tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18504703233073449392024-03-12T18:26:51.191-07:00There was 1, then 2.The stories, the nightmares, the tips, and (especially) the joys of two little boys and one perfectly-willing-to-admit-it clueless mum. Come with me as I share my experiences, my wisdom, my ah-hah moments, my shameful mistakes, and all the love I have with my two boys.Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-10039519921841608572020-05-19T14:16:00.002-07:002020-05-19T14:16:47.544-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-5370426755737040162020-05-19T14:15:00.002-07:002020-05-19T14:15:40.031-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-91486902202763098482016-05-25T07:52:00.002-07:002016-05-25T07:52:49.882-07:00Dear Charlie
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;">“Mommy, I have a tummy ache,” Charlie
whined at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His large body is sat and
slumped over the toilet, toes curled, arms curled around him.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I’m sorry, bud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you have a bit of a stomach bug,” I say
reassuringly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m trying to sound
sympathetic, but I’m concentrating on deciding if I want to try and salvage
this pair or underpants. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yeah, mom, it’s a fly.”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now I’m looking at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A fly?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How’d he get in?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ask.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“My mouth was open.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s looking at me as if I’m dumb, which I’m
not, but he must think so at this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s using his hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that my
son is Italian, and yes, I just profiled, but my son talks with his hands all
the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mind you, he’s still on the pot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Where is he?”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Right here, “Charlie says as he points
to his stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s going to come out
tomorrow.” </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“For your birthday,” I ask. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mom, mom, I’m going to be 5.”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes, buddy, I know.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I take a quick breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you done, Charlie?”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yep.”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is Charlie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s 51 pounds, 48 inches, 5 years old minus
a day, and all mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s glorious.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charlie, you make me learn more about
myself ever day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where I thought I was
patient, I’m not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said I’d never use
the words, “Because I said so.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not have every answer, even
though some people think I do when it comes to YOU.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not the best at reading your mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know why you do everything you
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charlie when you shot out of me without
one push, thank you for that by the way, you were ready to take on the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for being so dramatic
about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing like being wheeled
down a hallway on a gurney, POP, there you are, and then the doctor walks in
the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You came into this world
screaming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve kind of never stopped
since.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Open up the DSM-IV to ADHD, there
you’ll be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your siren noises could win
you an Oscar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your mood swings are as if
I am trying to climb into the car when Daddy drives and he keeps advancing a
few feet ahead as I try to climb in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
love everything, then you hate me, or you hate the dog, or you hate your car
because the doors don’t open and you have to have a car with doors that
open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You love waffles then you hate
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re sleepy then you’re
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You love Thomas, you love Cars, you
love Animaniacs, and you love WHATEVER.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charlie I can only imagine what goes on
in your head on a daily basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you
feel those synapses firing back and forth?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’d love a brain scan one day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you didn’t make your noises, if you didn’t wake up around 5 am, if you didn’t
tell me ‘I’m sorry’, I’d worry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charlie, I know all this is hard for
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few months after your fourth
birthday, you were diagnosed with high functioning autism and ADHD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see very little autistic tendency in you,
but I do see ADHD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people would
think, “Oh, just another child with ADHD?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do you use meds?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charlie, you
are not just another child, you are my child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And no, we do not use meds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are loving, you are literal, you are big
and strong, and you are mine.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charlie, you can be and do whatever you
want to be and do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mommy and Daddy are
right behind you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We believe in
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know you will kill it at
kindergarten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The obstacles are there
for you to overcome, not to stop you along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mommy and Daddy will overcome with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mommy and Daddy will not always have an
answer for you, you will keep testing us, we will become impatient, but you are
still our boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You are still our little boy who loves
trucks and cars, builds Legos, plays in the dirt, and wants PB and J but a
whole sandwich, not cut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You twirl your
hair in your forefingers and suck your teeth to show me you’re tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You ask for your pillow, your blanket, Youtube,
and breakfast every morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I go
take a shower before getting you up, I’ll hear it from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You like shorts, your heavy blanket, peanut
butter, and edamame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You give the best
hugs, have a tendency to lick my face, get scared at thunder, and always love
my t-shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charlie, you will be great
at whatever you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put your best to anything,
always thank Jesus for your blessings, be a good person, hold the door for
ladies, mow the lawn, don’t forget to write your name on the top of your papers
at school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Family first, look both ways,
say your prayers, and always love with your whole heart.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love you,</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;">Mommy</span></span></div>
Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-67237456963786797912016-03-07T17:33:00.001-08:002016-03-07T17:33:09.927-08:00Little bricks under your feet ... My two sons have discovered Legos - needless to say Michael and I are thrilled as we love them ourselves. Putting together - yes. Playing - yes. Little bricks under my feet ... NO. No. <br />
<br />
<br />
NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!<br />
<br />
<br />
The big Lego Cities are the best, yet we are running out of space. <br />
<br />
<br />
On a sick day a week or so ago, Charlie decided Max needed a challenge. <br />
<br />
<br />
[You know, sick days, when a child gets an ear infection and complains just enough to get the daycare's attention to call me from work, but then when at the doctor's office becomes "miraculously" better, but yes, <u>it is an ear infection</u>. You must stay home the mandatory 24 hours for the amoxicillin to kick in. The pink chalky gooey must taste good medicine because he takes it like it's crack.]<br />
<br />
<br />
So Charlie did this to the police station. The really big eight books of instructions and bags after bags of Lego bricks to make Police Station.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
So Max took a deep breath, spit in his hands, rubbed them together, and went in full force. OK, so he really didn't spit in his hands and rub them together. (But it sounded good, didn't it?)<br />
