Haiku--an ancient form of Japanese poetry

I am very proud of my students for learning how to write a Haiku. It was a long process, but the end result was worth the effort. I want to share some of the work of my brilliant students. Here goes:


The Grinch
by Ismael
He hated Christmas
He tried to take the tree, food
Now is nice and kind

Grinch
by Savannah
Mean man stole Christmas
His brain is full of spiders
He is a monster!

Grinch
by Kylee
Green, hates Christmas Eve
Stinky, hateful, grouchy, mad
Hearts an empty hole.

Snow
by Jayden
It is cold and wet
Freezing cold and very wet
Crunchy under feet

Grinch
by Jordyn
Green, hates Christmas Day
MEAN, yellow teeth, yellow eyes
Hearts an empty hole.

Santa
by Ismaelia
Santa is good, fun
Chubby and funny and fun
Santa Claus brings toys

Snow
by Easton
White, cool, wet, good fun
Too much drives my mom crazy
So much that she screamed.

Yeah, I pretty much loved that last one.
There are so many Grinch ones because we did our school Christmas program with a Grinchy theme.

Hope you are all staying warm and toasty!
Kathy

Ever just feel...

Happy? I do, right now in fact. This day started out a little bit shaky, but I just feel good inside.

(My alarm didn't go off, and not one person in my house thought it important to wake me. So at 6:50 I jump out of bed, run to the shower, just get out and hear that my dad is outside honking his horn. I did growl.)

Maybe its Michael Crawford singing "O Holy Night," or maybe the smell of banana bread baking. It could be that my new student came back today and brought her cute personality with her--glad she didn't leave that in Gooding. Maybe its that Mark is coming home tonight, and not staying in Burley. Maybe its that Charlie's friend Ryan is here and they are playing games and laughing. Maybe its chicken-bacon-ranch pizza. Could be my new 20.00 tree complete with lights, pinecones, and little berries on the ends.

Whatever it is, I just feel happy.

Its a summy day in the neighborhood!

We are learning regrouping for addition problems. I gave the kids a mid chapter test on Tuesday...yeah, I know, a test the day before Thanksgiving break is NOT a good idea.

Many of the kids forgot how to regroup tens and ones, so they got a redo today.

One of the tests didn't have a name on it so I didn't correct it until today.

One part of the test asked the students to look at an addition problem, tell how tens there are, how many ones, and if they have o regroup. The last box in the table asked for the sum.

There were six problems. In every single box asking for sums, this student had drawn suns.

Maybe it is just funny to me, but I did love it!

New kid on the block

Today I got a new student. I always review the rules of school for the new child, and because it is always good to review.

Rule #5: Follow all school rules.

With a little snow on the ground, I wanted to use the opportunity to remind the students that we don't throw snow or snow balls, or anything made of snow. So I asked the little darlings a VERY leading question: What can't we throw at school. To their credit, one boy replied, "rocks." True, I thought and asked "what else?" Either they didn't know, or they were hoping I meant something else, but they could not get it! Finally the new girl raised her hand. I thought I would give her a shot, so I asked her what she thought we shouldn't throw outside on the playground...in the winter...her reply...

"Temper tantrums." So true, I thought.

We have a new kid in our family. She is a very cute girl who married Jeremy last fall. She is also pretty smart. This could work against us as we try to convince her that getting up at 4:30 A.M. is a fun idea..to go shopping with thousands of other crazy people. We have been working on her for several months, and I think we are getting close to a commitment. Hopefully it will work out, we will see on Friday morning.

Sad news for me. I love all of my students. Some make their way into my heart a little deeper than others. Today one of those kind of students was withdrawn from my class so his family could move to Utah. He cried almost all day. His mom cried. I kind of cried--which to most people is like saying I cried. It breaks my heart what some kids are up against in this world. This kid will climb a mountain all his life.

But at least we all know that we should not under any circumstances throw temper tantrums on the playground!

With all my love and gratitude for each and every one of you who read this--even you Karen--I hope you have a lovely and filling Thanksgiving holiday.

Hello Friends

Please update.

I love you!

Something I have been thinking about

I have become overwhelmed by the amount of suffering I see all around me. Illness, joblessness, hopelessness, lack of time, money, and compassion. Friends who have their marital rugs pulled right out from under them.

A few weeks ago, when one of my friends told me that her husband had come home and announced they were done, I felt the weight of her predicament as I listened to her wonder how this had happened to her.

I know a man who will die because his heart cannot handle the dialysis he has had to have as a result of the heart medicne he has to take to keep from having cardiac arrest. I watch as his wife worries and prays for him and cries for losing her best friend.

I know of a young man who may lose his vision.

I know of many who are jobless because of the economy.

I know of a few who have lost homes.

I know of someone who agonizes over not being married.

I know of many who are perplexed when life does not turn out the way they expect it to. "Even though we do what we are asked, follow the commandments, go to church..."

Last week I was talking to someone about this. I told her that my heart physically hurts for my friends who are having a hard time. She brought up the Atonement.

I cannot even begin to fathom the love our Savior has for us to have already taken these burdens upon himself. That he knows exactly and perfectly the loneliness, the depression, the utter despair, and the feeling of being so bogged down by our adversities. I can't comprehend how he has taken these things upon himself, but I know he has.

I know it isn't even Halloween yet, but I have been feeling so thankful for every blessing I know has come from my loving Father in heaven. I am so grateful to KNOW who I am. That I am not alone. That everything I go through on this earth was part of my own personal plan to show obedience and worthiness to live with Him again. I need to do better. I have to do better. I can't let my Savior suffer for my pains and not do my best.

I am grateful for my family. My husband is my very best friend. My kids and grandkis bring me the greatest joy I have felt in my life. I am grateful for the gospel, and the testimony of it truthfulness. I am grateful for my friends. I have the best friends in the world. I am grateful for my job--thankful I get to do what I love. I am grateful that I can see. That I can hear, and know. I am grateful for good parents who have showed me how to be Christlike and taught me to love my Savior. I am grateful for grandparents. I am grateful for this part of the country I call home. I am grateful for a warm house, good neighbors and security. I am grateful for the Holy Ghost. I love and am thankful for the blessings of the temple. I am thankful for 7 little six year olds in primary. I am grateful for my Savior. I am thankful for His atoning sacrifice. I am grateful I can be forgiven when I am stupid.

