27 August 2008

Espanol

I started my first MPC class today. Its a conversational spanish class. I learned today its only Credit/No Credit with no language lab. Everyone in the class is not just a regular student but also has some type of job or profession and really wants to learn it....so hopefully I'll learn something? Then I'll be able to communicate with the families of my students better.

Adios

26 August 2008

television tunes

go to televisiontunes.com and you can download a trillion different theme songs to movies and tv shows.

As a teacher I use it for transition from the desks to the carpet, putting papers away, cleaning your desk, talking to your neighbor.

Some of the songs bring back memories!

24 August 2008

The Kottmans


This is Josiah, one of the Kottman kids. I wanted to highlight The Kottmans Blog link to the right-they are missionaries to the UK and an amazing family! They are originally from Orange County and I met them when I was living over there four years ago. The were sent from CC Twickenham and began a new church plant: CC Leatherhead last year and have had some great opportunities to reach their community including an interview with the BBC! Go Kottmans!

Hole in the Wall


Literally. Great Job Sara! =)

7th Birthday


Today I spent the day celebrating Vanessa's 7th birthday. She came to church with me, then we went Mini-Golfing at the Tin Cannery, had lunch and then the aquarium! She really is the most polite little girl you could ever imagine and was so excited about the entire day! She decided she wanted to pose as much as possible at the Mini Golf place! Happy Birthday Vanessa!

22 August 2008

Hide and Seek


A student was driving me nuts today so I asked him to step outside my classroom because of his behavior and I would be out in two minutes to talk to him. I went out two minutes later and he was no where to be found. I got worried, obviously, because a 5 year old had disappeared from my supervision. I sent a trusted boy to run to the bathrooms to help me search for him and after about 2 minutes, the escapee crawled out of the locker-giggling. Any normal teacher would be fuming, and to an extent I was, but I was more amazed that this little brat could climb inside and close the door. The lockers (pictured above) are a good two/three feet from the ground and he managed to get inside, close the door and stay quiet. I told his mom, and she laughed instead of disciplining! Ah!

20 August 2008

Ultimate Wedgie

I don't know what it was about today, but I had a great day! I stayed at work until 6:45 and then got to church late but still was blessed by what I heard. We had an ELD meeting today and I found out that the 1st/2nd grade classes are being jumbled up so we can have 6 classes instead of just 3 classes to re-arrange. ELD is English Language Development and there are 6 different levels a student can be at. 1,2,3,4, 5 and EO (english only). All the first graders this year are either EO kids or levels 1 and 2. I got the levels 3,4,5. That doesn't make much sense to anyone else but me, but there's good news in it! My class is crazy this year, and I get to change my students and get all my cute babies from last year for 45 minutes every day! I can't wait! I get a break from my whiner!! Woohoo! And I'll only have 13 kids instead of 19! It's only 6 kids difference...but the noise level of a 6 year old usually equals at least 2 kids.

I also got a chance to get to know some more families at the ice-cream social tonight from 6-7pm. My crazy Mary-Kate's mom is taking classes at CSUMB and has to do service learning so she's going to do it in my classroom! Woohoo! Such a blessing!

I also have updated stories from school. Yesterday my Cyle puked all over his desk and then looked up and said "Uh Miss Dobie I threw up." Thankfully he didn't get the carpet. The whole class stopped and watched as he threw up the rest in the garbage can.

Cyle also has a habit of passing gas on the carpet. This kid rips them loud! He then covers his nose and say EWW someone farted...stinky.

I had to let him know that when Cyle does that and gets the giggles, Miss Dobie gets the giggles so if he needs to pass gas he needs to go outside.

An hour later I caught Cyle walking into the classroom from outside. I firmly told Cyle that he needed to ask me if he could leave the classroom. He proudly put his hands on his hips (superhero style) and firmly told me that he was letting his gas pass outside like I told him he needed to. He has such a strong cute filapino accent which makes him cute.

