Top Ten Moments

This year wasn't the best year for me.  Actually it was probably one of the worst I've had in a while.  But I've learned that no good comes from dwelling on the bad.  So I've decided to remember the good.  Which is what we should always do anyway.


I'm sure I'll miss something but here it is anyway.

The Top Ten Moments of 2010

*In no particular order

1.  Super Target in Durham, NC.  Does it get any better?  I just really don't think so.  Yes mom, the trip to Duke sucked.   The hotel sucked.  The city sucked.  The people were NOT nice. The roads sucked. Srsly NC.  WTH is up with the roads?!? The appointment sucked.  Even though the doctor was nice.  But the GPS lead us to a Super Target.  So it can't be considered a bust.  Even if it kiiiinda was.  

2.  A long soul healing summer.  With lots of days spent lounging and reading at the pool with V.  And one fateful day at the beach (RIP sunglasses, pump infusion set and top 50 layers of my skin.  You are missed.).  Lots of laughs and lots of peace.

3.  Finding my LONG LOST best friend T on Facebook. See some good comes from the evil beast that is FB.  I'd missed him since he moved away 10 years ago.  I'm glad to have my friend back.  

4.  Nick's flowers.  I'll say it again.  I have NEVER been one for fresh cut flowers (they die and make me sad).  But Nick has made a believer out of me this year.  I love looking at them.  I love smelling them.  And I love seeing him come home with them and that smirk he has when he knows he's done something sweet.  

5.  Sterling.  I am beyond excited that Jason met her.  I've only known her for a short time and I already L.O.V.E. her.  It's about time he found someone who is good and genuine and simply a beautiful person inside and out.  (Dear Jas, Hang on to this one.  love, me)

6.  Wilmington, Savannah, Charleston... you name it.  Going on Spring Break getaways with mom.  Even if I am terrible at planning them and deciding on a destination.  I do love them.

7.  Girl's Nights.  Enough said.  I can not narrow it down to one.  They are all highlights of my year.  I love you girls.

8.  Velcro cat.  Snuggling Murphy.  Goofy and Lick you to Death Kate.  These three make my heart happy.  Every time I see them.  

9. Nick being a weird sleeper.  He talks.  He gets up and turns lights on and off.  He has conversations that make no sense.  He presses down on my chest/stomach (I think he tries to kill me).  It's weird I tell you.  But usually very funny.  If I'm going to be woken up in the middle of the night...at least I get to laugh.  It's also sweet sometimes.  Like that time he put his arm around me, kissed my forehead, took his arm back, patted me on the head then rolled back over and resumed snoring.  

10. Realizing that moving in the right direction doesn't have to be this monumental event.  Slow steps count just as much.  Also, deciding that I definitely don't need everything to be happy.  Life is precious.  It's not perfect.  It's not easy.  It's not always good.   But it's all we have.  And that's enough.


11.  (I know... I said top ten.  So sue me.)  No one broke into my car this year.  *knocks on wood*  Yay!  I guess my new embarrassingly loud car alarm - that likes to go off during thunderstorms - is enough to scare the thieves away.  *knocks on wood again*

Can you narrow down your top ten for 2010?

White Christmas

I've been dreaming of a white Christmas (at home) my whole life.

Happy Dog.

Yes those are snowflakes... not creepy ghost orbs

Our "anonymous" pic.

I forgot I had the camera set to capture the snow falling... not people in the background...

but just LOOK at those snowflakes!

Dreams DO come true!

Velcro Cat

I missed my Thomas last week. Since he is a goober and tends to hide when his kennel comes out, I decided to leave him when I went home last week. When Nick came for the weekend, he also left Thomas behind so he wouldn't have to fight him into his kennel for the car ride.

Well... I was slightly worried that he would be mad at me (this is Thomas we are talking about - he is not your typical cat).

Turns out he's not.

Nick called it on our way home. "He's going to be your Velcro cat. He won't leave your side...even less than he usually does." he says.

Velcro cat huh?

I suppose you might just possibly be right.

What can I say. Thomas has always been my little duckling...

PS - Our Christmas Tree looks awfully sad without the lights on. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to leave it nice and lit up for one more day...

Don't forget

As Christmas approaches and the mad rush for hard to buy gifts or forgotten gifts begins, the frustration, the anxiety, the "now I have buy for this person... just because he/she bought something for me... I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO GET!", the attitude, the frenzy... - take a minute to remember - life is precious. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. So why spend today in a frenzy?

Don't forget to revel in the good things that surround us everyday. The cool breeze, the beautiful sights, the people we love, the warm bed, the fact that we have people in our lives worth fighting the crowds for...

Don't forget that while life isn't always wonderful or fair (trust me, I've already learned this), while some days, weeks, years are just plain hard, while some things that happen don't make sense, and while some people we love and thought we'd never say goodbye to get lost or left behind along the way - don't forget to remember - that life is good. Really good.

