Hee-haw!

     First, I have to say that I TOTALLY remember watching Hee-Haw with my mom and dad when I was a wee little girl!
     Tonight we had the FFA Donkey Basketball event. I just love it! It's always an evening of laughs!
     Unfortunately, the teachers came in 3rd this year, having to relinquish our title for the first time in three years!! SIGH.
     I play the center position, and let me tell ya, I can brutalize the other team. Just ask Officer Stewart!
     We took Sarah there tonight, which she just had a blast because there were a bazillion kids there from both her schools (oh, and her teacher, too).
     She was so cute because she had watched me with a clipboard last weekend, and so I had promised to give her one today. Of course, she had to bring her little clipboard to the donkey basketball, and she diligently kept track of the score and whatnot.
     Tonight was fun. It was a good family break (Jordie and Rick came, too) in the midst of a busy week. Plus, it's a nice social time with other families.
     Yee-haw, hee-haw!

1000!!

     Zoiks! 1000 hits on this new blog, and I have only had it up and going since the middle of January.
     Thank you kindly! I love writing, and I have so much to say. Trust me lots more!! Keep reading :)

Best compliment EVER!

     I love the Montessori school. I only wish that my step-daughter would've been able to attend there full-time this year.
     I am impressed with the love and learning that happens there. What's really cool is that I have for many years used some of the similar techniques in my own high school classroom. It's a lot to do with Multiple Intelligences.
     When I earned my Master's, I actually focused my degree in Creative Arts and Learning. For sure, that was some of the best training I received as far as teaching goes!
     Anyhoot, back to Montessori. I can easily identify in my high school classes kids that attended Montessori when they were younger. I was so fascinated with Montessori that I actually read a superb biography on Maria Montessori.
     So, we went to our conference last Friday at the Montessori, and I just loved it when the teachers shared with us that our little one often runs her own school during job time with some of the younger kids as her students! Too cute!
     I asked her about playing school at Montessori, and she told me that she wanted to be a teacher like me and especially have a classroom like mine. Too sweet.

Whirlwind weekend!

     Last weekend was busy, but productive! We went to two plays, and both were SUPER! My step-daughter loves drama, and I am glad for that, since it is one of my passions.
     First off we headed to the Missoula Children's Theater production of the Little Mermaid. This was especially special because Sarah's best friend Jakey was a seahorse! OH MY GOSH, he was so stinking cute!!!
     Then on Sunday we attended the Okanogan High School Dawg Stars performance of Murder Me Always. WOW! We were impressed!
     I love it when a play can entertain a five-year-old, fifteen-year-old, and of course this thirty-six-year old. We laughed and laughed. And, we went with the Bryson family, so it was double the fun!
     I have probably attended (or directed) over 300 shows, and the OHS production definitely found a place in my Top 10 student performances. KUDOS!
     In between plays, we also worked, worked, worked on the auction. We had what I call a Mommy Meeting (dads are definitely more behind the scenes or keeping the kiddos while the moms attend the meetings).
     I just love working with all these gals. They are motivated and dependable! We had over ten ladies at the "tying up loose ends" meeting, and so we accomplished lots.
     Then we spent time organizing and preparing all of the items for the auction. Of course, the kids love this because it means PLAY time together!
     I am soooooo excited about the auction! We have some AMAZING items, and lots of different and creative things up our sleeves.
     SO, pretty much that sums up the weekend...busy, but productive!

Sherman Alexie, anyone?

     Totally stoked!!! I just found out today that Sherman Alexie is giving a reading on April 24th in Wenatchee. He rocks! I have been to his readings before, and he is VERY funny!
     His book is The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Well, at least the one he is going to promote that night.
     I love his writing, and I can't wait to see him again!

Cute kid stories!!

