Well, the good news is Lacreta and Brent are married. The wedding was absolutely gorgeous. My sister can plan my next big event because I'm telling you, she did a fabulous job.
The great news is William did a wonderful job in the wedding. He was the only one of the three little ones that made it to the front of the church. Kaden made it about half-way down and turned around and ran back. Makhala melted down in the entryway and never even sat foot on her way down the aisle. William slowly made his way to the front pausing very frequently to look at the people who were looking at him. He went and stood by Ty just like I told him to. Then, when I made my way to my seat next to my folks, he came and sat with us. Pretty much went off with out a hitch where William was concerned.
Now, pictures, a million and one pictures before, during, after. Pictures, pictures, pictures! Pictures were a different story. I thought I was going to go nuts before we were done doing pictures. But, thankfully, he got his picture taken as many times as was necessary and we both survived.
The only downer of the whole thing is that my babysitter cancelled on me and I didn't get to go to the reception. So, from my chair here at the house, infront of my computer, "Congratulations Lacreta and Brent. We love you very much."
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
SP Day 74
My beautiful niece, Lacreta, is getting married tomorrow. It's going to be a beautiful ceremony. Her colors are black and red. The church is decorated in beautiful red and gold ribbon, candles, Christmas trees, pine sprigs and pine cones. I am so excited for her and her fiancee, Brent.
My son's behavior at the rehearsal was acceptable (all though I could have used a couple of shots of tequila to calm me down because I was so anxious about his behavior). However, I have decided that Lacreta is insane trying to have 3 toddlers in her wedding. William is the oldest of these 3 children. He turned two in October. Kaden just turned two a couple of weeks ago and Makhala won't turn two until March. She's nuts. During the rehearsal Makhala kept running back and forth between the groomsmen and the bridesmaids. Willaim put his ringbearer's pillow down on the altar and laid down and put his head on it. Kaden was the best behaved child of the bunch. He just went over and stood nicely with his mom who is a bridesmaid.
I made the executive decision that William will not stand at the altar during the wedding. He's going to walk to the front then come sit with me. Then when the recessional starts I'll send him back up the aisle. It's going to be chaotic. I was just thankful that the wagon idea got nixed before rehearsal ever started. William so wouldn't have gone for that.
So, here's to wishing the bride and the groom all the best and hoping the little ones don't knock over any candles and burn the place down.
My son's behavior at the rehearsal was acceptable (all though I could have used a couple of shots of tequila to calm me down because I was so anxious about his behavior). However, I have decided that Lacreta is insane trying to have 3 toddlers in her wedding. William is the oldest of these 3 children. He turned two in October. Kaden just turned two a couple of weeks ago and Makhala won't turn two until March. She's nuts. During the rehearsal Makhala kept running back and forth between the groomsmen and the bridesmaids. Willaim put his ringbearer's pillow down on the altar and laid down and put his head on it. Kaden was the best behaved child of the bunch. He just went over and stood nicely with his mom who is a bridesmaid.
I made the executive decision that William will not stand at the altar during the wedding. He's going to walk to the front then come sit with me. Then when the recessional starts I'll send him back up the aisle. It's going to be chaotic. I was just thankful that the wagon idea got nixed before rehearsal ever started. William so wouldn't have gone for that.
So, here's to wishing the bride and the groom all the best and hoping the little ones don't knock over any candles and burn the place down.
Monday, December 29, 2008
SP Day 73
While today was yet another challenging day of terrible twos. It ended with the poor boy having one of his mysterious, sudden, serious diaper rashes. I've never figured out what causes them but they're terrible.
We went over to my folks house this morning and I helped mom work on the 30 or so chair covers she's sewing for my niece's wedding. While mom and I worked on those dad took William outside and they worked on a few things together. It was a great thing for everyone. Dad got to spend some time with his buddy. I was able to help mom get quite a few of her chair covers sewn. William got to be outside (his favorite place to be) with his PawPaw (one of his favorite people to be with) and I got to get away from him long enough to recharge my patience meter and make it through the rest of the day with out completely losing my mind.
Tomorrow is the rehearsal for my niece's wedding. Please pray that William and Kaden can share a wagon nicely and that things to smoothly.
