Tuesday Thru Friday...school adventures begin!

Day 66- Tuesday
Today was really spent doing training modules from about 1030-330.  Bay went off to her new classroom which we found out will eventually change.  Otherwise the poor thing is getting 3 different VPK sessions with no nap unlike the rest of the kids who do nap.  Its just too hectic for her she needs structure and routine, which is hard to come by in a Reggio inspired school.  So starting next Tuesday she will be in my room 100% of the time....hopefully.  Then she will be with my co teacher Ms Carmen in the morning VPK have lunch, nap and then have my VPK lessons in the afternoon and play time before going home.   So Tuesday was really nothing much to talk about, other than the fact that by the time I got home I had spiked a fever...apparently Im getting Bay's cold?
Day 67-Wednesday
Pip woke up sick today, my fever was gone but still heavy in the chest and head. Pips fever was pretty high and now begins the game of trying to keep Jasper away from it all...hmmm.  Good luck Nana Babs!  My wonderful mother in law is still watching the kids and will until Josh graduates the academy.  That is one graduation I won't miss for the world, can not wait.  So on Wednesday I went to a tutor time school.  Much different philosophy than Childtime but still very child based learning.  beautiful school with 17 classrooms.  We did about 5 hours of training modules there and that was it for the day.  I went back to Childtime to pick up bay and we were both hacking and ready to lay down at home.
Day 68- Thursday
THROWN TO THE WOLVES!  So my class has 22 kids and because I have a bachelors I can be alone with all of them.  The ratios don't apply the same from childcare to school care.  Basically if I just had a childcare license (CDA) I could only watch 10 children alone or 22 with another teacher in the room.  Very strange and its why they hired me, they need a teacher who can teach 22 kids....that and we have some special cases in that room.  The morning started with me and my co-teacher Ms. Carmen I followed her lead and observed her interactions with the children.  I will refrain from speaking about her in my blogs.  At least I will try my best.  At 12-1 I go to lunch while the children start nap...1-230 when I come back is my planning time while the children continue to nap and is a time where I can finish up projects for the room etc.  Well I was not expecting to be left alone but I was....completely with 22,  4 1/2 year olds!  CRAZY!  But they were for the most part good and are starting to accept me.  Bay really loved getting to come to Mommy's or "MS. Christen's" class at 3 pm and working with me.  When my count is under 10 kids at about 430 I send them next door for after school care with the school agers and I clean my room up and get ready to go.  Bay especially loves dress up...

I love that face...
Ok so the day went off without a hitch...tomorrow we start again...WITH NO VOICE.
Day 69-FRIDAY!
OK so we start today with no voice again...still coughing but no fevers.  Jasper did end up sick as well!  Roger is headed in to town for the long weekend and Barbara will get to go sleep on a gorgeous hotel mattress rather than a bunk bed!  So happy for her.  Anyway the school day went by quickly and somewhat painlessly.  Kids for he most part were well behaved and we were able to get a lot of the lessons I wanted done, complete.  There is one part of my room I don't like, it is L shaped.  Meaning you can't play around the corner in pretend zone or block area or even monitor a child who is going to the bathroom, and still see your front door.  Being liable for every child in your class is so huge and to think that one could just get out is....well keeps you on edge.  The morning is the easier time for these kids, by the afternoon they are spent and really just want to see mommy and daddy and not listen to me anymore...but I discovered their weakness.  They love puzzles...sitting and doing them at tables quietly.  i couldn't believe it.  My voice was gone, I had nothing left to give and I put puzzles out at each table and lo and behold...they sat down, you could have heard a pin drop.  YAY!  bay came over again and of course, picked my arch nemesis child to befriend.  Of course she did....I would have done the same and probably did!  ( Oh and mom....this one doesn't have blue eyes either wink wink).  I am happy the weekend is here and will be able to tell more about the teaching experience once I get my lessons going.  I have a curriculum to follow but am allowed to create lessons on my own that compliment the curriculum.  Its the "empowered child" curriculum if you want to look it up.

