Life changes!

Wow.... I am going to tell you about my day.

I drove to work and first thing I did was meet with Arlene...the new Site Coordinator.  I told her calmly that I was offended by the way she came into her job on Monday. Not only did she come in like a Tornado, she undermined us teachers. I said... if you came in and observed what we were doing instead of taking over and trying to change everything....it would have been a lot different. So we talked it out and she apologized.  I told her I was going to talk to Joanna next.  She asked if I needed her to be in there...I said no.
Well...she came in the class and told me Joanna could see me as I was reading to the kids.  Next thing you know...she stays in and Scott, the Human Resources guy is in there too.  He usually comes in on a Friday and helps with the firing.  He is suppose to have the employees back..but never does. So I am like "whatever". Joanna asked me how I was feeling and I told her....how I was hurt and how I felt with her telling me my job was being eliminated...and then giving it to Arlene. She said something about how Arlene has to work up into the job of Director first. Now, why didn't she tell me that before? I don't know.  She also told me some other stuff...like how I need 10 more hours of training before fall. Also how next year I will be bumped down to teachers assistant because the states laws are changing and all the teachers in the building will have to have a degree. Well, obviously I am not going in for the degree. So I told her I needed to think about what I was going to do... and she said she didn't blame me. Then they started talking about my absences. What??? They were all ready with numbers and everything.  My friend thinks they were building up a case to get rid of me....and the absences they are talking about were when my mom was so sick last year and in and out of the hospital and nursing home. They said the bereavement time didn't count. Then her drawer on her desk opened. Not once but twice. lol! You tell them mom!  After that.... they said I missed once in January and once in March. This is July. Really????  Give me a break.  After our meeting I worked for awhile.
At lunch I went in and called Papa in the far corner of the kindergarten room. Talked about what to do and then found Joanna and went in (just her and I) to her office and I told her I was leaving.  I really have a peace about my decision. Papa had told me last week to pray, decide and see if God gives you a peace about your decision.  He did. I am happier than I have been in a long time. And Papa really understands. Going in on Friday....after I had found a peace and strength in the Lord.... showed me that I really didn't have a place at the school any more. Lanny felt that way at his government job when he retired and at Walmart when he left. All the changes coming and it doesn't feel like your place anymore.
When I told Joanna she said she couldn't blame me and looked relieved.  You see, Joanna was on board about hiring me to straiten out the place...but didn't like it when I questioned things.  But that is how I am...if I don't understand I want to know why.  I am with that with my doctor and I was that way with my kids...I would explain why to them. I think they are the same way.
Anyway... we almost ran to Teresa's office to find out when my last day would be.  I sat down with Teresa and figured it could be Tuesday because I have a weeks vacation after that....so I am leaving Tuesday...the same day as Sarah Burke.  Plus our numbers have been so low. That means we only had 9 kids in the whole school yesterday.  Wow....not sure why except vacations?
So Sarah Farris cried....that made me cry for her.  I am feeling a bit guilty for leaving her and making her cry....and being happy about leaving. The rest of the day was a bit tough too. I told the kids at snack time and Jack, Ella and Benji were sad.  Ella started crying and sat on my lap for awhile. She was the most upset. The new kids from the last few months didn't care. Then when Ella's mom, Sanda, came she said she was happy to see me....she was so worried I was gone! Sarah and I looked at each other...and then I told her. She was upset....she doesn't want me to go. She loves me and thinks I am wonderful. After we went inside... Jack's dad, Drew, came. I had to tell him and he was surprised....and not happy. He loves me too....and I knew that would happen. Then Benji's mom, Val, came...she was a tough one to tell.  Benji will be there all next year. He is my youngest....and I adore him and it goes both ways. I know Benji so well...and he trusts me. That is a hard one. What surprised me was when I told Will's mom, Lisa.... she was upset and ready to cry. He has only been there a few months....but she said he has changed so much for the better since he has been in our school!!! She gave me a hug!  On the way home I called Monica's mom, Priscilla. When we hung up after talking she was crying. I told the parents I am always here and available for them....even if I am not at the school. I cannot believe the bonds we've made. Now I have to write my resignation letter for Joanna and email the parents and let them know. There is absolutely NO WAY I could do this if I wasn't sure Sarah could handle things.  She has been an AMAZING assistant. She is an AMAZING teacher. So competent and loving and wonderful with the children. She is going to do great.  I have full confidence in her and that is why I am not worried about the future for the kids.  And with Linda there....what an added bonus. They work so well together and will make a great team! Almost as good as Sarah and I. lol! I will miss Sarah and Linda.  And I will miss Allison, the kindergarten teacher. We have grown so close this past year. She is so wonderful. I hope these three stick together. I am sure they will.  I am so thankful for them.  And I am so thankful for the teaching, love and support I got from Marcey. She was such a super mentor and I wouldn't be where I am hadn't it been for her. I love all these ladies and made friends for life.

