Memorial Day

Until the last year or so, I never knew that people wore poppies on Memorial Day and I never heard (or read) the poem, In Flander's Fields. I understand that many people had to memorize the poem during their school years a few decades ago. It is a beautiful poem that sums up the day. I have decided to share it here:

In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
- John McCrae

I looked up the meaning of this poem and found two great sites to visit. This one explains Memorial Day.

This one explains the story behind the poem.

This week, our local radio station granted wish #8 of a 20 wish program they are sponsoring. It was timely as the wish was for a 20 year old widow who's husband was killed in Iraq. She is pregnant (due in July) with their first child. He was killed the day before his 24th birthday. Here is the story of his funeral. Finally, here are the pictures of her receiving the wish made by her Mother and an Aunt. If you go to this page, click "Wish #8" to view the pictures. The community is pouring out love to her by giving her a baby shower. They furnished a nursery already and have donated literally thousands of items for this young woman. It was a sobering reminder that this war is real and can be very hurtful.

No matter what you are doing today, may we all stop to remember the sacrifices that have been made in the past. And may we also remember those that are being made even as we celebrate with picnics and parties over here.

Happy Memorial Day!!

My Favorite Part of the AI Finale....

I just found this online and thought I'd share. I thought this was GREAT. There is no way that contestant knew that Clay was going to come "help him" get through that song!! His reaction is priceless...as was, for that matter, Clay's new look.

Summertime and the livin' is.....

BUSY!

Some people think that summertime is marked by lazy, hazy, days. Porgy and Bess thought that the livin' was "easy" in Summer. Yes, it slows down some here. But it is also BUSY!

This Summer I will....
Visit my family in Ohio and a dear friend in Indiana
Conduct five full day workshops for teachers (although not consecutive days)
Get to see my Arizona SIL and her children at the end of June
Take the kids scalloping
Work at my school to prepare for next year
Attend a leadership academy training at the end of June
Hand over the Children's Church reigns to a new leader (Praise God!)
Watch my nieces and nephew for a day or two
Workout at the YMCA
Take the kids to the waterpark at the YMCA
Write 45 teacher's guides for this publishing season
Finish the publishing process on a new "teacher book"
Write a new professional book for 3rd - 5th grade educators
Go on a scrapbooking overnight with a friend

Yep, we're going to be BUSY!!! But, we're going to have FUN too!!

Summer????? Bring it on!! :-)

A Reminder....

I didn't need anything to remind me just how special it is being a Mom this week. I have had plenty to keep this at the forefront of my thoughts. But I got a reminder anyway....

Last night, I watched a dear friend in pain over some choices her child is making. I sat with her and tried to help her process what was happening. I tried to think about what I would do in her situation...I can honestly say I don't know the answer. She is a single mother doing the best she can to raise this child in a loving Christian home. And her child doesn't see it. I don't think she needed "answers" from me...more a listening ear.

Of course our children all go through times when they think we are the WORST parents in the world. I try to tell my boys that contrary to what they (or their friends) might believe, parents do NOT sit around and ask themselves: "So, how can I make this one miserable this week?" We are all doing the best we can. Sometimes we do well and sometimes we don't.

I guess the reminder I got through my friend's pain is just how blessed I am that my children are making good choices right now. It also helped me whisper a prayer of thanks for my dh who helps me do the parenting in our family. I know being single can make it much more difficult. It's tiring and can make you grow weary.

My friend is kind of at the opposite end of the parenting continuum from where I am this week....I've been on the "UPside" of the experience and she is not. And truly if she didn't love her child it wouldn't hurt her so much and be so painful.

I was reminded how deep the love the parents that I know have for their children. And I was reminded that sometimes parents just need to wrap themselves in the arms of the ultimate parent, God, and let Him hold us as we walk the journey of parenting our children.

Happy Birthday DS 1!!

Thirteen Things about Susan's DS 1 on his 18th Birthday

1. I went into labor right after a visit to the OB's office and hearing the news that it would probably be another week or so...

2. I think it was the Mushroom Burger at Ruby Tuesday's that "did it"! We called EVERYONE from our hospital bed just 20 minutes after he was born...it was a VERY special day!!

