My cherub, number 3? He made it through heart surgery today. He's at home and resting.
Amazing.
And I'm thankful. And reminded of my blessings.
Happy Friday :)
The Boys
Boy 1 and Boy 2
Friday, February 24, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
My kids: All 25 of them
Yes, that says 25. And no I'm not Octomom or a Duggar.
I'm a teacher.
An educator.
Another mother. Sometimes, their only mother.
A confidante.
A mentor.
Occasionally a kid's worst mightmare.
Sometimes the only one who hears them, listens to them, cares for them.
Let me say that I think it's pretty common for any teacher to refer to her class as "my kids." It just sort of happens because at the end of a week, I've in fact spent more hours with those kids than my own kids. So naturally, you begin to think of them as yours. This year I teach two classes and my kids have doubled! I really have 52!
After the first few weeks of getting to know them you know their personalites, how they handle redirection and if they even like school.
After a couple of months, you're in a groove. You no longer have to think before you say their name and you get their names confused with someone's elses less too. You know with whom they can sit, and those they can't be within a mile of. You can tell whether their attitude towards school has changed, whether or not they like to read, and you can tell if they respect you.
We're now less that 70 days away from the end of the year. The downhill stride and the long awaited warmer weather. And now, I know my kids inside and out.
I can look at a paper and the handwriting and can tell you which kid wrote it without a name on it.
I can look at their faces at 7:50 in the morning and can tell if it's going to be a good day, or not.
I can look at their face and tell you if they are really sick, or not.
I can look in their eyes and tell if they're telling me the truth, or not.
I can tell them I love them and they know that I mean it. Because by now, I do.
Here at the end of February, these are the kids in my homeroom:
1. A quiet cherub who loves gymnastics, is social, struggles in class at times, but tries her hardest.
(I call my students cherubs from day one, because they are. This year we made it to the 3rd six weeks before someone asked what it meant. I asked them why they'd been letting me call them names all this time.)
2. She's new to the school this year, extremely bright, very shy, but brave enough to run for student council, and won.
3. A sweet young man who has heart trouble and will undergo heart surgery on Friday. Yes, heart surgery. yes, he could die. Yes, I'm scared.
4. Another great kiddo who is shy and quiet, respecful and is a pleaser. While not a super strong student, he tries all the time.
5. Awesome girl who is taller than me, funny, witty, athletic and talented. This is my second year with her. (I taught some of these friends two years ago in third grade.) She has a crush on the boy across from her.
6. This cherub is adopted, has many pshycological issues, tends to lie her way in and out of things, has a mom who really should be getting extra support at home and has seen three other girls adopted and leave her home. Her parents are getting divorced and now Daddy's gone too. She can not handle being successful so she continually sabatoges herself. My heart aches.
7. This sweet girl has a mother who is dying, is holding it all together in school, has three siblings who are special needs and is a primary caregiver for her younger siblings.
8. This sweetie has severe bladder issues, but she won't use the restroom. She's at risk for bladder damage and failure at the age of 10. She;'s in the gifted program.
9. This kiddo is funny, bright and sure of himself. He occasionally get things confused, but he can laugh at himself and we can laugh with him too.
10. Admittedly, this one can make me bananas, but I know he has a heart of gold. He talks too much, can't focus long enough to get his work done, but he is wonderful. He did try to make himself puke today to get out of class, but I was onto him and we wouldn't let him go home. (I did give him a trashcan though :) He's one of the only boys that give me a hug at the end of every single day.
11. Another kiddo I've had before. Now he's battling asperger's and ocd. He's dyslexic but worked hard enough to get out of the dyslexic program. He wants so hard to be accepted. His asperger's has now pushed him to bullying and my heart breaks.
12. This angel looks like Bella Swan, and she's just as shy and quiet. She beams when I say I'm proud of her. She has to work harder than the others.
13. This young man is so bright, and extremely funny. He makes my day brighter, and he wrote me a note that I will keep in my "happy file" forever that says he knows each day will be a great day in my class. He appreciates my sense of humor, and I his.
14. This sweet girl has the lead in the school musical. She's smart and funny and learning that it's hard to keep all your balls in the air when you're juggling too much.
15. This boy may be the heart throb of the class. He struggles greatly with ADHD, has to take more meds than his high school brother to function. When he's on, he's amazing. When he's not, I still love him.
16. This boy is the only of a second marriage. His parents are much older than the rest and I can tell that is hard on him at times. He makes sure at the end of every day that my room is in perfect order, and I've never asked him to do that.
17. I''ve had this young lady before. She loves birds. She's in the gifted program and can understand things and has insights that no one else can. The rest of her classmates are immature in her eyes, and she's right. :)
18. Another gifted girl. She has so much voice in her writing. She will know no boundries when she's older.
19. This young man is extremely sensitive, can be a follower or an amazing leader. He wants to please so badly, any one on one talk brings him to tears because he's so nervous he did the wrong thing.
20. This sweet girl has had four bone surgeries on her leg before the 4th grade. She always has a smile, asks too many questions at times, but ultimately only wants to do the right thing and be right. She is one of the sweetest students I've ever had.
21. This sweet girl is the skinniest little thing I've ever seen. Her parents are divorced and it's ugly. Things at one house are really hard on her. She sometimes comes to school without even having brushed her hair. I wonder what home is like.
22. This sweet boy is also OCD, with severe anxiety. He constanly uses hand sanitizer, he chews on his shirts, he covers his ears. He's so smart and loving. He loves to read the same books that I do and we have wonderful discussions about books.
23. This sweet boy has the best smile. He truly listens and looks at you when you are talking. He tries harder than most in my class. He was brave enough to let me know someone was bothering him, and did it so respectfully that I was taken aback.
