Hello, Anyone Home??

Carving Pumpkins

We finally got the chance to carve the pumpkins we got at the pumpkin patch. At first, Bennett wasn't too sure what to think about this yucky mess.

But before long he was reaching in, pulling out some goo, and playing in the seeds.

Good thing it was bath night tonight--we certainly needed it after all our hard work!

Credit Card Update

On Friday night when all the craziness was happening, I called a neighbor and good friend who works with the police department and told him about someone else trying to use my credit card. He suggested that I call the department and have an office come out to take a report. So, Saturday morning, a police office came to my door, and I explained what had happened. He said since nothing was actually charged on my account, there was nothing I could do--technically, no laws were broken. I explained that I used only well-known sites, and he told me that had nothing to do with it. He said that people will just sit at their computers, punching in numbers, until one works. I asked him what I could do to protect myself from this happening again. His answer was pretty bleak--he said the only thing to do is cancel the card. He said this happens every day to everybody. And he mentioned his concern when the world no longer uses checks and everything is done by debit or credit card. The only was to really protect yourself is to not have a credit or debit card at all--but with this day and age, that's not really possible since you can't even book a hotel room without one. So, I hope my scare helps you be more aware of the danger out that and I hope you watch your statements closely, in case this would ever happen to you.

Pancakes

Today, Bennett got his first taste of pancakes! He's doing a really good job of putting food in his mouth and he continues to like everything he tries. He seemed to like the pancakes--although he did make a funny face at first, unless he was trying to get used to the new texture. Daddy made a baby pancake just for Bennett. He ate the whole thing--or so I thought. When I unstrapped him from his high chair and lifted him out, I found about half the pancake on his lap and the seat! Oh, well! It was easy to clean up!

Did you notice the shiner? Bennett had a little spill this morning while he was standing next to the coffee table. Dad was right there with him, but he tipped over the hit his eye. The first of only many bruises to come, I'm sure :-)

My New Trick

Bennett has learned how to pull himself up on everything!! Sometimes, he'll just sit on his knees, like in the picture. More recently, he is pulling himself up to standing. He uses the coffee table, his gate, and here, the stove. He especially loves the stove because he can see himself in the glass front and he giggles at himself, and then starts chewing on the the bottom of the glass! What a funny boy!

Scary!

Today, I came home to find two messages on the machine about verifying some purchases--one from Macy's.com and one from Buy.com. I knew I had not made purchases from either of these places--the second of which I had never heard of. So, I called the numbers and gave them the order information they had left on the machine. They asked if I had made a purchase with a credit card ending in these four digits. I looked at the one card that I typically use--no match. Then I pulled out the other two that I have, and sure enough, there was a match! The one woman asked if I had made an on-line purchase for $384.00! I immediately said I had not. She informed me that my credit card had been used but they were following up to verify the order because the billing and shipping address were different--my name was on both. I did ask the one person I spoke with which state the package was going to. He of course could not share that but assured me that it was no where near where we live. So, I called the reported the one card as stolen. Being completely creeped out and scared, I called and cancelled another credit card I never use. The number that was stolen is a card that I only use at two stores and websites--big, reputable companies. I have never used this card on a site that I had never heard of. So, if someone can get my number from them, then anyone can get it from anywhere!! I usually pay no attention to the commercials on TV about identity theft--it won't ever happen to me. Well, now it has, and it feels horrible and creepy!!! I love to shop online, but now I really wonder how safe I am. Always remember when you are paying by credit card online, the web address should read https (the s means "secure") and a lock should appear on your screen. But if someone can get by that, who know what else they can find!!

Current Issues

So I have to admit that I'm getting a little bored with my blogging. I feel like the only things I have to talk about are my kids at school and my little boy at home--who I think is the cutest, sweetest baby in the world, but how much can I really say about him on a weekly basis. I've decided to start a new post--Current Issues. It will focus on topics that are political, educational, or things that just plain bug me. I'd love to have you comment and discuss your feelings on these topics, as well. Let's give it a try and see how it goes! I have 2 current issues.

1. Since heading back to school, I have lost a majority of my baby weight. Although this is great news, it also means I am cleaning out my closets and need an update with my wardrobe. I've been in the market for some new pants--I have purchased three new pairs, all of which have required hemming on my part. I DO NOT like to sew nor am I good at it--so my issues is with the clothes industry. Why is it that I can bring any pair of pants home for my husband and they magically fit while I have to try on 12 pairs before deciding NONE of them fit! Why can't pants be more "user friendly" for women?

2. Sarah Palin--hmmm? I have been watching the Saturday Night Live skits about her, and they are a hoot! Tina Fey is right on with her impressions! And after seeing some of Palin's real interviews, I have to say, the skits are not that far off base, sadly. I am so excited that women are finally reaching the levels that always been held by men, but really, couldn't you have picked a woman who has a little more substance and a little less gibberish? Do you think Sarah Palin represents the mind and intelligence that many women offer?

