Chris, Marianne, Abraham, Kathryn, Elizabeth (Ibby)
Kathryn and Abraham
Ibby and Abraham
Having fun in the river, as always!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Georgia family time
Michael's family got here Thursday night and we were thrilled to see them. Abraham was not quite sure about all the people walking into our house... that is until he saw Kay and he got a big smile, saying "Grandma Kay!" That boy knows his Grandma Kay. We had a good time with everyone. Michael took us all down to the river for a little bit, before the skies opened up on us and started to POUR! Abraham, of course, loved the water and got soaked as usual!
Chris, Marianne, Abraham, Kathryn, Elizabeth (Ibby)
Kathryn and Abraham
Ibby and Abraham
Having fun in the river, as always!
Chris, Marianne, Abraham, Kathryn, Elizabeth (Ibby)
Kathryn and Abraham Ibby and Abraham Having fun in the river, as always!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Cleaning for Grandma Kay and "all my aunts"!
Getting ready for Grandma Kay and "all my aunts" to visit. No folks, I did NOT put him up to this. I was in our bedroom and heard him in the bathroom. I asked him what he was doing and he said "I clean the toilet Momma!" Okay then! This is what I found when I walked in!
He also decided that he'd "help" put the silverware away for me... course he just heaves it up and over the edge of the drawer and I get to put it all away in the right place! But it is help none-the-less!
NBC's The Baby Borrowers
Okay, time for my 2 cents. Tonight NBC aired the pilot of a new show, The Baby Borrowers. I was interested in the show so I watched it tonight (Michael wasn't home!) I thought that the premise of the show had potential. Here is what NBC has on their site as a description of the show:
"NBC's upcoming reality series "The Baby Borrowers" is an intriguing new social experiment based on the hit British program that asks five diverse teenage couples -- ages 18-20 -- to fast-track to adulthood by setting up a home, getting a job and becoming caring parents first to babies, toddlers, pre-teens and their pets, teenagers and senior citizens -- all over the course of three weeks.
As the social experiment begins, the five young volunteer couples are asked to literally grow up overnight when they are each given a home in a quiet cul-de-sac outside Boise, Idaho and attend pre-natal classes as each "mother" wears a simulated "empathy" belly to prepare them for the arrival of their "baby."
When a real baby (all aged six-11 months old) appears at their door -- courtesy of five pairs of real volunteer parents (some of whom were teen parents themselves) who entrust their infants to one of the couples -- the nervous, fumbling teens are in for three long, arduous days that make chilling out a distant memory. They must stick to rigid routines, handle the feeding chores, diaper duty and crying jags that might be shared by baby and teens -- all the while under 24-hour supervision by nannies and the real parents who are stationed next door, watching via monitor, and able to step in at any time. Plus, one teen from each of the couples must start a job, ranging from working in a local vet's office to a lumberyard, leaving the other alone as caregiver for the day.
After three surprising, intense days, each teen couple will bid bye-bye to the baby and receive a toddler as their fast-forward adult life progresses. They will have to cope with typical "terrible twos" behavior, including pouty tantrums, potty training and other messes. Three days later, the weary couples must face the reality of parenting several sassy pre-teens/"tweeners" at once -- each with a family pet in tow, adding to their responsibilities.
Seventy-two hours later, the teenagers arrive, thereby perhaps providing them with a mirror image of their own recent relationships with their parents. To complete the cycle of life, the experiment ends with as couples are graced with the opportunity to care for a senior citizen, including some with health issues, who represent what might be in store for them in the distant future.
Through this emotional, dramatic journey, each young couple will get a unique opportunity to peer into the future and see what they (and their partners) might be like if they remain together and decide to build a family. Tested by the everyday ups and downs of taking care of others and maintaining a relationship, most of the teens find themselves looking at all of their relationships and notions of parenthood in a new light. "
Initially I thought, "What a great way for young people to experience parenting than to "babysit" a child - hands on experience, you know?" What I didn't expect was the Momma Bear in me to come out roaring as I watched these teenagers, these kids basically, take care of a child for a day. Oh my gosh! There is NO way in God's green earth that I would "loan" my child out for a show like this. You can't tell me that this doesn't affect the child in some way. I get that the parents are across the street watching what happens in the house on a TV and are free to intervene any time that they feel their child is in need of them. I get that there is a full time, trained nanny on hand in the home to protect the child. I get that these parents wanted to help out young people to make good choices in life. Trust me, I get it. I just don't understand it. I could not sit by and watch some teenager talk about my child as an "it". I could not watch as my child's diaper wasn't changed all day or didn't have their clothes changed for bed time. I could for sure not watch as a caregiver loses their patience with my infant child. All of which happened on the show tonight. Forget it. Not happening. Not with my most prized possession - my treasure.
