As Gabby walks through bathroom door, my heart sinks.
"Oh no. Not now." I mutter under my breath.
Gabby is not one of the popular girls in the third grade class. In fact, she's the exact opposite. With her hefty stance, abnormally curly short hair cut and weird outfits two sizes too small, Gabby is not well-liked. Something is just... different about Gabby. And pretty much any kid will tell you that being different in third grade isn't good. Really, everything about Gabby is just... too much. Her voice is much too high and much too loud. Her cheeks are much too pink, like the stale individually wrapped bubble gum they hand out at the barber shop. And when she raises her hand to give an answer in class she talks. too. much.
In fact, Gabby talks so much that our teacher, Mrs. Darling, has to tell her to be quiet. She talks so much that her desk has to be moved right next to Mrs. Darling's, and our entire class gets in trouble because Gabby talks during English class. And so we all miss recess and we all hate Gabby. But worst of all, grossest of all, she picks her nose and eats it when she thinks no one else is looking.
But I am.
While the other kids in class discuss pizza parties and Garbage Pail Kids, Gabby pries a bright green booger from her nostril, positioning it directly on the tip of her thumb. She then folds her hands in her lap and waits. She looks around the room, trying to seem all casual so no one will suspect what she's about to do. And then, just when the timing is right, she pops her thumb into her mouth, as if it's only a harmless little suck. But I know better. I've seen it all.
I see a lot of things the other kids don't see. I notice stuff. I notice how Scott, the coolest kid in the whole grade, smells like cigarette smoke and tries to quickly stuff his jacket in his cubby to hide the smell. And how Kim, who is well-liked, has greasy hair every Monday. And I even notice how Beth, who all the boys want to hold hands with, wears the same jeans three days in a row. I notice these things because you have to notice if you want to fit in, to blend. You have to see what everyone else is doing to fly under the radar, to be invisible. Because I observe everyone else, I know exactly what to wear so no one will notice me--nothing too loud and nothing too bold. I know just how to hide the fact that Dad started drinking again and Mom locks herself in the basement, crying soft softly and popping pills, dreaming of the day she'll get a divorce. You see, you can't let that stuff show at school. Teachers might get curious and that's never good. Kids might find your weak spots and pounce, and then it's all over.
I want to tell all of this to Gabby, to teach her how to get it right, to blend in like I do. I want to tell her to stop wearing those tight sweatshirts making her stomach rolls hang out, and to take off that chipped pink nail polish, the exact shade of un-cool. And, most of all, I want to tell her to stop being so friendly--too friendly--even when people are mean. I want to tell her to stop snorting when she laughs and to stop talking when the teacher tells her to. If she could just learn the rules, she'd be ok. But I can't say all of this to her. And besides, she annoys me anyway and if I talk to her people might start to think we're friends and then it's the end of it for me. And I've got my own problems. So I keep this all to myself and silently scold her for her ignorance.
The kids don't want to sit near Gabby. They pass "Gabby germs" around the classroom. Cross your fingers, no givebacks. And don't even think about refusing to pass them because if you don't, they'll pass your germs around next. Third grade is pretty brutal that way. So I pass Gabby germs along like everyone else. I blend. But I at least pass them quietly when Gabby isn't looking so I won't hurt her feelings. It's not so bad to pass germs along when the person can't even see you, right? I mean, what choice do I have?
When Gabby walks into the bathroom I groan because I've just flushed the toilet so now I have to leave the stall which means I will have to talk to Gabby (or, rather, Gabby will talk to me because she's always talking.) The stall door creaks open as I push through, making my way to the sink. Sure enough, Gabby is there waiting, round fat dimpled cheeks grinning at the sight of me.
"Oh Hi! I didn't know you were in here!" She squeals.
If only you didn't know now.
"Oh, er, hi Gabby." I say, keeping my head down and trying to look busy.
With lightning speed I wash my hands trying to get back to class before too much conversation can happen. But I guess I'm not fast enough because then she drops the bomb:
"Erin, can I ask you something?"
"Mmm...sure Gabby."
"Do you like me?
"
I freeze. Through the mirror I quickly look at bathroom stalls behind me. I find exactly what I was hoping to avoid--feet. Feet of witnesses to this conversation.
What do I do?! What do I say? If I tell her I don't like her It'll be so mean but how can I tell her I like her when there are feet in the other stalls?! What do I do? What do I do???
"Um...............you're ok." I mutter.
