Christmas blessings!

Hope you all had a great Christmas and time with your families. We did, even though it was short. It is always a blessing to spend time with your family.

Before everyone was awake on Christmas morning.


The giving of gifts.
Later in the week, the making of the gingerbread house.
And just having a good time.

The get away car!

Went to a wedding reception last night. Keith went to the wedding in the morning. Two young people we have known for years and both their families. He is one of Keith's high school buddies from the beginning. It was a fun time, we enjoyed our time there. B. asked Keith to chouffer them back in his '59 - so Keith readied the car for the trek.
Keith used his car to chouffer the couple back to their apartment, and they will leave on their honeymoon.

Now he will have to clean the car or people will think he just got married.

Yesterday Morning.

Yesterday was a long day for me. It started out on a really sad note. I went to the services of a little boy in my class. Just 2 weeks shy of his 5th birthday. So hard and so sad. I have known his family for 6 years, having various cousins and his 2 brothers in my class over the years. plus working with his aunt for 2 years. Plus because of his family I have seen this little boy grow from a little baby. When you work with young children you let them into your heart, but I let his family in also since I have known them so long and they are such a great family to be around. I have never been to Hmong funeral before, and it continues for days. His service is over today at 2, and his burial is at 3, I will also be there for his parents and his aunt and uncle and cousins, his brothers and grandparents. He died from a type of pneumonia. It doesn't matter who or what type of service, the feelings run deep and the emotions are very real. He will be missed, so very special, very social ~ all the children liked him, very lively, so full of energy, loved doing his work. I could go on.

Telling my parents at a special meeting was very hard, I had melt down in front of them, I couldn't help it ~ some of their children were 'best' friends with him. We had other school staff, the GIS, school psychologists, nurse, my supervisor there to help the parents. I left it to the parents to tell their children. I will have some paper set aside and markers and crayons for any of the children to draw pictures and "write" letters for him. We will write their words and I will give the 'cards' to the family with his school memories. I will bind his work in a little booklet (like I do at the end of the year), and I will get copies of pictures I have taken in the class and put them in an album for the family. All I can tell the children is he was very, very sick and will not be coming back. We will miss him so much.

Sad day

A child in my class died last night. Such a tragic thing, they don't know why yet. He would be 5 in 2 1/2 weeks.

Jury duty-- blah!

Well, I didn't have to report today. I don't have to call again until Wed. evening. I am glad our country has a system that allows people to have trial by jury, and I am really glad there are people out there who enjoy jury duty and feel it is their civic duty. I am not one that looks forward to jury duty and will be glad when my time is over. I am hopefully praying that I don't get called.

Strange noises?

I am sitting at the computer, finalizing my lessons for next week and I keep hearing strange noises. Now I don't have any little kids running around and most of the time it is just Dan and I here - so what is under my tree? I actually took the pictures without seeing my subject but I wasn't the least bit surprised. I just didn't know what cat it was. Chloe was attacking the tree and eating/chewing on one of the branches in the back of the tree.


I think this is the new kitty hang out.

Nativity

I got this Fisher Price Nativity last summer and have waited months to set it up. It is also for play when the little ones are here.

Chloe

I heard a strange rustling and this is what I found amidst the Christmas garland. Chloe had found her calling, but it last about 2 minutes.

Rain?

How I feel some days.

Yes, it did rain! And it is so needed.

Rain?

They say rain? What's that?
Hopefully a good one.

2 years today

It's been 2 years today since you passed away. Rest in peace mom. I love you.

Her Angel Face rose, her favorite.

After lunch

I headed to San Jose on Saturday. I had an enjoyable brunch with Donna and Jackie. After a really nice visit, I headed to Valley Fair to do some shopping. I got a few things but couldn't handle the entire mall after while. So I headed to Eric's in Morgan Hill. I got a few grocery's for dinner then headed up the hill to his place. The pictures aren't to great, but you get the jest. This is a picture of the sunrise from his place. Just spectacular.
Another view from his place, just in a different direction. The mountains go on and on. You can't see what the fire ravished from his place, which is nice.
This is the barn and parking lot near the visitors center, needless to say it's right in front of his place. He does have a fenced yard, which is big enough if a family with young children lived there.
We had a good visit and dinner. I slept on the couch, which is comfortable. After breakfast and some good conversation I headed to Gilroy and the outlets. This is a picture of the view on the way down the mountain from his place. One thing he has is fantastic views in all directions, as he sits on top of a mountain.

I couldn't find parking to go into the shops I wanted at the outlets. I did go in a couple shops and got a few things. I am not big on outlet shopping, as I am not big on most brand name products. There are some that I really do like, but for the most part, since I can sew really well and know how the cloths are made - they are just uhhhhhhh.

I stopped at the visitors center going over Pacho Pass. I wanted to take some pictures. This is at San Luis Reservoir. You can see how low the water is. If we don't get some rain this year we can have major water restrictions.