Don't get me wrong, I am all for teaching young adults about the sacrifices you make as a parent and that it's not all smiles and cooing babies. I do think that if more teens were aware of the difficulty it can be to have a child so young, it might deter them from getting into trouble. Especially on the heels of the story from MA about the 17 girls getting pregnant. I just know I wouldn't be able to be a part of the show.
I have read some of the posts on the NBC website and there are opinions on both sides of the coin. What do you think about all of this? Would you allow your child to be "loaned" out for the training of teenagers in parenting skills? I'm interested in what y'all think? Post your thoughts.
Here is another link that might be interesting if you didn't watch the show.
"NBC's upcoming reality series "The Baby Borrowers" is an intriguing new social experiment based on the hit British program that asks five diverse teenage couples -- ages 18-20 -- to fast-track to adulthood by setting up a home, getting a job and becoming caring parents first to babies, toddlers, pre-teens and their pets, teenagers and senior citizens -- all over the course of three weeks.
As the social experiment begins, the five young volunteer couples are asked to literally grow up overnight when they are each given a home in a quiet cul-de-sac outside Boise, Idaho and attend pre-natal classes as each "mother" wears a simulated "empathy" belly to prepare them for the arrival of their "baby."
When a real baby (all aged six-11 months old) appears at their door -- courtesy of five pairs of real volunteer parents (some of whom were teen parents themselves) who entrust their infants to one of the couples -- the nervous, fumbling teens are in for three long, arduous days that make chilling out a distant memory. They must stick to rigid routines, handle the feeding chores, diaper duty and crying jags that might be shared by baby and teens -- all the while under 24-hour supervision by nannies and the real parents who are stationed next door, watching via monitor, and able to step in at any time. Plus, one teen from each of the couples must start a job, ranging from working in a local vet's office to a lumberyard, leaving the other alone as caregiver for the day.
After three surprising, intense days, each teen couple will bid bye-bye to the baby and receive a toddler as their fast-forward adult life progresses. They will have to cope with typical "terrible twos" behavior, including pouty tantrums, potty training and other messes. Three days later, the weary couples must face the reality of parenting several sassy pre-teens/"tweeners" at once -- each with a family pet in tow, adding to their responsibilities.
Seventy-two hours later, the teenagers arrive, thereby perhaps providing them with a mirror image of their own recent relationships with their parents. To complete the cycle of life, the experiment ends with as couples are graced with the opportunity to care for a senior citizen, including some with health issues, who represent what might be in store for them in the distant future.
Through this emotional, dramatic journey, each young couple will get a unique opportunity to peer into the future and see what they (and their partners) might be like if they remain together and decide to build a family. Tested by the everyday ups and downs of taking care of others and maintaining a relationship, most of the teens find themselves looking at all of their relationships and notions of parenthood in a new light. "
Initially I thought, "What a great way for young people to experience parenting than to "babysit" a child - hands on experience, you know?" What I didn't expect was the Momma Bear in me to come out roaring as I watched these teenagers, these kids basically, take care of a child for a day. Oh my gosh! There is NO way in God's green earth that I would "loan" my child out for a show like this. You can't tell me that this doesn't affect the child in some way. I get that the parents are across the street watching what happens in the house on a TV and are free to intervene any time that they feel their child is in need of them. I get that there is a full time, trained nanny on hand in the home to protect the child. I get that these parents wanted to help out young people to make good choices in life. Trust me, I get it. I just don't understand it. I could not sit by and watch some teenager talk about my child as an "it". I could not watch as my child's diaper wasn't changed all day or didn't have their clothes changed for bed time. I could for sure not watch as a caregiver loses their patience with my infant child. All of which happened on the show tonight. Forget it. Not happening. Not with my most prized possession - my treasure.
Don't get me wrong, I am all for teaching young adults about the sacrifices you make as a parent and that it's not all smiles and cooing babies. I do think that if more teens were aware of the difficulty it can be to have a child so young, it might deter them from getting into trouble. Especially on the heels of the story from MA about the 17 girls getting pregnant. I just know I wouldn't be able to be a part of the show.
I have read some of the posts on the NBC website and there are opinions on both sides of the coin. What do you think about all of this? Would you allow your child to be "loaned" out for the training of teenagers in parenting skills? I'm interested in what y'all think? Post your thoughts.
Here is another link that might be interesting if you didn't watch the show.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Tiny Feet - Big Love
I was cleaning Abraham's closet the other day, getting rid of stuff that was just accumulating. And I pulled this out. It really should be in a fire safe box, because if I lost it, I would be devastated.
