Blog Hog

So, I feel like I have taken this blog over and I don't even have much to write about. However, I really enjoy daily writing, so I asked myself - "What can I write about every day?" And the only thing I came up with is something that I am crazy about - cooking and food. So, while this blog will definitely stay up and running, I have started a NEW food blog as a creative outlet for myself.

I would LOVE to have you all follow me and my food ramblings at: www.yesiwantcake.com

and please, please comment - I would like to hear what you think!

Happy Wednesday and happy eating!

spring...er, summer cleaning

So, I was rearranging the furniture in our bedroom today so that our bed is closer to the windows during the summertime (Mom, I know you are proud), and this is what I found under my husband's side of the bed:

If you can't see what all of this is, here is an inventory:

1. two assault weapons (UNLOADED...Daddy)

2. three knives (one attached to a belt)

3. one box of ammunition

4. a rawhide bone

5. two dog training books

5. a gun catalog

6. an NRA magazine

Oh, Meeker...I like you.

Punky Bones Jemima

The doggels is growing - and so ferocious looking with her pointy ears. Plus, we added a third new name so that we can call her "PB&J"

setting them free...

So, it is officially summertime for Mrs. Unger.

A week before school ended, I thought I would explode because I was so excited to be finished, however, the second that the last student left my classroom, I started crying - pretty standard for me. I was thinking about it for the next few days, and it makes sense that it was such a bittersweet occasion. I spent exactly 40 hours a week with these twenty-three 8 year olds, and then they all just walked out the door with a hug or a high five. I know their families, I know their siblings, their pets, their favorite toys, foods, shoes, colors, sports, cars, TV shows, books and so much more. I know how they learn, who they get along with, what sets them off, what makes them laugh and what makes them cry. 

So, as glad as I am that I can sleep in and walk my puppy (who is exceptionally cute and growing like crazy), and read books for fun - I miss my little monkeys. I miss their hugs and their love letters and their little quirks. But I know that in two months I will start all over again and have a new set of babies to teach and adore. But for now, I am missing their expectant little faces. 

Oh, and they are hardly ever this still and serious...so here is a video that captures their real energy. (Dance parties were HUGE in my classroom - a good way to get the "wiggles out")

three weeks two days

I let this video play over and over again on my computer at school today. I truly appreciate things that both 9 year olds and 24 year olds can enjoy simultaneously. 

Playing For Change | Song Around The World "Stand By Me" from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.

Oh and I have 3 weeks and 2 days of school left. (BIG SMILE)

Puppy Doggy

We got a  puppy dog this weekend. Originally, we wanted to wait until summer when I could be home with it, but Meeker's birthday is coming up, and I just figured it would be a good time...he is the one who really wanted a dog in the first place. But of course, after seeing the puppy, I was all for it. She is a full blooded German Shepherd pup. Very smart. Very adorable.

We welcome Punky Bones Unger. We just call her "Punky"...

Springtime

I busted out this driveway before breakfast this morning. Forty-five minutes. I am extremely proud of myself. 

Jiggly and Claws

When I was a little kid, the idea of a Venus Fly Trap always intrigued me. I sort of always wanted one, but wasn't sure if (1) they really existed (2) I could catch flies to feed it. So, when one of my students asked to bring his Venus Fly Trap in to be our "class pet," I was all for it. Little did I know what I was in for. 

When he walked in with it, the class went WILD (and I can't say I blamed them). There were actually TWO pods, so I guess we were getting two "pets." We had to find a safe spot for the plant (all the kids wanted to touch it), and we settled on the windowsill, and I told everyone not to touch it. When I went to check on the plants a few hours later (their names were "Jiggly" and "Claws"), Jiggly was looking....well, shriveled and dead. I was a little scared to tell the boy who had brought it in, because he is the MOST emotional 8 year old you will ever meet. When I mentioned it to him, he screamed so loudly that the teacher fron next door came in to make sure no one had been murdered. He cried for a while, then we found a new spot for it so that Claws might make it through the day (the boy was convinced that Jiggly had frozen to death next to the window). 

So for the rest of the day, all we really talked about was the Venus Fly Trap. Kids kept pulling on the leaves, talking to it, and trying to get it to bite their finger (even thought I told them 3 billion times not to touch it).  FINALLY, our "show and tell" time came, and the little emotional boy who had brought it was SO excited that he RAN over to the plant, crashed into it, and knocked it all over the floor....killing Claws. Again, he screamed for about 2 minutes, cried for 35 mintues, and finally we had a little eulogy for them both. Anyone who is bored with their current job should teach third grade. 

all the single ladies

I KNOW...it's disgusting and Meeker is going to kill me for putting this up...but it totally made my Wednesday.

business trip

So, my scuzzband has a real, adult job now. I guess I do, too...his just feels more real because he has a cubicle and he makes phone calls and has co-workers and goes on BUSINESS trips. Well, he is currently in the air on his FIRST business trip. 

He will be gone for 4 days, and when he returns, we will have set a new record for "longest-time-apart-since-we-have-been-married." He only left 3.5 hours ago, but it seems weird without him. The house is quiet. I am hoping that my alarm goes off in the morning (there will be no one to wake me up if it doesn't!). I enjoyed eating nothing but a can of green beans for dinner. I am watching an old Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez movie. I can't find the cats, and don't want to go outside. This is what it must be like to live alone...for 3 hours. I am glad I got in some practice with the guns this weekend. (Just kidding, Daddy. Parker is a really safe place AND I locked all the doors).

When Meeker left, I realized that I have NEVER before stayed alone for 4 nights! Not ever. So, it will be a week of firsts for me. Welcome 2009!