While I'm at it...
While I'm ranting about banned books, I would also like to vent about something else. Why is Kindergarten so hard these days? Why does my son's homework/classroom/curriculum look like the first grade I used to teach? Why are we cramming everything down? Where are the early childhood advocates? Why isn't school developmentally appropriate? Does it matter if we learn to read in Kindergarten instead of 1st Grade? And while I'm at it, I think now I know why we have "No Child Left Behind." Let's make learning fun and challenging and interesting on each child's level. If you are a reading kindergartener...great! If you aren't a reading kindergartener, great! Let's meet each child where they are. The trends swing back and forth. I should know this, I was an educator for 10 years. For a while, they didn't learn much in Kindergarten at all. Now they are doing K and 1st grade all in one year. I'd just like to see developmentally appropriate activities and curriculum for every child in every grade. Enough said.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Almost Banned Book
You can read the story about Houston's mayor putting a certain book back in the stacks instead of out where everyone can see it. Would I read this book? No. Would I check out this book? No. Is this book appropriate for me? Probably not. I don't know for sure. I haven't read it. What the mayor has ensured is that people who never,ever heard of the book will now be wanting to get a look at it. If you want a bestseller, ban it. (Hey, I found something to blog about. Maybe the "block" is beginning to lift.) Thanks to BookMoot for the information on the book.
You can read the story about Houston's mayor putting a certain book back in the stacks instead of out where everyone can see it. Would I read this book? No. Would I check out this book? No. Is this book appropriate for me? Probably not. I don't know for sure. I haven't read it. What the mayor has ensured is that people who never,ever heard of the book will now be wanting to get a look at it. If you want a bestseller, ban it. (Hey, I found something to blog about. Maybe the "block" is beginning to lift.) Thanks to BookMoot for the information on the book.
Blogger Block
I feel the same way as Jan. I just have not been able to think of much to blog about lately. I haven't even felt much like reading books lately. Maybe its the weather or something. I'm not depressed or going through a bad time or anything. I'm just stuck.... So if you have any ideas, post a comment about something you want to read about and maybe I'll get blogging again. Until then, it may continue to be light blogging around here.
I feel the same way as Jan. I just have not been able to think of much to blog about lately. I haven't even felt much like reading books lately. Maybe its the weather or something. I'm not depressed or going through a bad time or anything. I'm just stuck.... So if you have any ideas, post a comment about something you want to read about and maybe I'll get blogging again. Until then, it may continue to be light blogging around here.
Monday, January 24, 2005
Great is Thy Faithfulness
We sang this great hymn in church yesterday. It is one of my favorites. If you want more info on the hymn, click here.
We sang this great hymn in church yesterday. It is one of my favorites. If you want more info on the hymn, click here.
Verse 1
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my father!
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not:
As thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.Chorus:
Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see:
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!Verse 2
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.Verse 3
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth.
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Inauguration Day
I love days like today where I feel like I'm seeing part of history being made. I remember my mom making us watch the presidential inaugurations when I was a kid and wondering what it was all about. As a teacher, I got the opportunity to let my students watch two inaugurations. We hooked up a TV and watched it throughout the day. I just didn't want them to miss it. Now I've got my TV on and have told my kids what's going on. I'm sure they don't get it now, but someday they will.
I love days like today where I feel like I'm seeing part of history being made. I remember my mom making us watch the presidential inaugurations when I was a kid and wondering what it was all about. As a teacher, I got the opportunity to let my students watch two inaugurations. We hooked up a TV and watched it throughout the day. I just didn't want them to miss it. Now I've got my TV on and have told my kids what's going on. I'm sure they don't get it now, but someday they will.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Funny Memory
I was flipping radio stations in the car today when I heard the old country song, "O Lord It's Hard to be Humble." I have not heard that song for years. Even worse, I still knew all the words. I then flashed back to Shotgun Sam's Pizza Parlor about 23 years ago. I was in 8th grade and had just gotten out of the hospital. I had been in there about 5 days with pnemonia. We headed straight to my favorite pizza place, Shotgun Sam's. (For all you Okies, it was located on 39th & May. There's a car dealership on that corner now) We met some friends, ordered our pizzas and then some people came up on the little stage to play and sing. They then asked for volunteers to sing with them so I immediately volunteered. (I'd been cooped up in that hospital way too long!) I headed to the stage and belted out Oh Lord It's Hard to be Humble. I've heard from everyone there that it was quite a show because 1) I can't carry a note in a bucket and 2) I still had my hospital wristband on my wrist. In fact, the singing of that song is somewhat of a local legend that has never been forgotten. Whenever I see people who knew me when I was in Jr. High, the Shotgun Sam's story is invariably brought up. Is there a point to this story? Nah...but it sure made me laugh in the car today when I heard that old country song.
