Thanksgiving has always been right at the top of my list of favorite holidays, even as a kid. It was right up there with Christmas and my birthday. As I got older, it moved it's way up the list. If you're a pretty regular reader here, you may remember that I met CSJ on Thanksgiving. Naturally, in the beginning, that only made me love Thanksgiving even more. We always celebrated our "anniversary" in the best way - with family. When things started going south, about 10 years later, Thanksgiving started to be really hard to handle. I know it's stupid to let him ruin Thanksgiving for me. I still have my family, my wonderful son, many, many things to be thankful for, I know all that. But I let myself "waste" almost 10 Thanksgivings dwelling on what used to be. How stupid! The past few years, things have gotten back on track, and I'm finally able to truly enjoy Thanksgiving for all it's worth. I love my family, and I love spending the holiday with them. I can now truly focus on all I have to be thankful for without letting that depression creep in and ruin things. Don't get me wrong, I still think about what used to be (obviously, or I wouldn't be writing this post!) but I don't let it ruin my day like it used to. It still makes me sad, but more for CSJ, because HE'S the one missing out. As we say in our class, "Too bad, so sad!"
I had a few more things I wanted to share about my babies, but I need to start getting dressed. I worked at the bar last night, and it was CRAZY!! It was the highest register ring we've EVER had! After cleaning, stocking, getting breakfast, and driving home, it was after 6 am before I got to bed. Then that stupid dog of mine woke me up at 10:30! I tried to go back to sleep, but gave up at 11, and got up and started cooking and baking the things I need to take to my mom's for dinner. Hopefully I'll be able to catch a little nap after dinner :)
Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends, "real" and bloggy :) I hope you have a day filled with love, family, good food and blessings.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
This was one of the emails from my daddy today. It cracked me up!
(I hope this little video doesn't offend any of you, as that's not my intention.)
A little DIBELS giggle from today:
The picture choices were window, raisins, bell and something I can't remember.
Me: Which picture starts with /w/?
Glasses: Waisins! (Of course, this little darling has a bit of a speech impediment, and always says it that way!)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
I forgot...
...to mention this little tidbit yesterday. While I was working on the Thanksgiving project at the back table, some of the babies were at centers. One group happened to be working on the floor next to my table. I suddenly heard D.U., the same little darling you said, "Don't 'ehhhh' at my lovely teacher!" say, "John McCain tried to kill Barack Obama." He stated it very matter-of-factly. My head snapped up, and I said, "What?!?" He repeated himself, so I asked where he heard such a ridiculous thing. He said his cousin told him. I assured him that the story was utter nonsense, and told him he shouldn't repeat it again.
These are the moments that make me shake my head in sadness.
These are the moments that make me shake my head in sadness.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Some funnies...
Even though I think you all will find this humorous, my teacher friends will especially appreciate it! This is what happens when you use Everyday Mathematics!!
This week, I've been working on a Thanksgiving project with the babies (pictures are coming!). I had a group at the back table with me, working, and the rest of the babies were at their seats doing their name papers. Well, S.H. brought his paper over for me to check, and I asked him to fix something, and he went, "Ehhhhh!!" I guess kinda like a cross between a growl and a groan. So, D.U., who was sitting at the back table with me, yells back at him, "Don't 'ehhhh' at my lovely teacher!" Have I mentioned how much I love my babies!!??
On the way to lunch, one of the first grade classes passed us in the hallway. They had a sub today, and she was having a hard time with one of the little darlings. He also happens to be the nephew of a woman who works at the Hell-Hole. I tried to get him to listen to her, but he was more interested in whining and pouting, so she told him to go stand on the wall while she took the rest of the class to lunch. In the meantime, he stood there, whining and whining, so Ms. C., one of our custodians, said, "Boy, what is you whining about!?" R. proceeds to whine, "He whine, whine, whine, my, whine!!" So Ms. C. said, "What!?" and he repeated, "He hit me in my privacy." I heard and understood him, but she didn't. So, with a completely confused look on her face, she says to him, "What?! He hit you in your popsicle?!" I was laughing so hard, I couldn't even explain to her what he actually said! Maybe you had to be there, but I'm telling you, it was freakin' funny!
Yesterday, my favorite mom, Mrs. G., brought me a big bowl of her delicious pasta salad. OK, technically, I can't honestly say if it's delicious, because the last time she brought me some, my son ate the entire container, so I never got to taste it. I told her that when I gave her the container back, so yesterday she says, "I brought you a bigger container this time since L ate it all last time!" Gee, guess what happened to this container? I told my son about it this morning, and he proceeded to eat 3/4 of it for breakfast, and ate the rest on the way home from school. The little pig! But, it did smell delicious, and he sure wolfed it down, so I assume it was wonderful. Mrs. G. even put broccoli in it this time because she knows we like it. There was also shrimp -yum! I just wish I would have gotten a bite, that's all.
Wow, look at that, a whole post about school stuff!! It's about time, huh? I'm even gonna give you one of these:
Nothing you do for children is ever wasted. They seem not to notice us, hovering, averting our eyes, and they seldom offer thanks, but what we do for them is never wasted. ---Garrison Keillor
Monday, November 17, 2008
I've...
OK, the rules are simple. Copy and paste the list, putting the things you've done in bold. I'm not tagging anyone, just play if you feel like it. (The comments are NOT part of the game, but I couldn't help myself!)