We went over to my folks house this morning and I helped mom work on the 30 or so chair covers she's sewing for my niece's wedding. While mom and I worked on those dad took William outside and they worked on a few things together. It was a great thing for everyone. Dad got to spend some time with his buddy. I was able to help mom get quite a few of her chair covers sewn. William got to be outside (his favorite place to be) with his PawPaw (one of his favorite people to be with) and I got to get away from him long enough to recharge my patience meter and make it through the rest of the day with out completely losing my mind.
Tomorrow is the rehearsal for my niece's wedding. Please pray that William and Kaden can share a wagon nicely and that things to smoothly.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
SP Day 72
Sunday has been challenging. I've been thinking for days now that William has got to be sick of going and going and going. It seems like all though I've been off of work for the last week, we haven't hardly sat still at all. So, I decided to forgo church this morning and William and I would stay home all day.
This was probably not the best decision I've ever made as a parent. He was in a stinker-ish mood all day and was getting into EVERYTHING he wasn't supposed to get into.
The good news. 8 o'clock finally showed up and he went to sleep with out a fuss. I've spent the last two hours doing dishes, hauling trash, and most of it was spent playing my new Wii game, Boom Blox. It's very addictive and lots of fun.
This was probably not the best decision I've ever made as a parent. He was in a stinker-ish mood all day and was getting into EVERYTHING he wasn't supposed to get into.
The good news. 8 o'clock finally showed up and he went to sleep with out a fuss. I've spent the last two hours doing dishes, hauling trash, and most of it was spent playing my new Wii game, Boom Blox. It's very addictive and lots of fun.
SP Day 71
The promised Christmas pictures. Just a few chosen ones. It was a great day.
William received THREE tricycles for Christmas. One each from Santa, MawMaw and PawPaw and Grandmother and Grandad. I think we need to coordinate a little better next year!
I think he likes the ball.
His tools were by far his favorite present.
He uwrapped with MUCH enthusiasm!
Santa brought a tricycle.
William received THREE tricycles for Christmas. One each from Santa, MawMaw and PawPaw and Grandmother and Grandad. I think we need to coordinate a little better next year!
I think he likes the ball.
His tools were by far his favorite present.
He uwrapped with MUCH enthusiasm!
Santa brought a tricycle.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
SP Day 70
The Stennett family had a wonderful Christmas day. Daddy got off work before William or I either one got up. We got to all three have Christmas together this morning before Ben went to bed. Then William and I headed over to MawMaw and PawPaw's house (my parents) where we had Christmas with my brother and sister and their families.
It was an incredibly awesome day. I promise many pictures are forth coming. The problem is that there are about a million of them and I'm too pooped right now to sort through all of it.
I hope everyone had a wonderful day and got to have the joy of Christmas in their hearts today.
It was an incredibly awesome day. I promise many pictures are forth coming. The problem is that there are about a million of them and I'm too pooped right now to sort through all of it.
I hope everyone had a wonderful day and got to have the joy of Christmas in their hearts today.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
SP Day 69
What could be more positive than Christmas eve with a family to cherish and the spirit of Christ in our hearts? Merry Christmas to everyone. We love you all very much.
SP Day 68
William is working desperately to figure out buttons and shoe laces. Here is his latest button project.
He looks so much like Ben in this picture it's just crazy.
Yes, he's wearing 3 shirts. The one I put on him did not have buttons. He apparently did not find that to be satisfactory. So he came out of his bedroom wearing two more and requested that I button one of them. ALL the buttons.
He looks so much like Ben in this picture it's just crazy.
Monday, December 22, 2008
SP Day 66
Well, Sunday was a stellar day. My friend and I hired a babysitter to stay with our kids while we went shopping. Six glorious hours of toddler-free Christmas shopping. As much as I love my child I can not stand to take him shopping if there is going to be more than one stop. First of all, he doesn't like sitting in baskets or strollers and not being able to get out and run around. Second, I hate putting him in and out of his car seat. It's a huge pain in the rear.
So, we did some shopping here in town and then hit the big city of Ft. Worth. It was great fun. Most of my girl friends live far away so having a day out with a friend is something I haven't done in a long time and I really had a great time.
