen garden with tomatoes, herbs and greens. With classes only two night a week, I should have plenty of time to work on it and be at the school some too.
Other goals include getting my leg to heal (it hurts when I run) so I can train for a 5K in October and keeping up with my Bible study. I've been reading some really great books this summer. My current study is on Ephesians 5 - 6, the armor of God. And I'm reading a very convicting book called The Power of a Woman's Words. It's really making me think before I speak and try to find ways to use my words to lift up the people in my life and praise my Savior.
As always, God is so good and continues to provide for us in this time of slow construction. Tim's job remains secure for awhile...again. It all depends on bids being accepted. I consistently praise the Lord for allowing Tim's company to win bids at the last second to save jobs.
That's all for now...Goodnight!
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