Nuggets

This started off as an email to one of Jake's teachers.  I asked Jack to read it and he didn't feel it was necessary - the teacher is young, he doesn't know.  I didn't send it.  BUT I did share it with a friend.  In my attempt to purge my feelings on the page I just needed someone else to read it.  I've sat with it for a day and I still have a nagging feeling that it needs to be shared.  SO, what better forum than this, right?

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As a parent and a person that works with children, it is my responsibility to be a person that is accepting, full of love, and supportive.  Is it hard to make a connection with every student?  Absolutely, but I make it my mission.  I realize that you might think that my working with preschoolers is very different from working with teenagers but I am constantly amazed at the similarities.  Each student - no matter their age - needs validation, acceptance and support.  Yes, I realize you have 70 kids in band, but successes need to be acknowledged.

I am deeply disappointed that you didn't take the time to recognize Jake in front of his peers for his accomplishment this last weekend at the UMKC Honor Band Festival.  There were only 9 BVW students there and Jake was the only Concert Band student.  And to get 2nd chair in the highest band... that's a big deal!

I have never asked for anything from you, but I support you.  And you, in your quiet way, have made it clear that Jake isn't one of your favorite students.  I'm not asking for anything that isn't fair.  And I don't expect you to say anything on Thursday.  Your opportunity was missed.  What I would ask, is to take my advice and not miss moments in the future.  

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I strive to impact every child I come in contact with.  I am kind.  I smile.  I make each child feel important when they are with me.  I am rewarded on a regular basis with hugs.  Please don't misunderstand, I'm not trying to toot my own horn, it's just something I do that helps make a positive impact on our classroom.  

I was once asked who my favorites are... I laughed.  Well, to be honest, I laughed, said, "I hate them all" and laughed again.  My co-workers looked at me with wide eyes.  They were shocked.  Of course I was kidding, but the truth is, love 'em or hate 'em, I treat each child the same.  And the shock turned to contentment.  Since then, one of the 20 somethings I am lucky enough to work with has shared that she appreciates that I am not afraid to share my nuggets with her.  I love that she called my wisdom nuggets.

On a similar note, I was chatting with a friend.  I've been in a funk - part teenager induced - part the fact that I've been fighting a virus for 15 days now.  (I went to the doctor today and she put me on a Z-pack with a refill if it doesn't nip it in the bud.) Kristi, I hope you don't mind that I'm sharing part of our conversation, but it's too good not to include.   She started out telling me "they will grow into wonderful caring adults"  to which I gave a big sigh of relief.  But then shared "teenagers make you question everything you thought you taught them" and our conversation was all over the map - ending in laughter at both ends.  I love that she shared her nuggets with me.  And I have since thought several times "their brains are still forming to make decisions."   A golden nugget, she shared.

Life is too short.  Don't hoard your nuggets.  When you see an opportunity, share!  

xo

Music: good for the soul (so are chocolate covered strawberries)

Friday was a crazy day.  Yes, it was Valentine's Day but I was feeling anything but loving.  I had a very stressful morning.  The kids at therapy group were in rare form - LOTS of tears, screams, and arguing.  But there was lots of learning going on, too.  I got home to find Jake anything but ready to go.  He had assured me he just needed to put his clothes in a suitcase.  !?  That was not the case.  Honestly, you'd think he'd never packed his own bag for an overnight - which he has.  After practicing some deep breathing, I found a suitcase and made sure everything was packed.  Jake needed to do a bit of practicing, but was unable to because he'd left his tuba in my trunk, so that was next on the agenda.  I don't know when the "rules" changed but I was always taught to warm up by doing scales before starting on a piece of music.  Maybe I should have kept my mouth shut, but I asked and the response generated more deep breathing and a prayer from me.  Finally, we were on the road and headed for the Westin at Crown Center.  Jake was selected to participate in the UMKC Honor Band Festival.  I dropped off the kids, along with tuba and suitcase, at the main entrance and left to park the car.  I entered the parking garage and... it was a labyrinth.  I didn't realize they were connected but ended up in the Crown Center garage.  I found an entrance and hustled to find the kids.  About that time Jake realized he'd forgotten his music in the car, so I found a place for Annie to sit, parked Jake's tuba and off I went.  Of course, I was feeling a little anxious but I made my way in record time.  We got him checked in and he took his suitcase up to his room and hung up his dress shirt and slacks. Annie and I took the tuba and found the warm up room.  It was a little crazy - lots of people - lots of instruments of every shape and size.  Did I mention I was already anxious?  Jake returned but only stayed long enough to realize he'd forgotten his music stand in the room.  Annie and I were in a line to sign up for his audition -an error on my part) because it only gave him 15 minutes to warm up and find his audition room.  He found us and graciously excused us.  :-)          

Annie and I made our way down to the Plaza to Panache Chocolatier for my Valentine's surprise. My sweet friend, Julie and her husband are managing partners in the business and I wanted to support them. We got a chance to see Julie and she said she had picked out our berries.  And Annie found a little something, too.  She is partial to anything little with chocolate and peanut butter.  

