You know I said that Brennan had said it hurt when he breathed on Monday, but yet I wasn't sure how sick he really was. Well the asthma came through loud and clear on Monday during the night. He was very barky and congested so Dad and I were plugging in vaporizers and nebulizers in the middle of the night. He didn't sleep well at all that night, so I let him sleep in thinking he wouldn't feel like going to school on Tuesday. But by 9 AM, he was up, dressed, and ready to go. Last night he did sleep well, thanks to my good friend, Nyquil. Hopefully we started the asthma treatments soon before he gets completely miserable.
In happier news...
Bradley's team won their first football game Monday! 20-14!!!
I have been exercising faithfully this week, and this morning I ran farther than I ever have! and
I am eating lunch with Brennan at school today. Cafeteria chicken nuggets, here I come!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Mrs. Gordon
Yes, that's my new name, according to some kindergarteners. I subbed for the second time on Friday. This time I was in kindergarten class. Unlike last week's resource room, I had no down time to speak of! It was busy, busy, busy all day, even though there were only 15 kids! Each age has bright spots. The great thing about kindergarten is that they warm up to you quickly (I even got a beautiful picture made for me!), they don't try to pull one over on you to get away with things they shouldn't, they are overly anxious to help in any way that they can, and the curriculum and activities are so fun. Lots of singing, etc. On the flipside of that is that they have a very structured routine usually (with calendar and specific ways of transitioning, etc) and can have difficulty adjusting if you don't do things exactly the way Mrs. _________ does it, they tattle and tell (which drives me crazy), and they cannot seem to remember my name. I always write it on the board and make a big deal of practicing it (we wave "hi" for HY, and I point to the door for DOR, and then we add an "n" sound. So these precious, not yet reading, children look at my name, make valiant efforts to sound it out, and usually fail, which sometimes results in hysterical laughter (only on the inside) on my part. I have been Mrs. Hydork, Mrs. Hydorf, Mrs. Hydron, and, my personal favorite, Mrs. Hardon. Friday brought a new name- Mrs. Gordon. I think they remembered the OR sound because we had emphasized that, and he went with Gordon. The funny thing was when one little boy started saying it,(and he said it every 5 minutes because he had many important things to tell me!) everyone began calling me Mrs. Gordon. We practiced again a little while later and then they began getting it right! Oh, the funny stories I will probably accumulate as I sub in many different classrooms this year!
I have a sick one home today. Brennan is complaining of a stomachache. I'm still trying to determine exactly what the issue is. I know he is not feeling 100%, I can tell that, but I'm not sure how "sick" he really is either. Allergies and his asthma might be a factor because he told me it hurts when he breathes. Hmmm... It's so hard to know what to do on days like these. I would hate to send him to school when he really isn't feeling well. As a teacher, I have seen that done too many times, and I always felt so sorry for the student who really should have been at home, but yet I don't want him to think he can just tell me he's "sick" and then get to stay home because TV seems more appealing. I won't let him play. He does have to lay down, but I do let the kids watch TV.
Not much else to report. The garage is almost done. Just the back side for Gary to side, and then he has to paint the house and garage. The siding project has gone on for exactly 3 months now, and has pretty much consumed all of my husband's free time. I am proud of him for working so diligently on it. He has an incredible work ethic, and the job looks wonderful.
Bradley's first football game is tonight. We have to go to Adel. I hope they win! All I know is that they have been practicing hard for weeks. He comes home dripping in sweat every night from all of the running and plays they have done. Don't get me wrong- I think it's good for him. It would be good for me to come home dripping in sweat from exercise!
Well, I best get something done. Toodles for now.
I have a sick one home today. Brennan is complaining of a stomachache. I'm still trying to determine exactly what the issue is. I know he is not feeling 100%, I can tell that, but I'm not sure how "sick" he really is either. Allergies and his asthma might be a factor because he told me it hurts when he breathes. Hmmm... It's so hard to know what to do on days like these. I would hate to send him to school when he really isn't feeling well. As a teacher, I have seen that done too many times, and I always felt so sorry for the student who really should have been at home, but yet I don't want him to think he can just tell me he's "sick" and then get to stay home because TV seems more appealing. I won't let him play. He does have to lay down, but I do let the kids watch TV.
Not much else to report. The garage is almost done. Just the back side for Gary to side, and then he has to paint the house and garage. The siding project has gone on for exactly 3 months now, and has pretty much consumed all of my husband's free time. I am proud of him for working so diligently on it. He has an incredible work ethic, and the job looks wonderful.