Aside from pictures, it is one of the only things I have left of Moses.
The day he passed away the amazing nurses at Hopkins made hand and foot prints and cut a lock of his hair for us to have. These are the molds that we received, wrapped in a blanket that was knitted for Project Linus (which ironically the 4th grade students at RFE participate in).
As I pulled out the box and unwrapped it, Abraham came into the room and asked what it was. I told him it was Moses' foot print. I told him that HIS foot was that small once. He promptly put his foot up next to the print and firmly stated, "I have a big foot now Momma." I willed the tears to not come rolling down my face. "Yes Abraham, you have a big boy's foot now."
As he walked out of the room, I thought of my sweet Moses. How his little feet had walked into the lives and hearts of so many people: Michael and I, our families, nurses, doctors, church family, friends... Those sweet feet brought more joy and happiness in one month than any other child could have. He only had a short time on this earth but no little boy was loved more than Moses was. His feet and his life left a lasting impression on our hearts.
Moses has been on my heart a lot lately. I think about what he would have been like. I wonder if he and Abraham would have looked alike. Sometimes in pictures of Abraham I see him, or what my mind thinks he would have looked like.
I see Downs Syndrome children and I smile wistfully, wishing for him to be with me.
I am drawn to other women who have lost a child. I feel a kindred spirit with them that I'll never be able to explain to anyone, not even Michael.
Not many days go by without a thought of Moses. It has been 2 1/2 years since Moses returned to Jesus. I've heard that time heals wounds, but I don't know about that. I'm not sure that I will ever be over his death. I'm not sure that I have really dealt with the emotions of that time in my life. So much was left unsaid. Stuffed deep inside. Maybe one of these days I'll get it all out. Maybe.
As for me, I have my sweet Abraham who is a constant reminder that I am to take each day with him as a gift from the Father and a day to treasure. I love on him doubly as much, I hug him tighter, I tell him I love him more, and I spend all the time I can with him. He is my miracle boy and I love him with all of my heart. He is a blessing!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Appalachian Trail Hikers
Chris, Kathryn, Kevin and Elizabeth
Speaking of our GA family, 2 of my sister in laws and their boyfriends have been hiking the Appalachian Trail for the past 3 months. They have been planning for this hike for a number of months before setting out. The entire trail runs from Georgia to Maine and they intend on doing the whole thing,which takes about 6 months. My first reaction was one of shock "Are you crazy??" but the more I thought about it I thought - Hey, why not? Right? Young, outdoor loving, nothing to tie you down, up for a challenge - that describes them to a T. I really admire them for taking this on and pressing on!
Luckily for us, the Appalachian Trail runs pretty close to us. They are in Harpers Ferry this week and are coming here for a few days to visit. I'm sure they'll appreciate a few days off of the trail - in a home, instead of a tent! This will be the only chance we get to see them for another 3 months at least.
My mother in law, Kay, and her sister, Marianne, will stay with my mom. And the girls and boyfriends will stay with us, along with Michael's other sister and her friend - sleeping on the floor.... hence the steam cleaning yesterday.
Check out their blog if you get a chance!
It had to be done...
This past Sunday Michael and I did something that we haven't done in over 3 years - clean our carpets. This might not seem like a big deal but since we live in an apartment, our space is small. And when it is dirty you can really tell. We have our GA family coming to spend time with us this week and a number of them are planning on camping out on our floor. I couldn't bring myself to make them sleep on that disgusting floor. So we rented a Rug Doctor from the store and steam cleaned our entire apartment. Oh, the dirt and grime that came out of the carpets was gross and beyond disgusting!! I am truly embarrassed! This needs to be done more than every 3 years!! It took us all morning but we tag teamed it and were done in about 2 hours. I have such a great hubby! Abraham liked the cleaner about as much as he likes the vacuum - not at all! The carpets look great now and to top it off, they feel really good too! It is amazing what those machines can do!!
I've Been Tagged!
My friend Mel tagged me in this meme on her blog so I thought I'd go ahead and oblige her by participating in her questions!
Favorite person (outside family)? Can I plead the 5th on this one? I don't have ONE favorite person...
Favorite food? Mexican food and Strawberry Cheesecake (great combo eh?)
Quirks about you? um.. exactly what do you mean quirks?? I talk loud when I get nervous, I sometimes bring my job home with me, I enjoy routine, the red gas light in my car means I can drive for another 2 days without filling up... bad I know!
How would the person who loves you most describe you in ten words or less? Great wife and mother, corny, not a great cleaner, determined, fun, friend - do I have to continue? This is weird!