3. He has had stitches at least once, has been bruised and bumped, but has never broken anything.

4. I was his Kindergarten Teacher...which I loved.

5. He graduated from High School last week after spending a semester in college classes and finishing a nursing program.

6. He was part of an awesome (and loud) concert last night for the Middle School Youth Group.

7. He surprised me with an incredible bass solo on the last song...and I was equally surprised to see him fling the guitar around his neck a few times and dance up a storm on stage.

8. We call him his Dad's "Younger Twin"...although he has also developed much of his own unique personality as well.

9. He is a gifted speaker.

10. He loves music of all kinds. I love that he is open to listen to anything and accepts it for the art that it is.

11. He is going on his first mission trip this summer to Belize.

12. He is fun-loving and funny at times. I appreciate his humor and enjoy just spending time talking to him and listening to him and his dreams.

13. He is VERY special to his family...and especially to his Mother. I love to see the twinkle in his eye...his general willingness to try new things...and his drive! I know he is making a difference in the world...and I am extremely PROUD of him!!

Happy Birthday, Son! I love you!!

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Monday, Monday!

It's Monday and I am not going to do a weekend window since you've been peeking in my window all weekend anyway!!

I thought I'd do a Monday Memory....

Since Graduation has been on our minds this weekend, I thought I'd tell about my own high school graduation.

I graduated in 1982. I was a member of a class of 648 students (actually, I was #123 of the 648). The day I graduated, I got a name plate necklace. These were really popular at the time. The necklace had my name written in gold script on it. I also got my first pair of diamond earrings from my Dad. We graduated in the Sun Dome at USF...so the place was packed. There were no limits on the number of people who could attend with you. I know in addition to my immediate family, both my Grandparents, and one or two Aunts and Uncles were there.

I don't remember speeches. I don't remember the details of the ceremony. We came back to my house, where more family and friends gathered for an open house celebration at our house. I received many special gifts that prepared me to leave for college in August. More than the gifts, though, was that feeling of love and support that was woven throughout the day.

I know we cannot relive our lives through our children, but it was my prayer all weekend that DS 1 would feel the same at his graduation: supported and loved. I think the mission was accomplished.

Graduation and Grandparents

Graduation was a wonderful event!! My aunt noted yesterday, that many people graduate and don't have all their grandparents there. She's right. Yesterday, DS 1 had all of his grandparents present to celebrate the day with him. They are all with him in the picture above. (The serious picture that they took had eyes closed...so I had to get it with Gram and Grandma C doing their "non-serious photo".) At any rate, I know these pictures will be treasures for a long time to come.

And here is DS 1's GREAT Grandma with him. She really wanted to make the trip from Ohio to be here for and with him. It was very special for all of us to have her here.

Here is a picture of Daniel with his Great Aunt Sandy.

Just before the ceremony, DH leaned over to me and said, "I wonder if Nanny ever thought about this day?" Nanny was his grandmother. We KNOW she dreamed of having great grandchildren. DS 1 was the only great grandchild that she ever met and held. I have a GREAT picture of her holding him when he was only weeks old. So, yes, I am sure she was enjoying the ceremony from a different vantage point along with all the other great grandparents, great aunts and uncles, that have passed on.

Whether they are here or gone, they have left an important legacy that reminds us how special each moment is. Things like Graduation Ceremonies remind us to celebrate the moment while also remembering the past. They also remind us that there is a future. Somehow, family and friends leave fingerprints (or maybe it's lifeprints) in all three places: the past, the present and the future.

I am so thankful that we have the blessing of family and friends to share in these moments with us! We are proud of you, D!!

Blueberry Granitas

I had some requests to explain the blueberries, so here is the recipe:

2 cups of blueberries

1/2 cup of sugar (or the equivalent of splenda)

The juice of 1 lime

1/2 tsp. of grated lime rind

Puree all of that together.

Pour into an 11X17 pan

Add 3 cups of diet lemon/lime soda (Sprite)

Stir together.

Freeze for 8 hours

When you are ready to have some, thaw for five minutes. Cut into chunks and crush in the blender. You can garnish with a mint sprig (not something my teens needed).

