Will has been practicing his ABC's
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO poo.... pee QRSTUVWXY and Z, now I know my numbers!
And he says this with all seriousness. I guess I should probably work on that with him, huh?
Thursday, March 21, 2013
The Tooth Fairy
I was just wondering. Who invented the whole Tooth Fairy thing? I'm certain that it wasn't someone with children. You see, I have six children, and each of those six children have many teeth. Santa comes once a year...the Easter Bunny comes once a year, but the Tooth Fairy...oh my goodness!
I came home from school on Wednesday, and Chloe is waiting at the door, pointing to the new hole in her mouth. How exciting.... now I have to remember the darn dollar! I woke up on Thursday morning at 6:00 a.m. and what was the first thing that popped into my brain, "Oh my gosh! I forgot!" So now I have a dilemma. It's almost time for them to wake up. Do I go up there and try to sneak it under the pillow, or do I just tell her that the Tooth Fairy forgot.... again. Well, I definitely don't want her to think the Tooth Fairy is unreliable, so I sneak up the stairs. I trip over something lying on the floor, well actually, I trip over multiple things lying on the floor, but only one made a very loud clanging sound. I'm almost there... I reach under the pillow and...2 heads pop up! Quick, take the tooth, throw the dollar, get out of there as fast as you can. It was dark. I can only hope I won't get any puzzled looks in about an hour when it's time for them to wake up.
Sure enough, I'm getting ready for work, and Chloe comes in. "Mom... I felt a hand when the Tooth Fairy came, and I never felt a hand before." I'm thinking up a good lie, but first I'm going to wait to see how suspicious she really is...."Well, Chloe, what do you mean?" "I felt a hand". "Did you get any money?" "Yes." "Was the tooth gone?" "Yes." As you can see I'm not getting much, so it's obvious I'm going to have to tell a lie.... "Well, Chloe, I know what you are talking about...I realized that you never showed me your lost tooth, and I really wanted to see it, so I went upstairs to take a peek, but the Tooth Fairy already came, so I never got to see it!" She laughs and walks away. "Pheww!"
Sure enough, I'm getting ready for work, and Chloe comes in. "Mom... I felt a hand when the Tooth Fairy came, and I never felt a hand before." I'm thinking up a good lie, but first I'm going to wait to see how suspicious she really is...."Well, Chloe, what do you mean?" "I felt a hand". "Did you get any money?" "Yes." "Was the tooth gone?" "Yes." As you can see I'm not getting much, so it's obvious I'm going to have to tell a lie.... "Well, Chloe, I know what you are talking about...I realized that you never showed me your lost tooth, and I really wanted to see it, so I went upstairs to take a peek, but the Tooth Fairy already came, so I never got to see it!" She laughs and walks away. "Pheww!"
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
I Honor You
These are the words that a priest shared with me in confession this weekend. Sometimes, when I tell the priest of my sins, I find myself sharing my struggles. Without going into much detail, I will tell you that I told him that I have been struggling with the duties of my daily life... having six children and a full time job. And it often makes me feel like I am failing in all of these. I don't have the time to fully devote to being the "best" teacher, and I don't want my own children to lose out, so I try to force myself to let things go at home (I have a messy car, a messy house, a messy garage, and I'm backlogged on laundry). Does this drive me crazy? Yes... but I try to let it go, because my children need me. And then I am so impatient and critical with those that I love the most because I'm tired and overwhelmed.
What the priest did next, really surprised me. I wasn't expecting it at all. He said, "First of all, I honor you, for bringing life into this world. You are the mother of six children. I honor you."
No one has ever honored me for being a mother. I began to cry. I couldn't stop. My grandmother once told me that being a mother is the most important job I will ever have in this world. And I don't want to fail at it. I can't tell you the number of times I have been laughed at for having so many children, or have been told by complete strangers that I "must not have figured out how that happens". But to be honored... I was deeply moved.
What the priest did next, really surprised me. I wasn't expecting it at all. He said, "First of all, I honor you, for bringing life into this world. You are the mother of six children. I honor you."
No one has ever honored me for being a mother. I began to cry. I couldn't stop. My grandmother once told me that being a mother is the most important job I will ever have in this world. And I don't want to fail at it. I can't tell you the number of times I have been laughed at for having so many children, or have been told by complete strangers that I "must not have figured out how that happens". But to be honored... I was deeply moved.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Ninjas in the Living Room
Today was an interesting day. I fell on the ice this morning, while carrying Libby (1 yr.) to the car. I tried to cushion her fall, but she ended up bumping her head and scratching her nose and upper lip on the pavement. ARGH!!!
