Teachers

When you were in high school, who was your favorite teacher?

I had several. One was my U.S. History teacher. He was smart. He was outspoken. He didn't take any crap from anyone. Not only did he teach us about the civil war, he taught us about life. Those life lessons are the ones we remember the most. I still see him on occassion, and he's still ornery and outspoken. He said the same thing about me!

Another of my favorites was my, well, I don't remember what class I had her for! It was some business class, I know that. I do remember typing, but I also remember her teaching us 'business manners'...how to sit with a skirt on, and how to answer the phone. She was also the Senior class sponsor, so we spent a lot of time doing fun things like decorating for homecoming, and practicing our Bruin yell.  She taught us: "It's okay not to be perfect. No one is perfect. We all have flaws and we all make mistakes."

In high school, my Home Economics teacher was great. She taught us how to cook,  there's no doubt. But, it's been the years after high school that I have truly realized how amazing this woman is!  She is extremly active in her church. (She sang at Kasey's wedding last year). She's involved in many different community organizations. (We just saw her at the Women's Club Harvest Breakfast). She dotes on her family. (Her hubby is pretty awesome, too!) She's writing a cookbook. And, as full as her plate is,  whenever I see her, she's never too busy for a hug and conversation. I have never met someone as full of love and kindness as she is. She touches everyone she meets, and I simply adore her. 

A few years ago, she was having a cookie decorating demonstration at Barnes & Noble, and I took Hank. He decorated some cookies,  I took some pictures, and we both were loved on by Mrs. S.  Last week, I had a Facebook message from Mrs. S asking if she could use the picture of her and Hankadoo in her cookbook. Well, yes!! Of course. 

I can't wait for her cookbook to come out. Not because it may have Hank's picture in it! I'm sure many of her former students, churchmembers and other members of the community will buy it simply because it's from someone we all admire and love.

From Pre-K to Senior in the bat of an eye..

I ordered Austin's graduation announcements, name cards, tassel, Senior shirt, etc. After Christmas, I'll order his cap and gown. I can't believe he's a Senior this year. I can clearly remember walking him to Pre-K, and it doesn't seem that long ago!

Bringing the past to the present...

When my big boys were very little boys, they loved "The Lion King" movie. We watched it daily. Some days, we watched it more than once. Some days that was all we watched! I don't think the VHS tape ever came out of the VCR. The old tape finally gave out, and we've long replaced the VCR. I haven't given much thought to Simba, Mufasa and Rafiki since then.  Until recently. The movie was re-released into the theaters, and released on Blu-Ray. Austin took his girlfriend to the theater to see it, and when they were talking about how great it was, and how it brought back memories of being little, it occurred to me that Hank has never seen it. How could this be?  We had to change that. I knew that he would love it as much as his brothers did.

Last night, we picked up the DVD, some ice cream, and declared movie night. We all piled on the couch, and soon we were caught up in Scar's evil plan, and laughing at Timon. I was right, Hank loved it. And, seeing my big boys (who are practically adults now)  laugh and giggle like they did when they were much younger made me smile. At one point, when I looked over at Austin and PJ, I didn't see the long-legged Austin, with his deep voice and chin whiskers. I didn't see the buff PJ, who is getting broader every day.  I saw the little boys who used to hit rewind on the VCR, and jump up on down on the couch when Simba sang "Just Can't Wait to Be King"....

And even though Hank isn't going to jump up and down on the couch and sing, I find it great that things my big boys loved when they were little are also things that Hank loves now.

Oh, Baby!

Here's a picture of my sister from her baby shower. She has that pregnancy glow, and she's absolutely gorgeous. I don't think I've ever seen her more beautiful.

She's going to be an amazing mother. My niece is one lucky little girl.

Proud Momma

Time to brag on my little freckle-face boy...

He's the top reader in his 2nd grade class. He's now in a 3rd grade math class. He's an awesome little soccer player.

And, he's cute!

I'm a proud momma  :)

Hello, October!

October is here! There's vegetable soup simmering in the crock-pot, there's a chill in the air, the leaves are starting to change, and it is sweatshirt weather. And, even though I froze my tail feathers off at Hank's soccer game yesterday morning, I really do love this time of the year.  There's something about wearing a fleece jacket, walking around arts & crafts fairs, seeing pumpkins & mums every where you turn that just makes me happy. And, that's exactly what I plan to do the next few weeks. There's several arts & crafts fairs coming up, the farm where we go pick pumpkins, take a hayride, and run through the corn maize is open, and Barnes & Noble has pumpkin spice lattes. I'm a happy camper.

We also need to start working on Hank's Halloween costume. Last year, he was the cutest Indiana Jones that I've ever seen, but I'm not sure what he has planned for this year. I've heard him mention Captain America, which would be cool. I'm going to look at pictures to see how we can make his costume. I'm thinking a garbage can lid would be the perfect size the shield. He's also mentioned Liono from 'The Thundercts' cartoon. But, it would the Liono from the new cartoons, not Liono from the old cartoons. I personally don't know the difference, but he sure does. I suggested that we all dress up as characters from 'Wizard of Oz'... I would be Dorothy, obviously.  Joe could be the scarecrow, PJ could be the tin man, Austin could be the lion, and Hank could be a flying monkey! I thought it was a GREAT idea.  I was the only one that thought it was a great idea.

Happy Fall, Ya'll!