Sunday, May 16, 2010

Mars Needs Moms

We got this book from the book order a couple of days ago. Most of us have those things we just splurge on- mine is children's books. I'm sure Andrew's teacher loves us because we give her many free books with all the money we spend on the book order. Anyway- this is one of those books that I just loved. It's about a boy who complains about his mom- she makes him do things he doesn't want... work... all of that. Then aliens come down to collect mothers because they need them to make dinners, drive them to soccer games, clean house... but finally the boy and the aliens learn what makes moms so special and why we and Mars really need moms . I guess you will just have to read it.

So, what I'm grateful for this week is mothers. Motherhood is one of those things that is always on my mind, because that's what I do, but this past week I've thought about it more. We had a friend pass away this past week, she's the wife of Tavish's good friend growing up. She left a husband and 4 kids under the age of 8. We went to the viewing and it was just awful seeing those cute little kids there without their mom. Depressing, you can imagine how it felt being there as a mom in the same stage of life as this girl, and all the thoughts going on in my head- enough said about that.

This, and mother's day, made me think about how blessed I've been to have such a wonderful mom for all of these years. I also have a wonderful mother-in-law and grandma. And even though it's tough, I really like being a mom too. So- not to be morbid or anything- but if I die before my time please help Tavish find a new wife (even though it makes me jealous thinking about it, and I know he won't like that comment :) ). My kids need a mom, just like Mars needs moms.

Happy Mother's Day! I love you Mom!

Monday, May 3, 2010

Teacher Appreciation

This week is Teacher Appreciation week. I was designated to decorate the door. Let me tell ya- I was surprised how much time and stress this was for me; dumb to stress over a door- I know. I was worried because I'm not the most artistic person... but it turned out fine. I had many ideas from the internet, other people... and I ended up going with this. I kept thinking, "what kind of door would I want as a teacher?" (Really and truly, I never really cared what my door looked like when I taught.) I decided though, that I would like a message from the kids and CANDY! So, although I'm not artistic, and it might not be the cutest door in the school, it has messages from the kids and candy :) (If I found this door Mon. morning, I would have taken all the candy out of the packages and left the wrappers- wouldn't want the kids begging me for candy all day :) )
I decorated this in the dark, the power was out for 4-5 hours. It went out just as I was going to print my last letter- the & sign, so I had to make it by hand. Luckily it didn't go out before or it would have looked much worse :)
I really do appreciate teachers, especially since I've been one. Teaching is one of those things that you really don't understand how it is until you become a teacher yourself. Like motherhood- about every mother would probably agree that she really didn't understand all that goes into being a mom until she became one herself. That's how teaching was for me. Teachers work many long, hard hours planning, preparing, dealing with all sorts of kids (and parents), following orders from administrators, taking classes, going to meetings... all for not the best pay.

So, this week I'm grateful for Andrew's teacher, and past teacher. I feel like I have someone helping me raise my child. He has learned many things from his teachers, not just his ABCs and 123s. His teachers teach him how to respect others and himself, how to take turns, how to be responsible, how to be honest, how to better socialize, how to not quit, how to be a good citizen, how to quietly wait in line, play nice... and I'm sure I could think of more. If you can think of more, feel free to leave a comment.
I love and appreciate school teachers! ... and I'm not biased. :)
Thanks Mrs. Ellis- this one's for you- and all the other teachers out there!