 Will take more pics as it comes together :)

http://www.childtime.com/curriculum-programs/overview/

Happy Labor day all!

Day 63- Saturday

Ok I know I know....I don't usually blog much on the weekends.  Saturday we really were quite lazy, I have been trying to slow down and enjoy FL life instead of living behind a camera or phone.  Not to mention we really don't have the money until I start work!  We just watched the storm, monitored its progress, kept contact with family and friends up north and had some pool time.  Barbara was so great taking the girls to the pool for three hours before I went and took over and gave her a break.  We ran them ragged.  The only pictures I took were of their eyes ( I know...odd) because they are just SO different and Jasper I can't even get a shot of...his eyes are deep grey.  Very strange!

Grilled out our typical weekend meal of sausages and veggies and had a great evening celebrating all our family news.  We had a quick visit from our neighbor Theresa and her partner. Her mom is in town from PA visiting and we have had some great poolside chats!  They had gone to the cheesecake factory and brought us back an OH SO NOT PALEO delicious recd velvet cheesecake.  My body and mind screamed no...but my taste buds were curious.  Linda Josh Barbara and I shared it so i figured it was only 1/4 the sin.  To DIE for delicious....so glad I stay away from that stuff!

Day 64-Sunday
Ok so....Sunday was just....Sunday!  We did nothing again!  I stayed in my Pjs until the afternoon!  I read three books in 2 and 1/2 days believe it or not on my Nook.  I loved them!  Couldn't put them down like the Potter and Twilight books.  These are all wolves though.  Excellent stories. Author is Nicky Charles....she only writes her books electronically and gets NO PROFIT!  She is an Indie writer. https://sites.google.com/site/nickycharlesbooks/home/my-books
So yes its sappy, super sexy and trashy but its with wolves so I love it!
 Bay woke up with a fever, hacking cough and ear ache.  So we really just lay low all day kind of serving Bay as she milked the  attention mommy always gives to her sick babies!   Grilled out some spicy chipotle turkey burgers, hot dogs and portabello mushrooms...yummo, and then was up chatting until MIDNIGHT with Babs!  ME.....midnight...wow.

Day 65- Monday
And here is Monday.  Another lazy day where we finished up some books we were reading and the kids ( bay still recuperating) enjoyed movies and being indoors.  Some favorites of the day were, playing dollhouses, blocks, reading books etc.  We chatted a lot about the new school, the girls are so excited.  I did run out for what I thought was going to be Truvia or Stevia extract because I was out for my coffee in the morning.  i went to TJMaxx because I had a gift card and found the most amazing thing EVER!  Coconut SUGAR!  It is made from the nectar of the flowers that bloom on coconut trees.  Its organic and completely Paleo I would assume....all natural.  Probably to be had in moderation.  On the back it even says the glycemic index ( super low) and that it is proven to maintain weight loss when used in place of sugar and even fake sugars. 

Ok so that was Monday!  Josh home early from the academy and a dinner of baked chicken and spinach casserole.  I think Bay is on the mend and should be good to go to school tomorrow.  We both start at our new home ... Childtime!

NEWS!

Day 61- Thursday....
FINALLLLY!  First thing Thursday morning I received the call from the Director of Childtime informing me the background check came in clear and I would definitely start training on Tuesday.  She asked if I would like to bring Bay by that afternoon to discuss her classes etc...and to meet MINE!  She let me know I would have to drive over to the early childhood coalition and get a school transfer form for Bay so she can go to my school from now on. I ran a few other errands locally, Bjs, bank, etc.  Took Josh's JEEP to the shop for a much needed oil change and serpentine belt change and rushed to pick Baleigh up from school.  

