Often times in my class I like to bring in a text set with differing views of a certain issue. I keep my nose out of it, but listen as children share their thoughts. This summer I read two books (both realistic fiction) about illegal immigration. One was a story of a young boy trying multiple times to get to The North to find work and help feed his family, and another about a Cuban boy making the little league world series with his team from the bronx, only to find out that he wasn't allowed to play because he was not a legal, and when this came out he risked deportation for him and his family of five.
Today, I found this news article. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21950265/
Again, a great story to give an altering view to some considering the issue. And also sheds some light on the humanitarian efforts of even those "illegal." Here's the thing. I haven't been able to find appropriate texts with a differing view point. I know I should be able to find something, either a news article, or press brief about new laws. But all seem to be a little confusing to young people. I surely won't bring in the above things until I have something to counter. And I'm looking. Any ideas?
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Waiting...
Yeah, so patience has never been my area of expertise. Today Jay and Becky are flying in for Thanksgiving. There were some flight trouble due to snow and ice, so their flight is not here until 11:30 pm instead of 4:55 pm. I can't tell you the last time when I was this excited. I think it was probably when I was waiting for Emily to be born. Seriously. I haven't seen Becky since Matt and Jana's wedding in June of 2006 and I haven't seen Jay since when he crashed the baby shower when I was pregnant with Emily and my aunt Gywnn thought Mindy hired a stripper. Seriously though, I think that was the last time. Two of my favorite people.
Happy Thanksgiving to everybody.
Happy Thanksgiving to everybody.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Farm Boys
We found this place, Farm Boys, a couple of years ago. It is a local restaurant, no chain. It actually moved into a new building about year ago. This place is awesome! They have the best BBQ of those we've tried. For those who were as clueless as I was before I moved here, most of these style restaurants have a buffet line. In that line you can find both mustard and vinegar based pulled pork, hash to be served over white rice, creamed corn, collards, lima beans, smoked ribs, cole slaw, homemade mac and cheese, hushpuppies, and of course your basic white roll. It is seriously a carb fest, and most times everything on my plate is the same color. But it is so good.
Friday night we went here with Linda. THe entire restaurant is decorated in country farm/pigs. (Think BJ's Kountry Kitchen decor). There is a sign in the bathroom that says, "If there are no more towels in this here dispenser, use your clothes." Nice. Everybody knows everybody, and the dining area resembles a dining hall at the church camp I went to as a kid. Everything is throw away plastic plates, and styrofoam cups, which is a whole issue in itself. The pitchers of sweet tea sit out on each table, and there are rolls of paper towels on a stick to be used instead of napkins.
The place is huge now that they are in the new building, however there was a wait that extended around the cash register. People just wait for an open table, and then go sit down. It has made quite the name for itself.
I wish the place would be open this next weekend so we could take Becky and Jay while they are here, but the entire restaurant closes down for both the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a culture all in itself, and something we totally want to share with anybody who comes to visit.
Friday night we went here with Linda. THe entire restaurant is decorated in country farm/pigs. (Think BJ's Kountry Kitchen decor). There is a sign in the bathroom that says, "If there are no more towels in this here dispenser, use your clothes." Nice. Everybody knows everybody, and the dining area resembles a dining hall at the church camp I went to as a kid. Everything is throw away plastic plates, and styrofoam cups, which is a whole issue in itself. The pitchers of sweet tea sit out on each table, and there are rolls of paper towels on a stick to be used instead of napkins.
The place is huge now that they are in the new building, however there was a wait that extended around the cash register. People just wait for an open table, and then go sit down. It has made quite the name for itself.
I wish the place would be open this next weekend so we could take Becky and Jay while they are here, but the entire restaurant closes down for both the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a culture all in itself, and something we totally want to share with anybody who comes to visit.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Monday Disaster??
I meant to post regarding this last week. But I'm just now getting around to it.
Last Monday as I filled my coffee cup before work, there was a loud bang, loud enough that I dropped my cup. Now mind you, it was 6:40ish ( I typically leave for work by 7 am) and where we live it is extremely quiet. The bang was so loud, I thought a bomb had gone off in our garage. I opened the garage door, and there was steam everywhere. Once I opened the big garage door and the steam blew away, I noticed our hot water heater was gushing water out the bottom.
I ran back inside and yelled up the stairs, "EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY!!!!!" Scott still thinks this was absurd of me, but it was however an emergency! As I waited for him to come downstairs, I pulled the car out of the garage and made sure none of the picture books from Scott's classroom were in the line of water. But they weren't.
Scott came down, we frantically pulled the water off and the gas to the water heater off. Then all we could do was watch while the hot water heater emptied, and hot steamy water poured down the driveway into the street.
