Now that I am out of school for the summer, everyday life has comepletely changed in the Hickok home. No longer am I slapping the alarm clock begging for 5 more minutes. And I am not rushing out the door, praying that I make it to school before the buses beat me and before the principal stakes his claim at the front door. Life seems to be more relaxed. And I have decided to give myself a good break before I jump into this list...
-cleaning the basement... It is so dreadful. I am embarassed by the amount of "stuff" that is down there.
-lesson plans for next year... You may wonder why I don't use the same plans every year. Well, I do sort of but I need to spice things up or life would get too boring.
-tan... There is not much I can do about this one. The sun has decided to take a vacation too.
-being fit... I am so tired of being tired and out of shape. So I have decided to work out at least four, maybe five if I am really motivated, times a week. I have already started this and I am doing pretty good so far.
-cleaning the house... I am going to wash walls and trim, clean closets and cabinets.
-read... I have started about 4 books and haven't finished any of them.
My list isn't too long but it's hanging over me and I just want it to be done. I will update you periodically to let you know how it's going.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Slimmin' With Simmons
Have you ever met someone and thought, wow,I have never met anyone so friendly and down to earth? Two weeks ago my class had the opportunity to travel to New York City to meet Richard Simmons. It was quite the opportunity for us and one that I will remember forever.
It all began a few months ago. My principal passed on the word that we would need to start exercising in the classroom as part of a district initiative. I will be honest, at first I thought how in the world will I ever be able to make time for exercising along with all of the curriculum demands that we have? But I decided to try it. I quickly realized that jumping jacks and "Mrs. Hickok says" were not exactly producing the results that I wanted. I really wanted the kids to be in to it. So I decided to introduce them to this guy.
My class was instantly drawn to his energy. So we started to work out to a few of his DVDs three times a week. On days that we worked out with Richard my students were more alert and ready to work. I also noticed that difference in me too. I felt like I had more energy which makes for a better environment for my students.
I decided to contact Richard. He has a website http://www.richardsimmons.com/j15/ and so I sent him a quick email sharing with him what my students do. I was shocked when he responded to my email. You know what I am talking about. How many times have you written to someone "famous" (don't lie, you know you have) in hopes to hear back from them and you receive a big fat nothing? I really wasn't expecting him to respond but when he did I was thrilled. So thrilled that I ran into the bedroom and jumped on the bed, talking a mile a minute about the email I got from Richard. Poor John! He hasn't seen that much excitement since our newlywed days. Just kidding!
In the email Richard offered additional DVDs and said that he would send a signed picture of himself and he did. About a month and half ago I received another email inviting my class and myself to New York City for a PE Pep Rally. The pep rally was held on the steps of City Hall and Richard introduced the City Council Resolution 1925/2009, which called upon the 111th Congress to pass the FIT Kids Act,federal legislation that would improve the standards for physical education. You can imagine how excited we were. So after a bottle/can drive and some very generous donations given by some pretty amazing people (mom-in-law, PTA, STA, and the principal) we hopped on bus and traveled to the Big Apple.
Let me just say that when my students got their first glimpse of Richard, you would have thought Miley Cyrus showed up. Richard greeted us with hugs and spent so much time with us. He was so interested in my students and just perfect! The day was awesome and one that I am sure my students will remember forever. Richard surrounds himself with pretty amazing people as well. Anne is one of "persons" and she is so super fabulous! Everyone was so friendly and kind. I was also able to speak at the press conference. It was the perfect trip for a pretty amazing school year.
So like I said at the beginning, have you ever met someone so friendly and down to earth? I have and after spending the day with Richard, I was sad to leave and so were my students. He makes you feel like you're an old friend. And as for Miley Cyrus, sure she's cute but she doesn't compare to our Richard.
