Amanda

Stork

2009-03-29T20:30:10Z

I know I don't post often, but I lurk are read on a regular basis.

Lil baby Eaton has arrived. He was born Friday March 27th at 6:03am. He weigh 7 lbs 2 oz and is 20 oz long. We are home and doing pretty well overall. He is jaundice so we go back to the hospital tomorrow for tests.

We just got home this afternoon. I'll try to post more info. and some pics. soon hopefully.

It's a ....

2008-11-08T23:23:24Z

We went in to have our ultrasound a couple weeks ago. We have a healthy 10oz lil baby BOY!!!
Everything went pretty well. My placenta is up front. So, that helped me breathe easy cuz I am not feeling nearly as much movement as a friend of mine who is a couple weeks ahead of me.
I have a few questions for my doctor at my next appointment, but doesn't seem like there are no major concerns.

We did some registering yesterday which was fun and exciting. It also made me feel a little more together about things. We are working on cleaning out one of the spare bedrooms to make into the nursery. We got our first "bigger" baby thing yesterday!!! Its a rain forest swing. We got it for about 80 dollars cheaper than the store, from a co-worker of Adam's.

Now, we're trying to find a name that we both agree on. Adam wants to stick with the "A" trend. So, Austin and Ashton are some options.
Outside of that restriction, we also like Logan and Cameron. However, I am not the best at decisions so I'm sure we'll go around and around this! :)

PS I don't plan on telling what we decide until the baby is born.

The holidays are almost here!!

I've been hit by 2 different bugs!

2008-09-26T00:52:20Z

First, I have been hit by the baby bug! I am due March 17th! I just had a Dr. appointment on Tues. and everything is fine. I have lost a few pounds and the baby's heart rate was 146. Next month, we'll set up an appointment to go for an ultrasound!!!!

Second, I have been hit by some sort of cold germ. I am drinking orange juice, trying to gargle, drinking lots of water and blowing my nose tons. I am desperately trying NOT to get bronchitis again this year.

Whoa

2008-08-17T18:13:19Z

So, its been forever it seems!
Here's the run down:
School:
~ the school year finished well
~ we have been doing home visits to help prepare for this coming year. I will be in the EI program and and will be sorta co-teaching with another teacher and with 2 Instructional Aides.
~ I have signed up for a class for my LD masters to take this fall at GVSU

Home:
~ We finally have a lawn and we had underground sprinkling installed too which is great and so much easier.
~ We painted our bedroom, installed a closet organizer, got a new light fixture and rearranged our furniture.
~ We organized our basement to help get ready for some new additions. It looks like my parents are getting us a freezer for Christmas and they may be getting rid of their pool table so that may also be going into our basement.

Love, Marriage & Other:
~ Adam and I have been married for just over year! The year went quite quickly.
~ We went camping this summer at the State Park.
~ We went on a cruise which left LA and went to Catalina and Esenada (sp?)

Well, that's the update for now! I need to finish laundry and go get groceries.

holland_amanda @ 2008-08-17T14:03:00

2008-08-17T18:03:26Z

Your result for The Perception Personality Image Test ...
HBDS - The Commander

Humanity, Background, Detail, and Shape

HBDS - The Commander

You perceive the world with particular attention to humanity. You focus on the hidden treasures of life (the background) and how that is affected by the details of life. You are also particularly drawn towards the shapes around you. Because of the value you place on humanity, you tend to seek out other people and get energized by being around others. You like to ponder ideas and imagine the many possibilities of your life without worrying about the details or specifics. You are highly focused on specific goals or tasks and find meaning in life by pursuing those goals. You prefer a structured environment within which to live and you like things to be predictable.

The Perception Personality Types:
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Mash Game: Predict Your Future at eSPIN-the-Bottle

2008-06-12T14:20:13Z



		I will marry Joshua Jackson.
		After a wild honeymoon, We will settle down in North Carolina in our fabulous Shack.
		We will have 0 kid(s) together.
		Our family will zoom around in a white conversion van.
		I will spend my days as a day care provider, and live happily ever after.

holland_amanda @ 2008-04-20T13:38:00

2008-04-20T18:38:50Z

Ahh.... Snow day!

2008-01-24T11:32:09Z

Although I am bummed that I didn't find out about our snow day today until after I was dressed and my make-up was done, I am still quiet pleased to be bummed while in bed! We had a snow day on Tuesday. Then, yesterday we had parent teacher conferences so we didn't have students. Now we have a snow day. tomorrow is going to be CRAZY! Most Fridays are but my kids haven't been in school since Monday and even then our number were low.
Overall, school is going well. I don't appreciate driving 45-95 minutes every morning and again every evening. However, it would seem that I have job security because our program is still gaining students.

