Yea, Sam!

This past week Sam has learned how to clap and it's so stinkin' cute! Any time he doesn't know what to do, he just sits there, smiles, and claps his hands. Usually when he's headed toward the kitty food, the shoes, or something else he shouldn't have, I'll say, "No, no, Sam." He'll stop, look at me, and clap. What a cutie pie.

Pleasantly Surprised

Today was Eden's first day of band. I knew the varsity soccer and volleyball teams had early dismissals for games, so I was only expecting about four kids to show up. I had tentatively planned to go over all the typical first day stuff (kids' info sheets, rules, get to knows the kids a little, tell them about myself, etc.) but I wasn't really going to do all that with four kids.

To my surprise there were twelve kids who showed up including several promising new kids! There were at least three our four kids who were absent because of the games, so that makes for a pretty decent group.


I have had years where I only had flute, clarinet, trumpet, and percussion players. Those are all "high" sounding instruments, leading to a very unbalanced sound. This year I have a tenor sax player, two trombone players and a baritone player! I also have two flute players, three clarinet players, three alto sax players, one trumpet player, and two percussion players. I think I may be forgetting a few, but for a small band, it's pretty balanced!


The new kids seemed nice and there seemed to be a good atmosphere. The year is off to a great start.

School craziness

I went to school today to make some copies and work on my classroom. When I got there, I found out I no longer had a classroom. I had just been there last week to check things out, and I was supposed to be in the band room that I had used in other years. Today I found out that an English classroom would be temporarily located in there.

See, the upper school ordered some portable classrooms which were supposed to be usable by today. I saw the truck moving them into their permanent positions today. So they still need put together. I don't really know how all that works, but I know that right now they are in four separate pieces and definitely not ready for students. Apparently the company the school is working with overcommitted itself and is now behind schedule.

It's not that I really care where band meets. But band involves a lot of equipment: percussion, music stands, etc. To move all of that repeatedly is not only a pain, but having middle and high school students move equipment wears on it very quickly as they aren't always that careful.

The latest that I've heard is that the new classrooms should be ready in the next few days. I just hope they are ready by next Tuesday for my first official day of band.

The silver lining? Eden's space challenges exist because we are growing. That is a good thing!

So today I made all my copies, got a quick tutorial on changes in the grading program, and saw some familiar faces that I had missed this past year. It is good to be back.

Unsafe Alert

This morning I saw a advertisement for a product called Phantom Alert. It's slogan is: "No more unfair traffic tickets." Apparently if you subscribe to this service, your gps can download information about local speed traps, sobriety checkpoints, and traffic signals about to turn red. It claims that it will reduce the number of traffic tickets you get.

I have an idea that's safer for everyone and free: don't drink and drive, slow down, and pay attention.

Outdoor ballet performance

Tonight Dan and I went to a free outdoor performance by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre at Hartwood Acres. The night was just beautiful. We could see the stars through a thin layer of clouds. Cool and warm breezes swirled around. Smells of cheese and wine reached our noses. (Why didn't we think of bringing snacks!?!) Kids threw frisbees. The audience lounged on blankets and camp chairs. Dogs lay on the grass. One man even brought his pet snake. The snake was wrapped around his upper body and was really big. We weren't sure what that was about.

The dancing was beautiful. They danced to a variety of music from modern to classical. There were solo dances, then some with about twenty dancers.

We couldn't think of anyone who would not have enjoyed it. They are performing the same program tomorrow night at the Cranberry Community Park. Click here for more info. I would highly recommend it if you're in the mood for a relaxing, enjoyable summer evening.

Travel woes

Several of my friends have been travelling lately. I'll be honest. It stirs up a traveling bug in me. There are so many places in the US I would love to see, and I have a long list of international places I'd love to visit. Three things are holding me back.

1) Money (this is the easiest to solve - just save up)

2) Fear of flying. I've flown many times, but only once since 9/11. I know statistics say that flying is still less dangerous than driving. That is true, but when I'm driving, I have at least some sense that I'm in control, and I'm a pretty cautious driver. When I'm flying, I have about as much control as Samuel has as a passenger in a car. Not much! It's just different once you have kids. If something would happen to Dan and me... Is it really worth taking that risk? I know God is control and have no doubts about that. But why should I add unnecessary risks to my life? I just don't know...

