Here are a few shots of Tyler playing from a while back.
It's awesome to watch him learning and manipulating his toys. This one is one of my favorites.
And when he gets tired of his toys, there's always eating his clothes.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Play Time
It's Spring Break, woohoo! You know what that means... I've finally had time to edit pictures and blog!
Here are a few shots of Tyler playing from a while back.
It's awesome to watch him learning and manipulating his toys. This one is one of my favorites.
And when he gets tired of his toys, there's always eating his clothes.
Here are a few shots of Tyler playing from a while back.
It's awesome to watch him learning and manipulating his toys. This one is one of my favorites.
And when he gets tired of his toys, there's always eating his clothes.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Couldn't Have Put it Better
Yes, two posts in one day.
A member of my department emailed us in frustration because her students all cheat off of each other during classwork and/or look up all answers on Google rather than researching in their notes or trying to figure it out on her own. She is frustrated with this generation of students.
In response, my fellow Physical Science teacher Charlie shared his feelings. I asked Charlie could I share this, and he gave me permission to share both his name and his words.
I don't have a solution for students who do not wish to learn that the school system is willing to implement. Cheating is rampant! Today's students want immediate gratification at almost any cost but don't want this to impact grades.
A member of my department emailed us in frustration because her students all cheat off of each other during classwork and/or look up all answers on Google rather than researching in their notes or trying to figure it out on her own. She is frustrated with this generation of students.
In response, my fellow Physical Science teacher Charlie shared his feelings. I asked Charlie could I share this, and he gave me permission to share both his name and his words.
I don't have a solution for students who do not wish to learn that the school system is willing to implement. Cheating is rampant! Today's students want immediate gratification at almost any cost but don't want this to impact grades.
I am at my
ropes end and am totally [ticked] off. The snow/ice days have created breaks in
continuity of instruction for both me and my students and eliminated useful
planning days for the remainder of the school year. The lack of any future
planning days, constant student interruptions, skipping, absences, cell phones,
rude student behavior(repeated), and follow-up with ASD, ISS, OSS, [after-school detention, in-school suspension, and out-of-school suspension, respectively] has eroded my
sanity and my ability to reach most of my students this semester. I am just
trying to hang on. It is hard to complete a whole thought without a cuss word
coming out of my mouth!
Why hang on? At this
point don't really see any improvement in the future outlook. I feel like I am under
pressure to make student do what they have little interest in doing this makes
me feel like I am just wasting
my time and ruining my health. Did I mention the lack of a raise for many
years, the lack of support from the legislature, and governor.
I try to be
positive and not drag everyone down, but this is how I feel.
Like I said, I'm not trying to be Debbie Downer today. I think it's just important to know what's going on in the modern classroom. This is not a woe-is-me post, a plight for pay raises, or a political statement. This is a request for you to take a moment and pray for us. This has been a difficult school year for me, from coming back from maternity leave last semester to classes with major behavior problems to this piecemeal semester. I still love teaching (I actually sent Jason an email today about how much my usually-apathetic Physical Science class loved today's lab and how happy that made me), but this is the overall sentiment for every teacher I talk to right now. Pray for us. We have the potential to be salt and light to students who may not be exposed to that any other way, but it's hard when we feel sucked dry. We're spent.... pray for us.
According to Plan
This may come as a shock to you, but I like to plan. When I go on vacations, I literally write down every shirt and bottom I own on a sheet of paper and pick out my outfits based on having a variety of clothes that can be mix-and-matched and require one color scheme (black or brown) of shoes. When we were engaged, I spent my spare time drawing up diagrams for the wedding party and special seating at the ceremony and writing out detailed budgets.
Knowing this, can I express to you how difficult this semester has been? We have had nine snow days since January, several delayed starts, and several early releases. Each of these events requires me to reevaluate my lesson plans, push back due dates, and scrapping labs and midterm exams. I've planned, replanned, and replanned again. I've had zero workdays to get this accomplished. I have meetings nearly every day of the week after school, so that time is out of the question as well. I get to work around 6:15 every morning, but I have hall duty for 20 minutes of that time and I need to set up for the day.
Let me stop for a second and address your question: "But haven't you had all those days off? Why are you complaining?" Well, on the really bad days, I was home taking care of Tyler, because it was too bad for him to go to school. Great Mama-Son time, but doesn't really help Teacher Megan. On some of the nicer days, I did go to work. However, closures aren't vacation time. I have to document hours worked outside of my normal school day to make up for every hour of school we missed. You know, to justify the awesome pay that I get...
The purpose of today's post is not to be Debbie Downer. The purpose is to talk a moment of clarity I had today.
