Sunny Florida

We've recovered from the red card at school. Jenna's behavior has been much on the mend. Hudson, we'll he's had a few red cards here at home. I don't understand how he can be so absolutely loving and affectionate and obedient one minute and then, BOOM, he's kicking, screaming, and stomping another. I guess that's the 3 year old in him!

Jeremy and I leave tomorrow for a church conference in Florida! Yea! I'm attending a conference that actually speaks to my needs!: "In church planting a spouse must deal not only with her or his own life, but also with added expectations from others. The church planter's spouse must deal with the expectations of others while discovering her/his own giftedness-a unique "DNA" that is not always what others expect. This is a huge balancing act of time and priorities." I can't wait to hear what there is!

Otherwise, life has been pretty smooth. Hectic as we prepare for a week's absence from school and the kids, but smooth. The job share seems to be pressing forward - the schedule is made, I'll have 2 AP and 1 Sheltered class, we've chosen the room we want to move into, and we're EXCITED!

RED?!?!!!

Today was set up to be a great day. It was scope and sequence workday at the curriculum building -right up my alley! Not only do I love that stuff, but it means a little later morning arrival, more than my standard 30 minutes for lunch at a REAL restaurant, and getting finished earlier. We really do work our tails off despite how easy that makes it sound.

So, at 3:40 I arrived at pre-school (a full hour earlier than normal) and saw Ms. Erin, Jenna's morning teacher. "Jenna had a really rough day today. Her card was moved all the way to red." Hear audible gasp by me. Red is the result of multiple warnings. She had a bad night last night - disobedience and talking back. It followed her to school today as she talked back and disobeyed her teacher. So, Jenna had to have consequences. I got to use my Love & Logic skills, "Jenna, your behavior today will result in a consequence. I don't know what that consequence will be because Dad and I will have to talk about it. But, know that something will happen." Talk about a five year old sweating it out!

So, after some yard work, extra chores, and a talk, she is losing her story and book time, her High School Musical CD at bed time, and had to write Ms. Erin a letter. It's working because she "feels sad" and "has a tummy ache." Here's her letter...


There's a fine line between too harsh & not harsh enough. I don't want her to be that kid in class that says, "My parents won't care." I want her to be the kid that says, "My parents would make my life miserable if I did that." I think we're setting a good foundation.

Meanwhile, Hudson is so excited it's not him for a change! I think it's good for both of them even if it is hard to see Jenna take something so hard.

Meet Bloopy

Don't call him Bloopy II, Bloopy Jr., or New Bloopy. "It's just Bloopy," is what you'll hear. I personally think this Bloopy is ugly - physically and personality-wise. Yes, fish do have personalities, because Bloopy #1 would swim to whichever side of the bowl you were on and swim or look at you. This little guy swims over alright, but he flares his gills and fins like he would like to attack you. Same thing to Princess, the female fish in the other half of the bowl (the bowl is divided or I think he'd have killed her by now). I just don't like him.

We had a good time choosing, but all the fish were ugly. The kids had so much fun choosing and bringing home a new fish that they want to know who's going to die next so we can get another! I tried to explain the goal is to take care of the fish and have him/her live a long time, like until they're in school...but they said they like burying and getting new ones. Ah, the fun times.

OUCH!

This was my mantra Monday morning as I ran. Knee pain started about mile 3, but I thought I could 'work it out.' By mile 4, I knew there wasn't any working it out, but I had almost 2 miles to get back home. By mile 5, I was almost in tears and had a good limp.

It really all started in my big toe joint several months ago. That started hurting enough that I gave in and got new shoes, which worked for about a week. I did give in and make an appointment with a sports med doctor. After a zillion x-rays (how much will that cost?), he assured me that structurally I am fine. Then we got to the business of what had changed to cause pain and make it move up my leg to my knee.

Don't you hate it when you have to pay someone to tell you something really obvious that you really already knew?