There is an awful lot of happiness, love, friendship, families, warm blankets, laughter, dancing like a crazy person around the living room, and good times to be had.

As I was driving home from meeting Nick for lunch and thinking what a beautiful day today turned out to be - I thought of this story:

A Flight of Geese

Yesterday I watched a huge flight of geese winging their way south through one of those panoramic sunsets that color the entire sky for a few moments. I saw them as I leaned against the lion statue in front of the Chicago Art Institute, where I was watching the Christmas shopers hurry along the Michigan Avenue. When I lowered my gaze, I noticed that a bag lady, standing a few feet away, had also been watching the geese. Our eyes met and we smiled - sliently acknowledging the fact that we had shared a marvelous sight, a symbol of the mystery of the struggle to survive. I overheard the lady talking to herself as she shuffled away. Her words, "God spoils me." were startling. Was this lady, this street derelict, being facetious? No. I believe the sight of the geese had shattered, however briefly, the harsh reality of her own struggle. I realized later that moments such as this one sustained her, it was the way she survived the indignity of the street.

Her smile was real. The sight of the geese was her Christmast present.

It was proof God existed. It was all she needed.

I envy her.

*from Chicken Soup for the Unsinkable Soul

And lastly, a few words of wisdom,

Don't forget to do something nice for someone today. Even if it is just a smile or a "have a good day". Because we should "always be nicer than necessary. Everyone is fighting some kind of battle".

and this -

Don't forget that we don't really need to have everything to be happy. At the end of the day, they only thing that really matters who you have standing beside (or behind) you and who is in your heart.

Ok really lastly,

Don't forget to love yourself too. It's easy to love the people around us. Don't forget about you. I know I won't.

At Last...

Christmas Break!!

Woooooooo Hoooooooo!!!

Time to kick back and (*ahhhhhh*) breathe. :)

I'll find something constructive to do... tomorrow.

Breakthrough

Today my Autistic child asked to go to the bathroom.  

Asked. To. Go.

This is me... jumping for joy.

Perhaps this isn't groundbreaking news to you.  

Let me explain.

This child has difficulties with communicating his wants and needs.  If left alone, he will sit and not eat - if he can't open the package.  He will have an accident in his pants - if he can't hold it any longer.  He will wear his coat all day - if he can't get the zipper unzipped.  He will walk around with his shoes falling off - if they become untied.  He will go to the bathroom (if I asked him to go in there) and come back out without going - if he can't unbutton his pants.  This is all because he has a hard time communicating to someone that he needs something.  

So I've become extremely observant - but instead of just doing it for him - I've made him ask me for help.  Even if it means I say:  "Do you need me to open your milk?  Okay ask me:  Will you please open my milk... Will you please unzip my coat... Will you tie my shoe..." and he repeats it back to me.  I think this has helped.  

We've been in school for 81 days.  Since the beginning of the year he now (sometimes with my prompting, sometimes without):  asks me to tie his shoes, asks me to help him out of his coat and asks me to open his milk.  We are still working on asking for help with food and asking to get water or go to the bathroom.  

I've been asking him everyday (a few times a day as well as the other kids in the class so no one notices that I always ask him) if he needs to go to the bathroom.  He almost always says no.  But once he did go when I asked him.  

Fast forward to today... he asked me (without any prompting on my end).  Not only did he decide that he needed to go to the bathroom, but he also decided that he could ask me to go(!!).    

Maybe this still doesn't seem like a big deal to you.  But trust me.  This is BIG.  

*proud mama*  

Today may have been CrAzY with a capital K!  The kids may be just as ready for break as I am.  They may be climbing and hanging from the rafters. 

But today was good.  

Because we took another step forward.  

And maybe, just maybe that's all anyone needs for a day to be good and considered a success.  

Just one step in the forward direction.  

this cat

will sleep anywhere... srsly.

Must be nice.

'Tis the Season

It's always interesting with this cat around...

Oh my Jesus...

Especially when ribbon and paper is involved.

*ribbon stalking*

It's an acquired skill. Don't Hate.

It's exhausting ... being Thomas.

This is for you Sterling

I added one...ONE Christmas song.

:)

And I suppose you're right. It's not too bad.

I might add another...

weekend LOL catz

I KNOW! It's been a while...

ur kissez iz messin up mah fayce

but that's ok.

*love*

A Good Question

Me?

I'd probably write the book series that defines the next generation and be the next J.K. Rowling.

With the millions I'd make from being the mastermind behind the next worldwide phenomenon, I'd travel the world. Spend at least one day in each state. Spend at least a week in every big city around the world.

With all the spare time I'd have (since I'd no longer have to work) I'd cure a few diseases.

Oh yeah, and I'd find a solution for the world so that we can all live comfortably, peacefully and coexist.

And yes, I'd do this with Nick and a few children in tow.

