Thursday, December 29, 2011

Best of Break

1. Seeing Ma and Pa Rumker... I have had a new appreciation for my parents lately. Every time I start thinking I have the best parents ever.... something happens to prove it. It makes me feel bad for years 14-16.

2. Seeing my extended family. The funny, the awesome, the boring, and the stickers I love them all!

3. Watching David open his Christmas presents. That boy exudes Christmas Cheer!

4. Talking to my brother in Afghanistan

5. Spending a night in a hotel (away from the dogs) with Trevor

6. Baking cookies and watching other people enjoy them

7. Buying new jeans in a size I didn't even wear in high school!

8. Not having to think about grading papers

9. Enjoying home cooked meals

10. Sleeping in and napping to my hearts content.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

When your husband is in Pharmacy School..

... you expect to not see him during finals week
... you make sugar cookies for him shaped and colored like various prescriptions
... you write him love notes in SIG code
... you remind yourself that him explaining nitrogen breakdowns is a way of telling you he loves you
... you accept the fact that he's held his biochem book more then you
... you dream of the day when he'll mumble your name, instead of side effects in his sleep
... you expect him to be excited when the suppository he made is perfect
... you explain to your friends what a capsule lab is..because you know
... you know how many sugar packets he puts in each cup of coffee because he learned that artifical sweeteners don't break down
... you have to hear the generic name for each prescription everyone in your life takes
... you let him practice taking your blood pressure before bed...and think it's romantic when he tells you it's not prehypertensive.
... you let his morter and pestal sit with your nice dishes in the kitchen
... you get a part time job so he can focus more on the above mentioned things.

I LOVE YOU TREVOR!!! SO PROUD OF YOU FOR 1 SEMESTER DOWN!!!! YOU ARE MY HERO!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

How did this happen??




Once upon a time there were three sweet 6 year olds.

They were funny, wild, and somehow refined.

They had a helper named Beth.

She helped them brush their teeth and hair.

She helped them make lunch.

She played with them in the swimming pool.




She took trips with them.

She helped them snorkle in the ocean.

She helped them learn to read and do math.

She tucked them in at night when their parents were gone.

She grew to love love love them.





They got older, but still needed her to do their hair

and find their sports equipment.

They fought over who got to share the hotel room with her.

They held her hands as they walked.



When they were ten, Beth got married.

Beth thought something might change between them.

But nothing did.

She came home on holidays and took lunch to their school.

She heard stories of friends. She cheered at Basketball games.




As they grew, she gave them permission to be silly.

Together they made up funny stories.

They made plans to travel many places.

They talked about college and dreams.

They talked on the phone.




They grew and grew.

But nothing every changed.

They would still hold her hand and sing silly songs.

They would play ball outside.

They would text inside.

They would talk about boys and girls in new ways



They grew until they were Beth's size.

She never knew the next time she saw them...

if she would still be the tall one.

But she didn't care.

At 13,

She still love love loved them.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Abundance

Today was perfect.

I got up and took Jerome to basketball practice.
I went to homeland to buy hot chocolate supplies
I gave 3 math tests, while the students sipped hot cocoa.
I had time to write out my 'most memoriable teaching moment'
I had to do that because I got nominated for Teacher of the Year
The first time I got nominated I was a 2nd year teacher.
I didn't turn my paperwork in that time.
I still don't know if I want to turn it in this time.
My wonderful husband texted me a picture of our freshly mopped floors!
My amazing husband told me he'd work my pharmacy shift tonight
I came home from school at my leisure.
I took a long hot bath.
I caught up on all my blogs I read.
I bragged about him on facebook.
I enjoyed the thought of not going to school tomorrow.
I talked to D-man on the phone.
I washed a few dishes.
I posted on my blog

Sunday, November 20, 2011

A 2 Week update

I haven't posted for two weeks, here's what's happened.

School
Mrs. M is back! Yippee for no more long-term subs!
"O" broke both arms at recess
I made pancakes for all my 5th graders--to study circumference of course


Work
I have been at the Pharmacy 3 months now
I still mostly like it
By 11pm I'm dead


Life
Went to Connor's 1st birthday
Went to a school training on a Saturday
Took lots of naps over the weekend
My kitchen is a disaster zone

Sunday, November 13, 2011

A different kind of birthday post

One day I woke up and it was the middle of November.

I have no idea how this happened. Trev's 25th birthday was yesterday. He had to work. My first thought was 'someday we will do birthdays right'. This is my first reaction on a lot of things. I just have this feeling that someday when Trevor is out of school we will look back and cherish these memories. So why is it that right now, all I can do is dream and hope for the future. It's not the money I'm looking forward to it's the stability.

My entire childhood I lived in the same town, in the same house, had the same friends, attended the same church and school. My life was predictable. I loved it. I think by nature I'm complacent. Then I married a dreamer. Talk about rocking my stable world. My husband follows his heart, has big ideas, and isn't afraid to try new things.

So I'm along for this wild ride called life. No more 'lazy river' for me. We are on a rollercoaster. A rollercoaster that causes us to trust God and each other more. It causes us to make sacrifices and moves and get new jobs.

While it isn't the married life I dreamed of...I'm glad it's mine and I'm glad he's mine. Happy Birthday Trevor. I love you more today than all our yesterdays combined.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

my first earthquake

Once upon a time I was sitting in bed awake at nearly 11pm. I was playing crossword puzzles on my phone because I had drank too much coffee before bed. As I was trying to solve my game the house started slowly vibrating. Then I heard a noise that sounded like a low train passing. For about 5 seconds I asked myself...is this really happening...I live in Oklahoma. Then I did what any good educator/wife would do. I woke up Trevor. Not in fear or worry...but because I didn't want him to feel left out in the morning when everyone was talking about the earthquake. He mumbled a bit as I kept telling him, 'wake up, you'll miss it'. Then our room shook for about 30 more seconds. I couldn't quite tell when it was actually all over. My dear husband rolled over and went back to sleep, and I of course, posted on facebook. Because that's what you do when something monumental happens.