Any regrets in life? Not managing our money better when we were first married, sometimes I have regrets about Moses...
Favorite Charity/Cause? March of Dimes because of their work for premature babies, and the Johns Hopkins Childrens Center because of the connection with my family.
Favorite Blog recently? www.cfhusband.blogspot.com
Something you can’t get enough of? recently, Sleep!
Worst job you’ve ever had? Not really had a bad job, worked at 2 food places and I got tired of it really quickly but it wasn't horrible.
What job would you pay NOT to have? Garbage collector
If you could be a fly on the wall, where? My students homes, to see what REALLY goes on there. Maybe that would help me understand them better.
Favorite Bible verse right now? "For you formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalms 139:13-14
Guilty Pleasure? Shoes
Got any confessions? None that I'm willing to share!
If you HAD to spend $1,000 on YOURSELF, how would you spend it? Clothes, shoes, jewelry...
Favorite thing about your house? I don't have a house yet :(
Least favorite thing about your house? It is an apartment - too small!
One thing you are bad at? Anything artistic.
One thing you’re good at? Abraham
If you could change something about your circumstances, what? I would have managed our $$ better so we could have a house with a yard for Abraham.
Who would you like to meet someday? Bono (from U2) - he does amazing charity work.
What makes you feel sexy? New haircut with a new color
Who is your real life hero? I have three - Moses, because he is my fighter and angel, Abraham because he overcame time in the NICU to be healthy, and my niece Chloe whose stubborness and strength through what could be really difficult times are beautiful to me.
What is the hardest part of your job? Dealing with non-involved parents, understanding my students home lives and how it affects them at school.
When are you most relaxed? At the beach, BY MYSELF! (like that ever happens!)
What stresses you out? Procrastination
What can you not live without? Other than the obvious, chapstick!!
Do you agree or disagree with the recent article that reported that blogs are authored by narcissists? What article? Truthfully, I don't care either way.
Why do you blog? I started out doing this to keep track of what we were doing here for our family that doesn't live close to us. But it has become a way for any of our friends to keep track of us! It's sometimes really hard to connect, so this makes me feel better. Plus, I like having a record of Abraham's growing for me too!
So the rules are:
1. Answer the questions.
2. Link back to whoever tagged you.
3. Tag 8 bloggers - 2 from each category
New/Newer Bloggers
Bloggy Friends - Laura
Blogger's you'd like to get to know better -
Blogger's you don't think who will respond but you hope will - Kathy
**I don't know anyone else to add to this! Sorry!
Favorite person (outside family)? Can I plead the 5th on this one? I don't have ONE favorite person...
Favorite food? Mexican food and Strawberry Cheesecake (great combo eh?)
Quirks about you? um.. exactly what do you mean quirks?? I talk loud when I get nervous, I sometimes bring my job home with me, I enjoy routine, the red gas light in my car means I can drive for another 2 days without filling up... bad I know!
How would the person who loves you most describe you in ten words or less? Great wife and mother, corny, not a great cleaner, determined, fun, friend - do I have to continue? This is weird!
Any regrets in life? Not managing our money better when we were first married, sometimes I have regrets about Moses...
Favorite Charity/Cause? March of Dimes because of their work for premature babies, and the Johns Hopkins Childrens Center because of the connection with my family.
Favorite Blog recently? www.cfhusband.blogspot.com
Something you can’t get enough of? recently, Sleep!
Worst job you’ve ever had? Not really had a bad job, worked at 2 food places and I got tired of it really quickly but it wasn't horrible.
What job would you pay NOT to have? Garbage collector
If you could be a fly on the wall, where? My students homes, to see what REALLY goes on there. Maybe that would help me understand them better.
Favorite Bible verse right now? "For you formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalms 139:13-14
Guilty Pleasure? Shoes
Got any confessions? None that I'm willing to share!
If you HAD to spend $1,000 on YOURSELF, how would you spend it? Clothes, shoes, jewelry...
Favorite thing about your house? I don't have a house yet :(
Least favorite thing about your house? It is an apartment - too small!
One thing you are bad at? Anything artistic.
One thing you’re good at? Abraham
If you could change something about your circumstances, what? I would have managed our $$ better so we could have a house with a yard for Abraham.
Who would you like to meet someday? Bono (from U2) - he does amazing charity work.
What makes you feel sexy? New haircut with a new color
Who is your real life hero? I have three - Moses, because he is my fighter and angel, Abraham because he overcame time in the NICU to be healthy, and my niece Chloe whose stubborness and strength through what could be really difficult times are beautiful to me.