<br />
<br />
I chuckled when he pulled out a book and told me he needed bag 7. Well, there it is kiddo, in one big pile, along with bags 1-6 and 8. May the force be with you.<br />
<br />
<br />
He was an utter champ.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-teaRXEZsqUo/Vt4pSf6mBSI/AAAAAAAAAsI/sNN3sIv5ESQ/s1600/IMG_3985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-teaRXEZsqUo/Vt4pSf6mBSI/AAAAAAAAAsI/sNN3sIv5ESQ/s320/IMG_3985.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
Then I was that really cool mom and took my kids to the Lego Store. Do not walk, RUN, to your nearest Lego store and try not to spend all your money.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XbsxsWSeVr4/Vt4pcf4JoTI/AAAAAAAAAsc/PFW9z6vBfnk/s1600/IMG_4005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XbsxsWSeVr4/Vt4pcf4JoTI/AAAAAAAAAsc/PFW9z6vBfnk/s320/IMG_4005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My name is Natasha and I am fully aware of my part in nurturing my children's obsession with the little bricks.<br />
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March 7th, 2016<br />
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<br />Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-27522812554310894372016-03-07T17:14:00.001-08:002016-03-07T17:14:39.213-08:00Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-3771613202391469612016-01-18T17:36:00.001-08:002016-01-18T17:36:27.777-08:00It's Farm Show time!If you are from near or even heard of Central PA - than you know about the Farm Show. It always happens right after the New Year and goes for generally about 9-10 days. Yes, folks, it's a Farm Show. The 100th annual Central Pennsylvania Farm Show.<br />
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<br />
10 things to know ... <br />
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1. It smells.<br />
2. The buses are always busy, late, crowded, never around, etc. - parking is your only "have-to" pay. 15 dollars. Big whoop. Then you take a bus to the actual location.<br />
3. It smells.<br />
4. Cows and horses will knock you over ... they have the right of way if you are in the barns ... MOVE PEOPLE.<br />
5. The baby chicks have got to be the cutest baby animals ever ... ever. <br />
6. What do they do with the butter sculpture after the farm show is over? Does everyone come on the last day with bread?<br />
7. Farm Show milkshakes and potato donuts are the greatest ever. <br />
8. Go see an auction - cannot understand a word, but pretty cool to listen and watch.<br />
9. Horses pull tractors ... did you know?<br />
10. Let your kids climb all over the tractors - it's the coolest. Just don't let them turn anything on ... like the hazard lights. Not that I have any experience with that at all. <br />
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Want to see some pictures ... ofcourse you do!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MtBMc1e3xJI/Vp2R1KUZF_I/AAAAAAAAAqs/FRWdjf_rnMQ/s1600/IMG_3817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MtBMc1e3xJI/Vp2R1KUZF_I/AAAAAAAAAqs/FRWdjf_rnMQ/s320/IMG_3817.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who's kid gets pizza at the Farm Show - mine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3BUNRCBAA5w/Vp2R1OfkYCI/AAAAAAAAAq0/7-jl4lI9lmM/s1600/IMG_3818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3BUNRCBAA5w/Vp2R1OfkYCI/AAAAAAAAAq0/7-jl4lI9lmM/s320/IMG_3818.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milkshakes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tmvj-4-1l7w/Vp2R1SPdXzI/AAAAAAAAAqw/cDQ4dGwAoGA/s1600/IMG_3819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tmvj-4-1l7w/Vp2R1SPdXzI/AAAAAAAAAqw/cDQ4dGwAoGA/s320/IMG_3819.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milkshakes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-neg1f3aNghc/Vp2R16xfZTI/AAAAAAAAArA/sfLgcQvxoE4/s1600/IMG_3820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-neg1f3aNghc/Vp2R16xfZTI/AAAAAAAAArA/sfLgcQvxoE4/s320/IMG_3820.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They really let you sit on the tractors and push buttons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tSi4tkWH9RM/Vp2R2BOqIYI/AAAAAAAAArI/AzbjxkaQeDg/s1600/IMG_3821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tSi4tkWH9RM/Vp2R2BOqIYI/AAAAAAAAArI/AzbjxkaQeDg/s320/IMG_3821.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In his glory.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--r1fUWejV4k/Vp2R3C3UXEI/AAAAAAAAArQ/em8Q-fo8leE/s1600/IMG_3824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--r1fUWejV4k/Vp2R3C3UXEI/AAAAAAAAArQ/em8Q-fo8leE/s320/IMG_3824.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which one next?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Every child must enjoy the Farm Show, at least once.<br />
<br />
January 18th, 2016<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-63695169333361230002016-01-04T17:58:00.001-08:002016-01-04T17:58:12.592-08:00Port Discovery's Children Museum, BaltimoreI truly believe that children this day and age have it made. Whoever came up with the idea of having "touchable" museums was a fucking genius.<br />
<br />
<br />
A ... GENIUS.<br />
<br />
<br />
Please ... bring your children into this enclosed space and let them run, climb, jump, scream, throw, skip, TOUCH WHATEVER THE HELL THEY WANT.<br />
<br />
<br />
Genius.<br />
<br />
<br />
I have taken Max and Charlie to the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, PA and the Hands-On Children's Museum in Lancaster, PA. Obviously, the one on Philadelphia is much larger with a much larger budget, but both are equally fun. The one in Lancaster is noticeable smaller which contains the children much better. The one in Philadelphia has displays, a caroussel, sculptures, huge water play area, rock climbing, etc. (Please see my blogpost from September 2012). Lancaster has an outside garden for bug hunting and sandbox for playtime.<br />
<br />
<br />
This past weekend, the boys and I headed to Baltimore Inner Harbor where there is the Port Discovery Children's Museum. Again, GENIUS. See the website below:<br />
<a href="http://www.portdiscovery.org/">http://www.portdiscovery.org/</a> <br />
<br />
The climbing structure on the inside is the main piece and everything else revolves around it. No one sticks to the age limits and my four year old was climbing in the 10 year old structure. Spaces are narrow and even adults were getting into the rope gym, squeezing through tubes and sliding down slides. It was so much fun and even us adults didn't want to wait our turn. I was really proud of Max and Charlie - they held their own. Charlie froze up once in a huge rope tube/ladder that took the kids to the top. He looked around ... there were so many kids. He climbed down. Max kept going up. All good.<br />
<br />
It's actually not that expensive, they help validate your parking, we packed and ate a luncheon in the car. It was fantastic ... plus you're right on the harbor. Restaurants galore, the National Aquarium, Camden Yards, boats, etc. Make a weekend of it.<br />
<br />
I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Seek out these places, jump houses, trampoline parks, anything ... get your kids moving even when it's freezing outside!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ebxeJ-4eMjQ/VoshdgO_32I/AAAAAAAAAoU/r9ujZFlzjKs/s1600/IMG_3731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ebxeJ-4eMjQ/VoshdgO_32I/AAAAAAAAAoU/r9ujZFlzjKs/s320/IMG_3731.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max and I!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uzUpANtQozM/VoshdtiwgaI/AAAAAAAAAoY/cAkm1xlVxEY/s1600/IMG_3734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uzUpANtQozM/VoshdtiwgaI/AAAAAAAAAoY/cAkm1xlVxEY/s320/IMG_3734.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My love.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-swExACthRAA/VoshqxwFufI/AAAAAAAAAqA/FlPwlArW6bI/s1600/IMG_3730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-swExACthRAA/VoshqxwFufI/AAAAAAAAAqA/FlPwlArW6bI/s320/IMG_3730.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clay Egyptian lettering.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_KZ-ypCQ34/VoshoPiX26I/AAAAAAAAAo4/yAmu8kUiJjQ/s1600/IMG_3710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_KZ-ypCQ34/VoshoPiX26I/AAAAAAAAAo4/yAmu8kUiJjQ/s320/IMG_3710.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">climbing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sKpYfWXXju4/VoshodGkAXI/AAAAAAAAApA/st8SktgAG5A/s1600/IMG_3712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sKpYfWXXju4/VoshodGkAXI/AAAAAAAAApA/st8SktgAG5A/s320/IMG_3712.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">climbing more</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YZj2ZuhkHwo/VoshooEcb5I/AAAAAAAAApI/HhEIcqBE_Gg/s1600/IMG_3713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YZj2ZuhkHwo/VoshooEcb5I/AAAAAAAAApI/HhEIcqBE_Gg/s320/IMG_3713.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and more.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DEXYDQR8SlI/VoshpKoMg0I/AAAAAAAAApY/3CF1_Ss7GvU/s1600/IMG_3720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DEXYDQR8SlI/VoshpKoMg0I/AAAAAAAAApY/3CF1_Ss7GvU/s320/IMG_3720.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tractors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HDa_dF7I2f0/VoshpsBfEWI/AAAAAAAAApg/6xRJH03FyjE/s1600/IMG_3721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HDa_dF7I2f0/VoshpsBfEWI/AAAAAAAAApg/6xRJH03FyjE/s320/IMG_3721.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and crops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l76zwYqaRy8/VoshpilniUI/AAAAAAAAApk/uWX1Zf1olvU/s1600/IMG_3723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l76zwYqaRy8/VoshpilniUI/AAAAAAAAApk/uWX1Zf1olvU/s320/IMG_3723.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">big foam Legos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RqDUfMPaIL0/Voshqh6CuBI/AAAAAAAAAp8/CU_oHeFYr6s/s1600/IMG_3729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RqDUfMPaIL0/Voshqh6CuBI/AAAAAAAAAp8/CU_oHeFYr6s/s320/IMG_3729.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shopping</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qv-Jrr38lZg/VoshnT27xXI/AAAAAAAAAow/rsDGs3gFsbo/s1600/IMG_3709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qv-Jrr38lZg/VoshnT27xXI/AAAAAAAAAow/rsDGs3gFsbo/s320/IMG_3709.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sir Charlie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