I went to go pick up my kids from lunch today and overhead the ending of an explanation Mary Kate was giving to another little girl. The only thing I heard was "....And that's what an ultimate wedgie is...." I would have loved to hear the beginning of that conversation.

Now its bedtime. Pictures to come later. =)

19 August 2008

Save Money

Interesting FWD:

How To Save the Government $5 Million

A president's pension currently is $191,300 per year and ends when they turn age 80.

Assuming the next president lives to age 80. Sen. McCain would receive ZERO pension as he would reach 80 at the end of two terms as president.

Sen. Obama would be retired for 26 years after two terms and would receive $4,973,800 in pension.

Therefore it would certainly make economic sense to elect McCain in November.

How's that for non-partisan thinking?

18 August 2008

My Saviour

He can move the mountains. My God is mighty to save.

China Confiscates Bibles From American Christians

BEIJING — A group of American Christians who had more than 300 Bibles confiscated by Chinese officials when they arrived in China is refusing to leave the airport until they get the books back, their leader said Monday.
Pat Klein said he and three others from his Vision Beyond Borders group spent Sunday night at the airport in the southwestern city of Kunming after customs officers took the Bibles from their checked luggage.
"I heard that there's freedom of religion in China, so why is there a problem for us to bring Bibles?" said Klein, whose Sheridan, Wyoming-based group distributes Bibles and Christian teaching materials around the world.
The Bibles were printed in Chinese, he told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.
The move comes as China hosts the Olympics in Beijing, where false media reports last year claimed Bibles would be banned from the games. The state-run China Daily reported last month that 10,000 bilingual copies of the Bible would be distributed in the Olympic Village, which houses athletes and media.
In China, Bibles are legally printed at just one plant — the world's largest — run by a communist government-backed Christian association, and are available in many bookstores. But the officially atheistic government prohibits proselytizing and is worried that if the spread of religion goes unchecked, believers might ultimately challenge the Communist Party's authority.
/**/

A woman on duty at Kunming airport's customs office confirmed over the telephone late Sunday that 315 Bibles were found in the passengers' checked baggage.
The officer, who would only give her last name, Xiao, denied confiscating the Bibles. She said authorities were just "taking care" of them and provided no further details. She later said she was not authorized to speak to the media and referred questions to the national customs headquarters in Beijing, which did not answer phones on Sunday.
On Monday morning, Klein said Chinese officials had shown the group what they said were regulations that banned bringing Bibles into China, but that the documents were in Chinese. "We are waiting for them to come back with the law in English," he said.
Chinese officials had asked the Christians to leave the room at the airport where they spent the night, but Klein told the officials they did not want to go without the Bibles.
Klein said the customs officers had told him that they could each have one Bible for personal use, but no more than that. He said the officers had videotaped them and were insisting that they leave the airport.
"We don't want to go without taking those books. It cost us a lot of money to bring them here," Klein said. "They're saying that it's illegal to bring the Bibles in and that if we wanted to, we had to apply ahead of time for permission."
China faces routine criticism for human rights violations and repression of religious freedom. Religious practice is heavily regulated by the Communist Party, with worship allowed only in party-controlled churches, temples and mosques, while those gathering outside risk harassment, arrest and terms in labor camps or prison.
A Chinese Christian activist was detained Aug. 10, the opening weekend of the Olympics, on his way to a church service attended by U.S. President George W. Bush in Beijing. A rights group said later that the activist, Hua Huiqi, a leader of the unofficial Protestant church in Beijing, had escaped from police and was in hiding.
Police have denied any involvement in Hua's disappearance.
/**/

14 August 2008

I'm addicted to travel

I just bought a ticket to fly to Germany and England for one week only in October. I may be crazy, but know I only have one life to live! I'm so stoked! God granted me permission to go to the UK which is an additional blessing.

5 days in Germany visiting my dear dear friend, and then 2 days in the UK. I fly home on a Sunday into San Jose at 7:30 and then start first grade again on Monday.

It was a sweet ticket deal too....

Yeah! It will be so beautiful in October!!

