My sister wrote a really great article this week for her local paper.
http://www.themorningsun.com/articles/2012/01/25/opinion/srv0000017255923.txt
I got me thinking....why do we make our kids grow up so fast? These days everyone is pushing their kids to act older, be more responsible, and excel at everything they do. I look at some of the shows that are on today, Dance Moms, Toddlers and Tiaras, and so on (yes, I know that I love Dance Moms...that doesn't make what they do to their kids ok). What is wrong with just running around outside and acting silly? What is wrong with playtime instead of all scheduled time?
Yes, my kids have activities that they are involved in. We have tried to base them on the kids' interests and still leave them lots of playtime. And we started slow, there was no reason for them to play soccer, basketball, t-ball, take swimming lessons, and dance all at age 3.
Speaking of slowly, lets start at the beginning of life.......I know that everyone has their own way of raising their babies and whatever works for your family is great. But, this is my blog, so I am just going to say what we did. Take it as you will, it worked for us.
When both Calah and Gabe were babies, we kept them in our room as long as we could. When they didn't fit in the bassinet anymore, then we moved them to a crib in in their own room. However, when they woke up in the middle of the night, they ended up in bed with us for the rest of the night. Yes, we were co-sleeper and both of our children are ok. Then there was nursing. I nursed for over a year, and waited until they were six months old to give them anything else. My kids were slow to walk, both well over a year when they started. We didn't push them to be potty trained. Both were 3 before they were trained, even to the point with Gabe that we weren't sure that he was going to be able to go to preschool. Yes, both kids went to preschool....at 3. We didn't try to make them go to school early, even attend a daycare that was too structured. My thoughts were only on play. That is what I wanted my children to do during the day, play. They didn't know their alphabet going into preschool. They knew how to play and use their imagination. When we selected a preschool, we made sure is was based on the play to learn philosophy. And my kids were/are totally ready for school.
When Calah was four, we were at swimming lessons and I was sitting next to a couple of parents. One was talking about her five year old and their activities...horseback riding, piano lessons, Spanish lessons, swimming lessons, and dance. She was concerned that her child wasn't reading yet. She said to me, "You are a teacher, what kinds of things do you do with Calah? Is she reading yet?" I was in serious disbelief! I had not done anything with Calah except let her be a little girl. And yet, as a second grader she is reading between a fourth and fifth grade level. I don't think it did her any harm.
Now Gabe was a different story. We still didn't push the academics on him, but he has had much more structure and time in school because of his speech delay. But still in his second year of preschool, he is just getting his letters and numbers down....and I couldn't be prouder.
I am proud because my children can play for hours outside in the winter or summer, creating forts and hideouts and fighting bad guys. I am proud because they can have "meeting" in their room with all their stuffed animals. I am proud because they can ride in the car for HOURS (like 14 straight) without a television screen or movie. I am proud because they color pictures and tell stories. I am proud because they do not need to rely on technology to have a good time. I am proud because they would rather be doing something than sitting in front of the tv. I am proud because they love school and can't wait to learn new things.
I will say that we do keep up in the summer. Calah has a summer program through the Grand Rapids school district that keeps her skills up. We are part of the summer reading program at the library. We try to do some fun educational field trips in the summer like nature walks and trips to museums year round. I want them to think that learning is fun. Yes, it is nice to be smart, it is smarter to be nice. I would rather raise a kid that is nice to everyone, than one that is the valedictorian. Of course if they are both, that would be ok. :)
And that leads me to extracurriculars....why do we have to start our kids at 3 (or younger) and push them in a very specific direction at such a young age? Calah got a late start. We let her try soccer at 5 and waited until 7 to introduce basketball. By the standards in our small town, she is behind. But we want her to try things and have fun and figure out what she likes before we pursue it full force. Again, I would rather raise a well rounded, happy child than one that has been forced down a certain path.
