Crazy Stuff

As for the Pool

Declan and two of his friends said that yesterday was "the best day of their lives!" They had sooo much fun! We squeezed 6 kids in that pool, then I went and bought a bigger version. You can see Declan trying it out last night.

As for the Panic

My hustling paid off! I have TWO interviews next week at both middle schools in my district - wowsa. Let me say ----I'm ecstatic. I met many a sub this year that said they couldn't even land one interview after subbing all year. I am most thankful for some wonderful teachers who have stepped forward on my behalf to talk with administration about me. It would be amazing if I landed a job in this district as it is one of the best in the state. It has fantastic community support. Now, I just need to work my butt off this weekend getting prepared. The interview process is fairly long and complex as far as interviews go: a "panel" interview, timed written assignment, and fianlly -you actually teach a lesson to the interview panel!

I'm also hustling to put together application packets for another local district that just listed about 10 new middle school jobs. It seems like it takes hours to put together applications for each district. Oh how I miss the days of simply submitting a resume.

Pools and Panic

The Pool

The boys had sooo much fun. 88 degrees today. Summer has really arrived. I guess I need to move the pool into more direct sunlight though :)

"The Twins" after their swim. They were just delighted to find matching outfits in Declans closet.

The Panic

Came today when I received and email informing me that my application never made it into the official "pool" of applicants. My Mentor Teacher from last year contacted her Principal on my behalf only to be told I wasn't on the "list" (list, pool...whatever) After emails, scrambling and phone calls to the main office I was eventually put onto the official list. They're setting up interviews, so I guess I'll hear in a day or two. My MT said the Principal wants to talk with her about me tomorrow. Lets hope that goes well! I am a little perplexed because I did personally give the Principal a letter of interest and resume a couple of weeks ago...then again I'm sure she is swamped. Also I applied for four different jobs at the other middle school in the district and I know they scheduled interviews last week...wondering if this is why I didn't get a call???

Goyaałé

I have had a few students like this :)

These are the days...

When I am so thankful to be a parent. Declan returned from his camping trip and we just had the best day ever. We hung out and didn't leave the house. He built me some very cool bionicles. Here we were playing with numbers. I bought these poker chips to use with addition and subtraction. He really likes math and will play anytime. He can also spell words; we used chalk on the sidewalk. He has been doing simple math and writing words for a year now, but I have NEVER, and I mean NEVER been able to get him to attempt to sound out a word. He just won't do it. I don't get it. He claims he can read though :)

Hope everyone else is enjoying their weekend. BTW, he came home today with a Shrek 3 toy from McD's and he loves it. Guess he just doesn't like ninja turtles!

His buddy Solomon arrived at about 7:30 tonight for a sleep-over so lots more fun to come.

Selective or Spoiled

So, I'm wondering about Declan. For the first time, he has "rejected" toys. I mean has ZERO interest, won't even open them. A month ago we went to McD's and they had TMT toys, he did not even open them. He said he didn't like them. He didn't complain or ask for a new toy. I just noticed the bag was unopened and asked about it. That happened twice with those Ninja toys, I thought it was strange but then he has never heard of TMNT or TMT (I guess you shouldn't use abbreviations if you're uncertain about the correct ones) So much for saving time.

I am talking about Teenage Mutant.... you get it right?

Anyway, yesterday we were at the dentist office and they offered him some toy and he said "no thanks" The guy goes back and gets a big package of 5 power ranger "type" action figures. Declan again says "no thanks". They give them to me and say, he's so shy I'm sure he'll want them later. I've asked twice and nope he isn't interested. I still have them unopened in the package.

I do buy him toys on a fairly regular basis, but they're not extravagant. Case in point: He returned from Seattle to a new set of about 100 Pokemon cards. His response? "Oh Wow! They're awesome. Thanks! Did you get them at Goodwill?"