We stood there, somewhat helpless, and realized that a huge purchase was about to set us under for the month. (Sure enough, we have some sort of "special" set-up with our water heater that safely releases the carbon monoxide from the unit. And by safe I mean EXPENSIVE!) But all we could do was grin and shrug. We sat there in a hug and all that came to my mind were the lyrics "It's just another manic Monday....."
I don't think I will ever forget that moment. I was so happy for both of our calm attitudes, and for Scott being able to tell me he would handle it. Off I went to work with a smile, and before I got home, the new unit had been installed. Expensive purchase that we didn't expect? Yes. But no big deal. I love life. :)
Last Monday as I filled my coffee cup before work, there was a loud bang, loud enough that I dropped my cup. Now mind you, it was 6:40ish ( I typically leave for work by 7 am) and where we live it is extremely quiet. The bang was so loud, I thought a bomb had gone off in our garage. I opened the garage door, and there was steam everywhere. Once I opened the big garage door and the steam blew away, I noticed our hot water heater was gushing water out the bottom.
I ran back inside and yelled up the stairs, "EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY!!!!!" Scott still thinks this was absurd of me, but it was however an emergency! As I waited for him to come downstairs, I pulled the car out of the garage and made sure none of the picture books from Scott's classroom were in the line of water. But they weren't.
Scott came down, we frantically pulled the water off and the gas to the water heater off. Then all we could do was watch while the hot water heater emptied, and hot steamy water poured down the driveway into the street.
We stood there, somewhat helpless, and realized that a huge purchase was about to set us under for the month. (Sure enough, we have some sort of "special" set-up with our water heater that safely releases the carbon monoxide from the unit. And by safe I mean EXPENSIVE!) But all we could do was grin and shrug. We sat there in a hug and all that came to my mind were the lyrics "It's just another manic Monday....."
I don't think I will ever forget that moment. I was so happy for both of our calm attitudes, and for Scott being able to tell me he would handle it. Off I went to work with a smile, and before I got home, the new unit had been installed. Expensive purchase that we didn't expect? Yes. But no big deal. I love life. :)
Monday, November 05, 2007
Boo at the Zoo
This wasn't from Halloween (more on that costume when I get the pictures) but this was from Saturday's Boo at the Zoo. We got to trick or treat the animal houses, roast marshmallows, dance, and play in bubbles. Here are some picture highlights.
Friday, November 02, 2007
This guy
This is one of those times when I just want to brag on my husband and tell everybody about something I know he is too humble to mention.
Well, let me explain that Scott has a cohort of about 30 undergrads that are studying to be teachers. They are in their internships, and they are also taking his class this semester. He taught them in another class last spring semester, and he will also have them again for their final course next semester. One of them was in my room last spring doing her student teaching, and through her I know that these kids love having Scott as their professor. They were all so pleased to know he would be continuing with them in the additional semesters, and have really gotten to know him.
The mortor board society in the honors college has awards they give out each year for excellence in teaching at the university level. Scott was nominated by his students to receive this award. So, last night we got all dressed up and went to this really awesome building on campus (built in like 1801) and went to the awards reception. Each member of the mortor board stood and made remarks about the professor that was nominated. The student who nominated Scott made wonderful remarks about his passion for teaching, his integrity as a professor, and other things. She also said that it was not just her, but a cohort of thirty students who unanimously agreed that Scott was deserving of the award.
Anyhow, after the reception we went just the two of us to an awesome restaurant downtown and got to have an actual dinner conversation. It was fabulous. So yeah, just had to let you know he's doing such a great job! :)
Well, let me explain that Scott has a cohort of about 30 undergrads that are studying to be teachers. They are in their internships, and they are also taking his class this semester. He taught them in another class last spring semester, and he will also have them again for their final course next semester. One of them was in my room last spring doing her student teaching, and through her I know that these kids love having Scott as their professor. They were all so pleased to know he would be continuing with them in the additional semesters, and have really gotten to know him.
The mortor board society in the honors college has awards they give out each year for excellence in teaching at the university level. Scott was nominated by his students to receive this award. So, last night we got all dressed up and went to this really awesome building on campus (built in like 1801) and went to the awards reception. Each member of the mortor board stood and made remarks about the professor that was nominated. The student who nominated Scott made wonderful remarks about his passion for teaching, his integrity as a professor, and other things. She also said that it was not just her, but a cohort of thirty students who unanimously agreed that Scott was deserving of the award.
Anyhow, after the reception we went just the two of us to an awesome restaurant downtown and got to have an actual dinner conversation. It was fabulous. So yeah, just had to let you know he's doing such a great job! :)
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Have I reached my censorship line?
