Old St. Edward had a cow..

At the duck pond


Little Farmer



Playing in the mud like the pigs do



Collecting Eggs





Duck Pond






Milking a cow

Gone are the days where we took field trips at the Preschool. I miss my trips to Uncle Donald's Farm so, I now have a week devoted to "The Farm" so, yesterday we had fun..."Down on Old St. Edward's Farm". Here are a few pictures of our day....and I just gotta say..."It's so good to be Miss Shawnie".

Preschool Funnies

So today my little baby ducks were celebrating my birthday a few days early. To reward them I read them one of my favorite little books Gossie. It's about a little girl goosling who loves to wear her red boots. "It's a Miss Shawnie book". I usually read it once and then read it the second time the "Miss Shawnie" way, which is very dramatic, {especially since I can be such a drama queen...LOL}. Anyhoo...after getting to the part where poor Gossie can't find her red boots and me wailing and wailing over it and the children laughing and laughing over it...I came up with the idea of wailing over turning 49.

I kept wailing I don't want to be 49..I don't wannnnnnaaaaaaa be 49!!!!!!! They got the biggest kick out that, asking me over and over to do it again. The this little girl came up to me and said Miss Shawnie why are you so upset...at least you aren't dead! Hahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!

Busy Woman's Day Book

For Today, September 28, 2009

Outside My Window...it is dark and somewhat cooler out

I am Thinking...about my upcoming weekend away this weekend

I am Thankful...for the friend that is loaning me her condo and the fact that my friend Myrtis is home and doing fine after her recent Breast Surgery.

From The Kitchen...hamburger helper tonight...GROSS!!! But, the hubs requested it.

From The Learning Rooms...we are on the Letter Ee at the Preschool...eagle, elephant, eggs, Elyse, Emma, Ethan F. & Ethan V., Easter, ears, eyes...

I am Creating...new plans and ideas for the Preschool

I am Wearing...a comfy black sundress

I am Reading...Eclipse...still

I am Hoping... that the cooler weather that is predicted will actually show up

I am Hearing...the Tv and Mike doing the dishes

Around the House....what do you think???

One Of My Favorite Things...Early Childhood Conferences...the weekend is still spinning in my head!

A Few Plans For The Week...fun at the Preschool, and then off for a long weekend at the beach!!

Picture Thought...our new kittens Macy and Cali...we went for one...came home with two {I had Sarah with me...ha!}

Early Childhood Conference

So, this weekend was the annual Early Childhood Conference in Orlando. I usually receive the flyer for the conference late July to early August and always immed. book myself as attending and book my hotel room right after. The conference is usually Fri and Sat so, I'm lucky enough to have it in the schools budget for me to stay overnight {just a small perk for being the Director AND Lead Teacher}. This year the conference was Thurs - Sun. and next year you can bet I will be there Fri - Sun!!Have I mentioned that I get really excited about going to the conference??? And, the vendors really do it for me...LOL!!! I get so excited over seeing new products, finding all kinds of cool things for my baby ducks, and buying new cd's from some of the sessions I attend that promote the use of music in the classroom. And, sessions that teach about Literacy, books, or Brain Research well WOO HOO!!! Now, that REALLY does it for me!! This year in particular I was hoping for 2 well 3 things...1. A really great session on Brain Research disussing the topic of Literacy & Handwriting...2. A possible new technique on teaching handwriting or a tip or two on teaching children who are struggling with their pencil grip...and 3. really cool stuff from vendors {especially since I had $300 left from a grant I was blessed with over the summer}.So, by now you have an idea that I really LOVE and look forward to the conference each year.

So, now let me tell you what really TICKS me off. 1. Speakers who are paid to lead a session and come very unprepared, are boring, and basically waste my time. and 2. Teachers who either talk, sleep, text, and this year had the gall to talk on their cell phone during a session {those that did any of this around me knew within minutes that I DID NOT approve!} and 3. worst of all...those that sit during a session and do nothing but, complain about being there, complain about their Directors making them be there, wasting their time and always telling them to do this or that in their class, and even bad mouth the children they are teaching. I'm really not a confrontational person but, I will get my panties in a wad over these things and have no problem suggesting a job at Wal Mart would be the better option for them, the benefits and pay are ten times better than what you get in Early Childhood!!!!!If you aren't interested in fulfilling your annual 10 hrs of inservice training each year than get a job some place else and don't waste your Director/Owners money by coming to the conference {did I mention it's not cheap!} and 2 get off your Directors back, our job isn't an easy one, and one that doesn't end when we clock out at the end of the day, and maybe your attitude and lack of commitment is why your Director has a problem with you to begin with. AND!!!!! if you are doing nothing but complain about the children in your class THEN YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS BEING IN THIS FIELD SO GET OUT NOW BEFORE YOU CAUSE DAMAGE TO A CHILD'S SELF ESTEEM!!

All the sessions I attended were awesome, informative, fun, and gave me great ideas....except one! The first session I picked dealt with my favorite subject Brain Research. This one in particular was dealing with Literacy and Handwriting...I was over the top excited...to bad the Professor with the MASTER Degree that she kept telling us about didn't have her act togther. She started out by telling us that it had been a bad idea on her part by leaving Tallahassee at 4 am that morning to come speak...gee ya think?? Then she apologized by saying she didn't have enough time to put together any hand outs...didn't have time??? The conference flyers went out in July and you can bet she was booked prior to that and she didn't have enough time??? I learned nothing, in fact she said nothing even worth writing down, she didn't even speak on subject...I could have stood up and taught more than she did without having a Master's Degree. Luckily all the other sessions I attending were fantastic and gave me great ideas!! The last one I attended this afternoon dealt with handwriting and was full of ideas, information and tips.The vendor booths were disappointing this year, I came back with a few things but, not as much as I normally do. I was speaking to someone and they said at last years conference a lot of the vendors took a hit due to the economy so, not many returned this year...sad...because I always have money to spend...the schools, mine, and mine I shouldn't spend...LOL!!!

All in all it was a great time, fun, relaxing, and informative. It was at the Rosen Centre, I had a great room, kinda felt like a princess while I was there and I already excited about next years conference because I'm planning on attending the full weekend!!!!!And, I left with this one thought...as much as I love this field, love children,and love seeing that every child's day is full of fun, love, learning and being creative...I wonder what it would be like to travel to different Preschools to help/teach other Directors/Teachers in implementing change...change for the better of children...just a thought.....