When I started teaching 10 years ago, I had the sense to know to buy expensive shoes (Naturalizer, Aerosols) that were flat. In the last three years, I decided that heels were really cuter, and started adding them (a lot of them). Seems that a few years of teaching in heels has caused early, early arthritis and early bunions on my big toe joint. The toe joint has been sensitive for a couple of months, which is enough to cause a runner to change the way she runs, leading to tendinitis of the knee. It all makes sense, and I really figured it all came down to running differently, and I knew those shoes were bad...

So, goodbye shoes (I have several pair of size 8 1" to 1 1/2" heels that are homeless). If I want to continue to run - I need to go back to flat, wide toe box shoes after a week of wearing my runners to work (I look kind of funny in my skirt with running shoes, but they are comfortable). And do more cross training (which, I already knew would be better for my body - but it's really easy just to go out and run and not plan a trip to the Y at 5:30 am).

It's working. I've sported my running shoes to work, I've done the bike & elliptical at the Y, and taking the ibuprofen. I ran a 5K today and despite some pretty good pain the last mile, I ran a 25:44 (that's pretty good for my times).

Big News!

Last week was a big week of news!

Wednesday I got the word that the job share is official. My principal told my department chair that it is official! Yea! Since the option was not having a job at all or working part time, I'm pretty excited to still be a financially contributing member of our family. Plus, I love teaching and the position will give me a chance to excel at teaching and at mothering. I get to pick up Jenna from kindergarden and H from day preschool! Woo hoo!

God just continues to lavish his love on us.

Is the fish asleep or dead?

What do you think?

This was Jeremy's first question this morning as Jenna and I were making pancakes. Knowing that Bloopy (beloved betta fish) hadn't looked so good the last two days and that fish don't look much different asleep than awake, I knew the answer before I turned around to look. Jenna took it well, just asking when we were going to bury him.
However, when she made the announcement to Hudson, who doesn't wake up well, the result was a good cry. Sobbing, slobbering cry. What do you tell a 3 year old?

Bloopy will be interred today around 5:00 when we all get home from work and school. We will then go and let H choose a new fish and name it all by himself so that we 1) have another boy fish 2)Princess (the female betta) will have a friend.

All good things...

must come to an end according to Chaucer, and so Spring Break comes to an end this evening. We had today as a bad weather day, so the bonus was great!

The kids learned to ride bicycles without training wheels today! It was a momentous and exciting occasion, and, of course I have lots of pictures - and haven't uploaded a single one yet. I've got to learn to shrink my files in a timely manner so that I can share them with the world!

This is the last week I have to work on my National Certification, so that's priority #1, then I'm finishing up details on my sharing for a retreat (mostly done there, too) as priority #2. I hope to mail the NBPTS box on Thursday.

Church was amazing the count was 1091 adults, and we usually run 200 to 300 children (and there were far more this weekend) so we figure we can make our count around 1300 people - definitely our highest attendance! No, it's still not about the numbers, but numbers are a good way to measure growth, and if we can retain a good percentage, that will result in growth! Awesome - more people coming to know Christ!

Family wise - we had a great trip to my parents to meet my brother's girlfriend, Ashley. I gave my approval, as did Jenna, who's already calling her Aunt Ashley, and Hudson who says "she's really pretty." Hudson gave some levity as he asked, "Uncle Mike, you fallin' in love (with a long drawl on l-o-v-e)?" and "You kiss her on the lips?" Nothing like a 3 year old to ask what's on his mind! It's been quick, but I believe they have both found the real thing - of course, I've always known the lucky girl to snag Michael would have to be special. He's a good catch - patient, quiet, and dedicated.

Variety

When you don't post and life moves as fast as our does, it leaves a lot to catch up on at one time!

Jenna finally lost her tooth:

It was a huge moment. It was nap time, and I had just drifted off when she came running in the bedroom, "Mom - my tooth! I just wiggled and wiggled, and it just came out - it hurt a little, but not too much, look, look!" Not the best mommy moment, I took it, put it on the bedside table and told her to go back to bed. I was sad when I woke up enough to realize I didn't celebrate the moment. But, we had a huge celebration later, and the toothfairy came that night. Immediately, the tooth beside #1 is loose. She's getting WAY too big.

