Thank God it's Friday!  I love my job, but getting back into the swing of things is just plain difficult!  I am simply an eight hour girl.  I am just downright cranky when I don't get a full night's sleep.  I think it's also been a different kind of week because I am learning to navigate our new leadership at school.  That is not a bad thing, it's just different.  It's kind of like those first years of marriage when you're really on your toes trying not to cause rough waters, you know?  It can be draining.

My brother is in the hospital with acute pancreatitis.  This is not the first time he's been admitted with it.  He is diabetic and has some other health issues that have caused this to flare up.  Primarily they think it can be controlled with diet and medication.  But, if you've ever tried to completely shift your diet from whatever is your norm, it can be very tough!  I am still requesting prayers for him.

Guess what I am doing tomorrow???  First of all, I am going to go to the Breakfast for Belize for our church. One local business owner is going to be making Mexican breakfast burritos for $10.  All proceeds are going to support our church's children's home in Belize.  It should be a great time.

But then...after breakfast is done...I am heading up to Tampa to see DS 2 and his GF.  We are making a trip to IKEA!!  I LOVE IT!  And the fact that DS's GF has never been makes it even more fun.  I can't wait.

OK, I have got to get ready for work on this fine Friday.  I hope you all have a wonderful day and an even better weekend!

The Chicks and the Nest and the First Day of School

Yesterday was the first day of school for three of my children.  It's at this time of the year that I really feel the need for the "chicks to be in or near the nest".  Of course, with two of them somewhat "out" of the nest, it makes it a bit harder.  I thought I'd give a first day of school update on all five of them to try and fill my need to connect with each of them...yeah, yeah, it IS about me sometimes!  ;-)

DS 1 has moved back home for a semester.  He is being sent to several "schools" through the Army.  Right now he is away in SC for 15 days to get some kind of warrior training.  Let me say this definitely shows my "female-ness" cause my DH and the other boys all know exactly how to describe this training in very macho sounding terms.  One thing I do know is that this will promote him to a Sgt.  I am so proud of him and happy that he's going to be able to get some of these experiences under his belt. 

DS 2 moved to Tampa to go to school at USF.  He hit a snafu in his plan last night after meeting with an advisor.  It's at these times, when they face hurdles, that you really get glimpses into their character.  DS 2 is doing his best to come up with an alternate plan and keep moving himself forward at the same time.  I love what my DH told him, "This little blip on the screen does not define your life."  It does, however, further define the man he is becoming.  Today, I'm praying for an extra dose of direction and favor for him.  

DS 3 started his Junior year of HS yesterday in the POURING rain!  Their school starts at 7:20, so he is up and out early.  I thought he was going straight there (in his new car) yesterday...but he texted me to tell me that the kids in his Bible Study met at someone's house first to pray.  Yes, I said PRAY!  They met together to pray for their year.  Pray for the school.  Pray for their strength to be lights on the campus.  I LOVE IT! 


DS 4 started middle school.  Middle school.  It's so hard for me to believe that he's there on one hand.  But on the other hand, we've been waiting a long time for it!  He came home ready to organize notebooks, did his homework, and was excited about his day. I find this age is the time I am praying more and more for their experiences, their friends, and the adults that will be part of their village.  Speaking of his village, he is in a multi-age program that the older boys also were in.  He will have the same four teachers for his entire middle school program and he is in class with 7th and 8th graders.  I love this.  They know our family.  They know our older boys.  It just makes it a bit less mysterious.  


LG started 3rd grade yesterday.  She LOVED it!  Her teacher is such a bright spot at our school and I KNOW she'll be a bright spot in LG's life.  She also taught at least one (if not both) of LG's brothers, so she knows her biological family...which helps too.  LG came home and told me all about it.  And then as she'd remember a new detail, she'd add it later on.  I have to say this is where girls are so much different than boys.  The boys kind of ooze details in slow motion if they give them at all.  Girls, though, tell you every. single. detail.  


So, there you have it...they may not all be in the nest, but they all report IN to the nest and for that, I will be forever grateful!  

Don't Fence Me In...

Today I am meeting with our new Principal. We have met briefly, but haven't really sat and talked yet. I had some things I wanted to prepare for that meeting, so yesterday I took the time to really dig in and get those things in order at work.

Most of the time, "normal" people park in the parking lot. On Summer days, and times when there are no kids on campus, some of us who work in portable classrooms pull our cars right around to our doors. Knowing that I also wanted to fill my car with boxes to pack up my kitchen in prep for the re-do, I pulled my car behind the cafeteria and through the field around to my classroom. That was around 10:00am.