Is that thinking/dreaming big enough? :)

But at the very least - I'd write the next masterpiece. That's not too much to ask for.

What would you do?

is it sad

that I am super excited for this weekend because I am pulling out all the Christmas and winter decorations to put up?

I don't think so.  

the best

One of the many reasons I love this season - is this...

We watch this movie every year around this time. And I love it.

If you don't know this movie... you're missing out. And srsly - go rent it!

edit: Obviously you DON'T know it *shakes head at you* ... it's called Love Actually

love

Reason # 21 - I'm thankful for... all the love in my life.

And for once - that's all I have to say.

But I like this too:

Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere.

Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends.

When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion... love. actually. is. all. around.

From - Love Actually

these two

I love this picture.

That is all.

Why yes. That is MY blanket and a beer bottle. Don't ask.

All I can say is you gotta love Murph.

Reasons # 19 and 20 - I'm thankful for Kate and Murphy.

These two make my heart happy. They make me laugh and they warm my heart. And really - isn't that enough? Laughter and a warm heart?

I think so.

Happy Thanksgiving

mom

Reason # 18 - I'm thankful for... mom.

Look at that smile. Happiness is... just standing here with mom.

So safe. So secure.

Life is good.

Of course she would have been much earlier in the month. But as per her request -her post comes on her birthday. Happy Birthday Mom! I said - 'you want me to wait until the end of the month to post about you? But it will seem like I don't care! Or that you're not important!' I have a sneaking suspicion she wanted to be saved for last though. You know - save the best for last kind of thing...

I'm on to you mom.

just kidding... maybe.

I'm thankful for mom.

For how she is willing to drive almost 6 hours just to come visit for a day and a half.

For how she gets excited about the things I do. For how she is always interested in what I'm interested in.

For how she always calls me on her way home from work and then is willing to sit in the driveway and talk to me for another hour. (Even if it makes the cat and Jason think she's crazy.)

For how she sends me little emails in the mornings that always brighten my morning (and you know how hard that is to do).

For how she listens, really listens as I ramble on about whatever nonsense is going on in my life.

For how I have known every second in my life how much I am loved.

For how she believes that I can do anything I set my mind to. Even if I don't believe it.

No goal is out of reach. No idea is too crazy.

For how she makes me a little cocky - since I am always funny and intelligent to her.

For how she has always worked so hard so that I could have what I wanted or needed.

For how she's let me make my own mistakes (even if she was a smidge vocal about them not being good ideas at the time).

For how she let me know that coming home was always an option. That failing wasn't failing if I kept trying and moving on. That it is okay to make mistakes. And that it's okay to be wrong (you know...every now and then).

I'm thankful for how I know that she's there for me. Always.

Growing up - I just assumed that's what all moms were like.

Now that I know better - I realize how wonderful you've always been to us. I realize how lucky we are to have you as our mom. I appreciate all of the things you sacrificed and did for us (and still do for us).

I'm thankful you showed us what love is. What family is. What a real mom is.

Happy Birthday Mom. I love you!

this guy

The VEST!

Oh how I love it. It NEVER gets old. Never.

Reason # 17 - I'm thankful for... Jason.

Even if he threatens to consult Craigslist for a new sister... who calls and comes home more often... (you'd never find a better one anyway) - I'm thankful for my darling brother.

He taught me my love for baseball. He taught me my love for cars.

He taught me how to not be a sissy, whinny girl.

He taught me how to be sarcastic. He taught me how to not take life too seriously.

He taught me not to be a Sensitive Sally. Even if sometimes I am a Random Ruby like mom. I've always looked to him to show me how to be. I mean I did spend the first 18 years of my life being his copy-cat.

He loves me unconditionally. He trusts my opinion. He shows me that I matter.

This month, as always, I am thankful for you Jason.

I would not be me, without you.

comic relief

Reason #16 - I am thankful for... funny friends. Even if they do make me choke on popcorn!

One part of the movie last night (Harry Potter if you need to get out from under your rock...) was the take over of the Ministry of Magic. The new policy was that everyone was going to have to submit themselves for inspection and strict evaluation in order to to prove that they are worthy of staying and being allowed the privilege to work there.

Beside me V says: "H*** that's like working at ****** (you know where - if you don't...srsly get out from under that rock!).

I could have DIED. Right there. I nearly did... choking on popcorn. We totally embarrassed Nick. Hysterically laughing (loudly) at a part that wasn't even remotely funny.

But definitely good times.

Oh and PS - the movie is AWESOME! Definitely the best one so far!

you belong with me

Reason #15: I am thankful for... Nick.

For all the great things he does for me. For how he takes care of me. For how he laughs at my goofiness. For how I know he cares -even when he is a grumpmeister. For how he makes me happy. For how he makes me laugh. For how he makes me feel safe. For how me makes me want to be better.

Are we perfect? No. Will we ever be? No.