Married life is going pretty well too. You are more than a wife or husband... your a roommate, friend.... We are beginning to debate about the best timing for kids. Adam is pretty much leaving it up to me as long as I don't take too long.

Speaking of baby....
Zip has some great baby girl news! Her daughter has arrived!!! I will let her post all the details!

Adam and I have free plane tickets and are trying to plan a vacation. I think that we may take an Alaskan cruise.

Well, I am going to veg in bed until the sun starts to appear... Have snow day! :)

holland_amanda @ 2007-12-22T17:37:00

2007-12-22T22:52:31Z

Well, Holiday Break has begun! YEA! Hmm.... it has been so long I don't know where to start!

School: Teaching is going well. It is interesting to be a new teacher and also be the "expert" of the subject but often that is how I am treated. There is one other person who as more EI knowledge. So, that was one adjustment, having administration ask, what should I do with this student. It is very empowering though also! I am truly their casemanger... I coordinate social work, other classes, Medicaid, PO appointments and such! I having many stories and some day should write a book! Most of my students are making progress (no matter how small) or at least have a string of good days every now and then. Though, breaks are not great for this population so Dec. and Jan. are hard for us! We will be getting a new student in Jan. and a female! Hurray!

Anyone going into ed. (especially sp. ed.) here are my 2 cents of advice...
~ Be a people person because you are always talking to people.
~ Be able to be emotionally in control of yourself NO MATTER WHAT is said or done.
~ Know your buttons before they find them.
~ Always be able to advocate for your students no matter where you are on the seniority list!
~ You must absolutely be passionate about your job and the kids!

Marriage: Adam and I are very busy lately. I think it is still hard for him that I don't get home until 6 or 7 even though school is out at 3:10. The 45min-1hour drive doesn't help though. I may be looking in a year or two... who knows! There is a lot of whispers about the "b" word.

There isn't a whole lot else ... I am going to try to join the Y...

Hope ya'll have very safe, warm and happy holidays!

Yikes!

2007-10-28T23:23:34Z

Wow! It has been a while since I last posted!

I am know a married lady with a full time teaching position! Life is pretty good! It is busy!

Married life is fairly similiar to life prior to marriage. We have been married for just about 3 months. We just got our pictures back so I will try to post some of those soon. Adam and I are trying to plan our vacations. We may go on a cruise since we received a voucher for free flights during our return from our honeymoon (because we took a bump). We are also looking for a place in west Michigan to go camping and rafting.

Our honeymoon and wedding we fantastic! It was definitely us! And if anyone is looking for a romantic getaway, try the Poconos! They are all inclusive. We went fishing, hiking, played mini-golf, had breakfast in bed, white water rafting, horseback riding and more for one overall price!

My classroom is going well. The first few weeks were tough. I had some nights I cried most of the ride home, but I think few teachers get through their first year without a few tears! At one point most of my hours had 12-13 students in them. Now, gen. ed... those number are great, however when all of them have emotional/social issues... it is quiet exciting! Some of that excitement ranges from student getting high on paint thinner in class to teen pregnancy to a fight. Like I said, things are improving especially since I have developed a relationship with most of my students. I have never felt that any of them would threaten or harm me. Actually, I have almost had a fight because a student was upset with how another student was talking to me. I have built some great staff relationship too. They recently hired another EI teacher and split my room up so now I have 4-8 students each hour AND I have someone to consult and plan with! Overall, I am really enjoying my job! In fact there are VERY few days when I feel that it is a job... most days I would do it for little to nothing and that is something I check about myself on a regular basis.

Well, I have to get back to laundry and grading. Take care all!!

holland_amanda @ 2007-07-29T17:46:00

2007-07-29T21:47:16Z

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZIP!!

holland_amanda @ 2007-07-11T11:26:00

2007-07-11T15:31:46Z

Well,
about 24 days from now I will be Mrs. Amanda Eaton!
About six weeks from now I will begin teaching!
I will be teach high school math, science, social studies, english and transitions to students with emotional impairments. I am going to school tomorrow to see my room and get more information. I also recently got fingerprinted which was an interesting experience! And speaking of transitions... is there a class on becoming a wife and starting your career??? :)

Well, I have to get plans together for tutoring and call some vendors...

WHOOHOOO!

