For today, Tuesday, December 1st
Outside my window… frost on the windshield this morning! Bella exclaimed, “Told!” When we left the house — yes, it’s cold, but the sun is out and it should warm up today.
I am thinking… about the many things I have to accomplish in my half day of work today.
I am thankful for… crock pots, parents who are always there to lend a hand, and a child with an always cheery disposition!
From the kitchen… last night was Aunt K’s famous stew. Tonight, who knows — I have a haircut and a few errands to run. Again, thankful to my mom for feeding my family tonight while I get some things taken care of.
I am wearing… black cords, plum-colored sweater-shirt, black sweater, and my favorite black clogs.
I am going… south to the hospital with Bella again today for a follow-up appointment. She’s doing great — hopefully we won’t have to wrap her up in bandages for much longer! I am then going north to get my haircut, shop a Kohl’s and pick up diapers at Costco.
I am reading… The Host by Stephenie Meyer. Not too sure about it yet. It’s slow getting started.
I am hoping… that I get to see my BFF and her wife sometime this month. I miss them both!
I am hearing… teachers and children in the hallways.
I am creating… thoughts about what I will be making for Christmas gifts this year. Have much to do and not much time to do it! Also, need to get started thinking about Christmas cards!!!
I am praying… for the continued health of my child and for all the children and families I work with who have not had great health this year, nor the health care to get rid of the sickness!
Around the house… decorations are up! It’s a bit dishevled, but all in all, not too bad.
One of my favorite things… Hazelnut coffee in the morning.
I am pondering… traditions, travel, and decisions about both.
A few plans for the rest of the week… my first Zumba class on Thursday (yay!), getting my butt back on the treadmill (lungs are working now — so, no more excuses!!), Z’s art show this weekend, and celebrating our 7th anniversary!
A “picture thought” I’m sharing…
For today, Monday, November 23, 2009:
Outside my window… dark and chilly following a gloomy day today.
I am thankful for… the fantastic staff at the Pediatric Emergency Room on Saturday night. They took great care of my baby girl in an efficient, kind manner. I’m equally thankful for my brave girl.
I am wearing… my nightgown.
I am remembering… to get directions for tomorrow.
I am going… to take Bella to the specialist tomorrow. From a hot cup of tea she pulled off the table on Saturday night, she incurred first and second degree burns on her abdomen. While the ER doc thinks that there will be no scarring and that the burns are not severe, she requested that we go to a specialist just to make sure that all is okay. So, we’re off to our appointment tomorrow!
I am reading… New Moon again — until I can pick up books at the library tomorrow.
I am hoping… that Bella’s wounds heal quickly. She’s doing great so far — let’s keep it up!
On my mind… healing, cooking, family, friends.
Noticing that… Z and I are quite a team. We both stayed relatively calm, cool, and collected on Saturday night — ensuring that Bella saw a strong, united, SAFE front from her parents.
Pondering these words… teamwork; change comes from within.
From the kitchen… nothing tonight — we had Mexican tonight. Making pea soup tomorrow!
Around the house… some general cleaning tomorrow.
One of my favorite things… Glee. Just love it. It’s a can’t miss show for me every Wednesday!
From my picture journal… will post some tomorrow. None on this computer tonight.
Outside my window… it’s dark… we had a rather overcast day today, not very sunny, not very warm.
I am thinking… about NOT eating ice cream tonight.
I am thankful for… nebulizers, inhalers, and mucinex.
I am wearing… black cords, brown polka-dotted shirt, white socks and blue crocs (my post-swimming shoes)
I am remembering… to fill out some paperwork for open enrollment tomorrow!
I am going… to yoga tomorrow, come hell or high water.
I am reading… and almost done with The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. It’s really making me think while also being a page-turner!
I am hoping… that my lungs begin working again, that it doesn’t rain this weekend, that I can get it all done!
On my mind… two classes to teach in the coming days on top of county meetings and grade level meetings… a LOT!
From the learning rooms… finishing that drafting lesson this week. I’ll be doing another one next week since the kiddos seem to be struggling with this concept!
Noticing that… my daughter gets funnier and funnier as the days go by. She truly is a character and a girl with her own mind!
Pondering these words… HRA, HSA, flexible spending
From the kitchen… barbecued beef from the oven tonight; chicken, feta, and sundried tomato over linguine tomorrow!
Around the house… what else? laundry!
One of my favorite things… eating lunch with my peeps each day. It’s 30 minutes when I don’t think about work or what I’ll be doing next. I’m just enjoying the moment… and the laughter!
From my picture journal… my little reader.
It’s Friday!!!
1. Grateful for good news from K & M this week that K got the job (we KNEW she would get it, but celebrated her sigining on the dotted line this week). They’ll be relocating CLOSER to us, which makes me BEYOND happy. Love those women!