Boogers

So, I have this little cutie patootie at the Preschool. He came in one morning and said to me "My mom is just too cute". I laughed and said "Why, yes she is". He said "Yeah, she's a sweetie". Then one day this week he came up to me and said "Miss Shawnie when I go home my mommy is going to get all my boogers out of my nose". I had to send his mom a note about something else but, added this last line...I hear you're going to be getting all the boogers out of his nose when you get home....So, enjoy!

Makes me think of all the funny things I've heard over the years. Here are a few of my favorites:

The same little boy I was talking about above says he has to go "TT", instead of saying "pee" or "potty". It's not really funny, it just that my beloved Grandmom always said it and it's not a term you hear a lot.

Someones mommy always has a baby in their tummy...and they are always surprised to find out about it when I congratulate them.

I once had this little boy tell me that his mom and dad got into a really big fight, not wanting to go there with him on it, I said "well sometimes mommy and daddies get mad at each other just like you get mad at your friends". He said "oh no! they were really mad, yelling and everything!!" Really wanting to change the subject I said "well sometimes mommies and daddies argue, it's just part of being grown ups". He then said "well my dad was so mad he left the house, slammed the door and started walking down the street, and when my mom went to go get him in the van she told him he better get his @*%# in the car right now"!!!

Once a little girl was telling me she spent the whole weekend with her grandparents and I said "What on earth did your parents ever do without you all weekend??" She said "oh, my dad probably just walked around in his underwear all weekend"!

During our annual Ice Cream Party I was asking the friends if they were enjoying their ice cream, and if their favorite was chocolate or vanilla. A little girl raised her hand and said "my dad really likes ice cream, but when he eats it he gets really bad gas!"

This little girl came in one day and said "my dad taught me to spell". I said "he did, what did he teach you?" She said he taught me to spell F*A*R*T

Once during our Native American Theme I was sharing different pictures of Native Americans with them, and got to one of a Chief smoking a peace pipe, I mentioned that smoking is bad for you and that they should never, ever smoke. A little girl raised her hand and said "My dad smokes" and then I said "Well your dad is an adult and can do what he wants, but you never should because it really is bad for you". She then said "well my mom always gets mad at my dad because she says all he does is drink and smoke, drink and smoke"!

During Circle Time I talk about different things with the friends and they will raise their hand to comment back on it, or add to the discussion, most of the time it's to tell me something totally off the subject I'm on...like this one time when a little girl raised her hand to tell me that her mommy was going to the Dr. this week to get bigger boobies.

And, then there are the penis funnies....once this little boy was telling me that his baby brother had a penis just like him but, that his brothers was really little, and that his dad had one too, but his was REALLY BIG!

And, once during Circle Time this little boy kept pulling on his "penis" which is usually the universal sign for needing to go pee pee. So I asked "do you need to go potty"? He said no so, I continued. After a few more minutes I asked him again "do you need to go potty"? again he said no, so I then suggested that he leave his penis alone. So, I start another song and at the end I say in a firmer voice...I really think you need to go potty so, please get up and go...the little boy responds by saying "I really don't have to go Miss Shawnie, I just can't get my penis to lay down" ...."The Wheels On The Bus Go Round and Round, Round and Round All Through The Town...

The Busy Woman's Day Book

For Today...Monday, September 14, 2009

Outside My Window...the sun is slowly going down

I am Thinking...that Mike is going to freak when he finds out that Sarah and I came home with not 1, but 2 kittens today. He knew we were exchanging a cat {that was a biter} for another cat, but has no idea about this. Ehh...what can I say Sarah and I couldn't decide and the lady said BOGO...LOL

From The Kitchen...meatloaf, homemade scalloped potatoes, steamed green beans, and fresh rolls.....I figure this will get me back on Mike's good side.

From The Learning Rooms...the letter Cc...Friday will be Cowboy/Cowgirl day...Yipee!!

I am Creating....fall leaves

I am Wearing...a brown comfy dress

I am Reading...Eclipse...just started it last night

I am Hoping...Mike will walk in, smell the meatloaf and not notice the 2 kittens....haha

I am Hearing...Sarah play with the kittens

Around the House...do you even need to ask??? All is clean and the only load of laundry I had is washing

One Of My Favorite Things...LOL Blue Bell Nutty Chocolate Ice Cream...went without last week...won't be doing that again!

A Few plans For The Rest Of The Week...Landon will come home with me tomorrow from Preschool, Blake's first baseball practice is tomorrow night...???

I am Praying....for guidance, understanding, and peace.

Ants and Boobs

Since we are talking about BOOBS....Leisa! On the Preschool's playground we have these insane ants that seem to be everywhere and I swear even fall out of the trees. They don't seem to bother anyone, but ME!

Every afternoon during the 12:30 pick up I'm constantly swatting them off of me, but there is always this one ninja ant that makes it way down by top and goes right for my BOOBS! I swear I have bites all over the sides of my boobs!!! They must be male ants!

Today a crazy ninja ant made it as far as my belly button, because I have 3 huge welts around it that have itched me terribly all afternoon. I've got news for the ants...MY PANTIES ARE OFF LIMITS!!!!

Snake On The Play Ground

So, one day last week a snake decided to visit us on the playground. Little did he know that I consider all snakes dangerous and poisonous, and I was not at all happy with his appearance. If you are a snake lover you better stop reading here because it gets ugly from this point on.

So, I'm inside the Preschool cleaning up after Tea Party and 2 of the little friends come running in yelling "Miss Shawnie!!, Miss Shawnie!!" Miss Mary said to to come and get you because there is a snake on the play ground {come and get me???!!, she knows I'm terrified of snakes so, what the heck does she think I'm going to do???}. So, I go outside to see what is going on...Miss Carmen has all the friends safely standing along the ramp in case they need to run inside. Miss Mary tells me she has yelled for Mr. Robert to bring a shovel and is watching to be sure the snake doesn't slither off. I walk over and sure enough there is a snake all curled up by one of our climbing structures.

About that time Mr. Robert walks up with a shovel and asks "What do you want me to do with it"? Uhhhh....gee...hmmm...let me think for a minute...."KILL IT"!!!! Luckily, the friends were standing in an area where they couldn't see Mr. Robert whack the heck out of it {I wouldn't want to be the cause of nightmares, that usually comes later in the year when I talk about the little leprechaun who likes to play tricks on us for St. Patrick's Day, which is another story for another time}. So, as I'm watching Mr. Robert "off" the snake Miss Mary thinks it would be funny to sneak up behind me and tap my leg with a small stick making me think another snake was on my leg. After I scream and nearly pee my pants I realize it was nothing. Of course all the friends are howling with laughter.

