Flying the Coop

Well, it's that time again to say "bye bye birdies!" Last night, they came to get the chickens from two of the houses. They started at 6:30 and finished about 11:00 last night. Because it got dark early and it was so cold, they were able to start earlier than they ever had and were able to finish in a decent time. So, Kevin started the clean out process today. My cousin, Mark, came down today to help Kevin. Mark's on vacation right now from work, and wanted to come help out. I think he was bored and just wanted to come play. Anyway, they have been working all afternoon and at 6:10 pm, they are still out working. I know that Kevin greatly appreciates the help. It's a long, hard, and smelly process.

I've haven't see this door of the
houses opened before. I missed
that last year.

It looks different without chickens.

As you can see, a few escaped!

Unfortunately for them, their fate will

be the same as those that left last night.

Kevin hard at work.

Merry Christmas!

Yes, I realize that Christmas was last Friday, but I just haven't made the time to blog about it yet. I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and were able to enjoy spending time with family. We will soon watch another new year come in and a old year go out. This is a summary of our Christmas.

Wednesday, Dec.23rd: We headed to Greer. We were having Christmas in Anderson with my dad's side of the family, Susan, Dan, Tim, and Amanda. Kevin wanted to stop by the lake first to see how much the water had come up since we last saw it in September. Major difference from what it was this time last year. There was almost no water and this year it's over the full stage. Then we headed back up to Anderson to enjoy Christmas was family for the evening.

Thursday, Dec.24th: We had Christmas with my mom's side of the family in Berea at Keith, Felicia and Emily's house with Papa. We enjoyed lunch and spending time together for the afternoon before coming back home.

Emily and Todo

Friday, Dec.25th: That morning we opened presents with my parents. Then some more family came over for lunch. Kevin and I headed back home that afternoon. Friday night, we opened presents with each other and Abby. Abby got a lot of toys and treats this year. She must have been a good little dog.

Saturday, Dec.26th: That evening we had Christmas with Kevin's family. It's normally very loud and kind of crazy with 5 kids and 10 adults, but it was very calm this year. The kids had a good time.

As you can see, Riggs has grown a lot!

He gets bigger every time I see him.

Even though it was very busy, it didn't seem rushed to me. I felt like each day we were able to spend some good quality time with the people we were with. Kevin and I had a wonderful Christmas being able to spend it with family and each other. We are so blessed to both have such loving and caring families!

Christmas Hightlights:

*Kevin's friend, Eric Smith, proposed to his girlfriend, Crissie, on Christmas Eve. Congrats!

*Kevin's cousin, Dave Barry, proposed to his girlfriend, Tara, on Christmas Eve. Congrats!

*No dates have been set yet for either wedding!

*Kevin's cousin, Nicole Phillips, had her baby girl yesterday! She was due Jan.7th, so little Miss Georgia came early! Congrats!

Baby Harter has arrived!

Baby Harter has finally arrived! Addison Grace called "Addie Grace" was born December 18, 2009 at 11:18 am. She was 9 lbs. 2 oz. and 21" long. Both baby and mom are doing great. They are back at home. Congratulations Rhett and Jodi on the birth of your baby girl! She is blessed to have such wonderful parents as you two will be!

You can view pictures of Addie Grace at this website: The pictures will be up until the 2nd of Jan. http://www.bellababyphotography.com/login
password: addiegrace1218

I thought this was a really cool website to post baby pictures. I have never seen this before.

Christmas Break is Here!

No, we didn't see snow yesterday or anything close to it, but it rained enough that I had to get my boat to drive home from school. However, in Greer, it was a different story.

11:15 am yesterday, I was singing and jumping about, because my Christmas break had begun. The kids were all gone and I was free for the next 2 weeks. I called my dad after the kids were gone and found out that they wouldn't be able to come down to visit yesterday because they had gotten snow, sleet, and lots of it. The roads were really bad. I talked to my mom this morning and she said that it had snowed all night, but they were planning on come down today. The roads were clearing up and it didn't seem too bad to travel.

Last night I watched two holiday movies that were very good. One was on the Lifetime channel called "Holiday Switch" and it was about this girl that married her high school sweetheart, had two kids and were happy, however they didn't have a lot of money and were struggling to make payments on their bills. She went out shopping and ran into her old boyfriend (the one she dated before her husband) and he was very rich and successful. She started feeling like she had made the wrong choice. One night she went into the basement to do laundry and her a voice coming from the washing machine, opened the door and crawled through. Taking her to an alternate world where she was married to the rich guy instead. What she found out was that she still wasn't happy having all the money because her rich husband had cheated on her with the woman he was married to in the "real" life, and she realized that the life she did have was pretty great. She ends up getting back to her normal life and is very happy. The lesson she learned was that you can have everything in the world but if you don't have love, you have nothing.

The second movie I watched was called "The Nativity Story" it had come out about three years ago, but it was about Mary and Joesph. It was Biblical correct for the most part, but it was interesting to me because Lee had just preached about this last Sunday. But what it showed was how difficult it was for Mary and Joesph to bring baby Jesus into the world and the hardships they had to go through. They were shunned by family and friends from the beginning and had many trials apart and together. But it all worked out for God's ultimate, wonderful plan. I highly recommend both movies if you have a chance to watch them.

A Visit From Santa

This morning I was in the middle of teaching math, when who wants into my classroom....but the jolly guy himself...Santa! I was just as surprised as my kids were I think. I was standing near the wall that has the door to my classroom, but I was behind a cabinet, so I couldn't see the door. I heard the door open, and when I looked around to see who it was, Santa comes walking in. He went around and spoke to each one of the kids. (Their expressions were priceless! They were shocked at first, then had the biggest grin on their faces; even those that for the past 2 weeks had been saying that they didn't believe in Santa were grinning from ear to ear). Santa got to my last row of kids, and asked one little boy if he had been good. His reply was "no, I've been naughty... never a truer statement had been said. This particular little boy has driven me in sane along with everyone else, he has been very, very naughty. (He was one of the ones that got suspended last week). Santa told him that he had better be good because Christmas was coming. Then, Santa gave me a big hug and left to head back to the North Pole.


Tomorrow night they are calling for freezing rain, sleet, and possible snow flurries here. I won't hold my breath. My parents are suppose to come down for the weekend tomorrow. My dad's birthday is the 21st, so Saturday we were going to celebrate his birthday. Hopefully, the bad weather, if we get any, will hold off down here and in Greenville and anywhere in between until they can arrive safely.

Tomorrow is my last day before Christmas break. Yippee!!!!! The kids leave at 11:30, but they start calling buses at 11:15. We have a Christmas program and our class Christmas party (which a few naughty boys will be doing work instead of joining in on the fun). So tomorrow, should be a short and fun day for all.

Expect the Unexpected

This morning Lee started a series at church and I wanted to share with you what he preached on this morning. It was something that I was able to really identify with and I have a feeling that some of you will be able to as well.

