Show and Share Thursday: M is for…
M is for *mukluks*, though I know some of you might refer to them as “moccasins.” As girlie as I am, Manolos aren’t for me. Cold feet? Never when I have these on, and for good reason: the first pair (from the left) are made of sealskin with wolf trim, the next pair are calfskin and wolf, the red pair are felt and moosehide, and the fourth are rabbit and leather. All but the red boots are lined, so a pair of comfy socks are all I need to wear when I slip these on in the winter. I had several opportunities to wear them last year in Oz, but alas, this year they have remained tucked away in the coat/boot closet here in Texas.
These mukluks (both pair) were made by my Aaka (Grandmother), Ruth. Yes, *made.*
It was obviously the pretty beadwork on these Athabaskan boots that caught my eye, little promises of spring in the middle of winter.
The fur on the mukluks and Cree rabbit boots (last pair) has started to wear thin a bit, and some of the beadwork on the other two pair has loosened, mostly due to my students! Any kindergarten teacher will tell you, when it’s storytime and you’re surrounded by five year olds, hands and fingers will inevitably end up on your feet (legs if you’re wearing something texturally interesting).
When I lived and taught in Alaska, wearing my mukluks didn’t garner a second look- ever. In New Mexico and Kansas however, I was often stopped and asked politely for an explanation of my footwear. The walrus and moose appliqués on my sealskin mukluks were of particular interest. I’m doubting Texans here in the Bordertown will be subjected to my foot fashion for the remainder of our stay, but our family is keeping our fingers crossed in the hopes that Uncle Sam sends us someplace that annually features snow in its winter scenery.
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Don’t forget M-n-M’s! Did you know you can order your own custom printed candies now? Head here to find more M-n-M fun!
Decor, Broccoli, NCLB Reality, Wish List
Though there are a ton of chores on my to-do list today, I had to take a break after the sun made an appearance, filtering some much-appreciated light onto the latest decor changes:
Have I ever told you I can’t stand broccoli? *Yuck* to the nth degree, let me tell you. Until, that is…this recipe:
1 bunch of broccoli, raw (I just use the floret/crowns)
1/4 cup onion, sliced/diced
1 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon
1 cup mayo (but you could easily use less)
2 tablespoons vinegar
1/4 cup sugar (or 1/8 cup Splenda, though it says it can be measured the same for the required sugar, I don’t care for the aftertaste so I cut it back a bit)
Mix all ingredients well, chill, then munch down to your heart’s content. My husband and I never have left overs when I make this salad. Ever. Quite a testament, coming from broccoli-avoiders!
The only thing lately that has made me shudder as much as most other broccoli dishes do would be the latest, thankfully, last, State of the Union Address made by President Bush. Following Thumper’s mother’s advice (”If you can’t say something nice… don’t say nothing at all.”), I’ll just provide some links to some great blogs that are pretty closely aligned to how I’m feeling:
Schools Matter: School Privatization Plan
Schools Matter: Art? Music? Cultures? NCLB?
The Elementary Educator: The Importance of Recess
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…and on a lighter note, my latest wished-for-items from MacKenzie-Childs:
And pillows:
If I could just get my magic wand to work…
Writing Marks My Personal Pace
No, not “personal space.” Dinner is done, the toddler is wrestling with Daddy on the couch, and daughter is in taking her shower before it’s the toddler’s turn for the tub. I’m munching on pink, white and red peanut m-n-m’s (I know, not the healthiest choice), and have just finished reading the latest postings from the blogs to which I subscribe. The day is winding down. Surprisingly my thoughts are winding up.
I read some posts from teachers who were reflecting on their teaching practice, their latest successes, their most recent frustrations and disappointments. Several crafters have posted new ideas for spring, have rearranged their work space, and are entertaining thoughts of repainting rooms in their homes. A military wife is reviewing the latest book she’s read that has been published as a resource for those of us who married military-folk, and several painters have listed their latest canvases on Ebay or Etsy. I myself posted earlier today about the baby afghan given to expectant friends, the Girl going to the district science fair, the wet and windy weather, and the cookies I was going to make (but didn’t yet) for our daughter’s friend.
