March 31: A Tribute to My Mom

My Mamoo

My mom's name was Dorris, but she was called Jean.

She was the nicest mom that you had ever seen!

You could find her curled up with a book from the past

or playing on the floor with kids--she was never downcast.

She may be cooking in the kitchen with a pan made of cast (iron)

Or telling a story that would make memories last.

My mom never met a stranger, and she really liked to talk--

She was my friend, my nurse, my teacher, and even my alarm clock.

Her favorites included hamburgers and the color green;

She loved history, especially from Ireland, and even the Queen.

My mom picked flowers by the side of the road

Bringing in knickknacks, gold paint, & things she had sewed

My mom was the best, number one in my books

I miss her hugs, her laugh, and not to mention, her looks

Having a mom that is there every day

Makes you love her forever in every way.

**Today would be my mom's birthday (83)!!! Happy birthday to my mom! From: Me

March 30: Good Friday!

In preparing for this weekend's Easter baskets, I wanted to do something different. I wanted Easter to reflect Jesus through and through. After scrolling through Pinterest, I found exactly what I was looking for: an Easter basket where items relate to scripture. Bingo. I used this lady's scripture ideas with my own children's interests.

I traveled to Walmart, and I took my own twist. Here is what I came up with:

• light up stick or yo-yo = Jesus is the light of the world
• muffins and cross cupcake holders = Jesus is the bread of life
• Easter pudding cups = act of service (they will make them for their family)
• a cross to paint = Jesus' Resurrection
• bandaids = wounded savior
• candy = sweetness of Jesus' words
• scripture jar = beginning of wisdom 

This lovely lady from joyinthekitchen will really bring joy to mine this holiday weekend. 

Today, we began with a trip to the park on bikes and feet, and then, after playing, we collected rocks. We returned home and painted rocks to hide in the park for Easter weekend.

Then, we went to the drive in to see Peter Rabbit and Jumanji. We borrowed a speaker from our favorite high school custodian, so our car would not die from listening to the radio (another story, another time).

What a good Friday it truly was! It is always a Good Friday three days before Easter because Jesus died on the cross for us. To pay for our sins. To make a difference in everyone's life. To bridge us to God. To show us the greatest love of all. Thank you, Jesus!

March 29: Expectations in Loss

Journeying to Branson with the instructional coaches today brought up some discussion about visitations and death. I told them they had inspired by blog topic.  Many people today do not know what the manners and traditions are when it comes to death. Maybe they do know, and they don't want to do them. Maybe they are like my husband who has barely lost anyone, and there are no traditions on one side other than gathering as a family for a meal to reminisce of the loved one.

However, I think that when someone has a death in the family, and you are a friend to this person, then, you take food and supplies to help the family out for meals. Many times their families visit, and instead of worrying about hosting, you are provided for during that time. In addition, I think a heartfelt card is also a requirement. I have actually appreciated that many people have set aside the flower money and gone to giving money to services or organizations. Giving something to that organization or flower fund (as flowers do seem to be important still today) is also necessary. I have even gone as far as providing a gift for the person to remember that loved one when they see this gift.
Lastly, I believe a visitation helps the grieving family and sometimes the friends and family, as it is usually held not during work. The funeral itself it really a grieving process for the closest members, in my opinion.

How do I know all of this or why do I think about it? Unfortunately, I have had many deaths in my family. Three parents just to start off. I remember distinctly that my friend Amy and her family traveled over an hour to come to my father's funeral. It meant so much to me. I remember that my friend Andra gave me a bear gift at my house when she visited after my stepdad passed away, and at that funeral, I would have loved for my friend Cody to have sat next to me. He appreciated my stepdad more than my older siblings. We had a visitation for my mom in Enid, where really this was to support my sister who lived there, as my mom didn't really have friends there. Her friends fed our entire big family for 4 days. There was so much food. My favorite thing that we did that I would recommend to anyone who has to endure this painful life event was that after we thanked everyone after the funeral, my siblings returned inside to my mom's casket. We sat and finished our grieving, and then, we held hands, and we prayed. It helped restore me. It has stuck with me. It made a difference. Another thing that made a difference when my mom passed away were the cards. I had two students who wrote me cards that were filled with love and encouragement. I have never forgotten their names or the kindness that went into that. I have returned to those cards or messages on Facebook even. Being supported during that time is a key to healing.

If you have a friend or colleague or family member that must endure this, please remember that doing something extra is just what one should do. I don't think you have to do it all, but something that you believe would help is exactly what you should do. Think about yourself in that situation and what you would want or need. That person will surely appreciate the thoughtfulness you have put forth.

March 28: Books

When I was little, I loved to read. I read in the car everywhere we went. I could have probably understood advanced texts or classics, but that is not what I chose to read. My favorite authors were peeps like Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary.

Then, I discovered The Babysitter's Club, and I read those for forever. Super Specials were the best. I loved that their handwriting was included, and I tried with all my might to make Ss like Stacey. Reflecting back now, these were the first books that told the story from each person's point of view. These, today, are still my favorites.

I had read several books out of the Welch Library, but the best was when the Book Fair came. I still have no clue why I enjoyed those abuse stories of horrible happenings to people, but even today, I love it when people are saved in the story. In high school, I don't know how much I read on the side, or which author I read. I do remember us passing a book around to nearly every high school girl because it was so good.

In college, I did not read for pleasure. How could I? There were gallons and gallons of homework and reading and writing! I was an English major. The class I read for pleasure in was Shakespeare. Yep, I love him and his plays. I would leave my social events saying, "I have a date with Shakespeare." And return to my apartment and read a play for the next day. Yes, the whole play.

As an adult, I have read after everyone else has. I read Harry Potter when they had already printed Book 4. I read the Twilight series at least a year after everyone else did. I have enjoyed Hunger Games, Divergent, and my new favorite, Michael Vey. Series are probably my favorite because the story continues over time. When you read a really good book, you want it to last longer than just 300 pages. I have also discovered I like Nicholas Sparks, Karen Kingsbury, and Sarah Dessen. Even as an adult, I really like books that are not for my age.

As an instructional coach, I need to be reading more professionally; fortunately, I have a friend at the library who has a book club where I can still enjoy some fifth and sixth grade reading. This year, I have read Chasing the Falconers (another great series), A Wrinkle in Time (I had never read it), The One and Only Ivan, Small Steps, and one more I cannot remember.

I am looking forward to reading some other books looking into ordering for next year! Books just open us to a world where we can experience so many things. There is nothing else like it.

March 27: My Favorites List

I present my list of favorites.

1) My favorite number is 3. I have no reason for this.

2) My favorite food type is Italian and Mexican and Seafood. That is not one favorite. I love every pasta and most sauces. I can eat cheesy Mexican on most days and anything with cilantro. I have not met a seafood piece I did not like, including raw oysters.

3) My favorite movie now is The Greatest Showman. I love the Pitch Perfect trilogy. And the random third favorite movie The American President with Michael Douglas. Ahhhh, the speech at the end.

4) My favorite book I have read is Though None Go with Me, a Christian fiction story about a woman who commits to God at age 15, and through her life, she keeps that commitment throughout her life despite all the obstacles. I should buy it. (I do love Harry Potter and To Kill a Mockingbird)

5) My favorite colors are red, yellow, and green. Yes, in traffic light order.

