Until now, I have refrained from posting about the Common Core. Not because I am afraid of what people will think about my opinions, but because I am frustrated with what I see plastered all over Facebook concerning the Standards. I am not pro-CC, far from it. However, I think the best way to foil a movement is to post unsubstantiated information as fact in order to create outrage. The biggest problem I see is the confusion between curriculum and common core. They are not the same thing. Common Core is a set of standards used to set expectations for what skills our students should be learning in order to succeed. Many of the posts I have seen have been outrage over curriculum. For example, the worksheet over the hair clip that eluded to an adulterous husband was printed out online and given out to third graders. It was in fact a real worksheet, given out to a 3rd grade class in Tulsa. A friend of mine's niece was in that class. (I realize it may have been given to others as well) It was completely inappropriate, no question. However, it was no direct result of the Common Core. There is a plethora of curriculum and lesson plans out there aligned with the common core that are worthless, in my opinion. Just as there has been for every set of standards. I only bring this up because if the community takes a stance on "facts" that are not facts, then the movement is doomed to fail. Failure is not an option, the stakes are too high. So many great people are out there fighting hard for our children and their futures.
My personal, biggest fear with C.C.... After going through the standards for elementary students I have already began to see a huge gap between what is expected and what I was taught is developmentally appropriate. Try and line up the development of a child's brain with the expectations of Common Core and you will quickly see a problem. It gets even worse when you realize that there is this black hole between what level a student should be comprehending material and the level in which students qualify for extra help. This is where, I feel, a large number of kids will fall through the cracks.
Some of the best advice I have gotten, and I may be biased, was from my husband. He told me that it is easy to oppose anything and that in order to take a stance you need the following;
1. A clear understanding of all of the facts. Do actual research.
2. The ability to point out the positives about what you are opposing. If you can't think of one good thing, then you should probably do more research.
3. An alternative. Okay, you don't like this.. What should we do instead?
This is all just my opinion, I am no expert. I have tried to do as much unbiased research as I can, but I'm positive my own opinion is flawed in one way or another.. or 10. :)
Monday, October 28, 2013
Monday, September 30, 2013
OH THE HORROR!!
Today I experienced one of the grossest, most horrifying moments of my life as a mother. After all the poo, vomit, and such this is saying something.
Sunday evenings we serve as greeters at church. While we hold doors open the kids snack and play around outside. Tonight was like every other Sunday night. The kids ate their chips, went to the restroom to get a mint and ran around outside. After the music ended we headed home.
About 5 minutes into the car ride I hear Connor exclaim, "Abby, it's gross to put something you found on the bathroom floor in your mouth!" I turned around to see what my daughter was up to and immediately felt sick. The child was holding an empty tampon applicator to her lips blowing on it. I immediately grabbed it and threw it to the floor. Buried my face in my hands and began rocking in my seat while Brandon went on and on about how nasty it is to pick up anything from the bathroom. He went on about how she was to scrub herself clean, gargle with mouthwash, etc. as soon as we got home. I'm on the verge of hyperventilating. For me, Mrs. Germ-a-phobe, I can't imagine anything worse that this very moment. Connor is giggling saying, "What? Is it a pregnancy test or something? Did someone pee on it?" (In hind sight I wonder how he even knows about that.. I'm chalking it up to commercials)
I've had about all I can take and begin my lecture. "Abby, there is probably pee and poop on EVERYTHING on the bathroom floor." To which Abby replies.. "It was in a wrapper." I gasp, could there be a glimmer of hope? "Abby, did you open it up yourself? What there anything inside?" Abby replies, "Yes, I opened it and there was some toilet paper wad inside I popped it out." The heavens opened and a choir of angels sang. THANK YOU JESUS!!!!
Brandon reached over, patted me on the head, and asked if I was going to be alright now. I went ahead and lectured Abby on taking things from the baskets on the back of the bathroom doors. Those items are not toys, they are there for the adults to use. Thankfully, no more questions were asked.
Sunday evenings we serve as greeters at church. While we hold doors open the kids snack and play around outside. Tonight was like every other Sunday night. The kids ate their chips, went to the restroom to get a mint and ran around outside. After the music ended we headed home.
