the Doldrums

I guess I have the cold-weather doldrums. The doldrums are an area of wind currents where NOTHING IS moving, haha, that is me today...I've plenty to do around here, I just don't feel like doing any of it, lol. I'd really like to curl up by the fire with a great book, a cup of tea and a quiet house. NOT HAPPENING, LOL. One, I don't have a 'just gotta read it' book right now. I have two on the way, but they aren't here yet. Pl- there are 5 kids here right now. I have lots of need to do items, polish more silver, wash clothes, clean off my desk, work on GA stuff- just nothing is appealing to me. I need a good couple days at home with no kids to get the house they way I want it... Oh well, I will get it in gear. I don't even have a good end-of-year-reminisce post in me. Ah the mass text's/emails have begun. You are really important to me so I sent you this message along with 300 of my best friends, lol.

decisions, decisions, multitudes in the valley of decisions

I'm not quite sure this is what Audie had in mind lol, but I've decisions to make...I'm praying about something, but I don't want to overload myself. If God has a certain thing taken care of then it would just be a switch. I just have to see what He says for sure and then just do that ;-) Cause He knows... anyway. I've lots I need to do, I just can't decide which to do when, lol. I need to go get tires on the truck. I thought I was going to JCP's shopping, but my gift card wasn't activated, so I have to wait to get it back. I'm probably talking to myself, because none of you guys are blogging! :-) Anyway, Shawn Jr. got a pocketknife for christmas and cut his finger pretty bad. He should have had a few stitches, but he didn't so too late now. I pray he keeps it clean. I am trying to remember to keep an eye on it.

End of 2009

It's hard to believe 2009 is almost over already. Time just goes by faster and faster each year. Funny how that is. I remember how long summers used to be when I was a kid. They seemed to go on forever. Next year I'll turn 40 and be married 20 years, how did that happen? 2009 was a good year for us. We are still so thankful for our place. It was so nice to have everyone out for Thanksgiving and Christmas, . We had a house full on Christmas Eve, 5 families in all,even a few surprise guests- we never could have done that before!

Christmas was really nice. No big expensive gifts here, but I think the kids were happy with what they got. Shae and family came too and then Shawn went with them for a while on Christmas day. It's really nice being able to get along with the family. They feel just like family.And the fireplace is such a blessing. We we thinking we might have to do some major work after talking to several people about it, but we decided to just have the chimney sweep out and see what he said. Boy we were happy when he said it was fine. We even got a discount because it wasn't that dirty!


We all have gift cards to spend. Amberly will spend hers at walmart. Grandma got her a DSI and she is going to buy some accessories. I will go to JCPenny ;-) next week. The guys all have 2 a piece. I am sure a trip to Gander Mtn. will be in order soon. Amberly and I usually go to the movies the day after thanksgiving or the day after Christmas. Well we went on Christmas this year so we could avoid the crowds. Amberly, Mom and I saw the Chipmunks-the Squeakeaul, and Shawn Sr. and Blake saw Avatar. Well Shawn slept through most of it, he had a headache. The only place there were any people was the movie. :-)

We are headed to walmart today to get a few Christmas decorations, let Amberly spend her money and some groceries. Blake is hoppin to go, but not enough to get up and go with us. Then I have a ton of laundry to fold and boxes to burn. Tonight we are going out to eat for our anniversary (last tuesday). I wanted to go to the Bayou and they weren't open on tuesday and I'm sorry but the Ole' Feed House is no Bayou!! The Blind side plays at 7, so opefully we will catch that also!

Good days

Yesterday was a great day. The Lord blessed me in many ways -all day long they kept coming! We called a chimney sweep and after Shawn told him how bad the build up was they said it might just need cleaning, but that if it was cracked, they would find it. We have a lot of questions for him. But there is a small possibility that we could have a fire tonight if he finds nothing wrong and if he does find something, we will know what it will take to fix it. Made a big pot of gumbo yesterday, have to deliver a little to Audie or he'll have a fit, lol. Really looking forward to this week. I have a few little gifts to pick up tomorrow when we go to town...and I found the recipe (I think) for a crab and shrimp dip that I made years ago and lost. It's really yummy! Not too much on the agenda today... deliver gumbo (maybe if I can get jr. to pick up all my stuff that might go out the window). I can freeze it...tomorrow shopping thursday cook/have fam out. We are going to the movies, but I haven't decided which day yet...

Christmas

I am ready for Christmas... this is the first year that I haven't had this overwhelming feeling that I can't quite explain. Usually, I am upset all through the holidays...

I don't have too busy of a week, clean house and maybe rake leaves today. Hopefully, DH will feel better and I can cook my deer chilli. Gumbo soon :-) Hmmm, I wonder if New Year's Day would work.....or maybe the saturday after... DH stayed home, he seems better, but I need to go get him some mucinex. Tuesday I have some more food to deliever. I can't really give exact details, but the Lord always has things under control. I had no idea until yesterday where the food was going, (except for some already delivered) but the Lord did. It is awesome how He provides needs for 3 different people in one move ;-). He had the place for me to take the food, filled the need of a person desiring to give it and blessing several families with the food. This is the point I was trying to make yesterday, God does the work, we just have to listen and wait and trust that He will do it. He always does. :-P

Mom arrives tuesday, which is my 19th anniversary BTW :-). God blessed me with a great husband that just keeps getting better. Wednesday, we have to go grocery shopping and pick up stuff for Christmas Eve. We are having the 'family' Christmas Eve here for the first time. :-) Mom, Amberly and I are planning on going to the movies sometime this week, I'm just not sure when. Thursday everyone will be coming over, so if we go it will have to be early. Hopefully, they will get Shawn Jr.'s ignition fixed.

I guess I need to buy a bible study program. The one I used to use is all changed (for the worse as usual) and dialup is so slow).

Some waters are for swimming in... you just have to jump in the deep water, makes me think of the Lake in the Circle... jump in and swim and drink of Him...

Ez 47:1-5 Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar. 2 Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side. 3 And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. 4 Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through ; the waters were to the loins. 5 Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over : for the waters were risen , waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over


and when you walk through the waters I will be there, and through the flame... you'll not, no way be drowned....and you'll not, no way be burned....

Dumbing Us Down-a sort of book review?

I just finished reading "Dumbing Us Down: the Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling" by John Taylor Gatto. I had to make myself read past the first chapter (the 7 lesson school teacher), I didn't really agree with most what he was saying in that chapter. BTW-- You homeschooler's would probably enjoy the book.

Once I got past the first chapter, I agreed with a lot more. I do agree with *some* things he says, maybe just not the correlation/causation. He basically attributes the whole breakdown of the family and community to public school. I think there are other, much more contributing, factors. (not to say that ps has not played a large part, but the centralizing of the school especially)I think TV is horrible (and yes we do watch plenty of it). Kids do not have time to think. We certainly aren't teaching them to think critically. Kids need to have down time, time with nothing to do but be creative and come up with ideas. Parental care also has certainly gone out the window. He would idyllically like to see things go back to pre-colonial times. I just don't see that happening, but maybe some sort of homeschooling phase where more private schools are grown out of necessity.

