Proud Parent

Wow, the last week has been eventful for my daughter. She is an aspiring artist, and a brilliant one at that. I don't just say that because I'm her mom, I say it because it's true. Sometimes her OCD gets out of whack and she expects too much of herself (I wonder where she gets that?!?!!?!) However, all of this is paying off big time!

Anyway, Garland ISD had their advanced art show, in which Ash had 5 pieces entered. She got 2nd place on one, and honorable mention on two. We went to the opening reception Thursday night! It was amazing to see her work displayed and people's reactions to the art. Then, she got a letter telling her that her art had been selected as a finalist in the Goss-Michael Foundation's "Ready, Set, Go!" student art competition at a local gallery downtown. So, Saturday, we went to the Pop Up 310 Gallery near downtown Dallas. She didn't win, but to be selected as a finalist was such an honor. Then, two days ago, she got an email that she had been accepted at the Nasher Summer Institute for Teens, " an intensive five-day art curriculum for teacher-nominated high school students in grades 10-12". Enrollment is limited to 30 students, and is based on recommendations on teacher recommendations. I am pretty much swelled up with pride for my baby girl!

I find it amazing that my daughter has so much artistic talent, while I can barely draw recognizable stick figures. Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for the gift he has given me through this wonderful, delightful young lady. Sometimes the teen monster rears its ugly head, but 99.9% of the time, she's pretty darn perfect.

This week, she took her final TAKS tests (Math, Science, Social Studies). What a relief this is. She has two AP tests next week and one the following week, so when you have a moment, please say a prayer that all goes well for her and she doesn't stress out too much!

Teaching is FUN

Ok, so in the last few days, the kids have become accustomed to me and my rules. More importantly, I see them responding more than they ever have. I'm so excited.

Additionally....I've made a decision. My degree is in Accounting/Economics. I got burned out on the business world several years ago, so was teaching part time so I'd have some "free time". I have applied to an alternative certification program; sent my transcripts in; starting to study for the TeXes test....on my way to being a "real" teacher :) YIPPEE!!!!

Satisfaction

For the last 6 years, I have been working as a substitute teacher. I get asked all the time, "Miss, why aren't you a REAL teacher?" I explain (as patiently as I can) that I am a REAL teacher, I just choose to do it part-time.

Each spring I help get 6th, 7th and 8th graders ready for the state-mandated Math TAKS test.

Last week, a dear teacher friend of mine got ill....went to the ER...went to the hospital.....got admitted....had surgery.....stayed a few days...had more surgery....she'll be out the rest of the year.

So, I'm teaching beginning ESL and 7th grade reading for the rest of the year. I'm fortunate that I've been teaching most of these kids math, so they all know me and know what I expect. Even with that, they are pushing the limits since I'm not the "regular" teacher.

SO, there are a lot of adjustments going on around here and I'll likely be blogging less than I thought I would. I imagine this means I'll lose (or perhaps fail to attract) followers. I'll still be around reading...and will post when I have time.

What a Beautiful Sight!

My face in the mirror
Isn't wrinkled or drawn.
My house isn't dirty.
The cobwebs are gone.
My garden looks lovely
And so does my lawn.
I think I might never

Put my glasses back on.

Family of the four-legged variety

Aren't these just the cutest babies ever??? (The correct answer to that question is YES!)

Let me introduce you to my two four-legged kiddos.

This is Ladybug, more formally known as "Ash's Little Princess Ladybug"

She is a full of energy, loyal, loving and highly opinionated. She is a miniature dachshund who weighs about 9 1/2 pounds. She thinks she's a pit bull and pretty much in charge of the universe. On the flip side, she is the sweetest, most loving and loyal animal ever. She is OCD and has some pretty big hangups (which can be quite entertaining!). AND (party bonus), she's a "Momma's girl!". Her favorite place to be is in my lap, which is perfectly all right with me! When the rest of the world gets angry with me, I know my baby girl will be right there with a kiss and some love for mom!

This is Oscar, more formally known as "Ash's Little Man Oscar"

Oscar is in many ways the polar opposite of Ladybug: he's laid back, rarely says much, and pretty much down right lazy. He, too, is a "mini" dachshund (although at 18 pounds, he outgrew his breed). He's not fat (really), just big boned....probably bordering on the standard dachshund range (though he'd be a small standard). His favorite place to be is in Daddy's lap (probably due largely in part to the fact that Daddy will rub his belly endlessly). Oscar is registered as a piebald, which means he's white with spots. Those spots happen to be of the "silver dapple variety". The dapple hits one of his eyes (so he has one blue eye/one brown eye). He's quite an unusual little fellow.

I'm not sure if you can tell by the look on her face in this photo, Ladybug is not at all fond of the snow....

Oscar says, "awww, piss on it!"

As you might be able to tell, I think a whole lot of these two little semi-humans. As you get to know me, you will also get to know them. Oscar will be 8 in May; Ladybug will be 9 in July. As they age, sometimes I worry about what life will be without them. But for now, I'll just enjoy my life with them in it!

"Reason, Season, Lifetime"

I was talking to a friend about different "types" of friendship the other day and made reference to this poem. Sometimes things just need to be shared, and this is one of those things.

“Reason, Season, Lifetime” by Aleksandra Lachut People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty; to provide you with guidance and support; to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on. Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it. It is real. But only for a season. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.