1. Started my own blog (duh!)
2. Slept under the stars (gotta love those summer nights!)
3. Played in a band (yes, I was a band geek most of my life!)
4. Visited Hawaii (on my list of things to do before I die!)
5. Watched a meteor shower (The city lights make it hard to see much of anything at night)
6. Given more than I can afford to charity (I've always been a sucker for a good cause. As a matter of fact, please go here.)
7. Been to Disneyland/world (sadly, I've never taken my son, though)
8. Climbed a mountain (yeah, right, I'll get right on that one...#1 I'm afraid of heights, #2 I'm lazy!)
9. Held a praying mantis (ewww...bugs!)
10. Sung a solo (more times than I can count)
11. Bungee jumped (again...terrified of heights! Plus, NOT crazy!)
12. Visited Paris (not that interested, sorry)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (LOVE to watch storms, but get really seasick, so I watch from land)
14. Taught myself an art from scratch (knitting and crotcheting are arts, right?)
15. Adopted a child (who knows what the future may hold...)
16. Had food poisoning (don't EVEN want to think about it!)
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (um...see #8!)
18. Grown my own vegetables (every summer brings tomatoes and peppers)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France (but, I love the song!)
20. Slept on an overnight train (I've only been on the L!)
21. Had a pillow fight (come on, what girl hasn't done this?! That's what slumber parties are for!)
22. Hitchhiked (again, NOT crazy!)
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (two in the last week! haha!)
24. Built a snow fort (ahem...did you read last night's post?!)
25. Held a lamb (petted one, but didn't technically hold it. Grandpa used to get one every Easter...)
26. Gone skinny dipping (can't believe I haven't done this! Gone swimming in ALL my clothes, though!)
27. Run a marathon (have I mentioned that I'm LAZY?)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice (haven't ventured up that far north in Italy yet. My family is from southern Italy)
29. Seen a total eclipse (very cool!)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset (most Sunday mornings I'm just getting home from work at sunrise)
31. Hit a home run (I used to play on a softball team, but I don't ever remember hitting a homer)
32. Been on a cruise (I was 18, and went with my aunt. Had a blast, despite being the only one on the boat under 50!)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person (From both the US and Canada sides)
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors (That's a given, isn't it?)
35. Seen an Amish community (only on TV, but I'd love to someday)
36. Taught myself a new language (in an attempt to teach my son - French, Spanish and Italian. Oh, and learned American Sign Language so I could teach it to my babies.)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (I'm still waiting for the day I can stop playing catch-up!)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person (again, never go that far north)
39. Gone rock climbing (see #8 AGAIN!)
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David (sadly, no)
41. Sung karaoke (I'd do it every night if I could!)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt (one more thing on that damned list!)
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant (and it always has to be done anonymously)
44. Visited Africa (remember that list?)
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight ('nuff said)
46. Been transported in an ambulance (Thank God I can say no to this one. I have, however, followed many, many ambulances to the hospital with my loved ones in the back)
47. Had my portrait painted (I think that's too creepy, I wouldn't want one)
48. Gone deep sea fishing (I mentioned that I get sea sick, right?)
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person (list!)
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (no interest, that heights thing again)
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (don't like to be that close to fish!)
52. Kissed in the rain (among other things ;-) )
53. Played in the mud (really, who hasn't?)
54. Gone to a drive-in theater (ah...I miss those!!)
55. Been in a movie (have yet to be discovered)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China (Oh, my God, the list!!)
57. Started a business (twice)
58. Taken a martial arts class (I suppose Tae Bo doesn't count, right?)
59. Visited Russia (I got nothin')
60. Served at a soup kitchen (I wish I could "bold" this one, but not yet)
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies (hundreds of boxes!)
62. Gone whale watching (that involves being ON the water, so no!)
63. Got flowers for no reason (CSJ wasn't always a CSJ)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma (It was a good way to get out of Government class in high school!)
65. Gone sky diving (why do so many of these involves heights!!?)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp (I can't even handle watching film of it. I think I would totally lose it in person)
67. Bounced a check (WAY more than I care to admit!)
68. Flown in a helicopter (yeah, that height thing again)
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy (I have far too many of them)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial (One of our most memorable family vacations from childhood)
71. Eaten caviar (I'm not mature enough to get past the fact that it's fish eggs!)
72. Pieced a quilt (only a paper one with the babies, so I didn't think that counted)
73. Stood in Times Square (never been to NY)
74. Toured the Everglades (too afraid of 'gators!)
75. Been fired from a job (don't want to talk about it, thank you very much!)
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London (only on TV)
77. Broken a bone (in 5th grade, at the roller rink, thanks a lot, Bob!)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle (one day I'll write all about the summer I dated a biker....)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person (list!)
80. Published a book (one of my secret dreams is to write a kid's book. Also on the list...)
81. Visited the Vatican (I actually may have done this as a child, but I don't have any memory of it)
82. Bought a brand new car (CSJ bought me my first new car for my 21st birthday. Again, not always a CSJ...)
83. Walked in Jerusalem (what a walk that would be...)
84. Had my picture in the newspaper (more than once as a child)
85. Read the entire Bible (there's more I haven't read than have)
86. Visited the White House (I haven't, but my cousin did, and then was on the news. Story for another post)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (but I have witnessed it, see #25)
88. Had chickenpox (along with my entire freshman class in high school!)
89. Saved someone’s life (only GAVE life)
90. Sat on a jury (thankfully, I wasn't picked!)
91. Met someone famous (but it's a secret....)
92. Joined a book club (several over the years)
93. Lost a loved one (several over the years...)
94. Had a baby (uh...DUH!)
95. Seen the Alamo in person (never been down south)
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake (I'm embarrassed to say, I don't even know where it is)
97. Been involved in a law suit (thankfully, I can say no to this one)
98. Owned a cell phone (got one the minute I became a mommy)
99. Been stung by a bee (and discovered I was allergic the last time it happened. NOT fun!)
100. Had sex outside (not sharing details today, sorry)
1. Started my own blog (duh!)
2. Slept under the stars (gotta love those summer nights!)
3. Played in a band (yes, I was a band geek most of my life!)
4. Visited Hawaii (on my list of things to do before I die!)
5. Watched a meteor shower (The city lights make it hard to see much of anything at night)
6. Given more than I can afford to charity (I've always been a sucker for a good cause. As a matter of fact, please go here.)