6) My favorite sports stars throughout my life are Michael Jordan, Christian Laetner, and Aaron Rodgers.

7) My favorite sports teams are the Kentucky Wildcats college basketball team and the Green Bay Packers NFL team.

8) My favorite treats are mint chocolate chip ice cream with a hot fudge sundae, a Snickers ice cream bar, a Skor or dark chocolate Kitkat, or any cookie that is not peanut butter.

9) My favorite stores to shop at are Mardel, Ross, JCPenney, and Gordman's.

10) My favorite place is on my couch in the corner under a blanket.

Ask me another favorite if you can think of one!

March 26: Motivation Needed

Heading back to work was good and bad.

I enjoy adult conversation.

I love my instructional coaches team.

We had an awesome book study talk over Innovator's Mindset.

I made an entire page of to do items.

There is not enough time in the day to prepare for everything.

I was so worn out from Sisters' Weekend that I was very tired today.

Starting back to work after a break is just hard to do.

My daughter Paisley keeps having a stomachache, which means every time I am supposed to be blogging, she needs me.

I enjoy reading everyone's blogs, and I have not had time.

I will catch up. I will do my list of to dos. I will finish my goals.

I will. I can. I believe.

March 25: Sisters' Weekend 2018

Sisters' Weekend was a hit. Unfortunately, my sister Suzi was unable to attend due to illness. Shirli, Toni, Shawna, and myself had a great time in Joplin.

At Sandstone Gardens, we ate lunch. Mmmm, salmon croquette. Have you ever had one? They are delicious. We looked around and discussed ideas for our houses, and Paisley especially enjoyed the fountains, as she stuck her hand in all of them.

Next, we traveled to Webb City. At Annie Kate's and Twisted Oak, we enjoyed all kinds of things from clothes to jewelry to our favorites, reading luggage tags, tea towels, and signs. We hooted and cracked up about multiple messages.

We wrapped up with my daughters at my house, and then, we headed to Red Onion. I had my two favorites: smoked chicken dip and penne from heaven. It was totally worth the wait all day. This meal was complete with the best cake I have ever eaten, shamrock cake. The host told us that they couldn't even sell a whole cake this season because they sold the slices too quickly. It was a chocolate cake with ganache and icing, each of which had an extra Irish ingredient (wink). Yummmm.

That night, in tradition, we stayed up until 1:00 a.m. talking. We dissect everything from our food to our families to our schools, as we are all in education.

Saturday was a super good time. I found a Spring Fling Market craft fair at the Barn in Pittsburg, Kansas! I will be returning every year. Over 100 vendors and food trucks makes for a fantastic time. We shopped and then, we picnicked on the grass with pulled pork nachos, homemade french fries, street tacos, and a root beer float. We headed back to downtown Joplin, where we went in Sophie, Blue Moon Boutique, and one more. Then, we had our first fried Cadbury egg! from Instant Karma. Oh Mylanta! That night we joined my brother Jon and his wife and daughter for his birthday dinner at Texas Roadhouse. It was delicious as well. I had actually never eaten there. Those rolls with cinnamon butter and that juicy steak was definitely a great combo with the fancy sweet potato. Another late night of talking took us to Sunday.

On Sunday, we just went to the pool and the hot tub for a little bit, and we got ready and traveled home. All my sisters were very grateful for a well planned weekend, myself included.

Sisters' Weekend 2018 is in the books.

March 24: The Crazy Tale of my Family

How odd is it to have 2 brothers of 9 siblings, and they are both born on the same day, today, March 24?

My family began in 1914 when my dad, Ed, was born.

Then, oddly enough, my mom, Jean, was born 21 years later in 1935.

My dad had a son and a daughter, Nils and Sandi, by a previous marriage, and my mom had a daughter, Kathy, by a previous marriage.

They met at a their workplace, and they got married and were married for 35 years.

During that time, they had 6 more children, Shirli, Toni, Jon, Shawna, Suzi, and me.

All 6 of us are teachers.

There are 22 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

We mostly live in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas.

My parents divorced, and my mom married a man named Gene. Gene and Jean Eckles made answering the phone very confusing. Mr. or Mrs.? I would ask.

My parents have passed away, including my stepdad and my dad's son and daughter. However, we continue to celebrate our family through memory retelling and memory making in our adventures and get togethers.

I love my crazy tale of our family, the Spencers.

March 23: Sisters Weekend

When I was seven years old, my sisters began having a weekend, family free and sisters only. I was not allowed to attend until I was 18. Here are some of the many places they have been:

• Oklahoma City with makeovers
• Dallas Galleria (one of the best brunch buffets)
• San Antonio with the Riverwalk and cascarons 
• Tulsa to Utica Square to try on possible bridesmaid dresses that were all purple and not the dresses of the future bride (at least 3 times)
• Wichita (Arboretum and Tulip Time) (Shirli's house)
• Old Town in Houston and Galleria
• Lubbock (murder mystery) (at least 2 times) (Suzi's house)
• Arlington (Toni's house)

Mary starts attending

• Norman
• Oklahoma City (Affair of the Heart craft fair) (at least 2 times)
• Joplin (Ya-ya Sisterhood, Harley Davidson, candy house)
• Oklahoma City (Bricktown)
• Wichita (bed and breakfast in the castle with our mom)
• Kansas City (Junior league) (at least twice)
• Dallas/Salado (shopping)
• Frisco (shopping)
• Canton (shopping)
• Tulsa (Rustic Cuff, Kilkenney's)
• Waco (Magnolia Market)
• Joplin (Sandstone Gardens, Webb City shops, Red Onion, Venue Barn in Pittsburg, Texas Roadhouse for brother Jon's birthday)--this is happening as we speak.

It does not matter where we are, we are always having a good time.

Amalgamated Sisters Union

March 22: The Great Bicycle Adventure

Today, my daughter Haidyn finally got the bicycle she has been waiting on. We have known for nearly 6 months that she needed a newer one. When we looked at Christmas, we could not decide what size to get. She had a 20" tire one at home, and her legs hit the handle bars. There is no 22" bike tire, so the next biggest is 24", but she can't touch the ground. We have looked all over town from Toys'r'Us to Academy to Target to Walmart.

Walmart was where had noticed a blue one that might work before, we journeyed there on Tuesday to try again. They only had boys' bikes built (there is a tongue twister). So, we rounded up some help, and we decided there were 2 that might work. They would have to be built, and they would not be built until Thursday. So, I call about 2 p.m. today, and of course, it takes 2 phone calls to even get anybody. Then, they tell me it is not ready. Our next step was to go at 4, and just see what was available. At last, we see the bicycle. Haidyn attempts to try it out, and she discovers that the seat must come down. Again, we find someone. Yay! He can lower the seat. We decide to buy the light blue bicycle! built for a girl. Haidyn walks it all over the store, as we pickup a few items.

I cannot tell you exactly how I got my groceries, bike, and children in my car, but I swear they were safe. We may have prayed that we got home without any problem. We did! Finally, Haidyn could ride her brand new bicycle. It may weigh more than she does! She is having to learn how to brake on the handle bars, and the best news for Paisley is that she got a hand me down bike with no training wheels. Everyone was happy. We had a close call to end the evening, as Haidyn nearly ran over Paisley with her new bike. With no scratch or red mark, we put the bikes up for the night. Whew! What a trip!