Bradley's first football game is tonight. We have to go to Adel. I hope they win! All I know is that they have been practicing hard for weeks. He comes home dripping in sweat every night from all of the running and plays they have done. Don't get me wrong- I think it's good for him. It would be good for me to come home dripping in sweat from exercise!
Well, I best get something done. Toodles for now.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
I learned tonight...
from listening to this program on my way home from church that the average child smiles 400 times per day while the average adult smiles about 15 times per day. The realization of that is pretty sad and startling. Sometimes I think we get so busy with the routines of each day that we forget to appreciate the little, seemingly simple things of our every day. Today I smiled when...
1) Maizy was lying on the pillow so pristinely looking like a very plump princess.
2) Brennan headed off to school on his bike, like such a big boy.
3) my dear, sweet, wonderful father-in-law took a day off from work to come and help Gary put the siding on the garage.
4) I received 6 yummy cupcakes as an early birthday present.
5) I tasted my first bite of one of those lucious cupcakes!
6) sang "happy birthday" and gave a precious little 3 year old a Strawberry Shortcake doll and cake for her birthday.
7) read Cathy Z.'s blog. She is one of the funniest people in the world!
8) I watched Oreo follow Brennan down the street on his bike.
9) Bradley told me he aced his Spanish test
10) I saw the new scrapbooking paper at Michael's.
11) I finally found the perfect frame for a picture of Brennan in Florida this summer.
12) the sun was shining and it was 80 degrees- the perfect day!
13) I read the nice thank you note from Brennan's teacher.
14) I inserted my first link in this blog post!
15) I kissed my husband goodnight.
I know there were many more smiles, however this statement challenged me that I don't have enough of those carefree, special, happy moments with my children especially. I feel like a drill sergeant much of the time- nagging and barking orders so as to keep us on schedule. I want to leave with this song. It is one of my favorites right now, and rings so true for this very topic. Actually I think I was smiling while I was belting this out in the car on the way to the Dr. today (thankfully I was alone so no one else had to be subjected to my terrible singing voice!). Listen carefully to the words. Life is short. Don't waste a minute of it.
So, what made you smile today??
1) Maizy was lying on the pillow so pristinely looking like a very plump princess.
2) Brennan headed off to school on his bike, like such a big boy.
3) my dear, sweet, wonderful father-in-law took a day off from work to come and help Gary put the siding on the garage.
4) I received 6 yummy cupcakes as an early birthday present.
5) I tasted my first bite of one of those lucious cupcakes!
6) sang "happy birthday" and gave a precious little 3 year old a Strawberry Shortcake doll and cake for her birthday.
7) read Cathy Z.'s blog. She is one of the funniest people in the world!
8) I watched Oreo follow Brennan down the street on his bike.
9) Bradley told me he aced his Spanish test
10) I saw the new scrapbooking paper at Michael's.
11) I finally found the perfect frame for a picture of Brennan in Florida this summer.
12) the sun was shining and it was 80 degrees- the perfect day!
13) I read the nice thank you note from Brennan's teacher.
14) I inserted my first link in this blog post!
15) I kissed my husband goodnight.
I know there were many more smiles, however this statement challenged me that I don't have enough of those carefree, special, happy moments with my children especially. I feel like a drill sergeant much of the time- nagging and barking orders so as to keep us on schedule. I want to leave with this song. It is one of my favorites right now, and rings so true for this very topic. Actually I think I was smiling while I was belting this out in the car on the way to the Dr. today (thankfully I was alone so no one else had to be subjected to my terrible singing voice!). Listen carefully to the words. Life is short. Don't waste a minute of it.
So, what made you smile today??
Sunday, September 14, 2008
celebrating a birthday today...
Seven years ago, September 14, 2001 Bradley asked the Lord to be his personal Savior. Today he is 7 years old in the Lord.
