I was driving down Shadeland Ave. today towards the CVS. As I crossed over the tracks I saw a woman gently rocking back and forth and praying. She didn't look crazy. I don't think she was praying to the goddess of toothpaste or anything like that.
She looked in her late 50's, with whispy gray and blonde hair pulling in the wind. She had her hands clasped to her lips, and was sitting on the tracks. Again, I know this sounds crazy, but I really just wished I had a camera. Her face was intent as her mouth formed around the small words she muttered.
As I drove on, I couldn't help wondering what she was praying for. She didn't look in anguish- nor did she look angry. She had an almost smile- like a child on her face.
I started thinking about my prayers. What do I pray for? Every night I go through the same prayers I did as a child...Jesus tender...
Over the past 6 years I have added to my prayers to include the 3 most important men in my life. Is that enough?
This woman seemed thankful- hopeful- joyful. Was she thanking God the train was coming? Who knows.
So in my cheesebox, I started to say a little prayer. Thanking God for my everyday gifts. Thanking him for how my little guys help me to see what I look beyond. The perfect example being yesterday. Jack and I were at my mom's house outside watching her garden. Jack said "Mom, I really like those stones in the wall" What stones? The wall in front of my mom's house has beautifully colored stones lining the front. I hadn't looked at that in years. And someone had carved a J in one stone. I don't know who. One of three I guess.
So look around you today and say a railroad prayer!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Sassy
Sassy. That's my mom, or rather what everyone in my family calls her. My boys love their Sassy. On Sunday mornings we go there for breakfast. All I have to do is mention Sassy to Ollie, and he starts doing this dance that resembles the truffle shuffle from Goonies.
I love watching her with my kids. She is so patient. This past Sunday Jack dropped a train or left a train or something and it was my brother's growing up so it was metal. My mom got caught up in the train wreck and sort of skipped while saying- "Hai-ya-shi-coo-coo-ahhhh!". Jack looked at her wondering if she too spoke Japanese like his other grandma. I just commented that this was never how she reacted when I was a kid. Her words would have been way more colorful. Just like when my brother got in trouble for saying shit in Montessori. Hmmmm- I guess grandkids change you...Anyway:
Oliver-Sassy-Evelyn-Cory-Jack
I love watching her with my kids. She is so patient. This past Sunday Jack dropped a train or left a train or something and it was my brother's growing up so it was metal. My mom got caught up in the train wreck and sort of skipped while saying- "Hai-ya-shi-coo-coo-ahhhh!". Jack looked at her wondering if she too spoke Japanese like his other grandma. I just commented that this was never how she reacted when I was a kid. Her words would have been way more colorful. Just like when my brother got in trouble for saying shit in Montessori. Hmmmm- I guess grandkids change you...Anyway:
Oliver-Sassy-Evelyn-Cory-Jack
Monday, June 15, 2009
Playing School
I've been here at work for almost 2 hours already. I must admit, although I know I am a nut job for waking up at 4:45 every morning, I love my wee early morning hours at school.
My routine is the same. The first thing I do is turn on Pandora radio and go make photo copies. I love that there is no one else in this building who needs some serious copies at 6 am but me. I hate the feeling around 7:30 when I walk past our two copy machines. The tension is thick. Teachers milling around 2 copiers with coffee in their hands. Everyone exchanges pleasantries, but, very much like being in line at the bank, no one moves too far to the right or the left- lest they loose their place.
I then go back to my room and check email and eat dry cereal of some sort. I'll do my agenda board and then start typing my papers for the next day up. This way I rarely have to bring my work home with me. Bringing work home doesn't really work for me anyway.
I do love this whole teaching gig. Sometimes- before the sun has really risen, before the building starts to fill with noise, I sit back and look at my classroom. Is this for real? I do what? I still giggle to myself when people ask me what I do for a living. I teach (hee hee).
It's funny because I used to play school all of the time when I was a kid. I used to love pretending that I was the one in charge. I loved writing on chalk boards and saying God knows what to stuffed animals!
I remember my first weeks here. I had no clue what to do or what to expect. What I did know was that now I had an actual purpose to go into Staples. I was given license to buy sticky notes and dry erase markers. OK, so my school supplied me with both, but not the ones I wanted.
Oh, and transparencies. I was so excited to have transparencies. I really felt like a teacher the first day I taught vocabulary and used a transparency with a brand new Vis-a-vis wet erase marker. I knew, at that moment, that I had made it.
