Adoption Help!

Dear People Who Read My Blog,

Two sweet friends of mine have been in the process of adopting a baby for several months now. If you or anyone you know has gone through the adoption process, you know how ridiculously expensive it is. They thought they still had 12-18 months to raise the rest of the money, but found out THIS WEEK that they were matched with an itty bitty baby boy. They have ONE WEEK to raise the rest of the money ($11,300) so they can bring their son home.

You should probably read their story HERE.

Or here:

http://aseriesofseasons.blogspot.com/

Pleeeeeeease consider donating a little bit of money to help them. God has moved in a truly miraculous way. What an awesome opportunity to be a part of a miracle.

Okay, the link one more time in case you missed it: http://aseriesofseasons.blogspot.com/.

Yes, all of those words link to the same blog. I really want you to go.

Things I Am Currently Obsessed With...And You Should Be Too

Whichever stage of my life you know me from, you probably can name one thing I was obsessed with. Some say obsessions are not healthy. I say-- not having obsessions are unhealthy. So here we go.

Black Beans

I could eat black beans every day.

You could put black beans with the grossest food on earth, and I would eat it.

I used to think black beans looked disgusting. Then I tried them. I hate when my mom is right.

Knitting

I learned to knit in college and have had a love/hate relationship with it since. I can only knit things in straight lines. Mainly scarves and head-band-ear-muffs. I have recently undertaken an adventure to knit a blanket. I'm still not totally confident on the blanket, so I guess it will just have to be a little blanket...for a little one...

Teen Mom

I know. I know. Reality TV.

But in all seriousness, it is a fantastic show about the real consequences of teenage unprotected sex. I have a little a lot of experience with abstinence/sex education programs. Over the years, I've probably spoken to thousands of kids about the dangers of sex before marriage. While I absolutely believe abstinence is the BEST way to protect your heart and your body from certain pain, I also understand that abstinence-only programs don't work. Now I will admit--there is no thrill like shouting the names of STDs and "frothy!" at kids. But Teen Mom shows the long-term consequences of having a baby in high school. If you put aside the somewhat-fabricated drama, Teen Mom realistically portrays two things: how hard it is to raise a baby as a teenager and how hard it is to deal with the heartache after a breakup. Of the eight couples on Teen Mom/Teen Mom 2, only ONE of them are still together. And that is the couple that gave their baby up for adoption.

Teen pregnancy has dropped 9% since Teen Mom began airing.

Wait until you're married, folks.

My sister-in-law's fudge

For real. It is delicious.

Last year I ate 3-4 pieces a day. This year, I saw her make the fudge and have limited my rations to 1 a day. I'm not 19 anymore.

Peppermint Mocha Creamer

Coffee is not coffee without peppermint mocha creamer. Apparently this is a "Christmas drink," but if you can buy it in the store year-round, I am allowed to drink it year-round. And I do. Now coffee just tasted weird without it.

My husband

Seriously. He's the best.

He's such a hard worker and so patient. He's hilarious.

And he tolerates all my obsessions.

I love him.


Those are the latest. This, of course, is on top of all the other obsessions, which still include: Friends, Mountain Dew, popcorn chicken, O'Charleys, and my wiener dog.

Blog Neglect

Sorry about the blog neglect.

All my most recent ideas have been shot down. I had a pretty awesome blog a-brewin about red flags that my BFF's and I collected in college, but decided it just wasn't blog appropriate. Sure, you would have gained all kinds of information that might have saved you from certain heartache in future relationships, but public sharing of the flags might cause future heartache for all of us too. Because I'm not really sure who reads my blog. But here are the flags, just so you know they do exist:

If you want to know the story behind each flag, you'll just have to ask me in person. If you are the person responsible for the flag, I hope you have a terrible week.

In other news, Itchy came down with a case of the spots again. He's the most allergic dog I've ever met. When he has an allergic reaction to something, he breaks out in hives which look like little cow-licks all over his body.

He didn't seem too bothered by them. Also, he loves benadryl.

Christmas is an insane time at school. I alternate between really fun days and really, really terrible days. Then there are days when it snows during school and someone spends 30 minutes watching the snow instead of paying attention.

Oh, that was me.

Anderson County set the bar high last year with 11 snow days the week before and the week after Christmas break. Rutherford County, it's your serve.



Okay. Blog again when I have an idea that is not vetoed by everyone I know. Ethics-shmethics.

This Adventure

We I started this blog when we found out we were moving to Nashville. We wanted a way to document this adventure. Since Chris and I met in Knoxville, we entered the relationship with separate connections and memories of East TN. This was our first adventure to somewhere new. A chance to build all of our memories in a new place together. Leaving Knoxville was tough. It's not really gotten easier. Fortunately, we are headed back this weekend to see all of our college friends!

