TGIF and Fun At School

I don’t know about you but I am so ready for the weekend.  It has been a wild. crazy and busy week and I am ready for some time to rest.

For my blog today, I decided not to do the Photo Challenge or 5 Minute Friday.  Instead, I wanted to write about my week and some of my adventures at Ian’s school.  Just felt like doing that for a change.

This photo is of a tree that we walk by to and from Ian’s school.  It is a great spot for shade and a lovely tree.  The bark is unusual and a rust color and the flowers are white and big.  There are some other trees and plants in the background.

You can also see the sidewalk that we walk on for part of our trip in the mornings and afternoons.  Both of us are looking forward to less humidity after school.  Hopefully that will be soon.

Last night it stormed for a while.  Lots of lightning and very loud thunder.  Thankfully Ian was asleep before it started and slept right through it.  It rained some as well, but was nothing compared to what people are dealing with in Colorado.  I have been stunned to see the images of so much flooding and destruction.  Lord, please watch over the people in Colorado and keep them safe. Amen.

Yesterday morning I met with the board of the PTO and the principal and vice principal to discuss a few projects that we will be doing for the year.  I joined and decided to serve as secretary.  I thought it would be a fun way to learn a lot about Ian’s school and meet some new people in the process.

After that meeting, I helped during reading time in Ian’s classroom.  This was a fun time to get to know his classmates.  Their teacher told them to raise their hand if they have questions.  At first they didn’t but little by little, the kids started asking me for help.

It was fun to see this room full of students who are just learning to read,  They are in various states of knowing their letters and words.  I got to see the excitement in a few of their faces when they were able to complete their task.   This is going to be a regular thing for me to do and I so look forward to getting to know these kids and see more and more progress.

Ian was happy to have me in his room and raised his hand for help too.  He wrote “Right” and “Left” on the correct sides of the white board.  I have to say I was very proud!!  After doing writing, each child got a book to read.  I helped a few of them with the story and what the words were by asking them a variety of questions.  I could almost see their minds at work.  It was great!

Halfway through the hour, the teacher said to me, “You are wonderful.”  I said “thank you.”  That meant a lot to me since this was the first day in this class and with these kids for me!  I suppose that having so many friends and family who are teachers helped me.   Thanks to all of them for teaching me so much.

We then walked down the cafeteria and I had lunch for the second time this week with Ian.  The first was on Monday morning since Ian had asked me to come.  He sat quietly and ate his lunch and we chatted a little bit.  The children have been told to raise their hand when they need help and one of the teacher’s assistants will come and help them.  At one point, the TAs were busy so I was helping.  I then sat back down and the girl next to me said, “You aren’t a teacher.”  I told her, “I know but I wanted to help.”  She seemed to understand.

After lunch I left and said goodbye to Ian and his friends.  He gave me a hug and said, “I love you Mommy.”  Awww.,  That truly made my day.

Before he started school, I was nervous and prepared to miss him like crazy.  But, I see that he is thriving and loving school.  He loves to learn and is so excited in each new thing he figures out and understands.  We have a fabulous journey ahead of us and I am so enjoying each and every minute of it.

Thursday night I told him how proud I am of him.  He listened and stayed on task in the classroom, behaved himself in the walk across the school to the cafeteria, and ate the protein from his lunch.  And at pickup time, he ran to me and give me a big hug.  Isn’t that the best? I know it won’t last but I am savoring each moment.

I wonder how long this love of school and learning will last for Ian?  I hope it’s for all of his years in school.  Lord, may he continue to love learning.  Amen!

September 12 – Shadow / Throwback Thursday

Hi and Happy Thursday.  I am a little late with this because I was helping with reading time in my son’s classroom.  That was fun.

Today, I have a photo of Ian at about 16 months at the beach in a shadow.  He was curious about the shadow on the sand.  We were at the beach in Fort Pierce, Florida.

The second photo is of my when I was almost 1.  I am looking at a shadow of a newly planted tree on the ground.  I thought this would be a fun choice for Throwback Thursday.

Interesting how kids study shadows, isn’t it?  I like that about the photo of both Ian and me.

