Shopping...shopping...shopping

Okay...I've been shopping today...thrift store mostly...found some really good bargains!! I was looking for something to wear for our Valentine's Banquet at church (coming up a week from tomorrow...which brings me to another subject--Steven's 18th birthday--will discuss later). I didn't really know what I wanted just knew I wanted (needed something new since most of my closet doesn't fit me anymore--good thing--went down a few sizes--another subject). I found 3 skirts, 2 sweaters, and a blouse at the thrift store. I went to Cato's and found 2 shirts. Yesterday, I found 2 skirts, a sweater, and a pair of boots at the Salvation Army thrift store.

At last year's banquet, we put on skits from Hee Haw and I was Minnie Pearl...still have my dress and hat from that...wonder if I'll ever wear them again...speaking of hats...I found a tote of Damon's grandma's hats!! I've worn a few of them...they are all so neat...they all have a story to tell I'm sure! I'll have to get a picture of some of them and post it on here...

And now, as I mentioned above...Steven's 18th birthday is coming up too quickly...on February 15, Steven will be 18...I'm planning a surprise kinda party at youth on the night before with a cake to be made and delivered by one of our church friends. It will be such a good surprise for him...he hasn't had a "real" birthday cake for over 5 years!!

2 weeks since my last post...pathetic!!

Ok...guess I didn't start off too well...I'm pretty pathetic!! I was wanting so bad to succeed at this blogging thing...guess I'm a little too busy right now with subbing!! I'm loving my long-term sub job...I'm in an autism room with wonderful kiddos and wonderful staff!! I'm really hoping for a job at this same school next year...say some prayers for this to happen!! Anyway, we are into our 2nd semester as "real" parents with Steven going to school at Washington High...we are enjoying it...at least this semester is a little less hectic (without marching band and football!)!!

I guess I'm going to start my Master's next fall!! I'm really wanting to be in a special ed room...although at this point...I'll take any classroom (well, maybe not any?!?!)...just hoping for "A" classroom next year.

I'll try to be a little more productive with this blog!!

It's Hump Day!!!

Well, this week is half over!! I'm really enjoying my long term sub assignment. It is in an autistism room. I feel like I've been in there all year. Everyone has made me feel really welcome and like a part of the group. I miss the DD Pre-K classroom I've been in at the same school but I get to visit with the teacher and her assistants daily. I just don't want these 6 weeks to end!!! I'm getting to use my sign language with one of the students. One of the students reminds me so much of Lindsay (was her para back in MO). Her mannerisms and all...I just love it!!

Anyway, keep checking back here for some more updates on the job front. I'm praying for a job at this same school for next year. God has a plan for me and has put me there for a very good reason...we shall see what it is!!!

Taking the Boys Back

Well, I didn't post all weekend because we were on the road. We (Damon and I) left here on Friday morning to take Daniel, Benjamin, and Nathan back to Brackettville, TX. We took a different route than usual and saw a lot of new and beautiful things. Anyway, we went through the Hill Country of Texas (Llano, Bandera, Kerrville, etc.). We dropped them off at about 10:30 Friday night with Doug and drove back to Uvalde, TX to spend the night. We decided that we would drive the same route home.

On Saturday, we drove back through the Hill Country and stopped along the way. One of our stops was at the Nimitz Museum of the Pacific War. We were going to take the tour but we were told it took anywhere from 3-7 hours to see the entire museum. We opted for the free portion, which was what we wanted to see anyway. Grandpa Carlton's ship has a plaque there. He and Damon (Dad) went for the dedication of the plaque. This is definitely somewhere we want to go back and visit when we have more time. We got back to OK about 10:30ish Saturday night. We were tired but had a great day, just the 2 of us. Steven spent the weekend here at home. He didn't want to go so we allowed him to stay here.

New Year's Eve

Well, it is New Year's Eve 2009...we are going to have some friends over tonight for dinner and dominoes. Damon took the boys to see Avatar...I've been home cleaning and getting things ready to take the 3 younger boys home tomorrow. I had laundry to finish up and their room to get back to the way it was before they arrived just 2 weeks ago. I'm amazed at how fast 2 of the 3 boys in that room can destroy what it took me about a month to do to be prepared for their visit.
Anyways, Happy New Year to all...let's hope that 2010 will be great for everyone!!

Cold Weather...GO AWAY!!

Ok...I've had enough of this cold weather!! We had freezing rain and snow on Christmas Eve and what did it start doing again yesterday afternoon? YEP...snowing...luckily it didn't stick!!! I just hate cold weather but the boys are loving it and have been out building a snow fort. I guess when I was younger, I probably was the same way. Hopefully, it will all clear before we have to leave on Friday to take the three younger ones back to southwest Texas...I'm not ready for them to go back yet!!

Almost 2010

Well, I didn't send out Christmas cards this year. I decided I would wait to send a New Year's letter so my friends and family could see pics of the boys. Well, that letter is written and now I just need to add the photos. We had a pretty good 2009...my Big Boy's job was in question due to some cuts and layoffs but we prayed through that and business has picked up. I've been blessed with an overflow of substitute teaching assignments. There have been a few days that I received 2-3 calls for various schools. Anyway, I think we are ready to start 2010!!