7. Been to Disneyland/world (sadly, I've never taken my son, though)
8. Climbed a mountain (yeah, right, I'll get right on that one...#1 I'm afraid of heights, #2 I'm lazy!)
9. Held a praying mantis (ewww...bugs!)
10. Sung a solo (more times than I can count)
11. Bungee jumped (again...terrified of heights! Plus, NOT crazy!)
12. Visited Paris (not that interested, sorry)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (LOVE to watch storms, but get really seasick, so I watch from land)
14. Taught myself an art from scratch (knitting and crotcheting are arts, right?)
15. Adopted a child (who knows what the future may hold...)
16. Had food poisoning (don't EVEN want to think about it!)
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (um...see #8!)
18. Grown my own vegetables (every summer brings tomatoes and peppers)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France (but, I love the song!)
20. Slept on an overnight train (I've only been on the L!)
21. Had a pillow fight (come on, what girl hasn't done this?! That's what slumber parties are for!)
22. Hitchhiked (again, NOT crazy!)
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (two in the last week! haha!)
24. Built a snow fort (ahem...did you read last night's post?!)
25. Held a lamb (petted one, but didn't technically hold it. Grandpa used to get one every Easter...)
26. Gone skinny dipping (can't believe I haven't done this! Gone swimming in ALL my clothes, though!)
27. Run a marathon (have I mentioned that I'm LAZY?)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice (haven't ventured up that far north in Italy yet. My family is from southern Italy)
29. Seen a total eclipse (very cool!)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset (most Sunday mornings I'm just getting home from work at sunrise)
31. Hit a home run (I used to play on a softball team, but I don't ever remember hitting a homer)
32. Been on a cruise (I was 18, and went with my aunt. Had a blast, despite being the only one on the boat under 50!)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person (From both the US and Canada sides)
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors (That's a given, isn't it?)
35. Seen an Amish community (only on TV, but I'd love to someday)
36. Taught myself a new language (in an attempt to teach my son - French, Spanish and Italian. Oh, and learned American Sign Language so I could teach it to my babies.)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (I'm still waiting for the day I can stop playing catch-up!)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person (again, never go that far north)
39. Gone rock climbing (see #8 AGAIN!)
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David (sadly, no)
41. Sung karaoke (I'd do it every night if I could!)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt (one more thing on that damned list!)
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant (and it always has to be done anonymously)
44. Visited Africa (remember that list?)
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight ('nuff said)
46. Been transported in an ambulance (Thank God I can say no to this one. I have, however, followed many, many ambulances to the hospital with my loved ones in the back)
47. Had my portrait painted (I think that's too creepy, I wouldn't want one)
48. Gone deep sea fishing (I mentioned that I get sea sick, right?)
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person (list!)
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (no interest, that heights thing again)
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (don't like to be that close to fish!)
52. Kissed in the rain (among other things ;-) )
53. Played in the mud (really, who hasn't?)
54. Gone to a drive-in theater (ah...I miss those!!)
55. Been in a movie (have yet to be discovered)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China (Oh, my God, the list!!)
57. Started a business (twice)
58. Taken a martial arts class (I suppose Tae Bo doesn't count, right?)
59. Visited Russia (I got nothin')
60. Served at a soup kitchen (I wish I could "bold" this one, but not yet)
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies (hundreds of boxes!)
62. Gone whale watching (that involves being ON the water, so no!)
63. Got flowers for no reason (CSJ wasn't always a CSJ)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma (It was a good way to get out of Government class in high school!)
65. Gone sky diving (why do so many of these involves heights!!?)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp (I can't even handle watching film of it. I think I would totally lose it in person)
67. Bounced a check (WAY more than I care to admit!)
68. Flown in a helicopter (yeah, that height thing again)
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy (I have far too many of them)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial (One of our most memorable family vacations from childhood)
71. Eaten caviar (I'm not mature enough to get past the fact that it's fish eggs!)
72. Pieced a quilt (only a paper one with the babies, so I didn't think that counted)
73. Stood in Times Square (never been to NY)
74. Toured the Everglades (too afraid of 'gators!)
75. Been fired from a job (don't want to talk about it, thank you very much!)
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London (only on TV)
77. Broken a bone (in 5th grade, at the roller rink, thanks a lot, Bob!)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle (one day I'll write all about the summer I dated a biker....)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person (list!)
