Reality

My first year teaching full-time I had six preps- four math and two Spanish.  It was a 45 minute commute and I taught a total of 50 students. 

And it. was. marvelous.  

The kids were amazing.  The faculty, though small, was dedicated.  Most had a commute like myself.  But the community was amazing. 

Some of my students made me laugh so hard while they were apologizing for not doing their homework- just like every other day.  And even though I was only five years older than most of them, my "authority" was never an issue.  They were so respectful and kind.

It was only one year, but few of them really tugged on my heart.  I loved them like my own siblings. 

One of those special ones died today. 

I've never wanted to turn back the clock more than now, just to see him strut into class with his silly mischievous grin again.

Noodles

Today we celebrated a snow day by having a much needed play date with the cousins (the "needed" part was for Becca and myself).

The calm lasted the typical 2 minutes and then Samantha came running into the living room crying, with Kahlan quickly in toe, her signature frown in place.

"Kahlan is trying to eat my noodles!"

"Amantha not sharing!"

Samantha is clutching a small bowl from the play kitchen.  I quickly realize that Samantha is not wanting to share her imaginary noodles, as the bowl is in fact, empty.

"Samantha," I narrow my eyes, "you have to share your noodles with Kahlan. Just give her a bite."
Samantha quickly scoops up the 'noodles' and gobbles them up.

"They're all gone." She says with a semi-lamenting air.

"Samantha, that was very rude," I then scoop some 'noodles' from my lap and place them in her bowl,

"There, Mommy is sharing. Now you have more. "

"No," she frowns, and with a flick of her wrist she dumps the 'noodles' on the floor.

I turn my head to hide my smile, only to see Becca duck her head in giggles.  I turn back to Samantha, "That was very naughty.  You pick them up now, put them back in the bowl and share with Kahlan."

After a few more whines and protesting, she picks up the 'noodles' and half-hazardly tosses them into the bowl. Then she reluctantly offers them to her cousin.

Kahlan, confused by the whole scene, hesitantly takes a bite.

In hindsight, I can't blame her.  After all, the 'noodles' had touched the floor.

Kids Say

Sam tonight in the bathtub:
"Wow, this water is big!"
"Yes, it is deep, isn't it!"
"Yeah...dolphins can swim in it."
"Dolphins can swim in the deep water in the bathtub?"
"Yeah...and probably sharks and mermaids too."


____________________________________________________________________________

Getting out of the bathtub:
"Ah! I'm cold I'mcold imcoldimcoldimcoldimcold!'
"Well stop moving at a snails pace and I'll get the towel on you!"
"Mommy I cannot stop moving the snails FACE."

Boys and Girls

Whilst having a marvelous evening at a friend's house, Samantha and the male son of the previously mentioned were told they were going to take a bath.  I pondered aloud if Samantha might notice something different about her male friend.  Shortly thereafter the following scene took place,

Male friend, "Samantha!  Take off your clothe5!"
Samantha, "WHAT is THAT?"
Male friend, "THAT is my pen15."

At which point a dance party took place in the hallway.  Jeremy did his best to hide his severe discomfort but I heard his telecommunication loud and clear while I giggled histerically. 

Curly Girl

I curled Sam's hair (!!!!) this morning for Kahlan and Grayson's baptism.  Jeremy's thoughts were that she looks like D.W. Read.

And as she dances around the house and attempts to boss us around all day, I'm realizing that we might be RAISING a D.W.

Oh boy.

In their heads

I asked a question to my Spanish I class and a student raised his hand.  When I called on him he paused and then became very confused.

 "Wait," he asked, "did you ask that in English or Spanish?"

Sleep Talking

I went to check on Sam after I got home from work one night.  She stirred and we had the following conversation.

 "Diez."
"What sweetie?"
"Diez."
"Ok."
"DIEZ mommy. I speak Spanish! I CAN SPEAK SPANISH!!"
"Ok, you can speak Spanish."
 And then she fell back asleep.

 

 

 

Former roommates of mine need not comment!!