diamondstatecurlygurl

They all grow up...

2011-06-23T14:45:00.000-07:00

I'm FINALLY finished with school for the summer (we missed so much school with snow and then tornadoes this year it was a VERY long school year) and I am going to try AGAIN to blog, as well as catch up on reading some of my favorite blogs! So usually my bi-annual posts are about my children.. around their birthdays. And tomorrow just happens to be Jeremy's 23rd (with Jordan's 20th coming quickly) but today I'm going to talk about Nzuri.

My husband likes telling everyone that Nzuri is my "empty nest" dog - but I jumped the gun because the kids are still at home : ).

Nzuri is now a little over a year old and I can't imagine life without her. She's sweet, playful and has very soulful eyes - that seem to understand, or at least have compassion when I'm tired or down. She's been staying with me at Mom's lately while they are at Sager Brown and loves playing in the sprinklers. And she's terribly offended when you ask her to sleep on the floor (at 75 pounds she's just getting hard to share a bed with)! The first dog-love of my life was named Tessa (officially, Dutchess Katessa after her Dam). Tessa was a long-haired, solid black German Shepard bred by a gentleman in Pine Bluff who's name I've forgotten but had beautiful, fabulously smart dogs. She died at 12-years-old and has been gone almost 15 years now, and I miss her still. She was with me through some wonderful and some AWFUL times in my life.

As I think about how fast the year has gone since we brought Nzuri home from Missouri (thanks so much to Doran, aka Connell Lion Hounds), it's not surprising compared to how fast my sweet children have become adults.. it's sad and wonderful at the same time - this growing up!

Snow, and more snow...

2011-02-09T11:19:00.000-08:00

Snow days for those of us that live in a perpetual state of high school are usually AMAZING things- I get so excited I hardly sleep, checking outside every time I wake hoping for even a tiny glimpse of those little, white flakes. The particularly glorious snow days are the ones when school is cancelled early the night before - giving me plenty of time to turn off my alarm clock, settle in with ~~a good book~~ my Kindle, and read until hours of the night I haven't seen since my 20's.

Then, the day begins with NO ALARM! Oh, I don’t usually sleep late (see: too excited to sleep because it’s snowing) – but it just FEELS better, waking when your body tells you it’s ready – not when the horrid, screeching electronic device scares you out of a previously restful state.

There is a tie for “next on my snow day” list: What movies to watch? and… What to cook/bake? More food is prepared in this house on any given snow day than the entire holiday season. I think it is the joy of knowing that were it not for the snow gods, we would be eating leftovers or sandwiches. And movies? Sometimes I catch up on those that have been on my list since school started - and sometimes I re-watch old favorites… Gone with the Wind, Look Who’s Coming to Dinner, Point Break (hey, don’t knock it – Keanu Reeves at his hottest).

This year - we've had a few more “days off” than I really wish for… make-up days in June are Yuk, at best. But we’ve been given a beautiful, white canvas one more time this year and I for one, am going to enjoy it while it’s here. So, I’m off to the last – but not least important number on my snow day list this year: playing in the snow with Nzuri!

Being Thankful.

2010-11-23T16:15:00.000-08:00

I read this a few days ago and had to "copy" it to share. It's been said many times, by many people - but warrants repeating often. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on those things we are Blessed with - lots of people throughout history have remembered to do so when they faced horrors I cannot even imagine. This Thanksgiving I am again Blessed with a family I adore, a job I love (filled with MORE people I adore!), my health, the freedoms I am given as an American and many, many more (see 1000 Blessing list currently in progress in past posts). tammy

When our pilgrim forefathers came to this country, what they were up against was far worse than anything we face now. The first year, over half of their band of 110 died. Our pilgrim fathers dug seven times more graves for the dead than they built huts for the living. And yet during that same period is when they decided to carve out a day where they could say, "Thank you, Lord, for all of your benefits." One of their leaders, Edward Winslow, wrote of that first Thanksgiving in the fall of 1621: "And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."

President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving in 1863, in the middle of a terrible civil war. He said the country's blessings were due to the "ever watchful providence of Almighty God... No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy." And he asked for the "Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it."

There would be no...

2010-11-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

choice of vocation.

days off.

Facebook.

football games.

choice of religion.

public education.

... if not for our Veterans. Thank you to all those that have and continue to serve this great country, and their families. I for one, am eternally grateful.

My first pictures...

2010-09-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

Well kiddos - if I'm going to ask you to put pics on your blogs.. I figured I'd better start myself. So here are the first pictures I've ever posted to my blog. Of Guess Who?

a few more Blessings...

2010-09-16T05:21:00.000-07:00

Sunflowers
ATMs
Oldies radio stations
CD player in my car so I can listen to Elvis as much as I want
Air conditioning
Rain
Bette - a fantab-ulous dog trainer!
Police officers
Firefighters
Elementary teachers
Libraries
Students who say Yes Sir and Yes Ma'am to our guests
{You made me very proud yesterday Seniors Ace Ace!}
Mums

Helping students become life-long-writers!

2010-08-31T05:31:00.001-07:00

Today I'll be helping my Desktop Publishing students set up Blogger accounts and creating (hopefully) their first posts! I hope this helps not only incorporate more literacy into my "workforce" classroom.. but encourages them to "journal" their life experiences!`

Blessings - cuatro dias

2010-08-27T18:10:00.001-07:00

If you don't already read my Mom's blog - http://www.stitchinbythelake.blogspot.com/ you should.. she's a wonderful writer and wise beyond wise {though please don't tell her I admitted this, she'll think I've grown up or something}! She recently started listing 1000 Blessings and I love it so much I wanted to do it too. Now, it might take me a lot longer than her because she's a much more consistent blogger than I am - but I know reading her list/writing my list makes me feel good and reminds me of all the wonderful things in my world. If you join us, please let me know so I can read yours too!