80. Published a book (one of my secret dreams is to write a kid's book. Also on the list...)
81. Visited the Vatican (I actually may have done this as a child, but I don't have any memory of it)
82. Bought a brand new car (CSJ bought me my first new car for my 21st birthday. Again, not always a CSJ...)
83. Walked in Jerusalem (what a walk that would be...)
84. Had my picture in the newspaper (more than once as a child)
85. Read the entire Bible (there's more I haven't read than have)
86. Visited the White House (I haven't, but my cousin did, and then was on the news. Story for another post)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (but I have witnessed it, see #25)
88. Had chickenpox (along with my entire freshman class in high school!)
89. Saved someone’s life (only GAVE life)
90. Sat on a jury (thankfully, I wasn't picked!)
91. Met someone famous (but it's a secret....)
92. Joined a book club (several over the years)
93. Lost a loved one (several over the years...)
94. Had a baby (uh...DUH!)
95. Seen the Alamo in person (never been down south)
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake (I'm embarrassed to say, I don't even know where it is)
97. Been involved in a law suit (thankfully, I can say no to this one)
98. Owned a cell phone (got one the minute I became a mommy)
99. Been stung by a bee (and discovered I was allergic the last time it happened. NOT fun!)
100. Had sex outside (not sharing details today, sorry)
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Oh happy day!!!
A few minutes ago, I went to the back door to let Buster in and immediately noticed wet spots on the ground. My first thought was, "Just in time, it's raining." So, imagine my surprise and delight when I actually opened the door and saw this:
Oh happy day!! This just made my night, And my day! And my weekend!! Maybe even my month!!!
Friday, November 14, 2008
You can't make this $#it up!
This is seriously one of the funniest things I've ever had emailed to me. Thanks, Ed!!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Daddy comes through again!
Sometimes my dad sends me the cutest, most hilarious stuff. If you haven't filled your "awww" quotient for today, you MUST go here!
How cute are we?!
OK, my brother took these photos of us, and they are, admittedly, not very flattering for any of us. But, everytime I look at John's face, I start cracking up, so I had to share!! (John, I promise, I'm not making fun, it genuinely makes me happy to look at these, since then I remember how much we laughed Sunday night!)
How cute are these two!!? I had such a great time hanging out with Dana and John Sunday night. I was so nice for us all to get to know each other better. I hope they had as good a time as I did.
How cute are these two!!? I had such a great time hanging out with Dana and John Sunday night. I was so nice for us all to get to know each other better. I hope they had as good a time as I did.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Stop, thief!!
I just totally stole this from SJ, over at Give Me The Booger. It made me laugh out loud and spit on my computer screen. Thanks, SJ!
One more thing...
...I've been meaning to post about. A couple of weeks ago, my son asked me to email him some pictures of us that I had on my computer. He made no mention of why he wanted them. A little while later, he called me in the living room, and showed me his new background on his computer screen:
How sweet is this kid?! I couldn't possibly love him any more!!!
How sweet is this kid?! I couldn't possibly love him any more!!!
What a night!
OK, since it's now after 3:30 am, and I'm just getting home from the bar, I'll come back tomorrow and post details (and photos!) but I just wanted to say that I had a blast with Dana and John tonight! I love them! I may just have to finally break down and get my behind out to Iowa now....
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Dana's here!!!
I didn't mention this earlier, just in case plans had to be changed, but I'm on my way to go meet Dana, my newest bloggy friend (Miles to Go Before I Sleep). We've been trying to coordinate a meeting for quite a while now, and she's finally here!! We are meeting at the bar, and I hope she and John have a good time. (Sometimes Sunday are a bit dead in there.)
Saturday, November 8, 2008
A few more...
Looking back through these photos has been a lovely little trip down memory lane so far. The two boxes I've been digging through, though, are only from the last 4 years or so. I'm going to have to do some serious digging to get to the baby pictures. I may just be ripping pictures off the wall to scan, since all my favorites are hanging up.
One thing I was surprised to see while looking at these pictures is that my baby was seriously pudgy! Ok, well, I always knew he was on the chubby side, but I never really thought it was serious. Ah, the blind eye of a mother in love! But, I've been tearing up looking at some of these pictures. I have absolutely no recollection of my baby being this overweight. (I didn't even post some of the really pudgy pictures, just in case he sees this!) I guess on the upside, he obviously never had an issue with it. Thank God he was never teased by the other kids at school. That just reiterates what I've said before about his class being so special. They were more like 30 brothers and sisters. I've never seen a class of kids that were this close to each other. Even the teachers at his grade school have made the exact same comment several times over the 8 years they attended that school. OK, I'm started to feel tears coming again, so let's move on!!
This was taken in Hollywood on a trip that I took my son on for his 12th birthday. This was the trip during which he fell head over heels in love with Smileygirl!! I was in a bit of a "blonde" phase (thank goodness it's night time, so you can't really tell!). You can see that at 12, my son was already almost taller than me :( (I'm standing on the street, he's up on the curb)
This was taken on his 11th birthday. I did some serious cropping here, mostly to cut out my own pudgy self!!! This was one of those pictures that had me taken aback. But, he's still pretty damn cute, don't you agree?
Here are my three favorite monkeys. We were at The Children's Musuem at Navy Pier. I LOVE THIS PLACE!
For those who are not long-time readers, last year around my son's birthday, he went for his annual check-up, and his pediatrician said he wanted him to lose some weight. Long story short, my son lost about 50 pounds over the next three months. That's right, smack in the middle of the holiday season!! He's amazing! He also grew about 2 inches, so he really looked very skinny. Too skinny as far as I'm concerned. Over the summer, he did put a few pounds back on, but once school started, and he started having gym everyday, he's slimmed back down. I think he looks awesome! If only his lardass mother could get with the program.....
