Lovely Weekend

James left for Michigan Beer Fest on Friday.  He dropped the girls off at my parents so I could also get some time to myself. Friday night was spent with some lovely teacher friends aka "Monkeys". Lots of laughs and swapping of stories and gossip from the trenches ensued. I always look forward to these get- togethers.

Saturday morning was spent with more lovely ladies (and a few gentlemen), for Breakfast at Juicy O. After breakfast, my friend and I headed over to see if we could schedule our tattoos for sometime on Saturday. We were able to get in at 7:30 that night. My friend dropped me off and I decided to read for awhile, then catch up with "Pit Bulls and Paroles".  At about 4:00, the power randomly went out, so I text Comed to inform them of the outage and decided that the only thing I could do was read! Luckily my I-Pad had full charge.  By 6:30, the power was back on and I was ready to pick up my friend to get our tattoos. My tattoo artist was an ex-graffiti artist who threw out the f-bomb once every 30 seconds. I only had to endure about 30 minutes of f-bombs and it was finished! 

I decided to place the tattoo just below my neck in the center of my upper back. I wanted to put this tattoo in a place that would see some, but not to much, sunlight in the summer time! My friend and I decided to celebrate our new ink by having a glass of wine at Fox's. We had a great time chatting along with my friend's neighbor who also happened to just end her shift at the restaurant.  

This morning I got a run in and by 10:30 my girls were back in my arms. Threw a bag and a stroller together and we headed out to DCM for some playtime with my co-worker's sons.  Two hours later, I had two sleepy babies in my car ready to see their daddy. 

After I dropped the girls off, I ran over to Starbucks for coffee with a friend. I was thrilled to hear about some of her new ideas and exchanged a few of my own. We have decided to support each other in our respective causes, which is great because I know I can depend on her! Lovely conversation as usual.

"Reshaping our lives to fit our larger dreams." -Abraham Lincoln

Lately

Today I realized that it has been awhile since I've blogged. The last two weeks, we have been busy in all areas of our life.

Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays, so I was excited when James and my students helped to make it a special day for me. I received a few red carnations and some chocolate from a few of my students which made my day.  After school, I had three students in my co-taught class come by and review for a quiz. Since I am a Special Education Teacher, I always feel quite flattered when Gen. Ed. students come to me with questions and concerns because it reminds me that I can make connections in both worlds!

In the evening, James and I scurried to get the girls ready before we headed out to the city for dinner at Nick's Fishmarket Grill in The Merchandise Mart.  I was happy that Nick's was not crowded so we we're able to have a great conversation and enjoy our food in a relaxed environment. I was also happy to have a few delicious chocolate covered strawberries delivered to my classroom in the afternoon.

Our second mommy to our girls updates us throughout the day through facebook messenger. We get pictures and blurbs of what the girls are doing. I was thrilled to see the most beautiful message about how Jade is compassionate and fair with her friends and stands up for them.  In a world that often values intelligence and competition as the highest commodities, it thrills me to see that our values are shinning through in our daughter. It's not that I don't think a healthy dose of talent and intelligence aren't excellent and needed traits, it's just that without a core foundation of values, talent and intelligence can create a nightmare in schools, work and personal lives. I couldn't be more proud.

We have a fun filled three day weekend ahead! Eat, Drink and be Merry everyone!

You Make Me Proud Everyday

Jade has gymnastics Monday nights and today we had a few kiddos missing and some newer members of our little group.  Jade took a leadership role in the class by doing warm-up exercises well and was able to remember the names of several stretches.  Her teacher came up to us and noted how much she has grown in such a short time.  I was one proud mama!  Right after the kids received their stamps and gave the teacher a hug, I gave Jade a huge hug and told her that she makes me proud everyday.

While in Florida, I came across a colorfully painted sign and picture frame with the phrase: "You Make me Proud Everyday".  I instantly fell in love with it for it's color and message.

Unfortunately, part of my job entails observations of parents who do not fully accept their children as they are. These parents often push or deny the reality of where their child functions academically and socially, and look to anyone they can to place blame for a horizontal identity.

Last night was one of two nights in the past week that I was having difficulty digesting Adele's needs. I have moments where I am overwhelmed with the unknown related to what the deletion may bring on us financially, emotionally and physically.

I finally began reading "Far From the Tree" and already have so many pieces of research and insight to reflect on in thirteen pages! One thing that stood out for me was this excerpt: "Children whose defining quality annihilates that fantasy of immortality are a particular insult; we must love them for themselves, and not for the best of ourselves in them, and that is a great deal harder to do."  It is so difficult to find words to express the emotions that I have felt since finding out about the 18q- so I was happy to find some that fit the reality of my situation.

Adele makes me proud everyday.  I revel in her smile and love for life at such a young age, her innate ability to take things as they come. I believe she is an old soul and has about ten-million things to teach us. I am looking forward to the challenges and triumphs these lessons will bring.

Day by day..