School Carnival

The girls school had their 14th Annual Spring Carnival yesterday. I know what you are thinking -- school carnival's are kind of hokey!! This school has the carnival down to a science. They charge $15.00 for a bracelet. This bracelet allows you to participate in all games. I bought the girls each a bracelet. We got to the carnival at 11 am (which is when it opened). They actually had a pretty decent carnival. They had 2 blow-up obstacle courses for little kids, a paddle boat lagoon (huge shallow pool with 4 boats to race in), 4 easy (easy, easy) games you play until you win (you get a prize no matter what!!), a blow up boxing rink with jumbo boxing gloves (the gloves were almost bigger than Alyssa - Alyssa and Amber could barely lift them), a blow up Q-tip battle rink (you know those sticks with cushions on both ends - they had to stand on these foam stands and hit each other off), a blow up bungie run race, a huge blow up slide, a blow up tweety cage (strictly a bouncing cage), and a monster size blow up obstacle course. They also had a cake walk, manicure station, face painting station, and (temporary) tatoo station and bingo.

The carnival ends at 5 pm and is followed by an auction. Let's just say that we were there from start to after finish. We stayed for the auction. It was my first auction. Some stuff went at bargain prices while others went ridiculously high. A teacher paid $190.00 for a reserved parking space up front next school year. They had a lot of great items in the auction. Each classroom had to enter something in the auction plus each grade level also entered a grade level item. Examples: Amber's class did an "Arts & Crafts basket" - it sold for $30.00, Alyssa's class had a white round table painted with "fingerprint bugs" on it and the name of each child with their bug - it sold for $75.00 (I stopped bidding at $45.00), a handcrafted oak porch swing - sold for $250.00 (the girls wanted that), a child-size wooden picnic table - sold for $75.00, a bookcase dollhouse (created by special ed class) - sold for $290.00 (the girls wanted it - I stopped bidding at $40 - it just wasn't worth more), the 3rd grade had a "desperate chocaholic's basket" this laundry basket held a ton of chocolate - sold for $40.00 (needless to say...Alyssa wanted this and she won it too - she bought it with her birthday money). We ended up leaving school around 8:15pm. I decided next year I am getting me a bracelet too, I can at least play some bingo and try to win a cake in the cake walk. (I got tired of just walking around for six hours while they played.)

Alyssa went through the chocolate basket that she "won" (bought) and picked out everything she didn't like (surprisingly she pulled out 2 walmart bags of chocolate stuff that she didn't like and still has a huge laundry basket full of chocolates. If I calculated about right, Alyssa paid $40.00 for about $65.00 in chocolates. I told Alyssa since she bought it she could decide what to do with the chocolates she didn't like -- she gave a (very, very, very) little to her grandparents and wants me to return to Walmart anything they will take. She will recoup some of her money that way. She is planning to share some of the chocolate with her sister (who is mildly allergic to chocolate) and her mom (who is also allergic to chocolate). We had fun at the carnival and learned that all school carnivals are not hokey...at least their auctions can be lots of fun. They had a professiona auctioneer - he actually won some stuff because no one wanted it. He was very fun to listen to.

Alyssa is turning "9"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I thought I was only 18 years old, so how can I have a children that are 11 and almost 9. I ask you how???????? Alyssa is so excited about turning 9!!!! Every day after school, she gets in the car and tells me how many more days till her birthday. She is growing up. Soon I won't have a child in the single digits!!!! HELP!!!!!! Where does the time go????? It seems like just yesterday that I brought Amber home from the hospital and that was over 11 years ago!!! I just have to remember, even though they are getting older - I am not!!!! After all, didn't that lady think I was 18!!!!!

I got in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I received my acceptance letter today for the Nursing Program !!!!!! I will start classes in September 2006. I am so excited.

I thought that I would get in, but I wasn't going to be completely comfortable until I knew for sure!!! Now I am comfortable!!! I can't wait to register for classes and get started. I am looking forward to the challenges Nursing school will provide me.

The girls were excited upon hearing the news. They know this means that mom will be out of school in about 2 years.