One thing I was surprised to see while looking at these pictures is that my baby was seriously pudgy! Ok, well, I always knew he was on the chubby side, but I never really thought it was serious. Ah, the blind eye of a mother in love! But, I've been tearing up looking at some of these pictures. I have absolutely no recollection of my baby being this overweight. (I didn't even post some of the really pudgy pictures, just in case he sees this!) I guess on the upside, he obviously never had an issue with it. Thank God he was never teased by the other kids at school. That just reiterates what I've said before about his class being so special. They were more like 30 brothers and sisters. I've never seen a class of kids that were this close to each other. Even the teachers at his grade school have made the exact same comment several times over the 8 years they attended that school. OK, I'm started to feel tears coming again, so let's move on!!
This was taken in Hollywood on a trip that I took my son on for his 12th birthday. This was the trip during which he fell head over heels in love with Smileygirl!! I was in a bit of a "blonde" phase (thank goodness it's night time, so you can't really tell!). You can see that at 12, my son was already almost taller than me :( (I'm standing on the street, he's up on the curb)
This was taken on his 11th birthday. I did some serious cropping here, mostly to cut out my own pudgy self!!! This was one of those pictures that had me taken aback. But, he's still pretty damn cute, don't you agree?
Here are my three favorite monkeys. We were at The Children's Musuem at Navy Pier. I LOVE THIS PLACE!For those who are not long-time readers, last year around my son's birthday, he went for his annual check-up, and his pediatrician said he wanted him to lose some weight. Long story short, my son lost about 50 pounds over the next three months. That's right, smack in the middle of the holiday season!! He's amazing! He also grew about 2 inches, so he really looked very skinny. Too skinny as far as I'm concerned. Over the summer, he did put a few pounds back on, but once school started, and he started having gym everyday, he's slimmed back down. I think he looks awesome! If only his lardass mother could get with the program.....Here's a picture from his graduation party this past June. I literally caught my breath when I saw this picture, and saw how tiny his waist had become. He went from a snug 38" to a comfy 32". Impressive, right?
I suppose I should go answer the call of the piles of laundry screaming my name from across the room, huh? Oh, don't worry, I'll be back. (Yes, for some of you, that's fair warning. 
)
I suppose I should go answer the call of the piles of laundry screaming my name from across the room, huh? Oh, don't worry, I'll be back. (Yes, for some of you, that's fair warning. )Friday, November 7, 2008
Happy, happy birthday, My Baby!!
OK, technically, I'm a day late, but yesterday was so full of birthday "stuff" I obviously didn't have time to post.
I can NOT believe my "baby" turned 15 yesterday. 15!! How the hell did that happen?! Most of the time, I think I'm still 18 myself. I had intended to put together a lovely little montage of photos to highlight the past 15 years, but I've now been sitting here going through old photos for about 2 hours, and I'm not getting a thing done. I'm far too sentimental for this project. I started with the envelopes on the top of the box, so I have a few pictures to share, but they are not baby pictures. Considering that I have the next 5 days off (gotta love sick days!) I might just post a few a day until I get to those adorable baby pictures.
I can NOT believe my "baby" turned 15 yesterday. 15!! How the hell did that happen?! Most of the time, I think I'm still 18 myself. I had intended to put together a lovely little montage of photos to highlight the past 15 years, but I've now been sitting here going through old photos for about 2 hours, and I'm not getting a thing done. I'm far too sentimental for this project. I started with the envelopes on the top of the box, so I have a few pictures to share, but they are not baby pictures. Considering that I have the next 5 days off (gotta love sick days!) I might just post a few a day until I get to those adorable baby pictures.
- This was his 10th birthday, 5-freakin'-years ago!! He's so damn cute. (Jeez, I just realized this was in the middle of the kitchen remodel, and I see we had started peeling the wallpaper.)
- I think this was taken the same year. We were trying to get a picture for our Christmas card. I could just eat up that face!!
- This is my son and my niece, who is 6 months younger than him. She attends the
sister school to his Catholic boys' school. Sometimes they still act like this.
You know, like they love each other. Haha!
- Here we are at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of my absolute FAVORITE places in Chicago! I think he was about 6 here.
- As you can see, he's getting younger and younger. This is all three of the kiddos at my older niece's ballet recital. I think this was May '99, so he was 5 1/2, she had just turned 5, and the little one was about 2 1/2. How cute are they!?
*Warning -Inappropriate comment coming*
This is my uber-hot brother. This picture is a few years old, and was taken at one of my nieces' dance recitals. After I had this picture developed (yes, back before I had a digital camera) my first thought was, "I'm sending this into The Bachelor!" He's pretty easy on the eyes, don't you think? I know, it's creepy for me to say that about my own brother, right? Sorry. But, look at him!
I'm going to keep digging through my boxes of photos, and scanning. Considering I have a LOT of free time from now until next Wednesday, I'll be back!!
(I suppose I should explain the time off. The students have today off as a teacher institute day, and next Monday is also a teacher institute day. We are all off next Tuesday for Veterans' Day. You would think the idiots that run the board of ed would have made Monday the observed holiday, so that the teachers could enjoy a three-day weekend, but no. They expect us to work Monday, then take Tuesday off. Morons! The kids are then off Wednesday because it's Report Card Pick-Up Day. I'll be out Thursday because I have a workshop to go to, so I'll only see the babies one day next week, Friday!! Anyway, I decided that since all my work is done and I'm completely prepared for Report Card Pick-Up Day, I am taking today and Monday off, and I'll be giving myself a 5-day weekend. It's only 11:00 on Friday morning, and I feel like I've been on vacation! This is exactly what I need after Wednesday's bombshell from the Big Cheese!)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Exactly what I needed today...