I read the local newspaper several times a week, enjoy perusing the craft and home decor magazines at the store, and read the postings on NetNewsWire each morning. I’m authoring my own blog almost daily, responding to comments, answering emails, and following interesting links to wherever they might lead. It’s a very different personal pace for me, considering what my schedule was at this time last year. Teaching full time, my husband deployed, primary parent 24/7, feeling extreme twinges of guilt whenever the load felt too heavy, too much a burden.
I was still writing last year, a few rants and silly surveys, but mostly weekly parent letters sent home via email or backpack. In these “notes home” I reviewed our week’s activities, concepts introduced and explored, skills practiced, and made suggestions for activities that could be done at home for families to enjoy. My favorite part of the weekly note was the very last element I included, the “kindergarten quotes.” Those funny or amazing things overheard coming out of the mouths of my Super Stars that I knew parents would enjoy…are what I miss most this year of not teaching.
I could plow through my lesson plans each week, student assessments, documentation for IEP’s or whatever other school-required documentation reared its ugly head, but the weekly letter took time. Thought. Reflection. Editing. Evaluation of my tone. It often felt like it was the only written element required in my profession where my true voice would be “heard,” so it mattered to me that the parents *knew* they were really making a connection with an authentic part of their childrens’ school lives as they braved the backpack each Friday to excavate the note out of the pile of smooshed chips, broken pencils, and show and share items.
I’m a believer in behaving professionally when it comes to my job. My personal life is not to be confused with my public role, but I do believe in being sincere no matter what stage I might be occupying throughout the day. Though this year my pace at home does not match the speed usually kept when teaching, it has enabled me to spend more time in authentic reflection and on authentic writing. I’ve felt free to express how I’ve been feeling as a parent, spouse, stay-at-home mom, friend, out-of-work teacher, and blogger. I’ve reflected on my professional work as a teacher, my personal adventures away from the classroom, and I’ve found that I have new interests, new wishes, new directions I’d like to follow. Liberating myself from the trusted yet very routine role of public school teacher has put me in the position of having to stick one toe in the water, testing. I’ve been in the same pool for so long, and never entertained the thought that maybe the pond over yonder would cool my heels just as well… possibly even better. Is that a rushing brook I hear?
I love teaching. But I’ve found I love other things too. It will be interesting to set my pace again once we’ve moved, and I’m back to work.
Murky Monday
Though it’s a bit of a murky Monday, today has still been rather productive. Laundry is just about done, the kitchen is clean, February decor is up (photos on a sunnier day), and one baby blanket is on its way to its new owner.
I still need to make “thank you” cookies for my daughter’s friend today. With her help during the “ball experiment,” our girl managed to produce a science report that has earned a presentation slot at the district Science Fair held on the college campus here in town. Yay! Internet Hoax Cookies will work wonderfully, remember those? If you haven’t tried the recipe, file it away for a rainy day- it is actually *quite* good!
Don’t forget Show and Share Thursday this week- if you have a collection, idea, recipe or blog posting from your own site that you’d like to share, send it to me by Wednesday evening via comments or directly at michaelek1(at)yahoo(dot)com and I’ll include your submission with my own posting.
Hope your week has gotten off to a great start! Cookie time!
Snippet Saturday
I’m in awe that I got to sleep in today- mind you, “sleeping in” for me since the toddler arrived has meant anytime after five a.m. He didn’t fling his bedroom door open until six today. I’m actually feeling rested, though it helps that I went to bed around eight last night. Yes, I am a sleep hog.
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I attended a memorial service for my godmother yesterday afternoon, at the same church in which I was baptized as a baby. It was a nice service, and it was interesting hearing the stories and remembrances of of such a colorful lady. She spoke fluent Greek, traveled the world as a military spouse, and even took care of King Paul’s and Queen Frederika’s lion cub for several months before it was transferred to the Athens Zoo.
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I did indeed, make another wreath, along with some heart shaped door sachets yesterday.
I still have a ton of fabric, so I think I’ll try my hand at making a runner, or some placemats with the remnants. I’ve never been the type of crafter who enjoys working specifically with sewing fabric, though I wholeheartedly support other peoples’ nasty quilting habits! 
I crochet, do cross stitch, or use fabric strips for wreath decor…heat up a glue gun on occasion, and assemble vignettes. Every few years I’ll get the sewing machine out and make a new kuspuk, so perhaps this is just my latest craft medium phase.