About 5 minutes into the car ride I hear Connor exclaim, "Abby, it's gross to put something you found on the bathroom floor in your mouth!" I turned around to see what my daughter was up to and immediately felt sick. The child was holding an empty tampon applicator to her lips blowing on it. I immediately grabbed it and threw it to the floor. Buried my face in my hands and began rocking in my seat while Brandon went on and on about how nasty it is to pick up anything from the bathroom. He went on about how she was to scrub herself clean, gargle with mouthwash, etc. as soon as we got home. I'm on the verge of hyperventilating. For me, Mrs. Germ-a-phobe, I can't imagine anything worse that this very moment. Connor is giggling saying, "What? Is it a pregnancy test or something? Did someone pee on it?" (In hind sight I wonder how he even knows about that.. I'm chalking it up to commercials)
I've had about all I can take and begin my lecture. "Abby, there is probably pee and poop on EVERYTHING on the bathroom floor." To which Abby replies.. "It was in a wrapper." I gasp, could there be a glimmer of hope? "Abby, did you open it up yourself? What there anything inside?" Abby replies, "Yes, I opened it and there was some toilet paper wad inside I popped it out." The heavens opened and a choir of angels sang. THANK YOU JESUS!!!!
Brandon reached over, patted me on the head, and asked if I was going to be alright now. I went ahead and lectured Abby on taking things from the baskets on the back of the bathroom doors. Those items are not toys, they are there for the adults to use. Thankfully, no more questions were asked.
Juice Juice Juice
It seems like every time B watches a documentary, something in our diet changes. This past week he watched Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead. So naturally, the next day we are buying a juicer and all of the fruits and veggies that will fit in our fridge. To be fair, the man does his research before jumping in head first.
This is my experience doing the Juice Fast/Clense.
Day 1:
Not bad. Breakfast was good, lunch was okay, and dinner tasted gross. I learned that I DO NOT like beets in my juice. Aside from the terrible taste, it looked like we were drinking blood. Of course that is what I told the children we were having, you have to take the joy where you can in these dark times. I felt a little tired but still managed to get through boot camp.
Day 2:
Ehh.. I won't lie the first part of the day is waaayyyy better than dinner time. I still felt tired but again made it through boot camp. Though, once I came home I curled up in a ball and cried because the making the kids dinner was too much. I wanted a bite sooo bad. The good news was I was already down 2 lbs.
Day 3:
Decided to watch the documentary myself for a little inspiration, it was worth the watch. Hardest day so far. Keeping busy is a must, otherwise, you just sit and think up all the foods you wish you were eating. Again, I broke down at dinner time. It was somewhat eye-opening that I had such an emotional reaction to food. I like the idea of not letting such a meaningless thing rule my life. Stepping on the scale = down 4 lbs.
Day 4:
Today I was a little weak. I keep waiting for this glow and burst of energy but I haven't gotten it. No tears today, so that is a plus. =down 6 lbs
Day 5: Car broke down.. Brandon picked us up and took us to lunch. Yep, threw in the towel. Scale didn't move today, so I had little motivation.
*Update: So I didn't make it the full 7 days. I lost 6 lbs and have continued to lose weight by eating a healthy diet and staying active. I will probably try it again once I've hit a slump.
This is my experience doing the Juice Fast/Clense.
Day 1:
Not bad. Breakfast was good, lunch was okay, and dinner tasted gross. I learned that I DO NOT like beets in my juice. Aside from the terrible taste, it looked like we were drinking blood. Of course that is what I told the children we were having, you have to take the joy where you can in these dark times. I felt a little tired but still managed to get through boot camp.
Day 2:
Ehh.. I won't lie the first part of the day is waaayyyy better than dinner time. I still felt tired but again made it through boot camp. Though, once I came home I curled up in a ball and cried because the making the kids dinner was too much. I wanted a bite sooo bad. The good news was I was already down 2 lbs.
Day 3:
Decided to watch the documentary myself for a little inspiration, it was worth the watch. Hardest day so far. Keeping busy is a must, otherwise, you just sit and think up all the foods you wish you were eating. Again, I broke down at dinner time. It was somewhat eye-opening that I had such an emotional reaction to food. I like the idea of not letting such a meaningless thing rule my life. Stepping on the scale = down 4 lbs.
Day 4:
Today I was a little weak. I keep waiting for this glow and burst of energy but I haven't gotten it. No tears today, so that is a plus. =down 6 lbs
Day 5: Car broke down.. Brandon picked us up and took us to lunch. Yep, threw in the towel. Scale didn't move today, so I had little motivation.
*Update: So I didn't make it the full 7 days. I lost 6 lbs and have continued to lose weight by eating a healthy diet and staying active. I will probably try it again once I've hit a slump.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Say WHAT?
Yes, yes.. a lot of
seriousness have come out of these fingers lately. We must remedy that.
