Sunday, April 10, 2011
A perfect day for flying kites!
I love catching this girl with her authentic smile. She's so serious, it's such a delight when she smiles.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Grant Writing
Calling all grant writers! When you're in the education world amid $15-27 Billion in cuts that will directly affect you and the way your classroom operates IF you get to teach a class, you look for every penny you can find.
I had a little experience with grants last year. Our district received Promethean Boards, ActivSlates and ActivVotes using grant money. As part of our obligation to the grant, every teacher in the district must undergo 24 hours of technology training during the current school year.
Another grant Walker and I both applied for and are working on this year is geared toward teacher incentive of technology use, DATE Grant. We use/implement 12 new technologies in the classroom, keep close track of student learning progress, maintain quite a few records and are given incentive pay for the portfolio we turn in at the end of the year. In most other districts that offer the DATE Grant, the incentive pay is based on the progress as measured by TAKS scores. Our district already has an exemplary rating due to TAKS scores, so we had to use other measures. This ended up being a whole lot more work on the part of the teachers, which we are hoping will pay off come June.
As you are hearing on the news, Texas schools are making major cuts. We work in a small district with a small budget. We are in Tier I of cuts and so far more than a handful of people have been told that their contracts are not being renewed. I know each of these people, work with them. Many of them live in this community. In this community of less than 1500 people. Neighbors. There are up to four Tiers of funding cuts, we are just in the beginning stages. Many valuable and beneficial programs and activities are being cut, out of necessity. High School Drama is included in the cuts. Drum Corp is included in the cuts. Tennis, Golf...it's a long list. Not knowing how much to cut is another issue. Our district has taken the middle ground.
I am applying for a grant for the Drama class. While I have been on the receiving end of grants before and have served on committees that determine the qualifications of a grant, I have not actually written one. If you have experience in this area...why did you write the grant? Did you receive it? I'm struggling with whether to tell stories to convey the main point (why we need the money) or to lay out a cost analysis of what we would do with the funding? I have a few weeks before it needs to be turned it and would appreciate any input on grant writing that you may be able to provide.
I had a little experience with grants last year. Our district received Promethean Boards, ActivSlates and ActivVotes using grant money. As part of our obligation to the grant, every teacher in the district must undergo 24 hours of technology training during the current school year.
Another grant Walker and I both applied for and are working on this year is geared toward teacher incentive of technology use, DATE Grant. We use/implement 12 new technologies in the classroom, keep close track of student learning progress, maintain quite a few records and are given incentive pay for the portfolio we turn in at the end of the year. In most other districts that offer the DATE Grant, the incentive pay is based on the progress as measured by TAKS scores. Our district already has an exemplary rating due to TAKS scores, so we had to use other measures. This ended up being a whole lot more work on the part of the teachers, which we are hoping will pay off come June.
As you are hearing on the news, Texas schools are making major cuts. We work in a small district with a small budget. We are in Tier I of cuts and so far more than a handful of people have been told that their contracts are not being renewed. I know each of these people, work with them. Many of them live in this community. In this community of less than 1500 people. Neighbors. There are up to four Tiers of funding cuts, we are just in the beginning stages. Many valuable and beneficial programs and activities are being cut, out of necessity. High School Drama is included in the cuts. Drum Corp is included in the cuts. Tennis, Golf...it's a long list. Not knowing how much to cut is another issue. Our district has taken the middle ground.
I am applying for a grant for the Drama class. While I have been on the receiving end of grants before and have served on committees that determine the qualifications of a grant, I have not actually written one. If you have experience in this area...why did you write the grant? Did you receive it? I'm struggling with whether to tell stories to convey the main point (why we need the money) or to lay out a cost analysis of what we would do with the funding? I have a few weeks before it needs to be turned it and would appreciate any input on grant writing that you may be able to provide.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Stall Tactics before Bed: A Conversation
Remy: Mama, who made those pictures for my wall?
Mama: I did.
Remy: Why?
Mama: Because I love you!
Remy: But why do you love me?
Mama: Because you are my daughter!
Remy: Why am I your daughter?
Mama: You came out of my belly when you were a little baby!
Remy: Why was I a baby?
Mama: Because God wanted you to be born in our family.
Remy: OooOOoh.
Mama: I did.
Remy: Why?
Mama: Because I love you!
Remy: But why do you love me?
Mama: Because you are my daughter!
Remy: Why am I your daughter?
Mama: You came out of my belly when you were a little baby!
Remy: Why was I a baby?
Mama: Because God wanted you to be born in our family.
Remy: OooOOoh.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
A Visit
We had a visit this evening from Aunt Elizabeth and Nana. They came to give Ben his birthday present and arrived bearing plants! Mom gave me a rosemary bush (my other did not survive our last move) and Aunt Elizabeth gave me a Kalanchoe flowering plant! This gets the green going through my veins, I can barely wait until I can start planting. Just a few more weeks.
