Friday, April 1, 2011

Happy Birthday Susan


It's No April Fool's Joke--Today is Susan's Birthday!
My wife is 43 today, and yes she gets to celebrate her birthday on April Fool's Day! This year instead of a cake (trying to eat a little healthier), and on the advice of the wise women that I work with, I got my wife an Edible Arrangement. Pineapple dipped in chocolate (see she still gets some chocolate), strawberries and grapes, all arranged nicely in a cute watering can that she can use to water her garden. Happy Birthday Susan!


Monday, March 14, 2011

Day #73, March 14, 2011

NEWBERRYTOWN GETS NEW STORE
The first store in a new shopping center being built in Newberrytown opened last Thursday. I needed to pick up a prescription tonight, and had the opportunity to check it out. It is definitely a huge improvement from the Rite Aid down the street, and they are pledging to fill prescriptions in 15 minutes....time will tell if that really is the case. While I hate to see the shopping plaza where it moved from sitting empty, I am so ready for Walmart and the other stores to open. I need a place to run for quick items, other then Rutter's.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Day #66 March 7, 2011

SURPRISE IT SNOWED!
Watched the news on Sunday night and we were to get rain...was I surprised when I got up and found snow outside...even more surprised to learn that my kids had a 2-hour delay.

Day #65 March 6, 2011

SOCCER IN THE RAIN
Nothing like a downpour to play soccer in. Fortunately we played on turf and played well winning 9-0

Day #64 March 5, 2011

FACE OF VICTORY
The drought ended and the team finally put some balls in the net to bring home a much needed victory!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Day #63 March 4, 2011

SOCCER SEASON DINNER
You can tell soccer season has begun. It is 8:30 at night and I'm having a personal pizza (more like cheese and sauce on cardboard) that I cooked in the oven. Time to do some cooking and freezing so dinner will become--defrost.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Day #62, March 3, 2011

FIRST SIGN OF SPRING
Can it really be? Spring is around the corner? I really was hoping for one "BIG" snowstorm this year, but doesn't look like that will be the case...so I'll take Spring--to be followed quickly by SUMMER!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Day #61 March 2, 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. SEUSS!
Dug out my tie for today, as we celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday.

"I meant what i said and i said what i meant. An elephant's faithful one-hundred percent!"
Dr. Seuss (Horton Hears a Who!)

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Day #60 March 1, 2011

TECHNOLOGY NIGHT
Tonight I got to do something different. Meredith's school hosted a Technology Night Parent Clinic. Parents and Students were invited into school to see the types of technology that is being used in the school. We got to rotate through three workshops. The first focused on reading and technology and we looked at Starfall (for primary) and In to the Book for older elementary students. In the second session we looked at moodle, google docs, and storybird. In the last session the students got to demonstrate how they use Comic Life to show content mastery. The night concluded in the library where we used the iclickers to answer questions about Internet Safety. Meredith and I had a great night, and I was proud of the technology that is being used in my daughter's school...after all I do believe that technology has to be a daily part of my children's life if they are going to be prepared for what lies ahead.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Day #59 February 28, 2011

QUIET WORK TIME!
Moments like this don't occur very often. Both kids sitting quietly on the sofa doing work. Keegan on my Macbook and Meredith doing some drawing with her lapboard.

It is hard to believe month number 2 in my 365 Photo project has come to a close.

Day #58 February 27, 2011

ACL Prescreen Evaluation Testing and Sample ACL Circuit Program
Keegan's team went to Platinum Fitness for a sample ACL Circuit Program for injury prevention.

Day #57, February 26, 2011

WING NIGHT
Meredith enjoying Honey Bar-B-Q wings at the Fieldhouse.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Day #56 February 25, 2011

MORPHEUS FORTUNA ARRIVES
A special guest has arrived at school...Morpheus Fortuna. This friendly little turtle spends his school year traveling around the country visiting schools to see what he can learn. Next week he will be introduced to a first grade class in my building. He arrived just in time for B.E.A.R. Reading week. If you would like to learn more about Morpheus or find out how your classroom can host Morpheus you can visit his wiki at: http://morpheusfortuna.wikispaces.com/

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Day #55 February 24, 2011

SICK DAY ACTIVITY
Both my children were sent home sick from school today. Crap is going around.