85. Bifocals

84. Fresh bread

83. Backpacks

82. Friday nights at home

81. Blistex

80. Puff’s Plus

79. Sharon Jones {ISA instructor who is kind and patient with our kids with difficulties}

78. Pretty gift bags

77. Febreeze

76. Bath and Body lotions

75. Lamps

74. My Bluetooth earpiece

73. Sharing the joy of the first day of school with both students and teachers

72. Rain

71. Online shopping

70. Jordan – she has the most compassionate soul

69. Craft stores

68. Friends that pray for/with you even if your requests might seem trivial

67. Summer

66. Rotisserie chicken from Sam’s

Blessings - page three

2010-08-18T18:54:00.000-07:00

If you don't already read my Mom's blog -http://www.stitchinbythelake.blogspot.com/ you should.. she's a wonderful writer and wise beyond wise {though please don't tell her I admitted this, she'll think I've grown up or something}! She recently started listing 1000 Blessings and I love it so much I wanted to do it too. Now, it might take me a lot longer than her because she's a much more consistent blogger than I am - but I know reading her list/writing my list makes me feel good and reminds me of all the wonderful things in my world. If you join us, please let me know so I can read yours too!

66. My excitement the night before school starts each year

65. City parks

64. “the South”

63. School bus drivers

62. Crape Myrtles

61. Donuts

60. Merrell sandals

59. Black slacks

58. Hallway neighbors

57. Crayons

56. Elementary teachers

55. Crushed ice

54. Parents

53. Hand-made presents from mom

52. Seniors’ excitement at the beginning of the school year

51. Iced tea

Blessings {continued}

2010-08-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

If you don't already read my Mom's blog -http://www.stitchinbythelake.blogspot.com/ you should.. she's a wonderful writer and wise beyond wise {though please don't tell her I admitted this, she'll think I've grown up or something}! She recently started listing 1000 Blessings and I love it so much I wanted to do it too. Now, it might take me a lot longer than her because she's a much more consistent blogger than I am - but I know reading her list/writing my list makes me feel good and reminds me of all the wonderful things in my world. If you join us, please let me know so I can read yours too!

50. Puppy obedience classes

49. Soft sheets

48. Hobby Lobby

47. Crushed ice

46. Old furniture

45. Clorax wipes

44. Texts from my brother

43. Tulips

42. Sam's Club

41. TV Guide

40. Lunch with my family

39. Rhodesian Ridgebacks

38. Blistex

37. Air conditioning

36. Food Network

35. The buzzer on my clothes dryer

34. Saturday phone calls to Mom & Dad

33. Colored staples

32. Inexpensive ideas for my classroom

31. Blogs!

30. Zappos

29. Cheese Dip

28. Aunt Joyce's lotion recipe

27. Iced tea

26. Crab legs

Blessings...

2010-08-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

25. Remote controls

24. Crushed ice

23. Puppy breath

22. Birthday cake

21. Finding "old memories" when unpacking from a move

20. FACEBOOK!

19. Living in Arkansas

18. Freedom

17. Hair color

16. National Parks

15. Dark sunglasses

14. Pedicures

13. Sonic

12. Antibiotics

11. Digital cameras

10. Small towns

9. Christmas lights

8. Elvis songs

7. Public Education

6. Dr. Pepper

5. Netflix

4. Boats

3. iPhones

2. Sandals

1. Principals with a sense of humor

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

It seems I can never find the words I want to say - when I want to say them... but thankfully, others allow us to quote them. Happy Mother's Day Momma!!

"My Mom is a never ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune."
~Graycie Harmon

Movies

2010-04-03T17:20:00.000-07:00

I happened upon one of my favorite movies on the television this afternoon (I have it on DVD, but can't resist my favs when I channel surf past them!) and got to thinking about how many times I''ve seen some of the ones I love so much. Here are a few I love enough to watch over and over... most - too many times to count!

(disclaimer: the order listed does not necessarily represent the order of love in my heart : )

Purple Rain (today's inspiration)
Gone With The Wind
Look Who's Coming to Dinner
Point Break
Yours, Mine and Ours (original - remake's ok too)
The Sound of Music
Pretty Woman
Rambo (all)
Terminator (all)
Batman (all)
Who's Got Mail

I think this is probably my top, ughh 17/18ish... I think I"ll work on completing this list in case I forget some when I'm old(er) - look for more to come!

The Beginning of the End

2010-03-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we'll return to school. Those of us that aren't graduating in May (some won't actually graduate, but will "complete their eligibility" as my husband says of those that pretend they are receiving a diploma when they walk across that stage, plus underclassmen and us crazy teachers that return year after year : ) have NINE weeks left until summer break.
*SIGH*
Nine weeks seems like eternity to me right now, AND it seems like a split second. There are projects to complete, projects to plan for next year, presentations to work on and present, scheduling for next year, spring activities (banquets, track meets, prom, graduation, etc.), and the dreaded "packing of" the lab. And all this has to happen with teenagers that have basically lost their minds!

Similar to the week before Spring Break, the last nine-weeks of the school year is a mixture of trying to "take care of business" while living with anticipation similar to the week before Christmas the WHOLE TIME! I'm looking forward to this time.. but can certainly use your prayers!

Forts in the Living Room

2010-03-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I got a text from my daughter that said "I remember nothing about the plot of this movie.. I remember lots of forts in the living room though"! (referring to the movie Twister, which was a "scary" movie : ). And it made me warm and fuzzy inside to think of her fond memories. It also helped me put the incident that happened the day before into perspective.

The same darling of mine was involved in a minor car accident. It was her first, but regardless of how many times it happens to you it's scary. She arrived in town after a couple of weeks at school and headed off to our favorite Chinese restaurant to pick up dinner for the family. When turning out of the restaurant across busy traffic, a car she didn't see coming and her car collided. Regardless of blind spots or speeding - the fault would be hers. Fault? Who cares - everyone was uninjured, vehicles barely bumped.. so you won't believe what happened next.

The passenger of the other vehicle - a woman, approached my daughter's window and began calling her vile, filthy things. When my daughter called me, she was obviously shaken, but held it together until she told me about the verbal abuse of this woman. My son and I headed to the scene and that entire LONG 10 minutes I thought about how I would handle myself when I arrived. Oh, I knew she was ok - as were the others involved, but I was MAD. How could anyone talk to a teenage girl like that - how dare her scare MY baby that way! I was out for blood.