*Luke 1:26-38

-When God shows up unexpected there's fear, overwhelmed, and anxiety. (Been there before?)

-The unexpected scares you. "Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be" -Luke 1:29

-What unexpected assignment has God given you that has scared you?
-sharing the gospel with a friend
-giving when it doesn't seem like you have enough to give
-a career transition
-foreign mission field

-Expect the unexpected with God and do not be afraid...
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever". -Isaiah 9:6-7

-The unexpected overwhelms you "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" Luke 1:34

-The unexpected sometimes leaves you with a sense of inadequacy and impossibility.

-It's not what you believe, but Who you believe in that makes it happen.

-The unexpected moves you to action. "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8

As humans, we like to be the one in control. I like to be in control. I am the person in control in my classroom and when things start to get out of control, I get overwhelmed and do what I can to get the control back. Just the same as in my life outside of school. I like to have a plan for everything and for things to go in order, step by step. But being a teacher we have to learn how to be flexible and to expect the unexpected, just like in other areas of my life. Something Lee said this morning was "that when something unexpectedly happens to you, it wasn't a surprise to God, He planned it". He will calm our fears during a time of anxiousness and uncertainty. He is above all and will help us through whatever unexpected task or challenge that is thrown our way. We just have to remember to have faith in Him. He is never out of control and will control whatever is going on in our lives. It's hard not to worry or stress when life gets off track or when you are unsure as to what the future will hold; whether is the short future or distance future. We have to remember to pray for God's help in remembering that He will take of it and will take care of us. My past experience is that God always shows up and shows out unexpectedly and it always ends up being far better than I could have imgaine.

"For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:38

And you wonder why I'm crazy?!

Wednesday was a whirlwind of a day for me at school. It all began.......

8:30 am-During math, my students were working in groups comparing kilograms to pounds. One group had 2 boys and 2 girls. Boy 1 got made at boy 2 because boy 2 had knocked the weights off the scale. So boy 2 told boy 1 to do it himself. Boy 1 started throwing weights at boy 2. So boy 2 started pushing boy 1 and they kept going back and forth until I saw what was going on. I questioned both boys and sent them to the office. I questioned my girls to find out what had gone on. Both boys stayed in the office for about 40 minutes, then returned.

9:15 am-In the mean time, boy 3 and a girl were getting into a fuse, and the girl was in tears (this had been going on for awhile with these two) so I sent the girl to the guidance counselor to talk it out.

9:30 am- Boy 2 asks if he can go to the bathroom. Yes, I say. He returns, then my phone rings. It's a first grade teacher, telling me that boy 2 was in the bathroom throwing wet toilet paper up onto the ceiling (which for those that don't know, it sticks and stays on the ceiling, doesn't come back down). She told me that she told boy 2 she was going to call me and call Mrs. Selvey (the principal). So I question boy 2 about what happened in the bathroom and informed boy 2 that he had not gotten off to a good start to the day.

9:30-11:40 am- continue to have problems with boy 2 and with a few other students having to constantly remind them to sit correctly in their seat, stop talking while I was teaching, stop chasing one another around the classroom, do their work, stop playing around....etc, etc, etc.

11:40 am- boy 3 comes back to me from resource. He tells me that boy 4 needs to come with him to the resource room to get his ring back that boy 3 had stolen from him. (boy 4 wasn't at school on Tuesday and boy 3 find a ring of his and took it and put it in his book bag, without me knowing). So, off both boys go.

11:50 am- boy 1and boy 5 get into a fight at recess. Both boys are hitting one another, punching each other, boy 5 body slams boy 1 onto the ground (mind you, it had rained that morning, so they are on wet sand), then both boys are rolling around on the ground fighting. So, I, along with another 3rd grade teacher, go running over to them. They stop when we get there. I walk both boys to the office, asking them "what in the world were you thinking?" and asking for them to inform me of what started this fight. Boy 5 tells me that boy 1 was messing with him and wouldn't stop, so he hit him. Boy 1 said he didn't do anything or say anything. (boy 1 never starts it or does anything, but always seems to be guilty...hmmm....) I told them I was very disappointed in them and that I was not at all happy with them.

12:15 pm- Lunch: realize that boy 3 never came back from the resource teacher but boy 4 did. I ask boy 4 what happened, and he said that boy 3 got into trouble with the resource teacher. So I sent boy 4 to get boy 3 for lunch. He comes back and tells me that boy 3 is in the hallway with the resource teacher. I go out there and the resource teacher tells me that she's taking him to the office, because he stole the other boy's ring, was playing with it during her class. She didn't tell boy 3 to come get boy 4, so he lied to me as well, boy 3 came to get boy 4 because he wanted him to get into trouble because he threatened boy 3 because he stole his ring.

12:20 pm- Lunch: I have to get onto boy 2 about playing fighting at the lunch table. Tell him to stop and he continues, so he gets moved to a new spot.

12:30 pm- Lunch, leaving lunch and Mrs. McCormick didn't get to eat lunch.

1:00 pm-lining up to go to library, I have to get onto boy 2 again, this time I tell boy 2 that I'm calling his daddy. I take the kids to library, and boy 2 and I go to call his dad. Left a message. Send boy 2 back to the library. A few minutes later, boy 2's dad calls, I inform boy 2's dad what had happened that day (the dad works at the high school and is a football coach). Dad informs me that he will be over there in 20 minutes. Dad comes and gets boy 2 and they go to the parking lot to "talk", then dad brings him back.

1:45 pm- In the office, with my two other boys, and boy 5 asks me if they are going to get a write up. I say yes, I just haven't had the chance to write one yet. So, I start to fill it out for both boys.

2:00 pm- Pick up class from library (had planned on eating lunch during this time, but didn't get the chance)

2:30 pm- Mrs. Selvey calls the students that got a write up to the office everyday at this time to deliver their punishment. She calls " Boy 1, Boy 2, Boy 3, Boy 5, and boy that isn't in my class". So, 4 out of 5 of the write ups for Wednesday came from my class. The other boy was a third grader in a different class.

2:45 pm- Kids leave, thank the Lord! Results....
-Boy 1: 3 days suspended due to it was his third write up for fighting, so he will be back on Tuesday.

-Boy 2: 2 days of after school detention, Thursday and Monday, cleaning bathrooms.

-Boy 3: 2 days suspended for minor theft charge.

-Boy 5: 2 days suspended for fighting.

3:00 pm-Mrs. McCormick gets to enjoy her lunch, sit down, and listen to sounds of an empty classroom.

TODAY......
Today was a very enjoyable day and probably the first day in a very long time that I actually enjoyed being at school and teaching. A very pleasant day. And tomorrow will be the same. Monday won't be too bad with boy 1 still out. But then, Tuesday....trying to hold down the fort until Friday. Also, Friday being a half day and Christmas program and class party, boy 1, 3,5 have lost the chance to go to the program and party and boy 2 the program. I have 6 days left of this madness! Thankfully I have 2 days off before it begins again.

