It's been a bit crazy around here the past couple of weeks, but things should slow down a little bit this week.
Last Monday, as I was setting up for my handbell class, a student came in and told me that she was going to the guidance counselor. This sounds relatively benign, but it opened the biggest can of worms!
I let her go to the guidance counselor, but I wasn't happy. I spoke with the director of music and told her that I had a student who went to the guidance counselor. The director was NOT happy. She told me that next time a student asks to go to the counselor during class that they can go, but they will have to take a demerit. UGH! It seems that the counselor has a nasty habit of allowing the kids to hang out in her office during music. She thinks music and art are fluff. That makes for an abrasive relationship between the Fine Arts Dept. and hers...
I emailed the parents of this child to ask for help. I explained the situation and basically told them that I understood that kids needed to the the counselor sometimes, but since I only have their kid for 2 classes a week and since I really didn't want to give demerits, was there another time this kid could see the counselor. You would have thought that I was asking them to eat poison or something!! The email I got back was scathing! It was copied to my Director and the headmaster and everything. Then I got email from the other people - I have no idea who some of them were. Good Gracious! The only person I didn't hear from was my Director. I'm thinking that this is a good thing - if it's not, I might not have a job this afternoon...
So what do you think? Is music fluff? Is there a place in a well-rounded education for music?
Monday, February 12, 2007
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Confirmed
It's a happy day at The Crossing!
Both children were confirmed this morning. The Bishop came out to our tiny church to confirm them, so it was extra special. I often wonder - as I did this morning while I watched the Bishop place his hands on their heads to bless them - What will they be when they grow up. What will they do? Where will they go? I know that they are in God's hands and He will take care of them. I need not worry. They have taken the next step in their faith walks. They are on the right path...
It was really cool to see #1 and LLB side by side at the rail, heads bowed, looking so sweet and sincere. She - my old soul - with her insight and wisdom... He - my serious student and awesome musician - my Mr. Pious... Well, almost, but not quite... I know the real boy lurking beneath that jacket and tie!
On another note...
I have a confession to make.
I'm a mean nasty Mommy.
My children did not put their school things away like I asked them to do at least 20 times before they went to bed last night. I took both backpacks and #1's saxophone and hid them. (Mr. helped my carry their crap to the designated hiding spot.) I am sick and tired of tripping over their stuff!
When #1 got home from church he went looking for his sax. He couldn't find it.
I played stupid. "What did you do with it?", I asked.
"I put it in my room."
"Really... are you sure? If you put it in there, it should be there, right?"
"Yes. I know I did. Well, maybe it's in your car."
"It's not in my car. My car is empty. Ask Dad if he has seen it."
I grin just like the old Grinch as the boy walks off to find the Mr.
Mr. Bug proceeds to pitch a pretend hissy fit...
"What do you mean you don't know where your sax is?"
"Dad it's here. I just don't know where. I think I might have left it in your car."
"No - you left in in the family room. You really need to take better care of your things and put them away when you get home. Mom will show you where it is."
He arrives in the kitchen looking perplexed...
Let shed some light so the poor child can see the error of his ways...
"See this pile of laundry? You told me you would take it up last night when you went to bed." I grin. I'm really enjoying making the kid sweat...
"I didn't take it up. Sorry."
"You also didn't take up your sax. I tripped on it 3 times."
"I'm sorry. I procrastinated. I shouldn't procrastinate. I'll try not to let it happen again."
Such big words...
Alas, I let him off the hook. I think he may think twice before he leaves his stuff in my way... and if he doesn't - I have a new and improved hiding place lined up!!
Both children were confirmed this morning. The Bishop came out to our tiny church to confirm them, so it was extra special. I often wonder - as I did this morning while I watched the Bishop place his hands on their heads to bless them - What will they be when they grow up. What will they do? Where will they go? I know that they are in God's hands and He will take care of them. I need not worry. They have taken the next step in their faith walks. They are on the right path...