All I'm saying is we don't have to push our children to grow up. They grow up fast enough as it is. I miss the days when my baby girl could curl up in my lap. She still will on occasion, but it isn't her favorite place anymore. I miss the days when I could rock and snuggle my baby boy until he fell asleep. Now the only snuggles I get from him are in the morning when he is waking up. The rest of the day he has one speed....go! I miss my babies. They are growing up so fast and every day they can do more and more. I know they still have a long way to go, but I also know that in a blink of the eye I will be standing at their graduation, their wedding days, and then they will have their own children. And I hope when they do, they look fondly on their childhood and say, "I'm glad that my mom let us play, I am glad my childhood was happy and full of adventure....even if it was just in my own backyard."
Because that is what I want for my children. Not fame, not glory.....just happiness.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
New piano
So, we bought a piano.
I found it on Craigslist and it was a really good deal. It is a beautiful console Everett piano. I was really lucky to find it like I did. I contacted the seller the day she posted it, and if I hadn't, I'm sure it would have been gone. Anyway, after going to see it, I had to have it. There was no way I was letting Chuck move it, with the many back issues he has had, so we hired movers. And let me tell you, it cost more to move that to purchase.
It arrived on Wednesday. I don't think that Calah and I could have been more excited. She loves Mimi and Papa's piano and has been asking for one for years. And lately I have really wanted one, too. I play. Not spectacularly, but I can read music and play a bit.
When I was a kid I took lessons. I started in 4th grade, and I remember liking it for quite a while. I really liked my first piano teacher. She was just around the corner from my house and I also became friends with her daughter. Then I had to change teachers. After that I don't think I liked it as much. I know that my parents definitely had to get after me to practice. Once I got to high school, it was really down hill. I think my senior year I had a lesson every other week and I refused to compete or perform. That was a low point.
But, even in college I tried to find empty practice rooms in the music building every now and then. My interest has increased in the last couple of years and I think of it as a nice stress relief to be able to sit down and play. Especially if nobody is telling me I have to. (This may surprise you, but I don't like being told what to do....I know....shocker). Just having the choice and opportunity will be nice.
Calah really wants to learn. So I have decided that I will teach her. At least for a while. Until we are ready to kill each other or she out does my skill level. Then I will get her real lessons. We actually sat down and came up with rules. She has to listen to me as her teacher and not whine or complain, but I can't yell at her. That seems fair. We have had 2 lessons already and she is doing very well. She practices without complaint and will practice multiple times a day. We'll see how long that lasts! But I am so glad that she likes it and is happy right now. She is even excited that during next year's talent show, she will be able to play the piano for a talent.
So that is the story of the piano. And Mom and Dad, all that money you spent on piano lessons for me was not wasted. I may have complained (A LOT) then, but now I am really happy that I can play and share that gift with my children. Thank you.
I found it on Craigslist and it was a really good deal. It is a beautiful console Everett piano. I was really lucky to find it like I did. I contacted the seller the day she posted it, and if I hadn't, I'm sure it would have been gone. Anyway, after going to see it, I had to have it. There was no way I was letting Chuck move it, with the many back issues he has had, so we hired movers. And let me tell you, it cost more to move that to purchase.
It arrived on Wednesday. I don't think that Calah and I could have been more excited. She loves Mimi and Papa's piano and has been asking for one for years. And lately I have really wanted one, too. I play. Not spectacularly, but I can read music and play a bit.
When I was a kid I took lessons. I started in 4th grade, and I remember liking it for quite a while. I really liked my first piano teacher. She was just around the corner from my house and I also became friends with her daughter. Then I had to change teachers. After that I don't think I liked it as much. I know that my parents definitely had to get after me to practice. Once I got to high school, it was really down hill. I think my senior year I had a lesson every other week and I refused to compete or perform. That was a low point.
But, even in college I tried to find empty practice rooms in the music building every now and then. My interest has increased in the last couple of years and I think of it as a nice stress relief to be able to sit down and play. Especially if nobody is telling me I have to. (This may surprise you, but I don't like being told what to do....I know....shocker). Just having the choice and opportunity will be nice.