Amber's Musical

Amber's musical went well. They did a great job. I would have to say that Amber's class did the best out of all the classes. (No, I am not biased!!!!!) The musical was just the 4th grade classes. The musical was about making music, thus all the classes played some type of musical instrument. I apologize for the bad pictures, but the lighting is not great in the gym and they are moving so you are limited in the camera mode you can use.

I hope you enjoy the pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How old am I???

Yesterday I stopped at Publix to buy a Lottery ticket ($265M payout - why not try!). I went up to the Lottery register and asked for a "quick pick" Mega Millions ticket, they lady around 45 yrs old) asked to see my ID. I told her "Bless your soul". I handed her my license and told her "I am 38 years old" . The lady said, "I can't believe I was 20 years off on my estimate. You look very young." I know this made my day! It might have even made my year! I guess if I win the lottery it would top it!

Happy Easter to all!!!!!!

We wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter. Here are some pictures of us in our Easter finery and the girls Easter goodies.

Happy Easter from Kim, Amber, and Alyssa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amber

Alyssa

Kim

All three of us

Here's their goodies
Amber's (left) & Alyssa's (right)

Grades Have Come In...

It has been report card time at our home. The kids outdid their mom very easily. I was very proud of the girls. I was disappointed in my grades. I keep reminding myself that my classes were hard last quarter and that most students struggle with these 2 classes, but I still wish I had done better. I still don't think I know anything from the Medical Mircobiology class.

My grades:
Anatomy & Physiology - C
Medical Microbiology - B

Amber's Grades
Reading - B
Language Arts - A
Math - B
Science/Health - A
Social Studies - B
Comments - I enjoy having Amber in my room. She assumes responsibility
wee, excels in academics, and is well liked by her peers. She has helped to make
my year a pleasant one.

Alyssa's Grades
Reading Comprehension - B
Reading Vocabulary - A
Fluency Rate - 133 words per minute (year-end goal is 120)
Spelling - A
Language Arts - A
Math Concepts - A
Math Facts - A
Science/Health - A
Social Studies - B
Comments - Merit Roll for a 3rd time! Keep on working!

Middle School Already?????

After much deliberation, a few weeks ago Amber started attending the 5th grade girls Sunday School class at Church. This is where she actually should be age wise. Our church prefers you to go by grade if possible. Amber expressed that she didn't feel she had very much in common with the girls in her 4th grade Sunday School class. So, I let her try the 5th grade girls class. She loved it!!!!! We have been told that you can't be in both children and student ministries, which means she has to be a 5th grader in everything or a 4th grader in everything. After talking it over with Amber, I agreed to let her promote to the 5th grade at church in everything. The children's choir director is letting her finish the year up in 4th grade so she can earn her trophy as there is less than a month remaining in this choir year.

The IMPORTANCE of this decision is that starting this summer Amber is considered a part of the student ministries. She is a middle schooler at least at church. And this means MIDDLE SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP!!!!!!!!!! Help me!!!!!!!!! I am not quite ready for that, but let me tell you she is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is so excited about getting to go to camp. She will be going for 4-5 days (June 19 - 23) to Talladega, Alabama. The only family member that will be on the trip is her Uncle Ken. Her Uncle Ken is a counselor at middle school camp and teaches 6th grade boys Sunday School. Amber is only saddened by the knowledge that Christopher has promoted out of middle school camp. I know Amber will be talking everyone's ears off about camp in the near future. The girl is so excited that she has already bought her 1-pc swimsuit for camp (she hasn't been excited about buying a 1-pc swimsuit since about the age of 6).

Continue to look for new posts.

It has been a while....

As I promised here are the pictures of the girl's Valentine boxes. They really turned out great. Amber's box came in 2nd place in her class. Alyssa's class didn't vote on their boxes, but if they had she would have done great too.

Amber's Box

Alyssa's Box

I know I may be biased, but I really think they designed beautiful boxes. I thought they did great. They got lots of Valentines and candy. Fortunately, we do not have any serious boyfriends yet!!!!!!!!!

I will actually be posting several messages over the next few days to catch up!!!