Now, the blender didn't cooperate (as I shared in my TT yesterday). I put a bit more Sprite in (after I cleaned the blueberries off the walls and my glasses) and it worked great. Kind of like a fancy Slushie.

It was really very refreshing. Enjoy!!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things SUSAN did on her day of Hookie (yesterday) 1. Shopped for graduation plates, cups, and napkins at TWO Targets 2. Sorted and organized more cropping stuff so that I can get it put away 3. Made the Blueberry Granita from Southern Living Magazine 4. Spewed frozen blueberry stuff all over the kitchen when I tried to stir it but didn't wait until the blades slowed enough. 5. Went on a blueberry stain hunt to clean the kitchen (man that thing can shoot) 6. Took DS 4 to my in-laws so I could get my haircut 7. Went to the consignment shop (see yesterday's second post for that adventure) 8. Got my haircut 9. Read part of the Real Simple Magazine and a Cottage Living Magazine 10. Drove through Mickey-D's with DS 4 for dinner (he later gave me a foot massage for taking him there...We might go there more often!) 11. Watched Deal or No Deal while I sorted more pictures 12. Watched American Idol (I'm so sad for Elliot!!) 13. Listened to DS 1's tape where he talked to Middle School Youth tonight about having a passionate relationship with Christ (and I CRIED again!!!!!!) After listening to his tape, DS 1 and I had a wonderful talk. Did I get everything done I wanted to? Nope...But, in some ways, it was a perfect day. Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

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From Wordless to Speechless....

OK, Wordless Wednesday is over for me (even though it's only 6:31pm EST). I am now speechless!

I went to get my haircut this evening. I had a 5:00 appointment. I arrived about 20 minutes early and so I decided to go browse the quaint little consignment shop next door.

I've been there before. It is run by a lady who is probably in her 60's. She has a couple of people that work with her. She takes some VERY nice designer clothes....so occasionally it's a place you can find a treasure. It doesn't smell like some consignment shops. It is kept very tidy and really is kind of fun to visit.

I noticed the sign on the door said they closed at 5:00. It was 20 till. So, I thought I'd look for ten minutes or so then leave. The owner greeted me when I came in the door, but she was shutting her computer down. I don't know what she would have done if I found something. One helper was in the back room sorting clothes and straightening up there. The other helper was straightening display shelves in the second room of the store.

I browsed one side of the room. She straightened the other side then she walked out and back in very quickly (about 2 minutes). As I made my way around to the side where she just finished straightening, I saw the owner come in and stare mortified at the carpet. She said emphatically, "WHAT is THAT!?!?!" The other lady said, "It looks like BEACH SAND." (I should note here that this store is less than one mile from some of the whitest sandy beaches in North America.)

Hearing the commotion, the other back-room lady came to stare at the white stuff on the floor. I didn't pay too much attention as they all speculated about HOW the sand got there. Suddenly, as if they had been cued, they turned to me and the owner said, "Have YOU been at the BEACH!?!?" Translation: "How DARE you track white sand INTO my store 20 minutes before I am ready to close!" I said, "No." I wanted to say, "How could you make it clear through ONE room into a second room before getting sand on the carpet?" But it was not my place to join the consignment detectives.

I felt strange stares as these women checked out my feet to be sure I wasn't lying about where I had been. I was taken back to a time when I was a teen and felt as if it was my own mother questioning my where-abouts!

As I made my way to the front room to get OUT of the store...they surmised that MAYBE it came off the bucket of cleaning supplies that the one lady had when she was straightening up the room. But the owner kept saying, "NO that is BEACH SAND."

As I reached for the door to make my exit, I heard her say rather loudly, "Well, at least the cleaning crew is coming in the morning and they will vaccuum before we open!"

I REALLY had to resist the urge to stick my head back in the door, "Not only did I NOT bring the sand in...I didn't EVEN walk on that part of the floor." There is one thing I have learned in the last forty years....Come to think of it, it was probably my mother who taught me, "If you can't say something nice, don't say it at all." While I do not always carry out this rule successfully, today I did.

Now, I want to go to the BEACH!!

Wordless Wednesday ---They DO Grow Up!!

It's Raining, It's Pouring!

It's been raining all day. We really needed it...there have been wildfires and horrible conditions in Florida due to the dryness. So I am thankful.