So, we did some shopping here in town and then hit the big city of Ft. Worth. It was great fun. Most of my girl friends live far away so having a day out with a friend is something I haven't done in a long time and I really had a great time.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
SP Day 65
My son has been hilarious and amazingly sweet lately. I'll just let some pictures of last night and today speak for themselves.
Having fun with daddy's hard hat.
Ever so gently helping mommy decorate the tree.
(No, it's not glass.)
Mr. Cool showing off while having his morning oatmeal.
Having fun with daddy's hard hat.
Ever so gently helping mommy decorate the tree.
(No, it's not glass.)
Friday, December 19, 2008
SP Day 64
Lesson for today: Humility, Kindness, Understanding
Yep, today was one of those days that made me take a step back and think "Wow, I need to be a better person."
Part 1 of my story. We had our "Chinese Christmas" gift exchange at our faculty Christmas party yesterday. For a period of time I had this beautiful red glass lantern in a metal holder with a snowflake design. I lost it to someone else and wound up with a watch that just didn't do much for me.
Part 2 of my story. There is a teacher whom I work with that I don't have much patience for. She's very scattered. Frequently doesn't know what's going on even though she's been told several times. She frequently leaves her class unattended. She's ALWAYS pulling kids out of my room because she has a hard time taking care of all of her business during the time she has. I am often angry or frustrated with this woman. I have another good friend at work who does get along with her and tells me frequently that the teacher in question has a really good heart and tries very hard to do a good job. I've just always believed that my friend was naive to this woman's true character.
Part 3 of my story. Oh, my, how quickly God can put us in our place and we never, ever see it coming. This morning, at the beginning of morning assembly, the scatter brained teacher brought me a gift bag. I assumed it was a small gift from her two children. Something along the lines of as small ceramic figurine that I usually get from my students. After assembly was over I opened the bag and found the beautiful red snowflake lantern that I had given up so begrudgingly yesterday. I felt about half an inch tall when I pulled that out of the bag. Not only had she given me a beautiful gift, she'd paid attention yesterday and among the 39 people present at the gift exchange, she'd noticed how much I loved that lantern. And, she thought enough about me to give me a gift for Christmas.
I hope that this is a lesson that will stick with me and that I will treat not only her, but everyone with a little more patience and a lot more kindness in the future.
Yep, today was one of those days that made me take a step back and think "Wow, I need to be a better person."
Part 1 of my story. We had our "Chinese Christmas" gift exchange at our faculty Christmas party yesterday. For a period of time I had this beautiful red glass lantern in a metal holder with a snowflake design. I lost it to someone else and wound up with a watch that just didn't do much for me.
Part 2 of my story. There is a teacher whom I work with that I don't have much patience for. She's very scattered. Frequently doesn't know what's going on even though she's been told several times. She frequently leaves her class unattended. She's ALWAYS pulling kids out of my room because she has a hard time taking care of all of her business during the time she has. I am often angry or frustrated with this woman. I have another good friend at work who does get along with her and tells me frequently that the teacher in question has a really good heart and tries very hard to do a good job. I've just always believed that my friend was naive to this woman's true character.
Part 3 of my story. Oh, my, how quickly God can put us in our place and we never, ever see it coming. This morning, at the beginning of morning assembly, the scatter brained teacher brought me a gift bag. I assumed it was a small gift from her two children. Something along the lines of as small ceramic figurine that I usually get from my students. After assembly was over I opened the bag and found the beautiful red snowflake lantern that I had given up so begrudgingly yesterday. I felt about half an inch tall when I pulled that out of the bag. Not only had she given me a beautiful gift, she'd paid attention yesterday and among the 39 people present at the gift exchange, she'd noticed how much I loved that lantern. And, she thought enough about me to give me a gift for Christmas.
I hope that this is a lesson that will stick with me and that I will treat not only her, but everyone with a little more patience and a lot more kindness in the future.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
SP Day 63
Well, it occurred to me today that I hadn't blogged in two days. Oops.
So, having learned from past experience, I do not do well trying to back blog, so I'll do today and call it good.