I am grateful to be alive in this time, when we are being tried. When we are being asked to prove ourselves in ways no other generation has had to. I am grateful to know I am not alone in this. Not spiritually, socially, or physically.

I AM grateful.

Sex

Don't be alarmed, but this is another post from school.

I like to use puzzlemaker.com to make word searches for spelling practice. They say they try to not put questionable words into the puzzle, but sometimes they inadvertently show up.

Sex, for example, was in today's puzzle.

One of the boys was APPALLED and covered the whole word up with pencil. "Its what grownups do," he says. Its not long and the whole class, except for a few of my more innocent babies, have found it.

I, being the professional, tell them that its "just a word. Every single one of your parents wrote either an "m" or an "f" in the box on their school registration next to the word 'sex.'"

That made them be quiet for a minute.

Would you like a little pepper with that?

I know, I know...two posts in two days. When blog-worthy stories happen, I have to share.

This afternoon I was on the phone with the nice lady from DISH network when two of my grandkids start coughing and choking. I told the lady that I thought it was so ironic that they were fine until I called. She laughed and said that she has had to use her mute key because she has had a bad cough, too. We solved our problem and hung up and suddenly Tristen comes in, bouncing like water on a hot skillet.

"My lips hurt, my lips hurt!!" was all he could say. Of course, I don't think it can be any medical problem so I ask him what has he been in to. He replies, nothing, but I know better, so I persist. He confesses he was playing with something, but he doesn't know what it is. We go into my bedroom, and there on the bed is the very pepper spray Mark bought me two years ago,(then sprayed me with) for my protection. Mark is right behind me, walked over to the spray, picked it up, and sprayed HIMSELF in the face. Not right in the face, but close enough that he started coughing and choking, too.

As I was cleaning up Tristen's face, I told him that he was lucky that he didn't throw up. As it happened, he did. Twice.

Charlie could not smell it, but I think that is because he LOVES Axe, if you know what I mean.

Becky came over to get the kids, and had to leave. She was having coughing spasms.

I am thinking of sleeping in the guest bedroom.

Another funny from school...

Warning--some might find this story offensive. Sorry.

In kindergarten through second grade, children are taught phonemic awareness. Simply said, they are made aware of sounds. They also learn that sounds have graphic representations called letters. All letters make sounds, some go together to make blends, some make unexpected sounds when they are together like 'th,' 'sh.' Other letters are silent in words like the 'k' in knot, the 'w' in wring, or the 'e' in same. We practice this A LOT.

One of the ways we practice is to 'blend' words sound by sound.

Today, someone (not me) in my class was blending blends and came to a cr family of words. The students always know to "blend to the vowel," and by now are very good at it. The person (not me) decided to do a c-r-a group of words. She told the students they could add a /g/, /b/, and a /p/ to make a new word. I sat in the back and thought, "She is NOT going to actually DO it..." Yes, she did.
Crag, crab, and yes--crap.

My two PARENT helpers and I sat in the back of the room and had quite a little chuckle. Well, I knew Becky would laugh, but I saved mine until I knew the other woman thought it was funny, too. Many of the students giggled.

A student in front of us turned around and had the most horrified look on her face.

"I AM NOT SUPPOSED TO SAY THAT WORD! I am a CATH-O-LIC!"

I have always said that if the parents really knew what was going on in my class, they might be less excited to have their students enrolled.

Have a nice week!
PS I just noticed that I have my pants on inside out. Don't worry, I wore a dress to school.

More eye news

I had my left eye cataract removed yesterday.
It only took one poke to start the IV, thank you Brandon!!!! (He is the father of one of my former students and took very good care of me)
Also, today, only one day post op--I can see 20/25 in that eye. Its great. Everything you all with good vision take for granted, I am now experiencing. The sun is really BRIGHT! Colors are amazingly beautiful, and everything looks so much crisper. Overall, the world is visually stunning. Who would have thought?
I don't wear glasses now, except the really ugly dollar store reading ones. Seriously, one pair is exactly like a pair I wore in the 4th grade. It was the 60's. And don't even get me started on the hideous 'grandma' glasses they give you at the doctors office. There is no way light can get inside them. I look like the Unabomber in them.
I also had the pleasure of being driven by my dad to the appointment. It was fun, and he bought me pancakes after. There is just no way to beat that, except that he also took me to an antique store after. It was a fun daddy-daughter date.
All in all, it has been a pretty good couple of days.
Hope everyone else is having this much fun.

Hint for the day....

Drink water. Lots of water.

When I had my cataract out, they had to poke me 8 times to find a vein that would take the IV.

Yesterday when I had some other blood work done, they poked me and NO BLOOD CAME OUT!
It was disturbing. They sent me home and told me to drink LOTS of water. I did it. By bedtime (warning--this is going to be personal) when I used the bathroom, my urine was clear. No color at all. I did drink A LOT of water.

The good news is that today when I went in for my blood work, they were successful in just one try!

Rest assured that I will be drinking lots of water now. I have another cataract surgery this Thursday. Hopefully only one poke this time.

Hopefully.

Loves to all on a cold autumn day!
Kathy

Show and Tell

Today was show and tell. A little more tell than show.

Grown-ups can be such jerks. Just ask the little girl whose tell was that her Dad left and went to California, and isn't coming back. EVER.

It left one boy in tears. Empathy.

Kids can be so cool. One little boy said he just came from California and "it only takes two days to get here. Maybe your dad will come back." Many of the students gave the little girl hugs on her way out, even though they were late for the bus.

I love my job, but sometimes it just breaks my heart.

Oopsie

Recently I was talking to someone and telling her how much I enjoyed Kelsey's big day. I told her about how great the temple was, the luncheon later..and that the reception was beautiful. I told her we loved everything about the reception exsept the backdrop falling down (after our decorator assured us that would not happen, because we had the larger one that was anchored), and the decorator's 'help' helping themselves to our dessert, which we had to pay for by the serving.

Turns out the decorator and the help are this woman's family.

One of my best talents is fitting my foot right into my mouth.