What is the hardest part of your job? Dealing with non-involved parents, understanding my students home lives and how it affects them at school.
When are you most relaxed? At the beach, BY MYSELF! (like that ever happens!)
What stresses you out? Procrastination
What can you not live without? Other than the obvious, chapstick!!
Do you agree or disagree with the recent article that reported that blogs are authored by narcissists? What article? Truthfully, I don't care either way.
Why do you blog? I started out doing this to keep track of what we were doing here for our family that doesn't live close to us. But it has become a way for any of our friends to keep track of us! It's sometimes really hard to connect, so this makes me feel better. Plus, I like having a record of Abraham's growing for me too!
So the rules are:
1. Answer the questions.
2. Link back to whoever tagged you.
3. Tag 8 bloggers - 2 from each category
New/Newer Bloggers
Bloggy Friends - Laura
Blogger's you'd like to get to know better -
Blogger's you don't think who will respond but you hope will - Kathy
**I don't know anyone else to add to this! Sorry!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Eco-Friendly, Playground Lovin', Book Readin' Family
With the price of gas so high and the desire to do my part in being eco-friendly, Abraham and I decided to walk to the public library this week. Wednesday was GORGEOUS and too nice to be spent inside. The library didn't open until noon but there is a playground 2 blocks behind it. So we left a little earlier and had time to run around and then have a picnic lunch. It was delightful to watch Abraham play with the other kids and me. He "drove" me around with the play steering wheel for a good 15 minutes. He sang to me like he was the radio!
Getting ready to walk to the library
Ouch! My butt! This slide is bumpy.
Too busy climbing to look at momma
Picnic at the playground
Me and my boy
So after our playground visit we headed to the library to sign up for the summer reading program. For the little ones they have a Read to Me program. Being the teacher that I am, we checked out some good books! Except this one.. the dreaded book, the hated book in our home (but only by Michael and I!) I have this theory. Richard Scarry was a man out to get every parent who bought their child one of his books. Have you ever SEEN one of his books? There is stuff EVERYWHERE!! It is like Where's Waldo? but 100 times worse! And give it to a nearly 3 yr old boy who loves books... good God, shoot me now! Every time Abraham goes for one of these books, we try and pass it off on each other. "Daddy/Mommy wants to read with you!" They drive us crazy but he loves them!
Interesting enough a quote from Scarry says it all --- "I'm not interested in creating a book that is read once and then placed on the shelf and forgotten. I am very happy when people have worn out my books, or that they're held together by Scotch tape." –Richard Scarry
Well that folks is what Abraham's Richard Scarry books will look like pretty soon!
(p.s. He lied when he titled the book "Best First book Ever"!)
Mommy on the other hand got some books of her own. Can you tell what author I really like? I decided to read a few Karen Kingsbury books that I have missed out on. She is an amazing author with such a way of telling stories. I had already read Sunrise but started and finished Summer in the past 2 days. Let me tell you what folks, when my sister warned me that I'd need a Kleenex for this one - I didn't realize she meant to say I'd need the WHOLE blooming box! I will post more about this later but suffice it to say, the book involves a baby being sick so it hit close to home with me. Plus one of the characters names is Kari - spelled just that way - which of course is my sweet sisters name. When I have enough umph in me I will tell you my thoughts on the book. For now,I'm beginning Someday, which I went to Barnes and Noble tonight to buy so I could keep my momentum in these stories!!
Anyhow, when I finish these I'll be on to my other favorite author, Jodie Picoult, to read some of her books I have missed.
Getting ready to walk to the library
Ouch! My butt! This slide is bumpy.
Too busy climbing to look at momma
Picnic at the playground
Me and my boy
So after our playground visit we headed to the library to sign up for the summer reading program. For the little ones they have a Read to Me program. Being the teacher that I am, we checked out some good books! Except this one.. the dreaded book, the hated book in our home (but only by Michael and I!) I have this theory. Richard Scarry was a man out to get every parent who bought their child one of his books. Have you ever SEEN one of his books? There is stuff EVERYWHERE!! It is like Where's Waldo? but 100 times worse! And give it to a nearly 3 yr old boy who loves books... good God, shoot me now! Every time Abraham goes for one of these books, we try and pass it off on each other. "Daddy/Mommy wants to read with you!" They drive us crazy but he loves them!
Interesting enough a quote from Scarry says it all --- "I'm not interested in creating a book that is read once and then placed on the shelf and forgotten. I am very happy when people have worn out my books, or that they're held together by Scotch tape." –Richard Scarry
Well that folks is what Abraham's Richard Scarry books will look like pretty soon!
(p.s. He lied when he titled the book "Best First book Ever"!)