March 21: Bird Love

I have finally hit the writer's block. There's a Seinfeld episode about nothing, so I think I could pull it off, but I will try to make sense of something. I have made lists of music, playground equipment, movies, my laughs, crayons, etc. I have written poems, and I have told some stories.

Ah, as I look up in my living room, I notice my new Cardinal picture.

Birds.

I like birds.

A few years ago I decided I would like to collect owls. They were a tad in style then, but now, I mean wow! They are everywhere. I even have a St. Patrick's Day owl on my coffee table as we speak. This like started just a bit, and then, I spread it to my classroom. I had owls, I had birds, and I had cardinals. In addition, I have always admired flamingos at the zoo, and I do love a little penguin as well. Basically, I like them all. I like the real ones pretty well, but cutesy is much better. In fear, I hoped nobody would ever fear birds or owls, as my entire classroom was covered in them. One of my last 2 years, it finally happened, but she coped and made it through.

This year, I took my collection to my office at the junior high, and I took some home. I already started adding them in different locations in my house. We recently redecorated our living room, and I found some I really liked for the living room. I have a Cardinal Corner as well, as I listed before. Finally, thanks to my secret pal at the middle school, I have acquired some adorable new flamingo decor, and I have placed that in my bathroom. It looks fantastic! I think I have a better theme for our newly painted bathroom.

My favorite story about birds comes from my mom. When I was really little, my mom told me about a painting that she had always admired. It had a girl and geese in it with a barn/house. She had described it several times. We were downtown Tahlequah, and we were in a little shop. I looked up, and I saw it. The picture she described was before my eyes. I ran over to tell her, and sure enough, I was right. She bought the painting, and it hung in my house until she moved years later to a smaller apartment. Thinking back now, I wish I had kept that painting, and I didn't. I hadn't realized how much my mom enjoyed birds as well, and so I like having that in common with her.

Last tidbit about birds, if you have never seen The Big Year, the movie, I definitely recommend it. It stars Owen Wilson, Steve Martin, and Jack Black. They are each bird watchers and doing a "big year" where they try to spot or hear all these birds and get the most. It is a riot.

I love birds.

March 20: Bills

Paying the bills may not be much fun;

It's unlike a towel on the beach in the sun.

Paying the bills visits on the twentieth --

Unlike the Easter bunny with chocolate eggs too many of.


Paying the bills gets us water, electric, a car, and Internet.

We should be grateful, joyous, and glad to not be in debt.

Paying the bills can go to insurance, doctors, and even the church;

We are providing for others to avoid a job search.


Paying the bills is definitely a have to in life.

Thankfully, we have income from a husband and wife.

Paying the bills costs most of our checks--

But, what if we didn't pay, what are those awful effects?


Paying the bills could be seen as a perk--

By keeping the money, we could go berserk!

March 19: Games for Life

Games are a part of our lives. One of the reasons I married Jason was because his family played games like mine did.

It all began with my dad teaching me to play poker when I was 3 or 4. We would play five card stud or five card draw. When the siblings came home to visit, my mom would play Trivial Pursuit late into the night. I would throw a fit if I did not get to stay up to roll the die and listen to them play. I played other games growing up such as Candyland, Perfection, and any card game. As I continued getting my own games, I had some pretty odd ones you may not have heard of such as Dweebs, Geeks, and Weirdos. In this game you had to do stunts, and I can't remember what was at the top, but you moved through dweeb, geek, and weirdo to maybe be a nerd to win. I had my own trivia game Go to the Head of the Class, which was also a TV show. Then, there was the Babysitter's Club game, where some of the cards you had trivia on the books and some you had to solve babysitting scenarios. Other games of that time were Kerplunk, marbles and stick removal until all the marbles spill, or Clue.

When I was entered into Jason's family, the weirdly named games continued. With the in-law parents, you play Backhanded Canasta, where you have 2 hands, and you lay down trios of cards trying to get to seven, so you can pick up your backhand. It is about points and reading your partner. Next, the game of Wahoo, which is very similar to Sorry but played on a homemade board made by Grandpa Brown (Jason's mom's dad). Jason's dad built us one as well, and we play with marbles. We used to keep track of how many times you "died" or were sent home. It is a very long game. Other games with the in-laws range from Phase 10 to Spades to Pictionary. When we play penny poker, we make up our own games there. Maryland is when you deal 2 rivers, like Texas Hold 'em, but you can only play on one with your hand. Four and eight double draw is my favorite, as your aim is to get 4 aces, but you have 4s and 8s as wilds, and you get to draw twice. We have also played Omaha, Follow the Queen, and Seven No Peek Dr. Pepper. The last two games that I will share that we have had a great time playing are Mexican Train dominos and our newest one is called Spinners, with a special set we have. Fortunately, we have played games for years on Saturday or Sunday nights and all major holidays. My memories are definitely in these games.

The games that Jason and I played at our own place before children were all connected to words. From Scrabble to Scattergories with others, word games are our favorites. Ironically, Jason beats me, the English teacher, at Scrabble every time. One of our favorite unique games that we have played with friends is Solitaire Frenzy. It is fast and furious, and I hope we play again with someone.

Trying to create the family game night at our own house, the games that will hold Paisley's interest are Candyland, Sequence, Five Second Rule, Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?, and Guess Who. Other games that Haidyn adores that Paisley does not adore are Life, Monopoly, and Battleship. In fact, Haidyn also loves Chess, Risk, and poker. The girls both love Wahoo, but we rarely play it. And now . . . why this entire post came about . . . is that we bought Ticket to Ride. What a fabulous game that I learned about at the instructional coaches' Christmas party. Ticket to Ride is where you each have colored trains, and you choose your routes in America. You receive colored train cards, and after drawing several times, then, you place your trains on the routes. Your goal is to complete your routes and get, at our house, the longest train! My favorite part is that you do not do the score until the end, so as long as I can complete my routes, I think I am winning. By the way, Paisley won't play.

All in all, games are fun. They make me think. They create memories with others. I usually laugh during the playing of the games, and I definitely leave smiling if I win. Games for Life.

March 18: Spring Breaks

My spring breaks have varied throughout my life. My family is made up a group of teachers, so normally we all have a spring break. However, we all live in different states, so when we share spring break has always been different.

One spring break when I was in high school or college, my sister and her husband came to visit, and it snowed like inches! My brother-in-law and I built a huge snowman, and on the same day, it was 70 degrees. This is one of my favorite cool weather memories.

When I was a senior in high school, I took a trip to San Francisco with my sister Shawna to see my sister Suzi. We went down to the wharf, and we did some other sight seeing things as she lived in the Napa Valley actually. My favorite memory to retell from this trip is about a clown. There was a street clown, and he stopped us, and he "mimed" if we wanted a balloon animal. Suzi had a 3 year old little girl at home, and she was expecting my nephew. I suggested he make a bunny for my niece. He blew up a balloon, twisted, and it popped. He tried again. When he presented the balloon animal to my sister, there was a rabbit, and inside, there was a small balloon (baby bunny). We cried.

I have had lots of different spring breaks from sleeping through the spring break when I was pregnant with Haidyn to just trying to make the most of every day to shopping with my sisters in the rain or shine or going to the aquarium on St. Patrick's Day in Texas, when we all wear green. It does not matter how you spent spring break--we just need the break.

Our goals for our spring break is to put a little fun in every day and accomplish a few things around the house or for school as well. Down time was much needed in this house.