After we got Bay she wanted to stay home so I just took Pip for the ride over to get the paperwork, it was a good hour trip so it wasn't until late afternoon that we got to go visit my ( and the kids) new school!  The girls were in heaven, so was my mother in law!!  The director immediately fell in love with the kids, the assistant director even held Jasper for quite awhile while we looked around.  They were all so kind to my entire family talking with Barbara along the way.  The room I have is right across the hall from Bay's room and Payton's "pre learner" daycare room is in the corner right between Bay's and my room!  Its a tight knit group of workers, everyone who met my children got down at eye level with them and was so kind and cheerful!  I nearly cried when I saw my classroom of kids, such a great group!  They were sitting eating their snack very quietly and politely!  There lessons have been put on hold until I start next week.  The sub is mainly just there to provide care for now.   I have had several people ask me what Montessori means....well here you go.

The Montessori method was first developed in the early 1900's by Dr. Maria Montessori. The Montessori method's focus is on the individuality of each child in respect to their needs or talents as opposed to the needs of the class as a whole.

The Montessori method encourages independence and freedom with limits and responsibility. It also allows for the child to grow independently and encourages the self-absorption of information. A 2006 study published in the, "Journal of Science" concluded that Montessori students performed better than their standard public school counterparts in a variety of areas, including not only traditional academic areas such as language and mathematical reasoning, but in social cognition skills as well.The authors concluded that, "when strictly implemented, Montessori education fosters social and academic skills that are equal or superior to those fostered by a pool of other types of schools." Montessori children are usually adaptable. They have learned to work independently and in groups. Since they have been encouraged to make decisions from an early age, these children are problem-solvers who can make choices and manage their time well.

They have also been encouraged to exchange ideas and to discuss their work freely with others and good communication skills ease the way in a new setting. Research has shown that the best predictor of future success is a sense of self-esteem. Montessori programs, based on self directed, non-competitive activites, help children develop good self images and the confidence to face challenges and change their optimism.

I do love this method of teaching and learning for everyone.  I am very hands on and visual and think everyone should think (and draw and write) outside the box.  The more creative a person is the more they get done and stretch themselves to their educational limits.  I think the children should learn best from each other and their own curiosity.  You won't find one ditto sheet in a Montessori school...no cutting on the lines or writing between them

Josh got home normal time around 530....and I made him some vegetable fried (cauli)rice and a sesame ginger pork loin that was so delicious!  Barbara and I sat up chatting for a bit before I hit the hay too.  Its so fun to have her here....and such a blessing!


Day 62- FRIDAY FROG DAY!
Oh my gosh what an interesting day!!!!!  The morning started with my usual routine....kids and I are up about 530-6 lately, our hours will be changing when I start working.  My hours are 830-530.  I get an hour lunch and half hour- forty five minute planning period while kids nap at school.  YES THEY NAP!  So dinner will not be at 5 anymore it will be more like 630 so the girls will probably start going to bed around 8 instead of 7 and getting up at 630-7 hopefully.  I started with making my iced coffee and getting my gallons of water to scrub the deck, I do this every morning I like a clean porch!  When I opened the door a very tinnnnny I mean tinnny guest jumped right in the house and behind the TV stand which is right by the door.

I pulled out the TV stand and noticed how "quickly" he seemed to have gotten to the other side....and my gosh was he even bigger than I thought?  I caught him and noticed he had suction feet and a red and green speckled back he was not black as previously thought...hmmm.  OK so I set him outside and came back in.  Payton had run in to tell Nana about the frog and when I went to stop her I looked behind the TV stand and on the wall....was the frog that I HAD SEEN jump in....now wait a minute?  That means TWO!  But only one had come in the house!  I caught the second one and placed him outside but first took a picture.  I wish I had taken a pic of the first one.  When I snapped this picture the snap of the camera scared him and he jumped on the screen of my phone!  YIKES!  So cute though....love frogs.  I wonder who the frog is in my friends animal kingdom?!  I actually saw ALL of my animal kingdom peeps today.  Heather ( duck) stopped by for a cracker while Nay(lizard) hung out on the wall and even walked over  Kacy (snail) who was on the under side of the drain pipe in the shade.  After being locally fingerprinted, having a document notarized, and getting Bay from school we went home, had lunch and Barbara ( Nana babs) took the kids swimming while I cleaned and played with Jasper.  His nap schedule is so great now....two naps a day, two hours morning two hour afternoon and ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT! YAY!

