So it is the morning after my interview at Siloam Springs Middle School. I feel like the interview went really well, except for the fact that I didn't actually teach a lesson. I had one prepared, but it used powerpoint for the direct instruction. There was not a computer in the conference room. Ugh, anyway...I wish I would have adapted and gone ahead and taught the lesson, but alas I did not. So now I have that one thing replaying over and over in my mind. Hoping that didn't ruin my chances of being hired. Otherwise the interview went great! The fire alarm even went off, and it wasn't a drill. We were about 1/2 way through the interview when it happened. Come to find out a rubber belt on the washer in the locker room burnt up and filled the room up with smoke. Of course, the building was evacuated, and we were outside for about 45 minutes. I actually enjoyed continuing the interview informally outside with a few of the committee members. I think there were about 7 people overall involved in the interview--Whew, if that doesn't make you a little nervous.
Today I would normally be at WJHS because it's a work day for me, but Mel and Drew have had fevers and sore throats. I took them to the dr. yesterday afternoon. So now they are on meds, but I stayed home with them to make sure they were over the fever.
Okay, so much to do at home now that the job stuff for Siloam is over. Mel isn't 100% so she's fussy right now. Thankfully Drew is taking his morning nap. Trying so hard to not be anxious while I wait to hear from Siloam Springs. The song by John Waller, "While I'm Waiting," continues to replay in my mind. Going to try to really worship and praise God while I'm waiting. Lord, please take away the anxiety. I give the whole interview and that job possibility to you. No matter where I'm teaching I will do my best to be a light for You. Thank you for taking care of me and my family. I love you! Amen.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Gotta Talk About It...
Since there are only a select few who actually read this blog...I thought I would journal some thoughts. Today was my first day back at home since before the state mandated testing took place last week. Oh my days at home during the week, how I've missed you!! :) Here's the part I really want to blog about. I was checking out school websites last night. I'm working part time this year in the Bentonville school district. I was given a 1 year contract--period. There is no guarantee that I'll be hired back next year part or full time. I knew that when I accepted the position. Anyway...I've been browsing a couple of school webites--Gentry and Siloam Springs. When much to my suprise and excitement Siloam has a position open for a middle school math teacher. Here's where the sunbeams shine down on me from heaven! :) So this morning I called the middle school to see about taking a resume to the principal. They suggested I come this afternoon. After dropping Drew and Mel off to be with my niece I took in my resume. I was so glad to meet the principal! We kind of had a mini-interview right there in the entry area of the school office. She informed me that there were going to possibly be 2 math positions available--Yay! My little mini-interview went great--I thought. She let me know that she was putting together her applicant pool this afternoon, and I should get a call before the end of this week to have an interview next week! BONUS! I'm trying to control my excitement because there's always the possibility of not being hired there, let alone score an interview. But I can't help it!!!
Let me add that I have enjoyed being at Bentonville, and if I am to work there again next year (hopefully full-time) that is fine with me. I have NOTHING against that school. BUT if I can be hired by Siloam Springs or Gentry, if a position comes open, that would be even better. Mostly because they are not far from home. My commute to Bville is about an hour--ugh! IF I am fortunate enough to be able to work at Siloam the transition should be pretty easy. Siloam uses a similar math program that Bentonville does--EXTRA BONUS! I really like that program, and am looking forward to doing an even better job at it next year!
Okay, I'm sure if you are reading this you are glad that I don't teach English--ME TOO! But it's my blog, and I can type any way I want to. :) So you can imagine my new prayer request. Lord, you have taken care of me so well since before I was born. I know You will continue to do so. If this is part of Your will for me, I pray You will continue to allow everything to fall into place as it should. My biggest fear is to be out of Your will. You know the plans You have for me. I trust You with all of it! Amen!
Let me add that I have enjoyed being at Bentonville, and if I am to work there again next year (hopefully full-time) that is fine with me. I have NOTHING against that school. BUT if I can be hired by Siloam Springs or Gentry, if a position comes open, that would be even better. Mostly because they are not far from home. My commute to Bville is about an hour--ugh! IF I am fortunate enough to be able to work at Siloam the transition should be pretty easy. Siloam uses a similar math program that Bentonville does--EXTRA BONUS! I really like that program, and am looking forward to doing an even better job at it next year!