5.6 Oklahoma 11/5/11 --My first Earthquake

I kinda liked it...definitely a rush.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

little bitta this and that

I'm telling you I have no life. None. Which is why I haven't posted on my blog in two weeks.
My week day schedule looks like this:

6:00- wake up
6:15- Leave to pick up Jerome
6:45- Get Jerome for basketball practice
7:00- Drop Jerome off at school/start tutoring
9:00- School starts
4:15- Leave school
4:45- Roll into the Pharmacy parking lot
5:00- Start Tech Job
11:00- Leave tech job
11:20- In bed, give Trevor a kiss goodnight, and then pass out.

Repeat. For. 5. Days.

Weekend Schedule (Trevor works 9a-9p)
Wake up between 11-1
Take nap #1 between 2-4
Take nap #2 between 6-8
Trevor gets home at 9 and we go to bed.

Between nap times I grade papers, clean up the house, and catch up on blog reading. I literally haven't turned on our TV in 3 months. I'm so glad we canceled our cable 6 months ago. That would have been 100 dollars wasted.

-------------

School has been going well. I really really love just teaching math. I am torn though if it is what is best for the students. I think that if they stayed in one room they would get more accomplished in one day. There is a lot of wasted time in switching, getting settled, getting ready to move etc. I think we are going to meet as a team when Mrs. M gets back from her 'baby break' and talk about next year.

-------------

Trevor and I have also been really considering moving closer to his school, which is an hour west of where we are living now. I think it would really benefit him to be close to where people are studying/working on projects. That would mean me finding another new teaching job. I really love where I'm working now....so we are talking and praying about the decision. Trevor's school is really a priority and I am actually the one who suggested the move to decrease his stress.

--------------

Everyone is doing the thankful posts on facebook. Guess only logging onto facebook once a week is getting me out of the loop. So I'm going to write a week at a time on here. Can I just say that the top of my list is always : God and then Trevor. I like reading more about the unique things that people are thankful for, so I'm starting my first seven after God and Trevor.

1. My extended family. It wasn't until I married Trevor that I really appreciated my aunts, uncles, grandparents, ect. I've been so blessed to form not only 'cousin' relationship with some of my cousins but friends. I'm blessed to have them in my life, regardless of them living hours away!...and they're significant others aren't bad either. :D

2. The awesome teacher's I've worked with! Mrs. Wilson, Ms. Harris, Ms. Shelton, Mrs. Hagy, among others have inspired me to be a better teacher....and they have made school WAY more fun!

3. Samson and Ezra. Something about my pups and their antics always make me smile. Pair this with the fact that Trevor loves to sing to them and call them crazy nick names make our little trailer more fun.

4. David- Now I love all my nephews and nieces, but this little man has a special place in my heart. Whether I'm chasing him around Pop's living room or being told 'less go aunt beth' and being tugged outside he's zest for life, hilarous humor or singing gets me every time!

5. My students- Now I could name every one, but I'll save you the boredom. I have learned something from each one. Kids are amazing and resilient

6. Facebook- Without facebook I wouldn't be able to see my cousin's new baby, or talked to my brother in Afghanistan

7. Health- working at a Pharmacy has given me a new appreciation for my healthiness. Many people younger than me are on a regiment of prescriptions that could rival an 80 year old. Many people my parents age are paying 500 dollars a month for medication. Wow. Thank you God for my healthy family.


---------------
On that note, my 9pm bedtime is calling. If you made it though this....Bless you

Sunday, October 23, 2011

insert cute picture here:

I went home for fall break::::insert picture of beautiful changing leaves

I got to see my nephew David, whom I'm call D-man or Davido. We bought him a train whistle since he loves Thomas the train.::::insert picture of David running around with his new whistle with no pants on

I got to see my niece Kaia, whom I call Kai-Kai or girlfriend. She is turning into a real cutie, but she spits up...a lot... ::::insert picture of her nailing Uncle Trevor with spit up, all while smiling

I got to spend the day at Silver Dollar City with our friends, the Borches. :::insert 2 happy couples screaming their heads off on rollar coasters

I got to have a family dinner on Friday with both of our parents :::insert a family picture of the Howards and Rumkers

I had a wonderful fall break::insert a picture of Samson and Ezra super excited to see us when we returned.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

I should know by now...

....don't save grading for the last minute.


said from under the giant stack of math papers,
Mrs. H

Saturday, October 8, 2011

things I've learned in retail

This whole Pharmacy Tech job is my first job in the retail/service side of things. I've never worked at a store/resturant/the like. I've learned a few things.

1. People apologize and don't mean it. I say sorry for things that I know nothing and care nothing about, I say exactly what it takes to make people happy again
2. If it falls on the floor and no one sees it, it didn't really fall on the floor
3. People do the minimum needed to not get in trouble by their immediate supervisor
4. It's high school all over again with the talking behind people's backs
5. People smell bad
6. People don't really listen the first time causing you to repeat everything
7. No one thinks their name is hard to spell
8. I don't make enough money to clean bathrooms
9. We lie by ommission all the time
10. It's never something I would do the rest of my life

I find it interesting...