Right now the goal of every day is just to get through it so I can enjoy the holidays. Note to self for future reference, just goofing off in class for an entire week, is not a good lesson plan. I really wish I'd planned some meaningful stuff for this week because the days filled with "fun stuff" seem to just drag by. I thought since we'd worked so hard on the Christmas program that we'd pretty much just goof off this week. That has not turned out to be a great plan. But, the good news is, we only have Thursday and Friday left. They're both early release days with us getting out at 12:30. Friday, I don't even have to teach. The kids have their awards assemblies and go home.
So, this week is winding down and soon, I'll be on my 16 days of vacation. Ahhhhhh.
So, having learned from past experience, I do not do well trying to back blog, so I'll do today and call it good.
Right now the goal of every day is just to get through it so I can enjoy the holidays. Note to self for future reference, just goofing off in class for an entire week, is not a good lesson plan. I really wish I'd planned some meaningful stuff for this week because the days filled with "fun stuff" seem to just drag by. I thought since we'd worked so hard on the Christmas program that we'd pretty much just goof off this week. That has not turned out to be a great plan. But, the good news is, we only have Thursday and Friday left. They're both early release days with us getting out at 12:30. Friday, I don't even have to teach. The kids have their awards assemblies and go home.
So, this week is winding down and soon, I'll be on my 16 days of vacation. Ahhhhhh.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
SP Day 62
Well, tomorrow will be 90 days on the job for Ben. He will be eligible for benefits and should get a raise. This is GREAT news. We'll save a big chunk of change not having to pay for his private health insurance. That plus the raise means paying off more debt. The more debt we get paid off the sooner he can begin looking for a new job. ALL of these are wonderful things.
Also, it looks like the higher ups at his job are really cracking down on people and raising their expectations of their drivers a bit. People it seems are getting fired right and left which means Ben is just moving further and further up the ladder. The more this happens, the closer he gets to being moved to day shift. I CAN NOT WAIT for him to be on days.
He still won't have weekends off and he'll still only get to see William about an hour a day on the days that he works. BUT, he'll keep William on his days off and they'll get to spend entire days together which will be AWESOME. And, I get to have my husband back in my bed at night. I can't tell you how much I'm hating colder weather with out my human heater lying next to me.
So, as much as I still hate his job, at least, things are looking up.
Also, it looks like the higher ups at his job are really cracking down on people and raising their expectations of their drivers a bit. People it seems are getting fired right and left which means Ben is just moving further and further up the ladder. The more this happens, the closer he gets to being moved to day shift. I CAN NOT WAIT for him to be on days.
He still won't have weekends off and he'll still only get to see William about an hour a day on the days that he works. BUT, he'll keep William on his days off and they'll get to spend entire days together which will be AWESOME. And, I get to have my husband back in my bed at night. I can't tell you how much I'm hating colder weather with out my human heater lying next to me.
So, as much as I still hate his job, at least, things are looking up.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
SP Day 61
After a very rough night of William being up and down several times and finally deciding that he was done sleeping at 4am I was afraid that today was going to be miserable. Now, mind you, he was very cranky and very sensitive today because he was exhausted, but we accomplished to have an okay day and a GREAT evening.
We went to my great nephew's birthday party at Peter Piper Pizza (basically Chuck E. Cheese). (I cannot for the life of me figure out why a two year old needs a birthday party at a place like this!) All though we had a few fits when I had to pull him away from a game or ride, he was, all things considered, very well behaved. He fell asleep on the way home and laid down when we got home. He slept a total of about two hours. I would have liked to have napped during that time myself, but I was making my hubby dinner before he headed off to work.
I was afraid since he'd had a nap and I hadn't that this evening was going to be hell. But I made myself some coffee and we played, watched Sesame Street, read a book, took a bath and had a great evening. He was so super sweet tonight. I just love it when he's like that. I wouldn't trade this evening for all the money in the world!
We went to my great nephew's birthday party at Peter Piper Pizza (basically Chuck E. Cheese). (I cannot for the life of me figure out why a two year old needs a birthday party at a place like this!) All though we had a few fits when I had to pull him away from a game or ride, he was, all things considered, very well behaved. He fell asleep on the way home and laid down when we got home. He slept a total of about two hours. I would have liked to have napped during that time myself, but I was making my hubby dinner before he headed off to work.