We got the email from our accountant asking about our income. "For some reason the income we figured for withholding and housing isn't as large as reported on the W2." Translation - we're paying taxes - $1515 to be exact. I just wrote the check. Hmph. I'm still upset about it. The good news: when our check comes in May, when you add what we paid to the IRS & to the accountant - it's an even $0. Of course, we were looking at that check as a nice addition to the next egg for my part time or not working life.

We took the kids to the "Holy Land" for Spring Break vacation. A little trip to A&M to see my brother & his new house, show them the campus, and re-live some of our past. I didn't realize I had forgotten so many memories until I was back on campus! Made me want to go back and get my Ph.D. there, but it wouldn't be the same. Better to let memories live as memories. I'll post pictures as soon as I take all 150+ off the camera (some are just experiments). Michael's house is awesome. I'm so proud of him, and I didn't even help raise him! I guess the fact that we're finally able to communicate on a common level after being in different life stages for our whole lives is the real agent. He's done so well, and I just pray that he keeps it up.

I had the honor of being nominated as one of three candidates for teacher of the year at GHS. I was amazed and honored. I was a runner up, which, really and truly, is what I deserved. This has not been my best year in the last decade in regard to dedication or attitude. But, I am still very honored for the nomination, and it's got to help the job share argument - that just gives me more credibility in the district.

Hudson seems to be getting neglected here. He's really just holding as steady little H. He turned heads at A&M with his cuteness (little boy with Aggie cap on a John Deere bicycle with training wheels - who could resist that?). He almost took out a couple of students, but gave a friendly, "Howdy" in the process. Still molding that temper and enjoying the snuggles!

Jer is good, too. He's gearing up for Easter. It's been tough this year that Easter is at the end of Spring Break. He can't really loaf around with us like usual when we're off. He loves what he does, but has realized he's not a much fun as he used to be - so he's trying to bring the fun back to Jeremy - I'll keep you posted!

Whew...

Has it really been that long? Sorry, I was going to get better at this keeping everyone in the loop business.

Jeremy made it home safely, and it's been busy, busy, busy since! Joey and Lisa are settling in nicely, and we love hearing from them. The boys have had haircuts (which made Uncle Jeremy very happy) and Carson lost two more teeth! They're surfing and playing like crazy.

Jenna's tooth still hasn't fallen out. You can clearly see the one behind it, but the current one's not getting wiggly enough for her to pull. Since it's the first one, it's going to have to fall out for the most part. Hudson's either really good or really bad. His little temper and disobedience has us scratching our heads and trying to figure out what we've done wrong. There is really rhyme or reason to it that we can find, but we're still searching for the root of the cause.

I haven't heard anything on the job share, but, I have tracked down an opening at Weatherford College. With my Master of Ed., I'm eligible to teach classes in education, and that might be a good option if I can get hired. I think I might also like to take some grad courses in English at Tarleton. If I get 18 hours I can teach English at a junior college or small college without getting a whole other MA in English. Of course, a lot of that depends on income and other issues. I don't want to jump out of the frying pan and into the fire!

I have just three more weeks to finish my National Board Certification portfolio. I'm halfway done, and I have a good start on the other half. It's one of those things that I feel like I cut off my nose to spite my face - I wanted more certification (because a BA, experience, and M Ed. in Curriculum haven't been enough) to be able to teach what and how I feel it should be done according to the TEKS without anyone micromanaging, but it's really created a lot more work for me! It will be great to have, there are very few in this part of the nation, and even fewer in this part of Texas.

Church stuff is going great. Jeremy, Dave, and Chris presented on small groups at the church planter's retreat last weekend. I helped Jeremy teach on Sunday (talk about out of my comfort zone!) about marriage. I wish I knew more to report, but, honestly, I'm just trying to keep my head above water right now!

Daddy's coming home!

Jeremy will return in just a few hours (hopefully), and we'll all reunite after a full week away. Joey, Lisa, and the boys are now residents of San Diego. We are so excited for them! While in California, Jeremy had the opportunity to do a little surfing - he got up and stayed up for 5 seconds!