God is good. He gave me a job to do and I did it. I brought peace to the school and some organization amidst the chaos. I fell in love with children and grew softer. I grew confident and learned who I am as a person again. I see who He created me to be....and that is a good thing. I know He is not done with me....or Papa....and we are waiting on Him to show us what the future holds... and I know it is full of blessings. Thanks for riding this journey with me. The good news...I will be posting more. lol! Just won't have much to post about.

Friday!

Well, I am going back to work today after basically closing out the world all week. Seriously, stayed away from the phone....didn't feel like talking. Just spent time with God and papa.  It was a soul searching get to feeling better week.
Amanda called with a huge pep talk this morning too.  That got me going.  I will write tomorrow and let you know how my day went.
Yesterday I rearranged the den and cleaned it. Put my laptop over by the windows. LOVE IT! I can open the windows and get fresh air (which I love and need) and see what is going on with the world. Sadly there is a huge tree in my way and I can't see the water. I need to talk with the neighbor about getting rid of it. But my den looks good and so does the living room. Got them both cleaned. Tomorrow the toy room. The girls were here. It is too crowded anyway. Need to get rid of some stuff!!!!

my corner of the world makes me happy

Papa already left this morning. He went to the Kia dealer to get a new timing chain on the car and get it all up and services. Should have been done a while ago but it didn't...now we have the money and it is. It is super expensive to keep cars maintained.  I don't quite understand the need to replace timing belts when it is running fine....but he did it to the van too. Whatever.

Got to get ready for work... hope you all have a great day and weekend!

what a difference a day makes....

I am home sick today,, that never happens. I have had a headache since yesterday. Don't know if it is a tension headache or what....feeling bunk. It isn't my blood pressure....checked it today and it is actually good which shocked me with all that is going on at work. Let me fill you in a bit...MY JOB SUCKED YESTERDAY!

I was lied to....as you know I was called me in Friday and told they were eliminating my position (Site Supervisor) and hiring a Director because Terry couldn't do it anymore.  So I was fine with it....wasn't much to my job anyway because they had me as a full time teacher the past 9 months.  Joanna really wanted me to stay on as teacher .... she said I am an asset to the center with knowing so many people in the community etc... Anyway... so the new lady Ms. Arlene came in yesterday. She sits down to talk with me and tells me her position is Site Supervisor. I say WHAT? They lied to me.  She said "No, they just shift people around to see what works best." whatever.  Then she goes on to explain how I am now low man on the totem pole.  That isn't what bothered me the most. It is that she hung out in my class all day taking notes... and bossing MY kids around.  She told one he had to sleep with his shoes on. Later she asked Teresa who told her that they didn't ....so she apologized to me. She didn't know. duh. She apparently didn't know I knew what was going on. She also upset a couple of my kids by taking their lego toys apart, correcting them ....even to the point of jumping in front of me and undermining my authority. Didn't like it AT ALL! She tried her best to make us feel inferior to her....undermine us.... and treat us like we were stupid.  Worse day at work ever. I went in my van during 2nd break and cried! I was so frustrated and hurt!  I have been devoted to that school.  I built that school back up! It was a wreck before I got there and I tripled the number of kids in my class!  Marcey recognizes it....but I will never get credit from anyone else.  The are too busy patting their own backs and taking credit for the hard word I put in.  I am done.  That was my day.  Cry and stop, cry and stop.  It sucks.  Just in case you were curious. I need prayer!!!!  I am glad to be home today. I couldn't even breathe yesterday. I felt like I was going to hypervetilate.  I just wish I knew what God wants me to do. I need to spend some time in prayer and in the Word today.  

