Pray for Connor McKemey....

Please click on the picture to be redirected to Connor's Caringbridge site. It will detail Sunday night's fire accident at his home. He goes to another local middle school in town, however, my son and he are acqaintances by different circle of friends. Please pray for a Christmas Miracle(s) in all of the surgeries he will undergo. His mom is a teacher at Fort Mill High School and needs her own prayers for her sustained injuries as well. I have no idea where all my blog is read, but it is my sincere hope that you will add this to your prayer lists. Thank you.

4 times the Christmas Cheer

I know this one has been around, yet it makes me laugh every time I give it a looksee. Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from The Hills~2008

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Thankful Thursday...

It's been a while since last I took part in a "Thankful Thursday" post, sorry.

• this stomach bug of mine came, left, came again, and is finally GONE....I shall return to the land of the working tomorrow!
• Speaking of tomorrow....it will be the last day before Christmas Break!
• Speaking of "Christmas Break"....I am thankful for being able to say Merry Christmas instead of Season's Greetings, Happy Holidays, or anything else that's Politically Correct and in-use at the department strores these days.
• Speaking of department stores....I am thankful for their extended holiday hours!!
• a team of sweet friends that love teaching 5th graders as much as I do
• warm 70* weather this week, yummy!! I hope my mistletoe doesn't wilt.
• CHRISTMAS CARDS!! I just love them. I enjoy going to the mailbox to see new ones arrive each day. I love the faces of the families and friends that smile back at me on the photos enclosed. My kitchen windows frame each and every one of them. So if you haven't sent yours....there's still time!!

Xan's Christmas Cheer Camp Videos

My little one went to a cheercamp yesterday, which allowed me to have 6 hours of cleaning and chorework completion time (i.e hanging a new light fixture, wrapping presents, food prep for a Christmas party last night, hanging 100 vinyls polka-dots on Xannie's walls, etc....)

Anywho....this is what we got in return, enjoy! It starts out blurry, just give it a sec.

Hitler, #1 Gamecock fan, 2008 Clemson update

Too funny!

Disco Elves Hard at Work!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Amazing Grace....Pink Floyd Lasershow edition

Thankful Thursday....

1. It's Friday Eve!
2. New Blog Design....
3. A cold snap to remind me that God is in control of EVERYTHING including really cold weather that I am NOT partial to, however, I can't do ANYTHING about it so....
4. re-runs of The King of Queens on 3 different channels!
5. my mawmaw's afghans that keep me warm each night
6. a photo CD of my family being delivered tomorrow, YEAH!
7. the final day of an unfortunate burden in my teaching career
8. people that pass by you in the hallway and really mean their hellos and how are you's....they even really listen to your reply
9. a chocolate eclair between friends at The White Horse
10. an amazing husband and kids, love you MUCHO!

I did it.....

Well, I up and undid all of the hard work that Jill did 97 posts ago, but I changed my blog background all by myself....but now I feel bad that she might be mad at me. Jill, please don't be.

Ten Things Tuesday...

• only 35 minutes until quitting time...although the papers I am taking home beg to differ!
• my family pictures are amazing that a friend of mine took this weekend, just click here to go see my hoodlums and I in the leaves!!!! Some of our pics are on the beginning slides before you enter the site, otherwise click on gallery, and then "kids" or "family portraits". The downfall will be it's too hard to make a choice!
• now only 29 minutes of working time!
• my stack of papers is down to under an inch. I was out 3 days last week due to presenting at Ed Tech in Myrtle Beach, which leads me to #5.
• Our presentation was a huge success on "Weaving Webkinz into the Elementary Classroom". We had the dreaded time of 8:30am on the last day of the conference. We had made 50 handouts and 10 people went without =)
• My friend is bringing me McD's sweet tea and a gravy biscuit tomorrow for Late-Start Day...mmmm!!!
• The bandaids on the back of my heels stayed there all day long avoiding blisters!!
• My 5th grade boys want to learn more about Veteran's Day (on their own) and even suggested finding a way to write to an overseas soldier!!
• Speaking of....I am VERY thankful for all of the past, present, and future veterans that have made ans will continue to make this land our ours the best very in the world. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
• and now, I sign off with a mere 19 minutes left of this great little piece of time called Tuesday!

The Wife Song....

Hilarious!

Pay It Forward....

Well, according to my blogfriend Jill, my blog is likeable, =). It's amazing how I feel like I have known her as long as any other girlfriend around. She is always so kind hearted to her family (atleast on paper that is...) and she makes the BEST BOWS!!!! Also, she has the creativity to redesign any boring blog with her magic touch!!! Her small business can be found at Jilly's Blog Design.

So here's where I pay my compliment forward. Here are 3 people that I must read their posts all the time. I fyou have a minute, click on their names to head their way...

Michelle- Her 2 blogs have changed lives. Read all about her hope and faith in her miracle from above.

Resa- I LOVE HER HOUSE UPDATES. It's began over 18 months ago, but it will be finished just in time for her new bundle of joy!!

Jen- She keeps my liver exercised and in great shape....did you know that it is only when you laugh that your liver gets moved and exercised (random, I know!) Her faith in God is what keeps her grounded even when she is yanked from here to there.

Thankful Thursday....

1. Only 5 more days until the biggest Election ever, Lord I'm ready for the normal commercials to consume the airwaves again, "Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz..."
2. Healthy and Happy Halloween kiddos that are excited about good weather predictions for tomorrow!
3. A daughter that thinks going to 10 houses in a small neighborhood is the BEST THING EVER!!!
4. A son that brought home a report card with 4 A's and 2 B's....ROCK ON!!
5. NO MORE PAPERS TO GRADE TONIGHT, AMEN!!!
6. A husband who has the best sense of humor about being 40!
7. $1.99 gas up the road, did the electric signs about blow a fuse when they lit up the "1"??
8. Having half of my Christmas shopping done, AMAZING!
9. Clean laundry and a freshly vacuumed house, compliments of RTH=)
10. My newly painted coffee bean brown bathroom with touches of Pier 1 all around...

Highlights: Barack's Closing Argument for Change

Barack's Closing Argument for Change

Obama’s Speech In Ohio- 10/27/08 (VIDEO)
October 27, 2008 by Suzie-Q
Here’s the final few minutes of Barack Obama’s closing argument speech in Canton, Ohio. He was outstanding:
Here’s a transcript of this portion of the speech, as prepared for delivery:
"In this election, we cannot afford the same political games and tactics that are being used to pit us against one another and make us afraid of one another. The stakes are too high to divide us by class and region and background; by who we are or what we believe.
Because despite what our opponents may claim, there are no real or fake parts of this country. There is no city or town that is more pro-America than anywhere else – we are one nation, all of us proud, all of us patriots. There are patriots who supported this war in Iraq and patriots who opposed it; patriots who believe in Democratic policies and those who believe in Republican policies. The men and women who serve in our battlefields may be Democrats and Republicans and Independents, but they have fought together and bled together and some died together under the same proud flag. They have not served a Red America or a Blue America – they have served the United States of America.