Lame. So lame and wimpy and mean. Did I really just say 'you're ok?!' I'm the worst. Why do I have to be such a wimp? But then again I don't want Gabby to think we're actually friends because then she'll want to start hanging out at recess time and that'll be the kiss of death!
But what I said appears to have been enough, for her pink cheeks flush even more red like splotches of spilled fruit punch as a wide grin spreads across her face.
"So, you're my... friend, then?"
Gabby needs this. For some reason she picked me out of everyone in the entire 3rd grade class to talk to. Maybe just a tiny part of her senses that, underneath it all--beneath the clothing choices and haircuts--we're not quite so different after all. We're just two girls trying to get through.
"Uh, sort of, I guess. Ok?"
It's not the the nicest thing I could've said and I'm sure I'm going to regret it later but it's the best I can do under the pressure of the school bathroom with feet in the stalls.
"Great!" she chirps.
She waddles clumsily back to class, cheeks still splotchy red, a grin on her face.
I sigh. I made her happy. Sort of. In my own wimpy way. I feel all twisted and funny inside and wish I could do it all over again. I wish I could tell her what I really think and what I really feel. I wish I could be more brave. But who can do that in the bathroom in the third grade? Not me. Not today. I look in the mirror feeling slightly successful at my half-victory and shuffle back to class to face whatever fall-out comes my way.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
10 Boredom Busters for Rainy Days!
It has been raining here lately. A lot. When the rain strikes and the schoolwork is done in our house it's time for boredom busters! I just wanted to share some of the go-tos that our family enjoys. Some of these are items you can purchase and others are things you can easily throw together from household items. And bonus: none of these are super messy! Here they are:
3. Tangrams
These age old shapes provide hours of fun! They're cheap to buy (you can even make your own out of cardboard if you don't want to buy them) and there are dozens of printable patterns available online. And if you're really feeling crafty you can even trace them in various ways to make up your own designs. I put together a binder for the boys of puzzles varying in difficulty so even Adam has fun with these (he's 3).
7. Make Your Own Money
This is another simple craft that the kids will go crazy over! (It's even better if you happen to have a play cash register on hand.) Just grab some paper, stickers, markers and whatever else you've got and let the kids design their own currency! (The picture below shows how to sew the money, but eh...paper works for me!) When they're done it's also fun to put price tags on toys and play "shop!"
1. Magnetic Mosaics
There are different brands out there of these sets, and they are all worth their weight in gold! There's just something really appealing about little magnetic foamy squares that magically turn into a picture that kids love! And bonus: they're great practice for number and color recognition!
There are different brands out there of these sets, and they are all worth their weight in gold! There's just something really appealing about little magnetic foamy squares that magically turn into a picture that kids love! And bonus: they're great practice for number and color recognition!
2. Playdough Table
I can't even count how many hours of fun this little table has provided in our house. There's just so darn much you can make with it, and the the surface provides a built-in work space without messing up the table! We just lay a plastic table cloth under ours and let the kids go to town. When they're done (and seriously, some days the boys have sat there and played with this for about 3 hours in a row! It's a beautiful thing!) the tablecloth collects the bits which makes for easy clean-up.
I can't even count how many hours of fun this little table has provided in our house. There's just so darn much you can make with it, and the the surface provides a built-in work space without messing up the table! We just lay a plastic table cloth under ours and let the kids go to town. When they're done (and seriously, some days the boys have sat there and played with this for about 3 hours in a row! It's a beautiful thing!) the tablecloth collects the bits which makes for easy clean-up.
3. Tangrams
These age old shapes provide hours of fun! They're cheap to buy (you can even make your own out of cardboard if you don't want to buy them) and there are dozens of printable patterns available online. And if you're really feeling crafty you can even trace them in various ways to make up your own designs. I put together a binder for the boys of puzzles varying in difficulty so even Adam has fun with these (he's 3).
4. Kumon Cutting & Pasting
Kumon has a variety of great cutting and pasting workbooks. My kids just love these. They jump at any opportunity to use glue sticks. :)
Kumon has a variety of great cutting and pasting workbooks. My kids just love these. They jump at any opportunity to use glue sticks. :)
5. Ed Emberly Drawing and Tracing Books
My kids LOVE all of Ed Emberly's drawing books. One of their absolute favorites is the "Book of Weirdos." It's great because you can use it as a tracing book for younger kids and as a step-by-step drawing book for the older ones. Fun for everyone!