He is definitely right that we have lost the sense of community, especially in larger areas. It seems we have an advantage in this type of area (although many would say we were backward, lol), that we do have time to instill community in our kids and many families are raising their children instead of allowing public school to do so. Of course, there are people in larger areas that do also. I also believe that our kids are not taught to think, but to follow blindly-but I think that is more societal (such as news and what's considered to be politically correct, etc. If you take older textbooks, say, from when my father was in college, you can see a stark difference in difficulty and readability. He speaks of texts from 1860's and I would like to see those myself, that would be interesting. One of the things I found absurd was his objections to having to ask to go to the bathroom.? I don't think that is a real issue. In fact, kids ask their parents all the time to go to the bathroom and I haven't seen one harmed yet, lol. He says that school teaches class position (in society) and I lean more towards it equaling that out. However, we seem to be sliding back into a class hierarchical system. He also says that using grades or smiley faces teaches emotional dependence, but I also see that as a normal trait for children to want to please adults. How often does your child seek your praise? Does that mean they are emotionally dependent on you? I don't think in a negative way. Now do we necessarily want them desiring to please the teacher? Well, I guess that depends on the teacher's agenda! :-) He discusses worth and while I know that peer relationships and academic failings and affect a child's self-worth, that ultimately (at least initially) comes from the family.

Later in the book, I come into more agreement. Less TV, definitely not extended time in school, more free time, smaller schools, more community spirit, LOCAL CHOICE, etc. are some of the answers we need as a society. You might have no interest in this, and it may not make much sense without reading the book- I guess I am just thinking outloud. But you are welcome to borrow the book if you like ;-)

Busy Busy

Sooo much to do, I don't know where to start. Tons of housework/laundry to do, have to deliver angel tree presents, make some phone calls about some other stuff, wrap a ton of presents, package and mail presents, pick up a couple more I forgot, help a friend with a project, plan for GA (that can wait until after Christmas, but it is on my mind) and pick up stuff to make deer chilli. Speaking of GA's I need to call and see about going to Children's hospital...and I haven't touched a single Christmas card this year...

Amberly is staying home with a sore throat, so I don't have to do the music program and party today. I am thinking it's from allergies. It's not incredibly red and no fever, but it hurts... I also need to figure up how many families and who gets the food baskets. I can't remember who made the boxes, I think maybe it was Patsy Carver, but that is really a blessing. I never thought of that. It's really nice when people help like that and know what needs to be done without even asking them. That reminds me, I need to call Brenda too...oh and I need to (after christmas) plan the ladies meeting. I have something different in mind. I'm so glad I can come now on wed and to the ladies meetings. I hate that I missed the Christmas party.

I had more to say, but I can't remember so I will get to wrapping and cleaning...

it's the little things....

Feckles has confiscated all of Amberly's 'talking' toys. She has a Dora doll (that is REALLY annoying at 6 am, especially when you have a headache), a husky from build a bear, and two puppies that look like her and make dog noises. Oh and a furbie. She is fascincated with them. We have had several people looking at both trucks. Someone might buy Shawn Jr.'s thursday, we will see. It's tempting to put my car out there, lol. They are both going in the thrifty nickel too, maybe I will have to call and have them both dropped!

Shawn got up at 3 am and I woke up with a headache. It is a little bit better this morning, but it needs to go away so I can study. Hopefully when I get on the elliptical it will go away. :( This is day 2 of my diet. I have gained another 3 lbs for 13 in total. NOTHING fits, so I have a month to wage war against the waistline. Please pray that DH will start exercising again. When he does his blood pressure is normal. Right now it is just above or at borderline (130/90 or a little above). If he will do something now, he can prevent taking meds which is is opposed too. I'm concerned it will get worse and that he will refuse meds and that is not a good thing. So pray for God's convictn, sic' em Lord. Speaking of, God is faithful for even the little things. I got a call Sunday morning that Shae had lost Shawn Jr.'s senior ring (and don't mention it to her, I wouldn't say anything except for the good end result needs to be shared). She was really upset and had been crying and was afraid to tell me. (I had made Rachel talk with her about being careful with it, etc... when she first got it) so anyway, I kinda figured that would happen when he gave it to her (not because of her, just because that is the way I think, lol). But I was very calm when Rachel called and told her it was not like she chunked it, an accident is an accident and that I bet someone would find it, see FHS on it and send it back to the school. Well I called Mrs. Janet to let her know my schedule for the week and what do you know, some from Texas had found the ring in the mall parking lot and called the school with it, so it is on it's way home ;-).

Hey Lisa, you still want to decorate my blog page???

So today is haircut at 9 am. Study for reading test, then hopefully go to texarkana and take it and then be free. It really depends on this headache I think and how quickly studying goes....Oh I almsot forgot, Amberly and I started polishing the antique stilver plated coffee service that my dad just brought (I didn't want the case to get broken in the trailer), that was my great-great-grandmother's and wow, silver cleans up really easily. I can't wait to get it all finished. There are some spots, so I am going to read up and see how to get rid of them, if I can....

Have I lost it?

I think I have lost my mind. I'm going to switch my internet class to statistics and take it mon-wed from 4-5:15. A friend that can help me if I need it is in there and I just saw this morning it's the easy guy whohoo. Perfect. So this summer I can just take two internet classes.I was concerned about stat's only being offered on campus. I also really wanted the easier guy. YAY. So here's my lonnnggg schedule. Monday 10-12 invertebrate zoology, 1-3 Genetics 4-5:15 statistics 6-10, Tuesday 3-4 biology semina,r Wed 10-12, 1-3 repeat of mon morning. That will be a realllllyyy long day monday, but I will be thre any how, so might as well take statistics. And I'll have to go straight to church on wednesday's. I'm really glad the end is almost here. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Just one last push to study for two tests. Just gotta stay focused a few more days...

We had a really nice lecture yesterday. :/ We were supposed to be lectured on rarity and extinction. But apparently the nutty professor was listening to hanity on the way to school so instead we got an angry lecture on cap and trade, welfare economics, really fun interesting stuff and just so related to rarity. We have decided to sabotage his radio haha, not really but wish we could!

The Lord is always so faithful. He always takes care of our needs. Every year I don't know how we will manage Christmas and every year He always comes through! Not that the focus is on gifts and such, but He cares about it because we care about it. My kids don't get much throughout the year so it is nice to bless them at Christmas. I didn't get to get an Angel tree gift, but I plan on getting some groceries and I have two kids on my mind that I might try to buy gifts for.

