Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Love You Aidan Muffin
This is one of my favorite pictures of me because I am holding my nephew at 7 days old. I love him very much.
Looks like my brother, Sarah, and Aidan had a scary weekend. I don't want to retell the story, check www.attheddc.blogspot.com if you are interested. The point is, I love my family and I want nothing but the very best for them. Please send wishes their way and send Aidan your love, hugs, and kisses. Love you guys!
Monday, May 26, 2008
This was taken at our fundraiser last year. Abbe and I were the women's doubles winners! Yee haw!
Just wanted to write a quick post and wish all of you a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Craig and I went to a bbq for a little bit yesterday and we couldn't have picked a better day. It was gorgeous! I went out rollerblading and did my strength exercises on the WiiFit. So fun! I also unlocked the free step, so now when I watch t.v. I can do some step aerobics. I think it is great. Keeps me motivated to get rid of my big tush!
Anyway, I'm off to rollerblade and enjoy the sun. Love you!!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Long Time, No Post
I have been so bad at posting over the last few weeks. I think it was last Friday that I actually wrote anything. Things have been busy at school. We gave the kiddos their computer MAPS testing in reading, language usage, and math. It is a leveled test for each individual kiddo. So, if they answer a question correctly, the next one should be a little more difficult. The same hold true if they get the question incorrect, the next one should be a little easier. It is pretty cool. It gives you a good sense of where they are academically. It is very interesting to see third graders answering seventh grade algebra algorithms. Even I had to stop and think for a minute! : )
On Wednesday I gave each of my kiddos their final reading fluency eval. for the year. Third graders should be reading 110 words at their level in one minute. Fourth graders should read 118 words at their level in one minute. My class did well. I have a few who need some work, but that is normal. Thursday and Friday I had to administer the NECAP Science test for my fourth graders. We had a pilot year last year, and this year was the real deal. I only have 5 students, so if one bombs, which one did, it will take a toll on our school. Talk about pressure!! He sobbed like a baby and complained about how hard it was. It was so sad to watch. I did what I could in terms of what was allowed, but he wanted me to hold his hand through each question and I couldn't do that. Whew! So much testing. Good news though, we are done with all of the biggies for the year.
We tie dyed on Wednesday. That was super fun. We did it using water bottles. I loved the idea, but the kiddos didn't use much dye, so their clothes were more white with colored splotches than colorful. It was cool though. I love my tank top! : )
Craig and I bought WiiFit on Tuesday and I was terrified to get a little obese Mii, but I was NORMAL!! Yay! I just love the step aerobics, hula hooping, and yoga. It is pretty fun. I like that I feel like I am doing something good for myself.
I helped influence my mother to get Piper a pal. As you saw, Jackson is now a resident of 45 Vladish. He is a second generation Golden Doodle. He is super mellow and very fun. I can't wait to see how he does with Piper. I hear that she is super excited to have him there. Puppies maybe?!? I sure hope so!!
I think that is all. I need to get started writing my narratives for my kiddos report card, and I need to write up a self evaluation for myself. Yuck! Thank goodness it is a three day weekend!
Ice-cream time!! Yippee. Love ya!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
MobyPicture Post
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Saturday, May 17, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
Craig is away tonight at a Death Cab for Cutie concert in Providence, RI. He is really excited because he loves Death Cab, but his company is rather interesting. He just sent me a text and he had already gotten lost, his buddy is swearing at old people, and Craig has feared for his life. Let's hope that everything goes well and my boyfriend returns in one piece. : ) I am sure it will be quite the night. Maybe I will have more to share about that later.
As for me, I am about to get into my car and head to TF. My brother, Sarah, and Aidan are coming home for the weekend. I am SO excited. We are planning on laying low tonight, but tomorrow we will be at Look Park with the family and some close friends. I get to see Sib and Betsy and their boy, Reid. Also, Matty and his wife are bringing their little girl Mia, Phil will be there, Larry might stop by, Gak and Jess will be there. I hope Craig can make it back from the concert the next day, I would love to have him there too. I am sure I will post pictures, so check back.
Eat some ice-cream this weekend!! : ) Love ya!