My heart is breaking for the kids. I love them. I don't want to see them hurt.

Lauren and Maddie spent the night. Maddie is awake...it is 8:20 and she is watching Tangled and eating a bowl of cereal. Who knows when Lauren will get up. She is comfy cozy. :D  Papa is getting ready to call the Kia dealer to get an appointment for his car to get all tuned and stuff.  

I was so happy the girls were here last night....even though I was upset they always make me laugh!

I hope I didn't depress you with this post. Just keeping it real about my life. Ups and downs for all of us. I know you'll be praying for me.  Love you guys!

Happy Birthday Papa!!!!

Today my husband turned 63!  Next year he get's to sing "When I'm 64!"  We had a pretty boring day. None of the kids are around so couldn't really do anything with family. So we went and cleaned out my office and desk! What fun! Yesterday I was told at work they were hiring a woman to be our new director. We really need a director. We have one but she was also for M & M Kids which stretched her to far. No one and everyone has been running our school. It will be nice to have one person to go to. I was hired for Site Coordinator...but I never had the legal qualifications to be a director according to the state.  Then my title was changed to Site Supervisor.  Though I still wasn't sure what my job description was. lol!  I was moved into the teacher position, too. Now I just get to be a teacher. I am hoping it will be great.... I won't have to worry about anything but focusing on the kids. That is what I need to do right now. I have no idea what the new director is like. She used to work there and everyone says she is wonderful. Sad part is... I don't have my desk anymore. Or my office.  Good news is.... my schedule will be changing and I won't have to close every stinking night anymore! :D

Anyway.... back to today. After breakfast we went and cleaned out the office. It went so much faster than I thought it would. Now I have to create an office here.  Then I went to the library and picked up and turned in books.  Papa went and got gas on the reservation and it was 3.37.  That is a pretty big drop.  Not getting excited....just know it will climb in no time. Usually does in the summer. Then we drove home in the pouring rain. It stopped and Papa bbq'd steaks that were so good.

Don't have much else to write about. Just will post pictures of my honey..... I really love him. Happy birthday, my love!

Walking without papers!

How can things change so quickly?  Well....maybe I stirred up the waters?  The kids at my school were awesome Monday - Wednesday.  Thursday?  Things went south so quickly!!!! The only change we had was in the room. I rearranged things into more organized centers.

I put the reading area by the cubbies where the parents pick them up.

Here is our circle time...to the left is all the building materials...blocks, leggos, train set, lincoln logs, etc...

And to the right is Imagination Station...they have their Home living area with a kitchen set, babies, puppet show, cars, doll houses, etc...

 I think it is really cool! It worked out really well for the kids play time....but they were as wild as moose milk!  No listening at all. So they hardly got any stars. This morning they are getting books on manners!!!! lol!

Here are the sun's they painted. Some are so cute and some a bit scary! haha!

And they built sun catchers. That was cool!

I could have easily walked yesterday.  I was out at the playground mentally figuring out the bills and we could do it easily enough.  But then kids would come up and hold my hand or something sweet and I would forget about it.