I read a quote in a Chicken Soup book a long time ago that I've always kept in the forefront of my mind - I'm paraphrasing (please ... as if I could remember it verbatim):

Old woman - "When I got married I allowed my husband 10 faults. I decided to make a list of 10 things that he could do, regardless of how they annoyed or frustrated me, and I would always overlook them."

Young woman - "Which faults did you put on the list?"

Old woman - "Oh I never got around to actually making that list. Whenever he does something that makes me mad - I simply say -lucky for him that's one of his ten."

Also this:

Are the streets you're walking down, a hundred houses long?

Well that's where I belong - and you belong with me.

Coldplay - Swallowed in the Sea

The paths we took that brought us together may not have been easy. And I wouldn't wish your path on anyone. But it was a path that took you to me. As mine took me to you. Sitting in that hallway, waiting for our classes to start.

And I'm so glad you found me.

until the very end.

Reason #14 - I am thankful for... Harry Potter.  

Or perhaps rather - J. K. Rowling for creating such a fantastic world.  I've spent a lot of time in it over the last decade.  Between the books, movies and (I'll admit it - I've even tried) the video games - a lot of time and money has been put into Harry Potter.  

I may be way too old to love (LOVE) a series of children's books.  I may be too old to still read them...over and over.  But I don't care.  I stuck with Harry until the very end.  I will stick with Harry until the movies end too. And to be honest...I will most likely stick with Harry long after the end.  

Maybe you're with me.  Maybe you don't understand.  

Either way - I'm thankful for the day J. K. Rowling decided to put Harry on paper.  

PS - I need this shirt.

PPS - 2 more hours!!!  I can't wait to see this movie!

In-Laws (and Out-laws...)

Reason # 13 - I am thankful for... my in-laws.

I couldn't have married into a greater family. I know this is true. I have a father in law who can make any furniture a person could ask for (and make it better than I could buy it from a high end furniture store). I have a mother in law who doesn't pry and intrude but at the same time I know she is always there if I need her. I have a brother in law who can fix any computer problem (wait I have a husband who can do that too...) and answer any of my geek questions (and be way over my head... without being too condescending) - even if he doesn't like my blog layout. Sorry. Not switching servers. I have grandparents -in - law who took me in like I was always one of their own.

I really did marry into a great family.

Even if we can't root for the same football team. And they don't quite understand my love for baseball. Even if they like hockey... and I'll never understand the sport. Even though they know how to drive in the snow and I live for the city shutting down when we get a quarter inch dusting.

They take me as I am. They don't judge me. They accept my faults. They love who I am. They let me know it. I never felt like an outsider. Not once. I never felt not good enough or like I didn't fit in - even though I didn't... at first. ;)

I am so thankful I get to be a part of their family. I'm so glad I can call them mine.

my babies

... school babies that is.... No. No news or pink and blue announcements. Sorry Dad, Nick and EVERYONE I work with!

Reason # 12: I am thankful ... for good days at school.

See this post could have been negative... with the week I've had (we are definitely into the holiday season aren't we?). But since it is November and I am being thankful - I am putting that positive spin on it. (see what I did there? Turning that frown upside-down. What can I say...it's a talent.)

I am thankful for the days I go to work knowing I am making a difference. I am thankful for the children who complete my life (for now). There is definitely something sacred in children. The innocence. The outlook on life. The trust. Holding the hand of a small child and knowing that they trust me with everything they know ... well... is not something I can put into words.

So as hard as it is some days. And as much as I complain... I really am thankful for my kids. It's really not a bad life...being surrounded by children.

William D. Tammeus wrote, "You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around and why his parents will always wave back."

cold weather

Reason # 11 - I am thankful for ... colder weather.

I am so happy that I can go outside for more than a minute without dying of heat exhaustion. I'm thankful that I haven't been charred by the sun lately. I'm thankful for my warm, comfy coats. I'm thankful for my warm, fluffy blankets. I'm thankful for wearing actual shoes and socks... not just flip flops. I'm thankful for snuggling with Nick instead of retreating to my side of the bed b/c it is far too hot to be within 5 feet of each other at night. I'm thankful for the leaves changing and falling. I'm thankful we cleaned out our closet last weekend so I could unearth my comfy slippers.

All in all - I am thankful it is fall! As much as I live for the summer...when I don't have to go to work... and I don't get any more grey hairs...and I don't add any wrinkles to my face... b/c of the stress and drama from the nine months I work each year... I do love fall. It is my favorite season after all. I love that winter is just around the corner.

Now... bring on the snow days!!!

spanky

Reason #10 - I am thankful for... Spanky. Or rather - texts from Jason or stories from Jason... about Spanky.

I've only met Spanky in person once. But I've heard about him A LOT. Too many funny stories to not love him. Good Old Spanky. Always good for a laugh.

