I Really Could Write a Book

I have always laughed that teachers could write books about the job. The book I envision writing is just a collection of tales that are completely entertaining. It would appeal to any reader. I have so many stories about students, parents, and fellow staff members. Any time something noteworthy happens I think, "that would be a story for my book."

There is a student in one of my classes who is less than motivated and thinks of any excuse in the book. She has been gone for 2 days on our music department's trip to Disneyland. Everyone came back yesterday except for her. Today, when I asked where she was yesterday, she said that she had to stay home because she was still motion sick from the Tower of Terror. Yes, she missed a day of school from going on a ride 2 days earlier. She sure played her heart out in P.E. today. CURED!!! My teacher partner and I had a good laugh.

The Little Man

Ryan is almost 2 and I can't believe it. He is busy and curious and fiesty (to say the least). He is teaching us so much about parenthood. He just started asking, "why?" to everything. I remember that phase with Haley. He loves to run and read books and do puzzles and watch "Monsters Inc." He is totally into playing store, complete with cart, items to buy, and the cash register. He wants a snack and he wants it now. If you do not have it now he will remind you that he wants it now...LOUDLY. Our new favorite thing is when you ask him to do something he responds with, "ok" and shrugs his little shoulders. He makes up songs and asks you to come sit in the dining room while he strums the guitar on the stairs. If you do not come right when he wants you, he will remind you that he wants you...LOUDLY. He still loves to snuggle and will sit on your lap for a long time. He loves accomplishing a puzzle, but if he is struggling he will demand your help...LOUDLY.

He is definitely 2 in the way he responds and how we are constantly reminding him/ modeling how to react appropriately. We are also teaching Haley that she doesn't have to automatically give up what she is playing with just because Ry wants it NOW. She insists that she is done and wants to give it to him, but we know that she is just avoiding him being upset.

He is a crazy one...a fabulous crazy one. Haley didn't really go through these phases. Parenthood wouldn't be the same, or as rich, without Ry.

Thanks Joy (our friend not the emotion)!

New Experiences

Today we took our students to San Francisco for tours at the Asian Art museum and City Hall. I loved this day for many reasons and disliked it for others (paperwork and organization). The number one reason I loved the day was because some students who live right here have never been to the city. Not only did we take them to SF but we took them to an area where they could really see the mix of people. We talked before we left about how some people will be in the middle of their work day. Others have nowhere else to go but on the street. Besides the academic part of the day, the students got to see about 10 brides at city hall getting married, a man on the green smoking his bowl, people asleep on newspapers, and to top it off, a transvestite welcoming them to City Hall and asking if they were going to meet the mayor.
Anytime a student can see what is outside their world, a richness has been added to their lives. Transvestites and addicts included.

What Happens at 5 Weeks?

My first year in middle school I left the school year with 5 weeks left to take my maternity leave. Last year I experienced those last 5 weeks in middle school for the first time. I kid you not, that the Monday of the "5 week left mark" was the start of the struggle that lasted until the end of the year. Today my partner teacher and I decided to give the whole team a preventative chat at some point this week. We were going to look at the schedule and figure it out. She called during 3rd period and said, "It needs to be today." I completely agreed.The chat was positive, reminding the students that we have 5 weeks to WORK. We have lots to do. No more than 30 minutes later I was writing a referral (not something I normally do) for a student harassing another student. WHAT?!There are two things I do not tolerate: lying and bullying. This student, who has been a challenge all year, decided to tease another, undeserving student. Without getting into details he basically picked on the weak, which makes it exponentially worse for me. He will not be joining us tomorrow on our field trip to San Francisco. Come on you guys! 5 weeks. Keep it together so I can stay sane!!!

Teeth and Brunch

Haley had a visit from the Tooth Fairy Wednesday night after she got her two bottom teeth pulled. She was a champ at the dentist. They had gas prepared in case she got anxious and they didn't use it. She loves her new smile as we all do!
I was invited to a Mother's Day brunch at Haley's school. It was the cutest thing I ever! We sat down at little tables with flower center pieces and were served a lovely meal. Then Haley presented me with some gifts: a homemade jewelry box with a homemade necklace inside, a paper flower and a card in the shape of a little purse. Yes, I had tears in my eyes. She has been keeping the surprise for weeks and she was SO excited to give everything to me. I LOVED it.