So, by now the snake is "no longer with us" and I say to Mary..."You dare me to pick it up"? She says "I dare you"...that's all it took...I picked it up, told her to take my picture { I had ran inside for my camera} after which I chased her around the play ground with the snake...muh.....hhahahahaha!!!

I thought it was hilarious....until I realized a few friends were upset. Yep...ended up having to send out a mass e mail to the parents telling them about the snake and my poor judgement to chase Miss Mary around the play ground. Luckily most thought it was funny...just another day at Preschool.

Busy Woman's Daybook

For Today....Labor Day, September 7, 2009

Outside My Window...at 6:30 pm it is still sunny and very hot, but it has been a beautiful and relaxing day.

I am Thinking....about if I could possibly pull off working half days or at least working half days 2 days a week....I miss being home.

I am Thankful...my personal saviour Jesus Christ...with whom all things are possible and without him I am nothing.

From The Kitchen...chicken breasts saute with olive oil, white wine, onion, garlic, rosemary and oregano...new red potatoes & sweet potatoes saute in olive oil & butter with garlic, onion, rosemary and oregano...steamed fresh green beans. For the rest of the week...chicken...it was on sale

From The Learning Rooms...at the Preschool i am testing this week so, we will do a theme on Mother Goose

I am Wearing...shorts and a top

I am Reading...I need to either buy or borrow Eclipse...I read New Moon in record time....loved it and can't wait for the movie

I am Hoping...to figure out a way to get a least 2 afternoons a week off

I am Hearing...the evening news, dinner cooking, and can hear Laura turning pages in her workbook.....she is doing good in her classes, but gets easily frustrated and defeated with school...please pray for her.

I am Praying For...guidance, restoration, many people, but especially hard for the Raley family

A Quote...Treat Others As You Yourself Would Want To Be Treated

Around the House...all is clean...it's rare you would ever find my house anything but clean. I'm a fanatic about it. Plus I no longer have small ones around...full time

One Of My Favorite Things....Ice Cream...haha...I say this every week

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week.....testing on basic skill at the Preschool, shopping for Landon's 4th birthday, and everything else in between

A Busy Woman's Daybook

For Today Monday, August 31, 2009

Outside My Window...it is dark and raining

I am Thinking...that I have the blue's again....

I am Thankful...that I saved $100 today at the tag office

From The Kitchen...Grilled Steaks again with steamed asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes. Steaks were on sale again so, I could resist. Chicken later in the week and we'll see what else.

I am Wearing...a brown summer dress

I am Reading...New Moon...finally! finished Twilight

I am Hoping...that the blues will go away soon.

I am Hearing...the rain outside my window

I am Praying For...my friend Myrtis who was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Roy Raley, for myself, and special prayers for my daughters Laura and Sarah. Laura is struggling with school and Sarah has become very rebellious lately.

A Quote...Faith is not believing that God will, It's believing God can

Around The House...all rooms are clean and all laundry is done.

One Of My Favorite Things...finding time to read.

A Few Plans For the Rest Of The Week...hopefully working out at the High School gym, and enjoying the 3 day weekend.

"The Meaning Behind My Term "Baby Ducks" {long, but worth reading}

So, all of you know I have a heart and a deep passion for working with children, especially those ages 3, 4 & 5. But, did you know I have a deeper passion for those children that need a little more attention than others. I'm talking about those children who may be very shy, may have major behavior issues, sensory issues, ADHD, compulsive or impulsive tendencies, or have learning delays. There has been a few of "those" children who have blessed {yes blessed!} my life when they were at the Preschool. It's kinda when my whole "baby duck" thing started, I would have one or two that needed me more than the others did so, I always referred to them as my "baby duck" and then I slowly started referring to all the children as my "baby ducks" because they all need me in one way or another.

I'm not going to lie to you, some days those with the major behavior problems or compulsive or impulsive tendencies would be quite a challenge and I would have to dig deep for patience. But, it was always worth it! I have cried many times watching a child succeed, grow, overcome, and gain self esteem from the love, time, attention, discipline, teaching, and patience I have given to them. My staff has always recognized my passion for helping these "baby ducks", they have always supported me and have even learned the importance of why I do what I do. A few years ago I worked with a young man "Mr. Tony" {Miss Mary's son} who was a great teacher, I loved working with Tony and much like me also had a passion for baby ducks. One year he and I had 2 baby ducks at the Preschool and half way through the year we had to let one go due to circumstances that could not be resolved. We both had broken hearts over that and cried when we had to say good bye.

Even as I write this and I think back on some of my baby ducks I could cry over the accomplishments they made through the love bestowed on them at the Preschool. I remember one particular "baby duck" who had learning delays along with sensory, compulsive and impulsive issues finally writing his name for the first time and stuck his thumb up in the air and said "Look I finally did it, I'm a genius"!!!! Even now the memory of that brings tears to my eyes.

Several years ago I was asked to write an article for a Early Childhood Magazine. They wanted me to write about my "Problem Students"...ha!!! I didn't write my article on my "Problem Students" but I did write it on my "Baby Ducks".

This year my baby duck has come in the form of a high school senior. I participate in a program that Mount Dora High School has where they allow high school seniors to fulfill a class in a field they are interested in. Before I allow any student to come to the Preschool I am very firm with the instructor on "My Rules" and I also interview the students. First and foremost my responsibilities are to the children at the Preschool, anything I can do for others comes far after the children.

This year I have 3 girls coming over from the High School. I do have guidelines the girls must follow such as they are not allowed to be alone with the friends, they are not responsible for teaching a class, and they aren't allowed to do the other teachers dirty work..HA! They are there to learn from us, observe, help with "crowd control", help with art projects and to interact with the children. Two of these girls are considered regular mainstreamed seniors and the other is labeled as "special needs".

When I first spoke with the teacher that oversees this program every time she spoke about this girl she would say "special needs" in an almost whisper, which I found odd and began to irritate me. So, I finally said well before I agree to have her come over just what are her "special needs"? Is she in wheelchair, will she be able to walk up and down a ramp un assisted, will the children be safe around her, will she be safe....what???? She said {again in a whisper} ohhh...no nothing like that she's just "special learning needs" so, I reply by saying "Oh, you mean she's a baby duck", sure send her over and I'll talk with her! The teacher said "HUH"? after I explained she said well she doesn't talk much, and when she does she speaks very softly, so just let her sweep, or do some cleaning, or have her cut things out for you. She already took the program for being an Asst. Preschool Teacher but, failed the test so, there isn't much we can do. "What????? Isn't much we can do"???