I have decided today is going to be a good day no matter what.  I woke up at 5 and took my shower. I am having my coffee, the sun is beautiful coming up over the water, and it is so quiet and peaceful now. I love it. The day is going to be a good day.  Ice Cream cookies!

I love my hair. The stylist did a great job....exactly what I wanted. I will return to her.

It was just washed so the bottom is wet. lol!

Had a death in the family the other night. Pete's wife, Laura, passed away from cancer. They just diagnosed her and within weeks she was gone. It was everywhere...in her heart, lungs, bones. It was a nasty form of cancer that never even gave her a chance. She was such a nice person. The last time I saw her was last July at our home for Lanny's retirement party. (Pete is Lanny's cousin)  She was younger than me....has kids and grandkids. Such a big loss.  Praying for the family. There will be no service.

Well.... Lauren spent the night. Today her and Papa are picking her daddy up at the ferry. He's been on a work trip for a month. She is excited.  Best go....got some work to do! Have a great day!

Last day of school!!!! Let the horns honk and the happiness show!

Last day of school for the grand-kids! So excited for them!  Hard to believe Dylan will be going to North Kitsap Senior High!!!!  That is my school I graduated from. Never imagined I would have a grand child graduating from there.  It is where his mama graduated from too!  I know I am jumping the gun since he is just going into 9th grade....but still. Blows my mind.

He was just a baby with that tongue always out. :(

Yes, all the others are going up a year too....but the significance of this is HE is going to my high school!!!!
And today is going to be a sunny day today! It has been raining so much or just cloudy....it will be nice having a couple days of sun!

Yesterday I taught my kids about why it is hot in the summer and the position of the sun and why it is winter in Australia, etc.... I thought it was interesting. They made suns, sun-catchers, and worked on their lower case letters. It was a good day at school. Today is the last day for a lot of our kids at school. The kindergartners graduate and that will be it for them..... and Mrs. Burke's Junior Kindergarten class graduated yesterday and there is 4 or 5 kids leaving today.  Some of my kids have left for the summer and some will be leaving. Some will be taking vacations....one went to Viet Nam for part of the summer.  So yesterday I divided the kids who will be coming and am giving Sarah half and me half. Got the schedule made for us and we are all ready. We were going to start in July but we may as well start next week.

Papa is getting to be such a great and amazing cook. He made Chicken Fried Steak last night. Sadly his cooking is killing me. I gained 5 pounds again.... need to get this weight off. Any suggestions besides dieting and exercising? lol!

Have a wonderful day.... enjoy the day God has given you and God bless!

Happy Birthday Libby!!!!

Today is my little sister's birthday! I won't say her age... she looks forever young.  I love my sis. She is kind and helpful and loves her family. Where I was more of an organizer....Libby is the caretaker of the family. I love her so much and want to wish her the best birthday ever!!! If I could give her one present it would be mom calling her to sing her happy birthday.  But I can't so I will have to do it. Poor Libby.  Happy birthday sis!!!!

Have a great Tuesday everyone!!!!!

Monday, monday and a family of stars!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope today is good to me. It is a Monday. Had a good weekend!  We didn't do a lot. I got my hair colored. Finally went and got it done....now I don't look 70. Lauren spent the night. I was going to go see my son's band play, but couldn't go. Spent too much on my hair. Looked good....but then couldn't afford to go. lol!  Got a picture off the computer though!

I cannot get used to this computer system. I used to have XP on my computer....now I don't know what I have on my lap top but if I stop typing for a few seconds it seems to take a time out.
Lanny, me and Lauren picked up Dylan and went to the Yank-a-part game. It was so good! We won big time....our first win! Everyone played great! A few pictures....

Joel up to bat

Watching the ball

The girls...Maddie, Lauren and Riley

Tara playing catcher

Dennis pitched a great game!!!!

Dylan is like his mom "Don't take my picture!!!" Maddie is opposite!