Day #54 February 23, 2011

SECRET PAL
This month at school we have secret pals...here are some of the goodies that I received. I think I know who my secret pal is...I believe she is in the blue neighborhood.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Day #53 February 22, 2011

GROCERY NIGHT
After having another day off from school due to the snow, I needed to get out of the house. Meredith and I went for groceries. She usually doesn't go with me and so instead of the normal hour it took 1 1/2 hours to grocery shop, but it was fun having her along. She was amazed at what groceries really do cost--good lesson in money management tonight. She also was able to talk me into some things that I normally wouldn't buy...like the ice cream flavors she picked out--Cookie Dough, Strawberry and a Mint Chocolate Chip (that one I'll eat)

Monday, February 21, 2011

Day #52 February 21, 2011

WINTER STRIKES AGAIN!
Yes, it was 60+ degrees on Friday but now snow is falling again, and I'm afraid if we get what they are calling for we're going to have another day off. I don't want a day off...just a 2-hour delay.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Day #51, February 20, 2011

SORE TOE
OUCH! Never realized how many nerve endings were under my toenail. Earlier this week I dropped a heavy item on my big toe and broke the side of my nail off. Yes it really hurts, yes I think it is infected, and yes I this is probably a gross picture to post, but it is what has been on my mind for the past few hours...throbbing away!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Day# 50 February 19, 2011

SOCCER TOURNAMENT SEASON
Today was the beginning of the "spring" soccer tournament schedule. The boys played well the first game but couldn't put it in the back of the net. They lost 3-0. The second game they took control of the game from the beginning and were up 2-0 at half-time...but then things slowly fell apart. The boys ended up winning 3-2 in a very intense final 4 minutes.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Day #49 February 18, 2011

HOME AWAY FROM HOME!
The soccer tournament season has begun. Keegan and I traveled to Williamsburg, VA for the President's Day Cup tournament. Unfortunately he did not have off school today because of snow make-up, and we had to wait for him to get home from school before we could leave. We left York Haven at 3:15 and arrived at the hotel at 9:30. We have an 8:00 a.m. game tomorrow, which means up by 5:45.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Day #48 February 17, 2011

OUTDOOR SOCCER PRACTICE
Today was a great weather day! Keegan was able to have soccer practice on the turf field under the lights tonight from 5-7. It was a beautiful evening. We head to Williamsburg, VA tomorrow evening for the President's Day Cup Soccer Tournament.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Day #47 February 16, 2011

GPS IN THE CLASSROOM
I was fortunate enough to get a grant from the York Suburban Educational Foundation to purchase a set of GPS units for students to use. We want to be able to map out our school building, as well as use them for Geocaching. Today, thanks to a Lori Sheldon, a member of my PLN, I was able to get some instruction, and some notes. My PLN is the best the group of people around the world. When I have a question, need some advice or some help...I know who I can ask.

Day #46, February 15, 2011

DO YOU HAVE A DEVICE THAT WILL READ THIS?

Monday, February 14, 2011

Day #45 February 14, 2011

GEEK CONFERENCE
I am attending the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference. Tonight I attended the SMART Technologies session. We got to see and play with their new SMART board. This board allows 2 people to use the board simultaneously. It is also uses camera technology to determine the touch points. It is a great product and I'd love to see us get these for the building we are renovating.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Day #44, February 13, 2011






















HAS TO BE CHOCOLATE TOWN USA!
There is only one place you can be when there are Hershey Kisses on the wallpaper and the pillow cases and sheets---HERSHEY, PA. I'm at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center until Wednesday for the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference. I love the fact that they have incorporated the Hershey Kiss into the decor of the hotel room. We even have chocolate shampoo and soap!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Day #43 February 12, 2011

IT'S GOT TO BE THE MILK!
Today we went to Hershey Park to get our pictures take for our season passes. Of course you can't go to Chocolate Town without visiting Chocolate World. I love the singing cows and even sing along (THE KIDS HATE IT WHEN I DO THAT). Hershey's Milk Chocolate can't be beat..

Friday, February 11, 2011

Day #42, February 11, 2011

SCHOOL MEMORIES
During the month of February, we have secret pals at school. Today I received a present and inside was this note card. Took me back to Mrs. Myers first grade class at Locust Grove Elementary School. Sally, Dick, Jane, Mother, Father and Spot the dog. The only one missing is Puff the cat. Isn't it funny how something so small can bring back memories?

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Day #41 February 10, 2011

SCIENCE NIGHT
Tonight the PTO at Meredith's school held a science night. There were a variety of stations set up around the gym and cafeteria for the students to try different experiments. Meredith's favorite station were the games from the show "Minute to Win It" We had a fun exploring...we even made a parachute jumper and a glider out of a straw and an index card...much better and cheaper then the airplane gliders you buy in stores.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

#40 February 9, 2011

DEVICE OF TORTURE
Well, needless to say, I've gained some weight over the holidays and it definitely has to come off. Meet my new best friend.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

#39 February 8, 2011

MARKETING RESEARCH
My household is part of the Nielson Marketing Research that is done on household spending....I know it sounds geeky, but that is the business education teacher in me. Everything that is purchased has to be reported. This is a picture of the scanner that we use to scan the barcodes. Tonight was grocery night, so Meredith had a fun time scanning all of our purchases.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Day #38 February 7, 2011

Coupons--is it worth it?
I'm beginning to wonder if the amount of time I spend flipping through and cutting out coupons is really worth it. The coupons get worse and worse each week...I mean $1.00 on 3 boxes of cereal--who needs 3 boxes of cereal?