Christmas Time is Coming

I have 9 more full days and 1 1/2 left until Christmas break. All last week, it was crazy! It was a full moon everyday. The students were very talkative and excited. They were trying to calm down after their days off from Thanksgiving break and with Christmas just around the corner.....with 18 students.......yeah.....it's hard to keep things quiet. Friday, was actually the best day that I had all week. I guess by then they were tired; normally Fridays are pretty loud, because each day of the week, they get more and more worked up. We did have a little chat Friday morning about even though Christmas was coming and we had two more weeks of school before Christmas break, we had much to learn and we still needed to follow class and school rules. (I know what a mean teacher, but hey, I have to survive it too.) Last week, the students thought that they could just do whatever they wanted for some strange reason. Anyway...enough about school.

I am so thankfully for the weekends. I was able to sleep in this morning. Kevin came home at lunch and made me get up off the couch and work. :0) He helped me clean the house. After, he left I sat back down again to enjoy some more tv watching. Saturdays, watching tv, is my way of de-stressing from a hard week, and since we don't have any kids yet, it's very quiet and I can enjoy watching tv movies (I know one day that will change), just Abby and me. I did go to the store and do some school work, like grade papers. We both watched the SEC and ACC championship. I was so hoping that Florida would win, but let's face it, they just didn't play well at all this afternoon. I'm taking a break from the ACC game and I hope that Clemson pulls out a win. It's half time right now and they are 17-13 GA Tech. I also hope that Texas looses tonight too. It's been cold all this week and I'm glad. It finally seems like the holiday season that it is cold. My mom said that they were calling for snow in Greer, today, but they didn't get any. I so hope that this year when it snows, it will stick and I will get a day off from school to play. An item that has been on my Christmas list ever since I was a little girl was to see a white Christmas, to wake up Christmas morning and the ground to be covered with snow. But normally in the Greenville area, our snow comes in January-March. Our biggest snows normally come in March, crazy isn't it? Some areas out west and up north have already begun to get snow. Maybe this year we will get lucky with a good snow, you can always hope.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kevin and I headed up to Greer on Wednesday morning to spend some time with my family for Thanksgiving. Wednesday I started Christmas shopping and Kevin helped my dad chop up a tree that he had cut down. That night we helped my mom prepare food for our Thanksgiving lunch at my aunt Ann's house. Every year, since I can remember, we have always had my mom's side of the family Thanksgiving at Ann and Bobby's house. Thursday, we started our traditional day by watching some of the parade while we finished preparing the food and getting ready. We spent the entire afternoon over at their house, as always. This year, though we were 8 people short for Thanksgiving. We had plenty of food left over for everyone to get a plate to carry home. Friday, my mom and I ventured to Khols' at about 8:00 am (neither one of use likes to get up early or shop). We were so pleased with how well we did. By 10:00 I had almost bought all my Christmas gifts and had saved about $200 worth! Friday night, we had Thanksgiving with my dad's side of the family, Susan, Dan, Tim, and Amanda. This morning, my mom and I went out to finish up Christmas shopping. We were both amazed at the fact there was no traffic, lines, or people out shopping! After we finished shopping and came home, I helped decorate the tree while Kevin, Papa, and my Dad watched the Clemson/Carolina. I didn't watch one minute of the game! And yes, Kevin was very happy about the end result, but neither one of us has spoken to each other about the game. We left to come home after the game. Since we have been home, I have been busy putting away my fall stuff and now the house looks ready for Christmas. We are just missing our tree, which we will get sometime this coming week. Tomorrow, we have Thanksgiving with Kevin's side of the family, then it will be back to work or school mode I guess I should say.

Kevin and I are so blessed to both have such wonderful families! We are so blessed to have each other and just are truly thankful for all that God had blessed us with. We are both so thankful to have a God that loves us and is in control and that we can put our faith and trust in. He is good at all times. There is nothing that He cannot do!

*On a serious and tragic note, Friday night we were informed that our former preacher of Taylors First Baptist Church, Dr. Frank Page, his oldest of three daughters, committed suicide Friday afternoon. She had fought a hard battle with cancer about a year ago and had been cancer free for a year and a half. The cancer wasn't back, but she and her husband had been having marital problems. They had been married for about 3-4 years. They had either separated or thought about it and she shot herself in the chest in her bathroom. I'm posting this for you to keep the family in your prayers. I can't imagine what they are going through and what she had gone through that drove her to that point of seeing no other way out. So, please keep that family in your prayers.

Tis the Season

Well, Thanksgiving is almost here! Tuesday at 2:45 my Thanksgiving break will begin. We are going to visit my family in Greer, then come back to have Thanksgiving with Kevin's family. Yesterday and today I have been watching all the Christmas movies on the Hallmark or ABC Family channel. Kevin teases me about watching them after I have already seen most of them several times over. But it's part of the Holiday to watch your favorite Christmas movies. I look forward to that every year. Today it seems like a winter day with the cold and rain and leaves constantly falling. It finally feels like November. Kevin even said that this afternoon he would build a fire for us to relax by. I am very excited about the up coming time off to relax and not worry about school, doing lesson plans, students, etc. I probably won't blog until after Thanksgiving, so I hope that you and your family have a wonderful time getting together and just enjoy being with each other. If you are my family, I look forward to seeing you in a few days!

*Enjoy the elf video below. I saw this on Mandy's blog and decided to help get you in the holiday mood. Kevin said that he didn't know he could move like that.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Update on Us

Tomorrow, I will finish my graduate class that I have been taking. I'm very excited to be done with it. I enjoyed the class and I'm very glad that I decided to take it, but it will free up so much time for me. So, tomorrow we will share our final project with the class and we are celebrating with some goodies to eat. Kevin has been busy planting a strawberry patch. The patch is half an acre and he planted 4,500 strawberry plants. He said that he had a new found respect for anyone that had to pick cotton. He planted them last week and there is already small green plants poking their heads out of the plastic. The idea is that this summer we will have a strawberry patch for people to come and pick strawberries. There's also talk of some vegetables that we will sell as well. I guess that will be Mrs. Katie's and my summer job. :0)

The weather here is so crazy. The beginning of the week last week, it was in the 40's and 50's and this weekend it's back in the upper 70's. I am ready for cold weather. It doesn't seem like the holidays when it's so warm. It's hard to believe that it will be Thanksgiving day in 11 more days. Then Christmas is right around the corner. Time is going fast, but I'm not complaining, I'm ready for June! (ha ha) Tomorrow it will be the 63 day of school; just 117 more days to go! This week will be a regular 5 day week, then next week we go Monday and Tuesday, then have the rest of the week off. Then we just have 3 weeks until Christmas break.