My family would probably tell you I don't have the calmest of tempers. The classic red-headed curse - it didn't come from my parents, so it must be that - right? And I would love to deny the inadequacy in my character, but honesty is not something I have a problem with - so I won't. What did come from my parents was a looonnnggg time of trying to teach me to be better. To be better than to react like I wanted, to be better than someone that would scare a young woman like that, to be better than let my emotions get the best of me. Thankfully, most of the time this takes over and keeps the fury of my emotions at bay, and thankfully, that day it did again. The worst thing I did was give a nasty "teacher" look to the woman that was so ugly to my daughter, not perfect, but a lot of control for this red-head out to protect her baby.

Thankfully, my daughter is fine, the people in the other vehicle weren't injured and hopefully my children and I continued to learn the lesson of being better. As a mother, I am so thankful to my parents and so very hopeful that I've taught my children as they taught me. The woman that spoke in such an ugly manner to my daughter was a mother. I pray she learned a lesson - or her children won't have the benefit of learning how to control one's behavior - how to be not just "better", but how to be the kind of human being we all should want to be. So here's my hat off to my parents and all parents out there who have given their children memories of "better" behavior... and of forts in the living room.

Politics

2010-03-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

I've been a bit lazy today (which is above the REAL lazy I was all weekend). Kitchen, laundry, a bit of cooking.. but mainly playing with my new phone! While I've been researching every free "app" I can find, I've had the pleasure of watching several people say really nasty things about President Obama and the Democratic party on Facebook. Now let me preface this post with this: I've witnessed the same nasty things from folks opposed to Republican agendas. So here's my rant:

WHY do people believe it necessary to say such nasty things about elected officials? And more importantly GROUPS of elected officials? I know, I know - that's a perk of being American. Free Speech. And I believe in free speech - ask anyone that knows me : ) But I'm having a real problem with the not-so-pleasant things people say about INDIVIDUALS because of their jobs... especially when that job serves the public. Think about it - police officers and teachers get a lot of bashing too... and it seems that it doesn't matter how good a person or how good your intentions are if you enter into one of these career fields you'd better be prepared to be judged accordingly.

I don't believe I've ever heard anyone express feelings that computer programmers are wicked (though some programmers write damaging computer viruses), or that real estate agents are evil (though some of us have known one that wasn't completely honest with buyers), or that restaurant servers are thieves (I'm sure there are a few that don't claim all their tips on their tax returns), or... I guess you get my point.

So today, regardless of how you feel about the healthcare reform bill... please pray for ALL our elected officials.

Spring Break

2010-03-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday I woke to a fleeting moment of thought that told me it was Friday. It wasn't. UGGGHH - it was TUESDAY! I drug myself out of bed, went through the morning routine and headed off to the sacred halls of Hot Springs High School. As I drove through this quirky town that I love (up and down a few hills, past the horses exercising on the racetrack, through a bit of civilization), I realized it was finally here. Spring.. The re-awakening of the Earth here in the south is something like this: Daffodils bright yellow faces, birds singing happily in the morning, and Tulip trees blooming have that familiarity I can count on every year that means HOME and warm, sunny days that are cool enough you can sit on the deck and soak up all the rays you can stand... and if all that's not enough - there is SPRING BREAK!!

All week - I've counted the days (probably the only thing that kept me positive on that awful Friday morning that turned out to be a TUESDAY). My students have counted the days. We've tried to stay focused and then suddenly we're talking excitedly about what someone's doing over the break. Even those of us that are not traveling - those that are planning mundane tasks for the week such as "spring cleaning", yard work and tending gardens - we're all so excited we want to discuss it with others. We've talked about the closets we'll clean - the seeds we'll plant - the naps in the hammock we'll take... it's a re-newal of sorts. As the Pagans celebrate the end of the lethargy of winter with Ostara (or Eostre) and the farmers (or those of us that play one in the city) prepare their fields for planting - the students young and old REJOICE! An entire week off! No class, no homework, nothing to read but enchanting novels, no alarms to slam, no clothes to iron.. I almost want to schedule the days in my day planner to guarantee every minute is used meaningfully.

My cousin (thanks Stephen) tells me I have the farm families to thank for this incredible week of rejuvenation. That school children in times past needed this week to help their families prepare that years' crops. This makes me curious.. were these families as excited about the week as I am? Were they thankful for the family time they would be spending with their loved ones? Or just looking at the week as the beginning of the hard labor of the season? I am getting some family time this spring break too. My children will both be home, Jeremy has to work - but will be around some. I am looking forward to spending some time with Jordan, and hanging out with both of them in the evenings.. without the pressures my "normal life" (teaching can't really be considered normal by most people - but it's MY normal). I think regardless of what you are DOING with your family time - planting, resting or vacationing, the most important thing is that you're doing it together. So here's to Spring Break and family time - but most importantly to Spring in the SOUTH!!

Prince Charming

2010-01-23T14:35:00.000-08:00

An old friend found me on Facebook the other day (so glad Susan!) and we began to catch up. As I typed her the story of meeting, and falling in love with BJ, I realized I should document it here. I hope you enjoy it...

...about 10 years ago, I found myself a single mother with two beautiful children depending entirely on me. After a not-so-pleasant marriage, the peaceful atmosphere of our home was worth whatever I had to do to keep it that way. So, I was pretty convinced that I would not consider marrying again until my children were grown, if ever.

However, one of my best friends from high school Sherri, has always been a hopelessly romantic matchmaker and though she deemed me a "man-hater", she was convinced I had to be lonely when the kids were gone. She just HAPPENED to know a guy that she really liked, that was much like me (so she said). He had given up on women, but had a great personality and would be sooo much fun to hang out with... when the kids were gone - lol. Now, most of you won't know Sherri, but let me tell you - when she gets something in her head - there is no convincing her otherwise.. and she will drive you NUTS until you take some action. She had given me his email address (so I'm sure she'd given him mine) and asked me (bugged me) often about shooting him a note. Finally, I had enough and emailed him. I explained that I'd known Sherri for many years and that she was like a sister to me. Therefore, it was ok for me to tell him what a nag she could be : ). I explained that if we would tell her we were having a torrid affair, it would shut her up and we could make up some argument later and that would be that. He emailed me back laughing and we began to talk.