     I love kids! And, I love writing their adorable stories down. I have many from when my boys were younger, and I love bringing out their journals and baby books to re-discover all of those special moments.
     My step-daughter has a best friend named Jakey. They are so stinking cute together! Recently this story was shared with me.
     Jakey's mom bought new pillows for the family. Jakey was commenting on how much he loved his new pillow, and his dad asked him why, to which he replied, "Because it doesn't have any bad dreams in it." I just LOVE that!! How adorable, a pillow as a dream catcher.
     Then he continued his story telling his dad, "And, last night, I had a dream that Sarah kissed me, and I liked it!" You just have to see this little 5-year-old boy to know how absolutely cute that is!
     Another Jakey and Sarah story: They both ride a bus to their one school from their morning school. One day Jakey came flying into the school, slamming the door, and crying, "Sarah ruined my life!" To this the teachers asked, "What do you mean? How did she do that?" Jakey answered, "The whole way here from school she didn't talk to me at all, and she talked to Josh instead. The whole way!And, that just RUINED my life!" LOL
     Just the other night, we were all hanging out watching tv, and it was time for Sarah to go to bed. Teeth brushed, PJs on, toys put away, books read, drink drank, potty done, and off to bed she goes.
     Feeling a little left out as Rick, Jordan, and I sat in the livingroom watching American Idol, we would hear little questions and comments from the bedroom.
     I need to go potty. I need a drink. Turbo (our Chihuahua that sleeps with her) is bothering me. Where's my special book? Finally, we told her it was time for her to go to sleep, and that everything was fine, no more worries.
     To this she was quiet. We figured she had fallen asleep, and then about 15 minutes later we hear, "Hey, guys? I need to go outside and look at the Milky Way, OK?" Of course, we are cracking up to this and I say, "We will look on another night, remember we looked at the eclipse tonight, so next time we will look at the Milky Way."
     It's quiet for about five minutes, and then she says, "But, my teacher said it was homework, and it's OK for me to get up from bed to look." Too funny!
     Kids are great! They bring such joy to our lives. Isn't it really what it's all about. Happiness, indeed.

Kissing a goat!!!

     Today was the culmination of the FFA week at our school! I am all about participating and supporting all of our kids in all that they do.
     So, we had a Kiss the Pig (which ended up being a goat)Contest at our school. For the past few years, I have always chosen a specific teacher (changes each year) to rally the kids into donating to his can!
     This year my best friend and fellow teacher Kathy Bryson and I joked around about getting each other.
     But, then today I found out that she was really on top of it!!! TOO FUNNY!
     We had so much fun today! She paraded her kids in their marching band hats into my classroom to make a substantial donation. Then we battled it out in the hallway getting donations for each other's cans.
     I don't think I have laughed as much as I did today in a long time!
     In the end, my can had over $100 in it! I did not hear how much was in hers, and I know that all the teachers and students brought in over $300 for our FFA kids!
     I did have to kiss Flower a small little goat, and it was worth all the fun we had today. To make matters even more funny, I wore a football helmet without the face mask.
     I did this because a couple of years ago I lobbied and had Zach Spaet kiss the goat, but his goat was aggressive (and smelly), and he headbutted him, so I wasn't taking any chances!!!
     I am glad I have such good friends, and I am in good company for those who have kissed a farm animal for our FFA. Good times, good memories, fun.

Not-so-evil STEP-Mommy

     In searching out people like me, I have come across lots of fun and interesting stuff out there in the step-parent world. Mostly I find people who have inherited step-kids that see step-parents as monsters or the typical Disney scenario. Thanks a lot, WALT...I know you had problems with your mom, but GEEZ, you sure give step-moms a bad name!
     I have found a few instances much like mine, where the step-child loves and adores the step-parent, and the animosity is only between bio-mom and step-mom.
     And, even that animosity is unfounded, not ever related to the child or how the child is treated by the step-parent, just a matter of jaundiced behavior on the part of bio-mom.
     I hold out that my beautiful and intelligent step-daughter will not fall victim to the poison that she undoubtedly(and SADLY) hears about me, including being told what she can and cannot call me.
     So, I do find strength in others who have chosen to love a child not biologically belonging to them, and who continue to do so, even when bio-mom tries to create conflict.
     I did come across this great site with artwork dedicated to the "other mother." Although, thankfully I could NOT relate to many of the pieces, I could to some. I especially love #23 and #24.



http://www.othermother.com/html/thumbnails.html I have included this link under my links list, too.

