I love to read. I always have and I hope I always will. As long as I can find something to read to pass the time or learn from I'm happy. I also find that I've gotten a lot more particular about what I read over the years. I used to read just about anything I could get my hands on. But now I figure out a couple chapters into a book if it is worth my time. After all, life is short, why waste it reading stuff you don't want to or trash!
I love having kids come to the library! Usually 98% of them are like kids in a candy store and love to come here. There are those few who "have a book they are already reading" or they "just can't find something they like" and there will be no pleasing them. That's life. But the excitement is fun to see and watch. I've had 5th and 6th graders in here already today and it has been a blast. The difference in one year of growth is amazing. The sixth graders are loving the library and remember how to find things on the computer and on the shelves on their own. They were very happy with the book marks I gave them and in general is was a great experience.
The fifth grade on the other hand was less fun. They are more needy and learning how to look a book up on the computer then find it in the library is always challenging for them at the start. They were asking for book marks rather than waiting until I got to them. One young lady wanted to read the first book of a series since she had book two...so she held up the checkout line so she could go look it up, or something like that rather than go back over to the shelf where she found book two. She wanted all my attention...she didn't understand there are 16 other people in the room who deserve my help as well. But most of them walked out of the library with a book or two. It is always fun to see the excitement on their faces as they start to read a new book! I love it!!
So I need to practice what I preach and do and READ more. I get too wrapped up in the work and life most days to even being to read like I wish I could. Note to self: Read MORE books!
Positive thought of the day: Reading is good for you! Sit down and read something for pleasure this weekend. I'm going to!
Friday, September 25, 2015
Thursday, September 24, 2015
All is quiet in the kingdom
Quiet days are nice after things have been crazy busy. I have also learned over the years that you can tell what the weather is going to do by the behavior and loudness of kids. I guess my grandmother used to say "they've got a storm loaded" by the behavior and loudness of her kids or the kids at church. You know what, you can tell the weather by the behavior or kids and animals! They can't help it, it just affects them.
So the fact that we are on day 2-1/2 of gray skies and rain has the students a bit quiet, which I'm not complaining about. But as a mom you always wonder what is going on when the kids are really quiet. That's usually when they are getting in the most trouble! This is also true!
Before all this rain and gray skies the kids were wound for sound (I blamed it on homecoming) and I wondered about the weather. But a heavy thunderstorm that dumped an inch in less than 20 minutes AND made dismissing school around 15 later than it should be was more the reason why!
It is homecoming week and with the dress up days things get a bit wacky and out of sorts because of all of this not normal stuff going on. Other than the one student wearing flippers and the slapping sounds they make as he goes down the hallway, it's pretty quiet around here on "beach day". The weather is far from beach-like. And I'm going to credit the weather with the subdued behavior. We can't go out. It has rained-A LOT! And it is time for the sun to shine but tomorrow would be a good time for that to happen.
So a quiet kingdom is a good thing, unless it is too quiet. Then you know there is trouble!
Positive thought of the day: Rain is a good thing. Too much rain...not so much. But the sun will shine again!
So the fact that we are on day 2-1/2 of gray skies and rain has the students a bit quiet, which I'm not complaining about. But as a mom you always wonder what is going on when the kids are really quiet. That's usually when they are getting in the most trouble! This is also true!
Before all this rain and gray skies the kids were wound for sound (I blamed it on homecoming) and I wondered about the weather. But a heavy thunderstorm that dumped an inch in less than 20 minutes AND made dismissing school around 15 later than it should be was more the reason why!
It is homecoming week and with the dress up days things get a bit wacky and out of sorts because of all of this not normal stuff going on. Other than the one student wearing flippers and the slapping sounds they make as he goes down the hallway, it's pretty quiet around here on "beach day". The weather is far from beach-like. And I'm going to credit the weather with the subdued behavior. We can't go out. It has rained-A LOT! And it is time for the sun to shine but tomorrow would be a good time for that to happen.
So a quiet kingdom is a good thing, unless it is too quiet. Then you know there is trouble!
Positive thought of the day: Rain is a good thing. Too much rain...not so much. But the sun will shine again!
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
An open letter...
Dear high school senior parent(s),
What an exciting time in your child's life their senior year is. This is the beginning of the end of a chapter for you and your child as they journey through their senior year. It is a year of a lot of decisions and growing up and changes. Things will never be the same after this year. Your child will either go off to college next year, or hopefully get a job if they don't continue their education or they will be living in your basement. College and full time work is a big change from high school as your child will find out in less than a year. A BIG change. They will be a very, very small fish in a big, big pond.
Senior year is an expensive year, from start to finish. If you have not figured this out yet, you will soon. But this year will seem cheap compared to college or your child being out on their own paying for an apartment and insurance and food. This is life.