Eye Update

After my last eye surgery in July, the docs said it was necessary to remove the cataract, not only because it was making me blind, but he couldn't see how my retina was doing behind it.
I was scheduled for the cataract surgery for yesterday. Right up to the surgery, it was not clear if I would be able to have it done. The reason is, that when you have your cataracts removed, they have to measure the depth of your eye. This is how they determine what power of a new lens, and what kind should go in. My right eye is substantially shorter (less deep) than my left one. Additionally, they wanted to get it right this time, because it is my one chance. I couldn't "piggy back" another lens, or have this one removed and put in another. He said there has been too much trauma to my eye from all the other surgeries. All of the docs consulted and decided that irregardless of the outcome, the surgery needed to take place because they need to be able to see my retina.
So, I went in yesterday morning and had the procedure done. Afterward, they had to bandage my eye because they did something to it that made my eye not be able to blink. Becky and Chantel went with me, not to be supportive--although they were, but to watch the surgery. On the way home, they said they wanted a "Wild Hearts Can't be Broken" moment, when they take off her bandages and "voila!!" she can see. The doctor had told me that I shouldn't get my hopes up because the lens may not be the right one, and that even if it is, you usually can't see right away, so I just went along with it, and let them have their fun. At five they came over and after 20 minutes of carefully taking off the tape, I looked up and .....saw my son's red hat. It is the first thing I have seen in almost a year in that eye. Everything is still really blurry, I am hoping that is because of the dilation and drops. I may not be able to see completely, but anything is more than the white wall I have been looking at for the last 10 months.
I just know and have felt the power of prayer in my life so much over the course of the last year. I know that I have been comforted and helped in so many ways because of my own prayers and the prayers of others. I know that my Heavenly Father has been aware of me, I have felt his love.
Today when I got up, I covered my left eye and saw the grandfather clock.
With love,
Kathy

Dip-THONGS

Today while teaching an awareness of the long o sounds and spellings, one student points out the word 'boy' in a sentence and insisted that it has a long o sound.
"Yes, it does," I reply. "But the long o goes really fast in that word and then you hear the long e sound...that is a dipthong."

I see that the students are saying it to themselves, and are nodding as they hear the dipthong sound in their heads, but one boy raises his hand and waves it to get my attention.

I ask him what he wants and he retorts rather emphatically, "I think you are mistaken, Mrs B, a thong is a swimsuit."

This is the same student who observed that my arms are much younger looking than my face.

This is going to be a L-O-N-G year.

Mrs. B

End of summer

School has been in session for two weeks, but I am just now ending my summer. With summer school, surgery, and Kelsey's wedding, there hasn't been time for travel or summer vacation. However, Jeremy decided to marry a girl from California so we planned a trip down. Can you believe it, this was my first time EVER in California. Even when my sister lived on an Air Force base, we didn't go--sorry Pam.
I took last Friday off and we left right after school on Thursday. We went as far as Elko, which was a real treat. When we walked through the casino to check in I was amazed at how zombie-like the slots players looked. They were like the tiger in the Idaho Falls zoo who doesn't act like he cares that people are staring at him. OR maybe they were unaware. Either way, I am glad I don't do that.
The next day we were off. I loved the Sierra Nevada range. So gorgeous! Did not love the construction though. Then we drove straight through to Lodi where Charlie jumped out of a plane. Turns out it is something he has wanted to do forever. The skydiving place is just something I will have to blog about another time.
Here he is in his bright pink 'chute.'


Then we drove fast back to Roseville and had dinner with the Ruiz family. They are nice people and made us feel very much at home.
Then we had the excitement of finding our hotel. Everyone down there says "Sacramento is not that hard to figure out, its all on a grid!" The only problem with that was highway 99, 80, 160, 65 and then the a-z streets and the numbered ones, THEN how to avoid being hit by a public transit train! Luckily Paul, Rae's dad, led the way.
In the morning we went to the rehersal then back to "Old Sac" with the kids. I think I loved it more than they did. Its huge and fun and my favorite part was the candy shop. Yes, I spent $45.00 on candy.


We had to be back to Roseville by 5:00 for pictures then the wedding. The bride was beautiful, the groom very handsome. It was quite a lovely event and I believe a good time was had by all, especially those in my family who enjoyed the appetizers of kabobs, shrimp and bacon skewers and different cheeses and fruit.

Besides getting a new daughter and spending time with our grandkids, our favorite part was seeing an old friend who ironically lives in Roseville. This is ELDER Scott Stoneking. He was in Idaho about 23 years ago when came and taught, then baptized Mark.

Yesterday we got up and drove all the way home. We did make a detour at Lake Tahoe, then at Cabelas, though. All in all, it was a fun weekend. I look forward to going back and going to the temple with them.
Sorry for the long post!
Love, Kathy

Frist Day

I am totally exhausted from planning and getting ready for school. However, I had to write the best first day line I have ever heard:
"Mrs. Behrend, your arms look young, but your face....not so much."

I guess all that work with weights and working on my triceps is finally paying off. Maybe I need that resistance thing they are selling, ONLY ON TV--AND ONLY FOR A LIMITED TIME!!!!! The thing that you put under your chin and it firms you up miraculously....hmmm.

Second grader, thank you very much!

PS I also tried to catch a green permanent marker with my chest--which I don't know if it looks older than my face or what, but it is not good at catching. Yes, I got two green spots on my white shirt where it bounced. Yes, bounced. The kids laughed and laughed. Great news though--in case this ever happens to any of my invisible friends in blogging land--hair spray took the stain right out.

Hope to have an equally delightful second day.

Our first wedding weekend...

Saturday was a beautiful day! We enjoyed the sealing and the events that followed.





We had Sub Zero come and make ice cream for our guests, and a few of my fabulous friends, family and I made cookies.

Sunday was Tate's birthday, so we had a little relaxed hot dog roast for him.



Next we go to California in September for Jeremy and Rachael's wedding.

