Sunday, November 10, 2013

BYU/Wisconsin Game

BYU, Book Fairs , and a Pokey Day

Bob, Tyler, and Kayla drove up to Wisconsin to attend the BYU game (and the fireside the night before put on by the BYU players and the coach.)  They froze but had a great time, even though BYU lost Sad smile

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On Friday, Alayna and I had what we called the “Pokey Day”.  She had to have a surgical procedure done in both toes (to permanently remove the ingrown toenails that keep causing her pain and infections.)  She was awesome.  The nurse even said she did better than all the other 11 year olds that have ever been in there Smile

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Then, I had a dr appt and had to get blood work done so I got poked by needles too.

Then, I FINALLY had the time to take her to get her ears pierced from her birthday (3 months ago).  She loved it and didn’t even flinch!  I was pretty impressed.

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We spent the rest of the weekend relaxing, sleeping and trying to recoup.

My week was pure insanity.  I ran 2 bookfairs and ran 2 parent nights for the book fairs.  I would say the term “utterly exhausted” doesn’t even cover it.  The middle school one was a huge success.  I cant wait to see how much we made so I can buy new books!

We found out that the high school hasn’t had a bookfair in over 35 years!  Teachers kept coming in saying how excited they were.  We had over 100 people come through on parent night.  Sales weren't as good as the middle school, but we had to start somewhere right? If you want anything you can still order online! lol!

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I received more comments about what a difference I am making.  I had a pre-observation conference last week and get observed tomorrow.  I hope for continued success.

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Sunday, November 03, 2013

Happy Halloween and Stay off the Road!

Halloween came up way too fast.  I remember when I used to plan costumes 6 months in advance.  My mommy skills are broken or something?  Anyway, thank goodness for Bob who took Alayna to party city the day before the Trunk-Or Treat and she decided to be Red Riding Hood, although I am not sure she knows who that is.  Then, the DAY of the party, Kayla took Tyler to walmart to get a skeleton shirt and she was a bed head.  So here you have it folks, awesome in action….

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At school, I was an egg.  My para was bacon so the kids thought we were pretty awesome!

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Alayna went trick or treating with a friend while the rest of us turned off the porch light and hunkered in the basement.  Sometimes its nice when your kids are older!

This week Tyler took his Drivers test and passed!!  Whoohoo!  He starts Drivers Ed on Tuesday.  Just remember Iowa folks, I have warned you…

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(I love Bobs face!)

This week Kayla built a toothpick bridge for Physics.  I can let her tell more about it but everyone was impressed with it and it held quite a bit of weight. 

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This week at work has been even busier than normal.  This week we got the middle school book fair set up.  This is my 1st time running one on my own.  I pray for its success because we REALLY need new books.

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I set up the one at the high school on Wednesday- we will be running it 2 parent nights as well.  I can already feel the exhaustion setting in.  How you can love your job so much but be more exhausted than you ever have in your life?

I did run into a snafu…the HS principal informed me it was my year to be formally observed 3 times. Yes, this put me in tears as I just cant add any more to my plate.  I have my 1st preobservation meeting tomorrow and observation next Monday.  We also had several thing stolen from the HS library including my giant candy corn incentive jar (everyone got to make a guess when they checked out a book and the winner wins the jar.)  I feel like the progress I am making there is so slow and such a struggle.  But I keep trying…

Here is a picture of Alaynas fruit tray (palm trees).  Adorable!

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Sunday, October 27, 2013

Pumpkins, Parties, and Happy 15th to Tyler!

I was reminded this week that I am doing a great job in my quest to be Mother of the year.  The girls claimed we haven't carved pumpkins “in Years!”  I reiterated the fact that its too much work and makes a mess.  So, they decided they would do it themselves.  Can you guess which one is Alayna’s?

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Happy 15th Birthday to Tyler!  We had dinner at Olive Garden and he got a remote helicopter called  the “Quad Copter”

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Tyler had his band extravaganza and last home game.  Both very awesome!!

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(Tyler is on right side)

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(Tyler on the right looking in shock!)

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(yes, Tylers costume is pajamas with a snuggie)

Tyler and Kayla had a Stake Barn Dance:

Kayla and Emily played a prank on Merritt’s car:

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The new Kum and Go is cooler than it looks with milkshake and “Coolee” machines…

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Another crazy and amazing week at work.  Look at the note left on my desk from the high school principal:

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Sunday, October 20, 2013

Kayla's Catapult

Temples, Teen read week, and Tons of apples

Tyler and Kayla attended the youth temple trip to Nauvoo yesterday.

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We borrowed an apple press from a friend in the ward.  We only did 3 boxes but got 4 gallons of amazing tasting apple juice!  We will finish the other 10 boxes next week.

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I had another amazing week at work.  I had a “Dress up like a book character” day to celebrate Teen Read week.  (Apparently they have never done anything like this before).  The kids were so excited and we had great participation.  I received many emails from teachers and staff saying how grateful they are that I am at their schools.

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(At the middle school with my Para, Sherry)

For the middle school, I did fun a scavenger hunt around the library with treats.  For the high school I created a murder mystery which was pretty brilliant if you ask me.

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Someone came in and told me that they had talked to the Anamosa public head librarian and that she was so excited to meet me and has been hearing amazing things about what I have been doing at both schools.  I cant even express how much things like that mean to me.  

I had 3 teachers approach me this week to thank me.  Apparently I have hooked many of their students on books and they are seeing huge progress in these students.  Have I mentioned how much I love my job? I run 2 book fairs the 1st week of November.  Wish me luck!!!

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Newbo, Catapult, and more Marching

It never ceases to amaze me how busy we seem to be.  Its strange but I am CRAVING another cruise.  I remember how relaxed I was…

We have officially lived here 9 years (on Oct 1) and we just recently discovered Newbo market down town.  I got a giftcard for it about a year ago but had no clue what it was.  Anyway, we went to go visit and explore (after we got our flu shots).  Its like a giant outside and inside market with crafts, produce, and authentic food.  We had Caribbean Jerk chicken and oven fired pizza along with some of the best ice cream we have ever tasted!  It was very fun and we would like to go back again.  Then we went to see Tyler perform…

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Tyler had a very long day yesterday.  They performed in a marching band festival at Kingston stadium, where we went to see him perform.  They came in 1st place and blew everyone else's group out of the water!  I would say it was almost flawless!  Then they quickly packed up on buses and headed to a huge competition in Des Moines to compete for the 1st time against some of the best marching bands in the state and they placed 4th!!!  They were so excited.  I picked him up at 2AM, so yes, a very long but awesome day.  He has the Metro marching classic tomorrow and the Indoor marching classic Thursday!

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(I believe Ty is the 5th face from the bottom)

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Kayla had to a build a catapult this week for Physics class and hers went the farthest!  I will have Bob post the video of the practice ones she did here at home.  Way to go, Kayla! 

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Utah- Part 4