Mommy on the other hand got some books of her own. Can you tell what author I really like? I decided to read a few Karen Kingsbury books that I have missed out on. She is an amazing author with such a way of telling stories. I had already read Sunrise but started and finished Summer in the past 2 days. Let me tell you what folks, when my sister warned me that I'd need a Kleenex for this one - I didn't realize she meant to say I'd need the WHOLE blooming box! I will post more about this later but suffice it to say, the book involves a baby being sick so it hit close to home with me. Plus one of the characters names is Kari - spelled just that way - which of course is my sweet sisters name. When I have enough umph in me I will tell you my thoughts on the book. For now,I'm beginning Someday, which I went to Barnes and Noble tonight to buy so I could keep my momentum in these stories!!
Anyhow, when I finish these I'll be on to my other favorite author, Jodie Picoult, to read some of her books I have missed.
Bragging Rights
Stacy Harrison, Donna Zavacky, Me, Diane May, Sherri McLean
I just have to brag for a minute about some women who are among some of my dearest friends. It has been 8 years since I started teaching at RFE. My first year was really hard on me. It is a wonder that I didn't quit. I owe my sanity and me staying in education to these amazing women and educators. The ladies in the picture above were the ones that kept me going. They were my mentors in the beginning but have grown to be dear friends.
Here is what I appreciate about each of them.
Stacy: She is always up for something new. I only taught with her one year before she moved to 2nd grade. She is resourceful and very technology savvy. She is a good teacher who laughs easily. I am privileged to call her my friend.
Donna: She was always willing to help me in whatever I needed. Poor me just didn't ever know what to ask! Donna is a quality teacher who loves her students. She is a woman of faith and it guides her life. Donna and I have had many deep conversations about God and for that I am grateful.
Sherri: This is a woman who truly loves people, even me! She is an amazing caretaker. Always bugging me to stop squinting and to wear my glasses! I think of her not only as a dear friend but a 2nd mom. Which apparently I need! I have come to love and admire this woman. I value her advice about school and life.
Diane: She is truly one of my best friends. I couldn't ask for someone more like me who understands me. We have gone thru many of the same life experiences together and know what each other is thinking before we say anything. She and I keep each other sane. She is my sounding board - I value her opinions about school and life also. I don't know that I would have stayed teaching if it weren't for her. We get mad together, cry together and laugh ALOT together!
Then there is the newbie! This year we had an opening on the third grade team and we (Diane, Sherri and I) were blessed to welcome Stacey Homsher to our team. It has been an amazing year of growth for the 3 of us. We have learned so much from Stacey. She is a wealth of information and strategies. I feel I have taught 10 times better because of watching her teach her class. It didn't take long for Stacey to fall into our team dynamic. She can roll with the punches.. and give some of her own! :) I admire Stacey for her incredible presence in the classroom. She is a fantastic mother to her 2 kids on top of all her responsibilities at school.
Diane, Stacey and Sherri
The Father has been gracious to give me a job that I love. The bonus for me is the friendships that I have developed over the past 8 years. These women keep me going when I don't think I can take another day with my class! We are a team and act like it. We work so well together because we each see the glass as half full. I am thankful for each person that has had an impact on my teaching career - but mostly for these women! I just felt today that I wanted to brag on them!
I LOVE YOU GUYS!! :)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Happy Father's Day Babe!
Father's Day for us was very chilled and laid back. We ran to Target for a few things and then had lunch at our absolute favorite place to eat, La Tolteca. We all crashed when we got home and took naps. Then we took a dip in the pool. It was a really great day together with lots of laughter and hugs. There is nothing better than spending time together as a family.
Happy Father's Day Michael! Abraham and I love you bunches!
Treating Daddy to lunch at La Tolteca
Sharing a soda
I Like Chips and Dip!
Happy Father's Day Michael! Abraham and I love you bunches!
Treating Daddy to lunch at La Tolteca
Sharing a soda
I Like Chips and Dip!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Date Day - Inner Harbor, Baltimore
This past Saturday Michael and I had a long overdue date day together. My sister watched Abraham and we took off to the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. For a while now we have been wanting to see the Body Worlds exhibit at the Science Center, so that was our intended destination. On the way down, we stopped at Ray Lewis' BBQ place. I am SO not a Ravens fan - mainly because I can't stand Ray Lewis and his arrogant attitude (not everyone in B'more is people, come on now! I can't be the only one!!) - however his BBQ was pretty good! We enjoyed lunch without having someone calling our names and crawling all over the seats and crying to get down and... well you get the picture! I had me a strawberry margarita and man was it good!