After work, I had to take Libs to a well-baby appointment in Fort Recovery. All went well there, but on the way home, the SUV stalled out on me. I couldn't get it started, so I called Doug. When he came to pick me up, he parked behind me. I hopped into his van and watched him try to get the SUV started. As I watched him, I was feeling cold, so I turned the heater on in the van. Smoke started coming from the van's hood. I decided to turn off the heater and pretend that I didn't just see that happen. After trying to get it started for a while, Doug gave up and hopped in with me. As we're driving off, leaving the SUV in the dust, he says "You know, you're parked in a NO Parking zone, we'll probably get a ticket."
When we got back home, I hopped in the shower to de-stress and Doug left with my dad to go back and tow the SUV to the service station. While this was happening, Rachel and Chloe were in the bathroom cleaning marbles. (I know, something kids do every day, right?) As soon as I got out of the shower, they informed me that they were cleaning their marbles in the sink and the drain came out. I informed them that this wasn't the smartest thing to do. But then I later apologized and reminded them that I also have done a lot of "stupid" things. So, for the next half hour, I thought up every tool I could think of to get the marbles out of the drain BEFORE Doug got home. I got all of them out, except for 1. I don't think it'll cause a huge problem to leave it like that for a little bit, so I'll wait till tomorrow to tell Doug about that one. Poor guy!
You might be wondering why I called this post "Ninjas in the Living Room". As the evening was winding down and I was finally getting the house in order, Holly put on Doug's ski mask, and the other kids tied scarves around their faces and put on black gloves. It was a Ninja Showdown in the living room. I was thinking to myself, "A good mom would probably not let her children do this. Someone is going to get hurt." But then again, "What the hey!" A few power kicks, karate chops, and "He-yah! He-yah's!" was just what I needed to get out of the funk I was in.
After work, I had to take Libs to a well-baby appointment in Fort Recovery. All went well there, but on the way home, the SUV stalled out on me. I couldn't get it started, so I called Doug. When he came to pick me up, he parked behind me. I hopped into his van and watched him try to get the SUV started. As I watched him, I was feeling cold, so I turned the heater on in the van. Smoke started coming from the van's hood. I decided to turn off the heater and pretend that I didn't just see that happen. After trying to get it started for a while, Doug gave up and hopped in with me. As we're driving off, leaving the SUV in the dust, he says "You know, you're parked in a NO Parking zone, we'll probably get a ticket."
When we got back home, I hopped in the shower to de-stress and Doug left with my dad to go back and tow the SUV to the service station. While this was happening, Rachel and Chloe were in the bathroom cleaning marbles. (I know, something kids do every day, right?) As soon as I got out of the shower, they informed me that they were cleaning their marbles in the sink and the drain came out. I informed them that this wasn't the smartest thing to do. But then I later apologized and reminded them that I also have done a lot of "stupid" things. So, for the next half hour, I thought up every tool I could think of to get the marbles out of the drain BEFORE Doug got home. I got all of them out, except for 1. I don't think it'll cause a huge problem to leave it like that for a little bit, so I'll wait till tomorrow to tell Doug about that one. Poor guy!
You might be wondering why I called this post "Ninjas in the Living Room". As the evening was winding down and I was finally getting the house in order, Holly put on Doug's ski mask, and the other kids tied scarves around their faces and put on black gloves. It was a Ninja Showdown in the living room. I was thinking to myself, "A good mom would probably not let her children do this. Someone is going to get hurt." But then again, "What the hey!" A few power kicks, karate chops, and "He-yah! He-yah's!" was just what I needed to get out of the funk I was in.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Wilbur
Lately, Doug has been calling him Sparky, but he doesn't like that. Sometimes I call him Wilbur, thanks to my aunt, Peg.
This evening, Doug said, "Lori, come here, I need to show you something." By his tone, I was thinking... I don't think I want to come. I followed him into the bathroom. He pointed to the floor of the shower. He said, "What do you think that is?" Um, little round dried spots of yellowish orange. "Looks like pee to me!" "Exactly". So I glance over at the toilet. Just 2 feet away from the shower. Seems simple enough to me. I looked at Doug and said sarcastically, "Who do you think did that?" Even though we both knew already. "Will, come here!" "What Dad?" "Did you do that?" "No." "Now, you know you need to tell the truth. You're going to be in a lot more trouble if you don't tell the truth." "I did it."