Catch Up

Well, with one wedding down and one to go, I can finally catch my breath. This has been such an eventful summer!
On July 2, I had the silicone taken out of my right eye so we could see if the retina had reattached. We had also intended to do a 360 laser burn around the left eye retina to prevent any problems there. (There has been a significant increase in flashers and floaters in that eye, so the doc feels that we are headed in the same direction as last year with my right eye.) Anyway, insurance said no, so I went into the surgery fairly nervous about the outcome. Luckily, my retina has reattached. I still can't see, though, because my cataract is huge. Next week, when I go in for my appointment, we will discuss a date to have that taken care of. When it is gone, we will have a better idea of the prognosis of my vision in that eye. I will need your prayers again for a time when I have that surgery, because I know prayer works, and there is a chance I might re-detach from that surgery. However, for right now, things are 'looking' pretty good.
I forgot to mention summer school. I loved it. The kids were fun, we had a teacher from Mexico who taught the kids and gave me a better appreciation of Mexico and its people and cultures.
As soon as I could put my head up again, I got really busy with wedding plans. Kelsey and Steven were sealed in the Rexburg temple last Saturday. It was a beautiful sealing, the sealer spoke to the kids of their divine nature. Then he recited a poem about the plan of happiness. When it was all done, we went outside to be greeted by our family. It was a beautiful day, and the rest of it went well. Well...there was this moment right as the guests were starting to arrive with a typical Idaho wind came up and blew over the sign in table along with everything on it. The centerpieces blew over and then----the backdrop started to fall. I thought it was so great! Kelsey was horrified. Maybe that is why I like it all so much! All in all it was a good day. At church we learned that some of the people we sent invites to, didn't receive theirs. If anyone reading this did not get their invitation, please accept my sincerest apologies!
I would like to interject here how blessed I feel to have such great support. I don't feel I deserve it and have been completely overwhelmed by how much people are willing to do for me. I couldn't have been able to pull off anything this summer if it wasn't for my good friends and family. You know who you are, thank you.
Today I slept until 9--and I like it. After I was up for a while, I thought, "wow, I might be able to put on our traditional block party." We'll see if that happens.
For almost two weeks I have had fun playing with the grandkids. It was especially fun yesterday with they were all here and I didn't have the stress of the wedding to think about. The boys wrestled, the girls have giggled, we watched a monkey get angry with Tate, the kids have gotten into the wedding cake and we have played and snuggled. It has been very nice.
Wednesday it will slow down for a bit. Then I will have school registration, cataract surgery, school meetings, possibly a block party, the first day of school, then planning a quick trip to California for the next big event.

Love you all!!!!
Kathy

Myspace quiz

I just read an online quiz. It was a series of those same questions they always ask, just worded an different way. But one answer really tickled my funny bone.
Question: Do you speak different languages?
Answer: Spanish a little, Latin a little, and I know a few words of African American.

Just thought I would share.

Posted with love and a giggle,
Kathy

PS Thanks for the loving comments and thoughts, both in person and here. I truly appreciate it. I am so blessed to have the best people in my life.

Update

It has been a while since my last update. A lot has happened and I have been really busy, so it seems like now is a good time for an update.


On May 29, Charlie graduated. I didn't feel sad like some of the moms I talked to. He is such a great kid and I can't wait to see where life takes him. He is so gentle, giving and kind. He teases unmercifully, but supports with a strength that amazes me. I can count on him in ways I save for my closest friends. No kid on earth has a better uncle, no siblings a better brother, and no parents a better son.
I am so proud of him and the choices he has made.


At the end of next month Kelsey will be married. This has been a busy couple of months while we prepare for the exciting event. There have been pictures, plans and fun with printing. She managed to find a man who is very much like her dad. Sometimes I think they are the same person. He is a great person and we love him. He is so good for and to her.
We went to the Rexburg temple with him on Thursday. He wanted to stay and stay in the celestial room and talk about everything he learned. As a new member of the church, it was fun to see his testimony strengthened by the things he did.
Yesterday was the best day I have had in so long. We went with Kelsey to the Salt Lake Temple for her endowments. It was a great blessing to sit beside her and watch her as she learned about her eternal destiny. A matron said these are the payoff days for all the stuff we go through to raise them up. I agree, but it felt like more. I am grateful to my Father in Heaven for sending me this sweet daughter. I am thankful she has the desire to make her divine nature real. I look forward to the day next month when we go to the temple as she and Steven begin their eternal family.

Today is Father's Day. Today I am especially thankful for the many fathers in my life. I am grateful for my grandfather who worries about me. He has a unique perspective on all I am going through with my eyes as he is blind. I love his concern for his whole family. I don't think he minds the blindness because he can't see as much as he hates it because it lessens his ability to take care of my grandma. I smiled as he voiced concern that my grandma would get wet getting into the car during a rather huge thunderstorm today.
I am thankful for my wonderful father. He is amazing. The fact he could overcome the obstacles in his life to give us everything we have-most especially security and love--is nothing short of a miracle. I have been especially grateful for him and his support in the recent months.
I am also grateful for my wonderful husband. He married me and took three little kids as his own. They are who they are largely because of the way he accepted the responsibility for them. He has taught them the gospel and blessed them with his example. I know he came into my life right when I needed him. I believe he was an answer to my parent's prayers for me. I love him with all my heart.

My next eye surgery will be on July 2. I have been praying for that day because it allows me to finish summer school and hopefully have time to heal before the weddings begin. (Oh, did I mention that Jeremy is getting married in September?) I am glad my doc was able to work it out.
I (and this is hard for me to admit) am a little depressed though, because he will be doing both eyes this time. The condition which caused the detachment in my right eye is called PVD, and means that the vitreous liquid in my eye is detaching off the back of my eye. This is a normal process and happens when people get old--watch it Sarah. I have had a dramatic increase in the number of floaters in my left eye, and last week I had some more flashing. Thankfully, I haven't had any tears in my retina, but just to be safe, the doctor thinks we need to laser the diameter of the retina to protect it. This has been harder than the first time because I know how it could go, and because now I am blind in one eye and can't see very well in the other. It just kind of stinks.

All in all, life is pretty much good. My grandma asked my aunt who was recently diagnosed with cancer, "Which do you think is worse, having cncer or being blind?" Luckily I don't have to do both, and neither does she. None of us do. We all have our challenges and obstacles, but we never have more than we can handle. AND when it seems like we can't handle it, we do receive the help we need in so many ways and from so many places.