Nah, come on... arrogant and stuck on himself?? Not Ray Lewis... right, you say... aren't those his pictures ALL over the wall?? YUP!
The BodyWorlds exhibit absolutely fascinating and not as creepy as I thought it would be. I would try to explain the procedure that the guy goes through to get the bodies to do what they do but I'd mess it up! Check out the website and see for yourself. I do warn you - they are REAL bodies! I kept thinking as I walked through the place that there was no way anyone could see the intricacies of the bodies and think for one moment that we were a product of evolution. I mean to see the structure of the human body and how incredibly we were fashioned... it just blew my mind.
We had a really great day together just being a couple. There was a quote that was used in the exhibit that caught my eye and I thought was worth repeating:
"Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a warmth and a richness to life that nothing else can bring."
Oscar Wilde
I thought immediately of my sweet hubby when I read it. I can't imagine my life without him and his love... and being able to love him for that matter. He truly has brought a richness to my life that I had never known before. He has caused me to look at people thru different eyes and to see situations thru different perspectives. Michael is my rock - there was a time in my life that I felt like I had been dragged under a Mack Truck and left for dead. He was my Rock and the voice of calmness and reason. He has this way about him that brings my hyper-ness down to a manageable excitment level! He is my best friend. There is no one in the world that I would rather spend time with than him. He is my partner and we are in this (marriage, parenthood) for a lifetime. His strengths complement my weaknesses and vice versa. I need him as much as he needs me (although I'm not sure he realizes this)
I am a better person for knowing and loving this man of mine, Michael Andrew Ragan. I am eternally grateful to the Father for bringing us together, in a somewhat unusual way, but perfect in HIS sight.
Nah, come on... arrogant and stuck on himself?? Not Ray Lewis... right, you say... aren't those his pictures ALL over the wall?? YUP!
The BodyWorlds exhibit absolutely fascinating and not as creepy as I thought it would be. I would try to explain the procedure that the guy goes through to get the bodies to do what they do but I'd mess it up! Check out the website and see for yourself. I do warn you - they are REAL bodies! I kept thinking as I walked through the place that there was no way anyone could see the intricacies of the bodies and think for one moment that we were a product of evolution. I mean to see the structure of the human body and how incredibly we were fashioned... it just blew my mind.
We had a really great day together just being a couple. There was a quote that was used in the exhibit that caught my eye and I thought was worth repeating:
"Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a warmth and a richness to life that nothing else can bring."
Oscar Wilde
I thought immediately of my sweet hubby when I read it. I can't imagine my life without him and his love... and being able to love him for that matter. He truly has brought a richness to my life that I had never known before. He has caused me to look at people thru different eyes and to see situations thru different perspectives. Michael is my rock - there was a time in my life that I felt like I had been dragged under a Mack Truck and left for dead. He was my Rock and the voice of calmness and reason. He has this way about him that brings my hyper-ness down to a manageable excitment level! He is my best friend. There is no one in the world that I would rather spend time with than him. He is my partner and we are in this (marriage, parenthood) for a lifetime. His strengths complement my weaknesses and vice versa. I need him as much as he needs me (although I'm not sure he realizes this)
I am a better person for knowing and loving this man of mine, Michael Andrew Ragan. I am eternally grateful to the Father for bringing us together, in a somewhat unusual way, but perfect in HIS sight.
Sprinklers ROCK!
While Michael and I were having a good time in the Inner Harbor, this is what my brave sister had the kids doing! Abraham LOVES water and he was totally in his element with Alex and Chloe.
Fun with the cousins
Go ahead, make my day!!
That's COLD!!
Yes we do feed him and yes he does eat! He is just a skinny little boy.
Chloe loves the water too!
Is this not the SWEETEST face ever??
Fun with the cousins
Go ahead, make my day!!
That's COLD!!
Yes we do feed him and yes he does eat! He is just a skinny little boy.
Chloe loves the water too!
Is this not the SWEETEST face ever??
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Father's Day Daddy!
My Daddy and Me going to the Chapel for me to get Married! A true Father of the Bride moment!
I'm a bit late in posting this but I would be remiss if I didn't wish my Daddy a Happy Father's Day! My dad is the most amazing man I know (besides my hubby of course!) My dad was a tremendous provider for our family, often working 2 jobs. Dad taught drivers education and worked at K-Mart in addition to being a full time teacher. Dad used to shop at the thrift stores so that my sister and I woudn't have to... plus he loved the thrill of finding that perfect 88 cent shirt!! My dad could and still can fix anything! He is why I am the "fix-er" in my home! When the vaccuum stopped working, I was the one who pulled it apart! My dad always told me and my sister that we could do anything we set our minds to. I believed (and still do believe) him and that has gotten me to the place I am today - an educated woman with a great job and a beautiful family. I have NEVER doubted my daddy's love for me. He is my hero!
