Camera Critters #4 - Hokie

It has not slipped my mind that I have not included Hokie in my camera critters thus far. He's our oldest cat. LMK calls him "The Old Man". He wants loved on his own terms. However, when he decides he needs love, look out because there will be no denying him. His favorite sleeping spot in UNDER the covers on our bed. Each day I have to remind myself that I didn't make the bed wrong, Hokie is the lump under the covers. He's crawled up there himself and curled up to nap.

He's our first cat and has dealt pretty well with us bringing in Ollie and Socks. In fact, he and Socks love to wrestle and play. It's a typical big brother/little brother relationship. Hokie is the cool one and Socks is constantly following him around trying to be like him.

I think they're best kitty friends.

Awesome

In a word, the field trip was awesome.
My favorite part of the whole trip, listening to my city kids "talk" to the sheep. There was a whole lot of baa-ing going on. They named them all and everything. I also enjoyed one lamb escaping, coming eye to eye with a group of my kiddos, and deciding that a life in a pen was better than the outside world with these yahoos.

Camera Critters #3 - Lucy

Meet Lucy, a.k.a. Lucy Belle, a.k.a. Sea-Belle, a.k.a. Lulu the Wonder Bagel, a.k.a. Puppercini, well, you get the point.

Lucy is our 4 year old beagle. We got her from LMK's uncle when his dog had puppies. Before we got her, Lucy's name was Killer because when she'd play with her brothers and sister she'd go right for the jugular.That's my girl.

Lucy currently lives in Ohio with my parents. That's right, when we moved to Virginia, Lucy didn't come. It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. I love my Lulu. I miss her like crazy. However, it meant moving a country dog to the city in a small backyard where should she escape (and she does on a regular basis) it's a very real fear she'll be hit by a car or hurt.

So she stayed in Ohio in the puppy palace (a.k.a. my parents 3 car garage of which she occupies 2 of the 3 bays). She gets regular truck rides and frequent house visits. She's quite the little princess.

She and my dad have become best friends. My brother and I have decided it's ok to have been replaced by a crazy beagle. They're both happy as clams. I can never thank my parents enough for taking care of her.

Miss This

Having dinner tonight with our "daughter" it hit me, I've only got another month with this kid around every day. Boy am I going to miss it. It's not just her though. There's so many. I can think of three off the top of my head that will absolutely break my heart to watch graduate. She's the biggie because she adopted us a few months after we moved here. I've never told her, but I think I needed her as much as she needed us. I know what it's like to be far from home and needing a mom from time to time. Nevermind, I'm only 10 years older than her. I'm still young and hip. Plus, it's easy to be "Mom" when none of the hard decisions are your's to make.

Every time I hear this song, it makes me think of her.

The other one that is going to break my heart is the one we offered our spare bedroom to for Spring Break. Monday it poured rain all day. He was out in it. When I came to pick up LMK after practice I saw a blur out of the corner of my eye. All of a sudden I'm enveloped in a wet, soggy, clammy, cold hug. I squealed and "ew'd" appropriately and I'll never tell him, but it made my day.

This song reminds me of him:


It just so happened I heard both these songs tonight. Right after each other.

"And you should really thank Mrs. Brinkman
She spent so much extra time
It's like she sees the diamond underneath
And she's polishin' you 'til you shine"

My little diamonds. I'm gonna miss these kids.

Camera Critters #2

Today I present my Cat in-laws. They're not as naughty as they look. In fact, they're worse. The naughtier the better I say. Right, Socks?

Jitterbug is in your face naughty. He looks right at you and misbehaves.

Tango is stealthy. She's wait until your back is turned, swipe your pop top, hop up on the table naughty.
They love to play with the cat toys. LMK and I enjoy having our own cat Olympics when we visit. I give you the vault competition.
Next week, Lulu the Wonder Bagel.

Camera Critters

My partner in crime, Misty, has started a new weekly meme called Camera Critters. How can I resist a meme about animals.
We are hardcore soccer fans in this house. Just ask us.

Thoughts?

So...I started the week with the firm commitment to being super positive all week. I made it two days.

I would love to share why I didn't make it. To really just get it out there, but there is not way I feel comfortable posting something that specific. If nothing else, this week has made me really paranoid about what I say and where I say it. I've been thinking about getting a domain name. That way I can get blogging software that lets me password protect posts.

Thoughts?

Good sites to go through?