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Lately my dreams have been full of organizing scenes: me finding the perfect baskets for my laundry room; reorganizing the bedroom closet with all one-color hangars, shirts sorted by color, sleeve length, etc. Must be the codeine in the cough syrup, though it’s just building upon my natural inclination to have a place for everything, and everything in its place. Some people dream of scary monsters, or going on some adventure. There I am, organizing my laundry detergent and dryer sheets.
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I’m hoping we really do find out sooner rather than later where our next duty assignment will be. It takes time to apply for and receive a new state’s teaching credential, and most school districts prefer to hire teacher applicants that are already licensed to teach in their state. So far I’m licensed in Alaska, New Mexico, Kansas, and Texas. Who’s next? (Yes, yes, I know, I should have gone and gotten nationally certified all those years ago, darn you HINDSIGHT.)
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This weekend’s to-do list only has one item on it so far:
Changing out seasonal January decor. Out with the snowflakes and snowmen, in with the hearts.
I’m certain there are other things I simply must do. They’ll sneak up on me as I get caught up on reading the latest postings from my favorite blogs.
I hope you have a terrific weekend!
February Wreath
I finished a week before February- and I have enough little hearts to make another wreath!
Here’s the pile of wreath fixin’s:
A wreath form, fabric, tulle, and the puffy hearts…
I wrapped pink fabric around the wreath form, then cut strips of tulle, tying them around the fabric. Poofy!
Time for the hot glue gun- thankfully (amazingly), I didn’t burn myself!
I added some pretty polka-dotted ribbon…
and voila! February’s wreath!
I have a lot of extra fabric, so we’ll see what other goodies I can think up!
Show and Share Thursday: Cameos
Friends, family and students know I *love* jewelry, the sparklier the better! Whether it’s a new teacher-themed brooch, necklace or earrings, or a new bauble from Zales, I enjoy adding finishing touches to all of my outfits daily. My wooden apple necklace goes with my ABC jumper for the first day of school, my Kirk’s Folly heart necklaces and brooches see regular rotation throughout February, and I enjoy wearing a different “right hand ring” each day thanks mostly to my husband. I support his Harley habit, he supports my jewelry habit, talk about a match made in Heaven!
My love for jewelry started when I was a child. My mother and grandmother had jewelry boxes that sat on their dressers, and I remember realizing that for the ladies in my family, it was an absolute necessity to go through them each day, selecting something to wear before ever stepping out of the apartment. Going out without a bracelet, earrings, or a ring on was like going out into public naked! Now I can’t leave the house without having visited my jewelry box first.
Cameos hold a special appeal for me. My grandmother has a cameo ring, bezel set, that she says I used to teethe upon as a baby. The face on the shell has been blurred, rubbed smooth over time, and it rattles in its setting. My mother has a brooch that she also wears as a pendant, and it somehow marks all of my childhood memories of her. Touring Europe as a teenager, my mother was with me when I purchased my first cameo ring, a treasure I inadvertently lost when in a state of delirium, I went on a cleaning spree and tossed everything in my dresser drawers into the trash (chicken pox at age thirteen was NOT a good experience, let me tell you!).
She replaced the ring for my first wedding, a gift that was just for me. It’s the smaller of the two cameo rings in the photo. The larger ring I received when my mother-in-law passed away last year. Helping my sister go through Betty’s belongings, we came across a stash of jewelry given to her by a lover from many years past. Rubies, diamonds, loose stones, pearls, and the cameo ring. The story goes that she, the cameo, was hardly if ever worn, because of her size. On me, she covers up my middle knuckle on my ring finger, and hasn’t been worn while I’ve been doing the stay-at-home-mom thing, though never fear, she keeps good company with my other cameos. The brooch was an Ebay find- I couldn’t resist when I saw the simple cameo set with the millefiori flowers… it’s a fun little riot of color to wear on rainy days.
There’s even a cameo on the charm bracelet I started for myself last year though I can’t remember who it belonged to before that (sorry Mom!). A small ivory bear, lockets, charms, pendants, and even a lone earring keep her company. Transferring all of my rarely-if-ever-worn pendants to the bracelet was a good choice for me (I have some more charms to add to it), and it’s a piece that my students always love to examine when I wear it. They love the blue topaz (“A topaz?? A topaz?!?! Amongst *my* jewels?!?!”), the bear, all of the hearts, and the jingly sound made when I move my hand. I love wearing it because I enjoy knowing that there is a story behind each charm.