Nashville doesn't feel like home yet. We're trying. Honestly. I'm not sure what it takes to bring about that feeling of "belonging." Maybe when you can successfully navigate from Target to Old Navy without a GPS? Maybe when you hear the traffic report on the radio and can determine whether you are currently headed that way or not? Definitely when you can listen to a conversation between other people discussing what they did over the weekend and recognize all the places they went. I just zone out during most conversations these days because I don't know what people are talking about. This made me wonder if it was like this when I moved to Knoxville...but then, everyone was new to Knoxville so we all figured it out together. Chris and I are on our own here.

The thing I miss the most? Having a genuine conversation with someone. If it wasn't for Lestic being in town, I would have lost it by now. I took for granted having conversations with people who already knew my story. They knew where I was coming from and responded accordingly. When I said "Church was rough today," they knew what I meant. I don't think I was prepared for this part of the "adventure." For some, it might be a welcome chance to start over. For me, I "started over" a while back. I hadn't realized moving to Nashville would mean leaving all the people who "got me started." Flying solo is not so much fun.


In other news...

School is getting better. I like my kids. I love the people I work with. I get 3 days off next week and 2 weeks at Christmas. I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel.



Chris has some pretty serious tests coming up. Please pray that he'll have time to study among everything else he does and do well on his tests. I might need a whole different blog on how proud I am of him.



We went to Florida the first weekend of November for my brother's wedding! A few pictures...

Memom and I getting ready for the rehearsal dinner.

Rehearsing.

After the wedding.

I don't have any pictures of the actual ceremony because I was coordinating/running through the sand like a leprechaun to watch it myself. Funny story though--I was having wardrobe malfunctions before the wedding, but found an adorable fix. That blue halter strap around my neck is my swimsuit. I kind of like the dress better this way! 

That's the life update for now. Trying to find little joys in a big transition. Remembering that God called us here. He won't leave us stranded.

What Kind of Adult Do You Want Your Child to Be?

That is the operating motto in my classroom. I'll say it again. For dramatic effect.

What kind of adult do you want your child to be?


I am not a mother. So I will not give anyone parenting advice. But I do spend all day with children. Lots of different kinds of children. And I do have a two degrees in child development and education. So hear me out.

As a parent, you have every right to raise your child any way you want to. Raise them as a vegan. Take them to Twilight movies at the age of 3. Take them to church at 4 days old. Whatever you want.

As a teacher, it is my JOB to make them responsible citizens that know how to work in a group of people. That may be difficult for you, because you have limited access to a large group of strangers at home. But I do. Lots of strangers. Scary ones, too. We routinely practice what to do if a scary stranger approaches. We also routinely practice acting appropriately in situations with nicer strangers. Think assemblies. Pep rallies. Those sorts of things.

Back to my original question.

What kind of adult do you want your child to be?

Now I'm kind of taking a stab in the dark, but I imagine you might want your child to be somewhat like this:

Cooperative

Ever known a person who disagrees about everything? That guy who argues just to prove he's right. (And he's usually not.) The lady you don't invite to dinner anymore because no restaurant agreed with her taste.

Very few kids are just cooperative from the get-go. They have to learn that every decision affects the whole group. In school, we teach this by putting children in groups and having them work it out. We discuss group decisions and how, sometimes, you don't get what you want. And that's okay. You might get what you want next time. If your child is getting in trouble for not working well with their group or a specific person, please don't ask their teacher to put them in a different group. How will they ever learn to work it out? When they grow up, they will find themselves in so many situations in which they must work with other people whom they don't like. By learning these coping skills in school, their life will be much more enjoyable.

Socially Appropriate

Go back to high school for a moment. Remember that kid who talked all the time? The one who shouted out all the answers? The one who played pencil drums on his desk during the test and you couldn't concentrate? Did you like any of those kids?

No.

If I allow children to routinely do those things in my classroom, they will become those high schoolers. Even in 2nd grade, they are already be isolated for those kinds of behaviors. I want all of my students to be liked when they grow up. Therefore, I do not allow them to act that way. When they get in trouble, we always have conversations about what the people around them are thinking when they act like that. I want them to be self-aware so they understand. Please back me up at home. I know you don't your child to be "that kid" either.

Organized

How many of you are organized? How many of you wish you were?

Do you believe you could have been taught organization as a child?

Are you mad now that no one taught you?

I've had some of the most UNORGANIZED kids ever in my class. God bless them. It's pitiful, really. But after many lessons--some of them harsh--they now have beautifully organized desks, folders, and agendas. And wonder of wonders! They're doing better in school?!?! What do you know?! Who imagined that spending an extra 15 minutes listening to a lesson rather than trying to find your book in your desk would make a difference?