But my purpose in writing this letter is to let you know that if your child is not chosen for the homecoming court or as king or queen of something it does not matter. It won't matter in a week, a month or a year. It's not a deal breaker if they are not chosen. It's life. Not everyone is chosen or wins at everything or gets a trophy or a crown. No one has ever gotten into college because they were homecoming queen or on the court or because they had perfect attendance for seven years straight...no one cares.
I've had the pleasure of watching high school seniors campaign their hearts out, thinking no one was noticing or wise to their actions and behavior over the years for a spot on the homecoming court or chosen as king or queen. Trust me we notice, and find great humor in it! If a young lady who has spent most of her time being snotty and mean for the past three years is all of a sudden friends with everyone, there is a reason. I've watched parents cry because their child was not "chosen" for homecoming court or something else-big deal. I've also watched parents because a real "piece" when their child was chosen or crowned....big deal. This does not gauge whether or not you are a good or successful parent. Raising a good, kind, hardworking citizens is a gauge of how you did. Not a trophy or a crown.
So enjoy this year of lasts and the memories that come with it. Your child is about to "leave the nest" and things won't be the same after this year. And it will probably take until next year before your child realizes that all the silly high school stuff does not matter because they will be on to bigger and better. Only a handful of kids still come back or care who is chosen or voted for what. They are still living their high school days and need to "put down the yearbook" and grow up.
And a final thought to the kids who let the "not being chosen" put a big old chip on their shoulder and bother them..this does not define you. But if it really bothers that much, then maybe you need to take a long hard look in the mirror and how YOU treat people. Your classmates and friends are not stupid, they have eyes and ears too and see how things are.
Positive thought of the day: It's nice to see that 99.9% of the people grow up and move on from high school...and the 1% that does not gives us entertainment by their stupidity, usually posted to social media! As they say, "you can't fix stupid" but it is fun to watch and laugh at!
What an exciting time in your child's life their senior year is. This is the beginning of the end of a chapter for you and your child as they journey through their senior year. It is a year of a lot of decisions and growing up and changes. Things will never be the same after this year. Your child will either go off to college next year, or hopefully get a job if they don't continue their education or they will be living in your basement. College and full time work is a big change from high school as your child will find out in less than a year. A BIG change. They will be a very, very small fish in a big, big pond.
Senior year is an expensive year, from start to finish. If you have not figured this out yet, you will soon. But this year will seem cheap compared to college or your child being out on their own paying for an apartment and insurance and food. This is life.
But my purpose in writing this letter is to let you know that if your child is not chosen for the homecoming court or as king or queen of something it does not matter. It won't matter in a week, a month or a year. It's not a deal breaker if they are not chosen. It's life. Not everyone is chosen or wins at everything or gets a trophy or a crown. No one has ever gotten into college because they were homecoming queen or on the court or because they had perfect attendance for seven years straight...no one cares.
I've had the pleasure of watching high school seniors campaign their hearts out, thinking no one was noticing or wise to their actions and behavior over the years for a spot on the homecoming court or chosen as king or queen. Trust me we notice, and find great humor in it! If a young lady who has spent most of her time being snotty and mean for the past three years is all of a sudden friends with everyone, there is a reason. I've watched parents cry because their child was not "chosen" for homecoming court or something else-big deal. I've also watched parents because a real "piece" when their child was chosen or crowned....big deal. This does not gauge whether or not you are a good or successful parent. Raising a good, kind, hardworking citizens is a gauge of how you did. Not a trophy or a crown.
So enjoy this year of lasts and the memories that come with it. Your child is about to "leave the nest" and things won't be the same after this year. And it will probably take until next year before your child realizes that all the silly high school stuff does not matter because they will be on to bigger and better. Only a handful of kids still come back or care who is chosen or voted for what. They are still living their high school days and need to "put down the yearbook" and grow up.
And a final thought to the kids who let the "not being chosen" put a big old chip on their shoulder and bother them..this does not define you. But if it really bothers that much, then maybe you need to take a long hard look in the mirror and how YOU treat people. Your classmates and friends are not stupid, they have eyes and ears too and see how things are.
Positive thought of the day: It's nice to see that 99.9% of the people grow up and move on from high school...and the 1% that does not gives us entertainment by their stupidity, usually posted to social media! As they say, "you can't fix stupid" but it is fun to watch and laugh at!
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Dislike!
I dislike being cold. Read that again carefully. I dislike being cold. It does not read I dislike the cold but I dislike being cold! With warmer temps the AC is cranked at home and at school. At home I can regulate it and make it comfortable! But at school it's another story. After they cleaned the carpeting in my library over the summer they turned the AC down to get things dry. Well they've never turned things back up. I've thought about saying something but it is easier to wear a jacket or long sleeves than try to cool off. So most days I run out to the hallway between classes to warm up my hands, feet and nose! I know, life it rough. But I'd rather be a bit cool than smell sweaty, stinky kids!!
We are heading into my most favorite time of year-FALL!!!! I'm pretty sure I developed the love for this season because it was my dad's favorite season as well. Fall harvest is the best. Comfortable days and cool nights! YES! Not to mention the beautiful colors! I love it.