Okay, I'm sure if you are reading this you are glad that I don't teach English--ME TOO! But it's my blog, and I can type any way I want to. :) So you can imagine my new prayer request. Lord, you have taken care of me so well since before I was born. I know You will continue to do so. If this is part of Your will for me, I pray You will continue to allow everything to fall into place as it should. My biggest fear is to be out of Your will. You know the plans You have for me. I trust You with all of it! Amen!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Naomi is 7 today!!
OMG! Two posts within a week has got to be a new record for me! :) But I had to make sure that I posted about Naomi turning 7 today! I can hardly believe it!!! I've put up a Happy Birthday banner and some decorations for her to come home to this afternoon. Andy, Drew, Mel, and I are going to have lunch with her at school. This evening we're going to eat at La Huerta's so they can sing to her and put the big sombrero on her head! LOL! Her party will be this Saturday, and she chose a baseball theme since this is the first year she is playing t-ball.
Naomi, you still enjoy all things girly. It is fun to watch you grow up. Most of the time you want to do/have what your big sister, Anne, does. There are also times when you are trying to figure out what you like. I love that you are your own fashionista. You are doing so well in school. Your daddy and I are so proud. I get a kick out of the fact that your teeth are taking FOREVER to come in! I remember when you were so frustrated that Anne was loosing teeth, but you weren't. Now if your not careful I'm going to have to start blending your food so you can sip it through a straw. :) Keep paving your own way. God created you the way that you are, and I'm excited that we can celebrate that especially today! I love you!
This first picture was taken at the sitters. I'm not sure what age, maybe 2 or 3. The second one was taken at age 5. You were checking out the twirl factor of the dress. The last one was taken just a few days ago. You are growing into such a beautiful young lady.
Naomi, you still enjoy all things girly. It is fun to watch you grow up. Most of the time you want to do/have what your big sister, Anne, does. There are also times when you are trying to figure out what you like. I love that you are your own fashionista. You are doing so well in school. Your daddy and I are so proud. I get a kick out of the fact that your teeth are taking FOREVER to come in! I remember when you were so frustrated that Anne was loosing teeth, but you weren't. Now if your not careful I'm going to have to start blending your food so you can sip it through a straw. :) Keep paving your own way. God created you the way that you are, and I'm excited that we can celebrate that especially today! I love you!
This first picture was taken at the sitters. I'm not sure what age, maybe 2 or 3. The second one was taken at age 5. You were checking out the twirl factor of the dress. The last one was taken just a few days ago. You are growing into such a beautiful young lady.
Happy 7th Birthday, Naomi! We love you VERY MUCH!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Most Recent pics!
Here's the latest pics of our kiddos! Anne and Naomi made lego creations. I think Anne's was some sort of car--very elaborate. Naomi's was a jet pack. The pic of Melanie is from today. While the rest of us were upstairs she was downstairs in our master bathroom checking out everything under my sink. Don't worry--she did not injest or even open any of the meds. The main thing she got into was my makeup! I couldn't resist the Kodak moment. :) The pic of Drew was when he was 8 months. He is now 9 months. Is still trying to figure out the crawling thing. He loves running around in his walker on the wood floors down stairs. Will try to update more later. This will have to do for now! :)
Friday, January 29, 2010
I've Been So Bad...
...at blogging. I tell you. I feel like I was just in survival mode this past semester. I think to some extent I'll remain in survival mode until Drew is a little more independent. :) I thought having a third child turned our world upside down, but it's actually the fourth!!! :) Whew! There's a lot of days I'm not sure if I'm coming or going. :) Sometimes I still can't believe that we have FOUR!!!! Okay enough of that. I'll try to post some updated pics, and hopefully it won't take me over two months to do it.
I have to share that the Monday after Christmas we left our corner of Northwest AR, and headed to Enid, OK, to spend a few days with awesome friends of ours--the Edwards'. They also have 4 children, who are relatively close in age to our four. Their oldest is about 9 months older than our oldest, and their youngest is 5 days older than our youngest. Can I just say that, "WE HAD A BLAST!" with them. I do have to be honest, though, I wasn't sure how it was going to go with 8 children in the house, but I was greatly surprised. We even extended our trip a couple of days longer than originally planned.