There is a company that has offered to come in next week and give free 10-minute chair massages to anyone who signs up. I saw the sign-up list today and thought "I'm too stressed out to waste that time." You know, ten minutes. Too stressed out. For a MASSAGE. How silly is that? I need to take a chill pill, and yes, I did sign up for a massage after I realized how ridiculous I was being.
Other things that are helping me today...
Knowing this, can I express to you how difficult this semester has been? We have had nine snow days since January, several delayed starts, and several early releases. Each of these events requires me to reevaluate my lesson plans, push back due dates, and scrapping labs and midterm exams. I've planned, replanned, and replanned again. I've had zero workdays to get this accomplished. I have meetings nearly every day of the week after school, so that time is out of the question as well. I get to work around 6:15 every morning, but I have hall duty for 20 minutes of that time and I need to set up for the day.
Let me stop for a second and address your question: "But haven't you had all those days off? Why are you complaining?" Well, on the really bad days, I was home taking care of Tyler, because it was too bad for him to go to school. Great Mama-Son time, but doesn't really help Teacher Megan. On some of the nicer days, I did go to work. However, closures aren't vacation time. I have to document hours worked outside of my normal school day to make up for every hour of school we missed. You know, to justify the awesome pay that I get...
The purpose of today's post is not to be Debbie Downer. The purpose is to talk a moment of clarity I had today.
There is a company that has offered to come in next week and give free 10-minute chair massages to anyone who signs up. I saw the sign-up list today and thought "I'm too stressed out to waste that time." You know, ten minutes. Too stressed out. For a MASSAGE. How silly is that? I need to take a chill pill, and yes, I did sign up for a massage after I realized how ridiculous I was being.
Other things that are helping me today...
The old saying:
"Want to hear God laugh? Tell Him your plans."
Serenity Prayer:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.
Or, as Outkast so eloquently put it:
"You can plan a pretty picnic, but you can't predict the weather."
Metaphorical (and meteorological) wisdom. Gotta love it!
Monday, March 17, 2014
Quiz Time
Ok, ready for today's quiz?
The thing on Tyler's hood is:
a) a dinosaur
b) a lizard
c) a sea monster
d) who cares? he's adorable!
C'mon, I think we all know the answer here...
As a sidenote, people EVERYWHERE love this jacket. $5.99 well spent.
The thing on Tyler's hood is:
a) a dinosaur
b) a lizard
c) a sea monster
d) who cares? he's adorable!
C'mon, I think we all know the answer here...
As a sidenote, people EVERYWHERE love this jacket. $5.99 well spent.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Odds and Ends
This week has been a weird one. From the weather to my classroom dynamics, here's a quick snapshot of what went on this week. PS, if you don't feel like reading all of this, there's a Tyler thing at the end you may want to know...
Teaching:
We started our waves unit in Physical Science. I really like this unit and share a lot of fun videos. Nothing is more disheartening than students who immediately put their heads down because they are apathetic to the fun videos. I mean, they're actually fun (clips from Mythbusters and Big Bang Theory), not just teacher fun. They make me want to pull my hair out sometimes.
On the other hand, my Earth Science students have been ALL ABOUT some volcanoes and earthquakes this week! Lots of questions, lots of excitement. It does help that I refer to one set of notes as "Count the ways that volcanoes can kill you." They make me smile. The students, that is. Not the ways volcanoes can kill you.
Highlight: There's a Mortal Kombat character who finishes off her victims by emitting a sound that makes her victims' heads explode. A student shared a video with me that goes through and explains the science for how that is scientifically possible.
Low light: Continuous schedule changes that make me plan a lesson, replan a lesson, replan the lesson again, then give up in frustration and hope we have time to get everything in before the end of the quarter.
Bible:
I'm doing a new reading plan called "She Reads the Truth" about women of the Bible. I've done a WotB study before, but it never gets old. The lessons really speak to my heart. For instance, how Sarah got tired of relying on God, so she decided to take things into her own hands. Anyone who knows me knows I love to plan and, as Jason astutely pointed out the other day, I crumble when things don't go according to plan. Hmm, Sarah much?
This morning, I learned about two people I've never paid attention to before -- Shiphrah and Puah. Yep, bet you don't know them either. They are the two Hebrew midwives who were commanded by Pharaoh to kill baby boys to prevent one from overthrowing him (Exodus 1:15-22). While we pass right over their names in Exodus, their defiance saved countless boys' lives (including Moses). The devotional today talked about how these two women stood up and were able to worship God through their chosen professions. As one who truly feels my mission field is in the school, it's always nice to read stories like this about people who made a huge difference in their jobs.
Weather:
Seriously, how crazy was this week? I wore skirts (and dressed Tyler in short sleeves) Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and then battled frigid wind yesterday. C'mon, March, make a decision. Hot or cold. Tyler and I enjoyed some outside time in the afternoons playing toys on a blanket while watching Jason doing yard work (oh darn, can't help... gotta watch the boy....). On Tuesday, my neighbor Jodi came over and visited while we were out on the deck, which was really nice.