Ian knows about shadows also from Peter Pan. After watching the cartoon, Ian asked me, “Mommy, can we chase our shadow?”  I told him, “Not really.”  But, we did notice a few days ago in our walk home that we can walk on each other’s shadows — or at least it looks like we are.

Here is a quote from Helen Keller, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.”

I wonder if we’ll be able to see our shadow this afternoon? If it’s sunny, yes; if raining like they said, don’t think so.

September 11 — What You Did Today

September 11 is a day I will never forgot. I think that it’s interesting that today’s photo challenge is What We Did Today.

This is the sunrise I had the pleasure of watching today after dropping my son off from school. I think it is beautiful, don’t you.  I love the sun shining through the clouds.

When we wake up in the morning and start getting ready, the sun is just starting to rise.  Ian often asks me, “Mommy, is it morning yet?”  I will tell him “Yes, and the sun is getting us with us.”  He likes that.

This morning, Ian’s school has their flag at half-staff in honor of the 9/11 victims and their families.  That was a stark and profound reminder of what happened that day.

I can still remember exactly when the 2nd tower was hit and the chills that went through me.  At first it looked like a possible accident, and then, seeing the second plane, I knew it was deliberate. Life has changed quite a bit since then for many of us — especially traveling on airplanes and in other ways as well.

On television shows set in NYC, you can tell if it is pre-2001 or post-2001 because of the inclusion or absence of those towers.  It is still stunning to think they fell and so many people were directly affected and impacted by that.

That particular day I was at work after having celebrating the birth of my niece over the weekend,  Our family was able to celebrate the birth of Rachel.    It was a real blessing for us to see a new life and reason for celebration. She turned 12 a few days ago.

Then of the 9/11/2001, the news of the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and the plane going down.  So much death and suffering and pain, yet we saw some of the best in people.  True heroes stepped up where help was needed and we pulled together as a nation.  It was truly the best of times and the worst of times.

I hope and pray that we can remember to cherish each and every moment with our families and friends.  We truly don’t know when the last time is that we will see them.  May we never take each other for granted.

This morning when I returned home, I started reading notes and tributes about 9/11 and the tragedy and to never forget.  I also heard the amazing Lee Greenwood song, “God Bless America.”  I have to say I cried as I heard these words:

• “I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free
• And I won’t forgot the men who died who gave that right to me
• And I’ll gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
• Cause there ain’t no doubt, I love this land, God Bless the USA!”

So fitting for today and for honoring those who were lost.  May we live each day to the fullest and truly appreciate our freedoms.  And, may we never take one another for granted but always tell and show those who we love that we do love them.

May you have a blessed and loving September 11.

September 10 – Sweet / Tuesday Tunes

Hi and Happy Tuesday.

Today’s photo challenge is Sweet, which also works well with the song I picked for Tuesday Tunes.

The photo is of Ian from Easter.  He had fun during the Easter Egg Hunt at church.  He got a lot of sweets and was very happy.

For Today’s Tunes, I decided to write about the song “Candy Girl” by the Jackson 5.

Ian has heard this on the radio and likes to sing the chorus.

“Candy girl
You are my world
Look so sweet
You’re a special treat

Candy girl
All I want to say
When you’re with me
You brighten up my day”

I enjoyed listing to a very young Michael Jackson sing the words with his brother.  They recorded some great music.

It’s really fun to hear Ian sing this song too, whether to the radio or by himself.  He is good with remembering the words and the melody.

Hope you have a day full of sweets!  Any songs remind you of sweet or sweets?

I wonder what other sweet things will be a part of my day?  It should be fun to find out.

September 9 – On The Wall

Another Monday. And another week.   I hope it will be good.

Today’s photo is On The Wall. Here is an oil painting on the wall of our den.

Schatchzi was my grandparent’s dog.  I don’t remember how to spell her name but it’s close.  I remember her when I was much, much younger.

She had floppy ears as shown in this painting and she was such a little love and often got into trouble.  Miniature Schnauzers are one of my favorite dogs.

This sweet dog was also precious to my grandparents.  This picture hung on the wall of their house for quite a while.