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

and Merlot Sea Salt Caramels

from Panache on the Plaza

From there we picked up Annie's friend, Nia, and headed to the mall.  It was supposed to be a quick trip.  They said they were going to one store to get a birthday present for a friend.  Annie tends to be indecisive and I was hoping Nia could help speed up the process. I waited in the car. I waited.  And waited.  And 54 minutes later they strolled out with a bag full of goodies, Annie had Auntie Anne's Pretzels and Nia had a drink from Starbucks. "Sorry we're late but we did a LOT of walking."  ?!  I tried not to be annoyed but I was.  I dropped the girls off at Nia's house.  I would return to get Annie at 10:00 p.m.

By the time I got home I was spent.  I was exhausted.  I was feeling sick.  My head was pounding. There was no way I way I was going out to dinner with Jack.  Instead he got take out and a movie.  It was a very nice, very quiet evening.  It was perfect!  I just wish I hadn't been in a such a foul mood.  Jack's company, the comedy and cold medicine definitely helped.  

The evening ended on a high note.  Jake called and said he made 2nd chair in Wind Symphony, the highest level band at the festival.  His friend, Evan, who has outstanding (freak of nature) tuba skills got 1st chair.  There were 9 other high school tuba players. What an honor!  Jake really has a lot of natural ability and and he works hard, so it nice that he was recognized for it.  We are so proud of him!

Saturday, Annie had marathon from 9-3.  Marathon is a long rehearsal the weekend before the musical starts.  She will be moving sets on and off the stage in complete darkness.  Annie is going through a phase - I'm not sure if she's going through a growth spurt - but she is very clumsy.  So far, fingers crossed, she hasn't hurt herself.  ;-)  She's having a great time.  And she came home exhausted.

I was feeling a bit crummy all day and didn't get much accomplished.  Jack had made himself a to do list and was checking things off left and right.  I was relieved someone was productive.  We got a call from Jake saying he really wanted his suit jacket, a white shirt and tie.  It was no easy feat to find his white shirt and purple tie, but we did and took it down to him.  He had just enough time to run it up to his room before his evening rehearsal started.  

We returned home to find Annie doing what she loves...

"no pictures, please"

This was how I got around that...

:-)

Sunday morning I didn't go to church.  I had a rough night - coughing and couldn't get comfortable. I had decided in the middle of the night I would go to the clinic at Walgreen's as soon they opened.  Did you know they take appointments now?  I didn't.  I showed up at 9:50 a.m. to find there were 18 people ahead of me.  18!?  At 20 minutes per appointment I was told I probably wouldn't be seen.  ?  Oh, but I could make an appointment for 3:22 p.m., if I wanted.  I spoke to the pharmacist to see if he had any suggestions.  He was very helpful and directed me to Mucinex Sinus-Max Severe Congestion Relief Day and Night and suggested using a Neti pot.  Wow!  I was amazed at the difference.  

My folks came over in the afternoon to join us at Jake's concert at 4:30.  Dad had time for a nap before we left and Mom and I played Farkle.  She won on her last roll.

My parents couldn't remember the last time they were in downtown KC and were to very thankful that Jack was driving.  "We'd get lost for sure!"  Jack and I got a chuckle out of it because I had driven down the night before and he had said almost the same thing.  

The line was already half way down the hallway.  I picked up our tickets and found an empty bench for my parents to sit and wait.  We tried to find Jake without success, he was in the practice room warming up.

We found our seats and were soon blown away.  The music was incredible!  I tried and tried to get the video to upload without success but here are some of the pictures.

Jake was surprised to see Grandma Cate and Grandpa Leon.

It's too bad the music stand covered his smile.

UMKC Honor Band - Wind Symphony

Guest Conductors

Damon S. Tally from The Shenandoah Conservatory (left)

Dr. Robert Carnochan from University of Texas - Austin (right)

And Jake is in the middle on the right.

Playing his heart out.

After the show with two of his biggest fans.

On the way home my Dad asked if Jack used a GPS and he said, "nope, I have Janet!"  I have so many memories of my Dad getting lost in Kansas City, particularly leaving Royals Stadium.  Lol!

