Sunday, March 20, 2011
Oh, Come On!
Ever stopped and paused during certain moments in your life, to just ask....why? Just to nobody in particular. Why? I mean, come on! I don't mean WHY in a bad way. There's always that, when bad things happen, and let's face it - there are a lot of bad things happening right now.
However, let me lighten the emotional toll and burden for a few, let's talk about funny crap. Awkward funny. Seriously uncomfortable moments that you have to handle head on. Things that you will definitely look back on later and laugh, sometimes these things piss you off at the same time (while making you smirk on the inside) because you know you will most definitely be laughing later, but you're annoyed that you have to deal with them. Moments like this. One of your students walks through the door with one of these on Friday morning.
However, let me lighten the emotional toll and burden for a few, let's talk about funny crap. Awkward funny. Seriously uncomfortable moments that you have to handle head on. Things that you will definitely look back on later and laugh, sometimes these things piss you off at the same time (while making you smirk on the inside) because you know you will most definitely be laughing later, but you're annoyed that you have to deal with them. Moments like this. One of your students walks through the door with one of these on Friday morning.
Nothing weird about this. Nothing wrong at all. Except for this balloon had the words "Bailey's and Bushmills" plastered across it in bold lettering, and dad was clearly recovering from the night prior. I just discreetly put it in her cubby where it stood there suspended in the air for all parents to muse and chuckle over, as they picked up and dropped off during the day. It was a good time had by all. But really dad? Come on!
Then there was this incident.....so call me a prude, but I don't have things like this in my underwear drawer. I wouldn't know what to do with a tiny little thing such as this. I mean, why even wear anything at all? Seriously, people pay for stuff like this? Give me some ribbon, a small doily and a permanent marker - I'm going into the string underwear making business. Kudos to the mom with the rock hard bod who can still pull off such a naughty look, but shame on her for not using fabric softener, because her daughter walked into class with THIS stuck to the backside of her jacket.
Well, I couldn't even find a picture to do it justice. Seriously. Nothing small enough. So....use your imagination.
At first, embarrassingly - probably because of the lace and little tiny flower at the top...I thought for sure it was a pretty pretty headband, and I almost nearly, quite possibly could have tried to put it on her daughter's head. It would have fit perfectly. Maybe I'm an ass, but I thought I would save mom the embarrassment - and I threw it away. It was the only prudent thing I could think to do. Save her the humiliation, and really, would she actually even notice it was missing? Come on!
This leads me to another story, of which I did not have the pleasure of experiencing firsthand. It involved a nearly 4-year-old boy, who is still on the potty training wagon. He is a large toddler in my class. We love him. He's got great parents, and bless them for raising such a strong willed and spirited little man. However, he had just been changed, the kids were playing outside for the last part of the day. Dad came shortly to pick his little guy up for the evening. He quickly noticed that his son had created something significant and solid in his diaper.
He then proceeded to ask the closing Teacher if she would so kindly change him. She patiently explained to him that she couldn't possibly, because she was alone with 10 children outside already, and she had just changed his son 10 minutes ago. Oh, come on!!!!!!! You can't take 5 minutes to change your son? You seriously just asked a poor girl, who has her hands completely full, to drop everything, shuttle nearly a dozen children into the bathroom, so she can change your child's stinky, while you stand in the corner checking your watch????!!!!!! Deep breaths...
Then there's the mom who told me that her daughter was doing so well with using the potty, because she knew that if she stopped pooping her pants - are you ready? Wait for it......they would be taking her to Disneyland! Oh, flippin COME ON!!
I am a parent, I say and do stupid things quite frequently. I don't think it's okay to make fun of people. However, there are some parents who amuse me beyond words, and just when I feel like I've seen and heard it all.....I am blessed with fresh and new moments to chuckle and giggle about - and maybe share with a friend or two.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Fundraising
Somebody earned nearly 40 dollars on Friday. From these two boxes, and a little bit of effort. I think I'm in the wrong line of work. Good job Nay! Only about $400.00 left to go...
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Nursery Nook. Before. After to Come....errrr Later.
We are so excited about putting together Reggie's little space! Unfortunately, at the moment, we are lacking an extra bedroom. So, I deem Reggie's Nursery - The Nursery Nook. Because well, it's kind of in a little nook...in our room. I still haven't picked out the fabrics for his blankets and a couple little wall hangings, but trying to keep it as simple as possible. Right now, I think it's time to venture away from "bland" just a tad. That could be a step in the right direction.