January 4th, 2016<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-81427973467873276172016-01-01T19:01:00.002-08:002016-01-01T19:01:40.180-08:00I really need to write more ... Happy New Year ... 2016. Weren't we supposed to have flying cars by now? Computers in our eyes? Robots to do it all for us?<br />
<br />
I think we're doing alright ...<br />
<br />
I was crafting at 7:00am this morning ... how about you?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--TVrv0_U1fE/VocwF_HnORI/AAAAAAAAAn0/1FdLPFcNKGI/s1600/IMG_3703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--TVrv0_U1fE/VocwF_HnORI/AAAAAAAAAn0/1FdLPFcNKGI/s320/IMG_3703.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie and his paper bag cow ... for Maximo, my student, the farmer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bf4QFKD2fS0/VocwF5-fkOI/AAAAAAAAAn4/VBkquKp7bUk/s1600/IMG_3704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bf4QFKD2fS0/VocwF5-fkOI/AAAAAAAAAn4/VBkquKp7bUk/s320/IMG_3704.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Max and his pop stick puppet cow.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
2015 has come to a close and 2016 has begun. I actually made it to midnight this time, keeping myself occupied with a ROLLTIDE shut out, thank you notes, and setting up my bullet journal. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm still here.</div>
<div>
I hope you readers out there will be reading from me more this year. That is a resolution ... I promise.<br /><br />
But can I make some resolutions for my sons ...<br />
<br />
Max will ...<br />
1. not pick on his brother so much.<br />
2. brush his teeth without being told.<br />
3. willingly eat more vegetables than just green beans.<br />
4. make his bed.<br />
5. not move his boat from the "Happy Pirate" zone into the "Rough Seas" at kindergarten. <br />
6. not lose his desire to hug and kiss me goodbye every day I leave for work.<br />
7. stop picking his nose and biting his nails.<br />
8. jump off the diving board at the swimming pool.<br />
9. stop using training wheels.<br />
10. always need me.<br />
11. be a leader, not a follower.<br />
<br />
Charlie will ...<br />
1. stop making police siren noises at all times.<br />
2. control his behaviors.<br />
3. not lose his desire to hug and kiss me goodbye every day I leave for work.<br />
4. will have more than one good day a week at school.<br />
5. successfully start kindergarten.<br />
6. keep waking up and calling for me, even though it is sometimes too early, I get worried when he doesn't.<br />
6. get over his annoyance of busy classrooms, "too many friends" and be able to hold his own.<br />
7. write his name legibly.<br />
8. name every car brand out there by symbol.<br />
9. not let his disability define him.<br />
10. use utensils for an entire meal.<br />
11. always need me.<br />
<br />
Natasha will ...<br />
1. blog more.<br />
2. keep up to date with her bullet journal.<br />
3. be a good person.<br />
4. not be that mom.<br />
5. be a beast in the gym.<br />
6. sleep more.<br />
7. learn how to help her sons more.<br />
8. write for the Huffington Post 6 times.<br />
9. play in the dirt.<br />
10. figure out more than she did last year.<br />
11. tell her husband every day she loves him so much.<br />
12. stop being critical of herself.<br />
<br />
Let's get started.<br />
<br />
January 1, 2016<br />
<br /></div>
Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-35703661687972245512015-10-02T18:37:00.000-07:002015-10-02T18:37:14.272-07:00"non-food" birthday's<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Turn back the time machine to when you were in elementary school. I had Mrs. Schilling in 3rd grade at Newlonsburg Elementary School in Murrysville, PA at Franklin Regional School District. She was so cute, blond wavy wispy hair, wore long plaid jumpers in the winter, gave out stickers. I had Mrs. Cady in 4th grade with her color changing shoes. Mr. Ogline in 5th grade - "the coolest" math teacher ever. I wore homemade clothes and sweatshirts you would make out of puffy paints. I remember my first pair of jeans in 5th grade - yes, 5th grade. My best friend changed weekly, Erik Connors "liked" me. He was my boyfriend, than he wasn't. We "hated" each other, we "loved" each other. NKOTB, Metallica, Def Leopard, and Paula Abdul. "Straight Up" and "Pour Some Sugar on Me." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you remember birthdays in elementary schools? You were the king or queen for the day! I remember hanging the number 15 on the October calendar on my special day. I got to pick out a game or pass out papers. It. Was. Awesome. Yet, the best part was bringing in your favorite treat to share with your class. An extra treat on your special day! For just one day, you were the most popular person in the 3rd grade because you had chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or cupcakes and everything that was normally going on had to stop so that you could be celebrated. Everyone got a snack all because of you. You could walk down the hallway and share your cookies with the other teachers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My Max just turned 6. He had been so excited, asking for Legos, wanting cake, making us aware - 3 more days, 2 more days, 1 more day. Unfortunately, Max cannot take cookies, or brownies, or cupcakes to his kindergarten friends. Max's school district, not kindergarten, school district has a policy of no food treats for a child's birthday. I'm sorry ... WHAT? WTH? My child is turning 6, he has new friends, a new school, a new teacher, but I cannot bring in cookies? This infuriates me to no end. I can't even fathom. Needless to say, Max looked at me as though I had a horn growing out of my head when I explained this to him. What do you mean, no brownies? How may we celebrate? Pencils, they say. Erasers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whoa ... hold up, I get to buy 18 small children a pencil to celebrate my child's birthday? WOW. Any 5 year old will obviously not be able to contain their pure elation over receiving a new pencil the 4th week of school after coming to school the first day with the dozen their mom or dad already bought them. Do you sense my sarcasm ... laying it on kind of thick. What kid wants a pencil? I'm going to <u>assume</u> more kids would want an f'ing brownie. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oo6wda1AXxY/Vg8wt1GGoRI/AAAAAAAAAnA/yrIRsVNzLiQ/s1600/IMG_3378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oo6wda1AXxY/Vg8wt1GGoRI/AAAAAAAAAnA/yrIRsVNzLiQ/s320/IMG_3378.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Each child got 2 Avengers pencils.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I get it. Peanut allergies are rampant. It is so much more severe for some poor children than I could even imagine - heaven forbid I not be able to have peanut butter. It's not that hard to adhere to a no-peanut request. And if you're so concerned about a healthy atmosphere or healthy lifestyle, leave that at home. If children are raised to be healthy children, most likely they'll grow up to live as healthy adults. A healthy child starts at home, not at daycare or school, but at home. Do you not allow your children to go to a birthday party for the fear of cake or cupcakes? Really? It's a rite of passage in my mind; birthday parties with hot dogs or pizza and a big ol' birthday cake with the most popular cartoon character of the day emblazoned on top in an edible sugar cake topper. Then they leave with a bag full of absolutely pointless, plastic, break after two times, trinkets and toys and guess what ... more candy!!!!!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's the child's birthday. It is their day. Why can you not let them share it as they wish, with a sugary sweet treat to share with their friends and special treatment like passing out papers or show and tell. Let them live, for goodness sake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rant over.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">October 2nd, 2015 </span>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-40199149095954334912015-09-06T18:43:00.003-07:002015-09-06T18:44:02.088-07:00Who are you and where are my children?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter";">**Disclaimer
– There may or may not be a plate of French fries and a beer next to me as I
write this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter";">Michael saw
it all over my face yesterday when he came home for an hour or so between his
double shifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He simply sighed and put
on a very sympathetic “I’m sorry you have to deal with this” face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was fighting back tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then I couldn’t fight them back
anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was losing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sons were winning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter";">Everyone
said “terrible twos.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t the
two’s so much, but the threes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both my