Now going back to my "I dislike being cold" this does not mean I don't like the cold, it's not my favorite thing but we can't control nature and the weather and seasons. (hint, hint-people please stop complaining about the weather!) I like winter and the snow and the beauty of it all, just like every other season. I like the jeans, sweaters and boots kind of thing. PLUS when working with kids, they smell less during the winter because they are not sweating as much!!! I know it's all a smell factor!!
So that is my two-cents worth as we enjoy warm weather but fall is heading our way...and I can't wait. So stay cool or warm or whatever it is you like!!
Positive thought of the day: Every season has it's good and bad aspects but the fact that we are here to enjoy it is a gift. Enjoy each day and find the good in it!
We are heading into my most favorite time of year-FALL!!!! I'm pretty sure I developed the love for this season because it was my dad's favorite season as well. Fall harvest is the best. Comfortable days and cool nights! YES! Not to mention the beautiful colors! I love it.
Now going back to my "I dislike being cold" this does not mean I don't like the cold, it's not my favorite thing but we can't control nature and the weather and seasons. (hint, hint-people please stop complaining about the weather!) I like winter and the snow and the beauty of it all, just like every other season. I like the jeans, sweaters and boots kind of thing. PLUS when working with kids, they smell less during the winter because they are not sweating as much!!! I know it's all a smell factor!!
So that is my two-cents worth as we enjoy warm weather but fall is heading our way...and I can't wait. So stay cool or warm or whatever it is you like!!
Positive thought of the day: Every season has it's good and bad aspects but the fact that we are here to enjoy it is a gift. Enjoy each day and find the good in it!
Monday, September 7, 2015
A smaller table
Okay, I have a confession to make...I don't make my dining room table smaller when there is only two of us around here. I'd like to say it's because I use it for a variety of things like...folding laundry, sorting my kids mail and such, painting (or my attempt at painting!) and a variety of other reasons. But in truth whenever I walk into the dining room and the table is out as far as it can go I think that my family will all be home soon. We will all be gathered around to eat, play games, talk, laugh and make memories.
This was the case this weekend. We gathered around that table, all stretched out since the last time all three kids were home....last December, and we all ate together. And the the additional blessing was the extra people we now add to our family, soon to be spouses, a grandparent and good friend. We were missing one. But I realized this morning as I was up before anyone else that the table has not been "small" for months. And I like it that way.
As my kids leave one by one today and I keep moving or I find myself missing them way too much and in disbelief that three days can go that fast-yes I'd planned and worked for the past couple of weeks for this long weekend-I could not wait! But I will leave the table "big". Because the next time we are all gathered together will be the next weekend or event that they all or any of my kids will come home-always great! And for today, as they all leave I have the "next time" in the back of my mind and will plan for the next two months when we will all be together again and gathered around that table. And to be honest, I CAN'T WAIT!!!
Yes they are all adults. And yes they are all living their own lives. And I'm fiercely proud of each one of them and their significant others. They are all good people. But plain and simple I love to have them home and I am so very blessed to be their mom!
As the next couple of months roll by and we occasionally use the dining room table for a variety of things, mostly an organizational place for "stuff," in the back of my mind I am envisioning the next time we are all home together and gathered around the table for whatever reason and thinking back on the hundreds of other memories and family and friends who have joined us around that table. I am so blessed and can't wait for the next time.
So the table will stay big and wait! But for now I have more great memories of having my family home and under the same roof and more memories made around the table...I am so blessed!
This was the case this weekend. We gathered around that table, all stretched out since the last time all three kids were home....last December, and we all ate together. And the the additional blessing was the extra people we now add to our family, soon to be spouses, a grandparent and good friend. We were missing one. But I realized this morning as I was up before anyone else that the table has not been "small" for months. And I like it that way.
As my kids leave one by one today and I keep moving or I find myself missing them way too much and in disbelief that three days can go that fast-yes I'd planned and worked for the past couple of weeks for this long weekend-I could not wait! But I will leave the table "big". Because the next time we are all gathered together will be the next weekend or event that they all or any of my kids will come home-always great! And for today, as they all leave I have the "next time" in the back of my mind and will plan for the next two months when we will all be together again and gathered around that table. And to be honest, I CAN'T WAIT!!!
Yes they are all adults. And yes they are all living their own lives. And I'm fiercely proud of each one of them and their significant others. They are all good people. But plain and simple I love to have them home and I am so very blessed to be their mom!
As the next couple of months roll by and we occasionally use the dining room table for a variety of things, mostly an organizational place for "stuff," in the back of my mind I am envisioning the next time we are all home together and gathered around the table for whatever reason and thinking back on the hundreds of other memories and family and friends who have joined us around that table. I am so blessed and can't wait for the next time.
So the table will stay big and wait! But for now I have more great memories of having my family home and under the same roof and more memories made around the table...I am so blessed!
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