Memorial Day

As I sit and think about the significance of Memorial day, I have to admit, I feel guilty having gone shopping rather than resting and remembering its importance. I'll never forget the first time I watched Saving Private Ryan. When I sat down in the theater with my friend, I had no idea what the movie was about. The opening scenes, lasting about 45 mins or so, was continual graphic war violence, and watching them sent me into a state of shock for the remainder of the movie. But I'm glad I saw it. It definitely opened my eyes to the brutality of war (though it's not like I thought it was a party or anything), and gave me a greater appreciation for those in my life who have been directly affected by war. My step-father is a Vietnam veteran. My brother served in the Airforce for four years (and thank the Lord he never had to go to war). My grandfather lost an eye in World War II, a minor injury considering he took out a foxhole of German soldiers all by himself. Unfortunately, as have many others, he also lost his mind. I never knew him. But he is still one of my heroes. The United States wouldn't be the country it is today if it weren't for the soldiers who gave their lives faithfully and selflessly. Thank you.

Student Teaching

Well, I guess it's official that I didn't get the job in Harrisburg. I never received a call (which I was told I would) and the only way I discovered that I didn't get it was by going on the district website and discovering that it was reposted. Oh well. I guess it wasn't meant to be.

But, I DID meet with my mentor teacher who will guiding me through my student teaching in the fall. I am SO excited! We are going to be a wonderful team and now, instead of being terrified and intimidated, I can't wait to get started on putting together my work sample! I am going to be teaching 3rd grade at a Spanish immersion school - that means the WHOLE day in Spanish! It will be fabulous.

Since I'm going to be a real teacher soon, I better get started on my professional wardrobe, right? So, on Memorial Day, my hubby and I and his two nieces (alongside almost every other American) enjoyed the holiday by taking advantage of sales. We drove 2 hrs north of Springfield to a little town called Woodburn and shopped the outlet stores there. I found some great stuff and Ann Taylor - and I have resolved to shop nowhere else. It is only at Ann's that I can find clothing the flatters my figure and fits just right. Now I just need to open a savings account just to save for her because she is not cheap! But she is worth every penny! :o)

Check Up

Solomon had his two month check up last Friday, May 16th (Neftali's 2nd birthday!). He weighs a whopping 11lbs 14oz! I can't believe it! He is so big, and I don't remember Nefty being that big at two months. I had to go look through all of the papers that he has acquired over the last two years just to be sure. And guess what? He weighed nearly 13lbs at his two month check up! Wow! I must really be losing my mind because I don't remember him being such a tank! Solomon is so cute and has the rolls on his arms and legs. And he is such a happy baby. During diaper changes, he coos and giggles so much. He is very talkative and smiley. I just look at him and still cannot believe that God has blessed me with two perfect, beautiful little boys. I love being their mom. Just look at the beautiful Mother's Day card Neftali made for me at church! I am blessed!

Job

As far as the ELL Coordinator/Teacher position that I had applied for - I haven't heard a word. I felt the interview went well, though brief; and the principal told me that he would call me either way, whether I got the job or not. That was two weeks ago (and he said he would call me on the 9th). I have already tried to contact him and get an update. Either his secretary didn't get him the message (which I doubt), or he is otherwise occupied. I am still holding out a little bit of hope that I will be hired. But if I still don't hear anything by the end of the month, I guess I'll take that as a no.

Cloth Diapers

After some serious consideration, we have decided to switch our newborn from disposables to cloth diapers. I never thought I would ever give it a try - it always seemed like too much work. We are in week two, and so far, it's not that bad. We're still definitely trying to figure out which way to fold the cloth so there are minimal leaks. But one thing's for sure - it certainly helps me stay up on my laundry! Cloth just seems like the way to go anymore. We watched a program during Earth Day weekend that gave some stats on how many diapers a child will go through during their diaper-wearing days. Get ready for this - 8,000! And that is at about $2,000 a year! Incredible! But very believable. Each package of diapers I buy cost no less than $20, and they last for maybe a week or so. Cloth costs a little more up front to have all you need. Then you just need to graduate sizes of cloth as baby grows. But the nice thing is that many baby stores will buy the cloths from you (as long as there in good shape) - and you can start out with gently used cloths to see if it's even worth the investment. I must say, I have surprised myself yet again with making a choice I had never thought I'd make. But when you weigh it all out, I am very glad we have made the transition - and I think Solomon is too!

Happy Birthday

Well, I can't believe that my oldest son is going to be two years old in two weeks! Where has the time gone? He is so busy and trying to be verbal, though learning two languages simultaneously muddles his speech a little right now. But all of my 'research' as a teacher in training who will specialize in teaching English as a second language shows that though he may not be able to verbalize quite as well as other toddlers his age only learning one language, over the next year, he should be ahead of the game once he gets a handle on both English and Spanish. He has a pretty big vocabulary in both languages but hasn't quite figured how to put the words into sentences yet. Not to mention there is still toddler gibberish sprinkled here and there. But he has so much to say! I can't wait until I understand every word! In the mean time, I am confident that he knows everything that his daddy and I tell him - especially when he's in trouble! :o)

And he's such a good big brother! He is always concerned for his little Mo-mon and wants to hug and kiss him constantly! He always brings me the burp cloth when I'm nursing and insists on burping his brother after a good feeding. He is absolutely amazing!

It is my whole-hearted prayer that he stays in faithful God's word and 'reads' it with as much fervor as his is in this picture! He loves the Bible! And when he finds a passage he particularly likes, he 'preaches' it. It is the most adorable thing! God is so good!