I know that teaching is all about shaping lives and molding minds- It is- but the instruments are just as exciting to me. Sad, I know, but I was also the kid who was excited in September for new copybooks. Every blank page was a fresh start. Each sharp pencil was another chance.
Hmm, my goal is to post a picture of my classroom by the end of the week. There is the bell- no joke. Alright kids, tuck your shirts in, place all items not related to today under your seat, and give me your eyes to show me you are ready. Live your dreams!
My routine is the same. The first thing I do is turn on Pandora radio and go make photo copies. I love that there is no one else in this building who needs some serious copies at 6 am but me. I hate the feeling around 7:30 when I walk past our two copy machines. The tension is thick. Teachers milling around 2 copiers with coffee in their hands. Everyone exchanges pleasantries, but, very much like being in line at the bank, no one moves too far to the right or the left- lest they loose their place.
I then go back to my room and check email and eat dry cereal of some sort. I'll do my agenda board and then start typing my papers for the next day up. This way I rarely have to bring my work home with me. Bringing work home doesn't really work for me anyway.
I do love this whole teaching gig. Sometimes- before the sun has really risen, before the building starts to fill with noise, I sit back and look at my classroom. Is this for real? I do what? I still giggle to myself when people ask me what I do for a living. I teach (hee hee).
It's funny because I used to play school all of the time when I was a kid. I used to love pretending that I was the one in charge. I loved writing on chalk boards and saying God knows what to stuffed animals!
I remember my first weeks here. I had no clue what to do or what to expect. What I did know was that now I had an actual purpose to go into Staples. I was given license to buy sticky notes and dry erase markers. OK, so my school supplied me with both, but not the ones I wanted.
Oh, and transparencies. I was so excited to have transparencies. I really felt like a teacher the first day I taught vocabulary and used a transparency with a brand new Vis-a-vis wet erase marker. I knew, at that moment, that I had made it.
I know that teaching is all about shaping lives and molding minds- It is- but the instruments are just as exciting to me. Sad, I know, but I was also the kid who was excited in September for new copybooks. Every blank page was a fresh start. Each sharp pencil was another chance.
Hmm, my goal is to post a picture of my classroom by the end of the week. There is the bell- no joke. Alright kids, tuck your shirts in, place all items not related to today under your seat, and give me your eyes to show me you are ready. Live your dreams!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Punk Rock & Melon Head
I think there used to be a band called Melonhead...mellons...that sang about a chunky bee- who were they? Well, this one is much juicer:
He asked for a Mohawk. We gave him one. I asked him to pose with his new do and this is what I get:
Ahhhhh....a 32" bad ass... (p.s.-If you look at the bottom left of frame, you'll see him clutching his stuffed bat-thats tough!)
He asked for a Mohawk. We gave him one. I asked him to pose with his new do and this is what I get:
Ahhhhh....a 32" bad ass... (p.s.-If you look at the bottom left of frame, you'll see him clutching his stuffed bat-thats tough!)
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
I miss my children
I guess that got your attention.
Hi. I have no idea if anyone checks anymore, but I decided to make a visit. There are 2 weeks left in my first teaching year...maybe I can be a summer blogger- maybe I'll just write this one- who knows?
Back to missing my kids. Pneumonia. I have pneumonia. It blows. I've been sick for days and diagnosed yesterday. I'm not allowed back to work until I'm 24 hrs. without a fever, so I've been at home. I had almost forgotten how much day time TV sucks.
Anyway, my AWESOME mom has been picking up my kids from school and watching them until Sage comes home. I really don't want my chunkie bunch to get this- and I have a super hard time not biting my children. Not in a "creepy thin moustache man" way, but more of the "mom can't get enough of chunky cheeks and fat heinies"
How muchable are they? I hate not being able to gobble them, and I think I'll cry if I hear Jack say "how'bout I just kiss you on the cheek mommy?" on more time.
Jack is a regular riot. He is a mini con artist. This morning he was not "feeling well" and I comlpetly bought it. He said " I think I'll just lay down and rest". 30 minutes after Sage left the house, I see a little pair of feet shuffling at the top of the steps- "Mommy, how about I read to you". He scampers down in a t-shirt and Superman under-roos. He reads..."Mommy, I think I need some fuel."
