I wouldn't know because I had four beautiful girls. They entertained themselves (oh, except for Tricia because she could always con her dad into playing "My Little Ponys" with her), they were clean, they didn't wrestle, they ate every meal without much fuss, and were very easy to raise.
My two oldest daughters gave us 3 wonderful little boys who we lavish much love on every day. All of my girls are home now so the boys have much showing off to do for their Aunties. And their Aunties want to make sure that they are always loved.
On Saturday we took all the boys to see "Where the Wild Things Are" and all the girls and Grammy were there. What an event this was! Zane and Henry had comments for most everything. We never realized how loud their voices are because they play so hard at home. It sounded like bugles. They loved the show but didn't know how to lower the volume of what they were saying. Zach tried to act brave but thought some parts were kind of scary. He kind of hung on Tricia toward the second half of the show.
As a mother my heart was always in my throat because I wasn't allowed to run onto the court when one of the girls got hit or fell in basketball; this was unheard of in our house as the wife of a coach. I remember when Tricia got elbowed in the eye during a summer game and split her eyebrow open. I went to the lockerroom to check on her and Liz and Jenny were trying to patch her eye so I went back and sat down. When I saw her dad get ready to put her back in, Jenny turned and told me not to say one word that Tricia was fine. They must have done a pretty good job because there wasn't much of a scar to this day. I am truly amazed at how tough these girls were. Maybe the Lord knew it would be okay for them to have boys because Liz and Jen have done an amazing job raising boys.
They don't freak out when they rough each other up and tend to mop up cuts and scraps that come with rough housing. After the month we have had with Henry and Zach at the hospital, I am truly amazed at how proud of the way my girls have gone with the flow.
Henry had an intestinal virus after three nights at Banner Desert and Zach with a split lip and baby tooth knocked out playing football at school. Grammy and their aunties have a hard time knowing they are hurt and hearts are heavy but try to remain brave. We will never freak out in front of them or their parents but come home with hearts that feel like breaking.
Tricia and I were talking after she visited Zach and said she just wanted to cry about her Bear and his busted lip (she has always called Zach, Bear). She said his lip is swollen and luckily it was a baby tooth and the permanent is coming in. Zach knew more than the Emergency doctor. He told Liz that it wasn't his permanent tooth because he said that one has been loose for a while now and wouldn't fall out.
I know I will not be allowed to speak at any of my grandson's games when they get older even though I will want to be out on that field or court pushing anyone that comes close to hurting them.
I promise I will not embarrass my grandboys, I promise I will not embarrass my grandboys, oh bother I probably will. I hope they know that I love them more than my life.
Dear Lord, please protect my grandchildren on and off the playing field. Please guide them with your loving heart to be a good friend, athelete, and human being. With your grace and love help them to be the kind of little boys that grow to be fine young men. I ask this in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Blast From the Past
Today I started my NAU/CAC cohort class. I rushed home only to find my grandsons at their Auntie G's house. I miss the days that I don't see them.
WOW, what a class! Before I left school (knew I had limited time when I got home)I printed my class list. I like to look at names and see if any names are names of my students' names. I saw this name today Starkey (last name). I thought wouldn't it be funny if she is related to Robert(Bob) Starkey who was a teacher at AJJHS when I was Secretary to Students Services. (I think you know where this is going) When I was calling roll today I stopped at her name and very sarcasticly said, "Your dad's name isn't Bob is it?" She looked up and said, "No, please don't tell me you know him." I stopped and started laughing. I asked her if he taught at AJJHS once and was told yes. I told her to text her dad and tell him if he remembered Pito Perez. She did and he said WHAT? Then she asked him if he remembered Lydia Henry. He said, "OMG!"
Bob Starkey was the Spanish teacher at AJJHS the last few years I was there before I started ASU. I did attendance by hand, and the teachers would send the attendance every hour to me to input in my register (I did ADM and ADA by hand-we had no computer program for this yet). Bob would send the attendance and Pito Perez would appear absent everyday and sometimes for a treat he would send this Mexican woman (me)a message in Spanish for me to translate. He was real disappointed in me that I didn't know Spanish being the daughter of two fluent-speaking parents. I always was close to the correct translation. What a wonderful teacher he was! We were lucky to have Bob as a teacher.
"The circle of life" does exist. If I can touch his daughter's life the way that he touched my life I will feel that I have been a success.
Dear Lord, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of "the circle of life" and being able to impact the students that I teach to be educators. I know that you have placed me here with someone that long ago talked to me about me going on to pursue the educational field. I wasn't sure at that time if this was something that I could do. So thank you, Lord for this opportunity to let Bob Starkey know how much I appreciate the confidence he had in me when I wasn't sure I had that confidence in myself. I will work hard to help Bob's daughter and the rest of her class be the best they can be.
Lord, I have had three surprises today when I know that my friend, Eric is preparing for his entry into your Heavenly Kingdom. Thank you for them. Today, I heard that Troy Gingrich's wife gave birth today to twins. Then Jessica and Jamie (Samuels) stopped by today. They were looking for Jenna who was visiting her 6th grade teachers. She took off so they came and found me (I think my heart stopped for a split second-knew they wouldn't be here for that) for me to find her. I did. I did an "all call." I think they needed to see me as much as I needed to see them. You knew I needed to be reminded of your love. Thank you so much for this part of the Samuels' love that will be remembered. And third, You gave me Jennifer Christine Starkey to remind me of "The Circle of Life." Please Lord, bless these families with your undying love. Let them feel your strength and love. I ask this in the Name of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
WOW, what a class! Before I left school (knew I had limited time when I got home)I printed my class list. I like to look at names and see if any names are names of my students' names. I saw this name today Starkey (last name). I thought wouldn't it be funny if she is related to Robert(Bob) Starkey who was a teacher at AJJHS when I was Secretary to Students Services. (I think you know where this is going) When I was calling roll today I stopped at her name and very sarcasticly said, "Your dad's name isn't Bob is it?" She looked up and said, "No, please don't tell me you know him." I stopped and started laughing. I asked her if he taught at AJJHS once and was told yes. I told her to text her dad and tell him if he remembered Pito Perez. She did and he said WHAT? Then she asked him if he remembered Lydia Henry. He said, "OMG!"
Bob Starkey was the Spanish teacher at AJJHS the last few years I was there before I started ASU. I did attendance by hand, and the teachers would send the attendance every hour to me to input in my register (I did ADM and ADA by hand-we had no computer program for this yet). Bob would send the attendance and Pito Perez would appear absent everyday and sometimes for a treat he would send this Mexican woman (me)a message in Spanish for me to translate. He was real disappointed in me that I didn't know Spanish being the daughter of two fluent-speaking parents. I always was close to the correct translation. What a wonderful teacher he was! We were lucky to have Bob as a teacher.
"The circle of life" does exist. If I can touch his daughter's life the way that he touched my life I will feel that I have been a success.
Dear Lord, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of "the circle of life" and being able to impact the students that I teach to be educators. I know that you have placed me here with someone that long ago talked to me about me going on to pursue the educational field. I wasn't sure at that time if this was something that I could do. So thank you, Lord for this opportunity to let Bob Starkey know how much I appreciate the confidence he had in me when I wasn't sure I had that confidence in myself. I will work hard to help Bob's daughter and the rest of her class be the best they can be.