March 17: List of Cryfest Movies

My daughter Haidyn and I watched the movie Gifted tonight, and we both cried. I thought I would cry at the bad parts, but I usually cry more when things go right. Other movies that I have bawled like a baby to are:

1) Armageddon--When your stepfather passes away one month before, and there is no father alive to walk you down the aisle, while in the movie, the daughter may lose her father in outer space and face the same problem, the tears will fall. To lighten the mood, it was opening night. The theater was packed. My friends and I were in the back of the movie theater, and I was next to some man I didn't even know, and here I was sobbing, nearly uncontrollably. My friends, in college at the time, were not very comforting, but they did make me laugh.

2) City of Angels--I believe this was a rental, or maybe that was the second time I watched it. Why would I ever watch this twice? Heart wrenching. Nicholas Cage and Meg Ryan love story.

3) Up Close and Personal--Michelle Pfeiffer and her career as a journalist meets up with Robert Redford for a wonderful movie. Most people I know have not seen this one.

4) Pay It Forward--Every teacher should watch this with a box of Kleenex. What a wonderful message, but in an unfortunate method.

5) Simon Birch--Another movie every teacher should watch. Simon is special in many ways.

6) Steel Magnolias--This is more of a laugh till you cry movie, but I do fast forward past the hospital scene. I just can't take it. This is one of the greatest classics of all time. My entire family can quote this movie, and the friendships within this movie is something I long for.

7) Stepmom--Oh my! This is a guarantee for me every time. The relationships with new and old is beautiful.

8) Fox and the Hound--I am tearing up just thinking about this one.

9) Tarzan--I cry at the beginning every time. I can tear up multiple times on this one. I blame Phil Collins.

10) Man in the Moon--My friend Amy had us watch this at a sleepover when I was about the age of the girls in the movie. This is about girls and guys on the farm growing up. There is a terrible accident--enter tears for the rest of the night.

March 16: An Ode to Spring Break

An Ode To Spring Break

Shall we rest now? Can we, please?

Pick up a hobby or an extra read?

Ride some horses or Soar bounce with ease?

If I can find energy, what all can we clean?

Napping? Netflix? Resting? Relaxing?

Gearing up in basketball or dressing down in pjs?

Bill paying? Shopping? Taxing?

Really? What do you mean we should play?

Exactly, that. How do fit in everyone's list of "I want to"s?

Am I able to just veg on the couch or blog in a chair?

Kissing spring break goodbye. Boo hoo, Boo hoo.

March 15: Laughter Is the Best Medicine

Last night, I was putting my daughter Haidyn to bed, and we got the giggles. I mean, we laughed till we cried. Again and again. It had been a while since this had happened. And, sh!, don't tell Paisley, but it never happens when she is with us. Anyway, I found it to be inspirational for me to tell you about my many laughs.

When I taught, I did the Top 10 Things You Need to Know about Mrs. Sears on the first day for years. One of those facts is that I have 5 different laughs. After last night, there may be more, so we shall see.

1) Silent laugh--when I was in high school, I would laugh silently. My head would shake, and tears would roll down my face. I never got in trouble because I was making no noise.

2) Peacock--this was named by my husband who said that when I silent laugh and then breathe, it sounds like a peacock.

3) Machine gun--my homeroom student named this one. It is a sound like a snort, but it comes out of my mouth, so I spit. I cannot duplicate it unless I am laughing.

4) Cackle laugh-- it is my loud laugh.

5) Back laugh-- I make 2 different sounds when laughing while lying down, one sounds like Donald Duck and one that Haidyn calls the giggle laugh, where I just cannot stop laughing.

I am sure there are others, as I also snort, and just giggle politely, but those are all my main laughs. I hope you can sometime hear them all!

March 14: The Question Game

About two years ago, my daughter Haidyn invented "The Question Game". It is a game you play at dinner, where you ask a question, and everyone answers. These questions are not just how was your day or what's your favorite color today, but what if questions. They have ranged from "If you had a restaurant, what would you call it, serve, etc.?" to Jason's favorite "If you were stranded on a deserted island, who or what would you bring with you" (that question cost me the Jr. Miss competition in high school, I swear).

Tonight, Haidyn was giving me things to blog about, so here is my own question and answer for the game. If you could write a book, what would it be about?

My second dream job is an author. My first dream job was a teacher, and I had no idea that I wanted to be an instructional coach, but I do, and I am one. Back to being an author, I have been brainstorming ideas for years, but I never followed through with any of them.

1) Children's book about a duck named Quackers who talks too much. I thought it could be a series where he would chitter chatter all kinds of places from school to the dentist to wherever. My lesson would have talking can actually pay off in the end.

2) I started a book about a girl who was going to her ten year high school reunion. I started this book the same year I went to mine, but the plot line was all made up, except the setting. Young girl thinks back to high school and her sweetheart and how awesome he was, but they faded away. She went to college, got married, and her husband gets cancer and dies. She is now pregnant with her late husband's baby, and when she goes to the reunion, she reunites with her high school sweetheart.

3) I love text features in books, so I have an idea where students run a hotline for kids with problems. The conversations on the hotline are all texting, and it would appear like that in the book.

4) I am not sure if there are very many books about groups of teachers. I think it would be great to see a book that shows different teacher characters through each chapter. For instance, Mrs. Reynolds is an English teacher who has a great family, but her mom is sick while Mr. Foxx is a science teacher who lives alone and devotes all his time to school. There would be at least 4 main character teachers, and then, I could put in students, who could have sequel books.

5) I discovered today that I need a new idea for 6th grade books that is on their reading level but does not have any naughty things in it, so we can use it in class. I have not had time to think on this for long, but I will.

In the comments, let me know which idea you like best, or if you have an idea for a great 6th grade book, or another book of your own.

These may never come to fruition, but they are fun to create.

March 13: My Basketball Stories

Come back with me in time to 5th and 6th grade. I had just moved to Welch the year before, my parents were divorcing, I had new glasses (red like Sally Jesse Raphael), I had permed hair with big bangs, and I had just learned to play basketball while all the other Welchians had been playing basketball their entire lives. We were required to play basketball on a team for 2 years. And, to no surprise to you, I was on the B team.

Basketball story in 5th grade:

You may not know about this, but you can play 6 on 6 in basketball. The court is divided into two by the middle line, and 3 are on defense while 3 are on offense. I was a defense player, probably only because I am terrible at dribbling. I get the ball, and I am trying to get it to my teammate Tracy across the line. I get double-teamed, and I stopped. What do I do? I pivot, again and again. I realize I am stuck, but Tracy is so close. LIGHTBULB! I just bend right down, roll the ball between my legs, and Tracy gets the ball, as the ENTIRE CROWD roars with laughter. Probably not my best moment, but it was bad the time I think I made a goal in the wrong basket.


Basketball story in 6th grade:

We are at an away game. We were in the locker room. Sounds sensible so far. Somehow, when I was changing into my uniform, I sat on my glasses. Yes, they broke. Therefore, I could not wear them, see anything, or play basketball. Kind of a waste for me to even be there. The team proceeds to go out to warm up. I look up in the stands, and I spot my parents (reminder: my parents are old and have gray hair). I go right ahead with my story about breaking my glasses, and sure enough, the gray-haired folks I just told my whole story to, yep, not my parents, but one of my classmates grandparents! They could not help me, and I have no idea if they even felt sorry for me.

