OK, if you have Facebook -- there are lots of photos added. If you don't have Facebook (ahem, Becky)... then you can check out our photos on Dropshots (but there aren't as many there).
www.dropshots.com/mnstlgirl
Email me if you need the password!
- Tanya
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
A new home (part I)
Todd found an apartment online a month or so ago. It looked nice -- way bigger than the apartments I'd found and not much more money than the other ones. The only problem was that they were booked full. At first they told me there were a 'few' available on August 5th. When I called back the next day to make a deposit, the "few" was just "one" and it had been taken already. Ummmm, yeah. OK.
I decided that I would just look around once I got here. What I found were a lot of section 8/subsidized housing or BEAUTIFUL brand new Senior/Assisted living apartments. One of the teachers told me that the apartment complex I'd thought about checking out was OK but the windows and doors weren't that great so she wouldn't recommend them. Back to square one.
I drove around today around 11 a.m. just looking for some apartments in an area close to K's daycare and not far from my work. I passed by two duplexes (I think one was technically a townhome) with "For Rent" signs in front. I called both of the numbers and the townhome person said it was $1000/month. Forget it. The duplex person it would be $900-950, depending if we wanted to sign a year lease or not. They sounded nice enough but said it wouldn't be ready until at least 9/1. Forget it.
So I thought about the apartments Todd had originally found online. I used Mapquest, Yahoo Maps and even Google Maps (from the apartment's website) and got THREE different ways to get there! It's in such a new area that none of the ways were very accurate and, of course, I got totally turned around. I FINALLY happened across it. They didn't have a 2 bed/1 bath available (naturally) but they had ONE 2 bed/2 bath available. I toured the model (2 bed/1 bath) and it was fine -- pretty spacious for an apartment and it is in a nice area -- SUPER close to her daycare and not far from my school either. I'll be able to make a big 'loop' in the mornings -- go one block to the main street, make three turns to get to daycare, then come back to the main street and continue across to school. Total trip is about 5-6 miles. A daily total of 12 miles is a LOT better than the 110+ I used to drive to/from St. Paul's!
The apartments are SO nice. More expensive than I wanted -- but once the house sells, that will help a lot. And we could sign a 9, 10 or 12 month lease for the same price so I signed a 10 month lease -- that should get us through the school year and then we can decide if we want to keep renting or if we are ready to buy or whatever.
Here is the link: www.eagleslandingapartmentcommunity.com
AND -- the very funny/odd part is that when I was chatting with the lady who gave me a tour today, I found out that her younger brother went to Grace Lutheran in Pocatello and that SHE is thinking of putting her daughter in a Lutheran school, but didn't really realize that there was one so close by in Idaho Falls! Every the "salesperson" that a Luth. school principal has to be, I told her that there is a waiting list, but if she calls soon the school board may be able to split the class into two groups and her daughter could get in...and if she doesn't get in, she could definitely think about bringing her for 1st grade.
THEN I went over later, after picking up K from daycare, and dropped off our brochure, welcome letter and other information! You just never know...
K had an AWFUL day at daycare today. I knew it would be. She was wide awake from 3:30 - 5 a.m. Her nose was so snotty, I'm surprised she could breathe. She did finally go back to sleep until about 8 a.m. but was just "off". I should've given her some tylenol or motrin this morning. I'll know better next week if she's still like this. She was horsing around at lunchtime because she wasn't hungry and fell off her chair, bumped her cheek and got a small bruise. Then she refused to eat, refused to nap... finally fell asleep as everyone else was waking up and then ate all her lunch -- at around 3:30 p.m! She didn't really enjoy "water" day outside (I thought for sure she'd love it... guess it wasn't fun enough just playing with the water tables)... I know she'll enjoy two days at home with me, but I also know it's important for her to go there and be around everyone everyday. Despite everything, they said they really DO think she's getting better overall. I'm hoping by the end of next week she'll really start to open up. We move next Wednesday (not that we have any furniture, really) but I am borrowing a crib/mattress from one of the teachers and I hope that will help her feel more at 'home'. Once I get all her toys/books, etc there, I think that will help too. Although people either smile or get a good laugh out of the fact that I have her little Sing N Play chair and a bunch of her toys out in my office. I think I should keep a few things in case Esther has to babysit her during my meetings and in case I have a shy Preschooler come for a tour. Kids love books and stuffed animals, etc.