Written with love,
Kathy

This is why I LOVE it...

The end of another school year is upon us. This one has had a few bumps along the way, but for the most part has been pretty good. I had the students write their final sample, and wanted to share some of the things they wrote so you can see why I love teaching.

The prompt was, "My idea of the perfect day is..."
(I kept the spelling the same as much as possible.)

-eating with teacher.
-I wake up on time and my mom doesn't yell at me.
-I look up in the sky and see all of the stars.
-Mrs. B says, "Well kids, you have had a good day so I think you should go outside and play.
-I get a pet terradaktl so I could fly.
-I wake up and find all my clothes without going through all my clothes drawers.
-I wish I could get a shitzoo...If I could not have a dog I want a tame bear like the man in Idaho Falls. The man said the bear had a girlfriend. The bear was the man's only friend. I would want a boy and I would name him Tom.
-me and my mom reading together!
-I get to see the butful Mrs. B.
-no homework on Tuesdays.
-going to Disneyland. I love the songs sooooooo much! They are the music to my heart.
-eating what I want for breakfast.
-I love Mrs. B's voice...in the morning and in the afternoon, maybe at night. I love her name, I guess the kids do too. Maybe the teachers too, I guess I'm wrong--I love her name.

Some of the samples don't have anything to do with the prompt. Maybe they're kissing up, but probably they just started and that is where their brains took them. These kids are good at that.

This has not been the easiest year I have taught, but it is one of the most rewarding. The kids have really made their way into my heart. Each one is so special to me. I will always smile when I hear the word, "spleen." My heart will forever hurt for the pain that some of these kids have had to endure this year--especially in the last few days. I will remember the satisfaction of watching a "special" kid develop critical thinking skills and show them off to the class as he figured out the 6 times tables and then how to divide them back again. I will smile when I recall how some of the children won't sing the math song or the subject and predicate song because they want to do it themselves. I will have a warm feeling when I think of those times that the students cheered and cheered for a boy who beat another student at around the world-some would say he's "slow." I will chuckle because these kids don't mind the nicknames I give them--and want me to call them by those names.

I have been made a better teacher because of some of the students. I have learned that there are all kinds of ways to be gifted. I have learned there are all kinds of ways to struggle.

All in all, that is why I love it!
Love, Mrs B

RE: THE PRETTY GIRLS

OK, so a few of you think you are not the girls I am talking about in the last blog. I only have one thing to say to that:


WHATEVER!!!!!



I will never publish your comments if you argue you are among the unpretty in our ward. NEVER!!!!

Love you bunches!!!
Kathy

Beautiful women

I know there are very pretty women in the world. I know that there are attractive women in the church. However, I have been disturbed lately because all of them seem to be moving into my ward.
This has been happening for a while now. I first noticed about two years ago.
It is the nature of things to have balance. You don't put all of your heavy furniture on one wall, and you do put two pieces of bread in the toaster. I could go on and on.
Anyway, I think that things are all out of whack because of the physical attractiveness of the women in our ward. There are not enough average looking women, like me. I am not saying I am terribly scary looking--well maybe a little last year when I couldn't open one eye--but come on!
One woman just delivered her newest bouncing bundle of joy. Prior to the birth, she confessed she felt "unattractive," but she actually looked amazing. You know, that "glow" the pretty girls get when they are pregnant.
The thing is that these women are JUST as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. They do glow with something special.
I can't think of a single plain woman in my ward. I am really trying.
They just aren't there.

Help

Today I was working with a student who informed me that he hated our school because it was too challenging and there wasn't any help. "Even my mom says so!" he said.

I reminded him that I was willing to help him, all he had to do is ask. "That kind of stuff doesn't work for me," he replied.

Well, it got me to thinking. If there are two things I know, one is that life is challenging and that help is always available. We only have to ask. Are we too proud to formulate the words into a sentence that expresses desire for aid? Are we embarrassed that someone else may know our weaknesses? Do we think that even if we do ask, the help will not come?

Whatever the reason, I know I can get help from someone who gives the best help. He knows my needs, he knows my weaknesses, he knows my heart.

I am so grateful to Him for all he does to help me.

I wish everyone knew it like I do.

Myspace

I published this a while ago, then took it off the next day. Lately, though, I've been thinking I need to put it back, so here goes:

I have a myspace for the purpose of spying on the children of my friends. The average age of my myspace friends list is probably 17. Yeah, I am cool like that.
Anyway, I have been disturbed lately by the level of emotion these "friends" of mine show. Yes, its true that the teenaged years are hard (I would NEVER, EVER want to go there again), but the things they seem to be going through are tough. So here are some things I want my girls to know (no matter how old you are):
1. You are good enough.
2. You are good enough. Do I need to say it again? Anyone who makes you feel like you aren't isn't really on your side. Yes, we can all improve--and hopefully do. But, now-repeat with me, "I am good enough."
3. Anyone who is not building you up is tearing you down. AND anyone who is not building you up is not worth your time. You should be able to get some positive thing from those you associate with. They should support you, make you laugh, love you--and you them. Which brings me to my next thing:
4. You are not the queen of the world. I love you and think you are really neat, but you are not entitled to any special treatment just because of who you are. If you want to be treated well, then treat others well, too.
5. Life is really good. There are a lot of hard things in the world, but we are happier people if we see those hard things with perspective. Overall, life is pretty good.
6. Know who loves you. Right when you wonder, always know I do. However, there are others. I know it sometimes seems like those closest to us don't get us. OK, they probably don't, but it doesn't mean they don't love you. Your family--your parents especially--love you more than anyone else in the world. They are just perplexed by you sometimes. Deal with it--you are perplexed by them, too. These are not the people I spoke of in #3.
7. Remember that experience teaches us things. Remember when you were told to watch where you were going when you first learned to ride a bike? Remember how you turned around to see if someone was still holding on to you? Remember how you crashed? Bet you never looked around like that again, huh? Learn to trust those with the experience you lack, it will save you tons of trouble.
9. Trust yourself. You can do it.
10. Be true to yourself. Yeah, you can be true to your school, true to your family, true to your friends, but if you aren't true to yourself then really you haven't been true to anyone.
11. Do the right things. You know what they are, just do them.