24. Another repeater. Great kid, sense of humor and smart. Baseball is his life and often Monday mornings are hard because he's exhausted from tournaments all weekend. He is someone the kids trust and like, and rightfully so.
25. This one could probably teach my class. She's another one who does the little things that keep the room running and I don't even have to worry. She and her family have a farm close to the school. In our very suburban neighborhood, she knows that money can be an issue. She is responsible and mature. She lost her smile a few weeks ago, her Pappy has lung cancer and he's going through radiation. Her best friend is the boy who's having surgery on Friday. The weight of the sugery is weighing on both of them.
So there are half of them. I could go on and on. I could tell you how much they make me laugh. I could tell you that we all laugh together just about every day. I could tell you that they make me crazy and I sometimes even have to raise my voice at them. I could tell you that at times I just shake my head and cover my eyes because I can't believe they just did/said that, or they put that on their paper. I could even tell you that today when I gave them their middle school registration packets I almost cried because of how much I'll miss them.
In the midst of this crazy day, made crazier by cherub number 11, I realize how much this job means to me. How much leavity it holds. And how blessed I am to be a part of it.
I'm a teacher.
An educator.
Another mother. Sometimes, their only mother.
A confidante.
A mentor.
Occasionally a kid's worst mightmare.
Sometimes the only one who hears them, listens to them, cares for them.
Let me say that I think it's pretty common for any teacher to refer to her class as "my kids." It just sort of happens because at the end of a week, I've in fact spent more hours with those kids than my own kids. So naturally, you begin to think of them as yours. This year I teach two classes and my kids have doubled! I really have 52!
After the first few weeks of getting to know them you know their personalites, how they handle redirection and if they even like school.
After a couple of months, you're in a groove. You no longer have to think before you say their name and you get their names confused with someone's elses less too. You know with whom they can sit, and those they can't be within a mile of. You can tell whether their attitude towards school has changed, whether or not they like to read, and you can tell if they respect you.
We're now less that 70 days away from the end of the year. The downhill stride and the long awaited warmer weather. And now, I know my kids inside and out.
I can look at a paper and the handwriting and can tell you which kid wrote it without a name on it.
I can look at their faces at 7:50 in the morning and can tell if it's going to be a good day, or not.
I can look at their face and tell you if they are really sick, or not.
I can look in their eyes and tell if they're telling me the truth, or not.
I can tell them I love them and they know that I mean it. Because by now, I do.
Here at the end of February, these are the kids in my homeroom:
1. A quiet cherub who loves gymnastics, is social, struggles in class at times, but tries her hardest.
(I call my students cherubs from day one, because they are. This year we made it to the 3rd six weeks before someone asked what it meant. I asked them why they'd been letting me call them names all this time.)
2. She's new to the school this year, extremely bright, very shy, but brave enough to run for student council, and won.
3. A sweet young man who has heart trouble and will undergo heart surgery on Friday. Yes, heart surgery. yes, he could die. Yes, I'm scared.
4. Another great kiddo who is shy and quiet, respecful and is a pleaser. While not a super strong student, he tries all the time.
5. Awesome girl who is taller than me, funny, witty, athletic and talented. This is my second year with her. (I taught some of these friends two years ago in third grade.) She has a crush on the boy across from her.
6. This cherub is adopted, has many pshycological issues, tends to lie her way in and out of things, has a mom who really should be getting extra support at home and has seen three other girls adopted and leave her home. Her parents are getting divorced and now Daddy's gone too. She can not handle being successful so she continually sabatoges herself. My heart aches.
7. This sweet girl has a mother who is dying, is holding it all together in school, has three siblings who are special needs and is a primary caregiver for her younger siblings.
8. This sweetie has severe bladder issues, but she won't use the restroom. She's at risk for bladder damage and failure at the age of 10. She;'s in the gifted program.
9. This kiddo is funny, bright and sure of himself. He occasionally get things confused, but he can laugh at himself and we can laugh with him too.
10. Admittedly, this one can make me bananas, but I know he has a heart of gold. He talks too much, can't focus long enough to get his work done, but he is wonderful. He did try to make himself puke today to get out of class, but I was onto him and we wouldn't let him go home. (I did give him a trashcan though :) He's one of the only boys that give me a hug at the end of every single day.
11. Another kiddo I've had before. Now he's battling asperger's and ocd. He's dyslexic but worked hard enough to get out of the dyslexic program. He wants so hard to be accepted. His asperger's has now pushed him to bullying and my heart breaks.
12. This angel looks like Bella Swan, and she's just as shy and quiet. She beams when I say I'm proud of her. She has to work harder than the others.
13. This young man is so bright, and extremely funny. He makes my day brighter, and he wrote me a note that I will keep in my "happy file" forever that says he knows each day will be a great day in my class. He appreciates my sense of humor, and I his.
14. This sweet girl has the lead in the school musical. She's smart and funny and learning that it's hard to keep all your balls in the air when you're juggling too much.
15. This boy may be the heart throb of the class. He struggles greatly with ADHD, has to take more meds than his high school brother to function. When he's on, he's amazing. When he's not, I still love him.
16. This boy is the only of a second marriage. His parents are much older than the rest and I can tell that is hard on him at times. He makes sure at the end of every day that my room is in perfect order, and I've never asked him to do that.
17. I''ve had this young lady before. She loves birds. She's in the gifted program and can understand things and has insights that no one else can. The rest of her classmates are immature in her eyes, and she's right. :)
18. Another gifted girl. She has so much voice in her writing. She will know no boundries when she's older.
19. This young man is extremely sensitive, can be a follower or an amazing leader. He wants to please so badly, any one on one talk brings him to tears because he's so nervous he did the wrong thing.
