Fall Didn't Pass Us By...

I was afraid all of the rain caused Fall to pass us by, but the days have been gorgeous lately. The result, kids taking their books outside to read and work on school work. It was a wonderful sight to see.

A quote we pondered in class today:

Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights. ~Pauline R. Kezer

I'm Noticing...

In my middle school teaching days, we studied a bit about the Ancient Roman Empire. Actually, we took part in a simulation, and within that unit of study there was a lesson called "Bread and Games." It was an interesting study, in that it explained the tactics the Senate used to keep the "mob" from rising up against them. One of the tactics was called "Bread and Games." The thought behind it was simply this: If we keep the "mob" fed and entertained, they will be more reluctant to rise up. So they made sure that free bread was available to all citizens, and they instituted more than 200 official holidays per year. This in turn made the people dependent on the government for sustenance, and turned the economy to one that was dependent on the holidays, much like having an economy dependent on tourism. The result was that over the years, the people lost their trade and service based economy, the economy collapsed, and eventually Rome was weakened to the point of being invaded by Germanic tribes.

Bread and Games. It's starting to feel less like a simulation and more like the real thing...

Night at the Museum

Big Dad treated me to an evening at the Kimball Museum in Fort Worth. It featured Mayan artifacts and limestone carvings, Babylonean wall carvings, paintings by Monet, Manet and Pizarro, and one of my favorites, Michaelangelo's first known paintings. He painted it when he was only 12 years old, and was completely amazing.

Then, to top it off, we ate at the restaurant there. The asparagus quiche was absolutely delicious.

It was so fun just walking around the museum, look at the art pieces and talking about art and history with him. He's such a neat guy.

Things that make my day:

Hugs from random children
Random hugs from my children
Kudos from fellow teachers
Kudos from principals
A drop in gas prices
Funny videos that Christopher finds (the Button)
Phone calls from family
Green lights all the way to work
Good Dr's reports
A ball hit far by the boys
A high fly ball caught by the boys
A neck massage
Finding that little something you've been looking for. And it's on sale.
Dishes already done
Laundry almost done (I'm realistic)
My flowers in full bloom.

And unexpected phone calls from good friends far, far away. Love you, Sandy!

Good Teenage Decisions

You know, parenting when our kids are young is in many ways much easier. Sure, you're tired all the time, and it requires a certain level of mental, physical and emotional energy at all times, but as a parent you also know all that is going on. Your kids talk to you then, about everything. I remember my kids would tell me about getting in trouble in class. I used to laugh, thinking it's funny that they don't know NOT to tell me. But I loved that, because we could talk through their decision making process, and we could problem solve situations together.

Somewhere in middle school, though, there is a disconnect that happens. Not completely. They still talk, but it's more at their own pace, and the information trickles in a little more slowly. They process things more on their own, and handle things more on their own, too.

So I guess as parents we are gradually weened from that control, and the relationship turns more into one of a guider or counselor as they start making more and more of their own decisions. But for us, every now and then, through parents of our kids' friends, we hear of some of the decisions they have made, and I have to say I'm pleased. They not only make good decisions when placed in tough situations, but they are making them decisively. No question about it, and the stand is made. When my friends tell me what they hear about my kids, I just have to thank God for those moments we had before. Those tough times with friends or sticky situations that they had when they were young were important life lessons about dealing with people and making stands.

I think it's important for kids to know it's OK to talk to us about their mistakes, and it's OK for them to make them. My kiddos are not perfect. They are learning like the rest of us. But they are also making some good decisions, and I'm so happy to see it.

Trick or Treat!

I'm loving all of the kiddos coming to our door. Such a great neighborhood!

So Happy...

About Bub's awesome Dr.'s report! He is, too. Says he feels like he's on top of the world. :) That's a pretty good feeling.