Lord, I have had three surprises today when I know that my friend, Eric is preparing for his entry into your Heavenly Kingdom. Thank you for them. Today, I heard that Troy Gingrich's wife gave birth today to twins. Then Jessica and Jamie (Samuels) stopped by today. They were looking for Jenna who was visiting her 6th grade teachers. She took off so they came and found me (I think my heart stopped for a split second-knew they wouldn't be here for that) for me to find her. I did. I did an "all call." I think they needed to see me as much as I needed to see them. You knew I needed to be reminded of your love. Thank you so much for this part of the Samuels' love that will be remembered. And third, You gave me Jennifer Christine Starkey to remind me of "The Circle of Life." Please Lord, bless these families with your undying love. Let them feel your strength and love. I ask this in the Name of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Friday, August 7, 2009
"The Wheels of the Bus go Round and Round....."
As the year approaches, I am always excited to see what the new year brings. Monday was the official end of "Grammy Daycare" and what a sad day for me that was. I feel so fortunate to have my grandkids here so summers with my grandboys are very special to me. Wednesday was the first full day that I was gone from the boys since the beginning of the summer.
For the first time in all the years that I have been teaching in Apache Junction, I was so sad and frustrated that I was beginning a new school year. When I got home I really didn't want to dwell on this but I knew I had to get it out. I talked to Cy, and he wouldn't let me have a pity party for myself. He said that I could let it ruin my beginning of the year or just put it down to inexperience. I laid awake most of the night thinking of how I was going to get through this year. Do I really need to be teaching anymore? Do I want to? Do I make a difference? Will I miss what I do?
So, after thinking about what was said on Wednesday this is what I don't like:
1. I don't like someone telling me that there is no way that I can be evaluated with all commendables (proficiency is the new word) even if I am.
2. I don't like "Gloomy Gus" approach to the first day of all teacher reporting.
3. I don't like negatives because I am always a positive person.
I feel that motivating me in a small way will go further to getting me to be the best I can be. I am on campus before 6 most mornings, I work hard to find ways to motivate my students, I listen to their problems when I see something is not right with them, I do whatever duties that I have to do as assigned, I help others, I am a good listener, I am a nurse when the nurse can't help them, I am parent when a parent is lacking and discipline is needed, I try to be at events that are important to my students, etc., etc. So when I get the negative side on a day when we should be pepped up since we are frozen on the salary schedule, insurance is high, class sizes are growing, duties are increased, activities decreased, and all the gloom and doom has been delivered I have a tendency to want to rethink what I am doing here. I gave up that day with my grandkids to listen to this? So not worth it. What a sad day Wendesday was.
So wondering how I was going to look forward to the start of the school year I had choices to make. Do I allow this to ruin my year or do I move on and hope that Friday's "Welcome Back" will help me to be energized?
Thank You! Thank you! Thank you, Jim Lockwood and Chad Wilson. Jim Lockwood was hysterical in a very dry way and Chad you lead in an incredible heartfelt way. I truly felt moved that I can put Wednesday behind me and hope that was how it was planned that my principal needed to be tough because he was rebuilding after our other principal left midyear last school year. I can do most things if I am appreciated for the job I do. With so much budget cuts, I am not a stupid person that I don't know that is school year will be tough but don't kill the people that have been your soldiers when times are bad. Pump up you soldiers, and they will do anything for you or die trying.
When those first busses wheel to a stop in front of Thunder Mountain Middle School I will be ready for my first set of classes of the school year. I know I will be ready for them because I have the ability to make a successful year or not. I will be the best worker bee that I can. All that I am asking in return is to tell me occasionally that I am valued. Also encourage me to be "proficient" in all areas of my evaluation. I know I can but someone else has got to believe that I can. I would never tell any student on the first day of school that students couldn't get an A because I have high expectations so why tell me that. I refuse to accept that I am not "proficient" in all areas.
Dear Lord, guide our administrators, principals, board members and parents to be kind to the people that have an impact on the students' lives. Have them remember that compliments and encouragement go a long way to making someone feel valued. And Dear Lord, I will need your abundance strength and love to make sure I am everything to those students that I teach. Keep me strong and positive so I will remember that they are just kids. Never let me forget this. Please Lord, make sure all teachers are reminded to treat kids kindly and love them for being who they are.
The wheels of the bus go round and round.......Welcome to Thunder Mountain Middle School and Mrs. Henry's class. Let's make this year spectacular!
For the first time in all the years that I have been teaching in Apache Junction, I was so sad and frustrated that I was beginning a new school year. When I got home I really didn't want to dwell on this but I knew I had to get it out. I talked to Cy, and he wouldn't let me have a pity party for myself. He said that I could let it ruin my beginning of the year or just put it down to inexperience. I laid awake most of the night thinking of how I was going to get through this year. Do I really need to be teaching anymore? Do I want to? Do I make a difference? Will I miss what I do?
So, after thinking about what was said on Wednesday this is what I don't like:
1. I don't like someone telling me that there is no way that I can be evaluated with all commendables (proficiency is the new word) even if I am.
2. I don't like "Gloomy Gus" approach to the first day of all teacher reporting.
3. I don't like negatives because I am always a positive person.
I feel that motivating me in a small way will go further to getting me to be the best I can be. I am on campus before 6 most mornings, I work hard to find ways to motivate my students, I listen to their problems when I see something is not right with them, I do whatever duties that I have to do as assigned, I help others, I am a good listener, I am a nurse when the nurse can't help them, I am parent when a parent is lacking and discipline is needed, I try to be at events that are important to my students, etc., etc. So when I get the negative side on a day when we should be pepped up since we are frozen on the salary schedule, insurance is high, class sizes are growing, duties are increased, activities decreased, and all the gloom and doom has been delivered I have a tendency to want to rethink what I am doing here. I gave up that day with my grandkids to listen to this? So not worth it. What a sad day Wendesday was.
So wondering how I was going to look forward to the start of the school year I had choices to make. Do I allow this to ruin my year or do I move on and hope that Friday's "Welcome Back" will help me to be energized?
Thank You! Thank you! Thank you, Jim Lockwood and Chad Wilson. Jim Lockwood was hysterical in a very dry way and Chad you lead in an incredible heartfelt way. I truly felt moved that I can put Wednesday behind me and hope that was how it was planned that my principal needed to be tough because he was rebuilding after our other principal left midyear last school year. I can do most things if I am appreciated for the job I do. With so much budget cuts, I am not a stupid person that I don't know that is school year will be tough but don't kill the people that have been your soldiers when times are bad. Pump up you soldiers, and they will do anything for you or die trying.
When those first busses wheel to a stop in front of Thunder Mountain Middle School I will be ready for my first set of classes of the school year. I know I will be ready for them because I have the ability to make a successful year or not. I will be the best worker bee that I can. All that I am asking in return is to tell me occasionally that I am valued. Also encourage me to be "proficient" in all areas of my evaluation. I know I can but someone else has got to believe that I can. I would never tell any student on the first day of school that students couldn't get an A because I have high expectations so why tell me that. I refuse to accept that I am not "proficient" in all areas.
