What to Watch on TV

I was just saying the other day there's nothing to watch on TV.  With so many channels to watch, sometimes you surf and surf, and find nothing but garbage! That was how I felt...until last week. I accidentally stumbled onto a show, and now I'm hooked.  So hooked I just spent the last few hours catching up on the current season...number six. Where have I been the last five years???!!!

This show is soooo good! I'm able to laugh, cry, and relate to the dynamic and talented actors who make up the cast of Parenthood.  This show allows me to escape from my own little bubble and enter the lives of the Braverman family. Covering such diverse content like marriage, divorce, adoption,  failing health, relationships, raising a family, children with special needs, teenage pregnancy, sibling rivalry, love, unity, perseverance, struggles, and so much more, this TV drama is everything I have been looking for in a show.

The only problem is, I just discovered this show, and the very last season EVER is this one! Go figure!  I am so bummed about that.

What are your favorite shows to watch on TV? And what makes a show really good in your opinion?

Mondays with Roller

What's your favorite part of the day?

Mine is cuddling up with the Roller at the end of a long day to read bedtime stories and just talk. My favorite questions to ask are: What did you have for lunch today? What did you learn today? What was your favorite class? Why? What was your favorite part of the day? Almost always, I get a very detailed answer with arms and fingers moving around to explain the goings-on of a five year old in kindergarten.

Lately, the conversation always ends up with animated talk about Lego Batman or Injustice...these are the computer games he plays with The Hubs when they have their "male bonding time." To be honest, I'm not a big fan (at all!) when it comes to electronics. I know...I'm no fun right! But...I think it's super cute that they have their fun together as father and son. Buddy Roller is always trying to get me sucked in to playing with them, but so far...this mommy is not budging. Ha!

Do you have a good trick for getting your little ones out of a bad mood? 

At the end of the day, when Buddy Roller gets super tired, he gets super cranky.  Oh my! Like tonight, for example, he got really sulky because I told him, "No, you can't play Lego Batman on a school night." "But daddy said I could," he complained. "Well the rules are no electronics on a school night," I said, firmly holding my ground. And then his cute little face contorted into a monstrous being...I hardly recognized him!  Oh my again! Things would have gone downhill from there, but I had a trick up my sleeve.

When in doubt, start singing! Yes, you heard me right. I started singing the Star-Spangled Banner, and it worked like a charm! He forgot all about his five year old worries and started belting out those tunes....all off key and everything.  The truth is for the past several weeks,  he's been singing this song over and over again...during his shower. Yes I know this because for the past several weeks, he's sang it to me, and then has asked me when he's done, if I want to hear it again. And I answer, "Of course I want to hear it again!" LOL, the things we do as moms.

After that, things were quite jolly. We read not one, but two books, said prayers, and little Roller fell asleep in no time. And you know what? I'm looking forward to doing it all over again...tomorrow.

Every Scar Tells a Story

Every scar tells a story.

I'm sure you have a story to tell about each of your scars, whether big or small.  They're etched forever on your body like an ugly tattoo you wish you had never gotten. I have a few. Like the time I learned how to ride a bicycle. I was almost a teenager, and the bike fell against my leg, the pedal scraping my skin every other inch, from the knee on my left foot to the bottom of my ankle, until the bike hit the ground. Although faint, those scars aren't going anywhere, a constant reminder of that day many, many years ago.

One of my most recent scars, on my right knee, happened just this past summer. I was in Connecticut visiting my mom, and I was running to snap a cute photo of Buddy Roller when I slipped and fell flat on my rump. It happened so fast, I started laughing at myself, and then the pain came. Ouch! I hadn't had a fall like that in a loooooong time. That fall also left a scar but it's been fading over time, and I suspect I won't see it for much longer.

But then there are those scars that may never go away.  They are in places you can't hide or easily cover. They are just there, whether you like them or not, to always remind you of something...a lesson, a tragedy, or something else...

I have a student who has one of those scars. It's on her face, along her left cheek and close to her eye.  She is one of the sweetest students I have ever had. She always tries to help me in class, and she is very diligent and smart.  Some days she tries to cover her scar with her hair. But it's not possible. I am curious about how she got it, but so far I'm afraid to ask. Some things you just don't ask for fear of hurting someone or reminding them of something they would rather forget.