I was flipping radio stations in the car today when I heard the old country song, "O Lord It's Hard to be Humble." I have not heard that song for years. Even worse, I still knew all the words. I then flashed back to Shotgun Sam's Pizza Parlor about 23 years ago. I was in 8th grade and had just gotten out of the hospital. I had been in there about 5 days with pnemonia. We headed straight to my favorite pizza place, Shotgun Sam's. (For all you Okies, it was located on 39th & May. There's a car dealership on that corner now) We met some friends, ordered our pizzas and then some people came up on the little stage to play and sing. They then asked for volunteers to sing with them so I immediately volunteered. (I'd been cooped up in that hospital way too long!) I headed to the stage and belted out Oh Lord It's Hard to be Humble. I've heard from everyone there that it was quite a show because 1) I can't carry a note in a bucket and 2) I still had my hospital wristband on my wrist. In fact, the singing of that song is somewhat of a local legend that has never been forgotten. Whenever I see people who knew me when I was in Jr. High, the Shotgun Sam's story is invariably brought up. Is there a point to this story? Nah...but it sure made me laugh in the car today when I heard that old country song.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Monday, January 17, 2005
Rant
Why is it that my kids are just fine until I get on the phone? Then they start going crazy and need my attention every few minutes. I think the phone ringing may be their secret signal to act nuts!! It's not even that I talk on the phone that much. I prefer email, most of the time. Nope, they don't bother me when I'm doing email just when I'm on the phone. Go figure...
Why is it that my kids are just fine until I get on the phone? Then they start going crazy and need my attention every few minutes. I think the phone ringing may be their secret signal to act nuts!! It's not even that I talk on the phone that much. I prefer email, most of the time. Nope, they don't bother me when I'm doing email just when I'm on the phone. Go figure...
Friday, January 14, 2005
The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian
I ran into my friend Susan today when I went to pick Chase up from Mother's Day Out. We had both gotten there a little early so I saw her in the car reading and knocked on her window. I nearly scared her to death! Anyway, she shared with me that when she has extra time in the car she reads one of the prayers out of Stormie's Omartian's book. She told me there are exactly 30 prayers so whatever day of the month it is...she opens up the books and prays that prayer for her children. Wonderful idea. I'm brushing the dust off my copy and putting it in the car.
I ran into my friend Susan today when I went to pick Chase up from Mother's Day Out. We had both gotten there a little early so I saw her in the car reading and knocked on her window. I nearly scared her to death! Anyway, she shared with me that when she has extra time in the car she reads one of the prayers out of Stormie's Omartian's book. She told me there are exactly 30 prayers so whatever day of the month it is...she opens up the books and prays that prayer for her children. Wonderful idea. I'm brushing the dust off my copy and putting it in the car.
Night Fall by Nelson DeMille
I finally got to read a novel and I sure am glad I picked this one. It is a fictional story of what could have happened to TWA Flight 800 which exploded not far from Long Island Beach back in 1996. It features John Corey reopening the case. (For all you DeMille fans, this is the same John Corey that was in Plum Island and The Lion's Game.) Mr. DeMille has been one of my favorite authors for several years. He has the ability to action pack a story and keep you guessing the whole time. You never know what is going to happen until the very last page. I love that! (FYI--the book does have a lot of bad language and deals with sexual themes...oh my gosh! I sound like the rating board for movies. I just thought you should know before you run out and buy the book. ;) By the way if you want to start with one of his other books...The Charm School is an excellent choice. (Side note: I found out that I've been making a mistake when putting the title of a book in my blog entry. Kristen says that I should italize it and not put it in quotes. I knew I shouldn't use quotes but couldn't figure out how to underline. She says italize...she's an English major so I guess I'll believe her. LOL!!)
