Santa's Lap

Saw Santa tonight. Last year the picture was of him and the kids. This year it was all four of us (will post soon) since Ryan was not having it without us. Haley COULD NOT WAIT! For about a month she talked about how she wanted a doll castle. This weekend she saw our friends from San Diego and played with Ellie on skateboards. Tonight, yes she did, she asked Santa for a skateboard. It was very cute to see her interact with him and talk about the holiday. She promised him a cookie and milk under the tree along with a slice of apple for his reindeer. This was her 5th trip seeing the big man!

Ryan was just kind of enamored with the whole thing. It was fun to watch. He was also very interested in the animals that surrounded Santa's...throne? What do you call that thing?

I must say that it is very cool that we have the same Valley Fair Santa in all our pictures. I have found out through talking with him through the years that he lives in the midwest and comes out here every year. I know that last year he and Mrs. Claus were put up in Santana Row. Such a jolly fella! My favorite season is here! It usually brings out the best in people.

I Kept My Cool

Social Studies, 6th period.
"Mrs. Russell? There is a cockroach in one of the supply baskets."
Calmly, "Is there anyone who does not mind critters?"
Student raises hand and takes basket outside.
Back to our lesson.
EEEEWWWWW! SO GROSSED OUT!

Mama Bear

I have learned yet another thing in my 4 years of being a mom. No one messes with my kids. Now, let me clarify by saying I am not the mom who comes to their rescue, say, at the park. I generally like to let them work it out or at least try. This is not what I mean. What I mean is when adults make judgments or comments I am not quiet about it. Let me share an example. Today we were at Walgreen's to pick up a few things. Haley was walking next to me while Ry was in the cart. I was looking at cards and Haley was next to the cart. An older woman said, "excuse me," Haley moved out of her way and the woman snarled and said something about "ridiculous" under her breath. When things like this happen I stay very calm, but I am not able to keep quiet. I simply replied. "it's ok. She's just a kid." And she retaliated with, "It is not easy for me to walk!" I calmly replied with, "Ok. But you said excuse me and she moved. There is no reason to react that way." We both moved on. This has probably happened half a dozen times since becoming a mother. When it does, I feel my demeanor change but I do want to be a good model of how to react to people. I know my children aren't saints and I think that we are pretty clear with our expectations for behavior. If they get called out on something that is unacceptable, I am the first one to deal with the issue with them. But I do have difficulty with people who are simply impatient with children for no reason. That's when I feel like Mama Bear protecting her cubs. I thought I was more easy going than that...guess not!

Mendocino

We had a fabulous weekend with great friends. As you can see, the weather was perfect. We played games, ate (Mikey is a world class chef!) and laughed...hard! Haley had a great time with Sarah and Ron's little guy and Ryan loved exploring the incredible house and yard.

We did confirm that Haley gets carsick. We haven't done this drive and the last 65 miles is extremely curvy. She was able to tell us that she was going to "spit up" and I pulled over. She made it into the bag the 2nd time and didn't the 3rd. Poor thing. And poor Josh for having to be the parent dealing with it. I, too, would have been sick if I wasn't driving. To top it off, Ryan screamed and cried off and on for about half of the trip. He had not napped that day and was generally cranky. When we finished the 200 miles 5 hours later, I got Ry out of the car only to discover he was soaked in his own urine. Needless to say, Josh and I voted it the car ride from hell. Haley's tummy hurt on the return trip, but she was able to keep it in.
We have the greatest friends. No matter how much time has passed, no time has passed at all. I love to laugh and this weekend was filled with the kind that hurts your temples. The best kind!!!

A Pirate

I realize that I am a bit of a pirate. Most Sunday mornings I am able to make it out to the track for a workout. I see many groups running, doing tai chi, working on the equipment, etc. There is only one group I tend to pay attention to. I watch the people with personal trainers and have realized that is how I have been getting my latest workouts. Oops! I want to take this opportunity to thank those people paying for a trainer on a Sunday morning. I am really learning a lot! I will then pass it forward to those I exercise with. :)

Judgment

In my adult life I have TRIED to show more compassion and pass less judgment. I have become more and more successful as time passes and I am exposed to more in life. But, when a mother leaves her two children to sleep in the car at night while she goes upstairs to sleep in her boyfriend's apartment, I am challenged to find compassion. As a teacher I see far more parents that love and care for their families than those of the opposite. I also know that some parents are doing their best and struggle with certain things. When I learn about something like this, I cannot help but feel anger and sadness. It would be one thing if they all lived in the car. But this selfish person is staying warm and cozy in a bed while her children stay in the car on the curb. I am glad this is not my student for I would fear how I would approach the mother. I hope that this child finds a way out. She has been dealt a tough hand and I hope she can gain the tools to succeed.

Halloween

Snow White loved trick or treating. Her dwarf was done before we even left.