I've worked in the Pharmacy for a little over a month now. In this time a lot of people who also work there, Interns (people in Pharmacy school), and the actual Pharmacists ask me how I like it.


This ALWAYS leads to them asking me why not pursue it?


Before I have a chance to answer they site reasons like a paycheck, my intelligence, and multi-tasking skills. I guess I've caught on to all the ins and outs a little quicker than most new hires. In a world where money=success and value, there is not a word I can say to convience any of them that teaching is a profession equal to that of pharmacy.


But then...they don't know this little guy.



Yes, I may earn 1/4 of their salary, but I know I make 4x the difference. Because of me, he has a chance to go to Pharmacy school if he wants. And that's a resonsibility I don't take lightly.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

The hardest thing




The hardest thing about working two jobs is having enough time for everything. It's making sure my students don't get shorted because I don't have as much time as usual.



Well I'm happy to report all is going well is 5th grade and I took a few pictures of what we've been up to. I'm not sure if I've explained my new role completely, but I'm teaching 5th grade at HP. (The same school I taught 3rd grade at last year). I teach all three fifth grade classes Math. I also teach my homeroom writing. It's the best gig! It's really the only way I could have time to work a second job! When I say it's my dream job... it aint no lie!


This is my homeroom class. They are really just the best. I can't say enough about their attitude, behavior, and respect as a group. This is about half of them. We were writing outside to practice using sensory words in our descriptive writing. It was a fun outing!



This is Mrs. R's homeroom in my math class. We were doing a Math Lab using M&Ms and Hot Cheetos. The skill was measuring and converting metric units. It went over well. Mrs. R's class is the most challenging of my 3. There are very strong personalities in there. They are very much in each other's business ALL THE TIME! ....such is 5th grade I guess...


Tuesday, September 27, 2011

It's when

It's when you get yelled at for something you didn't do
It's when you try to explain yourself but the other person won't listen
It's when the heavy load lands on your shoulders
It's when you can't please everyone
It's when you're tired from working two jobs
It's when you want to shout you don't care
It's when you are tempted to give up
It's when you've repeated yourself many many times

That's when the real you shows.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Happy Birthday Bub!




When I was three my parents adopted my brother. My mom recounts how I would ask if "Baby Michael Andrew" was home from heaven yet. Since we picked him up my life has been forever changed.


My brother and I share a relationship of love and respect. Our personalities are as different as our physical features. He is as impulsive as I am level headed. He has light eyes and can eat his weight in candy without gaining a pound. He is a driven, focused individual... but only when he wants to.



My brother is brave. He joined the Army out of high school. He's seen more terror in his life then I can comprehend. He still is a loving brother, son, and dad.





I'm thankful for facebook which unites us across the world. It's my joy daily to see that my brother is safe and happy. I look forward to his return to the states. Happy Birthday Bub. I'm so proud of you and I love you always!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Jerome-y Macaroni

As I was looking back though my blog today, I realized that Jerome was a huge part of it last year. I thought I would link some of the previous posts and give you an update on how my favorite 3rd grader is, now that he is a fourth grader!

A letter- I think my first post on him
A kind gesture
The best punishment ever
A different perspective
Ending 3rd grade in style

I'm not going to lie, a huge part of my excitement about moving to 5th grade was that next year I'll get my beloved third graders back! Only they will be older!! I'm not going to lie, Jerome was one of the ones I was most excited about. I think we grew to depend on each other last year. I was really anxious about how his 4th grade year would go. God is sure looking out for this little guy, his fourth grade teacher, who is new to our school is perfect for him! She is patient, loving, and sees his potential.

Nevertheless, Jerome stops by my class before school to give me a hug, and through out the day when he passes it. My students all know him and tell him hi when he walks in. His visits usually last around 15 seconds and he is on his way. I see him before he gets on the bus after school and he frequently asks me to come to my house. I always ask him what he thinks Mr. Howard would say if I showed up at home with him. :)

He still has his moments, but I'm happy to report they are much fewer than last year.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

a saturday list

I use the term list loosely.

1. I counted and this week I worked 87 hours. 42 at the pharmacy, and the rest of them at school. It did not include driving there or outside work. Just the time I was there. I don't type that so everyone (all 8 of you) can go 'wow! Beth is a hard worker', I just would like to have it recorded for the years down the road where I might not work as much.

2. Because I was at a job from 7:30am-11:30pm each day, I slept a total of 13 hours today. (Saturday) (VRUM All that was done over night or in one nap) I don't feel bad about it at all.

3. Babies are being born or talked about all around me. I can't wait to meet my new 'supercousin' Grace! She is sooo adorable! (and I usually think babies are UG-LY, even those related to me) My teammate, Santhi, is currently in labor...say a prayer for that long term sub. And my friends who are not yet prego are posting pintrests of baby room ideas...
btw Supercousin is a term I coined for my cousin's baby because I think the term second cousin is silly. You can extend it to third cousin by adding the word 'duper' in after super.

4. My house is a mess. See points 1 & 2

5. I had a sweet potato for dinner. See points 1,2, & 4

6. I miss blogging regularly.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

2 things

1. So far the whole 'working two jobs' thing hasn't been too bad. I have an amazing team at school that encourages and understands my life right now! However, Trevor has applied for this scholorship that would pay for the rest of his school plus a little extra money to live on. If you're the praying type, PLEASE pray it works out. We will find out in November.