Dear Lord, guide our administrators, principals, board members and parents to be kind to the people that have an impact on the students' lives. Have them remember that compliments and encouragement go a long way to making someone feel valued. And Dear Lord, I will need your abundance strength and love to make sure I am everything to those students that I teach. Keep me strong and positive so I will remember that they are just kids. Never let me forget this. Please Lord, make sure all teachers are reminded to treat kids kindly and love them for being who they are.
The wheels of the bus go round and round.......Welcome to Thunder Mountain Middle School and Mrs. Henry's class. Let's make this year spectacular!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
What I Like Most About my Girls
These are the things that I like most about my girls. They love tradition, each other, their family, and most important they love their nephew(s).
Starting Friday all the girls were off so that let me off of a day of watching my young charges for the day. I could have planned a quiet day of doing nothing or spend the day with them. I chose to spend my day off with the girls and the boys. I try not to miss out on too many of these days because I know one day the boys will be grown and have lives of their own. What a great day and thanks to Jenny and Liz for capturing these moments.
Saturday started with Tara and I waiting for everyone getting here. Jada and I had spent some quality time together. She gets a little jealous being the only female and my time spent with the boys. When we thought that we got the time wrong in comes everyone with 5 minutes of each other. We knew that Liz and Dan had to get back to the July 4th preparations so Cy had the steaks ready by 3:05. We all started right away. What great food we had!
About every 20 minutes or so Zane would ask Sasha (not sure if Zane and Henry both call Tricia that but I love it) that we wanted to "go to mobie and popporn?" Jenny got on line about that 5th time he said this. So off Tricia, Joe, Tara, Jenny, Ryan, Zach, Zane, and Henry went to the movies. They came back more wound up than when they left. About an hour after getting home we all headed out to Apache Junction Parks and Recreation's Fireworks held at Davis Field at AJHS. Parks and Recreation outdid themselves. What an amazing fireworks display! Heard Mesa didn't have fireworks but our little town managed to still keep tradition alive.
Girls you will never regret the love you have for your nephew(s). Liz is "yis" to Henry and tries real hard to pay back all the sneaking we did to her two boys. Tricia and Tara are "Auntie" to all three and Jenny is "G" to Zane and Jenny to Zach. My girls make sure none of the boys feel the least bit slighted for attention. I am lucky to have girls that want to do things with their sisters and family.
Liz, you cannot believe how proud I am of your involvement with your job. Today, I noticed that you could have left the clean up crew on their own and Rich would make sure his football boys did what needed to be done. You were right there with them working along side of them and wanting to make this worth their community service provided them with my tacos and beans. It doesn't go unnoticed that you do your job above and beyond what you should do as a supervisor. Your dad has always said that people never mind working for someone that works just as hard as they do or more. I am so proud of the job you do for P & R.
All my girls you have made Dad and I proud of how you turned out. Each of you work hard and never have been lazy workers. You are amazing and well respected in your jobs because you are not afraid to work hard. You are successful because you know how to work and never have to be told what needs to be done. Oh, yeah, that doesn't include when you were young and your rooms were a mess. It was easier to just close your door.
Happy 4th Of July weekend and thank you all for more memories of our times together. They are priceless and thankfully captured on film.
Aunties, thank you for taking care of your nephews and making sure they are loved. They are so lucky to be a part of you and as Zach always said, "fam-i-ly!"
I love all four of you so much.
Mom
Starting Friday all the girls were off so that let me off of a day of watching my young charges for the day. I could have planned a quiet day of doing nothing or spend the day with them. I chose to spend my day off with the girls and the boys. I try not to miss out on too many of these days because I know one day the boys will be grown and have lives of their own. What a great day and thanks to Jenny and Liz for capturing these moments.
Saturday started with Tara and I waiting for everyone getting here. Jada and I had spent some quality time together. She gets a little jealous being the only female and my time spent with the boys. When we thought that we got the time wrong in comes everyone with 5 minutes of each other. We knew that Liz and Dan had to get back to the July 4th preparations so Cy had the steaks ready by 3:05. We all started right away. What great food we had!
About every 20 minutes or so Zane would ask Sasha (not sure if Zane and Henry both call Tricia that but I love it) that we wanted to "go to mobie and popporn?" Jenny got on line about that 5th time he said this. So off Tricia, Joe, Tara, Jenny, Ryan, Zach, Zane, and Henry went to the movies. They came back more wound up than when they left. About an hour after getting home we all headed out to Apache Junction Parks and Recreation's Fireworks held at Davis Field at AJHS. Parks and Recreation outdid themselves. What an amazing fireworks display! Heard Mesa didn't have fireworks but our little town managed to still keep tradition alive.
Girls you will never regret the love you have for your nephew(s). Liz is "yis" to Henry and tries real hard to pay back all the sneaking we did to her two boys. Tricia and Tara are "Auntie" to all three and Jenny is "G" to Zane and Jenny to Zach. My girls make sure none of the boys feel the least bit slighted for attention. I am lucky to have girls that want to do things with their sisters and family.
Liz, you cannot believe how proud I am of your involvement with your job. Today, I noticed that you could have left the clean up crew on their own and Rich would make sure his football boys did what needed to be done. You were right there with them working along side of them and wanting to make this worth their community service provided them with my tacos and beans. It doesn't go unnoticed that you do your job above and beyond what you should do as a supervisor. Your dad has always said that people never mind working for someone that works just as hard as they do or more. I am so proud of the job you do for P & R.
All my girls you have made Dad and I proud of how you turned out. Each of you work hard and never have been lazy workers. You are amazing and well respected in your jobs because you are not afraid to work hard. You are successful because you know how to work and never have to be told what needs to be done. Oh, yeah, that doesn't include when you were young and your rooms were a mess. It was easier to just close your door.
Happy 4th Of July weekend and thank you all for more memories of our times together. They are priceless and thankfully captured on film.
Aunties, thank you for taking care of your nephews and making sure they are loved. They are so lucky to be a part of you and as Zach always said, "fam-i-ly!"
I love all four of you so much.
Mom
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
"I'll Not Be Far Away"
Here is the poem that I started at Four Peaks Elementary School but didn't finish it until I got to Thunder Mountain Middle School. I change and add to make it different for each class.
To the Graduates of 2009
Our time is coming to an end fast
I'm afraid I will not have time to finish
All that I want to do.
Always remember,
I'll not be far away.
Why can't we all stay together?
Why does this have to be good-bye?
We had such great times.
Always remember,
I'll not be far away.
We laughed at each other
We consoled each other
We shared some geat stories.
Is that all there is?
Always remember,
I'll not be far away.
When you go out in the world
never forget who you are
and where you came from
and how truly special you are inside.
Always remember,
I'll not be far away.
I fear that some of you will not be strong enough
To withstand the pressure of adolescence,
friends, and relationships.
Always remember,
I'll not be far away.
When you think you can't go on
and that no one understands you
when nothing seems to go right,
Always remember,
I'll not be far away.
When you leave here a part of my heart
Goes with each of you.
You take with you many experiences,
Many lessons,
and yes, many lectures.
Always remember,
I'll not be far away.
And when you think that you have nothing left
that you can't dig down deep any longer
and that the cards are stacked against you,
Always remember,
I'll not be far away.
So my hearts,
The lessons have not been from the textbooks
Or what's been written on the overhead,
They have been what you have become
Since the moment you walked through the door
And what you are yet to become in life.