I'm thinking Typepad.

Share your thoughts.

Spring Break Recap

Whelp some of us, like LMK, are still staring at 2 weeks of Spring Break (hate him). Then there is the rest of us who got three days. ^&#@%%$. But I'm over that. Really.

I'm such a bad liar.

Bastards.

Anyway...

This weekend we took the new car to WV. It's the first long distance trip we've taken with it and I'm impressed. Over the mountains we got 43 mpg - Wowee! LMK kept hitting the button for the screen and giggling when he saw the mpg going up. He's so cute.

Last weekend my in-laws came to visit and we drove to Harrisonburg to the Gr.een Va.lley Boo.k Fai.r. Oh my goodness. I died and went to heaven.

Before we left, LMK whispered, "Is this really worth the long drive?" I'd never been and didn't know. Um...after leaving GVBF, I'd have to say yes, yes it is worth the drive. Let's not even discuss the fact that LMK left with more books than I did. But he did.

Three HUGE rooms of books. Books as far as the eye could see. Cheap books! My MIL loves books like I do so we started in one corner and began looking. She picked up a book (looking unimpressed) and turned it over. Bo.x C.ar Chil.dren books - $1.50 My FIL got an $80 law book for $4. I was proud to make it through the cookbook aisle without putting all of them in my basket. Ohhhhh, the teacher books and regular books I purchased. I can't wait to go back again.

I don't want to talk too much about work (I'm always paranoid about being found out), but changes are hopefully in the works. We'll see. Fingers crossed in that department. We're planning a field trip to Mt. Vernon next month. That ought to be interesting. State tests are less than 2 months away and it's TERRIFYING. All I can think of is what I have to get through before then and what I need to review. Nevermind that half my kids don't know what the hell they're doing. Any suggestions for getting them to understand and remember 2 digit by 2 digit multiplication or long division? Because my "smart" kids just aren't getting it.

We start fractions tomorrow. Heaven help me.

PSA

If I have one more in-service about di.fferentiation with the SAME EXACT information I am going to seriously

LOSE

MY

SHIT.

Four times in 4 months is my limit.

That is all.

The best of intentions

I know, I know, I promised pictures. But I've been corrupted by the R.uby P.ayne philosophy so you really shouldn't expect me to do homework. Mwahahahaha.

Did I mention I'm taking a graduate course? Yes, I am that stupid. Basically, if we get technology certified then we earn money to be used for equipment in our classrooms. I want need my own SmartBoard so I am killing myself in a college class again. Last night was webpages. I love webpages. I taught myself basic HTML at 17. I have 7 webpages that I can think of off the top of my head. I heart webpages. I don't think I know it all, because there are definitely webpage bells and whistles I want to learn. Java. PHP. Graphic design. Blog Template design. etc.

However, I do understand the basics of webpage creation especially when using a website composing program like Dre.amweaver. So I still believe spending 3 hours making a basic generic webpage was not the best use of my time. I spent most of the class staring into space while listening to the instructor or helping my classmates with their pages. I tried really hard not to be "that person." I hope I hid my boredom.

Anyway, I digress. So those pictures...yeah, they're coming. However, it's icy and cold - so don't expect them today. I did do some excellent google searching (Mo Mom should be proud) and came up with some pictures.

First, Carrie was right. We bought a Prius. A 2008 Prius with 200 miles on it (ok, now 250 because we've been driving it like crazy). It's purdy. I've decided to name her the Silver Bullet. And soon, very soon, I will be able to walk up to my care without whispering "Hello, my precious." Really...soon! I'm working on it.


My favorite features so far include the key fob and push button start. Hello! I don't have to spend 5 frantic minutes searching through my purse for my keys. I zipped the key into a pocket and haven't searched for them once. Plus, how cool is it that I just push a button and the car starts. Of course, I have to make a conscious effort to be sure I actually turn the car off. So far, I've remembered, but I'm sure I'm going to forget soon.

I also love the dashboard. Digital speedometer? Cool! I think our favorite feature is the little lcd screen in the middle of the dash. LMK loves to watch the battery charge or the gas mileage sky rocket. I enjoy coasting and seeing that I'm using no energy or gas, but charging the battery at the same time. It still freaks me out when the car shuts off at a stop light. Normally, that's a bad thing. Now, it's a good thing! It's nerve-racking!


