A tough job....

Today I worked in Ally's class. Mr Archer had me do a project so I just got to sit on the sidelines and watch the kids interact. I found myself laughing, smiling and feeling a bit anxious as I watched these 1st graders.

Some of my observations:
The gambling table...One of the groups of 4 boys were playing a game with math cards. They were betting on who would win. When they caught me watching they so proudly told me whoever won the game got Skyler's quarter for popcorn. As I said really, Mr Archer got wind of what was going on and shut down the operation. Skyler put his quarter back in his pocket and they continued playing.

The looks of wonder...You are Ally's mom??? Most of the kids couldn't quite put us together they just looked at me inquisitively and said ok...

The bickering...Maybe it was because it was Friday but there was one group of 4 girls that couldn't quite go for more than a minute or so without picking at each other "She's making faces at me" "She's talking too loud" She's not doing what she's supposed to Mr. Archer" "Can you tell her to stop it" "I don't want to play with you I'm playing with her" - On more than one occasion Mr. Archer would have to interrupt the group of kids he was working with to squash the issue. A threat to stay inside at recess and talk about getting along seemed to slow the girls down.

Anyway all you teachers out there you do have a tough job and I for one appreciate your efforts, keep up the good work...

Did you know...

Today is National Family Day, did you know last week was talk like a Pirate Day,Aye Matey and apparently September 9th we all should have called our grandparents and wished them a "Happy Grandparents Day". All these "holidays" got me thinking what other days am I missing??

A quick Google search revealed a great website http://www.brownielocks.com/

Seriously, check it out, if you have a hard time keeping up with the real holidays wait till you get a look at all you have been missing!

The Emmy's

So did I miss the world wide memo that all your hair on one side of your head was in style????

Life without the internet

Can you imagine what life was like before you could turn on your computer and find images such as these at the touch of a button....

In case you wondered as I did, it is apparently a sphynx cat, gotta love yahoo pictures!

Back in business

I had to breakdown and buy a new camera. It wasn't really planned right now but how could I not have a camera? I wanted to post a picture just cause I am so excited!

All by myself...

Tonight as the kids and I are doing a rundown of their days I had this conversation with my new 1st grader....

Me: "How was the bus ride home?"
Ally: "I was a little nervous but I took a deep breath and I was ok, I cried a little on the inside but just a little"
Me: "I am so glad you did ok, did you sit by anyone?"
Ally: "No, no one wanted to sit by me, I asked Kyle but he sat by Corbin so I just sat by myself."
As she is telling me this it is very matter of fact and she isn't that upset about it. I, however, have to look away and choke back the tears. I am devastated that she is so brave about riding the bus and she is all alone. I know this is a part of life, school, yada yada but this is my baby, my little girl, I wasn't prepared for this in 1st grade. This is one of the first times I have felt absolutely helpless as a parent. I remember those moments when everyone is laughing and having a good time and you are wishing you could be part. I moved to a new high school when I was a sophomore I spent a good 2 weeks hanging out in the bathroom at lunch because I didn't have any one to sit with. I had to stop reliving my high school nightmare and be brave. I told her that soon she will make some new bus friends, she just said "yeah, I know", continued eating and went right in to something else.
I feel my choices at this point are to
1. Hunt down this Kyle kid and tell him he is missing out and the next time my daughter asks him to sit by her he better think twice before answering
2. Get on the bus with her and help her make a friend
3. Back to hunting down Kyle
Ok, so I know kids make friends really easy and I know she will be fine. After all she wasn't even that concerned about it so I am going to try to chill out and hold it together. I am glad she didn't pick up on my emotion I will have to stay strong when I ask about the bus ride tomorrow. If you ask me about this in person it is a true bet that I will cry so let's communicate this one by email for now!

You're a Winner!

And the Grand Prize winner is Scott Manchester....These are the words my friends heard tonight and this adorable car is what the grand prize consisted of! I am so excited for them and find it funny that another friend of mine parents won a car in a raffle when we were in high school.

Moral of the story, purchase those raffle tickets they usually are for a good cause and people do actually win!

Wife, Mother, Worker - Can we have it all?

I have been struggling lately with my position of wife and mother. On our way back from Lake Michigan a couple months ago Trent and I happened to land on Family Life Radio. They were discussing a woman's role when married and with children. The bible is pretty clear on a how a woman should treat her husband and care for him and their children. I can't help but wonder, am I missing too much working? How could we ever afford for me not to? I sometimes wonder if we are following God's path for our lives or if we have just gotten caught up with following the motions of where we are. I am trying to be open to whatever plan has been set forth for me and I feel there is more but will I have to sacrifice my duties as a wife or mom to get there? Or is it because I am sacrificing some of my duties as wife and mother that we haven't gotten there? My desire is to follow God's path for our lives I pray that will become clearer to me...

Cool Night

My AWESOME uncle was reading my blog and noticed my air conditioner complaint. He came over last night and in the matter of an hour or so I was closing the windows to allow our a/c to cool our smokin' hot house. His comment to me "why didn't you call me sooner?" My uncle Danny has saved me on more than one occasion whether it be my car, my house or anything else I need. I am so thankful I can count on family members for assistance, what a blessing! Thank you Uncle Danny...

So many things, so little time....

I have had so many things lately that I wanted to blog about but now that I have a minute to sit in front of my computer I can't remember any of them. I had a 4 day weekend for Labor day and that was such a special treat! We spent most of those days poolside and hanging with friends. I didn't even turn my computer on once during those 4 days. At times I thought I should go to my computer but besides checking my email and blogging I didn't have any reason to do so, so I didn't, it was actually kind of nice.

Ally has started 1st grade at Parma, she has Mr. Archer this year and had a great first day. She rides the bus home today after school for the first time, I pray that goes well! We still aren't sure what we will do with Lanie but we have a week or so before pre-school starts so I guess we'll get it worked out sooner than later.