Sunday, November 15, 2009

Life as a Teacher

I apologize for the long pause since the last update, but I have been super busy and I have taken a turn for the good in my career life. As of October 26, 2009 I have been a Kindergarten teacher for the Plain Local School district and am loving it. I m actually a Teaching Assistant, but I have my own set of students all day and my own classroom. I really see 38 students everyday, but not all at once, we switch between two rooms once a day. I was confused at first but I have it down pat now and love it. I get to teach my own lesson under the direction of the head teacher in the room which I switch with, but she lets me change things to meet the needs and I have fun doing it. I have started to change things in the room and move things around and the kids are noticing them very quickly. I hope to have things pretty much in place by Christmas break.

This past week I was able to enlist Grandpa's help in coming to the school to help me teach the students about Veteran's Day. He loved it, I loved it, and the kids loved it. He even wore his hat for me. Grandma tagged along to see the room and meet the students as well. I guess she called mom when they got home and told her that I have a cute group of kids, and they both do not know how I know what is going on and what to do and how I get it done before the announcements in the morning. Let's just say in about a 30 minute time period, the kids enter, some stay, some go to breakfast, I check folders, they start and complete morning table work, i take attendance, and lunch/milk count and turn it in, in the room next door to be taken down and we are quiet and on the carpet with about two minutes to spare before announcements. Grandpa just sat at the table and shook his head a few times, because he is seeing first hand how a classroom works these days from when I was in school, let alone him.

I am still working at the library, but only on a sub basis. I worked this past Sat and enjoyed it, but then again since school started I have been spoiled with having Saturdays off and I kind of like it. It is nice though to see the library staff and catch up with them and keep tabs on what is going on in the system.

That is about it for now. I hope to keep you updated as things happen on a regular basis now, but I had to catch my breath. Hopefully the next time I will have small stories to share from the students. This week is conferences, so we will see what I get out of them or from the parents.

Till then.........

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Long Long overdue

I know, it's been a long time since the last update.

There has been so much happening since the last post, I can't remember all of it.

First off, My grandparents went to Illinois for two weeks and had a wonderful time with their friends. Grandpa went fishing a lot and brought home lots of white bass and of course we had a fish fry then and it was yummy

They were home about a week and mom and Dad went to New York to Letchworth State Park and met up with friend from Canada there and had a wonderful time as well.

Two weeks later the four us went to Illinois to spend time with friends there as well. We went o spoon river festival, which was the coldest day there, we went to the Lincoln Museum, his home, and had a great time and even went to see his Tomb! Matt was in love with everything that day, because Lincoln is his roll model.

Now back to work, but in addition to being back to work, I have interviewed for a teaching position in the Plain Local schools and I was hired on Friday. My start date is ASAP, but will probably be on the 26th, as I have to give a weeks notice to the library. I am so excited...When I get settled into that position I will post and let you all know. My title if Kindergarten Teaching Assistant Instructional Aide at the Plain Local Kindergarten Center at William R Day.

That's about it for now. This coming Friday I will be turning 30....now that is just scary. I am going to the OSU game on Sat for my birthday and I got a new job...I think this is a great way to celebrate!

Till next time

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Accuracy not the best policy

Accuracy is not always the best thing when playing Corn hole against your Dad and Grandpa.

Two weekends ago we played Corn hole before my Grandparents left for Vacation. Dad and I were a team and we were doing really well, until the score was tied and we only needed two points to win. Dad is up and well, he sinks one in the hole, so we wait to see what Matt does to see if he cancels anything out...dad carefully tosses the next one and what does he do, sinks another one. So once the math is all figured out, Matt and Grandpa need one point and Dad and I have to go back to 15....UGH....Needless to say Matt and Grandpa won the game. The next game was the same way, but we kept taking turns going back to 15 as we all are getting to good at this game. It about time to put it away and not play it till next spring and then see how well we do.

In other news, I have been teaching the 4/5/K Sunday School Class at church. I love that class and love the kids that are in it. The stories that I hear each week are so funny, that you can't laugh at them, because 9 out of 10 times they are serious as can be. I do want to share with you what one of the little guys said to me this past week.

J: Lynne come here
L: What do you need buddy
J: Come here I want to tell you something
L: Is it a secret?
J: yep
L: OK....what is it
J ( as loud as his little voice could go) "Lynne you have two white hairs on you forehead"
L: Well thanks for letting me know about them
J: Your welcome...can we learn about Jesus now?
L: you Bet ( and away we went with out lesson)

Grandpa and Grandma went to Illinois for a couple of weeks, I think that they are coming home this week sometime. Mom and Dad are leaving Friday to meet friends that we met in Florida in New York for a few days. They are getting ready for that. This weekend is the Euchre and Chili cook off that our Sunday School Class is putting on again this year because it was successful last year.

In about two weeks, the four of us are skipping town and going to Illinois to spend time with friends there and relax. I am looking forward to that....a mini vacation.

