This week has been a crazy week for the kids and I!
Monday - Tayler started preschool. I met with my 1st grade student teaching mentor teacher.
Tuesday - I studied ALL day while the kids were gone. Amazing how much you can get done when it's quiet!!
Wednesday - I took the kids to preschool 30 minutes before I was supposed to be at a student teaching seminar at my university. They were closed! Apparantly sometime Tuesday night someone stole all the copper electrical wiring, so they had no heat, water or electricity. I basically freaked out. It was one of those moments where I just couldn't take anymore stress and I started balling! Luckily my mom was home and had no plans (other than to clean her house) so she was able to save the day!! She watched the kids and I went to my seminar.
Today - I had another student teaching seminar at my school.
Tomorrow - MY STATE CERTIFICATION EXAM!! Am I ready? no. Have I studied a lot? Yes, given how difficult it is to study with two loud children and constant interruptions. I still have some things to review that I was hoping to do tonight but it doesn't look like Tayler is going to be very cooperative... she is being pretty needy. I think it's because we have been separated for 3 days. I am hoping I can keep my cool tonight. Sometimes that is hard when I have a lot of stress from school and the kids are cranky.
This weekend my plan is to clean the house so that next week it will all be done. We are hardly going to be here so there is no reason it should not stay clean!
Monday I am going to get a much needed hair cut. I have not had my hair cut since before Tayler was born!! The preschool is open so I am going to spend a day ALONE because I NEVER have alone time!! I need to get a comfy pair of shoes, a pair of jeans and a couple of tops. Shopping is much, much, much easier without children!
Well, that's it for now. Keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow and that I keep my sanity tonight!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
bad day turned good!!
Well, my day started pretty bad this morning. It was very different trying to get everyone up, fed and dressed and out of the house. (Tayler started preschool this morning!)
But, I am sitting her in such a GOOD mood!!
I just got back from meeting with my 1st grade mentor teacher I will be spending my 1st 6 weeks with, along with the assistant principal.
Last month, I was really upset about the placements I had been given. I had been given math-only placements in a school farther than I had expected. This was concerning for two reasons - 1. I will be certified in all subjects, not just math, so I NEED experience in all subjects. 2. A farther school = more gas = more money (keep in mind I will not be making a paycheck this semester.)
I prayed A LOT about it. I cried several times to God and asked him to please help me. I did what I learned to do when you can no longer handle something - I gave it to Him. I faught long and hard to have my placements changed and I couldn't deal with it anymore, so asked God to help me.
I read that God has 3 answers to prayers.
1. yes
2. no
3. I have something better planned.
I tried to stay positive and hope that He simply had something better planned. Well, he answered "yes" to one of my prayers - Last week I received notification that my 3rd grade math only placement had been changed to 1st grade all subjects.
Many future teachers want to work at the "good" "rich" schools. This past year, I decided that I would like to try working at a Title 1 school.
(A Title 1 schools receives federal funding because they have a high percentage of low-income families, typically 40% or more.)
In Title 1 schools, the students are typically at-risk for falling behind. The home life isn't always great and parent involvelment in academics is often low. A while back, I decided I didn't want to work in an upper class school. I want to work somewhere that I know I can make a difference in children's lives.
Well, today I found out that the school I have been placed at is a Title 1 school. So, God had something better planned for me, that's why I was left at my original placement. That's what I believe anyways. I gave my problems to Him and he answered them. :)
After meeting with my mentor teacher and the assistant principal, I am SOOO excited about starting next week! I cannot wait!! (I am also ready to have a routine and be in a place away from food all day so I can start shedding those pounds! ;) )
Anways, today's rough start has turned into a wonderful day!! and I just wanted to share my excitement with you!
But, I am sitting her in such a GOOD mood!!
I just got back from meeting with my 1st grade mentor teacher I will be spending my 1st 6 weeks with, along with the assistant principal.
Last month, I was really upset about the placements I had been given. I had been given math-only placements in a school farther than I had expected. This was concerning for two reasons - 1. I will be certified in all subjects, not just math, so I NEED experience in all subjects. 2. A farther school = more gas = more money (keep in mind I will not be making a paycheck this semester.)
I prayed A LOT about it. I cried several times to God and asked him to please help me. I did what I learned to do when you can no longer handle something - I gave it to Him. I faught long and hard to have my placements changed and I couldn't deal with it anymore, so asked God to help me.
I read that God has 3 answers to prayers.
1. yes
2. no
3. I have something better planned.
I tried to stay positive and hope that He simply had something better planned. Well, he answered "yes" to one of my prayers - Last week I received notification that my 3rd grade math only placement had been changed to 1st grade all subjects.
Many future teachers want to work at the "good" "rich" schools. This past year, I decided that I would like to try working at a Title 1 school.
(A Title 1 schools receives federal funding because they have a high percentage of low-income families, typically 40% or more.)