But then again, there are some people who just can't help themselves. They ask the questions that you are thinking but will never have the courage to say out loud.  They go there and ask those kinds of questions. I know because I've been witness to it many times.  The Hubs has something on his arm, we'll call it a blessing scar, and it's hard to miss. It takes up the length of his left arm and it has drawn quite the number of stares and even some double-takes over the years. And inevitably, some curious stranger will ask, "What happened to your arm!" In the beginning I could tell The Hubs was really uncomfortable with answering this question.  So much so that he invested in a couple of arm sleeves.  Over time though, I think he got used to the inquiry, and sometimes if he felt like it, he would answer. Other times, he would be pretty vague about his response.  These days, there's no need to cover up his arm.

The truth is, his scar is most definitely a reminder of a blessing, and an answer to many years of prayers.  After enduring several years on dialysis and then receiving a kidney transplant, the scar on his arm is a reminder that there is hope and a very bright light at the end of that sometimes dark, dark tunnel.

Every scar tells a story.

What story does your scar tell?

Chalk Talk Tuesdays

I feel like a weight has been lifted!

I was just saying the other day that I have taken on more than I can handle.  Well today that problem sort of worked itself out. When I first signed up to take the ESOL graduate level course at my school, there were about 18 people in my class. Then that number quickly dwindled to about eight. And then there were three (including me)! Now the county has decided there aren't enough teachers left in the course to warrant an instructor coming to our school to teach us. In order to continue with the course, we would have to commute to another site.  So today, the remaining two teachers and I decided to drop the course. One of the main reasons we signed on to do the course was the convenience of having an instructor come to us.

I am content with the decision. It was getting difficult fitting a square peg in a round hole with the weekly requirements of the course plus all the other to do's. I don't view the last several weeks as time wasted.  Rather I see it as time well spent getting to know my colleagues and learning some invaluable lessons I can take with me on my teaching journey.

As I taught my students today to use a Venn diagram to organize their notes when comparing and contrasting two texts (they were all so eager to write on the white board!), I was happier knowing I didn't have to rush home to write yet another paper for that course. I felt more relaxed. One less thing on my plate. One less thing to keep me up late at night.

Later today, as a starving Buddy Roller and I were waiting for Chinese take-out, we did what we knew best to fill our time...we took selfies.

One less thing on my plate means more fun and more time with the ones I love. And that makes for a happier Tuesday!

Reading with Roller

It's been a ritual from before he could speak. Every night we cuddle up and read books!

A few years ago, I'll be honest, I would read several books every night. That's because after every book, Roller would beg, "Please mommy, one more book, pleeeeeaaaaaassse." And I just couldn't say, "No," to those big round beautiful eyes pleading back at me. Yes, I admit, I'm a pushover when it comes to The Roller.

These days, though, it's at least one...maybe two books...at the most. Lately, he's been the one reading to me! And he's doing an awesome job, too.  This mommy is truly exhausted by the end of the day!!!

It's the same routine every night. After bath time, Buddy Roller brushes his teeth, and he chooses the books he wants me to read. We snuggle under the covers....and read. I love hearing him giggle when I "get into character." I wonder when he'll be too old to be entertained by me? Hmmmmm.

After that, we dim the lights, say prayers...which he now says by himself...and I lay down with him for just one minute, okay maybe five, until he drifts off to a peaceful sleep.

I kiss his head a couple of times and smile with nostalgia, amazed at how fast he's growing up, and then I drag myself out of his bed because a minute longer would mean falling asleep. I've done that many times before :-)

Happy Monday! 

Tonight I'm Reminded

Tonight I'm reminded of how things used to be.

We went to a 40th birthday party for a dear friend of The Hubs. His name is Mike, and his girlfriend Melanie (they've been dating for almost two years) threw him a really thoughtful and intimate soiree attended by many close friends.