We spent the next six months discussing life, love, politics, children, music... I don't know anything we didn't talk about. And we were both blatantly honest. I mean, there was no interest in becoming romantically involved so why not? LOL! We became fast friends, even talking about people we dated (I said I wasn't going to get serious, I didn't say I was going to be bored ;-). Finally the stars aligned and we planned to meet for dinner. When we decided they were gonna kick us out of the restaurant (The Brickhouse, for those of you that are natives.. what a great place, huh?), we went to my apartment and sat by the lake with marqaritas and talked until the sun came up.

Somewhere in the conversation, BJ mentioned he had two tickets to see Eric Clapton (I think the next week, but it could have been two.. that part's fuzzy : ) and asked if I'd like to go. It was during finals week, so I told him I couldn't - ughhh, so sadly.. one of the many things we had found in common was a love of the Blues. I was passing up Clapton in Memphis, with a great guy? Hell no. Someone was gonna have to give my finals for me. I called him in a few days and told him I'd make arrangements and he said "you're on".

We talked all the way to Memphis (you would THINK we would run out of conversation by now, and maybe I talked all the way to Memphis, lol.. I'll have to ask him that sometime). Clapton was amazing, and walking down Beale soaking up the music and that wonderful smell of Memphis.. the city, the river, the excitement... I fell head over heals. He was a great friend, he was a gentleman, I felt incredibly safe with him - and he made me laugh, continuously.

I spent every minute the kids weren't home that summer with him, and it never seemed enough time. That was the last summer I didn't work almost the whole "vacation", and I felt like my high school students when it came time to go back to school. I always look forward to the beginning of the school year, but that year it was hard. I had gotten used to sleeping 'till noon, layin by the pool 'till he could get away from the store, the evenings went by too fast, then I would start the cycle all over... waiting for the next day. (Oh, I read a TON that summer too.. Heaven!) Sounds like one of those high school summer loves doesn't it? It felt like that! Crazy.. I don't know about everywhere else, but in Hot Springs.. summer is intense. The population seems to double. Fast boats. An occasional good band. Warm nights and cool water.. The Spa was the setting of a few young summer loves for me, and then the place where I fell in love with BJ.

Eventually, I sealed our fate by introducing him to my children. I'm not sure who fell in love first. But it was definitely mutual. He loved spending time with them and they loved him. He sincerely wanted to be with them, and they knew it. Always trust children and dogs, they are great judges of character. Wisdom from Tammy.

So one day we loaded the kids up, drove to Memphis and got married. (I'm pretty sure it was the first time Beej had been in the Shelby County Courthouse that he wasn't handcuffed : ). And that was the beginning of the rest of my life. The next years were a whirlwind. Ballgames, concerts and yearbooks. Tennis matches and homework. BB King and Beale. The kids still don't love the Blues like we do, but they appreciate it.. and they love Memphis - and their Dad. So that's the story of how I fell in love with Prince Charming.. I miss the old days of lazy summers and weekends in Memphis, but they'll come again when this crazy ride we're on now slows down. And I'm glad I'll be able to spend that time with BJ, aka Prince Charming.

Time to move?

2010-01-21T17:43:00.000-08:00

I was born in Monticello, Arkansas. In addition to Monticello, I've lived in Benton, Dardanelle, Fordyce, Heber Springs, Hot Springs, Ozark, Pine Bluff and Russellville (if I've remembered them all...). I've lived in Arkansas all of my life, and I've never wanted to live anywhere else. Until this week.

I teach in a high school building with fabulous architecture and history. Hot Springs High School was built to desegregate Central and Langston high schools in the late 1960's. The "modern-industrial" style is cool in an art deco-y way and there are amazing, large, ceiling-high murals painted by students in the early 1980's. Even the heating/air unit was state-of-the-art. In the late '60s.. not so much now.

The high temperature in Hot Springs on January 8 this year was 27. Yesterday it was 68. The old heating/air unit will not change the temperature in a building that size in that short amount of time. It was about 130 in my lab yesterday. I didn't have a thermometer, but I"m sure that's close. In Maybell, Colorado the high temp on January 8 was 5. Yesterday it was 28. I wonder which way an old unit performs better? Horrible cold and almost freezing for the high's? Or a 41 degree difference in about 10 days? I'm thinkin about moving to Maybell. At least until menopause is over.

When Did My Kids Get So Old????

2010-01-15T07:09:00.000-08:00

I got to spend a few hours yesterday afternoon with my good friend Janette and her adorable 18-month-old, Brynna. While Janette and I visited and did some shopping I watched Brynna do all those adorable things children that age do.. smiles, frowns, first words and other ways she communicates (sometimes a girl's just gotta cry to get across she's not happy, right?!), and that absolutely no way to explain-completely Angelic-napping in her carseat :-) And on my way home my thoughts wandered to my own children, as they always do - and I was shocked for a second at how old they are!

Now I've been taking medication for chronic back pain for about 3 years (more to come about that later- I've had a recent 2nd surgery and am MUCH better!) - but I SWEAR I remember every birthday!! When Jeremy turned 16 (Oh My!), when Jordan turned 16 (No WAY!).. then Jeremy turned 18, then Jeremy turned TWENTY-ONE, and then Horrors... my baby turned 18 too. *sigh* I was always a bit melancholy - when these "big" birthdays hit, but VERY proud of the young adults they've become. And I've written some in the past about them... but I want to tell you about what they are doing at the moment.

Jeremy (21) is working for a local school district in their technology department. He loves the work, his co-workers, bosses and the LEARNING!! What a Blessing it is to watch his eyes light up when he tells me (often way over my head) about his day! He even has cute/funny stories about children when he happens to be working in a classroom and hears something really cure (mostly elementary kids - He reminds me that kids really DO say the darn-dest things!). Jeremy's wonderful girlfriend Catherine has begun her first semester at UALR (transferred from our local community college) and is majoring in elementary education. She is a doll and I'm very excited about her pursuing a career as an educator because she has everything it takes to make a great one - and we all know how much we need great teachers!!