Walker and I have been planning a few projects to the yard/ landscape as well as gardening.
What kinds of plants do you like to keep around your yard? If you are planting edible items (herbs, veggies, fruits), what kinds are you planting? Will this year's crazy weather/ economy affect what you plant in the coming weeks?
My brother George went crazy last year with planting!! I'm pretty sure I'm allowed to say that, as the older sibling. His entire backyard, in Pleasant Grove, was a jungle of watermelons, pumpkins, tomatoes, okra, onions, jalapenos, bell peppers, banana peppers, etc. I think I remember him saying he planted around 30-40 different tomato plants! CRAZY!
Mom has a special interest in herbs. At some point last summer she had upwards of 40-50 differing herbs planted around her home. She used/ uses them all for various purposes. Tony and Jamie's rabbit was the official taste-tester of each herb. Rabbit has refined tastes, only the best.
My grandparents always have a beautiful yard with various types of trees, flowers, and shrubs. They are knowledgeable about each one.
When my great-grandparents, Grr and Grandmother were alive, they had a special interest in irises. They always had the most beautiful backyard full of blooms, especially around Easter time.
Grampy and Grammy have an assortment of herbs and flowers around their farm. In Clarksville we recently discovered lamb's ear and enormous wild sage bushes. Grampy also grows wheat and turnips for the deer.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
An Unexpected Delivery
As I was typing those words, I was anticipating what you'd be thinking.
Unexpected and Delivery usually go hand in hand with babies in this family.
Not this time!
A fellow teacher sent me these lovelies last week! It was so nice of her to do and goes along with a funny story involving our school secretary and a sports coach. I'll spare you the story today and save it for a rainy day, but the act of kindness from my co-worker deserved a picture. This was the first time I've received flowers at work. Here's to hoping it's not the last!
That reminds me...
I'm not sure if I ever said anything about Rémy's birthday in December.
Ah, that was in the pre-internet at the home days...may as well have been pre-historia.
Here is a picture of the three of us at her birthday party.
Incidentally, Walker is wearing the same shirt at both parties! Must be a party shirt or something!
Ah, that was in the pre-internet at the home days...may as well have been pre-historia.
Here is a picture of the three of us at her birthday party.
Incidentally, Walker is wearing the same shirt at both parties! Must be a party shirt or something!
Ben's Birthday Party
We hosted Ben's birthday party at our house today. We try to get a photo of both of us(parents) with the child who has the birthday. It's just not always feasible to get a family photo, but at least we have one with that child. Here is a pic of the three of us today...
And here's a link to see other pictures of the day on my Flickr page
And here's a link to see other pictures of the day on my Flickr page
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Bouncy, Bouncy, Bouncy
For Ben's birthday Thursday, we purchased a trampoline. It's a perfect size for little ones and has proven to be a worthwhile investment in the very few days we have had it.
Here are the kids enjoying the new bouncy fun...
Happy Birthday Ben! As your Daddy likes to say, "We prayed for Rémy, and Ben is our blessing."
Here are the kids enjoying the new bouncy fun...
Happy Birthday Ben! As your Daddy likes to say, "We prayed for Rémy, and Ben is our blessing."
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A Portrait of the Daddy
Rémy shared with Daddy this portrait.
It is cherished. We sure do love being parents. There are so many unexpected moments that tug at your heart strings.
It is cherished. We sure do love being parents. There are so many unexpected moments that tug at your heart strings.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Dollars and Cents
The new tax laws have taken effect, and the new tax tables have altered the taxes which are taken from your paychecks.
Our checks(Walker's and mine) are now $26 less per pay check, per pay period.
$104 per month in additional taxes.
Just for the record.
Our checks(Walker's and mine) are now $26 less per pay check, per pay period.
$104 per month in additional taxes.
Just for the record.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Be My Valentine 2011
The kids came home with balloons, valentine's bags they had colored and picture frames they had made along with a bag full of love notes and goodies. It's funny to note the expressions on each of their faces. Rémy was just fascinated with each item she pulled out, it's pretty apparent by her expressions. Ben was equally impressed, but didn't have time to show it. He was too busy cramming in all into his mouth before the inevitable happens....mama says we have to put up the candy and save it for another day.
Sharing a silent moment of candy goodness.
Ben stuffing in the candy hearts.
Rémy showing off a pink heart lollipop.
And the Valentine's frame they made for me that's already put to great use!
All in all, a great Monday.
All in all, a great Monday.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Blueberry Scones
Oh.Man.
Walker likes to try his hand at making impossible things from scratch. Noodles and Challah bread are a couple of things I've chronicled here before. These are things that he asks me to make. He asks once, twice, every day for a month, until he realizes I'm not going to make it. Some things are just too complicated and take too many steps in the process that aren't really worth the payoff to me. For instance, I would rationalize, "Why make noodles when I can buy perfectly tasty noodles for $2.00?"
