Thursday, May 26, 2011

What?? They asked.....

In my profession, I am rarely ever bored; however, I have found myself many times for a loss of words or even dumbfounded.

Over the past ten years of teaching I have been asked so many questions. Many of which I have to wonder if they think before engaging their mouths.

Recently, I had a student ask me to smell her! Seriously? As it turned out she was trying a new lotion, phew!

When I was in college and in my teaching training courses, I had a wonderful lesson planned for a great group of first graders. I had gone a bit overboard in the lesson preparations knowing that the university supervisor and his GA along with a camera where scheduled to be there. I had a classroom teacher and my teaching partner there also to assist in the Money Math lesson. As I was gearing up the lesson, there was a sweet little girl sitting in her desk with her hand raised. I called upon her. "Ms. teacher, what kind of bug is this? It was in my hair."  Oh dear, I would have thought I was on Punked or Candid Camera.

At my first teaching job, I had a second grader ask me what the 'S' was like...errr never mind.

In the middle school grades kids questions can be laced with so many in duos you must handle these questions with a certain dose of caution. Some of my most interesting conversations have been working with those students on the Special needs spectrum... both the high and the lower end. Most recently, I took notice of one 'gifted' student who was asking very obvious and common sense questions because they had 'no clue'.

A second grader at a previous school, once asked me if his eyes were red. When I replied,"No." He informed me that I hadn't made him mad enough yet! He had a HUGE aversion to math and only wanted to read.

My favorite kind of questions are those that seem to come out of the blue! I was enthrall with one particular lessons recently...explaining the ins and outs of a Thesis statement. It was almost lunch time, so I was in a hurry to sum it, when a sweet little fella asked an off the wall question. "Ms.C, I've always wondered how a seed knows which way the roots need to go. How does that work?"...People, I teach Language Arts not sciences, but I responded by telling the young man that would make a fantastic research paper idea!

I love working with enquiring young minds!

Monday, May 23, 2011

When words aren't enough....Pictures speak a thousand words

I have the distinct honor and privilege of teaching children. My current post has been very enjoyable. Working with middle-schoolers, is never a dull, boring, monotonous 'dry eyes' commercial for sure. It does seem however that if  grades were like countries, then seventh grade would liken itself to a third world country.

These kiddos may look like the precious children their parents went so 'ooshy-goos'y over 12 or 13 years ago. However, their bodies have been invaded and very possibly their MINDS! I've never watched, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," but I can surely give witness to it happening! Such a HUGE change that this must be the only answer!

Case/point one, their chosen attire! It appears that plaid is the 'new neutral' of today's teen or tween clothing. This morning, I walked into my room where a beautiful young lady sat last week; as a result of what can only be explained as some kind of 'out of this world' occurrence she was clad in head to toe red and black plaid! It is not officially summer here yet, even though the thermostat may say it is. Most students are wearing sundresses, short, and t-shirts. The ever daring teen chose to wear tight jeans that were plaid, as well as a HOODIE, and matching back pack.

Case/point two, HAIRSTYLES! On Friday she had a tamed modern bob..cute! Today, that quaff had been transformed into a very short spiky red with GLITTER in a plaid pattern.

Case/point three, make-up! Since when did the make-up industry only produce and market BLACK EYELINER?


This age is a particular, cruel and unusual punishment for those trying to forge out their own identities. Let's hope that Lady Gaga and those guys from KISS stop with their advice and that the children of today will turn their eyes to the Lord! Proverbs 3:5-6!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Winding Down to Gear Up

Have you ever notice how people are in sure a hurry to do this or that or to get somewhere, yet they NEVER get there! Kinda reminds me of a hamster in a cage on the wheel.

While growing up, I can recall many times in which we were told before hand of a special event. I would count down in my head or sometimes on a calendar. With each day passing, my anticipation would increase. For instance, when my beloved Uncle Hunk would be coming home from college, this would cause the week to drag along so slow until the Friday afternoon school bell would ring. Then the weekend would be filled of rides in a blue Chevy Nova, sucking on peppermints, listening to 'Jeremiah was a BullFrog' on his 8-track, and games of kick-ball. Then the dreaded time after Sunday dinners' (deep dish taco and stardust salad) as he pack up his car! My sister and I would sit on his feet with our little legs wrapped tightly around his ankles with tears in our eyes begging him not to go!

Kids today still need the anticipation of delayed gratification!!!

As a young kid, I would enjoy getting together with certain relatives for holidays. I recall one particular side of my family who were MASTERS at fostering the excitement....my mom's family! We would be all together making plans. Kids were excited for 'X' and the adults would still be debating/planning. It was a hurry up and wait. What got on my nerves then, I kinda miss now. Our lives have drifted and we are all very busy, so those family times are very limited. Now, I'm the adult who is making kids wait!

