A Day of Fun and Reuniting

My niece and nephew (sister-in-law and brother, too) have come to visit for the weekend.  Today, we ran errands to take care of things involving them before meeting my aunt and cousins for lunch and an afternoon of fun and catching up.

My little cousins have just returned from a 5 year stay in South Korea.  My aunt and cousin went to Alabama to get them and brought them here for the weekend. 

The kids started talking like they hadn't been a part.  They talked about all kinds of things through lunch, while we swam, and later at Jumpstreet, an indoor trampoline fun center. It was fun to just to sit back and watch/listen to them. 

I hope, even though they live over 900 miles a part, they will be able to spend time together and really get to know one another.

The End of the First Week of School

How was your first week of school?  Thoughts?  Feelings?

 

Exhausted?

As mentioned before, we have a new principal, so high expectations and accountability have been discussed and put in place.  Feelings have been mixed, shown, & vented, exhaustion has been felt, and negativity is starting to span out across the campus.  The changes put in place are really no different than would be expected or seen on other campuses.

Change is a process that the teachers must go through to understand and accept. They have to create new habits and procedures to get their work finished, realize the changes are what is best for the students & aren't going away, and will have to eventually accept the changes and become more positive.

Have you gone through changes at school?  How did you get through them?  Do you have tips for others?

Surviving the First Week with Chocolate

Educators across America are finding ways to survive their first week back with students.  For some, the week has been amazing, everything going well, time to get it all done.  For others, they are struggling to find time to get it all done--the teaching and the paperwork.  Everyone is having to get used to getting up early, standing on their feet all day, and coming home to take care of their families after a long day at work.

What are you doing to survive?  Getting to bed early?  Taking a nap before dinner? Eating all the chocolate you can find?  Spending an extra 30 minutes to an hour at the gym?  Taking a walk?

I'm not much of a snacker, but this week, I have been craving chocolate.  I mean seriously craving chocolate.  So . . . last night while at the store, I got all the ingredients for my favorite low carb chocolate muffins/cupcakes.

Ingredients:
1 box of sugar free chocolate cake mix (I get Sugar Free Devil's Food.)
1 15 oz can of Pumpkin
1 bag of sugar free chocolate chips
package of cupcake cups

Procedure:

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix the cake mix (just the powder, not anything else the mix calls for), Pumpkin, and half the bag of chocolate chips. (It should mix to the point that it looks like a normal cake mix batter.)
3. Scoop into the cupcake cups, which you put into a muffin tin. (I can usually make 16 cupcakes/muffins.)
4. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top of each one.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
6. Enjoy!

I find that I have to eat them with a spoon or fork and not just bite into them like most muffins, but that is totally up to you.

After a day, I put them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh, and then when I'm ready for one, I heat it for 25-30 seconds.

Each one this size is 2 Weight Watchers points.  You can make mini-muffins for 1 point each.

1st Day of School 2013-2014

How was your or your child's 1st day of school?

Last night, I joked with Mom about her taking my picture today to start of the 1st day like when I was younger.  We were just kidding around.  After I was up and dressed this morning, she got up to take my picture.  Sweet lady!  I wouldn't let her take it b/c my hair wasn't ready. :-)  I really didn't need a picture. This morning was my 17th 1st day of school as a public educator.  (Although I have experience while in high school and college, I don't normally count that.)

Our 1st day at school seemed to run very smoothly.  It was a great start to a great year.

Since I am not in a classroom, I helped in the office by answering questions and pointing families toward the library to speak to the Registrar.  I spent the morning checking on teachers and students by visiting all of the classes inside the building at least once and some more than once. We received some new equipment for the Science Dept., so I inventoried that.  We realized we are missing some of our technology, so now we are on the look out for that.  After eating lunch, I revisited classrooms one to two more times, helped a Team take their group picture, had my picture taken for our school website, hooked up a computer and printer for a teacher, and met with a few 7th grade Science teachers to help them make a decision.

I am really surprised with the amount of walking I did and how much I was standing on my feet that they do not hurt more.  As a matter of fact, they hardly hurt at all.  I wonder if that means they will be killing me tomorrow night.

My niece started school last Wednesday, and she has had a good experience so far.  My nephew started today, and his day went well too.  I am praying they are able to be in the same school soon.

Well, because of the website picture, I did get a picture on the 1st day.  Now, remember, this is at the end of a long day.  No time to freshen up.