It was really cool to see #1 and LLB side by side at the rail, heads bowed, looking so sweet and sincere. She - my old soul - with her insight and wisdom... He - my serious student and awesome musician - my Mr. Pious... Well, almost, but not quite... I know the real boy lurking beneath that jacket and tie!
On another note...
I have a confession to make.
I'm a mean nasty Mommy.
My children did not put their school things away like I asked them to do at least 20 times before they went to bed last night. I took both backpacks and #1's saxophone and hid them. (Mr. helped my carry their crap to the designated hiding spot.) I am sick and tired of tripping over their stuff!
When #1 got home from church he went looking for his sax. He couldn't find it.
I played stupid. "What did you do with it?", I asked.
"I put it in my room."
"Really... are you sure? If you put it in there, it should be there, right?"
"Yes. I know I did. Well, maybe it's in your car."
"It's not in my car. My car is empty. Ask Dad if he has seen it."
I grin just like the old Grinch as the boy walks off to find the Mr.
Mr. Bug proceeds to pitch a pretend hissy fit...
"What do you mean you don't know where your sax is?"
"Dad it's here. I just don't know where. I think I might have left it in your car."
"No - you left in in the family room. You really need to take better care of your things and put them away when you get home. Mom will show you where it is."
He arrives in the kitchen looking perplexed...
Let shed some light so the poor child can see the error of his ways...
"See this pile of laundry? You told me you would take it up last night when you went to bed." I grin. I'm really enjoying making the kid sweat...
"I didn't take it up. Sorry."
"You also didn't take up your sax. I tripped on it 3 times."
"I'm sorry. I procrastinated. I shouldn't procrastinate. I'll try not to let it happen again."
Such big words...
Alas, I let him off the hook. I think he may think twice before he leaves his stuff in my way... and if he doesn't - I have a new and improved hiding place lined up!!
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Pillow Talk
Here's a Marmalade story for you...
LLB's room has been spotless for the past week - this is a miracle people, so work with me on this.
I keep finding Marmalade curled up asleep on her pillow. No matter when I go in there, he's happly ensconced on her pillow. He looks so happy there.
Last night when LLB went to bed, he was perched on her pillow. He gave her the look that said, "Lady. I'm sleeping right here. Do NOT move me. I am happy here."
She sighed and settled for a corner of her pillow.
In the middle of the night she woke up to find that she was not on her pillow. Nor was she anywhere near her pillow. Marmalade was curled up right in the center of her pillow smiling in his sleep.
She rolled over to face him.
"Marmalade, wake up."
He opened his eyes and lifted his head and looked right at her.
"Marm, this is my bed and THIS is MY pillow."
"Why, yes, LLB it is. LLB, this is a very comfy pillow, by the way. I love it and this flannel snowman pillowcase is so soft and snuggly!"
"Yes. I know. Marm, move over and give me some pillow."
"Ummm.... no. I'd rather not. I'm very happy right here."
"Marm, I share my bed with you every night. I share my pillow with you and you know that nobody else in this house would let you near their pillows with that hideous fish breath of yours. Just give me some space, k?"
"Hmmm... no. I'm comfy and warm right here. It's cold on that side of the pillow."
"Marm, you're nuts. Just move over, please..."
"Make me."
"Okay." She moved him over and promptly fell asleep.
Marmalade sighed... It was just a matter of time.
He waited until she was asleep and he tiptoed back to the top of her head. He curled up in her warm blonde hair.
"Ahhh.. this is lovely..." And he very gently pushed her off the pillow.
Score: Marmalade 1 LLB 0
LLB's room has been spotless for the past week - this is a miracle people, so work with me on this.
I keep finding Marmalade curled up asleep on her pillow. No matter when I go in there, he's happly ensconced on her pillow. He looks so happy there.
Last night when LLB went to bed, he was perched on her pillow. He gave her the look that said, "Lady. I'm sleeping right here. Do NOT move me. I am happy here."
She sighed and settled for a corner of her pillow.
In the middle of the night she woke up to find that she was not on her pillow. Nor was she anywhere near her pillow. Marmalade was curled up right in the center of her pillow smiling in his sleep.