It won’t be easy, Ohio. It won’t be quick. But you and I know that it is time to come together and change this country. Some of you may be cynical and fed up with politics. A lot of you may be disappointed and even angry with your leaders. You have every right to be. But despite all of this, I ask of you what has been asked of Americans throughout our history.

I ask you to believe – not just in my ability to bring about change, but in yours.
I know this change is possible. Because I have seen it over the last twenty-one months. Because in this campaign, I have had the privilege to witness what is best in America. I’ve seen it in lines of voters that stretched around schools and churches; in the young people who cast their ballot for the first time, and those not so young folks who got involved again after a very long time. I’ve seen it in the workers who would rather cut back their hours than see their friends lose their jobs; in the neighbors who take a stranger in when the floodwaters rise; in the soldiers who re-enlist after losing a limb. I’ve seen it in the faces of the men and women I’ve met at countless rallies and town halls across the country, men and women who speak of their struggles but also of their hopes and dreams. I still remember the email that a woman named Robyn sent me after I met her in Ft. Lauderdale. Sometime after our event, her son nearly went into cardiac arrest, and was diagnosed with a heart condition that could only be treated with a procedure that cost tens of thousands of dollars. Her insurance company refused to pay, and their family just didn’t have that kind of money. In her email, Robyn wrote, “I ask only this of you – on the days where you feel so tired you can’t think of uttering another word to the people, think of us. When those who oppose you have you down, reach deep and fight back harder.”

Ohio, that’s what hope is – that thing inside us that insists, despite all evidence to the contrary, that something better is waiting around the bend; that insists there are better days ahead. If we’re willing to work for it. If we’re willing to shed our fears and our doubts. If we’re willing to reach deep down inside ourselves when we’re tired and come back fighting harder. Hope! That’s what kept some of our parents and grandparents going when times were tough. What led them to say, “Maybe I can’t go to college, but if I save a little bit each week my child can; maybe I can’t have my own business but if I work really hard my child can open one of her own.” It’s what led immigrants from distant lands to come to these shores against great odds and carve a new life for their families in America; what led those who couldn’t vote to march and organize and stand for freedom; that led them to cry out, “It may look dark tonight, but if I hold on to hope, tomorrow will be brighter.”

That’s what this election is about. That is the choice we face right now. Don’t believe for a second this election is over. Don’t think for a minute that power concedes. We have to work like our future depends on it in this last week, because it does. In one week, we can choose an economy that rewards work and creates new jobs and fuels prosperity from the bottom-up.
In one week, we can choose to invest in health care for our families, and education for our kids, and renewable energy for our future. In one week, we can choose hope over fear, unity over division, the promise of change over the power of the status quo. In one week, we can come together as one nation, and one people, and once more choose our better history. That’s what’s at stake. That’s what we’re fighting for. And if in this last week, you will knock on some doors for me, and make some calls for me, and talk to your neighbors, and convince your friends; if you will stand with me, and fight with me, and give me your vote, then I promise you this – we will not just win Ohio, we will not just win this election, but together, we will change this country and we will change the world. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless America."

Dave Matthews for Obama

Happy Birthday RTH!!!

As you can tell, Robbie "old fart" Hill turned 40 today. Decorations compliments of his cohorts in crime. Nicely done guys, nicely done!!!

You can vote however you like - Students of the Ron Clark Academy

Check out what these kids did for a project at Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA!! Talk about the empowerment kids feel with they have the ability to choose any medium. Reach them where they are, link what they know, and this is what you can get! I love this! You know these kids will never forget this experience, nor assignment. This is what it means to have students actively and authentically engaged.

It's that time of the year again...

It's that glorious rivalry that keeps the fires burning in the off-season. Here's the t-shirt design for the 2008 Clemson Fund in honor of this year's Clemson-Carolina game!!! Go TIGERS!

This Halloween....

OPEN HOUSE...remember those???

It was the dreaded (I mean, much anticipated) night of Open House for our school tonight. I always hate these, even though it is my 9th one. You think I'd be all excited anytime I get to rave to parents about my class, my procedures, school policies, discipline plan, HW issues, conference time, lunch box forgetfulness, etc....however, it is not on my bucket list. Catch my drift.

But at the end of the night, I do have a better picture of where my kids come from. And you teachers out there all know that the parents you NEED to see are NEVER the ones that show. You NEED the Johnny-mama's to be there, not the parents of the five perfect students that could run the class without your presence.

It is annually reminded to me that not every kid grows up the way I did. I always thought parents were married, had a job, had supper every night and breakfast in the morning, carpooled, and had every material for any projects (from glue to glitter). I knew my parents worked hard for the money we had; we weren't rich, but not poor. Heck, maybe we were poor...but I never knew my brother and I going without. My parents made a point to be at every Open House, every dance recital, every Nutcracker performance and school talent show, every parent-teacher conference, all the time.

Today's students come with so much baggage. Some of the challenges that these poor kids have going on in their lives completely trumps having to complete nightly math problems. And why shouldn't it? It's pretty hard to do your math when the power was turned off and its turned cold in the house. Spelling words have very little to do with the fact that you haven't eaten since lunchtime at school, compliments of the school district. It saddens me that so many of our students come to school to feel the safest, the warmest, and the most loved. Bless these children, for many of them are just in survival mode each and everyday. I never knew that somewhere in my own childhood I had students like this sitting to the left and the right of me. Was I nice to them? Did I try to understand them at all? I hate not being able to remember if I extending them any compassion, or if I simply didn't notice.

With that said, it is my sincerest hope that as a teacher and advocate for today's youth I do take notice. Not only take notice, but take action. Yes, students come with baggage beyond my control, but I can make for certain that those suitcases get left at the door upon entry. Love all, teach all...even good ole' "Johnny".

A Beautiful Sunday Under a South Carolina Sky....

It is one of those drive-with-the-windows-down, t-shirt with blue jeans, still warm enough for flip-flops, kind of a autumn day. It is a day that the Lord has made, and God is Good. Who in the world would look around my small town on a day like today and not realize that God is the ONLY one that made all of this beauty possible. Selfishly thinking, I still wish we had our motorcycle. Since a carseat hasn't been engineered to legally adhere to one, we had to forego our 2-wheeled adventure over 4 years ago. What I wouldn't give to be back of one on a day like today....now if only the Panthers can pull it off today, we'd be great! Happy Sunday everyone!

Good Gracious.....

Do we really now feel sorry for Sarah Palin?? Geez, America. Are you serious? I love this article sent to me this week. Merci, Frenchie. Click HERE to read, otherwise, scroll down for nothing new. Bon Weekend!

By the way, the SNL skit was HILL-arious!!! Verbatim....gotta love it. Tina Fey, ya nailed it girl. Don't get me wrong, their version of Barrack is pretty good too!! Come on people, have some political humor without feeling threatened by the other party.