That's all for now. I still can't get the wireless network to work with my laptop at school yet. So no pictures yet. Soon, I hope!
-Tanya
I decided that I would just look around once I got here. What I found were a lot of section 8/subsidized housing or BEAUTIFUL brand new Senior/Assisted living apartments. One of the teachers told me that the apartment complex I'd thought about checking out was OK but the windows and doors weren't that great so she wouldn't recommend them. Back to square one.
I drove around today around 11 a.m. just looking for some apartments in an area close to K's daycare and not far from my work. I passed by two duplexes (I think one was technically a townhome) with "For Rent" signs in front. I called both of the numbers and the townhome person said it was $1000/month. Forget it. The duplex person it would be $900-950, depending if we wanted to sign a year lease or not. They sounded nice enough but said it wouldn't be ready until at least 9/1. Forget it.
So I thought about the apartments Todd had originally found online. I used Mapquest, Yahoo Maps and even Google Maps (from the apartment's website) and got THREE different ways to get there! It's in such a new area that none of the ways were very accurate and, of course, I got totally turned around. I FINALLY happened across it. They didn't have a 2 bed/1 bath available (naturally) but they had ONE 2 bed/2 bath available. I toured the model (2 bed/1 bath) and it was fine -- pretty spacious for an apartment and it is in a nice area -- SUPER close to her daycare and not far from my school either. I'll be able to make a big 'loop' in the mornings -- go one block to the main street, make three turns to get to daycare, then come back to the main street and continue across to school. Total trip is about 5-6 miles. A daily total of 12 miles is a LOT better than the 110+ I used to drive to/from St. Paul's!
The apartments are SO nice. More expensive than I wanted -- but once the house sells, that will help a lot. And we could sign a 9, 10 or 12 month lease for the same price so I signed a 10 month lease -- that should get us through the school year and then we can decide if we want to keep renting or if we are ready to buy or whatever.
Here is the link: www.eagleslandingapartmentcommunity.com
AND -- the very funny/odd part is that when I was chatting with the lady who gave me a tour today, I found out that her younger brother went to Grace Lutheran in Pocatello and that SHE is thinking of putting her daughter in a Lutheran school, but didn't really realize that there was one so close by in Idaho Falls! Every the "salesperson" that a Luth. school principal has to be, I told her that there is a waiting list, but if she calls soon the school board may be able to split the class into two groups and her daughter could get in...and if she doesn't get in, she could definitely think about bringing her for 1st grade.
THEN I went over later, after picking up K from daycare, and dropped off our brochure, welcome letter and other information! You just never know...
K had an AWFUL day at daycare today. I knew it would be. She was wide awake from 3:30 - 5 a.m. Her nose was so snotty, I'm surprised she could breathe. She did finally go back to sleep until about 8 a.m. but was just "off". I should've given her some tylenol or motrin this morning. I'll know better next week if she's still like this. She was horsing around at lunchtime because she wasn't hungry and fell off her chair, bumped her cheek and got a small bruise. Then she refused to eat, refused to nap... finally fell asleep as everyone else was waking up and then ate all her lunch -- at around 3:30 p.m! She didn't really enjoy "water" day outside (I thought for sure she'd love it... guess it wasn't fun enough just playing with the water tables)... I know she'll enjoy two days at home with me, but I also know it's important for her to go there and be around everyone everyday. Despite everything, they said they really DO think she's getting better overall. I'm hoping by the end of next week she'll really start to open up. We move next Wednesday (not that we have any furniture, really) but I am borrowing a crib/mattress from one of the teachers and I hope that will help her feel more at 'home'. Once I get all her toys/books, etc there, I think that will help too. Although people either smile or get a good laugh out of the fact that I have her little Sing N Play chair and a bunch of her toys out in my office. I think I should keep a few things in case Esther has to babysit her during my meetings and in case I have a shy Preschooler come for a tour. Kids love books and stuffed animals, etc.
That's all for now. I still can't get the wireless network to work with my laptop at school yet. So no pictures yet. Soon, I hope!
-Tanya
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Nearly Friday
I'm so happy it's nearly Friday. It's been strange to have this whole house to ourselves. Nice in the sense that I don't feel like we're imposing on them, but also hard because we're not in our own place and don't really feel "settled". And, really, we miss them. Kathleen even said "Maddie!" several times the other night. It was so cute. I hope she'll say it again when they get back home.