We grabbed dinner and spent the evening watching the Olympics.  Jake excused himself to the basement to catch up on some much needed video gaming time.  And Annie spent the evening with friends watching The Walking Dead and celebrating a birthday.  I picked her and several friends up at 11.  It was a long day but definitely eventful.

And my nights sleep was fantastic!  A big thank you to the makers of Mucinex Sinus-Max Severe Congestion Relief Night. 

The kids and I had another day off today, thanks to Presidents Day.  My parents left after a morning game of Farkle.  Mom won again.  Annie got up just in time to see them off.  Jake slept in and then met a friend at the movies this afternoon.  Annie had rehearsal again from 1-4.  

Our day is coming to an end and Jack and Jake are studying algebra while Annie studies for a biology test and I am watching some Olympics.  I already know who won the gold in the Ice Dancing, but I want to see it for myself.  :-)

xo

Happy Valentine's Day!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

The weekend is here - already!

This morning I dragged myself out of bed.  I spent a good chunk of time before 1 a.m. coughing.  I may have coughed after that but I don't remember and I didn't look at the clock.  So, this mornings struggle was just that, a struggle.  It didn't even occur to me that I could or should stay home.  I was needed at Therapy Group - so off I went.  We fully expected the kids to be wound up - bouncing off the wall from three snow days but our motley crew was very subdued.  I have to admit it was a blessing for me because I don't know if I could have kept up with them today otherwise.  I came home, ate a bit and took a well deserved nap.

Jake had band early and his car has been acting funny so the kids road to school with a friend.  I am so very grateful to friends in times like these!!  The kids both had a good day. After school Annie announced, "the weekend is here and I don't know what to do."  She usually has things lined up but after enjoying snow days... she's perplexed!  Don't worry, that didn't last long.  "Oh, I have set crew at 10 a.m." and I realized she has a haircut at 3:30 p.m. and then she's babysitting tomorrow night.  

Jake was getting anxious about when (and if) he'd be getting paid, so Jack had him call and ask "the man".  I listened, quietly offered advice and then Jake stood up and walked in the other room.  His voice was quiet but direct.  From what I could hear, it sounded like "the man" didn't have any intention of paying but Jake corrected him that he DID work more than just the "working interview".  It was ended with "the man" telling Jake he'll just have to wait and see.  Yes, I AM annoyed.  Jack asked for details and was anything but understanding.  We will wait two weeks... and if no check has been received Jack will take it up with the owners (Jack knows them and doesn't think they have any idea of what is really going on in their store).  I think we all feel better having a plan.  :-)  I know I am.

Jack FINALLY got the carpet order yesterday.  They didn't make it easy on us, but it's done. YAY!  Now we wait!  And if I get motivated, I can start packing some of the books, pictures, etc., in the living room since we will have to empty it.  I'm looking at it as another opportunity to purge.  ;-)

This morning Jack stopped by a garage to see if he could get Jake's car worked on.  He had diagnosed it as needing an alternator and had planned on changing the O2 sensor - since the car's check engine light has been on since we bought it.  The garage is located at 148th and Metcalf.  Jack had driven his truck and I was already at Group, so he decided to walk home and get Jake's car.  YES, Jack WALKED 2+ miles home in the 8 degree weather to get Jake's car!  ?  No, he was not prepared at all.  He wasn't even wearing boots!  The guy asked if he had any gloves - to which Jack responded, "no" and the guy graciously offered his own. When Jack told me about his journey I was dumbfounded!  I didn't give him too much ridicule though because he'd gotten enough of that at work, from the sound of it.  MANY co-workers said they would have given him a ride.  (all I can do is roll my eyes and hope this is a lesson learned!)  As it turned out Jake's car didn't need an alternator but a idler pulley and the job was less expensive than expected.  Now the car just needs one other part - a knock sensor - and it will be good as new!  

I'm still feeling pretty crummy.  I'm so glad no one else in the family has come down with the sniffles.  Jack and I are looking forward to watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics tonight.  

Please keep my friend Annemarie, from Maryland, in your prayers.  Her mother passed away this morning from a massive heart attack.  Until recently, when her mother became ill and went from the hospital to the rehab center, Annemarie had been her caregiver for the last 15 years.  As we spoke this afternoon she admitted this was a mixed blessing, as her Mom's quality of life wasn't what her Mom wanted.  She had dementia and required a lot of attention.  It will be a tough adjustment I am certain.  Today is also Annemarie's son, Michael's, 14th birthday.           

Grace and Peace,

xo  J.

