- The feeling that came with being free from kids for my first time ever during school was very liberating. I thoroughly enjoyed some girl time with good friends as we went out to breakfast after dropping off our kids. Yipee!
- Helping a good friend with her daughter's wedding. It was a fun and busy week full of joy and rejoicing. I was grateful to be a part of it all.
- Visiting with my high school English teacher who lives in my town. It's a wonderful thing to be taught by a strong, intelligent woman who truly cares about her students. And how do I know she cares? Because even 16 years later, she is still interested in my life and success and calls me a friend.
- Helping a dear friend get started on his genealogy. I love helping others with family history.
- Opening the new shop! It's official--we're in business in our new location. Boxes, parts, and tools are still being organized and such, but we're happy to have made the move and excited to move forward.
- Starting our church Christmas choir practices--yay! Who doesn't love Christmas music? I've found some wonderful pieces for our choir to sing and I'm excited to begin this new adventure. The prospect of organizing two Christmas programs is a bit daunting, but I'm up for the task.
- Helping a friend and her family pack their belongings to move to Idaho. It wasn't necessarily a joyous occasion to see them leave, but my heart is happy for their new adventure. It will be a time of growth and joy for their family and I'm excited to see where this new road takes them. It was a blessing to be able to spend so much time with her and lift her in her time of need.
- Watching my kids play soccer and enjoy it.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
September of Joy
Saturday, September 29, 2012
From teacher to friend
I used to call her Mrs. Brown. Now I call her Dolores.
She used to be my English teacher. Now she is my friend.
It's an interesting transition, from teacher to friend. It started years ago as a teacher-student relationship. I had no choice but to be in her class (or else remain in Freshman English for four years of high school). She was the only teacher in our small, rural high school who taught English college prep courses. I knew the road that lay ahead of me would be full of challenges. Mrs. Brown was no push-over and her classes were famous for elevating students to higher levels with semester-long projects to complete. But if I was to eventually graduate from a university, I knew I needed to be under her tutelage.
And so our relationship began. Over the course of three years, Mrs. Brown taught me most everything I know about language arts. From grammar to writing style, MLA citations to research, lecturing to creative writing, and a plethora of other topics. She used her love of Egyptian history and culture as a context for her teaching; she assigned books to read that provoked her students' thoughts in new directions; and she led discussions so that we might think deeply about controversial topics and issues. She didn't sway us to think one way or another, but rather opened the doors that encouraged us to think differently and consider different points of view.
Most of all, Mrs. Brown pushed us toward a higher education. Her encouragement, her confidence in us, and her excitement for our success is what drove us onward to college. I distinctly remember her reaction to a fellow student's decision to attend a local university. In his senior year, he had been contemplating which university to attend. After a visit to Reed College over a weekend, he returned to class proudly donning a Reed sweatshirt, indicating his decision had been made. Mrs. Brown was elated at his decision and boisterously praised him--not because it was a college she preferred, but because she shared his excitement and was truly happy for his future.
Those early years of our relationship formed a bond of mutual respect and admiration that isn't always the result between a teacher and a student. And as I sat in her living room the other day (16+ years after our first times together) and visited with her about life and health, politics and careers, family and old friends, I realized the reason I can now call her a friend is because of her genuine interest in me and my life, even after all these years have passed. It isn't uncommon for a student to love and admire her teacher, but for a teacher to reciprocate those feelings, even years later, is a sign of their true gift and ability to teach with love and respect.
As I ponder the significance of it, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities I have had to form these intimate relationships with a select few of my early role models in life. I know they were placed in my life for significant reasons--all to guide me down a path of success and happiness. I am grateful to call these mentors of the past, my friends today.
And so, I am honored to call a woman who used to be my English teacher, Dolores, my friend.
She used to be my English teacher. Now she is my friend.
It's an interesting transition, from teacher to friend. It started years ago as a teacher-student relationship. I had no choice but to be in her class (or else remain in Freshman English for four years of high school). She was the only teacher in our small, rural high school who taught English college prep courses. I knew the road that lay ahead of me would be full of challenges. Mrs. Brown was no push-over and her classes were famous for elevating students to higher levels with semester-long projects to complete. But if I was to eventually graduate from a university, I knew I needed to be under her tutelage.
And so our relationship began. Over the course of three years, Mrs. Brown taught me most everything I know about language arts. From grammar to writing style, MLA citations to research, lecturing to creative writing, and a plethora of other topics. She used her love of Egyptian history and culture as a context for her teaching; she assigned books to read that provoked her students' thoughts in new directions; and she led discussions so that we might think deeply about controversial topics and issues. She didn't sway us to think one way or another, but rather opened the doors that encouraged us to think differently and consider different points of view.
Most of all, Mrs. Brown pushed us toward a higher education. Her encouragement, her confidence in us, and her excitement for our success is what drove us onward to college. I distinctly remember her reaction to a fellow student's decision to attend a local university. In his senior year, he had been contemplating which university to attend. After a visit to Reed College over a weekend, he returned to class proudly donning a Reed sweatshirt, indicating his decision had been made. Mrs. Brown was elated at his decision and boisterously praised him--not because it was a college she preferred, but because she shared his excitement and was truly happy for his future.