I finally got to read a novel and I sure am glad I picked this one. It is a fictional story of what could have happened to TWA Flight 800 which exploded not far from Long Island Beach back in 1996. It features John Corey reopening the case. (For all you DeMille fans, this is the same John Corey that was in Plum Island and The Lion's Game.) Mr. DeMille has been one of my favorite authors for several years. He has the ability to action pack a story and keep you guessing the whole time. You never know what is going to happen until the very last page. I love that! (FYI--the book does have a lot of bad language and deals with sexual themes...oh my gosh! I sound like the rating board for movies. I just thought you should know before you run out and buy the book. ;) By the way if you want to start with one of his other books...The Charm School is an excellent choice. (Side note: I found out that I've been making a mistake when putting the title of a book in my blog entry. Kristen says that I should italize it and not put it in quotes. I knew I shouldn't use quotes but couldn't figure out how to underline. She says italize...she's an English major so I guess I'll believe her. LOL!!)
Thursday, January 13, 2005
On a Serious Note
I received a phonecall about 2 weeks ago from a dear friend of mine. She called to tell me that her little boy has a brain tumor. They are now awaiting insurance decisions, etc. so that they can have a top surgeon out of state do the surgery. Please by praying for Tanner and his family.
I received a phonecall about 2 weeks ago from a dear friend of mine. She called to tell me that her little boy has a brain tumor. They are now awaiting insurance decisions, etc. so that they can have a top surgeon out of state do the surgery. Please by praying for Tanner and his family.
Seinfeld
My sister got me Seasons 1 and 2 of Seinfeld on DVD. I have laughed and laughed. I've finished the first DVD so far and about half of the second one. I made the mistake of looking at the 3rd season while I was at Target. I noticed it has one of my all-time favorite episodes...The Pez Dispenser. Now I have to save up $40 to buy that season, too. Seinfeld truly is a show about nothing and yet it is so darn funny. I love the way they tie all the different story lines together at the end of the show. I also love the quirky personalities of the cast.
My sister got me Seasons 1 and 2 of Seinfeld on DVD. I have laughed and laughed. I've finished the first DVD so far and about half of the second one. I made the mistake of looking at the 3rd season while I was at Target. I noticed it has one of my all-time favorite episodes...The Pez Dispenser. Now I have to save up $40 to buy that season, too. Seinfeld truly is a show about nothing and yet it is so darn funny. I love the way they tie all the different story lines together at the end of the show. I also love the quirky personalities of the cast.
Monday, January 10, 2005
New Book
I just found out that John Grisham has a new book coming out tomorrow entitled "The Broker." Woohoo! I love most of his books. I became addicted to his books when I read "The Firm" in 1993. I got absolutely nothing done for two days while I read the book from cover to cover.
I just found out that John Grisham has a new book coming out tomorrow entitled "The Broker." Woohoo! I love most of his books. I became addicted to his books when I read "The Firm" in 1993. I got absolutely nothing done for two days while I read the book from cover to cover.
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Sunday Inspiration
Today Rev. Glenn Cranfield from City Rescue Mission spoke at our church. Wow! He was an excellent speaker with an excellent message...Go tell others about Jesus. Accept people into your church who don't look, dress, or act like you. Be about your Father's business. If you want more information about City Rescue Mission, be sure to click on the link above.
Today Rev. Glenn Cranfield from City Rescue Mission spoke at our church. Wow! He was an excellent speaker with an excellent message...Go tell others about Jesus. Accept people into your church who don't look, dress, or act like you. Be about your Father's business. If you want more information about City Rescue Mission, be sure to click on the link above.
Friday, January 07, 2005
Belated Christmas Joy
We just got home with Chase's Christmas projects from school. We inadvertently left them at school for the whole break. I opened a letter addressed to me and Chris from Chase that is entitled, "Christmas Joy." It has different sentence starters and then the teachers recorded the child's answers. For example, I want _______. Chase's response was "an Incredimobile." All his responses were pretty good, but when I read the last line I did a double take and then laughed until I cried. The real reason that we celebrate Christmas is "because squirrels hibernate." What??!! Did we not spend all of December talking about God's gift to the world??! Still...I can't help laughing!!! (By the way, I don't even think squirrels hibernate at all, do they??!)
We just got home with Chase's Christmas projects from school. We inadvertently left them at school for the whole break. I opened a letter addressed to me and Chris from Chase that is entitled, "Christmas Joy." It has different sentence starters and then the teachers recorded the child's answers. For example, I want _______. Chase's response was "an Incredimobile." All his responses were pretty good, but when I read the last line I did a double take and then laughed until I cried. The real reason that we celebrate Christmas is "because squirrels hibernate." What??!! Did we not spend all of December talking about God's gift to the world??! Still...I can't help laughing!!! (By the way, I don't even think squirrels hibernate at all, do they??!)