Sunday, February 6, 2011

#37 February 6, 2011

SUPER BOWL PARTY
Went to the neighbors for this year's Super Bowl Party...lots of great food...complete with Perogies made by the church ladies of Pittsburgh. Not exactly sure where the giant Nabisco field goal post came from...but it added to the fun atmosphere.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Day #36 February 5, 2011

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE!
Today we traveled to City Island to watch my sister-in-law at the Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge. She wasn't plunging--instead she was in the chicken pen--complete with Chicken outfit. I really intended to post a picture of everyone in the river, but when this SCUBA diver showed up, he was to good to pass up.
Over 1,500 people took the plunge, all for a great cause.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Day #35 February 4, 2011

Kindness Fills Our Heart!
When you walk into our school you will see a large hallway display of a heart with the title "KINDNESS FILLS OUR HEART". Students and staff have been challenged to be especially kind to one another this month. We are looking for ways to BE kind to others, and are recognizing ways that others are being kind to one another. Each time an especially kind act is witnessed, a cut-out heart is given to the kind person to recognize the deed. The child's name, and the kind act, is written on the heart. This paper heart will then find its way to our large hallway display heart---in hopes of filling our school heart with kind acts!

We modeled this activity off of the book "Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler!"

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Day #34 February 3, 2011

THE BIG 50
Today I had the pleasure of helping a colleague celebrate her 50th birthday. We decorated her office--complete with a giant AARP card. The K-1 students counted out 50 items and each class delivered them to her throughout the day to remind her just how old she really was.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Day #33 February 2, 2011

ICE DAY
Winter continues to hammer us. Last night it was freezing rain. Fortunately, I only had a 2-hour delay today, but the kids were off. By the time I came home from work it had warmed up and the tree was back to normal.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Day #32 February 1, 2011


Baking with Meredith
The snow, sleet, and freezing rain gave Keegan, Meredith and myself another day off from school. Meredith wanted to do some baking--a great activity for snow days. First we made a Pecan Pie (first time ever--and I have to say it is delicious), and then we made chocolate covered pretzel rods with white chocolate and red and white sprinkles.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Day #31, January 31, 2011

NEW ADDITION
Tonight we added a frog to the fish tank. We've never had a frog before, so this will be an interesting. I'll be anxious to see how well he gets along with the others. Meredith was very excited about the new addition.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Day #30 January 30, 2011

Cleaning for the Cleaning Lady
Every other Sunday evening, a tornado goes through our house, as we have to "clean for the cleaning lady". In reality it just means getting stuff up off the floor so they can vacuum, putting shoes in the closet, and then getting out new sheets, towels, and rugs--if we put those out, they will change them and take all the dirty ones to the laundry room. In the beginning I was opposed to the cleaning lady, especially with a wife who only works part-time, but having them come every other week is worth every cent!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Day #29 January 29, 2011

Sledding at the Orchard
Had a great time sledding with the neighbors and their children. The hill was so big that we had to get the snow mobiles out to take us back up the hill.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Day #28 January 28, 2011

Digital Cameras with 1st Graders
Today I continued to work with 1st graders. We are learning to use our digital camera kit. With a little instruction, the students were able to take photographs, download them, and saved them to their network drive. Next class period we will use their pictures to make motivational posters at www.bighugelabs.com. It was so much fun to watch their faces light up when they found out they were going to be able to actually handle the camera and take pictures.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Day #27 January 27, 2011





SNOW DAY
The snow has come to an end. I am off school today...the kids have a 2-hour delay, and Susan had to work. Oh my what will I do today!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Day #26, January 26, 2011

SNOWY NIGHT
I love to sit and watch the snow falling on the deck. It is so peaceful. Might even take a walk in it tonight. Will there be a 2-hour delay tomorrow? Will we have school at all? How long will it take me to clear the driveway and sidewalks tomorrow. These are all questions that will bounce around my head tonight as I try to fall asleep.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Day #25 January 25, 2011

Feeding Our Fine Feathered Friends
When I got home from work today, I filled up the bird feeder with some sunflower seeds. We may be getting a storm tomorrow...we may not, but at least the birds and probably the squirrels will have something to eat.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Day #24 January 24, 2011

NEVER ENDING
Am I the only one who has a never ending laundry pile! At least this pile is clean, folded and ready to be transported upstairs...time to call the kids!