It all began a few months ago. My principal passed on the word that we would need to start exercising in the classroom as part of a district initiative. I will be honest, at first I thought how in the world will I ever be able to make time for exercising along with all of the curriculum demands that we have? But I decided to try it. I quickly realized that jumping jacks and "Mrs. Hickok says" were not exactly producing the results that I wanted. I really wanted the kids to be in to it. So I decided to introduce them to this guy.
My class was instantly drawn to his energy. So we started to work out to a few of his DVDs three times a week. On days that we worked out with Richard my students were more alert and ready to work. I also noticed that difference in me too. I felt like I had more energy which makes for a better environment for my students.
I decided to contact Richard. He has a website http://www.richardsimmons.com/j15/ and so I sent him a quick email sharing with him what my students do. I was shocked when he responded to my email. You know what I am talking about. How many times have you written to someone "famous" (don't lie, you know you have) in hopes to hear back from them and you receive a big fat nothing? I really wasn't expecting him to respond but when he did I was thrilled. So thrilled that I ran into the bedroom and jumped on the bed, talking a mile a minute about the email I got from Richard. Poor John! He hasn't seen that much excitement since our newlywed days. Just kidding!
In the email Richard offered additional DVDs and said that he would send a signed picture of himself and he did. About a month and half ago I received another email inviting my class and myself to New York City for a PE Pep Rally. The pep rally was held on the steps of City Hall and Richard introduced the City Council Resolution 1925/2009, which called upon the 111th Congress to pass the FIT Kids Act,federal legislation that would improve the standards for physical education. You can imagine how excited we were. So after a bottle/can drive and some very generous donations given by some pretty amazing people (mom-in-law, PTA, STA, and the principal) we hopped on bus and traveled to the Big Apple.
Let me just say that when my students got their first glimpse of Richard, you would have thought Miley Cyrus showed up. Richard greeted us with hugs and spent so much time with us. He was so interested in my students and just perfect! The day was awesome and one that I am sure my students will remember forever. Richard surrounds himself with pretty amazing people as well. Anne is one of "persons" and she is so super fabulous! Everyone was so friendly and kind. I was also able to speak at the press conference. It was the perfect trip for a pretty amazing school year.
So like I said at the beginning, have you ever met someone so friendly and down to earth? I have and after spending the day with Richard, I was sad to leave and so were my students. He makes you feel like you're an old friend. And as for Miley Cyrus, sure she's cute but she doesn't compare to our Richard.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Happy Birthday!
Today we celebrated John's 35th birthday! I don't want to pick on Johnny about his age because my birthday is right around the corner which means I am catching up. We enjoyed salad, pizza and a really yummy chocolate cake (cake compliments of some great friends). I tried to build my own cake but I had to reach out for some much needed help. The company was great and Noah seemed like he really enjoyed his first party. He danced when we sang "Happy Birthday" to John and enjoyed a bite or two of the chocolate cake. We feel really blessed to be able to share our birthdays with family. Happy Birthday Johnny!
Friday, May 15, 2009
A few pictures!
It has been awhile since I have posted a slide show of pictures. Noah is a lot of fun these days. He is beginning to crawl and he has one tooth. Time flies so fast. It seems like yesterday that we were bringing him home from the hospital. In a few short months we will be celebrating his first birthday. Enjoy!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
True/False
Let me start off by introducing myself, I am Michelle Hickok. Yes, I know I have been away for awhile and have not been a faithful blogger. But I can explain. I have tons of excuses. Now usually, I get frustrated with excuses because as a fourth grade teacher, I hear them often. But really, life in the Hickok house has been really busy. Rather than give you the list of Hickok Happenings I decided to spice things up, sorta like extra credit for being such a lazy blogger. Being the teacher I am I decided to create a true/false test for you. Let's see how many you get correct.
1. Noah had a four day fever. It wasn't pretty. The doctor had to catheterize the young lad and he wasn't in favor of it. I can't say that I blame him.