Because I wanted to stay somewhat incognito, I didn't tell anyone I was there. I worked all day. It was quiet and peaceful and I really got a lot done. I looked up at the clock at one point and realized that it was 4:00. I called the office to let the AP know I was there and ask what time the building actually closed. She told me 5 or 6. So I started to wrap up. At 4:50 I packed the car and left.

When I arrived at the back side of the cafeteria, the gate that I had to drive through was LOCKED! I didn't totally panic because I could see cars still. I called the front office on my cell phone. No answer. Mild heart palpitations. I called my AP's cell phone. No answer. BIGGER heartbeats. Surely she didn't leave early. I called my FIL to pick up LG at Dance Camp because I was "locked up". It gave him a good chuckle!

Suddenly my phone rang. The AP said, "I'm sorry, I was on the phone." I told her my predicament and asked her if she would call the custodians to open the gate. First she laughed. Hard. Then she called them.

Now the head custodian LOVED coming out and seeing my locked in face! She laughed and said, "Girl, you supposed to be on vacation!" She's right. She unlocked the gate. I promised to let her know that my car was around there next time. And we exchanged cell phone numbers as she scolded me for coming to work on my time off amid some "Serves you right" talk.

I know. I know.

I love the summer. I love having days off. I also love having the freedom to go to school if I want to and work a bit. It's that freedom to come and go as you want that feels so good. Well...that is, unless you find that you're fenced in! Then it makes you stop and do a double take. And for a brief moment you wonder if you should be there at all.

The answer, for me, is "yes". I love that place. I love what I do. I love the people I work with. And I love preparing for a new year at a slow easy pace that summer brings...unless it's 5:00 and the fence is closed!

As Another Week Closes...

What an interesting week we've had!

After driving back from our trip to the beach last Saturday, it was pretty much back to the daily "summer grind".

LG began Dance Camp. One of our goals is to help her find ways to move and avoid being sedentary. She LOVES the stage and performance, so this seemed like a logical choice. It has been so positive for her. The week culminates in a mini-show that all the campers put on for their parents. There is no question that she loves performing and all that goes with it. So, I'd say it was a great match!

DS 3 and I drove to Miami last night to pick up my DS 2 and his GF and a crew that has been on the mission field in Nicaragua. They had plenty of room for either bodies or luggage, but not both. So, DS 3 and I carried the luggage home and they carried all the youth home.

For us, this is a 3 and 1/2 hour trip to that airport. DS 3 drove and did a great job. I told him I did not want him driving in Miami, but he did fine all the way to the airport.

When we arrived at the airport, I realized that we also needed to figure in the customs process. UGH! It wasn't long before we saw ONE youth come out and he basically said, "(Your son) had to get the full search. So they are back there." This youth was meeting his Aunt at the airport and that's why he came out.

So we waited. DS 3 and I had a great time making up stories about each person who came through the customs hall. We decided what country each one had been visiting and their business there. It was profiling at it's finest! But made for some good laughs between the two of us.

DS 2 and crew came out not long after we saw Youth 1. They were tired and worn and the kids were demanding Chick-Fil-A of all places. Thank goodness for GPS! We found one and took them to supper.

One other experience made my week interesting. I went to volunteer in my friend Debra's summer school class of 7 preK Autistic children. These kids range where they are on the Autism spectrum, but honestly most are significantly non-verbal and others are quite physical.

I was only in there an hour while another teacher modeled a lesson, an aide helped all the kids bathroom and/or change diapers, and Debra, a teen volunteer and I helped kids sit in their chairs as they learned to reply with a yes/no to a question. Then I helped them walk to lunch. It took all I had just to hold two kids hands and get them to lunch!

I have to say it was a very humbling experience! These children are precious. They are time intensive and needy in a different sort of way. It is evident that most, if not all, would benefit from a 1:1 aide. That simply isn't going to happen.

It was an important reminder why I don't have my Exceptional Student Education certification. It's simply not my calling. And it's also a reminder just how special each person who has the will, passion, and stamina to work with them is a special gift for that child.

That's it from my neck of the woods!

Silly Bandz are...

Silly!

I remember seeing these on the office supply store shelves not long ago. I eyed them with my "teacher eye" thinkng I might think of something to do with them in the classroom. BUT I looked at them, thought they were overpriced, and continued my shopping journey.

Fast forward a few months and they started showing up on DS 3's wrist after school. It seems the high schoolers started wearing them and trading them at lunch each day. Now they've trickled into the elementary school and kids are wearing them by the armfulls!