All 3 of the girls have been an actual blessing to us, and all are very helpful to us and already love the friends. The one "senior baby duck" is indeed quiet and said little to nothing to me or anyone else the first day. I explained to the other teachers that I was keeping her with me, not that I doubted her or did not trust her, but that I was going to get her to open up to me. So, she helped me all week cleaning up from Tea Party, doing dishes, setting up for group etc. After I talked her ear off all week here's a few things I learned about her:

Just from watching her I knew she had no self esteem, considered herself stupid, ugly, fat, is very self conscious of herself and has little to no self worth. I learned that she lives with her mom, has no boyfriend, but has a best friend. I also learned from her that she failed the "special test" that would make her a teacher helper. I asked if she was taking the test again, she just put her head down and shook her head no and mumbled that she was too "stupid". I very gently touched her arm and said I don't like that word. I asked if you had someone help you would you try and take the test again? She just shrugged and I well I'm going to help you and so will Miss Mary and Miss Carmen.

I have this thing I say to the friends...I say I don't want to hear "I can't" or "I don't know how" I want to hear "I'll try" or I'm doing my best".

By the end of the week I saw that she was beginning to talk to the other girls that came over with her from the High School, at times smiling at and talking to the friends and being a "teachers helper" by reminding the friends to sit quietly or asking them their names. I asked her to prepare an art project for me and she said "I will try". I also learned that she loves going to her Church and that she is in the choir. I'd say all in all I made progress with my baby duck. I'm determined to help this girl feel better about herself, pass that test and help get her placed in a center with others that will continue to build her self esteem.

WEEK TWO

Well believe it or not, but Week Two brought no tears to the drop off door! We've had a few friends get grumpy about leaving, which is always so funny...to me, but not necessarily to mommy.

Actually, a few years back I had a little one start mid year and on his first day he jumped out of the car and yelled "To Infinity And Beyond" and to the heart break of his mom didn't even look back to say good bye and at pick up we had to bring him to the gate kicking and screaming because he didn't want to leave. His mom shared with me a couple years later that she bribed him each morning with the promise of a treat if he would come to the gate without crying to go home...LOL!!

This week I did find myself missing all my little friends from last year that have moved on to Kindergarten. I even missed those from several years back. I always think of former students on the First Day of School wondering how they are doing, what teacher they got, trying to figure out what grade they are in now. It's even fun looking at my new little ones and saying "Oh he/she looks like so and so that was here" or "Oh he/she reminds of this one little one we had here once"

This years group of Baby Ducks are so very sweet and I'm very tickled at how well they are all doing. I have a "helper" {thank the good lord since I lost my other one to Kindergarten}. I have a little one who is always walking around looking for me, because he has to know where I am {I'm so loving that, nothing like a cute admirer!}, I have one who went home and told his mommy that we have a "bunny mouse" at school...hahaha so loved that one! What we have is actually a Dwarf Hamster, who the friends have named "Roscoe" hahaha!! The same little one who said we have a Bunny Mouse is the cutest one to watch while I'm singing, he is so fascinated with my movements, my facial expressions and loves it when I use finger/hand puppets at Circle Time. He can't even sing from being so fascinated with what I'm doing...gotta love having a fan! They are all so darn cute, and the best thing is today was the 8th day of school and I've only had to use the "Time Out Chair" twice...can I hear a Woo Hoo??

My family is already hearing funny little stories from me at home about my day. Laura and Sarah both have visited the Preschool to see the new group of Baby Ducks and agree that they are all so cute. What a blessing it is to me to have a job that I truly love, one that I look forward to going to each day, one that I take great pride in, and one that brings so much love to my day. Sure I have days when I question my sanity, I mean come on after all I'm working with {37} 3, 4 & 5 years olds. but, those days are usually far and few between. When those days come I normally say{ok I yell} "Please! someone go look at my calendar and tell me it's a full moon" and normally it always is!

I can't think of any place else I'd rather be than my wonderful, loving little Preschool! {Well...maybe in Sanibel}....ahhhhh wouldn't life be grand if I could open up a little Preschool in Sanibel???? Just think....a little beach front yellow cottage, with brick red shutters, Gerber Daisies growing in window boxes, I even have a name for this school "Miss Ladybug's By The Sea" Tea Parties on checkered blankets each day, Math could be our shelling time, Science could be spent in the Tide Pools...well a girl can dream can't she?

A Simple Woman's DayBook

For Today...Monday, August 24, 2009

Outside My Window.....it's very dark.

I am Thinking....of my friend Kelly Raley, her husband Jack and his father Roy.

I am Thankful....for so many things.

From The Kitchen...tonight was grilled steaks, baked potatoes, and broccoli.

From The Learning Rooms...the letter Aa.

I am Creating....Loving Preschoolers.

I am Wearing...work out clothes...YES! work out clothes. Laura Ashley and I started a Strength Training Class at the High School...LOL...I can hardly move!

I am Reading....guess?? Yep! Still Twilight, although I'm making progress...sure wish I had time to read!!

I am Hearing...something on the TV.

Around the House...all is as it should be.

One of My Favorite Things...Blue Bell Nutty Chocolate Ice Cream...just had a bowl..yum yum!

A Few Plans for The Week...Julie's pampered Chef Party, Yoga Class {if I can move}, and work...always work!

Picture Thought...I would post a picture of Sarah's First Day of 10th Grade..but Kristen's camera wasn't working and she need mine to record Blake's First Day of 1st Grade.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

I base the success of the First Day of School on the number of crying friends I have and how long they cry for. I had 2 that cried briefly at drop off and of that 2 only 1 cried periodically through the day for a brief time so, I'm going to say that today was very successful. It was loud, crazy busy, and stressful at times trying to get every one's attention, but it's always like that they first day...what am I saying it's like that the first week {haha}.

I have a really cute group of little ones, one came with a thumb guard to assist in giving up thumb sucking. I teased the parents by saying that had to fall under the category of child abuse. I was a thumb sucker and always wanted one of my girls to be one, but they never were. I find myself partial to thumb suckers, it always looks so cute, that or when they suck their 2 little fingers. Several years ago I had a parent paint their child's thumb with that nasty tasting thumb sucking stuff, I asked the child how they were doing, they said fine, I'm just sucking the other one, my mom didn't put that stuff on that one...haha!!

