It is finally here. "It" will be the moment we have worked for all year. "It" will be the TAKS test. We have several synonyms for the TAKS. AND...we have several words that are the originals for this acronym. "Tests Are Kept Secret", "Teachers Are Keeping Silent" "Texas Audiences Know-it-all Sometimes" and "Texas Assessment to Keep students looking Stupid". I feel like the last one is probably the best. STUPID is a great word sometimes! The test in itself is not a "stupid" item. It does test their ability and checks to see if I am teaching the curriculum (which is set to the TAKS more or less. BUT...what it does to our children is "stupid". It is really more of...how long can a child sit on his or her rear, while reading more than 3 stories (usually 1 1/2 to 2 pages long), answer questions that are written by an over-achieving adult, not get tired, not get hungry, and not go to sleep ...type thing. For many of my students it is an endurance test, not a how smart are you test. They do fine if it is one or two stories, but you know....some of them get tired of history and science stories, and are ready to move on. Hmmm.... that sounds like me, not just the students. I don't enjoy sitting for hours reading things I am not interested in at all. I myself am not a very good test taker.
Last week, we teachers signed our lives to TAKS. We promise NOT to...grade papers, work on lessons plans, read the newspaper, read books, or read/type on blog spots. We promise NOT to ...point to anything on the paper for fear we have read the whole test, mentally answered the questions, and have an answer key. We promise to keep the lights on, the noise level the way it should be, give unlimited amount of time to complete the test, and still maintain every one's sanity! We promise to not enter the room after locking it during lunch when the tests themselves are in lock-down. We promise to not wear anything that could lead the students to grasp a math or reading concept, and we must cover anything in the room that is related to reading or math.(let me just clean the room in my spare time). We also promise to collect all cell phones brought into the room for fear of cheating. I probably promised to check hands, feet and hems of shirts to be sure no calculators, dictionaries or other cheating paraphernalia are hidden.
Now the best part is.....there are 50 forms of the test. I only will test 21 students so no two students will have the same form. BUT........they can still cheat. All of this makes me think that there is someone who just doesn't want our students to be smart. They raise the bar, they scare them to death, they add more rules and regulations. Sorry, you just can't be smart. You have to be able to "out-smart" the test makers.
Today I had my students write down the steps that I have taught for taking the reading TAKS. One went like this:
1. I take a deep breath
2. I take off the little red tab.
3. I go to the first story then look at the rest.
4. I go to the boring ones first.
5. Then I find the interesting ones next.
6. I take a few more deep breaths.
so on and so on. There were 10 things to remember.
I just loved the first two. He is soooo literal. He is already in the groove. He will do well I am sure. He will out-smart the test makers.
Yep, we are ready. We are prepared. We are going to make "It" a "HIT"!!!! My kids are smart.
My TAKS stands for....Teacher And Kids Succeed! Go Get 'Em!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Morning rule #101
I have been informed via phone calls....notice not the "comment box" that I MUST have a more "fun", less "tearful", "heart jerking" post....soon. So, I guess If you request, then I will give! But I just want you to know that I was going to stand my ground and continue with quotes anyway, this one is just more personal.
This quote is from the great "vocabularist"...Kauy Ostlien. You gotta love him.
This morning he and Makaley were up before their normal "get your rear out of bed" time. We were in the living room laughing and talking. And so........he sneezed. and sneezed...and sneezed some more. "Mom, why is it that on Fridays I sneeze so much and have to use so many "tenashoes"?" I have corrected him many times..."tissues", but he just doesn't get it. Well obviously neither do I because he went to get dressed, I sat down for one more cup of coffee..no make up, hair still damp, jammies still on, no glasses on when I noticed something on the couch pillow. Morning rule #101...Never reach over to see what something is WITHOUT putting your glasses on first. What should have been in the "tenashoes" was now on my finger and... well, all "tenashoes" boxes in the house have been refilled. Glad I wasn't picking up stuff in the bathroom.
This quote is from the great "vocabularist"...Kauy Ostlien. You gotta love him.
This morning he and Makaley were up before their normal "get your rear out of bed" time. We were in the living room laughing and talking. And so........he sneezed. and sneezed...and sneezed some more. "Mom, why is it that on Fridays I sneeze so much and have to use so many "tenashoes"?" I have corrected him many times..."tissues", but he just doesn't get it. Well obviously neither do I because he went to get dressed, I sat down for one more cup of coffee..no make up, hair still damp, jammies still on, no glasses on when I noticed something on the couch pillow. Morning rule #101...Never reach over to see what something is WITHOUT putting your glasses on first. What should have been in the "tenashoes" was now on my finger and... well, all "tenashoes" boxes in the house have been refilled. Glad I wasn't picking up stuff in the bathroom.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
It starts in Chapter One!