Diamonds ruff the trump...

      Let's start with American Idol, since we just watched it this evening.
      First off, as I always like to know the scoop (that journalist in me), I decided to research a bit into the rules and such to the show.
      Most of the American Idols, I haven't really thought too much about, and actually I end up liking someone who is voted off a few rounds before the final.
      Which as I see it, can be a blessing in that the artist is not bound to a specific record label for life (OK, I know a bit of hyperbole...).
      Anyhoot, I found out that, in fact, a person who had recorded an album prior could actually try out (and potentially win) American Idol. So, much for the concept that it is "raw" talent, diamonds don't necessarily abound in the rough, but ironically diamonds are considered the trump card, yes?
      We will find that the top finalists are stacked with talent, which isn't a really bad thing, and even if someone had a record that failed miserably (mostly due to marketing, I suppose), then by all means, give 'em a second chance! And, technically they are following the rules...it just says that they cannot have a current recording contract.
      BUT, don't sell me a show about fresh talent...sort of like how we take over professional basketball players to the Olympics. HOW does that work exactly?

Bottles by Bradley

     I had been trying to figure out what I was going to do as our family contribution to the auction coming up February 29th. (More info to follow!!!)
     I originally was thinking about making altered books, which I love to give as presents. In searching around for some of those ideas, I also found cool altered books that were shadow box picture frames on the inside.
     Then when I was researching ideas for Valentines cards, I came across altered paint cans. Those were cool, but not exactly what I was wanting. THEN, on one site I discovered altered bottles, specifically Starbucks Frap bottles!
     Oh my gosh! We have had so much fun brainstorming ideas and making all sorts of them. Once the creativity starts...it really goes!
     Our auction theme is Hawaiian, so I am making some cute tropical ones (filled with tropical Mike and Ikes, chocolate covered macademia nuts, dried pineapple, and I have decided on the last... a toss-up between Hawaiian coffee, gum or crackseed)to include in a beach bag with towels and a tanning gift certificate.

     I am also going to make a patriotic bundle including more. And, my girlfriend liked them so much that I started making a set of coffee ones to go with her coffee basket for the auction. What's really cool is that she has a ginormous tea cup and saucer that she is going to put everything in!!
     I even made some Valentines ones to give as gifts this year. I have all sorts of ideas for themes to make lots more: Sports, tools, fishing, St. Patrick's Day (with lottery cards), movies. You could even make ones centered around babies, weddings, graduations, birthdays, etc.
     Anyhow, for now I am having fun with this "recycled" gift!!

A benefit of split families

     I never thought I would think that...but, in my effort to focus on the positive, I am realizing how many things can be positive in our split family situation.
     Since our little girl is in both a pre-school and Kindergarten, we would've been making 70 Valentines this year! Oh my goodness. I actually have a couple of friends who are in that situation.
     But instead, we are making 35 and her birth mom is making the other half for the other school!
     I have always made homemade cards with my kids, and we even sent one from this year's batch to Cody. I know he will smile when he receives it, and boy what memories it will bring back!
     Making these cards this year was a blast, because I was more the "supervisor" since our little one could do most of the work on her own. I just kept her organized.
     I did have to tie the pencils, and I did write the saying on each, but she did all the rest. She told me her favorite part was gluing on the googly eyes. Then we had a bunch leftover, so she made some very interesting googly eye creations!
     Today I was thinking how what a positive aspect for my step-daughter. She has the opportunity to make Valentines at two houses. We had such a bonding time while doing them, her laughter, funny faces, and concentration at times made me smile and think that she is a lucky girl to hopefully have this happy experience times two!