This picture came from Jason today with the caption:

Blind as a bat!

Poor Spanky. Whining away at the door to come in...all while the door was open.

I received this picture while sitting at a red light this afternoon, windows down, cars on all sides of me. I LAUGHED so HARD - the people beside me gawked at me. Gawked! Like I was crazy or something.

Totally worth it though.

Spanky almost... almost makes my heart as happy as Kate does. Almost. Good old lovable, goofy labs. Everyone should know and love at least one.

dad

Reason # 9 - I am thankful for... Dad.

People always say - "I don't say I love you enough...". I don't know that I feel that way. I feel like everyone I love knows it. I feel like I wouldn't ever feel the guilt or need to say "I wish they'd known I loved them".

So Dad. I know you know I love you. I know you know how much I appreciate everything you do.

So I'll say this once again,

I am so very thankful and grateful that I won the 'dad lottery' and got you. :)

I do want you to know that I appreciate all that you've done and all that you continue to do for us.

Today being Veteran's Day made me think about all the times when I was excited about you coming home after being away for 6 months. What I realized is that I never really put much thought into where you were or what you were doing all that time. Now, I do realize that I was a child who really wouldn't understand anyway...but still.

I was also saddened by the thought of you being there (in all the many places 'there' was), away from everything you loved and knew, working and fighting to keep us safe. I thought about all the times you didn't get any mail from me - even if it was just a picture or a random ramble about something stupid (I know you would have loved it anyway...since you STILL listen patiently to my random, rambling stories).

You know I don't believe in regrets. But I do wish I knew then, what I know now. I would have written every day. Even on the days when I had nothing to say. I would have cost Mom a fortune in stamps (and paper and envelopes and crayons and stickers and glitter)! Just so you would know that I was missing you and thinking about you (b/c I did think of you every day - but in more of a ...2 more months until he comes home - kind of way)

See I'm rambling again aren't I?

Point being: I am thankful for you. For everything you are. For everything you do. For every time you answer your phone...knowing I'm calling to ramble or rant...even though it's the middle of the day... any you're busy...but still... you answer... and you listen. For everything you mean to me. Every single day.

Hog Heaven

Reason #8 - I am thankful for days when my kids can have the playground to themselves (or with just one other class).

My kids were in HOG HEAVEN today. No. Hog Heaven doesn't even begin to describe the elation and pure bliss on their faces when they realized that we were the only ones out there today. We played Duck, Duck Goose. We had races (running, skipping, creeping, hopping...). We all bought imaginary ice cream from the imaginary ice cream stand two of my girls set up. We were all able to swing on the swings (me too!).

We were on top of the world.

I just don't think it gets any better than that.

Meetings

Reason #7 - I am thankful for... meetings.

WhAt?!? MeEtInGs YoU sAy? You've finally lost your mind!

Okay to rephrase - I am thankful for meetings that are funny and make me laugh. Even if it means laughing at other people (which is totally wrong...I know) but still. I'm not laughing at anyone specific...just people in general.

Today's meeting ended with a segment on grammar. Yes. Grammar. For the teachers. Yes. Apparently, there was a need to address the word usage and grammar we use.

I really have no words for that. Other than just... wow.

Wow.

I mean actually putting: "On Tuesday's we have PE." and "Remember to read your AR book's." in a newsletter is just sad. I think the best part is that we were 'taught' how to and when to use the apostrophes by a snarky 'teacher' who (like me) obviously couldn't believe she was having to do it. I mean actually having to say: "using 'apostrophe s' is for possession - what you put the apostrophe on - has to own something. In the examples 'tuesday' doesn't own anything...neither does 'book'. So you don't need apostrophes for those words... You would use that when saying - 'The girl's bike.' The girl owns the bike."

I mean - I get accidentally putting one in the wrong spot or mixing up the wording. I do that all the time. But honestly. Enough people doing it to warrant a meeting about it? Wow.

So yes - I actually had to sit through a meeting (class) on when to use apostrophes and when to use 'he/she' instead of 'their'. I. Kid. You. Not.

Not that I'm perfect by any stretch. You ALL KNOW how terrible I spell.

Maybe this is funny to me only b/c if I weren't a teacher - I would like to be an editor for a book company or newspaper (perhaps it's not too late...*runs to dust off resume*). Either way - to me - it was awesome comic relief today.

So possibly the more appropriate thing to say is this: I am thankful for ... comic relief (in real life).

GNO

Reason #6 - I am thankful for Girl's Nights Out.

There is not much better than getting together with a bunch of crazy girls to hang out... play games... eat... drink...be merry...be stupid...be silly...VENT(!)... the list could go on. Trust.

Especially when they end up like this...

and this...

Or when they end up with us on a haunted trail with a random drunk teenager puking his guts out all over the place... Good times. Good times.