During the past few months I have listened to friends, students and family who are struggling with a part of life....just like me. Our struggles are not always the same nor do they come at the same time. I have prayed for families who are going through a divorce, those who have a child whose doctor's report was not what was expected and there are still unanswered questions, one who sat by the bed while her spouse took God's hand, one who watched her young husband code blue more than once, and is driving him home today, one whose teenager wants to be an adult way too soon, and one who has struggled with drugs, but continues to stand firm. And I thought Kauy getting 5 marks in class was the rough! I know better.....I have been there.
Each year we read Where the Red Fern Grows. I love that book. I cried the first time I read it and the first time I saw the movie, and I have cried each year in between then and now. There are thoughts in that book that reach deep into my soul. Some years it is the end of the book, but some years it is just a sentence that I didn't see before! (That happened in church on Sunday when the preacher read the story of Naaman. Have you read what happened to the servant who stopped Naaman after he left to go home?) Anyway.....I have read the story of Wilson Rawl's life and the writing of this book. The following (which is one of MANY in the book that I love) is soooo him! But...it is soooo you and me! Or so my simple mind thinks so.
Scenario: Ch. One when Billy is grown and goes out to find a dog fight going on. The Red bone hound goes home with him for the night, then leaves after being fed and loved.
" Whatever it was that had interrupted his life, he was trying to straighten it out. He was going home to the master he loved, and with the help of God, he would make it.
To him it made no difference how long the road, or how rough or rocky. His old red feet would keep jogging along on and on, mile after mile. There would be no crying or giving up. When his feet grew tired and weary, he would curl up in the weeds and rest. Water from a rain puddle or a mountain stream would quench his thirst... or the offerings from a friendly hand would ease the pangs of hunger. Through the rains, the snows, or the desert hear, he would jog along, never looking back."
" Some morning he would be found curled up on the front porch. The long journey would be over. He would be home. There would be a lot of tail-wagging and a few whimpering cries. His warm moist tongue would caress the hand of his master. All would be forgiven. Once again the lights would shine in his dog's world. His heart would be happy."
Our lives will have interruptions. We will get off course. We will travel rough and rocky roads, need to be watered and fed with whatever, we don't give up, and sometimes we just need to stop and rest. But if we just slow down for a moment, we will find the warm caress of The Master's hand..... leading and protecting. AND Some day...we will rest on His front porch, and all will be happy.
Each year we read Where the Red Fern Grows. I love that book. I cried the first time I read it and the first time I saw the movie, and I have cried each year in between then and now. There are thoughts in that book that reach deep into my soul. Some years it is the end of the book, but some years it is just a sentence that I didn't see before! (That happened in church on Sunday when the preacher read the story of Naaman. Have you read what happened to the servant who stopped Naaman after he left to go home?) Anyway.....I have read the story of Wilson Rawl's life and the writing of this book. The following (which is one of MANY in the book that I love) is soooo him! But...it is soooo you and me! Or so my simple mind thinks so.
Scenario: Ch. One when Billy is grown and goes out to find a dog fight going on. The Red bone hound goes home with him for the night, then leaves after being fed and loved.
" Whatever it was that had interrupted his life, he was trying to straighten it out. He was going home to the master he loved, and with the help of God, he would make it.
To him it made no difference how long the road, or how rough or rocky. His old red feet would keep jogging along on and on, mile after mile. There would be no crying or giving up. When his feet grew tired and weary, he would curl up in the weeds and rest. Water from a rain puddle or a mountain stream would quench his thirst... or the offerings from a friendly hand would ease the pangs of hunger. Through the rains, the snows, or the desert hear, he would jog along, never looking back."
" Some morning he would be found curled up on the front porch. The long journey would be over. He would be home. There would be a lot of tail-wagging and a few whimpering cries. His warm moist tongue would caress the hand of his master. All would be forgiven. Once again the lights would shine in his dog's world. His heart would be happy."
Our lives will have interruptions. We will get off course. We will travel rough and rocky roads, need to be watered and fed with whatever, we don't give up, and sometimes we just need to stop and rest. But if we just slow down for a moment, we will find the warm caress of The Master's hand..... leading and protecting. AND Some day...we will rest on His front porch, and all will be happy.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Smells like life!
For those of you who have girls only....you are really missing life(at its dirtiest) unless you have one of those girls who just thinks life is sugar and spice with some puppy dog tales added in.
This weekend was just too fun having a boy and a girl.