But rain does something to people...little people and big people. The little people at school today have been wired beyond belief. They are antsy. They are fidgety. (Of course, it may have just as much to do with this being the last week of school.)

The big people? Suffice it to say that some around my school have been quite CRANKY today!! They are on edge. They are snappy with their responses....

Come to think of it....that may ALSO be due to the fact that it is the last week of school!?!?!

I think I'm going to go home and do what I LOVE to do on a rainy day....curl up with a good book and try to forget all the cranky edgy antsy people I have been around today!!!!!

;-)

Monday Memory

Since my weekend was pretty much already posted on my blog, I decided to share a memory of sorts. I found this Evolution of Dance on another blog. I figure since I lived through most of these dance crazes, I would pass it along. It truly is funny.

And just so I can be true to the whole Monday Memory thing....

Did I ever tell you about the recitals we used to do when I was a kid? We would all bring old costumes from ballet and tap classes...choose music...and put on shows for hours! The music we chose was usually found on our parents' old LPs (those are vinyl records for those of you who don't remember them). I remember dancing to "Hang on Sloopy" and "Leader of the Pack" and "Bye Bye Blackbird" probably HUNDREDS of times. I also remember "I Got You Babe" and "Dark Lady" by Sonny and Cher (well Dark Lady was only by Cher).

Personally, I think it was more fun than video games and computers.

It's Mother's Day...

I am the absolute WORST at remembering these days! They sneak up and surprise me. I don't like that about myself. I know that all the women in my life who I should send a card and a gift know this about me. Thankfully, they dish out grace when it comes to me regularly! I thought I would pay tribute to each one today in my blog:

To My Mother:
You have always been there for me. I don't think you'll ever know exactly how much that means to me. I know there have been some hard times, but I also know that you are a rock who clings to THE ROCK! Your life and the testimony that it presents is the reason that I am able to confidently claim my faith today. You have instilled in me the values with which I am now raising my own children. They (the kids) remind me regularly (when parenting is hard) just what an awesome job you did (and do). Your support and always "being there" for us is such a gift. I can say without a doubt that this is not the "normal" parenting that took place among my friends as a child and a teen and even as an adult. Actually, it amazes me when I really think about it. Of course, I miss being closer to you...but am thankful that we are still not far apart! Thanks, Mom! I love you!!

To My Step-Mother:
It's hard to believe how much time has passed since you walked into our lives. I know that there have been times when it must have been hard to be "another mother figure" in our lives. But you have done a beautiful job of it. I appreciate the many ways that you go out of your way to make sure that family and extended family have time together. You have always been there and helped us know that we are an important part of your life as well. Thank YOU for the many ways that you care and love us. We (and ESPECIALLY I) want to let you know that we love and appreciate you.

To My Mother-in-Law:
Thank you for your love and generosity over the past 20 years! I listen to other people tell about their mother-in-law relationships in negative ways...and I am SO THANKFUL that I can say with confidence, "Not MINE!" Your giving and loving spirit is such a picture of the love of Jesus. It doesn't go unnoticed OR unappreciated. I'll admit that I wondered how it would be when we all lived together in the same town. Now, I almost can't imagine NOT living in the same town! You are a blessing to all of us! Thank you for raising your son to be a wonderful and Godly husband! May God continue to bless you abundantly! We love you!

To My Grandmother:
You are such a gift to us! I love the fact that even though you have moved further away, we can still communicate on computer. I love to look back on all the things we have done together. I appreciate all the memories that you have given to me (and our family). I know that family is so important to you and I think I have carried some of that into my own family. It is a blessing to have a Grandparent who wants to know and be a such a part of her grandchildrens and great grandchildrens (and even the great great grandchildrens) lives! I love you, Grandma!!

Happy Mother's Day to each of you....YOU ARE LOVED!!!

When You're Weepy Already....

DON'T read Nicholas Sparks' books...unless you want to be MORE weepy!! This weekend I finished these two:

A Walk to Remember

Nights in Rodanthe

It's worse than watching a sad movie for me! I don't want to turn the page because I know that my tears are coming...then I do and they come...and I'm a mess!!

Both great books! I think I am going to wait until after graduation to start any new ones!!