20. This sweet girl has had four bone surgeries on her leg before the 4th grade. She always has a smile, asks too many questions at times, but ultimately only wants to do the right thing and be right. She is one of the sweetest students I've ever had.
21. This sweet girl is the skinniest little thing I've ever seen. Her parents are divorced and it's ugly. Things at one house are really hard on her. She sometimes comes to school without even having brushed her hair. I wonder what home is like.
22. This sweet boy is also OCD, with severe anxiety. He constanly uses hand sanitizer, he chews on his shirts, he covers his ears. He's so smart and loving. He loves to read the same books that I do and we have wonderful discussions about books.
23. This sweet boy has the best smile. He truly listens and looks at you when you are talking. He tries harder than most in my class. He was brave enough to let me know someone was bothering him, and did it so respectfully that I was taken aback.
24. Another repeater. Great kid, sense of humor and smart. Baseball is his life and often Monday mornings are hard because he's exhausted from tournaments all weekend. He is someone the kids trust and like, and rightfully so.
25. This one could probably teach my class. She's another one who does the little things that keep the room running and I don't even have to worry. She and her family have a farm close to the school. In our very suburban neighborhood, she knows that money can be an issue. She is responsible and mature. She lost her smile a few weeks ago, her Pappy has lung cancer and he's going through radiation. Her best friend is the boy who's having surgery on Friday. The weight of the sugery is weighing on both of them.
So there are half of them. I could go on and on. I could tell you how much they make me laugh. I could tell you that we all laugh together just about every day. I could tell you that they make me crazy and I sometimes even have to raise my voice at them. I could tell you that at times I just shake my head and cover my eyes because I can't believe they just did/said that, or they put that on their paper. I could even tell you that today when I gave them their middle school registration packets I almost cried because of how much I'll miss them.
In the midst of this crazy day, made crazier by cherub number 11, I realize how much this job means to me. How much leavity it holds. And how blessed I am to be a part of it.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
I almost wrecked my car because I was crying...
... because I was laughing THAT hard.
You know that laugh.
You are silent, your eyes won't open. Tears are streaming down your face. You realize you're sobbing. You can't speak. The mirror shows this person who apparently has just smelled the most horrific smell ever. At least it looks that way.
I'm a "single" mom this weekend. And it's rainy.
This might have added to my delirium.
For whatever reason this morning my boys were cracking me up. And while I realize today I find their conversation/argument funny, I'm sure in a couple of years it won't be funny.
I sure hope not though.
Here's the skinny.
We're on the way to get lunch and both boys are in the back seat. We are headed out to get chicken nuggets because of this little nugget of conversation:
You know that laugh.
You are silent, your eyes won't open. Tears are streaming down your face. You realize you're sobbing. You can't speak. The mirror shows this person who apparently has just smelled the most horrific smell ever. At least it looks that way.
I'm a "single" mom this weekend. And it's rainy.
This might have added to my delirium.
For whatever reason this morning my boys were cracking me up. And while I realize today I find their conversation/argument funny, I'm sure in a couple of years it won't be funny.
I sure hope not though.
Here's the skinny.
We're on the way to get lunch and both boys are in the back seat. We are headed out to get chicken nuggets because of this little nugget of conversation:
me: Boy 1, what would you like to have for lunch?
Boy 1: Well, it has to start with "ch" (the sound) or "p". There's only one answer for each. And they are 'chicken nuggets' "or 'pasta'."
Me: What about chips?
Boy 1: "NO. I said ch is for chicken nuggets."
I say "How about Chick'Fil-A?"
He says "no, made from home." (why he would want frozen nuggets is beyond me)
Boy 2 hears "Chick-Fil-A" and starts crying cause that's not what he wants. "I WAAANT nugggetssss."
I said screw it, we were leaving.
In the car Boy 2 is showing off his newfound counting skills:
"1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10! YAY!!!!"
Boy 1, not to be outdone: You could count by tens you know, it's faster. 10,20,30,40,50,60,70,80,90,100
Boy 2: NO! You didn't start with 1! See, 1,2,3,4,5...
Boy 1: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50...
Boy 2: I'M NOT DONE TALKING!!!! You didn't start with onnnnnnnne!!!
Boy 1: 60, 70, 80, 90, 100. See how fast that is?
Boy 2: NOOOOO. I'M TALKING NOT YOUUUUU. You didn't start with one!!! Mommy..... (sobbing) he hurt my feelinnnnngsss."
Me: laughter starts erupting. "Boys,"" *snigger* "you're both right. You can count lots of ways. You are both right." tears start falling.
Boy 1: Look how fast I can count to 20: 10 20!!!
Boy 2: (sobbing) you're not listening!! Momma!!!!!!
Boy 1: What the heck? He screamed at my face!!
Me: lose it. tears, I can't see, I'm swerving. Boy 1 catches on and he starts laughing too. Boy 2 is still pissed no one's listening to him. I can't talk to console either of them. I just try to keep driving.
Boy 2: I'm going to say more things. (begins with the ABC song)
Boy 1: That's a SONG not words!!!
Whew. I know from the outside looking in, that this probably isn't funny at all. It's rather silly. I laugh because I know that this is only the beginning. Today, we fight over how to count, in the future, who drives the car. Today we scream he's not listening, in the future, they'll simply punch each other's light's out. I laugh at the humble beginnings of brotherly love, and hate. I take joy in the realtionship that they have that I never had being an only child myself.
And I beg that my husband's plane lands on time tomorrow or there won't be tears of laughter.
Jus' sayin.'
Monday, February 13, 2012
A day in the life...
It's 7:56 p.m.
It's been a long day.