This evening, Doug said, "Lori, come here, I need to show you something." By his tone, I was thinking... I don't think I want to come. I followed him into the bathroom. He pointed to the floor of the shower. He said, "What do you think that is?" Um, little round dried spots of yellowish orange. "Looks like pee to me!" "Exactly". So I glance over at the toilet. Just 2 feet away from the shower. Seems simple enough to me. I looked at Doug and said sarcastically, "Who do you think did that?" Even though we both knew already. "Will, come here!" "What Dad?" "Did you do that?" "No." "Now, you know you need to tell the truth. You're going to be in a lot more trouble if you don't tell the truth." "I did it."
Monday, February 18, 2013
To Teach
I know not everyone will understand this post, but if you are a teacher, I'm sure that you get it. The field of education is ever-changing. We are always finding new and better ways of doing things. There are many expectations (as I'm sure there are in other occupations as well), which create much stress. Lately I have been feeling this pressure. I want my children, by my children, I mean my students, to do well in school. I wish to see them all succeed in school and in life.
Next year, there are many changes which will come about in education. We are becoming much more data driven, and we are focused on holding people accountable. I feel like there's more of a focus on explaining why we do the things we do, rather than just doing them. Sometimes these are good things, I'm sure, but they can be very frustrating, especially when certain things are out of our control. Without complaining and going into further details, I will simply say that I am anxious. I am feeling like I cannot possibly be good enough.
Our school, like others have meetings where we meet to discuss student data, and we talk about what we need to do better. We talk about where we are lacking and what we need to do about it. This is very good for our students, but it has been very overwhelming to me lately. At a recent meeting, a co-worker said to a group of us, "You are doing a great job. You need to pat yourselves on the back, because you really are." I thought to myself, "I don't have the strength, will someone please reach out and pat my back for me?" Why have I been feeling this way lately? I guess maybe because we all have a need to be encouraged. And I have been feeling a little discouraged.
To teach is a gift. It matters. It's not just the curriculum that matters, it's so much more... The time we take to care about our students, to create a relationship with them, to let them know we believe in them. I was thinking, "I know how much I need to be encouraged." Certainly, if I need it, so do others, so what is holding me back? Couldn't I encourage someone else? So here goes...
Mrs. H - I think you are amazing. You are one of the most compassionate people I know. You have no children of your own, yet you are so understanding, patient and kind, and you're a very good Christian. I think it was around my first year of teaching, when I watched you with an unbelievably difficult child. In the past, she was unable to control her temper in the classroom. I remember watching you as you leaned over to eye-level and spoke to her. You spoke in such a calm, assuring manner. You would expect nothing but the best from her, and that is what she gave you, and I truly admire how all your students work hard to live up to your expectations.
Mrs. L - You are quite a leader. I am more of a follower, so I truly admire your gift to lead. You are always looking for new and better ways of doing things, and you're brave enough to share your ideas.
Mrs. B. - I think you are absolutely brilliant. When I need advice, you're top on my list, as I really respect your opinion. Maybe if I sit close to you during our lunch break, some of your smarts will rub off on me!
Mrs. S - I love to walk by your room. You are so creative. You always have student creations on the wall or hanging from the ceiling. When I walk into your room, it feels so warm and inviting.
Mrs. S - I know that you are not the typical teacher. You have had to overcome much adversity in your own life, but I think this gives you such an understanding for students who have to do the same. You feel for them, and truly understand when they are going through difficult struggles. Your encouragement and understanding is so beautiful.
Mrs. G - You are such a hard worker. I cannot believe the amount of time you spend on your students. You go above and beyond to help them succeed in the classroom. You have made me better in a million ways. When I have a tendency to rush through things, you are patient, thinking of things from every angle. I have learned so much from you. You're "A++" in my book.
I can say so much more. But I'll stop right there. Who can you encourage today? Your spouse, your child, your co-worker, your friend?
Next year, there are many changes which will come about in education. We are becoming much more data driven, and we are focused on holding people accountable. I feel like there's more of a focus on explaining why we do the things we do, rather than just doing them. Sometimes these are good things, I'm sure, but they can be very frustrating, especially when certain things are out of our control. Without complaining and going into further details, I will simply say that I am anxious. I am feeling like I cannot possibly be good enough.