2. This year I debated on whether or not to give my students/parents access to my cell phone. I decided to try it, knowing I could choose not to answer their calls if I didn't want to. It's been 2 months of school almost and I got my first call from a student yesterday. It was a 58 sec conversation.
K: Mrs. Howard do we do page 58 and 59?
Mrs. H: Nope, just 58
K: What numbers?
Mrs. H: 22-30
K: Thanks Mrs. Howard
Mrs. H: See you Monday, have a good weekend
K: I love you Mrs. Howard!!!! Bye!
Mrs. H: Bye K

In that 58 seconds I remembered why I love my job, and I also saved myself a headache of her not having her work done on Monday. So far, I'm saying it was a good decision.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

NickandTyler

Growing up, there were always constants in my life. They went by the name of 'NickandTyler' It rolled off my tongue like PB&J, Diet Dr. Pepper with Vanilla...oh wait...that's my adult life. We were a team of three most of the time. All oldest siblings, we spent days talking our siblings into things, playing sports and having adventures. We went to church and school together and lived in the same 6 house 'neighborhood.' We pretty much shared houses and parents growing up.


Nick and I (1988 or 1989?)



Tyler and I (1995?)


They were my best friends. We made it though crushes, popularity contests, and people moving in and out of our lives. I remember pushing Nick's wheelchair when he broke his leg, and attending Tyler's grandma's funeral. We spent many summers at the lake together and winters pulling each other on sleds behind lawn mowers.


As we got into high school we vacationed together in Colorado, rafted, climbed mountains. Fun and encouragement were constant. They were a huge reason I never felt like I needed to have a boyfriend. We exhanged Christmas cards and camp notes. They always bought me the friendship carnation that the school sold on Valentine's Day.



When we graduated high school Nick and I headed for Oklahoma, Tyler went to Arkansas. We all met and married spouses perfect for us. I love when we all make it home on the same weekend. I know without a doubt if I needed either of them I could call them day or night. They have grown to be more like my brothers now.


The three of us at my wedding. I was the last of the three of us to get married, they both got married the summer before I did. I love their wives and families. This picture was the only one I insisted on at my wedding.


I'm so excited to get to have dinner with them both tomorrow. I hope our kids will have a small taste of the friendship we share.



Monday, August 29, 2011

if you can't beat them..

join them.

Today my white board marker died. I mean it died. One second it was writing, the next...dead. I just happened to take place during the part of the math notes where I was covering the associative principle of multiplication.

it died right there on the 'o'

so for a good twenty seconds while I was scrambling for another marker there was a bad word on my board. :)

All I could do is join in with the chuckles. Happy Monday Mrs. Howard!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Blunt is Best

Somehow in the year I taught 3rd grade, I forgot about how sometimes older kids say things just to be mean. In 3rd grade this happens, but their meanness doesn't cut as deep. Example from Wednesday:

Katy- Move your desk, you're annoying
Lari- No, this is where my desk goes
Katy- Move it!
Lari-(moves it closer, instead of farther away)
Katy- You're dumb
Lari- You're dumb
Katy- At least my mom birthed me out of my womb!
Lari- (Silence)
Katy- --to another student, yah, Lari is 'dopted, she lives with white people
Lari- They aren't white!

at this point another teacher steps in. (They weren't in my homeroom, they were in Reading class at the time)

After I heard about the incident, it struck me. Wow, they shoot directly where it hurts. I knew that Lari was in DHS custody, she hasn't been adopted. She does live with a foster family.

So when I had a chance to talk to Katy about the incident, I walked up to her and told her my mom didn't birth me out of her womb, and I lived with white people. I looked her straight in her face and asked if she had anything else she'd like to say to me.

She said she didn't.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Oh air conditioner

Sung to the tune of Oh Christmas Tree

Oh air conditioner, oh air conditioner
You really rule my life
Oh air conditioner, oh air conditioner
When you're broke, there's strife
I sweat, and I yell a lot, all because I'm really hot
Oh air conditioner, oh air conditioner
You make me a better wife

a typical day...

So if you are up to date with my current life you know my amazing hubby is in Pharmacy school. Yay for him! That also means he is spending more time studying, traveling back and forth, and sitting in a classroom then normal. Which would all be fine...but he's had to cut his work hours. Since I'm not willing to go into major debt for this whole Pharmacy school thing, I got a second job after school and on weekends...

don't worry, I'll work hard the first 6 years of marriage and he can work hard the years 6-80.

So today I worked all day at school and then 5-11 at my part time job. I came home to no air conditioning...AH! The high today was 102, tomorrow it's 103, and Sunday it's 105.

Bad timing.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

2-6

In honor of my 26th birthday.... 26 things you should know about me.



  1. My favorite age so far has been 23. I got married, graduated college, and got my first teaching job. Also my first nephew was born. It was a good year!

  2. People look at me like I'm crazy but I really do love to teach pre-teens! The mouthier the better!

  3. I feel very at home as the only 'white person' in my classroom. If you'd have asked me in high school I don't think I would have said that.

  4. I love playing- and winning- card games, board games, any type of game really

  5. I found out this year that I have some genetic thing that causes me to lose my skin pigment if I pick up a virus. Thank goodness the pigment comes back! Went 25 years without knowing that one.

  6. I never used to be a pet person. I'm still not a pet person with other people's pets--just my own.

  7. I hate to think I've started my 'late-twenties'. It's been 3 years since I graduated college; 7 years since I graduated high school.

  8. I have never found or seen a video game that I would want to play.

  9. I do my best thinking in the middle of the night, but typically forget it by morning

  10. I never have trouble sleeping. I don't wake up or even move at night.

  11. I really want to have laser eye surgery. I hate blurry vision

  12. I love teaching Math but it was my least favorite subject in school

  13. I enjoy speaking for dogs, or babies that aren't old enough to speak for themselves. Trevor and I often communicate for long periods of time with one of us talking for Samson.