But in all seriousness - I don't know what I'd do without all of my wonderful friends! You ladies are awesome and I'm so glad you're in my life. You definitely make my heart happy. :)

Daylight Savings Time

Reason #5: I am thankful for... getting an extra hour of sleep. I have purposely NOT turned back some clocks yet - so I can look at them and say OH YEAH - It's not 10:30...it's only 9:30! Sweet!

IMMD

Today at school we played a game. You pass around a basket with words, pick out one word card and read it. If you read it right - you keep it. If you can't read it - you put it back in the basket. If you pull out a card that says Bang! you have to put all your cards back in the basket. Whoever has the most cards at the end, wins. Simple? Yes. Genius? Definitely! My kids L.O.V.E. it!

Point to this story: (What you didn't just want to read about a random word game we play in first grade? Yes, *sighs and rolls eyes* there is one...I'm getting there.)

One kid "M" has struggled with ... well... just about everything this year. He is very hesitant with reading and writing b/c he thinks he can't. I've been working for 10 weeks to get his confidence up a little so he will be more willing to try... anything.

Today I put words in the basket and told them that they could read EVERY ONE of them. They just had to sound them out and look at the whole word (a lot will only look at the first letter and then say a word they know - example: the word is "black" and they say blue, back, boy, big... you get the picture right?)

So anyway - It's "M's" turn. He pulls out "sad". He starts guessing 'send, said'. But me being the all knowing, wise one in the room *dusts off shoulder and nods* - patiently waits him out - and tells him to sound out each part.

Me: "What does 's' sound like?"

M: ssssss

Me: Ok. What does 'short a' sound like?

M: ah

Me: perfect. What does 'd' sound like?

M: duh

Me: Ok - now put it together.

M: sssss ahhhhhh DUH

This goes on for probably a whole minute - but I told you, I am a wise, wise person (I have the gray hairs to prove it). So I waited.

M: Sssss ah duh... SAD? SAD!

Me: See!! I told you you could do it!!

Okay - now to the IMMD part (I bet you were curious about that post title).

The look on his face. And the smile when he realized that he read that word completely on his own... was priceless. Honest to God - priceless. I nearly cried. Watching him look down at the card in his lap and smile at it was truly wonderful.

He did go on and get to keep 4 other cards (which has never happened before either) before getting a Bang! card and having to put them all back in the basket.

Did he win the game? No. Did he care? Not one bit. To him (and to me) simply getting to keep those cards for a few rounds was all that mattered.

I can honestly say, if I could freeze time in the classroom and live in any one moment forever, it would be that one.

The fact that he got to hold on to those cards was nothing compared to the confidence and pride I could see in him for reading them.

IMMD - It. Made. My. Day.

this cat

Reason #4 - I am thankful for ... Thomas.

He really just makes my heart happy. End of story. There just isn't much better than - waking up to him curled up on my chest (even if it is creepy). Or waking up to him to him laying on my feet (even though he's probably scratched them all to heck while I was sleeping). Or having him purr when he looks at me. Or him following me around like a puppy. Or how he is always talking...or yelling about something (or hissing at my friends over cheese wrappers).

Even though - Some days I could throw him out the window. Not to mention the fact that he has shaved years (YEARS!!) off of my life for a multitude of reasons.

For example just this morning I: got up, like usual, walked (in the dark) to the bathroom, like usual, went to the bathroom (in the dark), like usual (TMI? so sorry...not really), but while going...something warm, fuzzy and big comes out from behind (BEHIND!!) the toilet and

brushes my bare leg. (NOT like usual)

I. could. have. died. I think my heart did stop for a minute or two. srsly. WHAT he was doing behind the toilet? ...I'll never know. But I think I will be turning the light on from now on.... and checking behind the toilet. (*shakes head* this is my life...checking behind a toilet for a rogue cat at 5:45 in the morning).

I mean he's scared me enough by just hanging out in the tub in the morning. So when I open the shower curtain SURPRISE! there's Thomas! Looking at me like I'm the weirdo for jumping 3 feet into the air and squealing like a 12 yr old school girl.

Remember this? When he decided he didn't like how our books

were arranged and decided to rearrange for us.

Regardless,

I love him dearly. He is my baby and life would be quite dull without him.

Reason #3

I'm thankful for... random flowers. From a sweet husband who just picks them up on the way home. To make my day.

:)

He's definitely made a fresh flower lover out of me.

Don't get me wrong... I love flowers - I just don't like it when they wilt and die.

Either way - I am definitely thankful for his thoughtfulness and sweetness.

Wordless Wednesday

Reason #2

I am thankful that... I discovered that Goodwill sells books.

Well I don't know if thankful is the word. But I AM super excited!! We went to donate some stuff (we did some Fall Cleaning this weekend) and they gave us a 10% coupon. So naturally, we went in to check it out. I got all this:

for ....wait for it.... *drumroll* ... $6.33.

  $6.33 (!!)


