Zippy's Blog

I have posted pictures at http://www.spradlins.com/ just use the photos link. We have the first part of Hailey's Birthday party up the second party will be added tomorrow. We had 6 girls at our house between the ages of 7-9 friday evening. Needless to say it was a late night.

The weekend before we had a great trip to Beschleville (Kim's Parents house in Pipe Creek). We ended up doing Sea World for the 4th and 5th of July. Fireworks were spectacular and The Fault Line (from America's Got Talent last year) opened up the show. For those of you who know how much I love a cappella music you now how cool I thought this was.

After a wonderful weekend in the San Antonia area we drove back via Wimberly where I left Birthday wishes for my Mom at her headstone (miss you mom). To this day I totally see why she wanted to retire in the Wimberly area, what a beautiful place.

Anywho, more later ;)

Kim sent this via e-mail I thought it was a great story, so i'm putting it in a blog!

Faith started her new school today.  She was so big.  She was a little apprehensive but not a single tear was shed.  I, on the other hand, tried to hold it together because I realized she was growing up and she didn’t seem to need me as much as I thought she would.  How do they grow up so fast?  Its funny how sometimes you want them to grow up faster and sometimes you want to bottle them up.  You would think now that Hailey is 7 I would be use to all of this. 

On the way to Tree House Faith said, “My legs are big.” Stretching them out so I could see how long they were.  I, of course, agreed since we have been telling her how big she is and that she is a big girl.  After I agreed she said, “They are GIANT.”  I had to smile wondering when she grew up and was able to use words in the correct manner.  I know the word giant isn’t that big of deal but I’ve never heard her use it before.  She seems to always surprise me.

Upon arrival to her new school, the teacher already had painting set up for their morning activity which we showed her as three older boys played together in the room.  I was glad to see they were prepared and knowing that Faith loves to make crafts, she would be fine.   The teacher, Miss Kimberly, had her put her first big girl lunch in her cubby and gave her the opportunity to pick her cubby’s spot.  Faith then went to the window to look outside.  She is very eager to get out there.  We left with a little bye as she turned to look expectantly at the playground again.  I called already (Yes, I did) to be sure they showed her the bathroom as we still have the occasional accident (due to not wanting to stop) and they informed me she was all smiles painting away.  Another teacher, Mrs. Stephanie (one of Hailey’s old teachers), informed me they would have circle time next where they would all introduce themselves, talk about the summer and the location of the bathroom.  After Faith would get to go outside, before the heat of the day.  So she won’t have to wait long to meet her new playground.    I fully expect that this change will be a benefit to the entire family as she no longer will have 34 kids in her class and will be academically challenged.

 

I’m not sure what Hailey thought of dropping her sister off at a different school.  It was the first time for her to do that.  It’s usually the reverse.  I heard a little sniffle in the back of the car but when asked she perked back up and was eager to go roller skating with her summer program.

I was looking at my Syllabus for my Readings and Trends in Instructional Technology and noticed that my first assignment was to create a web page.  As I thought mine could qualify I sent my Instructor an interrogative on that fact..."Would mine do?"

The instructions called for me to create a web page with a picture and what will be 4 links(I currently have 3 active) using Microsoft Word.  I realize I'm not the main developer for the University anymore, I thought I knew what tools would work best for the job as I used them on my website http://ww.shsu.edu/~ucs_jws/.   A Combination of Photoshop and Dreamweaver.

He explained to me that he really wanted it created in MS Word. As it is for my graduate degree, I complied.  And thus, my C I 567 website was born.  Actually, I do understand why the use of tools that the folks in the K-12 grouping have at their hands is perfectly appropriate in this situation.   Not all districts can afford to have the best software and simply put, using Word is quick and easy.

All that being said, I  do prefer using  my normal tools!

Oh yea!!! We just made a very well worth it 40 minute round trip on our lunch break to Conroe!  We got the last Wii at Best Buy!  The Wii Sports edition.  Also purchased:

• Wii play (extra controller with more games)
• Wii Chuk (extra controller)
• HD hookups for the Wii and our TV
• Wiicharger and controller wiichargeable batteries ;)
  

Well we had our Trip to sonic with the youngest again on Monday.  Kim and I waited expectantly as Faith tried to form the say the name of the breakfast item that she liked best.  Yes it was said that we didn't try and help her say the work correctly first, but hey, our amusement is important *grin*. 

Anywho finally after about 7 "I wants" followed by a break for thinking, our daughter let us know that she wanted some Tattoos.  We think by the next time we order, she'll have it straight and we will be at a loss for any more Titillating Tater Tot stories.

On our way to drop our youngest off at daycare this morning we pulled into Sonic for some Diet Coke and Diet Vanilla coke goodness.  When we pull in our youngest mentions something from the back seat.  She innocently asks "Can I have some poka-dots?" 

You see previously we had let Faith have some of mommy's tater tots and she liked 'em so much that we have ordered her some for breakfast since then.  Well, Faith recognized where we were, but just forgot the name of the thing she liked, so she asked for the next best thing, poka-dots.

After much giggling under our breath we told her we would order her some Tater Tots and she was happy.

It was a wonderfully funny/sweet moment and we wanted to share it.

Hailey, her dance class and the entire studio did a remarkable job at Hailey's first competition in Tyler this past weekend.  Hailey's Class took Elite Gold in Tapp and Platinum 2nd in Jazz.  The production number that the studio won 1st place and 1st overall in points, so that means that it will go on to Nationals this summer!!! 

Hailey was awesome!  While she was on stage her mom and dad cheered for her! We have a bunch of great pictures that we took before and after the events in the photo album.  We have actually purchased some shots from a studio that was there taking pictures during the events, as we were not allowed.

On a funny note, Hailey told one of her teachers that her Daddy embarrassed her by cheering so loud, to which her teacher replied, "oh honey, you better get used to it, that's what daddies do."  (I know this isn't an exact quote but it is the gist).

We ate at Cheddars in Tyler, which was AWESOME, as well as the Cotton Patch.  Both were great!  We were even able to go swimming at the Hotel Pool and sit in the Hot tub.