I do like rain, even if it means being inside with 24 - 4 year olds. That is substantial rain.

Posting time.

I haven't been to up to date on my postings. I was busy just doing things during Thanksgiving week. Dan went and got Elizabeth and Ryan the day before Thanksgiving and took them back on Sunday. Eric came down for week and brought his kitties. He took them home with him on Tuesday. It was nice. Everything worked well on getting the dinner ready in a timely manner. I go a bigger turkey then I wanted, 21 lbs instead of the 16-18 I like to get. We finished it off by using it in enchilidas and fried rice, plus sandwiches.
I did go shopping on 'black Friday', but then only at 8:30 with Elizabeth and it was to get cat food.
I've had the blah's and don't want to do what I need to. I have to force myself to do stuff. I hate the cold gray mornings. I wish we'd get some rain.

I went back to work on Monday, and I sure didn't want that alarm to go off. I was ready for another week home- or at least an extra day. We made gingerbread cookies in class today, I am baking then right now and tomorrow I will take them to school and the children will decorate them and eat them. Ummmmmmmm

Timers going, so I guess I had better go now also.

It has color.

I know it's not much, but finally after 8 years my tree is getting it's fall color

TGIF

Yeah for Friday. I have all next week off. Tomorrow I will go to a Bridal shower, Keith's close friends are beginning to get married. The wedding is Dec. 15. Elizabeth will not be here for the shower, but I will bring her home for the wedding. Actually, they are having just a family wedding and a reception for all others, and that's what we will be attending.

Otherwise, it's been a busy week and I am ready for a little shut eye soon.

Finally, it's a girl!

I bought this yellow crested gecko last April and it was about 6 months old. We changed the name from Marven to Ransom. Without going into detail, we have recently found out he is a she so we will have to think of a more fitting name for her. Alex came over to look at her and since he knows (we bought her from him). He thinks I should breed her. I'm not sure about that, but I might think (a little) about it.She is just a little over 1 year, and has grown quite a bit since we got her. Here she is on the bottom of her cage.
Here she is on the side. You really can't get a good look at her head, but it is on top. She likes to eat crickets, and she really loves bananas. I buy baby food (bananas) and mix in a Gecko Diet blend that is suppose to replace the crickets. I get her crickets anyway every two weeks, it helps her exercise when she chases them.

Time off

We have a short week, with Monday off. I look forward to Friday, when I will not have to be back to work for 9 days. I have all of next week off plus the 2 weekends. I have been doing some cleaning and sorting, getting ready for Thanksgiving. Eric will be here and Elizabeth will be here. Chloe will be thrilled to see Elizabeth, it's been 2 1/2 months.
Chloe came in room yesterday and put her nose next to mine, I was partially awake when she did it. She then went under the covers. She will be happy Elizabeth will be here to sleep with. Cats have cold noses and it wakes you.

Pumpkins, pumpkins and more pumpkins

We have been exploring pumpkins at school. We have made pumpkin cookies, pumpkin soup and yesterday we had pumpkin bread, with pumkin spice cream cheese (Lucern brand) which was really yummy. Out of 24 only 2 children don't like pumpkin, the rest wanted seconds.

Wednesday we cut the pumpkin open and the language was incredable as the children described the slimy insides of the pumpkin and squeezed it in their little hands and took out the seeds, and some had even sprouted. We are saving the seeds for a counting activity. It was an amazing time, it was so much fun. I still have 2 gigantic pumpkins outside, and I want those seeds so I can (maybe) grow some pumpkins. I've not had much luck at pumpkin growing in the past. Anyway, next Friday is our sharing feast (Stone Soup) for Thanksgiving, I think the children will make a pumpkin cheesecake pudding to share with their parents.

One mad cat!

Seems lately eveytime I sit down Jade sits on my lap. He just now jumped up and off, he doesn't like it when i type.
Anyway, I had some things I needed to put away so I put him on dad's lap and he held on. Jade did his growl thing and layed back his ears. The eyes say it all in this picture, demon cat!

Yeah!

Yeah, got my assessments done and turned in. They don't pay enough for what I do.
Now I can spend some time catching up on my house cleaning, sewing reading and what else needs to get done.
It is suppose to be 80 today and the average is around 69 or so . We could sure use a good down pour without high winds, etc.

Pumpkin Patch

Today I took my class to the pumpkin patch. It rained really good 2 nights ago, but it wasn't bad, not squishy mud. Here are some hightlights.



The sway bridge the children crossed. That was fun. And we also went throught a corn maze.

All's well

Dan went in for his nose job today. All went well. I won't post a picture, 'cause no one really looks good with a big wad of gauze taped under their nose. We got to the hospital at 10:30 this morning to start the check in procedure and left around 4:00 or a little after. That is one long day in the waiting room. He can't do any driving, strenuous work for at least 7 days, and can't go back to the office for 2 weeks, drink alcohol or take any aspirin product. He does have to take antibiotics, has pain pills and pills for nausea and vomiting. And he is suppose to lay day and rest, which he is. When he can breath clearly in both nostrils, hopefully he won't snore anymore. We'll see, but at least he'll be able to breath clearly.