3) Paranoia about staying in hotels. I've seen different reports on bed bugs and heard that you shouldn't walk barefoot on hotel floors... They just seem so yucky, I don't care how much you're paying.

Maybe someone out there can help me overcome my fears... I'd welcome any advice.

Meeting the teacher

Isaiah's new preschool teacher, Mrs. Gross, had an ice cream social at her house tonight. And no, she wasn't gross. =) There are sixteen three-year-olds enrolled, eight in the morning class and eight in the afternoon class. It was kind of confusing, because all of the students were there tonight, and I really had no idea which kids were going to be in Isaiah's class (the morning class). I was able to figure out about two boys and one girl who will be in his class. Most of the boys seemed taller than Isaiah. I hope it's not too much of a problem that he's going to be on the younger side of his age group...

The biggest disappointment of the night? Only the kids and about two dads were eating ice cream!! Is there some unwritten social code that women/moms can't indulge? Are they all on diets or something?! I was looking forward to that ice cream! But I wasn't about to be the only heifer chowing down, so I politely passed.

Before we left I made it a point to tell Mrs. Gross that if she ever has a problem with Isaiah to please tell me right away, and we will address the problem at home. As a teacher, I always appreciated it when parents said that to me. It just sets the tone for the whole year and lets the teacher know you support him or her.

Sea of paperwork

The other day we got a packet in the mail from Isaiah's school. It was stuffed full of all sorts of information and forms to fill out. I tried to sort through it once and kind of gave up, putting it off til later. There's a meet-the-teacher ice cream social notice, meet the teacher at school notice, back to school night notice, phase-in schedule, and health forms that are supposedly required for students in K-12. So why did they send it to me? Does Isaiah need it too? There's a school supply list that, for the 3-year-old preschool, includes "animal reward stickers (medium)." What does that mean? A medium pack? Medium sized stickers? Help!

I am going to turn into one of those parents who askes a million dumb questions just because I'm trying to get it right!

Sending kids to school is awfully complicated. It's almost a test to see how smart parents are! (and how organized!)

Volkwein's

Today I went to one of the greatest music stores of all time: Volkwein's Music. It's down in Robinson Town Center, almost to the Pittsburgh airport. Not only do they have any musical item you could possibly want, they have people who know what they're talking about! I really think I could spend a whole day in that store.

Today I was shopping for band music for the Christmas concert. I know it seems crazy to start working on Christmas music already, but with only two rehearsals per week, it's always a struggle to get ready on time. Everyone there was so helpful, and, before I knew it, an hour and a half had gone by. I found several pieces that I think will go well.

I feel better having that music picked out, now I just have to learn the music!

Expect the Unexpected...

I woke up this morning at 5:30 a.m. thinking. That alone is unexpected. Usually I wake up with 95 % of my brain in a fog and the other 5% reacting in the survival instinct of "get out of the way before the kid jumps on your head."

What was I thinking about? Something that happened yesterday. The headmaster at Eden called me and offered me a job teaching band. The salary he mentioned sounded pretty good, but I told him I would get back to him. I knew they having a hard time scheduling the two music teachers to teach all the music at all three campuses, but I was leaving it up to them to figure it out. I was perfectly content to stay home another year and wasn't going to offer.

What they have paid in the past wouldn't really be worth the hassle of finding babysitters, gas money to drive out there, etc. I would be lucky to break even. But after I crunched some numbers, I realized that they were offering me a great deal; one that I couldn't pass up. I can even pay a babysitter one day.

So after some scrambling to get a commitment from a sitter, I called this morning and accepted the job. It's only two afternoons a week teaching 7-12 grade band, but I think it will be fun.

The crazy part? School starts in exactly two weeks. I have two weeks to figure out everything I need to know and everything I've missed by being gone for a year. There are bound to be new grading programs, new procedures, and new teachers, and I know there are new temporary classrooms set up because the school is growing beyond its capacity.

I'm planning on going over there today to look at the band music and decide what we will start playing. I will probably have to buy some music, so that means a trip down to Volkweins. The headmaster said the music budget is looking good, that that is great news.

Anyway, I'm excited about it and glad that God gave me the opportunity.