And just FYI, I AM watching the VP debate, so don't fuss at other people if you yourself aren't investing pieces of time to listen to the candidates.

Thursday Thirteen

I honor of my dear friend's new baby girl, Paizlei Kaiton Ross, born yesterday morning, I am highlighting 13 of the most unusual names that I have loved hearing over the years. Of course you will recognize my #1!!

• Alexandra Hunter
• Copper
• Beckett
• Atticus
• Harper
• Ella
• Ava
• Dax
• Thomas (for a girl)
• Dickens (I know a girl with this name, love it!)
• Max
• Legare (Leh-gree, if you know your Charleston history)
• Tradd (again, old Charleston!)

SO...here's your assignment, comment back and leave your personal and original favorites!!

Psalm 113

You just gotta check out God in the flesh....my friend Michelle is finally pregnant. It is a miracle and I can't wait to nestle in and read all about it. She has another blog, Infertility & Adoption that she also posts to, however, with this NEW MIRACLE....a new blogging life has begun. Check it out here, Psalm 113. Thank you Michelle for sharing this hope with us all. Love you Sweetie!

Ten Things Tuesday...

Ten things I like (love!) about teaching all boys!

• bathroom break after lunch takes all of 2 minutes!
• no nail polish fumes during silent reading time
• note-passing days are history!
• constructive chaos is the norm
• no spend the night drama to deal with after a long weekend
• recess is actually filled with sports
• gossip...what's gossip??
• parasites, pillbugs, and worms....YES!
• being the ONLY diva in my classroom now
• seeing their smiles each day b/c they know they're having fun learning

You teach all what?!?!

Boys...you got it, the other sex. The ones that don't get it right until they're 40. We are the only school piloting single-gender 5th grade classes this year in our district of 17 elementary schools. There is one class of girls (too much drama for me!) and a class of boys. All mine, 17 perfect gentlemen. Or atleast they will be when I'm done with 'em!

Actually, I am loving it, having always been partial to boys and the male brain my whole life anyway. NO...get your minds out of the gutter people. Even my parents will tell you I had closer guy friends my whole life. Boys for me never had the cattiness that girls enthrall themselves in as kids, adolescents, teens, young ladies, women, old hags, etc... I could tell my mother that I was over at Grey and Eric's house, no problem. Over at Resa's...be home at 11:30pm sharp. Point being, my brain, stereotypically speaking is not of a female. I'm serious. Looking back I was ADHD as a female and undiagnosed. I was loud, creative, afraid of nothing, fear fueled me and competition gave me an inner drive. I was crazy about math and science, hated books, and wanted to try anything....once. Humor and being the class clown gave me an edge to being liked by random walks of life. SOoooooooo with all of that said, when it comes to teaching, I throw that and the kitchen sink into my bag of tricks. When I think of the teachers that I had growing up, and the times I was actively engaged in my work, it was moments where I had teachers that understood my antsy-ness and used it to my advantage. When teachers took my level of energy and put it to good use, not to mindless worksheets and diagraming sentences (bless Patty Barron's heart!) I was unstoppable. I am thoroughly enjoying coming home exhausted each day, it's fun all over again for me.

I guess for the many people that are against separating genders, I have this to say about that. We are not regressing as a nation to a time where girls and boys are made to be separate but equal. Single gender and what we expect of the two differences are everywhere, whether you realize it or not. If you have children of both sexes, single-gender lives in your house. You know what I mean here. If you are married, single-gender still lives in your house, and you know what I mean here as well. Our standards for teaching doesn't change. The expectation for ALL students to learn doesn't change. The paths that we decide to take our single-gender classes down is different, but our destination is the very same.....mine's just a lot noisier.

Our Motley Crue...

Many of you know how our family is "blended" to say the least. We all share Blake, Xan is "ours", Sara Kate is "theirs", and we're all one big happy family. Weird right?? We are constantly asked, "How do you do it?" In fact, just tonight, my younger cousin asked Robbie and I the very same question in reflecting how she too is from a divorced family that both have re-married. She was inquiring on how we just make it work and look effortless. It hasn't always been that way and very few people have seen the hurt and anger behind the scenes for so many years in the beginning. But like I told my sweet cousin this evening (love you Hannah!)....It just took too much energy and exhaustion to carry around that much anger and paranoia, so you just put your big girl panties on and deal with it, no matter what. And from that moment, I have never looked back and never questioned myself again as a wonderful wife, a great step-mom to Blake, and a dear friend to my husband's ex-wife. Again, weird right?? Maybe one day that book deal will actually prevail and Random House will beat on my door for the first draft, but until then, just live for who are in the present and never doubt in hindsight what may have been. Okay, now that I have purposely squeezed this little lecture in between these two great pictures of all of "our" kids, enjoy our life lesson and maybe you too will release the baggage that is just too heavy to tote around anymore.

Clemson Girls....

Two peas in a pod! Go Tigers!!!!

C-L-E-M-S-OOooooooo-N!!

Ahhh, the smell of pigskin is in the air. And if you're a southern girl, that means all of your summer tops slide to the far side of the closet and out come the college colors my friend. We're talking Orange and Purple baby, GGGGGggrrrrrr!! Clemson's season kicks off against Bama tomorrow in the Peach State, and you know its going to be an onslaught of people when my e-mail is filled with Traffic Updates from Clemson University about how to more comfortably navigate there this weekend. Alas, I will not be there, but I am already sporting my Tiger Garb tonight, and we still have 10 hours til kickoff. I did find a pretty cool story about two of the greatest coaches that both teams have ever had, click here to check it out. GO TIGERS!! This is how we Tigers "roll"........beat Bama!

A New Decade....

Okay, so I am officially 29, ...again. My first glimpses of thirty-something are daunting, but manageable. I had a breakdown with a special ed student today, a parent that didn't come get her "bus" student until 6:30 this evening (her bus arrives at home each day by 4, hello!), and a cheeseburger that was way too dry for my birthday meal.

On the other side of the coin, I am so blessed to have been the anticipated subject of arrival at my own birthday outing tonight. What a treat to walk in and know that so many different people love and care about me. So.....I will let you know how it feels to be 29-A for another year.

Goodbye Summer....

Tonight is the final night of summer teacher freedom. Workdays in the Rock Hill School District begin tomorrow and I think I am personally worse off than most because I officially am a late night tv watching, kitchen cleaning, internet surfing until 11pm during the summer kind of gal. This means I HATE GOING BACK TO THE ROUTINE OF 6am "up and at 'ems", in fact I LOATHE it!! School should be a mandated 9-2 day, what do you think?? The little ones waiting at the bus stops at 5:15am are the ones my heart bleeds for though. So.....are you getting your little ones back into the "it's a school night-bedtime" routine this week?? If so....let me know how that works for ya!

Go Alabama!!!