I will never forget that day. It was just 3 days after the 9/11 attacks and emotions were running high as it was. I was teaching at Grandview Park Baptist School at the time and Bradley was in kindergarten there. After school, each class stood outside waiting for their rides and busses to pick them up. He would be dismissed to come to my "box" before we'd go inside. After all of the kids were gone, he said to me, "Guess what I did today? I asked Jesus into my heart." Immediately tears of joy came to my eyes. We discussed it a minute, and then I went to his teacher's room to find out some more details. At their chapel time, they had been discussing the Lamb's Book of Life. The two kindergarten teachers and the associate all gave their testimonies about when their names were written in the Book. Apparently the Spirit was working on him because later on at snack time, during the prayer, he asked the Lord to be his Savior. He told his teacher he'd done that shortly afterwards. As soon as I got back down to the room, he called Daddy to tell him the good news, and Daddy was brought to tears as well. We had prayed for this, of course, and had specifically prayed for it to be a decision completely on his own volition. I never wanted to feel as though we had pushed him into it, or him say he wanted to get saved just to please us. We wanted to know that it was a genuine decision on his part. God truly answered that prayer, and I'm so grateful. We have seen his faith grow over these past years, and God answered another prayer last winter when he decided he wanted to get baptized, and he was on January 27. That was another precious day. We are so proud of the young man he is becoming and continue to pray that God will use his gifts and talents for His glory. I love you Bradley Scott!
I will never forget that day. It was just 3 days after the 9/11 attacks and emotions were running high as it was. I was teaching at Grandview Park Baptist School at the time and Bradley was in kindergarten there. After school, each class stood outside waiting for their rides and busses to pick them up. He would be dismissed to come to my "box" before we'd go inside. After all of the kids were gone, he said to me, "Guess what I did today? I asked Jesus into my heart." Immediately tears of joy came to my eyes. We discussed it a minute, and then I went to his teacher's room to find out some more details. At their chapel time, they had been discussing the Lamb's Book of Life. The two kindergarten teachers and the associate all gave their testimonies about when their names were written in the Book. Apparently the Spirit was working on him because later on at snack time, during the prayer, he asked the Lord to be his Savior. He told his teacher he'd done that shortly afterwards. As soon as I got back down to the room, he called Daddy to tell him the good news, and Daddy was brought to tears as well. We had prayed for this, of course, and had specifically prayed for it to be a decision completely on his own volition. I never wanted to feel as though we had pushed him into it, or him say he wanted to get saved just to please us. We wanted to know that it was a genuine decision on his part. God truly answered that prayer, and I'm so grateful. We have seen his faith grow over these past years, and God answered another prayer last winter when he decided he wanted to get baptized, and he was on January 27. That was another precious day. We are so proud of the young man he is becoming and continue to pray that God will use his gifts and talents for His glory. I love you Bradley Scott!
Monday, September 8, 2008
quick update
Just a quick update on the goings-on around here lately. It's busy as usual!
*Bradley got his braces on last Thursday. He has been doing very well with them. The first few days, his poor lip was cut, but I think he's learning them. He told me tonight that it is hard to play his trumpet, so I hope that will get easier with time.
*I have been a painting maniac this weekend. The pretty flower border in my upstairs bathroom (which I loved) was peeling and just not looking good anymore. So I took it off and just repainted in the same blue color it was. I just need to finish a couple of things in there and that room will be done.
*I am also repainting in Bradley's room. We are doing Cyclone/Carlisle Wildcat yellow and red. The yellow is on, and we just need to touch-up the red. He is also due for a new comforter and some Cyclone decor so I am on the hunt for some of that. I've been scouring ebay and Craig's List for deals, but so far, none yet. I do have a bid on a Cyclone golf ball holder that, hopefully, I'll score.
*Our new recliner chair came in on Friday, and we went right away to pick it up! I love it! It's so comfy and cushy- it's a Lane, microfiber, kindof a neutral taupe color. Maizy seems to love it as well as that has become her napping spot.
*I had my first subbing job today in Carlisle. I was in the 2nd grade resource room. It was OK, but I had a lot of down time, it seemed. and the day dragged a little. Next time I'll be sure to bring a good book! I'll be back in that classroom in about a month and a half again. It was fun being just a few doors down from Brennan's classroom, so I got to peek in there a time or two!
*Tomorrow I start a new ladies' Bible study. I am excited to be under the teaching of our pastor's wife. It's been awhile since I've been in one of her studies. She is such a godly woman, and I always seem to learn so much from her.
*I guess that's enough blabbering for now. I'm tired and ready for bed. I haven't slept real well again the last few nights, so I'm hoping for a more restful night tonight!
Toodles.
*
*Bradley got his braces on last Thursday. He has been doing very well with them. The first few days, his poor lip was cut, but I think he's learning them. He told me tonight that it is hard to play his trumpet, so I hope that will get easier with time.
