Thoughts From A New Teacher

Someone is out to get me. I know it. I can feel the eyes watching my every move as I go through my crazy day. Perhaps it's a government conspiracy. They want to see how I do under pressure. They sent their very best to test me. And they couldn't send just one person. No, they felt that would not provide enough information. They decided to send 20.....

I hardly have a moment of peace. Lunch time is delightful, but the clock glares at me, ticking away minute after minute....and time is up all too soon. And then they're back, much too noisily entering the room, taking forever to find their seats, wondering what's going to happen next, waiting to see how I'll react to their impatient questioning. I can see it in their eyes. I can read their minds. She's going to crack soon. Let's be extra loud. She'll never make it through this day. She'll quit this job and go home crying. And we'll win.

And then suddenly, from out of nowhere, one of them walks up to me and gives me a hug. A little while later I find a lollipop or a lovely drawing on my desk. I'm amazed by the creativity that exudes from the one who was completely off task and not very nice earlier in the day, but stayed after class so that I could help him finish making a "tuxedo" out of paper- complete with colored bow tie and lots of tape. He walked home wearing it.

I go home tired, my mind spinning, my voice gone, knowing that I have to do it all over again the next day. But I wonder if the one who went home sick is feeling any better. I'm excited because I know they are going to love the science project tomorrow. I hope that somehow I can help those who are really struggling with reading. So I'll get on pinterest and look for ideas. And I'll grade that stack of papers that seems never ending. And I'll go to bed early and pray again for strength and patience for another day.

And the government will probably not show up in my classroom, laughing because their 20 kids took me down. It might not be an easy job, but it's going to be a rewarding one.

 

Yes, it has been forever since I have blogged. Life is still crazy in Oklahoma, but I have just failed miserably at recording any blog worthy events. Until today.

Lately my caregiving skills have been tested by new clients. These clients happen to be the four legged kind. This summer I have become the dog watcher of Enid. It is truly remarkable how many people have asked me to watch their little darlings over the past several weeks. I have become friends with a couple of chihuahuas, a St. Bernard, a great Dane and some pit bulls. So far I have not been injured by any of these dogs nor have I lost any. I let them go potty, and I give them food and attention. I believe that they adore me, even while they are mad at their parents for deserting them.

Things have moved along smoothly. I go in and out of people's houses, one dog here, two dogs there, and , of course, I still have to care for my own dog, who is settling in fairly well since she has joined me in my little home. Their are mishaps here and there- a little poop on the living room floor at one house, a little dog puke on the floor at my house ( note to self: do not feed the poodle bacon).

Then yesterday happened.

After church, I went to let the pit bulls out. A few minutes after leaving I realized my mistake: I didn't have the house key. I was wearing a dress, so I had not slipped it in my pocket after unlocking the door as I had been doing all weekend. I had set it down on the kitchen table. And I knew deep down in my heart that it was still on the kitchen table, and I had locked myself out of the house. Horrible moment of realization- I was so mad at myself! I ran a couple of errands and went home to change clothes, all the while thinking about how I was going to solve this problem. I drove back to the house and looked around. Tried to open the garage door -nope. The dogs started barking. Went to the back yard and tried to take the screen off a window- failure. I went back and sat in the car and finally called my friend and confessed that I had locked myself out of her house. She told me that the kitchen window should be unlocked so if I could get the screen off I could get in that way. Went back and tried again. Dogs still barking. I'm hoping that no neighbors are watching me. At that moment I received a text message. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and saw that it was one of those chain messages, and it started out like this: "God has seen you struggling with something." I laughed- how appropriate.

I then decided I needed to recruit some help. So I used a lifeline and called a friend. For the sake of anonymity I will change his name: Burt came quickly to my aid armed with tools to break in to the house. I have never had to ask a friend to help me in a criminal act before. He used a screwdriver to remove the screen from the window. The dogs continued barking. Window open- things are looking up! Then I had to be hoisted up. As I started headfirst through the window, I suddenly realized I didn't know how to land on the floor without injuring myself. If I was really cool like Ziva David and had been trained by the Mossad, I could have just somersaulted in without a second thought. Alas, I am not a fictional television character. I came back down and decided to try something else. I pulled over the plastic doghouse and stood up on it. It promptly collapsed! Of course. Burt said HE could just jump through the window, but he was pretty sure he would not receive a friendly welcome from Pitbulls 1 and 2. I agreed. Next step- garbage can- much more sturdy than the doghouse. I managed to get up on that and then sit on the windowsill- hitting the kitchen floor feet first rather than head first. Mission accomplished. As Burt left, he said, "Make sure you get the key."

