CBEST

For those of you who don't know, this past weekend I took the CBEST. It is the test I should have taken right after I graduated from college, but didn't. If I passed, I can now register to do some substituting in the schools and eventually, head back to school to enter the credential program. I have decided that what I want to do when I grow up is spend my time with kids! The test consisted of 3 parts-math, reading and writing. I realized quickly that I really needed to brush up on my math--I had forgotten a lot. I bought a book and studied--a lot! The reading was harder than I thought it should have been. I had hoped that I would simply be finding answers in an essay, but instead there were a lot of questions about assumptions, analyzing the authors opinion, etc. I also had to write 2 essays. We were given 4 hours to complete the test--I used most of it. I wasn't the oldest person in the class, but I was certainly in the upper 5%--yikes! I do think I did pretty well, but I guess it will be a few weeks before I know for sure. I won't actually try to enter the credential program until Abigayle has started kindergarten. It is a little scary to think of moving on from my very comfortable job, but I am excited! There is a 3rd grade teacher who is planning on retiring in 4-5 years. She would like me to be ready to split a contract with her for a year or two and then take over her class. It is a perfect opportunity! Wish me luck!

Halloween

I am playing catch up today! The kids are off for parent-teacher conferences today and I have had a few extra kids to watch, but nowhere to go, so I figured it was about time! Halloween is my least favorite holiday ever, but this year ended up being more fun than in the past. Maybe it was because it was on a Friday and I didn't feel like we had to hurry home and put kids to bed! We started out at the church at the trunk or treat. It had been pouring rain the day before and off and on that day, so the turn out was not great. The kids didn't manage to fill up their buckets, but still had a good time. They still had plenty of candy for themselves, just not enough that they didn't notice mom was sharing! After trunk or treat we went to my sister in laws church for their fall carnival--that was fun, but interesting. We then headed to Sue and Vince Dunlap's to finish off our trick or treating.

Cole spent his first Halloween away from us and went to Chico with a friend and his family. It was strange not to have him with us, but he had a good time. I have to get used to his being old enough to go with friends once in awhile.

Cole cooks dinner

Cole had the chance to cook an authentic spanish dinner for his Spanish class last week. He did very well and we enjoyed eating tacos, quesadillas and Spanish rice. He made quite the mess, but we had fun! We may even let him cook again someday!

Toothless!

Braden has had teeth practically jumping out of his mouth the last couple of weeks. He has lost both of his top teeth, one on the bottom and one other on the bottom is almost out. There is nothing cuter than a toothless smile!

Abigayle's Haircut

Well, it has taken me a very long time to get these pictures posted, but here they are. We had Abby's hair cut a couple of weeks ago and love it! No more crying over brushing and ponytails! We simply spray, scrunch and go! Who knew she had wonderful curls? The only down side is that she looks so grown up! Isn't she adorable?!

Tough Week!

This will be a boring post, without pictures or really any exciting news at all! I think you will probably appreciate the "no pictures" part. The 24 hour flu has been making itself comfortable in our house this week. Abigayle was fortunate enough to get it on Monday. She ran a high fever and complained that her head hurt. She didn't have an upset stomach until about 5 seconds before she threw up all over my wonderful van. Poor baby! My van got a thorough cleaning and has never looked better. Today Braden and Cassidy are suffering through it--we are staying out of the van! Braden has spent a lot of time on my lap today--I hope I am not next!

Cassidy has been invited to attend an advanced ballet class. I immediatley decided no, I didn't want to add another class($$), but then her teacher told me that only 2 girls from Paradise were being invited to attend the class and that this class is the one that worked into Point, which is what she has been working towards for the last 5 years. We will give it a try. I have decided to start charging all my "free babysitting club members". It may spoil my reputation, but I am ok with that!

Rob has been working long hours this week and I am glad to see it end. he has put in about 75 hours and I am sure tomorrow will involve a lot of napping!

See--I told you not too exciting! Sorry!

Abby's First Day of Preschool!

Today my baby started her first day of preschool! This is the same preschool that the other three have attended and they have been telling her all about it for awhile now! She couldn't wait to go! She loved the playground and the snack table, she sat quietly for circle time and played with play dough with the other kids. I think her favorite was dressing up in the dress up room! She didn't quite make it to the project tables--too much to do. There is plenty of time for that! I finally have all four kids in school--even if it is part time! Abigayle had a fabulous first day of preschool! She can't wait to go back next week for more fun!