This American Life

OK, so I love This American Life. I know they turned it into a TV show on Showtime (which I haven't seen because we don't have cable). I can only imagine that it's good. I usually check the website every now and then to see if there are interesting topics. This one I thought was a good one. Unconditional Love. They talk about how in the 60's they taught mothers that unconditional love was a bad thing and the government printed pamphlets telling mothers NOT to hold their children. I can not even imagine!! Here's an episode on Special Ed (how fitting!). I love the host (Ira Glass). Check it out! It's a great program!

Our latest movie outing took us to see...

I love that my kids are old enough to appreciate movies! This weekend we saw two. We finally went and saw Pirates 3 and then we watched Mr. Bean's Holiday. Pirates was a whole lot better than I thought it would be! Johnny Depp is great and the story was a whole lot better than the last one. Mr. Bean was... Mr. Bean and everything you would expect from a Mr. Bean movie. Rowan Atkinson is hilarious. Chris and I decided that if we ever had a boy then we would name him Rowan. Rowan Nicolaysen. Now THAT'S funny!

Mr. Nicolaysen

Tuesday night was back to school night at Chris' school. Being the wonderful husband he is, he totally posed for these pictures so I can scrapbook them! What a guy!!!

School Lunch

I know that my kids have been in school for several years, but I am wondering something... HOW MUCH DO YOUR KIDS PAY FOR SCHOOL LUNCH?? We got a notice sent home that they are raising the price of lunch at school to $2.00! They really want us to pay $2.00 for a Rib-B-Que sandwich? What the heck is a Rib-B-Que sandwich anyway? I may be totally over reacting, but it just seems a little steep to me for the crappy food they serve. What do you think?? How much do you pay?

First day of school

It finally came! My kids first day of school. Sidney is in 5th grade and Megan is in 4th. This is the first year I haven't been able to take my kids to school on the first day and it just about made me cry. They could have cared less how they got to school, but for me it was really sad. They totally need this break from each other. They are picking on each other and arguing more than normal because they're always together. I just can't believe they're getting so big! Sidney has grown about 2 inches this summer and is wearing size 8 shoes! Poor kid is going to have big feet like her mom! Anyway, now that they're in school we can expect snow in about 6 weeks. (I'm not kidding!) I love Colorado! (as she types with all the sarcasm she can push into the keys!)

My family is going to LOVE this!!!

Your Vote Score: 39% Republican, 61% Democrat

While you don't always agree with the Democrat party, it's a pretty good match for you. Do be sure to research each candidate. A liberal Republican or independent candidate might fit you better at times.

Should You Vote Republican or Democrat?

How Green Are YOU?????

Your Life is 48% Green

Your life is pretty green - and you know a lot about how to live an eco friendly life. So congratulate yourself for being good to the earth. And maybe think about implementing some of the ideas from this quiz!

How Green Is Your Life?

Our rodent

So about 3 weeks ago Megan decided she wanted a hamster. She had her own money and found someone that sold her a cage & food for $5. Then a couple days later (after figuring out how to put the stupid cage together) we went to the pet store where she bought the hamster, bedding, the ball for her to run around in (the hamster, not Megan) I explained to her that now that she's 9 she is perfectly capable of taking FULL responsibility for this hamster. I have absolutely no desire for any pets and have told my kids that when and if we ever get them it is ENTIRELY up to them to take care of the animal. So Megan picked a cute little tan and white hamster and named her Chubby. I think it has been just over 3 weeks since we got her and I have come to the realization that I'm a sucker! I'm telling you, I am so fascinated by this little rodent!! First, I had no idea that hamsters are nocturnal. Chubby will run in her wheel all night long. And those cheeks!! She will shove a day's worth of food in her cheeks and then spit them back out wherever she feels like actually eating them. She will only go to the bathroom in her wheel... which at first I was annoyed with. We have to clean her wheel every day, (did you notice I said WE and not MEGAN!!) but that means we don't have to clean the WHOLE cage as often. So it's kinda nice! I don't know that we're going to upgrade to a "real" animal any time soon, but after having Chubby I just might think about it!

Recent pictures

My job as a paraprofessional

Let me tell you about my job. I was hired last spring as a special ed paraprofessional (a fancy word for teacher's aid). The kids I work with are in 1st - 3rd grade and have more behavioral problems than severe disabilities. They started school on the 13th as well. (Chris and I work in the same district) I have to say that I was a little nervous about doing this, but I can tell already how much I'm going to love this job. First, because it doesn't interfere with me being a mom to my kids. I am in school while students are in, none of the after school meetings, lesson plans, and learning standards to adhere to (unlike my husband!!) I work while my kids are in school and that's it. Second, because these are really great kids. I was worried that I wouldn't have the patience to deal with them, but after getting to know them just a little bit I realize how wonderful they are and how hard they try at everything they do. They are so proud when they do a good job, and they are the first to realize when they make mistakes. I could do without the recess duty every day (especially when winter comes) but if that's my only complaint, I'm doing alright!!

First piece of exciting news...

Chris got a teaching job. He has entered an alternative licensure program where you can teach while earning your teaching certificate. He was hired last Monday for a 4th grade class. This last week has been utter chaos trying to get his room ready, attend all of the many orientations for new teachers, and finishing up his two weeks at Pottery Barn. He has been a 4th grade teacher for 3 whole days and so far so good. He loves it and seems to have a good group of kids. He has very supportive teachers around him helping him with whatever he needs and he is totally excited! With Megan starting 4th grade this year she is excited to have her dad teaching the same grade. Plus Sidney gave him plenty of great ideas from her 4th grade teacher that he has put to good use in his room.

Let's try this thing!

OK, so several of my friends have blogs now and I read them quite frequently. I love hearing what goes on in their day to day lives even though they live far away. So let's see if anyone cares what happens in our daily lives. Hopefully you will find it at least a little interesting!!!