Weather

Ok, there were some nasty storms cells that went through the central valley this evening. We were between 2 so we just got some good rain. I heard on the news there were 1 inch hail stones at Herndon and 41, 8 miles from here. Lots of rains, wind and flooding in some of the nearby towns. Sure hope it doesn't rain on halloween. We really do need the rain, but I am sick and tired of the interruptions coming over the TV every 5 minutes

Eric is not going to go down south, it was cancelled today. He seems to be doing well on his diet. He is down 2 sizes in pants, and can wear some shirts I go him when he first moved here (they didn't fit then) and he is feeling better, says he has much more energy.

I have rested my shredder enough. I am shredding some old bills. Time to go back. I also need to finish some assessments. I have 6 more conferences and I am done. I have then scheduled for after class on Wed., Thurs. and Friday. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Yeah!

Eric, again

Looks like he is on hold right now and doesn't know if he'll be going down to s.cal. since the fires situation is getting better.

Eric

Eric is going down to So. Cal. today, he will be doing something for the firefighters there. I don't know what exactly. He may be doing work in a park, clearing brush, don't know. He doesn't know yet, he probably won't know exactly until he gets there.

Today I played

Today I spent a few hours scrapbooking when I should have been doing assessments. But that's ok, I will do paperwork tonight and finish it tomorrow. I got a lot done!

Time to myself

With Dan at the lake for a few days, to do some roofing. Keith is out with some friends. I actually have time to get some paperwork done. Parent conferences are next Friday, and I need to be ready before them. I will get my group done this weekend, and then will have to review what my staff has done, and maybe rewrite some of them. I love my job, I hate the paperwork! (retirement comes in 2009!)

Lots of help

I am getting a lot of help these days. It's hard enought to stay on task, but with Chloe's help I am sure I can.. She makes herself very visible since Elizabeth has been gone.

That time of year, yuck!

The color in this Cosmo flower is really brilliant. I would love to stay outside and take photos of the flowers, and other things all day. But that just isn't reality right now. I don't mind doing assessments and parent conferences, but I really an not very happy with all the paperwork that the state require us to do for the assessments. It really doesn't make a difference in the child, (but I use them to help with my lesson plans. It is already very obvious by now what areas each child needs help in) just how it is reported, plus it does let the parents see how their child is learning and where they are at developmentally. The state wants to know that the money it is spending on the children is paying off, and this is one way of reporting it. It really isn't all that hard, it just takes hours and hours and hours and hours......................................................... to do.
So tonight, actually since around 2, except for going to the 'office' and dinner, I am stuck doing paperwork.. I need to get it right since the State Board of Education will be doing a review (my class) in the early spring. Stressfull, I would say so. Let me teach, that is the fun part.

??????????

When I upload photos now I get the letters and numbers and cannot see the photo until I post? Wish I knew why, it just started. Anyway, I will post some other photos of the family reunion after I do a little editing.

Murdock reunion

Holly and Mitchelle


Elizabeth and Ryan


The (Fletcher) Murdock's

Making the bed

So, I was making the bed and when I started to put the blanket on I noticed that Jonah had simply settled in.

Hot air balloons (again)

Got up early, again. There was no wind so we got dressed and drove down to the Rodeo grounds to see. And yes, there they were in all their glory.

They do the balloons once and year, and it is fun. This is only the 2nd time I have gone, and Dan went with me this morning. It is a small event, but fun anyway. A large gathering of hot air balloon enthusiasts would be even more fun.

Hot air balloons

I started out early this morning to go and see the hot air balloons take off from the Rodeo Grounds. This happens once a year in September, for the Septemberfest in Clovis. I am not usually willing to give up my Saturday morning sleep-in, but I did. Needless to say it was windy, so the balloons didn't go up. Looking at the 2 pictures of the balloons you can see the indentation of the wind on the balloons. However, I did get some nice photos of the sunrise. It was cold and windy so I was glad to go home and get warm. But tomorrows another day and I will go out again and see what happens. It's not suppose to be as windy, I hope not. Again because I have to give up much needed sleep.

TGIF!

I am so glad it is Friday, even though the weekend will be short I will get some rest. Keith left for Eric's today and will go to San Francisco tomorrow to visit with Elizabeth. We sent him up with his geo full of stuff for her. He will go to Eric's tonight and then to S.F tomorrow and back to Eric's tomorrow night and home Sunday evening.
SOoooooooooo........... we are going out to dinner tonight and a movie tomorrow night. But right now I am off to buy dog food. Kandy ended up with a peanut butter sandwich for dinner last night.

So much for my day

We took the cats out to play today. Jonah looks ready to pounce when he was actually just getting ready to run away, Chloe is in her element, Jade is just snooping (notice the tongue out), and then the boys are confering before they take off in opposite directions.