Today it's scones. Walker has been asking for over a year for me to make scones. Granted, we have had a few things going on over the past year, and to my credit, I did read through a few scone recipes with every intention of making them at some point in time.
Walker found a recipe and went with it and we have adapted it a couple of times since to make different types. These last for a few days and make a great breakfast food or tea time snack. He makes it look easy that I may have to break down and do it.
Here's the handy link for the recipe so that you can get to making your own and invite me over for tea! Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze
Walker likes to try his hand at making impossible things from scratch. Noodles and Challah bread are a couple of things I've chronicled here before. These are things that he asks me to make. He asks once, twice, every day for a month, until he realizes I'm not going to make it. Some things are just too complicated and take too many steps in the process that aren't really worth the payoff to me. For instance, I would rationalize, "Why make noodles when I can buy perfectly tasty noodles for $2.00?"
Today it's scones. Walker has been asking for over a year for me to make scones. Granted, we have had a few things going on over the past year, and to my credit, I did read through a few scone recipes with every intention of making them at some point in time.
Walker found a recipe and went with it and we have adapted it a couple of times since to make different types. These last for a few days and make a great breakfast food or tea time snack. He makes it look easy that I may have to break down and do it.
Here's the handy link for the recipe so that you can get to making your own and invite me over for tea! Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze
Monday, February 07, 2011
A Sick Nest
Growing up when we got sick our mom would make us a nest. She would just say, "Do you want me to make you a nest?" Usually this was on the couch or in our bed. On really sickly occasions it might be in her bed.
I've found myself making nests around our house for sicklies.
This nest was made for a 101 fever. A nest usually consists of one or more soft pillows, one or more sentimental blankets, and a drink, maybe some kleenexes.
This is what was discovered after 101 fever's naptime. Looks like a whole lot of napping took place.
Sometimes other birds stop by the nest to check in.
Mama bird took the 101 fever to the Dr. this morning, where she tested positive for type A flu AND positive for type B flu. Apparently this can happen, just doesn't happen very often. Who knew. Leave it to the Plagge's to get all the plagues.
I've found myself making nests around our house for sicklies.
Mama bird took the 101 fever to the Dr. this morning, where she tested positive for type A flu AND positive for type B flu. Apparently this can happen, just doesn't happen very often. Who knew. Leave it to the Plagge's to get all the plagues.
Christmas Day
It's ok that it's February and I'm just getting around to blogging Christmas pictures.
I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have WIFI at the house. It is fantastic. We had been without any internet access since May, so three and a half weeks ago when AT&T delivered on their promise--you know our lives were changed. Many of the things we had to accomplish elsewhere can now be accomplished from home. School lesson plans, grades, youth ministry lesson plans, emailing, blogging, research, prepping music for the youth band, prepping music material for the school drum corp....etc, etc, etc. Our lives have become much more user friendly. It is hard to remember what life was like pre-internet....oh wait...that was just a month ago. :)
Anyway, here is a picture of the four of us from Christmas Eve 2010.
I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have WIFI at the house. It is fantastic. We had been without any internet access since May, so three and a half weeks ago when AT&T delivered on their promise--you know our lives were changed. Many of the things we had to accomplish elsewhere can now be accomplished from home. School lesson plans, grades, youth ministry lesson plans, emailing, blogging, research, prepping music for the youth band, prepping music material for the school drum corp....etc, etc, etc. Our lives have become much more user friendly. It is hard to remember what life was like pre-internet....oh wait...that was just a month ago. :)
Anyway, here is a picture of the four of us from Christmas Eve 2010.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Grammy's birthday ending in a Zero
Grammy and Grampy came over and stayed the night during the end of the snow days. We had fun eating, watching movies, and playing in the last of the snow to celebrate Grammy's day.
The high tech grandPlagges showing the new apps they purchased for the grandkids
Forming snowballs to throw at Daddy
Rémy hones in on the target
Ben with his mammoth snow chunk
Nana turned a number ending in Zero
Both of our mothers turned a number ending in Zero in the last month and a half! We celebrated a little late with my mom (2 weeks late). She met us for dinner in Rockwall and we spent the rest of the evening in the kids section at Half Price Books.
I'm so proud of mom. She has gone back to school late in life and is excelling her way into nursing school. She was nominated to go to China this summer to study their healthcare system, Chinese herbal medicine, etc. and Phi Theta Kappa is giving her a scholarship. The school has also offered to provide scholarship money beyond what Phi Theta Kappa can give so that she can go. Can't wait to see her passport!
I'm so proud of mom. She has gone back to school late in life and is excelling her way into nursing school. She was nominated to go to China this summer to study their healthcare system, Chinese herbal medicine, etc. and Phi Theta Kappa is giving her a scholarship. The school has also offered to provide scholarship money beyond what Phi Theta Kappa can give so that she can go. Can't wait to see her passport!
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