You will always be near me
Just a holler away
I will always be here for you,
Because
I'll not be far away.
(Always remember you can be whatever you want to be with hard work and perseverance. You are amazing students and do not allow anyone to tell you different. Be risk takers and enjoy the life you have been given. Make me proud!)
I enjoy the job I do but do not enjoy all the other outside interference whether it be the district or some complaining parents. I don't try to tell them their jobs or how to parent their kids so I would appreciate that they let me do mine because I do it very well. In fact, I tell my students that I am "THE BEST MATH TEACHER" in the world. They always get a kick out of that.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Promoted to..........
Today my eldest grandson called me to tell me, "Grammy, it says 'Promoted to the Second Grade.'" He sounded so serious and wanted to tell me he got all A's. Zachary James Langenbach is the greatest big brother and big cousin in the world. I pray and hope that his second grade teacher will appreciate him for the individual he is. He is a teaser, has a playful nature, very smart, and one of the biggest hearts.
I know I am very partial because I am his grammy but I am also a teacher. My favorite students are the ones that are witty, silly, and have a personality. I know I sometimes have students that no matter how hard I try they still fail. It doesn't matter; it still hurts me because maybe I could have done something different for that student.
Yesterday instead of teaching one last day (8th graders final day of class) I talked to them for a few minutes and passed out a poem I had written for my sixth graders the last year I taught at Four Peaks Elementary School. I revised it a bit every year and give it to my 8th graders as a going away card from me. I will insert it (because it is how I feel when they leave) later. It is titled, "I'll Not be Far Away."
The last class I gave it to was my remedial 8th grade class. They have really tried but were behind where they should be. Some days were exhausting but they always did what I asked them to do. Well yesterday, I asked them, "Did you at least learn one concept since you walked in my room in the fall?" They shook their head yes. I told them that in my books they were successful. I watched their faces and they wanted so much to believe in something. I told them that if they really worked hard that one day it would click for them. I told them to never accept second best because they deserved only the best.
I gave them the poem at this time and told them that the middle school teacher that told me I would never learn math because I was in "dumbbell math" is still around. Everytime I see him in town (Florence, Az) I laugh silently in his face. I proved him wrong. I am the best math teacher in the world because I TEACH KIDS to have confidence in themselves first and then learn math. Well, what I thought would happen didn't. I told them they could write in their yearbooks and visit quietly. They didn't start right away. They actually read the poem. I pretended I wasn't looking and watched each one actually read it. Some started looking around at others and had tears. Then I heard, "One, two, three" and all at once they all stood up and clapped. I was so taken aback. As each one left that day they hugged me and thanked me for the poem. Whether they will remember this or not, yesterday is why I still teach. I love that feeling of reaching the part of their insecurities and make them believers even if for a moment. I do know that they will think of this moment and work just a bit harder. I also know that they will take this special moment and keep it locked away for when they need a boost.
We all need to think about how we talk to kids. Please don't take their spirit. Please don't label them. Please don't let them see how frustrated you are with them. Please don't say something you can never take back. Please don't hurt their soul. As teachers we have those kids during the school year longer than parents do at home. Please just love them for who they are.
I remember as a child being so scared wondering if I was going to be promoted. In second grade this old teacher on the last day of school would call your name and you came and got your report card. Every student would look at their card and sigh with relief that they had passed. The boy before me sat down and opened up his report card and it said that he failed. I never forgot how sad he was and how scared I was that maybe I had too. Mine said, "Promoted to the 3rd grade" and was relieved. I will still never forget how that little boy looked. Did that teacher try hard to help him or did he not want to learn?
Congratulations, Zachary James Langenbach, your grammy is so proud of you. Congratulations Zane and Henry for completing this year at The Little Prospector! I have the smartest grandsons. As Zach said many years ago on the day I picked him up from pre-school when it was my last day with a fist in the air, "We are on Bacation!" Priceless.
Friday will be the best day because I will be spending June and July with my boys.
Promoted to.........Grammy's house.
I know I am very partial because I am his grammy but I am also a teacher. My favorite students are the ones that are witty, silly, and have a personality. I know I sometimes have students that no matter how hard I try they still fail. It doesn't matter; it still hurts me because maybe I could have done something different for that student.
Yesterday instead of teaching one last day (8th graders final day of class) I talked to them for a few minutes and passed out a poem I had written for my sixth graders the last year I taught at Four Peaks Elementary School. I revised it a bit every year and give it to my 8th graders as a going away card from me. I will insert it (because it is how I feel when they leave) later. It is titled, "I'll Not be Far Away."
The last class I gave it to was my remedial 8th grade class. They have really tried but were behind where they should be. Some days were exhausting but they always did what I asked them to do. Well yesterday, I asked them, "Did you at least learn one concept since you walked in my room in the fall?" They shook their head yes. I told them that in my books they were successful. I watched their faces and they wanted so much to believe in something. I told them that if they really worked hard that one day it would click for them. I told them to never accept second best because they deserved only the best.
I gave them the poem at this time and told them that the middle school teacher that told me I would never learn math because I was in "dumbbell math" is still around. Everytime I see him in town (Florence, Az) I laugh silently in his face. I proved him wrong. I am the best math teacher in the world because I TEACH KIDS to have confidence in themselves first and then learn math. Well, what I thought would happen didn't. I told them they could write in their yearbooks and visit quietly. They didn't start right away. They actually read the poem. I pretended I wasn't looking and watched each one actually read it. Some started looking around at others and had tears. Then I heard, "One, two, three" and all at once they all stood up and clapped. I was so taken aback. As each one left that day they hugged me and thanked me for the poem. Whether they will remember this or not, yesterday is why I still teach. I love that feeling of reaching the part of their insecurities and make them believers even if for a moment. I do know that they will think of this moment and work just a bit harder. I also know that they will take this special moment and keep it locked away for when they need a boost.
We all need to think about how we talk to kids. Please don't take their spirit. Please don't label them. Please don't let them see how frustrated you are with them. Please don't say something you can never take back. Please don't hurt their soul. As teachers we have those kids during the school year longer than parents do at home. Please just love them for who they are.
I remember as a child being so scared wondering if I was going to be promoted. In second grade this old teacher on the last day of school would call your name and you came and got your report card. Every student would look at their card and sigh with relief that they had passed. The boy before me sat down and opened up his report card and it said that he failed. I never forgot how sad he was and how scared I was that maybe I had too. Mine said, "Promoted to the 3rd grade" and was relieved. I will still never forget how that little boy looked. Did that teacher try hard to help him or did he not want to learn?
Congratulations, Zachary James Langenbach, your grammy is so proud of you. Congratulations Zane and Henry for completing this year at The Little Prospector! I have the smartest grandsons. As Zach said many years ago on the day I picked him up from pre-school when it was my last day with a fist in the air, "We are on Bacation!" Priceless.
Friday will be the best day because I will be spending June and July with my boys.