And, of course there was the one little one whose name we all knew by 9:30...hee hee! At lunch I was asking everyone how their day went and if they would be back tomorrow. I had one little one { I always do} that said NO! they wouldn't be back tomorrow. I always act so distressed over that and ask "Are you kidding me"? "For real, you aren't coming back"? Well, ok if you're sure, we will miss you, too bad because tomorrow is going to be better than today. That little one ended up pitching a hissy fit when it was time to go home..haha!

It was good to have the baby ducks back, but I'm off to bed....I'M POOPED!!!

The Busy/Tired Woman's Day Book

For Today...Monday, August 17, 2009

Outside My Window...the sun is starting to set.

I am Thinking...that today was a good First Day of School, but that I am very tired!

I am Thankful...that we only had 2 little ones who cried...briefly!

From The Kitchen...Grilled Steaks, Baked Potatoes and Fresh Asparagus tonight, Tues. will be grilled chicken thighs and wings courtesy of my new cook...Cody! LOL, Laura's boyfriend loves to grill and I happily oblige him the duty! Wed. hopefully leftovers??? Cody can eat!! Thurs. will be Taco Salad and Fri. is date night.

From The Learning Rooms....learning to be a good friend!

I am Creating..."Good Friends".

I am wearing...a red sun dress, BUT I did have a snazzy new outfit on today for the first day of school.

I am reading...Twilight...still!! LOL...I just fall right to sleep these nights!

I am Hoping...that all goes well for the remainder of the week.

I am Hearing...the TV, I try and tune it out as much as possible.

Around The House...everything is as it should be, and one small load in the washer.

One Of My Favorite Things...3, 4 & 5 year olds

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...keeping order...LOL!!

Picture Thought...Laura has my camera so, I can't put the school day picture on

Anticipation

Well, I have my First Day of School outfit all laid out for tomorrow, my lunch is packed and I've had my shower and I'm ready to head to bed. Sure do hope I can fall asleep at a reasonable hour, I feel like a 4 year old on Christmas eve, anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus.

I'm really excited for tomorrow, everything at the Preschool is perfect, I'm very ahead on lesson plans and art projects. I'm also feeling very positive about all the changes I've recently made for the Preschool. It's such a great feeling starting out a new school year on such a good note!

I'm so thankful that God has been so patient with me. He knew my heart, but knew this new path would be a tough one for me. He ever so gently guided me along the way and now I'm stronger than ever.

Can't wait to see my baby ducks tomorrow!

Open House

Ahhhh...the scent of new crayons, play dough and newly sharpened pencils. The look of freshly made bulletin boards, friend lists, and a squeaky clean Preschool. But, the sounds of giggles and squeals of "Miss Shawnie" are the absolute best!

My summer has been spent creating lesson plans and carrying out the changes for the Preschool that have been on my heart for sometime now. This past week has been a frantic week of doing all the little last minute things to make the Preschool perfect for Open House and the First Day of School. One night I was there at 9:00 pm getting a new furry friend all settled in his home, last night I was there adding fish to the fish tank and arranging plants around the water/sand table abd making sure all was perfect for today's Open House.

This morning I was very eager to see all my returning and new friends. I received tons of hugs and heard squeals of Miss Shawnie and quickly realized that it was a mistake on my end by not ordering 2 Little Tykes Classic Pick Up Trucks. I have to say I have a wonderful little group of 37 baby ducks! I enjoyed each one of them this morning and can't wait for Monday and to begin our year together.

The Preschool consist of a group of 22 girls and 15 boys so, tattling will be excessive, and the boys will soon learn that "Girls Rule"...LOL! My younger group consists of 22, 3 and very young 4's, the kindergarten group consists of 15 older 4's that will turn 5 sometime throughout the year. With such a large group of little ones, the first few weeks of school will be VERY busy and I doubt I will have time for a "potty break" until after the 12:30 dismissal.

I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have a job that you truly love, are good at, take pride in and look forward to each day. The Preschool, the friends, the families and my co-workers give me all that and more. God has richly blessed my life in so many ways. I'm so thankful for his love, his patience, his guidance, his forgiveness and allowing me the ability to flourish in my work at the Preschool.

If you are a blog follower or a parent of a Preschooler I hope you will take time to check in every now and then to hear about my adventures at the Preschool, my friends and the funny stories that are sure to follow. I also pray that you are taking time each day to thank "HIM" for all that "HE" is doing to bless your life.

Blessings!

The Highly Anticipated....Change Part 2

Well, I've been pondering writing this blog for a few weeks and I came to the conclusion just to do it. To re-cap from Change Part 1, I love nothing more than to change the furniture around in my house, paint the walls a new color, change the color of my hair, etc... But, big change...whew, that's a tough one for me. I like being in my safe little world where there is no upheaval, no drama, etc...

However, over the course of the last 2 years I have felt a need for change. I'm a people pleaser so, I tend to put the needs, wants and opinion of others above my own needs, wants and opinions. I don't think being a people pleaser is necessarily a bad thing, I mean we should want to please others, do for others, etc.. it certainly makes me happy to do all those things. But, being a people pleaser can also leave you wide open for others to take advantage of you.

In my personal life I'm very happy, I like to please my family but, I also get very frustrated with them over things like the house. I like to have a clean house and to them it just isn't important. What I see as a mess, they see as a little clutter. I want them to pitch in more and they are happy with me doing it all..haha! So, I've had to work on compromise like when I do manage to get their help I don't go back and re-clean what they did {at least not while they're looking} and I've stopped coming in from work and instantly start fussing that the house is not the way I left it. It's taken prayer for me to get here and I will still think to myself is it wrong that I'm making the compromise, I mean what is wrong with wanting a clean house? I work hard, shouldn't I come home to a spotless house if I want to? The answer is no it isn't wrong to want a clean house but, I also know that for the most part my house does stay fairly clean and organized and after all I don't live alone, I live with my husband and 2 teenage daughters. The biggest thing that came from my prayer over this is how I ALWAYS preach to my Preschool families how not to sweat the small stuff, enjoy this time of your life with your children and NEVER blink because if you do that time is gone. So, the house isn't perfectly squeaky clean, sure there's a few dishes in the sink but, I have 2 teenage daughters that share their day with me, communicate daily with me, snuggle on the couch with me. I can't think of anything more important than that.