And yes, I did get them at Goodwill, along with about 8oo other cards which I now have to get rid of (Magic and Yu-gi-oh cards mostly) I bought a shoe box full for 4.00. For those who don't know, one pack of cards - NINE CARDS- sells for 2.99. It was a great deal. AND I have someone who wants to buy the Yu-gi-oh cards for 20.00. BTW can I send them back with you Marla on Sunday? She lives in your town :)

That's it for my latest entry. Selective or Spoiled? Maybe selectively spoiled?

Have a "friend" coming over that I haven't seen in about a year. One of my X's. Last time he was very flirtatious and such, I really hope I don't have to endure that again. It is very awkward when you're watching a movie and a guy just slides over and puts his arm around you...unless you're expecting / desiring it :0

What's that about!

This morning I woke up in the middle of a crazy and depressing dream:

I was on a ship that was sailing into a hurricane. For some reason we could not turn back. I was frantically trying to sew my son's life jacket back together because it was coming apart. I felt absolutely frantic.

Then I woke up; what a crappy way to start your day.

Declan is currently camping with his grandparents, so I couldn't even make myself feel better by giving him a big hug :(

And how is your Friday going?

quick update

Sorry to keep you hanging :)

The Principal was sick on Monday, so the observation didn't work. I was however well prepared I had practiced about 15 times. However, I suppose it still works to my favor that she was willing / interested to stop by and observe. Still waiting on a call about interviews! The good news is that my lesson on Monday went really well and I'll use it if I do get an interview. In this district, you teach a lesson to the interview board :0

More later.

summers here!

That, my friends, is a Poke Ball. I just love boy toys!

Wish me luck!

On Monday a Principal will be coming in to watch me teach a lesson. Kind of a pre-interview thing. I have issues with nerves!!! eeeek. I'm really working on thinking positive thoughts. Unfortunately I don't think the real me comes across very well in interviews due to nerves :( This is a GREAT opportunity. I am subbing for my old mentor teacher and will have the weekend to prep the lesson. I expect it will go well :) Positive thoughts remember. Lots of jobs (considering) at my local district. 4 jobs at the middle schools...I really hope one turns out to be mine. Problem is you never know who the other candidates are. They get around SIXTY applications per job - ugh. So it helps that this Principal knows my name and said I was the "preferred sub of her 8th grade team". The only problem is that 3 of the 4 jobs are for 6th grade. I would LOVE - I mean LOVE to teach 6th grade, but I'm worried that they see me as a 8th grade teacher. Time will tell. Pray, think good thoughts or do whatever it is you do :)

Enjoy the weekend. I'm off to see Spider Man 3.

More pictures

Another photo from his birthday. Still loves his Bionicles.
He surprised me with this lovely flower yesterday. He can just melt my heart. How did he create that? He just amazes me; he is getting so big.

When he came home on Sunday and saw the new bathroom, he squealed with delight and ran to hug me, proclaiming "Thank you sooo much Mom. You're the best!" Who knew a bathroom would mean so much to a 5 year old???? More photos of the bathroom coming. I am most proud of that room as it is the only room that really feels completely finished...maybe I mean completely CLEAN and organized!

Keep reading - I actually did TWO posts today :)

I'm back..

Things have been a little crazy, more house remodeling, job hunting, a birthday, and the whole work thing. Declan told me just the other day that he doesn't want me to get a job "we can just eat Granny and Poppa's food." He is really dreading the whole full-time daycare / school thing next year :(

Declan and the two rats we kept. I'm getting a little tired of them, but he loves them.

An organizational project Declan decided to do ???????

Last weekends bathroom remodel. I'm not sure how I ended up with the whole design, it's not my style, but a big improvement from the bare drywall. I found a cute toothbrush holder and soap dispenser at Walmart and things just went from there. I guess it is kind of a jungle theme. AND we now have a DOOR!!! I've had a curtain in the doorway for two years now...laziness. Anyway my future guests will be pleased.

A gift from an 8th grade student. I'm not sure what message he was trying to send, but I thought it was pretty funny.

Declan and Solomon on his birthday :)