Snow Day!

After a less than stellar two weeks at work and a sort-of surprise deadline for my lesson plans and curriculum for today, I am enjoying an unexpected day full of PJ's and computer games.

I haven't been writing the last couple of weeks because of the old saying, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." Not that it's all been bad, but I do come home at the end of the day absolutely burnt out from the boredom and abundant drama. You see, we only have the baby, so the rest of the time I'm cleaning, sweeping, mopping, doing laundry and being accused of abuse*.

*It's this stuff I have to censor, but would love to get off my chest. I just can't risk posting it for the internets. It has all been resolved now and I'm not supposed to be bitter about it because I'm a Christian. Enough about that before I get going.

Anyway, I finally have A preschooler for my class - due to start tomorrow and another for next Monday. Still, it's been hard to get excited to plan and prepare lessons and crafts for just 2 kids.

So, imagine my brief panic at the request by my boss for all of my curriculum by tonight. I had the weekend to pull together all of the notes and ideas, print or create worksheets and make sample crafts. Saturday, I spent almost all day on the computer and went through at least 200 sheets of paper. I printed and prepared crafts and used my kids to test them. I wrote out my detailed lesson plans, put books on hold at the library and wrote out a long To-Do list for each week's lessons. I also got out my old file box and got everything organized.

Sunday, we made it to the church we have been wanting to try. (Which was great!) The service time is 9:30 am, so we were home much earlier in the day than we are used to. After I made brunch, we got to work.

The afternoon was filled with me working off my To-Do list at the kitchen table, making more crafts, making play dough and some of the tedious little cut and paste items. (Meanwhile, Fishing Guy was on the computer, dealing with his work stuff for his new store.) I made the kids dinner and kept working. Fishing Guy was impressed at what I had put together and after I was done fretting that it wasn't good enough, he called me a sexy nerd. He said I should be getting paid twice what I'm making just for putting the curriculum together. Here's hoping they are wowed and I get a big fat raise! I went to bed after I typed the "Welcome to Preschool!" letter, the monthly letter for parents and edited the February calendar.

I think I shut off the light about 11:30 pm, woke about 1 am, woke when Fishing Guy's alarm went off at 4 am and was up for the day at 5am. Fishing Guy woke me to let me know about the bad weather so I could go wait for the District update about school. He headed off to work in the Suburban and I waited in front of the computer with my coffee, dreading taking my car out in the ice and snow.

By 7 am, I had verified that school was canceled and spoke to several of Fishing Guy's employees that were trying to get to the store. I talked to my boss and she decided we weren't going to open today and I was so excited about the Snow Day that I haven't left my big comfy chair for more than about 15 minutes all day.

The kids and I have downloaded 5 games from Big Fish and played all the 60 minute trials. The Princess ventured out into the snow to build a snow fort and roll down the hill. The Prince is playing the Wii as I type this, waiting for me to play with him.

The forecast is calling for even more snow tonight. Here's hoping there's another snow day tomorrow. I could use the sleep tonight.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Snapper!

Hope you had a great day!

The First Week

I wish I had the desire and energy to put together a more cohesive post, but seeing as it is already Sunday night, I don't see it happening.

This week was long and not at all what I expected when I took this job. Instead of teaching preschoolers, I have been watching a one and two year old in the Toddler room. If I'm not doing that, I'm watching the 6 month old or cleaning the center.

I worked half days, except for Tuesday (8:30am-6pm) and got my first paycheck on Friday. We ordered pizza to celebrate! Until we get more kids, my schedule will be sketchy and I'll be in the Toddler room until we have a potty-trained child over the age of 3.

So, that means that everything I have been busy preparing is useless at this point and I'm having to scramble to entertain these kids in one room for 3 solid hours every morning. The first couple of days were really boring and long. Thursday, I was on my way out because the baby was only coming for an hour or two, but the other kids pulled in just as I got in my truck. So, I came back in until lunchtime. I felt like I was behind all morning because I wasn't in the classroom ready for them when they got there. Friday was much better. I called my Crafty Neighbor from Alaska Thursday night and we came up with a few frugal activities to put together. There are lots of toys at the center, but nothing in the way of books, puzzles and craft supplies. They loved dropping colored clothespins in an empty milk jug, shaking it and then dumping it out and starting over. I also made a shaker bottle (just a water bottle with pony beads in it and taped shut) that they loved. Other than that, the one year old really needs a morning nap still and is easily upset from 10 am until noon. Sort of like the dinner-time fits we all deal with in the evening as the kids wear out. I have to keep her distracted or she melts into tears.

Anyway, I'm hanging in there, hoping for kids for my age group and giving it a fair chance. But, if we don't get kids soon, I may not have a job much longer.

From the Home Front:

Yesterday, Fishing Guy headed over the pass into Eastern Washington with his best friend to go check out some puppies. He left early (about 5:30 am) and got back about 7 pm. The pups were very cute and I'm thankful there weren't any available from this litter because Fishing Guy would have bought one. We aren't able to have a dog here, so I'm safe for a little while.