Then and Now:

Basketball was not my sport. In my family, 3 sisters and my brother all played basketball. As I got older, my brother taught me to like March Madness. I rooted for Duke back then, and I switched to the Kentucky Wildcats, since they were blue and white like the Welch Wildcats later in my March Madness addiction. I have been filling out brackets since high school. I can truly get into a game. From watching the girls play in Welch to March Madness over the years to watching freshmen basketball when I was cheer coach, I have watched basketball a good majority of my life. My family continued to love basketball over the Christmas break, and for fun, we played a 5 on 5 game with siblings, in-laws, and nieces and nephews. I discovered that my coach back way in 6th grade knew something I did not, I have no idea what to do on offense, except shoot. I was an expert at around the world and pig back in my day, but knowing an offensive play, well, I don't know the name, the motion, or even the route.

This past year, ironically, my daughter Paisley took up basketball as her sport. You would have thought that I was an expert, as I "coached" from the stands. Who knew that even getting near the basket in 2nd/3rd grade game is bonus? Fouls are not called, and walking is as common as fouls. It is more like a contact sport. Paisley definitely improved, and she gained confidence as she learned some skills. I am not sure if she will continue to play, but as of right now, she likes it. So far, she is NOT following in my footsteps, and for once, that is a good thing.

March 12: Interruptions

Today, my day started at 1 a.m. My sleep was brutally interrupted with my daughter being sick to her stomach. My daughters often interrupt my life in various ways. They may interrupt the show that I am watching with a story, a song, a dance, a "hey, look at me, mom". Another way that they interrupt is through my conversations with their dad, with my sister on the phone, or even just my own thoughts as I am making dinner. They even interrupt each other when one of them is taking to me.

I can interrupt like no other, or so my husband says so. When I think of something, I just want to go ahead and say it. My mom and I had the best kind of interruptions on the phone. We interrupted, and sometimes we even each told a story at the same time. Somehow, it worked. I heard her, and she heard me. Interruptions were not a big deal to us, or even considered rude. My husband, on the other hand, does not think it is the best way to play out a conversation.

During the work day, I can get interrupted as well. It may come with an email, someone popping in the office, or even my own train of thoughts. I can be on one train, let's say making a test, and then, I look up a graphic, and 15 minutes later, I am no longer making a test but looking at 17 different infographics. Sometimes my sporadic brain loves this, and I even email myself other ideas thanks to my journey on a tangent. Other times, I just never finish making the test. haha.

If we can have this many interruptions naturally, why would we not think that the phone would cause a whole pile of interruptions, or rather a huge mountain that chases us? In my case, it is the blinking green light. I have my phone on silent, which also drives my husband batty, but how are you supposed to have sound going off in my numerous meetings all day long? (see tangent) Anyway, so the blue light, it does nothing for me. It is not a real message, not a text, not a tweet. The green light means an actual person that knows me has tried to contact me. It can interrupt me no matter how hard I am working. It is the constant glancing down. Why do we do that? If I am truly in a good conversation or truly working without interruptions, I can ignore it. I need to more often than I do, but now, work is on the phone as well. The green light calls to me, beckons, invites me, "Mary, you have a message! Check me. Text him/her back. The person is waiting, Mary. You know you want to know what I say, Mary. I am so important, more important than what you are doing. Check me."

I think interruptions, at least when it comes to the two cute faces at my house, they are totally worth it. I will miss those interruptions, and I need to memory make them. At work, I told you my interruptions can lead to a great idea, but sometimes, they just delay work. As for the phone, there is a green light button, and maybe I just need to turn that off. Check my phone once an hour and return to my work. Or, maybe I am just more cognizant--thoughtful, which word should I use? Why do I have to question which word to use? the curse of an English teacher-- about interruptions. (I hope you got my joke there).

March 11: Inspiration

Inspiration

What inspires you to be better?

Is it money, power, or fame?

Who inspires you to be better?

Is it a parent, a friend, a colleague, a child?

Many of us have a teacher who inspired us;

Yet, as teachers, we have students who inspire us.

Everyone truly wants to be inspired--

Trying to be better, the motivation to make it happen.

Where can you gather this inspiration?

Step into a school.

     Open a classroom door.

  

            Listen to the teacher, who has a story his/her own.

   

                     Observe a student.

                             A student, who has an unspeakable home life, that feels loved at school.

                             A student, who has a different body or face, that is being accepted anyway.

                             A student, who learns differently, that has made vast improvements this year.

                             A student, who is hungry, that is fed at school and on weekends.

                             A student, who is gifted, that has a program that challenges his/her thinking.

                             A student, who is lacking confidence, that has learned to speak in class.

Those students and many more with their own stories.

They are my inspiration.

They are our hope, our dreams, our desires--our future.

March 10: My First Summer Job

Thanks to Caitlin's and Laura's back home tales, I have one to share with you. When I was in jr. high and high school, I graded papers for extra money. I started in 8th grade with Mrs. Stoner, who taught English. My jr. high and high school was the same building, and the only way to tell what grade you are in is by which hallway your locker was in (hallway 1 or 2). I kept track of how much time I graded in the evenings, and she paid me $3 an hour. It was great side money for me. Mrs. Stoner was my eighth, ninth, and tenth grade English teacher. She taught me to diagram sentences, write essays, and complete research. She was a no-nonsense teacher, but I adored her.

Back to the story, my junior year summer, Mrs. Stoner asked me to paint her pipe fence that summer. I ended up asking a girl that was not one of my closest friends. To be honest, I don't even know how she got involved, but Kelli and I were going to paint the fence for extra money that summer. Now, Mrs. Stoner was very nice, but her husband Mr. Stoner was the president of Welch State Bank. He never smiled. I could not read him.

Setting up, Kelli and I went out and Mr. Stoner explained our options, as we could paint with gloves or with these curved paint rollers. He went over what to do, and how much of the pipe fence that he wanted us to paint. He discussed if we should get paid by hour or by the job, and we didn't really know how to respond. We picked by hour, which was probably smart, since we had no idea how long it would take us.

On the first day, we went to work in our paint clothes and do-rags. We tried both methods, and painting with these big wooly mittens, basically like sheep on your hands, was awkward, hot, and the paint rubbed off as much as it went on. So, we tried the rollers, and things were going well. We painted down the first section, and then, we got the gate. The gate had a handle that looked like an l. We had to paint it, too, so we did, and we hung it on the side of the fence.

If you haven't already guessed, the pipe fence held cattle inside. In Welch, cattle is pretty common. In fact, when you have cattle, you usually have a couple of bulls as well. Sure enough, after we got another section down, out came the bull, and off he took down their driveway. By the time we got to the house, the bull was running down the highway toward town. We ran after it, so here I am traipsing down the highway trying to talk a bull into going home. When we figured out this would not work, we returned to the house. Mrs. Stoner was not home, so we called the bank. Mr. Stoner, bank president, had to drive home from work to save the bull. Great first impression. I know he had to be wondering why did my wife hire these idiot girls?

Knowing the cost of bulls at this point, the bull was worth way more than probably what we made all summer. We did not have any more faux pas the rest of the summer, and we did learn to take a radio and make the most of our boring, monotonous job. Kelli and I learned a lot about each other that summer, and we went into senior year as friends. I don't really ever want to paint another pipe fence, but I do respect those that have to put in hard work like painting in the summer weather. I also wonder if Mr. Stoner ever thinks about the day that the bull got out.