Do what?? Yep, that's right....Go Bama!!! In the semi-final game we fell to Florida, so our SC boys won't be on the field tonight for the championship game. However, the SC team is determined to be on ESPN regardless and have decided to paint up for BAMA and pull for their new friends. Our team quickly bonded with the Westside kids from Mobile. I guess it's those southern manners!!! Speaking of....we are so thrilled that Bama came from behind and beat those rotten Georgia kids with no respect for anyone down there. The two-time Little League World Series team from Warner Robbins were the rudest kids down there. They trashed the dorms and rec area, therefore being banned from all social activities. How sad is that??? Our boys decided then to ban with the other teams and pull for anyone but GA, yippee!! So....with sad news you won't see my cute little #12 playing right field tonight at 8pm, however, look for some really cute teenagers wearing their black/blue FM hats painted up for their new "Bubba Gumps" from Bama!!! Go Westside!

WIN....WIN....LOSS

Okay, the South Carolina Team had a win over Virginia on Saturday night, another win over North Carolina last night, but had their first loss for 1st place seed today against Alabama (4-3), this puts up still in the semi-finals tomorrow at 7:30pm, but we have no idea until tonight whom we play. Winner of tomorrow's game goes onto play Friday night at 8pm for the finals on ESPN!!!!!! We have been the underdog the entire time, but our boys never give up!!! They are the SMALLEST in size of the 8 teams here, but they are now feared by all!!! I will try to get another post out after tomorrow's game so I can remind you all to catch their debut on ESPN (hopefully!) They have had a blast thus far, including going on the field at the Tampa Bay Devils Rays game on Sunday afternoon. It was so cool to see the team on the jumbo-tron, but hopefully even more cool to see them close-up on ESPN baby!!!

A Bushel of Nerves....

Here in the south we typically sell our southern fruit by the bushels, however, tonight I am filled with a bushel of nerves!! We are having a HUGE send off from the local Chic-Fila in the morning. The news crews and papers are going to be there to capture the team's official leaving of Fort Mill for St. Petersburg, FA!! All of the rushed planning and preparation comes down to this trip. It's do or die. This is what the rest of the 3 million "Little League-rs" wish for when March rolls around each year. Blake is one of 88 Southeast ball players from the lower 8 states in the US playing for the next round. That's incredible. I am so proud of him!! Okay....so for my Hill-billie groupies, tune the TV to ESPN next Friday the 8th at 8pm and see if you see an incredibly sharp looking batch of southern boys from South Carolina making their mommas proud!!! Mine is #12!!!

Ten Things Tuesday...

And on time nonetheless!!

1. My family: we are healthy (except for patches of mental illness, LOL!) and love one another.

2. It is supposed to rain today, which may pull us off the roller coasters at Carowinds. I really won't mind that since the high is 99 and MUGGY!

3. My best friend is Xan's VBS teacher this week and is even bringing her home afterwards. Xan is super-pumped to be going back to "Outrigger Island" b/c she still knows (AND OFTEN SINGS!) all the songs.....A-awiki, B-awiki, C-awiki....

4. Laundry is done and all I need to do is pack for St. Petersburg. The team pulls out of town on Thursday. We are all gathering at the local Chic-fila where the restaurant has so nicely offered to feed them breakfast and give them each a voucher for a #1 combo for roadside lunch. How awesome is that!!!

5. I love my community!!! The boys were able to raise about 8,000 for the trip in a little over 2 weeks. They (and the parents) worked really hard for corporate sponsors and other donors. Let's face it, very few people have an extra couple grand hidden under the couch cushions to make a unforseen trip to Florida at the end of the summer!!

6. We had a very good turn out for our Saturday yardsale, let's just say our gas is paid up for our trip down and home.

7. I can't wait for supper tonight. I know that sound funny, but my husband made a beer in the butt chicken on the grill late last night and it smelled to high heaven as it rested on the counter to cool. AND NO, you don't drink the beer. You pop the can and fill it with rosemary and herbs, shove it in the back of the chicken to stand upright on a pan. Cook on the grill using indirect heat for exactly 2 hours. Carefully pull the "herby" beercan out of the HOT chicken and let rest on plate until cooled. Don't slice yet....too many juices will run out, mmmm!! I plan on plucking, I mean picking off the meat this evening to go on top of a yummy spinach salad before Xan has karate!!! Try it!!

8. Family and friends (many who are bloggers that I don't even know) are praying for the upcoming trip to the Little League World Series in Florida. Please pray specifically for the travel there and back and for no injuries while we stay and play.

9. Gas prices are down to 3.53 a gallon in Rock Thrill, yahoo!!! (I can't even begin to think how incredulous a sentence that is.....I'm actually glad its below 4 bucks...INSANE!!!)

10. My supper club...we had a great dinner together last Friday night. We are always abl to pick up right where we left off, thanks guys!!!

Thursday Thirteen

Dedicated to the 13 things (plus more...) I like about my children.

• blue eyes like the Caribbean Ocean
• giggles at a moment's notice
• can crack his own crab legs and oysters so I don't have to
• slept the whole night from 7 weeks on...
• will ask me to read to them at night
• loves to be outside ALL DAY LONG!
• Xan's sticker fetish
• Blake's sense of humor
• ability to use their manners 24-7!!
• never having to count to 3
• will share their icecream with me
• will smile for a camera
• love Jesus!

BIG LOTS~ BIG GIVE

BIG LOTS BIG GIVE.....$10,000 to Dutchman Creek!!

The above link is for Big Lots' Give Back Program that runs through the end of the summer. There are many schools nationwide attempting to win a $10,000 prize, but only ONE Rock Hill School District Three school (Dutchman Creek) is in the running. When my 5th graders leave India Hook they all attend DC the following year. Like the video states, just because a district opts to build a new school, it doesn't mean you have the things you need to go into it (albeit programs or materials). So please, take a moment to watch the quick video and vote. You can vote all 3 times you are allotted a day at the same time of viewing. It would be great for you to add this to your favorites so you can do this daily. It only takes less than a minute. So remember...just click HERE to watch and cast your DAILY 3 votes!! Please and Thank You!

Who's on first?

In honor of a time-honored tradition!! Way to go Fort Mill!!

St. Petersburg or Bust!!!

We did it!!! We are heading to St. Petersburg, FL for the Southeastern Regional World Series. Last night my son's Fort Mill team battled to win the South Carolina State Championship which puts him on the SC Team. In Florida his team will face the state teams from Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, VIrginia, Florida, West Virginia, and Tennessee. We've been reportedly told these games will be on ESPN 360 for each region in the country and the last game will be featured on ESPN, da-nuh-nuh...da-nuh-nuh!! Winner of the Florida Series will go on to Williamsport, PA in mid-August for THE LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES 2008 on ESPN Worldwide. Please pray for safe practices for the next 2 weeks and the team's safe travel and dorm lodging in Florida. Way to go Fort Mill & Blake Hill!!!