Today as I bought a set for DS 4 and LG, I thought "I can't believe I'm doing this...giving in to the fad." While in the store, another Mother saw me and said, "You aren't by chance here for shape bracelets?" I told her we were and she said, "Let me guess, they're out TOO." I said, "No, they have them right there." And she sighed a huge sigh of relief as she told me that they'd been to multiple drug stores looking. I couldn't believe it!

But then I remembered all the fads I've seen come and go...jelly bracelets, beanie babies, and trading cards of all sorts.

Although I think they are silly, they will be fond memories for these kids someday when they recall trading them. Now if we could just find a different set or two to trade!

Who's Got Talent?

This Guy's Got Talent…
A few months back, DS 3 (who is the Sophomore Class President) was brainstorming a fundraising project for his class. He mentioned that he’d like to try a take-off on America’s Got Talent and make it named after his high school “R’s Got Talent”. He took the idea to the student boards and was met with a little bit of resistance from other classes. They basically didn’t believe that Sophomores could “pull off” such an event. In essence, they threw the gauntlet. DS 3 was determined and began working on pulling his officers together for this event.

They recruited 12 acts. He created tickets and fliers and banners to hang around the school. He found judges (including the youth pastor from our church and one of the leaders). He created a Facebook invite and started inviting students from the school to attend. He had the Principal help him create a phone message that was delivered to all 2400 student homes inviting them to come on out. I helped him create a rubric for the judges to use to give feedback to the acts. DS 3 even talked his Dad into being a “corporate sponsor” and sponsoring the ability to “text vote” for the winner!

Monday night, however, he was a bit discouraged. They had only sold 15 tickets! He felt good about all the logistics except how many people would be in the audience! Just like most things that are well-planned, though, it all worked out. By lunchtime on Tuesday (the day of the show), they had sold 127 tickets—which was enough for them to break even financially.

He was feeling better by the time DS 4, LG and I arrived for the show Tuesday night. DS 3 was running around in Producer/Director mode…and maintained his laser focus throughout the event. It wasn’t long until people began streaming in through the doors to come see if, in fact, RHS and the Sophomore Board has talent. The event was quite well attended. The judges were funny—as they worked on being a little like Simon, Pierce, David, Paula, Sharon, Kara and, at times, Randy. The acts were enjoyable. And the kids had fun watching their peers perform. It was an incredible event and the Sophomore class ended up making more than $1000 on it!

Yep, I’d say DS 3 has talent! And, for that matter, so does DS 4…

After the show, I was talking to DH on the phone and waiting on DS 3 to be ready to go home. I looked across the auditorium and there is my 11yo, DS 4, with about 8 – 10 high school girls around him. Several of them had their cell phones up and were video taping DS 4 singing to them! People have been telling DS 4 that he looks like Justin Bieber (see pic below left) lately and he’s eating it up. He was having a ball entertaining these strangers! (Of course, as I relayed it to DH via the phone he said, “Yeah! That’s my boy!”
One thing is for certain, there is NEVER. EVER. One dull moment in our house! Gotta' love 'em!

I knew the shooter...

Monday morning we awoke to learn about a horrible shooting of a 16yo student in our city. He was riding his bike in an area known for increased drugs and violence. At 11:15am...broad daylight...he was shot. He ran into the nearest house seeking help and died there.

Sixteen.

That's a time when life is suppsoed to be so wonderful. It's carefree. It's young and energetic. It's full of potential and possibilities.

Yesterday morning the newspaper touted making arrests in the case. I was shocked to see a former student's mug shot staring at me through my computer screen. He wasn't in MY classes, but he was part of our school family. He's 14. Even younger than the dead boy.

Apparently there will be more arrests in this case. Today they are saying the shooting was drug-related.

I don't care what it was related to...it was wrong. This is an example of not one, but two lives, cut drastically short. And it breaks my heart!

I really work in a place where people care deeply for kids. We work hard to help our kids see the possibilities that are available to them. Most of the time, we succeed.

And, as this reminds me, sometimes we don't.

Friday Fave Five

My friend, Melli plays this meme on Fridays. She gets it from the host, Susanne at Living to Tell the Story. In this meme, we share our five favorite things from the past week. If you would like to play along just post your 5, link back to Susanne and visit her to see who else is playing along.

1. It turned cooler on Wednesday. What a GIFT that is when you live in southwest Florida. It's been so hot and humid lately that I forgot what it felt like. Although those of you in the north won't think it, the temp dropped to the mid-70's. It was gorgeous!!