Makaley spent the night with a wonderful family. This was her first time in a long while to stay away from me. I was very confident that she would be in good hands EVEN IF she had a "mommy moment"(which she did). I picked her up at 9AM for a 9:30 piano recital practice then dropped her at the ball field with my dad and Tony.
Next stop.....my mom's 50th college reunion. Well duh, if I'm 49, mom HAD to have been in college that long ago. I really enjoyed the food. I enjoyed being with my mom and the Cokers. The part I enjoyed the most was when the lady across the table dropped her jaw when she found out that I was almost 50. She commented that she thought I was about 30'ish. Oh my. Senior coffee one weekend, and I am THAT YOUNG the next. So I have decided that I will use my age "as needed". Kind of like medicine.
It is in the car that I can't decided which age I want to be? Young and funny (laughing hysterically) or older and working on not hearing the backseat conversation.
I picked up my precious children and headed to the SONIC happy hour for a Diet Vanilla Coke. In the process, I hear:
Makaley: Kauy, you stink.
Kauy: I do not.
M: yes you do.
K: Hey, I am a boy. I am supposed to stink. I played a ball game and am sweaty. (like he ran 3 home runs and ran for the balls flying through the air. Ha Ha)
M. But you smell like poop.
K: I cut the cheese
M. The cheese is still in the britches! Sit on it. I can't take the smell.
Mom: Okay, but whatever you cut, you left streaks I am certain.
Upon arriving at home, Kauy runs into the bathroom. I soon hear that word: "MOM!"
I head down the hallway only to run into a half dressed child. With that big boy grin he says, "you wanna see what those streak marks were holding back?"
I am still laughing! Hysterically! It is a boy thing.!!!!
As for the piano recital. I was VERY proud of my daughter. She did a great job. Once again a flawless performance. What an angel. And oh she smelled like a rose!
So is life....sometimes it stinks.........sometimes it smells like a rose. No matter the smell....it's my life (streaks and all) and I will continue to stick to it!
This weekend was just too fun having a boy and a girl.
Makaley spent the night with a wonderful family. This was her first time in a long while to stay away from me. I was very confident that she would be in good hands EVEN IF she had a "mommy moment"(which she did). I picked her up at 9AM for a 9:30 piano recital practice then dropped her at the ball field with my dad and Tony.
Next stop.....my mom's 50th college reunion. Well duh, if I'm 49, mom HAD to have been in college that long ago. I really enjoyed the food. I enjoyed being with my mom and the Cokers. The part I enjoyed the most was when the lady across the table dropped her jaw when she found out that I was almost 50. She commented that she thought I was about 30'ish. Oh my. Senior coffee one weekend, and I am THAT YOUNG the next. So I have decided that I will use my age "as needed". Kind of like medicine.
It is in the car that I can't decided which age I want to be? Young and funny (laughing hysterically) or older and working on not hearing the backseat conversation.
I picked up my precious children and headed to the SONIC happy hour for a Diet Vanilla Coke. In the process, I hear:
Makaley: Kauy, you stink.
Kauy: I do not.
M: yes you do.
K: Hey, I am a boy. I am supposed to stink. I played a ball game and am sweaty. (like he ran 3 home runs and ran for the balls flying through the air. Ha Ha)
M. But you smell like poop.
K: I cut the cheese
M. The cheese is still in the britches! Sit on it. I can't take the smell.
Mom: Okay, but whatever you cut, you left streaks I am certain.
Upon arriving at home, Kauy runs into the bathroom. I soon hear that word: "MOM!"
I head down the hallway only to run into a half dressed child. With that big boy grin he says, "you wanna see what those streak marks were holding back?"
I am still laughing! Hysterically! It is a boy thing.!!!!
As for the piano recital. I was VERY proud of my daughter. She did a great job. Once again a flawless performance. What an angel. And oh she smelled like a rose!
So is life....sometimes it stinks.........sometimes it smells like a rose. No matter the smell....it's my life (streaks and all) and I will continue to stick to it!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
That little thingy
Driving down the road. Calm discussion going on in the back seat about going to the Principal's office.
Makaley: "It is probably really scary."
Kauy: "It's not that scary in the Principal's office. That little boxing thingy hanging down in your throat tingles and you have to swallow a lot."
Glad to hear that definition since I had just experienced that tingly feeling on the little boxing thingy hanging down just a few minutes before. We did something as a family that I haven't done since before Kelly died. We watched a video with him in it. Yes, you are reading correctly. I had not seen Kelly on video since his accident. I tried not to cry. Makaley, was watching to see if I did.