  14. I need to be grading papers right now.

  15. I love the Big Bang Theory

  16. I really wish I had a photo of myself as an infant

  17. I really do have a wide age range of friends. I happen to like it that way.

  18. I talk to my dad on the phone every day

  19. I had my first cavity this summer

  20. I really really like to be on time. It bothers me to be late.

  21. I currently have my dream job.

  22. I have no desire to go back for a masters degree

  23. I appreciate my parents more now than ever

  24. I have the best husband on the planet. Argue with me...and I will win

  25. I hope that by the time I'm thirty I will be able to afford to Travel

  26. I have a superviser's number at Sallie Mae...that's how often I call :)

Monday, August 15, 2011

Traits I appreciate

in coworkers
in family members
in anyone I come into contact with



  1. Common courtesy. Use your manners, think of others, don't be a burden

  2. Willingness to do what you are supposed to be responsible for. Whether it is bringing the pumpkin pie to Thanksgiving or writing the Reading lesson...do it.

  3. Doing what you say you will do.

  4. Keeping bad words to a minimum. yeah the occasional curse might be well place, comical, or help emphasize, but don't over do it

  5. Speak kindly of others. Don't trash everyone you know.

  6. Be direct. I'm not interested in your hidden agenda or mind games.

  7. Don't whine. We all have crap going on.

  8. Work hard. Half doing things is creating more work for others

  9. Play fairly

  10. Find the joy in life...and focus on it

Sunday, August 14, 2011

family

family.
gosh.

It's been a week of family.
My Grandpa, Poppy, had a stay in the hospital.
My Grandma, Meme, refused to go visit him because of her westerns being on...
My brother-in-law has been here from Korea all week
My in-laws were in town for the weekend
My other brother-in-law, wife and two kids around
My dad and mom called a lot
My brother texted from Afghanistan
My uncle wasn't informed of my grandpa being in the hospital
My aunt got a little 'talking to' because of that
My sister in law sent me a cute picture of my niece, Kaia
My nephew Connor showed off his ability to say, 'Abeff' (Aunt Beth)
and got to talk to my favorite cousin on the phone...twice!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

the ones

You know how there are those people in your life? You know the ones. The ones that click instantly, the ones whose names literally flood your mind with good thoughts and memories and bring a smile to your face.

I've met a few of these people in life so far. People who you understand and like naturally, with no effort, no 'trying'. I'm lucky to call many of these people friends although our ages range and sometimes our distance.

I got to see one of these special gifts today. It made my day.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Good and Bad

Good
* I get to meet my students tomorrow

Bad
* I now have to get up early again
* No more naps
* Wearing clothes besides sweat pants
* Showering regularly
* No more days with my pups

Some how shaping the minds of 5th graders makes up for all the small things I have to give up! Bring on the school year!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Missouri Weekend

Last weekend, while in Missouri, we got to spend some time with our families.



On Friday night we celebrated our 3rd anniversary at the Branson Belle. You can see the boat in the background. Trevor's older brother, Carter and his wife, Robyn were celebrating their 1st annivesary!

This is a picture from inside the boat. Trevor & I (3 years!) Tammy & Ward (27 years) Robyn & Carter (1 year). Our anniversary dates fall in the same week or so. --July 26, July 27, Aug 4--



After our adults only evening, Trevor and I watched our nephew, David, and our niece, Kaia all day Saturday. Talk about a prep for having kids. We had a great day with them, and even ventured out to a baby shower. David is 2, Kaia is 6 months




David on his laptop showing Thomas the train how to work it. He's a talker, that boy!



"Uncle Trevor is the best burper ever!" -Kaia

Friday, August 5, 2011

My cousin is the best cousin on the face of the planet


This is my cousin, she goes by many names. I like to refer to her as VRUM. Mostly because it rhymes with BRUM. We have quite a few things in common. Our first initials rhyme. V -- B. We have the same middle name. We had the same last name for 20 something years. We are 6 months (to the day) apart in age. Growing up, I was always taller, but sometime-I can't figure out when- she caught up to me. I'm not sure who's more sarcastic. We can banter with the best. I've been known to say, we could host a radio show--yes we are that entertaining together. We've always competed in our own friendly way. I like to think it makes us both better.

What might be most unique about our relationship is how strong it is, seeing that we only see each other twice a year-if that. Growing up, we met at our grandparents house for a week in the summer. We'd spend the week ditching our brothers, creating forts, riding bikes, and fighting snakes. We'd share the blue bed, in the blue room. Even though we lived complete separate lives other than that week, some how we managed form an friendship on top of our role as cousins.

My cousin is the best! She's smart and athletic. She is a great artist. She can take photographs that blow my mind. She is a fast thinker. She's a good sport. She loves Jesus and her family. She has high standards for the people in her life (hi MM!!). She's a great writer and editor (as I know well). She's creative and funny. Until our lives allows us to live closer she will remain in my blog, facebook, and mind.

VRUM- I'm blessed to be your cousin and friend! I also wish I had access to some of our older pictures together, where I am the cuter baby!!!





Thursday, August 4, 2011

Back to it

The only two reasons I'm not super excited to go back to work today.


I don't know how people with actual kids do it...

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Cavity 101






Yesterday I had my very first filling. Every time I spoke of it, the person on the other end would give me 'sad eyes' and then secretly smile to themselves. NO ONE spoke of what would occur during the actual filling. So here my friends is Cavity 101.




1. Numbing. A quick swab on the gums followed by 10ish shots near the cavity site. The good news is, you can only feel the first shot. The bad news is, you know they are still giving them because you can see the doc's hand pushing that needle in your gums!