MobyPicture Post
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Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Ripley
Driving home today was not easy. I was listening to this sappy song on the radio and it was just so beautiful outside. Sounds nice, I know, but during these alone times my mind often drifts to Ripley. I am not sure why, but it happens all the time. I still miss him very much. He was a dog, again I know, but he was the best dog. When he passed away, I would type up some of my feelings. I thought I would share one of my entries with you. I think I still need to talk about him and share with others how much I loved him. I don't know, I'm strange. It isn't written very well and I apologize for that. I was writing quickly. Anyway...miss you Rip.
Two weeks ago I lost something that meant more to me than I knew at the time. I lost my yellow Labrador Ripley, without notice, and for an unforgivable reason. It happened the night that my vb girls made it to the Western Mass Semi Finals for volleyball. Although people I loved ran as much interference as they could, I went home, ran in the house and said hello to Piper (the other yellow lab). Something felt wrong, no Ripley ran to greet me with his tired little face and super waggy tail. I went into the living room to find my mom on the couch staring at the T.V. and not making eye contact with me, "Where is Ripley?" I said. And that is when I learned his fate. Ok, so some of you who might not know me well are saying, "Yeah, that is sad, but why all of this Krit?" He was the most gentle and kind spirit that I have ever met. He had more heart and soul than any person I have come across to date. When we brought him home (Summer before my sophomore year of college) I only had a few weeks to spend time with him. I spent every minute with that little guy. We bonded and he was my baby. Going to college my parents constantly brought him to Keene to visit and he came to every volleyball match I had, home and away. The team knew him and my friends knew him well. He was the team mascot. Never did her bite or claw, never did he jump up or bark maliciously. He loved everyone that cared for him and those around him. He looked out for the family and showed us so much love. He would listen when you spoke to him, tilting his head from side to side and whining with you. He loved Christmas and would enjoy opening his gifts; he had more than the rest of us. He wasn't interested in the toy inside, just ripping the paper. I guess "Rip" was a fitting title. Ripley loved toys that would sing or vibrate. Sometimes he would look at an old stuffed animal on a shelf and paw and whine until he could put it in his mouth. When I would stay at my parents he would come up the stairs (Something Buster would never do and Piper is terrified to do) to lick my face and take naps with me. He loved to go for walks with Buster and Piper and was very sad when we lost Buster a year ago to a seizure. He loved to swim and would chase sticks in the water. In the summer he loved to hang out in the hot sun and in the winter he would let the snow blower pelt him with snow. He was such a happy dog. He loved food and was a bit large. : ) I taught him to play hide and seek and that was by far his favorite game. He also loved to chase around the kitchen table, jump and catch, and play goalie in the hallway with his favorite balls. I miss him so much already! I have no closure with this wonderful dog of mine. I want him back and I get sick thinking about his absence. This is my attempt to share my love for Ripley with you, my friends, in hopes that I can put this aside. Never will I forget Ripley. He was such a huge part of my life and my heart. So.... thank you for reading this. I am sure you think I am nuts and need to get over it. I will...in time.
Rest in Peace Ripley - I love you!
Monday, May 5, 2008
Avon and Edward Strike Again
So, last week I read this book, THE END OF THE BEGINNING, by Avi. I fell in love with it. It is meant for pre-teens and young adults, because it is a tad philosophical, but I found it in the children's section at the Toadstool Bookshop. Anyway, I fell in love with this story. It is about this snail, Avon, who always hears about going on an adventure and would like that for himself. He meets up with an Ant, Edward, and together they do some pretty cute stuff. For instance, one part of the book has Avon and Edward walking along when they hear a cry out in the distance. They come to realize that it is a worm. The worm is in distress because he fell asleep and now cannot remember which end is which. Edward comes up with the idea to tickle both ends of the worm and whichever end sneezes must be the head. It is so funny! I read a few parts out loud to Craig and I was tearing up because I thought it was so cute. I think it is a must read in my book. It is one that I intend to read again and again, especially to my own children.
I just picked up the second book that has Avon and Edward called, THE BEGINNING, THE MUDDLE, AND AN END. THE RIGHT WAY TO WRITE WRITING. I am pretty excited to read it. Avon the snail wants to become a writer and he has asked his friend Edward, the ant, for help.Here is the back of the book, just to give you an idea of the style of writing. It is pretty clever if you ask me!