Before
Oh! I came across this picture, among others when looking through an old baby box that I found a couple of weeks ago. I think Naomi had just started teething, and it didn't help that she had stranger anxiety with the photographer. So angry, but so cute!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Do's and Dont's (Rainy Day Schedule)
Here in California, we enjoy quite a bit of sunshine. We are not equipped to deal with large amounts of rain - for long periods of time. Bad things happen.
Not that I don't love the rain, or enjoy all the greenery in the springtime if we have a good season. However, I'm a preschool teacher. Let me rephrase that. I run the toddler program at a childcare center. I used to teach preschool. Although I do write out all my curriculum and sprinkle in as much learning as I can - in the most creative ways imaginable... I think, at this point you could say I can change a large toddler's diaper in record time, while singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and wiping a nose or two. Yes. All at once. It can be done, and this is just reality. I'm not a braggart, but I am super proud of my minimal achievements. ;-)
As soon as you have all the kids sitting in a nice circle, or lined up pristinely for the next activity, you inevitably smell or see something that requires your immediate attention, and your scheduled and "STRUCTURED" activities take a back seat. When parents ask me about our schedule at school, and what our routine is like, I first stifle a laugh, and then proceed to run down my list of activities that we loosely abide by throughout the day. Yes, we have a structure and daily schedule that we stick to. It's what happens in between and during those times that make my job oh so very interesting.
Some days when I'm at work, I think about moms of multiples. Then I thank the good Lord that I can send these precious children home at the end of the day and lock the doors to come home to my quiet house devoid of diapers (for the moment) and screaming tantrums. Well, the occasional hormonal outburst and door slam from a 12-year-old can be incredibly annoying - but it happens rarely, and this I am thankful for.
Anyhow, back to the whole RAIN thing. We are not equipped with a gym, an indoor playground, or much in the way of awnings, or any sort of freakin shelter! When a storm blows in - we spend the day inside, and try not to lose our minds or develop a nervous twitch that may or may not ever go away. So, here is my list for all you teachers, caregivers, parents, babysitters and grandparents who find yourselves in a room with small children - and really no way out. Please tweak and change any wording that does not apply to you or your situation to best fit your needs. Or just feel free to laugh and be grateful that you are not me. The Do's and Dont's (Rainy Day Schedule). Or snow too!
DON'T panic when you get to work Tuesday morning, and your co-teacher is throwing up with a fever and has to go home. 11 two-year-olds are counting on you. Also, hope and pray that whatever she has - you aren't going to catch it.
DO let yourself cry quietly on the inside when you find out your co-teacher will be out for the rest of the week. Insert your very own, "Worst News Ever" here. It's okay to feel sad and scared.
DON'T scream back. Ever. No matter how much you want to. Unless it's your own child. Then have at it. The shock factor is well worth the stupefied and mortified look that forms across their face. Just better to use this last resort tool for only the most desperate situations - when you need instant relief.
DO ignore and walk away from unspeakable and preposterous gut bellowing tantrums. We have to do this when it's not our own child, and it's effective with your own. It's hard, but when you are trapped inside with said child. It's really your only sanity saving option. Place child in an area where they can't harm themselves or others and walk away.... sometimes while twitching. Only give them your attention when they have stopped frothing at the mouth. When they have calmed down and are ready to cooperate, try to give hugs even if you don't want to. It's amazing how much it helps calm YOU down as well.
DON'T feel guilty about resorting to The Wiggles, Dora, Barney, or any other strange entity that will encapsulate the mind of a small child via an electronic box. Just try to use it sparingly and on a schedule. Nothing is worse than having absolutely nothing left. Cashing in all your chips at once.
DO dance. Spin. Twirl. Jump. Laugh. Turn up the music. Let it get loud at times. Small plastic outdoor toys, floor mats, hoops, cones, masking tape. These things can turn any old classroom or garage into a virtual and amazingly fun indoor playground. Just make sure that this is an earned activity.
DON'T hesitate to participate. Although it's nice to catch your breath. Kids need your guidance and interaction to help keep them on task. Don't ever set out finger painting materials and walk away. Ever. No matter what the age.
DO make rest, nap time, and bedtime a non-option. It is what it is. It comes at the same time every day and night - and it's the law. Even if a child has a hard time falling asleep, or doesn't nap. A quiet and calm interlude during the day is required for your sanity. Hugs, kisses, I love you's, and Goodnight!
Now go and enjoy your 3-day weekend! You earned it.