Just Another Day

Admittedly it was a better day. The pain from the shots had subsided, and when I arrived the next morning, the boy was full of smiles! Happy, happy, happy. This made mommy and Melody very happy. Yay for no pain! Yay for no drugs! And not a doctor in sight.......

Of course, thinks smiling baby Lakyn, Melody might get bored .......I should provide her with some sort of entertainment today.

Let' s see.....what should I do? I know. I'll scream when she changes my diaper. I really do hate that. But what would be even better is if I pee while she's changing my diaper. I will get pee all over the changing table and my outfit. And then while she goes to get me another outfit, I'll poop in my clean new diaper.

"Lakyn! I just changed you! You stink!" Frustration. Here comes another diaper and the new outfit- which produces even more screaming because the child really hates getting dressed. I try to get the shirt over his head as quickly as possible.

I hate getting dressed. Why did I pee on the other outfit? Oh, well.....the pooping was classic. I am so funny. What is wrong with this outfit? Something does not feel right.

"Oh, Lakyn...it's not that bad....it's your fault, anyway...you went potty on the other shirt. I just have to button it...almost done.....oh, where is the pacifier? Maybe that will quiet you down."

I feel around searching for the little object. What is wrong with this outfit? Oh.....the pacifier is stuck inside of it! Figures.

Oh, she keeps messing with the outfit. Just pick me up, already! Can't we be finished with this changing thing? Thank you. It's about time you give me the pacifier! Now just hold me......I have been traumatized!

Good grief. Pee, poop, pacifiers.......o.k. I will just sit down and rock the child for awhile.

Ah, this is better....I am comfortable again. I think that is enough entertaining the babysitter for now. Let's just rock........

Traumatic Experiences

I never liked shots. Who does, really? Obviously some people are more accepting of it than others, but a big needle poking me is not something that makes me think happy thoughts. And when you are itty bitty and don't understand what is going on, a shot is just something that ruins your day!

Poor little Lakyn had his first round of shots yesterday, and he was so unhappy. I spent the day telling him that doctors are terribly mean people and how sorry I was that they treated him so badly. I participated in his drug therapy- doses of tylenol every 3-4 hours (it was obvious when the medicine was wearing off). The screaming was just so sad - I have mentioned that the boy has a serious set of lungs and at times the screaming is frustrating, but this was totally necessary. I mean, the poor child has 3 little holes in his legs- there is such a thing as screaming at an appropriate time and for good reason. Thankfully tylenol made him sleepy- so there was relief from pain and suffering for awhile.

We spent the afternoon on the bed. I watched t.v. with a little bundle on my chest. Apparently this is his favorite sleeping position and because of the terrible situation he had endured, I indulged him. I really didn't mind too much. He would wake up briefly, cry a little like a wounded puppy, and then cuddle up again, trying to forget the painful memories of doctors and needles by going back to dreamland, content with the knowledge that this babysitter lady was definitely not someone who would poke him with a sharp object. In fact, he might consider forgiving her for being so slow about getting the bottle ready...........and he might even smile a little at her.....oh, wait, the tylenol just wore off.....AAAHHHHHHHH!

Quote of the Night

At church tonight I asked the kids the question we learned last week:

"What is the Bible?"

Karissa (age 5): "the Word of God"

Me: "Haydyn, what is the Bible? The Bible is the.....?"

Haydyn (age 3): "Chips! We have chips at home."

Classic. I laughed out loud.

For the record, he did say the correct answer later on.

Different Point of View



Why does life have to be so difficult? If only I were bigger and knew how to communicate with these people. This is a strange world- everything is big and bright.