It was my hope to have an apartment lined up before the Phelans returned home from their trip. That's a little more challenging than I expected. There isn't much to pick from around here. Much of it is subsidised and we wouldn't 'qualify' (nor would I want to, I think!) for those apartments. There are several BEAUTIFUL, brand new complexes that have just opened -- but it's all senior living or assisted living. ARGH!! One place looked convenient since it is about 1/2 way between school and daycare; but a person on staff told me that they aren't the greatest apartments and from their website, they seem awful expensive. Their 2 bedroom apts are 850 sq ft for $650/mo; but Todd found apts that were 1200 sq ft for $690! THOSE are the nice ones -- and the ones with a waiting list. We are thinking about looking for duplexes to rent, but I'm really not sure how many there will be in this town (the population is only 50K. And unlike Appleton, it really IS only 50K. There aren't a lot of suburbs that all melt into it around here....)
I'm also praying that our house sells quickly. The whole process is stressing Todd out, I think. And transitioning Bucky to the Hanson's. We want things to go for them and for him, so it's hard to wait & see how they'll go. I think KPVI really is anxious to get Todd out here -- and, judging from some of their news coverage lately, they sure could USE him!!! But, mostly, I miss him and am more than ready for him to be out here!
Daycare is slowly getting better for K. Stills cries and screams when I drop her off in the mornings but then she plays and is fine. She even gave the asst. director a hug this afternoon. She was acting all shy and clingy when I picked her up this afternoon -- but then she was smiling as we were walking out of the building, so I really do believe that she has fun there. I left her there a lot longer than I had planned because I got busy at work and lost track of time, but that's probably a good thing for her. Still hoping next week goes better. She's eating better and sleeping longer, so I *think* that is a good sign! I think she's fighting off some sort of cold. Still has a runny nose and now is coughing. My poor girl!
My job is great. I spent a big part of the day working on a master schedule because last year some of the teachers who teach "specials" (music, Spanish, PE, etc) barely got a lunch break while other teachers had plenty of 'prep' time during the week. The workload wasn't fair so I tried my best to redo the schedule. I may actually end up teaching LESS (not sure if that's good, though) because many of our 'specials' are in the afternoon. Oh well! We'll see how it goes the first week or two. So far, so good on the teachers' feedback. I'm sure there are bound to be SOME sort of glitches.
More kids are enrolling! We especially need to fill the afternoon PS (3 year olds) and PK (4 year olds) because we're at like 2-4 kids in each class...and that's not really good. I've never seen a Lutheran school struggle to fill classes for little ones! But it's not unusual for the PS to add kids throughout the year. As soon as their child turns 3, parents think, "Maybe I should sign them up for preschool". Nevermind that it's not typically how schools do it. OH well. We'll still take them!
I'm enjoying the chance to get to know most of my staff better. They are so positive and are genuinely willing to try new things. It's so nice. You have NO idea. Well, OK, maybe Jodie can imagine since she was out at St Paul's for VBS this summer!
That's all I have for tonight.
- Tanya
It was my hope to have an apartment lined up before the Phelans returned home from their trip. That's a little more challenging than I expected. There isn't much to pick from around here. Much of it is subsidised and we wouldn't 'qualify' (nor would I want to, I think!) for those apartments. There are several BEAUTIFUL, brand new complexes that have just opened -- but it's all senior living or assisted living. ARGH!! One place looked convenient since it is about 1/2 way between school and daycare; but a person on staff told me that they aren't the greatest apartments and from their website, they seem awful expensive. Their 2 bedroom apts are 850 sq ft for $650/mo; but Todd found apts that were 1200 sq ft for $690! THOSE are the nice ones -- and the ones with a waiting list. We are thinking about looking for duplexes to rent, but I'm really not sure how many there will be in this town (the population is only 50K. And unlike Appleton, it really IS only 50K. There aren't a lot of suburbs that all melt into it around here....)
I'm also praying that our house sells quickly. The whole process is stressing Todd out, I think. And transitioning Bucky to the Hanson's. We want things to go for them and for him, so it's hard to wait & see how they'll go. I think KPVI really is anxious to get Todd out here -- and, judging from some of their news coverage lately, they sure could USE him!!! But, mostly, I miss him and am more than ready for him to be out here!