Today I’m going to share some random craziness that is my life:
1. While talking about hte possibility of becoming a foster family Connor says, "I've always wanted a pretend brother or sister."
2. The day after my daughter's 4th hamster perished, while standing in line at Target, she asks me if she can have one of those tiny Barbie toys hanging by the counter.
I say “no”. She tears up and says “Every time I hear the word no, I think about my
dead hamster”
7. A letter from C to A:
To Abby From Connor: I love you so much my head could explode. Love, Connor
9. No caption necessary:
Today I’m going to share some random craziness that is my life:
1. While talking about hte possibility of becoming a foster family Connor says, "I've always wanted a pretend brother or sister."
2. The day after my daughter's 4th hamster perished, while standing in line at Target, she asks me if she can have one of those tiny Barbie toys hanging by the counter.
I say “no”. She tears up and says “Every time I hear the word no, I think about my
dead hamster”
Can you tell
his father took him? 99 and 1 were both
taken.. but I would have at least suggested any other number.
4. One day, walking through Whole Foods, I
threaten to take Connor out of the race car cart and make him walk. I sternly say “Do you want to walk again” To which every adult within earshot jerked
their head around at and stared. Some
guy chuckling walked by and said “Geez, she’s going to break your legs son, I’d
listen to her!”
5. I let Abby give me a makeover. As she starts moving down my chin with the
lipstick, I give her a confused look.
She looks at me and says, “I accidentally messed up so I made you a
zombie.”
6.
When C was about 3 or so he was eating ice cream
with Nana & Papa. After taking too
big of a bite, he got a brain freeze. He
held his little fists up by his face and with his eyes closed repeated “Be
brave, be brave” only it came out “Be Bwave, be bwave”
8. My daughter created a secret handshake to share
with her Aunt J which consists of some fiving, fist bumps and ends in their
hands gesturing in an arch as they say “rainbow” followed by a growl.
9. No caption necessary:
10.
I've got "fashion" in my pants and I ain't afraid to show it....
11.
A: “I
swallowed my earring”
12. Yet another makeover by my sweet daughter. This time she starts putting make-up on my nose. I look at her confused and she says, "I messed up on the eyes so I made you a clown." I don't see a Mary Kay career in her future.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
V-I-C-T-O-R-Y
All too often lately I’m left of a feeling of “I’m so done”
and the day is not nearly over. I feel like I have given all that I have to
give and am ready to retreat to my bedroom with the door locked, curtains
drawn, and blanket over my head.
So when a day comes where things fall into place and
everyone is cheery, light-hearted, and behaving I want to dance and shout it
from the rooftops. Yesterday was just
that day for me. The heavens opened and light poured over my family and the angels sang.
The day before, however, was brutal. We had discussion after discussion with our 9 year old son about looking at the bright side of things. He has a HUGE tendency to focus on the negatives. He is a child that can look at a rainbow and point out that the colors are off just so. Deciding enough was enough, my husband and I sat down and had a serious talk about how having a positive attitude can make life so much more enjoyable. To which he replied that there weren’t any positives in anything he did. We talked and talked, gave example after example, until we threw our hands up in the air, and said “Fine, if you insist on being miserable go be miserable in your room so we don’t have to be a part of it.”
The day before, however, was brutal. We had discussion after discussion with our 9 year old son about looking at the bright side of things. He has a HUGE tendency to focus on the negatives. He is a child that can look at a rainbow and point out that the colors are off just so. Deciding enough was enough, my husband and I sat down and had a serious talk about how having a positive attitude can make life so much more enjoyable. To which he replied that there weren’t any positives in anything he did. We talked and talked, gave example after example, until we threw our hands up in the air, and said “Fine, if you insist on being miserable go be miserable in your room so we don’t have to be a part of it.”
I felt like a failure right then with no idea what else to
do… I prayed.
The next day I pass my son’s class in the hall (this is usually the point where I quickly duck into a room and hide until they pass) and his
teacher informs me that he has been a model student all day. He looks at me and smiles and says not only is he having a great day but that he is looking forward to playing baseball tonight(which up until
this point has consisted of our dragging him kicking and screaming). He gets home from school still in a great
mood talking about all of the positive things he’s focused on today and how it
has just been the best day ever. We go
to baseball where he scores twice, gets a sweet hit, and stands in his “down
and ready” position outfield instead of dancing around tossing his hat in the
air. His team wins their first game this
season and there are 11 boys cheering and jumping with joy.
I get home, curl up on the couch with a fever of 101 and
think.. Thank you Jesus, this was the perfect day!