Oh, here comes that person again.....the one that is NOT my mommy. Whenever she shows up, Mommy disappears for awhile. Hunger.....time to let her know I'm not happy. It's a good thing I am so good at screaming. Oh, why does it take so long? Just stop bouncing me and put the food in my mouth! Oh......the hunger is extreme.....maybe I need to scream louder.......finally...food. It's so wonderful and makes my tummy feel so warm and happy. Now to study this non-mommy person. Hmmm...she doesn't look too evil. At least she knows how to hold the bottle at the right angle......wait- don't take it out! What are you doing, person? I DO NOT drink too fast! I'm gonna holler if you don't give it back....thank you. I do not understand these much bigger people.



Oh, this is so great. I just lie here and drink the bottle.....she holds me. Hey, there's big brother looking at me again. He must like me. Of course he does. I mean, why wouldn't he? I love it when so many people pay attention to me. Oh wait.....she's taking the bottle again. I know it wasn't empty.....come on.....pat, pat, pat...why do we have to do this patting the back thing before I finish my food?



Hmmm.....where are we going? Oh, no, not the little table thing. Please....don't ....why are you taking off my clothes? I hate being exposed for all to see! It's cold....oh, and the wipe is freezing. Ok....I'm screaming. This is terrbily uncomfortable. And the outfit over the head. Why do you torture me, lady? Who cares if I spit up all over it? Can't you take the smell? Now a new one over the head again and I have to scrunch my arms into the little holes. This is not my idea of a good time. Just keep screaming...maybe she'll stop......whew! I hope we don't have to do that again for awhile.

The joys of little bitty babies.....I sometimes wonder what is going on in their young minds. It should be simple really- feed them, change them, rock them. They are the ones that make it complicated, right? They don't want to be wet, but they hate being changed. They don't want to take time to burp, but they hate having gas. Well, life goes on.....and, hey, at least they're cute!

Little Bitty Baby

My latest charge is tiny. I met him when he was 3 days old. It has been awhile since I have taken care of a newborn. I always have these horrible visions of him falling out of my arms and onto the floor. Thankfully these have not been prophetic visions!

Let me make it very clear that this is not an ugly baby! He is super cute with lots of black hair sticking up all over his head. However, he is very LOUD! I swear his lungs must be too big for his body. When the face starts crinkling up and the mouth opens, watch out.......it will not be a pretty sound. The kid has me running around - grabbing the pacifier or the bottle and him and rushing off to the bedroom, closing the door behind me. This is our secret hideout complete with squeaky rocking chair, diapers, wipes, burp rags and bassinet. And yes, we have to hide out because mommy works at home as a massage therapist, and while all of her clients think the baby is "adorable", they don't really like to hear him scream.

So little Lakyn and I are holed up in the back of the house until the crying stops. On one of my first days with him he started fussing. I scooped him up and set him down on mommy and daddy's bed with his pacifier. I went in to use the bathroom and when I came back he had used the bathroom. The new diapers did not do their job. Please someone explain this to me: if the boy is lying on the bed, how does the pee-pee totally soak the back and not the front of him? It drenched through his outfit, the comforter and the sheets. I was amazed at the amount of pee that had come out, since I had changed him less than 30 minutes before. And he hates getting changed! The screaming continued as I cleaned him up and put on a new diaper and a new outfit. Finally the bottle brought peace.......until the next drama. And trust me, there's always drama!

I've been neglecting my blog forever. I'm blame the neglect on facebook. Yes, I have been one of those facebook users for awhile now, and I get so caught up in status updates and uploading photos and looking at everyone's profiles.......well, poor little blog has suffered greatly. I have decided to rescue this blog from the pit of despair and give it a little face lift and some new stories. I will try to pay attention to it (although I will not be giving up facebook- I think I can do both!)

This comes at a good time since I have started a new chapter in my life. I am now a resident of the great state of Oklahoma- I never thought this would actually happen to me, but I have learned that when you say "I will never do such and such a thing", that thing will inevitably happen. God has His own ideas and admittedly, they are better than my ideas, though often surprising. So, I said goodbye to family, friends, church, and job that I loved, and made my way here- and incidentally, I am having a great time!
I have friends here- old and new- a new church where I can minister, and a new job.
And, of course, there are children here in Oklahoma. I miss my kiddos in Illinois, but I'm sure wherever I go I will be able to find children to entertain me! And entertain anyone who chooses to read this little blog!

It's been forever since I've posted anything on my blog because I've been putting all of my pictures on facebook. Well, my facebook is being absolutely annoying, so back to the blog for now.....

here are some pics from Kids 4 Truth tonight. We were playing the "freeze" game. The kids love it! I'm glad I had my camera with me!