I was afraid since he'd had a nap and I hadn't that this evening was going to be hell. But I made myself some coffee and we played, watched Sesame Street, read a book, took a bath and had a great evening. He was so super sweet tonight. I just love it when he's like that. I wouldn't trade this evening for all the money in the world!
SP Day 60
Hooray for an un-stressful day at work. The christmas program is over. The principal and the assistant principal were absent. There was food for a baby shower in the teacher's lounge. I can honestly say I didn't do a DARN THING all day but hang out and eat. It was a great day.
On a more serious note, the eating part of the hanging out and eating has GOT to come to a stop! I eat when I'm stressed. I had just about finally gotten my eating back under control from the stress of Ben's job change when along came the stress from the Christmas program. For about the billionth time I'm planning to really cut back after the New Year. My only question to myself, is how can I make it different this time?? How can I make my decision to eat healthier stick around more than a month or two (six at best)?
I'm working on it. I'll let you know how it goes.
On a more serious note, the eating part of the hanging out and eating has GOT to come to a stop! I eat when I'm stressed. I had just about finally gotten my eating back under control from the stress of Ben's job change when along came the stress from the Christmas program. For about the billionth time I'm planning to really cut back after the New Year. My only question to myself, is how can I make it different this time?? How can I make my decision to eat healthier stick around more than a month or two (six at best)?
I'm working on it. I'll let you know how it goes.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
SP Day 59
It-is-done. As of 7:30, close to 300 children had sung, spoken, and (hopefully) entertained a huge gym FULL of people. They did an awesome job, my cake auction made nearly $750 and it will be a year before I have to take on that monsterous event again.
Ahhhhh. I can breathe once again.
Ahhhhh. I can breathe once again.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
SP Day 58
Tonight I learned, from experience that absence truly does make the heart grow fonder.
I sat at the dinner table looking at Ben and thinking that it had been six days since I'd had a real conversation with him. Then looking at William, knowing that I'd really only missed one evening with him but he was ten times cuter and a million times funnier than normal. It was wonderful. I was so happy to be with my family, I'm sure I was beaming.
Christmas program: t minus 1 day
I sat at the dinner table looking at Ben and thinking that it had been six days since I'd had a real conversation with him. Then looking at William, knowing that I'd really only missed one evening with him but he was ten times cuter and a million times funnier than normal. It was wonderful. I was so happy to be with my family, I'm sure I was beaming.
Christmas program: t minus 1 day
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
SP Day 57
Oh, tonight was awesome.
Aunt Julie (my friend who keeps William from time-to-time) asked if William could stay the night. So, I met my husband for an early dinner before he went to work. (I'm talkin 4:30, old people early, I felt like we should have been at Luby's.) After dinner I went to get a hair cut. I went to the same place I went last time but a different woman did my hair. I told her I wanted it slightly shorter than just a trim because it grew out so fast last time. That girl took me at my word and I've got some SHORT hair. But, oh well, it will grow back out and it should be a couple of months before I need a hair cut.
Then went to the home depot and picked up some hard ware for scenery for tomorrow night's program. Then to Kohl's to get some jewelery to go with the outfit I plan to wear to the program Thursday night. I found a super cute sweater and shirt that were on sale for 50% off while I was there so I got those too.
Then, I went to ULTA to get some more of my bare minerals make up that I had run out of. It's not cheap, but it's not super, like estee-lauder expensive either. I really like it so, it's my one splurge on myself.
So, I had a great "me" evening. Now it's time to go see what the damage is to my bank account.
Christmas program: t minus 2 days
Aunt Julie (my friend who keeps William from time-to-time) asked if William could stay the night. So, I met my husband for an early dinner before he went to work. (I'm talkin 4:30, old people early, I felt like we should have been at Luby's.) After dinner I went to get a hair cut. I went to the same place I went last time but a different woman did my hair. I told her I wanted it slightly shorter than just a trim because it grew out so fast last time. That girl took me at my word and I've got some SHORT hair. But, oh well, it will grow back out and it should be a couple of months before I need a hair cut.
Then went to the home depot and picked up some hard ware for scenery for tomorrow night's program. Then to Kohl's to get some jewelery to go with the outfit I plan to wear to the program Thursday night. I found a super cute sweater and shirt that were on sale for 50% off while I was there so I got those too.