In Title 1 schools, the students are typically at-risk for falling behind. The home life isn't always great and parent involvelment in academics is often low. A while back, I decided I didn't want to work in an upper class school. I want to work somewhere that I know I can make a difference in children's lives.
Well, today I found out that the school I have been placed at is a Title 1 school. So, God had something better planned for me, that's why I was left at my original placement. That's what I believe anyways. I gave my problems to Him and he answered them. :)
After meeting with my mentor teacher and the assistant principal, I am SOOO excited about starting next week! I cannot wait!! (I am also ready to have a routine and be in a place away from food all day so I can start shedding those pounds! ;) )
Anways, today's rough start has turned into a wonderful day!! and I just wanted to share my excitement with you!
Morning Routine?
Today was a big day for our household. Today was Tayler's first day of preschool, so today was my first day of having to get everyone up, fed and dressed. Let's just say everyone was a little cranky this morning....
I have devoted this week to trying to get us in a routine. Next week I start student teaching and I don't want to try and figure everything out the first morning.
Last night I packed my lunch and snacks and that was a huge chore in itself. I will be home this afternoon but I wanted to try to start getting used to all of my new responsibilities.
This morning was a trial run and I realized we definitely need work! I am so used to taking Colton to preschool with Tayler and I in our pajamas and now Tayler and I have to be dressed! That's over an extra hour needed!
I definitely did not realize how out of a routine we were until this morning. I am hoping that the rest of the week can lead us into more smooth sailing. I thought that I would be able to exercise in the mornings but after this morning, I am thinking that is not going to work out so well...
I have devoted this week to trying to get us in a routine. Next week I start student teaching and I don't want to try and figure everything out the first morning.
Last night I packed my lunch and snacks and that was a huge chore in itself. I will be home this afternoon but I wanted to try to start getting used to all of my new responsibilities.
This morning was a trial run and I realized we definitely need work! I am so used to taking Colton to preschool with Tayler and I in our pajamas and now Tayler and I have to be dressed! That's over an extra hour needed!
I definitely did not realize how out of a routine we were until this morning. I am hoping that the rest of the week can lead us into more smooth sailing. I thought that I would be able to exercise in the mornings but after this morning, I am thinking that is not going to work out so well...
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The Bottom Half
In anticipation of beginning student teaching in just over a week, I began trying on clothes, washing and organizing them. I must say, I am pretty excited to start! I feel like a kid who is excited for the first day of school trying to figure out what all I am going to wear. :)
So, after trying on clothes, I realized something.... I can't see my bottom half! Kyle and I haven't really gone out since we have had kids so I haven't really gotten dressed up much in the past few years. I just realized today that I NEED a full body mirror. I have no idea what the bottom half of my body looks like, if my shoes match, etc. I am also wondering if this could have been a subtle contribution to my weight gain since I really don't see what my entire body looks like.
So, my goal for this week is to try and find an inexpensive full size mirror that I can hang up. :)
So, after trying on clothes, I realized something.... I can't see my bottom half! Kyle and I haven't really gone out since we have had kids so I haven't really gotten dressed up much in the past few years. I just realized today that I NEED a full body mirror. I have no idea what the bottom half of my body looks like, if my shoes match, etc. I am also wondering if this could have been a subtle contribution to my weight gain since I really don't see what my entire body looks like.
So, my goal for this week is to try and find an inexpensive full size mirror that I can hang up. :)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Food Allergies!?
A few months ago, Tayler broke out in hives all over her body that only lasted for a few minutes. When I took her to the doctor, they said it could be anything... food allergies, her body's reaction to a virus, her reaction to something she breathed in, etc. We thought it was ketchup but she hasn't had a problem with ketchup. When she eats, the area around her mouth usually gets red but we thought it was just her having sensitive skin. None of us (me, kyle or Colton) have food allergies so we didn't think that's what it could be. So, today the kids had chicken nuggest, grapes, carrots, cauliflower and ranch. This is not the first time Tayler has eaten ranch with her veggies. She usually gets red on her face when the ranch gets on it, just like with the ketchup. Today, I gave her light ranch instead of the regular ranch. During and after lunch, this is what she looked like...
(left arm - the ranch did NOT get on her arm)
So, I am thinking she may be allergic to ranch or something that is in it, especially the light ranch. She is going to the doctor tomorrow for vaccinations so I am going to see what she says and if they can do any tests.
When Tayler was about 2 weeks old, she developed an allergy to the milk protein in my breast milk. She eventually grew out of it. She drinks whole milk and doesn't have any problems with it, as well as yogurt and cheese, so I am wondering if there is a specific ingredient that she may be allergic to. For now I will rely on Benadryl and hope we can figure out what's causing her to break out!
update: I compared the ingredients in ketchup, ranch and light ranch. They all have dried onion. The light ranch also has onion puree and today when she had the light ranch, she broke out all over (in the pictures.) She also broke out when she had salsa, which usually has onions. So, I am thinking she may be allergic to onions....