My dad has an infamous Uncle. This unwed, political activist, camera toting uncle is what makes stories/nightmares...lol. This uncle is the one who has many quirks...some favorable others not so much. Uncle Teapot Candidate has to live part of the year in a warmer climate, so we see him on a limited bases. He has three homes, used to drive a BMW, and keeps up with the genealogical records for the family or the historical society.

I recall many Christmas dinners having to wait to open presents until he had made not only his arrival, but his contribution to the removal of food and all things merry. The ten grands would be furious with him, bless his heart -he's precious! Then there was the dreaded rounds of posing for his generational pictures.

Ok, I have digressed into a rant. Back to the topic at hand. On one of my mission trips to the Dominican Republic, I noticed that there was no cultural barrier on the concept of hurry and and wait. There were 20 of us to load onto a bus with supplies. We would be loaded and waiting on the bus driver who saw a friend, he was pulled over talking too. Luckily,  they ran on island time and everybody was okay with it!

My children this week are winding up a GREAT school year! As we are gearing up for a interstate move, we are gearing up for the first year of high school for Topher, Eman's first year of middle school, and Haybabe will be starting first grade. While packing up and winding up, I find myself very nostalgic, tired, and excited. It's like being a kid again waiting on her Uncle Hunk!!!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

My how things have changed

Upon reflection, there is a natural sentiment to a simpler day and time of yester year. For my generation, we recall the parachute pant, rap, jams, emergency only cell phones carried in the trunks of most cars encased in a duffel bag, and this new finagled thing called the World Wide Web.

Current youth, are now dressing in 80's attire as retro days in homecoming festivities. I wonder what they will come up with next was one of the sayings I heard out of my grandparents mouths. I find my self having uttered the exact same thing! With the fast paced lifestyle most are living, I wonder what the kiddos of today will reflect upon when they are my age?

My parents can recall the first TVs and when TVs became colored. Now kids have TVs/Phones/Radios/Internets in their pocket! With information overload or at the rate information travels, kids are loosing their sense of wonder, excitement, and anticipation of new things on the horizon. Saddens me. I now know what the older generations must think/feel.

Excuses for lack of responsibility have evolved as well. For instance, in Mayberry days the "dog ate my homework" was overused rational excuse for failure to complete and assignment. Today, it has morphed into, "my iPod must not be compatible with the schools' PC server, I'll have to email that to you." Or my personal favorite, "was that a posted assignment on your webpage?"

Having traveled outside the USA on a recent mission trip, I saw kids being kids. Playing kick the can, or taking turns blowing/popping bubbles allowed kids to be kids and not miniature CEOs! Loved the freedom they had to run, frolic, and explore!

......longing for a simpler time and place! (and less distractions) Makes you want to tip toe through the tulips OR the Lillies of the Field:)

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Overheard funnies and frequent inquistions

I have always been astounded by the fact that kiddos think if they're not seen, they're not heard. On the contrary, they are often heard the loudest at those times.

Instead of babbling on and on about the setting of these strange occurrences, I thought I just quote them. You may use your own creativity for the setting or the situation of each quote. Additionally, I will omit the identity of the speaker so as not to cause embarrassment or incriminate guilty parties!

"Jesus taught me! That's how I know it all!"

"I got more swag than you! More than you can handle. And the goods to match it!"

"That's how God made me! Now, leave me alone."

"You think she'll notice?"

"Oh yes, there's four! Wonder when I can shave?"

"I don't smell that bad. I can't smell me."

"Now the moment of truth, did you or did some little green guy make you do it?"

"Man, she's hot, with two Ts!"

"I make this look GOOOOOOOOOOOOOd!"

"When I'm in charge, you'll see."


Additionally, enquiring minds wanna know! I have been ask a host of questions throughout my children's lives. Most stem from wondering where things come from or the inter-workings of rocket science...as a mom, it is a little known fact that all moms are experts in a wide-range of fields.
(pardon the randomized list)

"Where do babies come from?"

"When a baby is in heaven, how does God pick which one goes where?"

"As a baby in your tummy, did I drink milk, water, or juice?"

"Can I blow that up using a black cat bottle rocket? The cat won't mind."

"Why do girls go to the bathroom in herds?"

"Do you know where I left my machete?"

"Mommy, will I know my wife's address?"

"How does God make hamburger helper?"

"Where do the fish go in the winter when the lake freezes?

"Do you remember____________?" ( probably not, memories fade with age. That's why we have kids to keep our history's straight.

"Mommy, will you marry me?" (that is one of my all time favorites:) )

" Can my wife and I live with you and daddy forever?" Me: "Why would you want to do that?" "well, because that way, I won't miss you and daddy! And the food will be good too!"