And...its a UNITED flight which will hook me up with 12,000 miles round trip which means I'll have a free flight when I come back to feed my addiction again.

Sally

I will call this student Sally.

Yesterday Sally told me her mom had a boyfriend who lived in Italy with other random details.

Just now, my Dr called me in the middle of class. I answered it, told the Dr i'd call her back at recess. Sally blurted out "I have a girl Dr. too--but my mom doesn't....she has a boy Dr."

I need to send home that quote:

If you don't believe everything your student says about me at home, I won't believe everything your student says at school about you."

:-)

13 August 2008

Fake

Just to make sure I clear up any confusion....the tattoo isn't real. Its a spray on, thats why you see people walking around behind me. Its even starting to come off. It really *kind of * could be believable right? I would never get a cross.

If were to get a tattoo it would be a brocolli, just because who gets a vegetable tattoo on their body? Random and it would be a great conversation starter.

Also because my grandma said we'd be taken out of the will if we got one....

12 August 2008

What happens in Vegas...





I have such a great boss. I asked to leave early on Friday and the lady I got to watch my class had to help another teacher -- so my principal came in to ask if she could take over my class--so I could go to Vegas!! I caught a 3:00 flight to Las Vegas so I left at 1:50 to leave school and check in by 2. Barely made it. $39/one way/direct flight to Vegas from Monterey. I really felt like I was a high schooler ditching class. I took my kids to a Kinder class and pretended I was being spontaneous and nice and letting them play again.
Vegas if full of sin, but I love it because of the glorious hotels and things inside the hotels. Besides the heat I really love it! It seems that every hotel has a different theme and design. Also, the pools at the hotels are amazing! We stayed at the Mirage--it was great!! Saturday night we stayed with Hannah's aunt and uncle. We went with them to see Mama Mia! the broadway style play, then went to Freemont Street where I got a tattoo! What happens in Vegas....
The view of the pyramid was taken on an elevator up to "The Mix," a club in THE hotel at Mandalay Bay. We only went up there because there's a toilet that has a view of the entire strip. You sit on the toilet and there is a window in front of you. Tinted of course from the outside.
I flew home on Sunday afternoon while Hannah is staying until Wednesday.

07 August 2008

Steven Curtis


cnn.com/larryking


I love Steven Curtis Chapman. He has such a beautiful looking family. They just went onto Larry King and shared Jesus with all the crazy liberals who watch CNN. They did a really amazing job! They have such a story to tell.

06 August 2008

Best Note EVER!


My infamous Tiziana got her sister (who is in 4th grade special ed) to forge a note I sent home. I feel like I need to frame this for my classroom. Can you believe 6 year olds can understand the concept of a forged note and go through with it?
The note says: "Sore my Dotr Breng LiDfensl" Translation: Sorry my daughter being _______"
Signed by the mom...only name is mispelled. lol

Hannah's MEW Celebration


Mike and Michele Casey are so cool. They bought a cake for Hannah and embarrased her on Monday Night. She has been helping me on Monday's with child-care for the last 7 weeks. She's awesome!

My backpack rack


Yeah! Thanks to Jack and Jesse I now have a place in the classroom for my kids to put their backpacks. Its under the don't ask don't tell policy--don't ask the principal, don't tell the principal. My teacher in college taught me a valuable lesson-Never ask permission only forgiveness. It's so wonderful to have! Thanks Jack and Jesse!

Fletcher


I met this little boy at Home Depot as I was getting a piece of wood cut for my classroom. He started a conversation with me. He was 3 1/2 and could tell a story so much better than many of my students. When I introduced myself to him he paused and said, "Oh Greta...great name."

05 August 2008

Sand Everywhere

No one puked today but a little boy pulled the elastic band of a little girl sitting in front of him outside and put sand down her backside. The little girl came running and said, "Teacher, he put sand in my underwear."

04 August 2008

First Day of School

I had a little boy doing the PeePee dance at my door because the middle school kids were changing classes and was too scared to go to the bathroom by himself. So, a little boy in the back was observing the situation and offered his assistance.