Junk!

Today has been "clean-up" and "clear-out" day at my house. With DS 1's graduation next week, I want to not be making the last minute CRUNCH for cleaning up...so we have been decluttering.

Now, I suppose that you have to have a picture of the task that was before us. I don't have a snapshot--I couldn't bear that online for the world to see. I'm going to give you a word-glimpse....

As you may remember, just before the holidays, the boys formed this neighborhood band. Their stuff now has a "place" in what used to be my dining room...I was TIRED of walking over cords and trying not to trip over guitars on my way to my room. There are cords, cases, stands, amps, and one large drum set in my dining room.

My garage....was definitely drowning!! Bikes galore! You cannot live in a house with four boys and not have bikes, sports stuff, etc. start to take over your garage. In addition to that though...Christmas was still kind of strewn about my garage.

Three years ago I got a BEAUTIFUL 10 ft. artificial tree at Home Depot..the only catch was there was NO BOX. Last year, ds 2 and I wrapped it in plastic as best as we could and tucked it into a corner of the garage...this year, we simply pulled the top two feet off and put it out there. We didn't wrap. We couldn't push into the corner as some other stuff had moved into its space.

There was a refrigerator that no longer worked, a dryer that broke earlier this year, and other "stuff" that had been carefully placed in the garage to be "out of sight and out of mind". I have been warning everyone for two days that it was time to "set our sights" on the junk and take a trip to the dump.

This morning I was glad to see that DSs 1 and 2 rounded up their friends and were ready to load up the refrigerator and dryer for a trip to the dump. As they drove off, we continued working on throwing out, giving away and sorting stuff. Soon, they returned with the van still FULL of the junk they were to dump. The old dump has been closed for two years!!

Thankfully, dh found another dump and we were able to get rid of it for $11.51.

I took one trip to Goodwill with a van full. And now...I am sitting here and looking at all the stuff that now has to be moved around and put away inside.

We made progress....junk is disappearing. That feels good!

I'm a bit weepy!

No one ever warned me about the emotional rollercoaster that you go on when your first child is ready to turn 18 and graduate from High School. The fact that both of these events are happening within five days of each other does not make it any easier!!

Everything…everything makes me think about him and these last 18 years! This morning on my way to work I heard a newer Christian song on the radio by Mark Harris that made me cry like a baby!

Find Your Wings
It's only for a moment
that you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
for all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
you're walking in the truth

And if I've never told you
I want you to know that
as I watch you grow
I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams
and that faith gives you the courage
to dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings
so let my love give you roots
and help you find your wings

May passion be the wind that moves
you through your days
and may convictions keep you strong
guide you on your way

May there be many moments
that make your life so sweet
but more than memories

I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams
and that faith gives you the courage
to dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings
so let my love give you roots
and help you find your wings
It's not living if you don't reach for the sky

I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer you as you fly
I will give you roots and help you find your wings

And listening to that song made me think about the song that we played at the Baptism of DSs 1 and 2 by Sandy Patty:

Before you had a name or opened up your eyes
Or anyone could recognize your face.
You were being formed so delicate in size
Secluded in God's safe and hidden place.

With your little tiny hands and little tiny feet
And little eyes that shimmer like a pearl
He breathed in you a song and to make it all complete
He brought the masterpiece into the world.

You are a masterpiece
A new creation He has formed
And you're as soft and fresh as a snowy winter morn.
And I'm so glad that God has given you to me
Little Lamb of God, you are a masterpiece.
And now you're growing up your life's a miracle
Everytime I look at you I stand in awe
Because I see in you a reflection of me
And you'll always be my little lamb from God

And as your life goes on each day
How I pray that you will see
Just how much your life has meant to me.

And I'm so proud of you
What else is there to say?
Just be the masterpiece He created you to be.