March 9: Color Me Bluetiful

For tonight's activity, I purchased a brand new box of Crayola crayons, 120 to be exact. The first thing that I had to do was to put them in "order". You separate them by colors, and you place them in rainbow order with skin colors, browns, blacks, and Olympic colors (gold, silver, bronze) at the end. I love to color, and I love crayons. 

I have been through several coloring stages in my life. When I was around 7, I adored periwinkle and seafoam green together. I colored everything with that. As I got older, I discovered glitter crayons, and I still adore them. I would pick them out of the big vat of crayons we have at our house. Anything that has glitter looks better, but really, these are very bold colors, so they look better on the page. My most recent colors that I enjoy are fern and cerise. Fern is the exact green that is my favorite color, and cerise is a wonderful magenta-y color that you just have to love. The colors I am looking forward to trying in this brand new box of crayons are: pink flamingo, pink sherbet, almond, mango tango (orange), shadow, caribbean green, and bluetiful.

Other colors that are all time favorites and usually make it into my picture:

• dandelion, 
• chestnut or mahogany, 
• red (yes, just plain red), 
• denim, 
• robin's egg blue, 
• green, 
• salmon, 
• scarlet (which is more orange than red) and if I have to, 
• plum. I don't actually care for the color purple. 

If you haven't figured it out yet, my three favorite colors are red, yellow, and green (in the traffic light color).  

The colors I know I avoid are cornflower. I mean who can even see that blue after you color with it? Red violet is another crayon that is NOT for me, and what color is this anyway because there is no red in red violet or even in violet red. I don't care for violet purple or purple violet either. I am no fan of the neon colors within the box either. The lighter the crayon, the less chance I use it.

Coloring relaxes me, and I can let my creative juices flow. Crayons are a good medium for me because I outline on the black with darker coloring, and then, I color lightly inside. After listing all these beautiful colors and their names, I love their names!, I am going to go color!

March 8: The Music in Me

I have music inside me. I always have. Most days a song is playing in my head, usually WITHOUT PERMISSION. I sang at church and in the school choir, but most people don't think I sing all that well. I can carry a tune, and I like how I sing in the car. I took piano lessons for 7 years, and I played the flute in the band for 6 years, and the snare drum for 3 years. I can make up a tune in a snap, and I do that pretty often.

Today, I will share with you what I believe to be my list of favorite songs throughout my life. They were either songs that I sang a bazillion times, or they have meaning for me. Basically, these are the only songs I would sit in the car to finish singing.

1980s
1) "Man in the Mirror"-Michael Jackson (These were among many 80s hits that have stayed with me so many years. Who knew 3rd grade would create lasting favorites from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack we listened to --when I had never seen the movie-- to "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and another favorite "Heaven Is a Place on Earth" with good ol' Belinda? What a year!).

2) "Cover Girl"-New Kids on the Block (I finally saw them in concert last year at the end of school along with Boyz II Men and Paula Abdul--dream come true)

I did love Whitney Houston and all the girl fun singers along with the hairbands who sang romance.

These 2 songs still have meaning to me, as "Man in the Mirror" is about really seeing ourselves for who we are, as "Cover Girl" is just who I want to be to my beloved.

1990s

3) "Stay"-Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories (I even bought this on those singles tape cassettes with the little sleeve)

4) "As I Lay Me Down"-Sophie B. Hawkins

5) "I Love You Always Forever"-Donna Lewis (4 & 5 came out the same year, and I had no idea until I looked them up.)

6) "Truly Madly Deeply"-Savage Garden
These were the boy bands of college with LFO, Backstreet Boys, N'Sync, 98 Degrees, etc., which eventually led into Eagle Eye Cherry, Goo Goo Dolls, Nickelback, etc.

In the 90s, I was very much in love with love, and these songs convey that. 

Late 90s to 2000s, I guess I enjoyed a little country:
8&9) "Mayberry" and "My Wish"-Rascal Flatts (I saw them in concert for my 30 birthday)

10&11) "I Love You" and "Blessed"-Martina McBride ("Blessed" was in my wedding video)

These country songs have value because Mayberry reminds me of Welch, and my wish for everyone is that they get all that they want, while with the Martina songs, "I Love You" is just a fun song to sing, while "Blessed" is how I thought my life would sound, and it isn't too far off.

12) "1,000 Miles"-Vanessa Carlton (This past year, Jason, my husband, informed me we do have a song, which is this one. He moved to Georgia when we were dating, so he said this fit us perfectly. I looked it up tonight, and it came out the year we got together. How fitting.)

During the 2000s, I switched to almost full time Christian music. Here are some of those favorites:
13) "Made to Worship"-Chris Tomlin

14) "Give Me Your Eyes"-Brandon Heath

15) "Words"-Hawk Nelson (VBS song that Haidyn and I cherish)

16) "Hanging On"-Britt Nicole

Britt Nicole is probably my favorite Christian singer, but I also enjoy Mandisa, Jamie Grace, and Kari Jobe.

These last songs are really me deep inside. I love to worship, especially through music, I want to see what God sees as my spiritual gift is mercy, words truly matter to me and encouraging others is important, and finally, somedays, I am just hanging on to God, for that is all I can do.

March 7: What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?

What do you want to be when you grow up if one of my favorite things to ask children? Whether it is the preschool graduation and they reply things from "my daddy", "princess", "Elmo", or "a fireman", I love it. I think it is precious, and I truly want to know your interests and what you want to become. Or, I love it when the students are sophomores, juniors, or seniors, and their answers are "nurse practitioner", "teacher", "graphic designer", or "welder". They have a dream and a direction. Many answer they don't know yet, and that is okay as well. 

When I was little, there were a couple of alternate choices for what I thought I could be when I grew up. One role was a rockstar. I shared a bedroom with my parents until I was 7, and my sisters moved out. I used the hamper as my stand, and I placed my Yamaha keyboard (which I still have) on the hamper, played keyboard while my radio blasted the current pop songs, such as "We Built This City" or "Man in the Mirror", two of my all time favorites. Then, I would jump on the bed, and sing, and I would wrap up by moving back to the air drums (not knowing I would actually play snare in the band and the piano years later that is pretty interesting that I avoided the guitar, which I have no interest in). My next alternate choice to become was an advertiser, who wrote jingles. I wrote my first song in third grade, which was not a jingle, but more of a Debbie Gibson remake. It was called "The Mountain of Love". I still remember parts of the song today. But in all reality, I decided to become a teacher by age 7. I changed what grade I would teach and eventually decided which subject I wanted, but I always wanted to teach. I used my musical capabilities to write songs for my classroom, and I truly enjoy doing that even now.

During one of our meetings today, Dr. Moeller challenged my thinking, as usual. To begin with, we discussed a poem that displayed words that explained how our thoughts turn to actions, then to habits, becoming our character, which leads to our destiny, and then, ultimately, "what we think, we become". So, not only did he have me think about this: that my thoughts are ultimately determining what I am and who I want to be, but toward the end of the meeting, he asked, "How did you become who you are?" This resonated with me, and I began to self-reflect about what personality traits and values that I hold and due to people and events, where they came from. For example, education is deeply rooted in my family as all 5 of my full-blood siblings are teachers, along with multiple nieces. Education is who I am along with many other things, and I may save that for another blog.