Tonight was Mom's recogntion dinner for work...she has been there 20 years. How time flies.

That's about it....nothing to big happening right now...story times are in full swing this week and will be for the next 9 weeks.

Till Next time....

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Picking corn can be scary

Last Saturday we were sitting around the fire and I decided that I would go and pick a few ears of corn for my Sunday dinner. Fine. I was not paying any attention to who was around, what was around..I was in my own little world finding the best ears of corn. At that moment I had two ears of corn in my hands (one in each) and my dad can running through the corn field, rustled the corn...and well I screamed so loud as you can imagine, but the best part was that I held up the two ears of corn and shook them at my Dad....like that was going to do anything.
When I looked up to the where everyone else was sitting, they were all laughing so hard at me...I just wish someone would have taken a picture of me shaking the corn at my Dad.
I am really surprised the neighbors did not hear me, because I knew I screamed really, really loud.
On Friday night, I had the family down for family dinner, where I made pecan crusted chicken, hot rolls, hot German potato salad, and peanut butter pie. Needless to say, there was enough for me to have left overs on Saturday for work and today. I will make that recipe again that is fur sure. After dinner was all sat around the living room and Grandpa told stories of when he was in the service and what happened with some of his students who he had in flight instruction class for the Air Force. I guess he was teaching them how to call for help at the same time as they were to pull their release cords. Well the one student said "calling all cars, calling all cars," but he was saying this through the release cord, rather than the calling device.. Grandpa said everyone lost it, even him the instructor and his co instructor.
It was one story after another, and then mom jumped in and told about a time, when they lived in the old farmhouse before Grandpa and Grandma built the house they live in now. It was night and mom was laying in bed and she kept hearing a noise like someone breathing out the window...she finally got Grandpa (her dad's) attention, and he came in and listened and when he yelled out the window "who is out there?" it responded with a MOO...the cows where about and they were eating the vine on the chimney outside mom's bedroom window...If that doesn't scare you...i don't know what would..But we laughed and laughed about it all night. It was so funny. I can't even imagine how my mom felt.
This week we are celebrating my Grandparents 60 wedding anniversary on the 3rd of September. Matthew has a ballgame, and Mom, Matt, Grandma and Grandpa are all going to the first OSU ballgame. Let the season begin and GOOOOOOOOO BUCKS!
Till next week......

Thursday, August 20, 2009

A quick update

This is going to be a short and quick update.

Not much has been happening right now. I did have an interview for a teaching position for 1st grade in Osnaburg (East Canton) but i did not get it and I am fine with that. It was my first official teaching interview and i was please with how it went and am glad I had the opportunity to do so. I know with God's timing something will come about. I just have to remember to stop and thanks God for all the things I have at this time.

It's been a stressful week at work, but we have managed and we are getting through it.

Matthew had a softball game last night and he was the catcher and he did really well. They did lose but it was fun to watch them. This Saturday he is playing in a tourney in Massillon and we of course are all going to the game. But before going to the game, I am getting my hair done way to early in the morning, then going with mom and Grandma to a card making get together where we are going to learn new folds and then off to the ball game. Saturday night is also the balloon lift off in Louisville and if the wind is blowing the right way they will come over the house and farm here. They usually do and we have the neatest pictures from that too.

That's about it. Told you it was a quick one. Till next time......

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Christmas in July with a corn roast

I know that it is August 2nd and the title of this entry is "Christmas in July", but that is what the last week of July consisted of for us. Mom and I kicked it off on July 25th is a Christmas Card morning at friends where we made 12 Christmas cards to add to our collection that we make. That then intrigued me to get my Christmas card planned, cut, stamped and completed, which is what happened over this last weekend of July/Aug. It was fun. We even got Grandma involved and she is half way through hers. Mom and I enjoyed a day of create what you want day with 7 other friends and family members! It was a great day, it started at 9:30 and we worked till about 7:30 and completed lots. Made cards for friends, Christmas cards were being created as well, laughter and stories shared too. It was a great day.

Last night we had a corn roast up at the "barn". It was the first of the sweet corn this year and lets just say between the 6 of us we polished off 16 ears of corn in no time. Grandma sure knows how to make the evening eventful and full of laughter though. She was at the fire ring with dad turning the corn and she stepped back, tripped over a piece of wood and nearly fell in the bucket where the corn was soaking. It was a good thing the pitch fork was there, because she would have been soaked....It took it all out of us not to laugh, but as you can imagine dad and I lost it.

Today we enjoyed just being together as a family. Today we went to church, and then gathered at my parents where we created more cards, the guys played corn hole and rested in the open under God's creation!!

This week is back to the grind and work. Matthew started softball, dad is coaching, i have tennis, church meetings, and who knows what else.

Till next time.....Remember God loves you!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Girls day!