Baseball Update....

Okay....so it's the wrong year on the logo, but we aim for putting the "2008" trophy in our team's hands. Blake's team is one game away (tonight at 6:30) from heading to St. Petersburg, Florida for the Southeast Regional World Series tournament. Supposedly those games would be televised on ESPN 360 for your own particular region. In other words, people in California would only be able to see their Little League Region's games and so forth. We will know tonight if we are heading down to FLA for some F-U-N!!! Blake's team is 3-0 right now!!! They came from 4 down, 5 down, and 4 down (respectively) to come back and win against Greenwood, Greenville, and Anderson. Tonight we play Greenwood again for all the chips!! Please send your prayers to all the mothers who have NO fingernails left to chew. I will update when we get home tonight, fingers crossed XX!!

Wow, Wow Wednesday...

Now my good friend Jen always does a Wow, Wow Wednesday with some sort of enlightening information or a plethora of good finds here and there......however, my Wow-Wow Wednesday is a video that made me laugh until I cried!! I was sent this today via e-mail and I can only say that I am glad this wasn't my own child, although the video itself has Xan's name written all over it!!! Enjoy and have a tissue...you'll need it!!

Ten Things Tuesday...

1. My mom came to pick up Xan for karate this evening and it allowed Robbie Hill and I to enjoy a peaceful meal at the table!!!
2. A new grill to cook those oh-so-yummy ribs on for our peaceful dinner.
3. RAIN!!! We opened up the french door to our huge new deck that we have our new grill on to listen to God's sweet music as it POURED down during our peaceful dinner.
4. A sweet husband that looked at me like he didn't know what to talk about during our quietly peaceful dinner.
5. A new quiet dishwasher to load with our dinner dishes after our peaceful dinner.

Okay, Okay....I see the pattern.....

6. HOBBY LOBBY!!! I found a gorgeous chocolate brown nightstand today to go with our new king-size bed. It was already marked 50% off at 65.00, but when she rang it up it was 90% off of that.....I got it for 6 dollars and change, sweet serendipity!!
7. My wireless router was flawlessly re-connected (via me) this afternoon after being without my laptop for 2 weeks. I missed you friend!!
8. Sweet, sweet friends that will keep the little human being that keeps you from peaceful dinners (#'s 1-5 above) while you move into a new house!!
9. My son's team will be playing for the state all-stars championship this weekend...winner goes onto St. Petersburg for the first series of the Little League World Series. ESPN, here we come!! da-na-na, da-na-na (That the Sports Center theme song intro people!)
10. Tons of family and friends that will all be there this weekend for hopefully a great Fort Mill All-Stars Victory!!!! Go Blue & Black!!!!!

We finally moved in!!

Well....we're in!! So much for a relaxing week of the 4th. We ended up moving our in-laws out of their house (now ours) and into their new house 15 miles away. After loading and unloading their things, we moved out of our old house and into our new one. Now mind you, this was all in one day!!! After painting my new kitchen and new bedroom, it is beginning to be more "me" instead of "them", so that makes me very happy =) Blake is thrilled with his mini-apartment above the garage, and Xan has shown everyone that enters her new "big-girl" full size bed in her new room. I hope to have pics coming soon, but right now I am just trying to get the soreness out of every bone and muscle in my body.

Can I Take Your Order??

We have been going to the same fish camp EVERY Friday night at 6pm for 10 years!!! Plus the 25 years that my husband and his family went before I met them. Talk about ritualistic!! Fish on Friday and we're not even Catholic, lol! Both Blake and Xan have been raised there, so for Xan to grab an order book and take off is commonplace and cute as a button. She showed us a dollar tip she made from taking an older couple a few lemons....now, later on, we found out she had just brought them to the couple bare-handed. Sir and mam, I apologize for any viral/ bacterial outbreak that you may possibly get from my daughter attempting to be waitstaff.

Life by the Pool

The Three Amigos...

Mary Jordan and Savannah I am so excited to be busy this summer with jobs that are fun!! I mean, soaking up some sun by a lakefront pool is simply torture....LOL!! I am watching a former student and her older brother a few days a week and Xan comes with. They are her new best buddies that she goes swimming with. Again, pure torture in the form of a free tan and fun kids!!

Ten Things Tuesday...

WOW....I can't believe it almost slipped my brain to post for this week!!

1. An unspoken prayer request was answered with a HUGE praise, yeah!!!

2. VBS is this week....I love it (see previous post)

3. My daughter had the FUNNEST time bowling today. It was a trip watching her hurl the ball at minus 2 m.p.h down the lane. It was her first time and it made me laugh all ten frames worth!

4. My new china cabinet (already at our new house) is so pretty and was a steal off of Craig's List. And if you have NEVER used this resource check it out my clicking HERE, then drive the site to your homestate, city, nearest city, etc....

5. My crew and I are heading to Carowinds for another fun filled roller coaster Wednesday.

6. Our principal is waiting to hear if my teammate and I get extra funds for piloting the single-gender classes in 5th grade next year.

7. Summer is in full swing and I love this weather!!! I love feeling the sunshine on my back when I walk.

8. A son that will travel to All-Stars tomorrow for his first of possibly 5 to 6 games. I am thankful that he loves to play sports and is a true athlete. He is a great team member, and I am so proud of what he does off and on the field. Way to go son!! If they win this series they travel to Easley, SC....then onto St. Petersburg, FL!!

9. A fridge that was broken yesterday (and for MONTHS) was fixed in under 5 minutes by a nice man that works with my mother-in-law. We thought we were going to have to put a new fridge in this house before closing next week. Yeah for nice men and small parts. That sounds wrong doesn't it????

10. VBS...I just LOVE IT!!!! Keep praying that even one child will come to be a Christian this week.

A Fish Story....no, not Jonah and the Whale

Yesterday at church, our Sunday School lesson was about God being Real and El Shaddai. After the lesson we teamed up in smaller groups to replay a time this week (or month) when God was made real for us at that moment. Well, I shared about this whole house deal and that all doors were closed in order for us to get our in-laws' house. Another group member (we'll call her "Lucy") started off by saying this story may seem silly but God was in it....oh, gracious. It goes like this....

Her 10 year olf daughter had a fishbowl, the no-pump attached, gotta-clean-it-yourself, kind of tank. It HAD 2 fish in it before she cleaned it. {background....before end of year testing she inadvertently killed the first set of fish b/c she forgot to add chlorine drops to the water. Thus they floated belly-up and were at Wal-mart the night before state tests} Anyway, "Lucy's daughter" had her chore of cleaning the fish bowl, including the chlorine drops, and then meeting her mom for outdoor chores around the house. Lucy and her daughter had been outside for about 30 minutes when Lucy needed something from inside the house. She walked in to find the fishbowl sitting on the kitchen counter with only ONE fish swimming, swimming, just keep swimming. WHERE IS THE OTHER FISH???? She looks to see a thin, lifeless, skinny sliver of silver lying on the floor, uh-oh!! Lucy thinks, Dear Lord, she's done it again...what are we going to do? So she calls her daughter in and they immediately begin to pray, yes pray over the fish. No this isn't the miracle story of how Jesus fed the 5,000.