I just wanted to share a few things with my friends that I have learned during my own life. I don't think I have all the answers. In fact, the older I get, the less I know. It's so sad. I can't get over it.

More Random Thoughts from the Queen of the World

Even though I have really only been teaching for four months this school year, I have been able to convince another group of students that I am the QUEEN OF THE WORLD. Also, that I am beautiful. I say this when I want their attention, "Eyes on the beautiful." It works every time.

Conference was awesome. I enjoyed all the speakers and the hope they gave to me. I don't know if anyone else noticed, but Pres. Monson again referenced blindness.

I also enjoyed spending conference with all of my grandkids but one ( and we really missed Mr. Parker and his parents!). I made neat little conference bingo cards and conference booklets and the kids actually sat quietly and worked on them for both sessions. We also had a HUGE breakfast and munchies for the rest of the day. It was fabulous.

Dang snow!

One more day until tax day. Mine have been done for months, but my kids' are giving me such headaches!!!!!!!

Why do children not listen when you tell them things. It is my experience that if they just paid attention to the QUEEN OF THE WORLD that their lives would be so much easier. I always try to refrain from that lovely phrase I heard growing up from my own Mom, "I told you so!"

My Dad still refuses to let me drive to school, even though I have a doctors note that says I can--if I want to. Maybe, he says, he will let me drive myself in May. We'll see.

I will have eye surgery in July, hopefully with enough time to get my head up for the wedding and reception. I will actually have the silicone out, then in two weeks have my cataract taken care of.

Speaking of health, I check out pretty well, except for the high cholesterol and triglycerides--whatever that is. She tells me that my good number might outweigh my bad number but that the triglycerides are an issue. I think, what can I do differently, I eat well, get to the gym-usually four times a week, I don't eat fried foods, eggs make me ill...So now I take fish oil, yum.

I hope this finds everyone well, I love you all!
Kathy

The Hiding Place

(Please indulge this rather long posting. I read this book a few days ago, and it has been on my mind so much. I wanted to share some of my thoughts--and even though I said at literacy group that I blog cuz I can have a "soap box," that is truly not what this is. I have just felt like I needed to write this for whatever reason.)

Yesterday I finished reading The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. My ward read it as part of our literacy group and met and discussed it Wednesday. One of the women (thank you JoJo-maybe you didn't know I had it) borrowed the large print edition from the library. For some reason, Sarah had it when everyone had gone home, so I decided to give it a try. Since my eye problem, one of the biggest sacrifices I have made is reading. I have really missed reading.
At the book club, we discussed the main lessons of the book. Of course I hadn't read it, so I couldn't add much. However, since reading the book, I want to share some of the the things that struck me. First and foremost, I felt it was awesome that instead of working with someone on her story-and then publishing it written by someone else, she told it in first person. After a while, I felt I could hear her voice. It made the book and her story more human to me. The humanness of how she told it made me realize that even though I have hard times, my attitude and approach to life really does make a difference.
As I read, some sentences and words jumped off the pages. They articulated perfectly some of the things I have felt personally in the last few months and years as I have grown to trust my Heavenly Father and Savior more expicitly. I guess that just proves that truth is truth no matter if you live in Idaho in 2009, upstate New York in 1820 or Holland in 1944. "I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do." I also liked this: "When He tells us to love our enemies He gives, along with the command, the love itself."
One of the aspects that caused me to think after our discussion, was how Miss Ten Boom was such a perfect example of forgiveness, kindness, honesty, and spirituality. However, her own words really don't show her that way. She told her story in such a humble way that I know she really struggled with things, and thought maybe that her sisters (and mother)were so much better at those things. How often do we do that? Do we look at our RS sisters and think, "She is perfect. Her kids sit quietly at church, she tells about her family home evenings, I know she reads her scriptures, attends the temple WEEKLY. . .", and even when we know the hardships and trials some of them go through think "I could never do that as well as Sister So and So." We might even look at our own sisters and wonder how they manage to always be so prayerful, faithful and righteous in this world. To me the lesson here was that instead of putting ourselves down, we should know our own strength and act on that strength.
Lastly, I loved the lesson her father taught her when she asked him about sex. He asked her to pick up the heavy luggage they were taking on a trip. She was shocked that he would ask her to do that since she was just a little girl. He then lovingly taught her a lesson we should all keep tucked in our minds. I paraphrase, "Our Father in Heaven won't ask us to carry more than we can, either. And, when He does need us to carry a heavy burden, He will give us the strength to do it."
Sometimes my testimony is made stronger in unexpected ways.
Love, Kathy

Wish List

Times are financially hard in the world, and education is not exempt. About a month ago, we had to make a list of the things we currently use that we might be able to do without. We all know we will have to make sacrifices for a while in our classrooms.
Last week at our faculty meeting, we were asked to make a "wish list" of items we'd like to have if there is a miracle and money suddenly becomes available for such purchases. OK, the real truth is up to the word "have" in the last sentence.
The next day, a BRIGHT yellow paper appears in our mailboxes. I notice that many of the teachers have taken theirs out, but I have left mine in. I just can't bring myself to write the things I really wish for. I don't think the school district can deliver--even if there is a miracle.
1-I wish that every kid came to school well rested.
2-I wish they all had good shoes and warm coats.
3-I wish the students could count on help with their homework every night from some grownup in their house.
4-I wish that parents would call and ask what they can do.
5-I wish that students would not have to worry if they will get a birthday present.
6-I wish that the kids would have a warm breakfast and a hug before they leave their houses.
7-I wish that parents would expect their kids to do well.
8-I wish that every student had a teacher who genuinely cared if they succeed or fail. Some who need it the most receive it the least.
9-I wish that students (and parents) would value what happens at school as much as they do their WII.
10-I wish that I could figure out how to reach all of the hard kids.
11-I wish that the hard kids would buy into school.
12-I wish that parents could be the moral compasses in their children's lives.
13-I wish I didn't have to defend putting all the pencils in one bin to share throughout the year.
14-I wish I could let the kids know how much they ARE loved in my class, and that I believe they can do it!
15-I wish I knew the best way to teach subtracting with regrouping so the kids get it.
16-I wish that none of my students were exposed to R rated movies or violent sports events. (Yes, I teach second grade. Yes, I have students every year who do see these things.)
17-I wish that kids could see how great reading is.
18-I wish that we could have more time for science and art.
19-I wish that I could have a little more time so we wouldn't have to feel so rushed.
20-I wish that every teacher in my building had enough white construction paper to last the year.