Jack is also the epitome of a curious boy, who asks hundereds of questions and makes me understand why I can remember my mom yelling "WHAAAAAAAAAt?!" He retains its all and amazes me with his applications. He tolerates his brother (I'll say why in a minute) with love and patience. The two of them have a bond so strong, and I can't pinpoint its beginning.
Oliver. He is so different from Jack. He rules his world with muscle and sticks he collects. He is independant and strong. Jack will sit and try and find a hinge to open something- Ollie will just bust the damn thing apart, and then study it.
Ollie has a feel for music that I didn't think could come so early. Before he even tried words, there was song coming from his perfect mouth. It moves him- delights him- it is obviously in him.
The sun in Oliver's world is Jack. I really think it was his first clear word. he follows his brother. He will tear him off the couch by his toes- not to be mean, but so that he can climb on top of him, grab a chunk of his hair and cuddle.
I know that the pictures kinda suck. I have made it a goal this summer to take brilliant pictures of my son. Not crappy point and shot ones. Since I am not teaching summer school, I will definatly have the time...right?
Hi. I have no idea if anyone checks anymore, but I decided to make a visit. There are 2 weeks left in my first teaching year...maybe I can be a summer blogger- maybe I'll just write this one- who knows?
Back to missing my kids. Pneumonia. I have pneumonia. It blows. I've been sick for days and diagnosed yesterday. I'm not allowed back to work until I'm 24 hrs. without a fever, so I've been at home. I had almost forgotten how much day time TV sucks.
Anyway, my AWESOME mom has been picking up my kids from school and watching them until Sage comes home. I really don't want my chunkie bunch to get this- and I have a super hard time not biting my children. Not in a "creepy thin moustache man" way, but more of the "mom can't get enough of chunky cheeks and fat heinies"
How muchable are they? I hate not being able to gobble them, and I think I'll cry if I hear Jack say "how'bout I just kiss you on the cheek mommy?" on more time.
Jack is a regular riot. He is a mini con artist. This morning he was not "feeling well" and I comlpetly bought it. He said " I think I'll just lay down and rest". 30 minutes after Sage left the house, I see a little pair of feet shuffling at the top of the steps- "Mommy, how about I read to you". He scampers down in a t-shirt and Superman under-roos. He reads..."Mommy, I think I need some fuel."
Jack is also the epitome of a curious boy, who asks hundereds of questions and makes me understand why I can remember my mom yelling "WHAAAAAAAAAt?!" He retains its all and amazes me with his applications. He tolerates his brother (I'll say why in a minute) with love and patience. The two of them have a bond so strong, and I can't pinpoint its beginning.
Oliver. He is so different from Jack. He rules his world with muscle and sticks he collects. He is independant and strong. Jack will sit and try and find a hinge to open something- Ollie will just bust the damn thing apart, and then study it.
Ollie has a feel for music that I didn't think could come so early. Before he even tried words, there was song coming from his perfect mouth. It moves him- delights him- it is obviously in him.
The sun in Oliver's world is Jack. I really think it was his first clear word. he follows his brother. He will tear him off the couch by his toes- not to be mean, but so that he can climb on top of him, grab a chunk of his hair and cuddle.
I know that the pictures kinda suck. I have made it a goal this summer to take brilliant pictures of my son. Not crappy point and shot ones. Since I am not teaching summer school, I will definatly have the time...right?
Monday, October 06, 2008
Back to the Heart of It
Hi...so hi.
Excuse: Life has been so crazy swirling around; I'm the paper stick , life- the cotton candy.
I have a new job. Other than the one that I've had for the past almost 4 years. I was offered an opportunity to teach. I couldn't pass it up. I now teach 7th & 8th grade special ed reading in Germantown. It is (aside being a mom) the hardest job I have ever had. These kids- amazing, heart-breaking. The school- inspiring. My colleges- fantastic minds and hearts to match. I'll write more about the job someday soon.
I know what you really want...and here they are:
So Jack, I haven't the right words to describe how amazing my first born little man is. He is witty and compassionate. He makes me laugh and almost cry on a daily basis. The discovery that a child his age goes through is crazy. My boy. I guess that his biggest accomplishment to date is that he can finally wear underpants to bed. We were truly scared of the whole "change the sheets every other minute because the kid peed in bed again", but Jack, as usual, has stepped up to the plate, or potty rather and proved us that he can handle the bedtime stuff. I'm sure that as I'm writing this he is pissing everywhere to spite my comment.