I love to SMILE!

He is such a sweetie and loves to laugh, talk and smile!
 

Going to be 105 degrees tomorrow....plans include swimming....not moving...grilling....partying and celebrating....and maybe Pancake and Flapjack may get some quality tan time!  So excited!!

Mid week Blues....

Day 59-Tuesday
Ok so wow...I am a slacker I am SORRRRY...but its been a week of wait and wait and wait some more.  Between watching the storm and waiting around for the federal background check not much blogging got done!  I was supposed to start work today but no go.  My check didn't come in on time and my director unfortunately has her hands tied.  No background check...no work.  The end.  Horrible story and I am definitely impatiently waiting.  So for Tuesday I got NOTHING for ya.  Bay had another great day and we are slowly warming up to the academy she is at. Still not thrilled with the "warmth" or lack there of with her teacher.  We shall see.  

Day 60- Wednesday



So Jasper was just so cute today in his Ralph Lauren Polo shirt I had to share!

Such a cutie pie and so super sweet!!  Love him.  Ok so anyway today I decided I was NOT going to call the director of Child Time to see if it had come in.  Her hands are tied and I decided to be patient.  HAH!  I found a reason to call!  I needed to know if the check came in today would I start next Monday or Tuesday because Monday I have a Dr. appt.  So I called....and she said that she had actually called to check on what was taking so darn long.  They have 24 hours to return the call after she makes that call.  She also said she had a surprise for me.  She proceeded to tell me that she had cleared a spot in VPK for Bay at the school so I wouldn't have to transport her on my lunch break from La Petite to Child Time.....ummm YES!!!!  Because I am the lead VPK I am responsible for writing up the lesson plans for the week for both VPK classes...which means my daughter is going to learn from my lessons....I am a happpppy momma!  So I was still not relaxed about the background check but the news about Bay was a wonderful pick-me-up.  Babs and I went to BJ's to get a bit of shopping done and I saw the most awesome chair EVER!  

The best chair ever....an Adirondack for the low low price of 199.99  UGH. So gorgeous....a girl can dream.  So after BJS we went home where Babs took the girls swimming and I sat with Jasper in the house...cleaning and prepping dinner.  Nothing fantastic, just some caulimashed taters wilted spinach and country style pork ribs.  I started a new book series which was FREE on my Nook...a tad risque but hey what girl can't dream about a hunky werewolf?   I promise tomorrows blog is much better :)  because STUFF happens!




Until then ;)

"Shes a spirited fun bright sweet girl!".... I'm sorry who? :)

Day 58-
You know that feeling, when you know something but it feels so good to hear someone else say it?  Call it the honey moon period but it was so awesome to hear Bay's teacher say kind words about her today!  She went to school from 8-11 and when I picked her up I asked how her day went.  I was told she is a spirited (nice way of saying riled up?) fun, ( nice way of saying over the top?) bright, ( nice way of saying she doesn't stop talking?) sweet, (smothering everyone?) girl...ok she got that right!  All joking aside, we love our Bay and she is a tough cookie.  It was great to hear her teacher speak such nice words about her.  hopefully tomorrow is another great day!  As for what she did today....imaginative play, role playing, outdoor play....Play is the work of children after all!  I am sure the teachers are trying to do a lot of "getting to know you" activities and performing pre-assessments on the children. Hoping for some more educational aspects to kick in soon.  Baleigh is very routined and organized, she had to have her clothes laid out...we had to have Monday socks with Monday ( excuse me LUNES) underwear on.  She picked her own outfit as well!  Sorry blurry pic!...