Closer

Ok, I am NOT buying any more vehicles right now, lol. Although technically, Shawn Jr. bought his. I have to say Mil-Way is really good, we are moving all our stuff over there. It's really nice to not have to worry about Blake driving my car. It has no heat and no defrost, so winter time is not a great time to drive it. And it also shakes after you get to a certain speed. It is also nice to not have to worry how Shawn Jr. will get back and forth to college. That has beena good little truck, but we know it won't last forever. They ought to be happy this Christmas with each a new truck!
I moved my hair appt to tuesday. I will be almost out of school, lol. That is funny, because I won't have to fix my hair that much. That's ok, though I am ready to get it done! I am also ready for my break. So we got the wrong title for Blake's truck, we now have the correct title, so I have to go get his tagged today. Then I am done with that business. I have sped class (3 quizzes) thursday, a final monday and a final tues or wed just whatever I decide on that one. Then I am FREE for about a month. YAY. Rachel and I are hosting the ladie smeeting in janurary, the first one I get to go to in a while! I'm glad about that.

TGIF

I've gotten lots of research done for my EIS project this morning, so now I need to compile and reword. (from the nutty professor of course!) I had my last IS395 class last night. YAY -now I only have one class on thursday next week. NO Comprehensive finals. A few open book quizzes in SPED and a big test in ecology and one in reading and them I am done. And of course finish this enormous project. In Ecology, I've got 1/3 of a book to finish, read the chapter on population dynamics (and whatever else he decides), view all the videos, (well with the exception of those 15 that aren't classroom appropriate), finish 2 chapters in reading, do my response journal, read two chapters of SPED, start making a study guide for ecology and flash cards for reading. UGH I need more time!! It's looking like i might have to stay home Sunday. I'm praying I get a lot done tomorrow so I don't have to. I really don't like missing sunday morning. I also need to clean house sometime, but the family will be able to help.

In the remainder of my life, we may have found a good deal on a vehicle for Blake. We worked with Milway and I really like them, so we will finally move all our accounts over there. The guys are going to look at the truck tonight. The funny thing is, this is the guy that had a hand in us finding out about the house. He is the one that told Bobie it was for sale. Small world, eh? I missed a call to sub this morning, but I guess it was for the best, I needed to get some work on that project done. I hope to finish it up this weekend and get that class off my plate because next saturday we have the GA Nursing Home visit. I really hope to do a service project next quarter. And I really want it to be the Children's Hospital...

Crunch time

The semester is almost over and the next few weeks are going to be reallllyyy busy. I feel a little behind after taking a break over thanksgiving. Really I just need to be really busy getting ready for those last tests. I did my last observation yesterday, so this morning I've got to finish up that report to turn in. I have a sped test tomorrow to study for, plus shawn and I have to go to the bank, so I hope to start studying for it some today. I've got to get started on the videos for ecology and finish reading chapter 11 for reading. (Gotta start 12 this weekend). My grade in there is going to be close. At this point, I am just ready to finish, the straight A's don't pay off as well as they did at TC. I also finally get my 2nd ecology test, he was still grading them monday. We'll see if he is fair! I haven't hunted much and the few times I have gone I haven't seen anything. Maybe Friday if I feel caught up enough!

We've got the car fixed, but I think we will still try to get Blake a vehicle. There is no heat and therefore no defrost in my car so it's very hard to drive in bad weather. I'm really glad I get to go to church on wed next semester and some of the ladies meetings. ;-) Ah on another note, I'm trying to talk Mr. Nelson into teaching biology next year and holding the job for me ;-P ha, pray he has a sudden desire to teach biology hehe. He might throw rocks at me when he finds out I told Mr. Sanders and when I see Lairemore again, I'll tell him. You never know, it could happen.

Thanksgiving visit

We had a really nice thanksgiving. Dad made it in a little early tuesday and Carlton and his family arrived late wednesday evening. We enjoyed the fried turkey, it was really moist and surpising to me, went well with dressing (smoked turkey does not, so I don't like having it on thanksgiving). Alex and Amanda had a great time and I hope they come stay for a while this summer. Shawn brought Shae over for a while, it was nice for everyone to meet her, they are usually over at Dennis and Rachel's. They also went to her Aunts and then came back. Dennis and Rachel stopped by for a while, but they missed meeting Carleton and Laura.

I have only hunted once this week (yesterday morning) I saw four doe. I shot at one a missed. It was cold and I was sssshhhiiivvering. I pulled or shivered when I shot so I knew I missed her. 3 Other deer ran in behind her. I waited a while and went to check on her and they were all still in the woods right there, oh well, that is hunting! I wanted to go this morning, but was up worrying about school work so I figured it is time to get back to reality. I'm going to have a busy week, well the next few weeks should be busy. I've got to work on my next chapter in reading (and finish reading the first). Do my internet field trip and report, start researching for the 'football stadium' EIS we have to make, study for a quiz in SPED, and work on a project for ecology. And clean the house back up. Oh and get ready for GA's tomorrow. And wrap the presents I bought yesterday.

Rachel, Amberly and I had a nice time shopping yesterday. We left around 11 or so. We only made a few stops and avoided you- oh I mean 'the' crazy people ;-P. We went to Sam's, Show Carnival, Gander mtn., Lowe's and the mall. We made a stop at walmart on the way in for a few groceries and wrapping paper of course. We of course had to eat at Amigo Juan's, although we almost went to red lobster. Rachel and I had a shrimp dish there and it was goooodddd. Amberly got her ears pierced (3rd time's the charm right?). Aeropostale had everything 50-50% off so we got a few good buys there.

It's time now to hit the elliptical hard! I haven't been on it all week, it's been so busy. I've got to really start watching what I eat too. OY-everything is getting tight. OK I better get to work or it would do me no good to skip hunting.... and I want to hunt this evening...

AHHHH

Well it hasn't quite been calgon take me away, and I do have to go to school tomorrow, but I am enjoying the 'break'. I went hunting this morning and this doe came out of the woods and ran along side it (all I could see was the white flag) and then ran and I mean RAN across the line in front of me and immediately back again. It reminded me of the way Bear laps the yard when the weather is cool. She came by again and again and finally someone was following her. I though man she came back fast, but my dh let me know it was a buck. hehe I thought she was playing. Well, the other kind of playing ;-). Then after I waited a while, I heard horns rattling in the woods, I thought they would burst out of the woods at any moment. It was really loud. I knew that sound! I've heard the guys rattle their horns too much, 2 bucks fighting. So I waited and they never came out. that was after about three hours, so then, it was time to pee :P haha. So maybe next time. I enjoyed it though, I would have come in earlier had I not had all that excitement.

So I've been cleaning and cooking the rest of the day. Also trying to straighten out my brother's odd directions to the house. Most of it was right, just street names, but the end of it was just weird. SO I am worn out and will enjoy sitting in my stand this evening because all I will be doing is reading. By the time I get done, dad should be arriving. He should have no trouble finding us, he is from the county1 :-P Shawn also put some deer antlers on the mail box haha. Carleton and Laura will be arriving late tomorrow after dark, so they won't see them. I will do nothing but cooking (and one class tomorrow) for the next few days, but I am happy about it. I love cooking thanksgiving dinner. The xmas decorations someone gave me have made a nice touch to the house. It looks all Christmasy ;-)

It's Beginning to Look at lot Like Christmas...