I had to get stitches this weekend...a whole other story, and Jack's reaction was 1st "Mommy, that is so cool!". Then he looked at the stitches again and a worried look crept over his face and he put his hand on my shoulder. "Mommy, I think I just need to give you a hug...I love you". Everyday miracles. So to wrap up the Jack factor here is an image from tonight, that if I think to much about, I will cry. Maybe its more the caption that goes along with it:
"Jack Playing Guitar"
Oliver...aka The Moose
Tempus Fugit. I can't believe how fast this almost over year is. Ollie is 9 1/2 months old...WHAT!?!
He is standing and crusing, having ,mastered the army crawl. He LOVES music. When I sing "Brotherhood of Man" he dances wildly, and when I sing "Better Place to Be" by Harry Chapin, he rests his head and sucks his chunky thumb. Speaking of chunk- this boy can eat- He weighs mere pounds less than Jack and eats sweet potatoes like they are going out of style!
Ollie LOVES his brother. he crawls after him like a puppy. He frequently uses Jacks belt loops as a handle. As soon as he gets anywhere near Jacks face, he opens his mouth and tries to inhale him. Of course this is combined with Ollie grabbing a fistful of hair for support. Jack is patient though.
I think the most wonderful thing is the way that Jack can make Oliver laugh. Its different from any other noise that he makes. There is nothing more innocent, more pure than my two boys giggling. It is my heaven.
Oliver is infatuated with the world around him. He loves people and knows his family. When he sees my mother or someone he knows he shakes back and forth, claps his hands and reaches out his rotund arms. he will grab your face and pull himself as close as he can. He tries to kiss you- but you jsut end up slobbered.
Oliver shares. Don't be suprised if you are holding him and he looks down at his raisined thumb, thinks, and then sticks in in your mouth. He's a giver!
So, Oliver picks and then to bed:
goodnight...dream about the angels
Excuse: Life has been so crazy swirling around; I'm the paper stick , life- the cotton candy.
I have a new job. Other than the one that I've had for the past almost 4 years. I was offered an opportunity to teach. I couldn't pass it up. I now teach 7th & 8th grade special ed reading in Germantown. It is (aside being a mom) the hardest job I have ever had. These kids- amazing, heart-breaking. The school- inspiring. My colleges- fantastic minds and hearts to match. I'll write more about the job someday soon.
I know what you really want...and here they are:
So Jack, I haven't the right words to describe how amazing my first born little man is. He is witty and compassionate. He makes me laugh and almost cry on a daily basis. The discovery that a child his age goes through is crazy. My boy. I guess that his biggest accomplishment to date is that he can finally wear underpants to bed. We were truly scared of the whole "change the sheets every other minute because the kid peed in bed again", but Jack, as usual, has stepped up to the plate, or potty rather and proved us that he can handle the bedtime stuff. I'm sure that as I'm writing this he is pissing everywhere to spite my comment.
I had to get stitches this weekend...a whole other story, and Jack's reaction was 1st "Mommy, that is so cool!". Then he looked at the stitches again and a worried look crept over his face and he put his hand on my shoulder. "Mommy, I think I just need to give you a hug...I love you". Everyday miracles. So to wrap up the Jack factor here is an image from tonight, that if I think to much about, I will cry. Maybe its more the caption that goes along with it:
"Jack Playing Guitar"
Oliver...aka The Moose
Tempus Fugit. I can't believe how fast this almost over year is. Ollie is 9 1/2 months old...WHAT!?!
He is standing and crusing, having ,mastered the army crawl. He LOVES music. When I sing "Brotherhood of Man" he dances wildly, and when I sing "Better Place to Be" by Harry Chapin, he rests his head and sucks his chunky thumb. Speaking of chunk- this boy can eat- He weighs mere pounds less than Jack and eats sweet potatoes like they are going out of style!
Ollie LOVES his brother. he crawls after him like a puppy. He frequently uses Jacks belt loops as a handle. As soon as he gets anywhere near Jacks face, he opens his mouth and tries to inhale him. Of course this is combined with Ollie grabbing a fistful of hair for support. Jack is patient though.
I think the most wonderful thing is the way that Jack can make Oliver laugh. Its different from any other noise that he makes. There is nothing more innocent, more pure than my two boys giggling. It is my heaven.
Oliver is infatuated with the world around him. He loves people and knows his family. When he sees my mother or someone he knows he shakes back and forth, claps his hands and reaches out his rotund arms. he will grab your face and pull himself as close as he can. He tries to kiss you- but you jsut end up slobbered.