When Harry Potter came out and so many families deemed it unfit for their children, I was annoyed. I understand the point trying to be made regarding magic and all that, but goodness, should Emily not watch Cinderella? And yes, I read the 2006 Newberry award winner with the word scrotum on the first page, and I got over it. Not. A. Big. Deal. Both Harry Potter and The Higher Power of Lucky are sitting in my classroom.
I believe kids can be culturally aware without being consumed. Books with different ideas and messages birth conversations about beliefs that allow children to define themselves and their own beliefs... if parents are willing to allow that sort of independence. But it is this independence that grows a faith in oneself, grounded in the identity of the individual, not a reflection of a parental pair. Therefore, I have books in my classroom that reflect different viewpoints from what many hear at home, hear on the news, or even hear in other books. We read them, discuss them, and through much thinking, I believe kids in my class learn to develop their own beliefs regarding the material. Of course these beliefs are formed not just by the experience in our classroom, but I know the experience helped them own an idea that they might not have otherwise paid any attention. This makes them responsible thinkers who form opinions after reviewing different viewpoints.
However, there is a book that is getting a lot of attention lately because a movie coming out next week is based off of the trilogy. The movie is The Golden Compass, and the book trilogy begins with His Dark Materials, by Phillip Pullman. Now at first I got that simple comment from a friend about this book being "harmful to kids" and "it is against God" and such. And then I got the mass forwards talking about how irresponsible we would be to allow a child to watch the movie, or worse read the book. Honestly I thought this was another christian bandwagon to jump on, similar to Harry Potter. But I did some research and what I found was specific. Apparently this author wrote the series as a direct opposition to C.S. Lewis. The first was published in 1996 and the next two followed. In this book Pullman "kills God." Now I haven't read the book (though I think I will) but I read multiple reviews, and an article the BBC put out after interviewing Pullman. He says that he believes the world would be a better place without God, and that religious tyranny has caused much pain to the innocent. Yes, he is an atheist. It's not the beliefs that I have a problem with but it is that he says he needs a way to infiltrate the relationship between parent and child so that children won't be brainwashed into religion. Thus, the book. Hmmmm. Okay, so yes I have a problem with his motives, and of course I don't agree with his opinion of God or christians.
But here comes the hard part. Would I keep this book out of my library? I'm not saying I was even thinking about buying it before the controversy came about, because I had never heard of it. But would I make the choice to keep it out, or do I include it to offer an opposing viewpoint, similar to the books I have on both sides of other issues? And if I do keep it out is it because I would not be allowed, if the situation arose, to have a conversation with a child reading this book regarding religious beliefs as per the law regarding such? Or would I be keeping it out because it conflicted with my own personal beliefs about God? I ask because I seriously don't know. If my reasoning is because of separation between church and state, well then fine. I know I couldn't sit and chit chat with a student about religious beliefs. But if my reasoning is because it just makes me uncomfortable, well then I am not comfortable with that either.
Anyhow, it's been on my mind for a bit. Just curious as to your thoughts while I am trying to sort through my own.
I believe kids can be culturally aware without being consumed. Books with different ideas and messages birth conversations about beliefs that allow children to define themselves and their own beliefs... if parents are willing to allow that sort of independence. But it is this independence that grows a faith in oneself, grounded in the identity of the individual, not a reflection of a parental pair. Therefore, I have books in my classroom that reflect different viewpoints from what many hear at home, hear on the news, or even hear in other books. We read them, discuss them, and through much thinking, I believe kids in my class learn to develop their own beliefs regarding the material. Of course these beliefs are formed not just by the experience in our classroom, but I know the experience helped them own an idea that they might not have otherwise paid any attention. This makes them responsible thinkers who form opinions after reviewing different viewpoints.
However, there is a book that is getting a lot of attention lately because a movie coming out next week is based off of the trilogy. The movie is The Golden Compass, and the book trilogy begins with His Dark Materials, by Phillip Pullman. Now at first I got that simple comment from a friend about this book being "harmful to kids" and "it is against God" and such. And then I got the mass forwards talking about how irresponsible we would be to allow a child to watch the movie, or worse read the book. Honestly I thought this was another christian bandwagon to jump on, similar to Harry Potter. But I did some research and what I found was specific. Apparently this author wrote the series as a direct opposition to C.S. Lewis. The first was published in 1996 and the next two followed. In this book Pullman "kills God." Now I haven't read the book (though I think I will) but I read multiple reviews, and an article the BBC put out after interviewing Pullman. He says that he believes the world would be a better place without God, and that religious tyranny has caused much pain to the innocent. Yes, he is an atheist. It's not the beliefs that I have a problem with but it is that he says he needs a way to infiltrate the relationship between parent and child so that children won't be brainwashed into religion. Thus, the book. Hmmmm. Okay, so yes I have a problem with his motives, and of course I don't agree with his opinion of God or christians.