Kevin and I went over to visit his Aunt Arie yesterday. She is finally back at home; she came home on Wednesday. She looks like she's doing a lot better since we last saw her, which was in July, but she said that you had no idea how it was to go from being able to do everything yourself to having to totally rely on someone to do it for you. Her birthday is on Tuesday and she will be 81 years old. Our mennonite neighbors, Mr. Sam and Mrs. Mary invited us over for dinner last night. We had a great time and great food! It was also very interesting to Kevin and I to learn about the Amish ways and what they had to go through and how they are still not accepted by family because they left that lifestyle. They told us that they are so thankful that God got them out of that lifestyle and they realized who He was and the true way to get to heaven was through accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

I was really Alissa Stewart's blog (you can check it out on my blog) and she had these verses on there and I copied them to share with you. I could really relate to each one. I hope they will be some encouragement and peace to you as well.

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:16-17

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.” Lamentations 3:22-24

Veteran's Day

Today is Veteran's Day and for the first time in my school history, we are out of school. Normally on Veteran's Day we have a special program and invited Veteran's to come to the school so we can honor them. Last year at Kelly Edwards, we had a special program and Veteran's came to the school and we were able to show our appreciation for all they have done. My last year at Brushy Creek, I actually had one of my student's dads to come in and speak to the class. He was at home on leave from Germany. (I have enjoyed my day off , especially with the weather as bad as it is. I have been able to clean my house, go to the grocery store, and work on school work) With all that aside, ....my Papa lives next door to Taylors Elementary School. He was asked by the principal to come up to the school to eat lunch. Then tonight, Applebees had a special today, if you were a veteran or still active you could get a free entree at lunch or dinner. My mom was going to go with my dad (he served in the national guard) and my Papa (who severed in WWII and followed Paton, hit Normandy, and was 1 of 3 out of his crew to survive on that beach).

I just wanted to say "Thank You" to all the men and women that have served and are still serving in all branches of the military. Without you we wouldn't be free to live the way we do. I try hard to make my students understand the sacrifice that you have paid, but it's hard for me to understand it all that you have had to give up for our country.

I tried to post the music video of Toby Keith's "American Soldier" but it wouldn't allow me to play it from my blog. So here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qUzrueLin4 I think this song and video really reaches the the heart of an American soldier. Thanks for all you have done and still are doing. You pay the ultimate sacrifice.

Cookie Monster

I have noticed that all week, anytime I go to google, which I use google a lot, they have the Sesame Street characters as part of the word google. (which google is always changing the google sign on their page) anyway, today was Cookie Monster. Which I found out it was the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street. I just thought it was cute with the letters as Chocolate Chip cookies with milk dripping off them. I love cookies and sweets just about as much as the Cookie Monster. I was also a child that grew up on Sesame Street and loved it. I was mesmerize the first time I saw "Sesame Street Live". My children will be exposed to Sesame Street more than likely, more so than Barney. I'm not a big Barney fan. Just from all my babysitting I did when I was a teenager, never really liked Barney. Anyway......

Just for Teachers

If you are a teacher or if you know a teacher, please pass along this link: http://www.teacherdevotion.com/Home_Page.html
This link was shared with me today by a fellow teacher at my school and I thought this was the neatest web site. It gives a weekly devotional for teachers. How cool is that! We so desperately need all the prayers and encouragement we can get. I just had to share. Even if you are not a teacher, but you work with kids, or even if you don't work with kids in any way and just need some encouragement, check out this website for Weekly Teacher Devotionals. So again, please pass this site along, especially if you know a teacher or are a teacher.

Newest Additions to the Family

Our family is growing in the animal kingdom. Mr. Tim got a new horse a week or so ago. He wanted to start training horses again, or really just one horse. I think he just needed a new project to do. So he bought this chocolate brown quarter horse named "Peanut Butter" (my neice Kayla named her). I don't know how old she is, but I don't think she's a year yet. He was out trying to break her Saturday afternoon, when Kevin and I stopped by.

Peanut Butter

Well, stopping by to see Peanut Butter lead to us seeing Ms. Helen. One of Mr. Tim's uncles or cousins had this Belgium horse that had a colt and he didn't want to keep the colt, so he gave it to Mr. Tim. She's younger than PB, but a lot taller and bigger. She was named for Mrs. Helen, one of Mrs. Katie's friends and also the mom of Kevin's friend Eric. Kevin and I got the scoop on how they came about naming her, but it's a long story and a funny one too. You'll just have to ask Mr. Tim, it's best for him to tell.

Ms. Helen

Sunday, I went over to see the other new additon, a six week old boxer puppy named "Riggs" after Lethal Weapon. When Kevin and I first started dating, they had an Irish Setter that stayed outside and at the beach this summer, they were talking about getting another big, yard dog. They got Riggs from someone in Bamberg that breads boxers. He's very cute and very playful. Daisy, doesn't like him very much. Abby didn't pay much attention to him. (She was too focused on her tennis ball). Riggs kept on growling, barking, and snapping at her. He finally snapped at her one too many times, and Abby quick turned around and snapped back and growled and barked all at the same time. It was quit funny, because Riggs ran and hide behind Mr. Tim's feet. Mrs. Katie told Daisy that she needed to do that and let Riggs know he wasn't the boss. We will have to bring Abby around a good bit to get those two use to each other, because once Riggs gets bigger, he could destroy Abby if he wanted to. I tried to get a picture of Riggs, Daisy, and Abby, but Riggs keep going to sleep, and Daisy wouldn't stay near him and Abby just wanted me to throw the tennis ball...it was like working with three two year olds...it didn't work out.

Riggs, I thought this was a very cute picture.

He was getting ready for a nap as you can tell.

Guidance

I recieved the below in an email today from Noelle. It was a forward. Normally, with forwards I either delate them or scan over them quickly then delate. However, this one caught my attention and I thought I would share it with you.

Dancing With God When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. My eyes drew back to the word Guidance. When I saw "G": I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i". "God, "u" and "i" dance." God, you, and I dance. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead. My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies are upon you on this day and everyday. May you abide in God, as God abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.

Congratulations Taylor and Casey!

Congratulations to my cuz Taylor Scott and Casey Henley!

They just got engaged yesterday in Gatlinburg, TN. The wedding date hasn't been set yet, but will be within the year. I'm so happy for you both. Taylor, I have always thought of you as a brother and I am proud of the person you have become. Casey, you got a great guy there! I wish you both the best of happiness!

