How You Doin'?

First, what t.v. show is my title from? Second, is it legal for me to use that as a title?

Okay, sorry. On with the show. I want to thank those of you that take the time to read and comment on my blog. I know by blog standards it's probably not that many, but I just took a look at the stats and by my standards, it's a lot. I've always loved writing, and as a child, I dreamed of being a writer. Unfortunately, I don't think my fiction writing is anything spectacular. I'm too analytical, and it always falls flat. So I think I'll stick with sometimes slightly exaggerated truth. (If you read my blog but have never commented, I'd love for you to give me a shout out and tell me who you are. Is shout out like so 1999?)

Our Dossier is in Bulgaria being translated, but the MOJ is asking that all new and recently submitted Dossiers get new medical letters so I'll be calling our doctor in the morning. Thankfully, we have a fabulous and supportive family doctor.

We're almost done with the second week of school (like how I rapidly change topics without transition?). It's taking us a little while to find our groove, but we're getting there. One of the things I love the most about teaching is also one of the things that I also find the hardest to deal with. I was going to say "hate" but that's not really correct. Anyway, it's getting all new students every year. I really have a huge love-hate relationship with this. I love a whole new set of kiddos to get to learn about and work with, but man, oh, man is it hard to let my other kids go. First of all, they're trained. Does that sound horrible? I'm sorry, but it's true. They know me. They know the routines, the rules, how to push my buttons, and so on. Second, I just miss them. And then before I know it they are in high school and driving and too cool for the likes of me, and you'll find me crying in the corner of the classroom. But I'll get used to my new kids, and they'll learn what makes my world go 'round, and I'll try my best to figure out what makes their worlds go 'round. Then just about the time we all have it down pat, it'll be time for them to move on, and we'll start the whole process over again. Such is the life of a teacher.

As far as three (almost four) year olds go, just about the time I think I've figured out what makes Andrew tick, he changes it all up on me. I guess that's a preschooler's perogative. Anyway, my little man is doing much better. His voice is less raspy, and he's breathing without any problems. I'm extremely thankful for that.

Well folks, we survived more than half of the week. Only two days to go, and then (hopefully for everyone) a three day weekend!

Sanity Optional

It's the last week of school in these parts. These parts referring to somewhere in the great big state of Texas. In case you don't have kids or live on Mars or something like that, kids and teachers go a little nuts during the last week of school. I keep thinking we should get rid of the last week of school. Haven't quite figured out how to do that yet, but I'm on it.

Today was water day at school. Water day is anticipated by children and adults alike. It is second only to Christmas in the world of elementary school children. As it gets closer you can hear teachers throughout the school saying, "Do you want to go to water day? Then you'd better behave." We hold it over their heads like Santa Claus. On water day the fire trucks come and shoot the kids with water. This year we even asked the firemen to spray the water up into the air so that it rained down gently on the kids. Unlike last year when they felt the need to blast the kids head on and almost took some of them out . We're nice like that. We also had stations, and I got to run (run = standing around and looking busy) the station where they stood in a pool filled with water and marbles and picked the marbles out with their toes. I was very popular today. Quite possibly more popular than ever before. It was fun, but that water was dis-gust-ing by the time we were done. I'm about to draft a letter to send home . . . Dear Parents, If your child comes down with a strange foot fungus we cannot be held legally or medically responsible . . . Despite the color of the water by the end of water day, it was still a lot of fun. Who knew kids held so much talent in their toes?

My only gripe about water day? It was 100 degrees outside. This is unseasonably warm . . . even for Texas. And my skin is extremely white and doesn't tan. Nope it sure doesn't. I burn like a hotdog on a grill. Like my use of simile? Paints quite a picture doesn't it. Anyway, I would suggest we do it in December next year, but somehow I don't think it would be quite as much fun. Hypothermia's not very popular with parents, and truth be told I don't really like being cold. So if someone could arrange for it to be a little cooler next year I would be very appreciative. And now if you had any doubt that teachers start to lose their minds near the end of the school year, they have been completely extinguished.

In adoption news (since that's the purpose of this blog), I talked to our caseworker today, and there are referrals slowly but surely beginning to roll in from Bulgaria. There are both special needs and healthy children available. This is good news and we are praying that things continue to gain momentum, and the process begins to shorten. I'm also hoping that I get my FBI clearance anyday now. Other than that there's not much going on. Thanks for all your prayers. Enjoy your Friday.

Eye on the Prize

Yesterday I was thinking (always a dangerous thing) about the amount of time that it takes to adopt. In some ways it seems like an eternity. I mean in 3 years I'll be almost 33 (scary), and Andrew will be almost 7 (super scary and a little depressing). In other ways it doesn't seem that bad. Thirty-three is still relatively young. Lot's of people don't even have kids at 33, and while Andrew will be around 7, there will most likely won't be more than a 5 year difference between him and his sister. As I've also found, the older you get the faster time goes by. Before you know it another year has passed, and you're another year older. Sounds cliche I know, but it's true.

I realized that it's all about perspective. When I started college, I fully expected to be in college for four years. I knew that I wasn't going to finish in two years, or three years, or even three and a half years. I knew that I would be there at least four full years. So why all this college talk? Not to worry, I do have a point. College was a long term goal. It took time, and effort, and patience. But I knew that the end would come . . . someday. And while it seemed like it took forever when I was in the midst of all that work, now it seems like it went by in a flash. Four years flew by in the blink of an eye. I kind of think that while the next 2-3 years may seem like an eternity, once we reach the other side, I will look back and think that it has flown past.

I have no doubt that I could become so wrapped up in the waiting that I forget to enjoy what I have now. I know that I could easily become obsessed with watching the proverbial clock, and not appreciate the here and now. I want to enjoy my family right at this moment. When the time is right, we will add our daughter to the crazy mix. Not a moment too soon or a moment too late but at just the right time.

And while I'm on the subject of time going by, another school year has come and (is almost) gone. On Friday I will complete my 8th year of teaching. Yikes! Only 21 years to retirement (rule of 80 for all you Texas teachers). I'm just kidding. But I am excited about summer. Andrew is going to visit his new preschool a couple days a week. Which equals some shopping free time for Mommy. I'm not sure that I'll know what to do with myself. Maybe I'll organize the tupperware and clean the blinds and baseboards. Again, I'm kidding . . . kind of . . . okay, maybe I'm straight up dead serious (I need therapy). Andrew also has swimming lessons (which is always entertaining with a class full of 3 year olds) and gymnastics (also very entertaining). We're going to the beach with my sister, her husband, and their boys in a couple of weeks. That should be wild and crazy and may send me over the edge. Four boys on one trip equals insanity. Patrick has youth camp in July, and we may or may not throw another trip somewhere else in there. We shall see. And those are (some) of our plans for the summer. I know. You can hardly contain yourselves. Try to calm down a little. All the excitement may raise your blood pressure or something like that.

Anyway, whatever you and your kiddos have planned for the summer, I hope it's a good one. And take a moment to stop and appreciate what and who is around you. You know stop and smell the roses and all that jazz. And now this is getting borderline sickeningly sweet and sappy, so I'm gonna stop.

Please remember to keep the Davis family in your prayers as they go before the Supreme Court judge early tomorrow morning. As soon as they update on their hearing, I'll let you know. Thanks for praying.