Drive happy

Last week I used $15 worth of gas in two days, and I had only run a few errands around town. This got me thinking a lot more about fuel efficiency.

Then I was watching this Mythbusters episode where they tested how your mood effected your miles per gallon of gas. First they had two people drive around happily. I missed the beginning, so I'm not sure what they did to effect those drivers' moods, but they were clearly driving the course with big smiles on their faces.

Then they did all sorts of things to agitate the drivers. They had them drink 32 oz. of an energy drink and take a laxative, and they weren't allowed to use the bathroom. They put sulfur-smelling tablets in their cars and smeared sticky candy bars all over the steering wheels. When it was time for them to drive the course, you could tell they were driving erratically, missing turns, and starting and stopping suddenly.

The result? They had much better fuel efficiency when they were happy than when they were upset.

So drive happy today!

Baptism Party

Boy did we have fun at today's baptism party! Dan and Vern baptized 5 people: a 6-year old, a 9-year old, a teen, and two adults in their 20s (including a mom/daughter combo. How special!). Dan asked everyone why they wanted to be baptized, and their answers were just great: to show the world that they're a Christian, because they've accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, because I know Jesus, etc. Also, it was great to see everyone's families there supporting them.

Of course there was a ton of great, home-cooked food, essential to any gathering!

My nephew got baptized, so we got a family picture while we were all there. The funny thing is that we were standing on a hill, and, apparently, the photographer (who shall remain nameless...) tried to compensate by holding the camera at an angle. It makes me laugh! It is what it is!

This is definitely blogworthy...

1. Gorgeous weather on Saturday and Sunday
2. Fun outdoor events both days
3. Barbecued, pulled pork sandwiches at both events

Wahoo!

Fun, relaxing day

For as busy as our day was, it really wasn't stressful, and no one had any major meltdowns.

We left this morning around 9:15 and headed up to Greenville. My grandma's home, St. Paul's, was having a family picnic day today. You never know what to expect at these things. I really was impressed, though. They had lots of games set up for kids to play, and they got fun prizes. To food was SO good. I enjoyed a barbecued pulled pork sandwich (YUM!), a myriad of fresh fruit, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and a lemon-lime snow cone. Am I making you hungry? Sorry. =)

We got home around 3:30 and the boys both took naps. After dinner we headed over to Richland Community Day. It was fun. We saw all our friends there. Isaiah rode the kiddie train, and we shared a funnel cake (our first and only of the summer).

Normally after a day like this I would expect to feel exhausted and stressed. I feel totally relaxed. Weird, but nice. =)

Scary moment (and no, it doesn't have to do with the pool. I just thought this pic was cute)

Samuel had his nine month check-up yesterday. The nurse weighed him in at 18 lbs 7 oz on the baby scale. She looked at his chart with a concerned look on her face and had me weigh him on the big kid scale. He hadn't gained any weight since his six month check-up. When we got into the little room, she started asking me about his eating and I really didn't know what to say. It seemed like he was eating fine to me.

After the nurse left and I was waiting for the doctor, I started worrying about Sam, that he had some growth disorder and that he would need all these hormones or something. The exam room felt so small, hot, and stuffy all of a sudden. So I opened the door (apparently you are not supposed to do this as I kept getting weird looks from nurses and doctors) and Sam and I paced the hall until the doctor came in (about 30 minutes later...)

Once I had talked to the doctor about how active Sam is, she reassured me that Sam is doing fine. She said that it's normal for kids' weight gain to plateau between 9 and 12 months. She said since Sam is so active, he has hit his plateau a few months early.

Also, his lungs sounded clear, so as of now, he doesn't have asthma.

I asked her about the fact that he's not talking much yet. She said not to worry about it because I can get his attention and he seems to understand me, so he doesn't seem to have language problems.

When I got home around 4:00, Dan told me that Beth had extra tickets to West Side Story if wanted to go. So we had a mere three hours to line up a sitter, prepare and eat dinner, and head out the door. Lorrie came through and we made it to the Benedum just in time! Thanks Beth!

Age

What is the perfect age?

16? (can get your driver's license)

18? (a legal adult)

21? (of drinking age)

59 1/2? (So you can get money out of your IRA, of course!)