Our school, like others have meetings where we meet to discuss student data, and we talk about what we need to do better. We talk about where we are lacking and what we need to do about it. This is very good for our students, but it has been very overwhelming to me lately. At a recent meeting, a co-worker said to a group of us, "You are doing a great job. You need to pat yourselves on the back, because you really are." I thought to myself, "I don't have the strength, will someone please reach out and pat my back for me?" Why have I been feeling this way lately? I guess maybe because we all have a need to be encouraged. And I have been feeling a little discouraged.
To teach is a gift. It matters. It's not just the curriculum that matters, it's so much more... The time we take to care about our students, to create a relationship with them, to let them know we believe in them. I was thinking, "I know how much I need to be encouraged." Certainly, if I need it, so do others, so what is holding me back? Couldn't I encourage someone else? So here goes...
Mrs. H - I think you are amazing. You are one of the most compassionate people I know. You have no children of your own, yet you are so understanding, patient and kind, and you're a very good Christian. I think it was around my first year of teaching, when I watched you with an unbelievably difficult child. In the past, she was unable to control her temper in the classroom. I remember watching you as you leaned over to eye-level and spoke to her. You spoke in such a calm, assuring manner. You would expect nothing but the best from her, and that is what she gave you, and I truly admire how all your students work hard to live up to your expectations.
Mrs. L - You are quite a leader. I am more of a follower, so I truly admire your gift to lead. You are always looking for new and better ways of doing things, and you're brave enough to share your ideas.
Mrs. B. - I think you are absolutely brilliant. When I need advice, you're top on my list, as I really respect your opinion. Maybe if I sit close to you during our lunch break, some of your smarts will rub off on me!
Mrs. S - I love to walk by your room. You are so creative. You always have student creations on the wall or hanging from the ceiling. When I walk into your room, it feels so warm and inviting.
Mrs. S - I know that you are not the typical teacher. You have had to overcome much adversity in your own life, but I think this gives you such an understanding for students who have to do the same. You feel for them, and truly understand when they are going through difficult struggles. Your encouragement and understanding is so beautiful.
Mrs. G - You are such a hard worker. I cannot believe the amount of time you spend on your students. You go above and beyond to help them succeed in the classroom. You have made me better in a million ways. When I have a tendency to rush through things, you are patient, thinking of things from every angle. I have learned so much from you. You're "A++" in my book.
I can say so much more. But I'll stop right there. Who can you encourage today? Your spouse, your child, your co-worker, your friend?
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Crazy Socks
I remember when the brightly colored socks first came on to the scene. The girls "had to have them". I refused to buy them. I was thinking... "What outft could those socks possibly go with?" It's funny, because I am certainly not up with the current fashions myself. I am NOT a trendsetter. It takes me one to two years to get comfortable with what's new until I finally buy it for myself.
Anyway... when Doug was at Wal-Mart with the girls on one occasion, they begged him to buy these socks. He likes a deal as much as the next guy, so when he saw that they were on sale it was a no brainer. You see, the girls... they observe this, and they take it all in. Don't give up when Mom says no. To Doug's defense, he had no idea that the girls and I already talked about this. I'm sure if he had, the answer would've been simple, "NO!" For even when we disagree, we recognize the importance of a "united front". When the girls came home with those socks, they were so excited. And I have found, they're not that bad. They don't match anything, so they wear them with everything! And, I owe the maker of these socks BIG TIME! For when I fold laundry, I always have about 20 socks without a match. How this happens, I do not know. But the "crazy socks" solve my problem. You have a neon orange sock with no match, and a neon purple sock with no match, no problem, put them together and vwa la!
Anyway... when Doug was at Wal-Mart with the girls on one occasion, they begged him to buy these socks. He likes a deal as much as the next guy, so when he saw that they were on sale it was a no brainer. You see, the girls... they observe this, and they take it all in. Don't give up when Mom says no. To Doug's defense, he had no idea that the girls and I already talked about this. I'm sure if he had, the answer would've been simple, "NO!" For even when we disagree, we recognize the importance of a "united front". When the girls came home with those socks, they were so excited. And I have found, they're not that bad. They don't match anything, so they wear them with everything! And, I owe the maker of these socks BIG TIME! For when I fold laundry, I always have about 20 socks without a match. How this happens, I do not know. But the "crazy socks" solve my problem. You have a neon orange sock with no match, and a neon purple sock with no match, no problem, put them together and vwa la!
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