Day 34--Still Standing

We have now been in school 34 days--no, I am not counting, but we do keep track as part of our calendar routine. We have to know when that all important 100th day arrives. Anyway, things are starting to get a little better with my munchkins at school. As parent teacher conferences approaching quickly, I am trying to get all my assessments done. From my running records, I know that several of my students are reading well above the expected reading level already, one student already knows all 104 sight words (and one who knows 102!), and I have two kids who have already completed spelling all the 104 first grade words and will soon be moving on to 2nd grade words. Today, we did a writing assessment, and I am so proud of the progress they have made in a few short weeks--remembering spaces, capitals, and punctuation. They are quickly learning how to add, as well. My two kiddos continue to challenge me on a daily basis, but I'm still standing! I'm beginning to appreciate their independence along with their humor :-) One of my students with special needs had surgery on his hips about a month ago. My kids, EAs, and I created a quilt for him and videotaped special messages for him---enough to melt your heart! Those are the moments I savor and remind myself of why I went into this incredibly difficult and frustrating profession.

Even better--my niece, Mattea, has started preschool and from my sister's blog, it looks like she's really enjoying her time at school. I am so excited to follow her through her journey and hope I can continue to pass along my knowledge and advice as my sister asks questions about how to help her learn and progress.

The most amazing things happen every day in every classroom--I feel so lucky and fortunate to be a part of shaping the lives of the students. And as a colleague told me the other day, "It could always be worse." So true!

9 Months Old!

Today, Bennett turned 9 months old! Once again, I can't believe that my baby is getting closer to one year old. He is scooting everywhere and getting into everything. He loves the refrigerator, opening drawers and now cabinets, and he is becoming a very good sitter. We had his pictures taken on Saturday--what a ham! The photographer didn't have to do a thing and he just started smiling! Tonight, we visited Daddy at conferences and met all of his co-workers. This is just a quick picture to mark the occasion. The turtle was a gift from his aunts, Kelly and Kristin, made with lots of love at the Build-A-Bear workshop. We have yet to come up with a name--pass along any good suggestions! Happy 9 months, sweet pea!

A New Car Seat

Today, Grandma R. and I went shopping for a new car seat--an early Christmas gift and a much needed one! We took a trip to Toys R Us with one all picked out. But when we got there, we started checking out all the options again. We put Bennett in all of them to see how he fit. Finally, we narrowed it down to two. Since I'm so bad at making decisions, I had to give Dad a phone call. Of course, he told me to pick out he one I liked, which didn't offer much help. The other one we were looking at was sold out, so we chose to bring this one home today! Daddy got it installed and I can't wait to try it out--no more lugging him around in his carrier. Thanks so much Grandma and Grandpa! We love our new ride!

Brush, Brush!

Bennett takes good care of his four teeth! Sometimes he brushes them with the handle, but what can you expect? He's only 8 months!

Special Delivery

On Saturday, a very special box arrived at our front door--a package of gifts from Aunt Heather, Uncle Dave, and cousins Mattea and Paloma. I got a phone call forewarning me about the condition of the gifts inside--the girls wrapped them :-) But Bennett didn't mind. As soon as I opened the box, he starting unpacking.

The first thing we unwrapped was a taggies blanket. We were asking for one of these for Christmas, but it arrived early! Bennett LOVES tags!!!

Next, we unwrapped some special outfits--one for Thanksgiving that both Mattea and Paloma wore and this one for Halloween. Bennett enjoyed playing with the shiny pumpkin.

Finally, we got some wonderful books that we have already read several times! One was I Love You Because You're You and a big fabric book with cool pictures about baby animals.

And, what would opening presents be without taking some time to play with the tissue paper!

Thank you, Aunt Heather, Uncle Dave, and Mattea and Paloma for all the wonderful gifts! We love them! Bennett had a fabulous time opening them all!

I Don't Need A Nap!

This is how I found my sweet son after laying him down for a nap. He's been pulling on his bumper for weeks, but this was the first time his arm made it out!

It's That Time Again!

Hunting season is getting underway in our household. Daddy has been spending time putting up tree stands and sitting out in the woods. In the coming weeks, it will be a rare occurance to see him at all on the weekends! He has been getting up at 4:15 to drive up to the land and get in his stand before it gets light out. Not that I understand any of it, but I know it's a hobby of his and it's for a few short months. But I have put my foot down--there will be absolutely no dead deer hanging in our garage!!

Tough Times Continue

On Friday, I got another call from daycare. Yellow stuff was coming out of Bennett's ear and he was screaming at the top of his lungs. For anyone who knows Bennett, that is highly unusual. He rarely ever cries, much less screams. So, I left school right away and off to urgent care we went. By this time, he was in a great mood. One ear was too swollen to see too far into and the other ear was red, so they determined it was an ear infection. Bennett is enjoying his watermelon flavored antibiotics. While we were waiting for our medication, I noticed that another tooth is getting ready to come out! The poor little guy just can't get a break!