Our week went smoothly without him; without a doubt, that was due to the many people who were praying for us. I know Jacqui (my teacher friend) lifted us up specifically each morning, and I'm so grateful for her time. Jacqui has taught me so much about prayer, faithfulness in prayer, and believing God as you pray. She is also my dear job share partner. God placed us both here in his perfect timing with his perfect plan.

Now that I have shared with all of the people around me who truly needed to know first, the decision I alluded to a couple of weeks ago is that Jeremy and I have reached a decision that I will not continue teaching next year if the job share does not go through. The demands on our time and the time teaching takes me away from my family, stress it produces, and ugliness it produces in me were not worth it. It's huge - it's scary - it's losing half of our income! But, it's right. It feels good. As soon as we decided, it was as if a huge boulder was taken off of my shoulders. My principal and department head are both very supportive in my decision. I have no doubt that I will return one day, but right now my kids and husband need me. My church and friends need me. God has so clearly paved this decision. I have always told Him that if I am ever to quit teaching, He would have to remove my passion and love for teaching. It's weird to think losing your passion for something you love is good, but it is good and He has removed it. I'm almost devoid of any excitement, it's all about duty and pressure of producing good test results.

Just today I got more word on the job share. If the person who seems to need to make a decision says nothing in one more request from my principal, she is making the decision. And her decision is a YES! So, stay on your knees - a "yes" or a "no decision" are our best answers!

It's Loose!

Jenna has her first loose tooth. She thought something was wrong at first, and when we explained it was normal, she got very excited. Now it's a long wait until it falls out because she asks constantly how much longer. It's very cute, and just another sign of how big she's really getting.

Hudson had his first sleepover last night. Noah seems to be a new best buddy - finally someone closer to his age to play with. I don't know how it's gone, but I suspect it went well. I'll find out at church when we meet up. To counterbalance, Jenna had Jade spend the night. They're working on a puzzle.

All's well in our world. Last night was the StoneWater Appreciation Banquet. It was great fun to see everyon all dressed up. We had a really good time. Thanks to all of you who make the church run so smoothly!

Whew!

Well, it's been a fast & furious 10 days since my last post.

Jenna has been diagnosed with a severe form of bronchitis, almost pneumonia. Steroid, antibiotic, breathing treatment - we're on 'em all. She is on the mend, only for her heart to start 'hurting' tonight. Irregular heartbeat. Pediatrician says normal side effect of medicine, and it's actually normal for a kid to have an irregular rhythm. Still, with my past history, I'm a little concerned.

The washer part arrived, and I conquered. The only problem is I didn't get the external cabinet on right, and it moves funny if you lean against it. It washes clothes, so it's all good for me.

Michael is settling in at A&M. He bought a house, and is waiting for the building to finish. Good times.

Things at dear ol' GHS are eating at me. Jeremy and I have had some long, frank talks and are stepping out on faith a bit. Just since our talk on Saturday, lots of new and exciting things have been happening on the church planting front. People at school telling me how much they enjoy the message, how it has touched them, and more of the like. Opportunities for Jeremy coaching, attending conferences, and so forth. Praise & prayer!

Quotes of the Week

This has been an exceptional week in my classroom.

I have had so much fun in Sheltered; it's been my favorite class to teach for two weeks now. No one in that class whines about doing work, no one is disrespectful, and they want to learn. Yesterday we were talking about having kids (who knows why) and Juan (name changed) said he wanted to have 4 kids. He then asked how many I wanted to have. "Two." "Why do white people always want to have just two kids?" I had to stop and think. First the 'white people' label startled me, and then I was struck by the depth of the whole conversation. So many 'white' people think of Mexicans (and that is what they prefer to be called, I asked. Hispanics are anyone from Spain, Portugal, Puerto Rico, and so forth. They are from Mexico, so they are Mexicans. But, you have to say it with respect when you're a white person or you're being racist. I'm learning a lot.)as just reproducing out of control. We think we're right in having just a few kids. But, what makes us right? Anyway, let's just say this is a great learning opportunity for me.

