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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Christmas Traditions

I began decorating for Christmas during the Thanksgiving holiday. I had three days of uninterrupted decorating bliss, and Matt helped by carrying the decoration filled tubs up from the basement. Matt and I began with the outside lights and our inflatable snowmen family. This year posed a problem for the lights since both of our awnings were removed when the new siding was placed on the house.  We just had to be more creative. Sadly, I don't have photos of our outside lights since the camera chokes every time I try to take pictures after dark. You'll have to use your imagination. 

I waited to put up the tree and place the ornaments on it until Michael came home from his first hunting trip with Grandpa Gary. We dropped him off the day after Thanksgiving, and we picked him up on Sunday. Michael had a great time hunting with grandpa, but he was ready to come home to his Pittsburgh Steeler family since he was Cleveland Browned to death for three days.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Books I've Read in 2011

This idea came from a blog called Nesting Place. The Nester posted a linky for this.

These are the books I read in 2011. The list is in no particular order. I did not include books that I've read to my class.



I Was Told There'd Be Cake

The House at Riverton

French Lessons a novel

Skinny Dip

Clara and Mr. Tiffany

The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte

The Hunger Games

The Forgotten Garden

An Object of Beauty a Novel

Just Kids

Twisted

After

Unwind

The Distant Hours

Winter Garden

The Help

The Girl Who Chased the Moon

The Sugar Queen

The Book Whisperer

Drive




Our Little House is Finally Finished

As most of you know it's been a long journey getting our house roofed and sided. But the day has finally come when all is finished. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves, mostly.

Blue band aid on the roof.

Before the new windows were installed. Notice one window had already fallen out and another was soon on its way to the ground. It actually fell out the day the contractor came to install the new windows.

A Little Catching Up

I can't believe it's been since October that I've written on my blog. For those of you who actually read my blog let me just say I'm truly sorry for my lapse in writing. I have no excuse really, other than the ordinary busy, busy, busy. But that excuse sounds lame. Everyone is busy in their lives, especially during the holidays. The extent of the holidays that have passed since last I wrote includes Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. So let's do a little catching up, shall we?

Sunday, October 9, 2011

French Apple Cake

Friday evening was my turn to host book club. We are a small group of six ladies who enjoy reading, wine, good food, and conversation. The book we discussed was The House at Riverton by Kate Mortan. The book received a thumbs up rating.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Bathroom Remodeling

Our bathroom needed some serious help. The tub and sink were original to the house which was built in 1950. Who knows maybe the toilet was original too since the tank seems to have attached itself to the wall. I'm not sure when the surround and shower were added. Obviously, this bathroom was not meant to have a shower since there was a window for ventilation on the wall just above the tub. You'll see that in the second photo.

 

Sunday, September 25, 2011

What an Accomplishment

Michael and PaPa
My grandfather, who I fondly refer to as PaPa, has been working with the Fostoria School District for many years as his father did before him. PaPa has been a member of the city council, coached, and kept time for both football and basketball games. Last year he became the oldest time keeper for boys and girls track. He's 92 and still going strong.


Lending a Hand

I get a little crazy at the start of a new school year. Things that don't normally bother me suddenly become mountains that I must climb. Matt and Michael know to stay out of my way when I begin getting things put in their place the first weeks of school. It's almost like nesting when I was pregnant. I've been a busy girl since school began, writing lesson plans, grading papers, attending meetings, and such. Thus, my house has felt neglected.


Sunday, September 4, 2011

My Classroom: A Few Changes

This bulletin board is toward the front of our classroom. Here I post the syllabus, graduation requirements, editing information, and bell schedules. Student work is also important, but I hang it all over the walls of our room, front, back and sides. Most of the time the students choose the place where they want to display their work.

The Continuing Saga of My Roof

My ceiling isn't getting any better...

Kitchen ceiling in front of sink

Interesting Read for Classroom Teachers

I thought I'd share this article with those of you who may be teachers.

Aalbano: How to Create a Highly Effective Inclusion Classroom | Classroom Solutions

Last year was the first time that I had so many inclusion students in one English classroom. In a class of 30 kids almost half were on an IEP. Often times teachers feel frustrated trying to level the playing field for all kids in the classroom, especially when a teacher feels alone in this endeavor. I don't know about you, but I only had to take one class in special education to graduate with my degree in education. It's just not enough. Luckily, I had an intervention specialist, Danielle, who worked with me in my classroom. Danielle, along with our whole team of intervention specialists, were a Godsend for me.

Today while reading some of the blogs I follow, I came across this article on How to Create a Highly Effective Inclusion Classroom. It's got some nice ideas. Enjoy.







Sunday, August 21, 2011

Sweet Corn

I love this time of the summer. Farm markets are bursting with fresh fruit and vegetables. Here at the lake peaches are abundant. I have six sitting in my windowsill waiting to be pealed for fresh peach cobbler. YUM!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Roofing Blues

The blue band aid.
We began in April. With the numerous storms blowing through our area, our older than dirt roof began to leak; water began dripping in my living room and kitchen. The floor became an ocean of pots and pans, making various rhythmic sounds with each drop. Not to mention all the shingles lying in the yard and filling our gutters. Our friend suggested we see if our insurance would cover the roof. So I proceeded to call a contractor, who will remain nameless, to have them come out and give us an estimate for the roof.

Getting Started

I've never kept a blog before, and now I'm going to try to keep two. This should prove to be interesting. This blog is my second. The first is on my teacher website, also a first. I thought the blog would be nice for parents to read about my classroom and the learning that takes place there. I'm hoping the website helps me with communication between parents and students. On the website, I have placed my syllabus, weekly assignment sheets, assignments, and a calendar of deadlines.

So what am I going to write about here? Everything else that happens in my so called life.