Well I put up all of my decorations. I lost a lot, so it's basically stockings a tree and one stand of lights outside. I put ribbons on the porch and cut some fresh cedar to make a garland to go across the rail. This year I will use whatever cash I get to buy Christmas decorations when they go on sale. It's going to be fun starting over and buying stuff for the house, even if it takes me a while. I will have to break down and go ahead and buy a strand or two of lights for outside. The last few years I wasn't very interested in decorating, but I am ready to get back into it! I'll have to find some other creative ways to decorate.

I'm really sore this morning, I am going to have to try to get out on the road at least twice a week. The elliptical is good, but it is not the same, lol. OUCH. I just pray my feet will cooperate. They seem better, but I will have to take it slow. I'll start once a week and see how that goes.

I'm ready for thanksgiving, the next few days will be spent cleaning and cooking. My dad is coming, along with my brother and his family. We will have a fried turkey and a baked turkey with all the standard trimmings. Depending on how long my dad stays friday, we may go to the movies friday afternoon.

Listening to the news it sounds like major changes for the health care plan. Hopefully that public option will just come out. I'll have to research and see what else needs to change. I think they are finally understanding that there are a lot of Americans that do not want this. Why they don't make changes in the areas that need it (like lawsuits that jack up the price of health care) I just don't understand.

Ready for a break

I am ready for next week. It will be nice to have a break. Once today is over I am sort of on break, we have class monday (and technically wednesday, but I'm not going at least not to the night class). I have one project (as of right now anyway) to work on, but it is basically entering data, well and research for another, but I think it can wait. More expenses this week for homecoming pictures. OY it's getting to be every week.

They are refusing to fix our heat. Joy. What good is a home warranty if they don't pay? We are getting a partial refund because they obviously were the wrong company to go with. They have been awful from the get go. I'm also having a terrible time getting my last observation scheduled. It was due today, but she gave us an 'extension' of the 30th, which is basically a two day extension because everyone is out next week. I am hoping and praying I can somehow get in and do it this afternoon... It's due the monday after thanksgiving.

Ya'lls blogs aren't updating again and RSS isn't working either hmm....

BRRRR

It's a tad cold out. BRRRR I was so cold after spending the afternoon in the cemetery with the wind whipping yesterday, that I didn't sit on my deer stand and there was deer all over the place. There were 3 behind the dam and I shot a doe, but I hit her in the back leg and she got a way. I would rather miss than hit one and it just run off and die somewhere. I'm going to bare the cold this morning and take my flash cards with me to the blind. I'm not sure I can study enough for this next ecolgy test. The amount of information is ridiculous. I think there is 3 pages of lists alone. It's not difficult material to understand at all, really commmon sense stuff, but I am not good about pulling lists out without purposefully committing them to memory. The last test was easier than I thought, so I just keep telling myself that. I need to do really well on my reading test also. I plan on taking it thursday as I will spend most of today and the morning on ecology. I also have a presentation in Forensics wed. evening. I have to decide if I am going to the 5K saturday or staying home and hunting. Blake was plannig on going, so I probably need to go with him. I just hope it's not too freezing. I haven't run on the road since I got my elliptical, so I am not sure how it will go.

nice weekend

Shawn & I had a really nice evening last night. I won't go into details ;-) but evenings at home make the best dates. We sat on the swing and talked for a long time. That was very nice. No interruptions! Saturday morning we hunted and I missed a doe. I just got in a hurry, I'm not used to having time. We went back out this morning, but we didnt' see anything. I might go back out in the morning since Shawn jr. will be off and can help me if I get lucky. I managed to pull my back friday messing with the table for the puppet show. It is some better today, but I need to get on the heating pad again.

I'm just enjoying some chai tea and going over some flashcards for reading, then I may do some laundry and sit on the swing after I get on the heating pad. I think I am going to take two electives online so I only have statistics for the summer. I'm a little leary because I have a class that is all researched based, but I know I could handle another internet class this semester. I decided against taking the nutty professor every day. That is just too much of him. So I will be there for 12 hours on mondays 10-12 class 1-3 class and 6-10. Then I will have a class at 3 on tuesday wed will be the same two morning classes and then thursday and friday off. Two classes will be internet. The only way I see that changing is if the easy guy is teaching statistics, then I will take it instead of one internet class. It will probably be a boring class too.

school, hunting season...

We went and finally did the puppet show early this morning. I didn't get home till 10:30-10:45 last night, so I got in the bed late. I had to take some cough meds, so I was surpised when I woke up at 4 am. That sure made for a tiring day. I didn't get all my groceries, just enough to get by, so that means another stop or too. Of course, I have to do thanksgiving shopping still. I did get a HUGE turkey. It might be too much, my brother is going to fry a small one and this one is like 20 lbs. Walmart had turkeys for 40 cents a pound but they were out and I was too exhausted to stop and see if Ashdown had any, so the big one will do. I had planned on a ham, I guess I could just get a small one or just not have ham.

My back has been hurting all week and today my chest a little. The doctor said not to worry about it since I am not running fever, that i might have a little pleurisy. It doesn't feel like pleurisy(the 'someone is stabbing me' feeling everytime you breathe is hard to miss!), but I guess if it is mild maybe it's different. Or maybe I am just sore, but I am taking mucinex just to be sure. I am ready for deer hunting tomorrow, then studying. Then Sunday I finally get to go to church. ;-)

Blake and I are going to the Turkey Trot 5K on the 21st. I have been back on the elliptical every day. I'm really enjoying it. I plan on doing 'road running' once a week. Hopefully my feet can tolerate that and I can get back to my long runs. I will try it probably sunday evening. I assume we won't have evening service. I guess I will do my 'run' on the eliptical tonight if we don't have to run around. There was no energy this morning after only a little sleep. We all know I need my sleep!

I almost forgot to mention DH& I are having our date night saturday. Shawn is planning it. (I've waited for his turn for a few years now, lol). The kids are going to friends or relatives so we can have the house to our self. Nights in are really the best dates!

let thing eyes look RIGHT ON

"Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee." Prov 4:35

Christmas is coming

I am 'well' now, at least enough that it is time to get back to work. (still coughing and congested) I managed to go to school yesterday, but it sure wore me out. It is funny now that I thought I would go to school thursday. I shouldn't have even gone wednesday(because of germ spreading), but thurs. morning I thought I could suck it up and go. I wasn't even in shape to be driving. LOL Hopefully, tonight I can stay up past 6. I have been sleeping for 12 hours at a time. Finally this morning, I woke up at 4 (after going to bed sleep around 7). I'll have to try to stay up tonight.