As soon as we got there, you could tell a lot of thought had been put into the details. The driveway was lit with simple yet beautiful handmade luminaries.  The party was not only indoors, but it also extended outdoors where white lights were strung from the roof top to the trees, adorning the night, like stars in the sky. There was also a fire pit stacked with two great logs ablaze with dancing fire that served two purposes. One for guests to roast marshmallows to make gooey chocolatey smores, and the other to keep us warm as the temperature had dropped to a comfortable 57 degrees. It was the perfect night for such a thing. And it was the cozy feeling of it all that really stood out...people huddled close having lively conversations.

They had the usual...food, cake, beverages, and music, but one special moment of the night got me thinking. Melanie had prepared a special video for her guy as a surprise. Although it was only four minutes long, she proved her love and affection for her special beau.  You see, just two months ago, Mike flew Melanie to Ireland so that she could meet his parents. Melanie secretly recorded a special message from Mike's parents so she could surprise him with it for his 40th birthday.  It was so sweet, and you could tell from the look in his eyes that Mike was really moved and touched by what she had done. 

And that's what got me thinking...how things used to be BK (before kid). Watching those two tonight kinda made me miss those days.  And it wasn't jealousy I was feeling.  Rather it was the appreciation of what the early years of dating brings. When it's literally just two people doing what they want, when they want, with no regard to any type of restrictions. That means you can go on a date, and stay out as late as you want, with no thought of a baby sitter. Heck you can even take an international trip and just fly by the seat of your pants...with no thought of packing an extra suitcase filled with all the accoutrements just in case your little one runs a fever, or gets a bug bite, or gets an allergic reaction or worse yet, an asthma attack.  You get what I'm saying here? You ever get a pang for those days? 

Don't get me wrong. I love my life, and I LOVE being a mom. This little guy, pictured here (along with his soccer buddies), brings me unbelievable joy every day. This picture was taken today during his soccer game. I love this little guy, from the crown of his head to the bottom of his cheesy little toes.

And I also love this guy. He's my rock and my best friend.

We've built a foundation together, and we're preparing for an even better future together...all three of us.

 

And so for just a few moments tonight, I'm reminded of how things used to be.

TGIF - I Really Live for Fridays

I  have seriously missed blogging, but things are really busy right now. I think I've bitten off more than I can chew with work and taking a graduate level course. But you know what? There is never a dull moment, and I've been quite happy most of the time juggling everything.

On the home front, things are also running smoothly.  The Hubs and I worked out a new schedule that suits every one.  We are all able to get more sleep, making us all happier at the end of the day. Love that we were able to see this error and make a change that really benefits the whole family.

The weather has cooled down quite a bit here in Hotlanta! Fall is really making its presence known.  You can feel the cool crisp air early in the morning and even during early evening. I'm looking forward to the many fall festivities with family and friends.

And now that it's cooler, I can really start to enjoy hot treats like tea with sugar and milk..like they do in Jamaica.

And here are just a few silly photos taken this past week. Buddy Roller, who by the way is Batman this year, is super excited about Halloween. So we stopped by a local costume store and had a little fun trying on hats and masks and other things.

Have a wonderful, restful weekend, and make it count.  Monday is just around the corner!

The "B" Word

Let's talk about the "B" word, and I don't mean bananas. Although I like bananas, and I love clementines even more. That's why I went to Kroger today...to get a few items, and that's when I got called the "B" word.

You see, I had been in the parking lot for a few minutes trying to find a parking spot.  Then I spotted one and went to claim it. As a car pulled out, I was pulling in when I spotted another car waiting to get in. I'm not certain if I stole the spot, but when I got out of the car the other driver had a few choice words for me.

Nothing pisses off a woman more than stealing a parking spot!

Rolling her head, "Didn't you see me waiting for that spot!!!"

Dang, she is mad at me!

"I'm sorry, I didn't see you at first."

And then she called me the "B" word before driving off!!!

"Have a nice day," I responded.

Geez I hope Buddy Roller didn't hear her.

After someone makes you really mad, do you feel better by calling them a bad name? Does it somehow bring you a little satisfaction? Or do you just keep it moving, and try to stay positive?

I'd like to think I'd do the latter. I hope that lady is over it. I hope she's somewhere enjoying her evening and not still stewing over a parking space.

Mondays With Roller

Researchers say you do it about 15 to 20 times a day, and they say it's what you need to live a longer, happier, and more stress-free life.

It's laughing!