Last Friday mom and I had a well deserved girls day. We traveled all the way to Carrollton Ohio to see he friend that used to live at the end of the driveway. We had a great visit, found her place, out in the boondocks of Carrollton, by Leesville lake. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch, catching up time, picture sharing and so much more. We even went out on the boat and have a great time getting some sun, the little bit it was out. After we left her place we went nosing around in the Ben Franklin's that was there and have already planned a day to do to downtown Carrollton because it has old little unique shops that we like to be nosey in.

Sunday we did not do much at all, except make cards for friends that have ordered them as well as service cards for a few friends that are going in the service or are already there training. We will miss them lots and lots. We also had a good time just being together as a family this past weekend.

This week is the last of the hustle and bustle of summer reading. We are closing in on the end of it already and it seems like it just started, but our minds are getting ready for the Fall as well.

That's about it. This weekend is our Sunday School picnic at my place..ok my parents and then the Olympics picnic on Sunday for Matt. I hope that it does not rain for either...rain and picnics do not match at all.

till next time.....

Sunday, July 12, 2009

HillBilly golf, Friends and Good Laughs

These past two weeks have been crazy, crazy. There is so much happening at work, and time is going by so fast. I am thankful for the weekends when they come around because it is a time to relax and be with the family I love and the friends i adore.

This past weekend all we did was sit and catch up on everything with everyone and especially with our Grandparents friends from Illinois. I love having them here, but the time goes so fast when they are here. Friday night we had our annual get together bon fire and cookout with them. That is always fun. Of course we played corn hole, laughed and ducked when we got to close to each other. Good thing there is no video cameras around when this is being played.

Saturday was a girls day with mom and lots and lots of ladies. We had about 15 at my moms for a stamp party and card making day. It was fun. Lots of laughs and projects being planned for the come and make what you want day in the near future.

Today, Sunday, was just the day of relaxation that we all were looking forward to. Of course we went to church, mom and I ushered, I taught Sunday School for 1st-4th graders, and then we all split for the afternoon and had wonderful naps. i can't remember the last time I took a nap in a long time.

Sunday evening came and we were all together with my grandparents and Frank and Alice and we played hillbilly golf. Yes, Hill Billy golf. It is fun! If you have never played you must.
All the game is, is three rungs of PCP piping put together. The top is worth 3 the middle 2 and the bottom 1. Each team gets six golf balls stringed together in two that you throw and try to wrap around the pipes. The first team to 21 without going over wins. Well Matt and Dad would have won, but dad landed on the wrong rung and had to go back to 20 pts and try for one each time. they were getting one each time, until either Grandma and I cancelled them out. Needless to day we caught up and only needed two pts. Grandma was up and her last two throws were one pointers and we beat the guys 21-20. Yep the girls won. We laughed each time, because you think you have the golf balls wrapped around the pipes and then, they fling off or like I did, knocked mom's off one time. OOPS

This week is filled with many things at work and home. I am back to playing tennis and won all three games last week. I still got it. and am happy with that.That's about it. until next time...have a good week

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

A weekend in Columbus

This past weekend was spent in hot sticky, stinky college dorms on the campus of OSU. It was the annual Special Olympics weekend for Matthew and the rest of the Stark Public team. the weekend started with us leaving North Canton at 7:30 in the morning so that we could check in at 11:00 in Columbus. Once we arrived and checked in and got our keys to the dorm we moved in and turned on fans and lowered beds and opened windows we were off to run a 4x100 relay with the trackers and first round of singles for tennis. Then off to dinner and opening ceremonies and tent town and bed....bed...well let's just say it was hot hot hot and I did not sleep well... needless to say I was up and raring to go at 5:00am so we could get the kids up at 5:30 and off to breakfast by 6:15 and to the days Venus by 7:15. Tennis started at 8am and we were on our way to sit in the hot sun and walk the hot courts with Matt and the two girls for the day.

Results in singles...Matt for 4th place in Men's and the girls got a 4th and bronze....it think...everything ran together. That was just the morning. In the afternoon, we played doubles and the girls got a GOLD in women's doubles. They were so excited when they found out, because we don't tell them...we like to see them get surprised. Anyway they were so excited they could hardly stand still on the awards stand. Then there is Matt's matches. Matt and his partner had to play two 12 point tie breakers to get their award. Long and short of it...they won both tie breakers and brought home the GOLD as well. We were so proud of him...he was proud of himself when he found out he got the gold too.

During the match...the second one that is...I could here my Dad yelling YEAH every time Matt drilled the ball at the opponents feet. I was funny and then when they found out he got GOLD you would have thought is was the first...the entire tent of out team mates and the other coaches erupted and cheered. It was FANTASTIC....If you ever want to experience the Olympic feeling come and join us sometime...even though tennis may be boring it is fun to watch and wait to see what everyone gets as well as hear the response and reactions of the athletes.

Not much else has been happening.. Staying busy at work as the Summer reading programs are in full swing. Tomorrow we have 60 kids registered for Crazy Face painting...that should be fun....