Maddie had the biggest thrill of her life this past Friday night!!!! Karla is a huge Ryan Star fan and has followed him for years.  She's been to every concert he has played in Seattle. Maddie is also a huge fan! He is of hers too..... Karla and Maddie had front row seats and he smiled as he watched her sing every song with him....then he invited her up on stage to sing!!!! So she sang a bit with him! It was amazing! Karla sat and cried.  Maddie will never forget it.  Wish I was there. I am going to try to post some pictures and the video now.  Have a great week!!!!

school for us, school for him...I like mine better.

Things are a changin' at work. Some good and some bad. But like everything.... we will survive. The kids cannot climb up the little slides anymore. That is sad because they get great exercise by it and never get hurt. Coloring in books and on handouts is limited....which makes no sense to me.  Found out we can't take pictures with our cell phones anymore. Absolutely no way. That makes me sad because I use mine alot for that purpose. So I'm bringing my camera today. Today we are having a Father's Day Picnic! Hot dogs, potato chips, corn on the cob, watermelon, juice and a dessert the kids will make! We are getting quite a few dads coming. Having it at 3:00! It is suppose to be a nice day, too! Planning on having it inside anyway.  We have tables and chairs and can put some blankets on the floor for those who want to sit on the ground. I hope we have a fun day. I am so happy it is Friday!
Tomorrow I am coloring my hair!!!! No doubt about it!  I am so gray it is gross.  There is no way to fix my hair so it can hide it anymore.
Tomorrow night I am going out to dinner with my co-workers Sarah and Linda....then we are going to watch Kevon's band sing!  PGB is playing in Bremerton again and I am excited. So proud of my baby and it is fun to watch him sing.
Well, just thought I would write a few things while I am sitting here with Andrew. He is writing an English essay. I could never do the work he has to do. Never ever! His AP English Language....forget about it...and his Japanese....ha!  No way could I handle the Chemistry and his AP World History really sucked.  So glad I am not in school anymore.
Please pray for Lanny's cousin's wife.....they found out she has cancer through out her body and needs prayer. Thanks
Best go and see if I can help him. haha!

camping again!!!!

Things are good. Thought I would update. I am loving my laptop. I am sitting here watching Love It or Leave It. Papa is out on the porch with Toby. It got nice today. I think 70. My throat is very scratchy and I'm not feeling all that well tonight. And then Lanny cleans the burners. I hate that smell so bad. Simply Green on burners? That can't be right. Besides stinking it is killing me. It is Monday....I had the day off. Very nice. I  needed that extra day off. We went camping last weekend with the whole family. Friday night was fun. Brad & Tara and girls made it for dinner and s'mores...and bike riding.

Amanda and Andrew too!!! They spent the night. Amanda, Heather, Karla, Andrew and I played a fun game....laughed so hard!!!! Good times.

Had a great breakfast...took papa 3 hours to cook all the bacon. Heather and Joel cooked the hashbrowns over the fire, papa cooked the eggs and Amanda cooked the toast. There were 18 of us having breakfast!

cherries in the cheeks

cherries in the cheeks

All the rest of the day we just played. Kevon showed up! All the kids loved that.... everyone rode bikes all over the place. They got to ride in the back of Joel's truck to the beach and to the bunkers.

They played in the woods, went on walks, we played Bocce, we played kick ball, nephew Jack came with a friend Melissa and her daughter who played with the kids and had fun. Maddie learned to ride her bike! That was so exciting to watch her ride! Veronica showed up and rode bikes with Dylan. That night we had steak for dinner and s'mores. Kevon brought his guitar out. We sang and laughed and had so much fun! Kevon made up songs about people and we couldn't stop laughing. But we did...and got to bed around 10:30.  Sunday morning I made tons of scrambled eggs and that is what we had...then we all started packing up and we were out of there by about 11. Weird. Dylan and Lauren rode home with me.

Well....I need to go to bed.  Back to work tomorrow after 4 days off. :*(  Have a great week!