Enjoy!

Kids 4 Truth Quote of the Week:

"God created man in His own spinach."

Tidbits from Texas

Here are a few great moments from our trip to Texas. I recorded them in a little notebook so as not to forget anything highly entertaining!

I had the joy of sharing a room with Nils. This meant that I was awakened very early each morning. I am not a good morning person......therefore I was rather whiny about my situation. But after reflecting on what happens early in the morning with Nils, I must admit that it was fun to spend that time with him! He is so "awake" and just starts talking about whatever pops into his head. The first morning I awoke to hear: "Our Father Who art in Heaven, halllowed be thy name.......who should we pray for?" He then started naming people. Then out of the blue....."what does the cow say? Moo." Another morning he woke up and walked into the bathroom. While sitting on the toilet, he said, "Jesus was sitting on a donkey." It took me awhile to catch on to this. He repeated himself a few times. We wandered back to bed and he kept talking about Jesus and the donkey. "Yes," I said. "And the people were happy and saying 'hallelujah'" (I guess they were actually saying 'hosanna', but it was too early for me to get it straight). Then I said, " I don't remember what else the people said, but Jesus was riding into Jerusalem on the donkey." To which Nils responded, "Jesus is King!" I was pleasantly surprised at his good memory. He must have heard the story either at school or church the week before. He kept saying, "Jesus is King!"

Later that same day, we were sitting around eating lunch. Nils had finished and was running around. He spotted a camera on the counter and grabbed it, dashing out of the kitchen as fast as he could. I jumped up from the table and ran after him, chasing him to the guest room, where he had deposited the camera on the bed. He was jumping up and down and turning toward me he shouted, "Jesus is King!" I had a hard time keeping a straight face. He was totally trying to make me forget about the camera by saying something which I had reacted to positively before. I am often impressed by how his mind works!

We had an Easter egg hunt before we left on Saturday. We gathered them together for a group picture after they had found all the eggs. When we told them to smile, Annika proudly held up her basket and shouted, "I love Jesus!" Then she continued, "Do you know why I said that? Because it's Easter, and Jesus rose from the dead! We get to see Jesus tomorrow!" She was so excited.....I don't know if she was disappointed the next day or not!

When we were at Sea World, Annika, Marta and I were waiting for everybody else to get off of a ride. We had been trying to see which boat they were all in when they came down the big waterfall. Annika was sure she had spotted them: "That's them. It is. But don't get mad at me if it's not cause I'm not God. I don't know everything."

While eating out at a Mexican restaurant, Marta was sitting next to her daddy. He took a spoonful of mole' sauce and held it out to her."Taste this, Marta. It's chocolate!" Marta is a very picky eater and is not usually willing to try something new. But without any hesitation, she took a bite. Her happy expression at the thought of chocolate quickly changed to confusion.....then she burst into tears! Admittedly this was not a very nice trick, but it was pretty funny!

We stopped at a Starbucks drive thru one morning. When Kendall started to order coffee, the lady immediately asked him, "What are you eating?" They had picked up some breakfast tacos from this place called "Super Donut" ( I know, weird.........) Super Donut's coffee could have been terrible, so Starbucks was a must. We just laughed and laughed because the lady talked on and on about the taco and wanted to know if it was good.......Diane accused Kendall of chewing really loud.

And all throughout the trip we would hear this from Nils when he was seemingly frustrated.......
"Ahhhh....I need a cough drop!" I'm pretty sure he's never had a cough drop, and we have no idea why he was saying it, but it was his favorite phrase.

All in all, it was a very entertaining trip! I was exhausted when it was over, but it was great to visit new places and hang out with the whole family. And I could do it again......just not really soon!

Haiku Memories

I was going through some papers this week and found some haiku that was written over 6 years ago. I had a good laugh reading it again, and thought it would be fun to post it. Joy and Karyn should especially get a kick out of it- there are inside jokes.....you can ask if you feel the need, or just be content in knowing that we are strange!

Haiku for Mel (written by Joy)

You are the tall girl
Who gave me a lift to my
First Rockford party.

I pretty much liked
You right off, but I must say
Some things have changed since.