What's going on...

The girls are doing great. This weekend we had to decorate Valentine Boxes for classroom contests. The girls painted shoeboxes that I wrapped in Kraft paper. They had me do the glitter writing, but they gave me specific instructions on the layout. I will try to post pictures of the boxes later.

Amber also had to work on her Science project that is due on Wednesday. She has to do a report on the Solar System. This report consists of 2 papers: 1) at least 3 facts on each planet and the moon and 2) minimum of 1 page about 1 planet of your choice. Both of these papers have to be hand-written. Amber has picked Mars as her planet of choice.

We found some very cool websites while searching for facts on the planets. We found one website that tells you how much you weigh on each planet (make sure you are in the Kid's eye view) http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/profile.cfm?Object=Sun&Display=Kids (just click on the planet and enter your weight, then hit go!)

On Earth: 116 lbs (Kim)
On the Sun: 3248 lbs
On Pluto: 9.3 lbs
On a Comet: 0.071 lbs

If I were weight conscious I would want to avoid most of the other planets and especially the Sun. We also found a website that told you how old you are and when your next birthday would be on the other planets http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/age/index.html (it's based on each of the planets years [length of orbit]). I am: 157.6 Mercurian years old and will celebrate my next birthday on March 19, 2006 on Mercury; 20.1 Martian years old and will celebrate my next birthday on August 28, 2007 on Mars; and 0.152 Plutonian years old and will celebrate my 1st birthday on October 5, 2216. We found our research to be quite fun.

I made my 1st 100 on a Medical Microbiology Exam. I was quite please with this feat. I hope to keep this effort up. I am doing pretty good this quarter. My Anatomy professor thinks I'm crazy for taking both Anatomy & Physiology and Medical Microbiology at the same time, but I have to have them done by April 1st to qualify for the nursing program this fall. You gotta do what you gotta do.

Amber had a school performance at the last PTO meeting on 2/8/06. She played a drum and she sang in the chorus. She did great. I will also try to post some of the pictures for that. Both of the girls are performing in the Children's Choir musical on 2/19/06. Amber is in an ensemble plus the chior and Alyssa is in the chior. They are both excited about this performance. They are extra excited because their Dad and their Nana & Pappaw will be there to see the musical.

Happy Valentine's Day (I know it's early) to all. I need to go to bed. (It is late.)

A Much Needed 411

It has been a while since my last posting. So I feel that an update is very much needed. I apologize for the delay. I will try to do better.

Amber
Amber got her report card for the 2nd nine weeks. She made 1 B and 4 A's. She has greatly improved. She has done very well on her reading also. She is the AR leader for her classroom. The closest student to her is still 20 points behind her. Amber is counting the days until 5th grade. Her school uses the 4-H program to supplement their regular curriculum. Amber is excited because she saw a notice for a Horse Care Club. The Horse Care Club teaches you how to groom and care for a horse. She can't wait to participate in this club. Amber has experienced some grief since our last posting. Amber's little baby, Angel (the dog), was taken back to the pound. Angel was tearing to many clothes and she was biting hard. Angel had also become an accomplished jumper. She could jump very high and would scratch you with her paws and teeth. Amber was sad to see Angel go, but she asked for us to get rid of her. Fortunately, Grandma got a miniature Chihuahua. He is an adorable looking little puppy. He only weighs about 1 pound and 12 ounces. Grandma allowed all of us to help name it. Amber suggested Pepi, as in Pepi Le' Pew. Amber likes Pepi, but hasn't decided if she wants to have a dog like Pepi for her own. Amber had a lot of fun shopping at Limited Too. She bought 2 tops on clearance and a pair of sunglasses.