Things that make you go..... uhmmmmmm!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

strange things my fledglings say, said, or asked

Upon reflection of Topher and his sweetness, I recall many of the cute things uttered from his precious mind. Most often these utterances have occurred because of something Eman or Haybabe have been involved in stirring up. After all, isn't that the life of an older sibling???


Tophe, had his passy obsession for the first two years of life. I was worried it would be stuck with it until the Pastor said, "you may kiss the bride". I could just see his beautiful bride waiting until he secured the passy for the kiss.... okay may be an exaggeration.. I do tend to over emphasis a point from time to time. However, there was the time his Smokey dog ran off with his passy as we were loading up for a family vacation. Picture this for a moment, I'm 8 months pregnant with Eman and younger sister had just been married days before the morning I saw my father and husband chasing down a Passy-sucking Blue-tick Beagle....We can't forget the howling, "Mokey has my passy!"

Anyhoo, Topher has always been a gifted orator. I often thought he'd be a pastor or teacher (cringe) because he has been blessed with the art of gab! Upon reaching teenage-hood, I'm starting to believe possibly Lawyer is in his future. He has begun the practice of debate!

The Passy days were adorable! It was quite a feat to translate all the jabbering from behind the passy. I recall one time he was off on some wild tangent that I was having quite sometime with understanding...seeing as how I didn't speak Passy. I took the passy out and ask him to repeat..I think it was the first eye roll now that I think of it... When he had finished his huff, repeated his statement, he politely requested his passy back!

He was speaking in complete sentences or paragraphs by 15 months!
Some five months after becoming a big brother his speaking skills were put to the test. We were bringing in the New Year with my sister's in-laws with finger foods and a serious Bingo match. As we were cleaning up, Tophe noticed a metal music stand in the corner. He walked over and tried to bring it down to his level. Consequently, he pulled it down on his head.

Being the calm cool collected mother, I raced over to him and ran him to the bathroom where I passed out. My brother in-law, quick thinking grabbed a Zip-loc baggie and filled it with snow. In one quick swoop, Eman was with Grandpa and Grandma as we were driving to the ER. The triage nurse began asking questions. Tophe began answering..to her surprise.
"Can he respond in two word sentences?"
"Yes, baby can."
"Ok, then how bad does it hurt." (while showing a crying face pain chart) He pointed in response.
"What happened?"
"I bumped my head. Mommy fell down. Now we're here."

Being New Year's Eve, I felt it my duty to explain that NO alcohol was involved, that I only passed out because my baby's head was bleeding!!


Topher had a way with words that did not go unnoticed. Younger brothers too have had some zingers! My favorite redhead, Eman has been a man of few words, but when he speaks it pays to listen. Being blessed with the red hair, he was frequently hearing me respond to the question commonly asked of two brunette-haired parents, "Where did he get the red hair?" People, stupid question... I'm sure he was thinking because his pointed response left most dumbfounded. He would simply look up at them and say,"That's how God made me!"

Haybabe has been the praying brother! "I love this day, my family, and God," (an often uttered dinnertime prayer!) He has recently asked, "when babies are in mommies bellies, what flavor of milk do they get? chocolate or vanilla? My teacher says not to drink too much chocolate milk because it will make you fat? Is that true, Mommy? Can we play school now? I would like to read a new chapter book to you in my classroom, Mommy!" Lol, the Energizer-bunny brain of a Kindergarten boy!!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

epic step into the cyber world...

Fourteen years ago on a Saturday before Mother's day, I joined the parenthood phase of life. Will and I haven't been the same since that moment. We are very privileged to be raising our own Prince William and two younger brothers!! During the past blink, he is now towering over me and approaching high school! Happy birthday, Tophe!! and Mom, you still don't look like a grandmother!

What is that quote about a road being paved with good intentions?? I meant to have started blogging 14 years ago!!! to chronicle all the little things, firsts this or that. So, I guess now it is time to play catch up. LOL... My younger sister has taunted me into and beat me to the punch!

If by chance you are reading this and I fail to include a moment, please chime in. After all, the first thing to go is the mind as he playfully reminds me. I had an aunt who is quoted to have said," I haven't told the truth or the correct order of events since my kids learned to talk."

The first thing I recall about motherhood...NURSES! They are full of advice and for those of you there you might recall a conveniently placed taco salad. I'm in full blown labor when my nurse comes in to ask if I would mind her eating my taco salad since it would be a while before Topher's grand appearance! I mean really!?!?!

I had been on bed rest for a couple of the last months. I was at the point where the doctor wanted me to come in to the hospital for weekly stress test. That particular day I was fine and had begun dialating, so the doctor chose to induce labor. Tophe and I had a meager breakfast, then the test, and PIT drip. We were doing so well they slowed the PIT which caused my dinner to be delayed. The hungry wise nurse had promised a baby in time to eat dinner....just didn't know she meant the screaming lady next door's baby and my taco sald was HER dinner

Things that make you go....uhmmmm?