Lucy and her daughter put the very limp fish back into the bowl and held hands to pray for revival. They prayed and prayed and all of a sudden that little fish started darting around the bowl like a mad man. Immediately, the daughter shouts, "God did it!!! He brought him back to life!!! God is real and he answers prayers!! I can't wait to tell the kids at Sunday School tomorrow!"

So.....this story trumped us all for our Sunday School discussion in-the-round. I just hope they re-named the poor little fish Lazzarus!!!

VBS at FBC...

I live for this week of the year!! Vacation Bible School has always been one of my favorite things to do ever since I was old enough to go. The smell of glue (paste back then) and popsicle sticks was everywhere, and I always wanted to be the first to memorize the bible verse for the worse-than-a-gumball machine prize....but I loved it!!! I feel the same as an adult, but for another reason. We are providing a mission field for the community of this town, and so many times it is the unchurched kids that come and take their joy home to their unchurched parent(s). I work from above (sound/lights/media/computer room) and I feel a little like God must feel when he looks down and sees His children raising their hands in joy for Him. It is such a blessing to be "behind the scenes" and watch from above (the second floor) when noone else thinks they are being watched (that sounded kinda stalkerish??), but truthfully, I love watching the kids (and adults) be completely off key and have two LEFT feet....it's precious!! I hope to post a Salvation number at the end of the week letting you know every ounce of preparation is all worth it!! And if you've been to Outrigger Island, or are planning to go this summer......"ALOHA, and A-Wiki, B-Wiki, C-Wiki!!"

Moving???

My friend Jen Wade said that I must commit an entire post solely devoted to "our move"...here goes Jen. We weren't even looking to begin the idea of moving until this time next year. Xan would have been out of daycare (on a paycheck that translates to getting my freakin' doctorate in savings!) and Rob's truck would be paid off. So when my mother-in-law called to say someone was coming over to look at the house that Memorial Day evening we all were like "HUH?" At anyrate, God already knew the plan that would unfold within a week's time (last month) We had a chance to purchase my in-laws house and took it!! We will officially be going from 1500 sq. feet to over 3,000 on July 10th & a POOL!!!! Where do you even begin to clean something that is double from what you are coming from???? Hmmmm.....

We aim to make it ours (with lots of color changes in several rooms, sorry honey) and keep it for a few years, then sell it again to make a profit (fingers crossed that the economy changes), then purchase a smaller home with a very easy house payment once Blake leaves the nest (5 years and counting....) So, if anyone wants to be handy with a paintbrush in the next few weeks, call me!! LOL!

What are you teaching that girl??

Xan started karate (Little Dragons) this week. My dad is a 7th degree black belt, however, nothing could have prepared him to be so proud of his granddaughter's first karate class last night. It was a HOOT!!! Let's just say her jumping jacks were definitely reminiscent of Hannah Montana, and her push-ups looked X-rated...I had to giggle. But she did so well for her very first night of uniformed exercise. I was so proud of her little ADHD self, go Xan!! Punch, Punch Kia!!
Xan is anxiously awaiting her 8th birthday for her pink 22 we found this weekend. In this family, one's 8th birthday requires the purchase of a Duck Hunter's Special. I can already see this little greenwing in the blind with her daddy now. She was too cute telling her dad, "But I'm 4 now...that's really old." I think she thought we were taking it out of the store like her brother's new Beretta 12-gauge.

Bubba's Coming Home!!

Okay, so I have this friend named Derek who is on his way home from his international adventure to Europe since we got out of school on the 6th. If you have a minute and want a barrel of laughs (at his expense of course....) take the time to click on his blog, Southern Boy Goes to Europe for a hilarious adventure to call your own. He teaches with me and had this bright idea to "find himself" in Europe while staying in hostiles (Have you seen that movie Derek?) and bike-locking himself to his hiker's backpack while lying on the beaches, Lord Help Him!! Anyway, my Ten Things Tuesdays are dedicated to him and his homecoming self. Remember to go to his blog to read WHY he HAS to come home.

1. I am thankful he didn't take the job in Fort Mill!!

2. Looping up to 5th with me, YEAH!!!!

3. That silly laugh that gets me in stitches everyday!

4. That saw-mill gravy he makes for faculty breakfasts.

5. The gazillion stories of working the most RANDOM jobs any person could ever have in their short 24 year-old lifespan. I mean really, the Lizardman for the SC Lottery commercials in college....way to go!

6. The way kids adore him and how he steps WAY out of the box to teach the once thought unteachables!!! YOU ROCK!

7. Making Xan laugh when she had to stay afterschool some days. She loves Mr. Emmory.

8. Being a friend to Erin Gruwell (Freedom Writers) so you can hook me up with a conversation oneday?!?

9. That our Clemson-Carolina Rivalry reaches new heights in the South!

10. And finallly......thankful that your Barcelona self will be back in the states anyday now!!

See you soon "Del"!!

Neela Bags...SAVE OUR EARTH!!

I'm not a tree hugger or anything, but after watching a Powerpoint that was sent to me this morning I feel like I have to act. Now, I wish I could link the powerpoint to this post, but alas....I have no idea how to do that. Anyway, it makes for an amazing argument for the discontinued use of plastic grocery bags at all times by any individual that makes the effort to do so. Summertimes are always my "season" for asking for paper bags for back to school book covers for my kids. (you'd freak to know that kids these days have NO idea how to fold a bag to make te perfect cover....I guess that comes from today's available stretchy covers that you can buy for 3.99 EACH!!!) But I think I am going to pinch and save for a couple of these bags (5.00 each standard size) so can tote my own up to Harris Teeter. Thank you to Fast Lane for sending me the link to watch and shop. Love ya girl!!

So....go to Neela Bags and check it out, literally...check out using these bags!!

Ten Things Tuesday...

I love Tuesdays, really I do. I have grown accustomed to even thinking ahead on Monday nights about what I am thankful for....

1. Disney Channel, thank you so much Walt!!! Xan can be mesmerized for more than a few minutes when Zack & Cody, Hannah Montana, or Wizards of Waverly Place is on....that means a few minutes of peace from all of her questions of randomness, whew!


2. A snappy hairdresser that is going to cut this soon-to-be mullet on Thursday, PTL!


3. Camp Invention is my life this week and I love it!! It is a really cool science camp geered towards all of the future "Bill Gates" of the world (ages 5-12 only). I love the thought of this camp because (keep reading, I mean no disrespect at all) all of the kids that would typically be picked on at summer camp SHINE with creativity and their quirkiness is rewarded and praised, not scoffed at. Maybe you have Camp Invention in your area.