Jordan (18) is beginning her second semester at UALR as an Anthropology major. Jordan maintained a 4.0 last semester (Raise The Roof!!) and is paying her way through school with her brains and hard work {ACT scholarship}. Jordan seems to really love college and I am SO glad! She is taking a couple of fascinating courses this semester and I'm really looking forward to hearing about them... forensic anthropology (I am a huge, HUGE Bones fan.. beginning with Kathy Reichs novels), archeology of ancient civilizations (there is a great ancient Egyptian Pharaoh exhibit in Little Rock right now I can't wait to see with her), and Judo (I have no desire to ever 'hip toss' someone.. but I think it will be cool to hear about) :-)

A New Start...

2010-01-09T14:07:00.000-08:00

2010? Are you kidding me? What happened to the 90's? Heck, what happened to the 80's?!?

Time does sneak by - and I'm not one for resolutions - but I'm going to make an attempt to be a regular blogger this year. If you look back to the beginning of my life as a blogger, you'll see I didn't do so good for awhile - LOL a LONG while ; ) then I used my personal blog to post some things for the final class in my Master's program last semester and it made me think that I'd REALLY like to be a regular writer. I hope to write about being an educator.. a mother.. a human being. Welcome 2010!

Thanksgiving!

2009-11-22T17:21:00.000-08:00

Sunday evening before Thanksgiving 2009. The forecast for the week ahead calls for beautiful Autumn temperatures with sunny days and cool nights... just like last week, how wonderful! October was terribly rainy here and I prayed for fall...even small prayers are often answered aren't they? I am settling down to do some school work before a short week (we're out Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving break) and thought I would take a few minutes to jot down some people I am VERY thankful for!

BJ - my best friend... he has to be the most giving husband in the world
(and he puts up with me which is difficult at best)
Jeremy - our son is kind, hard-working and funny.
Jordan - our daughter is compasionate, generous and witty.

Daddy and Momma - my parents love me unconditionally - and in my opinion, did a near-perfect job of raising my brother, sister and I.

My Family - brother, sister-in-law, sister, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles - I love them all with all my heart.

My Friends - I have been Blessed with the best friends anyone could ever ask for. Though I recently lost Jill, the many wonderful years I had with her are cherished. I hope I can tell you about her someday... but I'm not there yet.

My Students - past and present. THEY are what make going to work happy for me.
(even on Mondays!)

My Dogs {maybe not human, but family regardless} - Raven and Sadie have been (and still are) keeping me company for the four years since my back injury. I can't imagine how lonely it would have been without them.

Happy Thanksgiving!

{Grad School Post} Synectics II

2009-11-05T15:03:00.000-08:00

I hadn't planned to post again about the Synectics model, but after using it in class thought I would post a short note. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the students did with this! I EVEN thought it was successful enough to use again ;-) I think a different topic might have been better... something not as concrete as "problem-solving", and I had a tiny class to work with so they didn't have as many folks to help them come up with descriptors - but it worked in spite of all that. I filmed for Janette as she worked with a group (they did a GREAT job with it), so had the opportunity to see it work even BETTER than with mine... I think I'm going to take her lesson plans to my other classes (including the one I filmed using this model) and see how the rest of them like it.

{Grad School Post} Synectics

2009-11-01T17:34:00.000-08:00

As I've worked and worked and worked on my lesson plans for teaching the Synectics model I've learned at least one thing - I am NOT good at analogies :-) Oh, I remember all the ones I've grown up with: dumber than a box of rocks, slower than a snail, smarter than a whip - you get the picture. I don't do a great job with thinking of them myself though. Maybe had some wise instructor used this model to teach me more in my youth I would be better at it?

For those educators out there that don't remember this model, first you have your students brainstorm descriptive words about your chosen topic. Oh, never mind - if you're interested - look it up. My head spins too much to repeat it all... but here's hoping that by using it with MY students - I'll help them be better at using their thinking caps to conjure up analagies better than me!

{Grad School Post} Problem-Centered Inquiry

2009-10-19T18:56:00.000-07:00

Problem-centered inquiry is what happens in an EAST classroom everyday. Well, it’s what we WANT to happen everyday J. Students use community-service projects that include technology and integrate other curricular areas to learn problem-solving skills, technology, collaboration and critical thinking skills. As a facilitator, I do my best to guide them to resources that will enable their success. I am going to try to film several different groups this week while they work on various problems. I believe I’ll see all the ‘steps’ listed in the text as we work.

{Grad School Post} Concept Development Model

2009-10-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

This model takes me away from the normal atmosphere of my classroom (as did the concept attainment model). I'm sure I've said before - EAST is a student-directed learning environment so I seldom put the whole class together for a "traditional" lesson. However, I felt like using these models to teach some of the standards/material I usually teach in a small group or
one-on-one manner would be beneficial and possibly even become something I would use on a more regular basis.

I will use the concept development model to facilitate learning about software. Students in EAST work with audio and video editing, GPS/GIS, CAD, webdesign and publishing software to name a few. I plan to use this model to help reinforce their knowledge of the software packages they have available in the lab and also connecting what types of projects can be accomplished using these various technologies (Environmental And Spatial Technologies is what EAST stands for - for those of you unfamiliar with this course. I belive the grouping and re-grouping of the software available will aid them in their pursuit to solve problems that are a large component of the EAST pedagogy.

{Grad School Post} Concept Attainment Model

2009-10-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

Here is what happened with my concept attainment lesson...

Students were first introduced to the process of the concept attainment model and told I would be using it to teach a lesson on positive presentation skills to them. I then presented examples of positive presentation skills – and listed the attributes of these skills. The students seemed a bit reluctant to participate in the beginning, but once they caught on were fine. Next, the students (with my help) developed a definition of the concept (strong presentation skills). I then presented additional examples which I seemed to clarify the earlier part of the lesson. Finally we went over a rubric that would be used as an evaluation of their understanding of the concept they were taught.