But here comes the hard part. Would I keep this book out of my library? I'm not saying I was even thinking about buying it before the controversy came about, because I had never heard of it. But would I make the choice to keep it out, or do I include it to offer an opposing viewpoint, similar to the books I have on both sides of other issues? And if I do keep it out is it because I would not be allowed, if the situation arose, to have a conversation with a child reading this book regarding religious beliefs as per the law regarding such? Or would I be keeping it out because it conflicted with my own personal beliefs about God? I ask because I seriously don't know. If my reasoning is because of separation between church and state, well then fine. I know I couldn't sit and chit chat with a student about religious beliefs. But if my reasoning is because it just makes me uncomfortable, well then I am not comfortable with that either.
Anyhow, it's been on my mind for a bit. Just curious as to your thoughts while I am trying to sort through my own.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Home body
This evening when I got home from work all I wanted to do was stay home. I think maybe because it was raining? Sometimes I turn into the biggest home body, and it seems more often than not when it is rainy. Not because I don't like to drive in the rain, or anything, but rather because I think rain is my symbol of relaxation and comfort. I put on a pot of chili beans, and while they stewed on the stove Emily and I played and read books. The t.v. stayed off (an indication of a good evening) and we made a huge mess out of her toys. After dinner Scott bathed Em, and Linda and I cleaned up the kitchen. Now Em is in bed, the rain has stopped, and I am enjoying the house aired out with the windows open.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Pictures As Promised
Emily playing ball in the backyard with Dakota
Singing and dancing in full dress-up costume
Me and Em playing "we're asleep" to Scott
Emily sitting in my vinca.
Fair Highlights
Some of you probably know that I am not the best at being still for long periods of time (I know, shocking isn't it?) which makes me not the best person to go to a concert. However, I can handle a fair concert which lasts only ninety minutes or so. By the time the did their couple of encore songs, I was ready. Don't get me wrong, I like Third Day a lot, and was enjoying it, but the length was perfect for my short attention span.
Of course we ate way too much food last night. There was great greasy food everywhere. I have to chuckle at the person from the Pepto Bismol advertising department who decided it was a good idea to pass out free samples in the middle of Food Row. Nice. Scott made sure to pick up plenty. We had corn dogs, fries, lemonade, and funnel cakes. Yum! I love funnel cakes. Now I am not the type that likes that canned fruit compote garbage on top. Just the word "compote" sounds nasty. Too close to "compost." Maybe the same idea. Just some powdered sugar and cinnamon for me please.
We met some friends there to go to the concert, and the three wives went on some rides together. The husbands all made dumb comments about not wanting to go on the rides... something about not being bolted to the ground... meh, whatever. We did the twirling swings, the spinning cars that go round and round, the euro slide, and that ride that you lay down on and it makes you look like you're hang gliding. Fun fun fun. I seriously felt ten again.
After we looked at some exhibits, we decided to head out for a beer before going home. I had such a great time, and I think Scott did too. I haven't seen him that relaxed in months. The fair is always a good date.
Of course we ate way too much food last night. There was great greasy food everywhere. I have to chuckle at the person from the Pepto Bismol advertising department who decided it was a good idea to pass out free samples in the middle of Food Row. Nice. Scott made sure to pick up plenty. We had corn dogs, fries, lemonade, and funnel cakes. Yum! I love funnel cakes. Now I am not the type that likes that canned fruit compote garbage on top. Just the word "compote" sounds nasty. Too close to "compost." Maybe the same idea. Just some powdered sugar and cinnamon for me please.
We met some friends there to go to the concert, and the three wives went on some rides together. The husbands all made dumb comments about not wanting to go on the rides... something about not being bolted to the ground... meh, whatever. We did the twirling swings, the spinning cars that go round and round, the euro slide, and that ride that you lay down on and it makes you look like you're hang gliding. Fun fun fun. I seriously felt ten again.
After we looked at some exhibits, we decided to head out for a beer before going home. I had such a great time, and I think Scott did too. I haven't seen him that relaxed in months. The fair is always a good date.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
wednesday ramblings
This is what's on my mind about now:
* Going to the fair tomorrow. We're seeing Third Day, eating food, and hopefully going on the big people swings. I sure hope the huge thunder storms and possible "severe weather" doesn't ruin our fun. I have been looking forward to this date for weeks.
* Oh darn. I forgot to tape Grey's Anatomy. Shoot.
* I love my job. Have I said that lately? I love it, love it, love it. I had a fabulous day today.
* Emily went to bed so much better tonight. I tell ya, the kid hasn't been falling asleep until well after 9:30 this week. I can't deal. Finally today she went right in and read her books, I turned off the light, she fell asleep. Just as it should be. Thank goodness.