In AP, my other favorite classes, John (not his name) was absent. Joe (not his name) said, "Not having John in class is like not having Mr. T in the A Team." What a classic statement of awareness for a 16 year old to know about the A Team and how important Mr. T is to the team. Great insight, great simile, great allusion! You can't plan for those moments!

Oh, and my washer part came yesterday. Tomorrow I will resume my study of mechanics (really just following directions).

Fixer!

Context: in the middle of a message series on saving money; no debt other than the house; saving for a newer car when this one really dies (at 10 years 140,000+ miles - it's coming); frugal family

Problem: while loading the dryer, I notice the clothes are unusually wet; after next load, washer will not drain or spin

Solution: #1 - call dad, the man Jen & H have labeled "The Fixer" (I have many times been asked if I can be a fixer, and many times been told I am not "The Fixer"); #2 - order part from Sears online, do a little research

Quest: make sure I need this part, so, using fixitnow.com, the Samurai Appliance Repair Man, I set out to confirm what I need to order; save $450 on a new washer by buying either a $110 or $26 part to fix the existing washer




Pictures: washer after I took it apart (really just the outside cover), the broken switch (there should be a part in the middle so the hole doesn't show), the piece that's missing (I found in the next load of laundry), the solution until the part arrives (Yes, it's an odd sock)
Not only did I figure out the problem, take the washer apart, and reassemble to make sure of my diagnosis before ordering the part, BUT I found the part (26.99 + shipping at sears.com) on ebay for just 17.98 shipping included.

And, H has told me, "Mommy, you're a fixer!" Yes, I am.

Rebound

Maybe Jeremy shouldn't have kissed me the other night. Three of the four members of the White family are down with the "stuff" that is going around. I think I'm on the other side of the worst, Jeremy seems to be climbing up the hill, and Hudson seems to just be stuck in the middle.

We did all get a good nap today - over three hours. This means it's 10:04 and no one is tired, but we all feel better, so God used the rest to heal our bodies, and we are thankful for that. I have plenty of work to do, but I'm enjoying reading photography blogs and playing with the camera. It does some amazing things. It's a good thing the kids LOVE to be my subjects!

I am LOVING my Sheltered English class. I think at first they couldn't figure out if I wanted to be with them or just 'got stuck' with them, and now they know I'm into doing this. I also admitted I don't completely know what I'm doing, but I'm studying and expecting us to all work together to get better at English. I did quite well on my first quiz (they gave me a Spanish vocab quiz on the words they had to learn in English). When they say something in Spanish, I ask them to tell me what they said, and I try to repeat it. I butcher it, usually, and they are very patient to repeat with me. The situation ends up with me getting close and having to explain that I'm white and that's as close as it's going to get! They think it's funny. So, I'm dusting off some teaching strategies and programs that I've never 'been allowed' to use because it didn't fit current district curriculum and running with it. It's good, solid stuff, and I think it's going great so far!

"I think they're going to kiss..."

Jenna has just taken a notice to Jeremy and I showing affection to each other. Maybe it's because we realized we go for long stretches and the kids don't see us be affectionate. We realized they need to see love and affection and understand how much we really do love each other beyond being Mom and Dad. So, we were hugging in the kitchen, and we overhead Jenna, "Oh no, Hudson, I think they're going to kiss." We did, just for effect for her.

Hudson and I are fighting a little cold - runny/stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, tired. Yucky, but not seriously ill. It's going around and it's frequently getting ugly and turning into bronchitis. We're tough. We're also hoping for a delayed start to school tomorrow for a little extra rest. Evidently it's already sleeting in Stephenville, just down the road, so it's looking good! I just don't want to miss completely, I HATE making up school!

It's a cozy evening with some homemade chili, homemade bread (kind of - breadmaker), snuggles, and a movie.

The best news: I got to see and visit with Michael! It was SOOOOO good to see him, hug him, and talk to him in person. He looks good, a little tired and definitely skinny (lost 20 lbs.), but healthy overall. He was in some pretty hairy stuff from the comments I've gotten, and my prayer, if you will join me, is that God would heal him emotionally & psychologically.