For instance, your rear
View mirror probably
Displays lipstick words.

Your salad's great. But
What I really like? Lime chips.
I could eat them all.

Karyn gets one aft-
Er I get my large, fair share.
(Don't tell her, OK?)

I know all of Z's
Nicknames now, like Monkey-Butt.
(That is the first time

I have ever used
Gratuitous language in
A haiku, mind you.)

An Alias is
A nice thing for Z to have,
But I recommend

Finding one that's fine
To mention in Dave's presence.
Reminds me of prize

Pigs. Which reminds me
Of sweet corn, glowsticks, music
Videos, and hay.

It's been a great fall-
I mean that from the bottom
Of my heart- so thanks!


Haiku for Joy (written by Mel)

Oh joyous, joyous
That is what I think of your
Personality.

It's quite a riot.
Just like The Cheeseburger Song.
How can it compare?

Is it a wonder
That you enjoy that song so?
Food is a blessing

You always tell us.
And yes, it is so true,
Mandarin oranges

Are orange- like pumpkins.
The word "haiku" makes me think
Of toy samuris,

Fighting at the boys
Ridiculous instructions
And video stores.

But still, Praise the Lord,
And what fun we have had, right?
I shall not forget!

Haiku for Karyn (written by Joy)

I want to start out
With a tiny correction,
Tiny and needful.

That is simply this:
It was not I who first caused
The felt need to coin

The word "annoying."
It was truly invented
In the Dark Ages

As a magic charm,
Said to rid people of plague
And of broccoli

And box elder bugs.
That being said, please proceed:
Once upon a time,

There was a girl with
Pumpkin-colored hair and a
Blue BYWAV sweatshirt.

She was a nice girl,
Especially when JAG aired and
Benadryl kicked in.

She was a good cook,
Overly generous with her
Vacuum and dryer,

And best of all, she
Drove cute and reliable.
Oh!- and she lingered.

One fine day, Karyn
(For that was indeed her name)
Accidentally ate

Her BYWAV sweatshirt
During a treadmill mshap.
But not to worry!

Nine Dr. Peppers
And one white-iced chocolate cake
Helper her wash it down.

After good-luck hops
On the rubber mat, she was-
BOING!- herself again.

Fairytale Time

Annika wrote a little story yesterday at school. This is how it started:
"huosa pona time....."

Don't you love it?

The 2 girls always seem to be talking about princesses. They are very good at pretending. Sometimes I have to be a princess; sometimes I have to be the prince! Tonight I was drying Marta's hair, and she was complaining because she thought it was taking too long. I told her that it had to be all brushed and dried and beautiful because she was a princess.
"Yes, " she replied, "and that is my castle." She pointed to the bunkbeds. There is a cover over the top bunk that makes it look like a castle.
"Is there a prince?" I asked.
"Yeah, but he's somewhere saving another princess," she answered.

Thinking on Good Things

Today would have been my grandpa's 82nd birthday. Yesterday was the 3rd anniversary of his "promotion to glory." I was thinking about him last night before I went to bed. My brother sent me a message- part of a song that had been sung at grandpa's funeral. It's a song about a faithful preacher who never gives in to new religious fads as times change. He still stands for the truth of God's Word- and is not afraid to preach the whole truth.

I really didn't spend a lot of time with my grandpa because he lived so far away. Usually I would see him once a year. And I didn't agree with him on everything- though I never had the audacity to start a debate with him! I would keep my NKJV Bible hidden when I was at his house! I remember when I went down for the funeral- I walked into the house, through the kitchen, stopping at the dining room door. My eyes immediately fell on his open Bible on the table and the empty chair next to it. It was the strangest thing that he wasn't sitting there reading......that's where he usually was. I realized how thankful I was for that memory. He was a man who pastored for 55 years, never deviating from the truth that men are sinners who need Christ. He wasn't afraid to walk up to people and talk to them about Jesus. He consistently wrote letters to the editor of the newspaper when he felt the need to speak out about something. And the paper printed his letters. Everyone in town knew this old preacher and what he stood for.

At his visitation, there was a record number of people in the funeral home. People from law enforcement and government offices were there. And at the funeral people lined the back walls of the church. Pastors and preachers came from all over to say goodbye to someone they highly respected and loved. I am thankful for those memories too. I am especially thankful that the Lord gave me such a godly example in my grandfather.