Weekend

This weekend my parents and Papa came to visit. They got here yesterday afternoon about 4:00. I was still at school working and Kevin meet them at the house. Papa and my dad had never seen the cows, and since they are in Williston, they drove to see the cows, then came to my school. They both had never seen my school. Papa said that I needed a new school, he even told Mrs. Selvey, the principal, that they needed a new school. Which they had tried this past year to get a new one, but the town doesn't want their taxes raised or the heritage of the 3rd oldest school in SC toren down. So I guess they sacrifice heritage over their health. Anyway, my mom had prepared dinner a chicken casserole and sweet potato souffle for dinner. Yummy! We had a nice evening visiting, but all were ready for bed pretty early. Saturday, we awoke to a cloudy day and by the early afternoon, the rain came and lasted for awhile. After the rain cleared up we showed Papa the "big" town of Barnwell, and around the circle, he had not seen that before. Then, my mom had brought some pansies for me to plant so we worked on that, while the men watched some football. They didn't stay tonight and headed back home about 5. They are still traveling and should be home around 8. It was a nice visit. My dad hadn't been down since Mother's Day and Papa hadn't been down since this time last year...I think. I like having visitors. It's just Kevin and I, and Abby of course, most of the time and it's fun to entertain family and friends for a change. It gives me something to look forward to. Now, Kevin's watching the Carolina game, of course and I'm getting ready to do some school work.

My dad brought a new toy for Abby. It was a tennis ball with a tail attached that squeaked. In about 10 minutes Abby had the two separated. We took the ball away from her, because she's not allowed to have one in the house. She loved playing with the tail part and making it squeak. But then she tore a hole in it and the squeak part came out. Then she just wanted to play with it, which we couldn't allow her to do that because it was just plastic. So, I guess for Christmas, Santa will have to bring Abby a toy that squeaks. We didn't know she would enjoy a toy like that so much.

Blog Signature

I have noticed on other blogs, that people have their name or "signature" after their posting. I have always thought that was a neat thing. So, I decided to find out how to do that. After about two hours of searching, I came across the easy way, finally, to create my signature and for it to show each time I want to post something. I was very proud of myself for figuring it out. :0)

Encouraging Words

With the times that our economy are going through, still and all the stress that I have dealt with at my work and Kevin at his work these past few months....I felt some encouraging words were needed. This morning while the preacher was preaching, I was focusing on something else. Yes, I should have been paying attention, but you know sometimes you have other things on your mind that it's hard to. I started looking through my Bible to find verses that talk about encouraging one another. I came across a few and thought I would share them with you.

The first verse that I have for you actually came to me Thursday afternoon. I had to get the oil changed in my car. While I was waiting, they had several of the The Journey daily devotional books in the waiting area. I picked one up that had some titles that interested me and started reading.

" Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as in fact you are doing"
1 Thessalonians 5:11

"But encourage one another daily as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."
Hebrews 3:13

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."
Hebrews 10:36

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
Hebrews 12:11

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
James 1:2-3

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor with Jesus Christ is revealed."
1 Peter 1:6-7

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."
Philippians 4:11

This is what I consider my life verse, this came to me spring of 2001 in my freshman year at NGC and I have held on to it since in all different situations.

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves full to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
1 Corinthians 15:58

I hope that at least one of these verses will encourage you this week.

Animal Habitat Projects

Check out the animal habitat projects that my students turned in on Thursday. You can find them on our class website, on the class picture page. They did a great job!
http://jpmccormick.weebly.com/class-pictures.html

Mushroom Tree

There's always something new to photograph around here. I was letting Abby out to use the bathroom, when I noticed two unique mushrooms growing from the tree right in front of our porch. So I had to grab my camera and get a few shots. Which for some reason, we have a lot of mushrooms that grow in our yard. And I mean, these mushrooms are not your little ones, they are huge. Normally they are either white or brown, never orange.

Ready for the big game

Kevin and Abby are ready for the big game tonight. It was cloudy all day today and started raining about 3:00. I have taken the day off today, by doing nothing. Abby and I slept in until 10:00 this morning which is late for me. I am normally up between 8:30-9:00 on even Saturdays. I used to always sleep until 10 or later, but not anymore. My body is so used to being up by 6:00 every school day, that I just don't sleep that late any more. But we have gotten caught up on our rest today. I watched tv movies until sometime this afternoon, then I have just played around on the computer. Now, Kevin's ready to watch football for the evening and I guess I'll work on grading papers and homework after fixing supper, whatever that will be. It has been a relaxing day and most definitely a day that you didn't want to venture outside unless you had to.

Update on Us

Yes, I realized it has been a little while since I have blogged, but I have been so very busy. Here's what's been going on with us.

2 WEEKS AGO:

I had computer trouble. I have a virus protector called "Windows Defender", well there is a virus called "Windows PC Defender". It got downloaded into my computer. Monday-Friday night, I spent an hour or more on the phone with my dad trying to download things to get it out of my computer, but the virus wouldn't allow me to do anything without something popping up. It wanted to you purchase it, but it was a scam to get your money. Finally, Friday night, my dad was like, okay let's download something and we will just have to pay for it. So we downloaded Spy Hunter, yes it worked, but then my computer wouldn't allow me to get back on the Internet to finish it. Finally, finally Saturday morning after working with it for 3 hours, I was able to get on line and we got it out of there. Then last week, I was on my computer, on line, and the stupid virus thing popped up again. This time I read it very carefully, and thankfully it didn't download again. So be careful! It was a mess. I thought I was going to lose everything on my computer.

LAST WEEKEND:

We went to visit my parents last weekend in Greer. This was the first time I had been home since the 2nd week in July and for Kevin the first time since Easter. Yes, it had been that long. My parents were having a yard sale and asked us to help. After school on Friday, we headed up. Friday night, we worked getting things ready for the sale. (We have always had yard sales, as far as I can remember, normally we have one in the fall and one in spring and do very well.) Saturday morning, it was very foggy and there was a mist, so we had to wait until about 7:00 or so before we could put things outside the garage, because the mist would get them wet. This was Kevin's first experience with a yard sale, and I think he would do it again. We made over $600! However, that was divided among my dad, my mom, Kevin and I, and my aunt Susan came up. But we were all very pleased with the outcome. What was left that we didn't think would sale, we boxed it up and off to Goodwill it went. Some clothes that we thought would sale, we boxed them to save for later. Our experience is that you take whatever you have to sale and try to sale it in at least 2 different yard sales, if it doesn't sale by then, off it goes.

BABY SHOWER:

After the yard sale, my mom and I had a baby shower to attend. My good, childhood friend, Rhett Harter, his wife Jodi, is having a baby girl, due December 15th. The funny thing is that the lady given it, used to live by me when I was little on one side and then Rhett lived on the other side. And she had a daughter, Alex, who was born July 1st (which was my original due date) and then I was born July 6th (her original due date) so Peggy and my mom were in the hospital at the same time. Crazy have small this world is. You cannot talk about my childhood without mentioning these too people, especially Rhett. He was my best friend. He would play Barbies, and house with me but then I would play army men and build forts and stuff with him. But Peggy had been friends with Jodi's mom for a long time. So it was fun to see old friends, even though Alex couldn't be there. I know that Jodi has about 2 more months to go, but man, she looks great! I hope to look that good pregnant when it comes my time. I have only meet Jodi a few times, but she is the nicest, friendliest, humble, person. She made my mom and I feel right at home. Rhett, you got a good one there! Oh, and the baby name is "Addison Grace Harter" and I think she will probably be called "Addi or Addi Grace". Rhett and Jodi married in December like around the 17th I think, so it will be interesting to see if Addi comes before their anniversary or after. They will have been married for 5 years in December. They live in Charleston, so they are not too far from us.