Prior to Grandpa’s death, he took this painting off the wall, wrote my name on the back of it, signed his name, and said “this is for you.”

I nearly burst into tears.  “Why don’t you take it home with you Patti?” he asked.  “Grandpa, I couldn’t.”  “Yes, I want you to have it.”

So, I took it home.  I was blown away by his generosity and so touched that he gave me something that had been so special to him.  At times, he could be very difficult, but I also saw a lot of love and compassion.

Now, this painting hangs in my home.  Ian has asked me about it and enjoys hearing the story of this sweet little dog.  I still look at this painting with happy tears –remembering my precious grandparents who I still miss and their precious dog.

I wonder if my parent’s dog Riley will mean as much to Ian as Schatchzi has to me?  I bet she will!!

September 6 – Getting Ready / 5 Minute Friday – Red

TGIF!!  I don’t know about you but I am so glad it’s the weekend!

Today, I am doing two postings in one.  First for the photo challenge, it is Getting Ready.  Here is a picture of Ian from last summer at the Train Museum in Balboa Park.  He is “getting ready” for the trains to pass by.

At this museum, there are many rooms of model trains and towns.  It is quite impressive to see.  He enjoyed looking at all of the exhibits and watching the trains move around, some with lights and whistles too.

And, you know what is cool?  He is wearing a red hat, which is the word for 5 Minute Friday.  It has been a few weeks since I have written one of these so I wanted to do that too.

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Today’s Five Minute Friday word is Red.

Here are the rules:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community…

Now GO …

Red is one of my favorite colors.  I love the richness of it and how vibrant it is.  And, when I wear it, I almost always get compliments.

I love seeing the red in the sky at sunset.  This is especially true over the ocean.  The evening colors light up the clouds and the water.

Red is the color of love, passion, blood, and our hearts, which are about sustaining life.  For Valentine’s Day this year, my son made me a few red hearts and they are cherished.  And, my husband has given me red jewelry (rubies on a necklace) for our anniversary.  They both know how much I like red.

Red is also the color of coals after a fire has been burning for a while.  Actually it may be more orange but is still beautiful.  And, one of my favorite pictures of my husband, my son, and me is us of wearing red shirts.

I will never forgot the first time Ian saw a red stop sign and said, “Mommy, look at that octagon.”  I was stunned that he knew the shape and was so proud of him.  I think he was 2 years old at the time.

Even if it may not still be in style, I still love my red lipstick.  I wear it often.  Red is a bold and fiery color and is wonderful.

Now STOP!!

If you want to read more Five Minute Postings, please see http://lisajobaker.com/2013/09/five-minute-friday-red/.

September 5 – Here Forever / Throwback Thursday

Hi and Happy Thursday.  Today I decided on one photo for two things.

First is for the photo challenge.  It is Here Forever,  I believe the ocean and beach will be here forever.  Besides we just love it!

This photo of Ian was taken about 3 years ago so it also works for Throwback Thursday.  He always has such fun at the beach.

I love the look of joy on his face.  So happy, content, and ready for adventure.  And, in motion as he usually was and still is.

I think we can learn a lot from our children and how they approach life.  I know that I have.

In addition to the ocean, sun, and beach being forever, my love for my son and my hubby/his father will be here forever too.  Well, at least as long as I am here.

I wonder what other items I can find that will be here forever? Should be fun to find out.

September 4 – Alone

Hello and Happy Wednesday!  Today’s photo is Alone.

I decided on a photo of Ian from 4 years ago.  He is taking his bath and having fun.  Then as now, after I wash him, he enjoys playing by himself with his bath toys.  I am always close by, but it’s fun to see him in action.

Last night for his bath, he played for a while with one of his pirate ships and several toys.  He had a great conversation going between his toys.  Ian has learned to have fun playing by himself.  He also, of course, likes to play with others too.  So we are blessed.

After his bath, we had dinner and then he played for a little while longer.  Then it was bedtime.  I read “Horton Hears A Who” to him.  This is a fun book about an elephant who hears someone tiny who lives in a village on a speck of dust.  Ian loved it and has liked all of the Dr. Seuss books that we have read.