Snow day - #2

Yesterday we had a huge snow storm.  Here are a few photos starting yesterday morning around 9 a.m. and ending this morning around the same time.

     

I didn't put out a ruler but I think we got close to a feet.  Here is a picture from my friend, Christy.

It's official, the ruler is gone.

12" of snow!

Jack and Jake took care of snow removal...

The kids spent time playing games, doing homework and annoying each other.  

I seem to have caught a cold or something and am feeling icky today.  I'm pushing the liquids and trying to stay ahead of it with medication.  My voice is an octave lower.  The night before last I spent more time coughing than sleeping.  Thankfully, that was not the case last night.  I slept hard!    

Yesterday I made homemade chicken noodle soup for lunch and enchiladas casserole for dinner.  I was thinking today would be leftover day but Jack is working from home again and made the kids homemade pizza rolls for lunch.  I hope they realize how spoiled they are.  :-)

Time for more meds and a nap.  I hope you are staying warm and healthy.

xo

Life Lesson

Jake got a job at Smoke n' Fire.   It's a store on 151st that sells grills, accessories, fireplaces, anything and everything you need and more.  It didn't seem like he liked it very much but he worked Wednesday night.  When he got home I asked when he worked next.  He said, "I dunno."  He was exhausted.  I thought it was odd but I didn't ask any other questions about it.  Today, Jake got a call during school (he didn't answer it and it went to voicemail) it was his boss (imagine angry man with an attitude) saying, 'you didn't show up to work last night.  Are you sure you want this job?'  (I didn't hear the message but Jake said that was the just of it.)  I thought something must have been missed, so I decided to take him by there immediately on our way home from school.  I gave him some motherly advice: do not say you're sorry, apologize.  Assure them you want the job.  Ask when you're working again.  Jake went in... he called me to say it might be a while, the guy he needed to talk to was with a customer.  After a few minutes it appeared the customer was going to need more attention, so Jake was directed to someone else. Jake returned to the car saying he needed to be there at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.  No other information was provided.  Ok, my Mom senses were seeing red flags all over the place BUT I tried to be optimistic.  

Jack and I talked about what hours they had put on the application - pretty much everyday - and Jack commented there was no spot for how many hours Jake was available to work per week.  So, what I have pieced together and assume (yes, I hate that word but it fits) is that they assumed Jake only put down the hours he wanted to work.  Period.  Jack and I talked again and decided 12 hours/week would be plenty. Monday/Wednesday from 4-7 and Saturday six hours (they could decide exactly when).  Jack took Jake back to the store when he got home from work.  Jack went in with him for moral support.  "The guy" was not available so Jake talked to someone else.  Come to find out, all employees work everyday.  IF they agreed to Jake's schedule he would be the only employee with a schedule.  ?  Weird, huh?  Jack and I were working the concession stand tonight at the high school, and Jake called us on our way there.  "The guy" left him a message, "we'll have to pass."  ?  That was it.  He didn't talk to Jake.  He wasn't willing to work with him at all.  ?  While I'm disappointed that it didn't work out, I'm glad that Jake isn't going to be working some place that would take advantage of him.  It sounds like the store is a hot mess.  I know it's a wasted emotion, but I was really angry.  I am getting over it.  I think Jake is relieved.  It didn't seem like anyone there really liked their job and it was definitely not a positive work environment for Jake.  I hope that Jake realizes that Jack and I support him and he does not need to work in a hostile work environment and tolerate being bullied by his boss.  I would love to say that was the lesson learned in this ordeal.  There are other jobs out there... he just has to find the right one.   I trust that God will lead him to the right one.  :-)

As you know I've been trying to decide what my future holds.  I am so very grateful to Jack for supporting me, whatever I decide.  On Facebook I saw, What Career Should You Actually Have? and couldn't resist the temptation.  

What Career Should You Actually Have?

1. You got: Vice President
   

   You are a doer, you know how to get things done. You’re half analytical, half big thinker, which is what makes you so valuable to any team. You love a good challenge, and are excited by possibility. Go get ‘em, tiger because at this point you’re pretty much unstoppable.

Ok, at first glance Vice President seems pretty ridiculous - to me.  I am no Vice President, but as I read through the description, I have to admit it's pretty close.  I'm just like a Vice President, I'm all about supporting others.  I get to DO things, using logic, reasoning and creativity.  And I do love a challenge.  :-) 

Today, Marena asked if I would be interested in working summer session classes - 8 weeks - six classes on Fridays.  Three morning classes with Marena/Sarah and three afternoon classes with Mary/Taylor.  It didn't take me long to tell her yes.  :-)  

One decision at a time, right?

