Anyone wondering...

where I have been? Because I have been wondering where the time has gone.... I mean really tomorrow is December?!?!
I promise to update with details of our turkey day and such...just as soon as I come up from underneath the crazy Christmas that has exploded within my house!
Lots of love,
The Grady's

Giving Thanks

I think at this time of year it is always great to remind ourselves of the things that we are thankful for...because we all have so many things to be grateful for.

• the health of my family and friends
• our jobs, even if they are stressful at time, at least we have them
• our beautiful children, who make me smile and laugh every day...I don't know what I would do without them
• our friends, really wonderful people in all different places
• the Internet...yes, I know very silly. But honestly I wouldn't' be able to stay connected with people if it weren't for my email and this blog.

I know there is so much more...but my brain is already on vacation!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Am I not needed anymore?

I mean really...look at what I walked into in the bathroom tonight.

Maybe it is time for me to go on vacation!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Hearing/Ear Update

Today, Brennan was off for another visit to our friendly ENT. Jeff took him to the appointment this morning. He had his normal hearing test, ear exam, etc. The verdict? The tube is still in place in the right ear, after more than 14 months now. Having that tube in place is great for Brennan for a few reasons. He has less chance of getting an ear infection and his hearing in that ear is 100%. As for the left ear, the tube has been out for a long time, therefore his hearing in that ear is not 100%. Although since his last hearing test, there has been a slight improvement in his level of hearing. So, the bottom line, we need to watch out for ear infections and as long as he stays healthy he will see us again in February. No more surgery or anything else right now. Phew!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Job Description

Please explain to me why when I went to school to become a teacher, then again when I interviewed for various jobs over the years, and again when I spoke to teachers with many years of experience....Why did they not tell me the REAL description of this job?
Why did I only hear about the best methods to teach reading, and how to differentiate for different learning styles, and how to plan a thorough lesson? They never really told me that I would not only teach these kids how to read and write and do math, but I would be so many other things to them.
That I would perform first aid to a child who just stabbed themselves with a pencil. That I would clean up vomit after a student vomited all over my desk. That I would be their psychologist when they heard their mom and dad screaming at each other the night before. That I would be their counselor when I learned about their horrific experiences with a male figure in their house. That I would be their disciplinarian when they weren't following the rules. That I would be their mom when they were sad and just needed a hug because maybe they haven't had one in too long.

Why did nobody ever tell me that this job involved so much more...why?

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Annual Girl's Weekend

What could be better but three days of unlimited sleep, good friends, great wine, and much, much more! OUr annual trip to Santa Ynez was exactly the thing I needed. I was burnt out at work, at home, everywhere. I slept in past 7am, scrapbooked over 40 pages, and laughed until I cried. I would definitly call this a successful weekend!

Here is some proof!

Cindy, Tif, me, and Connie

Mom and I at Koehler Winery

Mom and Pam at Zaca Mesa

The girls at Lincourt Winery

Tif and I at Roblar Winery

Lots of love,

The Grady's

10 on Thursday

1. I am so tired right now but I am pushing myself to stay awake to watch Grey's. Cannot miss that.
2. This time change sucks. The kids have been waking up at 5ish all week. It is killing me.
3. Tomorrow I leave for my annual girl's weekend in Santa Ynez. Cannot wait.
4. I wrote 4 citations, 1 referral, and had one student put on in school suspension today. Honestly, isn't that enough?
5. Can you even believe it is November already!?! I mean honestly, where does the time go?
6. It is finally cooling down here in the desert. I am actually a little chilly in our house right now and it isn't from the a/c.
7. We had our pool drained two days ago for deep cleaning and it is still filling. Yes, the hose has been in there for almost two complete days and it is still going. How many gallons is that?
8. This election crap makes me mad. I don't' what else to say about it.
9. I went to Target today and left with buying only ONE thing, what is wrong with me?
10. I went to BevMo today...that place just rocks.

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Can you feel it?

The excitement, the anticipation, the electricity in the air??? I have to admit I am on pins and needles today, this Election Day.

I know that I will be following the news all day and especially tonight. If you haven't already, please VOTE! Obviously this is a historic election, for which ever party is elected and I am excited to see history be made.

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Superheros, Pumpkins, and Candy

I have to admit, I have never been a big fan of Halloween. But ever since I have had kids, I have really learned to enjoy it a bit more each year. Thursday night we had dinner with the Black's and then carved our pumpkins. The kids thought carving was fun, for about 5 minutes, then we were left to finish the job.

Halloween night was perfect! We took the kids trick or treating to a few houses in our neighborhood, then headed back to our neighbor's house for the rest of the night. We knew the kids would only last a few houses, so we got a jumpy house for the kids to enjoy for the rest of the evening. It worked out perfect!

Wonder Woman

Spiderman


The Trick or Treaters!

Lots of love,

The Grady's