* I probably need to wash the car this weekend. Boy do I procrastinate with that. I hate washing the car. Anybody else want to do it for me?
* Only a few weeks until Becky and Jay get here, which is great because I am really having issues with missing my friends and family as of lately. Their visit is going to be so needed. I can't wait!
* Going to the fair tomorrow. We're seeing Third Day, eating food, and hopefully going on the big people swings. I sure hope the huge thunder storms and possible "severe weather" doesn't ruin our fun. I have been looking forward to this date for weeks.
* Oh darn. I forgot to tape Grey's Anatomy. Shoot.
* I love my job. Have I said that lately? I love it, love it, love it. I had a fabulous day today.
* Emily went to bed so much better tonight. I tell ya, the kid hasn't been falling asleep until well after 9:30 this week. I can't deal. Finally today she went right in and read her books, I turned off the light, she fell asleep. Just as it should be. Thank goodness.
* I probably need to wash the car this weekend. Boy do I procrastinate with that. I hate washing the car. Anybody else want to do it for me?
* Only a few weeks until Becky and Jay get here, which is great because I am really having issues with missing my friends and family as of lately. Their visit is going to be so needed. I can't wait!
Sunday, October 07, 2007
TODAY'S THE DAY!
This morning at 5 am, Emily and I dropped Scott off at the airport here in Columbia. He will fly to CA and meet up with his mom and they will drive back here. For those of you who don't know, Linda is moving to Columbia with us for awhile. The plan is she will find a job here and then find and buy a house. For the past year or two we have anticipated this happening. We knew that when David was gone there would really be no reason for Linda to stay in San Bernardino. (Seriously one of the ugliest cities I have ever visited, among other things.)
Now I have really been thinking about this, and gearing up for it since August. I joke around with friends about how miserable I am going to be, and how mother-in-laws should never move in no matter if they are nice or annoyingly awful. But really, Scott and I are thinking this will be okay. Linda really has no relationship with Emily, as they have never spent any length of time together. This will give them the opportunity to learn how to interact with each other. I know Scott likes the idea of being able to help her out, and we're both glad that she will finally be closer. (Though in another household is preferable of course.)
I know there will be rough times as we transition into the new addition to our home. I know that uncomfortable conversations about disagreements are things that come with the territory. But these conversations are quite necessary if we are ever going to spend more time together, same house or not, and I do want to get to know her better.
Above all, I am proud of myself for being the wife that says this is okay, I am proud of Scott for being such a loving son to his mom, and I am so thankful that God provided us with a house with an extra bedroom.
We're already off to a great start because she sold her house and it successfully closed escrow Friday, she bought a new car (something she completely deserves), and she is all packed up. Scott hopes to have the drive finished by Thursday. I will keep you updated.
Now I have really been thinking about this, and gearing up for it since August. I joke around with friends about how miserable I am going to be, and how mother-in-laws should never move in no matter if they are nice or annoyingly awful. But really, Scott and I are thinking this will be okay. Linda really has no relationship with Emily, as they have never spent any length of time together. This will give them the opportunity to learn how to interact with each other. I know Scott likes the idea of being able to help her out, and we're both glad that she will finally be closer. (Though in another household is preferable of course.)
I know there will be rough times as we transition into the new addition to our home. I know that uncomfortable conversations about disagreements are things that come with the territory. But these conversations are quite necessary if we are ever going to spend more time together, same house or not, and I do want to get to know her better.
Above all, I am proud of myself for being the wife that says this is okay, I am proud of Scott for being such a loving son to his mom, and I am so thankful that God provided us with a house with an extra bedroom.
We're already off to a great start because she sold her house and it successfully closed escrow Friday, she bought a new car (something she completely deserves), and she is all packed up. Scott hopes to have the drive finished by Thursday. I will keep you updated.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Monkey Bread
I don't make it that often, but it goes great with a big cup of coffee and a newspaper.
INGREDIENTS
3 (12 ounce) packages refrigerated biscuit dough
1 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup raisins
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease one 9 or 10 inch tube pan.
Mix white sugar and cinnamon in a plastic bag. Cut biscuits into quarters. Shake 6 to 8 biscuit pieces in the sugar cinnamon mix. Arrange pieces in the bottom of the prepared pan. Continue until all biscuits are coated and placed in pan. If using nuts and raisins, arrange them in and among the biscuit pieces as you go along.
In a small saucepan, melt the margarine with the brown sugar over medium heat. Boil for 1 minute. Pour over the biscuits.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 35 minutes. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a plate. Do not cut! The bread just pulls apart.
Monday, October 01, 2007
The one and only Emily
A good friend of mine got these shoes for Emily when she was shopping for her own daughter. They were on the front step when Emily got home, and wow was she excited!