This weekend we are having a 4th of July cookout with the family and friends of my parents. I am looking forward to that as we are doing Steaks for lunch and of course the annual bon fire and hot dogs in the evening as we watch fireworks from the back yard.

That's about it for now. I can't believe that tomorrow is July 1st already...where has the months gone....EECK

Till next time. ...Keep you head held high and remember to SMILE :)

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Two week re-cap

I know it has been awhile since the last update...



First I want to announce that Matt placed first in men's singles in Medina for tennis and third in mixed doubles on June 6. I was so proud of him and he did a great job even though the score keepers were no good.



Second, the conference that I presented at in Columbus for the library went very very well. My co-worker and I rocked and have gotten many responses already wanting patterns and other ideas from us as well. That tells me that we were effective and covered what they wanted to hear. We were down there for 2 1/2 days and took classes ourselves and learned a lot too.



Lastly, I have been getting things ready with everyone at work for the Summer Reading Club to start next week. We are all getting things ready for the kickoff in which we are serving ice cream. Then let the other programs begin. I like summer reading, but it sure makes the summer go by to fast.

That is about it. Hopefully the next post will have some kidisms from the Ice Cream social at work and other programs as well. I will try very hard to remember them. Until then.......

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Shopping, Relaxing, and Corn hole

This past weekend was such a fun and relaxing one for me and my family. I hope that you all felt the same. Saturday I went shopping with my best friend and we had a ball. It has been a very, very, very long time since we have done that. We were gone most of the day. But before the shopping trip started we went to watch her nieces softball game. Let's just say they are good. They really beat the other team, but most importantly they had fun. So back to shopping. We went all the way to Massillon, but had a great time and each came home with something new...well I came with three things and I think that she did too. We are planning another get away sometime soon.

Saturday evening my mom and I made Graduation cards. We are anxious to hear what a few of them say about their cards. They turned out very well. They will not get another one like it.

Sunday we pretty much did a little of this, a little of that, and a whole lot of other things. In the evening we had a fire and roasted hot dogs and just sat around and talked with my Grandparents.

On Monday we had our usual picnic, but this time we BBQ'd chicken over the open fire. Dad and Grandpa did a GRAND job and we all agreed it was the best we have eaten like that in a long time. That evening we also played three games of corn hole and well lets just say that Matthew and Grandpa are winning 3-0 against Dad and I. Dad and I would be way ahead and then Matt would decided to sink them right in the hole and catch up. Grandpa then tries to block the whole and then Dad is up and bumps them in for another win. The harder we tried the worse Dad and I got. I guess it is OK, since Dad and I beat Matt and Grandpa in shuffleboard in Florida...They are saying it is their revenge from that. I think Dad and I need to have some private practices...shh don't tell. Mom and Grandma were there the whole time of course and were the faithful score keepers and loved laughing at us.

Tuesday has brought us all back to work and the real world. I have been busy getting the last minute things ready for the conference myself and a co-worker are presenting at. We leave tomorrow(Thursday) and well, I am nervous, but I know all will go well. The next post will be about this experience.

Until then...

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Home Again...

I arrived home Tuesday night from yet another trip to Florida with my mom. We went to the Loews Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando, where mom had her nursing conference this year. Needless to say while mom sat in sessions all day, I sat by the pool and did nothing but read, suntan, swim, read, suntan, suntan some more and read. It was nice just to do nothing. As my best friend would say, she would love to have cabana boys come and serve you lunch by the pool, and bring ice cold water to you all the time. That is just what happened. It was nice to be served for once. Each day brought a new treat at the pool. One day they brought you frozen Italian cherry ices, another frozen grapes, another day was frozen pineapple and everyday was frozen towels around 2pm. Two of the days we got all that stuff and as much ice and ice water you wanted, unless you decided to order a drink. I thought I would order a pina colada smoothie until I saw that they were $8.00 a piece...i will just stick with my free ice and ice water.

Mom and I did have a great time just being together. It has been a long time since the two of us were able to get away with out the boys. We enjoyed our evenings together as we would take the FREE water taxi over to the CityWalk and window shop, because everything was so expensive to buy. The water taxi also took you to Islands of Adventure park and Universal Orlando park as well if you wanted..but neither of us were up to roller coaster rides at 6pm. So we just walked and watched everyone else.

We ate our evening meals out at the CityWalk most night. one night we went to Bubba Gumps restaurant from the movie Forest Gump. My mind has escaped me to were all we ate, but they were all fun places.

Since I have returned, I have been busy playing catch up with work and things around the home. I have also sent in another application to various schools and will be sending more in as the month rolls along and other district post their openings.

My dad and Grandpa have been busy working in the fields and about have all the corn planted and then all that is left is to plant the beans. They are both pleased at how well things are going...Let's hope i did not just jinx it.