I'm not really behind, but I have to get busy study for my upcoming tests so I have time to hunt and do GA's this weekend. I'm really getting ansy about finishing up. I am ready to graduate and focus on other things in my life. I look back and wish I hadn't quit when I did, but I also realize my family needed me, so no regrets. I think I'm going to suck it up and take the nutty professor so I can take all days next semester. That leaves me only with one day to deal with how Amberly gets home (i'll get home about 5),but also only one day for homework during the week or to sub. I was hoping to get called in to sub today, I can use the money for Christmas, but I'll take whatever they send.

I was pretty upset with my Sped professor for not telling me I could submit my report via email on thursday. She waited until sunday to tell me that and it's supposed to be docked 10 pts per day. I was steaming hot. She wound up counting off 11 pts. I guess 10 pts for being late and 1 pt for something ? I got a 100 on the last one.

Amberly is ready to put up the Christmas tree. I could almost let her if it didn't get in the way after awhile. I am excited about the holidays this year. Things will be tight, but this will be our first thanksgiving/christmas in the new house. I have family coming on thanksgiving and will have our Christmas Eve gift exchange here also. There might not be much under the tree this year, but I think it will be the best one ever. :-) I haven't even wanted to decorate in years, but I sure want to now. I will have to be creative because I don't have many decorations. I will hopefully stock up during the after christmas sales.

Well I have to find out what to study for SPEd and study for ecology, then reading. Then I need to work in the house and do some major catching up. The family helped some, but you know how that is, there are some things that only mom gets done.

OH PS Freckles is potty trained, PTL. We still keep her kenneled at night, but as soon as it is dry consistently in the morning, we'll try leaving her out at night.

just stuff

Felt much better yesterday, even managed to get to the ball game, but this morning my chest is not real happy. My vaporizer quit working on me and it is a vital essential when I have a cold. I can usually keep it at bay with mucinex and a vaporizer. Hopefully, I will get a new one today and keep with the mucinex and clear it out and not let it get worse. I don't think I have bronchitiis yet, and I want to keep it that way.

DH took Amberly hunting. She is getting more into hunting. I just heard a shot so I hope she hit one. That would be great. I hope to hunt a bit come rifle season. I got to sub in foreman this week and it was really nice. They might have went easy on me since I was new, but the kids were great. The atmostphere was so different than Ashdown. I had Mrs. Womble's class and all we had to do was read and/or do study hall, which can be difficult because the kids are really doing anything, but I only had to say something to the kids in one period, and it was all boys. It was just like the way school was when I was growing up. In Ashdown, you can't really let your kids have the freedom to go to the bathroom or just get up and get a drink of water (at least at the HS, the junior high is not that tight), and it was nice to not have to be so strict. I know some have had trouble there and it is not perfect, but it's really a much better environment than many other public schools.

So football it over. It was a tough game. Shawn made a lot of fumbles (both this game and the last, he doesn't usually do that) and he was throwing up by half time. I am glad in a way that the season is over, but we will miss it. I really enjoyed it this year, more than ever before. I guess we will watch the other boys next year, at least the home games. The stand were packed though, it's really nice the way everyone (well with the exception of one kids parents who were dogging the coaches) supports the team. I think next year will be better.

Lots of work to do this week. Everything is coming due at the same time, reading test, ecology test (with 4 ppt's now UGH- like 200 slides) , that big Forensics project and I'm still trying to get that last observation done. It's is also close to the end of the semester, the end is in sight after this next push. Still debating on classes, but I am getting closer to deciding. Better hurry, early registration is next week...

Day 2

Day 2- I did the workout 1 today, which is what I had DH do. I think I will do a different one each day. I wanted to do one last night, but I don't want to burn out. Poor DH thought he was doing so good yesterday because he ate a Filet O Fish at mcDonalds. I had to burst his bubble, those things are as bad as hamburgers and worse than some. Men really do need some hand holding don't they! So today is buying tires, cleaning house and some school work. I'm hoping to find a mini term class at commerce online, so checking that out too, OH and calling AGAIN on my heat, they didn't call back and are really dropping the ball.

Lovin that elliptical

I got to work out on the elliptical this morning. Did 30 minutes on a preset workout. It's not *quite* as 'heavy duty' as gym quality, but I was able to workout on it full on. Considering how much Gym one's are, I think this was a pretty good deal. Amberly has been on it twice already, lol. So today I am going to also start watching what I eat, well i've been watching it, just watching it all go to my hips, lol. I am busting out of everything. If I hadn't bought those 2 pair of jeans a size up this summer I would be running around naked ;-p. Not a pleasant site as Amberly so kindly told me this morning after I pulled off my shirt while on the elliptical.

I pretty well have my schedule set for Spring. I think I already posted it??? hmmm I won't repost it, I think I already said so. I'll be so glad to have my Wed. back. I hope to hear from the principal in NB, I don't want to call again, but she is going to start docking points if I don't get it set. I also have to call on the heat. We haven't heard a word :/

Homecoming take II

Ok, so my page mysteriously disappeared, so this is take II. Homecoming today. Bittersweet for sure. I really need to get those videos off my flip so I can video this. Otherwise, I'll have to borrow Blakes. I meant to take it to school and try it there. So do you think I'll cry?? LOL Well it's raining, again. No surprise there. Really I don't care - it's not like I have actually been out jogging or anything :( and my waist line proves it! I really wish I had jumped on that eliptical and not let my SIL buy it out from under me. I will keep watch for another one. I just have no motivation to exercise these days. I can't do very much running because of my foot, so I have no desire if I can't try to get back up to my 6 miles :(

I think I will clean house this morning and then work on either the SpEd. online module (payback for class being cancelled, takes FOREVER to load so I may wait and do it monday and just go to school early), or work on my lesson plan. I also need to read the next RDG chapter, I started it last night. I probably should study ecology some in case he decides to tell us we have a test on wednesday. I think he wants to ADD ANOTHER power point. GEEZ he is crazy. Crazy or just plain lazy and doesn't want an extra test to grade. Of course I have that HUGE document to go through for ecology. So I may have to stay home Sunday morning since I will have to take the whole afternoon off. Next week is REALLY Busy, no days off or at 'home'. Tuesday Amberly goes back for her check up and I take Blake, he can't move his big toe... Friday I go to Little Rock and then back for Amberly's Fall Festival. Shawn thinks the football game will be thursday instead of Friday which means I'll miss the last game against Horatio of all things. :(

I'm still trying to schedule my last observation. UGH it's been such a pain. I also need to finish the report for the other one-add that to my weekend list. I think I'll do everything but the online module-save that for monday morning. It looks like I will only have 3 days next semester, but Monday will be horribly long, it will be like my wednesday except instead of getting there at 1, I will get there at 10. with an hour from 12-1 off and 3 hours before the night class. It's hard to leave that campus and get lunch too unless you want to eat at EZmart. It also looks like I will be taking civil rights and civil liberties as my elective. It's the only half way interesting web class I can find. I will have genetics, invertebrate biology, biotechnology (sci elective, I would like to take histology, but I am NOT taking that man for two classes, even if the other choice is that horrible monday) and one hour science class where you make presentations all semester (seminar in biology) and the pol. sci class. so 16 hours. UGH Then I have two this summer. I sure hope I can get them both this summer so Amberly doesn't have to go to a babysitter all summer.