Nothing out of the ordinary. But yet I sit this evening and I feel like I've been running for a week already.
It's Monday.
As I thought back through my day, I realize there's no wonder I feel like this.
Let's take a gander, shall we?
5:45 am. Alarm goes off. I hit snooze because that's a god awful time to be getting up. However, on "single" mornings such as this, if I don't start the alarm going off I will never make it out of bed.
I notice that Boy 1's monitor is flashing. He's talking already.
It's 5:46.
I roll over.
5:52 That darn seven minute snooze isn't really enough. And why 7 minutes??? I hit it again.
And then I remember that it was supposed to snow last night.
I check my phone.
Nope. School's still on.
SNOOZE.
5:59 Snooze
6:06. Alright. Fine.
I meander my way to the shower remembering that my coveted jeans day has been moved to Tuesday this week instead of Monday. (Valentine's you know.) (and oh yes I did pay $5 to the heart association to wear jeans on Monday for a month. I absolutely did.)
I shower and then check on boys. Boy 1 is up, of course and loving on the dog, doing anything but what I need him to. I tell him to get dressed, call for Boy 2 and finish up.
I do what little make up and hair that I do. It's raining afterall. I mean seriously, what's the point?
6:35 Check on the boys. Boy 1, still dilly dallying and I threaten him within an inch of his life remind him gently that it's time get dressed my love!!
I'm done. Off to get breakfast packed for Boy 2, medicate the boys, brush the boys.
Their hair. What were you thinking?
We somehow mangage to get out the door by 6:50. Off to day care.
Boy 2 goes in without incident (thank the heavens above) and I get him settled and out the door.
6:58 Kroger. I have a meeting today, we're supposed to bring snacks. I haven't remembered all year. But I remember today. And it's raining.
7:03 I can't find what I need. I'm wandering with Boy 1 who's s-l-o-w as molasses. frozen molasses.
7:08 Finally. Out the door.
7:11 And Oh YES I need Chick-Fil-A Diet Coke today. So I do.
7:29screech Pull into parking lot and instruct frozen boy to get a move on.
It doesn't work. It's raining. He's still slow.
We get into school, I'm carrying snacks, Diet coke, computer... I'm sending him on his way, "Love you bye" and he crash and burns on the floor.
really.
I give him love and head for class...
And I start my school day.
The day is somewhat normal. I see my 52 kiddos in and out. I mistakenly say "This sex weeks" instead of "this six weeks" at the end of the day. I try to blow it off but 5th graders can't help it. They laugh.
I ignore them.
And I'm secretly laughing myself cause yes, that just happened.
And so it starts again once we're in the car.
Boy 1 and I have a riveting conversation about how dissappointed he was that he didn't get to go to free stations today but his best friend gave up his spot for him and wasn't that nice and he's really his best friend and Valentine's is tomorrow did you know that...????
Yes my love, I do. Hold on, got to call the day care...
"Hey Mrs. S" (gotta love caller ID) "Hey Melissa, has anyone signed up for nuggets for O's party tomorrow?" "Nope", "Ok, I'll get them, thanks."
Boy 1: "We're having nuggets tonight? I love nuggets. Why does he get nuggets? Why are we going to the store? You know they sell them at his school right? Didn't he get nuggets yesterday?"
(Please tell me your ears are bleeding at this point cause mine were.)
So, another Kroger trip at 4:34. Wasn't I just here??!?!?!?
"Ok, buddy. We're getting milk, cheddar cheese and nuggets. Got it?"
Three valentine's mugs, one box of hot choclate mix, one heart wreath, one large block of cheddar cheese, three bags of nuggets and NOT A DAMN JUG A MILK later, we leave.
Oh yes. I forgot milk. And we're critically low, like 5 drops left low.
I say something like, "@#$#$@#$@ "oh darn" about 4:51 while I'm leaving the parking lot.
Boy 1 happily suggests we can just go back in.
I say something like, "of course, you're right,dream on mister."
4:58 Pick up Boy 2 who is not in one iota of clothing that I sent him in this morning.
Something about water on his pants. I'm just glad it's not urine and I leave.
5:06 We're home. Daddy's home early andboys play video games while I cook we get going on dinner.
6:15 We eat, which I must admit is a fun time for us. Boy 2 is a hoot and Boy 1 is all about getting his treat. After three plate fulls he gets a sucker.
6:35 I have finished with my kitchen duties and my children are running like wild men. Boy 1 has a sucker in his mouth, I remind him tosit his butt down before I take it sit down while he has a sucker please!!!
6:40 I give up and give them video games. I think about bathing them. But, no. Not gonna. They don't smell that bad.
By 7:15 they are somewhat settled playing games and get irritated that I need to get them ready for bed.
Boy 2 is wearing a blue "glub" (glove) on his right hand that he won't take off. He's also pouting that he has to put on jammies.
Boy 1 is blowing people up on some army game.
I suddenly wonder where I went wrong????
7:36 We're late for bed. We are finally in jammies, heading upstairs.
Boy 1 in the bedroom and Boy 2, with his navy blue glub, in the playroom (cause sleeping in the same room would make sense and be easy. HA.) We start movies.
I remind Boy 2 that he has a "glub" on. He says he knows.
ok.
Hubby and I are about to walk downstairs when Boy 2 does his nightly call for his brown blankie. Back downstairs he goes.
And then, it's over.
The boys are in bed. tv is on for a few minutes while they slip quietly into sweet dream land.
I slowly sink into my chair and take a big, fat, swig of wine and remind myself.
It's Monday...
It's been a long day.
Nothing out of the ordinary. But yet I sit this evening and I feel like I've been running for a week already.
It's Monday.