Alyssa
Alyssa also got her report card. Alyssa received 1 B and 7 A's. She has also improved this grade period. Alyssa is looking forward to 4th grade. She wants to get Amber's teacher, Mrs. Carrasco. Alyssa was glad to see Angel go. Alyssa loved Angel, but didn't like her because she could jump higher than she was tall. Alyssa is not much of a dog lover. She has really taken to Pepi, though. Pepi is just the right size dog for her. Pepi also has a wonderful temperment and personality. Alyssa tells me that she is not very keen of her current teacher, Ms. Greenwald. Alyssa says that Ms. Greenwald is mean. (I think Ms. Greenwald is a very tough teacher, but I don't think she is mean.) Alyssa went shopping today for some new clothes. Amber and Alyssa worked out a deal with their shopping cards from Christmas. Amber gave $25 of her Penney's card to Alyssa in exchange for Alyssa's $25 card from Limited Too. Alyssa had a lot of fun shopping with at Penney's. Alyssa bought a pair of jeans, a pair of khaki's, a skirt (with attached shorts) and a t-shirt.

Kim
I have started a new quarter of school. I made 1 B and 2 A's last quarter. This was my 1st B in school since I started back in school. I also got my scores for the NLN-RN Pre-Entrance Exam. I ended up with a 92. From what I have heard that is a great score. So far, out of every one that I have talked that already has their score back the closest to my score is 1 person who made a 91. Every one else has been in the mid to upper 80's. So, I am feeling pretty confident about my NLN score. This quarter I am taking 2 tough subjects which are Medical Microbiology and the last half of Anatomy & Physiology. This quarter in A&P we will learn about blood, the heart, the digestive system, the endocrine system, and the reproductive system to name a few. These are very detailed systems with lots of minute details to learn. Wish me luck. I have put in my application for the nursing program. Now it is a wait and see thing. The application states that we have until April 1st to complete any required courses which basically means they will not start making any decisions until the grades for this quarter come out. Like I said, it is now a wait and see thing. I have not had the chance to go shopping with my Christmas money. I hope to buy some jeans and a good lightweight jacket.

We just finished Christmas on January 14th. This was the first opportunity that the Watkins could all get together. So needless to say, my Christmas tree is still up. I plan to take it down tomorrow. The girls and myself had a great Christmas and we hope that all of you did too. We are praying that every one has a great year.

Our list of Thanksgiving

Alyssa –

I am thankful that God is in my heart, that I am getting the education I need, for all the teachers I have had, that I have a family, my friends, and that I have a life. I am glad that I don’t have to get a life.

Amber –

I am thankful that Jesus came to Earth to take away our sins. I am thankful for my family. I am thankful that I go to a good school and have a great teacher. I am very thankful for my dog, Angel. I am also thankful for the electricity that brings me: Nintendo, TV, hot water, air conditioning and heat, DirecTV, DVD player, Stereo, VCR, computer, and lights. I am thankful that I am growing up and getting taller. I am thankful that this century has good fashion taste. I am also thankful that I don’t have to wear glasses (at least yet). I am thankful that I am alive. I am also thankful for anything important that I may have not mentioned.

Kim –

I am thankful for God’s wonderful love and mercy. I am thankful for family. I am very thankful for our health. I am thankful that the girls and myself are all doing great in school. I am thankful for life. I am thankful for fried turkey skin!! I am thankful for everything and one. Last, but not least, I am thankful for school. (Amber helped me write my list of thanksgiving.)

A Little Trick and a Little Treat

The girls had a wonderful evening on Halloween. As usual, the girls picked out their own costumes. The girl's, well mainly Amber, decided I needed to dress up this year, so I practiced my "nurse" look. Amber decided that the nurse look suits me. The girls went to about 15 houses in Christopher's (their cousin) neighborhood. We attended our Church's Fall Festival, which the kids seemed to like that they had a bunch of bouncy machines for them to play in. We ate dinner at Chick-fil-A. And after all that, we still hit about 4 houses in our neighborhood for even more candy. Two of our neighbors gave the girls about 4 heaping handfuls of candy each. Boy are we going to be on a SUGAR-HIGH around here for a while.

Amber (rock star), Christopher (an Alabama fan), and Alyssa (Lady Guinevere)

Rock star, Amber, blows a kiss to her adoring fans.

Is it Lady Guinevere or is it Lady Alyssa?
(Rumor is that this young maiden adopted the name of Lady Layla for this one night.)

