Graduation Day and Other Stuff

Today, my oldest niece, Ashley, is graduating from high school.

I cannot believe it.

She's been mentioned several times on this blog, but most notably for this post {HERE} because it was quite hilarious.

And then I explained why she is so special to our family {HERE}.

Ashley - headed off to Sonoma University

Woohoo! 

So I'm at my mom's today and we're having a celebratory Linner (dinner at 3pm) and then heading to her graduation this evening.  

It's a huge day over here.

Because while I'm sitting here writing this post, both of my nieces (Ashley included) are doing school stuff for me!

Madison - Kerry's daughter

She is 11.

She is taller than me.

She also gives pedicures.

Please ignore the ugly feet/toes/frayed flip flops.  Pay close attention to the professional looking flower which cost me ZERO dollars.

Although I may give her a tip.

Maybe.

Ashley - Lisa's daughter

She is 18.

She is also taller than me.

And it's her graduation day and she is doing

school stuff for me.

I told you -- she is special!

And that's about it for us around here.  BIG DAY!  A graduation day and I got other people to do my work for me.

Oh!  And I drove my Mini Cooper to Walmart (not my top choice, but it just so happened and I had no control over it and where is a Target when you need one?) to get a new stapler and staples in order for other people to do my work for me.  And I snagged another one of these!!!

{source}

This stapler is amazing.  And no one is asking me to write a review either.  I love it.  It works like a charm!  And when you staple on the wall, it's literally one little push.  It takes virtually no muscles of any kind.  

It has been hard to find lately and my Staples stopped carrying it.  This could be due to the fact that it means business when it staples and can actually be used a weapon.  It lasts about a year and then it's done.  It will start jamming.  It will.  I feel the need to warn you to look away and/or turn the stapler away from you when trying to un-jam it, or you run the risk of shooting yourself in the eye.  And that did not happen to me.  Don't believe everything you hear.

Anyways, I picked up a green one (favorite color in case you're taking notes) and I got a purple one for my partner.

When I left Walmart to go back to the car, I couldn't find it at first.  You know - it's Mini.  And when I did find it, I realized I'm going to be that car -- you know, you can't find a place to park and then you see an open spot and you think, SCORE!  Only to realize it's a motorcycle or a Mini Cooper.  And then you say, "DARN (or another choice word) MINI!!"  

"DANG MINI!"

"STUPID MINI!"

Beep Beep.  :)

Talk About It Tuesday

Bleck.

Last night's episode was BOOORRRRINGGGG.  Seriously, I was practically falling asleep.  If last week's episode should be called "Let's Pretend You Still Have a Girlfriend And I'll Fake Cry So We Can Get Fifteen More Minutes of Fame", then this episode should be called, "Men Doing Stupid Things and Desiree Still Kisses Them".


Desiree and the boys flew to Atlantic City.

One on One - Brad
Brad was cute.  All the guys described him as reserved, nice, and respectable, but not for Des.  They rode a bunch of rides on the boardwalk and ate salt water taffy.  Then they smelled chocolate so they followed their noses and went into a place they most likely shouldn't have been, seeing as how it was an industrial kitchen of sorts and no one invited them.  The whole thing was completely staged because once they got there, they just took fresh baked chocolate off of a cookie sheet and ate it.  I don't know if it was an attempt to be Hansel and Gretel or something, but it was just so fake.   And, no, I am not bitter just because they went on my dream date.

They moved onto the beach and found a sandcastle bench which just happened to be all made up with pillows and stuff.  That kind of stuff happens to me all the time.  Right away, you could feel doom and gloom.  He wasn't going to be sticking around.  Their conversation was stilted - they didn't have much to talk about.  It was aaaakward!

Then Desiree and Brad walked to the top of a lighthouse.  Once there, they were out of breath and there was deafening silence.  So after climbing all the way up there, she told him she couldn't give him the rose.

If I'm walking to the top of a lighthouse, Desiree better have some chocolate stashed up there for me.

Brad cried.  ON CAMERA.  After I said PLEASE DON'T CRY.  Poor guy.