"Write what you know. So if you know what you haven't done, write about that.
What if you don't know what you've not done?
Then write about what you don't know.
Is there a third rule?
Write about what you don't know as if you DID know about it.
The fourth rule?
Make sure that when you're writing about what you don't know as if you did know, you conceal the fact that you don't know what you're doing.
I suppose there's a fifth rule?
Sure. Always leave your readers guessing.
I don't understand.
It depends on what kind of writer you intend to be.
A writer who attracts readers.
Then for heaven's sake, don't write writing. WRITE READING!"
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Morgan's First Birthday
Here is a little update about Saturday. It was one of those days where you wake up knowing that you have things to do, but also feel like you have all the time in the world before you have to do it. Well, I lounged around for awhile before I decided to get into the shower around 12:30. I took my sweet time. I checked things on the computer, blow dried my hair, went back onto the computer, played songs on the computer, straightened my hair, talked to Craig, did my makeup, and then looked at the clock. The party started at 2 and I left my house at 1:15. I STILL needed to pick up a gift! Oops! So I got into my car and realized that I ALSO needed gas. I drove across the street, put some gas in my car and headed to Dilly's For Kids to pick up something for Morgan. I think Dilly's is fabulous and I would buy out the store for my nephew and for my girlfriend's children, but everything is so darn expensive. It is unique though and that is why I went. I had about 10 different things in my hand before I picked out a cute little summer outfit, a hair clip, and a doll for Morgan. Great! I go to pay and see free gift wrapping. Cool. Unfortunately, it took forever! As I paid and watched her wrap, I realized I didn't get a card, so I had to put $1.80 on my debit card. Who does that? Needless to say, I arrived to the party just as Morgan was going through her gifts. It was 3:00. I am not known for being punctual.
It was pretty fun. Morgan is a looker and she was such a good girl. I was having a hard time holding my attention with everything that was going on! Ava was quite the little helper and she was anxious for cake and ice-cream. It was adorable.
The night was chaotic and crazy. I would comment more, but unless you were there to experience it all, it just wouldn't make much sense. In the end, I love seeing the girls and we always know how to make each other smile. They mean a great deal to me and it is so nice when we get to spend time together. I am thankful that we stay in touch. Anyway, check out the pictures if you want. Enjoy the remainder of your weekend and happy Monday to you!
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| Morgan's First Birthday |
Friday, May 2, 2008
TGIF
~This was taken last spring. Some of my students decided to do my hair. Cute huh?~
What a week back to school! Sheesh! I was very happy to be with the kiddos again, but it was quite hectic. With the back to school transition, our science fair, one grade finishing a math unit, the end of our poetry unit, getting last minute budget money accounted for, and filling out progress reports, I am super happy that it is Friday! I came home, made myself a margarita and played some good 'ole Mario Kart Wii with Craig and my brother. Our Wii is online, so I can now race against my brother. It is super cool. I am addicted. Craig is actually still playing as I write this! : ) I am about to head to bed. I am very excited to see the girls again this weekend for Morgan's first birthday. It is hard to believe that Nichole's little girl is a year old! And, Ava, Beth's little girl just turned three! Wow! Crazy. I am looking forward to hanging out and catching up. Other than that, I will try to stay dry with all this rain we are supposed to get. I can also probably put money on the fact that I may get an icecream cone! Any takers? Anyway, have a good night, happy weekend, and sweet treats! Love ya!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Looks like my nephew, Aidan, discovered his toes today. Check out Mike's page for a cute picture. www.attheddc.blogspot.com
Here is a joke that one of my students told me. It is not a very funny joke, but it is a small glimpse of what I hear on a daily basis.
There once was an Indian Chief that was having trouble farting. So his assistant, went to see the medicine man. He said, "Big Chief, no fart." So the medicine man gave the assistant some herbs. The assistant gave it to the Big Chief, but still no fart. So, the assistant went back to the medicine man and said, "Big chief, no fart." The medicine man gave the assistant some powerful medicine to help the Chief. The next day the assistant went back to the medicine man and said, "Big fart, no Chief!"
Gotta love those 8 year old jokes! He was rolling on the ground after he told me. I had to laugh at how cute he was.
Hope your having a great day! Love ya!