I am also fascinated by the backup camera. I make LMK watch it while I back because otherwise it makes me queasy. I love being able to see behind me as I back up and I'd like to think it will help me drive more carefully.


Now to be honest. Several colleagues at work have accused me of being a "tree-hugger." Here is my confession. I think it's great that my car is good for the environment or BETTER for the environment, but that's not why I bought it.

Gas mileage was a HUGE selling point. I'm getting 45 miles to the gallon people and evidently the gas mileage is worse when it's really cold out. I can't wait to see what it does in the summer. I also liked the affordability (is that a word?) of the Prius. I didn't cost much more than the used 2-3 year old American made cars we were looking at with 20,000 miles on them.

So go explore. Before you know it. You'll want one, too!

Commence Panic

LMK and I bought a car yesterday.

All by ourselves.

It's BRAND new. 202 miles on it.

It's not the kind of car I thought I would ever buy and much more expensive, but the benefits out weigh the costs.

It's our first big, "adult" purchase on our own.

Anyone want to guess make or model?

Pictures coming.

Frackin' snow days

They've officially taken any fun out of snow days. We're now going to school through the 3rd week of June! The 3rd week!! Are you frickin' kiddin' me!?



What do we have today - SNOW DAY.

Oh, I am so pissed.

Meme-riffic

So, Misty posted a challenge that is really up my aisle. For some reason, it fascinates me to look at other people's desktops. That and I'm procrastinating.

How to Play:

• Capture a picture of your computer's desktop.
• Post it on your blog along with a link to who tagged you.
• Tag some people.
• Run and hide from them.

I have about 3 desktops that we rotate between. So I thought I would post them all. Along with a little ditty about when they're used and why.

The first is one I've had up for several months. It's actually a picture taken by Leesa. I love her pictures and this one just cracks me up. It could be Hokie. He loves his paper bags.


The second is one of the desktops on my school computers. It's actually on the "teacher" computer. The one that I use to do email, attendance, grades, etc. The kids love it and everyone comments on it when they see it. Plus, I like seeing my Lula-belle on a day to day basis. It makes me giggle when I'm having a bad day.


The third is the desktop of my Smartboard cart. The kids love this picture and so do I. I caught it on a fluke when were visiting the in-laws. They're kittens are adorable. Tango is on another computer, but I couldn't resist this picture of Jitterbug.


The last one is what our desktop looks like now. As I've been told several times since February began (by the girls, not just LMK), soccer season starts soon. Nine days, if you're counting - which they are. So our desktop is an ode to women's soccer. Such is my life.


I don't tag. If you do it, let me know so I can come see. :o)

Rub.y Pay.ne Hell

I am stuck in Rub.y Pa.yne hell.

I work in one of the poorest counties in NoVA or so I have been told. That's fine with me, poor kids still deserve a good education. Out of all the elementary schools, evidently I work at the poorest. Again, poor kids deserve a good education. I have a wonderful group of children. I can't imagine any "rich kids" being more compassionate, caring, or thoughtful. That being said, some days it pisses me off that we consistently lower our standards for these kids.

According to R.uby Pay.ne (or Ru.by Pay.ne according to my administrators), students should not be expected to complete homework. If in the event you give students homework, it should not be part of their grade and they should be given time in school to complete it.

`Scuse me?

So far, I'm bucking the system on that one, to a degree. My math kids have homework from time to time. They are rewarded for doing it, but not punished. That being said, the kids who have done the two digit by two digit multiplication and long division homework actually understand 2 x 2 multiplication and division. Wonder of wonders!

There are lots of statements I've heard from Rub.y Payn.e that make sense. I've seen it.

For example, in families of "poverty" the priority to make sure your child has a PSP, an iPod, and a cell phone even though you can't pay your bills. My mother taught me you pay your bills first, then you can get non-essentials. Call me crazy!

I just don't see how making excuses for these kids is going to do to help them in life. Nothing is done about chronic absenteeism instead we celebrate those who come to school all the time. Whatever happened court dates for children who miss too much school? People look at me like I'm crazy here. Get your butts to school. Period.

What kills me is all the excuses we make for these kids and then we have a meeting and are basically told, "you can have 12 kids fail" their state test and still make AYP. You have GOT to be kidding me. At least 50% of the 4th grade is below grade level. Most are improving, but I don't see some miraculous pass rate coming in. Why do I have students reading at a 2nd grade level, yet are supposed to pass their state test because they did it in 3rd grade? Something is not right.

