Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Lazy Saturday!!
This past Saturday was spent being lazy and enjoying our day as a family. Just before dinner we decided to take the kids to a park for some much needed "out of the house" time. They enjoyed playing and the weather was beautiful. I'm blessed to have such an amazing family!!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Public School
I went to public school - I loved it. So much in fact that I became a teacher myself - and after 25 years I still love public school. Yes - changes have been made in the curriculum, the stress level for teachers these days is difficult to describe (because where do I begin), the state requires more testing - but in the midst of all the political caos there is still not much difference from when I grew up in school. Kids are still kids, teachers are still teachers. You will run into a few bad ones - kids and teachers - but life can't always hand us strawberries and whip cream right? We just have to roll with the punches!
I have a mission field where I teach and I strongly believe that I'm there for a reason. I also believe that my children should be implemented into the public school system. Am I nervous that they are going to have to experience things way younger than I did - Yes! (But they will still be at an age where as a parent I can discuss these situations with them and provide Christian guidance and mold their young minds to be observant, aware and alert against the enemy - as teenagers I may not be so lucky.) Am I nervous that they will get into bad relationships - Yes - but that can happen anywhere - even at church. Am I nervous that some crazy kid will come to school with a gun - Yes - but it's more likely that they will encounter someone with a gun at a grocery store or gas station than an elementary school. Am I nervous that a teacher will not give them the structured education that would benefit them the most - Yes - but being a teacher myself I can monitor progress and fill in the gaps when needed. Am I nervous that they will get chicken pox and lice - Yes - but they could get that anywhere. Am I nervous that someday my children will have to be taught certain "subjects" that are against my moral standings as a Christian - Yes, but as of right now those controversial issues are far from being implemented into our classrooms, especially in Idaho - thank goodness!
The reason I write this post is not to dog on those that homeschool, send their kids to charter schools or private schools - I have many, many friends (in fact most) and family members that believe that is what is best for their family and their children and I highly respect them for that. However, I do get a little bit upset when I here people getting after the public schools - I know it's not directed to me personally but I do take it personally - I can't help it - I am the public school and I won't stand by and not defend it - because I still believe in it. I teach precious young children, some of which will only find love within my classroom walls during the course of 9 months - how could I not take it personally?
There may come a day when I decide that the public school system is no longer doing my children justice by what they are teaching, but not yet - not by a long shot. As a teacher I am well aware of my curriculum and the curriculum taught in my school district (K-12), and if there ever came a day when the state requires me to teach something that goes against everything I believe in I will be the first to hand in my resignation, find my children a private school or homeschool myself. There may come a day when that will happen and I will be prepared for it. But right now - that is far from true and if we take the Christian students and parents out of the public school system there will be less people to fight against those issues being pushed into the school system and it will slip in easily and somewhat unnoticed.
I don't mean to offend anyone by writing this blog. This was not my intent!! I am just expressing some of my frustration with the trend of the public school being dragged through the mud and having a bad reputation.
I do understand how lucky I am to teach in Melba, a place where parents are actively involved with their children's education, a place where teachers stay until they retire, a place where the kids are loved and hugs are given daily, a place where learning is fun and exciting and the students are not stressed. I understand that not all public schools are like that and I know I'm blessed. However, I have many friends and family who are in other public school systems and they will be the first to tell you that the public school system is still a great way to educate the young minds of our future.
I look forward to my future and my children's future in the public school system, and I will stand up against controversial things being taught as part of the regular school curriculum if that time ever arises while my children are in school - even if I stand alone!!
I have a mission field where I teach and I strongly believe that I'm there for a reason. I also believe that my children should be implemented into the public school system. Am I nervous that they are going to have to experience things way younger than I did - Yes! (But they will still be at an age where as a parent I can discuss these situations with them and provide Christian guidance and mold their young minds to be observant, aware and alert against the enemy - as teenagers I may not be so lucky.) Am I nervous that they will get into bad relationships - Yes - but that can happen anywhere - even at church. Am I nervous that some crazy kid will come to school with a gun - Yes - but it's more likely that they will encounter someone with a gun at a grocery store or gas station than an elementary school. Am I nervous that a teacher will not give them the structured education that would benefit them the most - Yes - but being a teacher myself I can monitor progress and fill in the gaps when needed. Am I nervous that they will get chicken pox and lice - Yes - but they could get that anywhere. Am I nervous that someday my children will have to be taught certain "subjects" that are against my moral standings as a Christian - Yes, but as of right now those controversial issues are far from being implemented into our classrooms, especially in Idaho - thank goodness!