Promoted to.........Grammy's house.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
It Only Takes One Random Act of Kindness
This morning was the worst morning in a long time. I have this parent that thinks I am not doing enough for her sixth grader who was placed in Pre-Algebra by her elementary teacher. I tried to explain that she just isn't ready to for these concepts, but her mother insisted that she should try it. For three quarters she was barely surviving. I tried to prepare her mother for fourth quarter; this is the down fall of all pre-al students, rational numbers in equations. She couldn't send her to tutoring in the morning either of the two mornings I tutor or after school on Wednesdays plus she didn't like that I tutor others, not just her daughter
Two weeks ago this student was sick for three days but was well enough to go to San Diego with the band on Friday. Heavens to Betsy that I should expect her to get her work done for the time she missed. I let the mom know but as of Monday still hadn't received the work. I have stopped answering my phone because she has been calling and leaving messages and when I return her call she freaks out on me.
Well today, the phone rang at 6:30 in the morning in my room so thinking it was Tina letting me know she was shopping for our Coyote Howl and was going to be late, I answered it. I got sick to my stomach when I heard her voice and she started out very nice. I waited for her to get to the point of her calling, and she asked if her daughter had turned in her work to me. I told her no and daughter told her she did. I told her she didn't and then daughter said I was too busy to take it because we worked right up to bell, another lie. This made mom mad but not at her daughter but at me. I told her I would accept it but she wouldn't not get full credit. I told her I gave her another few days after it was due because she had been sick and then gone. Mom started yelling at me and told me I was a "hard ass" and that one of the other teachers allowed her to do my work first because she knew I was a hard ass. At that point I ended the conversation by telling her she needed to talk to my principal and that this conversation was over.
She called back twice but I didn't answer the phone. Tina came in and knew that this woman had called again so she waited just in case she called another time. I called the Dean and she was livid because she has been dealing with the calls I don't answer from her.
It is now in the principal's hands, and I am not allowed to take calls from her. He has instructed her not to call me and if she does then action will be taken. She has been abusive to me and the dean.
I hate to start my mornings this way. While I was on the phone with the dean a young lady came in with the biggest smile on her face. She left a present and mouthed to me to read the note first. I knew it was a joke gift by the look on her face. Little did she know that I needed to laugh that morning. You see her note was precious and her note said, "Everytime you feel blue open the box and take out the huge black clip and pinch myself and think of her." You see she had this big black clip and clipped her pinky and yelled. She said that she didn't think it would hurt. We had a good laugh at her expense that day. Well today I laugh because it was what I needed to put everything into perspective. Young ladies like her are the reason I teach. No matter what crummy parents do to upset me there will always be some student that makes my day better.
I don't think I can ever look at a clip again without thinking of her and what a big smile I will have on my face when I peek in the box. I think I am going to wear that big clip on my shirt tomorrow or use it to clip the papers together so I can see it every hour.
So now that I have vented and knowing that my school friends want to rip her tongue out of her throat I can move on.
Soon it will be the end of the year and I will be with my grandboys. How I look forward to this.
Dear Lord give me the strength that I will need for the next couple of weeks to treat each student with kindness and respect even though some of them have lousy parents. Dear Lord they have to live with each other so I thank you for allowing me to have the family that I have. I am glad I don't have to come home to either one of them. I do feel sorry for the young girl and hope she doesn't become a bully like her mother. Please pray for her!
Two weeks ago this student was sick for three days but was well enough to go to San Diego with the band on Friday. Heavens to Betsy that I should expect her to get her work done for the time she missed. I let the mom know but as of Monday still hadn't received the work. I have stopped answering my phone because she has been calling and leaving messages and when I return her call she freaks out on me.
Well today, the phone rang at 6:30 in the morning in my room so thinking it was Tina letting me know she was shopping for our Coyote Howl and was going to be late, I answered it. I got sick to my stomach when I heard her voice and she started out very nice. I waited for her to get to the point of her calling, and she asked if her daughter had turned in her work to me. I told her no and daughter told her she did. I told her she didn't and then daughter said I was too busy to take it because we worked right up to bell, another lie. This made mom mad but not at her daughter but at me. I told her I would accept it but she wouldn't not get full credit. I told her I gave her another few days after it was due because she had been sick and then gone. Mom started yelling at me and told me I was a "hard ass" and that one of the other teachers allowed her to do my work first because she knew I was a hard ass. At that point I ended the conversation by telling her she needed to talk to my principal and that this conversation was over.
She called back twice but I didn't answer the phone. Tina came in and knew that this woman had called again so she waited just in case she called another time. I called the Dean and she was livid because she has been dealing with the calls I don't answer from her.
It is now in the principal's hands, and I am not allowed to take calls from her. He has instructed her not to call me and if she does then action will be taken. She has been abusive to me and the dean.
I hate to start my mornings this way. While I was on the phone with the dean a young lady came in with the biggest smile on her face. She left a present and mouthed to me to read the note first. I knew it was a joke gift by the look on her face. Little did she know that I needed to laugh that morning. You see her note was precious and her note said, "Everytime you feel blue open the box and take out the huge black clip and pinch myself and think of her." You see she had this big black clip and clipped her pinky and yelled. She said that she didn't think it would hurt. We had a good laugh at her expense that day. Well today I laugh because it was what I needed to put everything into perspective. Young ladies like her are the reason I teach. No matter what crummy parents do to upset me there will always be some student that makes my day better.
I don't think I can ever look at a clip again without thinking of her and what a big smile I will have on my face when I peek in the box. I think I am going to wear that big clip on my shirt tomorrow or use it to clip the papers together so I can see it every hour.
So now that I have vented and knowing that my school friends want to rip her tongue out of her throat I can move on.
Soon it will be the end of the year and I will be with my grandboys. How I look forward to this.
Dear Lord give me the strength that I will need for the next couple of weeks to treat each student with kindness and respect even though some of them have lousy parents. Dear Lord they have to live with each other so I thank you for allowing me to have the family that I have. I am glad I don't have to come home to either one of them. I do feel sorry for the young girl and hope she doesn't become a bully like her mother. Please pray for her!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Happy Ma Burfday
Today is Jenny's, Mouse Meat as her dad used to call her when she was little, birthday. What a day that was. I had just told Cy to go ahead and travel to the state track finals at Phoenix Christian High School's track field 34 years today, but on a Saturday. I told him that I probably wouldn't deliver until later that night.
Well about 12:oo p.m. my brother drove me to Pinal General Hospital in Florence to deliver. My sister Kathy and Mike Borquez (a brother-in-law yet to be) took Elizabeth to the carnival at the Cinco De Mayo festival while I delivered her baby sister, Jenny. Jenny was born around 3:00 p.m. and the last of her family to be born in the p.m. I thought all kids were born in the early hours of the morning. No, Jenny was to be the first. I told Dr. Clemans that the baby couldn't be born without her dad. He laughed his very loud laugh and said well it just might happen. Babies come when they are ready and not at the convenience of the parents.
Well, true to form Jenny was born with the imbilical cord wrap around her neck. Bill delivered her without me knowing it or letting on the stress, another little girl to our family. My mother was waiting to see me but with Elizabeth waiting at home had to get home. My sister, Ria was there to make sure her big sister was okay. Dr. Clemans was the best doctor in the world. Jenny was in such good hands. With a big smoothering kiss to Jenny and me he told me she was fine and was a beautiful girl.