As we welcomed in the new year together I started immediately reflecting on resolutions I wanted to make for my new year. I don't normally make resolutions because I usually break them. So, I usually figure, what's the use. I have really had a desire to make this year a better one for me and our family. The key ingredient is going to be DISCIPLINE, and not the spanking kind we give to our children. :) So, I have made some real efforts in that department. Before too long I hope that most areas of my life will show some sort of discipline. I'd like my house to be clean a little more consistently so that I'm not embarrassed if someone drops by. I want to lose about 50 lbs--or more--this year. I don't want to always feel so behind in my job. And more importantly I want to have a better relationship with our heavenly Father, and be more diligent in tithing this year. All of these are going to take DISCIPLINE. It has been a slow start, but I'm gradually adding more discipline to the mix. As in the movie, "What About Bob," I'm taking baby steps. :)
Okay, enough about me...on to the fam! I'm sitting here at the kitchen table typing and looking out the window at the ice covering everything. So far no snow, but plenty of ICE! I absolutely love our windows, and always enjoy the view out to my backyard and beyond.
Okay, onto the family, for real this time. :) We are going to enjoy a snow/ice day together. Andy isn't going to try to go in to work till later. We've seen some cars travelling on the roads, but not many.
Anne is doing really well at school. She made all A's and B's this past semester, and loves to read and do word searches. She is well behaved at school also, but at home likes to be Mom #2 as far as rules go and making sure Naomi and Melanie aren't getting into her stuff. :) She is me through and through. Heaven help her! :)
Naomi is also making leaps and bounds in improvements this year as well. She is repeating Kindergarten this year, and I'm so proud of the strides she is making. At the beginning of the year the teacher was really having an issue with Naomi trying to "teach" the class. Then Mrs. Edwards found out that a high-functioning autistic boy responded well to Naomi. So, now Naomi sits at the same table as this student. Whenever he begins to have a melt down or feels "stuck" she redirects him and he responds to her! She is called the Autistic Whisperer by her teacher--too cute! Naomi is more prone to getting into trouble--of all kinds. :) She is also the polar opposite of me, I think. A lot of times I just throw up my hands because I'm not sure what to do with her! :) Except, love her, of course, with all that I can. She plays with Melanie quite a bit. They both have good imaginations.
Melanie is almost potty trained!!! We've been really working hard at it these past couple of weeks. Since she has two older sisters she knows what to do and how to, it's just getting her to actually do it! :) She is tons of fun, and mommy's little helper. She's talking so much more and more plainly all the time. She can be the comedianne of the bunch, which is typical of the 3rd child, I guess. She wants to do things like her big sisters. She calls Anne by her name, but has a difficult time saying Naomi. So Naomi is "Sissy" to her. She has no problem saying "Andrew." She also loves to play with dolls! She's going to be such a good mommy someday!
And Andrew, our little Prince Charming. He has stolen this mommy's heart and run away with it, I think. Andy warned me about my bond with Drew being different than with the girls. He was right, and I'm not afraid to admit it! :) Maybe when some girl has turned his head enough to cause him to marry her I can start a 12 step program of my own. :) I think he's going to be phlegmatic (laid back) like his daddy. He can roll over from tummy to back, but really doesn't have a desire to do so. :) He sits up really well, though. He says, "gu," and "dada." He also loves to put things in his mouth. Lately he has been really sick. I just took him to the doctor the other day and he has an ear infection in his right ear and bronchitis. So is on antibiotics for the ear and a nebulizer for the bronchitis. Last night I felt a tooth poking through on bottom so I'm hoping relief for him is in sight. I'm not sure how long he is, but he now weighs 21 lbs!! Just a cutie!!!!
The ice has now turned to snow!! Can I just say again how much I love my view. It's not awe inspiring, but it's mine. :)
Andy continues to be busy at work. He was promoted last year, and I'm ever so proud of him. He's also an awesome daddy. He tries to make sure he plays with the kids in the evening. He is very helpful to me where Drew and Mel are concerned. If I've had to get up in the middle of the night with Drew, then he makes sure the girls leave me along when they get up in the morning so I can get a little more sleep. Of course this only works out if it's the weekend and not during the work week. :) I don't always give him enough credit, but he definitely deserves it.
