Brand New Things

With all my kids in public school this year, I wasn't sure what to expect for myself. I still watch my great nephew, help my mom, and run the household, but I wanted something outside the house. I finally applied to be a substitute teacher, primarily because the schedule is so flexible. 

I filled out an application online and had an appointment to complete new hire paperwork within four days. No interview, no resume, no nothing. My employment was contingent on a background check, but it seems a bachelor's degree and a clean background were the only qualifications needed. I attended a three-hour training seminar, where I learned the answer to all problems is to "call the office" and they released me into the world of subbing. It seems our school district is pretty hard up for substitute teachers.

The first day I packed a lunch, my badge, some headache meds, a crochet project for if there was down time, a book, and headed into the world. I subbed for a 5th/6th grade combo at my kids elementary. It was a pure, unmediated disaster. The regular teacher is a first year teacher, so he was still working on classroom management. At least four of the kids spoke almost no English, while another four kids spoke passable English. I was constantly mixing them up. The class was constantly lining up for 5th grade PE, then 6th grade PE, then 5th grade orchestra, then 6th grade orchestra, then band, then reading groups, then math groups. These kids spent all day lining up and I couldn't remember which ones were in 5th and which were in 6th, and the English language learners didn't even know which class they were in.

When we all had to line up (in alphabetical order) for school pictures, two of the boys decided they had no patience left and grabbed each other and starting tussling. I asked the photographer assistant in the hall to get someone from the office to help (remembering my "Call the office!" training), as I separated the fighting boys from the rest of the class. The boys heard "office," jumped away from each other and docilely followed the woman to the counselor's office.

I did not find any time to read, but I found plenty of time to take some Excedrin Migraine. By the end of the day I was a hot sweaty mess and the kids weren't doing much better. I went home, took a bath, and cried. I was determined to never substitute again.  Since then I have subbed at the junior high several times, the high school a couple, various elementary schools and a lot of special ed classrooms. Special ed are my favorite. Some of the kids have a hard time in a regular classroom, but I am never responsible for more than three or so at a time. They are heaven after my first day experience.

The pay is lousy, some of the kids are awful, and some days are horrible. But most of the kids are pretty awesome (at all ages) and some days just fly by.  Also I can choose which days to work, so I will continue to sub for the foreseeable future. But I'll never, ever accept a sub position for the 5th/6th grade class. I'm not quite brave enough to try it again.

Staying Active

I started training for a 10k this fall. I was pretty excited and even convinced a couple people to run with me. I started training and was impressed each time I increased my mileage. I was up to running almost 5 miles on Saturdays, when my slightly gimpy knee became a hot flaming mess.  I let it rest for a month, and did all my assigned physical therapy. After the month, I was still struggling with walking. I finally limped my way into my sports medicine doctor, where I was informed that running was no longer an option for me. He said I should explore swimming and elliptical machines.  He also gave me a lovely shot of cortisone. Cortisone is amazing. I am currently writing a love song to cortisone. My knee went from screaming with every step to mildly whimpering when I exercise too hard! I know it isn't a permanent fix, but it's an amazing short-term solution.

With my new marching orders (or no running orders) we decided it was time to try a YMCA membership again. I've been availing myself of the pool and elliptical, while the kids have been loving the climbing wall. They love climbing so much, that we finally went in and got belay certified, so we could climb without having to wait for an available staff member.

Ethan still hasn't mastered this particular wall, it's a beast.

It only took Grace a couple tries to master this wall. It requires a pretty intense pull-up to get over the ledge.

Ethan, Grace and Libby have all beat this wall. Sam and I have not.

Between the machines, the classes, the pool, and the rock wall, we have been spending a lot of time at the Y. Here's to a long and fruitful relationship.

Halloween

As the kids get older, I get less pictures of them. As evidenced by the complete lack of pictures I have of my older kids. Ethan dressed as an old man (again) and Libby went as a blue M&M, her friends went as the red, green, and yellow M&M's.

Libby and I did do a craft projects which we then delivered to our church friends.

I don't have a picture of Libby in her costume, but I do have a picture of cookies that Libby decorated for a school party. I talked her out of hand-cutting ghost sugar cookies and painting them with icing. I can't even manage to take pictures; we sure as heck ain't got time for that kind of nonsense.

Sam decided to go as Gandalf the Gray this year. We cut down a graduation robe from the thrift store, added a beard from a different thrift store, got stick from my mom, and I crocheted a hat. He was well pleased with his costume.

Grace went as Hermione. Thankfully we already had everything for this costume, as it is a recurring favorite in our house.

My birthday happened to fall on Halloween this year (much like it does every year). The kids bought me a crazy amount of chocolate and Libby made me a paper mache pumpkin. I think having kids is making me fat, but I love them all.

Caramel Apple Party

This year my kids wanted to make caramel apples. With their friends. All of them. My house is not big enough, nor my patience long enough, to host 15 or so kids at once working with hot syrup and candy.  Grace and Sam each invited a couple friends to make a practice batch.

They made a lot of apples, ate a lot of apples, and had a fun time.

A week later Libby invited over three friends and we did it all over again. The girls enjoyed the apples thoroughly.

Then two weeks later it was Ethan's turn. He had four friends over, which I have no photographic proof of. One of his friends was even a boy! He brings over female friends on a fairly regular basis, but the male variety is a lot rarer. They stayed for hours and ate most of the apples before they even got them home.

We made thirty-ish apples, made my floor crazy sticky, but managed to not burn anyone! I count the caramel apple parties as a total success!

So Much Music

Once again, Ethan and Libby are active in music. Ethan is in three (two audition) choirs at Borah, while Libby is in one audition choir and orchestra. That means that we go to a LOT of concerts. I have lost count of the number we have already gone to this year. I would guess it's close to a dozen, and we haven't even hit the Christmas concerts yet.

This looks like a picture from Boise Music Week, but it was this school year. We remember going. Libby sang, we don't remember why. So many concerts. They just blur.

Ethan had a concert with the Yale Whiffenpoofs, You can barely see him on the top row; look for the swoopy hair.

Libby is playing first violin for her orchestra this year. She not as in love with orchestra as previous years, but she still enjoys it.

I'm pleased our kids have found something they enjoy!

Action Shots are Hard

This fall, Grace's first in public school, she decided to join the basketball team. Years ago when Libby was on it, it had seven players. This year there was about fifteen. The girls didn't get as much play time, but they worked hard and had a lot of fun.

She started the season with no idea how to play, but she quickly caught on, and was excellent at defense.  She is still working on getting the confidence to play a more aggressive offense. 

The last game of the season, Grace reminded me she hadn't made a basket all season (and had only attempted one). She was hopeful and prepared to finally make a basket for her team. I mentioned her wish to a few of the moms I sat with. We watched as Grace took the ball down the court, and then instead of passing, she shot! All the moms (including Grace's) lost their minds when the ball hit the rim and fell through the net! Grace was very pleased and embarrassed by all the attention.

After the last game of the season, she asked when track and field began. Looks like I might have one who actually enjoys team sports.