The Day of Sabbath

Today's sermon:

Luke 13:10-17     Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath

¹⁰ On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, ¹¹ and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. ¹² When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” ¹³ Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.
¹⁴ Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”
¹⁵ The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? ¹⁶ Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”
¹⁷ When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

Thoughts:
What I thought about during the sermon today was how God wants us to have a day of rest.  A day to rejuvenate and rest to prepare for the next week.  I thought about how this is very important today for all educators as it is the day before school starts/students coming for everyone I know.

The teachers in my school have been working hard all last week to finish their rooms and prepare plans for the first week.  Many have been staying well into the night, falling into bed exhausted, and waking the next morning just as tired.  I told all the new teachers I spoke to on Friday to make sure and take today off.  They must rest and rejuvenate in order to start one of the most exhausting weeks of their careers ready and renewed.

Our Pastor talked about how Jews have a list of 39 things they cannot do on the Sabbath. It amazes me that they are so devoted and can do this for 24 hours.  I remember the time when stores were closed and errands were not run on Sundays.  We spent time at home, but we still used electronics and appliances. We also did most of our yard work on Sundays. When I began teaching, I used Sunday afternoons to finish preparing for the week, grading papers, and more. 

However, I have always used Sunday afternoons/evenings to get my mind straight for the week, and I treasure that time.  I think that is at least a little of what is expected of us.
 

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Today for lunch, we prepared Chicken Broccoli Casserole.  It was OK.  It gets your vegetable in, and broccoli is really good for you.  It seems like we had more broccoli than chicken, but it really was OK.  We made enough for at least 3-4 to eat.  We will be eating it for leftovers for a few meals.

I don't know where I got this recipe, so I cannot give you the site, but here it is.

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Approximately 3 cups of shredded chicken
16 oz bag of frozen broccoli (cooked)
1 container of cream of mushroom soup*
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Garlic powder and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  
2. Cook your chicken and broccoli.
3. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
4. Pour into a 9x9 baking dish.
5. Cook for 25 minutes.  

Italian Chicken Casserole

Today for lunch, I decided to try out one of the recipes I had found last weekend, Italian Chicken Casserole. I don't know where I found it, but there are several pins on Pinterest with the same recipe.

Italian Chicken Casserole 

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup chopped or diced onion
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (I didn't have any, so I just added garlic powder.)
• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes with garlic, basil, & oregano
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 oz light cream cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 (8 oz) package angel hair pasta, cooked (You can use wheat pasta or any type you would like.)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 glass pan or casserole dish. (I sprayed it with Olive Oil spray.)
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Stir in garlic and onion. Let cook for about 3 minutes or until soft.
5. Add chicken, tomatoes and heavy cream. (At this point, I realized my skillet was not going to be large enough, so I switched to a larger pot.)
6. Allow to boil for a few minutes at medium-high heat.
7. Turn down heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
8. When sauce has slightly thickened, add in cream cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until the cheeses are melted.
9. Add pasta and toss to coat.
10. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. (I must have done something wrong b/c I had a lot, so I split the contents and put it in two casserole dishes to bake.)
11. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella evenly over all.
12. Bake 30 minutes.

This picture is not that good, but the casserole was good.

Girl Scout Re-registration

I am having the hardest time with re-registration this year.  Every year before this one, we re-registered using paper forms in the spring.  Everyone filled out the forms and gave us their fees unless the troop paid for them.  This year, our Council has gone to an online system, and parents are not as quick to go to the site and complete the information.  Normally, by this time of year, we know exactly who is returning.  I wonder if other troops are having this same problem.

Convocation

During this year's Convocation, we had the opportunity to hear Jamie Vollmer, businessman, education supporter, and author of Schools Cannot Do It Alone.  After a short introduction, he began with the Blueberry Story.

He spoke about educators having the power to make the change necessary for the rest of the country to understand and appreciate education and what we do on a daily basis.  Educators must speak positively about their jobs, co-workers, and students whenever in public. They must use their voices to change the public's negative perception of teachers and schools.

I really enjoyed his speech, and now I would like to read his book.

Periodic Table Words

While perusing pins by my Pinterest friends, I saw this and fell in love.

Think

Then I found this.

Investigate

Both are just awesome!  I want them for my office.

They would also be great for a child's room or play room or for a classroom.

Refinishing a Chest

My niece was in great need of a new chest for her bedroom.  There were a few at Granny's, so I chose one to refinish.  I could have chosen one of the others to stain, but I wanted one I could paint and make special for her.

As you know from previous pictures and posts, my niece dances competively, so I chose to do something special for her.