Rhett and me at my wedding. I thought I had a picture of the 4 of us, but I couldn't find it on my computer.

Jodi and I at her shower.

This is Alex, she got married this past May at the Citadel.

SATURDAY NIGHT:

After the baby shower, we had a quick trip to the mall, I had to pick up some things. Then we headed home. My Papa, Keith, Felicia, and Emily were coming over to eat pizza. (Just about anytime we get together we eat pizza.) My mom, Felicia, and I were in the garage talking about the yard sale, when all of a sudden we heard this loud bang and crunch sound. I ran out of the garage, and this car was backing out of our driveway and they had hit the mailbox across the street. Well, I started up the driveway to get a better look. They sped up the street 3 houses, then the passenger got out of the car, took a baseball bat to another neighbors mailbox and knocked it off, then hopped by in the car. It happened so fast. I start yelling, about what they did. Keith and Felicia hop in the car and try to find them to get the license plate number, I was too far away to see it, but it was still daylight when they came by. I mean,the car was green, 4 door, the guy had a white t-shirt, blue jeans, dark, short hair, was tan, average built, I could see all that, except the license plate. Some people have a lot of nerve. So that was our excitement for that evening.

SUNDAY:

Sunday morning I get up and find out that my mom was up all night sick. My dad said that she was vomiting, etc. and passed out a few times on him. So, after Kevin woke up, we got ready and left. As the week has gone on, by Tuesday, my dad had the Swine Flu and on Wednesday my mom had it. However, my mom continued to work all week with it. Most people coming into the office had the flu and just about all the doctors and nurses had it, so there was no point to stay home, especially when they are short handed and have all these sick people. My dad is better, my mom isn't yet, but she's tried to do too much as usual.

KEVIN:

Kevin is doing fine, just working like always. His work has slowed down some, but still works til dark most days. He is ready for a vacation, but there's not a break insight anytime soon. Within the next few months I think we will be losing birds and it will be clean out time again. So maybe he will get a break then.

ABBY:

Abby is just as happy and hyper as ever! She's a spoiled little poochy. I think she has been getting cold at night, because lately she is sleeping in the middle of Kevin and I and she's getting as close as she can. Sometimes she even gets under the covers.

JILL and SCHOOL:

Well, we finally have our security system in place at school. They found 2 of the cameras that were stolen, they were sold on the street for $5.00. And the arrested 3 of the guys that were involved in all the break ins. They were about 17 yrs. and all 3 went to Kelly Edwards. Go figure! But maybe now, things will be better.

School has been a challenge this year, a real challenge. I am working harder than I have in years. I get to school about 6:40 every morning. I have kids by 7:30 and keep them until 2:45-3:00. Then I am staying at school until about 5:30-6:00 or later every day. Last night, I was at school until 7:00 and the day before too. Kevin was with me last night, but the night before, half the teachers were still there working. I have started taking a class for renew credit and for graduate credit through Winthrop University, it's every Monday and Tuesday 3:30-6:30. I will be done by the middle of November. When I come home, I am still working either grading papers, doing lesson plans, etc. Then my whole weekend is spent grading papers, doing lesson plans. This week, at the faculty meeting we were informed that our lesson plans now have to be turned in by the time we leave on Friday (yes, that will free up my weekend some) however, we have to have them typed in this certain format and include all this stuff, yeah 14 lessons to have on there and plan for and for one week I have 5 pages for my lesson plans. School has been in for 8 full weeks now, and I'm not happy at all. I'm very frustrated and stressed, my class....not the best. I feel like I am going through my first year again, which was the year from you know where, was not good. Many tears, and many I don't want to go to school this year. Parents, kids, everything that is expected and asked of us, just too much this year. I have wanted to quit every week. *However, I'm not the only one. And my grade is not the only one, K-5th and 6th-8th all feel the same way. The instructional coach we have is the same for the elementary school and middle school. And she tells us that our concerns or complaints are the same as the middle school. Then, "hello", something has got to give or else not only are the bad teachers going to be leaving, but the good ones as well. I'm trying to take each day and be positive about it, but it's very, very hard. Kevin and I have had many long talks about me quitting teaching. I've been doing this for 5 years, and the rewards are not worth all that we are put through. I'm really struggling with what to do. I'm there for this year,but I'm praying for some guidance with this and if I need to go back next year or what to do. *If you could keep that in your prayers. But there's not point in pretending school is okay this year, because it's not, and I hope it will be better, some days are, but out of this past week I had two okay days-Monday and Friday, the rest were bad. And the when they throw this lesson plans stuff on you, you just wonder how much more you can take. There is a breaking point and it's coming soon, if we don't get help.

Soooo, as you can see I haven't had the time to blog about last weekend or what's going on with us. Now, I'm getting ready to clean house and then grade papers.

The Miracle of Life

This afternoon Kevin and I went for a ride on the 4-wheeler. Kevin had to feed the sheep. When we got there, I noticed that there was a lamb that had just been born. Well, we were not there 2 minutes, when the mama sheep starting having another one! This was the first time I had ever seen a sheep or live animal that I can think of have a baby. The mama starts to clean off the one that just came out. Kevin and I go to the horse barn to get feed for the sheep. When we come back, a different mama sheep was having a baby. This one was having trouble. Mr. Tim had to step in and help her get the baby out. Then we found out this was her 2nd one. So within about 20 minutes, we had 4 little lambs born. By the time the last lamb was born, the first one was able to walk around. They were so precious! I wanted to jump in and hold one, but the mama sheep needed their space. I didn't have my camera with me,but I am sure most of you wouldn't have wanted to see, but it was a very clean sight to behold compared with human child birth as so what I have seen. Anyway, now we have 11 little lambs. I think a few more are still to come. Then in March, we should have some more.

