Gnomes Gnomes on the Range!

[kschafer]

 

[jenjolt]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LESLIE!!!!!!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Thank you!

So far I have been running around like a mad woman trying to finish laundry and get packed. At this point, I'm just throwing things in my suitcases...I'll organize at my parents.

 

[ILuvCrush]

Happy Birthday Leslie!!!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Happy Birthday, LL! I am so looking forward to your TR!

Paula- your scrapbooking is amazing. If I had a single bit of a CLUE what to do with your kit, I would absolutely be downloading it!

How was this week for our teacher friends? Katie - figured out that program yet? Jen- how is TX treating you? Have you had a puffy taco yet? Jackie, I was surprised to hear you weren't glued to the Weather Channel with Hurricane Earl! And Jen (MM) still waiting to hear how you are doing!!

Jess- how are you and Blake doing?

Stacey didn't make the jump to this thread with us, did she?

Hope you all have fun plans for the Labor Day weekend. I can't believe - and won't admit- that summer is over.

But I must say I am getting excited for my October trip to the World. I think it is going to be fun!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Look at your ticker, Paula!! It says ONE YEAR!

Thanks for the Birthday Wishes!!

 

[ILuvCrush]

Thanks for pointing out my ticker LL!! I hadn't noticed it.... but while we were driving home from Dance Practice thursday night.... I told Ellie 1 year from then we would be doing last minute packing because it will be "Trip-Eve'!!

 

[MegansMom]

Hey gang!! Happy Labor Day Weekend!!! I am so sorry for my lengthy absence, but as I said before, it has been pretty crazy and chaotic ever since I received word that I had the job. I was immediately thrust into meetings and consultation planning sessions to become acquainted with the school and the classes I would be teaching. On top of that, I had to immediately sign up to complete two more graduate online courses (6 credit hours) in a three-week time period to reopen my certificate. Needless to say, it was a little busy. On top of that, I was also in the midst of trying to set up the classroom and get Megan ready for school to start. We started on Aug 17th, and it has been crazy and busy and completely non-stop since then. I am so THANKFUL for the day off tomorrow....there are no words! One of the main reasons I took this job was to help Tom have a back-up plan so he could address the situation at his work with all his late work days. A week and a half ago he spoke to his boss, and he is being moved to an Assistant Controller position that will have MUCH better hours. I am so glad that my job enabled him to do that. I have had quite the time adjusting to being back at work, being a full time Mommy, and having my "baby" be at school all day. The emotional rollercoaster has been a nasty one, and I LITERALLY can break out into tears at any moment. I am pretty sure I am the one out of all three of us that is struggling the most with the big changes, so I am trying to put on a good face for Megs and Tom. Megan has had some rough days, but she still seems to love school. I know that it will all get better in time, but the "learning curve" has been bumpy. Anywho, that is what has been up with me! Just wanted to give everyone the heads up! I am hoping to be able to check in here now much more often!!! I hope you are all well!

 

[redsox721]

Hey gang!! Happy Labor Day Weekend!!! I am so sorry for my lengthy absence, but as I said before, it has been pretty crazy and chaotic ever since I received word that I had the job. I was immediately thrust into meetings and consultation planning sessions to become acquainted with the school and the classes I would be teaching. On top of that, I had to immediately sign up to complete two more graduate online courses (6 credit hours) in a three-week time period to reopen my certificate. Needless to say, it was a little busy. On top of that, I was also in the midst of trying to set up the classroom and get Megan ready for school to start. We started on Aug 17th, and it has been crazy and busy and completely non-stop since then. I am so THANKFUL for the day off tomorrow....there are no words! One of the main reasons I took this job was to help Tom have a back-up plan so he could address the situation at his work with all his late work days. A week and a half ago he spoke to his boss, and he is being moved to an Assistant Controller position that will have MUCH better hours. I am so glad that my job enabled him to do that. I have had quite the time adjusting to being back at work, being a full time Mommy, and having my "baby" be at school all day. The emotional rollercoaster has been a nasty one, and I LITERALLY can break out into tears at any moment. I am pretty sure I am the one out of all three of us that is struggling the most with the big changes, so I am trying to put on a good face for Megs and Tom. Megan has had some rough days, but she still seems to love school. I know that it will all get better in time, but the "learning curve" has been bumpy. Anywho, that is what has been up with me! Just wanted to give everyone the heads up! I am hoping to be able to check in here now much more often!!! I hope you are all well!

Jen--prayers are on their way for all of you. Things will get better in time as you all adjust to a new schedule and routine. Know that there are people thinking and praying for you. Even though I mostly lurk and don't post much, I was concerned about you. Thanks for checking in. Have a nice day off.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hi, Jen!!! Thanks for checking in!!! Big hugs to you as you readjust to being a working mommy! It does get better, I promise!