Well that is about it....Until Next time.....Enjoy the nice spring weather that we have been blessed with.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Leaving on a jet plane

Yep...you read that right. I am leaving with my mom on a plane tomorrow morning at 10:30 for Florida. Just the two of us are headed to Universal Orlando to enjoy time together and on top of that it is Mother's Day weekend. Who could ask for a better present...mother and daughter trip on this special weekend. I have been looking forward to this for about 4 weeks...that is how long I have been back since the last Florida trip. The real reason we are going, is that my mom has a conference down there for work and I am tagging along. But we are going a day early and staying a day later so we both can enjoy the pool, the beach and maybe check out Universal Orlando as well.

There has not been to much happen since the last post, except that I enjoyed a wonderful girls nigh tout with Amber from work and her friends from church, rang and sang several songs on Sunday for Music Ministry Sunday, and worked this week. We had out first school visits this week and they went well...Let's just say the teachers have no mercy on the students and they are winning two games to one. We will see what happens as the month of May rolls on.

The newest info is that I got a new toy this week, yes a toy. I traded in my car for a new car, still a boat size i may add, but with much less miles. This one will last awhile...lets hope. I like it, still have to get used to a few things, but it is only day two driving it.

That is it for now....till next week...with stories from Florida...have a good one.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Graduation Day and more

Sunday was the best day so far this year. It has been the day I have been looking forward to since Christmas. This day would be Graduation day. Finally it arrived. Arrived sunny and really hot.

The day started out with us picking up my grandparents in the big ole van and traveling all the way to Walsh university in North Canton. Upon arrival I split from the family and took off to the room where I was to line up. Of course, all my study buddies where there and we had a great reuniting. My friend and partner for all the projects from the first day I stepped into the University was graduating with me. It was so fun to see Megan again.
As the hour marched on before we marched down the steps and to our seats, I found out that I was going to be wearing to sets of honors cords. One set was the purple and green for Kappa Delta Phi for the Education division and then I received gold cords for being Cum Laude in Education with a GPA of 3.66. YEAH! Needless to say I was shocked to receive the gold ones, I already had the others at home. The ceremony came, we marched through the line of professors, passed the parents and families and friends, and to out seats. The commencement speaker was awesome...15 minutes...he said it was all about your attitude and how you go about making your attitude a positive one and taking on the world with your positive attitude. Next came the calling of names and the individual schools that were graduating. First were the Dr. degrees and then the Masters and then finally the Undergrads. Names were called and honors announced and...well at 3:30 I was an official Graduate of Walsh University.

Let's just say my parents and grandparents were there and proud as can be, as well as my brother who was beaming from ear to ear and by best friend Kristine. I just want to say thank you for all the support you all gave me through the last four years of my schooling. I love you all.

Now back to the grind. All my applications that I started last week are all ready to be mailed tomorrow and New ones to be filled out. I found some recent openings in Ohio on the ODE website. SO will look at where they are at and decided if i want to apply.

That's about it for now. Congrats to Tim and Jen and family on the birth of Silas Andrew on Monday.

till Next week.....Oh yeah...a pre Florida post.. YEAH!!!!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Decisions and Applications

This week and weekend were spent making the decisions about what to do as far as a teaching job for the Fall. My heart is set on becoming the teacher that I have always dreamed about, but I also love the current job that I have at the library. I enjoy going to it each and everyday.
I have been talking with my parents about what I should do. I know the right now the teaching market is struggling in the State of Ohio, but I am keeping my hopes high and am applying to as many schools in the area. I have completed applications for Louisville, Perry local and will be working on one this week for Plain local. On the other hand, when I was on vacation and visited South Point High school where my cousin works I have found out that the teaching opportunities are greater there right now. This would be in South Carolina. I am torn about what to do...i don't want to leave my friends and family or my current job, but I feel that I have to do what is right for me, so a move might be what happens. I am not set on that, something may occur right here in little ole Ohio. I am mailing out two applications Monday morning and will submit one online this week. I will also be in contact with my cousin in South Carolina too. ACK!!!!!! I do not like decisions like this. I just have to remember that God know my plan and I have to trust the little voice inside me.

In exactly one week I will be officially Graduated from college with honors (Cum Laude to be exact) from Walsh University. I have waited for this to happen for about months and the day is finally nearing. My parents, grandparents, brother and best friend will all be attending as long as the projected forecast remains to be in the high 70's that day. We saw it on the TV today...so keeping my fingers crossed, otherwise I have to leave two people back and that will be hard to do.

My dad worked in my yard yesterday for me and took down the rest of the old smoke house that was in the back that began to fall with the last wind storm we had Late winter. It looks so different in the backyard now. I now can begin thinking about working outside and planting flowers and sprucing up the back yard this year and make it look like someone lives here. HAHA...I have been in the house for almost 6 years already and I am still working on the outside...The inside is perfect besides the spring cleaning that needs to be done...any volunteers?

Well that is it for this week. Next week will be all about Graduation and more applications or decisions that I have made. Till then.....