School Break Again, and again, and again

Yes, that is correct, last week we had 3 more break ins! When I went to school on Monday, I learned that over the weekend we had another break in on Saturday night. They broke into two 4th grade rooms and got one of the teacher's lab tops. (The lab top was a school lap top, so it will be replaced, thankfully). *The other lab tops and cameras that were stolen from the first break in were not able to be replaced by anyone, so it was a big lost for them. Well, then Tuesday morning, I learn that someone broke in Monday night. They tried to get into the classroom next door to me. They didn't break the glass this time, but they tried to chip away at the lock on the door, were not successful. I didn't hear who else they tried to break in to and what was stolen. Then, I learn on Friday, that they broke in yet again, this time to one of the resource teacher's rooms (she wasn't broken into before but the other rooms had been) and stole her lab top. And I am also willing to bet that when I go back on Monday, it will have been broken into once again. I think that those that did the major break in a few weeks ago, are different people than the ones that have been hitting the school this week. The sad thing is that all week, the police were suppose to be keeping a close eye on the school, obviously not! They do have a security system with cameras on the way, when it will get here I don't know. But in the mean time, I don't know what they will do. The principal told us Friday afternoon that if we have anything of value to either take it home or bring it to her and she will lock it up in the vault at school. I had some school t-shirt money that I had collected, so I did take it up to the office to be locked. I didn't want to take it home with me and I didn't want to risk leaving it in my classroom. I just don't know. It makes me mad that someone keeps doing this, but it also makes me mad, because I feel like there is more the school district or police could do to stop this from continuing to happen. Its absolutely ridiculous and whoever is doing this needs to be stopped! And what I don't understand is why they waited until school started when it was empty all summer long and could have of really cleaned out the place. Because each time they don't take any money, only lab tops, not even the regular computers. Not that I want to have more things stolen, but I just don't understand what they are looking for except to upset everyone.

Hollywood Remembers

Everyday that are many actors/actress that die in Hollywood. Many are for careless reasons and reasons that that person could have of helped. Many of those that die, are what I would consider young, meaning in their 20's. I am not a person that keeps up with who is the newest "It" person in Hollywood or the latest gossip, but every now and then, there is a story or person I should say that catches your attention, and their death tugs at your heartstrings. The person that has caught my attention lately is Patrick Swayze. Most of you remember him and is probably the most famous for his role in "Dirty Dancing". I remember when that movie came out, I was about 6 years old ( and no I didn't see the movie then) but I remember my mom watching it. Her favorite part was the end when Patrick (Johnny) comes back and dances with Jennifer (Baby). Last night, ABC Family was showing the movie in honor and in celebration of Patrick Sawyze and his career in the entertainment buisness. After watching it, I be came curious about his life and started looking around on the computer for more information about him.

He was born in Houston, Texas. He met his wife at age 18 (Patrick) and she was 14, in his mom's dance studio. He was married to the same lady, Lisa Niemi for 34 years. June 12, 1975 (My parents were married July 26, 1975). (A rare thing, not just in Hollywood anymore). They lived on a ranch in Los Angeles, called "Rancho Bizarro." Everything I can find, seems that he was a really descent, good guy. The thing that really got my attention about him, was that he and his wife, never had children. They were never able to have them under their own power. His wife, had 2 miscarriages, but never a successful pregnancy. At age 53, he was considering adoption, but never went through with it. I don't know why, but here's a few quotes from him.

“I don’t know what the key to a 30-year marriage is. I suppose it’s about keeping love alive, learning how to fall in love over and over again, not taking each other for granted, forgiveness, trust. Whatever it is, it works for us.”

I was born to be a dad and we have the perfect life for kids," he says, wistfully.
"We are still thinking of adopting, but you have to consider the child and not yourself. Living on a ranch teaches you a great deal about the cycle of life and, if you adopt a child, you have to be certain it is for the right reason."

"That's one thing I'm not gonna do, is chase, is chase staying alive. I'm not, you know, you'll spend so much time chasing staying alive you won't live, you know? I wanna live." ( thought this was a true and powerful quote from him).

I guess, I just find it sad that it seems like both him and his wife wanted children of their own very much. I don't know why they waited so late and now it's too late. He was a very talented. He even sang the song " She's like the Wind" from in the movie "Dirty Dancing" It's sad how quickly he went down and changed. (1952-2009)

Class Website

I have been working on updating and making changes to my class website. I finally finished this week. There were some new things that the district wanted us to add. I have pictures on there and the newest thing is a blog-where students and parents can make comments and ask questions. (I do have to approve the question or comment before it will show up on the website, you never know what a child or parent will write to you). You will have to check it out.
http://jpmccormick.weebly.com/

New Baby Sheep are Here!

We have new baby sheep again! It's been almost a year since we last had some baby sheep. We found out that sheep have 2 litters a year then it's about a year before they have another litter or baby I guess. Last weekend, there were twins born. This morning Kevin called me and said there was another one born. This one was a boy, the others one was a girl and they haven't been able to catch the other twin to find out what it is. Kevin walked right up and pick this little guy up. I got to hold it. It was just absolutely precious! I love the little lambs. We should be having some more soon.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Labor Day at the Lake

This weekend was our last weekend for the boat at the lake and maybe our last weekend at the lake until next year. Kevin and I met my parents at the lake for the weekend. My grandfather (Papa) came with them Friday night. On Saturday, my uncle Bob and my aunt Ann came down along with Keith, Felicia, Emily and my aunt Susan and uncle Dan. I didn't know until Friday afternoon that we were going to have this many people join us. We had a great time! The weather was perfect. It was nice to see my family and spend time with them. Everyone left Saturday night, so Sunday it was just the 4 of us. We came home Sunday evening.

Today, (Monday) I haven't done much of anything. I haven't felt the best today, allergies I think, so I have done a lot of sitting around. I did manage to cook supper, grade some papers, and a little bit of laundry done, but nothing much other than that. Kevin had to work today, but thankfully he got to stop at a decent time today and it right now enjoying the Florida State game, while I am suppose to be finishing up lesson plans. ;0) I am glad we have a 4 day week this week. I wish we did every week, but at the same time it's hard to believe we are in the 4th week of school. Last week was a very hard and long week. I hope this week goes by faster and is much better. So far, everyone down here is staying healthy and well, except for allergies. I pray it stays that way. Not many of my kids have been out for major sickness. My mom gave Kevin and I our flu shots this weekend, so I hope we both can stay well.

Are you ready for some Football?!

Yes, it is here once again, that glorious time of the year. No, not Christmas, but Football season according to my husband. Kevin lives for Carolina Gamecock football. He is depressed when the last game ends and is over joyed when the first game begins. Every year he says that he wishes football season was all year long. I on the other hand am so thankful it's not. And I am also thankful that this is the only sport and team that he really cares anything about; he's not a sports fanatic like I know some guys are. Even though he has watched his share of Braves baseball and he will watch any other college football game that comes on tv. Anyway, "Christmas" began Thursday night at our house. Kevin celebrated by watching the Carolina game and the blue field game, sorry at this moment can't remember the name. I celebrated by falling asleep at 8:00 on Thursday night and woke up about 9:00 when Kevin told me to go to bed, he said I was snoring too loud for him to concentrate. :0) Abby followed. I really don't mind. This is his only hobby. I hope that this year he will get to go to at least 1 or 2 games. He didn't get to go to any last year, but he was a very good sport about it. I bought Abby a little jersey to wear for the games. Kevin told me that he wanted one too. At least for this weekend we were both happy because Carolina won and Clemson won! GOOOOO Tigers! Today I put out our "House/Divided" flag in the yard, similar to the one I have on here.