Today, we stayed home from church and made good use of the sunny weather. The house is completely undecorated from Christmas, outside lights and all. The totes and tree are tucked back into their storage area in the garage and we put out the hummingbird feeder for any early hummers. The front room is vacuumed and the furniture is put back in its normal place. The air hockey/pool table was moved out to the garage and also cleaned up some of my craft area and my table is cleared off again. I have a full bag of trash for about a half hour of sorting and cleaning. The kids were big helpers too.

Tomorrow, I head to work and Fishing Guy is off. He's taking some vacation days this week before he heads to his new store. He's got a hiring fair on Wednesday, but otherwise doesn't work until the 21st. The kids are out of school on the 21st for MLK Jr. Day and I have a feeling they will be at the daycare with me all day...

The Faith Issue

I am having a faith/church issue right now. I'll say up front that the church we have been going to is of a denomination I have some questions about. Not serious doctrine, but some things that are hotly debated amongst various denominations. We know where we stand on these issues and I feel confident that we would know when to be vocal if necessary. Back in November, we had a few concerns, but the kids were enjoying their classes and we were told that attendance had gone up so much it would take some time to get new programs in place. We realized that the staff wasn't sure what to do with a growth of about 300% in less than a month. We'd been going regularly since October and didn't know that everyone else was new too. I did some further research on the denomination, but haven't seen anything like red flags in any of the services so we kept going. In fact, Fishing Guy and I really like the Sunday morning worship service. Now the question is, are the "problems" I see, worth the wait to see the implementation of the programs that have been talked about?

The problems?
~The Princess has said they just play Hangman in her class. Where are the lessons? (Maybe they are short of committed teachers)

~The Prince doesn't like the music, but that's really not a surprise. I don't like that he's forced strongly encouraged to raise his hands in order to worship properly. It's not a requirement for me, but I don't mind if someone else does it. I expect the same respect in return for myself and my kids. (Maybe I just need to speak up)

~There is one teacher The Princess likes, but he has only been in there once. The Prince's room has been lacking a teacher before. The lack of consistent teachers bothers me. (Again maybe they are short of committed teachers)

~There isn't a separate Sunday School time, where we break into smaller groups and get into a subject study. We go to the church for an hour and a half, once a week, sing some songs and listen to a sermon. We will never meet people in a larger church unless it gets broken down into small groups of common interest or study. I understand limitations on space and staff on Sunday mornings, but the following list of things isn't happening either. (Maybe I need to get Fishing Guy to come with me and get permission to start one)

~There haven't been any regular Ladie's Bible Studies, Retreats, Men's Fellowship or Small Groups (in homes) mentioned. I've had to stop going to my Daniel Bible Study on Thursday mornings because of going back to work and I find I'm not opening my Bible more than about twice a month. I'm definitely not growing this way. There was a Men's dinner right before Christmas (Fishing Guy was working) and a Ladie's brunch, which was $10 to raise money for the Food Bank. I chose not to go at the last minute because Fishing Guy was off that Saturday and we spent it as a family. I found out later that over 100 women attended and it was over 3 hours long. I was glad I skipped it. (Maybe this could come out of the small group above)

~There isn't a focus on missions at this church. One of the things we wanted to do after the move, was take a group of teens to Orton Ranch in SE Alaska next summer. That's not going to happen in a church that has a different ministry structure. (We talked about this yesterday and I am going to try to find another group I can work with to do these things)

~This church is about Community. Unfortunately, I have a differing opinion about how to achieve their goal. I think you need to properly equip your disciples to then go out and reach others. The mindset I have seen is that once you have set foot in the building, you are no longer in need of their energy and focus, you need to just grab on to the net and keep throwing it out for more fish. (Maybe the staff needs some feedback)

~We'd like to get involved with Youth again, but there is nothing mid-week for our kids. There is a program, designed as an internship that works with the Youth. Since neither Fishing Guy or myself is going to go into ministry full-time and we aren't in college, we don't feel we can apply. (Maybe there is another need we can fill, without messing with their system)

~And my personal pet peeve, I am still routinely asked for my name. By almost everyone. Not just a slipped-my-mind-remind-me moment either. A full on, I-think-I-should-know-you-but-I'm-not-sure-please-tell-me-again-who-you-are, immediately followed by "Oh yes, how's Fishing Guy?" Drives me batty. It really bothers me that in a Community-focused church in a very small town, I know for sure that ONE (1) person (out of 350) knows my name. After 3 months. (Get over myself)

*****Addendum*****

After writing all of this, then going back over the list, I have put my own answers in the parentheses. I will see where I end up going with this. It also became clear (how clear? crystal) that I have gotten impatient with the timing of things in my life right now. From the daycare to church, I want and expect it to run on MyTime. It's not going to. Ever.

It also gave me a Word (and a verse) for the year, from Ali Edwards.

Timing

Ecclesiastes 3:1
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.