kids went through it … Charlie really went through it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when did my 4 year old and almost 6 year
old become three again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was some kind of
procedure done overnight … that one night they slept really well perhaps?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter";">Charlie has
been seeing doctors since last year; sleep specialists, pediatricians, play
therapists, occupational therapists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
give so much credit to his wonderful teachers at the U-Gro Center in Hershey,
PA and the lovely occupational therapists we see almost weekly at the Penn
State Hershey Medical Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ultimately
he has to come home and be just as good for me, or Michael, or both of us as
his teachers might see him on a daily basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He doesn’t sleep as much as he should at night, he screams, he’s loud,
he’s wakes his friends up at naptime, don’t get me started about potty
training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Case in point – he declares,
“I don’t care” after messing his pants.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We went through a very hard spring and summer was time to collect
ourselves at home … and we did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is he
misbehaving because Max is now in kindergarten and he’s not, is it because he’s
moved up a classroom, is it because I have gone back to work?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IDK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can use lingo with him, I can slow him down, I know when he needs sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s my job, I’m his mom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter";">Max … I have
no answer with Max.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Max has become a
little (expletive).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fill in as you
wish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a couple I use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just rotate them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What, do you think you’re a big man just
because you’re in kindergarten?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far
as I know, you still cry when you get a boo-boo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You still want your favorite book read at
night, need a huggle, want me to do crafts during quiet time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, why … why are you testing me, testing
your teachers at U-Gro, testing Daddy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday
as I tried to talk to him he shut his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The little (expletive) shut his eyes on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After every failed attempt at trying to
“talk” to my boy, he was put in his room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He then proceeded to almost put his fist through a wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to calm him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had to grab hold, and hold on, and calm him.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not my sweet little boy who I
have not ever had a problem with before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He will growl at me, wag his finger at me, bare his teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry … NO.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry Max, but you will not run this
house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter";">Needless to
say, by the end of the night, they each had a slapped bum and an early
bedtime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t hear much past
7:30pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SUCCESS!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to see the whole soccer game!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awake by 5:00am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FAIL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter";">We’ll try
again tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t get me wrong, I love my boys, but sometimes I don’t like them very
much. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: American Typewriter;">September 6th, 2015</span></div>
Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-84712980111651716332015-04-27T19:53:00.000-07:002015-04-27T19:53:07.740-07:00STHS Mini-Thon 2015And again ...<br />
<br />
I am so blessed and proud to say I am these kid's teacher. They bless my career every day. Words cannot give justice to what I see them do on a daily basis. This year, our school raised over $20,000.00. We are not a huge high school, but we're huge at heart. The way I can see students of all kinds come together for the common cause - Pediatric cancer - amazes me every day.<br />
I was able to donate 13 inches of hair after our top fundraiser, Hannah Denk, cut it off. Might I add, she has just been added to the 2015 Penn State Cheerleaders line-up. <br />
Here are a few snapshots from the night.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFtRhFN4W-s/VT70-QVmlRI/AAAAAAAAAk0/oudF7fGnMxo/s1600/IMG_4624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFtRhFN4W-s/VT70-QVmlRI/AAAAAAAAAk0/oudF7fGnMxo/s1600/IMG_4624.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhyce, the greatest swimmer of all STHS!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FU46zTxZbqE/VT70_CKLyxI/AAAAAAAAAlc/bm00N4Hz8ic/s1600/IMG_4626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FU46zTxZbqE/VT70_CKLyxI/AAAAAAAAAlc/bm00N4Hz8ic/s1600/IMG_4626.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">adopted children</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zas9SeKiOIY/VT70_NLTqfI/AAAAAAAAAlA/t469nDgT6p4/s1600/IMG_4627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zas9SeKiOIY/VT70_NLTqfI/AAAAAAAAAlA/t469nDgT6p4/s1600/IMG_4627.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">adopted children ... AGAIN</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttI5eaie2kQ/VT70_6E0CQI/AAAAAAAAAlY/1wPKmSsCBeI/s1600/IMG_4630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttI5eaie2kQ/VT70_6E0CQI/AAAAAAAAAlY/1wPKmSsCBeI/s1600/IMG_4630.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STHS's Baseball Team - getting serious about dodgeball.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2R7Iz2576w/VT71A_Mxz8I/AAAAAAAAAlo/gNj6_tOijGY/s1600/IMG_4633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2R7Iz2576w/VT71A_Mxz8I/AAAAAAAAAlo/gNj6_tOijGY/s1600/IMG_4633.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zumba</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cRXA-wdba-Q/VT71BLzY_8I/AAAAAAAAAls/oNHGgxEQ2FQ/s1600/IMG_4636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cRXA-wdba-Q/VT71BLzY_8I/AAAAAAAAAls/oNHGgxEQ2FQ/s1600/IMG_4636.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and it was there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k0uPiM4EN9k/VT71B6dyHMI/AAAAAAAAAl4/5HQ_qO8sbqU/s1600/IMG_4648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k0uPiM4EN9k/VT71B6dyHMI/AAAAAAAAAl4/5HQ_qO8sbqU/s1600/IMG_4648.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">now it's not</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXPl__xd6wo/VT70-0JLv0I/AAAAAAAAAk8/MqH7vlPN9sI/s1600/IMG_4622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXPl__xd6wo/VT70-0JLv0I/AAAAAAAAAk8/MqH7vlPN9sI/s1600/IMG_4622.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the ELITE squad; Moody, BG, and Sam I am</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XLVxydoGQTw/VT70-qygF_I/AAAAAAAAAk4/eoygIN8sAew/s1600/IMG_4620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XLVxydoGQTw/VT70-qygF_I/AAAAAAAAAk4/eoygIN8sAew/s1600/IMG_4620.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Jeanne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />April 27, 2015<br /><br />Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-64142596146631509742015-04-14T18:48:00.000-07:002015-04-14T18:48:54.697-07:00school mom <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter";">I have two
sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are my life and joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dread the daily report from daycare if my
younger son has had a “rough day.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rough
days happen more often than good days it seems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is a challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My older son
is too smart for his own good … and he knows it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sometimes think he’s smarter than me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d do ANYTHING for my children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ANYTHING.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They also drive me nuts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: American Typewriter;">Well, this
isn’t about my children today.</span><span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter';"> </span><span style="font-family: American Typewriter;">It’s
about the hundreds of students that are put in my hands every day.</span><span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter';"> </span><span style="font-family: American Typewriter;">They are special, as well.</span><span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter';"> </span><span style="font-family: American Typewriter;">They are someone else’s children, someone
else’s baby.</span><span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter';"> </span><span style="font-family: American Typewriter;">They also drive me nuts.</span><span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter';"> </span><span style="font-family: American Typewriter;">One of my best, my “daughter,” had a rough