The reason I write this post is not to dog on those that homeschool, send their kids to charter schools or private schools - I have many, many friends (in fact most) and family members that believe that is what is best for their family and their children and I highly respect them for that. However, I do get a little bit upset when I here people getting after the public schools - I know it's not directed to me personally but I do take it personally - I can't help it - I am the public school and I won't stand by and not defend it - because I still believe in it. I teach precious young children, some of which will only find love within my classroom walls during the course of 9 months - how could I not take it personally?
There may come a day when I decide that the public school system is no longer doing my children justice by what they are teaching, but not yet - not by a long shot. As a teacher I am well aware of my curriculum and the curriculum taught in my school district (K-12), and if there ever came a day when the state requires me to teach something that goes against everything I believe in I will be the first to hand in my resignation, find my children a private school or homeschool myself. There may come a day when that will happen and I will be prepared for it. But right now - that is far from true and if we take the Christian students and parents out of the public school system there will be less people to fight against those issues being pushed into the school system and it will slip in easily and somewhat unnoticed.
I don't mean to offend anyone by writing this blog. This was not my intent!! I am just expressing some of my frustration with the trend of the public school being dragged through the mud and having a bad reputation.
I do understand how lucky I am to teach in Melba, a place where parents are actively involved with their children's education, a place where teachers stay until they retire, a place where the kids are loved and hugs are given daily, a place where learning is fun and exciting and the students are not stressed. I understand that not all public schools are like that and I know I'm blessed. However, I have many friends and family who are in other public school systems and they will be the first to tell you that the public school system is still a great way to educate the young minds of our future.
I look forward to my future and my children's future in the public school system, and I will stand up against controversial things being taught as part of the regular school curriculum if that time ever arises while my children are in school - even if I stand alone!!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
If Only . . . .
If only I had the money to buy these things for the fall season I would be happy - pshhhhh!! Just kidding - to have these clothes would fulfill a dream of mine to finally fit in the fashion world - psshhhh! Still not hitting the write words to explain how I feel about these clothes and my new dream fall wardrobe that I've created. I guess in simpliest terms it would be like this - I like these clothes, they are cute, and if I had them I would wear them and enjoy it! That's better!
As I look forward to the coming fall season (my fav!) I spent a few free moments this morning searching through one of my favorite shops (anthropologie - will NEVER afford) and dreaming of what it would be like to have the money to just buy up all of this stuff. It was fun to dream for a few moments and to keep the dream alive I am going to post my new "fall wardrobe" for all to see. Here is what it would look like -
$88.00 $118.00
$58.00
$88.00 $148.00
$128.00
$188.00
$248.00 $90.00
$168.00
$158.00
As I look forward to the coming fall season (my fav!) I spent a few free moments this morning searching through one of my favorite shops (anthropologie - will NEVER afford) and dreaming of what it would be like to have the money to just buy up all of this stuff. It was fun to dream for a few moments and to keep the dream alive I am going to post my new "fall wardrobe" for all to see. Here is what it would look like -
$88.00 $118.00
$58.00
$88.00 $148.00
$128.00
$188.00
$248.00 $90.00
$168.00
$158.00Total spent: $1480.00 (junk change)
sidenote: Even if I had the money I probably would never spend $1480 on a few items of clothes - a waste of hard earned money if you ask me :)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Addie's First Day of School!!!
I really never thought the day would come that I would send my sweet little girl to kindergarten. I always knew it would happen but somehow never was really ready for it. It seemed like just yesterday that she was Rhett's age, waddling around and making up songs and saying "no dea (no idea)". She began the day with much excitement and anticipation and being the first day of school so did I. I only wish that I was able to stay with her a bit longer at the beginning of the school day but I had to go and welcome my own new crop of kindergarteners. Luckily, Addison is such that she parted my side with no sad good-byes or tears. She was SOOOO ready to begin this new journey. After all - she does get to come and give me hugs at recess time which is nice for both of us.
I've never really had too many reservations in sending my children to public school. I work in one and it's great - really great! I do, however understand and feel priveledged that Melba has always tried to maintain the "school-like" atmosphere that I grew up with and loved so much. I sincerely trust all of the teachers and know that all of them are there because they love children and love teaching. I feel so blessed to have my chidren go to that school!! And sending Addison there on her first day was actually a comforting feeling and not one of "I'm leaving her with the wolves" - which so many mother's experience as they send their child to school for the first time.
