Saturday, May 30, 2009

The Early Bird...gets the weeds!

It's only 8:00 am and we've already relaxed in the hot tub drinking our coffee and put in over an hour weeding and working in the new garden area! It's going to get warm today again and we're planning on torching the burn pile for the last time this spring and maybe even make it to a grandson's baseball game so we thought we'd get started early. The pay off is the satisfaction of seeing jobs completed (and maybe even some much-needed exercise). Well, on to the rest of the day's list!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Teachers Honoring Teachers

We had such a great time tonight at our union sponsored THT (Teachers Honoring Teachers) dinner. It was held at the Best Little Roadhouse in Salem so of course the food was wonderful, but it was the camaraderie and comedy at the tables that was the highlight! At this stressful time (shrinking budgets, personnel changes, etc.) it was so good to laugh and connect as people not just "the job".

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Let me clarify

I've gotten some flack for my countdown. It was 11 1/2 KID days. Teachers actually go through June 11th to make up for snow day. Kids made up their day when we cancelled an in-service day but now teachers go an extra day to have that in-service. It's always a stretch to get everything done before the last day anyway but this year with building repairs and many folks moving classrooms, there's even more to do. And I have a grant to write before the end of the year but it hasn't been posted yet! One day at a time seems to be the only way to operate these days. On a positive note, my hubby is going back to work for a couple of days this week (just enough to nullify unemployment benefits) so perhaps full time is around the corner! PTL!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

11 1/2 days...but who's counting!


Today feels like a Monday of course since we had a long weekend. I have to say, it was one of the more productive long weekends we've had. Friday night was in Newberg helping the youngest son getting his house ready to sell, Saturday was a long work in the yard day (with some of the grandkids helping), Sunday after church we tackled some more yard work, then hosted a barbeque for family (all of the grandkids helping), and Monday I enjoyed some precious time with Karla and yet still more yard work. (Guess what, the yard is looking pretty good these days!)
Now to get through these last days of school!

Monday, May 25, 2009

Mini Chef











Morgan loves to cook breakfast and is getting good enough to do most of it by himself!

"Deja vu all over again."(-Yogi Berra)


After the ice storm in December our yard was a mangled mess of downed trees and branches. We finally got it all cleaned up though but continued to be worried about a couple huge "widow-makers", branches that had broken off but still hung up in the tops of the trees. Well, thanks to a very kind neighbor, those came down on Saturday too. He had a 60 foot manlift truck and graciously helped us out. This time it didn't take weeks to clean up though!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Literacy Night

Literacy Night was a success. I was at school for 13 1/2 hours yesterday which included putting on a special dinner for the families of children I teach and then afterwards we had the whole school Literacy Night, but it was worth it. Our "booth" was the fish pond and every child went fishing for a book. I love see the smiles when they pull one out. My amazing co-worker, who also was volunteering her time, tirelessly took care of the inside of the "pond". Parents appreciated all the fun activities and free books given in more than one place and we hope it will keep enthusiasm up for a few more weeks of learning! Today I'm off to Tigard for yet another training. I sincerely hope it is interesting or I may fall asleep!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Mother's Day Weekend

It's hard to accept pampering but I appreciate it nonetheless! While we were spending time enjoying a gorgeous weekend on the beach, Randy & his beloved were spreading barkdust in some unfinished planters! Then when we returned home we were served a delicious dinner. I also enjoyed a wonderful visit with Dusty, Crystal and the boys. I cherish the grandma time and enjoyed the new sounds and faces Michael is trying out. He just lights up when he giggles! I didn't get to see my eldest but spent time talking with him as well as visiting via the phone with my own mother. All in all, a great Mother's Day.

PS-While at the coast, we were given tickets to the Sha Na Na concert so we went and had a riot! We were in the second row even! What a blast from the past---was 1969 really 40 years ago?! Someone I was talking to referred to himself as having "high mileage". Maybe that's better than saying "chronologically challenged" or just plain OLD. Let's just say that most of the folks I work with weren't alive when this group was at Woodstock! Oh well, there is a certain pleasure in reliving your youth and while the music played, we were teens again!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

A Country Cutie!

Here's Gina's sister singing in the Colgate Country Showdown Auditions last week! We've heard her in person a few times and she's amazing! (She's a high school senior).

National Day of Prayer

Today is the day set aside to join together in prayer for our leaders and our country. I don't know about you, but I need prayer every day! Nevertheless it's never a bad idea to turn our eyes upward.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Home for a little while...

Tonight is the Kindergarten Round-Up where I work. I had originally planned on staying at school until the 6:30 start time since I have so much paperwork to do but as the day wore on, I wore down. I decided that it was worth the extra gas to come home for a break. Since their mom doesn't have to work the rest of the week, grandpa took the kids back to Monmouth so it's very quiet around here too. I miss them but it's nice to come home and not be in demand.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

A little helper

Since our grandkids are spending time with us this week, with their school closed for flu reasons, we've had to juggle a bit. Grandpa has had the bulk of the responsibilities since I have to work but there are plenty of smiles along the way. Yesterday he got "chewed out" because I went off to work without eating breakfast (as I often do). I just make my coffee and head out the door. Well, Gracey was awake and evidently noticed. She told Grandpa that he should get up early to make me breakfast! I like the way the girl thinks! The 5-year old has been listening to someone who told her that you need a good breakfast before going to school I guess. So, I'll go eat something to make her happy. :>)
PS-HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Another School Closed!

So the newest wrinkle in the on-going saga of H1N1 virus. I just got a call and found out it now affects some of my granchildren! Polk County Health Department, in consultation with state health officials, has advised Central School District to close all schools due to a number of probable cases. All schools and school activities are closed for the week of May 4-8!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Guess I was wrong

OK, maybe the Northwest is getting the swine flu scare....or more accurately the H1N1 virus! Willamina School District was closed today as well as WOU. It seems like an over reaction however we are being told that the decisions are made with the recommendation of the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Oregon Public Health Division. Today, there was a letter sent to districts jointly from the Governor and the State School Superintendent. Right now it's just "probable" cases but hang on to your hats, who knows what's ahead!

Happy May Day!