Calah really wants to learn. So I have decided that I will teach her. At least for a while. Until we are ready to kill each other or she out does my skill level. Then I will get her real lessons. We actually sat down and came up with rules. She has to listen to me as her teacher and not whine or complain, but I can't yell at her. That seems fair. We have had 2 lessons already and she is doing very well. She practices without complaint and will practice multiple times a day. We'll see how long that lasts! But I am so glad that she likes it and is happy right now. She is even excited that during next year's talent show, she will be able to play the piano for a talent.
So that is the story of the piano. And Mom and Dad, all that money you spent on piano lessons for me was not wasted. I may have complained (A LOT) then, but now I am really happy that I can play and share that gift with my children. Thank you.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Frustrations in Education
So, when did people start to think that schools should be run like businesses?
This has bothered me for some time now, and today is as good a time as any to air these complaints. And that is not to say that I am against school reform. There are definitely things that could be changed. But I pretty sure that schools should not be run like businesses. And here is why.....
First of all, when businesses make products, they make sure that they are getting a quality raw material. Sure, every now and then they have to make a lesser quality material work, but if their supplier isn't delivering the quality they need and want, they get a new supplier. Schools do not choose their supplier. All children in this country are entitled to an education, but all children do not come in the same. Say what you will, but home life is going to be the biggest influence on a child's attitude and disposition. If a student is read to at home from a young age, encouraged by their parents to do their best, and spends quality time with their parents, they are going to have a better attitude about school and will try harder to succeed. If a student does not know whether or not their is going to be heat, food, or running water, or whether or not they are going to be physically, verbally, or sexually abused, or spend any quality time with their parents, or have been told that school is not important, they are most likely not going to value their education. And not that I necessarily blame them. If I didn't know where my next meal was coming from, homework would be that last thing on my mind, too. So, students come to school with a large range of abilities and values regarding education.
Now, I consider myself to be a fairly effective teacher. I use humor and analogies to explain complicated concepts. I have a pretty good rapport with my students. I am available before school, after school, and at lunch to help struggling students. I try to organize my classes so they are not difficult to pass, but challenge students if they want an A. I try a variety of techniques to incorporate different learning styles. I use technology as well as traditional methods. And still, I have students who just don't care. Talking to them does nothing, encouraging does nothing, threatening does nothing. Their grades are not any motivation at all. I have students who are supposed to be on medication (whether it is for ADHD, depression, or some other disorder that I am not allowed to know about) and are not using the medication for a number of reasons. And I am supposed to do what for that kid? The parents can't afford or won't get the medicine, the kid is suffering and can't focus, and I cannot let this child fall behind. On what planet does that make sense?
Second, business are always trying to cut overhead. When a school funding gets cut, it is the supplies and staff that gets cut. Supplies are essential to teaching. There are the basics like paper, pencils, and staples that are consumable and must be replaced every year. Text books and computers which are inevitably worn out and broken over time and must be replaced. There are staff, teachers, secretaries, custodians, and para pros, which supervise and help kids succeed. Even (and especially) that kid who is off his meds and having a hard time concentrating. When staff is cut, the student to adult ratio is higher. So while we have to spend time with the one kid who needs the special help, we have 30-35 others who also need instruction and supervision. Class sizes are larger. There may be teachers out there who are able to engage all of their 40 students all of the time, but I am willing to bet that they are not the norm.
It seems obvious to me that man power is always going to be the biggest expense of any organization. Education is no exception. Except in education, the employees are not producing a static product, they are working with the greatest gift any parent has ever been given. We are expected to produce productive members of society in the short time we see them. And we are supposed to do that despite the baggage they come in with or the fact that we over 30 of these wonderful, baggaged gifts in each class.
I love my job, please do not think otherwise. The joy that comes from watching students succeed cannot be measured or compared to anything else. I can't imagine getting that kind of satisfaction from any other job. It is wonderful...when politicians and well meaning members of the community let us do our jobs.