Now that a couple weeks have gone by, I thought that maybe the princess shoe fixation has worn off. But alas, this evening we found a new love for the shoes. Emily insisted on wearing them outside. She provided me with a lengthy explanation about how these fabulous shoes actually make her princess, and that she must wear them.
So out she goes. And what does she do? She found a snail, and two lizards. “Mommy, look! The lizard is just a baby, and he isn’t green!”
What I just love about her personality is she loves so many things. She isn’t just a tomboy, and she isn’t just a princess. She isn’t a drama queen, though she can throw a good fit. She will eat sushi, yet doesn’t care for ranch so much. She is so unpredictable, but yet so Emily. She’s not like anybody else, and that is probably my favorite thing about her.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
What a Saturday
This morning started off like any normal Saturday. But it just seemed better. I'm sure my good mood began because Scott and I got to sleep in until seven. That's late for Emily. But also, I loved waking to the house nicely chilled with the widows open. I think Autumn is my favorite season followed by Spring, both of which are longer here than I am used to. Everything is just so fresh and airy when you can leave the windows open and the air conditioner off.
Emily and I made monkey bread together while Scott got ready for his class. It turned out great, and Emily loves making things in the kitchen with me. He had breakfast with us before heading out. I had a women's ministry meeting at our house, and then Emily's friends stayed for lunch and to play. Our playroom was a wreck, but looked like a playroom should. After picking up a bit, she took a long nap, and I got to spend some time reading before Scott got home, and Em woke up.
We grilled outside for dinner, and now we're watching Toy Story. I am the only one who has seen it here, and I guess I forgot how cute it is. Emily loves it and Scott thinks it is pretty cute too.
Once Emily goes to bed, we have some blended fuzzy navels in the freezer. Yum.
I haven't even stepped foot in the car today, the laundry is still piled up, there's homework to grade, and the bathrooms all need to be cleaned, but I've had a great day playing. Oh, and the Gamecocks beat Mississippi State, but that's just icing on the cake. :)
Emily and I made monkey bread together while Scott got ready for his class. It turned out great, and Emily loves making things in the kitchen with me. He had breakfast with us before heading out. I had a women's ministry meeting at our house, and then Emily's friends stayed for lunch and to play. Our playroom was a wreck, but looked like a playroom should. After picking up a bit, she took a long nap, and I got to spend some time reading before Scott got home, and Em woke up.
We grilled outside for dinner, and now we're watching Toy Story. I am the only one who has seen it here, and I guess I forgot how cute it is. Emily loves it and Scott thinks it is pretty cute too.
Once Emily goes to bed, we have some blended fuzzy navels in the freezer. Yum.
I haven't even stepped foot in the car today, the laundry is still piled up, there's homework to grade, and the bathrooms all need to be cleaned, but I've had a great day playing. Oh, and the Gamecocks beat Mississippi State, but that's just icing on the cake. :)
Thursday, September 27, 2007
It's Been a While . . .
During the summer I tried to get better about posting but this semester has been brutal so I won't be posting all the much. And if I'm that busy than Malisa is picking up my slack.
My reading schedule has been pretty demanding this semester. The amount is quite extensive but it's not the most I've had. It's mainly WHAT I'm reading. One of my classes is Anthropological Inquiry. I was excited about this class but I've been disappointed due to the teacher's lack of teaching. Each week she has apologized for not doing a good job of explaining some pretty difficult concepts to understand. So far we have read people like Darwin, Marx/Engles, Durkheim, Mead, Foucault, Spencer, Tylor, Malinowski, Boas, etc. These are the foundational people in anthropological thinking. I have little background in anthropology so understanding social Darwinism, functionalism, historical particularism, etc. has forced me to do lots of research on my own. My teacher's explanations are just as clear as these people's writings. I will admit one thing - I understand atheistic perspectives a bit better. I'm not going in that direction but it's a perspective that's important for me to understand as it pertains to culture and sociocultural perspectives.
My other two classes alternate on Saturdays so I have class all day every Saturday. They are my typical education courses - challenging but comprehendible. So I teach my Reading Assessment on Tuesday and head to my anthropology class. I supervise student teachers on Wednesday. I have anthropology again on Thursday leaving my Monday and Friday. Except in two week I will begin volunteering at an orphanage so that will take up several hours a week.
What's hard to imagine is in December I will begin studying for my comprehensive exams so I will begin my dissertation this time next year.
So sorry I won't be posting as often but I will be trying to read everyone's blog as often as possible.