Now the old preacher man stands there in that city
The city he's preached of so long.
But he's never seen such a great congregation
All gathered to welcome him home.
And he's never heard more beautiful singing
Than is coming from that heavenly band.
He's preached his last sermon, carried his last burden,
He's at rest in that heavenly land.

Who's Calling?

Nils has this thing lately with the phone......any phone he can get his hands on. We have been locking the cordless phones in the kitchen cabinet because otherwise he'll be carrying one around the house trying to call people. If someone leaves a cell phone lying somewhere, it will disappear....and so will Nils. He has called several of my friends by accident. He never talks to anyone- just pushes buttons and listens to people.

A few weeks ago I was home with all the kids while Kendall and Diane were in Chicago. We were eating dinner, and I got up to go to the bathroom. The phone rang as soon as I got into the bathroom......oh well. I figured it was Diane, and I could call her right back. I made my way back to the kitchen and started talking to the kids. I walked over to the sink to rinse some dishes- still talking to the kids but not really looking at them. Then I heard a very faint voice......."Melody!"
I turned to look at Nils and saw him standing next to the phone. He had answered it while I was in the bathroom. His parents were trying to talk to him, but, of course, he wasn't talking to them- he had put the phone down on the table and was watching the seconds tick by on the screen. He really loves to watch numbers.
I ran and grabbed the phone. Kendall said they were having a lovely one way conversation with Nils. Some day we are going to get him to talk on the phone. Right now, he just laughs!

The boy is very good at laughing. I was watching t.v. one night last week when my phone rang. I saw that it was Diane and answered it -it wasn't really Diane. I said hello several times and then started calling his name. Laughing.......more laughing......finally I heard Diane's voice in the background, " Nils, how did you get my phone? Are you calling Mel?"

And then there was the phone episode this week: The Mystery of the Caller ID. I was preparing dinner for Nils and Marta while Annika was at gymnastics. The phone rang, and I went to check to see if I recognized the number. If Kendall or Diane or someone I know is calling, I'll answer. Otherwise I'll just let it go to the machine. I looked at the number- 979....... yes, I recognize that number. I can answer that ..... My mind was racing to figure out who's number it was as I reached for the receiver. Wait......that's MY number!
I turned and looked across the dining room to see Nils standing next to my cell phone, excitedly watching the seconds tick by. He didn't even realize that he was calling his own house. I picked up the phone and loudly said hello. He looked at me and smiled. Then the chase began. I retrieved my phone, found my purse in the t.v. room and proceeded to hide them both in the closet. And what was Nils doing? Laughing.

For Anouk :)


Nils and Annika and I were in the basement, writing on a white board. Nils thinks he is writing words. He does fairly well with letters B, O, P, N, and S. We practice words that he knows- I write, he identifies. I wrote his teacher's name and he said it right away. Annika sat for a moment and then started writing. I thought she was going to write her teacher's name, but instead she wrote:
"Mrs. Onuk". I was confused- it wasn't even close to her teacher's name.
She said, "There. Miss Anouk. I love Miss Anouk. She is so sweet.........and...... cuddly." Then she busted out laughing.

I laughed, too. I'm pretty sure "cuddly" was not the word she was looking for! She really cracked herself up, which resulted in serious giggling about one thing or another for at least half an hour!

Another Joke from Marta

Q.: Why did the camel go down the chimney?

A.: Because he wanted to get his butt fired!


i don't know why it was a camel......i asked her if she made this up, and she said "that silly girl Annika" told it to her. Annika denies knowing about it.

Good Things to Know

1) Never put a bottle of hand soap in the toilet and then flush. This will result in an overflowing toilet and puddles of water on the bathroom floor. Other results may include: Nils laughing- until he has to sit in time out.

2) Never put toilet paper in the bathtub while you are taking a bath. This will result in a soggy mess and clog up the drain. You may then have to dig around the drain with your fingernails to retrieve the toilet paper. If it is still clogged you may have to use a knife......or just give up and let someone else handle it.

Word of caution- if both of these things happen on the same day, you could end up slightly frazzled.

I just wanted a simple picture of me and Buddy.......so I set the timer on the camera and took several pictures. These are just a few of them.....