2. I had a BLAST watching my DS 3 at the airband contest the other night. He just had so much fun. Since he's the most conservative of all my kids, it was fun to see him cut loose and enjoy himself on stage. I wish I could link up to the video which came out on Facebook today! Too funny!

3. Last night a team of teachers and I facilitated a parent/student night for K-1 children and their families. This program is called Partners in Print. I LOVE IT! It's a great time for families to learn more about helping each other develop literacy. The best part?? My friends Sandy and Jamie came and helped out just because they're those kind of people! I love it when people just give and don't expect anything in return. They are very special people!

4. Our church served free supper for our K-1 families last night. I love that too. It's so neat to be able to let the families know that someone has provided their supper at no charge. What a blessing!

5. Speaking of church, I'm going to host our second "Partycipate"...our version of a membership gathering...at my house tonight. Last Saturday, we had 19 people over to hear the vision and mission and get to know one another. Tonight, there will be another 25 people. I love getting to know people...especially while laughing and learning together.

Well...that's it! Happy Friday to all!

Some things just make me say...

HUH!?!?!

Yesterday, this little news tidbit came across my computer screen:

Houston Woman Fries and Eats Pet Goldfish After Fight with Husband

Authorities say a Houston-area woman who was burned up at her former common-law husband fried their pet goldfish and ate some of them.... The seven goldfish were purchased together by the couple during happier times....Police spokesman Vance Mitchell says the man reported on Saturday that the woman took the goldfish from his apartment.....Mitchell says the two argued earlier about some jewelry the man had given her but took back. She wanted the jewelry returned....Officers...arrived to find four fried goldfish on a plate. The woman said she already ate the other three

Call me crazy but she fried and ate seven 99cent goldfish to make him mad enough to give back jewelry??? And she thought it would work???? AND this was a police matter???? And it's worthy of national news on the Internet??

I just don't get it!

AND...in OTHER "HUH!?!" News...

DS 3 Takes the Stage With Top Secret Performance

Last night, my DS 3 participated in the school's "airband competition". You might remember when he and my DS 2 shot a video for the Grammy Awards in January. Well, the past few weeks "Mr. Creative" has resurfaced and decided HE'D get on stage for this event.

He kept the plan tightly under wraps except to say "You're going to be SO proud. It might be the proudest moment of your life!" I don't know about you, but when your teenager tells you stuff like that, generally you're thinking quite the opposite! Then last night, just before we left to go to the high school I got this phone call: "Hi Mom. No matter what you see on stage tonight, I just want you to know that I still like girls."

And there you have it, folks, something else that made me say "HUH!?!" There was no waiting once we got there. DS 3 signed his act up to be first on the program. He decided that he wanted to be the FIRST person ever to perform for an audience on the brand new stage AND that if he went first and it bombed, the audience would forget it by the time the night was over. I've raised thinkers if nothing else.

The act did NOT bomb. It was funny. They changed clothes three times and yes, "I Kissed a Girl" (from their Grammy video) resurfaced. And, yes, there was a "son in a dress" involved. It was choreographed well and DS 3--who has not always been my most coordinated child--did a GREAT job moving on the stage. I laughed so hard!

On the way home, he was so excited! He loved the feel of just getting up there and having fun. He is already planning for next year. And yes I am VERY proud of him.

He also noted that one of his friends said, "Wow, I should have done it with you." He had begged people for weeks to do it, but they wouldn't get on stage and go for it. I told him that I have been in that kid's shoes many many times. I've refused to just get out there and do something that I wanted to do because I didn't want to embarass myself. Yet, I also know that when you push yourself to do something like that you usually do have a blast.

I'm a proud Mama. I love it that my guys love to have fun. I love it that they enjoy their lives and occasionally throw caution to the wind (in a good way). I love it that they enjoy school in many ways.

As one of their teachers said to me last night, "Now we just have to figure out which one of your sons looks better in a dress!" He followed up by telling DS 4 (my fifth grader) that he better start looking for a dress now...cause he's probably going to need it!

And THAT made me once again think "HUH!?!?!"

Happy Thursday all!

My Weekend Window

Let me first say that I WISH this is what it looked like outside my windows! It doesn't look anything like this, though...only in my mind!



What a busy weekend! Friday night was the "FCAT Dance". This is the dance that my school does for kids who score well on FCAT. It's part of a huge incentive program. It's a fun time especially because our former fifth graders, now in middle school, come back for it.

There's my DS 4 and his friend K. I have to tell you her face tells it all in this picture. Most of the time I would look for him, he was surrounded by girls.