I love my job and I love my students. I feel so blessed to be a teacher. These are just my wishes on a star...

Love,
Kathy

Fun blog

I was blog surfing again tonight and came across this blog. I don't think its a personal blog, but its fun. I hope you enjoy.

http://mormonhusbands.blogspot.com/

You can jump straight there from the link to the right---> Its called Normal Mormon Husbands.

Yesterday it was cold and I was miserable. When I came home I thought about going to the gym, but changed my mind and got on my PJs and snuggled myself in a warm blanket. I liked it a lot. I did think I needed to improve my attitude and I looked in my emails and found this one from my grandpa:

I Drink From My Saucer

I've never made a fortune,
and I'll never make one now,
But it really doesn't matter
'cause I'm happy anyhow.

As I go along my journey
I'm reaping better than I've showed.
I'm drinking from the saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

I don't have a lot of riches,
And sometimes the going's tough
But with kin and friends to love me
I think I'm rich enough.

I thank God to the blessings
That His mercy has bestowed.
I'm drinking from the saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

He gives me strength and courage
When the way grows steep and rough,
I'll not ask for other blessings for
I'm already blessed enough.

May we never be too busy
To help bear another load.
Then we'll all be drinking from the saucer
When our cups have overflowed.

~(c) John Moore, 1970~

Love, Kathy

My Dad

I have always been grateful for the parents I was blessed to have. They are great people and have always set an example of integrity, honor, spirituality, valor, and goodness to me. Since my eye issue, my dad has gotten up every morning early to take me to school and has picked me up every single day. I could probably drive myself now, but the mornings scare me because I never know what I will encounter on the road. He comes every morning and asks me if I need a cough drop. OR, he will ask where my gloves are. When I tell him they are in a basket upstairs, he grunts and says I am just like my mom. "What a couple of ninnies!" he exclaims. His choice of music is always fun, too. Today we listened to the Sons of the Pioneers. Sometimes its Herb Albert and the Tiajuana Brass. We have also listened to Nat King Cole, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, a few LDS CDs, Christmas tunes (that was last week--just because its good music and he likes it) and EVEN a few contemporary country stars.
He shares his political views, his ideas to fix the world, how much he detests Wal-Mart and his love and concern for his family.
My favorite part of these drives is when he talks about his life. He never did that much when I was a kid. His childhood was not what you would call golden, but he rarely mentions how hard it was. He doesn't blame anyone, but considers it his lot in life.
I just wanted to write a few of the things he has talked about on our drives, so I don't forget them.
My favorite one is how he talks about how he felt about my mom when they first met. He always says that she had a good head on her shoulders. He tells me at least once a week how smart she is, that she has so much more energy that him and that she is beautiful. He says that when he first laid eyes on her he knew "she would be a great mother to my children." It touches my heart that he was thinking about us like that, and that he thought of her in such a tender way.
He says that one of his earliest memories was when the doctor came to his house one day and he and a cousin were shooed out. Being somewhat curious, they peeked in a window trying to see what was happening. Someone saw them and ordered them away from the window. He said that when they were finally allowed back in, there was a new baby. He and his cousin COULD NOT figure out how that doctor got that baby in there without them noticing.
He said he never, ever had milk growing up. It was expensive and his dad felt it was something they could do without. They also had pancakes every single morning.
He told me he that his dad was a great gardener. His rows were always perfect, and there were never any weeds in the garden. He said he tried to pass that talent for gardening on to us, but we couldn't figure out what were plants and what were weeds.
Today he shared a time I can't remember when he amd mom were having FHE with us and they made play money and passed it out to us. They then proceeded to take some from each of us for "paying the bills." When we were done with bill paying, he said somberly, "Well, what will we do? We don't have any money left for food." He said he wishes to this day he had a picture of our faces when that realization hit us. He said he thought it might have been mean, but he then taught us about saving and only buying what you really need.
Not a day goes by that he doesn't express love and gratitude for my mom. They just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversay and I think he loves her more now than he ever has. He also mentions me and my brothers and sisters and says specific reasons why he loves us and is proud of us.
I am not going to lie and say this man is perfect. He is not. Sometimes he will say or do things that I can't believe. But I don't know if I have ever known a better man. His life is his testimony. He serves someone every single day. Last summer when he was having some health issues, the fact he couldn't go to the church and set up for a funeral was as devastating to him as the illness had been. Each Saturday night he goes to the Stake Center and cleans out the drinking fountains so they sparkle for church. "Nothing is too good for the Lord," he has told me.
He is a good man, and I owe him more than just for a few rides to school.

With love,
Kathy

Big Foot's Music

Tristen stays with us to go to church. We don't watch TV until after 5 so he is a little bored. We wanted me to teach him to play the piano, so I said I would, "in just a second."
Pretty soon he comes in with an old Primary songbook--the one with a green cover, except that its missing both covesr. He tells me this is BigFoots book. Of course I don't understand so I ask him what he means.
"Mrs. Heath told us about bigfoot. He wrote ALOT of music--I think she said 500 pages. This must be his music."
Being somewhat dense I still don't get it, until he told me, "you know BigFoot, he wrote the 5th song."

Beethoven.

Loves to all this week,
Kathy
PS, If you are in my ward, don't forget Literacy Group this Wednesday 7:00 Jana Lee Hatch's (there will be a chocolate fountain--as if the book isn't enough.)

Math word problem

In my own personal afterschool program.
Child: Help me, I can't read.
Me: OK, Mrs Hughes bought 18 oranges at the store. Over several days, her children ate 10. (Yes, apparently they have to clarify that the kids ate them slowly and not 10 all at the same time-DUH!) How many oranges does she have now?
Child: 18-8=
Me: ??? I re-read the problem.
Child: OK, 18- . . .
Me: I think you know this.
Child: It says 8.
Me: No, buddy. Think--you know she had 18. You know some went away. How many?
Child: 10
Me: OK, so write down how many they ate.
Child: 18- . . . 8
I now hold my head in my hands and shake it back and forth. He grabs my NOSE! He really did!
Me: Why do you say 8?
Child: It says "8."
Me: No, it says the kids ate 10. Write 18-10= What does it equal?
Child: I told you it was 8.