Group Date:  Mr. America Pageant
It was exactly how it sounds.  The guys had to wear a swimsuit, perform a talent, and give an interview.

It was a train wreck.  Some of the guys were funny and made me laugh.  But not out loud.

Kasey tap danced.  Mikey did a sort of strip tease - no surprise there.  And Brooks did a weird song that made me determine that I am not a fan of his.  I'm just not.  I don't know if you are, but I am not.  First, the dramatic broken finger from last week bothered me, and now he had to go and sing a weird song that I couldn't understand.  And let's not forget his hair.  

Nope.  Not a fan.

Drew had NICE NICE NICE abs - I had no idea those were under there.

Kasey won first place and played the part accordingly with tears and drama.   

Afterwards, they had a pool party.  I know, I was shocked by that turn of events, as well.

Chris, a guy who wore high heels for his talent, wrote her a poem and read it to her while they were in the jacuzzi.  Then they kissed.  It seemed like the natural order of events.  Or like I was watching The Bachelorette.  Either one.

Ben had his one-on-one time with Des RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER GUYS.  GASP.  They were not happy.  They do not like Ben and neither do I.  I think Ben likes himself enough for the rest of us.

Zak W. has some crazy eyes a guitar and he sings.  I think.  I'm not sure if he's an actual singer or if he just dabbles.  But he wrote a song for her and so she melted.

Which means . . . Desiree gave the group date rose to . . . Zak W.   

One-on-One:  James
It was a helicopter ride.  I think we all know how I feel about helicopters.  But this time it was for a good cause.  They were with the Red Cross and went to observe the damage that Hurricane Sandy did to the Jersey Shore.

They met a cute couple, Manny and Jan, who lost everything and they gave their date away to them.  It was special.

I think James is proving to be a man you can take home to mama!  I still think he is adorable and I still love how big he is.  But my twin, Kerry, (who was watching with me), doesn't see them together.  I'm beginning to think there are some slim pickings in this here crop.

Then they showed the old couple on their date.  I didn't need to see that.  Not really.  So I fast forwarded a little.  I know they got their wedding album back.  Somehow through Photo Shop or something.  I'm sure it was very special and jerked the tears right out of you, but I just sort of skipped over that part.

James and Desiree had lots to talk about at dinner - there was no lull in the conversation.  I think James is extremely cute when he smiles.  But he confessed to cheating on his girlfriend in his freshman year of college.  

Ruh Roh.   He says he will never do that again, but Desiree is a tad bit worried.  And so am I.  Shake head.  So am I.

They had a private concert.  They danced.  With each other and with the old couple.  And they kissed a lot.  Desi and James, that is, not Manny and Jan.

Rose Ceremony
It was all about Bryden.  Bryden is the military guy who needs to learn how to style his hair.  Well, he started thinking about leaving because he was having issues with The Process.  And their Faulty Connection.  Dun dun dun.

In the end, he decided to stay.  She got rid of Zack K.  I didn't know a lot about him so I wasn't sad.

And that's it, people.  

I told you --- BOOOORRRINGGGGG.

It looks like it might liven up a bit in the upcoming episodes - and it looks as if James might be there FOR THE WRONG REASON so I don't know who I like.  

Well, I like Juan Pablo.  

And Drew's abs aren't too shabby either.

And there's this other guy who seems really nice and it appears as if he is going to set someone up in a future episode so that Desi knows this other guy is there FOR THE WRONG REASON.

But that's all I know.

Who do you like?  What did you think of this episode?  

A Mini Miny Teacher?

Well, Happy Father's Day in case you're a father.  Or maybe you're married to one.  Or maybe you have one.

I have one.  He's fantastic.  The whole family came over here today, and we ate, and we sat around on the patio and talked.  Much like yesterday.  Except that we added See's Candy to the mix.  Yep.  Be jealous.

We are exciting people around these here parts.  I hope I didn't just make your blood pressure rise without warning.

Even though I'm not a father, I gave myself a gift.

You might remember me talking about it {HERE} and {HERE}.

And I got it.  My ten and a half year old Pathfinder sorta kinda bit the dust.  Or, quite possibly, my hubby made up a story that it was about to hit the dust so that I would go for some test drives.