Here's the other area I've needed alot of prayer over....my work life. I LOVE my job, there's nothing better to me than spending my days with a group of 3, 4 and 5 years old's. Sure there are some days when I think to myself there's gotta be something else I could be doing and about that time I will have a little one come up to me and say here Miss Shawnie and when I try and take what they are handing me I realize it's a booger off the tip of their finger..I mean come on life just doesn't get any better than that!!! Seriously though I love my job, it's what I was meant to do in life. But, there have been changes that I have been wanting to do for myself, the children, their families and just for the school in general. The Preschool has an awesome reputation and I want to continuously build on that. I want it to be more than "just a job" to myself and my staff. For a while now I have accommodated my staff by giving them what they wanted even if it didn't always work in the best interest of me or the school. I did this because I wanted to please them. The problem is I have seen the need for change and have been wanting to make those changes ...change for the better...change for the future of the Preschool, the children attending and changes in the best interest of the school. It has to be more than a job. Here's where it gets really hard because I knew not everyone shared my views on the change. Where do I draw the line on compromising my values, or lowering my expectations? Where do I start accommodating the needs that are in the best interest of the school, the children and the growth it is in great need of? Well I started with prayer and through it was reminded that every now and then we are in need of "pruning". Pruning can be a hard task, it can even be a painful task, BUT if we don't do some pruning we won't grow or our branches can even die off. So, I took the word that I received and I'm doing some pruning at the Preschool. Sure it was hard, and it was certainly painful but, from just the little bit of pruning I've done so far I have seen great growth, as well as a re-newed, spirit within myself and the Preschool. God is so good! I'm thankful for his patience, his word, his love, his encouragement, his grace and his peace.

THE BUSY WOMAN'S DAYBOOK.

For Today...Monday, August 10, 2009

Outside My Window...it is dark, but still so hot! UGH...tired of the heat!

I am Thinking...that today went very well { it was the first day back for my teachers }.

I am Thankful...for so many things, but very thankful that Laura is not only adjusting to her college classes but, that she has made friends, doing well and is actually enjoying it very much. { I think she may be growing up }.

From The Kitchen...Bacon Cheeseburgers per Laura's request. She did great on her first exam today, called me very excited over it so, I told her she could do dinner pick tonight for doing a good job!

From The Learning Rooms...Laura has a small amount of homework, Sarah is still on summer vacation and I'm making the Preschool perfect for the new & returning Baby Ducks!

I am Wearing...a turquoise top and a khaki skort

I am Reading...LOL still on Twlight...I get so busy I don't take time to stop and read

I am Hoping...for a good week at work...new teacher vs. returning territorial teacher...fingers crossed!

I am Hearing...Laura and Cody laughing in the Living Room and Sarah's tv in her room.

Around The House...just need to do the dinner dishes and one small load of laundry.

One Of My Favorite Things...Blue Bell Nutty Chocolate Ice Cream...double yum!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...grocery shopping for the Preschool, getting new fish, new gerbils, and new flowers for the science room, Open House on Fri, and finish the back to school shopping for Sarah...sure hope she comes home with more than one shirt this trip!

Picture Thought...this always shows up at the top for some reason??? Wherever it shows up at, it is of Sarah after getting her Learners Permit!

CRANKY PANTS

Boy oh boy have I ever been wearing a pair of XL cranky pants the last few days!!! I "think" the worst of it is over. It all kinda started on Saturday or at least that is when the pity party started! I had to be at the Preschool at 8am to oversee a Parish Preschool Workday. I prefer to sleep in on Saturdays. So, I had a bit of an attitude about having to be up early AND having to work on my day off instead of being thankful for the help of others, who gave up their Saturday morning to help me with a ton of work around the Preschool. By the time I got home I was so hot and tired that all I wanted to do was take a cold shower and climb into bed. That was when Laura Ashley said mom would you go with me to shop for stuff for school?? Ugh....sure honey just let me lay down for 15 minutes to catch my breath....

Sunday came and I returned to the Preschool to do ceiling to floor cleaning, this time dragging my hubby along to put together doll strollers, trucks, soccer goal, etc, etc... Came home again hot and tired and became very cranky when I walked in a saw that my girls did nothing around the house while I was working "on my day off" at the Preschool. Their answer was well we didn't know, you didn't leave us a note. Seriously why should I leave a note telling someone to do something when the mess is staring them in the face!!!! Grrr!!!!

Sunday night I was so stiff, sore and achy from all the work I had done and that was when the migraine came. I knew I was over doing it and instead of paying someone else to do the Preschool cleaning or asking a team of Church ladies to help I had to go and show everyone how strong I was and do it all by myself. Ugh...when will I ever learn just to ask for help!!

My migraine grew worse and instead of slowing down I just plunge ahead and work even harder. My solution to the migraine was to take a Muscle Relaxer. The "DR." in me thought I should do this since my body was so sore from all the heavy work I had done. I took this "EVIL" pill knowing that it would throw me into the worse mood ever!! And, it didn't disappoint me or my family!

Oh...did I mention I spent 6 hours at the Mall with Sarah yesterday and all she came home with was a shirt....that's all ONE SHIRT!!!!! Double Grr!!! And, I've slept on the couch for 3 nights due to all the coughing Mike has done from this cold he has. When I woke this morning I knew my mood was at it's worse when Mike walked in and said "I think I'm sick"...."Gee honey ya think"????!!!!! I unleashed such fury on him from that comment...down to telling him how sick I was of listening to him coughing up a lung and that I was making him an appt. to the Dr. and that if he didn't go I would spend the night at the Preschool {haha...I always threaten by family that I'm running away to the Preschool}. Well he did go and he does have Bronchitis and has no one to blame but himself for not going to the Dr on Monday when I first suggested it.

Anyway, I went to work and did the floors today and worked my aggression and rotten mood out into making those floors sparkle. I am feeling somewhat better and have not liked myself at all the last few days AND I really need to learn how to make time for myself, ask for help, slow down, etc..etc...BUT, I really need to throw those rotten EVIL muscle relaxers in the trash. I'm blaming my hissy fit and cranky pants tantrum on those pills and I'm sticking to that story!

Laura's First Day of Medical Asst. Classes

Well she did it...my little girl went off into the world on her on without me and survived!!! She did however call me on her lunch break to tell me she was doing ok, but that it was very different, she was coming home with a ton of homework and would be having her first test on Thurs.

I know most of you know that I have 4 daughters and Laura is not the oldest but, she is the one out of the four who seems to need me the most...and I'm NOT complaining! Today she started classes at Central Florida Technical College. This term she is taking Anatomy, Medical Terminology, and hmmm..I forgotten the other class. She will go M - Th 8 - 3:30 so, she has a full schedule. If all goes as planned at the end of 2 years she will be a Certified Medical Assistant and will also take her State Boards to be Certified to take X-Rays. At that time if she decides she can enroll in the Sonogram Program {they make GOOD money} she says she doesn't care how much they make she DOES NOT want to stay closed up in a dark room all day doing Sonograms. She has already put in a request to do her Internship at the Jewitt Clinic at the RDV Sports Complex and is hoping she will get hired after she completes the Internship and takes her State Boards for X-rays.