Home Life:
Last week, I bought buttermilk so Jason could make biscuits. We noticed that the buttermilk was supposed to expire on Tuesday (yes Mom, I know you've said that date isn't real). Jason didn't want to waste any of the buttermilk, so he made biscuits... 3 batches of biscuits. 40. That's how many biscuits we have. 40. For two people. I asked him if he wanted to freeze some. Nope. I think he wants the challenge. We're getting quite creative with biscuit-related meals this week.
Oh, did I mention that Tyler STOOD UP yesterday?!? I was eating a pear and he wanted to be held, so I sat on the floor with knees bent and sat him on my feet (facing my shins) and bouncing him. Next thing I know, he grabs my pants and PULLS HIMSELF UP. I look quickly at Jason, who hasn't noticed. I mouth to him "He's standing up!" He actually did it a couple of times last night, including standing by himself while holding onto the ottoman. Holy milestone, Batman!!!
Teaching:
We started our waves unit in Physical Science. I really like this unit and share a lot of fun videos. Nothing is more disheartening than students who immediately put their heads down because they are apathetic to the fun videos. I mean, they're actually fun (clips from Mythbusters and Big Bang Theory), not just teacher fun. They make me want to pull my hair out sometimes.
On the other hand, my Earth Science students have been ALL ABOUT some volcanoes and earthquakes this week! Lots of questions, lots of excitement. It does help that I refer to one set of notes as "Count the ways that volcanoes can kill you." They make me smile. The students, that is. Not the ways volcanoes can kill you.
Highlight: There's a Mortal Kombat character who finishes off her victims by emitting a sound that makes her victims' heads explode. A student shared a video with me that goes through and explains the science for how that is scientifically possible.
Low light: Continuous schedule changes that make me plan a lesson, replan a lesson, replan the lesson again, then give up in frustration and hope we have time to get everything in before the end of the quarter.
Bible:
I'm doing a new reading plan called "She Reads the Truth" about women of the Bible. I've done a WotB study before, but it never gets old. The lessons really speak to my heart. For instance, how Sarah got tired of relying on God, so she decided to take things into her own hands. Anyone who knows me knows I love to plan and, as Jason astutely pointed out the other day, I crumble when things don't go according to plan. Hmm, Sarah much?
This morning, I learned about two people I've never paid attention to before -- Shiphrah and Puah. Yep, bet you don't know them either. They are the two Hebrew midwives who were commanded by Pharaoh to kill baby boys to prevent one from overthrowing him (Exodus 1:15-22). While we pass right over their names in Exodus, their defiance saved countless boys' lives (including Moses). The devotional today talked about how these two women stood up and were able to worship God through their chosen professions. As one who truly feels my mission field is in the school, it's always nice to read stories like this about people who made a huge difference in their jobs.
Weather:
Seriously, how crazy was this week? I wore skirts (and dressed Tyler in short sleeves) Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and then battled frigid wind yesterday. C'mon, March, make a decision. Hot or cold. Tyler and I enjoyed some outside time in the afternoons playing toys on a blanket while watching Jason doing yard work (oh darn, can't help... gotta watch the boy....). On Tuesday, my neighbor Jodi came over and visited while we were out on the deck, which was really nice.
Home Life:
Last week, I bought buttermilk so Jason could make biscuits. We noticed that the buttermilk was supposed to expire on Tuesday (yes Mom, I know you've said that date isn't real). Jason didn't want to waste any of the buttermilk, so he made biscuits... 3 batches of biscuits. 40. That's how many biscuits we have. 40. For two people. I asked him if he wanted to freeze some. Nope. I think he wants the challenge. We're getting quite creative with biscuit-related meals this week.
Oh, did I mention that Tyler STOOD UP yesterday?!? I was eating a pear and he wanted to be held, so I sat on the floor with knees bent and sat him on my feet (facing my shins) and bouncing him. Next thing I know, he grabs my pants and PULLS HIMSELF UP. I look quickly at Jason, who hasn't noticed. I mouth to him "He's standing up!" He actually did it a couple of times last night, including standing by himself while holding onto the ottoman. Holy milestone, Batman!!!
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Wordless Wednesday -- Cereal!
Thanks to Jason for capturing the moment. I couldn't decide, so I'm going to share all of them.
Crawling?
Tyler is NOT crawling yet, but he is doing this hilarious backwards scooting thing. He's discovered that the nice, smooth hardwoods are much easier to scoot on than the rugs or carpet.
Disclaimer, these are absolutely horrible photos. They were taken in low light and my whole intent was to stay in one place so I could capture how much Tyler moved. Consider them for documentation purposes only (not my usual intent of "look how cute my kid is!").