Dark Days
I didn't intend on publishing this post but after some thought, maybe someone needs to hear it.
I love to write happy/silly things, but most of all I feel compelled to write about "real" things. Today's reality is that I do not feel happy or silly at all. I feel tired and broken. I can not find a funny spin to put on my current situation, not even a hint of sarcasam. For those who know me, know it must indeed be a dark day.
Parenting is hard. You build relationships with other parents so that you have someone who can assure you that you aren't totally messing up your children or that we each mess them up in our own special way. They too have pinched their child's leg in the seat belt or had an outburst that immediately embarrassed them. So, when you get to the point when you share your most recent struggles and all you get in return is crickets.. it can feel so alone.
While I know I am not the only parent that has a 9 year old boy that struggles with control over his emotions, I can't tell you how nice it would be to have someone say, "Hey, I've been there and it sucks, but you'll get through it." Because right now I just feel hopeless. I am confused and scared and raw. I feel like an utter failure as a parent and have no idea what to do next. All I can do is fall to my knees and pray. I pray for guidance, intervention, peace, patience, and wisdom. I pray for strength, compassion, and perseverance. I ask that God gives us the words we need to speak and the timing for when to speak them. I ask that He gives us the tools we need to deal with the situations as the arise and the clarity to see the right way to use them. I pray that my son feels God's calming hand wrap peace around his life. That he can be in better control of his anger and forgive himself when he isn't. I praise Him for blessing me with my wonderful family and trust in Him to get us through whatever comes next.
I love to write happy/silly things, but most of all I feel compelled to write about "real" things. Today's reality is that I do not feel happy or silly at all. I feel tired and broken. I can not find a funny spin to put on my current situation, not even a hint of sarcasam. For those who know me, know it must indeed be a dark day.
Parenting is hard. You build relationships with other parents so that you have someone who can assure you that you aren't totally messing up your children or that we each mess them up in our own special way. They too have pinched their child's leg in the seat belt or had an outburst that immediately embarrassed them. So, when you get to the point when you share your most recent struggles and all you get in return is crickets.. it can feel so alone.
While I know I am not the only parent that has a 9 year old boy that struggles with control over his emotions, I can't tell you how nice it would be to have someone say, "Hey, I've been there and it sucks, but you'll get through it." Because right now I just feel hopeless. I am confused and scared and raw. I feel like an utter failure as a parent and have no idea what to do next. All I can do is fall to my knees and pray. I pray for guidance, intervention, peace, patience, and wisdom. I pray for strength, compassion, and perseverance. I ask that God gives us the words we need to speak and the timing for when to speak them. I ask that He gives us the tools we need to deal with the situations as the arise and the clarity to see the right way to use them. I pray that my son feels God's calming hand wrap peace around his life. That he can be in better control of his anger and forgive himself when he isn't. I praise Him for blessing me with my wonderful family and trust in Him to get us through whatever comes next.
Renewed
Raging storms crash, howl and scream
You bring the stillness of waters untouched by the faintest breeze
Darkness consumes us, cold and bitter
You shine light brighter than the sun, casting no shadows
We fall broken, beaten and hopeless
You restore us whole, beautiful and new
You bring the stillness of waters untouched by the faintest breeze
Darkness consumes us, cold and bitter
You shine light brighter than the sun, casting no shadows
We fall broken, beaten and hopeless
You restore us whole, beautiful and new
Monday, April 1, 2013
Watch It My Friend!
I write this post as a warning to a few of my fellow "bootcampers." You know who you are. You walk in in your tiny swatches of spandex and chiseled abs with a spring in your step. I look to you as an inspiration and only hope to be a little like you someday. But be warned.. when you come in and complain about being tired after your 10 mile run from earlier today and how you aren't sure you are up for more exercise.. the likelihood of my "accidentally" tripping you as you breeze past me during our warm-up laps is extremely high. I'm not proud of it, but it just has to happen.
Sorry, but when I talk about surviving another boot camp session, I mean just that, survived. I crawl away still breathing, or rather panting, and consider it a success. Getting through a session takes everything I have. I wobble out to the car, drive home and collapse over the edge of the tub, kick the lever with my foot and accept whatever temperature of water comes out as there really isn't anything I can do about it anyway. My abs won't lift by body to change it and the one kick was all my leg had left. It's a miracle that I don't drown. As water starts to pour over the edge, B come in and turns it off. I roll back over the edge of the tub and flop onto the rug on the floor. Here I air dry/possibly sleep for the night. For the next several days I struggle with meneal tasks such as brushing my hair and typing. So as my arms shake with these final key strokes I bid you good night.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Gluten - A Natural Rage Suppressor?