Daycare is slowly getting better for K. Stills cries and screams when I drop her off in the mornings but then she plays and is fine. She even gave the asst. director a hug this afternoon. She was acting all shy and clingy when I picked her up this afternoon -- but then she was smiling as we were walking out of the building, so I really do believe that she has fun there. I left her there a lot longer than I had planned because I got busy at work and lost track of time, but that's probably a good thing for her. Still hoping next week goes better. She's eating better and sleeping longer, so I *think* that is a good sign! I think she's fighting off some sort of cold. Still has a runny nose and now is coughing. My poor girl!
My job is great. I spent a big part of the day working on a master schedule because last year some of the teachers who teach "specials" (music, Spanish, PE, etc) barely got a lunch break while other teachers had plenty of 'prep' time during the week. The workload wasn't fair so I tried my best to redo the schedule. I may actually end up teaching LESS (not sure if that's good, though) because many of our 'specials' are in the afternoon. Oh well! We'll see how it goes the first week or two. So far, so good on the teachers' feedback. I'm sure there are bound to be SOME sort of glitches.
More kids are enrolling! We especially need to fill the afternoon PS (3 year olds) and PK (4 year olds) because we're at like 2-4 kids in each class...and that's not really good. I've never seen a Lutheran school struggle to fill classes for little ones! But it's not unusual for the PS to add kids throughout the year. As soon as their child turns 3, parents think, "Maybe I should sign them up for preschool". Nevermind that it's not typically how schools do it. OH well. We'll still take them!
I'm enjoying the chance to get to know most of my staff better. They are so positive and are genuinely willing to try new things. It's so nice. You have NO idea. Well, OK, maybe Jodie can imagine since she was out at St Paul's for VBS this summer!
That's all I have for tonight.
- Tanya
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
A Different Perspective
Things are busy as usual here. K is slowly adjusting to daycare...as in, today was a little better than yesterday. I think the biggest hurdle is just how tired she is. She napped a little longer today (almost an hour) but she had been up since 6:30 and didn't nap until 12:30! Yikes! They said it took a little while to get her to finally fall asleep. I know sooner or later it will be routine. I pray for sooner.
I brought lemonade and cookies to her teachers this afternoon when I picked her up. Not just because I feel bad that she's having such a hard time and they have to listen to it all -- but because I know what it's like when a new child comes into a room (since there were a few of them like that in my 3 years in the Infant Room at CrossView). I wanted them to feel appreciated so that they'd continue to remain positive about her. I just want them to see the happy, bubbly, outgoing side of her. I'm bringing donuts and juice for her morning teachers because they REALLY have to listen to her wail when she gets dropped off. Sometimes I wish they had a webcam in the room just for my own sanity. I don't have any doubts about the quality of care she's getting -- I just want to reassure myself she's NOT crying. I do call and check on her, but I limit it to once a day. So, we'll see. Perhaps, if all goes alright for the rest of the school year, she will have to go to daycare once or twice a week during the summer so she's not completely OUT of the routine. They do have a 'drop in' program where you can pay by the hour if you call and reserve a spot in advance. I love that. I hope that they don't do away with that!
As we were getting ready this a.m. and I was feeding her breakfast and getting our lunches made, I had Good Morning America turned on and they were promoting an interview with Steven Curtis Chapman. I've always loved his music -- for years and years and have seen him in concert a couple of times. I know I'd read about the tragic accident where his 5 year old daughter was killed but I didn't get to see the interview because we had to leave.
I looked up the interview online. Here is the link. Warning, though, I bawled my eyes out. It definitely gives you a different perspective about life and what a gift children are. http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Story?id=5519704&page=1
That's all I have for now. Must go work on some more scheduling issues. I love being principal. No, seriously, I love it. I could do this type of thing all day. Most of the teachers have been very positive about my suggestions. We'll see how long it lasts, but I'm grateful they're willing to make some small changes. Yea!
I brought lemonade and cookies to her teachers this afternoon when I picked her up. Not just because I feel bad that she's having such a hard time and they have to listen to it all -- but because I know what it's like when a new child comes into a room (since there were a few of them like that in my 3 years in the Infant Room at CrossView). I wanted them to feel appreciated so that they'd continue to remain positive about her. I just want them to see the happy, bubbly, outgoing side of her. I'm bringing donuts and juice for her morning teachers because they REALLY have to listen to her wail when she gets dropped off. Sometimes I wish they had a webcam in the room just for my own sanity. I don't have any doubts about the quality of care she's getting -- I just want to reassure myself she's NOT crying. I do call and check on her, but I limit it to once a day. So, we'll see. Perhaps, if all goes alright for the rest of the school year, she will have to go to daycare once or twice a week during the summer so she's not completely OUT of the routine. They do have a 'drop in' program where you can pay by the hour if you call and reserve a spot in advance. I love that. I hope that they don't do away with that!