She rolled over to face him.
"Marmalade, wake up."
He opened his eyes and lifted his head and looked right at her.
"Marm, this is my bed and THIS is MY pillow."
"Why, yes, LLB it is. LLB, this is a very comfy pillow, by the way. I love it and this flannel snowman pillowcase is so soft and snuggly!"
"Yes. I know. Marm, move over and give me some pillow."
"Ummm.... no. I'd rather not. I'm very happy right here."
"Marm, I share my bed with you every night. I share my pillow with you and you know that nobody else in this house would let you near their pillows with that hideous fish breath of yours. Just give me some space, k?"
"Hmmm... no. I'm comfy and warm right here. It's cold on that side of the pillow."
"Marm, you're nuts. Just move over, please..."
"Make me."
"Okay." She moved him over and promptly fell asleep.
Marmalade sighed... It was just a matter of time.
He waited until she was asleep and he tiptoed back to the top of her head. He curled up in her warm blonde hair.
"Ahhh.. this is lovely..." And he very gently pushed her off the pillow.
Score: Marmalade 1 LLB 0
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Wordless Wednesday
LLB's furniture is in. I haven't taken down her 80's wall paper, but it looks pretty good with the old fashioned furniture. I will take it down and paint this summer.
She's still contemplating her bedding and therefore wall color. We are kinda leaning toward the pink. She found some really cute things in the PBTeen catalog that would be perfect in her room. I'll hit the outlet in a few months and see if any of it is there. She particularly liked the pink daisy rug and the grosgrain ribbon roman shades. The child sure has great taste!!
#1 is finally ready for me to re-do his room. His room is getting done first. He deserves it because he is the oldest and his room is - how can I say this nicely? - ummm... vile. Right now he has 80's wall paper on some walls, coordinating paint on the others and a border around the whole thing that is country cows and horses. He really doesn't mind it, but I sure hate it.
I'm going to paint the walls a lighter shade of Powell Buff (the color in Grambug's living room). I thought about denim panels for his window - he has a big double window on one wall. I might go with something else, though. He liked the red/blue/beige patterned rug he saw in the PB catalog... of course he did. This child has excellent taste, too. He wants me to make his bed into a "pseudo couch" by putting his bed against the wall under the windows. I was thinking a denim spread might work for that. He wants big comfy pillows - I'll do those in red. I want to get him a big bulletin board for his wall so he can put up pictures of friends and stuff. So - that's my plan. What do you think??
She's still contemplating her bedding and therefore wall color. We are kinda leaning toward the pink. She found some really cute things in the PBTeen catalog that would be perfect in her room. I'll hit the outlet in a few months and see if any of it is there. She particularly liked the pink daisy rug and the grosgrain ribbon roman shades. The child sure has great taste!!
#1 is finally ready for me to re-do his room. His room is getting done first. He deserves it because he is the oldest and his room is - how can I say this nicely? - ummm... vile. Right now he has 80's wall paper on some walls, coordinating paint on the others and a border around the whole thing that is country cows and horses. He really doesn't mind it, but I sure hate it.
I'm going to paint the walls a lighter shade of Powell Buff (the color in Grambug's living room). I thought about denim panels for his window - he has a big double window on one wall. I might go with something else, though. He liked the red/blue/beige patterned rug he saw in the PB catalog... of course he did. This child has excellent taste, too. He wants me to make his bed into a "pseudo couch" by putting his bed against the wall under the windows. I was thinking a denim spread might work for that. He wants big comfy pillows - I'll do those in red. I want to get him a big bulletin board for his wall so he can put up pictures of friends and stuff. So - that's my plan. What do you think??
Monday, February 05, 2007
What a Weekend!
I forgot how much furniture and stuff the Grandbugs own... I remember quite well now, though. They are still unpacking and shifting things around.
Auntie's antique pineapple bed looks terrific in the loft! It looks cozy and comfy. It will look even better with bedding and the extra furniture out of there. The twin white iron beds are all made up in the guest room and they look sweet! That room, too, will look better when all the boxes are out of there.