When does Ru.by Pay.ne's work stop being an excuse and start to help these kids? Why are we not challenging these kids? Who is failing who around here? I'm not sure it's them that's failing me. I think it's the other way around.

If today's educational system doesn't do some changing we're going to lose some kids. Kids are falling through the cracks and I can't catch all of them.

Literacy

Books. I love books. I love the smell of them. I love the look of a brand new book. I love the excitement of having a book I am dying to read yet saving it for a "special occasion".

Last year, I decided to attempt to read 52 books in a year. I did pretty darn well. By July I had read 37 books. However, when I started my first year of teaching time for reading was nonexistent. From August to December I read one book and it was a required reading for work. How depressing is that?

My current count is at three books. Considering it's only January, I think I am doing well. Anyone have any books that I might want to start looking at for the beach in July? I'd like to get a start on finding them now.

This year's goal:

Actually read 52 books. I'm not making any restrictions on books this year. As long as it has pages and is bound, I'm counting it.

Technical Difficulties

Please excuse the mess. I'm looking to change my template around, but I promised some of LMK's students that I would come watch their basketball game this evening.

In the mean time, uh, Misty, how the heck did you do that? My template doesn't have the areas I evidently need to edit.

Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiix it.

Carry on.

Why I love Virginia

Two words:
Snow. Day.

Two more:
Number 2

Five day weekend, woohoo! LMK got to witness my snow day dance twice this week. Of course, he shared it with his kids but luckily, I like them so I don't mind.

Please remind me of my joy in March when we have no spring break.

I've spent the last day catching up on DVR stuff. Yesterday I watched this:

Today I plan to finally finish this:



Oh yeah, there will be some schoolwork thrown in, but today I just want to relax. Maybe clean my house. It's nice to be able to take a breath and just relax.

That is all. Carry on.

TGIF

Love
Originally uploaded by h0kieerin.

Another student's mother died this week. What a horrible thing to happen to a nine year old. My heart breaks for her.

The other new 4th grade teacher (really gotta come up with a good nickname for her) lost track of the time this afternoon and her entire class missed the bus.

Poor thing. I can picture the look on her face when she walked out the door and saw all the buses leaving.

It could have easily been me.

It's still pretty funny when you think about it.

Weekly howdy-do

Don't have much time math and science assessments are calling. Anyway, my kids did their first podcast today. I'm more than a little excited about it. Click the title of this post and it should download. They did a great job.

I'm spending less and less time teaching and more and more time doing required assessments. Again, that's another rant for another day.

I will leave you with a quote from one of my little darlings this morning. It will be replacing my kids quote post haste.

Wise Beyond His Years: "Mrs. my stomach hurts."
Me: "Oh?"
WBHY: "Yeah, I think I have cramps."
Me: snort

Currently Listening: "Ever, Ever After" Carri.e Un.derwood - Enchanted Soundtrack

(They had me at Disney. Add a princess, a love story, and good music and I didn't stand a chance.)

First Week of a New Year

IMG_0199
Originally uploaded by h0kieerin.

Confession: My kids have me completely hooked on Ha.nnah Mon.tana, the Jo.nas Brothers, and the High School Mu.sical songs. So much so that those are the songs I'm buying with my iTunes Christmas gift cards. What can I say? I'm a Disney girl through and through. If you make it a Disney musical, I'm done. I had no chance of resistance.


The first week of a year is over. I had school for 3 days of it. What a crock. All this V.irginia bull-shit paperwork is really getting on my nerves. I don't know if it's the state as a whole or just my district. The instructional time being wasted is criminal. But this is a rant for another post.

In other news, I actually missed my kiddos. I was shocked, too. They came back Thursday sleepy eyed but smiling. I love it when they're tired. They behave. They're too tired not to. Mwahahaha!

Two of my kids have yet to return to school. One I wouldn't be surprised to hear she moved. She's a nice kid, but her moving will boost my test scores. (How depressing that I've been driven to this type of thinking!) The other we heard from today. Her grandmother died last night. I'm heartbroken. Not only because I think most people can sympathize with losing a grandparent at a young age. I lost my grandmother when I was about this age. It's heartbreaking. What makes it worse is Grandma is more like a mother to this child. She lives with her. Grandma is the stable one in her life. Dad is in jail. Mom is a flake and in and out of jail. I'm watching the paper so I can go to calling hours. Sometimes, especially as a kid, life isn't fair.