Well we already laid out Tuesday's clothing!  Nana is here and our new life for the next few weeks is in full swing.  I am supposed to start tomorrow but my director is in the hospital and nobody can check her email to see if my federal background check is in....I would hate to be put off another week!  I will keep everyone posted I am sure. 

Slow weekend with a SURPRISE twist!

Day 56-Saturday
Peaceful Weekend....
We honestly did a whole lot of nothing this weekend...I feel like I live behind my cellphone and camera so I put it down for the most part!  Saturday we went to the pool on base at 11 and was home by 130.  The kids watch Mars Needs Moms and actually Josh and I found ourselves watching it too and loving it!   We tried really hard to just relax and have not a care in the world since it was our last weekend before school starts.  Nana Babs and Grampa the Rooster were coming on Sunday so we just cleaned house and prepped for Nana's extended stay!  Grilled Flank and stuffed portabellas for dinner and an early bed!


Day 57- Sunday
Sunday we awoke to a clogged disposal. UGH!  WE tried everything and since there was no food in it we were very confused.  Ran out to Target and got some liquid plumber and on the way home treated the girls to a shake from Steak n Shake.  I made the mistake of eating dairy and I didn't realize just HOW intolerant my body is after living a Paleo life since January.  It is incredible what your body does just to show you what is good and not good for it.  I felt like a blow up doll with hugely dilated eyes a nauseous tummy and pounding headache.  Took a lot of water to flush that dairy out of me.  Anyway, we got home and the girls were running ahead of me and Josh followed.  I had Jasper in the car seat.  The rounded the corner and I heard, ' well there's Baleigh....and Payton...and JOSH!"  I came around the corner into the breeze way in front of our door and who is it!?  SHERRY FORTIN!  I have not seen Sherry since I was a teenager!  She was a member of our church and choir at United Baptist when I was younger and a great friend of the family.  It was such a wonderful visit.  Now as I said for Saturday I have been off the radar for the weekend on facebook...well turns out she had messaged me she was in the area.  WE had a lovely hour long visit where she cuddled Jasper and entertained the girls million and one questions.  Her dog lady was a huge hit and very tolerant of my "hands on" children!

Although the visit was short lived it is really comforting to know she is only a few hours away.  Thank you Sherry!!
After Sherry left Josh's parents Nana Babs and Grampa showed up!  Grampa only stayed 20 or so minutes as he wanted to turn back around.  Apparently a hurricane is brewing and he needed to get back to shut up the house.  We enjoyed our first night with Nana eating a nice chicken and salad dinner and staying up for quite a late night for me! 
Tomorrow Bay starts school!  I am sad I will not start it with my class but I understand that training and so forth is crucial to assure I am teaching the appropriate material and style for this particular school.

1/2 off means free! RIGHT?

Day 55- Friday NIGHT

I waited impatiently today to hear from my hubby who was to be pepper sprayed for the 4th time in his career.  While he did that up at the academy I got a few groceries to make it through the weekend.  When I walked in the store to start shopping I came across this sign...

My mother and I have this theory...  When you get an item for 1/2 its full price and you get an additional one for free then that means you got it ALL for free!  Since you are getting two for half the cost of one.  Get it?  Well apparently the people at the commissary do!  I was so impressed I took a pic of the sign and it kept me giggling all day.  eot the price....just the "almost free" comment.
After shopping I went home and schooled Linda on doing snatches....an Olympic weight lifting move that works all the muscles in your body almost.  She did great!  I then prepared dinner for the hubby, paleo Fish n Chips with a new fish I have never tried called BASA. 
Josh got home early, they let them out at 1 since they had been pepper sprayed.  We spent the afternoon relaxing and watching passing storms.  Something I love to do :)  I am trying to relax and enjoy these last few days before work!  As for the fish dinner... It was quite delicious!  Flaky, sweet, white meat...so good...for an imported fish.  The rest of the night we watched movies before hitting the hay.  All for now...see you after the weekend!