Horton is alone in protecting the Who’s in Whoville.  Everyone in his town makes fun of him and says there aren’t any people because they are too small.  You know what Horton says, “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”  The Who’s appreciate Horton for his friendship and protection.

Dr. Seuss had a great message in this book of treating others kindly and with respect, no matter what.  He was great for that.  And, he made the books fun and great to read aloud.  He was a genius, in my opinion.

After we read this book, we talked about the fact that people come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.  And, all people, no matter how small or big have value and are important and can be our friends.  Ian seemed to get that, which makes me happy and proud of him.   I so loved this teaching moment!

The other Horton book that Ian loved is “Horton Hatches The Egg.” That also had a fun rhyming story yet was about doing what you say you will do and keeping your promises.  Again, genius by Dr. Seuss to teach children important values while they are having fun and being entertained.

I suppose I veered away from alone, but then again maybe not.  We alone are responsible for how we treat others.  These two books are helping my son to learn that.  I must say I am very grateful.

My dream is to write a children’s book one day.  I wonder if I could come anywhere close to the wonder of Dr. Seuss’s writings?  Maybe if I work on them with Kirk and Ian, we could.  It will be fun to see!

As I was going to bed last night a thought crossed my mind about the Who’s in Whoville.  In the book, their entire town is on a  speck of dust on top of a clover.   So they are tiny.   If that is true, was the Grinch a tiny person too?  After all, he did come into Whoville and cause all that trouble.  What do you think?  I would love to hear some thoughts on this!

September 3 – Lines

Hello and Happy Tuesday!  Today’s photo challenge is Lines.

As I was taking photos this morning on my walk home from Ian’s school, I saw lines everywhere.  Funny since I normally don’t notice them like I did today.

I saw the power lines, lines on the sidewalks and buildings, and on the fence in front of our house.  I decided to go with lines on part of the sidewalk.  I thought it was different and made for a cool picture.

Lines also make me think of music and Tuesday Tunes!

Ian has been singing Bon Jovi songs lately, since I love to listen to this group.  It is priceless hearing him sing “Wanted Dead or Alive” and messing up on the words.

Or “It’s My Life.” — “It’s now or never, I ain’t gonna live forever… I just wanna live while I’m alive,”

Every once in a while, he will ask me what the words mean.  I love that he listens so closely and likes to sing along.

Lines of all kinds are all around us and have many different meanings.

Here are a few quotes about lines:

• “The best listeners listen between the lines.” — Nina Malkin
• “Straight lines go too quickly to appreciate the pleasures of the journey…” — Rene Crevel
• Grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation.” — Lois Wyse
• “Just say the lines and don’t trip over the furniture.” — Noel Coward
• “You know, I’ve got wrinkles on my forehead and smile lines, but what’s wrong with that? I love to smile.” — Jennifer Aniston

I wonder what lines I will see the rest of the day? I will be on the lookout for them.

September 1 and 2 Photos

Hi and Happy Labor Day.

For the first day in two months, I didn’t post anything yesterday.  It was a bit strange but nice as well.

We had a nice day with church, lunch out, reading the paper, talking, and hanging out. A day away from the computer was nice.

However, I did miss doing my posting since it has been fun keeping up with all of these photos and friends I have been making along the way.  It was a mixed bag yesterday, you could say.  Aren’t there just days like that?

On Sunday, the photo challenge was Together.  Here is my family last summer.  We were together with our shades and having a fun day.  The photo says 2011 but it was actually taken in 2012.  The date stamp wasn’t working for some reason.

Today’s photo challenge is My Name Starts With.  I thought it would be fun to show this popsicle that Ian was eating last summer.  My name, after all, does start with P.

I don’t know why he was making a funny face.  He did enjoy the popsicle though.

I think was the free one from the ice cream man.  We had been buying several from this one guy.  Then one day, he surprised Ian with a freebie.

I have to say we were happy and very appreciative!  It was memorable as well.

I wonder if I will be able to continue posting something every day for the rest of this month.  I am going to try to see what happens!