I came across this story on WLIT's website, and I had to share it. It's exactly the kind of thing I needed to read today. Although, I could have done without the crying at school :(
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Crappy, crappy day....
We had our weekly staff meeting this morning, and I was completely blind-sided by the agenda. First item on the list -
- I. HELL-HOLE School will be going on the Track E year round school calendar for the 2009-2010 school year.
YEAR ROUND, PEOPLE!!!!!! WTF?!?! I didn't sign on for year round school!!! Last time this topic was brought up, we were told it was going to be put up for a vote later in the year. Then, BOOM, we just handed this fucking piece of paper!!! Ugh!!!!! I can't even tell you how pissed off I am! That just figures, since I was actually enjoying this year so far. It's been a dream compared to the past few years. I should have known the other shoe would drop eventually. I've already sent out emails to every single teacher I know letting them know that I am very actively looking for another job. I will be putting together a list of schools to send my resume to asap.
I would love to know the reasoning behind this decision. Another teacher said in the meeting, "I thought this was going to be voted on?" to which the Big Cheese barked, "No, there wasn't no vote, it was an administrative decision!" (and that's NOT a typo!) Many, many schools here in Chicago have gone year round, but it's been something that is done to relieve over-crowding. Quite obviously, that is NOT the problem at the Hell-Hole. We barely have enough kids to justify the number of teachers we have. We already had a teacher lose her position several weeks ago because of our low numbers. So, what's the deal? The building is very old, and decrepit, and had NO air conditioning. Other than in Big Cheese's office, that is! Anyone who has ever been in Chicago in the summer knows what that means. Sweltering heat, unbearable humidity, basically just hell. How is that going to work?! The ONLY reason I could see for the Hell-Hole to go year round is to now provide year round FREE babysitting! Arrgghh! The whole thing is literally making me sick.
The Big Cheese has done many, many inappropriate things in our PUBLIC school, including leading the children in prayer. The last line of the agenda was this:
- Also, let us all give thanks to America for electing Barack Obama as the new President. Good Bless America!
Um...can we say inappropriate!!?? How DARE you impose your political beliefs on your staff. Seriously, WTF?!?! This agenda was already filed right in the box with the rest of the inappropriate agendas/memos/notes etc. that he's ever given to us. You never know when they'll come in handy. Jeez, I should have known this year was going too well. Prepare for the daily bitching, I mean posts, to return!!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Oh so funny...
Melissa played this clip on her show this morning, and I literally had to stop getting dressed because I was laughing so hard. Enjoy!
Has it really been a week?
I can't believe I let an entire week go by without a post. Shame on me!! I better get back on track, huh? I was so good last school year, and literally posted every single school day. Man, I've become such a slacker...
*****
Recent conversation:
Smart Boy: Mrs. L., Twin Boy keeps breathing by me!!!
Me: And....
Smart Boy: His breath STANKS!!
Me: Oh....hmmm....Twin Boy, did you remember to brush your teeth this morning?
Twin Boy: No. I don't have a toothbrush.
Me: (Trying to hide my shock/disgust) You don't have a toothbrush?!
Twin Girl: Yes he does! He just doesn't use it!
Me: (Now stifling a giggle) Ok....well, Twin Boy, you need to brush in the morning, ok? Twin Girl, maybe you can remind him.
Twin Girl just looked at him in disgust and turned around.
*****
When the babies finish their name papers, I let them turn them over and draw me a picture while the rest finish. Last week, naturally, all the babies had Halloween on the brain. On Thursday, David drew an awesome picture of three "things" that I thought were kids in Halloween costumes. When I asked him, he said, "No, those are monsters!" Then he went back to drawing. When it was time to clean up, he brought me his paper, and showed me what else he drew. "That's me. And those are the monsters, and I'm kicking their butts!" I gave him a 'look,' because I tend not to condone violence, but he thought the look was for something else. He looked panic-stricken and immediately says, "Oh, um, I mean I'm kicking their bottoms." It was hysterical!
*****
So, last Wednesday, Glasses decided to steal from me. He wouldn't be still or quiet during rest time, so I finally had to make him sit by the door (our naughty spot). Suddenly, I hear the sound of a bunch of 'things' hitting the floor. I look over at him, and I see a few of my counting bears on the floor. I asked, "Where did those come from?" and he just looks at me. I tell him to put them away, and go back and sit down. He does, and a few minutes later, the same thing happens. So I say, "Do you have my counting bears in your pockets?" He shakes his head. I tell him to come over to my desk, and I ask him again if he has my counting bears in his pockets. Again, he says no. So I tell him, "Come here, I want to check your pockets." Well, then he looked worried. Sure enough, he pocket was filled with my counting bears! Ugh! I wanted to smack him!! Not so much for taking the bears (he certainly isn't the first to do that, and he won't be the last) but for lying right to my face about it! There is NOTHING I hate more than lying. NOTHING! I let him have it, telling him, among other things, that the next time he steals from me, I'll be calling the police. Then I sent him back to the door.
Forward to Friday (Halloween). Every Friday, the babies take their Treasure Test, which is simply a test on their sight words. The Treasure Words (sight words) are from our reading program. I don't like the way they introduce words because I think they go WAY too slow. We are now 10 weeks into school, and they are only expected to know 7 freakin' words!! But, I digress. If they can read all the Treasure Words to me on Friday, they get a treat. I always give them Smarties. (Smarties for my smarties!) There are a couple of kids who still haven't passed the test even once, despite there only being six words on the list up to that point. D.B. is one of those kids. Last week, I gave the babies two "bonus words," and told them that if they could read the bonus words, too, they would get an extra treat. OK, so D.B. comes over for his test. Up until this point, he's only been able to tell me "we." Well, he had obviously been working hard that week on his words, because he was able to read 5 out of the six words, and one bonus word!! I was shocked and thrilled! He finally earned his Smarties!