Juan Ponce de Leon project

Amber did a Social Studies project on Juan Ponce de Leon in October. She told me what to put on her poster and she layed it out. Amber also wrote her report. She had to write the report in cursive. Amber also had to present this project to her class with a prop. Amber took water from the "Fountain of Youth" for her class to sample. She did a great job on her project.


The other day when I stopped by Amber's class, I noticed that they all looked very youthful. I think that "Fountain of Youth" sample really worked on them.

Grades have come in...

The girls have gotten their 1st report cards for the year. They have done a great job.

Alyssa’s grades
Reading Comprehension (A)
Reading Vocabulary (A)
Reading Fluency(Year End Goal 120) 134
Spelling (A)
English/Language Arts (B)
Math Concepts (A)
Math Facts (A)
Science/Health (B)
Social Studies (A)
Teacher Comments: Alyssa made the Merit Roll (A’s & B’s)! Keep up the good work!

Amber’s grades
Reading (B)
English/Language Arts (B)
Math (A)
Science/Health (B)
Social Studies (B)
Teacher Comments: Amber’s excellent work is a reflection of her fine attitude and effort. Congratulations on always having your homework! It is a pleasure to work with such a willing child!


The girls are truly doing a great job in school! I am doing ok in school too. I made a 98 on my first math test and a 78 (C+) on my first Anatomy test. I also made a 25 (of 25) on my first speech and a 23 (of 25) on my first test in speech. I am hoping to be able to bring up my Anatomy grade with the next test.

The weather is getting cooler. The girls are looking forward to Halloween (really the CANDY!!) They are even thinking ahead to Christmas.

The girls are doing

The girls are doing very good in school. Since Amber’s teacher does not do progress reports, I had to calculate Amber’s grades. According to my calculations Amber should be on the A-B Honor Roll. Amber has an A in Math and B’s in Science, Social Studies, Reading, and Language Arts. Alyssa also should be on the A-B Honor Roll. Her teacher sent home a progress report with 8 grade categories on it. Alyssa had a mixture of A’s and B’s. We have to wait until October 13th to get the actual grades.

Alyssa had a visit from the “Tooth Fairy” last week. The Tooth Fairy had to come 2 nights to pay. The 1st night the Tooth Fairy came, but didn’t leave any money. We shortly found the tooth on the floor. We figure the Tooth Fairy couldn’t find the tooth on the floor. The 2nd night we put the tooth on the table next to the bed. The Tooth Fairy left Alyssa a brand new $1. Alyssa was very excited that the Tooth Fairy found her tooth.

The girls are on their Fall Break from school. They are visiting their dad this week. Alyssa was very glad she lost her tooth last week so she can get an extra $1 from Nana for her tooth. Amber was excited that she got to take her dog, Angel, to her dad’s. The girls will also get to spend a lot of time with Nana and Papa this week too.

I have been in school for 1 week now. I have my 1st speech due on Tuesday, October 4th. I also have my 1st Anatomy & Physiology and College Algebra tests on Thursday, October 6th. I am always nervous about the 1st test. I always consider the 1st test the hardest because you don’t know the testing style of the professor.

The girls are closing in on the end of their 1st grading period for the year. They are very excited about getting their report cards. They think the best thing about report cards is that they are closer to the end of school. It must be that "1 down ONLY 3 more to go" thought process. I have been tracking the girls AR (Accelerated Reading) points at home. The girls are constantly asking how many points they both have. Today Amber passed her sister in AR points. This is a VERY BIG DEAL. Alyssa has always led in points because she loves to read so much. Last year Amber only read when you made her. This year Amber has made AR a competition between Alyssa and herself. I still haven't decided if Alyssa is also treating AR as a competition. I say, "What ever works to get them reading."

I have gone to orientation for my school. I have also registered for my classes. I am taking 3 classes (which is 15 credit hours): Anatomy & Physiology I, College Algebra, and Public Speaking. Because students have to get special permission to take more than 19 credit hours I could not take a fourth class. All the classes I have to take are 5 credit hour classes. My current degree is an Associates Degree in Health Science. Once I have been accepted in to the nursing program my degree will be an Associates Degree in Nursing. I bought my books the other day for school. I only needed 3 textbooks and a school printed lab book which cost a fine penny. I still think that the books are the most expensive part of college (atleast at the junior/technical college level).