So Freckles is *almost* completley potty trained. I'll be so glad when that is done...

weekend

It was a nice but busy weekend. I have managed to not get any school work done for 3 days. I think I will be ok, so I am resisting the urge to freak out. Shawn is camping this weekend, so I should be able to do more in the evenings. I needed some fellowship time though. And I have peace about some things I was unsure of, so that is nice too. I wish I could elaborate more, but I can say God blessed me in two areas. I just realized we have our presentation this week so I better practice that. Today I'll catch up on my reading class, look over stuff for forensics and try to organize material to study for ecology. Woke up in the middle of the night with the front door open (screen was closed), all the lights were on and the back door was wide open with rain coming in. The cat woke me up and I thought she wanted out (I've locked the cat door because freckles is small enough to get through but close to getting stuck), so I let her out and closed the front door, I didn't realize the back door was open. Freckles was barking so DH got up and saw the back door was open. GEEZ will I ever get a full nights sleep? I'm working on getting the video from Senior night, but my FLIP software keeps locking up. I might try it at school as see if it works better there.

getting behind

Well I couldn't get any homework done yesterday and probably won't get much done today :( . And I have to repeat next week for homecoming, except there are more activities. I usually do my reading class on the weekends and leave the other mornings for the other 4 classes. People can be really frustrating because they don't understand how much work it is to keep up with 15 credit hours, a family and senior year. They tell you, you need to learn to say no and then complain when you do. But like Cari said sunday, it's between me and the Lord. He has called me to go to school and I will do it for the glory of the Lord. If someone wants to complain maybe they should take it up with Him.

That said, I'm so glad to have the youth out, it is nice to take a break every once in a while even if it is a tad bit stressful to do so. It's also nice to have a little while to visit with people instead of a book. I know the next few weeks are going to ramp up. I have to do another observation, hopefully next week. I have several tests coming up, mainly the one in ecology. The amount of info to learn is immense, probably the most I have ever done and we aren't through yet. I can't remember if I have said, but close to 140 slides, full paragraphs on most of those, another 15-20 videos, two text books (four chapters in one and 7 in another) and he has 3 articles now posted (the one I looked at was 80 pages), I'm just waiting to see if they are all required. Oh and we have this HUGE project in forensics. We're doing Environmental Impact statements and we have to summarize them in a group of 4 of us. The documents are like 600 pages long. No wonder I've been having eye strain.

We have a conference in Little Rock on the 6th, I have to leave at 4 am, hopefully returning at 5 pm, then fall fest at the school at 6 (I'll be squeaking in to run a game from 6-6:30) then we have to run to Horatio for the last ball game. That will be a long day. Speaking of football, the boys played hard last night. We were soooo close to winning. Several times we were at the end zone and just couldn't get it the next 5 yards. It was an exciting game though. We were 7-6 (us) and till the last quarter I think. They might have gotten to 12 in the 3rd quarter I can't remember for sure. I'm trying to get the video of the ceremonies posted, but it's not currently cooperating....

TGIF

Well change of plans today, no hair cut, go to town this morning, pick up stuff for tonight (balloons, remaining food) and tomorrow night, plus bday card for DH and mom, batteries for camera, etc... then come home and clean house, then study. It would prob be better to study this morning before mom gets here, but I need to get the other stuff done and off my back! No major tests next week, so that is good. I hope to get my last observation re-scheduled. Then we have a puppet play to do on Nov. 13th and that will be all of my extra curricular activities for this semester I think. Oh and the trip to Little Rock, that will be fun though! I may go to the pep rally today, I am not 100% sure. I hate to leave mom sitting here alone. Next week is homecoming and then the last game. It will be weird not having him playing football.

Succession

It's pretty neat how the creation speaks of the Creator. Even in studying succession of forest communities, you can see parallels. Death must occur before new birth and creation. Old things must die before the new life can spring forth. A fire is cleansing and can reveal things unrealized for years. Without fire, some changes can never occur. New life comes in stages where the old is shed before the new, bigger and better things come. If you don't have wildfire, there are many beautiful wildflowers and strong trees that you will never see.

Just thursday....

The people are supposed to be here to fix the heat today, they were supposed to come yesterday but called and said they weren't. Today really is better I have to leave a little bit later. Not sure how the weather will effect their coming however...

It's been a light week, I've been trying to start studying for the upcoming ecology test because there is a huge amount of information. So far 150 or so slides and I can't even count the vocabulary to learn. Today will be working on ecology, I have lots of reading to do for it also and some videos to watch. And he has three long documents posted, he said all weren't req'd reading, but I know some of it will be. It can be overwhelming the amount of info he makes us cover. I would love to take the histology class or even herpetology, but he is teaching it and I already have to take him for another class my other choice is environmental chemistry, but I am hoping there will be another class to choose from. Since my SPED teacher was sick, there is not much work to do for that class this week and we had that reading test, so I just need to start the new chapter.

Tomorrow I will clean house, get my hair cut and go to Senior night and the football game. Mom will be here around lunch. Saturday study in the morning and party in the evening, hehe. At least the weather will be nice even if it is muddy. I hope there is a decent turnout because I have two cakes coming.

That Align the Gastro. Dr. put me on has made a huge difference. It really helps alot. My feet are still acting up. I walked night before last and then did Shred yesterday and they are hurting. I need to find an elliptical trainer or something....I have to be really careful with the Shred because I injured my shoulder doing it and it doesn't take much to get it to flare back up.

This week

Not too much to talk about today. I've got to write a paper on flu & tecnology, clean house, get fingerprinted, jog and work on ecology. There is a TON of information to learn so I need to get on with it. I took my reading test yesterday, but I regret not going over my flashcards beforehand. OPPS. i guessed way too much. UGH Not too much going on this week. No other test because my SPED teacher was sick and we had an online module. no IS395 this week. Good thing because I need to work on ecology and housework so hopefully I will be able to take most of Saturday off.

Our heat is not working. PTL we got a 'home warranty'. I called sunday, but haven't gotten a response, so I need to add that to the list to do today, call them back... Our fireplace needs something, but we aren't quite sure what, lol. They told us the insert was cracked, but it appears that there is no insert and we think maybe that is it, we just need to buy an insert?? There was a lady at the Dr.'s office with the flu. I'm praying that we didn't pick it up there.