2007-06-21T12:49:08Z

For about 15 minutes now, I have been a teacher ....
WITH A TEACHING POSITION!!!
I just accepted a job teaching special education! I go on Thursday to sign papers and get more information!

holland_amanda @ 2007-06-19T10:43:00

2007-06-19T14:46:28Z

I have my first interviews this week! I am glad to just have an interview even if I am not offered a job. I have one on Wed. and one on Thur.

Wedding plans are continuing to move along and are going well!

I have started class and tutoring yesterday and that has gone well so far.

Getting Married!

2007-06-04T16:12:27Z

2 months from right now I will be getting my make up done and putting on my gown!! Whoo Hoo!

holland_amanda @ 2007-05-24T11:46:00

2007-05-24T15:54:28Z

Well, planning seems to be the name of the game right now. Just over two months until the wedding and three months until I should be teaching!

Wedding plans are coming along well. We are at the stage where we are just figuring out all the little details. Currently I am trying to decide if I want to wear a veil. So, maybe you guys can through your two sense in. Here's what I wonder...1) does a veil "make" a bride? I mean, others wear white dresses but there isn't another time to wear a veil. 2) Is it going to be too windy on the beach? I have issues with my hear in my face let alone a piece of fabric.

Job searching is torcher! I have been searching and getting out resumes and applications but I haven't heard anything back yet. I am getting anxious, but I'm not sure if I should be or not.. Really I just want an interview, even if it doesn't result in an offer, I want an interview.

Exciting news! A friend of mine from high school who I haven't seen in 5 years (or more) may be able to come up with her family (from California) for the wedding!!!

Have a safe Holiday weekend all! Take a little time to remember...and be grateful.

holland_amanda @ 2007-05-04T00:32:00

2007-05-04T04:39:07Z

I don't know if this means I am from both... but I haven't been to most of the east coast (especially the northern part)...

Northeastern.
You're probably from somewhere near New York City, possibly north Jersey, or Connecticut or Rhode Island. If you are from New York City you may be one of the types who people never believe when you say you're from New York.

Northern. Whether you have the world famous Inland North accent of the Great Lakes area, or the radio-friendly sound of upstate NY and western New England, your accent is what used to set the standard for American English pronunciation (not much anymore now that the Inland North sounds like it does).

Might as well update.
I went for alterations on my wedding gown today. They only needed to bustle it! I think I am an "off the rack" gal. I rarely have to have things altered... even though I have changed sizes over the years. Invites arrive on Monday so I can start putting those together! I don't have school until June 14 so I am going to get this stuff done! I go from June 14 to Aug. 3... or later... My prof. gave me the go ahaed for aug. 4 wedding and now is saying that there's a slight possibility that we could go until Aug. 9... I said... haha!... okay, I will email you whatever I need to or call you from my honeymoon! Leah and Amanda's dresses came in and that made me very excited! Adam and I are going to book out plane tickets tomarrow... (that is what I am doning up so late.. research)

Job searching is soooo much fun! Bllahhuck! I am plugging away at it though!

Take care all! This sunny weather we have reminding me of all of you and gives me the urge to jump on a horse or in a canoe or something!

whoa... thoughts

2007-04-18T18:58:26Z

So many things are bringing up so many thoughts for me right now. I find it interesting that just when I am about to get married and start my career, something many people refer to as settling down, I am so driving still to "change the world".

The horrible events in VA, for example, bring up my views on education and institutions. Especially pych. wards and prisons. Standing on my soapbox doesn't get me very far... so I guess I have found something to work on on my "summers off"! I am not sure why I feel the need to add more to my plate, but I am glad in a way that I am still nieve enough to believe that I can change things that make me mad and frustrated! For example... long term solitary confinment! Hmm... let's drive someone to be crazed and then think about releasing them to society! If our education system worked like our prision system...

Okay... so, I am prcrastinating! I should be working on my problem statement (beginning to my thesis) It is wierd to think of working on my thesis! And my portfolio and my apllication for a postion at as a teacher for students with emotionally impairements in a residential treatment center. I think that is why I am so nieve... I NEED to believe in rehabilition for a majority of the population... otherwise I'll come to the realization about how many of my students will end up in prision or homeless.

Enough of that!
Adam and I have ordered our wedding bands. I am soooo psyched! 108 days!

Blah.... growing pains!

2007-04-04T03:16:50Z

So.... I am not enjoying being a grown up right now...
~ our washer died
~ our toilet is broke (thankfully we have two)
~ I just had to buy two new tires
~ I am about to find my own insurance (mom & dad's was much cheaper!)
~ budgeting for wedding is getting tight (both our mom's just recieved a pay cut)
~ our grill broke

hummm,....