DS 1, my dream has always been that you would find your wings and go for your dreams and recognize that you ARE a Masterpiece!! I know you are going to do great things. And forgive your Mother if she is a little sappy during these few weeks! I love you!!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things about WHY Susan's Thursday Thirteen was NOT UP until after 5:00PM on Thursday!! 1. I didn't plan it until this morning. Usually, I think about it throughout the week. This week, I simply waited and didn't really "plan". 2. When I logged in at 6:40am to do it, the computer was locking up and not being cooperative! 3. By the time I thought it WOULD cooperate, I decided that I needed to leave for work. 4. I was going to do it when I got to work...but ended up getting caught by three colleagues before school and couldn't get to my computer. 5. I was going to do it just after the bell rang and then remembered that I needed some paperwork for a 9:00 meeting. 6. The 9:00 meeting went straight to 12:00! 7. At 12:00 I had to leave to go to ANOTHER meeting at our school board building. 8. When I arrived at that meeting, people had to catch me up on all that I missed in the morning session. 9. When they took a break, I thought "I'll do it QUICKLY...but NO... someone else had to learn how to make a Powerpoint presentation in a brief amount of time. 10. By the time I left that meeting, it was 3:30. I was frustrated. 11. My car was displaying the "You're running on the edge of dangerous because your gas is so low" button. So I had to go get gas. 12. I also had to go to the bank. When I came home, I had to talk to DS 1 and DS 3 a bit and get the "scoop" on the rest of our family. 13. I got a phone call from a friend...that was well worth the time...and NOW here I am...finally finishing my TT for this week!! (Maybe next week will be more creative! ;-) Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Wordless Wednesday

Chicago Tulips

My Weekend Window

We returned home Friday night and I went immediately to relieve ds 2 and his girlfriend from carnival duty at my school with ds 4. It was just downright HOT! After being in mild temps all week long...the humidity was NOT a welcome change. We had a good time at the carnival.

On Saturday, ds 4 and I ran some errands. It was nice to just spend some time with him. I was able to share Chicago gifts with all the boys...they seemed to enjoy them. I got my pictures developed. I'll have to use one of them for Wordless Wednesday.

Yesterday we went to church. The message was powerful. Dh talked about the importance of looking forward and staying focused vs. getting distracted and looking to the past. I know so many people who dwell on the past and blame it for who they are. And I must admit that I thought about how many people I'd like to give the CD to...I suppose though that I should remove the log from my own eye first!!

I wrote out Ds 1's graduation invitation. I get the "I'm a dork" award for this...because I addressed the INSIDE envelopes for half of them. So I had to RE-DO several of them. If you get an invitation and it only has one envelope, then you'll know that this happened to one of yours.

Here I am on Monday evening...trying to get back into the full swing of things. Going back to work today was good, but FULL of stuff that needed to get done.

Now, my Moe's burrito is here...so I am signing out.

Heading Home from Chicago

Today we head home.

I have learned some things this week.

Almost every time I go to a Reading Association conference, I get the priviledge of eating in some very fancy restaurants. Various publishers love to "wine and dine" their customers. This week was no different in some ways. During these trips, I usually learn about a food or delicacy about which I had no prior knowledge.

This week, in a French restaurant, I learned about foie gras. Everyone at our table (except the Floridians) were surprised to see this pate on the menu since it is being outlawed in Chicago. The menu even had a note that "May might be the last month you can get foie gras in Chicago." I usually don't want to appear dumb....so I listen and wait for an explanation. Finally someone asked, "Do you know what it is?" I admitted my lack of knowledge.

It seems that foie gras is a fatty goose liver. It is (supposedly) very sweet and light tasting. BUT...they have to force feed the goose almost four pounds of grains daily for 28 days. They are kept in small dark cages to prevent them from "losing weight" and movement. After this, they are slaughtered for their liver (and down).

Now, I am NO PETA activist...but this absolutely does NOT seem right! Apparently, this "delicacy" has been outlawed in California (but not until 2012) and here in Chicago this year. I know that there are many "interesting" foods around the world....I just couldn't bear the thought of trying this one. Thankfully no one at the table ordered it.

I have learned that if someone at a restaurant or apartment building needs a cab, there is often a yellow light (think police car light) that sits on the side of the building as a signal.

I have learned that every street in downtown Chicago is videotaped 24/7.

I have learned that 80% of the downtown Chicago police force is dressed in plain clothes.

Of course, I also learned about teaching and learning and reading instruction. THAT post could go on MUCH longer....and might in the near future.