Cathy
One of my favorite cartoons is Cathy. I can always relate to her when she tries to go on a diet. Hilarious! Now she is getting ready for her wedding which is a month away. This comic just cracked me up. Click here to see it. (I would've just posted the cartoon, but I'm not sure how all that copyright stuff works, etc. so I decided just to post the link instead.)
One of my favorite cartoons is Cathy. I can always relate to her when she tries to go on a diet. Hilarious! Now she is getting ready for her wedding which is a month away. This comic just cracked me up. Click here to see it. (I would've just posted the cartoon, but I'm not sure how all that copyright stuff works, etc. so I decided just to post the link instead.)
Routine
It's back to our normal routine today. Both boys are back in school so we actually have to get up and get dressed this morning. This week was a nice way to get back into the groove of things after Christmas Break since school was canceled for two days. Cole and I are going to drop Chase off at preschool and then he and I are headed to our favorite place...Target! We are going to pick up some birthday gifts for Chase and Cole is going to spend some of his birthday money. It should be interesting to see what he picks out. He has $15 to spend, but has informed me he is not spending all of it. We shall see...if he's anything like me he'll spend the $15 and ask for a loan of $5 more. LOL!
It's back to our normal routine today. Both boys are back in school so we actually have to get up and get dressed this morning. This week was a nice way to get back into the groove of things after Christmas Break since school was canceled for two days. Cole and I are going to drop Chase off at preschool and then he and I are headed to our favorite place...Target! We are going to pick up some birthday gifts for Chase and Cole is going to spend some of his birthday money. It should be interesting to see what he picks out. He has $15 to spend, but has informed me he is not spending all of it. We shall see...if he's anything like me he'll spend the $15 and ask for a loan of $5 more. LOL!
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
School's Out!
I love days when school is cancelled. It is either the kid coming out in me or perhaps the teacher. LOL! I was up early this morning watching the news to see which schools had cancelled class. I vividly remember doing this same thing as a kid. We would stay up late and get up early just to see if school was out. I grew up in Putnam City schools and they rarely cancelled. One year we devised a plan to find out where the superintendent lived and ice down his street. It never happened, but it was fun to think about. As a teacher for 10 years, I also did the same thing. I taught in Moore and they rarely cancelled, either. I can honestly say that I did not miss any days of school due to ice or snow and I lived 20 miles away from where I worked. I always cracked up because other teachers who actually lived in Moore sometimes didn't make it, but I was always there. Of course a lot of times I had a nice husband who would drive me over there and pick me up. ;) I noticed this morning that Moore had not called off school. Typical! Anyway, I'm going to find something fun to do around here with my boys and probably do some blog reading and blog posting. Yes!
I love days when school is cancelled. It is either the kid coming out in me or perhaps the teacher. LOL! I was up early this morning watching the news to see which schools had cancelled class. I vividly remember doing this same thing as a kid. We would stay up late and get up early just to see if school was out. I grew up in Putnam City schools and they rarely cancelled. One year we devised a plan to find out where the superintendent lived and ice down his street. It never happened, but it was fun to think about. As a teacher for 10 years, I also did the same thing. I taught in Moore and they rarely cancelled, either. I can honestly say that I did not miss any days of school due to ice or snow and I lived 20 miles away from where I worked. I always cracked up because other teachers who actually lived in Moore sometimes didn't make it, but I was always there. Of course a lot of times I had a nice husband who would drive me over there and pick me up. ;) I noticed this morning that Moore had not called off school. Typical! Anyway, I'm going to find something fun to do around here with my boys and probably do some blog reading and blog posting. Yes!
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Typical
My boys' rooms are filled with wonderful new toys from Christmas and birthdays. Yesterday I noticed that the toy they chose to play with is at least 3 years old. It is a steering wheel that makes all sorts of obnoxious noises. They have been playing with the thing and fighting over it nonstop. They got it out again this morning. It would just be too easy to play with all those nice, new toys. ;) I guess it's just like when they would rather play with the box the toy came in than play with the toy itself. There are just some things in life I'll never figure out!
My boys' rooms are filled with wonderful new toys from Christmas and birthdays. Yesterday I noticed that the toy they chose to play with is at least 3 years old. It is a steering wheel that makes all sorts of obnoxious noises. They have been playing with the thing and fighting over it nonstop. They got it out again this morning. It would just be too easy to play with all those nice, new toys. ;) I guess it's just like when they would rather play with the box the toy came in than play with the toy itself. There are just some things in life I'll never figure out!
