Extreme Makeover Update

It is really amazing how they can build a home in such a short period of time. The heart of the show is the many volunteers that work day and night to make it happen. We went over on Friday night to see the progress. They had so much going on at once. They had a crane bringing in the roof of the porch, while large trucks were bringing in dirt, and at the same time they had people siding the home and finishing up the roofing. Whomever orchestrates and coordinates the contractors, volunteers, donations, and so on is good at their job. The show makes things look so smooth and easy but much of the work is done by the local volunteers.

It is also interesting how they make things look like they are spontaneous and real-life but it is not. They do several takes with the designers and then edit it together to make it look seamless. Tonight after Carissa's football game we stopped by and they were getting ready to move in the furniture. So, we had the pleasure of seeing Ty and the designers. They did a couple of takes with the designers running out shouting for everyone to get ready to move in the furniture. John was taking lots of pictures but it could be a few days before I can post them.

The show can bring a community together. I only wish the feeling of volunteering and giving could continue on in many other areas.

Extreme Makeover Home Edition nearby!!!

Yes, we love this show. Brittany says she would love to have Ty's job. She has been working on architecture art in one of her classes and found that she liked it. So, when we heard the show was coming to a town near us. John and Brittany got excited. The show did not announce the name of family and town until yesterday morning and after Cheer practice John and the girls took off to take a look.

Of course not much was happening so far. They are cleaning out the house and preparing it for demo. Anyway the family is looking forward to watching the progress of the house and plan to visit the location several times. John and Brittany would have volunteered but they already have enough volunteers for now. We will see.

Check out the link.

Where did the summer go?

Where did the summer go? I am headed back to work on Monday. I know my husband is happy about this and I look forward to a new school year.

The girls and I have been watching out for some back to school sales. Just like any holiday, it seems like the back to school sales starts earlier and earlier. However, we have found some good sales. We found notebooks for 5 cents and crayons for 25 cents. Brittany can not wait to go clothes shopping and John promised we would start next weekend.

The girls and I spent this last week at camp. While John was at training in Virginia. We had fun riding bikes, swimming, and playing lots of games. One morning I could not get the girls to walk the dogs. So, off I went with the dogs for a walk and Jasmine started to pull me over to the horse shoe area. While I was waiting for her to do her business, I looked down and found a couple of dollars. I came back to the trailer and told the girls that it pays to walk the dogs. It was a little easier to talk Carissa into walking after that. I did really find the money but I should have thought of this sooner. The only time she did not care to walk them is at night because we could see the bats flying low over the trees.

While is was fun to be at camp, I am glad to be home with all of its space and comfort. Home Sweet Home.

Time for Cheerleading

August is always a busy summer month and it signals a return to our school routines. It is that time of the year when my girls return to cheerleading. Brittany has been invited to try out for the High School Varsity Football cheerleading team and she seems excited about it. Carissa begins practice for the Jr. league tonight. Both teams take a lot of commitment but it is what they enjoy.

The girls are also getting excited about school. The stores are beginning to put out school supplies and have sales. Both of my girls like to plan out what they need, what they would like to get for school, and of course Brittany loves to shop.

I am also starting back to work on Aug. 11th this year, which will give me lots of time to might my families and set up my classroom. Carissa loves to come over while the school is empty and help me set things up. I appreciate her hard work because some of the furniture is hard to move by yourself. I could wait till my assistant comes back to work but I like to have the room in some order. Otherwise I find it hard to get things done.

Babysitting conversations

Well the girls are still having a great time and getting along great. Yesterday was quite and we did not have a lot to do. So, we decided to take a walk. We went to get some slushies. While we were walking, the garbage man came around. Of course Brenna is fascinated and asks what he is doing. Haley and Carissa explain as the push her in the stroller. Then Haley says "That is a nasty job and I would not want to do it." Carissa agreed with her. Then Haley says "But I would do it if I got a hundred dollars a week. Would you?" Carissa replies that she would also.

I had to chuckle because a hundred dollars would not be enough for them in a few years. Kids.

Sunshine - Explanation

I use Sunshine in my user name not because of my first name. Rather because of the context I use it with my children at school. I am careful about using names and harsh words with my students. However, there are times when they can really push my buttons and I do not want them to know that they have pushed my buttons. So, I will often use the name sunshine. My assistant thinks it is funny and now knows the true meaning behind the endearment. She likes to use PITA for Pain in the Ass, but that is too close and other adults could know what that means. I have asked her not to use it. It would be horrible if a parent were in the classroom and caught on to her acronym. Well in any case we do not walk around calling our students names but sometimes a person can get frustrated and you need a way to vent.

Anyway, it is not meant to hurt but it allow me to vent. It is amazing how many children at this young age do not want to be called anything other than their name. They are very literal thinkers and will remind me of their name. Many will say no I am not "sunshine" or "sweetheart", I am ________ and give me their name.

Family Fun

Today we had a house full of girls and they seemed to have a great time. My girls are now babysitting Alexis and Brenna, then Haley came over to spend the night. They had a busy day playing at the park, going for a quick swim, visiting the library, and a quick nap. It was a lot of fun.

Brenna and Alexis both wanted something different for lunch, but they were happy with some grapes, noodles, and a few graham crackers. I am sure that they keep Karen hopping. I am also so proud of Brittany and Carissa. They are both so good with the girls. When I ask them to do chores it is a major production but two young girls come over and then boss them around.

Haley likes to play Game cube with Carissa and I. She loves the Shrek games because we can all play together. (And yes we still have the old technology of a game cube but it works.) We all laugh at our mistakes and tease each other. Good times. We had such a good day that Haley convinced her mom to pick her and Carissa up for her baseball game then bring her back. Teri tried to explain to them about the price of gas and both the girls offered to pay the gas money. So, we are going to do it all over again tomorrow. Let's hope the fun continues.