Scott
My reading schedule has been pretty demanding this semester. The amount is quite extensive but it's not the most I've had. It's mainly WHAT I'm reading. One of my classes is Anthropological Inquiry. I was excited about this class but I've been disappointed due to the teacher's lack of teaching. Each week she has apologized for not doing a good job of explaining some pretty difficult concepts to understand. So far we have read people like Darwin, Marx/Engles, Durkheim, Mead, Foucault, Spencer, Tylor, Malinowski, Boas, etc. These are the foundational people in anthropological thinking. I have little background in anthropology so understanding social Darwinism, functionalism, historical particularism, etc. has forced me to do lots of research on my own. My teacher's explanations are just as clear as these people's writings. I will admit one thing - I understand atheistic perspectives a bit better. I'm not going in that direction but it's a perspective that's important for me to understand as it pertains to culture and sociocultural perspectives.
My other two classes alternate on Saturdays so I have class all day every Saturday. They are my typical education courses - challenging but comprehendible. So I teach my Reading Assessment on Tuesday and head to my anthropology class. I supervise student teachers on Wednesday. I have anthropology again on Thursday leaving my Monday and Friday. Except in two week I will begin volunteering at an orphanage so that will take up several hours a week.
What's hard to imagine is in December I will begin studying for my comprehensive exams so I will begin my dissertation this time next year.
So sorry I won't be posting as often but I will be trying to read everyone's blog as often as possible.
Scott
Friday, August 31, 2007
Restaurants.com
I thought I would pass this deal along since this is the last day at Restaurants.com. You can buy $25 gift certificates to many restaurants in your area for $4 and you get a free $10 gift certificate to wherever. There are some limitations: only good Monday - Thursday . . . you can use one certificate once a month and with one party . . . you can't combine certificates.
Scott
Scott
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
8 things
Here are the rules:
- Each player starts with eight random facts about themselves.
- Those who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight facts and post these rules.
- At the end of the post, choose some people to get tagged and list their names.
So here are my 8 facts about myself:
1. When I was little I decided I didn't really want a little sister, so my parents helped me put postage stamps on her forehead and tried to put her in the mailbox to send her back. It didn't work, but by the time I figured that out I decided I didn't want to send her back after all. I bet my parents counted on me changing my mind, but I have always wondered what they would have done if I hadn't?
2. My favorite time of the week is Sunday morning before church when we all eat breakfast together, followed by Scott and I drinking coffee and reading the newspaper while Emily watches cartoons.
3. At school I like getting the "bad kid" that nobody wants. I guess I am prideful in a way that makes me think I can do what they can't.
4. I was born in Taft. (big sigh)
5. One of my biggest fears is that one day Scott is going to get so mad at my cat's (ethel) devious acts that he will make me get rid of her, and I know nobody else would want her, and a shelter would euthanize her. I think about this too often. (and it doesn't help when she goes into Scott's walk-in closet and pees all over his silk ties. or when she waits for the moment we get home from a trip, makes eye contact with us, and pees all over the kitchen rug.) Thank goodness I have a patient and loving husband.
6. I have an addiction right now with a local Italian cafe that makes their own gellato. I could go there every night.
7. As a nine year old I remember watching the coverage right after the 1989 San Fran earthquake. While taking a bath that night my dad climbed under my bed. Then when I climbed into bed for the night and the lights were out he started jumping up and down, shaking me and my bed. I should be seriously scarred for life after some of the crazy things he pulled with us.
8. One of the biggest things I miss about CA is sitting on our back patio with friends late at night.
Justin, Julie, and Dana... if you take the time, you're next.
- Each player starts with eight random facts about themselves.
- Those who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight facts and post these rules.
- At the end of the post, choose some people to get tagged and list their names.
So here are my 8 facts about myself:
1. When I was little I decided I didn't really want a little sister, so my parents helped me put postage stamps on her forehead and tried to put her in the mailbox to send her back. It didn't work, but by the time I figured that out I decided I didn't want to send her back after all. I bet my parents counted on me changing my mind, but I have always wondered what they would have done if I hadn't?
2. My favorite time of the week is Sunday morning before church when we all eat breakfast together, followed by Scott and I drinking coffee and reading the newspaper while Emily watches cartoons.
3. At school I like getting the "bad kid" that nobody wants. I guess I am prideful in a way that makes me think I can do what they can't.
4. I was born in Taft. (big sigh)
5. One of my biggest fears is that one day Scott is going to get so mad at my cat's (ethel) devious acts that he will make me get rid of her, and I know nobody else would want her, and a shelter would euthanize her. I think about this too often. (and it doesn't help when she goes into Scott's walk-in closet and pees all over his silk ties. or when she waits for the moment we get home from a trip, makes eye contact with us, and pees all over the kitchen rug.) Thank goodness I have a patient and loving husband.
6. I have an addiction right now with a local Italian cafe that makes their own gellato. I could go there every night.
7. As a nine year old I remember watching the coverage right after the 1989 San Fran earthquake. While taking a bath that night my dad climbed under my bed. Then when I climbed into bed for the night and the lights were out he started jumping up and down, shaking me and my bed. I should be seriously scarred for life after some of the crazy things he pulled with us.