My students seemed somewhat puzzled throughout the process of the concept attainment model instruction. Once we covered the examples and attributes, they seemed to have a better understanding of what they should have learned from the instruction. I believe the model itself worked well for the instruction, but believe I will do a better job the next time I use it and with my confidence in the method the instruction should be even better for the students.

I can definitely see the value of using this model to teach students some concepts. I believe I could have been more successful had I used this format while teaching presentation skills in a unit perhaps instead of pulling students from their projects and using it to reinforce these skills “out of the blue” like I did. I’ll try it differently next time and I’m sure will have even better success.

{Grad School Post} Concept Attainment Model

2009-09-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

As I've studied the Concept Attainment Model this week, I've really struggled with my opinion of the value. I was convinced today. I have the joy of being able to work with Janette Bales (also an ASTL student taking this course) who is an EAST facilitator I've always "clicked" with. Janette filmed her lesson today and I watched it 'work'. I believe the students gained the information in the lesson, but also gained a little better understanding - of learning.

I plan to film my lesson tomorrow. I will be using this lesson to teach presentation skills. In the EAST environment we use presentations for many reasons. Our students present project ideas and budget requests to school administrators as well as community members outside of the school. They present their projects and learning obtained in the EAST environment to each other and to students outside of the EAST classroom. They also present this information to their facilitator - for grading purposes. Of course, they learn a lot of technology when they create these presentations. They use PowerPoint, MovieMaker and sometimes even free software they find on the Internet. They use language skills. Their writing and communication skills are constantly honed. I believe these skills are one set of the many things outside of the 'core' curriculum that is important to teach our students. I believe being a strong communicator can give them a 'leg up' in the world beyond high school. I hope using the Concept Attainment Model will help me teach them not only the skills they need, but the importance of those skills. I'll post more after I've gone through this (six times :-) tomorrow. I expect each group of students will be unique, as they always are.. but especially after observing Janette's film today, I expect they will learn - and that's what our journey in education is all about.

Completing a Master's Program

2009-09-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

This fall I am completing my Master's degree in a program titled Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas. I began this program with the hope I would learn to be a better classroom teacher and a stronger teacher leader. As I near the end (the course I am taking this fall and the capstone of the program is called Models of Teaching) I believe I have become a stronger teacher and have gained many tools to help me in educational leadership roles. I moved to a new school last fall and have not taken on as many leadership roles as I had at my last school, but I think they will come - I certainly hope they do.

One thing I would like to say before I attempt to intelligently discuss different models of teaching, is that what I have gained from this program is much more than I expected largely in thanks to my fellow students. The teachers in this program are amazing! They are kind, hardworking, incredible educators.. AND, they are always willing to share their strengths. Of course, it wouldn't be possible for us to share our joys (and sorrows) without the understanding of OUR teachers that while teaching the curriculum is important it is also vital in continuing the education of educators to allow them to share. to discuss. sometimes even to disagree :-) Thanks to all of you for allowing me to share this journey.

Jordan Elizabeth

2008-08-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

August 9, 1991. The high was 86 degrees. Hot. Especially when you're carrying around an extra 20 pounds. Of baby. But she desided to grace us with her pressence a couple of weeks early (thank you Father!) and arrived today. Well this evening actually.

Jordan Elizabeth. I'm very proud of that name... I think it's strong, yet feminine. She can be an attorney, or a poet, or an enginneer, or a sculptor, or the president.. and have a great name for the television commercials and t-shirts. In 1991, Jordan doesn't appear on the top 10 list of popular baby names at all (I'm glad it isn't one of those fad names of the year). Elizabeth in at #9 on the female list. It's a classic, beautiful and everyone loves the way it sounds. (I know now that it also fits her, she's fabulous.)

My daugher Jordan is turning 17 today. I can't believe it. How in the world did the time pass so quickly? She was just a child... yesterday? I guess not, but wow did the time fly. Haha, I guess because it's been so fun :-)

-- Some celelbs who share a birthday with my darling daughter... Sam Elliot (1944)-he's one of my all-time fav actors... Melanie Griffith (1957)-another fav actor... Whitney Houston (1963)-one of the most amazing voices of my generation... "The Rugrats" cartoon series began in August of 1991 -- 3 hostages who had been captured in Beirut and held for more than 5 years by rebels were released in Lebanon -- Terminator 2 was in the top 10 list of movie releases -- I Do It For You by Bryan Adams was #1 on the Billboard Charts --It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over by Lenny Kravitz was #5 (I love Lenny Kravitz so had to mention this one) --check out more fun 8/9/91 facts @ http://www.rugratonline.com/1991news.htm --

She and her Dad shopped hard for her birthday present. A Nikon Coolpix somethin somethin. It's tiny, pretty and has all the feautures and megapixels they could find. He loves taking pictures, she wants to learn and is excited. I love watching them both - especially together. It's like they soak information from each other. Sometimes getting so deep into conversations about a particular battle of some long ago war... or the environmental impact of human society on the Earth and what we need to be doing about it... that I have to yell at them to go to bed! Their relationship has helped strengthen my Faith. Only a loving, powerful God could have sent me a best friend that would also be the perfect parent for both our children. What a blessing!

Sorry, back to Jordan. She will be a senior this year (I think I whined about that on my last blog).. and has a rigorous academic schedule ahead of her. She seems to be excited - and I think she's going to have a great year. But WoW - she's SEVENTEEN!!

Back to 1991. It was a great day - Jeremy was 3-years-old and had spent the summer running around barefoot and shirtless. He and I napped together, swam a lot and got ready for our new baby. I had a doctor's appointment around 11 o'clock. Jeremy went to spend a couple of hours with our neighbors Ed and Brenda. They were like grandparents - Jeremy loved being there. At the doc's office, we found out that I was dilated to about 5 (OMG - Get to the hospital - he said!!) As ready as I was.. I had to run home and see Jeremy, grab a bag, get something to eat (I wasn't going to go without lunch for Heaven's sakes!). Finally - at this great little hospital in Danville, Arkansas I settled in. Mom and Dad got there, we visited...watched some baseball... the contractions got stronger... I yelled at someone to turn OFF the baseball... and soon, VERY soon after - Jordan was born.

