now for a funny...
sending hugs to all the moms in my life..this video/song is very funny! lol..
many laughs,
whimp

How very sad...

I just read on the news a young soldier(man) from a neighboring town lost his life in Iraq. How sad. How honorable. How sad. Please don't get me wrong, I love our country, and I am so very proud, honored, humbled by what the men and women who serve our country do for us. Sometimes, tho, like now..i have to wonder why we are still there. Why? I don't understand. I am so very thankful (selfish) that my brothers are out of the service. They are home not to far away, so we do not have to wonder, dread hearing the phone ring, and never want to answer our doors. I remember well what it feels like. I was only 15 when my brother ron fought in Desert Storm, but I still remember. I remember making my brother mike so many cookies and mailing them to him when he was in Kosovo, but I still remember waiting for him to be home (even though he was stationed in Germany). I feel so much for the parents, wives, siblings, and friends left behind to worry and be brave. I salute you. I salute every man and woman serving our country. Thank you for fighting for those who are weaker, or those who can't. You make me proud.

Peace

whimp

Bad enough, i scraplift pages..now I am BAKE-LIFTING! LOL

So my sisters and I (my sisters are doing most of the work this year..due to my school schedule..thanks guys!) started this halloween party for our kids. Each kid gets to invite their whole class to my sister michelles (she's a fruit loop) astro building (which we turn into a rocking halloween festivities place). We (the adults) are supposed to bring treats for the little maniacs invited. (Last year we had like 98 kids or something like that). So, thanks to Elsie (scrapbooking guru), I am going to make these cookies. Aren't they THE cutest little things? I am not making homemade sugar cookies (well...maybe i will) but love the decorations. How stinking cute!

Love it!

whimp

MWWWWAH!!!!

Sending out a great big hug and kiss to my sister, Cindy. I opened up (all three) of my (very cheap) black olives tonight, and they were greasy and oily. Hmmph..never had that happen before. SO, I called Cindy, who said that probably wasn't normal and she had a can of olives AND some left over salami for my pasta salad I was (supposed to be) making. Whew. So glad we can share ingredients! lol..
thanks sis, I could never have finished my salad without ya! (and you would think after all the times i have made this salad, i would remember the recipe!
wendy

ONE MORE NIGHT!
Ohhh...i can't wait! One more night (thurs) until Grey's Anatomy's season premiere (sp). I am so excited to see what happens this year! So..tomorrow between the hours of 8-9 pm (central time) please don't call me.

whimp

Dear Spike, Love Dad...
Have you had the chance to read this man's blog? It is titled dear spike, love dad, and it is a series of letters to his infant daughter. OMG! The letters are so heartfelt, and some are very funny. It just makes you melt. I wish every little girl's hero was their father. Wouldn't life be grand? I know Riles loves Chris, and they have a "hero" atmosphere between them, but I don't know who believes who is the hero! lol..
anyway, here is the link to the blog. http://dearspikelovedad.blogspot.com/
Make sure you go all the way back to the beginning of the blog. He writes letters to the baby while she is "in utero"
whimp

When Two Became One:

Riles' homecoming parade was yesterday. In some ways it was bittersweet, and others it was astounding. Really. Two rival schools banded together and formed ONE. The togetherness of the students and school spirit is magnificent. These students have formed a new student body that is unified, and has tons of school spirit.
Riles has shown so much school pride for EM. Why? "Her Shawn" is one of the starting seniors. Then she cheers for Brian and Brandon (fruit loop's son, and step sons.) Heck, last night she was even cheering for bryce, who graduated last year.
She loves to go to the football games, and cheer with Grandma Pat, Uncle Kenny, and Aunt ta-chell.
Isn't it amazing that this little pint size maniac is helping me heal? I feel so much less spite for M, than I did a year ago. All because I watch Riles love her team.
Amazing isn't it?
Go Wolverines! (and knights!)
whimp

I want to send out a big CONGRATULATIONSto Monika, Jerry, and Alesha.
They welcomed baby Jacob last sunday night. He is so cute! I can't wait to meet him, and since i haven't felt the greatest i haven't been to see him! I am hoping to get there one night this week. (good thing Monika only lives a mile from me huh?)
whimp

Whew!
How fast a week can travel by! My sisters and I got together last weekend, and again this friday night to make breads, cream puffs, and noodles to sell at WhistleStop days this past saturday. Well, Shell took a list to work and sold almost $400! We are doing this to help fund the Halloween party this year. I guess they sold more stuff this weekend at the park.

