Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing

I must admit that kids do say the darnest things. Like saying constipation instead of constitution. Or wondering what an alligator is in math when we are really learning about algorithms (and the smarty pants who comes up with it's like alligator only one that has a rythm when they move). My fourth graders might not be as amusing as those lil guys, but they are a wonder. Today was one of those days. I have a few boys who like to be goofy and do...well I guess it would be considered "boy things". (Keep in mind that my students have been my only experience to this point, we only have 3 1/2 months of practice with baby boys) They have also been testing the waters with my return. Ahh yes, Mrs. Fisher is tough on the reins. So, we have had the occasional outburst of burps, snorts and other various noises while I am teaching. The mom eyes narrow or I point, cards get turned, we move on. During my reading groups today I noticed that one of my proactive boys seemed to be at it again. It started with the snort. I looked up and shook my head. But he kept going. Than the very loud coughing started. My whole group turned to see what was going on. I asked him if he was not feeling well and if he really felt like he was going to throw up (because if you feel like this in my class, please RUN! to the nearest exit). Maybe he needs some water? No comment. His face turned bright red and mouth opened, but no sound came out. I began to panic, because even though he can be silly- he is not disrespectful nor would he normally carrying on like this. As I was fumbling to get out of the chair, around the table and across the room, he pokes a small white piece of something from his mouth (gum is my first thought). Getting a closer look as the color slowly returns back to a flesh, he pulls out a mini white mechanical pencil eraser. Yup, an eraser. He was choking on an eraser! OMG! The full reality of this hits me and the teacher in me left the buiding. Standing in her place was the stereotypical mother saying very loudly in a somewhat squeaky voice "What were you thinking chewing on an eraser! You could have (and were) choking! You scared the pooky out of me! Do not ever do that again! What were you thinking! DO NOT PUT things in your mouth! What were you thinking!" And he said calmly..." It tasted pretty good at the time". Jeeze!

3 Day Weekend Here We Come!

Yeah! I just completed my second week of work. Not too bad. A little crazy in the afternoons. Not too much down time. Remember the piles of laundry in my house...yeah, they're still there. And the inside Christmas stuff is still up. But, the grading and planning for next week is done. We are also heading into a 3 day weekend! Of course instead of doing something crazy like resting up, we have started this weekend with a sleepover at our house. In the morning we will head off to Baylee's volleyball game and top it off with taking on another kid (if you have not been counting, that will put us at 7 total) for a fun filled afternoon of shopping at the mall. Now to all my new mommy friends and those to be, this probably terrifies you. But I must admit that shopping with my girls has always been a fave. I have always LOVED to dress them and buy too cute outfits. (thus my lack of style has suffered so I could get my girls the newest and latest- but they are not spoiled!) Trynnity is well on her way to learning the ropes. As for Prestton, he is too young to realize just how out numbered he really is. As long as we have blankies, bottles, binkies and butt changing gear, life is good.

Happy New Year!

I remember not too long ago when we used to make a big fuss about what we were going to be doing for New Year's Eve. When I lived back home, we would drive to Atlanta and watch the Peach drop and than head to the Underground. Dallas was just as fun hanging out at Westend. Than I moved farther out west (never meaning to end up in Arizona...that's another story) spending many New Year's working with the Chilis crew (money was always GREAT that night) and we would all go out after work to celebrate. After Billy and I were married, we began mingling with our friends and doing get togethers at the house. I LOVE having friends over! Good times made by all, and very happy memories were made. Well, here we are 2009. Older! Wiser?! And with 4 kids; the tween, diva, toddler and new baby. Who in the world would we ask babysit! And money- what is that? And who would we turn down, say yes to?! So, we decided this year to bring in the New Year as a family. Just us in our p.j.s, eating pizza, and playing the Wii. We all stayed up until midnight, watched the infamous ball drop in Times Square and were off to bed. The next morning would bring a new day a new year and new beginings for us all. There were many challenges (holding our daughter back in 2nd grade and worrying about the new baby and his health), surprises (Prestton), and adjustments (new home, new job, leaving work...). We came through as a family. And as we start the new year I am sure that there will be new endeavors we take on. I look forward to them all however wonderful, stressful or surprising. Life is too short to worry about the what if's. So my "resoultions" this year is to maintain a sense of humor, optimism, and pride. To take on every day with a smile (no matter how worried I truly am...) and breath in my childrens laughter, innocence and love. I want to cherish what I have and not be concerned with what we want or don't have. Appreciate my husband for his constant love, support and for always telling me I am beautiful (even when I feel down right icky). And the little things- making time for my family and friends far and near. The laundry will be there tomorrow. So will the dishes and shopping. Make the most of it. And maybe in a few years I will be in Time's Square...
oxox to all!