How can it be?  you say.  It's not possible!  you say.  Something must have scanned wrong. you say.  Quit lying... you paid for one and stole the rest!  you say.

To you, my friend, I say:  I KNOW!  I can't believe it either! My mind is still blown.  Blown!  

I smiled the whole way home! Still smiling... as a matter of fact. Two hardback books, three paperback and two classrooom books! And they are all books that actually I've heard of (well all but one, but the summary is promising)!

A Month of Thanks

Why do we only think about what we are thankful for on Thanksgiving? I'm thankful for lots of things. While I can't promise that I'll post something everyday... I will post some things I'm thankful for all month.

Reason # 1: I am thankful that I don't have to work tomorrow. (wooo hooo Election Day!!)

What are you thankful for?

PS - don't tell me everything now - this will be an ongoing post. :)

relapse

I've relapsed.

I am biting my fingernails again.

Until my fingers bleed and hurt.

:(

Before you say it - I did ask myself: Why do you do this? Why do you purposely do this when you know how they will hurt for days and how you won't be able to use the tips of your fingers without them hurting and aching. (yes, I do talk to myself this way. It's totally normal...)

This is the only thing I came up with...

In the words of Meredith Grey: Why do I keep hitting myself with a hammer? Because it feels so good when I stop.

Strangely appropriate. In many ways.

Finally a Funny

It's been pretty rough around here lately.

Luckily, I have a wonderful life otherwise... you'd probably be visiting me in the looney bin... or worse. (mostly kidding...mostly)

Needless to say, I have a funny today. (yay!!)

While walking to lunch today we passed another class. With that class, was a set of grandparents (or quite possibly great-grandparents - I'm talking 70ish). Most of my kids looked on (and gawked) in awe as we passed. A minute later (needed some processing time...I suppose) one of my kids looks at me in complete shock and says: "Mrs. K**** those people were even older than your parents!!!" Even. Older.

Immediately 14 other kids gasped and nodded in shocked agreement.

So apparently there is NO such thing as being OLDER than you mom and dad. No. Such. Thing.

We might as well have seen Big Foot today. Or the Loch Ness Monster. I'm srs. Those faces were priceless. Priceless!

Either way - It definitely goes down in the record books. Their books b/c they'd never seen people so old (*ducks* they said it not me!). My book b/c I haven't laughed that hard since...well... I don't even know when (and it is possible that I have never laughed that hard at work).

no really...

I, for serious, saw a car with "Honk if you love Jesus...Text if you want to meet him" sticker on the back window... that I was trying to read... while going 80 (sorry mom) ... down the highway... and nearly met Jesus myself... trying to read it...

I don't get people.

I. Just. Don't. Get. People.

Love

Today is Anti-Gay-Bullying Spirit Day. (wear purple...I did.)

A 13 year old in California committed suicide because he was bullied for being (allegedly) gay.

A Rutgers student jumped off of a bridge to his death after his roommate illegally video taped him with another guy and broadcast it on the internet.

4 other people have committed suicide in as many months because of homophobic bullying.

Agree or disagree... "right" or "wrong" ... either way - this bullying and violence has to stop.

People are people.

Love is love.

Everyone deserves a life.

Regardless of what you believe.

two

**Disclaimer - don't read while eating... or if you just ate... or if you plan on eating ever again...or if you have a weak stomach... heck - you probably should just skip this one all together.

****You've been warned****

I had two...TWO kids throw up in class yesterday. TWO!!! On a HALF DAY!! How does this even happen? I mean talk about breaking records. I don't even want to imagine how many Buuuiiiicks would have been sold - had it been a whole day...

To top it all off - one threw up 3 times before she was settled enough to make it to the nurse.

What's that you ask? Did any of those three times make it to the toilet or trash can?

Negative.

There was definitely no praying to the Porcelain Gods in my classroom yesterday.

The first time was understandable - running to the nearest trashcan with a hand over the mouth, up-chucking as she ran...leaving a pretty gross mess in her wake.

However,

I'm not sure how one can be standing next to the toilet and still manage to spew all over the floor... and all over the sink... and on the wall... (edit: while sober).

But trust. It is possible. My eyes have seen the proof.

Another great mystery to ponder is how soooooo much can come out of such little bodies. Yeah think on that for a minute.

Luckily the 2nd kid managed to wait until it was time to leave before painting my room in vomit. So I could vacate the premises until a better man than me could clean it up.

Srsly though - it was like something out of a horror movie. Just replace the blood splattered everywhere with ... well... you know...

never. in. my. life. have I been so grossed out. never.

Good news is... no one ralphed on my new table skirt (even though both puked very, very close to it) and no one yacked (yakked?) on any personal possessions.

So we're okay. Hopefully we survived the last of the Great Puke Epidemic of 2010 (GPE '10 for short).

untitled

Still picking up the pieces...

Always.