65? (can take advantage of senior discounts)

There weren't really any other kids my age at my home church. I always felt too old for the kid stuff but to young to be at the adult meetings and found them boring. This was when I first realized that age can be a major problem.

At camp my young friend I blogged about before wanted me to go to the youth talent show with her. I felt kind of rediculous going and made some comment about being the oldest person there. In her 8th grade wisdom she said, "Don't let your age stop you." I went with her and realized that all those teenagers' parents were there to see their kids. Awesome. I didn't feel so old after all.

Speaking from personal experience, it seems like every age has its limitations. When you're young you want to be older so you can have independence and freedom. When you realize you're getting old (like I have been lately, as I am turning 30 in less than two months) you want to be young so you can have less responsibility, be more carefree, and look younger.

Paul wrote this in a letter to his young friend Timothy: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." I see Paul saying that we shouldn't let our age limit us and that we can be a good example at any age.

I really admire people who go for their dreams regardless of their age, so why shouldn't I be like that? Hey, there's a 41-year-old mother in the Olympics!

Samuel, the nine-month-old

I can't believe that nine months have gone by since Sam entered the world. He seems to take after his dad in looks and personality. =) So here's a little Sam update:

• He's just under 19 pounds
• He has four bottom teeth and two top teeth
• He's fairly easy-going unless he's hungry or tired
• He crawls all around, over anything that might be in his way (including his brother!)
• He pulls up on any stationary object and cruises sometimes
• He has totally rejected baby food through the course of this past week, burying his face in his high chair any time he sees a spoon filled with baby food headed his way.
• Things he will eat: grapes (his favorite!), carrots, cheerios, bread, rice, yogurt, and cheese. We're still experimenting to see what else he will eat.
• He's taking two two- to three-hour-naps per day, which is wonderful. For a while he would only nap and hour, be awake an hour, nap an hour, be awake an hour, repeat all day long.

It's hard to remember what our family was like without little Sam, and we're so thankful for him!

My Favorite Things, Summer Edition

1. Mahaffey milkshakes
2. Swimming with the boys in my mom's pool
3. Warm weather (it's so much easier not having to bundle everyone up before we go out)
4. A casual, laid-back feeling everywhere you go
5. Seeing baby turkey chicks and spotted fawns going through our yard
6. Days at the zoo
7. One word: GRILLING
8. Blooming flowers, like lilies, that smell so good
9. Fresh local fruit and veggies
10. Less socks in the wash!!
11. Early sunrises, late sunsets
12. No school
13. Bonfires
14. Smores

Fun trip (formerly known as this summer's last hurrah)

On Friday Dan and the boys and I headed out to Lancaster, PA. A friend of mine who I've actually known since I was 10 years old, invited a bunch of our friends from college to her place. It made a very short weekend, but it was fun. We got to her house and had dinner with her family on Friday night. The minivan had a tire problem, so Dan and her husband, Nate, went to get new tires for it. (Gotta love those unplanned expenses...) While they were gone the kids all got to play together and Charity and I got to catch up.

We stayed overnight at the Historic Inn at Strasburg, which sounds nicer than it actually was. The pool, jacuzzi, and sauna looked great, but we just didn't have time to take advantage of them. The rooms were so-so. To me, the bathrooms make or break a place, and these bathrooms needed some serious updating. Anyway...

On Saturday morning, we got up and ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel (a rare treat, since we don't have one near us). After we checked out of the hotel, we went for a ride on the Strasburg Railroad. Isaiah is kind of over his train obsession, but he still likes them, so it was a lot of fun.

When we got back to Nate and Charity's several other friends from college were there, too. Facebook has made it a lot easier to keep up with people's lives, but there's still something irreplacable about seeing people face to face. Two of our friends brought their spouses, so it was great to meet them.

It's been seven years since I graduated college, so no one looked too drastically different, but we all definitely look older. It has me thinking a lot about age, which will be the subject of another post.

Anyway, we all had a great time, and it's definitely something we need to do more often.

Behind the sofa: Gordon ('00), Nate ('01), Josh ('01), Dan, Seth ('01)

On the sofa: Jennifer, Charity ('01), Charity's kids Brett and Autumn, Janelle, Isaiah, Me, and Sam

P.S. Thank goodness for cameras with timers!!