After school I asked Addison how her day was and usually kids her age will just shrug and say it was good. And then they can't remember any details - not Addison. After volleyball practice on our way home she talked non-stop about her classroom, her teacher, her new friends, recess time, P.E. time and she kept saying that she was going to pray that she could go to school every day. Needless to say she LOVED it!!! I hope and pray that her school experiences are positive and hope that she continues to love it as I did.
I really did not get emotional that first day - probably due to the fact that I had so many things going through my mind with my own classroom that I had no time to really think about it. But as I sat at home that evening and reflected on my day the tears came. Just remembering the first five precious years with Addison and how fast she grew. I realize all too clearly to cherish Rhett right now and his young innocence - it won't be long before I'll be leaving him at the door of the very same kindergarten classroom.
I look forward to this year and seeing how and what she'll learn. I pray that she'll be a little witness and shine for Jesus to her friends and teacher.
I've never really had too many reservations in sending my children to public school. I work in one and it's great - really great! I do, however understand and feel priveledged that Melba has always tried to maintain the "school-like" atmosphere that I grew up with and loved so much. I sincerely trust all of the teachers and know that all of them are there because they love children and love teaching. I feel so blessed to have my chidren go to that school!! And sending Addison there on her first day was actually a comforting feeling and not one of "I'm leaving her with the wolves" - which so many mother's experience as they send their child to school for the first time.
After school I asked Addison how her day was and usually kids her age will just shrug and say it was good. And then they can't remember any details - not Addison. After volleyball practice on our way home she talked non-stop about her classroom, her teacher, her new friends, recess time, P.E. time and she kept saying that she was going to pray that she could go to school every day. Needless to say she LOVED it!!! I hope and pray that her school experiences are positive and hope that she continues to love it as I did.
I really did not get emotional that first day - probably due to the fact that I had so many things going through my mind with my own classroom that I had no time to really think about it. But as I sat at home that evening and reflected on my day the tears came. Just remembering the first five precious years with Addison and how fast she grew. I realize all too clearly to cherish Rhett right now and his young innocence - it won't be long before I'll be leaving him at the door of the very same kindergarten classroom.
I look forward to this year and seeing how and what she'll learn. I pray that she'll be a little witness and shine for Jesus to her friends and teacher.
Getting ready to go to kindergarten
Addison and her teacher Mrs. Drescher
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Cabin Trips
We always try and fit in a few cabin trips during our summer and this year we ended up doing them two weekends in a row. Once with my family and then with Jeremy's family. They were both fun and relaxing trips with lots of fun memories made. Fish can actually be caught in the river now and we floated down the river without having to walk at any point - it was great!!
Bapa Doug and Rhettster
Addie and her BFF
Saturday morning movie watching
Addie caught her very first fish on her very first cast - it was a great moment!
She wasn't sure she wanted to get to close to it!
Rhett LOVES to be thrown in the air by Bapa
Grandma Nancy & Aunt Katie bringing in Chade and Rhett
Floatin the river!
Fountain Family Reunion
What a whirlwind of activity this summer has been. One of the many highlights was venturing to Jeremy's uncles' parent's ranch in Cheney, Washington where we participated in a family reunion with Jeremy's mother's side. It was a fun-filled trip that was packed with many activities and enjoyable moments. Here is a list of the things that we experienced and enjoyed so much.
Golf tournament
Hayride
Manito Park and gardens
Silverwood Theme Park
Bowling with the cousins
Mystery Dinner
Marshmellow Roasting
Exploring a haunted house
Treasure hunt for gold nuggets
Horseshoe tournament
many games of Rook
Late nights laughing
The boys before they left for the golf tournament
Hayride
Manito Gardens
Silverwood Theme Park
Bowling
Mystery Dinner
Haunted House
Treasure Hunt
Cousins exploring the old tree house
Saturday, August 7, 2010
The Things They Say
Last night I was reading a VBS card with Addison before she went to sleep and the question was "You've found a chest of buried treasure (Lucky you!) You brush off the sand and open the lid. There's no money inside, but it's definately a treasure. What would you say is inside?"
Addison's response: "Jesus' love is inside"
It was a perfect response!!
The other day Addison was hitting Rhett. Rhett was walking around with a diaper and a cowboy hat on and while she was hitting him he was saying, "Addie, don't hit da cowboy."
Rhett sings constantly and a few of his favorite things to sing are - in his version:
"hey soul sista, hey there mishta mishta on the radio" - that's all he knows so he sings it over and over and over again.
"Humpin Dumpin sat on a gate" - he will say this in a sing/song way while he is playing. I have no idea where he picked up this version but Mimi and Bapa recite Humpty Dumpty all the time to him.
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