I knew there was trouble when one came out of the posse crying! So I asked him, "A, are you causing the girls trouble?" He said, "I'm not doing anything!" I rephrased the question: "Are they upset over you?" To which he replied, "Yeah, they're fighting over me. I don't get it. All I want to do is dance!" I think the writing is on the wall with this young man. I need to fasten my seatbelt for sure!


Saturday night we hosted our church's first "Partycipate"...a sort of membership party for about 20 people at our house. It was a great time to get to know some people who have been coming that we didn't know as well yet.

I made my first ever homemade salsa and guacamole. Both turned out pretty well...according to my DS 2. I think it's so funny how everyone hangs out in the kitchen even when you have other spaces for people to spread out!

We will host another one of these this coming Friday. Now I'm trying to decide if I should do a different menu, or keep the one we used on Saturday???

Yesterday DS 4 and I headed up to Tampa to see my family. My brother, Dan, is getting ready to head back to Texas next week. It was good to visit with him and the rest of the family just casually before the hectic holidays start up!

I LOVED watching Amazing Race last night. This is one show that I really enjoy. So that is how I ended my weekend last night!

Now, it's time for a new and very busy work, school, and church week and the beginning of October. I have to say that THIS is what signals to me that I can start putting up my Fall decor. We will be getting all that down tonight. My boys know this is one of the things that keeps "Mama happy"!

Have a great week, everyone!

More Stories from "The Lot"

As I work in our school's parking lot each morning, I get to have conversation with kids and parents. But the best conversations are from the patrols who serve there with me!

Today A asked us all, "Have you ever tried to predict your future?"

Some answered, "Yes." Some answered "No." And others said, "HUH!?!"

He continued, "I did it the other day. And it told me that I am going to be a dentist." I confess at this moment, I noticed the spaces between his own teeth and I thought, "That's a good thing." Never wanting to leave us hanging, and not missing ONE breath, A continued: "And then I tried to predict my salary. And do you know what it told me I would make? 2000 dollars a.....YEAR!"

He paused here to wait for my "Wow!" And when I was still trying to process that he thought he just told me he was going to make a million dollars a year, he said, "I mean do you understand what that means? I am going to be a SPECIAL dentist!" (As my mind went right to missional work--he went on....) "I mean I might be like THE personal dentist to the President!"

Not wanting to burst this young man's bubble, I said, "Yeah, you could be the President's personal dentist. And I am pretty sure they make MORE than 2000 dollars a year."

He shouted, "All RIGHT!"

I think A's going to have a great day basking in his prediction. I know I'm going to have a great day just thinking about the innocence and dreams of young children.

I hope you have a great day too!

Lessons from the Front

Every morning I work Parent Drop-off. I love this duty! I get to greet families as they arrive at school in the morning. I can learn a lot about a child by noticing how he/she is dropped off in the morning.

Today, though, I learned a bit more about my patrols that help me. These are fifth grade students who open car doors and greet students. During a lull in the traffic, I overheard A telling R, "Yeah, the dog bit me on the head and almost went right through to my brain!"

She said, "Wow, that must have hurt!"

He replied, "Yeah it did. Do you think that's why I'm weird?"

Being ever aware of self esteem conversations, I said, "A, I don't think you're weird!"

R looked at us both and said, "Yeah, we're all weird in one way or another. So, you're fine."

And there you have it folks....a sweet little lesson from a fifth grader (who has more wisdom in her small body than some adults I know) to start your week!

Have a good one!

Thinking Out Loud Thursday

I've decided that today I just need to think out loud. Well, somewhat out loud, cause it's here on my keyboard that I'm thinking. Here goes:

* Data entry is not my favorite thing to do. I would have never signed up for such a job given the choice. Yet, this is EXACTLY what I have been doing for the last couple of days. It's not the end of the world, but I keep thinking about the "trickle down". The REASON I am having to do data entry at school is because some upload somewhere didn't go as planned, so now I am putting lost student information into the computer. All I hear is the wisdom of my Father (paraphrased by me): "A problem on someone else's end should NOT cause a problem on my end." Apparently sometimes it does!

* Social networking has been heavy on my mind this week. I have some friends in my social networks who are choosing to be rather bold in status updates/tweets. If you are a professional, I simply don't think your status updates should be negative about your job, your co-workers, or the people you serve as customers. No wonder employers are checking these things out before they hire!

