Nebraska State Fair

Yesterday, Saturday, August 26 we traveled to Lincoln for the Nebraska State Fair. It was a smaller venue than Wisconsin and Minnesota....but it was still very nice. We visited with some of Jeff's friends from ConAgra. They were in the Bar-B-Que contest. We were able to taste some of their entries....ribs, pork, lobster pizza. It was DELICIOUS!!!! We didn't eat a lot, so we could eat our way through the fair. We did it all....lunch, snack, supper. Some of the highlights were: pizza on a stick, kettle corn, ice cream made by the food science students at UNL, and cotton candy.

We looked at the animals. The steers were a favorite stop by Jeff and Jackson. Jenna liked the goats. Joe couldn't wait to see the model train set up. He even video taped it.

It was a full day. Everyone was exhausted by the time we got home.

Today, Jeff worked in the basement. The bathroom is pretty much done, except for the door. Jeff and the boys started framing half of the basement. The part they are doing will be my work area. The walls are studded, and one piece of sheetrock is up.

I worked on cleaning and organizing the upstairs. The bathrooms are clean and the boys rooms are organized and clean. Tomorrow I will work on Jenna's room. That little girl sure has a way of tossing every toy she owns in the middle (and sides) of the room.

School is going well for everyone. Jackson did super on his first spelling test. Since he struggles a bit with reading, writing, and spelling....we were delighted he only got one wrong (eyelid) out of 10 words.

I love my job more and more everyday. I think I'm over the hump of the trying to figure things out. There is still a lot to learn, but my staff is very helpful. My co-worker, Kelly (the other new hire), and I are becoming good friends. She has the same amount of experience as I do....we really understand each other and we support each other as we get used to this new school. She is also new to Omaha. She is from Kansas City originally and has a little girl (18 months old).

This week Jeff's parents are coming for a visit. We hope to take them to the "Old Market" area of Omaha (near the ConAgra campus), the gardens, see my school, and perhaps a trip to the state park.

We have a few meetings this week. Curriculum Night for Jackson and Jenna (Joe's was last week). I also have to present Curriculum Night for my parents.

Day 2

Well, today was so much better than yesterday. I must say....I LOVE Air Conditioning. Adams School (in Janesville) didn't/doesn't have it. It truely makes a world of difference. My students could stay on task all day. It wasn't an oven in my room. It was the perfect learning environment! Today my students shared their 'brown bags' with the class. They had to select 10 items that have significance to things about them. One interesting item: One child in my class has the future plan of being a priest, another has a future plan of working at Kohls!

Jeff left for New Jersey today. He'll be gone until Friday. Jackson is really missing him!

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school for the Grubers. We all woke up early and had a nice breakfast. Grandma and Grandpa Primmer were here, as well as my Uncle Adrian and Aunt Linda. (They are on their way to Branson). We took pictures of the kids by the front door and I had to get to my school. Jeff took Joe to school first, because he had safety patrol. Joe was so proud of his work. Jeff returned to school to drop Jenna and Jackson off. He was surprised by the terrible traffic flow. I guess if you have 750 students - you may end up having 500 parents/cars. Jeff reported that it took over 20 minutes to get out of the drop off lane and get back home. Jenna didn't want to give a kiss to dear old dad. She also didn't want anyone carrying her (heavy) backpack for her. She kept on telling Jeff "I got it covered!".

I asked my principal if I could get out of school early (our school ends at 3:05 - the kids' school ends at 3:35) so I could get my kids on their first day of school. Joe had patrol duty until 3:45. I picked up the excited kids and we met our neighbors (Charlotte and Kellen) at DQ for a first day of school treat. After that I went to get Jack some new shoes (yes, his feet are growing). We all came home and pretty much 'vegged'. We are all exhausted from our day.

My day went well. I messed up taking attendance. We have to do it 'on line'. I guess I clicked on the PM attendance instead of the AM attendance......I also survived recess duty. My 4th grade team has lunch/recess duty for two straight weeks. We still get our 30 minutes of duty free lunch, but then we need to go outside to supervise for about 10 minutes. My class seems very nice. A few chatty ones, some need to work on listening, but all seem like nice kids! The principal even came in for a visit (observation) the first day. He stayed about 5 minutes while my students were telling me interesting things about themselves.

I did some major shopping (at my new favorite store: CJ Banks) this weekend and came home with 7 nice and new outfits. 6 were skirts, one pants outfit. I had many compliments on the fringie skirt I wore today. I wore some nice jewlry that my Adams School friend Mandy had made for me. Yes, I was a bit homesick for Adams - especially for my unit, friends, principal, students, and parents I know.....but, I'm sure - in time - things will feel like home here, too.

I did have a nice chat with my friend Beth Clarke this evening. She was at Adams, her kids were with mine at Jacque's house....it was so nice to get caught up. She left me a message on my cell at school, too.

So, having survived my first day at the new school, I guess it's time to go rest my head.

It's back to school time

I've started my back to school / New teacher orientation training last week. 2 full days of curricular talk, computer training, networking, etc. My brain is full! I continue with more meetings all next week. Kids did well at my neighbor (Charlotte's) house. She is going to provide child care for me during my work days as well as before and after school care for the kids.

Jeff took the kids mini golfing on Friday. Jack's first swing of the golf club ended at Jenna's eye. She has a big black eye now....just in time for school. It wouldn't be so bad if she wasn't missing her two bottom teeth. She reminds me of a hockey player, now!

Jeff is busy drywalling the basement bathroom. Yesterday he went to a golf tourney with Charlotte's husband, Scott. I took Charlotte, Kellen, and the kids to the outlet mall (Oshkosh B'gosh) .....had to get some new school clothes.

Today I may head into school to get some work done - without the kids.