Respectful

Usually, when people think of the word "respectful," they think of children's attitudes toward adults. But now think of the person who cuts you off while you're talking. The person who criticizes you. The guy who stood you up on a date and never called explaining why. Those are adults being disrespectful to other adults.

If I allow children to speak to each other negatively, make fun of each other, or talk about other children behind their backs, I am telling them it's okay to treat people disrespectfully. They will be in trouble for these things in my class. 100% of the time.


What kind of adult do you want your child to be?

I know teachers. Lots of them. They are not out to get your child. I repeat--they are NOT out to get your child. They care very deeply about your child. While you child is in my class, they become my children. A parent who loves their child, disciplines their child. When your child gets in trouble, it is not because we don't like your child. It is because we like them so much, we don't want them to be disliked when they grow up.

I'm not a parent, but I hear it's a difficult, challenging job. I also hear it's rewarding to watch your child grow up into an amazing person. I want your child to be an amazing person too. So let's work together. When your child gets in trouble, ask yourself my question. And know that I see them in a different context. One in which they will be teased mercilessly if I allow them to act that way.

So let's be friends.

I Survived October 2011

October 2011 is pretty much a blur. I have never been that overwhelmed in my entire life. School, home, life...everything got pretty intense. I think I had one actual conversation with a friend. I definitely made a pretty bad impression on a group of new people who probably think I'm some sort of reclusive zombie. Without Chris, I'm not sure I would have survived at all. Seriously, how many people have a husband who takes over all the housework and cooking so their wife can spaz out on a nightly basis? I'll be spending the month of November making it up to him.

Some things I learned this past month:

1. It's okay to break rules.

2. A campfire and s'mores are good for the soul.

3. Halloween costumes make everything better.

4. A silly husband makes any situation better.

5. I am a terrible Nashvillian. I don't own Toms. I've never been to Green Hills. I don't even know where 12th South is. 

6. I wish my friends were not so spread out. The times in between our reunions are pretty lonesome. Let's decide where we're building our group mansion and get on it!

7. While looking for the above picture, I found these gems:

 

We were pretending to be Kermit hanging off the back of a motorcycle.

8. The above pictures make me think of my all time favorite picture of me and Heather.

This is what happens when you try to take a serious picture but can't stop laughing. Much like Leslie's visa picture. Which I don't have a copy of. But it was good.

9. I don't finish anything I start because I get distracted.

See all the above pictures.

10. I need to commit to one fun thing a week to ensure October 2011 never happens again. I guess this week's fun thing will be driving to Florida. Yeah baby.

Things Stress Does to You

This is totally scientific. And happens to everybody. Without variation.

1.   Makes you break out in hives.

Okay, this is actually poison ivy. But I like to think the poison ivy KNEW it had the opportunity to make a stressful week worse.

2.   Causes those around you to feel stressed.

Itchy with his nose under my shirt sleeve. Presumably, because of his stressful life.

3.   Causes you to crave un-holy amounts of jambalaya.

Big thank you to Chris for going to the store just to buy jambalaya stuff and then making it for me. :-)

4.   Makes you spend all day at school on Sunday to organize your Monday-Friday life.

I didn't make this mess, but that's a whole different story.

5.   Gives you mini-heart attacks when you can't find the 9 page lesson plan you wrote for your evaluation. Apparently, your computer will choose where to save your stuff unless you specifically tell it. It won't ask. Shouldn't it KNOW lesson plans go in C:/Documents/School/2nd Grade/Evaluations/Lesson Plans/DON'T GET FIRED?!?!

6.   Renders you unable to hang out with friends because you are at home at 9:00 pm on Friday crying because someone moved a stack of papers.

7.   Causes you to re-evaluate your life and how you're pretty sure you could make a living being an FBI Facebook stalker.

8.   Brings instant tears because your husband offered to bring you a coke from the fridge. You don't know why you're crying. It just sounded like a nice thing to do for someone. Now you're crying because you're embarrassed that a coke made you cry. You start offering nice things to do for your husband in hopes that if he cries too, you won't be so embarrassed. But he doesn't cry. Because cokes shouldn't make people cry.

To sum up, you should avoid getting too stressed because these things WILL happen to you. If you experience any other symptoms, you should probably consult a doctor. Or check and see if you're a teacher.

Pretending I'm a Stay at Home Wife

Pepperoni and Ritz crackers for breakfast this morning. Breakfast. Of. Champions.


I've enjoyed my life as a stay-at-home wife this week. I like to pretend I could stay home all the time, but I know that a) I would inevitably get bored, and b) Chris needs his suga-momma to pay for school. So I've been living it up this week, and by that, I mean laying around all day, cooking delicious food, and pretending to be crafty.