We had a small crisis yesterday. It seems that the phone jacks in the house aren't working. The only one that does work is the one in the kitchen. That is NOT a good thing. Grambug is furious. I can't say I blame her. We will be calling the phone company and the builder today... We don't know if it is because we have "temporary" phone service or if it is something else.
On our side of the door things are terrific. LLB has most of her furniture and her room looks great! We have to swap one dresser - the movers gave her the wrong one. #1 has his new mattress and box spring. He is a happy camper.
#1 had District Band this past weekend. The kids spent all day Friday and all day Saturday practicing. They had a concert on Saturday evening and it was terrific! Those kids worked hard and it showed! Mr. Bug, Grambug, and I were very impressed with their performance.
After the concert, we thought we'd hit Costco for pizza. (We are such big spenders!!) Guess what? Costco closes at 6pm on Saturday. Who knew?? We ended up at our favorite burger joint instead. LLB and Grandpa had stayed behind because LLB had a really nasty cold that had her napping in her bed at lunchtime, and curled up on the couch when we left.
Last night, #1 had a Super Bowl Party to attend. He went to his buddy's house and had a great time with a terrific bunch of kids. I was allowed to stay and chat with his friend's mom. I thoroughly enjoyed myself! I never get to say more than a few words at one time to her because we are usually both running. It was really nice to sit and chat.
I guess that catches you all up on our comings and goings...
Auntie's antique pineapple bed looks terrific in the loft! It looks cozy and comfy. It will look even better with bedding and the extra furniture out of there. The twin white iron beds are all made up in the guest room and they look sweet! That room, too, will look better when all the boxes are out of there.
We had a small crisis yesterday. It seems that the phone jacks in the house aren't working. The only one that does work is the one in the kitchen. That is NOT a good thing. Grambug is furious. I can't say I blame her. We will be calling the phone company and the builder today... We don't know if it is because we have "temporary" phone service or if it is something else.
On our side of the door things are terrific. LLB has most of her furniture and her room looks great! We have to swap one dresser - the movers gave her the wrong one. #1 has his new mattress and box spring. He is a happy camper.
#1 had District Band this past weekend. The kids spent all day Friday and all day Saturday practicing. They had a concert on Saturday evening and it was terrific! Those kids worked hard and it showed! Mr. Bug, Grambug, and I were very impressed with their performance.
After the concert, we thought we'd hit Costco for pizza. (We are such big spenders!!) Guess what? Costco closes at 6pm on Saturday. Who knew?? We ended up at our favorite burger joint instead. LLB and Grandpa had stayed behind because LLB had a really nasty cold that had her napping in her bed at lunchtime, and curled up on the couch when we left.
Last night, #1 had a Super Bowl Party to attend. He went to his buddy's house and had a great time with a terrific bunch of kids. I was allowed to stay and chat with his friend's mom. I thoroughly enjoyed myself! I never get to say more than a few words at one time to her because we are usually both running. It was really nice to sit and chat.
I guess that catches you all up on our comings and goings...
Friday, February 02, 2007
Friday's Fiasco
Well, it's not yet a fiasco, but if I keep my expectations low, whatever happens will all be good, right?
Let me fill you in on yesterday...
I completed the archeological dig and only sneezed about 25 times. Not too bad!! I moved dressers, I rearranged shelves, I took the bed down, I disassembled a "desk". I was very busy in LLB's room. I'll post pix and explanations of what was before once her "new" furniture is in there. I should have taken "before" pictures, but I didn't... I just couldn't expose the world to that disaster.
We were supposed to get snow starting at 6pm. At 2pm, the school system cancelled all afterschool activities - the sun was shining!! There were wispy white clouds in the sky - not snow clouds... Alas, the children were home earlier than expected.