game, and I can say I cried for her. I find myself crying when I know her and her friends will soon be graduates. Another toughed out an AP simulation, believed she performed badly, and
still stayed for tutoring.</span><span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter';"> </span><span style="font-family: American Typewriter;">Another
pushed my buttons, but I could still help him with his homework.</span><span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter';"> </span><span style="font-family: American Typewriter;">He was doing what I asked him to, and that’s
a win in my book.</span><span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter';"> </span><span style="font-family: American Typewriter;">One of our’s is
dealing with chemo right now, dealing with a sick mom, divorcing parents, etc.</span><span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter';"> </span><span style="font-family: American Typewriter;">And I cry.</span><span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter';">
</span><span style="font-family: American Typewriter;">I cry all the time for these kids.</span><span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter';">
</span><span style="font-family: American Typewriter;">They’re kids.</span><span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter';"> </span><span style="font-family: American Typewriter;">They’re not grown,
even though they claim they are.</span><span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter';"> </span><span style="font-family: American Typewriter;">They
don’t pay a mortgage, work and be a parent, be a wife, be a dad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter";">I work for
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today was an extremely hard day,
and the students were the easy part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever
felt judged … it happened today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever
felt under appreciated … it happened today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every felt taken for granted … it happened today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When will we as colleagues appreciate each
other and the sacrifices we each make?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When will we as educators, as PROFESSIONALS, be appreciated for what we
do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When will a month go by or a week go
by and we as educators do not question our choice in profession?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When will teaching truly be teaching again?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter";">I saw
disagreements today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw a certain
throwing under the bus occur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw many
taken for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we were
heartbroken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I have no answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I’ll go to bed soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get up, shower, get dressed, make myself look
professional, and go to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because
we’re professionals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s what we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because at the end of the day, it’s about the
students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter";">And that’s
why a few of them call me “School Mom.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-10263241663964174852015-03-28T19:16:00.002-07:002015-03-28T19:16:59.341-07:00Paint Up FTK, March 28, 2015 … and it snowed.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I feel pretty great to say I work with these amazing
teachers and most amazing kids. Today was one of the kick-off events to the
Susquehanna Township’s SD annual THON “FTK” Four Diamond’s 12-hour fundraiser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday, we had two assemblies welcoming
Coach Pantalone to our auditorium where he spoke on the heartbreak of losing
his son to a very rare form of cancer, yet his ‘courage’ and ‘strength’ and dynamics
impressed us all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he spoke on his
son’s adamant nature of declaring how he had lived a life, that “he was good,”
we all teared up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are each and every day impressed with how Ashley
LOVESTHON Otstott goes on, achieves awards, raises money, receives Distinguished
Honors as a junior in High School, and yet still knows there is something in
her, a form of a most terrible disease that has been in her body for almost her
entire life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her parents and sister are
heroes themselves knowing what their child and sister go through and doing all
they can but not what they absolutely want to; get rid of the disease that
plagues their daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We as a student body, faculty and staff, were told that another
one of our own, one of our own Indian tribe, has been diagnosed with a form of sarcoma
that has changed his, his family, and all our lives forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This young man is a senior at our high
school, an amazing runner and swimmer, plays in the marching band, and is on
his way to college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He should have ran
today, yet instead he is at Penn State Hershey Medical Center having begun
treatment towards his illness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A most
terrible disease that has suddenly slammed him in the face like a door and
become real to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ll be cutting my hair off at our annual event this April,
perhaps Ashley will cut it off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
little, but something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can donate
towards this amazing annual event at my school to help kids with cancer, please
follow the link below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://fourdiamonds.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=28084"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">http://fourdiamonds.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=28084</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Enjoy the photos! </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bLFOGqDYBhs/VRdfFaBfdjI/AAAAAAAAAjo/GcO3raK6NZo/s1600/ftk%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bLFOGqDYBhs/VRdfFaBfdjI/AAAAAAAAAjo/GcO3raK6NZo/s1600/ftk%2B1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashley with Coach Pantalone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kq-B0Sx5nbU/VRdfF9MuWII/AAAAAAAAAj0/ti28jEHHfvg/s1600/ftk%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kq-B0Sx5nbU/VRdfF9MuWII/AAAAAAAAAj0/ti28jEHHfvg/s1600/ftk%2B2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3oefR0tADT8/VRdfFaCXtmI/AAAAAAAAAjs/Pcn47LBLrgg/s1600/ftk%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3oefR0tADT8/VRdfFaCXtmI/AAAAAAAAAjs/Pcn47LBLrgg/s1600/ftk%2B3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It snowed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywy8hIP_z00/VRdfF58YtmI/AAAAAAAAAkA/sw22a0Ehylw/s1600/ftk%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywy8hIP_z00/VRdfF58YtmI/AAAAAAAAAkA/sw22a0Ehylw/s1600/ftk%2B4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my favorite people ... the STHS Softball Team. Ashley is in the middle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUwyIwkGkbI/VRdfF95nR7I/AAAAAAAAAj4/dztZ382CTbU/s1600/ftk%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUwyIwkGkbI/VRdfF95nR7I/AAAAAAAAAj4/dztZ382CTbU/s1600/ftk%2B5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Malikul</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9eWVk2UDrZM/VRdfGUgvPDI/AAAAAAAAAkI/2oT0CJjLLtI/s1600/ftk%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9eWVk2UDrZM/VRdfGUgvPDI/AAAAAAAAAkI/2oT0CJjLLtI/s1600/ftk%2B6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss STHS, Hanns, with Jake Evans, the event chair.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mvM-Kj810eY/VRdfGmR04eI/AAAAAAAAAkU/TMYzT32Syrs/s1600/ftk%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mvM-Kj810eY/VRdfGmR04eI/AAAAAAAAAkU/TMYzT32Syrs/s1600/ftk%2B7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crazies ... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KBrmCxNRKNU/VRdfG6DzRYI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/lFAeDtHCY3c/s1600/ftk%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KBrmCxNRKNU/VRdfG6DzRYI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/lFAeDtHCY3c/s1600/ftk%2B8.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Still, our leader, with Miss A. <br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>March 30th, 2015</o:p></span></div>
<br />
Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-83558611959473684432015-02-08T17:13:00.004-08:002015-02-08T17:13:46.849-08:00poopEverybody poops ... everybody ... but why does it have to be a constant wonder to my children. When I poop, I want to be alone. <br />
<br />
Not my kids ... they want the door wide open for everyone to partake in the wonder, the smell, the sounds, the color, the ... shit. Because that is what it is, shit. When Daddy poops, they want to be there. When mommy poops, they want to be there. When the dog poops, they want to be there. Um, I live in central PA - it's cold outside.<br />
<br />
Max is amazing. Potty training was so easy with him once he did it at the ripe old age of ... 3 and a number of months. One morning ... no pull-up. Underpants. Nope. Underpants. He even sat on the pot, every single time, to drop a deuce.<br />