Then, I went to ULTA to get some more of my bare minerals make up that I had run out of. It's not cheap, but it's not super, like estee-lauder expensive either. I really like it so, it's my one splurge on myself.
So, I had a great "me" evening. Now it's time to go see what the damage is to my bank account.
Christmas program: t minus 2 days
SP Day 56
Okay, I missed blogging on Monday. I'm learning that it's blog it, or lose it. Because now, I can't remember anything outstanding about yesterday.
Work was definitely a Monday. I accomplished to keep my head above water and get most of my ducks in a row for the Christmas program.
Christmas program t minus 3 days
Work was definitely a Monday. I accomplished to keep my head above water and get most of my ducks in a row for the Christmas program.
Christmas program t minus 3 days
Sunday, December 7, 2008
SP Day 55
I made home made chicken and dumplings for the very first time. It was mm.mm.good.
Yea me!!!
Yea me!!!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
SP Day 54
Today was a mom-n-William day. Ben was sleeping so it was just William and I with a whole Saturday in front of us. When I keep this kid couped up in the house all day, he gets in lots of trouble because he gets bored or I feel terribly guilty because he sits and watches TV all day. So, after he took a 3 hour plus some nap, we had some lunch and headed out to the park nearest our house. We stayed for about an hour and a half before heading home.
After Ben left for work this afternoon we bundled up and headed into downtown Weatherford to meet a friend of mine and her daughter for "Christmas on the Square". As far as vendors go, the whole thing was a bust but William rode on a Christmas train and went on a pony ride. I spent a grand total of $7 (which was for the pony ride) and we got in the car and headed home. We got home just in time to chug some milk, put on his jammies and go to bed.
So, we had a pretty darn good day.
After Ben left for work this afternoon we bundled up and headed into downtown Weatherford to meet a friend of mine and her daughter for "Christmas on the Square". As far as vendors go, the whole thing was a bust but William rode on a Christmas train and went on a pony ride. I spent a grand total of $7 (which was for the pony ride) and we got in the car and headed home. We got home just in time to chug some milk, put on his jammies and go to bed.
So, we had a pretty darn good day.
Friday, December 5, 2008
SP Day 53
I have two exciting things to blog about today.
1. While searching for a job that I had been told was going to be coming open I found an awesome job opportunity. An elementary in Weatherford has a counselor position available immediately. If I were able to get a counseling job, I would have enough of a pay increase that Ben could take a lesser paying job and we would still be okay. This would be the biggest blessing our family could ask for.
There is one potential snafu. It could be a good thing, or a bad thing. I interviewed for a music teacher position at this same school this summer. I was offered the job and turned it down. So either the principal could hold it against me that I turned down a job she offered me, or she could look at it like I was a good teacher and a good fit for her campus, maybe the same will hold true in the counselor position. (I know that's a huge run on sentence, I apologize sincerely Dr. Miller.)
2. The most awesome thing happened at work today. I have a 4th grade student with multiple disabilities. Some of them genetic, some of them due to neglect as an infant, and some of them unexplained. He has severe musculoskeletal problems. He's not much taller than William. He has no muscle tone to speak of. He's also, for the most part, non-verbal. When he came to my school in the 2nd grade, he was completely wheelchair bound. His therapists last year got him walking with a walker. The special needs teacher brought him in my room today and said she had something to show me. He walked all the way across my room completely unassisted. He's 10 years old and walked for the first time today. I picked him up and hugged him and told him how proud I was of him with tears running down my face. What a special guy. Now, if that's not a good day at work, I just can't imagine what would be.
1. While searching for a job that I had been told was going to be coming open I found an awesome job opportunity. An elementary in Weatherford has a counselor position available immediately. If I were able to get a counseling job, I would have enough of a pay increase that Ben could take a lesser paying job and we would still be okay. This would be the biggest blessing our family could ask for.
There is one potential snafu. It could be a good thing, or a bad thing. I interviewed for a music teacher position at this same school this summer. I was offered the job and turned it down. So either the principal could hold it against me that I turned down a job she offered me, or she could look at it like I was a good teacher and a good fit for her campus, maybe the same will hold true in the counselor position. (I know that's a huge run on sentence, I apologize sincerely Dr. Miller.)