As we were getting ready this a.m. and I was feeding her breakfast and getting our lunches made, I had Good Morning America turned on and they were promoting an interview with Steven Curtis Chapman. I've always loved his music -- for years and years and have seen him in concert a couple of times. I know I'd read about the tragic accident where his 5 year old daughter was killed but I didn't get to see the interview because we had to leave.
I looked up the interview online. Here is the link. Warning, though, I bawled my eyes out. It definitely gives you a different perspective about life and what a gift children are. http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Story?id=5519704&page=1
That's all I have for now. Must go work on some more scheduling issues. I love being principal. No, seriously, I love it. I could do this type of thing all day. Most of the teachers have been very positive about my suggestions. We'll see how long it lasts, but I'm grateful they're willing to make some small changes. Yea!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
We're still alive...and super busy...
Well, I realize it's been almost a week since I wrote any updates -- it's been absolutely CRAZY! Kathleen & I arrived in Idaho Falls on Thursday afternoon. We stopped by the school/church to pick up my keys. We ran into Cherie (Sha-ree) Phelan and the 2 younger daughters, Maddie and Marie. They were paying tuition. Kathleen went RIGHT OVER to Cherie and gave her a hug! I was stunned since, well, she just doesn't do that. To anybody!!
We ran a few errands around town and then arrived at the Phelan house. Man, it is so nice here. Not just a nice home but a great family. Michael is going to be a senior in hs, Megan will be a sophomore in hs, Maddie will be in 6th grade at my school and Marie is the mighty 2nd grader whose energy does.not.stop! She, in particular, has had a GREAT time 'smothering' K with lots and lots and lots of love and attention!!!
One of the errands I ran that day was to purchase a jogging stroller that I found listed on craigslist. I *heart* it! The wheels need a little air and it's a little different to turn than a 'regular' stroller, but it moves well and it's great. The girls have had a great time pushing K around in it already!
We spent the weekend enjoying time with the Phelans and doing things around church/school. I met with the 3rd grade teacher so we could split up teaching duties for next year. I called families to let them know I'd be team-teaching 3rd grade (which was met with enthusiasm, from what I hear). I attended pastor's farwell worship service and potluck lunch on Sunday. Hope is a wonderful church -- but Kathleen definitely 'stands out' as one of the very few toddlers in the group! I never realized how much little 'noise' and 'chatter' by babies/toddlers went on at Good Shepherd. A little distracting, ok, but not attention grabbing! Fortunately, though, a cute little 15 month old girl was sitting in the pew behind us so we were the only ones distracting others during the service.
Later in the evening I went to Jim and Betty Oloff's house for supper. They have what has to be one of the neatest, most unique homes...well, locations anyway! It is right on the Snake River and right next to a lumberyard. That's it. You turn on the dirt road in an industrialized area and there is the house. However, they have the gorgeous view of the river, and they've got a small creek/bridge in front of their front yard, lots of plants, animals, etc. It was really neat. The house itself reminds me of an old farmhouse and it's just a neat place to visit. The meal was really wonderful -- until K took her bbq sauce/baked bean sauce-covered hands and put them on my white capris and white shirt sleeve. GREAT. I've tried washing/soaking several times already. ARGH.
Monday I was busy working in my office and then ended up giving a tour to a very, eh, 'eccentric' woman and her neighbor. She's from Montreal (I think) but has lived all over the world. She goes by the nickname "Mitch" (no kidding) and is a church-hopper who found out about our school in the longest, round-about way possible. Her Methodist minister in AZ told her that his 4 kids go to the local LCMS school and they love it there. He looked up Idaho Falls and found our address for her. That is simply remarkable to me! I don't know if she'll end of enrolling her son or not -- but it sure made for an interesting hour or two of my day as both she and her neighbor wanted to discuss theology (He is a former LDS -- ie "Mormon" and she may have been at one time too) and politics, etc. Yowza! I did get to go to lunch with the grade 4/Spanish/Music teacher, her daughter (who will be in 3rd grade and is SO excited I'll be teaching!) and the 1st grade teacher. Yummy Mexican food and a nice chance to get to know them better.