As I thought back through my day, I realize there's no wonder I feel like this.
Let's take a gander, shall we?
5:45 am. Alarm goes off. I hit snooze because that's a god awful time to be getting up. However, on "single" mornings such as this, if I don't start the alarm going off I will never make it out of bed.
I notice that Boy 1's monitor is flashing. He's talking already.
It's 5:46.
I roll over.
5:52 That darn seven minute snooze isn't really enough. And why 7 minutes??? I hit it again.
And then I remember that it was supposed to snow last night.
I check my phone.
Nope. School's still on.
SNOOZE.
5:59 Snooze
6:06. Alright. Fine.
I meander my way to the shower remembering that my coveted jeans day has been moved to Tuesday this week instead of Monday. (Valentine's you know.) (and oh yes I did pay $5 to the heart association to wear jeans on Monday for a month. I absolutely did.)
I shower and then check on boys. Boy 1 is up, of course and loving on the dog, doing anything but what I need him to. I tell him to get dressed, call for Boy 2 and finish up.
I do what little make up and hair that I do. It's raining afterall. I mean seriously, what's the point?
6:35 Check on the boys. Boy 1, still dilly dallying and
I'm done. Off to get breakfast packed for Boy 2, medicate the boys, brush the boys.
Their hair. What were you thinking?
We somehow mangage to get out the door by 6:50. Off to day care.
Boy 2 goes in without incident (thank the heavens above) and I get him settled and out the door.
6:58 Kroger. I have a meeting today, we're supposed to bring snacks. I haven't remembered all year. But I remember today. And it's raining.
7:03 I can't find what I need. I'm wandering with Boy 1 who's s-l-o-w as molasses. frozen molasses.
7:08 Finally. Out the door.
7:11 And Oh YES I need Chick-Fil-A Diet Coke today. So I do.
7:29
It doesn't work. It's raining. He's still slow.
We get into school, I'm carrying snacks, Diet coke, computer... I'm sending him on his way, "Love you bye" and he crash and burns on the floor.
really.
I give him love and head for class...
And I start my school day.
The day is somewhat normal. I see my 52 kiddos in and out. I mistakenly say "This sex weeks" instead of "this six weeks" at the end of the day. I try to blow it off but 5th graders can't help it. They laugh.
I ignore them.
And I'm secretly laughing myself cause yes, that just happened.
And so it starts again once we're in the car.
Boy 1 and I have a riveting conversation about how dissappointed he was that he didn't get to go to free stations today but his best friend gave up his spot for him and wasn't that nice and he's really his best friend and Valentine's is tomorrow did you know that...????
Yes my love, I do. Hold on, got to call the day care...
"Hey Mrs. S" (gotta love caller ID) "Hey Melissa, has anyone signed up for nuggets for O's party tomorrow?" "Nope", "Ok, I'll get them, thanks."
Boy 1: "We're having nuggets tonight? I love nuggets. Why does he get nuggets? Why are we going to the store? You know they sell them at his school right? Didn't he get nuggets yesterday?"
(Please tell me your ears are bleeding at this point cause mine were.)
So, another Kroger trip at 4:34. Wasn't I just here??!?!?!?
"Ok, buddy. We're getting milk, cheddar cheese and nuggets. Got it?"
Three valentine's mugs, one box of hot choclate mix, one heart wreath, one large block of cheddar cheese, three bags of nuggets and NOT A DAMN JUG A MILK later, we leave.
Oh yes. I forgot milk. And we're critically low, like 5 drops left low.
I say something like, "
Boy 1 happily suggests we can just go back in.
I say something like, "of course, you're right,
4:58 Pick up Boy 2 who is not in one iota of clothing that I sent him in this morning.
Something about water on his pants. I'm just glad it's not urine and I leave.
5:06 We're home. Daddy's home early and
6:15 We eat, which I must admit is a fun time for us. Boy 2 is a hoot and Boy 1 is all about getting his treat. After three plate fulls he gets a sucker.
6:35 I have finished with my kitchen duties and my children are running like wild men. Boy 1 has a sucker in his mouth, I remind him to
6:40 I give up and give them video games. I think about bathing them. But, no. Not gonna. They don't smell that bad.
By 7:15 they are somewhat settled playing games and get irritated that I need to get them ready for bed.
Boy 2 is wearing a blue "glub" (glove) on his right hand that he won't take off. He's also pouting that he has to put on jammies.
Boy 1 is blowing people up on some army game.
I suddenly wonder where I went wrong????
7:36 We're late for bed. We are finally in jammies, heading upstairs.
Boy 1 in the bedroom and Boy 2, with his navy blue glub, in the playroom (cause sleeping in the same room would make sense and be easy. HA.) We start movies.
I remind Boy 2 that he has a "glub" on. He says he knows.
ok.
Hubby and I are about to walk downstairs when Boy 2 does his nightly call for his brown blankie. Back downstairs he goes.
And then, it's over.
The boys are in bed. tv is on for a few minutes while they slip quietly into sweet dream land.
I slowly sink into my chair and take a big, fat, swig of wine and remind myself.
It's Monday...
Sunday, February 12, 2012
My Hubby: The crazy man I married
Oh.
Was that ugly?
oops.
:)
First of all, my husband really is amazing. If it weren't for him this house wouldn't run at all. He does the dishes, takes care of the pool and pays all the bills. He does the laundry and folds it. He's a wonderful father. He makes sure we have everything we could ever need or want. He is our rock.
We're approaching an anniversary of sorts. 10 years ago on the 15th of February, I said yes. (and yes, it was the 15th, not the 14th, because you know, the 14th is so... predictable!!)
There are moments when I turn around and think that time has hardly passed. It can't have been that long, can it?