My kids LOVE all of Ed Emberly's drawing books. One of their absolute favorites is the "Book of Weirdos." It's great because you can use it as a tracing book for younger kids and as a step-by-step drawing book for the older ones. Fun for everyone!
6. Make Your Own Marble Maze
Ok, now we're moving onto the make-at-home projects. But this is EASY! All you need to do is round up some old boxes, cardboard tubes, duck tape and, of course, marbles. Then turn the kids loose! See what they create!
Ok, now we're moving onto the make-at-home projects. But this is EASY! All you need to do is round up some old boxes, cardboard tubes, duck tape and, of course, marbles. Then turn the kids loose! See what they create!
Source: tpcraft.blogspot.com via Pam on Pinterest
7. Make Your Own Money
This is another simple craft that the kids will go crazy over! (It's even better if you happen to have a play cash register on hand.) Just grab some paper, stickers, markers and whatever else you've got and let the kids design their own currency! (The picture below shows how to sew the money, but eh...paper works for me!) When they're done it's also fun to put price tags on toys and play "shop!"
Source: bkids.typepad.com via Katie on Pinterest
8. Cardboard Cars and Castles
You can make yours as simple or elaborate as you want! All you need are cardboard boxes, markers and tape! This is a ton of fun! You can also make cars, ice cream trucks, caves, houses and whatever else your heart desires!
You can make yours as simple or elaborate as you want! All you need are cardboard boxes, markers and tape! This is a ton of fun! You can also make cars, ice cream trucks, caves, houses and whatever else your heart desires!
Source: eclecticmom.com via Maria on Pinterest
9. Magazine Collage
This is an oldie but a goodie. (And for some reason I have this tendency to forget about the classics sometimes!) Just grab some old magazines (and boy-oh-boy do I have a mountain of 'em!), glue sticks, scissors, paper, and voila! Insta-art! It's so much fun to see what the kids consider "collage-worthy." This is a collage Luke made last year. He just LOVED that googly-eyed stack of money. :)
10. Scavenger Hunt
This is another classic that never gets old. There's just something so stinkin' fun about racing to find hidden stuff! Just round up some toys and make a list of them (or draw little simple pictures of the items for pre-readers). Hide them wherever your heart desires and see how long it takes the kiddos to find them all! My kids love to call it a "treasure hunt" because they love all things pirate. Such are boys. If you want to get fancy you can even make a map leading to certain items.
This is an oldie but a goodie. (And for some reason I have this tendency to forget about the classics sometimes!) Just grab some old magazines (and boy-oh-boy do I have a mountain of 'em!), glue sticks, scissors, paper, and voila! Insta-art! It's so much fun to see what the kids consider "collage-worthy." This is a collage Luke made last year. He just LOVED that googly-eyed stack of money. :)
10. Scavenger Hunt
This is another classic that never gets old. There's just something so stinkin' fun about racing to find hidden stuff! Just round up some toys and make a list of them (or draw little simple pictures of the items for pre-readers). Hide them wherever your heart desires and see how long it takes the kiddos to find them all! My kids love to call it a "treasure hunt" because they love all things pirate. Such are boys. If you want to get fancy you can even make a map leading to certain items.
photo source
Aaaaaaaand that wraps up my list of rainy day boredom busters! I hope some of these ideas help yousurvive er...enjoy the next rainy day at your house!
Aaaaaaaand that wraps up my list of rainy day boredom busters! I hope some of these ideas help you
Monday, October 10, 2011
One Thousand Gifts (part 16)
This week the beauty of Fall has been all around. From gorgeous sunshiny afternoons outside to apple-baked goodness, we have been soaking up every bit of this golden season while it lasts. And so I continue to count the many ways the Lord blesses me each day:
365. Thrill of finding a bird's nest!
365. Thrill of finding a bird's nest!
366. Halloween craft fun
367. a good night of sleep
368. sunshine after several days of rain
369. gorgeous afternoon outside with the kids gathering up the beauty of God's creation
370. getting "filled up" by good friends
371. looking through old artwork with the kids--Laughing at toddler projects and enjoying the wonder of development
372. husband's help with housework
373. getting help from others where it was needed!
374. homemade macaroni and cheese--so gooey and delicious
375. the smell of Fall in the air
376-386. birthday celebration: Gorgeous weather, Fall fun at the farm, corn maze, apple cider, pumpkin latte, hayride, pumpkin patch, presents, and popcorn. Such an amazing day of gifts!