So today, and every day, I celebrate YOU Pappa! I love you whole a butz and am so proud to be your daughter. I am what I am because of and, yes I know, in spite of you!
My Daddy and Me at my graduation from Liberty University (2000) - when he said I could do anything I set my mind to, he meant it! From Word of Life to Liberty to living in South America for 4 months... he was right!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Goodbye School --- Hello Summer!!
Hallelujah, Hallelujah it is OVER!! I seriously didn't think that I was going to make it through the past 2 weeks of school but I have. It is officially over... and its a really good thing because someone (a student!) was going to get hung by their toenails if we didn't get out of "jail"!! My class and I came to the consensus that we were ready for a break from each other. Trust me no offense was taken on either side of the coin! I will miss the kids - I had a pretty good class this year. I will thoroughly enjoy my summer with Abraham. We plan on catching up with friends, going to the beach and pool, checking out some free movies at the local theater, visiting the library for story time... and just chillin' at home. I am ready to sleep IN!!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
First Beach Visit - Rehoboth Beach, DE
This past Saturday we made our first trip to the beach with Abraham. We live about 2 hours from Rehoboth Beach, DE which is just far enough to actually feel like vacation! So on a whim, we packed up the car and took off. Abraham slept on the way up so he was ready and raring to go once we got to the beach. We ate lunch at the Grotto Pizzeria (which by the way had crappy service) and then headed to the beach. I was a bit hesitant about taking little man on the beach because last year he wanted NOTHING to do with the water or the sand. But quite the contrary this year... we couldn't get him OUT of the water!! And it was probably only about 50 degrees too... my feet got numb! The weather was gorgous, couldn't have been better. We stayed for over 2 hours before attempting to round him up to walk the boardwalk. The boardwalk was so much nicer than Myrtle Beach (last summers trip). Not as crowded - and just nice! We found us some boardwalk rides for Abraham and got him on a few. Of course there aren't any pictures because Mommy left the camera in the car. But we'll go back sometime this summer and do it again. We put him on these fire engines that went around in a circle - yea they went a little too fast for him and he was freaking out by the time he got off. The little boats were much better! We ran out of time for much more than that but we needed to get back to our car as the meter was running out.
Now for everybody's information I am SUCH a beach girl. I am truly my mothers daughter! :) I must have a beach fix during the summer. To sit or lay on the beach and listen to the waves, to soak up the sun or just to read... is heaven to me. So as Abraham and Daddy jumped in the waves, I just laid back and relaxed for a little bit. I have been pretty stressed lately with school ending and my Masters class.. and just everything that life has thrown at me recently. I have not been myself, I know. I snap at my students and I don't think that I 've been very pleasant at home either. But sitting on the beach and feeling the wind and sun on my face.. to lay back and just RELAX - it made me realize that I can make it 4 more days... and that it will be okay. I WILL BE OKAY! It was a very calming day for me. One that I really needed. I definitely will be back to the beach again this summer... if it kills me!!
Abraham with Daddy going in the water
Abraham and Mommy having fun in the water!
This is sheer joy on the face of my little one! He LOVED the water and didn't want to get out!
Playing in the sand
Abraham decided as we were leaving to lay down and make "sand angels"! Then he tried to get the little girl beside us to do it with him... that didn't work!
My and my hunny :)
I love this one... that is my sweet boy!
Now for everybody's information I am SUCH a beach girl. I am truly my mothers daughter! :) I must have a beach fix during the summer. To sit or lay on the beach and listen to the waves, to soak up the sun or just to read... is heaven to me. So as Abraham and Daddy jumped in the waves, I just laid back and relaxed for a little bit. I have been pretty stressed lately with school ending and my Masters class.. and just everything that life has thrown at me recently. I have not been myself, I know. I snap at my students and I don't think that I 've been very pleasant at home either. But sitting on the beach and feeling the wind and sun on my face.. to lay back and just RELAX - it made me realize that I can make it 4 more days... and that it will be okay. I WILL BE OKAY! It was a very calming day for me. One that I really needed. I definitely will be back to the beach again this summer... if it kills me!!
Abraham with Daddy going in the water
Abraham and Mommy having fun in the water!
This is sheer joy on the face of my little one! He LOVED the water and didn't want to get out!
Playing in the sand
Abraham decided as we were leaving to lay down and make "sand angels"! Then he tried to get the little girl beside us to do it with him... that didn't work!
My and my hunny :)
I love this one... that is my sweet boy!
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