Our house for the most part is done. We still have some closet organization to do and furniture to buy to fill it up with, but it's ours. This time last year we were still living in the two bedrooms--ugh! Actually during last year's ice storm we were at mom and dad's. Thankfully their power didn't go out. Ours did, but only for a couple of days. I warned my mom yesterday that if our power went out and theirs didn't that we were coming over! :)
As for me...I'm teaching part time at Washington Junior High in Bentonville. I love being part time because then I get the best of both worlds. I've discovered that I don't make a great full time stay at home mom, but do great part time. I've always felt that teaching is my calling by God. I love it, and the kids that I get to teach every year. Bentonville is one of the top--if not the top school in AR. I'm sure my Bentonville collegues will quickly let me know. :) I'm torn as far as what to do next year. If my principal were to offer me a full time position there next year I would gladly take it, but I would also love to work back at Gentry since my girls are there. I just keep it as a matter of prayer. God knows what's best. He's got me through this far. I have learned where jobs are concerned that it's best to let Him take the lead--not me! So much more going on in my head, but I'll give it a rest for now. I'd apologize for this post being so lengthy, but it's been long overdue so forget it. :)
Love to the extreme few of you who read this!
Lori
I have to share that the Monday after Christmas we left our corner of Northwest AR, and headed to Enid, OK, to spend a few days with awesome friends of ours--the Edwards'. They also have 4 children, who are relatively close in age to our four. Their oldest is about 9 months older than our oldest, and their youngest is 5 days older than our youngest. Can I just say that, "WE HAD A BLAST!" with them. I do have to be honest, though, I wasn't sure how it was going to go with 8 children in the house, but I was greatly surprised. We even extended our trip a couple of days longer than originally planned.
As we welcomed in the new year together I started immediately reflecting on resolutions I wanted to make for my new year. I don't normally make resolutions because I usually break them. So, I usually figure, what's the use. I have really had a desire to make this year a better one for me and our family. The key ingredient is going to be DISCIPLINE, and not the spanking kind we give to our children. :) So, I have made some real efforts in that department. Before too long I hope that most areas of my life will show some sort of discipline. I'd like my house to be clean a little more consistently so that I'm not embarrassed if someone drops by. I want to lose about 50 lbs--or more--this year. I don't want to always feel so behind in my job. And more importantly I want to have a better relationship with our heavenly Father, and be more diligent in tithing this year. All of these are going to take DISCIPLINE. It has been a slow start, but I'm gradually adding more discipline to the mix. As in the movie, "What About Bob," I'm taking baby steps. :)
Okay, enough about me...on to the fam! I'm sitting here at the kitchen table typing and looking out the window at the ice covering everything. So far no snow, but plenty of ICE! I absolutely love our windows, and always enjoy the view out to my backyard and beyond.
Okay, onto the family, for real this time. :) We are going to enjoy a snow/ice day together. Andy isn't going to try to go in to work till later. We've seen some cars travelling on the roads, but not many.
Anne is doing really well at school. She made all A's and B's this past semester, and loves to read and do word searches. She is well behaved at school also, but at home likes to be Mom #2 as far as rules go and making sure Naomi and Melanie aren't getting into her stuff. :) She is me through and through. Heaven help her! :)
Naomi is also making leaps and bounds in improvements this year as well. She is repeating Kindergarten this year, and I'm so proud of the strides she is making. At the beginning of the year the teacher was really having an issue with Naomi trying to "teach" the class. Then Mrs. Edwards found out that a high-functioning autistic boy responded well to Naomi. So, now Naomi sits at the same table as this student. Whenever he begins to have a melt down or feels "stuck" she redirects him and he responds to her! She is called the Autistic Whisperer by her teacher--too cute! Naomi is more prone to getting into trouble--of all kinds. :) She is also the polar opposite of me, I think. A lot of times I just throw up my hands because I'm not sure what to do with her! :) Except, love her, of course, with all that I can. She plays with Melanie quite a bit. They both have good imaginations.
Melanie is almost potty trained!!! We've been really working hard at it these past couple of weeks. Since she has two older sisters she knows what to do and how to, it's just getting her to actually do it! :) She is tons of fun, and mommy's little helper. She's talking so much more and more plainly all the time. She can be the comedianne of the bunch, which is typical of the 3rd child, I guess. She wants to do things like her big sisters. She calls Anne by her name, but has a difficult time saying Naomi. So Naomi is "Sissy" to her. She has no problem saying "Andrew." She also loves to play with dolls! She's going to be such a good mommy someday!