4. Freshly polished toenails....they're so shiny!!


5. Money to pay the powerbill....it's triple digit heat with 100% humidity in the south. We are so blessed to have a home that is cool to walk into each afternoon.


6. Ultra-pasteurized chocolate milk. The date on the carton is in JULY, hooray!!


7. A daughter that LOVES the water. We've been 3 times to the pool this week and everytime we go she is a little more eager to jump in. She loves it and I love to see her "swim" in the pool. I remember having a pool when I was her age and how my parents probably laughed at us all the time too.


8. My new Charleston Magazine came in the mail yesterday and I read it tonight cover to cover. Even though I don't live there anymore I enjoy looking and reading about all of the familiar sites and people I was once around. It's a great publication, no matter how far away you may be.


9. Did you know that fingernail polish remover with take off any permanent marker writings on laminated surfaces? I shared this trick with another teacher friend of mine today who flipped her lid to learn such a new tidbit of knowledge.


10. My kids!! Thank you Lord for giving me such a healthy son and daughter who make me smile each day (AND grin and bear it on occasion, lol!)

My Motley Crue....

I Love this picture!! This was after the last night's ballgame.

Ten Things Tuesday...

1. 16 more schools hours til summer!!

2. My school secretary did all of my record keeping for my permanent file, I didn't touch a thing this year!!

3. My son won the district little league championship last night and go to Columbia, SC to play tomorrow night!!

4. Homemade Icecream Day is tomorrow....mmm!!! Can you beleive that half of these kids have never made it before. I remember when we used to beg our grandparents for a turn at the crank, now we have the electric kind!!!

5. My wife-in-law is supposed to be going to the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam this week. I hope to have a great powerpoint for teaching WWII next year, how cool is that!! Anne Frank is my hero.

6. My best friend Mandi brought in Rubik's Race today for her 3rd graders' Game Day. Do you know what a smile that put on my face!! We're talking 1982 Vintage people!!! It was so much fun!! The box was yellowed and smelled just like attic space, talk about nostalgia!!!

7. Baby Showers....I have one this weekend for a friend that is going to be an awesome mom. Try her husband's blog sometimes by clicking here. It's just a fun time to think back and talk all about the sleepless nights that you personally went through and the fact that first times mothers seem almost excited about the prospect. What naive rookies....God Bless Her!

8. Personalized Stationery....love it!!! Got some new stuff from a student for being her "favorite teacher".....but that doesn't mean her thank-you card will be written on it though=0

9. A husband that loves to be a great dad to Xan and Blake. (....see the pic!)

10. Our house sold!!! Now we are about to embark on THE SEARCH...we'll see what happens!!!

James Taylor....

The concert was awesome!!! Perfect weather underneath a Carolina Moon. He rocked the house and here's proof...me and my dad. We've been going since 1994 together and it's always fun being Daddy's Little Girl for another night.

Being a daughter of the greatest man in the world that is a mere twenty years my senior, I know all about the greatest genre/ time period of music ever recorded. I think I was the only toddler listening to Zeppelin's Black Dog, or JT's Mud Slide Slim. So.....in honor of the standing reservation I have with my Dad for all James Taylor concernts in the area....I am dedicating my Thursday Thirteen to my favorite James Taylor songs!! Tonight is the concert and I am PRAYING for good weather. We have lawn seats and need NO RAIN tonight.

1. Sweet Baby James
2. Steamroller
3. Carolina on my Mind
4. You've Got a Friend
5. Shower the People
6. Handy Man
7. Your Smiling Face
8. Honey Don't Leave L.A
9. Captain Jim's Drunken Dream (with Art Garfunkel)
10. Walking Man
11. Hello Old Friend
12. Fire & Rain
13. October Road

1. 7 more days!!
2. An incredibly LONG weekend at the beach with my daughter and mother!!!
3. Tan lines!!! They make a day at the beach all worthwhile!!
4. My PE teacher took my kids this morning since they hadn't been with her for 3 weeks during HER planning period so they'd be happy=)
5. A clean house!! RTH cleaned the house this weekend, spic-n-span!! Turns out we had a couple come and look at it as a prospective purchase....YEAH!!!
6. My Palm Treo returned home safe, sound, and in working order after a month of being away. Actually, they sent me a brand new one since they couldn't fix the old one. THANK YOU PALM!!!
7. Lemon juice....it brought back my little one's curly blonde streaks this weekend. I missed those all winter long.
8. Early lunchtime today since the 4th graders are in Charleston today. I love eating before 1pm.
9. Knowing that I will be back at the beach this Friday night for my son's ball Cal Ripken ball tournament (photos to be posted next week)
10. 7 more days!!!

Ten Things Tuesday...

1. 11 more school days :0)
2. No more state testing!! 5th grade finished today :0)
3. A new plan for Children's Church that doesn't involve me considering celibacy after keeping the 2-year olds' nursery
4. A cohort in crime that will also depart from the old nursery lifestyle and hit the multi-media highway with me in the fall ;0)
5. Did I say 11 more days?? :0)
6. The ability to make a smiley face with just a few strokes of the keyboard :0)
7. Blake's baseball team clinched a playoff spot as the #1 seed for the championship rec ball tournament, and his travel USSSA baseball team is now 2nd in the state :0)
8. It's raining....I love an evening thunderstorm that renews God's creations on this awesome earth.
9. A daughter that thinks free popcorn at the gas station is the best thing EVER :0)
10. Did I mention, 11 more days?? ;0)

It's not on the Freakin' Test!

Teacher Breaking Down

Lost My Left Leg

Have you ever been so connected to a television show that someone close to you has to constantly remind you that it's actually fiction? Last night, in the final scene of CSI, my left leg was ripped from my body in the final moments. Now....in case you haven't watched the episode that you have obviously recorded, brace yourself and DO NOT FINISH READING THIS POST!!!

First of all, let me remind you how much I HATE watching crime-dramas with my police detective husband. I enjoy escaping my dull civilian life via CSI/ SVU/ The First 48, however, Robbie Hill takes on every episode as personal vendeta to outwit....AUGH!!! Can't we just watch the freakin' show?? REMEMBER, DO NOT CONTINUE TO READ IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE EPISODE!! But you can watch the WHOLE episode in 44 minutes if you click HERE!!

I can't believe they killed Warrick off??? I was a hot mess while the credits were rolling...unbelievable!! To which my husband proceeds to tell me that he knew it had to be coming due to his pending drug trafficking charges he's accrued in real life and he was too much of a liability to keep on the show. WHAT?? I didn't know this, where have I been?? Must have been on Ellen if he knew about it and I didn't!

New Find...

My friend, Ramsey 5, had some blogs mentioned on her site so I set off on a little journey and found the cutest site...Ladybug Bows. No, don't automatically assume it's just all bows. It's all sorts of great embroidery work for all types of things; mostly kids & babies though. Go and check it out!! Thanks Ramsey for the linky-link.