* I work with a lot of kids who are from a very low socio-economic status. They are from homes where food is limited. Some only get a "good" meal here at school. You may remember my PBJ rant of a couple of years ago. This week I'm on a new rant. Here's a snippet of the email I sent to the director of food service:

My concern regards food availability for our kids.... I can only imagine that preparing and planning menus for school cafeterias must be a logistical nightmare at times. I guess I am also of the belief, however, that running completely out of something that is on the county menu should not be a regular occurrence at any school. And, right or wrong, I simply don’t think it should EVER happen at a Title I school where 75% of the students receive free/reduced lunch! ...

With 25 classes served, and 19 classes remaining to be served today, we are out of not one, but TWO main items on the menu? And we are down to one vegetable choice? I find that unacceptable! Not to mention that a child with dairy issues would have been "stuck" with peanut butter and jelly as their only main dish option.

* I know I'm never gonna' change the world to the way I wish it would be. Still, I can try! Maybe it'll make a difference for someone somewhere.

Labor Day's Looming...

The weekend has arrived. It's a good thing to get this weekend so close to the beginning of school. It used to be that we kind of eased our way into the new school year, but now we hit the ground running. It has been non-stop and the break will be welcome!

DH flew DS 2 and my FIL to another city today where DS 2's friend S lives. She's wanted to ride in DH's plane for a while. So, FIL and DH took S up in the plane while DS 2 waited on the ground for them. DS 2 stayed down there so that he can play in an Ultimate Frisbee tournament tomorrow.

DH came home from the flight and took DS 4 and his friend, T to the Rays baseball game.

DS 3 left to go hang out with some friends in the neighborhood.

DS 1 is coming home tonight, but is stopping in to see some friends first.

Soooo...what does that mean? That means that I'm sitting here having a QUIET evening. Now you'd think I'd take the opportunity to turn on a "chick flick". Or maybe read a "chick lit". But no. I'm sitting here watching football. Sometimes I think something's really wrong with me!

I don't know how much longer I'll watch the game. I may take advantage of this time to finish the book I'm reading...or I may turn on that chick flick I've been wanting to see...or I may keep watching the muted football game. No matter what I decide to do, one thing's for sure...it'll be MY CHOICE. Once in a while that's a good thing.

The rest of the weekend holds a meeting tomorrow, church on Sunday, family picnic Sunday afternoon, and Monday REST.

I guess Labor Day's not really looming...the weekend is here. Now I just need to make the most of it. Happy Friday everyone!

Why whine when we're blessed?

I have to tell you, I can be a whiner sometimes. I try not to do it. I try to keep my chin up and not complain. But occasionally the whine slips through my filter and right out into the open.

If you read my last post, then you know that I've been a little stressed at work. I know that ultimately my moving is the "right thing"...but it DOES NOT make it easy. And it doesn't mean that I am not a bit emotional over the whole thing. It would be easy to get stuck in the muck and the mire, but I am making the choice to make the best of it and muddle through my emotions to take the next step in location.

I have to say, though, in the last 24 hours I have been the recipient of MORE blessings than I can count. Right in the midst of my whining!

It started with the food delivery and box top pile. Last night, I came home later than usual. My wonderful in-laws had dropped off "Grandma's Kitchen" for us...complete with new foods to taste-test. On the fridge was a note telling us what had been delivered. The thing that really got me was the P.S. from my MIL. She saw a mountain of General Mills Box Tops on my counter that needed to be cut. The P.S. asked if I wanted her to do that for me. I gotta' tell you this simple offer made me cry on the spot! Even though it seemed like a small "mountain"...I had been trying to finish the task admist everything else for a couple of days.

Today, my sweet DS 2 offered to come help me move stuff to my new room. Now please understand that this is the same son who helped move from my old office to my "new old" office just a few months ago. He got his grandfather, my FIL, to come with him. Right when they arrived, it started raining and it did not stop for the rest of the afternoon. Yet, those two did NOT stop! Thanks to them there is only a small bit left to do tomorrow and then I can concentrate on getting stuff put away and organized.

At home I had been preparing to host a Tastefully Simple party for my neighbor who is a consultant. I'd been promising her for months that I would do this. I had several people RSVP and ready to come this evening. DS 3 totally made sure things were ready to "Mom's specifications" around the house before I came home.

At five o'clock, I got a call from my neighbor (the consultant) who told me that she'd been running a fever and was getting worse. She had already had the food ready to go with the help of her family. My party was at 6:30. She said she was going to send it over and let us enjoy it.

I immediately called my friend Sandy who loves to cook. She said not to worry she'd be here to help. And she was....we just faked our way right through the party and had a blast sampling and tasting the stuff. My friends are simply the best as they didn't care either way...they are so flexible and helpful and just all around super people.