I test drove three cars.  

And fell in love with one.

{source - my driveway!)

I can't believe it's mine!  It came with so many bells and whistles and I don't have a clue as to how to work them all because this is most likely my mid-life crisis car, and I'm too old for all the bells and whistles.  (Due to some technological issues ---aka, bells and whistles ---this picture was not showing up earlier.  I love the comment that it was "so mini we couldn't even see it"!!!)

But it's adorable.  And cute.  And fun to drive.

I have texted the whole world this picture and almost every text came back the same:  It's perfect for you!

And my family has said, "It's perfect for you!"

I think this is because I'm Teeny Tiny.  And now I'm Mini Miny.  Or something like that.

But when I stand next to it, I am taller than it is.  Now that's saying something.

The only problem is that it's a four seater.  And my twin has three kids and her hubby flies out on Tuesday.  Which makes us a party of six.  Seven if you count my hubby.

So I'm pretty much driving my hubby's car and my hubby is driving the Mini to work this week.

And somehow, that's just not fair . . . 

SIGH.

BUT I'm STILL THO THUPER EXTHITED!!!

Yay me!!

Reader's Theater Winners

Happy Saturday to all of you!

I am super happy because my twin and her family arrived today!  We all met up at my mom's and had a yummy brunch.  Now we've been sitting out on the patio for hours doing absolutely nothing except eating chips and dip, and talking.  

That is the perfect way to spend a Saturday, if you ask me.

Thank you for all the interest in my new Reader's Theater pack for beginning readers. 

Due to all of the sitting around and talking and eating, I'm not taking the time to make the announcement cute.  You've been warned.  I'll wait for you while you put your sunglasses on to protect your eyes.

Ready?

Okay.

So, without any clipart or digital papers, here are the winners:

Congratulations Jessica, Cecile, and Jill!!  Check your email!

Everyone else, don't forget that you can download the play "The Birthday Party" for free!  Click {HERE} to get it.

:)

I'm off to go on a walk.  Apparently, it has been decided we need to stop being lazy.  I don't know who decided this, but I am not a fan.

Family.  Can't live with them.  Can't live without them.

Reader's Theater for Beginning Readers

I have put a gigantic dent in my couch over the last couple of days.  I have also put a gigantic dent in the ranch dip with multiple bags of chips.  And I have also watched almost an entire season of ABC's Family Drama "Switched at Birth."

But, people, none of that matters!  I did it.

I finished my second Reader's Theater but this one is designed with the BEGINNING READER (read that with an echo) in mind.

Click {HERE} to see it on TpT

I am so excited to have these in my class this year.  Generally, I don't have a Reader's Theater center until the end of the year due to the fact that most of my kids are chasing me around the classroom and poking me and talking all the time while I'm trying to survive at the beginning of the year.  It's so "Joy Joy Happy Happy" those first few weeks of school.  What with all the crying and carrying on about Will We Ever Ever Get To Go Home This Long Day Lasts Forever And I Miss My Mommy.  And that's just me.

Oh, and also, some of my kids can't read in the beginning of the year, either.  There's that little issue to contend with, as well.

So, anywho, I designed this pack for the beginning reader!  I used larger font, picture clues, patterned word sentences, etc.

Take a look:

Hello?  Are you there?

Wake up!

I know.  It is a bit on the boring side. (A bit?)  But the second page is actually really riveting because Cat 1 opens his/her presents.  His/her because I don't want to hear any "I can't be that part because it's a girl or I can't be that part because I'm allergic and have to wash my hands after I pet a cat."  

See?  Didn't the second page just save this play and make it a bestseller?  I sure think so.

To read all about how I use these plays in my class, click {HERE}.  In a nutshell:  my kids "rehearse" these plays during their center time and then "perform" in front of the class.  It can also be used for guided reading if you want to mix it up a little, as well as a fun tool to use for Read to Someone during Daily Five.

Here are some pics of how I organize my plays:

I'm giving "The Birthday Party" play to EVERYONE!  Yippee!  Click {HERE} to download.