So, why the wait? I don't really know. Fear, hurt, anger, loneliness, and more hurt. It was interesting to say the least. As I watched I saw children(10 and younger) who are now grown and some married. I saw friends who were expecting that now have teenage drivers. I saw some that had more coverage up top, and less coverage around the mid section. (ask Makaley about Uncle Timmy's hair! and Kauy about Grandad!) But I guess the most obvious was the number of people I saw in that video who have (as Makaley puts it) gone to Live with God. Yes, Susan, I saw Ruby (now 93) and Becky(my other mom who is now my other guardian angel). My grandparents on my father's side. Kelly's great-aunt and his grandmother. And the obvious............Kelly. What a handsome man.
It was moments later that I was standing at the front of the congregation singing at HIP. It was the "grey" teams turn. We are from college age to 50 yrs. on that team. And we sang two songs. Two songs that I want to give to you (partially).
"Had it Not Been The Lord who was on our side.
Had it not been the Lord who was on our side.
The anger of the enemy would have swallowed us alive,
Had it not been the Lord who was on our side.
Blessed be the Lord, who would NOT give us up.
Blessed be the Lord, for His unfailing Love.
The snare is broken and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord.
Blessed be the Lord.
Had it not been the Lord who was on our side.
Had it not been the Lord who was on our side.
The waters would have engulfed us.
We would have surely died.
Had it not been the Lord who was on our side."
Blessed be the Lord who would not give us up.(repeat chorus)
And then we sang:
How can I Keep From Singing which has the following:
"And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling
How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing
I will lift my eyes
In the darkest night
For I know my Savior lives
And I will walk with You
Knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs you give.
How can from singing you praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is you love
How can keep from shouting your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing."
And I smiled and I sang. Sang at the top of my lungs with the little boxing thingy hanging down with that tingling feeling again.
You see.....this is my life....I will stick to it because HE sticks to me!
Makaley: "It is probably really scary."
Kauy: "It's not that scary in the Principal's office. That little boxing thingy hanging down in your throat tingles and you have to swallow a lot."
Glad to hear that definition since I had just experienced that tingly feeling on the little boxing thingy hanging down just a few minutes before. We did something as a family that I haven't done since before Kelly died. We watched a video with him in it. Yes, you are reading correctly. I had not seen Kelly on video since his accident. I tried not to cry. Makaley, was watching to see if I did.
So, why the wait? I don't really know. Fear, hurt, anger, loneliness, and more hurt. It was interesting to say the least. As I watched I saw children(10 and younger) who are now grown and some married. I saw friends who were expecting that now have teenage drivers. I saw some that had more coverage up top, and less coverage around the mid section. (ask Makaley about Uncle Timmy's hair! and Kauy about Grandad!) But I guess the most obvious was the number of people I saw in that video who have (as Makaley puts it) gone to Live with God. Yes, Susan, I saw Ruby (now 93) and Becky(my other mom who is now my other guardian angel). My grandparents on my father's side. Kelly's great-aunt and his grandmother. And the obvious............Kelly. What a handsome man.
It was moments later that I was standing at the front of the congregation singing at HIP. It was the "grey" teams turn. We are from college age to 50 yrs. on that team. And we sang two songs. Two songs that I want to give to you (partially).
"Had it Not Been The Lord who was on our side.
Had it not been the Lord who was on our side.
The anger of the enemy would have swallowed us alive,
Had it not been the Lord who was on our side.
Blessed be the Lord, who would NOT give us up.
Blessed be the Lord, for His unfailing Love.
The snare is broken and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord.
Blessed be the Lord.
Had it not been the Lord who was on our side.
Had it not been the Lord who was on our side.
The waters would have engulfed us.
We would have surely died.
Had it not been the Lord who was on our side."
Blessed be the Lord who would not give us up.(repeat chorus)
And then we sang:
How can I Keep From Singing which has the following:
"And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling
How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing
I will lift my eyes
In the darkest night
For I know my Savior lives
And I will walk with You
Knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs you give.
How can from singing you praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is you love
How can keep from shouting your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing."
And I smiled and I sang. Sang at the top of my lungs with the little boxing thingy hanging down with that tingling feeling again.
You see.....this is my life....I will stick to it because HE sticks to me!
Monday, April 14, 2008
How you look at it!
And so it goes. When something big, like having a birthday, goes on in your life, there is a reaction of some kind. Don't you love it!