Today, I want to challenge your thinking. If we want to know who we are, then, instead of asking the question of "what do you want to be when you grow up?" shouldn't we ask "who do you want to be when you grow up?". I know it may be confusing for the preschoolers, but when you change your answer from doctor to protector and from welder to creator and from teacher to innovator of learning, doesn't it change who you are every day?

March 6: Numbers Are Just One Column

I "figure" the last thing you would expect me to blog about are numbers, but with my current position, this time of year, and my event for the night, it seemed fitting.

This past week I have asked more questions about data than I ever imagined. Psst . . . come closer . . . a little closer . . . and I liked learning about data. Shhhh! Don't tell anyone. We are looking at the MAP Practice data to determine which students we can help and how before the "real" MAP test. Moving into this job, I was shocked that you don't have a practice test to go off of normally. I was thrilled when we were able to maintain an example to pattern our own practice on. To be even more specific about my data and numbers, I even learned how to do average and mode on a spreadsheet! I mean, we are talking formulas now. 

Imagine waves of clouds, as I travel back to my high school math class, which is the last time I remember using formulas. I had a wonderful math teacher, Mrs. Benne (said like penny with a B), who taught math from 7-12 grade and coached quiz bowl and cheerleading (small town), and the best part was she let us use a notecard with formulas on the card. a2 + b2 = c2 (How do I know? Because Mrs. Benne had us find the height of our water tower using this formula. The Welch, Okahoma water tower is 160 feet tall. I was the only one who got it right. We used string to measure the bottom of the triangle). There were other formulas, one with a "y" and "m" and a "b" and  by senior year, Sohcatoa, etc. Nevertheless, my math teacher was wise beyond her years because now, it is if you can use the materials in class not if you have it memorized. We have moved to skill and being able to go at the question at any angle, not the same way every time. She taught us to use our skills, use it in our surroundings, and have fun while we did it. She also fed us animal crackers, which just makes her one of your favorites. 

Back to reality, with the standardized test, "The MAP" approaching, it is time to buckle down and tell students why they would want to work for their goal, do their best, beat the state, beat 4th block, reread, support your answer, read all the answer choices, get a good night's sleep, eat a good breakfast, wear layers, try not to miss or be sick, be prepared, etc. Why? Perhaps, those students can be rewarded at a lovely banquet hosted by our school system for doing exceptionally well on the test. Maybe, they will be rewarded through incentives throughout classes/schools. Perchance, they will just revel in the fact that they did better this year than last year or beat their STAR score by performing higher on the MAP? I am a test-driven teacher/coach, and I wanted my kids to work hard for me, and our Webb City kids live up to the task every time. We are better than average writers. We take our tests seriously, and we work as hard as we can. Don't forget that it is okay to make a big deal about just improvement!

Tonight, I will escort my oldest daughter Haidyn to the MAP banquet. I am so proud of her. She used her math skills &--which are much higher than her--reading skills on the MAP last year. She is a smart cookie, so don't get me wrong. However, if you go one year, then, do you expect to go every year? What do these numbers say about my daughter? They don't tell you that she knows how to sew, loves to dance and sing, and can clean house like there's no tomorrow. They don't tell you she is sensitive and loves so hard that she hugs for longer than normal. Yet, I am thrilled that the numbers this past year represent a number that allowed her to be honored for her hard work in school. Haidyn, along with our other students, deserves to be rewarded. As we all know, there may need to be some most improved awards out there as well. All I can hope is that the numbers don't always show us all we need to know. Looking at the students matters, too. Numbers are just one column in life.

March 5: Reflective Yet Hopeful

A piece of me that maybe you have noticed is that I have two sides. As a Gemini, the Twins, I have my happy-go-lucky, extroverted, fun-having, laughing and dancing side, and then, I have a think-to-myself, introverted, serious-taking, crying and sappy side. 

When I teach, I perform. It is my upbeat side most definitely, as at the end of the year, most students would write on my evaluation that they would remember that when they walked into my room, I was smiling. I am so enthusiastic about what we have to learn that I can't hold back. In fact, I love a good anticipatory set, where we truly get geared up for what we are learning. I would tell my students on pretest day that I am thrilled that they know nothing, so I can teach them more! Other good days in the classroom are stations day, or days where we created. When I taught at the front of the room, it would include motions, songs, and laughter.

When you see me interact with my own children through playtime, I am the upbeat side as well, equipped with KidSnippet voices, dance moves, and game-playing strategies from board games to Barbies.

However, when I became an instructional coach, I did not have the same confidence as I did as a 15 year veteran teacher. I have learned to listen more than talk, and I am constantly thinking about our topics of conversation, growth, change, progress. I know that I need to observe more than act as I build relationships and see where others are at in their journey. This requires lots of thinking and collecting pieces of evidence, so I know how to approach others and where we can change our paths.

When the lights go out at my house, I quieten down. It is my time to reflect, to sometimes self loathe, to debrief on life. This may come in the form of binge-watching Grey's Anatomy and processing through their tragedies, or this may mean lying awake and rethinking a recent conversation that I have had. I may make goals that I never tell anyone, or I may reminisce on my past memories. As sad as it sounds, this is when I mourn losses, like my parents and even friendships. This is my time for my downbeat side.

As Morrie says in Tuesdays with Morrie, “I give myself a good cry if I need it. But then I concentrate on the good things still in my life. I don't allow myself any more self-pity than that. A little each every morning, a few tears, and that's all.”

I take a little time each week for my downbeat side, and I hope to display my upbeat side the rest of the time. Interestingly enough, my downbeat side brings more personal growth. Maybe I need to rename my two sides . . . Not joy and sadness, like the Inside Out characters. What about reflective and hopeful? Yes, I think that fits.

March 4: Sunday Nights

Sunday Nights

Sunday nights can make me stressed; 

I tried to get it all done--I did my best,

Yet laundry still lingers and work for school.

All the week before, I worked like a mule.

My family and I, we try to plan for the week:

Healthy lunches, good books, and outfits on fleek

We squeeze in some family time with games or a show

Bathing is a must, and my daughters often say "No!"

The goal is a clean house, a planned week, and a fresh start

Sunday nights work out best if we each do our part!

March 3: Imagination at the Park

Today was Saturday, and it was BEAUUUUUUTIFUL outside. My daughters and I went to the park, so I thought I would share a list today.

My Top 8 Favorite Pieces of Park/Playground Equipment

1) I love to swing. I love the way it makes you feel like flying. I love the taller, sturdier sets, and my favorite thing to do is to swing high, bend back, and look at everything upside down.

2) I can really dig a good slide. I prefer plastic because metal gets too hot. I want a slide that you don't have to climb down just to get to the bottom. Confession: the slides that are too high I cannot handle because I am scared of heights, but the enclosed ones I can handle. Oh, and slide races with those big side-by-side ones are the best!

3) When I moved in fourth grade from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to Welch, Oklahoma, the best thing about the new playground were the teeter totters. They were wooden boards, and there was one that was so giant. What a blast I had on the teeter totter!

Quite a new teeter totter

4) The equipment that I miss is the merry-go-round. We had one at both of my elementary schools, and my family and I discovered one at a park in my brother's town once. It is much easier to push a merry-go-round as a kid with friends than as an adult with children (in case you were wondering).