Welcome to our blog...

Hello to All!!!

This is my first attempt to use a blog. I wanted to start a blog so that all our family and friends could keep in touch with us easier. I felt this might be an opportunity for some to get better acquainted with the girls and myself and for others to keep informed of what we are up to. I will try to post on a regular basis - although I don't know what that regular basis may be yet.

Amber
Age: 10 (10 1/2 if you ask her)
Grade: 4th

Amber is doing very well in the 4th grade. She says her teacher is very good and extremely nice, but she also has a mean side too. We decided to say the teacher is "tough, but nice". Amber is trying to prepare her sister for the "real world" which means whatever grade Amber is in. Amber enjoys her new school. Every afternoon when I pick her up from school the staff (school staff load and unload students every afternoon and morning) member loading Amber into the car comment on how heavy her backsack is because she can't get it in the car by herself. She is regularly bringing home 4-5 text books a day. Amber even has homework on Fridays now that she is in a harder grade (Amber calls it a harder grade). Amber is also doing very well on her A.R. which is Accelerated Reading (a required reading program for all students - you read books on your reading level and take comprehension tests on the books for points) and is hoping to get a lot of AR points this year. Amber is in our church's children's choir. She has auditioned for a solo part in the musical that they will be performing sometime in 2006.

Alyssa
Age: 8
Grade: 3rd

Alyssa is doing very well in the 3rd grade. She also says her teacher is very tough and nice, but also a little mean too. We have definitely decided that Alyssa has the toughest 3rd grade teacher. Alyssa's homework usually consists of: 2-3 sheets of math homework, spelling assignment (ABC order, write 3x's, or use in sentences), Language Arts study guide, Social Studies study guide, Science study guide, and Reading assignment. Alyssa is also doing very well on her AR points this year. She is leading her class in AR points at this time (she and another classmate keep taking turns leading the class - I think Alyssa is determined to take the lead and keep it). Alyssa has a VERY best friend named Colleen. Colleen is also in the 3rd grade and lives in our subdivision. Alyssa and Colleen play well together and sometimes Amber will play with them. Alyssa also sings in our church's children's choir. She didn't want to try out for a solo and hasn't decided for sure if she will actually perform the musical, but she really enjoys choir practice because she gets candy every week.

Angel
Age: 14 1/2 weeks

Our puppy is a dachschund mix. Her mom was a 15 lb. long hair maltese dachschund. Her dad is an unknown factor. Amber likes to think she might be part Black Lab and likes to show me Angel's webbed paws, but we are not really sure of what dad was. We are hoping she will remain to be a small-to-medium dog. She is getting to be quite brave. She has discovered how to shimmy under the gate to get out, but can't shimmy to get back in the backyard (which is where she wants to be if the garage door is not up). She can also climb ladders, but she can't climb down the ladder nor will she jump off the ladder.

Angel's Mom: Amber
Angel's Aunt: Alyssa
Angel's Nana: Kim




Kim
Age: 37 (but I like the age the girls say I am, which is 27 - sounds less depressing)
Grade: College Sophomore

I am going to school to become a nurse (for those who didn't know). I have 6 more general degree classes left and then I will only have my nursing classes to take. I will be applying to the nursing program in the beginning of 2006 for the Fall 2006 term. Only 4 of the remaining 6 classes have to be finished before I can apply to the nursing program. I actually don't start classes until September 27th. My school is on a quarter system instead of a semester system. I am actually excited about this because I feel like I can finish school a little bit faster this way. We have all settled into Winder, GA very well. We are attending a large church with a wonderful orchestra and choir every Sunday morning. The orchestra is not your run of the mill orchestra. We have trombones, trumpets, violins, drums, etc... and electric guitars and boy can they play some upbeat praise music. The Choir has over 150 members and the music is so uplifting. I haven't joined the choir yet, but I am thinking about it.