February is a month that I always look forward to - family birthdays, Ash Wednesday, Valentine's Day, and the feeling that spring is around the corner. In just a few months, we'll be busy preparing our garden for summer, digging out oddball items for our annual garage sale, and - for better, for worse - celebrating our son Henry's 1-yr Angel-versary. It has been a long winter, but we can look to the future with eager eyes and hopeful hearts.
I turn 30 this month, by the way... thus, the name that I have selected for my blog.
To February, everyone!
MWM Turns 30
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Mompetition
There is a Mom that I know from pre-school that insists on asking questions about my daughter, what lessons she takes, what activities I do with her daily, whether or not I baked the treats that she shared from scratch... the list goes on and on. At first, I thought that she must simply be interested in what we do, and that she was trying to strengthen the common bond that we already share because our children are classmates and friends. Now... I am slightly annoyed.
Why does it matter if I baked the cupcakes or bought them? Who else, but my husband, daughter, or I should care about whether or not my 3 year-old is "practicing" her ABCs at home? Why should I be explaining to anyone that I am not related to what we watch and don't watch on TV? I am nearly ready to politely request that she "Stop asking me the questions!"
Will Mompetition always exist, or can just go about our lives knowing that it takes differ'nt strokes to move the world?!
MWM Turns 30
Why does it matter if I baked the cupcakes or bought them? Who else, but my husband, daughter, or I should care about whether or not my 3 year-old is "practicing" her ABCs at home? Why should I be explaining to anyone that I am not related to what we watch and don't watch on TV? I am nearly ready to politely request that she "Stop asking me the questions!"
Will Mompetition always exist, or can just go about our lives knowing that it takes differ'nt strokes to move the world?!
MWM Turns 30
Thursday, January 28, 2010
How Long Until You Feel "At Home"?
I was transferred to a new school this year, because the funding for my position last year was cut from the district budget. I went to a grade level that I love, though, and a school with large classrooms, ample space, and talented teachers. I was excited when I got the news.
A large part of me was sad, though, because I really loved my school and co-workers from last year (my first in the district). Would I develop friendships as genuine as those I had before? Would the drive ever seem "automatic," and would I find special places along the route to grab coffee, snacks, or lunch?
Nearly 7 months have passed since I started the "new" job, and I am finally feeling "at home." I have a routine, I've gotten to know my fellow teachers, and I am invested in the best interests of our building, our mission, and our students.
I know that God wants me here, just as He wanted me at my former building last year. I guess that home is where you learn to enjoy the blessings around you.
MWM Turns 30
A large part of me was sad, though, because I really loved my school and co-workers from last year (my first in the district). Would I develop friendships as genuine as those I had before? Would the drive ever seem "automatic," and would I find special places along the route to grab coffee, snacks, or lunch?
Nearly 7 months have passed since I started the "new" job, and I am finally feeling "at home." I have a routine, I've gotten to know my fellow teachers, and I am invested in the best interests of our building, our mission, and our students.
I know that God wants me here, just as He wanted me at my former building last year. I guess that home is where you learn to enjoy the blessings around you.
MWM Turns 30
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Parenting Your Students
I teach 4th grade because I enjoy the developmental stage of the students, and because I enjoy the curriculum. We get to do lots of interesting things, but I don't have to be too picky or formal when it comes to grading or testing.
Today, like many days, I was unable to do much "teaching"... in the traditional sense, that is. I did a whole lot of parenting, though, or as a good friend of mine likes to call it: guiding.
I taught 3 of my students that failing to turn in homework for 3 days in a row (short, easy assignments, mind you) earns you a "working recess" in the Main Office. I taught one student that just as he was suspended once before for putting his hands on another student (in an eerily too-friendly way), he would earn yet another one if I should see him do it again. I taught a young lady that she should not write notes about who she has a crush on in my class for the following reasons: 1) She is 9; and 2) That information is best kept to oneself. I reminded students to say "please" and "thank you" to our cafeteria personnel, and I required them to apologize when standing in an adult's way during dismissal.
I did a whole lot of "teaching" today, but little of it involved books, pencils, or paper.
MWM Turns 30
Today, like many days, I was unable to do much "teaching"... in the traditional sense, that is. I did a whole lot of parenting, though, or as a good friend of mine likes to call it: guiding.
I taught 3 of my students that failing to turn in homework for 3 days in a row (short, easy assignments, mind you) earns you a "working recess" in the Main Office. I taught one student that just as he was suspended once before for putting his hands on another student (in an eerily too-friendly way), he would earn yet another one if I should see him do it again. I taught a young lady that she should not write notes about who she has a crush on in my class for the following reasons: 1) She is 9; and 2) That information is best kept to oneself. I reminded students to say "please" and "thank you" to our cafeteria personnel, and I required them to apologize when standing in an adult's way during dismissal.
I did a whole lot of "teaching" today, but little of it involved books, pencils, or paper.
MWM Turns 30
Monday, January 25, 2010
What's For Dinner?!
How is it that my husband and I have this conversation every single afternoon, even though we make out a weekly menu, shop together, and are both well aware of what we have and don't have in the cupboard.
Are we used to a life of, "I can have what I want today, even if I have to drive-thru or take it out?!" Are we picky, choosy, spoiled, lazy, overpaid...? Or, after a long workday, are we both wanting to indugle in the one thing that we can indulge in as a family?
Oh - to heck with reasoning. I am pregnant, and when I want Mexican food... I want Mexican food!
Giggling,
MWM Turns 30
Are we used to a life of, "I can have what I want today, even if I have to drive-thru or take it out?!" Are we picky, choosy, spoiled, lazy, overpaid...? Or, after a long workday, are we both wanting to indugle in the one thing that we can indulge in as a family?
Oh - to heck with reasoning. I am pregnant, and when I want Mexican food... I want Mexican food!
Giggling,
MWM Turns 30
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