Not that I don't love the rain, or enjoy all the greenery in the springtime if we have a good season. However, I'm a preschool teacher. Let me rephrase that. I run the toddler program at a childcare center. I used to teach preschool. Although I do write out all my curriculum and sprinkle in as much learning as I can - in the most creative ways imaginable... I think, at this point you could say I can change a large toddler's diaper in record time, while singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and wiping a nose or two. Yes. All at once. It can be done, and this is just reality. I'm not a braggart, but I am super proud of my minimal achievements. ;-)
As soon as you have all the kids sitting in a nice circle, or lined up pristinely for the next activity, you inevitably smell or see something that requires your immediate attention, and your scheduled and "STRUCTURED" activities take a back seat. When parents ask me about our schedule at school, and what our routine is like, I first stifle a laugh, and then proceed to run down my list of activities that we loosely abide by throughout the day. Yes, we have a structure and daily schedule that we stick to. It's what happens in between and during those times that make my job oh so very interesting.
Some days when I'm at work, I think about moms of multiples. Then I thank the good Lord that I can send these precious children home at the end of the day and lock the doors to come home to my quiet house devoid of diapers (for the moment) and screaming tantrums. Well, the occasional hormonal outburst and door slam from a 12-year-old can be incredibly annoying - but it happens rarely, and this I am thankful for.
Anyhow, back to the whole RAIN thing. We are not equipped with a gym, an indoor playground, or much in the way of awnings, or any sort of freakin shelter! When a storm blows in - we spend the day inside, and try not to lose our minds or develop a nervous twitch that may or may not ever go away. So, here is my list for all you teachers, caregivers, parents, babysitters and grandparents who find yourselves in a room with small children - and really no way out. Please tweak and change any wording that does not apply to you or your situation to best fit your needs. Or just feel free to laugh and be grateful that you are not me. The Do's and Dont's (Rainy Day Schedule). Or snow too!
DON'T panic when you get to work Tuesday morning, and your co-teacher is throwing up with a fever and has to go home. 11 two-year-olds are counting on you. Also, hope and pray that whatever she has - you aren't going to catch it.
DO farm out some of your children as generously as you can to other teachers and classrooms (so you can stay in ratio) and not lose your mind, while thanking them profusely and telling yourself that it's going to be a great day....and just keep smiling. Seriously. If you make super stressed out or sad faces with toddlers, they will cry. Loudly.
DON'T underestimate the power and joy of floating balloons in your classroom and happy toddlers chasing them....for 20 whole entire minutes, and no tears. Amazing. Also, one word. Bubbles.
DO let yourself cry quietly on the inside when you find out your co-teacher will be out for the rest of the week. Insert your very own, "Worst News Ever" here. It's okay to feel sad and scared.
DON'T scream back. Ever. No matter how much you want to. Unless it's your own child. Then have at it. The shock factor is well worth the stupefied and mortified look that forms across their face. Just better to use this last resort tool for only the most desperate situations - when you need instant relief.
DO ignore and walk away from unspeakable and preposterous gut bellowing tantrums. We have to do this when it's not our own child, and it's effective with your own. It's hard, but when you are trapped inside with said child. It's really your only sanity saving option. Place child in an area where they can't harm themselves or others and walk away.... sometimes while twitching. Only give them your attention when they have stopped frothing at the mouth. When they have calmed down and are ready to cooperate, try to give hugs even if you don't want to. It's amazing how much it helps calm YOU down as well.
DON'T feel guilty about resorting to The Wiggles, Dora, Barney, or any other strange entity that will encapsulate the mind of a small child via an electronic box. Just try to use it sparingly and on a schedule. Nothing is worse than having absolutely nothing left. Cashing in all your chips at once.
DO dance. Spin. Twirl. Jump. Laugh. Turn up the music. Let it get loud at times. Small plastic outdoor toys, floor mats, hoops, cones, masking tape. These things can turn any old classroom or garage into a virtual and amazingly fun indoor playground. Just make sure that this is an earned activity.
DON'T hesitate to participate. Although it's nice to catch your breath. Kids need your guidance and interaction to help keep them on task. Don't ever set out finger painting materials and walk away. Ever. No matter what the age.
DO make rest, nap time, and bedtime a non-option. It is what it is. It comes at the same time every day and night - and it's the law. Even if a child has a hard time falling asleep, or doesn't nap. A quiet and calm interlude during the day is required for your sanity. Hugs, kisses, I love you's, and Goodnight!
Now go and enjoy your 3-day weekend! You earned it.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Cravings
Is it still considered a craving if you don't actually eat it? Right now I am daydreaming about potato chips. There's a massively huge generic bag of these in our pantry right now. Phooey. I'll eat a baked potato later to stave it off. Kind of like Methadone for heroine addicts. Not the same, but just enough to get you through.....
*sigh*
*sigh*
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Oh, If Only I Could Knit
I would certainly knit some of these for all my breastfeeding girlfriends....or just boob loving people in general. Rachel - this would have been awesome for your Susan G. Walk last November!
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