For now, I am going to close and get ready to head to the Sunshine State and my delightful family!!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things about Susan's done or seen this week in CHICAGO

1. Ate at both French and Italian restaurants (and didn't have to pay the bill)!

2. Rode in a horse drawn carriage through the city at night.

3. Spent time in the Women's Bathroom on the 96th floor of the John Hancock Building...OK I think it's one of the BEST views in the place!!!

4. Nearly received whiplash during at least two harrowing cab rides! Can you say fast and brakes together???

5. Met many children's book authors. Had several books signed to share back at school.

6. Saw the Fountain that was featured in the opening song to the Married with Children TV show...think Al Bundy...."Love and marriage, Love and marriage, Goes together like a horse and carriage."

7. Drove past Soldier Field...saw Navy Pier....and drove down the shores of Lake Michigan.

8. Watched several peoplel walking their dogs about 10:30 in their PJ's!!

9. Saw the Blue Man Group and the 45th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

10. Ate Chicago deep dish pizza...and a Chicago style hot dog.

11. Enjoyed the TULIPS...my FAVORITE flower! They are calling downtown a "Tulip Festival" right now.

12. Visited with and reconnected with several professional friends from around the globe.

13. Met six people with whom I work regularly, but have never seen face to face. Until this trip, we had only sent manuscripts and materials back and forth via Internet and email.

Letters, Books, and Words, OH MY!

If you have never been to an International Reading Association Conference, then you simply cannot imagine the extent of the event! The exhibit hall is a HUGE room with over 1000 exhibitors. There are letters, books, words, and TEACHERS everywhere---20,000 to be precise!

It was funny because last night we went to dinner with Suzi's friend, Beth, who is a Chiropractor and not in education. She lives in the area and drove us around. As we looked on each and every corner, she would say, "Are those teachers?" They are hard to miss. There is a "look" to most teachers. They carry totebags (I have collected four so far during this conference) full of STUFF and are definitely keeping Chiropractors and Orthopedic surgeons everywhere in business. In fact, maybe Beth was "sniffing business" as she eyed the crazy crowd.

It's a time that is full of learning about the subject we are passionate about. It's a time to learn from colleagues. It's a time to hear what the foremost experts in the field are currently finding in their research. It's a time to find out what is happening in the world of reading.

I feel like I am lapping up all the learning I can...especially since I missed the last two years. I don't always find staff development that challenges me in my area. This is my time to "get challenged". It's a time for me to dig into my own thinking and refuel and refine my practice. It's like a feeding frenzy in so many ways.

Today, my hope in reading education has been renewed. You see, I think we have covered education in the "research-based" blanket...and in many ways it has zapped the fun and creativity right out of our classrooms!! Yet, there's room for teachers to be who they are. There's room for them to recapture that zeal that brought them to the classroom in the first place. I am on a mission now....I want to help awaken the "true teacher" that has been hiding inside so many of my colleagues for so long. I want to help them trust themselves to be responsive and highly-effective teachers. I want to help them see that they DO make a difference each and every day. I want them to get EXCITED about letters, books, and words.....so they can pass that along to the students they teach.

My Weekend Window

This weekend has been GREAT! I gave you a glimpse of it in my last entry, but I want to fill you in on the rest of the weekend.

The flight here was totally anxiety free for me....HOORAY!!

Friday night we ate at Giordano's and had Chicago's famous deep dish pizza. The wait was over an hour...but it was well worth it.

Saturday, we shopped on the Magnificent Mile and saw the Spelling Bee show. Both very fun things to do.

Yesterday, we did MORE shopping...went to Marshall Field's on State Street and got our FREE Frango Mints...a special for visitors of Chicago. My friend, Suzi arrived and we went to see the Blue Man Group. Oh my goodness were they GREAT! It was quite a show that was filled with fun surprises throughout.

Last night, we ate at Ed Debevic's. This was a first for me. It is a 50's style diner where the wait staff is quite loud and obnoxious. If you don't know your order, they'll yell, "Come on, I don't have all day!" As my friend, Suzi put it, they get to say all the things that waiters and waitresses everywhere would like to at one time or another. Anyway, they also dance on the tables and are genuinely entertaining. It also was GREAT fun!!

Well...I am off to sessions this morning....Now the learning has to start.