<br />
Charlie finds a particular enjoyment in pooping in his pull-up. He tells you when he's doing it too. Thanks kid. Believe me, I know. It smells. I find it 100% a win for the day if I can get him to sit on the potty and drop a deuce or try to drop a deuce. Finish one. Try to start one. WHATEVER. Did I mention he wants to see his poop??!?!?!?!???????!!?!?!?<br />
<br />
I think he's scared. As a constipated child, when he finally passed a BM it was a wonder for all to take part in due to his ceiling level screaming ... in PAIN. Poor baby. Prunes, apples, Miralax, whatever ... nothing fully helped. He will tell me it's hard to sometimes. I feel for the kid ... no one likes to be constipated, but mama's bank account is broke. I can't keep buying pull-ups.<br />
<br />
Hopefully he can figure this out by kindergarten.<br />
<br />
February 8th, 2015<br />
<br />
<br />Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-84307304916741452652015-01-03T04:26:00.001-08:002015-01-03T04:26:29.100-08:00I will ... Do you make resolutions?<br />
<br />
I'm going to get in shape. I'm going to take better care of myself. I'm going to travel. I'm going to ... brush my teeth more ... I don't know.<br />
<br />
What if we all resolved not to make resolutions. What if we all went on with our lives as we have for countless days prior? What if we made resolutions so outlandish and against "the general policy" that it were to cancel the entire practice altogether?<br />
<br />
I resolve to ...<br />
<br />
not feel guilty eating that second piece of cake.<br />
<br />
hug my child more.<br />
<br />
take more naps.<br />
<br />
sit on my bum every once in a while.<br />
<br />
let my kids stay in their pajamas all day.<br />
<br />
take more risks.<br />
<br />
do nothing.<br />
<br />
whine.<br />
<br />
drink more wine.<br />
<br />
stop and count before I yell ... whatever the situation.<br />
<br />
pay it forward.<br />
<br />
write more letters.<br />
<br />
fall asleep on the couch.<br />
<br />
take more walks.<br />
<br />
eat a box of chocolates for dinner.<br />
<br />
compliment my students more, and be more patient with them.<br />
<br />
read lots of good books.<br />
<br />
to not worry about unidentified spots on my clothes.<br />
<br />
to leave dishes in the sink.<br />
<br />
to continue being me, making mistakes, not being perfect, being as good as I can be, trust in God, and not be ashamed to say I'm wrong.<br />
<br />
There ... that should cover it.<br />
<br />
January 3rd, 2015<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-77174789084859208472014-11-02T15:21:00.002-08:002014-11-02T15:21:30.837-08:00What My Students Taught Me
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I’m a teacher, pretty damn proud of
that fact. Yes, the smell of new
textbooks, the sound it makes when the binding is cracked, Ticonderoga brand
pencils, Trapper Keepers; it all does it for me. Yet, nowadays, I have noticed that I don’t
just teach, I learn. I can be
taught. I can listen. I can take criticism. If my lesson sucks, tell me. Does that mean I can tell you about yourself
as a student? I sometimes feel
underappreciated, I feel worthless, and I get pissed off. If I think about this to myself, I will often
get a sudden urge to blurt out in front of room 214, “Do you know how late I
stayed up last night doing all this work for you and now you throw it in the
garbage can …”, it wouldn’t be the first or last time. I work my ass off to teach my students. But I also understand that I am meant to be a
learner, because I love learning. How
cliché? Aren’t we meant to be life long
learners as educators? Here’s the catch
though … I learn from <u>my students</u>.
Most of the teachers around me don’t teach me much, but the students do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They have taught me how to care in a
manner I have never cared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
learned to buy extra snacks for my teacher desk drawers because someone is
always hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They always need pencils,
Band-Aids for too tight shoes, boy advice, girl advice, parent advice, and
college advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They still cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re still sensitive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know what they want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know who they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know what they believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just want to hug them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Girls talk about girls and say mean things when
you have thought they are friends … and then they turncoat on each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s sad and makes me first of all disbelieve
I was ever that way, even though embarrassingly I know I was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secondly, and more importantly, they have
taught me they are tough on the inside, but also outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ll get through and think back “How
silly” just like I do all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What I just said, I have known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is what I am learning now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They teach me just how apathetic and ignorant
they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They blame everything and
everyone around them for their lack of “whatever” except themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not one of those stories where I tell
you how I walked up hill, both ways, in the snow, with wet shoes to school <u>and</u>
I appreciated it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never walked to
school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never had holes in my
shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The worst was standing outside in
the snow – it was cold – but snow is cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I did carry textbooks, big heavy ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was no such thing as a classroom set.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We carried our books from class to class to
class because we went to our lockers in the morning, and afternoon, and we
never questioned that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids have really
grown a set to question our expectations in their everyday scholastic lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Students believe themselves
entitled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Entitled to whatever they
want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, before you get all hot and
bothered under the collar, get your panties in a bunch, take a chill pill … I’m
generalizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s right, profilin’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every student is not this way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are still the ones who care, who value
and appreciate their education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
I challenge you to show me a teacher who cannot say they have seen this plain
truth in the flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If our students are passing, that is
all that matters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Passing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’m talking passing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A 59.5% is passing in the school district I
teach at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A 59.5% rounds to a 60, that
is the lowest D- you can earn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I do
say earn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grades aren’t given; at least
not in classroom 214.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids will try to
negotiate with me about having homework?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One such situation; a boy asked a buddy to do one side of a worksheet
and he would do the other side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
could switch answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This same student
then negotiated the other side with someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did he do any work?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NONE. What happened to the dignity, the
prestige, the honor of earning a really high grade and being proud of your own
hard work in the matter?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember
sitting up for hours studying APUSH, doing a French Cultural project, don’t get
me started about Calculus … but I did it because it was expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a student.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My job was to learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I went to school I could not stand in
front of a Smart Board and take a picture with my cell phone instead of copying
the notes from the board myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote
until my hand hurt … literally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was afraid
to miss something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fell asleep with
textbooks in my lap in the middle of the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I started the coffeemaker at 10pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My parents were in bed asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could not imagine failing … let alone a B or [gasp] a C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When did this become OK?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When did it become acceptable to not do your
best, but just pass?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All is well if you
pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me started on getting
paid for good grades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Is it all a show?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do they actually care, but just want to act
“cool” and seem as though they don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can’t tell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had too many students tell me they
would rather take a 0 then do the assignment or try again to think it is all a
show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How disappointing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And that is what it is … I’m
disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As teachers, we hold on to
that hope, that dream, that “joy”, that we will have the privilege of teaching
those students (or even a few students, I’ll take a few at this point) who care
about their future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That we can say we
sat across a table from them, challenged them to think, and saw them win that
challenge due to hard work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I saw
every day those students who put in every ounce of effort they can … A for
effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who know they are not the
next D1 athlete, or D2, or D3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
not the next HOVA or “creative genius” but they are just an everyday
all-American, drive a 10-year-old Honda student who works their ass off and is
rewarded for their hard work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they
might not go to Harvard, but they go to a pretty great university, perhaps they
rush, perhaps they don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They go to
class because that is what their loans or their scholarships or their parents’
hard earned money is paying for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
earn high grades by going to classes that actually happen, and do their work,
and are proud of their achievements and they find a job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Perhaps they become a teacher and
stand in front of a classroom of 30 students who maybe smell, perhaps they seem
sleepy, perhaps they’re high, and will say … this is what Mrs. Walizer was
talking about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It’s 10:26 pm on a Tuesday night and
I’m tired, but one of my classes did not fair so well today, so I’m rewriting
an assignment to help them. Perhaps not
all of them will end up in the circular file tomorrow.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-39796886854973325332014-10-13T18:57:00.001-07:002014-10-13T18:57:30.255-07:00Sometimes ... you just put the kids in daycare ...My husband and I don't get much time together ... just the two of us ... (we can make it if we try, just the two of us).<br />
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His work shifts generally start at 7am or 8am. I say his shifts start ... there is no end time. The end time is when everything is handled. That's what you get when you're the Front of House Manager at The Hotel Hershey.<br />
<br />
I'm a teacher. I'm at my high school generally by 7am and I leave at around 4pm. I get the boys since Michael has dropped them off and we wait for Daddy to come home. When he comes home we have dinner, take baths, do programs, do bedtime, and off I go to the basement to appease my very busy teaching schedule with lesson planning, worksheet making, and test grading while Michael answers emails, texts, meeting reminders, etc. <br />
<br />
Today was one of those rare occasions. I had Columbus Day off and he could ask for the day off and DAYCARE WAS OPEN. So, I 100% admit that we put the boys in daycare and we had our day.<br />
<br />
It might of involved:<br />
<br />
sleep in<br />
lie in<br />
coffee in bed<br />
"coffee in bed"<br />
lunch<br />
winery<br />
solving world hunger<br />
laughs<br />
mockery<br />
kudos in whatever to each other<br />
lovely dinner with our boys<br />
picking them up together - both being heroes<br />
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Damn, we needed it.<br />
<br />
And it just so happens to be my 36th birthday in 2 days. Great occasion!<br />
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October 13th, 2014<br />
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<br />Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-27884968672411488162014-09-05T18:26:00.001-07:002014-09-05T18:26:19.021-07:00I can vote now ...So, it's happened. I finally did it. I took the plunge, or more literally, the OATH.<br />
<br />
I am now a citizen of the great country of the United States of America. <br />
<br />
It's been a process that started back in April, maybe March. Do the form, send the form, pay the money, get your picture taken, get your fingerprints, go to an initial hearing, get more pictures, get your documents, study for the test, get the interview, go to the interview, pass the interview, go to the ceremony, raise your hand, say the words, CRY. Because I did. As a dear friend said to me today, you will finally feel like you belong. And he was right.<br />
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My dear husband joined me today with our two sons, who he wrangled in place while I sat and raised my hand and said the words and was accepted. I think he took a few people out when trying to get me on tape saying the oath. What a dear.<br />
<br />
But I can vote now.<br />
<br />
And I belong.<br />
<br />
And I am proud to say that I am now an American.<br />
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September 5th, 2014Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-72867950227616852242014-09-01T19:58:00.002-07:002014-09-01T19:58:23.321-07:00Hey, where's Perry?I'll take a great shopping trip whenever I can.<br />
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Today, my boys let me get coffee and breakfast, and joined me. We looked for winter coats(yes, I was that mum kneeling on the floor of Carter's Outlet as my boys tried on 4T, 5T, size small coats) as I judged what a sweatshirt underneath would do to sleeve length. They also helped me window shop <u>and</u> choose a dress for my OATH ceremony this Friday. I'll try it on later. So, did I reward them? Yes, I did.<br />
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Hey, where's Perry?<br />
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September 1st, 2014<br />
<br />Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-27654753947885275902014-08-24T19:33:00.000-07:002014-08-24T19:33:10.343-07:00the things pregnancy does to usThe end of summer ... and its been long. Let me tell you how it started.<br />
<br />
My summer started early, you see. As of April 29th, I have been to a vein specialist ten times, maybe 11. I lost count. For much of my life I have suffered from the very unsightly and often painful condition of varicosity. The technical definition quoteth http://www.webmd.com<br />
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"Varicose veins are <a href="http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/varicose-veins" style="color: #1295cc; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">twisted, enlarged veins</a><a href="http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/varicose-veins" style="color: #1295cc; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="camera.gif" border="0" src="http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/media/interface/camera.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-width: initial; border-width: initial;" /></a>near the surface of the <a href="http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/picture-of-the-skin" style="color: #1295cc; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">skin</a>. They are most common in the legs and <a href="http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/picture-of-the-ankle" style="color: #1295cc; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">ankles</a>. They usually aren't serious, but they can sometimes lead to other problems.</div>
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Varicose veins are caused by weakened valves and veins in your legs. Normally, one-way valves in your veins keep <a href="http://www.webmd.com/heart/anatomy-picture-of-blood" style="color: #1295cc; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">blood</a> flowing from your legs up toward your <a href="http://www.webmd.com/heart/picture-of-the-heart" style="color: #1295cc; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">heart</a>. When these valves do not work as they should, blood collects in your legs, and pressure builds up. The veins become weak, large, and twisted.</div>
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Varicose veins often run in families. Aging also increases your risk.</div>
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Being <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-obesity" style="color: #1295cc; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">overweight</a> or <a href="http://www.webmd.com/baby/default.htm" style="color: #1295cc; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">pregnant</a> or having a job where you must stand for long periods of time increases pressure on leg veins. This can lead to varicose veins.</div>
