October 16

It was a long week and, as always, I am shocked at how busy it is!

Poor Lily has had a growth on her side for several months.  We brought her in and the dr was pretty sure she had been nicked at some point and an infection had been building. She said guinea pig infections are thick so she would need surgery.  So we dropped her off Wednesday morning.  Apparently the mass was HUGE and they were able to remove it all because it was encapsulated.  When she cut into it she found that it wasn’t an infection, but actually a tumor.  They asked if they should send it in to be checked for cancer.  We said no and are just happy she is running around her cage again and eating.

These are the stitches all along her side

That same day, I was working on the books at school.  Almost every barcode and spine need to be redone.  Anyway, I have to use goo gone on most of it and I have label scrapers to help.  One of them is a razor on 3 sides.  At one point, I pushed just a little to hard on one of the labels and the razor slipped on the goo gone and slashed right into my finger.  The side of my finger was sliced wide open.  I ran to the nurse and by the time I got there, my hand had a pool of blood in it.  She helped me wash and wrap it.  I debated going in for stitches but really didn't have the time.  I ran to walmart and got a liquid bandage, butterfly stitches, and heavy duty antibiotic and now it is doing much better. No infection!

I had a formal observation this week along with a pre and post observation meeting with the principal.  As you all know, that is something I dread and it makes me physically ill.  Those meetings this week were literally the best meetings I have ever had.  He was extremely complimentary, said I am excellent teacher , and went on and on about what a huge difference I am making to all  the students and staff.  Again, it brought me to tears.  How wonderful to be a part of such a positive environment, where I get up excited to go to work every single day, where I love everyone I work with and I have solid support.  It’s incredible and heart warming! Now if I could just find some doctor to cure fibromyalgia and the nightmare of my CFS, I could rule the world!

The book fair arrived this week and its been even more insane than normal.  Day 1 I sold 128 books.  Day 2 (not a conf night) I sold 30!  Everyone has been so excited and it has been so awesome to see.  I run it this week too.  But the most amazing thing was that through the ENTIRE parent conference night I was bombarded by parents telling me what a huge difference I am making in their childs life.  I heard several times “So, you are Mrs. hart? My kid talks about you all the time!”.  It was heart warming and awesome and has made the hell I went through in Anamosa all worth it just to have been able to make it here.

Tyler came to  help me so I had an extra set of eyes. 

He has also become our own Home Chef.  MAN I love that place and hope they never go out of business!

Stromboli Tyler made from scratch

Alayna and I worked most of yesterday on her history project.

She also had her 1st barn dance last night and had a great time especially because there were kittens every where to hold.

I was also able to arrange to get therapy dogs to visit the library.  We have many special ed students who have been terrified of the library from past bad experiences.  I arranged for them to come in, meet the dogs, read books to the dogs, etc.  It was a HUGE success. I was almost in tears.  The kids were so happy, come in all the time now, and I am working with the asst principal to get a permanent one for our library!!!

I assume Kayla is alive? I did hear from Brandon yesterday who was on a fun fishing trip!

Apparently Marisa got to spend some time with my parents!  So fun!  Wish I could have been there!

I havent mentioned lately how amazing Bob is- he made this amazing grape jelly out of all of our grapes, has been a huge support for me, and I thank heavenly father ever day for helping me find him!