I had to get a new washer (thank you god, and a big FINALLY!). For those of you who don't know, about a YEAR ago, my darling, wonderful, loving hubby washed a king size DOWN FILLED comforter in my washer. (I did get a new bedding set out of this last year too!) Now, can anyone guess what happened? Yep, it exploded, and I am still finding feathers in our laundry. So after that little escapade the silly old little thing didn't work quite right. PLUS, when we moved into the house, for some reason we had to watch when the washer started to agitate, and MANUALLY turn off the cold water or it would flood the laundry room. GEESH. So, the machine died a very silent death Monday night. Of course it was clear full, and of course it was MY CLOTHES! So i got to go get a new washer. Oh, what is it about new appliances. I have all my laundry done, and want to wash more. lol..I really can't believe how much quieter this one is, and how much more water it spins out.

School is going great. I love my little ones this year, and can't wait to see how much they grow.
Things are going great with my team at work, and I can say I work with a WONDERFUL group of women. If it wasn't for this group and their dedication, we couldn't be successful. GO US! lol...So much more wonderful than last year.
Well.. i am closing now. See you soon!
whimp

Wow...
New job is going great. I have one little darling in the afternoon who doesn't like nap time so he throws his mat, blanket, etc the ENTIRE time! Ugh..but compared to last year's class...this is cake walk for me. Just need to make sure there is NO gaps in my day..got to keep enough stuff going and flowing with the little buggers.

Anyway, I am reposting this little story here because some narrow minded horses' ass posted about teachers and what they DON'T do for education..so enjoy my friends..

What Teachers Make......The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest;"You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?" Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...) "Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an iPod, Game Cube or movie rental... You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.) I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them criticize. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions. I teach them to write and then I make them write. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math. I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity. I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe. I make my students stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, because we live in the United States of America. Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life. (Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)"Then, when people, like you, try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make?"
(just cause it gets me on my bad side...and here is my really BITCHY side coming out...
if you can read this THANK A TEACHER..)
whimp

Loving this weather, loving these kids...

I was just going through old photos this morning, and came across some pics of miss riles and danno from a while ago. Unfortunately, the ones of danno when he was small(ok..younger, he wasn't so small :) are not on digital technology. I was still using film up until about 3 years ago. Imagine that, I have only been digital for 3 years. I have learned so much about photography since then, and i have to say I LOVE my camera. I am going to be taking the monsters, out and about to take some "professional" looking prints. I did not order school pictures of danny this year, because last year the school went with a local photographer for their pics. Danny's pics last year were horrible. This same woman also took Riles' tball pics, and for 20.00 I paid (i got a 4x6 team shot, a 3x5 of her, 8 wallets, and a button), I could have gotten such better shots of the kids AND a lot more prints. So this year, as soon as the leaves change, i am herding my kiddos to a park, either in T, G, or O. Haven't decided yet. I love how the park across from Mike and Brandy changes in the fall. It is gorgeous. I might do most of the shots there, the park in our neighboring town turns gorgeous colors too, and maybe a duck would cooperate?? I really don't want to go to the city, but the park by the college there turns wonderful colors, plus they have "props". Anyway, here are some older pics of the kids before i knew what i was doing.

Whimp

I think I fell in love with him all over again this day. Riles was 2 days old.

back when he thought she was still pretty neat..

Danny meeting riles for the very first time...

Logan meeting riles for the first time...look how young he is! lol..just four and a half years ago!

One of my very favorites from last year (christmas photos)

She loves her danny soo...

Just gonna post some pictures!

(this is what happens when some punks have little punks AND a box of smoke bombs.. :)

the daredevil punk

playing at the children's museum this last winter

feelin fine and funky after taking 10 years off my life..

can you say DRAMA?