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I’ve spent most of this week attempting to recover from a doozie of a cold. Thankfully I’ve had crafts and reading to keep me sane while spending almost every minute indoors. Thank you for the messages and emails wishing me a speedy recovery, every good thought has helped! Here are some links that caught my eye:
Schools Matter shares the story of an elementary school in California that has turned down Title I funds in order to go “NCLB-Free.” Incredible and inspiring.
Cakespy coaxed two incredible dessert recipes from Michael’s Kitchen in Miami: White Chocolate Raspberry Rice Krispie Deep Dish Pizza and Twinkie Tiramisu. Num, num, num!
Planning With Kids charmed me with her advocacy of family time as well as her post of “10 Things to do Before School Holidays End.” She’s in Australia, so it was fun comparing her list to what parents here in the States tend to do.
Introductions
Like most teachers, I have many wonderful memories of each year’s group of students I’ve taught. Those funny moments, hysterical stories, soul-searching questions and eager explorations could fill a book effectively mapping my teaching career. They are more milestones to me than any of my teaching evaluations could ever be.
As a kindergarten teacher, I don’t always feel that I’m teaching lessons or concepts in the traditional sense. What I do feels more interactive and social in much the same way I find myself operating when I’m in “military spouse mode.” Meeting new people, making introductions, following social etiquette, trying to put people at ease, guiding the audience to feel welcome… the same format applies when I’m seated with five and six year olds on the floor, ready to sing or share a story.
Each year, one of my favorite “introductions” is between my Super Stars and Martin Luther King Jr.
My students enjoy some background stories and information, Weekly Reader or Scholastic usually provide take-home fliers, posters and activities, and then we listen to the “I Have a Dream” speech. In its entirety. And every year that my students have listened to the speech, you could have heard a pin drop on carpet. The wigglers, the blurters, the most animated of children, all transfixed, for the entire speech.
There’s something about listening to a message that has purpose and truth behind it- even children can intuitively feel the speaker’s intent. Some of my favorite student comments:
“Teacher, I like that man. He said I could go to school with my friends.”
“He has a big voice, but he’s not scary or mean.”
“Did his dream come true, Teacher?”
Introduction made. Talk amongst yourselves.
Giveaway Winner!
Dear Daughter drew a winner:
Congratulations Shauna!
Thank you to all who entered by commenting or emailing me last week- the excitement of today’s drawing is what got us through the misery of our colds!
Many thanks for reading and for sharing your thoughts and encouragement- I’m so looking forward to reaching the next blog milestone (when/what is that, exactly?) and of course, thinking up something new for my next giveaway!
Germs
Round one in the cold and flu season of 2008 has been won by the germs. They’ve impacted our appetites, our fluid intake, our sleep patterns, and our wallets since our pantry was low on Kleenex, vitamin C, juice, Sudafed, and Honey Lyptus Halls. It seems only the cat has been immune, and she, quite correctly, has been avoiding us like…like…like the plague.
The biggest sufferers are the toddler and Daddy, no big surprise. With the news about cold medicines not being considered safe for young children, we tried to fall back on the old standbys… humidifier, PediaLite, Vicks Vaporub, hugs, cuddles, and cartoons. I don’t think they really provided much relief, and sheer exhaustion was probably what finally got our little guy to sleep through the night. Daddy, on the other hand, has been taking every medication known to Man, and since he’s a big guy, has taken a LOT. Cuddles and cartoons do work for him in his Sudafed haze however. If I can convince the teenager to stay away from both of the boys, there might be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Being the mom, I have done the laundry, cleaned, disinfected, and made coffee cake. No, not chicken soup. Coffee cake. Peach, to be exact. Because it’s easy, warm, filling. I’ll make soup in a few hours, for the smell, the humidity, and the healing properties, but coffee cake will be what tides this Florence Nightingale over enough to be at the family’s beck and call.
I even put a sign up on our front door:
We’ll see how many yahoos 1) ignore the sign, 2) don’t see the sign, or 3) can’t read the sign today. Assessment and data collection never stop.
For the Science audience, lookie here: Giant Microbes makes stuffed plush toys that look like the microbes responsible for the flu, common cold, cough, bad breath, and even athlete’s foot. I’m not finding them terribly appealing right now, but I’m sure some teacher out there could use them to great effect.
Tea time. Stay healthy.
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