Have a great week!

Monday

You know it's Monday when:

You step out on the porch to take the kids to school and your oldest child points to the entry mat outside and asks,"What's THAT! Eww!" and when you bend over to investigate, you realize it is the mostly eaten head of a mouse, left by one of the neighborhood cats because they love you.

*shudder*

The Promised Story and a little bit more

I promised a story with pictures, but from the reaction yesterday to the real thing by Fishing Guy, I might spare you the picture. So, just the story for now.

Last Monday, New Year's Eve, I had gone up to town to drop off some paperwork at the daycare. On my way home, I noticed that there was a blood drive at the fire station all day. Fishing Guy and I have always had good intentions of going to donate, but forgot last time they were in town. Anyway, I got home and mentioned it. To my surprise, Fishing Guy sounded excited and we planned to go in the afternoon.

About 2:30 pm, we loaded up the kids, with books and drawing paper, and headed to the fire station. We waited in line, filled out paperwork, answered the health screening questions, had our blood tested for iron levels, had our blood pressure and temperature taken and were both declared fit to give blood.

Fishing Guy went first, while the kids sat with me and asked if they could have more cookies and juice. Then I went back, leaving the kids at the Table of Temptations to draw and read. Fishing Guy was still going when I was hooked up, but was done just a few minutes later. I had taken my iPod (as I do with all things involving needles) and started to listen to a FiberCult podcast. I got 8 minutes into it when they started to unhook me. I guess I'm a fast pumper! The nurse helped me off the table, we made jokes about giving birth making this easy and I went over to have a cookie and some juice.

Now, in the past, I would now be telling you how I had to be rescued by some handsome fireman/paramedic because I collapsed on the floor as some sort of delayed reaction. It's happened at least twice before in my life and I was almost ready to have it happen again.

But! This time, I walked to the car with the family, after about 5 minutes at the snack table and we headed home. I did rest on the couch for an hour or so, but by bedtime I was fine. It was the next morning that I realized the reason my arm hurt was the HUGEANTIC bruise halfway up my left bicep. It's still there and as purple as ever. I did take pictures because it is impressive.

So, if you've ever said you'd like to give blood, but never really got around to it? I say go for it. Your arm might look like mine does, but your pint of blood could save 3 lives. That alone will keep us going back every time they are in town.


And the story of How I Came to Realize that I Never Published This Over The Weekend.

I am home this morning.

I really don't like to be subject to someone else's schedule and although I knew that this would be a "growth opportunity" for me, going back to work for someone else, I was ready to make the sacrifice of my annoyance for the paycheck.

However, last week I worked a total of 6.5 hours and we are starting out working half days this week. By the end of this afternoon, I might have made $100. Meanwhile, I'm working my tail off at home, developing a lesson plan to use, when I want to just jump right in and teach. There is more drama, but I'm really trying to make the best of things. I am trying to focus on the big picture, six months down the road when we have full enrollment and too much to do in a day. I'll be begging for the half days and leisure time.

Interesting Day

Well, it was short.

I was there from about 9:15 to 12:30. We wiped down toys, ran fliers to the two elementary schools, my church and a dental office and when we got back, we put toys away. Then we had some cookies and discussed where to put the hanging line in my classroom. Big decisions.

It was really a chance for the three of us (that will be working together at first) to get to know each other better. I think it will work out well, as long as I keep my mouth shut and don't take some things personally.

I am going to have an interesting time with the Director on several fronts, mostly the subject of religion. She has mentioned SEVERAL times that NOTHING can be of a religious nature and told us today (in conversation) that she doesn't celebrate Christmas. She's also not planning on having kids because they would cramp their lifestyle, lives with her boyfriend with no intentions of getting married, smokes and her cell phone ring starts with *itch. She's pleasant and professional, but it's going to be an interesting ride.

The Other Gal and I are a bit closer in lifestyles, I think, but she's never had kids. Her husband has two from another relationship/marriage, so she has to deal with all of the Step-family issues. I do think she is planning on having kids at some point. I don't know much else about her yet.

Anyway, I go in tomorrow for a few more hours, doing more prep work. Our real schedule will start on Monday.

Meanwhile, I have stories and pictures to share this weekend.

TGIF!!

First Day of Work 2008

IMG_5912, originally uploaded by CraftyMama11.

I had the kids take a couple of photos off the back porch this morning before I took them to school. This was one of the best ones.

I am off to work full-time again. For the first time in, almost exactly, to the day even, EIGHT years. Of course, this morning is different because I don't have to be there until about 9:30am and probably tomorrow morning as well. I don't even know how long we will be staying because the only child registered so far, doesn't start until next Monday.

So, I think we will be going house to house, hanging fliers or cleaning and organizing toys in the classrooms. I might even be done with my workday by the time I need to go pick the kids up at school.

While the short days might be nice for some, I'm ready to just jump right in the new routine. However, it's hard to do that without any kids in my class.

I'll post an update about how it went this afternoon or evening.