**Images from google images and weheartit.com

10/10/10

I have nothing of any importance to say today. I did, however, want to post on 10/10/10. My kids at school were so very disappointed to learn that they would not be in school to write this date. They learned 10 days ago that since the numeric abbreviation for October is 10 and the abbreviation for 2010 is 10, they would be able to say it is 10/10. They were even more excited to know that on the 10th day of the month we would write 10/10/10. What a bummer to discover on Friday that we would not be in school for this monumental event.

Such is life.

No, I am not 6. But I did feel the urge to post today. Just so I could do so on 10/10/10.

I wonder if we'll be in school next year for 11/11/11. *goes to check calendar...*

Me too...

Today - one kid had a srs breakdown after not remembering how to spell 'with' on the spelling test. When I say breakdown...I mean B.R.E.A.K.D.O.W.N. I mean his day was RUINED. Completely. Even after explaining that he spelled the bonus word "monster" right - so he still had a perfect grade, he still couldn't get past it.

Fast forward 2 hours...

He's moping around - refusing to play at recess - refusing to eat the Friday Snack...

I hear him mumble: "I wanna go home."

Me: "Are you still upset about the test? Because trust me, it is OKAY! You spelled 'monster' right and that is much harder than 'with'. You did a great job on the test!"

Him: "*pouts...sighs...mopes some more* No. I don't want to be here. I just want to go home now."

Me: Why?

Him: "Because I like it there."

Me: *ponders this Truth...*

Me too kiddo... me too.

Sunday Smile

So TRUE

From Criminal Minds...

I'm thankful for my years spent with this family, for everything we shared, every chance we had to grow. I'll take the best of them with me and lead by their example wherever I go. 


A friend told me to be honest with you, so here it goes: this isn't what I want, but I'll take the high road. Maybe it's because I look at everything as a lesson or because I don't want to walk around angry. Or maybe it's because I finally understand. There are things we don't want to happen but have to accept; things we don't want to know but have to learn; and people we can't live without but have to let go.


True and fitting.  

Life is Good Today

Fall is in the air...today.  The cool weather may not last but it's definitely nice for now.

I may have lost some brain cells blowing my nose so hard today.  (gross...TMI sorry)  But it's all good.  B/c it's Friday.

I finished my lesson plans before I left school today!  Yay me!  Even though I have some other things to do for school... *grumble grumble*.  But it's ok.  B/c it's Friday.


...and Mrs. B didn't want to leave me alone in the room with a knife today for fear of me injuring myself.  Psh!  Like I'd slit my wrists on a Friday.  Please.  *joking*  No need to call in the white jackets.

Kid Funnies

I've noticed that I've already made an impression on my kids b/c I am hearing some things I say come out of their mouths.  Good thing I can remember where I am(!) and the things that come out of my mouth are decent... *cough - you know who you are - cough*  The very best part of it is that I get to hear what comes out of my mouth - with a nice country twang added to it.

When passing out papers to go home today  - I told them (at least 3 times) that they were to go on the 'keep at home' side of their folders.  Well, of course someone said (as someone always does):  "Is this return to school?  Or keep at home?

I heard someone respond (b/c you know they can't mind their own business) in a very exasperated way :  "She already done answered that question. She's not gonna tell ya another time"  Whereas - I've said:  "I've already answered that question.  I'm not going to answer it again."

When watching a Friday video today - they got pretty silly (it could have had something to do with the apple pie and ice cream they had for Friday Snack).  After laughing hysterically over everything that happened for a few minutes I heard one kid say (in his 'serious' voice):  "It ain't even that funny.  You don't hafta be all dramatic."   Whereas - I've said:  "We don't need the dramatics." or "I don't think you need to be quite so dramatic."

Random funny - Today at lunch one of my kids asks me:  "Was the school already built when you were born?"  Me:  "Yeah."  Him:  "Wow!  The school must be really old then!"  What?!!?  I mean really.  I may be older than most of their parents.  But I am NOT old!  thankyouverymuch!

Bonus funny - "W" had to make a sentence out of the word 'have' yesterday.  Mind you, this is a hard thing for my kids.  Often, I have to start the sentences out to get them thinking on the right track.  I started him out by saying "I have..." and let him finish it.  He was so serious trying to make a sentence.  I wish I could have recorded it.

 Eventually I get this:  "You......have......a.......big........................monkey.  You have a monkey?!?!"

At this point he loses himself and dissolves into uncontrollable giggles.  I mean the way he said it was like he was speaking true facts.  Like just because he said it - it made it true.  So now he is convinced that I have a monkey.  Convinced.

And through all this - I lost myself (along with the rest of the class) into at least 5 minutes of uncontrollable LOLs.

It's at times like these when I like to stop and think to myself - Wow. This is my life.  And just like that -  all the other (administrative) school stuff fades away...And I. am. happy.

And for once it's not just b/c it's Friday.