2. The most awesome thing happened at work today. I have a 4th grade student with multiple disabilities. Some of them genetic, some of them due to neglect as an infant, and some of them unexplained. He has severe musculoskeletal problems. He's not much taller than William. He has no muscle tone to speak of. He's also, for the most part, non-verbal. When he came to my school in the 2nd grade, he was completely wheelchair bound. His therapists last year got him walking with a walker. The special needs teacher brought him in my room today and said she had something to show me. He walked all the way across my room completely unassisted. He's 10 years old and walked for the first time today. I picked him up and hugged him and told him how proud I was of him with tears running down my face. What a special guy. Now, if that's not a good day at work, I just can't imagine what would be.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
SP Day 52
Tonight, I'm way thankful that my momma taught me how to cook. I was late getting to mom's tonight so I had to get dinner on the table in a hurry. Luckily, I'd brought salmon, black eyed peas and mac-n-cheese and a quick salad. Well, I forgot to take the groceries in when I left William this morning so the salad sat in my car all day. Even though it was cold out and probably didn't get too warm in my car, I didn't feel good about putting out on the table.
So, I was able to mix up some salmon patties with mom being kind enough to chop some onions and throw them in the mix. I threw water on to boil for the mac-n-cheese, fried up the salmon patties and tossed the black-eyed-peas in the microwave.
I made dinner for my family and my folks in about 25 minutes. Thanks mom!
So, I was able to mix up some salmon patties with mom being kind enough to chop some onions and throw them in the mix. I threw water on to boil for the mac-n-cheese, fried up the salmon patties and tossed the black-eyed-peas in the microwave.
I made dinner for my family and my folks in about 25 minutes. Thanks mom!
SP Day 51
Okay, many of my blogging friends have embarked upon this task, so I feel compelled to do the same.
101 Things I am Thankful For
1. God
2. Ben
3. William
4. Mom
5. Dad
6. The rest of my big crazy family
7. Babies
8. My in laws
9. Liberty and Justice (both the canines and the principles)
10. Employment
11. Friends
12. Cell phones
13. Internet
14. A House
15. A Car
16. America
17.Freedom
18. Diet Coke
19. Deer Hunting
20. Venison
21. Tennis shoes
22. make-up
23. doctors
24. insurance
25. kicks from unborn babies
26. children's laughter
27. dinner with friends
28. my co-workers
29. reality TV
30. a husband that pays the bills
31. my husband's wonderful family
32. cat purring in my lap
33. head on my shoulder
34. shoulder to put my head on
35. good books
36. clothes shopping
37. apple cinnamon candles
38. flannel pj pants
39. baking
40. music
41. performing
42. sleepy William
43. pj Saturdays
44. hugs
45. kisses
46. movies
47. scrapbooking
48. crocheting
49. the loudness of my family
50. snooze button
51. summer
52. my husband's job
53. a big back yard
54. old friends
55. memories
56. once-in-a-lifetime events
57. marriage
58. parenthood
59. big feet
60. bath time
61. "Hi momma"
62. chemo therapy
63. prayer
64. hope
65. TiVo
66. e-mail
67. jean days at work
68. the smell of a clean house
69. a husband that does dishes
70. pedicures
71. new hair cut
72. the sound of my husband's car in the driveway
73. unexpected gifts
74. safety
75. comfort
76. security
77. play grounds
78. chocolate
79. horses
80. the smell of leather and horses
81. mountains
82. hot showers
83. the excitement of the first day of school
84. the excitement of the last day of school
85. packages in the mail
86. kindness
87. compassion
88. snuggles
89. love
90. holidays
91. military
92. dates with my husband
93. Texas
94. education
95. shooting stars
96. many of my teachers
97. Jackson Elementary
98. 2926 South 28th Street
99. childhood (my own and my sons especially)
100. sleep
101. thankful to have 101 things to be thankful for
101 Things I am Thankful For
1. God
2. Ben
3. William
4. Mom
5. Dad
6. The rest of my big crazy family
7. Babies
8. My in laws
9. Liberty and Justice (both the canines and the principles)
10. Employment
11. Friends
12. Cell phones
13. Internet
14. A House
15. A Car
16. America
17.Freedom
18. Diet Coke
19. Deer Hunting
20. Venison
21. Tennis shoes
22. make-up
23. doctors
24. insurance
25. kicks from unborn babies
26. children's laughter
27. dinner with friends
28. my co-workers