You've heard it before, and you know it makes a difference. Laughing out loud can make you feel better.

In my continued efforts to find more balance and live a more stress-free life, I decided to leave work at a decent time, meet The Hubs, pick up Buddy Roller, and head to his soccer practice.

Yes, there were tons of things I could have done like write a paper that's due on Thursday, or clean my house...but I decided that family is more important. Before heading to practice, I made Buddy Roller one of his favorite sandwiches...ham and cheese, grabbed some fruit and water and headed out to the soccer field. And it was totally worth it!

Buddy Roller squealed with delight to not just have daddy, but mommy pick him up too. On the way to soccer, he chatted exuberantly about his day and what he did at school. It was awesome, and then when I gave him his sandwich, his excitement grew. It doesn't take much to make this five year old happy.

Me: "I made your sandwich with love."

Buddy Roller laughing: "I'm eating the love."

And the rest of the night, I wore a smile on my face and even managed to laugh here and there. I was happy to be spending time with my family. Happy to NOT be focused on the other unimportant things.

I did laugh.

It felt good.

Who's Really Important

The UN-important stuff can WAIT!

That's plain and simple, but that's my takeaway this week.  It's no huge epiphany. I KNOW that. But sometimes this wife, mom and teacher needs a reminder here and there.

What a crazy, busy, hectic, yet fun and eye-opening week! This week I managed to make it to school two different days for 7:30 a.m. teacher leader meetings, write a paper and do a presentation for my graduate level ESOL certification class, take Buddy Roller to get his five-year check up, also rush during my planning (85 minutes and that's no easy feat from Norcross to Dunwoody on I-285 when there's ALWAYS traffic even during the weekday at 10 freaking a.m.) to a doctor's appointment for me because stress is showing it effects on me and that's NOT good. And that's all in addition to performing all other wife, mommy, and teacher duties this week.

And of course, it's important to note that none of the above could have been possible without the support of The Hubs.

Ever have weeks like this? I'm sure you do. It's what we all do as parents. And some definitely have it harder than others. I know that.

Yet in the hustle and bustle of this week, I still made time for what's really important:

1. Time with God in prayer and reading the Bible - and rediscovered two bible verses I SO SO love. Psalm 4:8 - I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. And Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. These verses have been so comforting to me this week as I tried desperately to clear all the racing thoughts out of my mind...of all on my "to do" lists. 
2. A 4 a.m. conversation with The Hubs on Friday this week; sometimes you can have a really good conversation when you're half awake.  There was much clarity that morning...LOVE conquers all. It does.
3. Lunch with Buddy Roller at his school. Even though it was quick, and we were trying to make his doctor's appointment, I treasured that time because as a working mom, it's hard to do all the things I wish I could.
4. Meaningful conversations with the students I teach. Instead of taking a minute here and there to rush and do all the things I have to do (which I have done in the past), I paused. I took time to talk to my kids this week. It mattered. They felt listened to. I felt like a good teacher. I'm building relationships and that's key.

The unimportant stuff really can wait. When you put your priorities in order, the people that matter know they matter and life is not only more meaningful, but less stressful too.

Here's a picture of Buddy Roller and his pediatrician, Dr. Smart, taken this week at his five year check up. We love this woman! She's awesome and so personable with the Roller. But it's hard to resist this little guy...all 36 pounds and 42 inches of him!

Life is constant...but good!

We ARE Summerour

On Sunday I wrote about making a special bracelet for a woman who had been terminally ill. Well yesterday, Joni lost her battle with cancer. Her sister and my colleague, Monique, will now begin the painful task of making arrangements for the funeral, and of course "dealing" with the death of her sister. 

Sigh.

That is tough stuff. I can't even begin to imagine...

At my school today, my assistant principal (AP) called an impromptu meeting and asked all the teachers to make Monique some cards and send her some "feel good" notes to boost her spirits. I had always respected my AP and had always known she was good people, and today her actions confirmed what I had already known. She has always said, "We are family," and today she proved that.  We all went to work writing Monique thoughtful words from our hearts and also a few lines to hopefully bring her a smile.

Coincidentally, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Look at these ads that will  hopefully bring more awareness and possibly early detection of this sometimes deadly disease.