Life was moving right along on Saturday. There was a forecast of cooler but not much wind. Hello..who are you fooling? We live in Texas. I guess "fairly calm winds" means anything under 40 mph winds. So, I was dressed in layers for the baseball game we would be attending. No stands to sit in, just my chair that blew over IF you stood up. Pictures were being made early(the wind blows early too) so I left Kauy there and headed to the store for snacks and Makaley some breakfast at McDonald's. I ordered (inside since the line went into the mall parking lot probably because everyone else was going to the ballgames and didn't want any more wind) and the sweet YOUNG lady proceeded to repeat my order. "That is one order of pancakes with sausage, an Egg McMuffin, a glass of water and a senior coffee." Did you read that correctly? Did I hear that correctly? A what? A senior coffee? Excuse me..this is my daughter not my granddaughter! Neither of us is a senior of anything yet! It took me a moment to be offended, a moment to realize a "senior coffee" is much cheaper, and then decided that growing old does have its benefits. I said "Yes, that is correct".
So, yesterday on the way to church, we ran by McDonald's to get breakfast. My order..."I would like an order of pancakes with sausage, water and a SENIOR coffee!" No one argued; we were all happy, and I was NOT offended. Yep....like a bottle of fine wine, I will age with style.
Life was moving right along on Saturday. There was a forecast of cooler but not much wind. Hello..who are you fooling? We live in Texas. I guess "fairly calm winds" means anything under 40 mph winds. So, I was dressed in layers for the baseball game we would be attending. No stands to sit in, just my chair that blew over IF you stood up. Pictures were being made early(the wind blows early too) so I left Kauy there and headed to the store for snacks and Makaley some breakfast at McDonald's. I ordered (inside since the line went into the mall parking lot probably because everyone else was going to the ballgames and didn't want any more wind) and the sweet YOUNG lady proceeded to repeat my order. "That is one order of pancakes with sausage, an Egg McMuffin, a glass of water and a senior coffee." Did you read that correctly? Did I hear that correctly? A what? A senior coffee? Excuse me..this is my daughter not my granddaughter! Neither of us is a senior of anything yet! It took me a moment to be offended, a moment to realize a "senior coffee" is much cheaper, and then decided that growing old does have its benefits. I said "Yes, that is correct".
So, yesterday on the way to church, we ran by McDonald's to get breakfast. My order..."I would like an order of pancakes with sausage, water and a SENIOR coffee!" No one argued; we were all happy, and I was NOT offended. Yep....like a bottle of fine wine, I will age with style.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
And today I celebrate!!!!
Subject: Important Message About getting Old.
Oh shoot, I forgot what I was going to say....
Right......Who Me?
Yes, today is my birthday. And Yes, I have a few things to say. And today will include another quote from a story we read in class...BUT FIRST...
Thanks Brandi for the lovely pictures. (I will not put the auto link there...If you want to see them.....find them!)
My favorite questions on my birthday:
1. How old are you? Well, the "golden years" are approaching too quickly and I have said that I would like to celebrate my 50th in Hawaii. So....Aloha see you on the beaches next summer!
2. How do you stay so young looking/acting? Duh.....I just do what my 7 and 10 year olds do. Cry, laugh, whine, eat junk foods often, play baseball, do nails, and drink lots of coffee and acai juice!
3. What are you doing for your birthday? laughing whining, eating, practicing baseball, getting nails done, drinking lots of coffee and acai juice. And applying for a new job. (no, seriously I did! Not leaving education....but a new
And #4. What does it feel like to turn 49? Well, glad you asked because I have a blurb from a story to answer that. We read this story the first week of school then read several of her other stories as we go along.
"What they don't understand about birthdays and what they never tell you is that when you're eleven, you're also ten, and nine, and eight, and seven, and six, and five, and four, and three, and two, and one. And when you wake up on your eleventh birthday you expect to feel eleven, but you don't. You open your eyes and everything's just like yesterday, only it's today. "
"The way you grow old is kind of like an onion...or like my little wooden dolls that fit one inside the other, each year inside the next one."
Yep....I am all of my years together. That is why I am not skinny. I have too many years on me. (I got a birthday card..thanks Ridgells... with a woman at the DR. and she has a huge butt. It says "There's been a mix up...You've been getting "butox" injections) Ha Ha. Well, today I am 49, 39, 29, 19, 9 and 1.
It's just that certain parts of my body have found new places to rest! My brain is still in its place, but just takes longer to tell the other organs.
Thanks for reading..............Thanks for loving me..........AND as you know....19 or 49
It's my life and I AM sticking to it. No doubt.
WAIT!!!!
This birthday blog spot is under construction......please stand by! We are not open for comments at this time. BUT will be back in a few moments. If I can remember to check my watch!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Something new to share.