Last night the Oloffs had their daughter Esther (in high school?) and Lydia (who is 4)...and son Daniel (5th grade) come over to school to babysit Kathleen during out board meeting. She wasn't a happy camper at first but by the time the meeting was done, she was laughing and playing. What troopers they are!! Only son Noah (high school -- jr or sr?) was off the hook and got to stay home last night!!
Yesterday was also Kathleen's first day of daycare. I love her center. The center itself is in a brandnew area and it is just a great facility. The people are great and her toddler 'teachers' are SOOOO patient! Of course she toddled into the room and bumped her head on the way into the room yesterday so she was in tears when I left. So heartbreaking! But she was sitting with the rest of the kids in a circle for story time when I picked her up at 3 p.m. -- so adorable! What a big girl! Today the dropoff was a little rough, but I knew it would be. It wasn't an easy morning, either, from what I'm told, but better than yesterday. She was practically asleep on the floor when I got there today. Actually, she had to take a nap shortly after we got home yesterday because she only naps for about 30-35 mins there! Too much to 'miss', I'm sure! She was asleep by 6 p.m. MDT tonight. Poor girl. It's so good for her though. I'm hoping by next week she'll be more into the routine and she'll begin enjoying it. I can hope. It is fun to pack her lunch each morning though. I found a pink camo lunchbag for her -- it is too cute for words.
As for Todd, Bucky and our house... THEY are super busy too! Bucky will be moving in with the Hansons -- what a great situation. Someone we know and they have a lot of land AND other dogs. I hope and pray he behaves well and gets along with the other dogs and daycare kids there!! Todd has been working non-stop on all kinds of 'little' (and not so little) tasks around the house. The realtor is hosting an "Open House" on Sunday, so we're hoping and praying it leads to a buyer. We did have someone walk through the house already last week. They really liked the house, but the husband is 6'4" and felt the upstairs was too short and narrow for him. Darn you giants! Ha ha ha... but two more people walked through the house today. No feedback yet, but someone took a packet of information, so that could be a good sign. You just never know. We're so anxious to have Todd out here!!! The weather has been great -- 80s and low 90s but NO humidity... there 'might' be a t-storm this weekend, but might not. They've only had 4 inches of rain here all year so far. How crazy is that?
I am going to be looking for an apartment on Thursday or Friday this week. We love the Phelans but don't want to be in the way either. They just left for a week long trip to Washington, DC. It's really lonely without them around. K walked all throughout the house last night saying, "Hi! Hi!" and waiting for someone to respond. Poor baby misses her girls already!!! It will be nice, though, to have our own place and unpack our stuff and start to feel just a little more 'settled'. So I'll be busy with all of that too.
That's really all I have to update you all on right now. Well, this is a novel already! Mental note *Must be better about daily blogging*!! I can't get my laptop to work with the wireless router at school yet (I don't think the signal reaches all the way over to my office) so I can't share more pictures yet -- but I'm working on it.
-- Tanya
We ran a few errands around town and then arrived at the Phelan house. Man, it is so nice here. Not just a nice home but a great family. Michael is going to be a senior in hs, Megan will be a sophomore in hs, Maddie will be in 6th grade at my school and Marie is the mighty 2nd grader whose energy does.not.stop! She, in particular, has had a GREAT time 'smothering' K with lots and lots and lots of love and attention!!!
One of the errands I ran that day was to purchase a jogging stroller that I found listed on craigslist. I *heart* it! The wheels need a little air and it's a little different to turn than a 'regular' stroller, but it moves well and it's great. The girls have had a great time pushing K around in it already!
We spent the weekend enjoying time with the Phelans and doing things around church/school. I met with the 3rd grade teacher so we could split up teaching duties for next year. I called families to let them know I'd be team-teaching 3rd grade (which was met with enthusiasm, from what I hear). I attended pastor's farwell worship service and potluck lunch on Sunday. Hope is a wonderful church -- but Kathleen definitely 'stands out' as one of the very few toddlers in the group! I never realized how much little 'noise' and 'chatter' by babies/toddlers went on at Good Shepherd. A little distracting, ok, but not attention grabbing! Fortunately, though, a cute little 15 month old girl was sitting in the pew behind us so we were the only ones distracting others during the service.