If you're interested in getting the whole pack, I will be giving three away, as always.  I'll let you know the winners on Saturday!

In the meantime, I've got to try to squeeze in one more episode before Bible Study tonight!  :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Talk About It Tuesday

Hold onto your dignity - last night's episode might just take it away.

HOLY MACK!  HOLY DRAMA!  HOLY TANK TOPS!

The episode wasted no time in getting right down to it.  So I won't waste any time either.

Group Date:

Dodgeball!!  No thank you.    Dodgeball is a NIGHTMARE for me because I can't catch or throw  a ball in any situation . . . and I practically live in fear while I'm on recess duty that a ball is going to hit me on accident.   The fact that the purpose of dodgeball is to actually aim and hit someone?? Listen here.  NO THANK YOU, I said.

I'll spare you the details.  Suffice it to say that there was a lot of testosterone flying around . . . and balls.    (Hee hee)

And then Brooks (not to be confused with the Brooks from The Real Housewives of Orange County) jammed his finger.  Maybe he broke it.  I don't know.  But he rode away dramatically in an ambulance.  Desiree handled it quite well - I think we already all know how I react to any kind of finger situation.

Brooks needed oxygen!  And they had to draw blood!  And he said his body felt funny!  And that he was in A LOT of pain! 

I'm thinking he's never broken his arm or his femur.  How about you?

Blue team won.  But Desiree decided to take everyone to the after party because she's just that type of girl.

Some guy named Chris, who came from out of nowhere and figured out a way to climb some stairs or take an elevator to the roof, got the rose.  So then Desiree and Chris had to do some obligatory dancing at a private concert.  I didn't catch who was singing, but it sounded romantical.  I liked it.

Next Day:
Dun Dun Dun!  Desiree received a phone call while she was journaling or drawing or thinking deeply while on camera.  It was Chris Harrison on the line and he had some news for her.

Brian is a LIAR.  A LIAR!  Read that as if I'm growling and spitting.  LIAR!  

Desiree let him talk on and on and dig a hole.  They were all just setting him up.  It was fantastic.  I just hope it was real.  Do you think it was real?  Or a whole big thing for me us?  I mean, I live for this stuff so I am thinking that you must, too.

I ask mainly because Brian's girlfriend, Stephanie, seemed like a bad actress.  And really worried about her hair.

Who told Stephanie that Brian was on The Bachelorette?  ABC?  Chris Harrison?  HUH?  WHO?

So Brian was asked to leave.  He was a bit panicked because I'm sure he'll be the next most hated man in America or whatever the title or award is for that role.

It just all boils down to "HERE FOR THE RIGHT REASON".  I just can't get that rap out of my head.

Before we could get to the one-on-one date, we had to watch cute little Brandon cry about all the men his mother dated and how he fell in love with them, but then they left.  He needs a therapist.  Quick.  He's a bit of a mess!  A cute mess.  He needs a hug.  I'd hug him, but I'm afraid he might not let go.

One on One:
Kasey

Oh, people.  What will they think of next?  They Vandalooped.  Which, by the way, I am totally making up the spelling of that word because I refuse to look up a made up word for a made up sport which someone must have made up JUST FOR THE BACHELORETTE.

(In case you were wondering, vandalooping is dancing on the side of a building.  Horizontally.  I know.  I would totally rock that.)

In a nutshell:  the date was disastrous due to Santa Ana winds and a cold pool.  But Desiree gave Kasey the rose.

Group Date:
Cowboy Boot Camp in costumes.  Need I say more?  I like good ole boys.  And boys with accents.  I'm not picky either.  Southern accent?  Sure.  Juan Pablo's accent?  Why not?  I'd hug him, too.

Desiree gave James (the big, huge guy with an ill father at home) the rose on the group date.  He was sort of charming.  I don't know much about him, but I'm attracted to how big he is.  Just saying.  This teeny tiny girl likes big guys.  What can I say?

The rose ceremony was cancelled.  Instead, Desiree threw a pool party.  Stupid Ben cut her off at the pass and made her drive him around in the car that she is borrowing and could never afford in real life.  