Cold feet...

2007-03-16T19:26:45Z

So, I am feeling pretty good about geting married. I haven't had time to do much for the wedding lately, but I feel that we are ready.

However,...
I am not so sure I am ready for the other leap I am getting ready to take! I don't know if I am ready to find a REAL job and be a REAL teacher. Mostly the job hunt part...
We have been going to pre-martial counseling to get ready for that leap... so I think I may use GVSU's services for practice interviews and such...

My parachutes are ready!!! Here I go!!

a time to DANCE!

2007-02-28T18:08:38Z

That is exactly what I did when I got the mail today!

I am officially A CERTIFIED TEACHER!!! I just recieved my first certification in the mail!

This came at a perfect time because the resume and cover letter and all that jazz was stressing me out! Another great things was the other envelope in the mail was part of my tax return! Whoohoo!

A different magic eight ball!

2007-02-24T12:36:51Z

How does the world see me?
Song: in the air tonight
Artist: phil collins

Will I have a happy life?
Song: The right kind of wrong
Artist: leann rimes

What do my friends really think of me?
Song: Hold my hand
Artist: hootie and the blowfish

Do people secretly lust after me?
Song: red rag top
Artist: tim mcgraw

How can I make myself happy?
Song: I go back
Artist: kenny chesney

What should I do with my life?
Song: Going the distance
Artist: Cake
I think that fits...

Why should life be full of so much pain?
Song: The Dance
Artist: Garth Brooks

How can I maximize my pleasure during sex?
Song: A real fine place to start
Artist: Sara Evans

Will I ever have children?
Song:Baby Girl
Artist: Sugarland
Whoa!

Will I die happy?
Song: Can't fight this feeling
Artist:REO Speedwagon

What is some good advice for me?
Song:Daddy's Hands
Artist:Reba

What is happiness?
Song: When I come around
Artist: Green Day

What is my favorite fetish?
Song: Tough little boys
Artist: Gary Allen

How will I be remembered?
Song: I can love you better
Artist: dixie chicks

Oddly... I find a little bit of interest in the validity of this... I mean your music most likely reflects who you are and for me I listen to music from my past so it does reflect who I was ... so does it reflect who you will be?

holland_amanda @ 2007-02-20T12:21:00

2007-02-20T17:29:21Z

Zip and my other bridesmaids are coming this weekend! Yeah!! I am very excited! The email GVSU sent me about working in a school/camp setting for troubled teens has got me thinking a lot about my dream job... and about where my heart lies... hmmm

Wedding plans are still moving along. We have narrowed down the menu and should be meeting with the baker soon. I think I may surprise Adam with a groom's cake if I can rummige up some extra cash.. he LOVES cheesecake so I think that would be fun!

School is going really well. They are cramming us with great stuff... However, a lot of what they have taught us the last four years we are finding out is NOT research based... how dumb to teach us to do something that you don't even know works or not. GRRR!! For example, brain gym, multi-intellegences and such... nothing has been done to back them up! So, I spent all that time and money when really... my prof. should have gone to grad. school first!! That way I don't have to try to forget what they have engrained into our brain as good practices! Seriously though, we are learning some GREAT!!!!!!! things... I wish that all teachers would learn this stuff because what most teachers do... even what I did and was taught to do in student teaching is not logical! Like... why tell a student who struggles with reading to "sound it out" ... if they knew how to sound it out, they wouldn't be struggling.

IT IS NO WONDER STUDENTS DROP OUT AND ARE SO ANGRY! Duhh!!!

Well,... there's my soap box!

CHH ladies!

2007-02-15T17:18:06Z

Hey CHH gals... GVSU just sent out an call for people with psych, theraputic rec., social work and criminal justice degress to work with students in a campish setting. Salary and benifits are pretty decent... just wanted to pass it along. I would jump at it if I was closer to being finish and we didn't have to try to sell the house. I can email you more info! Or check out www.threesprings.com It sounds like an awesome opprotunity!

Four day weekend!??

2007-02-06T18:43:14Z

Yesterday GVSU didn't have class and today Northview doesn't have school (where I tutor on Tues. and Thurs) I have ended up with a four day weekend! Whoa! To add to it Kohls closed early on Friday too... so I got paid for being there even though they sent us home!

Wedding planning is coming along. We have a hall, dress, DJ, florist... the essentials are pretty close to in place.

Mostly I am excited for my dress and how awesome I think it will look as I walk with my dad down the beach!