Okay, so I've know a few people, namely my sister, who have gone gluten-free and rave about it. For this reason alone I have resisted the urge to try such a diet, it must be a fad after all. However, after yet another long stretch of medical difficulties my doctor suggested I cut the gluten and see if it might be the magical remedy I needed.
I begin the initial diet rating my days on the following scale:
Day 1 gluten-free: Urge to kill low
Day 2 gluten-free: Urge to kill rising
Day 5 gluten-free: Urge to kill HIGH (B eating a slab of pound cake next to me in the car did't help)
Day 9 gluten-free: Urge to kill waning
After the first week though, I really didn't mind the changes. We mostly cook at home and there are a lot of options out there now that make the change easier. The hardest part at this point was telling my sister about the change. While she didn't say "I told you so," I still had a mental picture of Mr. Burns drumming his fingers together and saying "excellent!"
I think what made the biggest impact though, was everyone telling me how much better I was going to feel. So many people spout the same story. "After a few weeks you will feel like a new person" or "I feel so good and have so much energy." So when we went out to eat for the first time since going GF, I felt a surge of panic when I realized that there is basically NOTHING I could order besides a plain salad at the restaurant. I wanted to cry, but reminded myself that I was going to be a new person soon and the cheesy goodness of the eggplant parm is just not worth it anyway. From then on we researched places to eat before going, which helped.
I'm now on week 5 of being GF and how do I feel??? Bitchy! Like an all out grumpus-pants McGee. I have no idea why. I don't miss the food I can't eat, I have found great alternatives. I've lost 10lbs and had a week off from work. Sounds like a recipe for happiness if I have ever heard one. However, for the last week I KNOW the mail person looks at me funny.. judging me. The person at the grocery store bumped into me on purpose and stole something out of my cart. My friends and family have all suddenly developed the most obnoxious habits, like asking me how my day is going. Ugh, I go GF and the whole world goes mad! My only guess is that someone is slipping me steroids, I only have to find out who.
In a couple of more weeks I guess we will know for sure if GF is the way to be, or not. Doc says the best way to find out is to eat some and see if I die. Maybe not his exact words.. Here's hoping the pill they gave me was the "magic" I needed and I can go back to being nicer to my fellow man. Until then.. watch yourselves! Ha ha ha! No, really.. watch yourselves!
I begin the initial diet rating my days on the following scale:
Day 1 gluten-free: Urge to kill low
Day 2 gluten-free: Urge to kill rising
Day 5 gluten-free: Urge to kill HIGH (B eating a slab of pound cake next to me in the car did't help)
Day 9 gluten-free: Urge to kill waning
After the first week though, I really didn't mind the changes. We mostly cook at home and there are a lot of options out there now that make the change easier. The hardest part at this point was telling my sister about the change. While she didn't say "I told you so," I still had a mental picture of Mr. Burns drumming his fingers together and saying "excellent!"
I think what made the biggest impact though, was everyone telling me how much better I was going to feel. So many people spout the same story. "After a few weeks you will feel like a new person" or "I feel so good and have so much energy." So when we went out to eat for the first time since going GF, I felt a surge of panic when I realized that there is basically NOTHING I could order besides a plain salad at the restaurant. I wanted to cry, but reminded myself that I was going to be a new person soon and the cheesy goodness of the eggplant parm is just not worth it anyway. From then on we researched places to eat before going, which helped.
I'm now on week 5 of being GF and how do I feel??? Bitchy! Like an all out grumpus-pants McGee. I have no idea why. I don't miss the food I can't eat, I have found great alternatives. I've lost 10lbs and had a week off from work. Sounds like a recipe for happiness if I have ever heard one. However, for the last week I KNOW the mail person looks at me funny.. judging me. The person at the grocery store bumped into me on purpose and stole something out of my cart. My friends and family have all suddenly developed the most obnoxious habits, like asking me how my day is going. Ugh, I go GF and the whole world goes mad! My only guess is that someone is slipping me steroids, I only have to find out who.
In a couple of more weeks I guess we will know for sure if GF is the way to be, or not. Doc says the best way to find out is to eat some and see if I die. Maybe not his exact words.. Here's hoping the pill they gave me was the "magic" I needed and I can go back to being nicer to my fellow man. Until then.. watch yourselves! Ha ha ha! No, really.. watch yourselves!
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