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Varicose veins look dark blue, swollen, and twisted under the skin."</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I will spare you the pictures. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Laser treatments(injections of local so they can shove a laser up your dead vein and kill it), phlebectomies(stab avulsion and scalpel cuts to pull out your veins with clamps WHILE YOU ARE AWAKE - they look like shoelaces by the way), sclerotherapy(foam injections to be bound with really big PUFF balls), compression hose(boy, these are something special), large maxi-pads taped to my legs(YES, maxi-pads), bruising, discoloring, limping, inquisitive toddlers, etc. etc. etc. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But I am on my way to being done ... thank goodness. Unfortunately, my doctor has retired in ... 7 days. My last appointment he wanted to pop one of the small clots in my left leg, but I wouldn't let him as my boys were with me, so I must now start (or shall we say continue) these procedures with a new doctor. I loved my doctor. I will miss him. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tomorrow, I will go back to school with fewer veins, more bruising, and inquiring students. These procedures kicked my ass. I never expected to be so tired, I never expected it to be so painful; and I can take pain. The hose are a joy - let me tell you. Sooooo tight. You sweat putting them on. NOT COOL in the summer, not cool. At least the students will not think I have aliens growing in my legs anymore. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What have I learned from all this ... I should of had this done a long time ago. Atleast before considering pregnancies. As you can imagine, they(my veins, because THEY'RE people) got so much worse with each pregnancy. After Max, I said I would take care of them after nursing and before another one. Well ... doesn't always happen that way as I was pregnant again before I had finished nursing Max. (WOW, I was fertile.) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It could have been worse, but it could have been better. I'm happy to be on the road to recovery. Showering with a garbage bag duct taped around your leg is overrated. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">August 24th, 2014</span></div>
Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-9570724246232112612014-07-01T10:44:00.000-07:002014-07-01T10:44:02.482-07:00I'm published!!So, it's just one article, but I still feel pretty cool.<br />
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/natasha-walizer/what-is-a-teacher_b_5545882.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/natasha-walizer/what-is-a-teacher_b_5545882.html</a><br />
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Perhaps one of these blog entries will make it there one day. <br />
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July 1st, 2014Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-78372170150255605162014-06-14T18:20:00.000-07:002014-06-14T18:20:41.852-07:00My name is Max and I WILL take over the world ... with corks.<br />
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Let's just settle one thing first and foremost. NO. One hundred percent NON. Nee-et. Nein.<br />
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I did not drink all the wine that produced this many corks. I might have helped, but not ALL.<br />
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I'm lucky I did not break my ass.<br />
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seriously ...<br />
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Got to acknowledge his creativity ...<br />
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June 14th, 2014Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-64118772696642583852014-06-05T12:51:00.001-07:002014-06-05T12:51:47.674-07:00Lititz, PA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had recently had the great pleasure of visiting Lititz, PA - the so-named "America's Coolest Small Town." No really, that's what it is called. Thanks to the advice from one dear Brandy Brandt, a colleague of mine, we all decided to venture out because we actually had a day off together. I know, GASP!<br />
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<a href="http://lititzpa.com/">http://lititzpa.com/</a><br />
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I have to say, it really was a cool little town. There was the Sturgis Pretzel factory where my boys helped twist pretzels and "mock-play" putting them in the old ovens. The Wilbur Chocolate Factory ... almost as good as Hershey's ofcourse, offered many tasty treats and streets were lined with quaint little shops and boutiques where you could buy some Hot Pepper Jelly for only 8.99!<br />
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My favorite part would have to have been the old English, true to style, British pub where there was no table service, you must order from the bar where they sold Walker's crisps, many a brew, and staple son the menu were bangers and mash, cornish pasties, and fish and chips. Max and Charlie did not so much enjoy the British fare yet Michael and I went to town. It was perfect.<br />
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Explore your towns ... see what is out there!<br />
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Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-16271581444078330572014-05-23T09:09:00.002-07:002014-05-23T09:09:57.431-07:00Hershey Farmer's MarketI have made it no secret where my family and I live ...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">we live in Hershey, Pennsylvania, "The Sweetest Place on Earth." Yes, it really does smell like chocolate here. I. Am. Not. Kidding.</span><br />
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(Except on those few days when the nearby sewer plant is turning over ... sickening, no joke. These would be the days we play inside.)<br />
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There are many hidden secrets about Hershey besides the rather large not so secret places, such as the park and Chocolate World. Yes, there is a world.<br />
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One of our personal favorites is the Hershey Farmer's Market, held every Thursday afternoon outside the local coffee shop, the Cocoa Beanery, and U-Gro(how convenient). They, obviously, specialize in fresh produce from close-by farmers and farms, yet there are also activities for the kids, local musicians, specialty tents ... think medical or political, and various other goods; local rug-makers, pot-makers, scarf-makers, and hummus-makers. <br />
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Yesterday was the grand opening, re-opening for the summer season. I picked up the boys and off we went. We always visit the same farmer's tent. We're loyal. Schaeffer Farms are out of Pitman, PA and have the most lovely apples, tomatoes, lettuce, etc. etc. etc. Yesterday our haul included tomatoes, apples, and asparagus for a simple cost of 6 dollars. There was a jumpy house set up for the kids. As you can imagine I had to drag my two away. We then went off and planted some flower seeds(which were later spilled, which were quickly repotted and watered). I will hopefully have some little sunflowers at some point.<br />
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The best part of this little place is that the boys look forward to it. They ask to go. They ask to eat the fruit and vegetables we buy. They ask to go back.<br />
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I wonder what we'll find next week? Shouldn't blueberries be out soon.<br />
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<a href="http://farmersmarketinhershey.com/">http://farmersmarketinhershey.com/</a><br />
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May 23rd, 2014<br />
<br />Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850470323307344939.post-90968272301165824062014-05-19T17:20:00.000-07:002014-05-19T17:20:16.824-07:00conversationsme(at the Hershey Gardens last Sunday for Mother's Day): Are you guys getting tired? Are you hot? - Max was an impressive shade of crimson.<br />
Max: Mommy, the sun is making me tired.<br />
me: What a very astute statement, Max. Want to go to Harvard.<br />
Charlie: (with extreme enthusiasm) YEAH!<br />
me: Win the lottery.<br />
...... this is where a mother and daughter within earshot started chuckling.<br />
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<br />
me: Charlie, want to go to the store with Mommy.<br />
Charlie: Mommy, bagel.<br />
me: Yes, you can have a bagel.<br />
Charlie: I want 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 bagels.<br />
me: Sure.<br />
Charlie: (emphatically) I want bagel all day.<br />
me: all day?<br />
Charlie: (screaming) All. Day.<br />
me: (turning to the husband) so, we're going to go to the store.<br />
Michael: Don't forget the bagels.<br />
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<br />
Max: (from upstairs) Mommy. Mommy. Ma-me...<br />
me: (slowly going up the stairs) Yes, Max.<br />
Max: Can I tell you something?<br />
me: sure.<br />
Max: I want your hair in a ponytail. <br />
me: [WTF].<br />
Max: no, mommy, a nice one.<br />
me: (leaving)<br />
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Charlie: ok, mister mommy<br />
(enough said)<br />
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<br />
a few mother's day thoughts from Max:<br />
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Her favorite place to shop is the grocery store.<br />
Mom always says "I love you."<br />
If Mom had time, she would do more laundry.<br />
When she grows up, she wants to be a "Princess Elsa"<br />
Her favorite food is sausage and ice cream(chocolate)<br />
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from Charlie:<br />
Mommy, I don't like the car wash. It's scary.<br />
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in the bathtub:<br />
Charlie: ma, ma, maummy, I wash my penis.<br />
Max: I wash my buttcrack.<br />
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This is when I say the all-knowing line ... "I cannot make this shit up."<br />
May 19th, 2014<br />
<br />Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670272146744874292noreply@blogger.com0