I know I am the luckiest parent in the world. They are the best four daughters a mother could have. Today we celebrated Jenny's birthday 34th at Liz and Wayne's. Just not possible to have two daughthers that are in their 30's. I never look at them and think they are getting older. They will always be little in my mind. I love that my daughters can get together and enjoy being with each other. Even more lucky that their husbands enjoy being around each other and them. The are so much a product of their parents, two strong opinionated people. I am not sure any of the boys realized how strong my girls' minds were. You will not change their mind unless they are not sure of themselves (which happens not very often). Thank you boys for loving them inspite of their heritage (my family and Cy's are the same way).
I lift my glass of the finest, a glass of Oregon's finest (Willamette Valley Vineyard's Pinor Noir) in honor of Jen's birthday and another family party. We do know how to throw a party. Let us always remember where we originate and how much our extended family is a part of us. They are a part of all of us. I am proud to be a Padilla and a Henry.
Thank you Dear Lord for allowing me to witness your good Grace and Love and to continue to enjoy my kids and their kids. I only hope that You will also allow me the time I need to watch them grow like my parents did me and mine. You have always been behind my good fortune in life and continue to bless my family and myself. Today I sat in mass in honor of my mother. I will always miss her, but I know I have learned so much from her. I am blest that my dad continues on for our family. What an amazing father I have in my dad!
Well about 12:oo p.m. my brother drove me to Pinal General Hospital in Florence to deliver. My sister Kathy and Mike Borquez (a brother-in-law yet to be) took Elizabeth to the carnival at the Cinco De Mayo festival while I delivered her baby sister, Jenny. Jenny was born around 3:00 p.m. and the last of her family to be born in the p.m. I thought all kids were born in the early hours of the morning. No, Jenny was to be the first. I told Dr. Clemans that the baby couldn't be born without her dad. He laughed his very loud laugh and said well it just might happen. Babies come when they are ready and not at the convenience of the parents.
Well, true to form Jenny was born with the imbilical cord wrap around her neck. Bill delivered her without me knowing it or letting on the stress, another little girl to our family. My mother was waiting to see me but with Elizabeth waiting at home had to get home. My sister, Ria was there to make sure her big sister was okay. Dr. Clemans was the best doctor in the world. Jenny was in such good hands. With a big smoothering kiss to Jenny and me he told me she was fine and was a beautiful girl.
I know I am the luckiest parent in the world. They are the best four daughters a mother could have. Today we celebrated Jenny's birthday 34th at Liz and Wayne's. Just not possible to have two daughthers that are in their 30's. I never look at them and think they are getting older. They will always be little in my mind. I love that my daughters can get together and enjoy being with each other. Even more lucky that their husbands enjoy being around each other and them. The are so much a product of their parents, two strong opinionated people. I am not sure any of the boys realized how strong my girls' minds were. You will not change their mind unless they are not sure of themselves (which happens not very often). Thank you boys for loving them inspite of their heritage (my family and Cy's are the same way).
I lift my glass of the finest, a glass of Oregon's finest (Willamette Valley Vineyard's Pinor Noir) in honor of Jen's birthday and another family party. We do know how to throw a party. Let us always remember where we originate and how much our extended family is a part of us. They are a part of all of us. I am proud to be a Padilla and a Henry.
Thank you Dear Lord for allowing me to witness your good Grace and Love and to continue to enjoy my kids and their kids. I only hope that You will also allow me the time I need to watch them grow like my parents did me and mine. You have always been behind my good fortune in life and continue to bless my family and myself. Today I sat in mass in honor of my mother. I will always miss her, but I know I have learned so much from her. I am blest that my dad continues on for our family. What an amazing father I have in my dad!
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Kitchen
I have always wondered why I found the kitchen in my mother's house so peaceful. I have always sat and talked to my mom if she wouldn't let me help out and visit with her. She would ask me to get things or chop this or that. It was where I always found her.
I remember when I had just came back from Dr. Clemans' office and opened the door. My mom was right there and said, "You're pregnant!" I hadn't told her I was going to the doctor's or that I was feeling bad. I know there were signs for her, but I never put those together. Elizabeth this was the day that we found out I was pregnant with you. Your Nana was so happy to know that I was going to be a Mom. I know how she felt when all of us told her that we were expecting. It is the proudest moment of a parent's life.
I remember spending so much time watching her cook or helping with whatever she wanted me to do. The kitchen in our house is where the masterpieces begin and friends gather.
As the school year ends, I am literally drained of being the "captain of the world" or school or work or whatever. I expect everyone to work as hard as I do and wonder why they don't. It is so frustrating to expect this and not happen. Why did so many people go into education? Why do we allow our kids to accept just mediocre teachers? Why do we accept mediocre adminstrators? Is it the easiest way to fill a position or do we really care about the kids in our community. So we come to the kitchen in our lives.
The kitchen is where we talk, cook, snack, and visit. I know I learned so much about life and family from my kitchen at home. Today after a real rough two weeks of school, I had my friends join me in my kitchen. We have room in the livingroom and dining table to sit and enjoy a beer or a glass of chilled wine, but we always end up at the kitchen counter. Jan, Tina, Sarah, and I needed to just vent over beer and wine and food. After much laughter and venting, well more laughter than venting, I think we solved the problems of the world and school. Well, we did solve our problems at school.
What we expect from our school is what most hard working teachers very rarely get! That is satisfaction! Our district sometimes settles for the easiest solution to our problems. Put a warm body in and everything will be okay. I can't fix this solution but my friends always put it in prospective. Laughter and food. My kitchen was the center of what we needed at the end of the two worst weeks of our year. Thank you for my posse that is always looking after me and making sure I don't lose it. It is the main reason I keep coming back everyday. I can teach anywhere, but I can't find friends as good as these ladies.
My kitchen will always be a place where kids gather, friends join, and family cook. Thank you Mom for without knowing it instilled the importance of a place to gather.
I remember when I had just came back from Dr. Clemans' office and opened the door. My mom was right there and said, "You're pregnant!" I hadn't told her I was going to the doctor's or that I was feeling bad. I know there were signs for her, but I never put those together. Elizabeth this was the day that we found out I was pregnant with you. Your Nana was so happy to know that I was going to be a Mom. I know how she felt when all of us told her that we were expecting. It is the proudest moment of a parent's life.
I remember spending so much time watching her cook or helping with whatever she wanted me to do. The kitchen in our house is where the masterpieces begin and friends gather.
As the school year ends, I am literally drained of being the "captain of the world" or school or work or whatever. I expect everyone to work as hard as I do and wonder why they don't. It is so frustrating to expect this and not happen. Why did so many people go into education? Why do we allow our kids to accept just mediocre teachers? Why do we accept mediocre adminstrators? Is it the easiest way to fill a position or do we really care about the kids in our community. So we come to the kitchen in our lives.
The kitchen is where we talk, cook, snack, and visit. I know I learned so much about life and family from my kitchen at home. Today after a real rough two weeks of school, I had my friends join me in my kitchen. We have room in the livingroom and dining table to sit and enjoy a beer or a glass of chilled wine, but we always end up at the kitchen counter. Jan, Tina, Sarah, and I needed to just vent over beer and wine and food. After much laughter and venting, well more laughter than venting, I think we solved the problems of the world and school. Well, we did solve our problems at school.
What we expect from our school is what most hard working teachers very rarely get! That is satisfaction! Our district sometimes settles for the easiest solution to our problems. Put a warm body in and everything will be okay. I can't fix this solution but my friends always put it in prospective. Laughter and food. My kitchen was the center of what we needed at the end of the two worst weeks of our year. Thank you for my posse that is always looking after me and making sure I don't lose it. It is the main reason I keep coming back everyday. I can teach anywhere, but I can't find friends as good as these ladies.
