Redefined

Remember that one family reunion when we not only owned the definition of "puke," but took it to a whole new level? Of course you do. We talk about it at every annual family get-together. Barf Fest 1999. Well, I was preparing for a Relief Society lesson this morning and came across this journal entry. Oh how I wish I could have tied it in to the lesson somehow...

July 26, 1999

I’m in the very backseat of the car traveling on the way to Salt Lake City. We are coming from Boise, ID. We just got done with our family reunion a few days ago at Pinetop (Pinetop is a church owned girls camp). It was fun for the most part. What I mean is it was fun until the last night. It all started when I woke up from a deep sleep and there was Bethany standing there looking down at me. I asked her what was wrong and she threw up. Luckily I saw it coming and I moved (She also told me she was going to puke). That’s how it all started. After that I moved by mom and James. Right after I settled, James threw up, then Kevin, Parker, Abby, and Spencer had their turns. That night was my worst nightmare come true. Just smelling it and hearing it made me want to throw up. I hate throwing up. I’m almost afraid of it. I can’t stand it. Maren and Reed went home throwing up that day and the day before.

The picture featured above was taken prior to bedtime that night. Yep, there's sweet, unsuspecting Bethany smiling right beside me. If only I knew the horrors about to unfold. If only she knew. If only all of us knew... about the Kool-Aide, right? Of course, in the passing years, the journaled trauma has transpired into the most endearing, fond reminiscings. Oh guys. I miss you. You're so far away!

I say we're overdue for another reunion at Pinetop, yeah?

One of the Reasons to Be

There are very rewarding aspects to the job of special ed teacher. Getting notes from students is one of them:

I was gone on Monday and Tuesday. When I came back, there were notes on the board written to me from students. "Second best ever"? I love it. I'm so grateful for my job.

Note: I blocked out the name from your view, of course. You know how privacy goes.

Fitting For Today

Differences

Feline Feelings

Here at the household we have feelings when it comes to felines. If you're pro-cat then don't watch the clip. You'll most likely be very offended, like our neighbor girl was when we showed it to her. And yes, upon close examination you can see the cat head drop inside the vehicle. : )

H is for Hector

Have you ever heard of The Gashlycrumb Tinies? I discovered this book a couple years back and cracked up. It's dark, I know. If you don't like dark humor, don't read the book online HERE or watch/hear it sung HERE.

Proverbial Wisdom

At the end of every school year, my mom gives her kindergarten students a list of the first halves of common proverbs. The students then fill in the second half. Here's some of what this year's kids had to say (their words are italicized and spelled exactly as they wrote them):

You can lead a horse to water but he will splash water on you.

No news is in the male box.

You can't teach an old dog to play video gams.

Where there's smoke, there's sigrix (cigarettes).

A penny saved is in my cut off sock (the girl who wrote this saves her money in a sock).

Two's company, three can not fit.

Don't put off until tomorrow what is bad.

Laugh and the whole world laughs with you; cry and say good bye to your friend.

Children should be seen and not spankt.

If at first you don't succeed will have a bad day.

When the blind lead the blind thae bump into the wol.

Better late than school.

So there you have it. Aren't they so smart? I'm going to miss them so much!

Gotta Love It

A favorite author/illustrator: James Marshall

Favorites of his works: George and Martha series and The Stupids series

Purchase/check out: George and Martha HERE; The Stupids HERE