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

New moves, and Grooves

Yep. you read the title correctly. Tonight I started back to my two hours at the Y. It of course began with 45 minutes on the treadmill and then off to Zumba for a night of new moves, grooves, songs and sores. I really like this group of songs that are picked. Let's just say that I was really sore tonight when I left and the hot shower did not even help relax the muscles. I think that I will be paying for it tomorrow at work. When I left there tonight I felt like I had a real workout.
My dad even asked me why I was so red in the face? I would love to take him one night, but I think all i would do is laugh at him...I am laughing now thinking about it. I am not sure he is coordinated enough to do the stuff we do in Zumba. Oh well.

It has been official that I have been back to work a week now and I feel that I am back into the swing of things. Story times and all. This is the last week for them, but tomorrow is a special one that Miss Amber and I are doing. We are reading books while a trio from the Canton Symphony plays music and sound effects. Miss Jennifer, our new children's person, said that she enjoyed it when she read at the practice and another branch. We will even have cookies for the kids and adults too. A win win for all, stories, special guest and cookies.

In other news, I found out that my friend at work is expecting her 3rd. I am excited to meet the little one, but I have to wait till December, but I will have plenty of other little ones to buy for and welcome into the world before hers.
I also was able to connect with my old youth pastors today on Facebook! I was so excited to talk to them and get the family scoop. I am anxious to talk to them more and more.

That's about it. I think I will go put my feet up and try to find something good on TV tonight and relax my muscles. Till next week....

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Vacation re-cap

Florida was wonderful, fabulous, relaxing, warm, and.....i could go on and on. The past two weeks I spent in Florida was the best I had on a vacation in a long time. I know that I was really looking forward to it, but after being back, I am so happy I went.

So let me take a moment and recap that really happened the last two weeks. Vacation really started for me on the 18th of March and we headed toward Wytheville, Va where we stayed over night. Then from there we headed to Rock Hill, South Carolina to spend and afternoon and overnight at my Aunt and Uncles new home and actually got to have a real visit with them. We were also able to see the new high school that m cousin is the Head Guidance Counselor at. This high school holds 1500 students and it is the third one in the district and she said there is talk about breaking ground for another high school in the near future. That is a lot of kids. Matthew got to see the weight room and tried to lift some of the weights and he even met the high school coach and got two team shirts. How does he rate. Needless to say Matthew was very very excited. From there we left and headed to Orange City, Florida where we spent, like always the next morning with my Grandparents friends that were in the service with them. After a fabulous lunch with them we headed two hours south and were at the beach! Finally at the beach. I was so happy, but before we even thought about putting any swimsuits on we were good and went to the grocery so that Sunday morning we could watch the sunrise and be by the pool.

Mainly that is what we did for the next two weeks was sit by the pool, read, walk the beach early mornings and afternoons, read, swim, sleep, get a WONDERFUL suntan, swam, eat every once in awhile, swim, talk, play games (both board, card and pool) and rest up for the next day. It was so relaxing, I mean I even read two books down there that I never get to read at home.

One thing about going to this place, is that every year the same people are there about the same time as us, so it is like a big family reunion, but from around the world. I do mean from around the world, well OK, Canada and US. There was us from Ohio, some from, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ontario, Canada, Michigan, Georgia and New York. Like I said, a global family reunion. Each night was something different. Some nights ended up all of us chatting with millions of conversations going at once, other nights were game nights, and some nights were yummy dessert nights. Each unit made a dessert on a different and we enjoyed them immensely.

Let's see what else did I do....Oh yeah one night 5 of us piled in the van and drove to Pass-a-grill and went shelling at 11pm. It was so much fun just us and flashlight and lanterns. We found more shells that night with the little light we had than any other time. That will be a memory, but I have a feeling it will be a tradition each year. Yes we went shopping one day because mother nature decided to dump a thunderstorm on us, but by 12 noon it was gone and we were at the pool.

One night we took our friends from Canada and went to the Roaring 20's pizza and pipes place for supper. We ended being there for almost 3 hours as they have a Wurlitzer organ that a gentleman plays for you while you enjoy your dinner. The amazing thing about this is that this gentleman never looks at music, he has everything memorized. He even takes requests and if you think he may not know it, well you are wrong...it's memorized too. He was Amazing. Matthew loved it.. My mom even got pictures of Matt dancing with one gal from Canada that went with us.

Every night, no matter what time it was or if we had to turn on the night lights, Matt, Dad, Grandpa and myself played two games of shuffleboard. Dad and I were a team and Matt and Grandpa. The final score from the tournament for the two weeks was 14-3 Dad and Lynne. It was more fun playing, but Dad and I had to have revenge from last year since we lost. We also went putt putting one night and that was just funny. You really had to be there. Grandma likes to hit everything but the green and come about an inch from a whole in one on about every hole. It was funny.

That is pretty much about it. We left St.Petersburg Sat and returned to our homes on Palm Sunday evening. Let;s just say we are ready to go next year. I am serious about that, we already booked it. YEAH. Of course there are picture, so if you want to see them please let me know. At the moment, my mom has them.