Jack was asked today if his Passport is up-t0-date.  That is exciting!  I don't know where he's headed but it's fun to dream.  Oh wait, he does have a trip planned at the end of the month to Manhattan.  No, not NYC - Kansas.  He's going to interview interns for the summer positions. AND he gets to spend the night.  ;-)  

Annie has been busy in her sketch book, drawing and painting.  And she's enjoying having an art class as her last class every day.  Drawing I on Mon/Wed and Ceramics on Tues/Thurs and both on Friday.  She is now identifying herself as an art kid.  In like Jake is a band kid. I'm glad she's finding her place.

Jake had Pep Band tonight.  He was the only tuba there.  The director had sent out an email saying they might have to cancel if not enough kids showed up in the bad weather.  As it turned out the band outnumbered the student fans from both schools.  :-)  I'm glad Jake was able to go.

Stay warm and healthy!

xo

More than just the weather

It was a beautiful day!  It got up to 62 degrees - maybe even a little warmer.  Jack left to run an errand at 6:40, the temperature was 52 degrees.  Then, all of a sudden the winds started - crazy, wild, blustery winds. The gusts were so strong that it blew the back cover up on Jack's truck on his way home.  The temperature dropped 9 degrees in less than 30 minutes. It was like the bottom fell out and the temp has now to 36 degrees - less than an hour and a half later (it's 8:26, right now).  CrAzY!  They expect it to be -1 degrees in the morning with an unspeakable wind chill.  Temps that cold make for CRAZY preschoolers!  I hope the weather man is wrong.  :-)  I got chilly and decided to put my coat back on while I blog. I hope you are staying warm.  

Enrollment for next year is in full swing and the kids are busy trying to figure out what classes they want to take.  Jake is on the fence about taking German III.  So far, his line up look HARD!  Pre Calc-Trig, Physics... off the top of my head.  Annie will be taking Latin II, AP European History, ugh... I can't go on.  I'm amazing and delighted at how stinking smart my kids are.  ;-)  I hope they are able to balance their schedules with some fun classes, too.

Jake decided Saturday afternoon that he really wanted to find a job.  Jack had seen a help wanted sign at a shop down the street so they stopped by.  Jake filled out an application and had to take a math test.  He will be going back tomorrow after school for a working interview. It's an opportunity for Jake to make sure he likes it and them to make sure he's a good fit. He's excited.  :-) 

Yesterday, Annie had a great day.  She is in the musical crew and they had a work session for set design.  After that she and some friends went and saw Frozen.  After that she went to a friends for less than an hour before I picked her up and took her to babysit until 8.  Busy, busy, busy.  She came home and Facetimed (video chatted) with her friend Grace, who moved to Maryland.  They laughed and chatted for a long time and Annie even played her ukulele and sang a bit for her.  I admit it, I was jealous, she hasn't played and sang for me yet.  Deep sigh.  Until then I will enjoy her music from afar. :-)

Jake also had a pretty fun day, yesterday.  He did homework/studied then spent the rest of the afternoon-evening with a friend.  They played video games, went on a walk-about, and watched a movie after dinner. He hasn't gotten to spend much time with this friend, so I think they both thoroughly enjoyed their time. Jake got some good study time in today.  He has two big tests this week in Algebra II and Chemistry.  Come on, Jake, I know you have it in ya!  Show off your smarts, Buddy!!  

Jack continues to love his job.  I am so very thankful for that!  :-)

I continue to be so very grateful to my friends, Marena and Sarah.  I am in complete awe of these two amazing women.  I work with them on Friday mornings.  They think I'm the calming influence in their groups but I believe we have strength in numbers.  :-)    

We are watching the Grammy's tonight.  Wow!  There are so many talented performers.  It's like going to an amazing concert.  We are loving it.

I know I still need to add pictures, but here are a few recent ones. 

Jack got home from work the other night and asked us all to come out and admire it.

Jake got his letter jacket for Christmas.

And all the patches are finally on it.

Cool, huh?

Last night Annie was chatting with Grace-

and neither one wanted me to take their picture.

I tried, though.

Last week my niece, Heidi Jo was named Scholar Athlete of the Week in Topeka.  My folks stayed up to watch it on the 10:00 o'clock news.  And from the sound of it they almost missed it.  ;-)  I'm sure glad they didn't. 

Way to go, Heidi Jo! 

   

Suzy is getting a little grayer...

And carpet selection is coming along.

I'm hoping we have new carpet within the next month.

Annie is taking a drawing class...

She loves watercolors.

And here's a happy little tree,

inspired by Bob Ross.

xo

Yay!  I got done before the Emmy's finished.  :-)