September 2008 Archives

Yes, do the math (and we can do this math, thanks for our cute pre-algebra teacher Mr. Rasmussen!  Everyone else took pre-alg as freshman, but Mackenzie and I put if off until we were seniors!  Are we awesome or what?!).  It's been 10 years since I've seen some of my classmates from Washington High School.

And I'm not going to lie: going to our reunion was really a tough decision for me.  A decision that I would have easily said no way to if I didn't have a great support system urging me to go (thanks guys!).  I have some great memories from our school days, but I also have some very fresh and painful memories. 

There are people who weren't there (like Carrie and Brian) that I will always adore, and there are people who were there (my "gang" of Lexi, Rachel and Staci, Mackenzie and Andy and Cheyenne) that I will always love.  There were a lot of people I'd written off due to my memories - which in all honesty, are probably greatly skewed by me.  People that I kept telling my support system, "why do I care what these people think of me?  I don't need to impress them." 

But, at some point in the evening, it wasn't about impressing people.  It was about me going back to what I was and being the me I am now.  I talked with many people, some who were my friends, some who weren't, and it wasn't about being better than them.  A lot of our classmates are doing great, and I'm proud of them for their accomplishments and beautiful families.  I got to hang out with the friends that I love, then and always, all while being me with no pressure.  I had a blast, and I think I'm over my self-induced traumas.

I don't think I can handle doing it again soon, but maybe at our 20 year reunion, I'll ride in the parade on our float!



Mackenzie and I - you have to swear not to tell her (because I'll never hear the end of it), but I'm glad she forced me to go.  And her pep-talk the week before made me realize that this one loves me for what I really am (nerdy and all!).  Thanks, kid!

 

Cheyenne, Jeana, me, Kenz and Andy - if I could only find a great picture of us with the tattoos ...

I heard a statistic from one of the gymnastic centers that a child has a "1 in 2800" chance of being an Olympic gold medal winner (our question is 1 in 2800 kids in the world or 1 in 2800 kids who is already in a gymnastics program??).  So, in reality, those odds aren't too shabby when you're 3 years old and able to do this!

With or without her jewels and wand, she's definitely our beautiful little princess!



Princess Carter



... complete with wand, jewels and tiara!



The princess and our King?! 



Princess Carter and Queen Mommy!



This isn't "princess."  We call this "Why so serious?" cause her jelly-face makes us think of Heath Ledger's Joker ---



No gun and super-creepy, but kinda a funny resemblance!

She started innocently enough ... then became possessed?!  I enjoy the rocking of the PB & J sandwich as she sings!

ROW, ROW THE BOAT, GENTLY DOWN THE STREAM!
IF YOU SEE A CROCODILE, DON'T FORGET TO SCREAM!  ARGH!!!

A famous quote, and my personal favorite, goes "Find a job you love to do, and you'll never work a day in your life."  Yes, I know you've heard me belly-ache, but I really do love what I do.  I get annoyed that society values our football players over the educators of our children (but that's another post for another day).

One of the classes that is new to our building this year is our reading lab.  It's a class for any student, general or special education, who tests below the 40th percentile on ITBS (41st percentile is considered "proficient" and a non-issue according to NCLB).  I get to co-teach this class of kids (half general ed, half special ed) with our awesome new language/reading teacher.  We're one of two reading classes - our group seems to be the more "outgoing" bunch, while the other is the "eager to please" crowd.  But that's okay, ours are really fun!

As part of our fluency-building practice, each of our 21 kids picked a children's picture book and have been practicing reading with expression and meaning.  Today we walked to the elementary building to pair one our 8th graders up one-on-one with a 1st grader.  They had "I heard you say" statements all ready for us, and our group did an outstanding job reading to them.  I have never been so proud of a group of kids as I was today!  They were squirrely getting to the elementary, and kinda loud coming down the tiny hallways, but they rose to the occasion and exceeded our expectations with their 1st grade friends.

SO PROUD of our crew today!!!



One of our great pairs reading together!  The first graders were great listeners and our eighth graders were fluent and confident readers.  It was so cool to see them shine!!!