The Propitiation

I John 2:2 He is the propitiation for our sins, not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

propitiation: an appeasing, propitiating - sin-offering

So I had this dream last night. Well first, Sunday morning, I was reading some footnotes & scriptures when Audie was preaching, and came across propitiation. I know what propitiation means, but the Lord said, "I'm going to show you what propitiation is". It's one of those ok, if you say so moments, lol. Well I had a dream last night. I was in this 'event' in a stadium like place. It was supposed to ge a game, but as it went further and further with me narrowly escaping each time. I was being hunted. A man was with me. I had to go through all these obstacles and it was getting harder and harder to escape. When it was clear we could no longer escape, he turned to me and said to go on, that they would not be satisfied without blood. He would stop them and I would escape. He made an atonement for my sin, took my punishment....That's propitiation.

Back online

My dear husband picked up my modem for me yesterday and I got it installed this morning. It may be slow but it is better than the cell phone or nothing, let me tell ya!

Rachel cooked dinner for me last night for my birthday, it was really sweet. No one has done anything like that for me in a long time. Noel used to cook me Brie en Croute (a pastry with Brie cheese, mushrooms and other stuff), I had forgotten that, it was yummy! Other than that, no one else has gone to the trouble, it meant alot. Funny, I think only two people remembered my birthday last year and I couldn't count this year(hmm would Fb have anything to do with that?). Anyhow, their house is a ruckus. It was wedgie city and I wish I would have had a camera, hilarious those kids. I was hoping to at least have lunch with Tori before she left, but they were to far away. She needs to post some kind of itenerary next time she comes so we have a clue when we can see her.

Things are still fairly quiet, but I know it will all hit soon enough. No tests this week, two next week and I am not sure when the next ecology test will be, but there is certainly a ton of info. to cover so I am starting now. Today I've got a science club meeting at 12. I'll have to leave early to get to the next campus. It takes 15-20 minutes to get to the new campus from the old one because of all the construction and traffic. I use cowhorn creek which keeps it from being 30 minutes, but it still takes a bit. Then I may go look for a birthday gift for my mom and work in the computer lab for just a short bit. If I try to go for the entire 3 hours, it makes the day way too long and makes my back hurt. We are supposed to be outside today for a lab, but we shall see. Trying to decide about a laptop and if it will help any. I think I will stop at walmart and use some bday money to buy some rubber boots- it looks like I will be needing them.

I also found out I have to take genetics with my *favorite* instructor. The main issue now is whether or not I am getting the information I need to pass my test after I graduate. Guess I will have to study hard on my own. I may have to take him for my science elective also, but I am going to try not to...

Next few days

Ok, so here are the next few days: Ecology today then Forensics test tonight, NO lecture so I will be home before 8 I think. Thursday maybe meet for debate project (haven't heard from 3rd person, UGH), present posters in SPED class (no test this week yay!), puppet practice after class. Friday get up EARLY (be there by 7:30)and go to STEAM conference, here are my chosen workshops: Mat/sci applications in water industry, podcasting in your classroom, lunch, Come Wii with Mii -and I think I'll skip the last one so I do not have to worry about a babysitter (it ends at 3:30). Friday night go to tex with DH and buy freezer, saturday school stuff then Campmeeting. Sunday reverse that :-)

AHHHH Quiet

It's been a quiet day (other than Shawn's dog which barks incessantly for no apparant reason!). It's nice to have the entire day at home, I get few of those. Next week, I really need to schedule my last observation. It'll be nice to have that done! I got a 111 on my ecology test (out of 125), that is unless he changes it, we did a group 'peer' type grading. Whew, that is a load off. This test ought to be easier to tighten in on without 50 million videos to watch. Blake seems to like Youngs so far. Funny, you ask them if they like it and they say yeah, we get free food or cokes, lol, BOYS! Shawn jr. will be 18 this sunday, you can tell he is ready to 'make his own decisions', it's funny they think 18 is a magic number. :-)

I'm contemplating getting Hughesnet. It's about 40$ more a month though and money is tight, but it sure would help me out with school stuff. I am thinking of maybe dropping my phone and just getting one like Amberly's. I have to check and see for sure when my contract is up. I also am not sure how it would affect the boys phones. They are running a special so it would be nice to make up my mind by tomorrow, but I am just not sure that I can. Expenses are really heavy this year with senior ring (blake), TWO letterman jackets (sjr changed his mind), senior pic's homecoming, prom& all that stuff, plus a new freezer this weekend, I could go on and on. (You have kids, you know!)

This week, Amberly is going to Laura's but I don't know Blake's reg. schedule yet and I am not sure how she will get to church on wed. Just taking it one day at a time right now! Shawn might could swing through to church that way, but I want to make sure she gets her hw done.
Well that's enough of a break, back to work. I'm tying up lose ends on my ESL reading poster and then back to study environmental history and laws. (exciting stuff, lol)

Upcoming week

This ought to be a decent week, it's not too packed (praying it stays that way). No observations on tuesday, no doctor's appointments. I do have a conference friday, it's called STEAM, it's a math conference, I get extra credit and hopefully I will get there early enough to get some goodies (they usually give out boxes of manipulatives of some sort). I only have one test this week, so I hope to finish up some more work on projects and get ahead a little. I managed to get some progress done on a few projects and all one needs now is tidying up. I have a lot coming up that is due at the same time and the next few weekends will be busy. We've got campmeeting this weekend, Komen next weekend and mom comes the following weekend. We are planning on having a BBQ that weekend, if Shawn can change his work schedule, or we might have everyone out and do hotdogs or potluck. It's hard to believe he will be 18 and graduating. I get plenty of reminders though, Senior this senior that, lol.

interesting

So yesterday, my whole morning was wasted. I showed up at the Lake like we were supposed to(yes I complained the entire time) and I waited. Finally another student arrived and we waited, drove around a bit to see if we were in the wrong area or something....then 2 other students arrived and we waited. The professor never showed up, the Corps guy never showed up. So 25 min after we were supposed to have started I left (after waiting an hour because I left early in case I got lost). He says he had a flat tire, but I am not buying it. He thought the corps guy would be there. I was furious. This man is driving me bananas. I have to stay home this morning to catch up on stuff. Had he not done that, perhaps I would have gotten enough done that I could enjoy church and fellowship this morning. What did he say? oh maybe it was fate GRRR. It was hard not to give him what for. I don't usually get angry easily, but this guy makes me flat mad. He needs another line of work.


Anyhow, despite Mr. Prof's best attempt to keep me behind, I got one project finished and teh second one is well under way. I also started studying for my Forensics test. So today I will finish my reading project, studying a bit for forensics and start on my IS395 project.

Shawn Jr.'s Senior pics from school came in and they are decent(sp?? my mind has no time to spell correctly these days), maybe not the most creative, but I am going to see if he would like to just order from these. It will be hard to hook him up with Sissy Welch considering his current schedule. Speaking of schedules, Blake starts at youngs Monday afternoon. I've got to figure out where I will send Amberly. I have options, I just have to figure out which will work best, and wait to see what days he will have to work.