Disclaimer, these are absolutely horrible photos. They were taken in low light and my whole intent was to stay in one place so I could capture how much Tyler moved. Consider them for documentation purposes only (not my usual intent of "look how cute my kid is!").
 |
| Ok, I'm off the rug... |
 |
| Move my hands around a bit and realize how smooth the floor is... |
 |
| Whoa! |
 |
| Scoot scoot scoot away from Mama... |
 |
| Back-scoot until I reach a wall... |
 |
| Rotate... |
 |
| And back back back until I hit my next obstacle. |
Monday, March 10, 2014
Multitasking
I've always been a multitasker. Brushing my teeth? I'm probably also checking Facebook on my phone, picking out clothes for the day, or making the bed. Watching a Bill Nye video in class? I'm also monitoring phone usage, answering emails, and grading papers.
As good as I am with multitasking, a few Sundays ago took it to a new level.
I slept in a bit, which threw off my whole schedule. After my shower, I came downstairs with my arms full of dirty towels to throw in the laundry room, cups that needed to go in the dishwasher, and Tyler's clothes for church. Tyler was a bit fussy, so I picked him up and narrated to him what I was doing as I made breakfast (cinnamon rolls) with one arm.
Tyler usually eats his cereal around 10am, but we've started giving it to him earlier on Sundays so he's fuller/more content during church. This is usually not a problem on Sundays, but since I was running behind schedule, I started feeding him while Jason ate breakfast. Jason ate a cinnamon roll, then took over cereal duty while I ate one of my rolls. Then I took back over while he ate and so on and so forth.
After breakfast, Jason played with Tyler while I finished getting ready. Then, we switched roles. Because I had fed Tyler cereal and not au naturel, I needed to pump before heading to church. Um, Tyler's not a big fan of that. I put him in his jumper while I pumped, put on my socks and boots, and sang across the room to comfort (or at least distract) my fussy boy.
Yep, just another laid back morning at the Self house! Whew!
As good as I am with multitasking, a few Sundays ago took it to a new level.
I slept in a bit, which threw off my whole schedule. After my shower, I came downstairs with my arms full of dirty towels to throw in the laundry room, cups that needed to go in the dishwasher, and Tyler's clothes for church. Tyler was a bit fussy, so I picked him up and narrated to him what I was doing as I made breakfast (cinnamon rolls) with one arm.
Tyler usually eats his cereal around 10am, but we've started giving it to him earlier on Sundays so he's fuller/more content during church. This is usually not a problem on Sundays, but since I was running behind schedule, I started feeding him while Jason ate breakfast. Jason ate a cinnamon roll, then took over cereal duty while I ate one of my rolls. Then I took back over while he ate and so on and so forth.
After breakfast, Jason played with Tyler while I finished getting ready. Then, we switched roles. Because I had fed Tyler cereal and not au naturel, I needed to pump before heading to church. Um, Tyler's not a big fan of that. I put him in his jumper while I pumped, put on my socks and boots, and sang across the room to comfort (or at least distract) my fussy boy.
Yep, just another laid back morning at the Self house! Whew!
Friday, March 7, 2014
9 Days
I've mentioned before that older parents love to say to us newbies, "Enjoy every minute. They grow up so fast." Yeah yeah yeah.
But, really. We got Tyler's rug on February 20. Here he is playing on it.
Here's Tyler on the rug on March 1, just 9 days later (pardon the harsh flash).
What the what?!? My kid now sits up and plays? Seriously, he's growing up so fast!
But, really. We got Tyler's rug on February 20. Here he is playing on it.
Here's Tyler on the rug on March 1, just 9 days later (pardon the harsh flash).
What the what?!? My kid now sits up and plays? Seriously, he's growing up so fast!
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Playing Cars
Around Christmas time, we mentioned to Jill and Jodi that were were interested in this rug from IKEA:
$12.99, by the way. How much do you love IKEA? Aunties J picked it up for him on a recent trip to IKEA and were nice enough to ship it to us. I don't know that he made the connection between his cars and the "roads" on the rug, but he sure liked playing on the rug.
And by "playing," I mean "eating the cars."
Or... eating the rug...
At least he seems to be having a good time.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
My Boys
There is a fine line in children's clothing where there are kid versions of adult clothes. If you go too far, it just gets creepy (like the old-woman hat and pearls I wore in glamour shots when I was nine).
I think I've found the right balance here. Love my two guys dressed in their button-down shirts with the sleeves rolled up.
Cute:
 |
| Dressed like Carl from the movie "Up" |
Too far:
 |
| Celebrity's son |
I think I've found the right balance here. Love my two guys dressed in their button-down shirts with the sleeves rolled up.
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