2. Clamping the tooth. This is so they can prepare the rubber shield of death. Please pray your cavity isn't in the farthest tooth back, you could be in for some long-term gagging while the tech is placing the clamp. They tie floss to it in case it falls into your throat, that way they can pull it out. Nice of them, huh?



3. Rubber Shield (Dam of some kind) This isolates the tooth so that they can see it. If you make it past this point, you're home free!


4. Drill, drill drill


5. Wrap a metal strip around the tooth drilled so that they filling has 'contour'



6. Cram a wedge in between the filling tooth, and the two around it so that they can still be flossed.


7. Filling, Blue light, Filling, Blue Light, repeat



8. Bite test- to see if the filling is filed properly. Repeat at least 8 times, followed by more drilling.



9. Take everything out of your mouth. ( your top lip might still be numb)


10. Pay and schedule your 6th month check up.

Monday, August 1, 2011

My goal for you my student

My goal for you my student is to love yourself, to know you have a purpose

and inspire you to find it.


My goal for you my student is for you to love learning and not be satisified with the easy answer



My goal for you my student is to be true to yourself and affect others positively



My goal for you my student is to know right from wrong -and- act on what is right




My goal for you my student is to encourage you to think through your decisions

and be proud of who you are




My goal for you my student, is to contribute fairly to the world we share



Will I be thrilled if you pass all the tests? of course

Will I be excited if your grades are perfect? yes

Do I measure my success on these things? no


My goals lean less on these things, and more with the person

you will be in 10, 20, 50 years down the road. For that, my student, I can't wait.












Sunday, July 31, 2011

Things I wish I could say

-Yes, you are controlling.
-You post too much on facebook.
-I don't care.
-You are a good mom
-You are going to regret that someday.
- You don't intimidate me
- I think you are fake


all while I was home this weekend. I found myself wishing that it was okay to say things that are not nice. Now, I wouldn't direct these phrases at one person, they are for a variety, and not even who people would probably think. I wonder what people wish they could say to me.. :) But then again, I'd probably rather not know.

On the other hand, I got to see David, my sweet funny nephew. I got to hug on Hope, Hannah, and Jacob, my favorite near 13 year olds. I got to see my parents, my in laws, great friends, some whom I haven't seen in a while.

I report back to school on Thursday, so if you read this blog for the teacher stories....get ready!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

3 years, forever

Three years ago I married a man
Who was my favorite, very best friend
He makes me smile and laugh
He holds my hair when I'm sick
He teases me when I'm wrong
He cheers for me when I'm successful
He dreams big enough for the both of us
He follows his heart always
He's very smart and humble
He loves my crazy family, and his
He's going to be a great dad someday (far away)
He completes me and makes life so much better

Three years down, forever to go
Mrs. Howard

Monday, July 25, 2011

Sad Day...

today.....sigh.... I went the the dentist. Now, I went the dentist as a kid, but I'd sort of gave up the habit through college. (holla to all the out of state college people) It's HARD to redo your life in another state.. but that's a post for a different time.

SO..the dentist, who's very nice and very precise, is named Jamie. I chose a dentist close to our favorite vet. Does that seem backwards? Well, now we can have our teeth cleaned while our dogs' teeth are being cleaned..take that plaque!

After two hours, x-rays, and a micro fast tartar fight, I have a cavity. It's my first one. :( My score of perfect teeth comes to an end. I have another appointment in a week to get my first filling. sniiiiiiiiiifffffffffffff. Now I can't hold that over my husband's head anymore.

The pouting (who smells like floride),
Mrs. H

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Hot.

Dear Oklahoma, Al Gore, and the Ozone:

I'm not quite sure which of you to blame for the intense heat. All I can say is right now I hate all of you. It's July. We've had 32 days over 100 degrees so far. Have you ever heard of August? August is supposed to be over 100 degress..not April or May or June. You are the reason that kids don't play outside. I would choose video games too! You even closed SAMS and Wal-mart down today. (Power outage due to over AC) I didn't step foot out of my house until after 7 pm and the temperature still says 112!

Very sweatily yours,
Beth

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Universal Truths about Men

.... or at least the one I live with.



  1. Men are not able to trim their toe-nails to be smooth. They are always cut to a point, to stab their bed-sharer.

  2. Men do not handle illness well. Even if the female has the same symptoms, the male feels worse, and therefore can not get his own drink. It's impossible for him to lift a finger while he is still feeling so under the weather. He can however, get enough strength up to serve himself ice cream, and change the channel.

  3. When a man says "What are we having for dinner tonight?" He means- What are you going to fix me for dinner"

  4. Even though the trash comes on the same day every week, a man might forget to put the trash can out, if not reminded. When reminded he will say, "I know". However, the one week that he is not reminded, he will blame his forgetfulness on the fact that you didn't remind him.

  5. When the dog pees in the floor, he's the wife's dog. When the dog barks early in the morning, he's the wife's dog. When the dog is sleeping in his lap, it's his dog.

  6. When Men work all day, they expect to get to lay around all evening. When a woman works all day, they are expected to make dinner, do the dishes, and pick up after the 'hard working male' in the evening.

  7. 2 back to back episodes on TLC is clearly unacceptable, 2 days of straight Stargate DVDs = fun!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

excitement

Great things about today:

Jumbo blue calculator
Jumbo dice (one blue one orange)
my last Vistaprint order arrived


let school begin!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

5th grade so far

My experience in 5th grade so far..