8. One of the biggest things I miss about CA is sitting on our back patio with friends late at night.
Justin, Julie, and Dana... if you take the time, you're next.
Monday, August 27, 2007
"Looks like somebodys got a case of the Mondays"
Fifty percent of my struggle with going to the gym is getting my bag together the night before so I can shower there and make it to work on time. So last night when I was getting things ready for the week I put together my bag of things for the morning shower at the gym. I put everything in the car, including my school bags, lap top, etc.
So this morning when the alarm went off at 5:15 I didn't mind getting up because I was well prepared, and that's half the battle, right? I even had new gym clothes which is always a plus. I change and walk out the door and drive the few miles it is to the YMCA.
WHen I get there I realize I can't find my gym card. As I rummage threw my bag I feel a sting on my pinky finger. I take it out to look, and realize I have caught the tip end of my finger on the four-bladed razor in my shower bag. Oops. The darn thing took the entire top off, making my nicely rounded finger into a flat top. It was bleeding like crazy.
Luckily I found a wash cloth and wrapped around my profusely bleeding finger so that I can drive home. It didn't stop bleeding for long time, and now it looks gross as you can see the actually chunk that is missing. I bet if I go back to the razor I could actually find it.
Ughh. And all I wanted to do was get a workout in.
Other than that, my Monday went fine. Anybody else?
So this morning when the alarm went off at 5:15 I didn't mind getting up because I was well prepared, and that's half the battle, right? I even had new gym clothes which is always a plus. I change and walk out the door and drive the few miles it is to the YMCA.
WHen I get there I realize I can't find my gym card. As I rummage threw my bag I feel a sting on my pinky finger. I take it out to look, and realize I have caught the tip end of my finger on the four-bladed razor in my shower bag. Oops. The darn thing took the entire top off, making my nicely rounded finger into a flat top. It was bleeding like crazy.
Luckily I found a wash cloth and wrapped around my profusely bleeding finger so that I can drive home. It didn't stop bleeding for long time, and now it looks gross as you can see the actually chunk that is missing. I bet if I go back to the razor I could actually find it.
Ughh. And all I wanted to do was get a workout in.
Other than that, my Monday went fine. Anybody else?
Saturday, August 25, 2007
And... they're off!
We are back from our trip. We spent time with family, the funeral was arranged beautifully, and Scott gave a beautiful eulogy that I know honored David. Seriously, the boy can write. It couldn't have been worded more eloquently, and I was proud of him for it all.
Now school has officially started. We got back for CA in the wee hours of Monday morning, and then I was up at 5:30 to get to work early and make up all that I didn't get to do the days I was out the week before. Meetings, and then Thursday was our first day with students. I have a great class of 20 (how I love not teaching in CA) who all seem excited to be fourth graders.
Luckily, Scott's start is a little slower than mine, as he began with student interns this past week, started a class today, begins teaching and taking another this week, and then his final class he's taking doesn't begin until mid-September. He is busy, don't get me wrong, but it is staggered. This has been great, because of all that he has done around the house to make up for when we were gone. How thrilled I was to return home last Mon to have my laundry all clean and folded!
Emily started back with Ms. Shari, and she is thrilled. The only drama in her two year-old life is that her special friend T.J. went to Kindergarten this year, and she misses him. Other than that, and she's having a ball.
Today I made a to-do list that included going to Sam's, the market, cleaning toilets, and vacuuming the carpet. I got the shopping done, but think I'd rather take a nap. It's been a long, but good week.
(my first day of school picture to follow)
Now school has officially started. We got back for CA in the wee hours of Monday morning, and then I was up at 5:30 to get to work early and make up all that I didn't get to do the days I was out the week before. Meetings, and then Thursday was our first day with students. I have a great class of 20 (how I love not teaching in CA) who all seem excited to be fourth graders.
Luckily, Scott's start is a little slower than mine, as he began with student interns this past week, started a class today, begins teaching and taking another this week, and then his final class he's taking doesn't begin until mid-September. He is busy, don't get me wrong, but it is staggered. This has been great, because of all that he has done around the house to make up for when we were gone. How thrilled I was to return home last Mon to have my laundry all clean and folded!
Emily started back with Ms. Shari, and she is thrilled. The only drama in her two year-old life is that her special friend T.J. went to Kindergarten this year, and she misses him. Other than that, and she's having a ball.
Today I made a to-do list that included going to Sam's, the market, cleaning toilets, and vacuuming the carpet. I got the shopping done, but think I'd rather take a nap. It's been a long, but good week.
(my first day of school picture to follow)
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