...more to come
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Saturday, October 8, 2011
Happy Birthday to...me {a.k.a. in which I wax nostalgic}
Today is my birthday. I am officially 34 years old. I suppose 34 still feels a bit "safe" as far as that looming much hyped and oft-dreaded big 4-0 on the horizon (and yeah, I know it's not really a long way off.). But still, I have this feeling that I'm getting older. I'm not sure if it's a feeling of physical aging per se (though I'm aware that that is happening), or even acquired wisdom (though I believe I've gotten some of that, too) but more a feeling that I'm entering a different stage of life. I guess I just don't feel "young" anymore, although I don't feel "old" either. I suppose that leaves me somewhere in between, like stage-of-life limbo. I mean, I feel "settled in" as far as my role as wife, mom, stay-at-home mom and homeschooler. And I'm beginning to enter into a new stage of parenting as my oldest (now 6) matures. So, whatever this current stage of life that's hard to put into words actually is (I know this post is a bit of a stumbling bumbling mess...but hey, sometimes that's just me!) , I'm happy with it. This "stagewithoutaname" is a season of growth. A time to grow in knowledge, in experience and into the person the Lord has made me to be.
(my birthday last year)In short (which is a blessed change from the rest of this rambling post in which I heavily over-use parentheses. Sorry 'bout that by-the-way. It's a bad habit I have no intention of breaking. And now that I'm all wise at the ripe old age of 34 I feel fully justified in standing up for my grammatical bad habits ha-ha. That includes split infinitives and invented punctuation. So there.) I am happy. I'm happy for this life I live, though small it may be. I'm happy for the people who love me and help me grow. I'm happy for this little house I get to call home and for the talents God's given me which I get to use in all kinds of fun ways. I'm happy for this blog where I get to write about whatever's stored up in my brain and I'm happy for all of you who care to read it. Heck, I'm even happy for this body of mine--though heavier it currently is. But that's just life. And that life is mine, and God made it and saw that it was good. And so I celebrate today. I celebrate life. My life. And all of the blessings therein, which are many. So, happy birthday to... me. Oh, and woo-hoo for birthday cake. Best. Invention. Ever.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
10 Ways to Have Fun Outside With Your Kids!
I have this great little deck of cards full of fun things to do outside. (I think I bought this way back when I was in high school!) It's called 52 Nature Activities. Well, now that Fall is here I thought it was high time I pull it out and enjoy the crisp air and bright colors with the kids! I just thought I'd share some of my personal favorites that we enjoy, and maybe you will, too. (By-the-way, these are totally fun to do with adults! Kevin and I used to do some of these back when we were dating.) I paraphrased the descriptions of each activity and added in some ideas of my own. I highly recommend the whole deck--for about $6.00 it's a bargain for such a comprehensive set of ideas! They are great to do over and over again and in different seasons. Especially great for homeschoolers! (Disclaimer: I haven't been compensated to say any of this. I'm just sharing them because I *heart* them!)
1. Soft to Hard
Go outside and gather a bunch of things around you of varying textures (e.g. moss, rocks). Line them up from the softest to the roughest/hardest. You can also line them up by other attributes like coldest to warmest or longest to shortest.
Go outside and gather a bunch of things around you of varying textures (e.g. moss, rocks). Line them up from the softest to the roughest/hardest. You can also line them up by other attributes like coldest to warmest or longest to shortest.
2. Shapes of Things
See how many different shapes can you find outside in nature. Can you find a square? A circle? How about an oval? Can you find any obscure shapes like a parallelogram?
See how many different shapes can you find outside in nature. Can you find a square? A circle? How about an oval? Can you find any obscure shapes like a parallelogram?
3. Seed by Seed
How many different seeds can you find outside? Can you identify what plants they come from? Do you know how they're transported and how they grow? Find out! Take a picture of each seed and find pictures at home of the plants they will grow into. Make a chart of the seeds and their adult equivalents.
How many different seeds can you find outside? Can you identify what plants they come from? Do you know how they're transported and how they grow? Find out! Take a picture of each seed and find pictures at home of the plants they will grow into. Make a chart of the seeds and their adult equivalents.
4. Postcard Designer
Cut a rectangle out of a piece of paper to make a "frame. " Go outside and find your own "postcard" scenes by framing your surroundings. Bring a camera and take pics of your favorites! Print them out and send them as postcards friends and relatives wishing them a happy Fall!