2. John has been busy working. But in his spare time, he writes me love poems and cooks fabulous meals.
3. We purchased another dog. It is the most adorable black lab we have ever laid eyes on. So cute!
4. Noah has been practicing crawling. He gets up on all fours and rocks back and forth.
5. Noah calls us by name now. He loves saying Ma-Ma and Da-Da.
6. My class is counting down the days until our baby chicks hatch. And when they do we are having a party, complete with peeps and Cadbury eggs.
7. Noah is going to make it into the Guinness Book of World Records. When I pick him up from the daycare, it takes him 1 minute and 30 seconds to fall asleep during the car ride home.
8. John is working on completing plans for a pool deck. Hallelujah!
9. Noah tasted his first french fry. We visited McDonald's to support my school. Noah liked the french fry but not as much as he enjoyed putting his fingers all over my principal's glasses. Thank goodness he likes kids.
10. Richard Simmons came to my school to exercise with my class for our BEST assembly. Love that man!
That concludes the Hickok Happenings True/False Test. So how did you do?
Test Answers
1. True. Noah really did have a fever. We are not quite sure what it was but they did have to catheterize him and it was horrible. I never want him to experience that again.
2. Sorta True. John has been really busy with work but I have yet to see a love poem. I am not giving up hope yet though.
3. So False. Never!! We have two dogs, one guinea pig, and one fish. We have enough pets for now.
4. True. Noah is getting ready to take off.
5. True. Noah says Ma-Ma and Da-Da but I am not so sure he knows this blonde is the real deal yet.
6. True, well half true. My class did get baby chick eggs and we are anxiously waiting for our little babes to hatch, but I am not so sure we are having a party. But I haven't exactly ruled out the idea either.
7. Sorta True. Noah does fall asleep very quickly upon me picking him up from daycare, but Guinness hasn't contacted us - yet!
8. So True. Noah, the dogs, and I can't wait!
9. So True. Now relax all you health nuts. It's not like we're buying stock in McDonald's, not yet anyways. He was fussy and the french fry was there and he loved it. Besides when he was hibernating in the womb he ate lots of things. He wasn't 10.2 because I sat around eating rice cakes and carrots. And yes, he did put a lot of finger prints on my principal's glasses. Those glasses were greasy for days from all that french fry oil.
10. False. We have been doing Richard Simmons in my classroom. The kids love it, well, most of them. We invited Richard to come join us to exercise in front of the entire school. He couldn't make it, but we still love him.
As the school year winds down I promise to be more faithful blogging. You know how busy life gets. I will try to post pictures soon.
1. Noah had a four day fever. It wasn't pretty. The doctor had to catheterize the young lad and he wasn't in favor of it. I can't say that I blame him.
2. John has been busy working. But in his spare time, he writes me love poems and cooks fabulous meals.
3. We purchased another dog. It is the most adorable black lab we have ever laid eyes on. So cute!
4. Noah has been practicing crawling. He gets up on all fours and rocks back and forth.
5. Noah calls us by name now. He loves saying Ma-Ma and Da-Da.
6. My class is counting down the days until our baby chicks hatch. And when they do we are having a party, complete with peeps and Cadbury eggs.
7. Noah is going to make it into the Guinness Book of World Records. When I pick him up from the daycare, it takes him 1 minute and 30 seconds to fall asleep during the car ride home.
8. John is working on completing plans for a pool deck. Hallelujah!
9. Noah tasted his first french fry. We visited McDonald's to support my school. Noah liked the french fry but not as much as he enjoyed putting his fingers all over my principal's glasses. Thank goodness he likes kids.
10. Richard Simmons came to my school to exercise with my class for our BEST assembly. Love that man!
That concludes the Hickok Happenings True/False Test. So how did you do?
Test Answers
1. True. Noah really did have a fever. We are not quite sure what it was but they did have to catheterize him and it was horrible. I never want him to experience that again.
2. Sorta True. John has been really busy with work but I have yet to see a love poem. I am not giving up hope yet though.
