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...I am a human being first.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Random Ramblings...

It's snowing.

But not enough. I know many hate the snow, but I don't. In fact, you know that seasonal depression disorder people have, where their spirits literally feel depressed because it's been winter too long? Well, I have whatever the OPPOSITE of that is. I need the snow - like in my soul. Frankly, I am disappointed that the most we have gotten at one time this season has been a couple of measly inches. I want a big daddy, 8 incher storm.

Despite my disappointment in the weather, life otherwise is going swimmingly.

My sister's shower went off without a hitch. It was hands-down the most beautiful shower I have ever seen and she looked so happy all day. I can hardly wait for the next month to hurry up so we can get to the big wedding day!

Quinn started indoor soccer a couple of weeks ago and it's been really fun. I especially enjoy seeing him becoming more aggressive as an athlete, which I believe translates into a passion and aggressive goals in real-life too. He is more confident (sometimes TOO confident?) in social situations and I love seeing the person he is becoming. He is a perfect blend of my husband and me. He has both of our best qualities and we're so lucky to be his parents.

This weekend is the Rogers Parent Prom. This event began 5 yrs ago after I had a dream (I know it sounds all Martin Luther, but I really did!). After noticing the severe lack of parental support we see at our high school, I had a dream that we hosted an event (in my dream, it was called a Mom Prom, similar to what I believe St.John's high school does) where our kids could have the chance to bond with their parents and have a good time. So many of our kids rarely see their parents and when they do, their time together is not relaxing or fun. So, I brought the idea to our Asst.Principal (at the time) and she supported it wholeheartedly. So, the Parent Prom began. The name is misleading - it is a very laidback dance. Most attenders wear jeans, which is exactly what we wanted. If we had made it like a "real" prom, the majority of our parents would not have been able to afford the outfit alone, much less the dance ticket. We kept the cost very affordable (only $5) and we offer cookies, punch and some rockin oldies. :)  It is, in my humble opinion, the very best event our school has all year. It just warms my heart to see our "tough" kids cutting loose to some Marvin Gaye or Temptations with their grannies, moms, dads and foster families. I cant wait!

TODAY I AM THANKFUL FOR... parents who are doing a great job, despite their circumstances, and loving their babies exactly how they should!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

I love weddings.

And by saying that, I mean I am a wedding freak, in every way possible. I love the dress, the cake, the flowers, the songs... I love, love, LOVE weddings. I have never turned down a wedding invite and I'd probably go to a wedding, even if I wasnt invited - and even if I didnt know the couple. In fact, I may have already done that. ...Twice.

I just love them. I used to think it was the symbolism of it all - the vows, the forever, the commitment... Now, I realize I am just a sucker for pretty things and weddings have a lot of pretty things. I have been in 8 weddings, not including my own, and loved every one.

It should come as no surprise that when my sister got engaged 6 months ago, my wedding pulse began to rage. I could barely stop myself from dragging her to the bridal store the very DAY she got engaged, and I'm pretty sure I shoved her fiance out of the way to see the ring. New brother-in-law be damned, there was bling to see.

Planning my OWN wedding was not nearly as fun as being a spectator. That was work. I can remember sitting there with 100 swatches of colors in front of me as we chose our invitations, my husband-to-be staring blindly at the colors with me, (as if he had a real say anyway, or cared what color they were), and I realized that it was much more fun NOT to be the chooser.

So, with Sarah's wedding, I am getting the best of both worlds. I get to be surrounded by all things BRIDAL 24/7, but never really have the pressure of the decision on my shoulders. I think she should stay engaged forever. Her wedding is in 56 days and I'm not sure what will occupy my time once it passes. I may be weeping at the altar just BECAUSE it is over.

I fear that my sister's wedding may be the last wedding in which I am a part. Most of my friends have been married off or arent the type to have a bridal party, which leaves me relishing in my "maybe-last" experience in one. (I am available for rent at a nominal fee. You can pay me in pew bows and I make a helluva bridesmaid.) Just saying....


My hubby and me at my (okay "our")  wedding.

                               My sister showing off her bling, last July.
Allibird and Me on her weding day :)

                                Kirsten and Scot on their gorgeous day.
Prayer around the groom
 So much joy at weddings!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Love Breeds Love - The Outcome

Well, it happened. "Letters of Love" day came and went and was a huge success. I consider the day a success for the following reasons:

1. I had the single largest turnout of parental support I have ever had, with 52% of parents participating. I know it doesnt seem like a lot, but hey- I'm grateful for a rising number and over half who took the time. I'm optimistic enough to hope it means a change for the better in the future.
2. I had the largest number of kids who were genuinely SHOCKED by receiving their letters. Because so many of my students run their households themselves, typically, a pretty significant quantity have already discovered the secret by the time the "big day" arrives. This year, very few admitted to having known about it and those who did know about it, opted NOT to share it with their peers and risk ruining the surprise.
3. There were so many tears, I had to run to the bathroom to get more tissue!

To say that my students were grateful would be a giant understatement. They were positively OOZING gratitude, with one even saying to me, "We know our parents love us, but sometimes it is nice to hear why."

: * )

Even those whose parents did not participate were teary-eyed and thankful for the letters they did receive. One of my quietest little loveys said to me, "I cannot believe that Mrs. __ wrote me! I always loved her class!"

But perhaps my favorite quote of the day, came from an individual who said nothing in class when he received his letters. Instead, I got a private email from him later that night that said, "The letters I got today made me realize that people do notice me."

And again, if that isnt the point of the assignment, I dont know what is. :)

KP

TODAY I AM THANKFUL FOR A SOFT PLACE TO LAND WHEN I FEEL LIKE NOBODY CAN HEAR ME.