Happy Winter!

Uncle Mike's Home!

That's my brother - ON US SOIL AGAIN! I can't express how happy that makes me. God delivered him home, safe & sound. I'll get to see him tomorrow or Tuesday. This was the penacle of the week.

Friday I had one of "those" days. A parent tore into me for her child not doing well on the research paper. What I got from her questions and demeanor was that I didn't do enough and set her up for failure. What I couldn't get across to her was that I poured my life out and have worked for 10 years to make it as simple a process as possible if the student works in class. No one was happy; I cried after she left; she went all the way to the principal. In the grand scheme of things, it was not that big a deal; I just work so HARD to help these kids, and yet it's my fault when they fail. My principal and department head completely had my back.

To happier news: Jenna & Hudson are amazing. My babies have such wonderful little helper hearts. Today they helped me clean house - willingly and without complaining. We went to see "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" and got tacos as a treat.

Cute Kids

How did we produce such cute kids? God's grace is good!

Tomorrow is the last day of the semester - praise & glory! We're looking forward to a great weekend.

Happy New Year!

Okay, okay, it's 16 days in, but I haven't said it here yet. We've settled back in to school and work routines quite nicely since the holidays, and it was a little doubtful as to whether or not that would happen. I have also been living up to my "resolution" to not work so hard, really. So, in the absence of grading papers and such mess, I have had time to actually finish the "Christmas" cards which may lead some of you back here. I also managed to complete baby shower invitations for a friend, connect the new camera (alluded to on the Christmas Eve post) to the computer and find it works marvellously, and look at a lot of photography web sites. I have not practiced with the camera as much as I would like, but I am the envy of some of my friends who dabble in photography ;). I would attach a picture for you to enjoy, but it seems I need to rename some 195 images from the holidays. When you have a fast camera, you take a lot of pictures - I don't think I missed a thing this year! So, as soon as I sit down to do that, and figure out how to shrink the file size in the new program, you'll be the first to see some work. Really, you saw the first printed picture from the camera, which isn't that great because I didn't take the time to calibrate the printer - the picture looks much better on the LCD screen of my camera!

I have not heard anything on the job share other than "I know the issue is not dead" from my principal, so Jacqui and I are staying positive. As Jacqui pointed out, "God tells us to ask the desires of our hearts, and we've asked, so now we have to believe and it will be given to us." She's such a rock in my sandy world of the school! I do love teaching, really, I do, it's all the "other" stuff.

The kids are awesome. Jenna began dance on Monday, and I think it will be her favorite yet. Soccer was cold or requires sweating. Gymnastics was better, but she yearned for more time on the trampoline. Dance meant new shoes (tap & ballet) and the cutest little costumes you can imagine. She's so prissy, this just might be her thing. Yes, I know, she's only 5, trust me - we're not pushing her to make a decision any time soon. Our family rule is - try one thing at a time and find the one or two things you like to do and go for it. It worked for me, and families are just too crazy running around from activity to activity. Speak of the princess...she just woke up, so I'm off to make breakfast. She wants to add, "Dance is fun."

Christmas Eve

Sounds heard around the White House (ours) on Christmas Eve:
"I can't get it to take the picture" Misti with new camera.
"I'll be glad when you figure that thing out" Jeremy to Misti regarding above.
"Is that IT?" Jenna regarding toy she didn't think she wanted; she later loved it.
"What if Santa takes my toy?" Hudson regarding new toy which was placed in his room.

Basically, after Christmas Eve service we had dinner at Pastafina with the Whites, made Happy Birthday Jesus cupcakes, went to see Christmas lights while they cooled, came home & iced, and then opened one gift. It was the "big" present they chose, of course. Jenna was less than pleased at first, obviously she wanted something else. She came around. Hudson was immediately enthralled, hence his apprehension that Santa might take it when he came tonight. We've decided we might have issues when the kid doesn't trust Santa. Now nestled in bed, convinced (hopefully) that they have to stay in bed until the sun is up or they might scare Santa, Santa & Mrs. Clause better get to work.

What did we ever do before kids? I love this stuff!