I L---O---V---E to read. I read a variety of things, but at the top of the list is children's literature. My students are required by me, myself, and I to read at least 8 of the 20 Texas Bluebonnet Books. Only twice have I found the list to be a "rough" list. Rough meaning not books I would honor, or even encourage my child to read, but we read them. Bluebonnets are for ages 3rd - 6th grade but all ages love them. I try to read all 20 books over the summer so I can have the upper hand on the book reports. I sure don't want anyone pulling the wool over my eyes! So, I read. This past summer I read all but 4 of them. During my readings I keep a book by my bed just to record quotes from the books that strike me in some way. I have decided that from time to time I want to share some of these quotes with you. You can take it for what it is worth. Remember........it is just me...mom, teacher, friend, family member, and secret librarian (one degree I wish I had). Drum roll please. So.......without saying any more, here is my newest favorite quote. oh...the automaton is a machine Hugo rescued from a building that burned to the ground. It is a machine he wants to see actually work.
Hugo thought about his father's description of the automaton. "Did you ever notice that all machines are made for some reason?" he asked Isabelle. "They are built to make you laugh, like the mouse here, or to tell the time, like clocks, or to fill you with wonder, like the automaton. Maybe that's why a broken machine always makes me a little sad, because it isn't able to do what it is meant to do."
Isabelle picked up the mouse, wound it again, and set it down.
"Maybe it's the same with people," Hugo continued. "If you lose your purpose...it's like you're broken.""
"I like to imagine that the world is one big machine. You know, machines never have any extra parts. They have the exact number and type of parts they need. So, I figure if the entire world is a big machine, I have to be here for some reason. And that means you have to be here for some reason, too."
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
I am certain that working with children is one of the "reasons" God put me here...at this time...in this season. What is your purpose? Do you know?
Be assured of this..........You are part of the "big machine" and put together by the Master of Construction! And that is worth sticking it out through the best and worst of life!
Hugo thought about his father's description of the automaton. "Did you ever notice that all machines are made for some reason?" he asked Isabelle. "They are built to make you laugh, like the mouse here, or to tell the time, like clocks, or to fill you with wonder, like the automaton. Maybe that's why a broken machine always makes me a little sad, because it isn't able to do what it is meant to do."
Isabelle picked up the mouse, wound it again, and set it down.
"Maybe it's the same with people," Hugo continued. "If you lose your purpose...it's like you're broken.""
"I like to imagine that the world is one big machine. You know, machines never have any extra parts. They have the exact number and type of parts they need. So, I figure if the entire world is a big machine, I have to be here for some reason. And that means you have to be here for some reason, too."
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
I am certain that working with children is one of the "reasons" God put me here...at this time...in this season. What is your purpose? Do you know?
Be assured of this..........You are part of the "big machine" and put together by the Master of Construction! And that is worth sticking it out through the best and worst of life!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Just in case your wondering...
We survived the minor surgery. We were so blessed to have THE BEST! By that I mean...Dr. Goodnight is great. He came by at least 3 times after surgery AND he sent us the tonsils so we could see the true size. Let me say that I will never look at raw meatballs the same. Heavens...how had my precious child been breathing? Eating? Talking? They were HUGE. We also had a great anesthesiologist...Shawn from church, who called to check on Makaley that evening. AND..We were under the care of nurse Tracye (from church) and Johnnie Sue (whose daughter married a guy from church!) Wow those women are great. They can handle one child who doesn't "detox" well, her mother, aunt and grandmother all at one time. Then of course...we were lifted up in prayer by everyone who could not be there. Makaley is doing great. She is so proud of herself. We all just laugh. IF we could have recorded her beginning to end she would die of embarrassment. She did great until they called us back. Then she lost all color! Man does she have freckles! They gave her some "good drugs" when she started crying...after putting on the pretty gown and hat! Not long after that she said "Mom, you have 2 mouths and 2 tongues". Now if you know me..........that is pretty dog-gone scary!!! Just the thought...just the image...I was glad they rolled her out.
When she came to, she sounded like one of the bulls in the pasture letting us know that he is angry cause the heifers are not with them. Bless her heart...she wailed and tried to get out of bed. I tried to leave the room, but Aunt Traci (who had it under control) said "She is your daughter...you have to stay." What am I going to do in 12 plus years when she is in Labor and delivery. This was the first for our family. The first time I have seen my baby like this. I was a basket case. When Johnnie Sue gave her the first installment of pain killer, she promptly ejected that and several other things. Then..........as always, she calmed down and went to sleep. She was talking pretty soon there after. Kauy was so impressed that she got to ride out in a wheelchair. But...he is NOT having his tonsils out according to him. He can just ride in BB's wheelchair that she keeps around.