Team meeting yesterday.
I know school doesn't start for 3 weeks. We're over achievers.
There is no air conditioning on at school. And one team mate is prego.. (not me)
We all are of a different ethnicity. I'm not sure why I noticed.

Different hall.
More strong personalities, more men.
Smaller classrooms, and student numbers
Separate subjects make decorating a room easier

I'm excited.
And hesitant. Ready to join a strong team
and missing the teams I've been comfortable with before
I have also realized. I've never been in the same room
two years in a row... curse?

Monday, July 11, 2011

The truth is...

The truth is my dishes are piled up in my sink
The truth is I spent the day working on lesson plans
The truth is I'm very excited about moving to fifth grade
The truth is my dogs shredded tissue all over the floor, and I haven't picked it up yet
The truth is school starts a month from today 8/11
The truth is I haven't made a Vistaprint order today...first day in a week
The truth is I have no idea what I'm going to fix for dinner
The truth is I haven't gone outside today

Sunday, July 10, 2011

12 step program

Back to school shopping is my drug. I admit it. I think it's because I know I'll end up buying the supplies anyway, so if I can get it cheap --or free-- it makes me excited.

Vista Print: 12 orders and $16.00 later, I have 95 items coming my way. Now, in reality it will be more than 95 items (post cards for example come in packs of 100). So if I did my math correctly, I spent around $.17 for each thing I ordered. --Pictures to come--
sorry UPS guy....

Staples: Penny sales. Need I say more? This week it's bottled glue, packs of pens, and packs of pencil top erasers. Now, I don't expect to go crazy this year, I am after all, only teaching math. So I see the need for erasers. But to get the penny deal-- you have to spend five dollars. So I'll be 'forced' to throw in some other things to boost the price.

Someone admit me...I need a program

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Power Teaching?

I was looking through classroom management strategies and this one caught my eye. What do you think?

Power Teaching

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Productive: Day 2

Today I got a little done on my class website. I signed up for a free website through Weebly. I was on my new favorite site, Proteacher, and I found this innocent little group called 'Addicted to VistaPrint.' I've heard a lot of teacher that have used VistaPrint, but my interested was struck by the word FREE. Free products, Free Shipping over $1.

Today alone, I put in 5 orders. I payed $1.49 for each order. Most of the retailed out at between 50-60 dollars each. So yah, saved some big bucks.

It's the little things I tell ya.

**I'll post an update when I get my order on July 12**

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

30 days, 30 tasks?

First day to report back to school: Aug 6th
First day with students: Aug 11

So, this is going to come as a shock to those of you who know me, (grin) I'm not that organized. My mother would put it more extreme than that. My co-workers would probably agree. My friends love me anyway.

So, as much as a I love being a teacher, I feel like my best teaching moments happen on the fly. I'm good at thinking up an engaging activity moments before, or during a lesson. I choose to think that it keeps me, and the students on their toes.

But that being said, oh lesson plans, oh file system, oh classroom managment records. oh baby oh

So, in order to become a more organized, and I dare say a more efficient teacher I'm going to try to do something small each day for the next 30 days, to save myself time later.

enter today. I recently found out that a grade/subject switch might be in the works for me!!! So today I worked on Math Vocabulary Cards. I found a link on www.proteacher.net for a website for pre-made cards! They are organized in alphebetical order, so it makes it easy to grab the ones you need! I went through our district calendar and found all the vocab for the year and organized them on my computer (and back up thumb drive). So each 9 weeks, I'll just need to print them off and put them up. What I love about them is that they were made by an ELL teacher (4-6grade) so they are very visual. Words+Pictures= comprehension in my book.

**Let me know if you are interested in the direct link to the vocabulary cards**

One small step today,
Mrs. H

Sunday, July 3, 2011

pictures that make me smile- family edition

So. technically, this girl isn't family, but I'd claim her in a heartbeat. This is Hope, my mini-me of sorts. I've watched her and her brother and sister since they were 5Now they are nearly 13. (sniff) This picture was an attempt to change our facial expression in each picture. I love it because she is clearly behind (see bottom pictures). Taken in 2010




What's not to love about family matching picture? This one was taken this past Christmas. I love the way everyone in this picture looks but me, go figure. David's smile hidden behind his passifier, my mom's open mouth smile: giving instructions, my brother trying not to smile too big. My dad looksso happy. Ah, I love the Rumkers.


More Rumkers! This is my Meme and Poppy. They have five children, my dad is the middle child. This is the attempt to get a 'good family picture'. Notice the red under my grandma's black shirt. She wanted to wear her Chiefs' shirt. She was persuaded to put on my Uncle Greg's (not pictured) sweater. This is the face she makes when things aren't going her way.




And. My favorite! This is Mr. H with our nephew, Connor. I don't feel like it takes much explanation. It's THAT good. It makes me want to have babies, just so he can hold them and grin. Maybe in a few years....








Saturday, July 2, 2011

Just Realized

I just realized I start school back in roughly...one month! Meet the teacher is Aug. 8th! Where the world did June go? Oh yeah, June with to: Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas. Not to mention Shawnee, Altus, Olustee, Edmond, Midwest City, and OKC, Oklahoma. I guess it was a busy month. :)

Here's what's left on my to-do list before school starts
- Dentist
- Eye Dr.
- and as I like to call it, the 'duck beak doctor**'

**and yes I do realize it's been 3 years since I saw her, and yes, I know that's bad. and yes I still get my birth control refilled, and no I'm not sure how that's legal.

notice a pattern? I HATE maintenance doctor visits. The cheapy in me despises paying and paying for people to tell me, my eyes still need contacts, and my teeth are fine, please floss. I won't even get started on the other one because I've only had one experience there, and it was bad. like BAD.

oh July, you're not going to be my favorite month.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

The Limbo of Life

What should we have for dinner?
Should I cut my hair?
What grade should I teach next year?