Chris and I babysat for some friends this week. Chris is excellent at baby-holding. Definitely a Heisman winner.

This is Chris saying "Can we puhweeeese have one?!?"

Okay...actually this is Chris saying "Don't even think about" as I squealed over how adorable he looked with a baby.

I had to dip back into reality for a few hours and go back to school to get ready for next week. Really, I just needed to satisfy my weekly quota of tree killing.

I made fish and edamame for dinner last night. No picture of the edamame because we ate it in 4.3 seconds. But for the fish, you just need Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, garlic, butter, worchestershire sauce, and parmesan cheese. Delish. And only 143 calories per serving!


Breaking News: I'M CRAFTY

I discovered Pinterest last Saturday. For the sake of my marriage and general mental health, I have limited myself to 10 minutes of Pinteresting per day. But I couldn't resist attempting to make something. Mostly because I'm on fall break and felt the need to do something with my life. The hubby would not have been happy if he found me in the same position he left me in that morning....as has been the case on other school holidays.

Anyway... I made coasters! The coasters we have are falling apart and quite frankly, hideous. For years, I've wanted these ceramic coasters that have iconic Knoxville locations on them, but I've come to terms with the fact that they are too expensive. So Pinterest gave me an alternative. Scrapbook paper coasters! Here's the deal for all you non-crafty people, unlike me- the super crafty-McCrafterson. (Hint: I'm not crafty.)

Get some ceramic tiles, scrapbook paper, felt, mod podge (glue and water), and acrylic spray.

Pick out the scrapbook patterns you want and cut them to fit the ceramic tiles.

Mod podge those scrapbook squares til they bleed. Both sides. Tops and bottoms. If you can see it, mod podge it.

While you're waiting for your buckets of mod podge to dry, cut out little felt circles. These will keep the ceramic coasters from scraping up your pretty little coffee table.

Glue your little felt circles to the bottom of the tile. You're supposed to use waterproof glue, but I used Elmer's. I don't think teachers are contractually allowed to use any other type of glue.

Now acrylic spray the crap out of those things. I would do this outside and not next to your dog. Itchy coughed for a while after getting a wind-blast of acrylic in the face.

COASTERS!

After that, I made risotto with shrimp and peas because, again, I'm competing for Wife of the Year. (And because it's really easy, but Chris thinks it's fancy.)

Chris took a sneak picture of a typical O'Brien night.

Also, my brother sent me a nice text this morning and it totally made my day.

Living Up Fall Break

Day One

I am taking FULL advantage of Fall Break. I know 90% of you are saying right now "I wish I had fall break...." I don't really know what to tell you. Sorry? But trust me when I say that teachers would be roaming the streets like zombies at this point in the year if we didn't have fall break. This is really for everyone's safety.

I started the day the way every good wife starts her day--by putting meat in the crockpot. Today's dish is steak coated with A1 sauce, dijon mustard, and white wine. It looks kind of like freshly extracted lung here, but it gets better.

While cooking putting stuff in the crockpot, I noticed that our bananas have a sticker en espanol. I've noticed several of our food items have labels in Spanish. While I am fully aware it is because 80% of our neighborhood is Hispanic, I'm choosing to look at it as an opportunity to cultivate my Spanish skillz.

Then Itchy and I took the 1.2 mile hike to the leasing office to pay our rent. Itchy used this an opportunity to poop on a fire hydrant. I tried to explain to him that you're supposed to pee on fire hydrants, but then realized that my dog is just ballsy like that. Poop away, Itchers!

For lunch, I indulged in my all-time favorite, pizza rolls. I don't have enough time to cook these during the school day, and when I make them on the weekend, the ratio always ends up Laura-35/Chris-5. So these are my home-alone guilty pleasure.



Then I went to Ross (DressforLess...just for you KShell) and bought some fancy sticks. I've been wanting fancy sticks for this corner of our apartment. I challenged Chris when he came home that there was something new in the apartment, thinking this could last days before he found it. Turns out he pays more attention than I thought. I'll have to find sneakier sticks next time.

Itchy chewed his new Durabone on Chris' pants. He's never actually chewed clothing, but he really likes chewing on top of clothing.

Chris had another surprise waiting on him in the fridge. Butterfinger cake! Thanks Aunt Missy for the recipe! I love having time to make cakes.

I told you that extracted lung would get better. We enjoyed steak, potatoes, and Sister Shubert rolls. I'm pretty much wife of the year.

Then Itchy pretended like he was a princess on a pillow. This dog really has come a long way since his shared block cell at the pound.

That was my day. It was glorious. I look forward to retirement, when I can spend everyday baking cakes, feeding my husband steak and taters, and shopping for fancy sticks.