The Grandbugs arrived around 1pm and look like they are happy to be here. We went to lunch at our favorite burger joint and then came back and waited for the phone guy. Did you get that time? The phone guy was supposed to arrive between 8am and noon. I saw his truck through the trees at 12:45, so I ran down the driveway to make sure he knew where he was supposed to be. He's a total dork - a nice dork, but still a dork. He arrived at the house at 4pm and then told us that he'd have to come back. He gave the Grandbugs temporary phone by stringing wires all along my fenceline and across the yard to their house. Did that make Grandbug happy? Ummm... no. Basically we waited all day and still have no real phone. Grrrrr...
So now it is morning. We are waiting for the truck. There is no snow - there is not a flake to be found (outside anyway -- inside we got a few flakes!!). We are enjoying the calm before the storm... I'm just waiting for the chaos to begin...
I'll try to visit you all, but no promises for a couple of days.
Let me fill you in on yesterday...
I completed the archeological dig and only sneezed about 25 times. Not too bad!! I moved dressers, I rearranged shelves, I took the bed down, I disassembled a "desk". I was very busy in LLB's room. I'll post pix and explanations of what was before once her "new" furniture is in there. I should have taken "before" pictures, but I didn't... I just couldn't expose the world to that disaster.
We were supposed to get snow starting at 6pm. At 2pm, the school system cancelled all afterschool activities - the sun was shining!! There were wispy white clouds in the sky - not snow clouds... Alas, the children were home earlier than expected.
The Grandbugs arrived around 1pm and look like they are happy to be here. We went to lunch at our favorite burger joint and then came back and waited for the phone guy. Did you get that time? The phone guy was supposed to arrive between 8am and noon. I saw his truck through the trees at 12:45, so I ran down the driveway to make sure he knew where he was supposed to be. He's a total dork - a nice dork, but still a dork. He arrived at the house at 4pm and then told us that he'd have to come back. He gave the Grandbugs temporary phone by stringing wires all along my fenceline and across the yard to their house. Did that make Grandbug happy? Ummm... no. Basically we waited all day and still have no real phone. Grrrrr...
So now it is morning. We are waiting for the truck. There is no snow - there is not a flake to be found (outside anyway -- inside we got a few flakes!!). We are enjoying the calm before the storm... I'm just waiting for the chaos to begin...
I'll try to visit you all, but no promises for a couple of days.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Thursday 13
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1. The Grandbugs arrive today. Yippee!!! 2. The telephone company is coming sometime between 8am and noon to install their phone service. 3. I have to call the propane company and set up automatic delivery and get them to come out an install something or other to make the generators go. 4. I have to disassemble LLB's current bed and do an archeological dig under there so we can put up the new bed and roll out her new rug. I have stalled on that last little item in her room... I'm afraid... I'm very afraid... I have my pith helmet and my mag light... I should be okay. 5. I have to get the Christmas dishes out of Grambug's cabinet. I forgot. Oh and that mountain of laundry I got done last week is back. How does that happen? 6. I am in charge of the Middle School Honor Roll Breakfast next week. Where does one find 200 fresh donuts in the middle of nowhere? 7. I am learning how to do tatting. It's the art of lacemaking with a shuttle. It's really cool. They say it's the easiest thing to do but the hardest to learn. 8. I finally figured it out yesterday!! I'm psyched. I can't wait to see the lady who is teaching me - she's going to be shocked! She's been working with me since before Christmas... I'm a slow learner!! I knew my problem had to be with the tension... it was. But now I got it!! 9. We went to a band open house at the High School last night. It seems Marching Band is an extracurricular activity. Now we know why they have so few kids marching... #1 is going to try it. 10. There are many music opportunities at the High School and most of them are extracurricular. #1 will be trying out for saxophone ensemble and jazz band. They are all after school. (I'm loving the after school part!!) 11. Zebbie is feeling much better. We are going to try regular food today. 12. It is supposed to snow tonight. The furniture is supposed to arrive tomorrow. 13. #1 has District Band tomorrow and Saturday. If it snows I have to drive him, as the school busses won't be running. I hope the idiot drivers out there tomorrow remember that 4 wheel drive does not mean 4 wheel stop. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! |
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