Each silhouette is my niece.  I love it, and she did too. 
(Yes, there are some areas I wish were better, but I am self-taught and do the best I can.)

Ham and Vegetable Meal

Tonight, we had new potatoes, green beans, and ham prepared with this recipe.

We used frozen store brand green beans, a small pre-sliced ham, and red potatoes.  I thought the green beans were too soft, but the rest was good.

Chicken Meal

Tonight, we had chicken with Kraft's Fresh Take Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Recipe Cheese & Breadcrumb Mix, 6 oz.

It was good!  We put it with a side of green beans.

I recommend this product. It is found with the cheese in the dairy section. We just happened upon it when shopping for all our groceries for the other healthy meals we are trying.

Professional Development Started Today

Yesterday, we had a Work Day.  Teachers were able to work in their rooms and possibly have Department Planning.  I took care of several issues in the bldg.

Today, we all met in the Library to kick-off Professional Development. 



With a new principal, there is

Some are happy, some are mad, and some are on the fence.  As long as students are put first and decisions that are made are about what is best for students, we are moving in the right direction.


She began with NORMS, and when she told everyone to turn off/put away cell phones and iPads, you should have heard the gasp.

I try not to check my technology when I'm in meetings or trainings, and it drives me nuts with teachers check email or do other things when I am leading a session.

Personally, I love Professional Development. I am a life-long learner, and I enjoy learning.  

Last Day of Summer Vacation

Summer is coming to an end, and educators are headed back to work.  Teachers, how are you spending the last day of your summer vacation?

Mine began by reading and answering emails, checking out Pinterest, and playing Words with Friends. I also began preparing our dinner menu for the week. I find that if we plan, then we tend to eat better and I have leftovers to enjoy for lunch.

I then sent my morning text to my niece & nephew and went to church.  The verses that stood out today were Luke 12: 48.
"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."
These verses have been used and quoted many times in many settings, but I looked at them in connection to teaching. Many of the teachers who are considered "good," are often called upon to do more and more. Teachers are entrusted with parents' most precious children, and they are expected to hold them safe, teach them, and so much more.  So much is asked of teachers, probably more than there should. This verse just reminded me that we are in a special position, and we cannot take it for granted. The future is in our hands, and we must step up and do what is demanded of us with those entrusted to us.

After lunch, I had to take a nap.  I haven't felt well for two days now, so a nap was well warranted. I couldn't keep my eyes open or focus.

Since waking, I have been working on my presentation for Wednesday's District Science Professional Development. I am responsible for reviewing and creating Science specific Objectives and Closing Questions as part of Framing the Lesson (created by Sean Cain). I have the basis of my presentation ready to go.  After making some copies tomorrow or Tuesday, I will have a better plan laid out.

I have planned and laid out every outfit for this week, right down to my socks and shoes.  :-) I like to be prepared and take the stress off of each night when I would normally plan my outfit for the next day.  We are not allowed to wear shorts this first week back filled with work days and campus meetings, so jeans and t-shirts it will be.  Well, I will be a little more professional than t-shirts.

We were entertained by a cottontail that came all the way up to the patio glass door a little bit ago.  It hung around on the patio for a bit before hopping away.  We have several cottontails living in our yard, which I love to watch, so we see them all over at various times of the day, but none have come up to the door before.

After I finish working on Wednesday's plan, I have to start thinking about weekly 20 minute History lessons and weekly 20 minute Writing lessons--for 7th and 8th grades. My goal is to have several weeks prepared before this week ends.

No matter how prepared I am, I can't sleep the night before the teachers go back or the night before the kids start.

Teachers, enjoy your evening, and have a great week!

Girl Scouts--Starting a New Year

Are you already planning your New Girl Scout year?  What do you have planned?

We have been girl-led this last year, but we want to take it a bit further and involve parents more.  We haven't really gotten any plans on paper, but I want to have a planning session with the girls so they can truly take ownership of the badges/activities and run the meetings.  We'll see how it goes.

Healthy Recipes?

Do you have any healthy, delicious recipes?  I am looking for low carb meals/dishes, but I'm looking for anything that is healthier and delicious.

I have found some on Hungry Girl and Pinterest.  I'll let you know when/if I try them and what we think.

Geckos

My nephew has had a gecko for several years now, and we have watched it grow and change.  At night, Mom, Kitty, and I watch 2-4 geckos climb all over the back patio door. We've found some tiny ones in the house and all over the front porch too.

When I saw this picture, it made me laugh. Geckos wearing Polly Pocket clothes sitting on a couch.