Central Florida Technical College is not your standard College it's more of a Technical School which is a better option for Laura but, is also why I think she found it just a tad difficult today. Her class is made up of an assortment of people of different ages and nothing at all like High School. She did meet one person her age so, that is a good thing.

Tonight at dinner Mike was making fun of me by telling Cody {Laura's boyfriend who was over "helping" her do her homework} that I had packed Laura's lunch for her today. I said well that was only because it was the First Day of School. Laura replied by saying you mean you aren't going to pack it everyday for me????

And, yes I did cry this morning as she was leaving. Wanna know why??? Because she was wearing Nike's...that's right!! You see the 3rd day of Kindergarten Laura came home and told Mike at dinner that the boys in PE could run faster than her and she said it was because they wore shoes that had a check mark on them...LOL {Nike's}. She said if she had a pair like that she would be able to beat them at running. So, right after dinner that night Mike took her to the mall to buy her a pair of Nike's. The next day she came home and proudly announced she could now run just as fast as the boys!!

I know we are supposed to cut the apron strings, cut the cord or whatever you want to say and I might even try it in a year or two, but right now I'm happy that my 18 year old daughter still needs me and likes it that I pack her lunch...{ok, she's to lazy to do it herself I know this, it's just that the other sounds better}.

A Busy Women's Day Book

For Today...Monday, August 3, 2009

Outside My Window...the sun is not yet up.

I am Thinking...lots of different things. Today my little girl starts Tech/College classes and I have many different emotions going on...excitement, nervousness, sadness...

I am Thankful...for my personal saviour Jesus Christ for whom all things are possible!

From The Kitchen...haha this question makes me laugh every week. It's so hot who wants to cook? And, by the time I get home each day, I'm far to tired.

From The Learning Rooms...at the Preschool I made it through March on the Lesson Plans. This week I will be getting the friends names on things, and crossing off LOTS of things on "My Things To Do List"! At home, ugh... Sarah will never become the avid reader that I want her to be.

I am Creating...goals for this upcoming school year.

I am wearing...jammies {the ones that Mike says will never go away...ha!}

I am Reading...Twlight....still! It is good, but I tend to fall asleep when I read, since it is the only time I sit still.

I am Hoping...Laura has a good day, is safe on her drive to and from school, makes at least one friend today, stays positive and does not become overwhelmed as she tends to do.

I am Hearing...the ceiling fan.

Around the House...all is clean, I've been up since 4am. Did I mention that my little girl is starting classes today....in Orlando???!!!

One Of My Favorite Things...Snickers Almond candy bars. {if I never lose this unwanted fat, its no one's fault but my own!}

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...LOTS of last minute things to do around the Preschool, and I'm hoping to take Wed. & Thurs. off to rest, relax, and take Sarah shopping for back to school clothes.

A Picture Thought...Laura's First Day of College/Tech School. {I'll have to edit this later to add the picture}

A Simple Women's Day Book

For Today Monday, July 27, 2009

Outside My Window...dusk is settling in.

I am Thinking...of all the things I need to get done at the Preschool this week, only I have a very busy personal life as well this week.

I am Thankful...for the extra hours Mike is working this week, this time of year {back to school} we always need extra money for new clothes, shoes, etc... not to mention college expenses this year.

From The Kitchen...tonight was a rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn. Albertson had buy 1 get 2 packs free Petite Sirloins, I'll grill 2 packs tomorrow to have steak & baked potatoes one night, and with the left overs steak and mushrooms over rice for Wed., and steak salad on Thurs. The other pack is in the freezer for another week.

From The Learning Rooms...I'm still doing lesson plans for the Preschool, and still trying to convince Sarah to read...grr!!

I am Creating...lots of changes...hmmm...reminds me I need to write Changes Part 2.

I am Wearing...white shorts with a blue & white striped top.

I am Reading...Twlight...yes, I know I'm the only person who has not read the Twilight Series. I made a mistake by watching the movie first and then "trying" to read the book.

I am Hoping...that the car repairs being done on Laura's car this week will not go over the amount I have budgeted.

I am Hearing...the tv.

Around The House...someone needs to start on the dinner dishes, everything else is clean and caught up.

One Of My Favorite Things...the monthly organization books by the Mail Box Companion Magazine.

I am Going...with Laura to her Student Orientation on Wednesday...LOL!! Actually, now that she is a "big girl" I'm going to ride down with her, drop her off, go shopping until she is done, pick her back up and then take her out to dinner to celebrate her starting college!!!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...both cars in tomorrow for oil changes, and some {hopefully} minor repairs on Laura's car, Laura's Student Orientation on Wednesday, and shopping for a lap top for Laura, and hopefully another month's worth of lesson plans for the Preschool.

A Picture Thought...hmmm we'll see if I have this figured out or not. If i did it will be a picture of me & Mike with Laura showing off the scholarships she received for college.

31 Years Ago Today....

Mike and I went out on our First Date! I can still remember where I was when he asked me out, what he was wearing, where we went, what we ate, and which movie we saw. The story goes like this....

Mike graduated from Mount Dora High in 1977 and joined the Marine Corps shortly after graduating. I graduated from Mount Dora in 1978. Mike and I knew each other in high school but, never really hung out together or dated, he was the quiet, shy football player and I was the outgoing, flirty cheerleader. During my senior year I dated Mike's best friend Jeff, who had decided to join the Air Force after graduation. I broke up with Jeff before he left because we weren't serious and I didn't want to be tied down to a boyfriend who would be stationed in North Dakota.

Mike came home on a short leave to visit his family {he was stationed in Jacksonville, NC} and while home called my best friend up and asked her out. She told him she was dating someone but, suggested he ask me out since I had recently broken up with Jeff. His first response to her was "Uhhhh....I don't think so, I doubt she would go out with me"! Diane said aww...go ahead she'll say yes! So, Mike came to the store where I was working and got in my line to buy something {Diane had given me the heads up that he may be stopping by to ask me out} so, I flashed him one of my flirty smiles {haha} but, he kept letting other people go ahead of him {he was too scared to ask me..LOL} when he finally worked up his nerve we talked for a few minutes and then asked if I'd like to go out on Wednesday night, I said yes, even though I knew I was scheduled to work that night!