Please let spring come...I was not to pleased to come home to snow, but they told me that was my punishment at work for leaving for two weeks.

Until next week....Happy Easter to everyone!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Nice to be home I think...

I returned home from Florida Sunday evening about 9 pm. Once I get caught up on things and unpacking, I will update and recap the entire trip for you all. Till then...

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

A Sunday Dinner first

This past Sunday we celebrate my Grandpa's 79th birthday. Tradition holds, the birthday person gets to order what ever they want to eat for their birthday. So Grandpa ordered BBQ rabbit. Yes, you read this right rabbit. Let me tell you, my appetite going into this was a little different. Grandma on the other hand was thinking ahead and made a little bit of chicken so if we did not like the rabbit, we could have chicken. Well I braved it and ate the rabbit and...well needless to say it is not my favorite, but it was good. To me it kind of tasted like roast beef, but REALLY tough roat beef. Let's just say, it will be awhile till I eat that again. All in all it was a great day and I am happy to be with Grandpa on his birthday. Happy Birthday Grandpa!!



Sunday also brought naps, laughs and stories. We also planned the menu for Florida and signed up for who was taking what meat from what freezer and who was in charge of making the grocery list for down there. After that I was ready to come home and pack until I saw what a mess my shorts were, and well out came the iron again.



So in 9 days I will be in florida and in 10 days I will be walking the beach. YES! Look out beach here I come! I am so ready.



Until Next Tuesday...Have a grand week.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Cleaning, Hunting, and Fixing

That is what I have been doing for the past few nights when I get home from work. I am slowly trying to clean(spring clean that is) because when I normally do this, I will be in Florida. I figure that if I get the brunt of it done now then it won't be to bad when I get back, and hopefully I will be able to bring the nice weather back so that we all can open windows and get the fresh air...Awe the thought of fresh spring air!

Hunting is another thing that I have been doing a lot of lately. I have been on the hunt for my summer clothes so that I can begin to pack. I have been very successful so far, but I am still on the hunt for my sunglasses. What I did with them, I don't know. I must find them.... I do believe that I have found the majority of my things for the trip.

Fixing is the last thing that I have been doing. Monday morning when I got up the house was 63 degrees, a little cold for me. So I called my Dad at work and he helped me fix the furnace over the phone. I felt very successful and fell that I will be able to fix it myself in the near future. I guess i must say I fell like a furnace expert...well kind of.

That's about it for this week. There will be probably one more post before Vacation.. Till then...

Monday, February 23, 2009

A little bit of everything

That is how the past week as been. I have been so busy doing a little of this and a little of that. I have been making cards with my mom, still working on a Waterfall card that I think our friends from Florida will enjoy, but they live in Canada. I went to friends Saturday night to make cards, went to a friends house Saturday morning to make cards, did a little ironing that ended up being a project and taking two hours...ugh...played Tennis Friday night, went to the Y Tuesday night, bells Wednesday and Thursday and Chancel choir Thursday, yeah i worked too all week as well.
Like I said I have been doing a little of everything, but enjoyed it too.

Not much is happening right now, just ready to start another work week in addition to getting things ready for while I am on vacation. I just realized that yesterday was the 22nd and in a month I will be on the beach with the family enjoying a vacation for two weeks. I am getting vacation fever...you bet...I was thinking about getting my shorts out and seeing which ones I was taking so I could get those ironed as well...ironing again...UGH. After the snow that we got this weekend I am ready to wake up to sunshine, the ocean and the beach, and spending quality time with my family and grandparents.

Well that is a little bit of everything. Until next time.....

Friday, February 13, 2009

5 pounds...

and counting. That is what I have lost in the last two weeks. I am so excited. As most of you know I have been going to the Y twice a week right know and working out, by walking 4 miles a week and Doing Zumba once a week. I think that it is starting to pay off. I have had a few readers ask what Zumba exactly is. So here goes. It is Latin Dance moves with very fast music and you are to wiggle your hips, move you arms and legs all at the same time. Some times you have to tap your feet and turn circles at the same time too. I think that I finally got it all down and don't have to look at the instructor every moment. It is kinds of nice...until she said that next week is a break week and then we will start back up and have all new dances. NEW DANCES! We finally talked he into keep at least two to three old ones so we know what we are doing till be learn the new ones. I really like it and my best friend and her sister go, so then I can laugh at them too while they laugh at me. I hope that this answers any questions about Zumba for those who were wondering.

In other news, there has not been much happening. Work is good. We begin programming this week and I am excited to start that back up. I am ready for the first three weeks. I have also been working away on a PowerPoint Presentation about the library for a conference that i am presenting at in May, but everything has to be turned in by March 15. And that date is coming up quicker than I want it to.