Summer Goes Too Fast

I'm sure students and teachers think this.

Bronze Award Project--Finished!

With a little prodding and planning on my part, my niece finished the requirements for her Girl Scout Bronze Award.  Woohoo!  Finally!!

My nephew helped us too to earn volunteer hours for Boy Scouts.

We put two pieces of fleece together, cut slits around the edges, and then tied the two strips together, going all the way around.  The four blankets will be donated to a homeless shelter in the Metroplex.

Estate Sale

We held an estate sale at Granny's house yesterday and today.  We did pretty well.  Better yesterday than today.   However, there is still so much stuff left.  What do we do with it? 

Have you cleaned out a house of a loved one?  What did you do with the items?

I will be taking the yarn to church. My Great Aunt is taking the material to her church for the ladies who quilt. I have already cleaned out items I can take to work for teachers and students to use. Family members have taken what they want.

At this point, we are going to pack up items and donate them to one or more local organizations.

I am so grateful to my Great Aunt, Aunt, and four cousins who supported us and worked the sale.  They were amazing, and we couldn't have done it without them!

Creatures in the House

 
I was awakened Thursday morning at 3:30 am by something scampering quickly along my arm.  When I woke and felt it, I jumped.  It fell on the bed.  I used the sheet to flick it off the bed.  Kitty stayed up watching it.  I assumed it was a spider, and I didn't want to go back to sleep.

However, after this morning, it may have been a gecko.  Kitty brought a tiny, baby gecko she caught somewhere in the house to show me by putting it on my bed.  She sat so proud next to it. She also acted like she was petting and licking it.  I put this one outside to survive, but I saw a larger one in the bathroom later in the day.

Fun Day Trip

We took a day trip to Austin, Texas today.

We had visited and enjoyed Barton Springs a few summers ago, so we thought we'd make a day of it, travel to Austin, and play, but . . .

Do not plan to enjoy Barton Springs on a Thursday!  It is closed all day for cleaning.  It reopens at 7:00 pm.  Of course, I missed this small print on the right side of their webpage.

I asked the nice guy at the Concession Stand if there was another public swimming area, and he told us how to get to Deep Eddy Pool.  It was a nice option for the hot day.  My niece and nephew enjoyed it, but it was a tint of green and had gunk growing all over the sides.  On the hour, or so we think since we didn't have a watch, the lifeguards blow whistles to clear the pool for 5 minutes.  Everyone must get out, unless you are swimming in the lap pool, and rest for 5 minutes before the whistles are blown again for everyone to return.  We swam and enjoyed a picnic.  I did like this pool area because there was shaded area for you while you are in the pool.

We enjoyed a visit to the Texas Natural Science Center and Texas Memorial Musuem (one and the same).

 

  

 

 

In order to celebrate important birthdays, we went to Amy's Ice Cream, the location on 6th Street. The Mexican Vanilla was great, and The Bats was wonderful! They have dips, cones, floats, sundaes, special creations, alcoholic ice creams (which we didn't notice until later), ice cream cakes, and so much more.  Interesting atmosphere and great, tasty ice cream!

We made a trip to Walmart to purchase school supplies for my niece and nephew.  Since their moving, I have missed out on a lot of the school activities I used to do with them every year.  This was a way for me to help prepare them for the year.  It was a lot of work, but we got everything.

Austin has outlawed plastic bags.  At Walmart, you either have to have your own reusable bags, you have to put everything back in the cart to just take to your car, you can purchase paper bags for 10 cents, or you can purchase reusable bags for 50 cents. The lady in line behind us said not to forget your bags at the grocery story b/c it becomes difficult to get the items to the car or expensive to purchase bags.

We ended our night at Taco Bell to enjoy dinner together and for the kids to open birthday presents.  (This summer has been all about birthdays and celebrating together.)

August Means Back to School

As the calendar changes from July to August, you may hear a low moan moving across the country as children and teachers realize that school starts within the month.  Some students can't wait for school to begin, while others really would rather never step foot in a school again. 

Teachers realize time is ticking away to start planning and preparing. In order to be able to focus during professional development and reviewing standard operating procedures, teachers put in hours preparing their rooms before it is time to official report back to work. Lots of personal time and money goes into making each room inviting and ready.

Stores start putting out school supplies, and families find the time to purchase the items.  Everyone is looking for the best deal.  I have learned that most families have to visit numerous stores in order to get all the items.

However each person feels, school will start whether you're ready or not.  Good luck getting ready and finding all those school supplies.