(her face - everywhere the ranch touches, including her forehead, she breaks out.)
(left arm - the ranch did NOT get on her arm)(right arm - this happened about 5 minutes after she was done and out of her chair; you can also see her little thumb all red)
So, I am thinking she may be allergic to ranch or something that is in it, especially the light ranch. She is going to the doctor tomorrow for vaccinations so I am going to see what she says and if they can do any tests.
When Tayler was about 2 weeks old, she developed an allergy to the milk protein in my breast milk. She eventually grew out of it. She drinks whole milk and doesn't have any problems with it, as well as yogurt and cheese, so I am wondering if there is a specific ingredient that she may be allergic to. For now I will rely on Benadryl and hope we can figure out what's causing her to break out!
update: I compared the ingredients in ketchup, ranch and light ranch. They all have dried onion. The light ranch also has onion puree and today when she had the light ranch, she broke out all over (in the pictures.) She also broke out when she had salsa, which usually has onions. So, I am thinking she may be allergic to onions....
So excited!
So, I just received notification of a change to my student teaching placements. I will still be at the same school but instead of doing 3rd and 5th grade mathematics, I will now be doing...
1st grade - all subjects (where the kids stay with the same teacher all day)
&
5th grade - mathematics
I am VERY happy about my new arrangements. It is very important for me to have experience in more than just math. Even though I love math, I will be certified in every subject and will most likely get a job where I have to teach multiple subjects. So, I am happy about the change. In addition, I now get to see the very young age group and the old age group of my certification area.
I will be starting January 18th. Next week I will be transitioning Tayler into daycare so that she can get adjusted to it through shorter days and so that I can get some things done before I have to start (like a hair cut, trying on clothes by myself, taking my state exam, etc.)
I am SO excited about the near future! I love my children dearly and I know it will be hard to be away from them for long days but I must admit, I am excited about having a life outside of the home.
(p.s. They just opened a position at the school I am student teaching at. Wouldn't that be awesome if it was still open in a few months and I got it!?!? ;) )
1st grade - all subjects (where the kids stay with the same teacher all day)
&
5th grade - mathematics
I am VERY happy about my new arrangements. It is very important for me to have experience in more than just math. Even though I love math, I will be certified in every subject and will most likely get a job where I have to teach multiple subjects. So, I am happy about the change. In addition, I now get to see the very young age group and the old age group of my certification area.
I will be starting January 18th. Next week I will be transitioning Tayler into daycare so that she can get adjusted to it through shorter days and so that I can get some things done before I have to start (like a hair cut, trying on clothes by myself, taking my state exam, etc.)
I am SO excited about the near future! I love my children dearly and I know it will be hard to be away from them for long days but I must admit, I am excited about having a life outside of the home.
(p.s. They just opened a position at the school I am student teaching at. Wouldn't that be awesome if it was still open in a few months and I got it!?!? ;) )
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Preparing for the Important Test
I am currently preparing for my state certification exam that will allow me to be a licensed educator. I am scheduled to take my exam on Friday, January 14th. I am starting my student teaching the following week so I wanted to get it out of the way so that (if I pass) I can focus completely on student teaching and spend my time in the evenings with the kids and not studying.
I made sure to schedule my courses where I would not have to take any classes this semester. I just do not want, or need, the extra stress. The next month will bring a new, and possibly difficult, transition for all of us. The kids will no longer spend most of their time with me, Kyle will have an increased role in at-home duties and I will be, for the first time in over two years, out of the house on a daily basis. Although the next few months will be different and difficult, I am looking forward to the good things that will come from it.
Tonight I did a practice test to gauge where my weaknesses and stengths are so I know what to focus my studying on for the my state certification exam. I had no idea the exam would be so difficult. I definitely have my work cut out for me the next 11 days! I am hoping that I am able to prepare enough for it. I am definitely worried now!
So, my week will be spent with my nose buried in study guides! FUN! (not) :)
I made sure to schedule my courses where I would not have to take any classes this semester. I just do not want, or need, the extra stress. The next month will bring a new, and possibly difficult, transition for all of us. The kids will no longer spend most of their time with me, Kyle will have an increased role in at-home duties and I will be, for the first time in over two years, out of the house on a daily basis. Although the next few months will be different and difficult, I am looking forward to the good things that will come from it.
Tonight I did a practice test to gauge where my weaknesses and stengths are so I know what to focus my studying on for the my state certification exam. I had no idea the exam would be so difficult. I definitely have my work cut out for me the next 11 days! I am hoping that I am able to prepare enough for it. I am definitely worried now!
So, my week will be spent with my nose buried in study guides! FUN! (not) :)
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