The first thing I remember is being scared because I didn't hear her cry. I frantically asked the doctor if she was ok (I have a loud voice anyway, no telling what I sounded like) - she cried strong and beautifully, and he said, "Don't you want to know if it's a boy or a girl"? Holy Cow! I had forgotten that I didn't even know (the boy name that was picked out is long forgotten)! Some of the memories are faded... but I do remember that he handed her to me, and she was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen (Jeremy was beautiful also... but sorry dear, she was the prettier newborn :-). Seventeen years later - she's even more beautiful. And I couldn't be more proud.

Happy Birthday, Jordan Elizabeth! I love you very much!!!

Summer Band

2008-08-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

My daughter is at summer band practice today. So? Most of you would think... what in the world does that have to do with anything? Well, it's the beginning of her last year in high school band. Her last year in high school. Her last year as my little girl (ok, maybe she's not so little anymore - but still). Usually, I love the beginning of the school year - I'm sure I'll talk more about that later... but this year, it's bittersweet for me. The beginning of a great new school year - yet the beginning of my baby's SENIOR year!

The senior year part is good. I loved watching my son enjoy the fun of his senior year, and I'm sure I'll love watching her do it too. We've already had one fun day taking senior pictures and the shopping before hand, doing hair, a little makeup (she hates makeup). It was fabulous being with her... just enjoying the occasion. But unfortunately, now I know.. that senior year part is going to go by FAST - that part. Not so good.

When my son was about to begin his senior year my mother told me I was really going to enjoy this new time coming in my life and she's a very wise woman so I'm sure she's going to be right... someday! But right now, I'm NOT enjoying this, I DON'T want her to grow up, I DO want them to live here forever!!! Ok, maybe not live HERE... but how 'bout next door?

I have survived one child's freshman year away at college (he's back home now going to school at the local community college, probably for at least a year to save money to go back to the university) but I didn't really like it when he was gone. There were times when he was homesick (not that he said that openly), there were times he struggled with his classes, there were car troubles and worrying about the money... I just didn't like it much. I know that it was very good for him. He had a good time, learned a lot, made good friends.. and is ready to get back to it. But damn, when he goes... she'll be going too. Yuk.

Mom says it's going to be ok. I'm trying to trust her. This beautiful young lady, who just yesterday was my beautiful little girl - is growing up quickly. I'm having a hard time keeping up.

Thankful Thursday

2008-07-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

Rhondi at Rose Colored Glasses wrote this past week (Thursday :-) about things she is thankful for... and I thought it was such a wonderful idea I decided to "borrow" it. Partly because I have so many things to be thankful for and this is a great place to share them, and partly because I'm struggling with ideas to write - and I hope this gives me a little "jump start"!

So, just a few things that I'm thankful for that are on my mind this week. First, I am blessed to have the most wonderful family. I could write pages if I went beyond my husband and children... so I'll just tell you about them. My husband is self-emplyed and works very hard. Life with the self-employed is very difficult for those of us who can generally count on specific times we'll be off. Self-employed folks can't. Someone doesn't show up? they stay... or come in... or go back. Something goes wrong? Guess who fixes it? And so on, and so on. But even with the physical and emotional stress, my husband spends every minute he has taking care of his family. Every minute. I have a bit of a physical disability (had a broken back, then fusion w/hardware, now have pain that appears to be the hardware and will require another surgery to remove it). This puts the majority of the housework in the lap of my husband also, and he is so gracious about it I cannot put it into words. No matter what I ever ask him to do - even when he thinks it's totally unneccessary :-) he does it for me. So my first post about things I'm thankful for and top of the list is my husband (later I'll tell you about my children). Thank you darling, for being with me.

What? My son is 20? No WAY!!

2008-06-27T09:57:00.000-07:00

This week, my firstborn child turned 20 years old. I woke that morning thinking about the day he was born (as I do every birthday of both kids) - reflecting at the fabulous time it was (yes.. I am one of those who actually got to enjoy the labor and delivery of my children) and then it dawned on me.. Holy Cow! He's TWENTY YEARS OLD!! WHAT? I'm only 28ish... aren't I? How in the world did this happen?

Am I happy about it? Oh what an incredible young man he is.. kind, compassionate, hard-working, gentle, funny - and I could go on and on. He is truly a blessing. Sometimes my husband or I one will just stop after he's left the room.. or we've gotten off the phone with him, and say, Dang - he's a good kid.. how in the heck did we do that? (Mostly by the Grace of God, I assure you :-)

Does it make me sad? What happened to that sweet baby who looked up at me with his eyes full of love as I held him (ALL the time - I had a hard time putting my babies down). Where did that little fireball of a toddler who was constantly busy.. building, taking things apart, running everywhere - ohhh was he all over the place! Looking back - even the terrible two's (and BOY was he terrible!) don't seem so bad now. The times he threw himself to the ground screaming and kicking, the times I had to leave my FULL buggy at Wal-Mart and carry him out of the store (under my arm like a sack of potatoes) screaming because he had been awful throughout the trip and wasn't allowed the promised "treat" if he was good. The school years of band, tennis, XBox, then computers because XBox "sucked" - good grades, bad grades, friends at the house (eating everything but the cabinets), homecoming dances, prom, graduation, moving away to college...

I guess I'm both - very nostalgic, very excited about the place he is now - and the wonderful future he has ahead, and slowly but surely figuring out that I'm FORTY something... not TWENTY something.. and it's not a bad place to be - in fact, it's a great place to be. The oldest is 20 (I can say it out loud now) the baby will be 17 soon (beware the posts that are coming on that one - bday, senior pictures, etc. *sigh*) and this birthday of his has helped me reflect and realize what a fabulous, blessed life I have.. the children, my husband, my family, even my job is wonderful (most of the time ;-). So, Happy Birthday to my first baby - and Happy Reflction Day to Mom!