It is really difficult to educate when we have so much red tape and ridiculous requirements. See, educators went to school. We got degrees in education. And we continue to take classes and learn new things at inservices. We took classes in child development and psychology, pedagogy, and special needs learners. In addition to our subject area. We took tests that deem us highly qualified to teach.
So I guess my saying all of this is just a plea to all well meaning community members and parents. Please trust us to do our jobs. We really do have the best interest of your kids at heart.
This has bothered me for some time now, and today is as good a time as any to air these complaints. And that is not to say that I am against school reform. There are definitely things that could be changed. But I pretty sure that schools should not be run like businesses. And here is why.....
First of all, when businesses make products, they make sure that they are getting a quality raw material. Sure, every now and then they have to make a lesser quality material work, but if their supplier isn't delivering the quality they need and want, they get a new supplier. Schools do not choose their supplier. All children in this country are entitled to an education, but all children do not come in the same. Say what you will, but home life is going to be the biggest influence on a child's attitude and disposition. If a student is read to at home from a young age, encouraged by their parents to do their best, and spends quality time with their parents, they are going to have a better attitude about school and will try harder to succeed. If a student does not know whether or not their is going to be heat, food, or running water, or whether or not they are going to be physically, verbally, or sexually abused, or spend any quality time with their parents, or have been told that school is not important, they are most likely not going to value their education. And not that I necessarily blame them. If I didn't know where my next meal was coming from, homework would be that last thing on my mind, too. So, students come to school with a large range of abilities and values regarding education.
Now, I consider myself to be a fairly effective teacher. I use humor and analogies to explain complicated concepts. I have a pretty good rapport with my students. I am available before school, after school, and at lunch to help struggling students. I try to organize my classes so they are not difficult to pass, but challenge students if they want an A. I try a variety of techniques to incorporate different learning styles. I use technology as well as traditional methods. And still, I have students who just don't care. Talking to them does nothing, encouraging does nothing, threatening does nothing. Their grades are not any motivation at all. I have students who are supposed to be on medication (whether it is for ADHD, depression, or some other disorder that I am not allowed to know about) and are not using the medication for a number of reasons. And I am supposed to do what for that kid? The parents can't afford or won't get the medicine, the kid is suffering and can't focus, and I cannot let this child fall behind. On what planet does that make sense?
Second, business are always trying to cut overhead. When a school funding gets cut, it is the supplies and staff that gets cut. Supplies are essential to teaching. There are the basics like paper, pencils, and staples that are consumable and must be replaced every year. Text books and computers which are inevitably worn out and broken over time and must be replaced. There are staff, teachers, secretaries, custodians, and para pros, which supervise and help kids succeed. Even (and especially) that kid who is off his meds and having a hard time concentrating. When staff is cut, the student to adult ratio is higher. So while we have to spend time with the one kid who needs the special help, we have 30-35 others who also need instruction and supervision. Class sizes are larger. There may be teachers out there who are able to engage all of their 40 students all of the time, but I am willing to bet that they are not the norm.
It seems obvious to me that man power is always going to be the biggest expense of any organization. Education is no exception. Except in education, the employees are not producing a static product, they are working with the greatest gift any parent has ever been given. We are expected to produce productive members of society in the short time we see them. And we are supposed to do that despite the baggage they come in with or the fact that we over 30 of these wonderful, baggaged gifts in each class.
I love my job, please do not think otherwise. The joy that comes from watching students succeed cannot be measured or compared to anything else. I can't imagine getting that kind of satisfaction from any other job. It is wonderful...when politicians and well meaning members of the community let us do our jobs.
It is really difficult to educate when we have so much red tape and ridiculous requirements. See, educators went to school. We got degrees in education. And we continue to take classes and learn new things at inservices. We took classes in child development and psychology, pedagogy, and special needs learners. In addition to our subject area. We took tests that deem us highly qualified to teach.