Quote of the Day:
"Teacher did he pee hisself 'cause I got extra pants in my pack pack."

My little first graders can be so caring when it matters most.

I also had a kid project puke all over my brand new carpet two times today.

Welcome back to school!

03 August 2008

1st grade for the 4th time

I'm starting school again tomorrow and a little nervous but very excited. I've decided to even wear a dress. I've decided I want to make a good impression on the parents because from what it sounds like, I have a great group of kids with a great group of involved parents.

Hopefully if I make a nice impression they'll trust me and not be too involved, but involved enough to help me and buy the class things when we need them! I can remember 17/20...not bad considering I haven't met them yet! May the Lord bless the 2008-2009 school year!

Pray for
Kaitlynn
Mary Kate
Giovanni
Kameron
Roberto
Ray
Anthony
Tiziana
Enrique
Brian
Malik
Leslie
Teressa
Malyha
Alyeeha
Jose
Cycle
1._____
2._____
3._____

Puke Fest





Hannah, Mike & Eliza and I went Whale Watching on the ocean today. It was great and we saw a Humpback Whale. Only problem was that it was a small boat and we had lots of pukers. It was like when a baby cries, one starts and it gets them all going. When you hear the "blaaaaaaa" sound when someone throws up, it would make other people throw up. Eliza and Hannah both got pretty sick. I wanted to take a picture of Hannah but I didn't want to make her cranky while puking. Afterwards she asked me though if I took a picture cause she wanted one. She did spend the rest of the time hanging off the side of the boat. Poor Hannah!

My IDEAL job!


Though I learned and love sign language, I feel like there is such a stereo type for the people who actually do it. I think I'm over that though and I really want to be used someday at SWC signing! Signing songs is so beautiful and so much fun. So this is my ideal job. Maybe next year I can do one gig or band time.

02 August 2008

Spirit West Coast



I had a great time Thursday and tonight at Spirit West Coast. On Thursday I was able to see Paul Wright and NeedtoBreathe. They were both amazing!! NeedtoBreathe's CD is amazing. It has a very unique and wonderful sound. It doesn't sound like the average 'christian' music you hear on the radio. They sing that song "I am washed by the Water" and "Yaweah."Everyone should pick it up if they get a chance!

Leeland


Thanks to this band my dear friend is now a believer! We had been praying for him for ages and one day on his way to work he heard a Leeland song and turned his life over to the Lord.


So this is for you my friend! I love you!!

Teachers are a Strange Bunch



Wednesday all the teachers from MPUSD met in a Monterey Hotel for meetings all day. I think teachers are so wierd. Crazy bossy women get together and talk and talk and talk. It's fun to just listen...you'll hear interesting stories. The speakers were good and it was fun to see everyone again. We all wore our 'spirit wear' for a $400 donation to our school. Its pathetic that teachers will wear old school ugly sweat-shirts and dance and sing loudly in front of hundreds of people for a measly $400. King doesn't have any money! K-I-N-G Go Panthers!!! (too bad we didn't win!)


One of these photos is of Guada, my colleague who teachers Kindergarten and my team member Kevin who also teaches first with me!

Embassy Suites


Hannah and I have been exploring different hotels in the area. We found a nice lobby on the 12th floor of this one. Everyone looked so small. The view actually made my stomach a bit different than it normally does. Beautiful hotel though!

Most Excellent Kids


Hannah and I had fun at MEW tonight. Thank Goodness Hannah is here. Peggy has been gone for two weeks. Monday night we had 13 kids! Here are some of them enjoying their goldfish crackers and apple juice. If you look closely-2 of the kids had mohawks!

Love of Sharks


We were watching a "Shark Week" episode on Discovery (I think) and Hannah was watching the show but covering her eyes at the same time.


She said, "Oh I hate shark shows but I love them."
I love Hannah!

Earthbound Farms


After church last Sunday Hannah and I went out to Earthbound Farms to enjoy some time in the Valley. I took this cool picture of a sunflower!