Tonight is a Valentine Dinner and movie at the church. I am helping with that too. I went in early to help and set tables and mix the salad while the other gal make the chicken up. All we have to do later is cook the pasta and be ready to serve. I wish I had a camera to take pictures and download them to my blog to show you what the tables look like. They are very pretty, red tale clothes, with a mirror and candle in the middle, white coffee cups, and red and white checked napkins folded and stuck in the fork. I must say I did a pretty god job.

Well until next time....Have a Happy Valentines Day!!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Soreness...

is what you get when you go to the Y and walk on the treadmill and walk a mile in 20 minutes and then go to Zumba. I am paying for it right now. I thought that a hot bath would help, but nope. I have a feeling I will be paying for it tomorrow. This is the third week that I have done Zumba, but the first that I walked that much and that fast in the amount of time. My girlfriend was laughing at me and telling her sister "look at Lynne she is booking it today". I just smiled. I must say that I feel better by doing this. I just hope that I can keep is up and build on my time and work out at the Y.

This weekend is the getaway for my mom, grandma and I and other ladies from church. I am packed from clothes to stamps to all the extras needed and this is only Tuesday. We are leaving Friday morning. I am excited. In the next post I will let you know how many cards I really did make, I think that I have about 60 ready to go, but not for sure. I will also pick up new patterns and ideas that I will also want to try as well while I am there. So until then......

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Snow day

What a pleasant surprise it was to wake up at 5:30am and here on the radio that the library was closed due to the weather. So the options were go back to bed, stay up and clean and take a nap later or do nothing all day. Me do nothing HA!
So I got up, had the house cleaned by 7:30 and baked cookies for Sunday School class, paid bills, and watched the new. I never get to watch the news. I has been a pleasant morning. I am honestly thinking about cutting some more card kits to take next weekend. I have ideas for baby cards, and Easter cards, and birthday cards. I just need to get busy cutting.
Not much has been happening. I have not heard anything back on Matt's test he had done, so we are thinking that everything is fine. Yesterday my Grandpa found out that he does not have to go back and have a scope done for three years. We are all pleased with that news.
That's about it for now. Enjoy the snowfall/snow day.
Until Next week....

Monday, January 19, 2009

Fun...but Sleepless nights

This past weekend I spent it at the church with a wonderful group of girls from my church and also from Mount Taber UMC. It was a fun weekend. It was the annual Winter Jam for Junior Students. Winter Jam is where they gather with old and new friends and youth leaders and become closer to Jesus. The days were long and the nights were short. Let's just say, 2 am was the bedtime both nights.
This particular weekend was about finding out "Who you are, and are you willing to take that journey". The speaker was awesome. He not only spoke to the girls in my room, but he also spoke to me. He made me realize that there is more to my life and well being than I think. He also asked us (whole group) if we really knew who we were. At that moment I began to see my small group melt a little as well as myself in realizing that we have a lot to be grateful for, but there is much more to come, we just need to see it. Let me say, we talked about this for almost two hours, and within that two hours we even had the speaker come to our room, because the girls had questions for him. I was pleased with my little group and the growth that they made this weekend.
Sunday morning came and went and I went home to be with my family. It was nice to see them, since I have not talked to them since Thursday. My mom and i worked on card making kits for our weekend at the Amish door. My mom has over 70 cards ready to make and I have about 30...I better get busy. HA I ended up camping out at my parents on the living room floor in front of the fire that my Dad built. I was very comfy.
Monday came, and I did not have to go to work. We were closed for MLK Day. It was a nice thing to have after a sleepless weekend. As a family we went out and ran errands, my dad took my mom and I to Pat Catans to look for card things and for me to use my gift card (and I still have half of it left YEAH). We also went to Mindy's and made some good purchases on the paper and other supplies. Everything was 50% off because they are closing. :(
Well that is this pass weekend and and today in a nutshell. It's back to work tomorrow. Until next time, enjoy the snow and stay warm.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

New Year...New Goals

Happy New Year Friends!

I can not believe that 2008 is gone and 2009 is here. So much has happened in the last year that I don't know where time went.

In 2008....

I began my last year of school.

I helped with the Junior High Winter Jam at church

I traveled to Florida with the family for a week.

I made and sold over 200 cards for a church talent project.

I continued to sing in the Chancel Choir

I began helping and became a member of a new bell choir

I still ring the bass bells in Gosbells adult hand bell choir at church and love it.

I completed my student teaching.

I enjoyed time with friends and family in between all the schoolwork.

Most importantly.... I FINISHED school on November 26, 2008.

Things that I am looking forward to in 2009....

A girls weekend with mom and Grandma at the Amish door in February

A 2 week and few days vacation in Florida with the entire family.

A get away trip to Florida with just my mom on mother's day weekend.

Graduation..April 26 with my Education honors cords. YEAH!!!

Finding teaching job in the K-3 range/ or continue to stay at the library until I find the right teaching job.

Meeting my friends babies that will be entering the world this year. Good Luck to all.

I know that there is more I should be thinking of, but this at least takes me to Mothers day. I will add on when more come to mind!


I hope you all have a happy and healthy New Year. Until Next week...