And sometimes - when you're this sweet and silly - that's all that we need in the whole entire world!

You know how, being good parents, you tell your kid they can be whatever they want when they grow up?

Carter wants to be a giraffe. 

Any advice on how we foster that desire?!?



Their reddish-brown "fur" is kinda similar ... I guess ...

This week was homecoming at school.  We had crazy themed days ("Decade Day" and "Twin Day"), all leading up to the Homecoming parade and football game. 

I participated at school (my 80's vest was pretty sweet!), and Andy and Carter went to the parade and game.

Go Dragons!



A purple and silver beaded Carter, anxiously awaiting the parade Thursday



The parade was pretty low-key, consisting of the homecoming court and truck after truck of football and other sport players.  One really neat addition this was the snowplow decorating contest (only in Iowa).  The city purchased 8 industrial grade snowplows and donated one to each school.  The art department and volunteering students designed and decorated each (except Summit, who cheated with parent painters!).  Each plow was on display and judged (the middle school won 2nd place!).  The snowplows will be used in our "unseasonably cold and snowy" winter (thanks Farmer's Almanac for the tidbit of crappy information!)



Carter hi-five's the Dragon at Friday's varsity game



I'm always amazed when I watch football by the time: quarters are only 12 minutes long, but the first quarter took about an hour!  Good luck getting this one to sit still for that long!  She actually did a great job, but the band was her favorite part!



The view from the stands, a much different scene than games from back in the day.  The mega-expensive astro turf field, the A, B, C, and D squads all suited up and ready to play, the 30 cheerleaders and band and spirit dancers, and a totally packed stadium.  And, we're Friday Night Lights's Spotlight Game of the Week!  Go Dragons!

So, Saturday (9/27) is our 10 year class reunion.  As if being out of high school for 10 years isn't enough to make me a little more "high anxiety" this week, I'm being forced into going (thanks, Kenz!).  Seriously, I'm having some anxiety over this!

Example: one of my students was in a serious accident in August and didn't start school until last week on half days only.  His first day back, I thought I was going to die.  I kept having these flashback moments of my first day back, and those "moments" developed into traumatic high school memories and I had to breath to keep myself from hyperventilating (so not kidding). 

Then, this gem was sent to me (again, thanks Kenz!!).  As if it's pure existence isn't bad enough, it's posted on the WHS reunion website for all of my adoring fans to see.

"I am having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day," and I can't wait for Saturday night to be over with!



Bonus: at least I don't look like Dracula next to me, and I don't have a nickname (I loved "Timmy" back in the day!).  God help me Saturday ...

So the visual aren't much in this post, but it's the audio that's too cute!  Carter was taking a bath this evening, and she wanted to stay in to play.  Andy came downstairs, telling me that her conversations were too much!  So I caught what I could!  Enjoy the listen!

Tuesday is Cousin "Courtmey's" 3rd birthday.  3, already!  Can you believe it?!!  So Brian, Anna, Courtney and their friends and family celebrated Courtney's big day!

We stayed with Grandma and Poppy Friday night and Saturday morning.  Carter enjoyed running and muck and playing with Grandma and Poppy.  Saturday, we headed to the Chalupa farm, where Carter got to fulfill her "farm girl" quota by checking out worms, pigs and farm equipment.  Saturday afternoon was spent with our family, little kiddos and friends wishing Courtney the BEST birthday!

Happy 3rd birthday, Courtney!  We LOVE ya, girl!



Grandpa found this vat of cheese balls at Menard's and instantly thought of Carter!  She's loving the treat!



Grandpa and Carter bond over cheese balls and Hi-C juice boxes!



A farm-find: the wolly worm!  She enjoyed this new friend!







At Courtney's party, Kristy (Courtney's cousin) played Mini-Mom to the little girls and boys playing.  I remember our first Father's Day picnic when Kristy was just an itty-bitty!  Kristy and Courtney are such sweet big girls now!  Time flies!



Farm find #2: a worm.  I'm cool with wolly worms, but icky earthworms - that's a daddy thing!  But Carter enjoyed playing with him!