My kitchen will always be a place where kids gather, friends join, and family cook. Thank you Mom for without knowing it instilled the importance of a place to gather.
Friday, April 10, 2009
When did you realize you were no longer a child?
I saw this question in a magazine that Jenny left on the couch. It is Good Friday and a time for reflection. Before I read the answer I thought of the last time I felt like a child. In the article the question was answsered, "I knew it when my own mother died. That's the last time there would be anyone in the world who always put me before herself."
What a sense of sadness this brought to me today. My mother, Nana, died November 14, 2008. I knew for a while that I didn't like her feeling so frustrated and being treated like she was the child. She was our mother and didn't like that part of her life being taken away from her. I knew how much it irritated her that she couldn't remember simple things or things that she had just done. Much of this was why she didn't want to go places. She was afraid that she would repeat herself and embarrass herself in front of the people she loved and knew all her life. Little did she know that they would tolerate this because they loved her and she gave so much of her life helping others.
As much as I didn't want her to die I knew I didn't want her to suffer with this. I think in the last few years before she got real forgetful, my Sundays I spent with her and Dad were some of the days I will remember and cherish. I will cherish how she loved my girls each for the individuals they are. I will cherish how much she loved when my grandsons visited her and would talk about them the next time I was there. My girls were so blessed to have her in their lives. I am so glad that in the last few years of her life never did she forget who any of us were.
Today for the first time I have felt the impact of those words. "That is the last time there would be anyone in the world who always put me before herself." My dad knows how much we miss her and how much she did making sure every day was special. He knows that it is the small things we do for each other that makes us a family.
We helped Dad pick out the head stone for Mom on Valentine's Day. We all got together afterwards at the house and had a party. When we met at Tata's so we could drive together to Tucson, he was so proud to pull out three Valentine Chocolate boxes. He was so excited to give us this, his three daughters. He now has the job my mom had all those years to remember all his kids' and grandkids' birthdays. He hasn't forgotten one yet. I know when it is his time to go, that will be the last person to love me with the love of a parent. I thank the Lord everyday that He gave me life and helped me to become the person I am today.
As parents we are not perfect and there are many things that I would do different. There is so many things that I did wrong in raising my girls but I know that they are so loved in this family. They are the girls they are because of US. I know everytime I see them I am so thankful that they are mine. I know their dad and I are so proud of the women they have become.
Being a mom doesn't mean you know everything or can solve everything because sometimes allowing your children to solve things themselves makes them smarter. How lucky I was to have my mom as a role model and a friend. I am glad she doesn't have to get to the point in her life that she forgot who her kids were. I think that would have been harder for me to handle than anything else.
Mama, I do miss you. I do know that no one could ever love me like you did. I think of you this Easter and know that you are with The Lord on this very special day. When I see the sunrise on Easter Sunday, I will know you are watching over all of us. Please continue to pray for my kids and their kids. Pray that they will continue to love each other when it is my time to go be with you.
What a sense of sadness this brought to me today. My mother, Nana, died November 14, 2008. I knew for a while that I didn't like her feeling so frustrated and being treated like she was the child. She was our mother and didn't like that part of her life being taken away from her. I knew how much it irritated her that she couldn't remember simple things or things that she had just done. Much of this was why she didn't want to go places. She was afraid that she would repeat herself and embarrass herself in front of the people she loved and knew all her life. Little did she know that they would tolerate this because they loved her and she gave so much of her life helping others.
As much as I didn't want her to die I knew I didn't want her to suffer with this. I think in the last few years before she got real forgetful, my Sundays I spent with her and Dad were some of the days I will remember and cherish. I will cherish how she loved my girls each for the individuals they are. I will cherish how much she loved when my grandsons visited her and would talk about them the next time I was there. My girls were so blessed to have her in their lives. I am so glad that in the last few years of her life never did she forget who any of us were.
Today for the first time I have felt the impact of those words. "That is the last time there would be anyone in the world who always put me before herself." My dad knows how much we miss her and how much she did making sure every day was special. He knows that it is the small things we do for each other that makes us a family.
We helped Dad pick out the head stone for Mom on Valentine's Day. We all got together afterwards at the house and had a party. When we met at Tata's so we could drive together to Tucson, he was so proud to pull out three Valentine Chocolate boxes. He was so excited to give us this, his three daughters. He now has the job my mom had all those years to remember all his kids' and grandkids' birthdays. He hasn't forgotten one yet. I know when it is his time to go, that will be the last person to love me with the love of a parent. I thank the Lord everyday that He gave me life and helped me to become the person I am today.
As parents we are not perfect and there are many things that I would do different. There is so many things that I did wrong in raising my girls but I know that they are so loved in this family. They are the girls they are because of US. I know everytime I see them I am so thankful that they are mine. I know their dad and I are so proud of the women they have become.
Being a mom doesn't mean you know everything or can solve everything because sometimes allowing your children to solve things themselves makes them smarter. How lucky I was to have my mom as a role model and a friend. I am glad she doesn't have to get to the point in her life that she forgot who her kids were. I think that would have been harder for me to handle than anything else.
Mama, I do miss you. I do know that no one could ever love me like you did. I think of you this Easter and know that you are with The Lord on this very special day. When I see the sunrise on Easter Sunday, I will know you are watching over all of us. Please continue to pray for my kids and their kids. Pray that they will continue to love each other when it is my time to go be with you.
Friday, April 3, 2009
You know you are old when........
Today, I realized just how old I was. I was at a birthday celebration for Kelly Bray, a sweet young lady that is as old a one of my daughters. Jan Bried, Tina Jada, and I drove from work to be there for her. As I watched the kids, yes, I mean kids walk in I realized I feel so old. Here I am with the wrinkles forming fast and here are those kids with the smooth faces I once had.
Joyce Gingrich and I were sitting next to each other wondering, "what are we doing here?" Joyce asked me are you staying much longer and I said no I wasn't because it was going to be past my bedtime. We were looking around at the young girls there and realized we were the older ones and Jan said no we were the responsible ones. We were laughing so hard at our having friends that are old enough to be our kids. We did enjoy ourselves but Joyce still wants to do a night out with the old fogies in our lives. I agree. At least we will know what songs are playing and what is really funny, have some wine, eat chocolate, have some more wine, and eat some more. I hope this is soon. I really miss being with Joyce because she always knows how to make me laugh so hard at myself.
Liz and Trish, you haven't written on your blog in a while. Get with the program. I miss reading your great stories. I have to read Jenny's over and over so I can get my fix. At least Jen writes every weekend or so. Hope to hear from you both soon.
MOFD
Joyce Gingrich and I were sitting next to each other wondering, "what are we doing here?" Joyce asked me are you staying much longer and I said no I wasn't because it was going to be past my bedtime. We were looking around at the young girls there and realized we were the older ones and Jan said no we were the responsible ones. We were laughing so hard at our having friends that are old enough to be our kids. We did enjoy ourselves but Joyce still wants to do a night out with the old fogies in our lives. I agree. At least we will know what songs are playing and what is really funny, have some wine, eat chocolate, have some more wine, and eat some more. I hope this is soon. I really miss being with Joyce because she always knows how to make me laugh so hard at myself.