Yep, it was one of those days.

Random Ramblings

This has been on my mind all day long. When you go to bed at night, you expect to be reasonably safe. You probably don't think that a plane will fall out of the sky and kill you. Along that same line, a woman at church said that they would be taking a red eye out of SLC for their romantic getaway to the Bahamas. I remember thinking, "I wouldn't want to fly in the night. If there was a crash you wouldn't be able to see the ground coming up and it would be terrifying." Some of you who know me will accept that statement and not try to convince me otherwise, others of you will say it would be better. I think I would rather know the exact moment of impact--I don't know why.

Yesterday the brother of the kid I wrote about in an earlier post came in from lunch and collapsed on the floor. As he lay there writhing, I ask him what exactly was his problem. "I am having SO much pain from my spleen!" Interesting fact. I didn't even know I had a spleen until I was in my mid twenties.

President Obama's stimulus package and programs. Don't even get me started on that, but I heard a very funny commercial on the radio yesterday about his "simulas" package. (Is that anything like simulation?) They repeated that phrase about five or six times. Idaho, what can I say?

I have a radioactive friend.

And now, just to get the respect of all of my faithful blog readers....today I worked with 24 sugar crazed students. They were like addicts. I wouldn't let them eat anything until after last recess. They were like alcoholics who had to have a drink. When they finally got the candy and cookies they were CRAZY!!!!!

Today Mark came in for Doughnuts (Danish) with Dad at school with Tristen. He came to my classroom to tell me goodbye. One of my kids brought in a puppy. The kids fell all over themselves laughing because I told them a story about a time that Mark was reading the paper and asked me, "What is a chi-who-u-who-u, and why does it cost $400?" I said "what in the world are you talking about?" and went to look at the ad.
Yeah, it was chihuahua. I tell all my students and they laugh every year.

Lastly, I don't have to pay any taxes this year. I can't even start to say how happy that makes me.

I warned you, these were random and rambling.
Love ya,
kathy

Six and Six Tag

Here's the game:
1) Go to your picture folder, or wherever you store your photos on your computer
2) Go to the sixth folder and pick the sixth picture
3) Post it on your blog and tell the story that goes along with the picture
4) Tag four friends to do the same.



This is my youngest daughter. Kelsey is and always has been daddy's little girl. She is talented and sweet. She is as beautiful on the inside as on the outside.
Last night she gave the BEST family home evening to us about the Atonement. It meant a lot to me that she could do such a great job. I guess she WAS paying attention.
Love you Beaner!

I tag Katie, Rozla, Briannia, Sarah

Love, Kathy

Super Bowl

Here are just a few pictures of our fun Super Bowl party.
We had lots of good food.

Here we are wearing our "stylin" neat 3D glassess. (Sadly, I could not "see" what all the excitement was all about.)

This is Kelsey's future husband.

Here is the happy couple without those fun glasses.

My favorite part was The Boss.

I really only watch the super bowl for the commercials. They were OK this year, but my favorite one wasn't a super bowl first run. I LOVE the new T-Mobile commercial with the older couple. I laugh every time the man says, "I love you. This time I really mean it."
Have a good week!
Love,
Kathy

Possibly my favorite blog to visit.

OK, so sometimes I blog surf. I have read some good ones. There is one I bookmarked and have been secretly stalking for the last few months. It is called "The truth about Sean." He is related to the Hong family here in Blackfoot, and is friends with Marisa Park-some of you may know her (also a fun blog writer). He is taking courses in education at BYU, and is somewhat of a celebrity in Prahvo (as he calls it). This is a guy who LOVES his life.
Fun Sean fact: You can see him in High School Musical 3.
So, for your reading pleasure I have made a link to him on my blog.
I have never been disappointed when I have gone to his blog and since he loves many readers, and since he gave me a shout out in a recent posting, I am advising you to check in on the antics of Sean once in a while.
Check out the San Diego Zoo post. Good stuff.
I hope you enjoy him as much as I do.
Kathy

Top Secret

Ok, sometimes things happen at school. They are pretty funny, but since I am a professional I don't share them.

Usually.

Then there are the other times. Lets just say the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Dear President Obama,
Can you please help all the Mexicans come to Idaho and NOT get thrown in jail? You are a legend.
Love, Josefina

Overheard in my classroom:
Dad: How was your day?
Student: Good. We had a fire drill. I only wiped once.

On the second one, I was a little less than professional. I did laugh. Especially after Dad replies, "What did you say?!?"

Love,
Kathy

Can you help me?

No, I don't need any help with the gym. I went again last night and am so happy to report that I can walk today. Tomorrow may be another story.
What I actually need help with is this:
My friend Jana Hatch, who happens to be in the relief society presidency of our ward called me and asked me to do a favor. She wants me to be in charge of the 13th ward book club. My dilemma is this, while I love to read, I haven't read a "grown up" book for a while. I don't know how they'd feel about The BFG, which is the book I am reading aloud now to the students. We already did The Miraculous Adventure of Edward Tulane (thanks Sarah). What I am asking for is titles we can read then discuss. So...if you have knowledge of any book that would be fun, please let me know.
Thanks, and I love you!
Kathy

I'm Back

On Monday I went back to Golds Gym for the first time in about 4 months.
Ouch. Thats about all I can say. I have been asking myself why I ever liked it.
A guy at the gym told me to hang with, your muscles have memory and will bounce back. I sure hope so. I can't walk.

Love ya!
Kathy

New Look

So, I am always so jealous of the cute blogs you all have, so I follow your link and find a plethera of cuteness. Now that I have spent the last 10 minutes making it look "cute" I am not sure I like it. I think it looked better on the web page, it was smaller.
Oh well.
By the way, I think I got the whole phone bill thing straightened out. I hope.
Have a nice year. I really mean it.