Those early years of our relationship formed a bond of mutual respect and admiration that isn't always the result between a teacher and a student. And as I sat in her living room the other day (16+ years after our first times together) and visited with her about life and health, politics and careers, family and old friends, I realized the reason I can now call her a friend is because of her genuine interest in me and my life, even after all these years have passed. It isn't uncommon for a student to love and admire her teacher, but for a teacher to reciprocate those feelings, even years later, is a sign of their true gift and ability to teach with love and respect.
As I ponder the significance of it, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities I have had to form these intimate relationships with a select few of my early role models in life. I know they were placed in my life for significant reasons--all to guide me down a path of success and happiness. I am grateful to call these mentors of the past, my friends today.
And so, I am honored to call a woman who used to be my English teacher, Dolores, my friend.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Auto bio poem
I found this in Dallin's school folder the other day and loved it. Here's a little insight into the boy, Dallin, which he wrote himself.
Dallin
Goofy
Son of Jason, Shannon
Brother of Mariah, Grant, Kyle, Karina
Lover of turtles, AWOL Nation, monkeys
Who feels happy, bored, tired
Who finds happiness in pain, BMX, baseball
Who needs candy, cars, firecrackers
Who gives help, service, time
Who fears the end of the world, house broken into, toys getting stolen
Who would like to see The Eiffel Tower, Rome Italy, the Gulf of Mexico
Who enjoys Disneyland, Sea World, Knotts Berry Farm
Who likes to wear green, red, blue
Resident of Estacada, Shafford Avenue
Richards
I wonder how much of this was influenced by whomever he was sitting next to or by ideas his teacher gave him. I'm pretty sure we've never, ever discussed anything about the Gulf of Mexico and I've never seen evidence of him finding happiness in pain. But, the rest of his poem seems pretty accurate. I'm glad he was willing to share a bit about himself with others. It's fun to see him write about himself.
Dallin
Goofy
Son of Jason, Shannon
Brother of Mariah, Grant, Kyle, Karina
Lover of turtles, AWOL Nation, monkeys
Who feels happy, bored, tired
Who finds happiness in pain, BMX, baseball
Who needs candy, cars, firecrackers
Who gives help, service, time
Who fears the end of the world, house broken into, toys getting stolen
Who would like to see The Eiffel Tower, Rome Italy, the Gulf of Mexico
Who enjoys Disneyland, Sea World, Knotts Berry Farm
Who likes to wear green, red, blue
Resident of Estacada, Shafford Avenue
Richards
I wonder how much of this was influenced by whomever he was sitting next to or by ideas his teacher gave him. I'm pretty sure we've never, ever discussed anything about the Gulf of Mexico and I've never seen evidence of him finding happiness in pain. But, the rest of his poem seems pretty accurate. I'm glad he was willing to share a bit about himself with others. It's fun to see him write about himself.
Monday, September 17, 2012
New hairdo
Karina got a snappy new hairdo to fit her snappy personality.
I've been wanting to cut her hair like this for quite awhile now.
It just suits her personality.
For the record, the stylist cut it MUCH shorter than I asked. It's supposed to taper down just below her jawline. At first I was a bit heartbroken about the result, but after a day or two I got used to it.
Now I think she's cute as a button.
And she is!
Before....
During...
After.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
7 Year Old Kyle
What a boy Kyle is. He is such a sweet blessing to our family and especially his mama. I appreciate his mild nature and easy-going spirit. He is a breath of fresh air when the air gets clouded with four other children who are completely unlike him.
Happy birthday, to my sweet, sweet son. I love you, Kyleeoh!
We celebrated Kyle's birthday after school on Wednesday with a few of his friends. Unlike other parties we've had (with other boys who shall remain nameless), this party was rather mild-mannered and easy-going--just like Kyle. It was great.
Happy birthday, to my sweet, sweet son. I love you, Kyleeoh!
Friday, September 7, 2012
Firsts
There's a first time for everything.
For the kids, Wednesday was a first day of kindergarten, a first day of first grade, a first day of third grade, a first day of fifth grade, and a first day of junior high.
For me, it was a first morning with no one to come home to, no obligations to fulfill, and no kids to entertain. I spent my first free morning eating breakfast with good friends who were also free from the responsibilities of raising kids--at least for a few hours.
It was a good first day for everyone.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Trenches
A few years ago when my children were toddlers, a dear friend of mine, who raised seven children of her own, would often ask empathetically (when she recognized the madness, helplessness, and stress in my eyes) how I was managing life. As I briefly unloaded on her, she would always hug me and say, "Oh, Shannon. You are in the trenches!"