Later in the evening I went to Jim and Betty Oloff's house for supper. They have what has to be one of the neatest, most unique homes...well, locations anyway! It is right on the Snake River and right next to a lumberyard. That's it. You turn on the dirt road in an industrialized area and there is the house. However, they have the gorgeous view of the river, and they've got a small creek/bridge in front of their front yard, lots of plants, animals, etc. It was really neat. The house itself reminds me of an old farmhouse and it's just a neat place to visit. The meal was really wonderful -- until K took her bbq sauce/baked bean sauce-covered hands and put them on my white capris and white shirt sleeve. GREAT. I've tried washing/soaking several times already. ARGH.
Monday I was busy working in my office and then ended up giving a tour to a very, eh, 'eccentric' woman and her neighbor. She's from Montreal (I think) but has lived all over the world. She goes by the nickname "Mitch" (no kidding) and is a church-hopper who found out about our school in the longest, round-about way possible. Her Methodist minister in AZ told her that his 4 kids go to the local LCMS school and they love it there. He looked up Idaho Falls and found our address for her. That is simply remarkable to me! I don't know if she'll end of enrolling her son or not -- but it sure made for an interesting hour or two of my day as both she and her neighbor wanted to discuss theology (He is a former LDS -- ie "Mormon" and she may have been at one time too) and politics, etc. Yowza! I did get to go to lunch with the grade 4/Spanish/Music teacher, her daughter (who will be in 3rd grade and is SO excited I'll be teaching!) and the 1st grade teacher. Yummy Mexican food and a nice chance to get to know them better.
Last night the Oloffs had their daughter Esther (in high school?) and Lydia (who is 4)...and son Daniel (5th grade) come over to school to babysit Kathleen during out board meeting. She wasn't a happy camper at first but by the time the meeting was done, she was laughing and playing. What troopers they are!! Only son Noah (high school -- jr or sr?) was off the hook and got to stay home last night!!
Yesterday was also Kathleen's first day of daycare. I love her center. The center itself is in a brandnew area and it is just a great facility. The people are great and her toddler 'teachers' are SOOOO patient! Of course she toddled into the room and bumped her head on the way into the room yesterday so she was in tears when I left. So heartbreaking! But she was sitting with the rest of the kids in a circle for story time when I picked her up at 3 p.m. -- so adorable! What a big girl! Today the dropoff was a little rough, but I knew it would be. It wasn't an easy morning, either, from what I'm told, but better than yesterday. She was practically asleep on the floor when I got there today. Actually, she had to take a nap shortly after we got home yesterday because she only naps for about 30-35 mins there! Too much to 'miss', I'm sure! She was asleep by 6 p.m. MDT tonight. Poor girl. It's so good for her though. I'm hoping by next week she'll be more into the routine and she'll begin enjoying it. I can hope. It is fun to pack her lunch each morning though. I found a pink camo lunchbag for her -- it is too cute for words.
As for Todd, Bucky and our house... THEY are super busy too! Bucky will be moving in with the Hansons -- what a great situation. Someone we know and they have a lot of land AND other dogs. I hope and pray he behaves well and gets along with the other dogs and daycare kids there!! Todd has been working non-stop on all kinds of 'little' (and not so little) tasks around the house. The realtor is hosting an "Open House" on Sunday, so we're hoping and praying it leads to a buyer. We did have someone walk through the house already last week. They really liked the house, but the husband is 6'4" and felt the upstairs was too short and narrow for him. Darn you giants! Ha ha ha... but two more people walked through the house today. No feedback yet, but someone took a packet of information, so that could be a good sign. You just never know. We're so anxious to have Todd out here!!! The weather has been great -- 80s and low 90s but NO humidity... there 'might' be a t-storm this weekend, but might not. They've only had 4 inches of rain here all year so far. How crazy is that?
I am going to be looking for an apartment on Thursday or Friday this week. We love the Phelans but don't want to be in the way either. They just left for a week long trip to Washington, DC. It's really lonely without them around. K walked all throughout the house last night saying, "Hi! Hi!" and waiting for someone to respond. Poor baby misses her girls already!!! It will be nice, though, to have our own place and unpack our stuff and start to feel just a little more 'settled'. So I'll be busy with all of that too.
That's really all I have to update you all on right now. Well, this is a novel already! Mental note *Must be better about daily blogging*!! I can't get my laptop to work with the wireless router at school yet (I don't think the signal reaches all the way over to my office) so I can't share more pictures yet -- but I'm working on it.
-- Tanya
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