I Just Got the Mother Load of Paper Work

Craig and I recently had a little flame lit under us to get the adoption process moving again. I guess I just got a little discouraged when we were told by the agency that...because we were looking for an infant...it could take up to three + years. When told that...I just kept thinking, "Why rush?"

So, when we received our letter of approval, it also told us that we needed to complete the PRIDE training class (which we completed right before we found out we were pregnant with Emily), and a CPR/First Aid class. Once we faxed them our certificates they would sign us up for the next step in their adoption process...a class called "Next Step Class" (Clever, right?)

OK...so here is where we are at now:
PRIDE TRAINING: Completed
CPR/First Aid: Signed up for a class next month

I called the agency to ask them when their "Next Steps" class was scheduled so I could put it on our calendar. Well, I received a reply from them today!!! The email said that they are actually in the middle of turning their "Next Steps" class into an online class so that couples can complete it on their own time.

~WONDERFUL~ 

And then...they attached the paperwork that I would normally receive AFTER the "next steps" class. It is a LOAD of paperwork. I can't believe I have it!! I can't believe I'm not working on it now!! Once this paperwork is completed, they assign us a caseworker. Once we have a caseworker, then they will schedule a home study. Once the home study is done...then we play the waiting game!!!

Getting Rid Of The Binky

 

WOW!!! Craig and I...OK...Well..."I" thought that it was time for Emily to lose the BINKY!!! It is way past due, and she had no reason as to why she needed it...so GOOD-BYE binky. I think that I was just so ready for the binky to go away that I didn't think about what would be best for Emily. I never researched it or talked to other people...I just figured that she should go "cold turkey". 

NOW...almost a week later...she still doesn't go down for a nap, or for bed time, very easily. At the very least, I have had to go in twice to calm her down from all of her crying. With that said...even before we decided to take away the binky, she started putting up a huge fight before bed time. She wouldn't open her mouth to let me brush her teeth, she fought me putting her pajamas on, she would purposely get in trouble and try to get into time out...just to prolong the inevitable of bed time. 

With that said...maybe Emily is just bored, not having a binky to suck on anymore, so she is just finding a new way to stretch out bed time. Every time I go in to her room to get her, she immediately asks to cuddle on her rocking chair. 

I don't know what to do. Do I give in and give her the binky back? What will that do to trying to get rid of it in the future? Do I give her tough love and know that eventually she will get over it? AAAaaaaa!!!!!

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Trip To The Pumpkin Patch

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I've been WAY TOO busy!!!

WOW...this new school year has been super overwhelming. Learning a new curriculum, taking on the new role as co-chairman of the math and science institute (MSI), creating new lesson plans, having two preps, and trying to keep up with all of the emails and meetings that the parents request...etc.

With all of that said, I wanted to share some of the great resources I have come across as I have been creating new lessons for my middle school science classes.

To begin with, my ULTIMATE favorite science teacher blog is found here:

My Science Lessons Blog  

This blog has so many great lesson plans, printable worksheets, and great practice assignments for homework...that aren't overwhelming. She is a 5th grade teacher, but her material is perfect for middle school because it helps to make, what could be a confusing concept...basic. They make it easy to build upon the new concept. 

Right now, my 7th graders are working through a Chemistry unit. I came across this resource...that I ABSOLUTELY love!!!!

PAPAPODCAST 

This is an amazing blog as well. This is a high school teacher who records his lessons. You can hear his voice and watch his smartboard as he writes his notes. I showed the following video to my students. I created notes for them that matched up with his smartboard...and the students were able to write in what the teacher was writing as he explained his concepts. 

The students actually really enjoyed it because they are getting this deeper understanding...it's like a puzzle that they are solving and they are getting such an accomplished feeling of themselves. 

And then...there is the closing of my lessons. I love when I can find a good video that applies what we are learning in a fun way. My AWESOME students teacher from last year found this teacher...and he has so many great songs. I will be showing this to my class next week.

 That is what I have so far. I will do my best to stay in better contact with the blogging world.