After worms, playing and cake, Carter had to pee, immediately!  Courtney saw us head into the house, and came along to "show us the potty."  I figured she'd lead the way.  Instead, she scooted in front of a needing-to-pee Carter and made herself comfortable while Carter attempted to wait patiently!  It was a little line of tiny butts!



Cousin "Courtmey" Clara and Carter Kay, my favorite little girlies in the whole, wide world!



It's a family thing: Courtney (3),  Kristy (nearly 5) and Carter (3)




After birthday fun, Carter and Grandpa played around the farm.  Carter showed no fear and wanted to climb up the grain bin!  We were all nervous, but Carter loved the adventure!



And the tractor - she loves the tractor!  Maybe she's got a little of the farm in her after all!



Carter, Andy and I head home after a fun afternoon of family, friends and birthday fun!

I'm going to be way upfront about this one: I don't really get football (I know - surprise!).  I don't really have a preference as to who wins what games, but I can bum an Iowa shirt off Andy for the Iowa/Iowa State game. 

So, go team!  I think Andy (and Kelsey and Shane!) would disown us if we wore even the slightest hint of red this weekend!



Carter, the golden girl!



Come Monday, I'm going to swear we were Iowa State fans if Iowa loses!

Woo hoo!  Triad is to Carter what holidays are to other children!  I guess that's a great sign!  She did a fantastic job of cooperating during stretches and she rocked the obstacle course!  She was even able to take turns and watch as her friends jumped on the trampoline. 

What a big girl!  And much more graceful than when we started nearly 2 years ago!



Patiently waiting on the bench, Carter's personal balance beam.  Look at that posture! 



The arms, a perfect T.  The balance, very un-Chalupa-like.  The look, pure determination.  THIS is the next Shawn Johnson!


After dance, she got dazzled up for dinner.  Hot mama!

We're all one, happy family, gathering for lunch!



Sammy's looking to share my barbecue-mango chicken, and Carter's all about letting him!

This afternoon, we met Melinda, Elisa and Allison - our neighbor pals - at the band shell for a kid's day (I think to promote some local business - obviously the advertising wasn't the best if I can't remember who!).  Elisa and Carter bounced and jumped and had a great time together.

We've been home for about an hour now.  I've answered "Where's Alison?" (Elisa's younger sister) about four times, "Where's Elisa?" about ten times and "When are my friends coming back?" around six times.  I guess that's a good sign, right?  Annoying, but good!



Carter's bestie, Elisa (isn't she a cutie?!!).  The girls got to hang out, and bounce around, together and Carter had a blast!



For the record, I was not the first mom to get in while we were there!  It's my child-like enthusiasm that makes me a great mama!





BFF's, Carter and Elisa!  We can't wait for our new season of Triad - the girls are enrolled in Monday classes together!  Fun stuff!

Cheesin' around never fails to amuse!  It's been a busy week, but we managed to squeeze in some silly fun!

This morning, Scott, Kelly and Zane Shoning - our closest "neighbors" from down the street - came over to hang out and splash in the pool.  Carter and Zane played and ran around, but it seemed the ones who got the wettest were the adults trying to avoid being splashed with water! 

Despite both Carter and Zane's aversion to water today, we still had a great time hanging out.  This is what we wanted our neighborhood to be like, and it's great that this is the direction things are starting to take as people begin to move into the area. 

Thanks guys, for coming to play!  We had a great morning!  I'm with Scott: next time, we should dunk the kids!

 

Carter, the Pool Princess!



Splish, splash ... but let's try to avoid much contact with the water!



Carter's a little hesitant around boys (but loves older men :(  ), and, as Scott said, "Zane's just two," so I was interested to see how they would be react to one another.  They played nicely together, and one day they'll be besties!



Scott, Kelly and Zane brought chips and fruit to share for lunch, but the chips were busted out early (that's why we love Zane!).  Zane would get a chip, then Carter would go get one.  They staggered their chip-intake, but both needed a chip at the same moment ... you'd thought someone had just died!  God forbid Carter share chips!  (Can you sense my eye roll?!!)