After they left, I sat with my boys and once again reflected on all my blessings. I think I'll count them tonight as my head hits the pillow...as I sing "You'll fall asleep counting your blessings!"

Night!

I think I can...I think I can...I think I can...

If you know any teachers, or you are one yourself, then you know that sometimes we accumulate "stuff". This is especially true for elementary teachers who are always looking for concrete ways to make a lesson meaningful for kids. I am no different. I have more than 3000 books in my classroom library alone. I also have many many other resource materials for kids and teachers.

This summer I moved it all to a new portable. My "old one" was being taken away by the district to be used in other places. So, DSs 2 and 3 helped me move over the course of two days. I spent several days this summer fixing it up and preparing it for both kids I would teach and teachers I would train. My boss even commented the first week of school how nice it looked.

Last week we found out that we are gaining two teaching units. One of them is at the grade level that is surrounding my current "home away from home". I do not teach in the regular classroom, I do a lot of support work. There really is no other "logical" place for the new teacher to go.

So, here I move again!

I am undoing what has been freshly done. I'd like to tell you that my attitude has been positive and willing the entire time. And, certainly for the most part I know that you do what it takes to make the entire thing work. I'm still sad, though.

Today I will be schlepping stuff once again. This time without boxes--because I had already disposed of them all.

Hence the title of this post. I need that kind of step-by-step "eating the elephant" thinking right now. It's how I plan to get through the next few days and accomplish the task set before me. The thing is, I know that the task is much bigger than moving stuff. I know that it's also about being an example with my attitude, my talk and my actions.

I think I can...I think I can...I think I can....

Kids say the cutest things!

School started back on Monday. I love this time of year! It's the time when we get to usher new "little people" into their "home away from home" for the next few years. Kindergarteners are often wide-eyed and eager. Would that we could all get a spark of that once-in-a-while.

This morning, I was walking through the halls to do my "rounds"...making sure everyone was where they needed to go. This darling little girl with pigtails and beads all over her head was "late". So, I told her to come with me to get a late slip in the office.

She said, "Is we going to play games?" I said, "No, we're just going to go tell the office you're here and then you get to go to class to play." She said, "OK."

I asked her name and she replied, "T____ B____." Because her name sounded familiar to me, I said, "Do you have a sister?" She asked, "A bigger one?" I said, "Yes." She replied, "Yeah." I said, "What's your sister's name?"

She hesitated. She stopped. She put her finger on her head like she was thinking hard.

I was thinking, "Good night, SURELY she knows her sister's name!?!?!" She finally said, "I can't remember her name, but she sits next to me every Sunday in church!"

I finally figured it out...she doesn't have a "sister" as in a human relative, but in her church they call all the ladies, "Sister so-and-so". I have to say it gave me a chuckle!

After we got her late slip, she said, "Are we all done?" I said, "Yes, we're done." She said, "Whew! I thought I was going to get a SHOT!"

I really wanted to reply, "No way, Sister!"

An Update

If you've read this blog for any time at all, then you know that cooking is NOT my favorite thing to do. I have never hidden it. DH is really the cook in our house. He likes it. When he started traveling a few years back, the temptation was there to just order in or eat out more often.

Honestly, I know exactly why my Mother (who worked full time before the microwave could thaw stuff quickly) would often say, "Let's go get something to eat." It was easier. I suppose the fact that my brother and I were both rather picky eaters also made this easier on her.

Still, I've been working on cooking when DH is away. I have been scouring new recipes and looking to widen our eating horizons a bit. Recently we have eaten Asian BBQ Pork w/smoked gouda sandwiches, Citrus Soy Scallops with lo-mein and sugar snap peas, and Watercress Chicken Salad with a honey-mustard glaze. It's been fun seeing the boys' faces as they wonder "what are we making tonight?" And, all in all, they have been really good sports about it.

School started back yesterday for teachers. I LOVE this time of year. I have to say that it really annoys me when teachers say they "dread going back" and treat it like a drudgery. Other than the plethora of meetings, I really love everything about it.

Tonight, our bosses are taking us to the beach for a back to school party. It should be fun.

That's pretty much it for me...oh yeah, there IS a little "bunny update" that I need to give...but I think that's an entire blogpost. I'll save it for later. There you go, have I hooked you to keep checking back?

Happy Tuesday!

When May Comes...

Every year it happens.  May comes.  And every year since 2002, it's been the same for me.  