And Andrew, our little Prince Charming. He has stolen this mommy's heart and run away with it, I think. Andy warned me about my bond with Drew being different than with the girls. He was right, and I'm not afraid to admit it! :) Maybe when some girl has turned his head enough to cause him to marry her I can start a 12 step program of my own. :) I think he's going to be phlegmatic (laid back) like his daddy. He can roll over from tummy to back, but really doesn't have a desire to do so. :) He sits up really well, though. He says, "gu," and "dada." He also loves to put things in his mouth. Lately he has been really sick. I just took him to the doctor the other day and he has an ear infection in his right ear and bronchitis. So is on antibiotics for the ear and a nebulizer for the bronchitis. Last night I felt a tooth poking through on bottom so I'm hoping relief for him is in sight. I'm not sure how long he is, but he now weighs 21 lbs!! Just a cutie!!!!
The ice has now turned to snow!! Can I just say again how much I love my view. It's not awe inspiring, but it's mine. :)
Andy continues to be busy at work. He was promoted last year, and I'm ever so proud of him. He's also an awesome daddy. He tries to make sure he plays with the kids in the evening. He is very helpful to me where Drew and Mel are concerned. If I've had to get up in the middle of the night with Drew, then he makes sure the girls leave me along when they get up in the morning so I can get a little more sleep. Of course this only works out if it's the weekend and not during the work week. :) I don't always give him enough credit, but he definitely deserves it.
Our house for the most part is done. We still have some closet organization to do and furniture to buy to fill it up with, but it's ours. This time last year we were still living in the two bedrooms--ugh! Actually during last year's ice storm we were at mom and dad's. Thankfully their power didn't go out. Ours did, but only for a couple of days. I warned my mom yesterday that if our power went out and theirs didn't that we were coming over! :)
As for me...I'm teaching part time at Washington Junior High in Bentonville. I love being part time because then I get the best of both worlds. I've discovered that I don't make a great full time stay at home mom, but do great part time. I've always felt that teaching is my calling by God. I love it, and the kids that I get to teach every year. Bentonville is one of the top--if not the top school in AR. I'm sure my Bentonville collegues will quickly let me know. :) I'm torn as far as what to do next year. If my principal were to offer me a full time position there next year I would gladly take it, but I would also love to work back at Gentry since my girls are there. I just keep it as a matter of prayer. God knows what's best. He's got me through this far. I have learned where jobs are concerned that it's best to let Him take the lead--not me! So much more going on in my head, but I'll give it a rest for now. I'd apologize for this post being so lengthy, but it's been long overdue so forget it. :)
Love to the extreme few of you who read this!
Lori
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Anne's Soccer Debut!
This fall we signed Anne up for soccer. She really enjoyed the season. We plan to sign her up in the spring again. Thankfully she'll be able to be on the same team, and they will keep the same uniform. Her team was undefeated until their second game in the tournament. The only position she didn't play was goalie. Before the season was over her coach discovered that she's pretty good at throwing the ball in. At least she would get it to her own teammate, and not just throw it somewhere on the field. :)
Catching up!
Here are some long overdue pics of our pumpkin carving adventure this year. This was the first time that I ever carved a pumpkin--that I can remember. It was a lot of fun, but the pulp is hard to get out completely. Ewwww! :) I carved Melanie's for her. She would eat the seeds as I took them out of the pumpkin! Too funny! I did dry out the seeds and toast them later, but none of us ate them. I guess we're not big fans of pumpkin seeds. Oh well. Next year I'll wait till a couple of days before Halloween to do the carving. The pumpkins started molding too soon, and we ended up throwing them out a few days before Halloween. We'll definitely do it again next year!
I'd even like to see if I can find a pie pumpkin before Thanksgiving is over. I would like to keep the seeds to plant in the spring so that we can have our own pumpkins in the fall. We'll see. :)
I'd even like to see if I can find a pie pumpkin before Thanksgiving is over. I would like to keep the seeds to plant in the spring so that we can have our own pumpkins in the fall. We'll see. :)
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