So I guess my saying all of this is just a plea to all well meaning community members and parents. Please trust us to do our jobs. We really do have the best interest of your kids at heart.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Happy Anniversary
So today I have been married to my husband for 12 wonderful years. I still remember our wedding day like it was yesterday.......
The morning of the wedding it was snowing, not a lot but enough to give everything a clean fresh coat. I was so excited! It was risky to try have a wedding in January, but I love the snow, and I love the winter, and in the long run, I am so glad that we did it.
During breakfast, the boys pulled in. Chuck and his groomsmen. They were on the hunt for black socks. Word to the wise, when renting a tux, they do not come with socks. Anyway, Chuck was in the car, and I was ducking under the windows so he couldn't see me. After they left, I had my hair done. A few days earlier, I had had my nails done, but they were so incredibly long, and I was not used to them. I couldn't even take my contacts out for days!
Once we were at the church, the bridesmaids, my mom, and I were all crammed into this little room, but it didn't matter. We all got dressed and primped and ready. Everything was just perfect. When it came time for me to go down the aisle, I did have a moment of cold feet. I actually asked my bridesmaids on the way out the door if they liked Chuck, because I could still call it off if I needed to. They laughed and told me to go get married!
Our ceremony was perfect. Our priest was so great and really made everyone feel comfortable. The reception was a blast. I know that I drank a lot, I always had a drink in my hand, but I never got drunk. I think I sweat it all out. I love to dance and I had a great time dancing the night away.
After the wedding it was so nice to get away with my Charlie. And I'll leave it at that.
Our wedding day was wonderful and perfect. But it was only the beginning of our great adventure. We have had a fantastic marriage and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him.
The morning of the wedding it was snowing, not a lot but enough to give everything a clean fresh coat. I was so excited! It was risky to try have a wedding in January, but I love the snow, and I love the winter, and in the long run, I am so glad that we did it.
During breakfast, the boys pulled in. Chuck and his groomsmen. They were on the hunt for black socks. Word to the wise, when renting a tux, they do not come with socks. Anyway, Chuck was in the car, and I was ducking under the windows so he couldn't see me. After they left, I had my hair done. A few days earlier, I had had my nails done, but they were so incredibly long, and I was not used to them. I couldn't even take my contacts out for days!
Once we were at the church, the bridesmaids, my mom, and I were all crammed into this little room, but it didn't matter. We all got dressed and primped and ready. Everything was just perfect. When it came time for me to go down the aisle, I did have a moment of cold feet. I actually asked my bridesmaids on the way out the door if they liked Chuck, because I could still call it off if I needed to. They laughed and told me to go get married!
Our ceremony was perfect. Our priest was so great and really made everyone feel comfortable. The reception was a blast. I know that I drank a lot, I always had a drink in my hand, but I never got drunk. I think I sweat it all out. I love to dance and I had a great time dancing the night away.
After the wedding it was so nice to get away with my Charlie. And I'll leave it at that.
Our wedding day was wonderful and perfect. But it was only the beginning of our great adventure. We have had a fantastic marriage and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him.
Friday, January 13, 2012
First Snow Day
Today is the first snow day of the 2011-2012 school year. I have to admit I was a little surprised. When I looked out the window this morning, I was positive we would have school, but then, slowly, the closings for my county came in. Then I was positive that the kids had school. But they get to stay home, too! The only bummer is that Chuck had to go to work. I don't think it's the school day itself, it's the complaining that the students will be doing that bothers him. I understand. There are days we go to school when the surrounding schools are off, and I have to hear it, too.
Anyway, I did try to sleep in a little bit. The kids were up at the usual time, wanting to be fed and watch cartoons. It was nice to just relax and enjoy the morning. Then I sent the kids out. They were outside for over an hour, and I finally called them in. Maybe after lunch and a nap they can go out again. Right now they are playing upstairs. I love that they get along and play nicely together, most of the time.
