still on vacation

Nothing going on here except occasional rain showers as usual. I took Dan's mom to her Dr.'s appointment today - we were supposed to be there by 11:15 and left there at 1:30, then we went to lunch at Wendy's before I took her home. I finished an entire book while there:) I guess the morning was busy, but there weren't very many people in the waiting room.
Last week one day I spent in Ames so Laura could go to a Dr.'s appointment. Waiting there was more fun :). It is always good to see her and the kids, didn't run into Robert, then went to Des Moines to meet Lynne for supper and a short visit. I like those kinds of days. Yesterday I spent a little bit with Charley between when Greg went to work and Chelsey came home from work. He changes every day.
I had an eye dr appointment last week - for Sherrie - I have posterior vitreous detachment - means the fluid in the eye gets cloudy once in a while and acts like a floater. Nothing they can fix, and your brain covers it up after a while so you don't notice. I'm sorry Sherrie's was more serious, how's it going now? I didn't need lens changes.
I just got my school computer back from updates so now I can't put off doing school work very much longer. Wish I could get a schedule in mind, that's the biggest concern I have right now about the new job.
Other than that, I have been doing city band work, a rehearsal and concert each week. This week we have a substitute director, I hope it doesn't rain so we need to move the concert indoors, the director usually handles those arrangements and he's in DC. I've been reading a lot, so look for updates on my list soon.

vacation

School is out and I haven't had much time at home yet. Thursday and Friday I spent moving things at school. Monday and Tuesday I did committee work for school. We splurged and met at the local coffee shop so good lunches and beverages were available. We got lots done, so it was a good thing. Today I went back to school for a bit to organize shelves but couldn't do much as my laptop (ok, the school's laptop) is in getting updated and I couldn't get any of the room computers to recognize me. Then I worked in the band office. I finally finished creating the spreadsheet of all the pieces of music we have (was supposed to be a winter project) so all that remains is proof reading and editing. I washed the kitchen floor and now I'm doing this.
Sunday I attended a baby shower for Charley and got to hold him for a while. I always look forward to this.
I made two little quilt type wall hangings for Mae's door, but she hasn't seen them yet. I got the air conditioner installed in here, but this room really needs a good cleaning, especially after I dragged out the dust bunnies where the air conditioner was :). Maybe tomorrow?

This n' that

Happy June! It is Greg's birthday and Sharon & Bill's anniversary.
Dan and I did the Memorial Day cemetery concert yesterday. A bit more of a challenge to haul all the needed band equipment there in the car, than in the truck! The weather was beautiful and many people came. The cemetery is always so beautiful, especially with all the American flags flying. Very peaceful, as a place like that should be. The concert went ok, we didn't have enough chairs and the tubas are not used to playing standing up. After the concert we headed to Williamsburg for a little shopping. I got a couple of tops, an outfit for Charley and a birthday present for Greg from Harry and David's.
There are seven days of school left. It is hard to keep going when everyone around us is out. This week we will do final grades and in general finish testing for the year. My teachers have special projects going - in reading class we are acting out reader's theaters - fun to watch who likes to act and who can memorize lines and who thinks they are directing!
A lot of the stuff I don't use every day is packed in boxes awaiting the move to my new room. I "found" some things while cleaning files and cupboards.
I finally got my tomatoes up in the topsy turvy planters. I decided they needed to be higher this year so Dan put some hangers on the window frame of the downstairs bathroom. I got Greg to take out a storm window so I can water them from inside! I couldn't reach them from the ground, so couldn't be sure the water I was trying to give from the hose was going in.
Sunday we went to see the last Shrek movie. As we were waiting, Greg called to see if we wanted to babysit so he could work outside. We rushed right home after the movie and did get to spend about an hour with Charley. He is growing so fast and is pretty amazing. I hope he will be in a good mood when everyone gets to met him on Sunday.

Meet Charles Randel

I had a feeling yesterday was going to be the day. I took my phone to church, even. Got the first call before noon, that Greg and Chelsey were going to the hospital, but didn't know if they would stay. Greg was good about giving updates as Dan and I were at City hall, painting and cleaning in the band room. Finally got the call and got to meet the little guy. He's very special and the second of my two grandsons to be born on a Sunday.

Can you teach an old dog (er, gal) new tricks?

I had a surprise after school yesterday when I was called into the principal's office. She said, come in with an open mind. She preceded to offer me a "new" job. The administrative team wanted me to transfer to teaching a level 2 class for next year. For those of you not real familiar with special ed and levels, I have been teaching level 1, and most of the help has been in the general education classroom with a little bit of pull out. The new position is longer times of pullout and I'll be teaching the student's whole reading curriculum, or math curriculum, perhaps not using what the classroom is using. Groups will be small and the students will still go to a regular class for social studies and science instruction. The students are more handicapped than those I see now. As a matter of fact, I helped move several of these kids from the lesser restrictive environment to the more sheltered one this year, as these kids were just not making progress. The teacher currently leading the level 2 class is retiring and we will split the kids by grade level into 2 classes for next year.
I thought about it, weighed the options and decided to go for it. I will get a regular sized room in the fourth grade hallway with windows!!!!! I will have a program associate and hopefully they will grant my wish for which one. I lose co teaching with my favorite person, but at the same time don't have to co teach anymore with one I don't like as well. They pretty much told me I could keep this position until retirement.
So... I have to think about moving sometime during the summer. Hopefully this is a positive move for everyone involved. I always enjoy a new challenge!

Finally rescued

I think I am above water again, at least for a while. I have only two individual education plans still to write out of 23, and our visit by the state department of education is over. Apparently we passed - no citations at the elementary. We have hired a new superintendent, so that process is over. We still need to hire a principal here at the elementary and I may be involved with that, as my department usually is not good about volunteering.
At home the yard is looking better all the time with Dan spending some of each of his days out there. I wish I could think of something to make with creeping Charlie as we have tons of that. Spring truly has come and the trees look so pretty around town with all the beautiful blooms. Luckily no one at our house is bothered much by tree pollen.
Church activities also are waning. No more Wednesday night choir rehearsals, though we will still sing on Sundays and the last bell choir practice is this week, with a performance on Sunday. Kids Quest is over because of Little League.
We have begun saving money and looking for a second vehicle. Having just one has been inconvenient, but not impossible. It just cuts down on impulsive moves. My biggest problem is needing my jacket, which is in the car, which Dan has!
Counting down to Baby J's arrival!

Help! I'm drowning!

Lots of things I could post, even some pictures but am buried in school paperwork, so just know I'm still alive and I'll get to this soon.