Two-headed monster

      What causes people to be so jealous of others? I have never quite understood that emotion.
     Maybe it's because I am the oldest, and I never really felt like I had to compete with my siblings while growing up. I wonder if there is some birth order ranking to jealousy?
     True, I have at times felt what might be a tinge of jealousy for someone who physically is in complete shape (because that is something I want for me). Really I don't think I would consider it jealousy though, but more admiration. I don't feel anger or resentment towards a person who has achieved something in life that also happens to be one of my goals. To the contrary, I often feel inspired!
     I have never understood how people can be angry for someone else's success, nor have I grasped how people in this world truly hold hopes of bad things happening to someone they don't like, or even wanting that person to fail.
     I try to find compassion for those who feel the need to compete with me, for I don't see life as a big contest. I am appreciative to my best friend who keeps reminding me that a person in my life who is acting out is doing so out of jealousy.
     I feel lucky that my parents raised me in a manner that led me to be secure in who I am, flaws and all. So, I don't have to flirt with Jealousy and his ugly twin brother, Insecurity.

New like...

     I like the new chick show Lipstick Jungle, and I am not really surprised since I also like Sex in the City.
     What was funny is Rick sort of watching it while he was checking stuff out on the computer. He kept making comments that showed that he was actually paying attention.
     My hunch is that he liked the hot ladies (especially since two of the main three are brunettes, ahem). CUTE.
     I can't wait until we go to New York! That is what I was thinking while watching the show (and Celebrity Apprentice earlier, also housed in the Big Apple).
     We are going to go check out DC and NYC in April of 2009. I am organizing a school trip, and my fam is coming along, too! I know it is over a year away, but I also know how quickly time sprints, and before you know it the finish line is there!
     For now, we will just get our fix watching shows like Lipstick!

A Caucus first-timer!

     I was thrilled to open my post office box and see my ballot! I am even more excited about attending the Democratic Caucus held at the Okanogan Grange this Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
     I have never been to a caucus before, and really I am not even entirely sure about the process, but I am eager to learn. Come check it out!

NICE times three!

     I went outside to retrieve something from the car, and first I had an epiphany, and then a sonorous moment.
     I realized that at 5:30 p.m. there was still a tinge of light on the horizon. NICE. This so means Spring is on its way!! Yeah baby!
     As I was walking and humming back towards the house, I heard a noise. I stopped, listened, and then continued, and I heard it again.
     This time I kept humming, and what do you know?? I heard an OWL! Seriously, just in the trees across from my house. I sat down on my steps, and we dueted together. Another NICE moment.
     (I can't wait for Ricky to get over here and hear the owl, too!)
     And, now as I write this I remember that I just found out that ginormous was officially accepted as a word in the Meriam Webster's dictionary. I love the word,and I have used it for years. It kind of makes me want to make-up a word and see it evolve into a commonly used and finally accepted dictionary word. NICE.

Full of something, and a side of hypocrisy?

     Note the quote off to the upper left. I know we are surrounded by hypocrites, and surely I have dabbled in the art of hypocrisy (hopefully not purposefully), but in earnest, I do TRY to avoid it.
     I recently had a person send me an article describing some things I should and shouldn't do as a step-parent, and then astoundingly, that person did exactly what the article said not to do. Can you say CONFUSION?
     I actually find most of it comical, when a person preaches and then commits those sins s/he has proselytized about. And, the budding psychologist in me just yearns to know the motivation behind that sort of behavior.
     Do they not know that they are contradicting themselves? Are people that blind? I guess that's why they call it hypocrisy.

Shhhhhh...

     I know, I know...a talker who is quiet; I see the irony. Life has been especially busy this week (and, it's only Wednesday)!
     We had a doctor's appointment in Wenatchee on Monday, followed by a doctor's appointment there again today.
     Sandwiched in the middle was a day at work, which looked like catching up from missing Monday and preparing to be absent again today.
     I promise I will write more later tonight. TRUST me, I have LOTS to say, and it's coming your way!