2. Loving the Google homepages this week. Happy Birthday, Sesame Street! We spend a lot of time with Elmo, Ernie, Abby, and their friends these days. Bella has taken to eating like Cookie Monster and she will pull her “C” magnets from the fridge and announce them, “C!”
3. Finally feeling a bit like I have control over my job today. Teaching has been going well, and the teachers I work with are phenomenal! I can see my work through them. I see their students making great strides. I see it “happening.” So proud.
4. Getting out for a hike tomorrow. We haven’t been on one since I got pregnant with Bella two years ago. Loading up the Bella pack, throwing the dog in the car, and getting out this weekend feels like the perfect thing to do. I’ve lost some time with my 5K training due to illness and Z’s crazy work schedule (when I have to take Bella to her grandparents, I lose my AM running time). So, it’s time to get back to nature and get moving!
5. Seeing the Girls tonight. I had originally decided not to go, but my wonderful friend Laura is taking me as her date this evening. I’m looking forward to a night out with her and Molly, seeing the Girls, Pearl Cleage, and Alice Walker. Can. Not. Wait.
FOR TODAY… November 2, 2009
Outside my window… sunny, beautiful, and cool. Wish I could get out there and enjoy it!
I am thinking… that I don’t want to fold laundry or clean the kitchen or cook dinner, but I’m not at work today, so I need to do something productive!
I am thankful for… Bella’s continued health. We saw the doctor today for a rash on her face… no problems there, but we did find out that our oldest nephew has the Swine Flu. Bella got her vaccination today, but I hope it wasn’t too late!
I am wearing… gpink ScrapPink t-shirt and purple pajama pants. Yep. Lazy.
I am remembering… how small my Pickle was just a year ago. She was asleep in her stroller for all of trick or treating. This year, she walked up to 5 or 6 houses before we put her into the stroller. She cheered the other kids on and tried to open the candy they kept sneaking to her for the rest of the night. No sleeping for my big girl until we got home at close to 10PM!
I am going… to yell at my dog for barking so much! Then I really am going to do some folding, promise.
I am reading… and LOVING The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. I’m about a quarter of the way through and it’s a page-turner!
I am hoping… that this week the stress feels lighter than last week.
On my mind… my friends. Thinking about many of you today… and wondering how you’re doing.
From the learning rooms… it’s time to draft this week! The kiddos will take their story maps and create their short stories. I only hope that my modeling will sufficient to get them writing!
Noticing that… I have a cough that won’t go away, but my asthma hasn’t kicked in horribly — as it usually does this time of year. This is big!
Pondering these words… four hour drive. ;o)
From the kitchen… flank steak, potatoes, and salad tonight… a full menu planned this week — can’t wait!
Around the house… did I mention laundry?
One of my favorite things… or two or three: the way Bella thinks she is one of the big kids, how she kisses everybody and everything now, how sneezing still makes her laugh, that she is a total parrot: repeating every last word!
From my picture journal… 
FOR TODAY…October 27th
Outside my window… lots and lots of rain, gray skies. The weekend was beautiful. Now we pay.
I am thinking… that there is much to be done, and I shouldn’t be blogging, but right now this is what I WANT to do.
I am thankful for… for the little things in life: hazelnut coffee creamer, flannel sheets, kisses and hugs from Bella, a husband who is willing to unload and reload the dishwasher.
I am wearing… gray slacks, blouse, black sweater and mis-matched Halloween socks. As part of Red Ribbon Week, we are having Crazy Sock Day.
I am remembering… the ease of being in the classroom with predictable schedules and the best laid plans… I also remember the behavior issues and headaches that came with being in a room with 20 eight year olds every day.
I am going… to yoga this afternoon then to the Compound for dinner.
I am reading… The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. Just started, but it promises to be another killer book by Mr. Brown!
I am hoping… to finish what needs to be finished and feel a bit lighter in the shoulders by week’s end.
On my mind… lists, plans, bills, classes, schedules…
From the learning rooms… I’ve decided to add this to my weekly list to chronicle what I’m teaching my second graders every week. This week it’s problem and solution (try, try, succeed!) in a story-map format.
Noticing that… I’m very tired this week. I need to get back on the treadmill to remedy this situation!
Pondering these words… build relationship first.
From the kitchen… dinner at the Compound tonight… chicken burgers tomorrow… yummy!
Around the house… we’ve been doing NOTHING. There is plenty of laundry, cleaning, and de-cluttering that await me.
One of my favorite things… quiet, alone time with Z after Bella is securely in bed. Just the two of us. Much needed this week.
From my picture journal… I’ve got some good ones in the camera… will download and post tomorrow!