We have pretty much been at home alone. Makaley is staying at Mom and Dad's because she doesn't want to wake up early. She is eating Lasagna! I knew she was bored or sick when she asked me if she could go shopping with me AND even promised to try on any clothes we found. If you know Makaley....that is a not a favorite ! I am sure it is a side effect of the medication. And yes, I took advantage of it. However.........the side effects are wearing off. She is back to piling clothes on the floor and refusing to wash her hair. Hmmmmmmm I think I want my money back on the prescription! But they can keep the tonsils!
When she came to, she sounded like one of the bulls in the pasture letting us know that he is angry cause the heifers are not with them. Bless her heart...she wailed and tried to get out of bed. I tried to leave the room, but Aunt Traci (who had it under control) said "She is your daughter...you have to stay." What am I going to do in 12 plus years when she is in Labor and delivery. This was the first for our family. The first time I have seen my baby like this. I was a basket case. When Johnnie Sue gave her the first installment of pain killer, she promptly ejected that and several other things. Then..........as always, she calmed down and went to sleep. She was talking pretty soon there after. Kauy was so impressed that she got to ride out in a wheelchair. But...he is NOT having his tonsils out according to him. He can just ride in BB's wheelchair that she keeps around.
We have pretty much been at home alone. Makaley is staying at Mom and Dad's because she doesn't want to wake up early. She is eating Lasagna! I knew she was bored or sick when she asked me if she could go shopping with me AND even promised to try on any clothes we found. If you know Makaley....that is a not a favorite ! I am sure it is a side effect of the medication. And yes, I took advantage of it. However.........the side effects are wearing off. She is back to piling clothes on the floor and refusing to wash her hair. Hmmmmmmm I think I want my money back on the prescription! But they can keep the tonsils!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
And I cried last night!
So off of the high....down the slopes to the condo. Yep. I cried last night. Even took a longer way home from my McMurry class. I cried because the pharmacy made me show proof that Makaley was mine (wrong b-date in computer). I cried because right in the middle of my class, my favorite bracelet...a link type with a heart in the middle given to me by Suzie, broke. I mean, it just broke. I cried because I was tired. And..........I cried because I looked over at one of my favorite blogs, Confessions of the pioneer woman, found myself just staring at the pictures dreaming of how I loved someone just like her Marlboro man and realized that the wrangler wearing, hat wearing, bow-legged, boot wearing, mustached man who helped me bring Miss Makaley into this world will not be there in the waiting room with me while she has her little (15 min.) tonsil surgery. So, I confess that after almost 7 1/2 year, I still have my moments. I miss him. I miss his deep voice. His confidence. And I miss his attitude of (as he once told me)..."I will get you the moon, tie it down, and whoop anyone who tries to take it from you." He was always that way. I miss the relationship.
Don't get me wrong. I have a great faith, great support of friends, wonderful family and yes even another man in my life. I am thankful, blessed and happy. But.........this is "our" baby. The one of two children who knew the gentle huge hands of a loving true cowboy. She was comforted by her daddy's mustache, and voice. He should be there in body for her. But since he won't, the family will be. AND this morning during the moment of silence..........I once again asked God to send His biggest best cowboy guardian angel to watch over "our" angel and the doctors.
Although sometimes I get frustrated with where I am in life.........It is my life and I promise to stick to it!
Don't get me wrong. I have a great faith, great support of friends, wonderful family and yes even another man in my life. I am thankful, blessed and happy. But.........this is "our" baby. The one of two children who knew the gentle huge hands of a loving true cowboy. She was comforted by her daddy's mustache, and voice. He should be there in body for her. But since he won't, the family will be. AND this morning during the moment of silence..........I once again asked God to send His biggest best cowboy guardian angel to watch over "our" angel and the doctors.
Although sometimes I get frustrated with where I am in life.........It is my life and I promise to stick to it!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
A Natural High....from a mom!
Ain't blogging great! I get to tell other people all about my life. Hey, you clicked on my blog spot so you are either curious about me, know me, or are just bored. Then, you can click off after this sentence or continue to listen to me..........and I won't know your choice. My feelings have not a clue to be hurt IF you don't read, or IF you do read and don't leave a comment. So...I get to express my feelings and go on with life. I love to talk, and I hate to be interrupted so this is wonderful. With that said...................here is a clip of my life.
Don't you love it when you are on a natural high? Here are just a few.
Falling in love; Laughing so hard your face hurts and tears roll. A hot shower. No lines at the supermarket. A special glance. Hearing your favorite song on the radio. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter. Road trips with friends.