And then... well. Eternity doesn't quite explain the length of time he's been around.
Is that bad?
We met 14 years ago through a mutual friend. I had just sworn off men cause I was a wreck and my personal life was spinning wildly in circles. And then here he came and changed all that.
So, here we are, 14 years later, about to hit our 10th anniversary of our engagement on the 15th of February.
Here are some favorite pictures of us from that past few years.
We used to be lake rats. We had a pontoon boat that we lovingly called "The Party Barge." We logged many hours with 20 people on the boat, drinking cold beverages out of a big silver barrel while standing on our heads. Needless to say, those days are long gone. *note, hubby does not really have a tattoo on his arm. I blame the box behind him for the things that happen with sharpie marker on boat days.
This is our WHOLE family. My two sweet step-kids at the high school boy's graduation. I LOVE times with all six of us.
He's never been short in the humor department. This is my belly with Boy 1 in 2005.
This is my preggo belly with Boy 2 in 2008. Ironically, his belly didn't go away when I had the baby!
He just can't help but photo bomb any picture in which he's not the subject.
He loves his boys so much! We are never short on laughter here :)
This is what happens when we try to take a family picture.
I think he missed his calling as a rock star. He can perform Ice, Ice, Baby better than Vanilla Ice himself. He also sings to me. Now what he actually sings to me... well, that's another day. ;)
And, he's blessed me with these two valentines too.
Hope you guys have a great week :)
Was that ugly?
oops.
:)
First of all, my husband really is amazing. If it weren't for him this house wouldn't run at all. He does the dishes, takes care of the pool and pays all the bills. He does the laundry and folds it. He's a wonderful father. He makes sure we have everything we could ever need or want. He is our rock.
We're approaching an anniversary of sorts. 10 years ago on the 15th of February, I said yes. (and yes, it was the 15th, not the 14th, because you know, the 14th is so... predictable!!)
There are moments when I turn around and think that time has hardly passed. It can't have been that long, can it?
And then... well. Eternity doesn't quite explain the length of time he's been around.
Is that bad?
We met 14 years ago through a mutual friend. I had just sworn off men cause I was a wreck and my personal life was spinning wildly in circles. And then here he came and changed all that.
So, here we are, 14 years later, about to hit our 10th anniversary of our engagement on the 15th of February.
Here are some favorite pictures of us from that past few years.
We used to be lake rats. We had a pontoon boat that we lovingly called "The Party Barge." We logged many hours with 20 people on the boat, drinking cold beverages out of a big silver barrel while standing on our heads. Needless to say, those days are long gone. *note, hubby does not really have a tattoo on his arm. I blame the box behind him for the things that happen with sharpie marker on boat days.
This is our WHOLE family. My two sweet step-kids at the high school boy's graduation. I LOVE times with all six of us.
He's never been short in the humor department. This is my belly with Boy 1 in 2005.
This is my preggo belly with Boy 2 in 2008. Ironically, his belly didn't go away when I had the baby!
He loves his boys so much! We are never short on laughter here :)
This is what happens when we try to take a family picture.
I think he missed his calling as a rock star. He can perform Ice, Ice, Baby better than Vanilla Ice himself. He also sings to me. Now what he actually sings to me... well, that's another day. ;)
And, he's blessed me with these two valentines too.
Hope you guys have a great week :)
Saturday, February 11, 2012
I need an app for that!
My husband was just asking me if I thought that his company (neuro surgery) should have an app. Perhaps the surgeons would use it, blah blah blah. (uh no, hubby is NOT a neuro surgeon, he just plays one on tv.)
That got me thinking, there sure are some things I WOULD like an app for.
Problem: boys arguing, wrestling, complaining, whining etc.
Solution: app works like a shock collar to make them stop and shock them back into reality, but of course it wouldn't hurt them... not much any way.
Name: Shock and Awe
Problem: I hate putting laundry away, I will fold, but putting it away seems so pointless. I mean, we're just gonna get it back out right???
Solution: app magically puts my laundry away for me neatly where it all belongs, instead of my shoving in a drawer where I can't see it so why should I fold it method.
Name: Your Mother
Problem: Getting behind in my grading at school.
Solution: I just scan the papers and it magically grades and inputs my grades for me.
Name: I'm Brilliant
Problem: What to have for dinner?
Solution: app takes care of menu, shopping, preparation, serving, and cleaning the meal.
Name: Dream On
Problem: My waistline keeps getting larger in the middle of the night.
Solution: app shrinks my waistline each night while I sleep so I can once again fit into my skinny pants, all the while I can eat what I want and not have to exercise which I really don't like to do.
Name: Liposuction
Anything you'd like an app for IRL?
That got me thinking, there sure are some things I WOULD like an app for.
Problem: boys arguing, wrestling, complaining, whining etc.
Solution: app works like a shock collar to make them stop and shock them back into reality, but of course it wouldn't hurt them... not much any way.
Name: Shock and Awe
Problem: I hate putting laundry away, I will fold, but putting it away seems so pointless. I mean, we're just gonna get it back out right???
Solution: app magically puts my laundry away for me neatly where it all belongs, instead of my shoving in a drawer where I can't see it so why should I fold it method.
Name: Your Mother
Problem: Getting behind in my grading at school.
Solution: I just scan the papers and it magically grades and inputs my grades for me.
Name: I'm Brilliant
Problem: What to have for dinner?
Solution: app takes care of menu, shopping, preparation, serving, and cleaning the meal.
Name: Dream On
Problem: My waistline keeps getting larger in the middle of the night.
Solution: app shrinks my waistline each night while I sleep so I can once again fit into my skinny pants, all the while I can eat what I want and not have to exercise which I really don't like to do.