 

[jenjolt]

Oh Jen...sending lots of hugs your way!!! Lots of changes you are dealing with, but like Jackie said it will get better!! Enjoy your day off!!! I know I am going to LOL!!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Hi Jen! So glad you checked in. Sorry to hear that the changes have been rough but I know you guys will come through on the other side much better for it! Megs liking school is a big plus! And how about you- tell us about your class. Great that Tom can move to an assistant controller position. Hope the stress and hours will be more manageable with that position. With all the Sarbanes Oxley legislation and other pressures those jobs can be intense!

Hope you other ladies had a great holiday weekend. So sad it is over. My one consolation is hope that Leslie and Marc are having a great time!

 

[MegansMom]

Oh thank you all for your kind words and hugs through the "web!" I have missed the comraderie we share here quite a bit!

I know that I have readjustment issues to deal with, I just wish I could hurry up and get "adjusted!" This limbo stage is making me feel all yucky, and tired, and cranky, and in MUCH need of a little pixie dust!

Thanks for the moral support---it means so much!

Don't we all wish we could have packed ourselves right up and hid in their luggage....I am sure we all could use a little bit of "Mickey's House" right now!

 

[kschafer]

How are my girls tonight?

All I can say is TGIF!! I just had one of those days that I woke up knowing it would be a hard one. The morning was fine and I got to go have lunch with the boys at school (they do a lunch on the lawn for families at the beginning of each year). But Daniel cried when I left which made me cry in the car on the way back to work. then I ended up kicking out 3 kids and nearly 2 more in a span of 2 class periods. I needed to talk to my supervising principal about some questions and concerns I have but she hasn't been available in a few days.

then I checked FB tonight to find one of my best friends from HS had her father pass away this afternoon. He hasn't been well and it wasn't unexpected but it's hard to realize that I am entering the age group where our parents will start to pass away, I'm not ready for that!

OTTV!! Glad the weekend is here!!! The big Iowa/Iowa State football game is tomrrow so I'm looking forward to that

MM, how are you doing? It has very hard to return to full-time work and I have only been off 2 years, I can understand your difficulty figuring out this new routine! Are you liking the job?

Jen, are you still enjoying your new school?

How are the rest of you? I suspect LL must be having the best week of any of us...is she not updating live to FB? I must confess to not following her PTR very closely but I'm excited to read all about it!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Hi Katie! Sorry that you are having a tough week. At least it is the weekend!

I have lost track of LL's itinerary as well but know that she was planning to "live in the moment" and not do any live updates... which I think sounds divine. Hope they had a great time. Isn't it fun knowing that a DIS'er is almost always in our favorite place?? Can't wait for your TR, LL!

Jen (MM)- totally know what you mean about wanting time to hurry up with itself and get you to a more comfortable place. Why can't it do that??

Jackie - I've seen on FB the makings of a serious party. I'm hoping we'll see some pictures!

Jen (JJ) looked like perhaps you had a tough week too. How are your classes? Are they behaving any better?

Jess, Paula, how were your weeks?

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hi, Gnomies! I am so glad it is Friday! It is going to be a busy weekend with a DIS meet and a wedding tomorrow, but I am so looking forward to all of it.

Jen (MM) -- I completely understand the crankiness and tiredness. Teaching really just drains a person.

Katie -- sorry you have had such a rough day! Let's hope you have a very relaxing weekend!

Christine -- yes, Connor is having a Clone Wars season premiere party on Friday night with seven of his friends. I am excited about it, but it is going to take a lot of cleaning and prep work. I will be sure to take lots of pictures.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I haven't seen any of the Clone Wars cartoons but am an "old school" Star Wars fan. Is it worth watching?

 

[Charleston Princess]

I haven't seen any of the Clone Wars cartoons but am an "old school" Star Wars fan. Is it worth watching?

To be honest, I have a hard time paying attention to it. It doesn't have Han Solo or Princess Leia in it, so the appeal is minimal for me. LOL!

You will get a kick out of this -- yesterday when we were opening the package of party goodies, Connor was humming the Star Wars music very loudly. Let me tell you -- opening packages to Star Wars music is much more dramatic!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Too cute! That music is very moving. But I have to agree with you... no Hans Solo and I lose interest quickly.

 

[kschafer]

I was not a huge original star wars fan but my boys love the clone wars. I have a friend who loves the original and they tried talking star wars but didn't have much luck being from 2 different SW generations!

Jackie, I love the idea of that party! You are headed to the Atlanta dismeet tomorrow right? Have a great time!

C, your turn is next for our happy place right?