My computer wouldn't let me fix Abby's eyes so they didn't glow.

3rd Grade Funny

Despite that many days of teaching are spent where you can hardly remember what happened in the last 5 minutes, your name has been called at least 20 times by the same child, you never have enough time for a "decent" lesson, you stay stressed out and at the end of the day you realize you near even took time for a bathroom break because during your "planning time" you had to make copies, call parents, sit in on meetings, prepare things for what will come after your "planning time", and when you sit down after the kids leave, it was the first time you were able to sit all day and take a breath.....there are some funny moments. Last year I shared a few things that happened and I will try to again. Working with children, you just never know what they will do or say. I have two 3rd grade funnies to share that happened yesterday and today.

First Funny: Yesterday. One of my students had an early dismissal in the afternoon. So I told her that she had an early dismissal and she needed to get packed up. She continued to just sit and daydream. I came over to the child 3 different times telling her to get packed up, someone was waiting on her and she needed to go. She finally gets up to get her book bag. She comes back to her seat with her book bag...on her HEAD! Her whole head was inside her book bag and she was walking around with it on her head. (*Never have I seen this before.) So I come over to her to tell her to take the book bag off her head and get packed up. She finally gets everything packed up and goes to the door. She opens the door walks out and comes back in. She says "no one else is out here" (meaning there were no other children because she thought it was time for everyone to leave). I said "Yes I know, you have an early dismissal it's not time for everyone else to leave. And not joking or trying to be funny, this is my brightest child in my class and she is in the gifted program too! I was like oh my gosh! I couldn't get her for anything to understand the importance of hurrying up and leaving.

Second Funny: Today. One of my most demanding of my attention children, came up to me after lunch saying he had a cut in his mouth and it was hurting. I told him that I was sorry and the nurse had already gone home for the day (this was in the afternoon) and for him to have a seat. A few minutes later I look at him, and he has a band-aide trying to put it in his mouth to help "fix" his cut. (*Never have I seen that one before either) But in case you don't have kids or don't know, a band-aide can make anything "magically" better. I mean it, they think a band-aide could solve anything. Back to my story, I was like, no! A band-aide can't go in your mouth. Throw that away. I'm sorry you have a cut, but a band-aide isn't going to help.

Wow! and it's just Wednesday!

KEES Break In

I found out Sunday afternoon that sometime after 10:00 pm on Saturday night, our school, Kelly Edwards, was broken into. I was at the open house for the new CDC building for church (which looks amazing! I know they are so excited to have it completed.) and Mrs. Clamp (the district director) informed me that Sat. night the school was broken into. She told me that I needed to go up there and check on my room. So Kevin and I left church and there were still policeman up there. They told me not to go in my room and to not touch anything. They weren't finished cleaning up the glass and taking photos. I just went to the door to look and as far as I could see, I couldn't tell there was any damage except one of my glass panes was busted so they could get the door opened. That was about 5:30. I got a call at 6:30 saying it was okay for us to go into our classrooms and clean up and check for things that were missing. I didn't have anything that was missing. They had opened this tall closest that I have, but didn't take anything out. They went through my top 2 drawers in my desk. They opened the top drawer of my file cabinet and took out some of my math files and messed some of them up. They had taken this container I had and dumped it on the floor, all I had in there was extra teacher supplies like paper clips, tape, sticky notes, etc. I had this jar of marbles on my desk that I use sometimes for things and they had dumped all them out, but that was it, besides my door. I have a door on one wall that connects to the room next to me and they had gone through there to get to the other teacher's room. They busted out the glass on all 5 classrooms on the 3rd grade wing, all 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 2 kindergarten classrooms. The 5th grade classrooms at inside the main building and they were harder to get into. They did get inside the building by going through the K5 rooms. They didn't really do anything to the inside of the school. One classroom on each wing was trashed, with everything thrown into the floor. The classroom on our wing that was trashed was the challenge room. They turned over her tables and just threw stuff on the floor. She had a tub of digital cameras and all the cameras were stolen. The teacher next to me, had a lab top that was in it's case and hidden under her computer table, they took it. But she found it in one 4th grade room. They decided to leave hers and take the one from that 4th grade room instead. One other 4th grade room, they wrote on her walls with a sharpie marker "Bloods"-which is one of the gangs that we have around here. And they wrote some stuff on her white board. She couldn't even use her classroom today. Most of it was just minor damage, not a lot was stolen. They think who ever broke in used gloves, because they found traces of the power that are in gloves in the rooms. We think it was to mostly vandalize the school, some said it could have been an initiation to a gang, but we really don't' know. They came around today and fixed our doors with new glass, so everything is a good as new. The problem with Kelly Edwards is that the school sits off the main road and no one would know that anything like this went on. There isn't any alarm system, no cameras, no fence, nothing to protect us. First-Fourth grade, are classrooms are outside on wings. Meaning you walk out my classroom and you are outside. I don't know if this will cause the board to try to get us something to help prevent this from happening again, but we had a break in last year, not as bad, and they have one just about every year. I hope they do something, but probably not. I hope it won't happen again this year. The school sat up there all summer and 2 weeks after school starts, they do this. And they didn't still any other computers or any money that teacher's knew they had in their desk, that was all still there. I also found out today that one of the first grade teachers was at the school Sat. night until 9:00 that evening and one kindergarten teacher was at the school until 10:00 that evening. Both teachers were in their rooms working. So, it happened sometime after that. Mrs. Clamp said that one of the fourth grade teachers went up to the school Sunday afternoon about 1:00 and found her classroom broken into. She called her husband who was on the board of trustees and he called Mrs. Clamp to tell her. But school went today just as though nothing had happened. I told my students what had happened. They were asking why there was no glass in the door. They were surprised and seem upset about what had happened. But I think they needed to know, they would have of found out anyway. So....pray that this doesn't happen again, that they get us some kind of protection, and that no one gets hurt. You would think, us having the "babies or little ones" that they would do something to protect them before they would the high and middle school. But I guess not. The town keeps voting against a new school because of taxes, I guess they are waiting for someone to majorly get hurt before they do. It didn't really scare me, but it made me very angry. However, I won't be going to work in my classroom anymore on the weekends. Which whenever I did last year (which wasn't often) I went during the morning or lunch time, I know doesn't make much of a difference.) I was so ticked off as I was cleaning up my mess and helping other teacher's clean up. I don't know you have ever experienced your stuff being gone through by a stranger, but it makes you feel very angry and it felt different last night as I walked into my room. But today with the kids, it was back to normal and we have all pulled together to over come this and let it not get to us. School has to go on as normal as it can.