Liz and Trish, you haven't written on your blog in a while. Get with the program. I miss reading your great stories. I have to read Jenny's over and over so I can get my fix. At least Jen writes every weekend or so. Hope to hear from you both soon.
MOFD
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Where do I start?
My name is Lydia Padilla Henry. I knew I was going to marry Cy the first time I set eyes on him. Actually, I think I proposed before he did much to the dismay of my parents who had invisioned their first daughter married to a nice young Catholic man. As Cy became part of the family, they did learn to love and respect the person I married especially when we had four wonderful granddaughters for them to love.
When Liz was just 18 months and Jenny had turned a year we moved to Apache Junction. I couldn't believe that Cy brought his new family to what I thought was the biggest "hell hole" in the world. I didn't know that I would come to love and watch my children grow in this community.
As children do they grow up, move out and get married. The three oldest are married and the youngest is single (I am not sure I am quite ready for her to be married, she is my baby after all).
Elizabeth married Wayne Langenbach and has two handsome boys who are 2 out of the 4 loves of my lives. I am glad Wayne loves beer and hunting because that has been Cy's dream when he didn't have boys was the hopes that his daughters would marry hunters. I don't even mind that he doesn't like wine, musicals, and fondue parties because he can keep Cy company on hunting trips and pee in trees and tell dumb stories, like how the Disney movie, Bambi ruins his chances of his girls wanting to go hunting with him.
Jenny married Ryan Gelbrich and have a very handsome (not sure how this happened with brown being predominant) blue eyed boy. I am equally glad that Ryan loves beer but eternally grateful he loves wine too. We went to many wineries while they lived in Oregon. After 9 years without Jenny at home, they call Arizona home.
Those were the big girls. Now on to the little girls. Tricia is a newlywed and married Joey Richardson who we have know since the little girls were little. Dale, Joe's dad, coached with Cy at Apache Junction High School. How fun it was to see those two get married. Joe loves beer and wine equally and just recently brought our Little Babalooski home.
Our baby is Tara Kitty and like I said am just not ready to give her up to someone yet. She just recently moved out and now our house is so empty. Hence, "empty nest" which some folks look forward to but not me. I could have my kids with me forever. Well, they all broke their promise to their father which was to live with us forever.
My grandsons are the best gift I have ever had or could ever want. Nothing compares with being a grandmother, drammy, grams, grammy or even manny. They are my heart and my soul and would have to fight their parents if they ever moved again. I love the way they looked at me when I used to get them at daycare and school and now they are here when I get home from school. They are THE BEST part of my day.
Now the real reason I decided to write this BLOG, yes Jenny I didn't say BLOB!
Today Tricia and Joey and their kitties drove to their house with a U-Haul. They collected the last of their belongings in Albuquerque. When they arrived to their new house Wayne, Liz, Ryan, Jenny, Tara, and all the boys were there to help. I brought tacos, rice, and homemade refried beans. With all the help, it only took under two hours. Most of their things were put away and a few things are still left to be done.
This is a day that all parents would love to witness and some never get to see this. To have all my children love each other and help each other out when needed. The big girls have always loved the little ones even if when they were younger thought that they were brats at times. And the little girls at times thought their older sisters were bossy. But seeing them together today, I know how truly blessed we are to have our kids love each other enough to be there for each other. Hey, maybe we didn't do such a bad job of being parents, and some of the mistakes along the way didn't do permanent damage.
Thank you Lord for my gifts of their love and friendship daily and for the men they brought into my life. I am proud to be your mother and equally proud to be your friend.
I love you girls for the individuals you are and for being so different yet so much the same.
Love,
Mom
My name is Lydia Padilla Henry. I knew I was going to marry Cy the first time I set eyes on him. Actually, I think I proposed before he did much to the dismay of my parents who had invisioned their first daughter married to a nice young Catholic man. As Cy became part of the family, they did learn to love and respect the person I married especially when we had four wonderful granddaughters for them to love.
When Liz was just 18 months and Jenny had turned a year we moved to Apache Junction. I couldn't believe that Cy brought his new family to what I thought was the biggest "hell hole" in the world. I didn't know that I would come to love and watch my children grow in this community.
As children do they grow up, move out and get married. The three oldest are married and the youngest is single (I am not sure I am quite ready for her to be married, she is my baby after all).
Elizabeth married Wayne Langenbach and has two handsome boys who are 2 out of the 4 loves of my lives. I am glad Wayne loves beer and hunting because that has been Cy's dream when he didn't have boys was the hopes that his daughters would marry hunters. I don't even mind that he doesn't like wine, musicals, and fondue parties because he can keep Cy company on hunting trips and pee in trees and tell dumb stories, like how the Disney movie, Bambi ruins his chances of his girls wanting to go hunting with him.
Jenny married Ryan Gelbrich and have a very handsome (not sure how this happened with brown being predominant) blue eyed boy. I am equally glad that Ryan loves beer but eternally grateful he loves wine too. We went to many wineries while they lived in Oregon. After 9 years without Jenny at home, they call Arizona home.
Those were the big girls. Now on to the little girls. Tricia is a newlywed and married Joey Richardson who we have know since the little girls were little. Dale, Joe's dad, coached with Cy at Apache Junction High School. How fun it was to see those two get married. Joe loves beer and wine equally and just recently brought our Little Babalooski home.
Our baby is Tara Kitty and like I said am just not ready to give her up to someone yet. She just recently moved out and now our house is so empty. Hence, "empty nest" which some folks look forward to but not me. I could have my kids with me forever. Well, they all broke their promise to their father which was to live with us forever.
My grandsons are the best gift I have ever had or could ever want. Nothing compares with being a grandmother, drammy, grams, grammy or even manny. They are my heart and my soul and would have to fight their parents if they ever moved again. I love the way they looked at me when I used to get them at daycare and school and now they are here when I get home from school. They are THE BEST part of my day.
Now the real reason I decided to write this BLOG, yes Jenny I didn't say BLOB!
Today Tricia and Joey and their kitties drove to their house with a U-Haul. They collected the last of their belongings in Albuquerque. When they arrived to their new house Wayne, Liz, Ryan, Jenny, Tara, and all the boys were there to help. I brought tacos, rice, and homemade refried beans. With all the help, it only took under two hours. Most of their things were put away and a few things are still left to be done.
This is a day that all parents would love to witness and some never get to see this. To have all my children love each other and help each other out when needed. The big girls have always loved the little ones even if when they were younger thought that they were brats at times. And the little girls at times thought their older sisters were bossy. But seeing them together today, I know how truly blessed we are to have our kids love each other enough to be there for each other. Hey, maybe we didn't do such a bad job of being parents, and some of the mistakes along the way didn't do permanent damage.
Thank you Lord for my gifts of their love and friendship daily and for the men they brought into my life. I am proud to be your mother and equally proud to be your friend.
I love you girls for the individuals you are and for being so different yet so much the same.
Love,
Mom
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
3 from Oregon 2 Arizona: Will They Ever Find Him?
3 from Oregon 2 Arizona: Will They Ever Find Him?
This was so much fun to read. I love reading and looking at our pictures of our family.
This was so much fun to read. I love reading and looking at our pictures of our family.
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