*I have been a painting maniac this weekend. The pretty flower border in my upstairs bathroom (which I loved) was peeling and just not looking good anymore. So I took it off and just repainted in the same blue color it was. I just need to finish a couple of things in there and that room will be done.
*I am also repainting in Bradley's room. We are doing Cyclone/Carlisle Wildcat yellow and red. The yellow is on, and we just need to touch-up the red. He is also due for a new comforter and some Cyclone decor so I am on the hunt for some of that. I've been scouring ebay and Craig's List for deals, but so far, none yet. I do have a bid on a Cyclone golf ball holder that, hopefully, I'll score.
*Our new recliner chair came in on Friday, and we went right away to pick it up! I love it! It's so comfy and cushy- it's a Lane, microfiber, kindof a neutral taupe color. Maizy seems to love it as well as that has become her napping spot.
*I had my first subbing job today in Carlisle. I was in the 2nd grade resource room. It was OK, but I had a lot of down time, it seemed. and the day dragged a little. Next time I'll be sure to bring a good book! I'll be back in that classroom in about a month and a half again. It was fun being just a few doors down from Brennan's classroom, so I got to peek in there a time or two!
*Tomorrow I start a new ladies' Bible study. I am excited to be under the teaching of our pastor's wife. It's been awhile since I've been in one of her studies. She is such a godly woman, and I always seem to learn so much from her.
*I guess that's enough blabbering for now. I'm tired and ready for bed. I haven't slept real well again the last few nights, so I'm hoping for a more restful night tonight!
Toodles.
*
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
conversation today...
Mom: "Brennan, go potty before bed."
Brennan: "Would you stop saying 'potty?' I'm not two!!!"
(I guess he told me)
Brennan: "Would you stop saying 'potty?' I'm not two!!!"
(I guess he told me)
Monday, September 1, 2008
2007 recap
I actually finished this layout several months ago, but am just now getting around to sharing it. I don't do a good job of taking pictures of the layouts- photography isn't my strong suit- so I never think the picture does them justice. Anyway, I really like these recap pages. These tend to really speak to me as I look through past pages I've done. If I could ever get around to organizing my pictures in a better fashion than shoving them into a big tub, I might be able to create more layouts like this.
It was a nice weekend. Friday night, Gary and Bradley went to the Carlisle high school football game, Brennan played here at home, and I scrapped to the 80's. One of the local stations plays all 80's, all night, and I LOVE it! I began working on our Florida pictures, and got several pages completed. Saturday, we slept in, Gary and I went for a walk (I am up to running 9 blocks now!!) and then I went to the grocery store. He was working on painting the trim on the house and garage. Then we were asked to be sponsors at a baptism. We felt very honored to be asked. Sunday was church, a nice afternoon nap for me, and then we hooked up with some friends we hadn't seen in over 2 years! It was good to get together again. We went over to their house and had burgers and hot dogs, and just enjoyed chatting until after 11. They have 2 boys as well, so our kids had fun playing together. This morning we took advantage of sleeping in, and then Gary was out painting again. I had a tutoring student over to scrap. I am almost done with our Florida pictures. The boys hung out with the neighbor boy, we grilled brats and chicken for supper, and then played a game before baths, showers, and devotions. It was so hot today too! The actual temperature was 90 degrees with the heat index close to 100! Ugh! It was a nice weekend. It's nice to have a few of those that are not jam packed with activities and places to go non stop.
In other news...
*Bradley got 12 (yes, 12) spacers put in last Thursday in preparation for braces this week. He was a hurting unit after that and had to come home from school because he was in so much pain.
*I bought paint for the bathroom and Bradley's room. Our bathroom has a pretty flower border on the bottom part of the wall, and I still love it, however it's coming off and is starting to look bad. So I'm just going to take that off and repaint the same blue color (or close to it). I want to keep it nice and bright in there, so I'll accent with yellow, orange, and green towels and rugs and hopefully find a pretty picture for the wall. Bradley has had a Braves room since he was about 4 and he's kind of tired of it, so we're planning to do Iowa State/Carlisle Wildcat red/yellow. Thankfully, the red is already on half the wall so we're going to paint the top half yellow (I say "we," what I really mean is "me!" Anyway, hopefully I'll get started on these projects this next weekend.
I need to get to bed. I'm trying not to stay up so late during the week.
Toodles!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)