And let's all point out THE RIDICULOUS TANK TOP from Emily's season when Ryan wore it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  What in the world?  Seriously?  WHY?  I know we've discussed this tank top before.  I don't like it.  You can't make me.  I do not care that it was black and Ryan's may have been pink.  Am I making that up?

Stupid Ben then lied about spending time with Desiree so the guys were understandably upset.

Brandon came on super strong with Desiree - he poured out his entire heart and I was a tad bit worried that she might accidentally drive over it in the Bentley.

Rose Ceremony:
She sent Dan (???) and Brandon home.

Brandon was a MESS.  He didn't understand.  He said his heart was smashed with a hammer, but I'm pretty sure the better metaphor would be "ran over it with the Bentley".

Here's what you need to understand, Brandon.  She didn't leave you.  She's still in the mansion and you're the one leaving.

Poor guy.  Seriously - he needs therapy.

And that's it, folks.

What a fun episode.  I'm telling you - TOP DRAWER.  :)  

I love watching the little bit that airs after the previews for next week.  Last night's episode showed the guys trying to teach Juan Pablo how to speak in a "cowboy" accent.  It was pretty funny if you go for that sort of thing.  I do.

:)  Have a great night!

How Do You Spell . . .

Happy Monday!  I can say that honestly because I'm home today.  :)

I wish I could say that I slept in, but little Miss Murphie tends to wake up between 7:00 and 7:30pm.  My twin said she trained her dog to sleep in so when she's here next week, we are going to train Murphie to do the same thing.  If that's the only thing I accomplish this summer, I will consider it a SUCCESSFUL summer!!!!

In between playing with Murphie, drinking coffee, and watching TV, I've been going through some of my files to prep for next year.  One of my files that I send to Print Shop (a wonderful place in our district that you can send originals to and they send it back copied, collated, stapled, whatever you want - and most of the time, our principal PAYS for it which makes it really magical!) is now available on TpT.

Nope.  It's not mine.  You know how lazy I am!!

It's my friend's!  Christina!  The one I'm always referring to . . . I always say "My friend, Christina, gave me the idea."  Or "My friend, Christina, showed me how to do that."  Or "My friend, Christina, is amazing."

She's also the one who moved to North Carolina.  Well, I finally convinced her to open up a shop on TpT.  It was either that or I was going to start selling her stuff and calling it my own.

Wait.  I may already have done that with my  her All About Me Book.  Let's be clear.  I had permission.

Anywho, now she is selling her Spelling program.  Which I use.  Faithfully.  It's a year long, developmental program and, believe it or not, I'm ALLOWED to use it at my school site (even though it's not 100% Fidelity to the Core and all that - oh my word, I just got the shivers and feel a little nauseous), because it's THAT good.  Our whole team uses it.   

My favorite part is the spelling test.  I love that the kids have to write the spelling word, edit errors in a sentence, and then read it in context.   

Don't get me wrong.  I do not like GRADING the spelling tests.  Or even giving the spelling tests.  Especially in the beginning of the year when this always happens:

Me:       Number one --  fox.  The fox is brown.  Fox.

Kid:      What?

Me:       Fox.

Kid:       I don't know how to spell that.

Me:      Well, think about the first sound ---

Kid 2:     I do!  It's f-o-x!  Want me to spell it for you again?

Me:       Listen here, Kid 2, this is a test.  We are not supposed to 

              help each other.

Kid 2:    What?  This is a test?

Kid 3:     What's a test?

Hmmmm.  Is it just me or did I just write the next best selling play?

Click on any of the pics above to check out the Spelling pack if you're in need of a new program or just want to revamp what you're already doing.  You can buy the pieces separately or all together.

I'm super excited for The Bachelorette tonight!  I will be back tomorrow with our regularly scheduled Talk About It Tuesday!  Hooray!!

I'm also excited for those Orange County housewives.  New Jersey did NOT disappoint last night.  Was anyone else annoyed with Caroline?  I am not a Teresa fan but Caroline just needs to BUTT OUT.  Go talk to Deena, how about that?  HUH?

When I yelled at the TV, she did not respond.  So I hope one of you will.

Please.