The day of our date {July 25, 1978} we had decided that he would pick me up at my friend Diane's house {I was staying the night at her house because she was allowed to stay out later than I was}and that we would be doubling with her and her boyfriend. When he came to pick me up he was wearing maroon colored corduroy's and a red plaid shirt {LOL...he had no fashion sense then and he has none today and to this day I kid him about that outfit}we went to Smuggler's Inn in Altamonte Springs and had steak and lobster for dinner { I also tease him about the butter he had dripping down his chin during dinner..LOL}. After dinner we went to see the movie The End with Burt Reynolds and Sally Field.

After we got home Mike and I stood out by his car talking for a while, I knew he wanted to kiss me, and it was taking forever for him to work up his nerve to do it so, I finally leaned into him and kissed him first. And, we've been together ever since!

So, after breaking up with one guy because he was going to be stationed out of state, I went right into having a boyfriend who was not only going to be stationed out of state, but serving over seas as well. In October'78 Mike gave me a promise ring, Dec.'79 he asked me to marry him {if you ask him he'll tell you I asked him...LOL} and then in Dec.'80 we were married.

Has anyone ever told you that God has the perfect mate for you and that he will reveal/show/or place that mate in your path when he feels the time is right? Well God did just that to Mike and I on July 25, 1978. Even though Mike and I were apart more than we were together during our dating years, we knew each other better than anyone else because of all the letters we wrote to each other during his time over seas. Our road has had it's share of bumps in it, but I can honestly say God hand picked my husband for me. He was my "first", he is my soul mate, best friend, the love of my life and I thank God daily for him.

Change....Part 1

Ok, this is so cool and shows how God works in our lives.

I really don't like change, I mean I'll change the style of my hair even the color of it, I'm always rearranging my furniture, but Big Change totally rocks my world, I will fight it and even try and hide from it. All the time forgetting to pray about it, when I realize my mistake and spend time in prayer I always given some sort of peace about the change coming my way!

So, for the majority of my married life I was a stay at home mom. I lived in my safe, secure little world and was very happy there. Mike worked at Lockheed Martin and while he wasn't making the"big bucks' he did make enough so, I could stay at home with our 4 daughters. In 1994 I was pregnant with our youngest daughter Sarah and Mike was worried that he was going to be laid off. Luckily he wasn't but, the company was starting to do some major downsizing. They even moved his entire area to Alabama, and relocating there was not an option.

Mike came home one day in 1999 and said Shawnie I've been doing alot of praying and soul searching and I have to make plans for our future, because I know I'm going to be 50, laid off, will lose my retirement, and at that age be limited to what/where I can start over. So, I'm going to go back to school to be a Police Officer. Well he could have knock me over with a feather from shock. I mean I knew he had been worried about the lay offs {I was hiding my head in the sand over it}. I fought this decision big time, I mean how dare he take me out of my safe little secure world and make such a drastic change!!! I was digging my heels in, until he said "Shawnie....God is leading me to do this, you have to trust me and him, I'm doing this to protect our future".

So, he worked full time during the day and went to school at night for nearly a year. Meanwhile, I followed our youngest daughter Sarah to Preschool one day and stayed {haha}. They actually had a part time spot open and I took it, after all it was only part time. I was there so much of the time anyway, and it still allowed me to basically be a stay at home mom. Mike finished the academy, passed his state boards and was actually hired before graduating. Here comes the grandaddy of all changes, it's time for him to leave Lockheed, leaving behind a decent income, great insurance {we only paid $50/mo. for family ins} and my safe, secure little world AND he tells me to make up for the drastic change in income I need to go to work full time...WHAT???!!!

Here's where it really gets good, after pitching a humongous hissy fit, Mike again says Shawnie I have prayed so long about this, God is going to provide for us you have to trust me,and him! This change will protect us for the future. Ok.....he starts his new job, loves it! The Director at the Preschool decides to leave and recommended me to take her position, with that comes a little more pay, year round work, and the flexibility of taking my younger girls to school and picking them up each day!

This is where I get goose bumps every time I give this testimony. Ten years ago this month Mike left Lockheed Martin after 19 years, he was vested with the company, has a 401k plan with them, and has a retirement package coming from them, he is also now vested with the City and will have retirement benefits from them as well when he retires. On October 18th Mike will turn 50 and everyone that worked under Mike, work with or worked above him at Lockheed have now been laid off, some with their retirement and some without. With today's economy, so many unemployed, and with us sending one to college this year and one more in 3 years I'm so grateful my husband trusted in God, heard his word and encouraged me to trust them both.

Change is good....but, God is Great!!

The Busy Woman's Day Book

For Today...Monday, July 20, 2009

Outside My Window...the sun has set

I am Thinking...about how frustrated I am that I can not figure out how to add pictures on this...grr..

I am Thankful...for my job so, many do not have one.

From The Kitchen...Ha! I miss my stay at home days. Tonight was hamburgers and macaroni & cheese {homemade, there is no other in my book} tomorrow will be crab & asparagus quiche with a caesar salad, Wed. will be fried chicken {homemade by Publix} and Thurs. ??

From The Learning Rooms...well here at home I'm doing my best to convince Sarah to do more reading, and assuring Laura she will and can start college classes in 2 weeks. At the Preschool lots of great changes and lesson plans

I am Creating...lots of new and exciting lesson plans for the Preschool

I am Wearing...khaki shorts and a melon colored t-shirt

I am Reading...nothing right now, I just finished First Kiss

I am Hoping...for no distractions this week so, I can get more lesson plans done than I did last week

I am Hearing...Big Fish, Mike is watching it on TV

Around The House...well the maid came yesterday {HA!} so, all looks good. Except the dinner dishes

One Of My Favorite Things...well thanks to Tiffany and Julie I believe it may be Dark Chocolate Sweet Dreams. I bought some today and have had a few spoonfuls, reminds me of peanut M&M's...thanks ladies!

I am going...only to work and back this week

A Few Plans For The Rest Of the Week...lots and lots of lesson plans and a date with the hubs on Saturday night to celebrate our First Date 31 years ago.

A Picture Thought...yea about that...I followed Tiffany's directions but, they don't seem to be working for me...big surprise there...maybe next time!

Help!!!!!

Ok...ladies I've let a few of you know that I'm following you. How I got this far I have no idea...LOL. I thought I changed my background, but no luck, except I have the "Cutest Blog On The Block" over my name. I really want to do the Daybook thingy but, I need help and lots of it...suggestions??? Have I mentioned I'm not a visual person more like I need a tutor sitting beside me showing me what to do....Helpppppp!!!!!