What the hell does all this have to do with Glasses you're wondering, right? Well, normally I give them their treats in the afternoon, but last Friday, we did our test before lunch since the rest of the day was going to be tied up with Halloween activities. When we were lining up for lunch, D.B. comes over and bangs on my arm, and says, "My candy." (If you're a regular reader, you'll know that's only the third time he's said more than one word at a time to me.) I figure out that he doesn't have his candy, so I ask, "Did someone pick up D.B.'s candy?" Nobody had it. I ask again, "Who has D.B.'s candy? It didn't just disappear." No one 'fesses up. I finally say, "We are NOT going to lunch until D.B. gets his candy back!" A couple of the babies say, "Glasses took it." So I ask him, "Do you have D.B.'s candy?" "No." I get closer to him. "Did you take D.B.'s candy?" Again, "No." "So, if I check your pockets right now, I'm not going to find his candy?" "No." I took a couple of steps toward him, and he knew I was going to check, so he says, "Well, maybe if somebody put it there." I seriously saw red!!! I had to stop myself from cracking him one! Naturally, the candy was in his pocket. My blood was seriously boiling. Again, it was more the lying RIGHT TO MY FUCKING FACE that bothered me than the stealing. Although, the stealing really pissed me off, too, because poor D.B. worked hard to earn that treat, and this little shit goes and steals it!! AAAUUUGGGHHH!! Naturally, Glasses is one of the three that hasn't learned his words yet. I really want to smack his parents for being so completely uninvolved with their child. Again, I digress...
I made him sit at the table with me during lunch, away from the rest of the babies. I already told him before we left the room that he would NOT be going to the parade, he would NOT be participating in the party, he would NOT be getting any treats, etc... On the way to the lunchroom, I brought him over to our security guard to ask her if she would keep him while the rest of us went to the parade, and she laid into him, too. She suggested we call the police. I said I was going to seriously think about it. On Friday, we have gym, so of course, I made him stay with the security guard while I took the rest of the class up to the gym. Then, while walking back down the four freakin' flights of stairs (!) I decided that I was just going to call his house and have him picked up. There was no reason for him to stay, since he was NOT going to be participating in ANY of the Halloween fun.
I called his home number, and got no answer. I called the emergency number, which I think was his aunt, and a woman answered. I told her who I was, and that I tried calling his mom, but there was no answer, and then asked if she had another number. She asked what number I called, and I told her, and she says, "Oh, that's the right number. As a matter of fact, I was just talking to her." So, I figure, that's why she didn't answer, she was on the other line. I thank the aunt, and tell her I'm going to call again. She says, "Oh, no, I'll call for you. If she sees it's the school, she won't answer." Of course!! Why would you answer if your child's school is calling? I mean, hell, your child could have been in a terrible accident or something, so why would you need to know that?! Ugh! Anyway, I tell the aunt the whole story and tell her to tell the mom that she needs to come get him right now. That was at 11:00. Guess who was still there at 2:45? Guess who had to sit in the naughty spot all freakin' day (because I couldn't send him to another classroom, since everyone was celebrating)? Guess who bugged me all afternoon, mostly because everytime I turned my back, he was poking his head around the corner and making faces at the rest of the class? Eh....alright, ChiTown, let it go, it was days ago.... Glasses didn't come to school yesterday, although I doubt it had anything to do with what happened on Friday. Guess who didn't really care, and just enjoyed a day without Glasses? Now guess who is on the express train to hell for feeling that way about a little boy? Just trying to keep it real....
Wow, I guess this saga makes up for a week of no posts, huh? I'm gonna let you off the hook, and not write anymore tonight. I think my son and I are going to have a movie night, since the only thing on TV right now is all election related, and I can't take anymore!
*****
Recent conversation:
Smart Boy: Mrs. L., Twin Boy keeps breathing by me!!!
Me: And....
Smart Boy: His breath STANKS!!
Me: Oh....hmmm....Twin Boy, did you remember to brush your teeth this morning?
Twin Boy: No. I don't have a toothbrush.
Me: (Trying to hide my shock/disgust) You don't have a toothbrush?!
Twin Girl: Yes he does! He just doesn't use it!
Me: (Now stifling a giggle) Ok....well, Twin Boy, you need to brush in the morning, ok? Twin Girl, maybe you can remind him.
Twin Girl just looked at him in disgust and turned around.
*****
When the babies finish their name papers, I let them turn them over and draw me a picture while the rest finish. Last week, naturally, all the babies had Halloween on the brain. On Thursday, David drew an awesome picture of three "things" that I thought were kids in Halloween costumes. When I asked him, he said, "No, those are monsters!" Then he went back to drawing. When it was time to clean up, he brought me his paper, and showed me what else he drew. "That's me. And those are the monsters, and I'm kicking their butts!" I gave him a 'look,' because I tend not to condone violence, but he thought the look was for something else. He looked panic-stricken and immediately says, "Oh, um, I mean I'm kicking their bottoms." It was hysterical!