BLAKE IS FINE!!!

He cracked his collarbone, to which there is NOTHING they can do about it except console with a little bit of TLC and a lot Extra Strength Tylenol and Advil. This is far better than the separated shoulder we were anticipating=) Thank you Lord!

Jeff Foxworthy on Educators...

And the funny e-mails just keep coming today....
YOU might be a school employee if you believe the playground should be equipped with a Ritalin saltlick and a Valium Pez dispenser in the nurses' office.

YOU might be a school employee if you want to slap the next person who says, "Must be nice to work 8 to 3:30 and have summers off.

YOU might be a school employee if it is difficult to name your own child because there's no name you can come up with that doesn't bring high blood pressure as it is uttered.

YOU might be a school employee if you can tell it's a full moon or if it going to rain, snow, hail....anything!!! Without ever looking outside.

YOU might be a school employee if you believe, "shallow gene pool" should have its own box on a report card.

YOU might be a school employee if you believe that unspeakable evils will befall you if anyone says, "Boy, the kids sure are mellow today."

YOU might be a school employee if when out in public, you feel the urge to snap your fingers at children you do not know and correct their behavior.

YOU might be a school employee if you have no social life between August and June.

YOU might be a school employee if you think people should have a government permit before being allowed to reproduce.

YOU might be a school employee if you wonder how some parents MANAGED to reproduce.

YOU might be a school employee if you laugh uncontrollably when people refer to the staff room as the "lounge."

YOU might be a school employee if you encourage an obnoxious parent to check into charter schools or home schooling and are willing to donate the UHAUL boxes should they decided to move out of district.

YOU might be a school employee if you think caffeine should be available in intravenous form.

YOU might be a school employee if you can't imagine how ACLU could think that covering your
students chair with Velcro and then requiring uniforms made out of the corresponding Velcro could ever be misunderstood by the public.

YOU might be a school employee if meeting a child's parent instantly answers this question, "Why is this kid like this?"

YOU might be a school employee if you would choose a mammogram over a parent conference.

YOU might be a school employee if you think someone should invent antibacterial pencils and crayons...and desks and chairs for that matter!

YOU might be a school employee if the words "I have college debt for this?" has ever come out of your mouth.

YOU might be a school employee if you know how many days, minutes, and seconds are left in the school year!

a funny for your Wednesday...I love when people send me this stuff!!! How appropriate.

Severe Weather Testing Protocols
1. Should a severe weather situation occur during testing, please remain calm. To display any kind of anxiety would be a testing irregularity and must be reported.

2. Please do not look out the window to watch for approaching tornadoes. You must monitor the students at all times. To do otherwise would be a testing irregularity and must be reported.

3. Should students notice an approaching tornado and begin to cry, please make every effort to protect their testing materials from the flow of tears and sinus drainage.

4. Should a flying object come through your window during testing, please make every effort to ensure that it does not land on a testing booklet or an answer sheet. Please make sure to soften the landing of the flying object so that iIt will not disturb the students while testing.

5. Should shards of glass from a broken window come flying into the room, have the students use their bodies to shield their testing materials so that they will not be damaged. Have plenty of gauze on hand to ensure that no one accidentally bleeds on the answer documents. Damaged answer sheets will not scan properly.

6. Should gale force winds ensue, please have Everyone stuff their test booklets and answer sheets into their shirts…being very careful not to bend them because bent answer documents will not scan properly.

7. If any student gets sucked into the vortex of the funnel cloud, please make sure they mark at
least one answer before departing…and of coourse make sure they leave their answer sheets and test booklets behind. You will have to account for those.

8. Should a funnel cloud pick you, the test Administrator, up and take you flying over the rainbow, you will still be required to account for all of your testing materials when you land. So please take extra precautions. Remember, once you have checked them out, they should never leave your hands.

9. When rescue workers arrive to dig you out of the rubble, please make sure that they do not, at any time, look at or handle the testing materials. Once you have been treated for your injuries, you will still be responsible for checking your materials back in. Search dogs will not be allowed to sift through the rubble for lost tests…unless of course they have been through standardized test training.

10. Please do not pray should a severe weather situation arise. Your priority is to actively monitor the test and a student might mark in the wrong section if you are praying instead of monitoring. I'm sure God will put war, world hunger, crime, and the presidential primaries on
hold until after testing is over. He knows how important this test is.

Ten Things Tuesday...(a little late)

My friend at Ramsey 5 e-mailed me early this morning to let me know she missed my typical Tuesday post....sorry babe!! Read on:

1. I am thankful for the 1st day of state testing to have gone so smoothly. We are now on Day 2 of the Language Arts test and my students are hanging in there.


2. I synced my Walkman up to my laptop this morning and have some new tunes for the baseball game tonight....if we play, read #3.


3. My son decided to separate his shoulder last night after a fall on his bike. I HOPE TO BE THANKFUL FOR A DOCTOR THAT CAN POP IT BACK IN WITH A GOOD REPORT IN A FEW MINUTES. ( I will post about that when I hear word)


4. A principal that is rolling a Starbucks snack cart around during testing, she is awesome!


5. A mom that went and piked up Xan from daycare last night so I could meet friends for dinner and Rob could go fishing...thanks Mother!


6. My new Rainbows!! I got them for Mother's Day....they were much needed. The others were several years old and without a real sole.


7. Students that love to stay afterschool and sharpen a GAZILLION #2 pencils for this stupid state test. They get the blisters, not me=)


8. Our classroom thermostat is working this week!!! It had been a serious, yet silly prayer request of mine that my class thermostat wouldn't be wacky this week and freeze them to death. It has been very comfortable in here and even the students had noticed. They wanted to know if I had put in a work order with the district crew and I told them that I had went far above that. They figured I meant the superintendent, but I told them that God answers even the smallest of prayers. They thought that was pretty cool. Now, I'll probably be sued since I'm in public education.


9. Hillary won WV last night....not that it's going to pull her into victory. Even new math can't do that right now.


10. Today is Lisa's birthday....and I am so glad that she is my friend. This is my stepson's mom. We do everything together, heck, even shared a husband between us (lol!) But seriously, OUR son is all the better a kid because of OUR choice to be ONE BIG FAMILY. Happy Birthday Bug!!

S-E-R-G-I-Oh, baby!...

Okay, so again, another reason to love my DVR-HD Cable box!! We had to go do the Mother's Day thing at Olive Garden last night with the rest of the upstate. (you know, get there at 5:30, home at 8:30pm) So we had to DVR the rest of The Players tourney at Sawgrass. The ability to fast forward through all the crap and commercials has completely spoiled me now. I hate live TV!! Anyway, it came down to Sergio (my man!) and Mr. Nobody replaying the 17th...the dreaded water hole. He nailed it, and went on to win 1.7 million!! If only that child-support check would hurry up and get here =)

And for those that needed a refresher photo of my man and I, please see above....