5) The other great inventions they have developed since I became an adult include the sit down spinner and the stand up spinner. It is a seat, and if you lean, you just spin and spin and spin. It makes you laugh till your stomach hurts, and it makes you dizzy, and why is that so wonderful? The stand up one is one you can share with a friend, and spin the wheel and fly around in a circle.

Sit down spinner

6) At the Joplin rebuilt Cunningham Park, they have the metal zip line. You grab the two handles, take a run, and wheeeee! all the way to the other end.

7) Another blast from the past is the spider monkey bars--there was the crisscross version or the dome. I would climb to the top with my friend Minta and hang upside down. We would talk and giggle all of recess.

8) If I could have had a new piece of equipment in my childhood, it would be the wooden playground piece, like the town at Cunningham, or a bridge or a rocketship. Make believe makes the park even more special, and the wooden equipment sets up for so much imagination. For instance, today, Haidyn, Paisley, and I and some other random girl at the park played that the equipment was a TreeHouse that flew, and we went to Cloudland to pick our unicorns, visited RestaurantLand with sweets, meats, or seafood, and eventually played McDonald's drive thru. 

City of Joplin

Reminiscing on all of these wonderful park days and playground experiences reminds me to keep visiting parks and letting my inner child continue. A tour of parks on spring break or on summer break is a great way for anyone to enjoy a free adventure, and it is always better with friends or family! Enjoy a park adventure tomorrow if you can.

McDonald's Drive Thru

March 2: God's Care and Answered Prayers

Today, I became an aunt again for the --um, hang on, let me count, twenty-eighth time. Yes, you read it 28 nieces and nephews. That is on both my side and my husband's, but on my side alone, I have 20, probably due to having 8 older brothers and sisters. I love being an aunt, whether that meant that I was more like a niece to those that are 20 years older than me, a cousin to those nearly the same age, or an actual aunt to those that are younger than me.

My newest nephew is one month early, and he is handsome. Premie babies are not new to our family. This same nephew has an older brother who was born early as well. On my side, I have a nephew who was born on August 10, and he was due on Thanksgiving, so nearly 4 months early. He is now 21 years old, and he is so full of love for others. Our family has definitely spent a lot of time in prayer over these boys.

Premie babies come into this world unexpectedly. They completely depend on their parents, their nurses and doctors, and God to make it in this new life. If we could only be this vulnerable at times, to depend on God for our food, our care, our worries, our life. These babies do have to be fighters to make it over several obstacles as soon as they enter this world. We all have to fight through this world's obstacles, but God is there watching over our cribs, bassinets, beds to make sure we have everything we need. I am thankful for His care and answered prayers in my life daily. 

SOL, March 1: Making Memories

In the same week, I have tried to bore in my mind memories of my daughters bringing me joy, and I have known events for others that one would want to rid from one's memory.

To explain, I have a ten-year-old, Haidyn, who has a lot of shoulder in her dance moves, and as she was dancing, I wanted to remember how much it made me laugh and smile. Commit the picture of her at ten to my memory, so when she is 26 (which is always the age I tell her she is--she comes across very mature), I can tell her about the times she was dancing. That those moments brought me so much joy, and that I can still remember what she looks like then. As for my seven-year-old, Paisley, the dance moves I will remember from her are 10,000 pirouettes in the living room with her serious face on, and the way she puts a sideways mouth move when she does fast dances on stage. Trying to memorize these moments is important to me.

Unfortunately, life sometimes offers us memories that we try not to even face, or we may even block them out eventually, as they are too hard to deal with at the time and sometimes even later. We should all deal with them, and we can all get through them.

My point is that whether we are running from our memories or if we are trying to remember them for a long time, memories make up who we are, and memories of others keeps the bond alive and that person alive, long after they are no longer in our lives. I am so thankful for memories, and I hope to put this new slice of blog in my memories that I will cherish.

Toilet Stall Personalities

Thanks to personality tests and embracing who we are, many people today have used a battery of tests to explain themselves. The color test is a popular survey where I live, and I encounter others explaining their actions.e “Well, I am a red, so that’s the reason I . . . .” In addition, I have many friends who are lovers of Harry Potter, and letting me know which house they would reside can even tell me more about their desires. Some may like zodiac signs or even name meanings, but my most recent train of thought has taken me to: toilet stall personalities, which stall you choose can tell me more about you.

I taught at my previous school, a high school, for over 15 years. There was one faculty bathroom with 5 stalls, and to this day, I have a favorite stall, #3. My stall was selected due to the fact that #2 has walls that are off center from around the actual toilet. Did they not notice that the throne was not even in the middle? The #1, which I prefer at my local Walmart and at my new school, seems in the corner in this particular restroom. The #4 stall, well, the door sticks. I have felt trapped in there like I might have to crawl under or bang on the door, and the horror of being rescued by a high school student in the faculty bathroom because I was stuck in the stall banging on the door screaming “Let me out!” would be a story that would not die quickly. Finally, the #5 stall is just too far away.

With that being said, do you have a favorite stall? Do you have a story about how this beloved stall was chosen? Do you change up stalls at different locations?

On my quest to seek out more about this topic, I asked my own ten-year-old daughter her thoughts on the bathroom stalls at her school. On the road, she always picks the largest stall in the bathroom, or the special needs stall, as it became a habit. It had space enough for Haidyn, her seven-year-old sister, Paisley, and myself. Habits die hard. Just to paint you a picture of how much my daughter is like me, she grabbed a piece of paper and a pencil. She drew me a picture of her school bathroom and went into great detail why she has selected the #3 stall (who would have known that we would select the same one). Unbeknownst to me, she has a routine. She walks in and shakes her hip to shut the door, which rules out stall #4 because that door sticks and comes back at her. Moving on, she ruled out #5 due to a hole, #2 must be shut 5 times to close the door, and #1 won’t close at all.

We may be creatures of habit, as we could talk about where you sit in a classroom, where you sit at church, or where you even sit at the dinner table. But, toilet stalls are rather peculiar to me as to why we are so drawn to certain ones. Upon conducting an informal Facebook survey, I found out cleanliness is of utmost importance in selecting a stall. If personality ties to each bathroom stall selection, like the birth order descriptions, which stall are you?

If you select bathroom stall #1, you are a leader. You know how to get down to business (pun intended) and how to be effective in your life. If you select bathroom stall #2, you have ideas but you make up your mind when to share them. You might be considered an introvert. If you are a #3 stall user, you can see the big picture. You are able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, or stall, and see how it can benefit everyone. The #4 stall personality is probably the most subdued personality of the bunch. You have a mission, but you wait for others to go before you. Finally, the #5 stall personality lends itself to those who think of their own needs as a priority, which isn’t all bad. Knowing what you want and going after it can be admired. Not to mention, I believe most men are stall #5 users. Overall for stall #5, we should definitely remember to keep it open for those that have special needs.

Really all we want in the bathroom, and in life, is to find some place clean that makes us comfortable. We don’t like it when we are squeezed in or forced into a situation, and if we do have to visit that stall or those feelings, we are likely not to return again. What really matters when picking anything is what is on the inside. If we can find that perfect place or person, we go back time and time again.

I want to wish you luck on your future stall selections, and if you want to spice up your next conversation or get to know your friend a bit better, go ahead and ask, “Which restroom stall is for you?”