Pay It Forward... from Mom

2008-06-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

I think I mentioned earlier that I had a slight interest in beginning to blog after my Mom started and I enjoyed reading hers so much {check it out at http:/stitchinbythelake.blogspot.com} she's a hoot and a great writer! ANYWAY - I've been working on what to write about, trying to learn my way around, etc. and was reminded last night that what really kicked me into starting was that I wanted to join in on a "Pay It Forward" kindof fun my mother and some of her blogger friends were doing. Following is the paragraph from her blog that got me started:

"Julie at Through the Barn Door, a new blogging acquaintence, is participating in a blogging exchange - Pay It Forward. I've decided to join with her and others in this project which is based on the Movie "Pay It Forward." This exchange focuses on acts or deeds of kindness being done without expecting something in return, just passing it on, with hope that the recipients of the acts of kindness perform their own acts of kindness. So here's how it works. I will make and send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment to this post on my blog requesting to join this Pay It Forward exchange. I don't know right now what the gift will be, and it probably won't be this month but it will be some time this summer, I promise. :) If you are one of the three, what YOU have to do in return is to pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. So, anybody want to join in?"

Hopefully, I'll get to do some things like this in the future - for now, I'll share something special in my life:

Please allow me to talk about my children a bit and add an even more "cool factor" to this fun - originated by the film. I am very blessed to have very kind, compassionate children. My quite impatient son gets VERY frustrated with his little sister who's fastest speed is a tad bit above slow :-) and my daughter with a heart bigger than the moon has a really hard time understanding why her brother is usually impatient when helping her - but the point is, they ARE there for each other. (I wasn't sure this was ever going to happen when they were 13 and 10)!! This - is an amazingly wonderful thing. Even better, is that I also watch them both do small things constantly that mean a lot... opening the door for others, helping someone struggling with their buggy in a parking lot, reaching something on a high shelf for someone in a wheel chair... and I could go on and on. Last night when my son came by my room for our nightly "How was your day" and goodnights... he said, "Hey Mom - do you remember that movie where this guy helps someone... and the movie goes on to show how the people continue to help others...?" I replied, "Yes, the name of it is Pay It Forward - great movie". He went on to say that he and his girlfriend had watched it again that afternoon and what a cool movie he thought it was... which reminded me what a cool kid he was... which reminded me what a blessing my children are... which reminded me about my Mom's post. Wow, that was a little drawn out...

Maybe my (a little wordy) story will help you remember a special blessing you have and would like to share - like I wanted to share about my kids - I would love to hear them!

Mom, Dad, Children... and animals

2008-06-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

We have pets. I know, lots of people have pets... and I'm sure most people out there love theirs as much as we love ours. We have a bit of a problem though - we seem to always add more. I am still in the stage of trying to decide what is interesting in my life to "blog" about, and our pets seemed to be the most obvious thing to talk about today.

Why? Well... I'm writing my blog while Husband and Daughter are off on a short errand to PetCo to buy a new "pet carrier" for the cats/ferrets to share (cat #2 must go to the vet tomorrow to be spade, as she has decided she wants to explore the outdoors and has been an inside cat until now) - and I'm sitting up in my bed (I have a back injury that keeps my home time here most of the time) and the dogs in the family are sleeping around me. The Dachsund who is 14 and pretty much lies here whether I'm home or not :-) The Jack Russell Terrier who lies here when she needs a rest from jumping up and down and running approximately 20 mph wherever she's going. And the sweet Chow/Shepard mix who barks when she hears something she thinks we need to be protected from in her loud, deep voice (but immediately runs to my side in case it's something TOO scary!).

I mentioned the cats... they both belong to my daughter. #1 is a beautiful calico who is approximately 13-years-old - and #2 is her daughter. The baby... is about 6-years-old and solid black with beautiful green eyes, which as I said, has decided she must venture into the wild (backyard) and we hate to keep her locked up, so we're going to try it out!

Last but not least, the newest additions to the family. Our son must have been homesick during his freshman year in college (yea, right) because he decided to adopt a Ball Python (21 inch baby at the time...) and they are both home for the summer (baby snake, is now about 3 feet long and MUCH larger around what used to be a "skinny" middle) - and already, Dad and I have had to baby-sit one week that included a feeding (yes, it's scary and gross!) I have a feeling because of this menagarie our children have grown up with we might be grandparents to many animals before our grandchildren come along.... *sigh* And, last - but certainly not least... the two brand new ferrets! They needed to be adopted! How could we leave them? Someone might not have taken them who would give them the love we are! Yes... I'm beginning to figure out why my parents shake their heads at our little household "zoo". But which one/ones would I do without?

When I figure out how to add them... pics will come later - and you'll see that they are all so adorable - you'll understand how we ended up with so many!

Day 2... two days later.

2008-06-09T17:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I had all intentions of adding more to the beginning of my blogging experience several days ago... but like most things I do - it's happening, just a day or so later than I'd planned. Also, my blogging life might be short-lived, as I've just received a lecture from my son the tech-y about most people not being responsible bloggers and endangering themselves and their families because of the amount of information they post. I hate it when my children know more than I do - I remember the days (though they are quickly fading) when they had to ask me EVERYTHING! Why is the sky blue, Mommy? How much longer 'till we get there, Mom? I thought you said we weren't going to use that kind of language? Etc. Now, lessons from the 19-year-old... humbling.

I originally planned to talk about my family and my work as a teacher that are both such blessings I wanted to share with others... now, what will I do? Make up names for everyone? Find something else to discuss? Ughhh - gonna have to think about this for a day or two...

a little behind..

2008-06-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

Well, this is my very first blog. I've started it with absolutely no thoughts or plans in preparation. Actually, I've started it because my Mom offered a homemade gift to the first 3 bloggers to comment on HER blog site yesterday as a part of a very cool "Pay It Forward" type game... and I was number 3!!!! Hurray! Mom's stuff is the Bomb! Uh Oh - I'm not a blogger though how can I participate?!? Heck, Mom's stuff is worth it - I'll try...here it is Momma ;-)

Now that I've started... I've got LOTS to say (I always have lots to say), but I've started at 10:15 pm so I'll really start tomorrow... where I'll explain what Mom's friend has started with a "play" on the movie... Pay It Forward.