Oliver shares. Don't be suprised if you are holding him and he looks down at his raisined thumb, thinks, and then sticks in in your mouth. He's a giver!
So, Oliver picks and then to bed:
goodnight...dream about the angels
Friday, May 30, 2008
Who Can't Keep Up With A Blog?
...me...
When summer creeps around the bends I have a hard time keeping up with this thing. That being said here are some updates:
#1 Jack:
This guy is going to camp. Yes, the camp I've worked for since I was 17. The whole concept is beyond me really. I am super excited to be able to sneak up on him and check out his day, but I also have my "mom worries". All of a sudden I am worried about the silliest things..."what if they lose him?" "what if he hates swimming?". These are all quite dumb questions because the camp I work for has top notch security and some of the best swimmy people I know. There are 2 things that really will be an issue though: 1) Getting Jack up, dressed, fed and in the car to be at work with me by 7:30 2) how is he going to respond to "Mommy at work". I can't carry him around or anything. I fear that I am going to have to master the "duck and cover".
Other than all that Jack is a blast. He is enjoying the new weather. He ran into my room this morning saying:" Mommy summer is here" and proceeded to climb in for a 20 minute cuddle. He is also pretty damned funny...
JHT: "Daddy, pull my finger!"
(Sage tugs...Jack make a weird face)
JHT: "Mom, I gotta poop!"
#2 Oliver
.jpg)
This guys has given me some serious hives lately. I swear that he was born with a cough. Yes folks his snot has been at it again with a vengeance. I think that we are moving towards the clear though. Between that and his possible allergy I have been going nuts...(get it?- nuts...allergy?"...sorry) When he tried that delicious applesauce he crapped blood. Awesome, I know. I thought it was an allergy, but it seems as if it just happened to be a cut from pushing on a few hard turds. He has eaten it again. I was shaking as I put it in his mouth. Another side effect of working at this camp is a hyper-sensitivity to all things allergy. We seems to be good though...I feel like I say seem alot when I refer to Ollie...poor fella.
He is also 5 months old. wow. He has started to do this thing that when he is really excited he grabs the sides of my face and screams with delight. I love it.
I am really trying to savor him...more so than I think I did when Jack was his age. If you know me, you know I am not a huge fan of infancy...but this time I realize that certain things are fleeting and I will do my best to hold tight.
That being said...have a wonderful weekend.
When summer creeps around the bends I have a hard time keeping up with this thing. That being said here are some updates:
#1 Jack:
This guy is going to camp. Yes, the camp I've worked for since I was 17. The whole concept is beyond me really. I am super excited to be able to sneak up on him and check out his day, but I also have my "mom worries". All of a sudden I am worried about the silliest things..."what if they lose him?" "what if he hates swimming?". These are all quite dumb questions because the camp I work for has top notch security and some of the best swimmy people I know. There are 2 things that really will be an issue though: 1) Getting Jack up, dressed, fed and in the car to be at work with me by 7:30 2) how is he going to respond to "Mommy at work". I can't carry him around or anything. I fear that I am going to have to master the "duck and cover".
Other than all that Jack is a blast. He is enjoying the new weather. He ran into my room this morning saying:" Mommy summer is here" and proceeded to climb in for a 20 minute cuddle. He is also pretty damned funny...
JHT: "Daddy, pull my finger!"
(Sage tugs...Jack make a weird face)
JHT: "Mom, I gotta poop!"
#2 Oliver
.jpg)
This guys has given me some serious hives lately. I swear that he was born with a cough. Yes folks his snot has been at it again with a vengeance. I think that we are moving towards the clear though. Between that and his possible allergy I have been going nuts...(get it?- nuts...allergy?"...sorry) When he tried that delicious applesauce he crapped blood. Awesome, I know. I thought it was an allergy, but it seems as if it just happened to be a cut from pushing on a few hard turds. He has eaten it again. I was shaking as I put it in his mouth. Another side effect of working at this camp is a hyper-sensitivity to all things allergy. We seems to be good though...I feel like I say seem alot when I refer to Ollie...poor fella.
He is also 5 months old. wow. He has started to do this thing that when he is really excited he grabs the sides of my face and screams with delight. I love it.
I am really trying to savor him...more so than I think I did when Jack was his age. If you know me, you know I am not a huge fan of infancy...but this time I realize that certain things are fleeting and I will do my best to hold tight.
That being said...have a wonderful weekend.
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