At the time, I didn't fully realize what she meant. Yes, I was very busy with each and every minute of my day consumed with wiping noses and bottoms, making breakfast, lunch, and dinner, cleaning spills and messes, nursing babies in the middle of the night, washing laundry and dishes, etc, etc. I knew I was busy. I knew it was difficult. But I didn't know that someday I would actually exit the trenches to see the bigger landscape ahead.
The past year or so, as the last of my babies exited the toddler phase and has become more independent, I've actually felt myself moving out of the trenches. It has been a glorious feeling--like a certain weight being lifted from my shoulders. I have been able to shed the constraints that come with raising babies and a sort of independence has taken its place. It's an independence for my children and for myself as we both discover our abilities and limitations together.
What I'm saying is that I've moved through a major life transition. And I kind of like it.
This is not to diminish the time I spent in the trenches with my babies. I enjoyed that time immensely, as difficult as it was. But now I'm looking forward to this new stage in my life, with young kids and pre-teens who are discovering their way in school, sports, family, and such. It presents it's own challenges and I can see that the minutia of each day of a toddler is only being replaced with the broader scope of the activities of an older child. I'm doing more taxiing, coordinating, scheduling, and assisting. My circles of influence are increasing.
I'm finding myself with more time to do as I wish. As school approaches this fall, I'll have a few quiet hours of each day until Karina returns from half-day kindergarten. A few years ago, this situation seemed an impossibility to reach. And yet, I find myself sitting squarely in the exact scenario I only dreamed of back then.
I'm reminded of the feeling I get when a new calendar year begins--the sort of clean slate feeling where I get to decide what to do with my open canvas. I've exited the trenches to discover a new horizon and a world of possibilities and I'm excited to embark upon this new experience in my life. I'm still unsure where my path will lead me. I must be cautious this new sense of independence doesn't cloud my vision or detract from my goals to keep my family close and stable. But I approach this time with a grateful heart. Grateful for a difficult time to have passed and to have survived. Grateful for dear friends who accompany me through these stages of life. Grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in new ways. Grateful to be able to now see the forest for the trees--or at least part of it, anyway. And it's a beautiful forest, indeed.
At the time, I didn't fully realize what she meant. Yes, I was very busy with each and every minute of my day consumed with wiping noses and bottoms, making breakfast, lunch, and dinner, cleaning spills and messes, nursing babies in the middle of the night, washing laundry and dishes, etc, etc. I knew I was busy. I knew it was difficult. But I didn't know that someday I would actually exit the trenches to see the bigger landscape ahead.
The past year or so, as the last of my babies exited the toddler phase and has become more independent, I've actually felt myself moving out of the trenches. It has been a glorious feeling--like a certain weight being lifted from my shoulders. I have been able to shed the constraints that come with raising babies and a sort of independence has taken its place. It's an independence for my children and for myself as we both discover our abilities and limitations together.
What I'm saying is that I've moved through a major life transition. And I kind of like it.
This is not to diminish the time I spent in the trenches with my babies. I enjoyed that time immensely, as difficult as it was. But now I'm looking forward to this new stage in my life, with young kids and pre-teens who are discovering their way in school, sports, family, and such. It presents it's own challenges and I can see that the minutia of each day of a toddler is only being replaced with the broader scope of the activities of an older child. I'm doing more taxiing, coordinating, scheduling, and assisting. My circles of influence are increasing.
I'm finding myself with more time to do as I wish. As school approaches this fall, I'll have a few quiet hours of each day until Karina returns from half-day kindergarten. A few years ago, this situation seemed an impossibility to reach. And yet, I find myself sitting squarely in the exact scenario I only dreamed of back then.
I'm reminded of the feeling I get when a new calendar year begins--the sort of clean slate feeling where I get to decide what to do with my open canvas. I've exited the trenches to discover a new horizon and a world of possibilities and I'm excited to embark upon this new experience in my life. I'm still unsure where my path will lead me. I must be cautious this new sense of independence doesn't cloud my vision or detract from my goals to keep my family close and stable. But I approach this time with a grateful heart. Grateful for a difficult time to have passed and to have survived. Grateful for dear friends who accompany me through these stages of life. Grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in new ways. Grateful to be able to now see the forest for the trees--or at least part of it, anyway. And it's a beautiful forest, indeed.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
August of Joy
Any joy in August? Of course!
- Watching the Olympics. It inspires me and makes me feel more patriotic than ever.
- Eating yummy hamburgers three days in a row. I love, love, love hamburgers.
- Spending girl time with a good friend while our kids played in the pool on a rare 100-degree day.
- Watching Karina's excitement build about her first ever day of school.
- Going to a rodeo with my kids and seeing their joy at experiencing something new.
- Riding in the squirrel cages at Oaks Park with Karina and watching her face grimace as we went upside down for the first time. As we regained an upright position she yelled emphatically, "WHAT are you doing, Mom?!?! What are you doing?!?!?"
- Listening to my boys say the new word they coined to mean something "cool" - "Swat!" "That's swat!"
- Spending time in California with the kids and their grandparents. We relaxed, swam, shopped, watched movies, and ate. It was a nice, quiet time before the madness of the school year begins.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)