As for me, I think I should finally get out of my pjs and get some things done. The rest of Christmas decorations have to come down and I need to put the winter decorations out. There is clutter in almost every room that needs to be cleaned up. And I am sure that there is a project I could find to work on. I think that I'll do it slowly and enjoy the day, too. Maybe we need to play a couple of games when the kids start to bicker. Since we have the weekend, too, I am not in any big hurry to make sure everything gets done. I think a nap at some point this weekend is called for.
Maybe I'll stay in my pjs all day after all.......
Anyway, I did try to sleep in a little bit. The kids were up at the usual time, wanting to be fed and watch cartoons. It was nice to just relax and enjoy the morning. Then I sent the kids out. They were outside for over an hour, and I finally called them in. Maybe after lunch and a nap they can go out again. Right now they are playing upstairs. I love that they get along and play nicely together, most of the time.
As for me, I think I should finally get out of my pjs and get some things done. The rest of Christmas decorations have to come down and I need to put the winter decorations out. There is clutter in almost every room that needs to be cleaned up. And I am sure that there is a project I could find to work on. I think that I'll do it slowly and enjoy the day, too. Maybe we need to play a couple of games when the kids start to bicker. Since we have the weekend, too, I am not in any big hurry to make sure everything gets done. I think a nap at some point this weekend is called for.
Maybe I'll stay in my pjs all day after all.......
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Super busy!
I am trying very hard to keep my resolutions.
So far, in the 5 mornings that we have all had to leave the house by 6:30, I have not yelled. So far, so good. It leads to a much more pleasant morning. The kids are seeing that, too. They are learning if they do what they are supposed to do, when they are supposed to do it (eat, brush teeth, put on shoes, etc) then life is much nicer. And I have done my part by making them more responsible at night. They put their homework in their bags, make sure they have shoes, and put their bags by the door. I have also been very good to make sure lunches are packed, coffee is made, and breakfast is on the table the night before. By the time I actually sit down, I am exhausted, but the house is clean and everything is ready for the morning. It makes me feel more at peace.
Being optimistic is going well, too! Last week, a coworker got a document reader from the district over break. I saw it on the way to my room and thought, "Man, I really wanted one, bet I didn't get it." Then I stopped myself and said, "No, be optimistic, if he got one, I bet I did, too!" And sure enough, sitting on my supply cart was a document reader. And I have used it every day! Almost every period. I am so happy!
I also have spent lots of time with the kiddos and off the computer. We had family game night last week. We played Pictureka and everybody did really well, even Gabe. I thought he might struggle, but he did pretty good all on his own. We were all really impressed.
This past weekend we were gone to Engaged Encounter at a beautiful facility in Holly, Michigan. It was the first weekend that we have presented with the new national outline and it went really well. There are bugs to be worked out, but there will be with a new anything. We had a really great time.
This week is super busy! With meetings, grocery shopping, dance classes, swim lessons, basketball pictures, basketball games, doctor's appointments, and basketball practice.....we are on the GO! But I think we have the schedule all worked out. And I am going to try to get back in the pool this week. I hope to find another meet this winter, I guess I should start looking so I know what to train for. Oh, and the Christmas decorations are still up and need to come down.
And we have a big event this week....Calah's first reconciliation. I can't believe that she is ready for that. I'm sure that she will do fine, but when I talked to her about what a sin was, she started crying. She can't stand to have done something intentionally wrong. So anything that she has to confess will probably make her burst into tears. I hope that she can hold it together. I kept telling her that she will feel so much better when she is done. I won't be able to be there because they going during school, but I can't wait to get home to talk to her about it on Thursday. I think we will celebrate that night. After all, it is a sacrament and it deserves celebration. Especially the first time.