Monday, January 03, 2005
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Hilarious!
My mom pulled out some old video tapes last week. Most were from around 1987. She managed to find a clip she had taped off the news where I was on TV. This was back when Channel 5 did "Five Alive" and you held your hands up making the "OK" sign. They would always end the newscast with all these people doing the Five Alive sign. The cameras were at Central State University (now University of Central Oklahoma) and I ended up on the news with a Santa hat on just grinning from ear to ear. It was hilarious! I was standing with my friend Robyn and some guy who I do not know, cheesing it for all I was worth. The camera actually zoomed in on me. I think it was the Santa hat that did the trick. LOL Little did they know, it was probably finals week and I hadn't had time to fix my hair so I threw on the handy Santa hat and went to class. But, wait, it gets worse. My mom then finds a video of Christmas 1987. For some unknown reason, I opened the presents and then spent the rest of the evening lying on the floor. Was I really that tired??? What was I thinking? Oh well...it gave all of us a good laugh. Even more funny, at one point you see my sister, Kristen, (who was about 7 or 8) lay down with me putting her head on top of me. There we both lay while Christmas goes on around us.
My mom pulled out some old video tapes last week. Most were from around 1987. She managed to find a clip she had taped off the news where I was on TV. This was back when Channel 5 did "Five Alive" and you held your hands up making the "OK" sign. They would always end the newscast with all these people doing the Five Alive sign. The cameras were at Central State University (now University of Central Oklahoma) and I ended up on the news with a Santa hat on just grinning from ear to ear. It was hilarious! I was standing with my friend Robyn and some guy who I do not know, cheesing it for all I was worth. The camera actually zoomed in on me. I think it was the Santa hat that did the trick. LOL Little did they know, it was probably finals week and I hadn't had time to fix my hair so I threw on the handy Santa hat and went to class. But, wait, it gets worse. My mom then finds a video of Christmas 1987. For some unknown reason, I opened the presents and then spent the rest of the evening lying on the floor. Was I really that tired??? What was I thinking? Oh well...it gave all of us a good laugh. Even more funny, at one point you see my sister, Kristen, (who was about 7 or 8) lay down with me putting her head on top of me. There we both lay while Christmas goes on around us.
Long Awaited Update
Whew! I finally got time to update my blog. I have been busy over the holidays. We had a wonderful Christmas which lasted about a week! We celebrated with Chris' side of the family before Christmas, my own family on Christmas and then my sister came into town and we celebrated after Christmas. Had a great time seeing Sis and her family. We even got to get out one night without the kids. We went to see Spanglish. It was a good movie, but not a comedy. I thought it was going to be a romantic comedy, I guess because Adam Sandler was in it. Chase had his cousin over to spend the night one night. Those two are like peas in a pod. They are exactly one month apart in age. They play great together. They did not get in one single argument the whole time. This is an amazing feat for any children, but especially for 3 (almost 4) year olds. On Thursday, I ended up getting a horrible migraine. I have been in bed for about 3 long days...woke up this morning at 5:15 and the headache was gone. Thank goodness! I feel so much better. I already read my Sunday School lesson (I have to teach 1-2 grade today.) and got ready for my class. Will probably take it easy the rest of the day after church. I don't want to get another one of those headaches. So, enough about the medical drama around here...I have so much to post and so little time. Will try to get back to posting more regularly for my loyal readers. :)
Whew! I finally got time to update my blog. I have been busy over the holidays. We had a wonderful Christmas which lasted about a week! We celebrated with Chris' side of the family before Christmas, my own family on Christmas and then my sister came into town and we celebrated after Christmas. Had a great time seeing Sis and her family. We even got to get out one night without the kids. We went to see Spanglish. It was a good movie, but not a comedy. I thought it was going to be a romantic comedy, I guess because Adam Sandler was in it. Chase had his cousin over to spend the night one night. Those two are like peas in a pod. They are exactly one month apart in age. They play great together. They did not get in one single argument the whole time. This is an amazing feat for any children, but especially for 3 (almost 4) year olds. On Thursday, I ended up getting a horrible migraine. I have been in bed for about 3 long days...woke up this morning at 5:15 and the headache was gone. Thank goodness! I feel so much better. I already read my Sunday School lesson (I have to teach 1-2 grade today.) and got ready for my class. Will probably take it easy the rest of the day after church. I don't want to get another one of those headaches. So, enough about the medical drama around here...I have so much to post and so little time. Will try to get back to posting more regularly for my loyal readers. :)
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