Name: Liposuction
Anything you'd like an app for IRL?
Monday, February 6, 2012
What I've been doing... and not doing
So... I made it.
#runstreak: I ran 30 days in a row, at least one a mile a day. Yes I did. And I didn't collapse or faint or anything. And I'm sitting here on day 31 totally avoiding the next run cause like a FOOL I said I'd go 60.
No comments are needed thank you. I'm well aware I'm an idiot.
Eating: I mention this since I'm trying to eat better. I'm eating better. Not all 100% better, but it's getting there. And I don't have to spray my jeans down with water and stretch them BEFORE I put them on any more.
School: Yes well from my last post, we've been working on the Constitution and now the Bill of Rights. Believe you me, it is NOT the snore fest it was when you were in school. I know this because I'm teaching it and not your old hairy english teacher. I do try to make it as real and exciting as possible. But yes, it can still be boring. And, I heard the Preamble 52 times in one day last week. I think my ears are still bleeding.
Boys: I think I might trade them for quieter, less mobile versions. Is this possible? They've lately taken to nerf gun wars. Thanks to their Dady playling James Bond on the Wii ALL THE DANG TIME. Now, we can't simply go put out clothes in the laundry room, we must creep and crawl up to every corner and keep our guns ready and jump on the bad guys if they come. Oh, and use the night vision goggles. Those are a must. I swear that my house is going to crumble around me one day from the wrestling.
Home: A big fat mess. That's something I haven't been doing, cleaning. I keep trying to wiggle my nose and say "tinkle tinkle tink" ala Bewitched, but nothing happens. I think that show was false advertising.
Hubby: Still traveling a ridiculous amount of time. Still causing major glitches in my otherwise clockwork mornings. But I will not complain. I will not complain. I will not complain.
Me: Stressed to the gills. Work stress is bad this time of year. I work with all women, and a new man boss. Um yeah. Let's just say it's... tense? I have reaquired my eye twitch that I always get when I'm teaching a "TEST" grade. Starts in January and goes til the test is over. So, April this year? Awesome. If you see me, I'm not really winking at you. I swear.
So, that's where we are in a nutshell.
Anyone else feeling the stress?
#runstreak: I ran 30 days in a row, at least one a mile a day. Yes I did. And I didn't collapse or faint or anything. And I'm sitting here on day 31 totally avoiding the next run cause like a FOOL I said I'd go 60.
No comments are needed thank you. I'm well aware I'm an idiot.
Eating: I mention this since I'm trying to eat better. I'm eating better. Not all 100% better, but it's getting there. And I don't have to spray my jeans down with water and stretch them BEFORE I put them on any more.
School: Yes well from my last post, we've been working on the Constitution and now the Bill of Rights. Believe you me, it is NOT the snore fest it was when you were in school. I know this because I'm teaching it and not your old hairy english teacher. I do try to make it as real and exciting as possible. But yes, it can still be boring. And, I heard the Preamble 52 times in one day last week. I think my ears are still bleeding.
Boys: I think I might trade them for quieter, less mobile versions. Is this possible? They've lately taken to nerf gun wars. Thanks to their Dady playling James Bond on the Wii ALL THE DANG TIME. Now, we can't simply go put out clothes in the laundry room, we must creep and crawl up to every corner and keep our guns ready and jump on the bad guys if they come. Oh, and use the night vision goggles. Those are a must. I swear that my house is going to crumble around me one day from the wrestling.
Home: A big fat mess. That's something I haven't been doing, cleaning. I keep trying to wiggle my nose and say "tinkle tinkle tink" ala Bewitched, but nothing happens. I think that show was false advertising.
Hubby: Still traveling a ridiculous amount of time. Still causing major glitches in my otherwise clockwork mornings. But I will not complain. I will not complain. I will not complain.
Me: Stressed to the gills. Work stress is bad this time of year. I work with all women, and a new man boss. Um yeah. Let's just say it's... tense? I have reaquired my eye twitch that I always get when I'm teaching a "TEST" grade. Starts in January and goes til the test is over. So, April this year? Awesome. If you see me, I'm not really winking at you. I swear.
So, that's where we are in a nutshell.
Anyone else feeling the stress?
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Teaching Stories: Some things you just can't make up.
I heard the Preamble 52 times today. Did you? Can you even still SAY the Preamble???
I teach Social Studies and Language Arts to 5th grade. And I love it. And I'm pretty good at it. However... today. well...
Let me preface this with 99% of the kiddos that did this assignment, did well. And they should have, it was open book!! After our recent benchmark, we had them review the three branches of governmentsnore and some other vocabulary terms. snore This little cherub... well. He didn't use his book. Or his best hand writing apparently. I've translated under the pictures.
Define and illustrate Constitution: year written.
The Constitution is a big piece of paper with a lot of words but it is super important.
President: define and illustrate
A person who tells a lot of people what to do.
Oh no I'm not kidding. *bang head*
But as all teachers probably have, I found my happy note file. A file filled with happy notes from the past. I found this one, my recent favorite. It's from my birthday last December. It reminds me that apparently I AM doing my job, unlike what the above specimens might lead you to believe.
Tomorrow brings some apparent "reteaching" of the Constitution. And "president."
And "how to use your textbook."
I teach Social Studies and Language Arts to 5th grade. And I love it. And I'm pretty good at it. However... today. well...
Let me preface this with 99% of the kiddos that did this assignment, did well. And they should have, it was open book!! After our recent benchmark, we had them review the three branches of government
Define and illustrate Constitution: year written.
The Constitution is a big piece of paper with a lot of words but it is super important.
A person who tells a lot of people what to do.