So far, in the 5 mornings that we have all had to leave the house by 6:30, I have not yelled. So far, so good. It leads to a much more pleasant morning. The kids are seeing that, too. They are learning if they do what they are supposed to do, when they are supposed to do it (eat, brush teeth, put on shoes, etc) then life is much nicer. And I have done my part by making them more responsible at night. They put their homework in their bags, make sure they have shoes, and put their bags by the door. I have also been very good to make sure lunches are packed, coffee is made, and breakfast is on the table the night before. By the time I actually sit down, I am exhausted, but the house is clean and everything is ready for the morning. It makes me feel more at peace.
Being optimistic is going well, too! Last week, a coworker got a document reader from the district over break. I saw it on the way to my room and thought, "Man, I really wanted one, bet I didn't get it." Then I stopped myself and said, "No, be optimistic, if he got one, I bet I did, too!" And sure enough, sitting on my supply cart was a document reader. And I have used it every day! Almost every period. I am so happy!
I also have spent lots of time with the kiddos and off the computer. We had family game night last week. We played Pictureka and everybody did really well, even Gabe. I thought he might struggle, but he did pretty good all on his own. We were all really impressed.
This past weekend we were gone to Engaged Encounter at a beautiful facility in Holly, Michigan. It was the first weekend that we have presented with the new national outline and it went really well. There are bugs to be worked out, but there will be with a new anything. We had a really great time.
This week is super busy! With meetings, grocery shopping, dance classes, swim lessons, basketball pictures, basketball games, doctor's appointments, and basketball practice.....we are on the GO! But I think we have the schedule all worked out. And I am going to try to get back in the pool this week. I hope to find another meet this winter, I guess I should start looking so I know what to train for. Oh, and the Christmas decorations are still up and need to come down.
And we have a big event this week....Calah's first reconciliation. I can't believe that she is ready for that. I'm sure that she will do fine, but when I talked to her about what a sin was, she started crying. She can't stand to have done something intentionally wrong. So anything that she has to confess will probably make her burst into tears. I hope that she can hold it together. I kept telling her that she will feel so much better when she is done. I won't be able to be there because they going during school, but I can't wait to get home to talk to her about it on Thursday. I think we will celebrate that night. After all, it is a sacrament and it deserves celebration. Especially the first time.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Working Hard
So far I have kept my resolutions. I have played more with my kids than been online, and was optimistic this morning as I went to work. It has been paying off, and so as of day 4...things are good.
I have been working really hard the last couple of weeks. Engaged Encounter recently tweeked the national outline that we use. So Chuck and I have been rewriting our talks for the last year. Ok.....a little here, a little there, and a really big push in the last week. Then there is the other stuff that needs to be done with this change over. New EE "bible" with all the tips and things that need to be done for each talk. New handouts. And other new activities. We are giving our first weekend with the new talks this weekend. I am really excited. I love the new outline. And now that we have put in all the work to write the talks, it will be fun to use them.
On top of that, we are as busy as ever around here. Calah's first basketball game was tonight. She did pretty well, but she is not very aggressive. I guess there are worse things. We are all back in school, so that takes a toll on everyone. Dance classes and swim meets have started again. But I am staying on top of everything and trying to be proactive. It is amazing what a little advance planning can do.
So, it's business as usual at the Holman house and we are all working hard.
I have been working really hard the last couple of weeks. Engaged Encounter recently tweeked the national outline that we use. So Chuck and I have been rewriting our talks for the last year. Ok.....a little here, a little there, and a really big push in the last week. Then there is the other stuff that needs to be done with this change over. New EE "bible" with all the tips and things that need to be done for each talk. New handouts. And other new activities. We are giving our first weekend with the new talks this weekend. I am really excited. I love the new outline. And now that we have put in all the work to write the talks, it will be fun to use them.
On top of that, we are as busy as ever around here. Calah's first basketball game was tonight. She did pretty well, but she is not very aggressive. I guess there are worse things. We are all back in school, so that takes a toll on everyone. Dance classes and swim meets have started again. But I am staying on top of everything and trying to be proactive. It is amazing what a little advance planning can do.
So, it's business as usual at the Holman house and we are all working hard.
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