29. reality TV
30. a husband that pays the bills
31. my husband's wonderful family
32. cat purring in my lap
33. head on my shoulder
34. shoulder to put my head on
35. good books
36. clothes shopping
37. apple cinnamon candles
38. flannel pj pants
39. baking
40. music
41. performing
42. sleepy William
43. pj Saturdays
44. hugs
45. kisses
46. movies
47. scrapbooking
48. crocheting
49. the loudness of my family
50. snooze button
51. summer
52. my husband's job
53. a big back yard
54. old friends
55. memories
56. once-in-a-lifetime events
57. marriage
58. parenthood
59. big feet
60. bath time
61. "Hi momma"
62. chemo therapy
63. prayer
64. hope
65. TiVo
66. e-mail
67. jean days at work
68. the smell of a clean house
69. a husband that does dishes
70. pedicures
71. new hair cut
72. the sound of my husband's car in the driveway
73. unexpected gifts
74. safety
75. comfort
76. security
77. play grounds
78. chocolate
79. horses
80. the smell of leather and horses
81. mountains
82. hot showers
83. the excitement of the first day of school
84. the excitement of the last day of school
85. packages in the mail
86. kindness
87. compassion
88. snuggles
89. love
90. holidays
91. military
92. dates with my husband
93. Texas
94. education
95. shooting stars
96. many of my teachers
97. Jackson Elementary
98. 2926 South 28th Street
99. childhood (my own and my sons especially)
100. sleep
101. thankful to have 101 things to be thankful for
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
SP Day 50
I am, believe it or not, looking forward to this year's Christmas program. (Just in case you're reading this and don't know already, I teach elementary music to 300+ children in grades K-5.) Normally, the closer these programs get, the more I dread them, the longer my t0-do list gets and the higher my anxiety level goes. However, after 10 years of doing this I was finally smart enough to ask for parent help and delegate tasks.
So, all I have to do is make sure the kids are ready to go. Since the last two days of rehearsal have gone really well, I'm getting excited about seeing them perform and watching them do a great job. I'm actually afraid I'm going to jinx myself. I've never had a program go horribly wrong but I've always been so worried that they would. If I relax, and don't get all stresses, I'm afraid I'll let my guard down and something will go horribly wrong.
The only major tasks left for me are next Tuesday and Thursday. I'm loading all 300 of my little darlings up on school buses and carting them over to the High School where our program will take place for dress rehearsal. No matter how much I think I've got my ducks in a row, the classroom teachers are always happy to tell me how I could do it better. While it's always offered in the sweetest of spirits, I always cringe knowing that I've put countless hours of work and tons of thought in executing this and now they think they have a better way to do it. However, I must admit, on several occasions, they have been right and I've taken their advice and things have gone better because of it.
So, I say all of that to say, I think the "All-American Christmas" program is going to go great and I'm anxious to see it all come together.
So, all I have to do is make sure the kids are ready to go. Since the last two days of rehearsal have gone really well, I'm getting excited about seeing them perform and watching them do a great job. I'm actually afraid I'm going to jinx myself. I've never had a program go horribly wrong but I've always been so worried that they would. If I relax, and don't get all stresses, I'm afraid I'll let my guard down and something will go horribly wrong.
The only major tasks left for me are next Tuesday and Thursday. I'm loading all 300 of my little darlings up on school buses and carting them over to the High School where our program will take place for dress rehearsal. No matter how much I think I've got my ducks in a row, the classroom teachers are always happy to tell me how I could do it better. While it's always offered in the sweetest of spirits, I always cringe knowing that I've put countless hours of work and tons of thought in executing this and now they think they have a better way to do it. However, I must admit, on several occasions, they have been right and I've taken their advice and things have gone better because of it.
So, I say all of that to say, I think the "All-American Christmas" program is going to go great and I'm anxious to see it all come together.
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