My family helped in the house again yesterday and I sure do appreciate that. Still plenty to do, but a little help goes a long way. Well that is my allotted time, so I need to go read my bible now. That way I can be angry and sin not :-).

Projects, projects, projects

This will have to be a speed blog so I can get right to work after I get done with my PB & apple lunch, so blunt and to the point, yeah I know, so unlike me haha. Went to the gastro. yesterday and she put me on align, says she has had great luck with it. We also talked about art. sweetners and well something that has just left my mind. I bet it will pop back in in a minute. Got the dogs taken care of and Bear had hookworms. I have wormed that darned dog so much. Well I bet he gains some weight now! Ok so projects projects that is this weekend. I have an ELL project and two papers to get done, study for only ONE test this week ;-), read oodles and oodles, clean house and OH BTW what am I doing saturday morning when I should be home cleaning and then studying?? I am driving all the way to texarkana to lake wright patman to put up birdhouses, yup. Sure I have time and the gas for that really yeah. :/ Football tonight of course so I want to finish my poster today (that is right after I get done eating) and start on my readbility project, then start on my debate project, the topic of that, well we got a doozy- "Is NASA doing enough to protect us against coment/asteroid strikes?" HAHA and we are CON. Why couldn't we get an easy one, lol.


Dh took his BP yesterday and said it was 120/80... I'm not buying it and will have to see it for myself. We also have to pick up a freezer saturday a lowe's before anyone gets a chance to kill a deer. So, looks like I may have to stay home sunday, but that is very hard for me to do. I def. need to get some 'monkey's' off my back though cause my cup 'overfloweth' ;-). End of the week is always rough, I don't get enough sleep so I should be recouped hopefully tomorrow.OK so there is my speed blog, I feel better already.

question

Ok, I can't put this on fb yet, but here is the question, I thought you might get a kick out of it: How can we know what the ecological niche on Mars is? (Yes, I said Mars). Guess and see (Julie you probably know so wait, lol)

observation

My observation in DeQueen went well (even though I needed some hand holding to find it-turns out I was only two blocks away though). I observed an ESL class. I got to help one girl with her chemistry (she was in there for tutoring with a migrant worker), that was nice, I actually remember it too. I should get my reading test grade today, so I'm waiting for that and going to study for my ecology and sped test. Tomorrow, I have an hour of volunteer time at the fall fest (science club for educators) and then my test and forensics class. This weekend will be spent on a couple of projects (3 actually) and starting my reading for the next ecology unit and of course the GA lesson. I'm about burnt out on this unit (ecology), I wish we would have had our test Monday. But I will review everything at least once today. We did a leaf lab monday. I love labs, they are fun, we just looked at stuff however. The next lab is at the cemetery....hmmm...

We are still working on potty training Freckles, but I think she is getting close. She has probably doubled in size! Thursday she gets her shots and Bear gets nipped. (SHHH don't tell him that). I am supposed to have an appt with the gastroenterologist, but I am not sure if I am going. We've had 3-4 dr.'s visits in the past two weeks and those $30 copays add up. I'm not having any issues now, so I'll probably call and cancel it this afternoon.

I've been spending my quiet time just praying for others and my days have sure gone a lot better! Funny how when you stop thinking of yourself everything else falls into place...I also talked with my 'mentor' (and the head of the biology dept') about my 'professor issue' and I feel better about that. I think it has about resolved itself, but it was still nice to have voiced my concerns( even though they already knew what was going on) . Well my internet connectin is VERY slow today, so it's a good thing I don't have to do anything on blackboard. I am contemplating getting a laptop, but I just don't want to shell out the money and it would not help her at home. It would just allow me to stay at one campus on wednesdays and bring all my stuff with me instead of using a flash drive.

Today's TO DO

To Do for today:

• type up notes for ecology and reading.
• write up response journal for reading
• jog, laundry
• review for ecology test
• start studying for sped test
• if time review article for IS395 paper & RDG article(FRY)
• read in ELL book and Div. of Life
• get papers ready for obs tomorrow and directions to DQ HS
  

Forgot to mention

I forgot to mention (and prob. wouldn't hurt on facebook), that we are looking for a used upright freezer. I'm also keeping my eye out for an eliptical of some sort, so if you hear of any thing, please let me know. :-)

Sunday Sunday

Well I don't have time to 'decorate' this blog, so I may take you up on that offer Lisa. It's pitiful looking I now. Yesterday was gorgeous. Wish I could have gone yesterday, it sounded like a lot of fun. I'm so glad the youth of our two churches are getting together. Hopefully, it will continue. DH got to visit with the coach some and he said they did not realized they were being rooked by the ref's until he watched the video. I hope he tells the boys, they were really upset and it really wasn't their fault. Of course they made some mistakes, but it really was ridiculous.

We checked DH's blood pressure yesterday and it was high, it wasn't borderline that day :( . He's doing well eating healthy food, but I've got to get him to realize three snacks after supper ain't gonna work even if it's healthy food, lol. I'm glad he is walking now because my feet won't let me do both and my back has not been happy about the lack of jogging.

I will be so glad to get this ecology test out of the way. There is SOOOO much material. It's all those stinkin videos that make it too much. I don't think the rest of the tests will be like this. It feels like an impossible task to have it all down like I would like to. Class has def. been better though, he's actually talking about material. I do think I did well on my reading test though, so I am anxious to get that grade back. I really enjoy that class, it seems useful. Two tests this week and I think no projects.

Potty training Freckles is still underway. She's doing better but will sometimes sneak off to our room for a potty break if the door is not closed. DH does NOT like this. What's worse she has been sneaking Bear's food which is not the best thing when it comes time to clean up if you know what happens when you switch dog foods.

New blog

This will be a busy weekend. I've got to take DH grocery shopping, clean house, study, study and then more studying. Thank goodness Debbie will do GA's for me. I hate not being there, but I know GA's is not for me, but for the girls. Once I take this first test in Ecology, I think I can relax a bit. He has just put sooo much material on this test. I hope I can go watch the kids do their drama today, it just depends on what time they perform. DH is helping out with the fun day. I think he is doing a bow shoot. I have to say I am proud of DH, he has already lost a few pounds and is serious about losing weight and getting his blood pressure down, when he goes out to eat now he gets healthy food.

Ok, so the game last night was a total rip off. That was the most blatant cheating I have ever seen. Sorry. The boys tried their hardest but nearly every single play was given a flag for the first 3/4's and the other team was allowed to do whatever they wanted. Sorry boys, it's not fair. Ya'll handled it well. I probably shouldn't say that online, but when I can make the calls better, something is wrong. When a ref watches blatant horsecollaring 4 feet in front of his face and ignores it and 2 min. later calls it on us, or throws a flag and picks it up because the other team scores? something is wrong. I don't mind losing, but come on guys let's play fair. What is this teaching the kids.