I also wanted to let you know, I am taking a break. Taking a break from the blog and some other stuff..

just breakin'

whimp

Calling all prayer warriors..
My niece is pregnant with her second child. She found out today there are complications with the baby's heart. I am asking you all to pray for her, her fiance Curtis (turtis), her parents, and us. Please, please, please join us in asking for a miracle and praying it isn't as bad as they think.
love to all, and KA, please give curtis and stacey a hug from us! (baby Faylynn too!)
whimp

Back to School time
for the kiddos and me. Danno started school last week, I started school today, and Riles will start on the 4th. WOW! I don't have kids in my classroom until the 4th, so I have some time to get my classroom organized and decorated. I met my stafff today, and I have to say, I work with some really neat people.
I can't wait to meet the kids and get started teaching.
more later,
whimp

So yesterday....

I bought a calendar set for my classroom I fell in love with when I was at HeadStart last year. I didn't buy it then, because I didn't know which school I would be in, etc. (I am glad i didn't buy it, because of what happened..but anyway). I have to pick it up today, because it was at another store yesterday. I did get the weather frog tho. I cannot wait to use this little guy. He is so cute! lol...

Here is the calendar set i get to pic up today..

Fine as frog hair,

whimp

PSSSTTT!!!
Guess what??

I got a job! I will post more info as soon as I have it. I will be a preschool headstart teacher in a neighboring town. I am so excited! Yippee!!!
Whimp

Just because i am twisted, and this was the funniest night at the river...

And also cause mikey got a new job! I am so proud of you mikey..imagine the new possibilities for you in your new role. So..He wanted me to post the pics of him and kenzie plugging in the bug zapper. This night was so funny, cause evidently Kizzie's feet didn't smell too pretty..and mike was gagging. LOL...yeah for kenzie!

Stop and smell the roses,

whimp

Ok..i don't feel so bad now...
I just talked to my friend i team taught with last year. Today was her first day of school (new teachers had to be there a week earlier than others), and she told me..
1. As of yet, she doesn't have a para (associate).
2. Headstart got rid of their site facilitators. (Which means when they don't have any substitutes, they have no one to fill in for the teachers when they will be gone).
3. Out of 30 Headstart teachers, only SIX are returning.
How sad is that? Does that tell them anything about their program? I think it is sad. Really sad for those kids..because I AM A GOOD TEACHER..and i can't get hired back without an Early Childhood endorsement.
wendy

I have the BEST friends EVAH!

I am lucky. Lucky enough to have those precious few I can call "friends." I have friends I have know since gradeschool, friends since high school, friends I have met at various jobs, and friends I have me through scrapbooking. Ironically enough, these (scrapbooking) friends and I have really only known each other for a little over a year. These friends laugh with me, cry with me, scream with me (or at me), and just listen to me. That means the most to me. I have been a bit depresses lately. It seems I am not qualified for any jobs that i have applied for, or I am a terrible interviewer. (Well the only job i have gotten a call back on is working as a CS phone rep for 8.00 an hour. THAT one i got hired over the phone for...don't think so.) and I am lucky enough to be able to substitute and make enough money to enjoy the things i like to do.

Anyway, these friends try to help me feel better about my loser self, and make me feel good. They tell me the right job will come along, and they tell me things will look better in the future, and they tell me people just suck. :) These friends are De, Mindy, Stacy, and Fickel.

Did I also mention they give up a pink bracelet they had extras of so I can feel whole again? Well...fickel is the bestest! lol..Seriously tho. I have been blessed in the friend department.
SO...here is a pic of us all at The Scrapbook Store. This is where I love to be.

Fickel is of course beside me, from left to right is: (middle row)..Ms. Bettie (owners' mom, Tracey (owner) Stacey (yellow) Beth, and Sheryl (long blonde hair)

(back row) Mindy, De (dee), and Kari (owner).

Be friendly,

whimp

(sigh) He can still eat cookies in my bed...anytime..

This is Bret Michaels. Lead singer of one of THE BEST rocker bands from the late 80's and 90's. I listened (and still do..now thanks to some new tunes) to Poison from the time they first came out, and have been a fan ever since. I was so happy to hear of their reunion, but didn't realize that Bret (lead singer) made some music on his own. I found this by accident. Isn't he yummy? The name of the song is All I Ever Needed and when you click on the picture it will beep for about 30 seconds..just be patient..it works.
Be prepared to drool...
whimp