That was the year No Child Left Behind really took a foothold and third grade testing became a benchmark for promotion or retention.  There have always been tests.  Even when I was in school.  In the past, the purpose of testing wasn't so bad.  

I mean who DOESN'T want to know that their child is being taught at the highest level possible? And who wouldn't want to hold schools accountable for doing "right" by their "customers"--the students?  In the late 90's though, our state started giving every school a grade.  A report card if you will.  I suppose that'd be OK as long as we realize that we don't all start out on level ground.  

Some schools are filled with students that have every benefit in their lives.  They have parents that love them and give them many experiences upon which to build their education.  These students often have a zest for learning.   Others are filled with kids who wonder where their next meal will come from.  Or if Dad and Mom will fight again tonight...or even if they'll be home. Some come from places that are so impoverished that their lessons take place on the streets and have little or nothing to do with textbooks or pedagogy.     Still other schools are filled with a mixture of these two ends of the student spectrum.  Yet, we grade them all based on similar criteria.  

A few years after grading began is when we really had to look at individual students.  The third grade year was selected as a benchmark year.  After all, if a child can't read by the time he or she is eight or nine years old, there is probably a problem.  Thus, mandatory retention began.  The rule was (and is) that a child who scores in the lowest range on our state test MUST be retained in the third grade.  

Our lawmakers are not totally heartless.  No.  They developed some loopholes.  Some "good cause" criteria that allows a student to possibly be passed on when they score at the lowest level on the single assessment.  Here are a few of the criteria: 

*  If a child has been in the country less than 2 years and speaks no English, he or she can move to fourth grade.  

*  If a student demonstrates an acceptable level of performance on an alternative test.  

*  If a student has had an IEP for more than 2 years AND has been retained already at least ONE time. 

*  If a student has had intensive remediation in reading for more than two years AND has been retained TWO times.

So, every year, the scores come in and we find out who "didn't make it".  We look carefully to see if we can articulate for any of them based on the criteria.  And then we start documenting it all.  And every parent of every child who does not meet criteria gets a phone call home letting them know that their child...their pride and joy...didn't "pass" the third grade.  

Some years, the phone call sounds like one I had to make last week:  "Your child did not pass the state test again.  I know (_____) was in third grade for the last two years, but (_____) have to do third grade a THIRD time.  It's the law."  And it hurts me like CRAZY!  Three YEARS in the third grade???  For what!?!?!  

So, while I've called the "first timers" and even some who will now be on their "second retention in 4 years"...it's the one above that simply makes my passion flame.  (_____) has had a lot of remediation.  (_____) has had other test scores that indicate being on level or just below, but not failing.  There's even a twin who will be ahead of (______) now by TWO years if this goes through.  And a younger sibling who has also now passed (_____) by. (_____) will turn eleven years old in October. IT BREAKS MY HEART!  

Today, we broke the mold of checking one of the criteria and documenting it.  Today, we wrote a narrative to introduce those people who make the decisions to this child.  We are pleading the case and doing all we can under this law to help (_____) make it to the fourth grade. 

While I hate it, this is also the time of year when I know I'm doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing.  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I belong in education and at the school where I am.  For that, I am thankful.  

Still, tonight I'm whispering a prayer.  I'm praying this child, and all the others in our state with similar stories have someone to articulate for them.  I'm praying that someone will see the whole picture and make the right decision here.  After all, this child's future depends on it.  

The Circus Came to Town...

Tomorrow culminates a very busy week for me at school.  Every year our school (which has an Arts instructional focus) puts on a HUGE production.  You might remember a few years ago when DS 4 was in the Jungle Book.  He "skipped" last year's production and then got involved again this year for the "Greatest Show on Earth".   He was in the clown troupe and loved learning from a "real" Ringling Bros. clown!  

Here are a couple of pics of him in costume and on stage in the "bucket brigade".

In addition to our arts focus, we have several families who have traveled (or still travel) with major circuses in our country.  One of the neat tributes in this show was a film highlighting photos and video footage of these families in their circus performances.  

Two of the families even had their children perform special acts.  The Suarez family juggled.  And the Wallenda's (of the famous "Flying Wallendas") did tightrope.  Isn't that neat?  

My room has been a dressing room/holding room while we've waited to go on stage this week. This has made for some very interesting photo ops.  

The kids had a ball.  The teachers are WORN OUT!  I have to say, though, I am so thankful that I work in a place that does this sort of thing.  It helps kids discover avenues to exercise their creativity and opportunities to showcase their talents.  

Just look how BIG the cast was!  It truly was a GREAT show!