My life lately has been a constant flow of choices, like any other life I suppose.

While reading through my rather extensive Blog list. I found this little jewel on my friend, Ashley's Blog.

Ways to Improve your life in the next 100 days - click to read the full list
While, I'm a bit overwhelmed at tackling all the suggestions- there are 60.. I'm choosing 4.

1. Make it a point to learn at least one new thing each day
2. Stop complaining for the next 100 days.
3 Say “I love you” and “Have a good day” to your significant other every morning.
4. place the best possible interpretation on the actions of others and remind yourself that everyone is doing the best that they can.

Becoming a better,
Mrs. H

Thursday, June 23, 2011

A&LF pt 2

If you didn't read part 1 it's here.


My mom handed me the mail. I flipped through, looking for my latest 17 Magazine. What I found was a letter from CFS. Christian Family Services is the adoption agency that my brother and I were adopted from. I have a closed adoption which means all correspondance between the adoptee/family and birthparent goes through them. They never disclosed names or locations of either party. My mom had been in corrispondance through CFS with my birthmother my entire life, sending her updates on my academics, growth and hobbies.

"Can I open this letter from CFS mom?"
"Sure hon, It's probably just the annual fund-raising letter"

I opened the envelope to find a typed letter from my social worker, Thelma.

"Hello Rumkers,
Enclosed is a letter from Elizabeth's birth mom. Please share it with her when you feel she's ready."
Thelma


SO of course, I was 'ready' right then! "MOM! Can I open it? Please?" Without seeming phased, my mom smiled and gave me permission. So there in the car, 1/4 mile from my childhood home, I 'met' my birthmom.

"Dear Elizabeth,
I would like you to know one very important thing right from the start. I LOVE YOU and have never stopped loving you since the day you were conceived. You have been in my heart, in my thoughts, and in my prayers since the day you were born. I have been looking forward to this time in our lives, for a very long time! I guess maybe I should start from the beginning and introduce myself. My name is Suzanne Elizabeth, and I am your birth mother"

..........stay tuned for part 3

Adopted and Loved Forever

Everyone who has known me for any amount of time, knows that I am adopted. It's nothing I've ever felt the need to keep secret, and for the most part it's something I'm very proud of. The older I get the more meaning it takes on. In every phase of my life, it's meant something different to me. So here's the story.


As long as I can remember, this book was read at my house.















Now, I realized cover looks extremly sterotypical, but it was the message that stuck with me. Along with reading books with adoption themes, my mom would tell the story of how our family was made. I remember asking her many nights to tell the story of our family. I took comfort in hearing how much my parents loved each other and how much they longed for and chose me. I loved how it was a fact to her that we were made to be a family.


I never struggled with why I was given up for adoption, I knew that I was given up at birth and lived with a foster family for the first three months of my life. The only thing that makes me sad today, is that I have never seen a picture of me as a tiny baby. My mom more than made up for it with my pictures later on :)


I never gave a lot of thought to my birth parents. I really only thought about being adopted when someone else brought it up, or genetics came up at school. I remember thinking it was fun at the doctor when we would tell him we didn't know my health history and he would look at my mom questioning. We would always giggle like it was a inside joke.


In the winter of my Junior year of high school (2003) my mom and I were coming home from some regular errands and we stopped to get the mail. When we pulled up to the mailbox, we had no idea that what it held would begin a whole new chapter of my life.


to be continued...

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Aunt Love



















I'm just sure there's nothing like Aunt love.

I know about teacher love

I know about babysitter love

I know about sister love

I know about daughter love

I know about in-law love

I know about family that's not family love

I know about friend love

I'm just sure there's nothing like Aunt love


Thursday, June 16, 2011

30 what?




who says teachers get summers off?? I'm hard at work today looking over centers, literature ideas, and math manipulatives. Granted, I am doing it on my couch, with my favorite pair of sweat pants on...



Anyway, I got the numbers for next year recently and I've just been bummed. I'm going to have around 30 students starting out on my list...last year I got 4 others within the first two weeks. For budgeting reasons, the school has decided to take the four 2nd grade classes and combine them into three 3rd grade classes. This brought in so many thoughts...I need more desks, how will I teach small group, what in the world am I going to do with all of them?!?



Then I saw this...
















and this...


















and then 30+ students, wasn't a big deal

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Sweet Summertime

My very favorite time of year..summer


It's been crazy all ready. Crazy in a good way. I took a part time job hanging out with an 11 year old. H is probably the opposite of me, and we get along really well. She is a petite red haired, sweet, cheerleader, who goes to a private school. It's the easiest job ever, and I only go once or twice a week. So it really is part time. With H I discovered my new love of Paint Your Art Out. This was my masterpiece!

























It's Ezra! Next up: Samson.


I also went to Missouri to hang with my 3 favorite 12 year olds! We had a ton of fun. Other than the occational sex and period questions that popped up, and completely caught this girl off guard.
















I am also preparing to leave for a small road trip with Mandy and Lindsey! I'm pretty stoked to travel cross country with my bestie and a lifelong friend! Sorry husbands...



















I'm planning on a Trip to Colorado at the end of the month to see Suzanne and Fam! It's been a year and O and L are getting SO old! It blows my mind that it's been almost 9 years since I met them!




































(Sorry about so many wedding family pictures)


Anyways, that's my June! YIPPEE and no one has called me Mrs. H for two weeks!