3. So False. Never!! We have two dogs, one guinea pig, and one fish. We have enough pets for now.
4. True. Noah is getting ready to take off.
5. True. Noah says Ma-Ma and Da-Da but I am not so sure he knows this blonde is the real deal yet.
6. True, well half true. My class did get baby chick eggs and we are anxiously waiting for our little babes to hatch, but I am not so sure we are having a party. But I haven't exactly ruled out the idea either.
7. Sorta True. Noah does fall asleep very quickly upon me picking him up from daycare, but Guinness hasn't contacted us - yet!
8. So True. Noah, the dogs, and I can't wait!
9. So True. Now relax all you health nuts. It's not like we're buying stock in McDonald's, not yet anyways. He was fussy and the french fry was there and he loved it. Besides when he was hibernating in the womb he ate lots of things. He wasn't 10.2 because I sat around eating rice cakes and carrots. And yes, he did put a lot of finger prints on my principal's glasses. Those glasses were greasy for days from all that french fry oil.
10. False. We have been doing Richard Simmons in my classroom. The kids love it, well, most of them. We invited Richard to come join us to exercise in front of the entire school. He couldn't make it, but we still love him.
As the school year winds down I promise to be more faithful blogging. You know how busy life gets. I will try to post pictures soon.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Happy Easter from the Hickoks!
I can't believe we will be celebrating our first Easter with Noah tomorrow. Time sure does fly by quickly. Picking out a special Easter outfit gave me great pleasure and I can't wait to put it on him tomorrow.
Tomorrow will be a busy day for us. We will be going to church quite early and then getting ready for our dinner guests. I hope that as a family we will be able to set all of that aside and really reflect on the meaning of Easter. I have a habit of getting into that, "everything has to be perfect for the guests" mode when we have company.
Easter brings back a lot great memories for me. As a child some of my favorite memories of Easter were getting dressed up in a pretty pink dress that my grandmother bought complete with a purse and hat. My brother and I would stand outside and get our picture taken. I love Easter for many reasons. Easter brings the hope of warm weather.
As you are gathering with your families tomorrow, John, Noah and I pray that you will receive many blessings. Happy Easter from the Hickoks!
Tomorrow will be a busy day for us. We will be going to church quite early and then getting ready for our dinner guests. I hope that as a family we will be able to set all of that aside and really reflect on the meaning of Easter. I have a habit of getting into that, "everything has to be perfect for the guests" mode when we have company.
Easter brings back a lot great memories for me. As a child some of my favorite memories of Easter were getting dressed up in a pretty pink dress that my grandmother bought complete with a purse and hat. My brother and I would stand outside and get our picture taken. I love Easter for many reasons. Easter brings the hope of warm weather.
As you are gathering with your families tomorrow, John, Noah and I pray that you will receive many blessings. Happy Easter from the Hickoks!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Johnny, Shell and Noah
It has been 7 months since John and I welcomed Noah into this world yet for some reason it seems like ages ago. Seven months really isn't a long time when you think about it. But strangely enough I really feel like he has been part of our lives since the beginning of Johnny and Shell time (that is when John first laid eyes on me and knew he couldn't live one day without me). People often ask us how parenthood is going. Here is what I or we could say on any given day.
- Love it!
- Tiring
- Amazing
- Busy
- Fun
- Life-changing
- Simple (sometimes we feel really brave)
Sometimes I wonder how me manage to get it all done. You know, work, family time, dinner and all of the other things that pertain to life. However, when I look at Noah I can't imagine our hectic life any different. I can't imagine just a Johnny and Shell. It's Johnny, Shell and Noah.
- Love it!
- Tiring
- Amazing
- Busy
- Fun
- Life-changing
- Simple (sometimes we feel really brave)
Sometimes I wonder how me manage to get it all done. You know, work, family time, dinner and all of the other things that pertain to life. However, when I look at Noah I can't imagine our hectic life any different. I can't imagine just a Johnny and Shell. It's Johnny, Shell and Noah.
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