Your first kiss.
I guess you might say that I maintained a natural high this past weekend, AND as the mother of these two children...............I own all bragging rights.
Saturday morning we attended our first Tae Kwan Do (sp) testing for a belt. I watched my son and thought for a moment that I might need to go pick up some yellow fabric at Wal Mart and make him the coveted "yellow belt". Makaley and I sat with one eye open and the other closed. We decided that we just can't take the pressure! And then........we watched him break a board. Yep! I was afraid that they would ask him to use his head to do it. Nope, he tried his hand, but no success. Finally he did break one with his foot and his eyes did shine. There was hope that IF he didn't get the yellow belt, we had seen some success today and life would be fine. Did it matter that he was second lowest scorer? NOPE........We came home with a yellow belt, AND I discovered that he CAN sit still when asked to.
That afternoon, we went to see "Wharton Hears A Who" with Tony, Brandi, Katie, Mattie May and Nikki. Afterwards we took our $20.00 worth of tokens (remember the basket I bid on and won at the carnival) and played at the arcade. You know, we had a great time. Fun, Family and "Free" tokens for "free" junk! Can't beat it.
On Sunday, Makaley and I attended her awards ceremony for LTC (Leadership Training Conference) that we attended Easter Weekend. I was sooooo very proud of my little girl. She was on a team that received a gold medal. She also received an individual Gold for her Bible knowledge (thanks Hysti). She also completed other activities such as bulletin boards, teaching, drama, chorus and was the only one to do a power point. She did great and got medals in all events. AFTER, the ceremony, she and I attended a "Tea Party" for 2nd - 4th graders. We sat with one of her friends. Both girls wore hats, gloves and shawls. We drank tea from beautiful cups, learned to make "bonnet" cookies and learned the art of folding napkins. The ladies at church decorated beautifully.
The evening ended with Tony and me going grocery shopping at Wal Mart. He took his basket, I took mine. We met on a few aisles (you know...the high of "the glance"). We tried to not have the highest bill (he won) and then we gathered children so we could sit around and laugh with each other.
This IS my life on a natural high and I AM sticking to it! God is good all the time. All the time...God is good. Find you a natural high!
Don't you love it when you are on a natural high? Here are just a few.
Falling in love; Laughing so hard your face hurts and tears roll. A hot shower. No lines at the supermarket. A special glance. Hearing your favorite song on the radio. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter. Road trips with friends.
Your first kiss.
I guess you might say that I maintained a natural high this past weekend, AND as the mother of these two children...............I own all bragging rights.
Saturday morning we attended our first Tae Kwan Do (sp) testing for a belt. I watched my son and thought for a moment that I might need to go pick up some yellow fabric at Wal Mart and make him the coveted "yellow belt". Makaley and I sat with one eye open and the other closed. We decided that we just can't take the pressure! And then........we watched him break a board. Yep! I was afraid that they would ask him to use his head to do it. Nope, he tried his hand, but no success. Finally he did break one with his foot and his eyes did shine. There was hope that IF he didn't get the yellow belt, we had seen some success today and life would be fine. Did it matter that he was second lowest scorer? NOPE........We came home with a yellow belt, AND I discovered that he CAN sit still when asked to.
That afternoon, we went to see "Wharton Hears A Who" with Tony, Brandi, Katie, Mattie May and Nikki. Afterwards we took our $20.00 worth of tokens (remember the basket I bid on and won at the carnival) and played at the arcade. You know, we had a great time. Fun, Family and "Free" tokens for "free" junk! Can't beat it.
On Sunday, Makaley and I attended her awards ceremony for LTC (Leadership Training Conference) that we attended Easter Weekend. I was sooooo very proud of my little girl. She was on a team that received a gold medal. She also received an individual Gold for her Bible knowledge (thanks Hysti). She also completed other activities such as bulletin boards, teaching, drama, chorus and was the only one to do a power point. She did great and got medals in all events. AFTER, the ceremony, she and I attended a "Tea Party" for 2nd - 4th graders. We sat with one of her friends. Both girls wore hats, gloves and shawls. We drank tea from beautiful cups, learned to make "bonnet" cookies and learned the art of folding napkins. The ladies at church decorated beautifully.
The evening ended with Tony and me going grocery shopping at Wal Mart. He took his basket, I took mine. We met on a few aisles (you know...the high of "the glance"). We tried to not have the highest bill (he won) and then we gathered children so we could sit around and laugh with each other.
This IS my life on a natural high and I AM sticking to it! God is good all the time. All the time...God is good. Find you a natural high!
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