*****
So, last Wednesday, Glasses decided to steal from me. He wouldn't be still or quiet during rest time, so I finally had to make him sit by the door (our naughty spot). Suddenly, I hear the sound of a bunch of 'things' hitting the floor. I look over at him, and I see a few of my counting bears on the floor. I asked, "Where did those come from?" and he just looks at me. I tell him to put them away, and go back and sit down. He does, and a few minutes later, the same thing happens. So I say, "Do you have my counting bears in your pockets?" He shakes his head. I tell him to come over to my desk, and I ask him again if he has my counting bears in his pockets. Again, he says no. So I tell him, "Come here, I want to check your pockets." Well, then he looked worried. Sure enough, he pocket was filled with my counting bears! Ugh! I wanted to smack him!! Not so much for taking the bears (he certainly isn't the first to do that, and he won't be the last) but for lying right to my face about it! There is NOTHING I hate more than lying. NOTHING! I let him have it, telling him, among other things, that the next time he steals from me, I'll be calling the police. Then I sent him back to the door.
Forward to Friday (Halloween). Every Friday, the babies take their Treasure Test, which is simply a test on their sight words. The Treasure Words (sight words) are from our reading program. I don't like the way they introduce words because I think they go WAY too slow. We are now 10 weeks into school, and they are only expected to know 7 freakin' words!! But, I digress. If they can read all the Treasure Words to me on Friday, they get a treat. I always give them Smarties. (Smarties for my smarties!) There are a couple of kids who still haven't passed the test even once, despite there only being six words on the list up to that point. D.B. is one of those kids. Last week, I gave the babies two "bonus words," and told them that if they could read the bonus words, too, they would get an extra treat. OK, so D.B. comes over for his test. Up until this point, he's only been able to tell me "we." Well, he had obviously been working hard that week on his words, because he was able to read 5 out of the six words, and one bonus word!! I was shocked and thrilled! He finally earned his Smarties!
What the hell does all this have to do with Glasses you're wondering, right? Well, normally I give them their treats in the afternoon, but last Friday, we did our test before lunch since the rest of the day was going to be tied up with Halloween activities. When we were lining up for lunch, D.B. comes over and bangs on my arm, and says, "My candy." (If you're a regular reader, you'll know that's only the third time he's said more than one word at a time to me.) I figure out that he doesn't have his candy, so I ask, "Did someone pick up D.B.'s candy?" Nobody had it. I ask again, "Who has D.B.'s candy? It didn't just disappear." No one 'fesses up. I finally say, "We are NOT going to lunch until D.B. gets his candy back!" A couple of the babies say, "Glasses took it." So I ask him, "Do you have D.B.'s candy?" "No." I get closer to him. "Did you take D.B.'s candy?" Again, "No." "So, if I check your pockets right now, I'm not going to find his candy?" "No." I took a couple of steps toward him, and he knew I was going to check, so he says, "Well, maybe if somebody put it there." I seriously saw red!!! I had to stop myself from cracking him one! Naturally, the candy was in his pocket. My blood was seriously boiling. Again, it was more the lying RIGHT TO MY FUCKING FACE that bothered me than the stealing. Although, the stealing really pissed me off, too, because poor D.B. worked hard to earn that treat, and this little shit goes and steals it!! AAAUUUGGGHHH!! Naturally, Glasses is one of the three that hasn't learned his words yet. I really want to smack his parents for being so completely uninvolved with their child. Again, I digress...
I made him sit at the table with me during lunch, away from the rest of the babies. I already told him before we left the room that he would NOT be going to the parade, he would NOT be participating in the party, he would NOT be getting any treats, etc... On the way to the lunchroom, I brought him over to our security guard to ask her if she would keep him while the rest of us went to the parade, and she laid into him, too. She suggested we call the police. I said I was going to seriously think about it. On Friday, we have gym, so of course, I made him stay with the security guard while I took the rest of the class up to the gym. Then, while walking back down the four freakin' flights of stairs (!) I decided that I was just going to call his house and have him picked up. There was no reason for him to stay, since he was NOT going to be participating in ANY of the Halloween fun.
I called his home number, and got no answer. I called the emergency number, which I think was his aunt, and a woman answered. I told her who I was, and that I tried calling his mom, but there was no answer, and then asked if she had another number. She asked what number I called, and I told her, and she says, "Oh, that's the right number. As a matter of fact, I was just talking to her." So, I figure, that's why she didn't answer, she was on the other line. I thank the aunt, and tell her I'm going to call again. She says, "Oh, no, I'll call for you. If she sees it's the school, she won't answer." Of course!! Why would you answer if your child's school is calling? I mean, hell, your child could have been in a terrible accident or something, so why would you need to know that?! Ugh! Anyway, I tell the aunt the whole story and tell her to tell the mom that she needs to come get him right now. That was at 11:00. Guess who was still there at 2:45? Guess who had to sit in the naughty spot all freakin' day (because I couldn't send him to another classroom, since everyone was celebrating)? Guess who bugged me all afternoon, mostly because everytime I turned my back, he was poking his head around the corner and making faces at the rest of the class? Eh....alright, ChiTown, let it go, it was days ago.... Glasses didn't come to school yesterday, although I doubt it had anything to do with what happened on Friday. Guess who didn't really care, and just enjoyed a day without Glasses? Now guess who is on the express train to hell for feeling that way about a little boy? Just trying to keep it real....
Wow, I guess this saga makes up for a week of no posts, huh? I'm gonna let you off the hook, and not write anymore tonight. I think my son and I are going to have a movie night, since the only thing on TV right now is all election related, and I can't take anymore!
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