Go on over to Sweetnicks page to see links to all sorts of cute dogs out in Blog Land. Thanks for hosting, Sweetnicks!
I had a tough time getting a good picture of Harley. Here he is eating a chewy, closely watched by Miss Tilly, my classroom's pet who comes home with me occasionally.
Peanut is a happy dog!
My dad had his surgery Wednesday morning at 6:30 and was home by 11:30! That just amazes me!
They were able to put his ankle and leg back together, but it took 11 screws. I think all are permanent except for one that will come out in 6 weeks. They fixed one toe but will have to do surgery again to fix the other 3 because they were still so swollen.
I talked to Dad last night and he sounded well, considering. It's times like that this that makes me feel like the 3 hour distance between here and home is too far. :(
More to come this weekend...
Here are Harley and Peanut for the first issue of Weekend Dog Blogging, hosted by Sweetnicks. Aren't they cute?
Harley is a 5 yo 140# Alaskan Malamute/St. Bernard Mix. He's the man of the house! Peanut is 2, comes in a 100#s less than Harley, and my best guess is a border collie/Australian shepherd/blue heeler mix. She's a mess. My life would be very lonely without these mutts!
The OKC CBS affiliate did a story on Clayton and Cynthia last night. We just happened to be at the crash site when they came so my dad was interviewed.
http://newsok.com/article/1613912/?template=home/main is where the video is. You have to create a password and login to view it though.
I'm in it at the beginning, just a quick profile shot hammering in a cross.
It was a wonderful tribute to Clayton and Cynthia.
Dakota would have been 8 today.
We miss you!
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. We are all hanging in there. I'll post more later.
I can't sleep.
My parents witnessed the death of 2 close friends tonight. Six more feet, a few seconds here or there, and I could be parentless. By the Grace of God I am not.
I hurt for the children of Cynthia and Clayton, for Cynthia's mom and sisters, and for their grandchildren. They were wonderful, kind, caring people who were always ready with a hug whenever I saw them.
My dad has a broken leg and foot that will require surgery. It looks like his upcoming (next month) 59th birthday will be spent on crutches, but at least he'll see 59.
The details: They were riding the bikes (Harleys) and on their way to town to get something to eat. An old man (or woman?) ran a stop sign on a curve and broadsided one motorcyle at about 60 mph. They didn't have time to react. Their legs were severed and their bodies thrown. He died shortly thereafter, probably of internal trauma and blood loss. She died while be flown to Oklahoma City or shortly after arriving. He was conscious after it happened and was only concerned about his wife.
My dad was able to stop his bike in time, though did hit the back of the car barely. Somehow his leg got tangled and the bike fell, crushing it. He'll heal physically, but it will take them both much longer to heal emotionally.
Fortunately, I was fairly nearby in Oklahoma City at a party and able to make it to the hospital within an hour of getting the call.
I really hope they sell their bikes now. I've witnessed one wreck and now this. I can't take much more.
We are up to over $7,500! I am beyond amazed at our students. I have heard stories of one girl donating 5 weeks allowance, 2 6th graiders raising $170 over the weekend, and more.
I should add (in case I haven't before) that my school is 6th-8th grade. We have about 950 students, so it's not a small school by any means, but that is still alot of $$$.
We were orginally hoping they would give more than they did last year for the tsunami relief. That sum was less than $1,000, so they have gone well above and beyond.
I'm proud! :)
On another note, I'm also exhausted. Too many late nights trying to play catch-up. Last night was also our first football game--I'm a cheer sponsor, so after a day spent in training (easy), I went to 1 1/2 football games, and then to my classroom until almost 10.
This morning I got a new student in one of my classes. He makes 9 students. I'm am beyond overwhelmed w/ this class (actually it's 2 instructional periods)--7 boys, 2 girls, with academic levels from 2nd-6th grade, one is ESL, one is austistic, one has asberger's, some are AD/HD, one has behavior issues, most are LD. Anyone have any words of wisdom???? My team leader keeps telling me I'll figure things out. I wish I was as confident as she in my abilities!
Have a nice weekend...I'll be back on Sunday with tales of a bachelorette party in Oklahoma City(not mine)!
My school has now raised over $5,000!
I hope to get back to blogging more next week...not enough time lately to do everything that needs to be done!
We had an all school assembly today (6th-8th grade). Several faculty spoke, including one who is from New Orleans. It was very moving to hear a personal story. Though she is here and not there, she is still affected in a way that most can't relate to. She is still waiting to hear from family and friends. She has no idea if her childhood home is still there. Her parents were thankfully able to get out a couple nights ago. Her dad is a doctor, so he didn't evacuate initially but instead holed up in his office.
Faculty and staff then walked up to donate to a bucket. We found out later that we the total was $1,450 and the students haven't even contributed yet! All of our monies are going to the Salvation Army. Our district is also hoping to find a district-wide corporate sponsor. With over 50,000 students, we should hopefully be able to help out a lot.
I don't even want to turn on the news anymore. It's too depressing.
Today is Hurricane Katrina: World Blog Relief Day. I know everyone is probably getting hit at from all sides to donate. I hope if you are reading this, you donate to some organization somewhere. There are so many that have lost so much. I can't even put into words how this makes me feel. Here is a blog with a list of charities, if you'd prefer to find one you support to donate to. Please give something--every bit helps!
My school is having an assembly tomorrow. Teachers are going to donate cash to a bucket to show the students what we are giving. We hope they do the same. I am blessed to work at a great school, so I know these kids, many who have so much, will step up to the plate.
We are also trying to get corporate matches. I am going to contact my prior employer, The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas to see if they will partner with us and match what we raise.
Please keep all of those affected in your thoughts and prayers.