Oh no I'm not kidding. *bang head*
But as all teachers probably have, I found my happy note file. A file filled with happy notes from the past. I found this one, my recent favorite. It's from my birthday last December. It reminds me that apparently I AM doing my job, unlike what the above specimens might lead you to believe.
Tomorrow brings some apparent "reteaching" of the Constitution. And "president."
And "how to use your textbook."
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Confessions of a working mom
I have always been a working mom. When we had our first son, there really wasn't any way that I could stay home. So, we found a sitter, whom I loved AND was reasonable, and I packed my happy ass up and went back to teaching.
It was hard at first, but we fell into a rhythm. Being a first time mom, I was a sleep nazi, stuck to routine, routine, routine. And Boy 1 really needed that.
There were moments I was exhausted. Ok, lots of them. With a husband who travels, that was part of the deal. He left me for four days when he was 2 weeks old. I think he found me sucking my thumb and rocking in a corner after that. He didn't do that again... for a while at least.
There were moments that I cried. That early evening nap was the worst. I'd get him home at 4:30, he'd nap til 5:45. We'd eat and he'd be in bed at 6:30. I was literally missing everything. I would cry as I watched hin sleep.
But those moments were fleeting. They didn't take long, at least they didn't in retrospect.
There came a moment where Hubby thought I could stay home. I thought about it. And then got REALLY nervous. My heart started to race. My palms were sweaty.
What would that look like???
I had no idea. My mom was a working mom too. I had no reference point.
I said I would think about it.
I did think about it. And then decided I would go find a part time job at a preschool, so Boy 1 could go too. And I would have something to do.
Well, long story short, that ended up in my becoming a preschool and day care director.
I guess I wasn't really interested in staying at home.
So now, three years back into teaching, and two years of day care later, I'm still working.
Because I want to. I don't have to, really. But I NEED to.
I'm a better mother because I work.
There. I said it.
I'm not stay at home material friends. I'm not made to have a carefree schedule. When I don't, I'm a slug and don't get out of jammies for week. I park my shiny hiny on the couch, watch tv and do nothing. "I'll do it later, cause I have all this time."
yeah right.
You might say I put the "pro" in procrastination. But it's true, I become a lifeless blob with no patience and no desire to do much. I don't enjoy crafts. I'm not a baker. There's only so much kids tv I can handle before I start talking like I'm 5. I say I'll go to the library, but I don't. I do actually go to McD's. I know, that's gross.
It's not pretty.
But when I work, I'm better. I'm good.
I have to prioritize my time. I have to plan ahead. I have to make sure all appointments are made. I make sure everything is ready the night before. I'm able to juggle twelve things at once. I even manage those "single" weeks fairly well. We are a well oiled machine in the mornings and after school.
It works for me. And for my kids. And for my husband. And I don't feel guilty.
I had SO many people ask my why I came back. I was embarassed to tell them I needed to, not finacially, but mentally. I mean, who wouldn't want to be with their own kids????
God bless those mommas who do this everyday and love it. I'm kinda jealous of that. But I also know that they might be jealous of me since I get to excape things every day for just a bit.
So, I'm gonna call it even. I'll work, they won't.
And we'll all be happy.
It was hard at first, but we fell into a rhythm. Being a first time mom, I was a sleep nazi, stuck to routine, routine, routine. And Boy 1 really needed that.
There were moments I was exhausted. Ok, lots of them. With a husband who travels, that was part of the deal. He left me for four days when he was 2 weeks old. I think he found me sucking my thumb and rocking in a corner after that. He didn't do that again... for a while at least.
There were moments that I cried. That early evening nap was the worst. I'd get him home at 4:30, he'd nap til 5:45. We'd eat and he'd be in bed at 6:30. I was literally missing everything. I would cry as I watched hin sleep.
But those moments were fleeting. They didn't take long, at least they didn't in retrospect.
There came a moment where Hubby thought I could stay home. I thought about it. And then got REALLY nervous. My heart started to race. My palms were sweaty.
What would that look like???
I had no idea. My mom was a working mom too. I had no reference point.
I said I would think about it.
I did think about it. And then decided I would go find a part time job at a preschool, so Boy 1 could go too. And I would have something to do.
Well, long story short, that ended up in my becoming a preschool and day care director.
I guess I wasn't really interested in staying at home.
So now, three years back into teaching, and two years of day care later, I'm still working.
Because I want to. I don't have to, really. But I NEED to.
I'm a better mother because I work.
There. I said it.
I'm not stay at home material friends. I'm not made to have a carefree schedule. When I don't, I'm a slug and don't get out of jammies for week. I park my shiny hiny on the couch, watch tv and do nothing. "I'll do it later, cause I have all this time."
yeah right.
You might say I put the "pro" in procrastination. But it's true, I become a lifeless blob with no patience and no desire to do much. I don't enjoy crafts. I'm not a baker. There's only so much kids tv I can handle before I start talking like I'm 5. I say I'll go to the library, but I don't. I do actually go to McD's. I know, that's gross.
It's not pretty.
But when I work, I'm better. I'm good.
I have to prioritize my time. I have to plan ahead. I have to make sure all appointments are made. I make sure everything is ready the night before. I'm able to juggle twelve things at once. I even manage those "single" weeks fairly well. We are a well oiled machine in the mornings and after school.
It works for me. And for my kids. And for my husband. And I don't feel guilty.
I had SO many people ask my why I came back. I was embarassed to tell them I needed to, not finacially, but mentally. I mean, who wouldn't want to be with their own kids????
God bless those mommas who do this everyday and love it. I'm kinda jealous of that. But I also know that they might be jealous of me since I get to excape things every day for just a bit.
So, I'm gonna call it even. I'll work, they won't.
And we'll all be happy.
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