Cut a rectangle out of a piece of paper to make a "frame. " Go outside and find your own "postcard" scenes by framing your surroundings. Bring a camera and take pics of your favorites! Print them out and send them as postcards friends and relatives wishing them a happy Fall!
5. Nature Crown
Round up a bunch of items outside. Attach them with pipe cleaners to create your own crown! What are you the king or queen of? Rake some fallen leaves into the shape or pile of your choice and rule your kingdom!
Round up a bunch of items outside. Attach them with pipe cleaners to create your own crown! What are you the king or queen of? Rake some fallen leaves into the shape or pile of your choice and rule your kingdom!
6. Nature Alphabet
Gather a bunch of items from outside (e.g. rocks, twigs, leaves) and arrange them to create your own alphabet! Take a camera with you and photograph each letter. Print them out and put them together to make word art!
Gather a bunch of items from outside (e.g. rocks, twigs, leaves) and arrange them to create your own alphabet! Take a camera with you and photograph each letter. Print them out and put them together to make word art!
7. Leaf to Leaf
(The perfect time of year for this one!) How many different types of leaves can you find outside? Can you identify what type of tree they come from? Find out! Make rubbings of them in the appropriate colors and label each one.
(The perfect time of year for this one!) How many different types of leaves can you find outside? Can you identify what type of tree they come from? Find out! Make rubbings of them in the appropriate colors and label each one.
8. Designs in Nature
Head outside with a magnifying glass and look for beautiful patterns in nature. Look closely at the intricate spirals of a pine cone or the scattered array of pine needles on the ground. Examine a splotchy patch of moss on a rock. Get lost in the natural beauty of patterns. Take a nature journal with you and sketch your favorite patterns. Or bring your camera and create "pattern art" by putting together a photo collage of your favorites!
Head outside with a magnifying glass and look for beautiful patterns in nature. Look closely at the intricate spirals of a pine cone or the scattered array of pine needles on the ground. Examine a splotchy patch of moss on a rock. Get lost in the natural beauty of patterns. Take a nature journal with you and sketch your favorite patterns. Or bring your camera and create "pattern art" by putting together a photo collage of your favorites!
9. Blind Walk
Head outside with a blindfold and let a partner lead you around. What do you smell? What do you hear? Have your partner put objects in your hands. Can you guess what they are by feeling? Record your "blind observations" in a nature journal. Try this in the same location in different seasons to observe the changes.
Head outside with a blindfold and let a partner lead you around. What do you smell? What do you hear? Have your partner put objects in your hands. Can you guess what they are by feeling? Record your "blind observations" in a nature journal. Try this in the same location in different seasons to observe the changes.
10. Colors of the Rainbow
(Another great one for fall with the changing colors of the leaves!)Round up as many objects outside as you can. Try to make your own rainbow of colors using the items you find. You can also turn it into a race to see who can find each particular color first. Take a picture of your own special rainbow!
(Another great one for fall with the changing colors of the leaves!)Round up as many objects outside as you can. Try to make your own rainbow of colors using the items you find. You can also turn it into a race to see who can find each particular color first. Take a picture of your own special rainbow!
I hope this list helped inspire you to get outside and enjoy to beauty of Fall with your littles! :)
Monday, October 3, 2011
One Thousand Gifts (part 15)
The seasons are definitely changing. With Fall's arrival there's a shift in the air. While flowers in the garden wilt and fade, hints of autumn's splendor come creeping in-- cool crisp nights, the smell of wood stoves burning. With this season of change, of shifting, I continue to count the ways the Lord is always present, always giving:
332. New year of MOPS beginning--new friendships, connections and growth
333. tear-talk with sister
334. Adam's self-portrait
335. the smell of scotch tape
336. sunny September play date of baked apples and new friends. Seeing the Lord working His miracle of connecting new lives.
337. a tidy house at the end of a full day. Ready for another dawn.
338. Gorgeous sunlight on a day that called for rain
339. the fun of trying new recipes
340. discovering new blogs that encourage and inspire-kindred spirits across the expanse
341. finding a rhythm for the new school year, settling into new routines
342. homemade French Onion soup to chase away the sniffles
343. sweet precious daughter turning 2
344. 3 year old son's sudden and unexpected interest in learning to read!
345. daughter's pronunciation of "mohhh-key" (monkey) and "puuuhhh-kin" (pumpkin)-so hilarious and adorable
346. husband's second interview for new job!
347. tomato plants continuing to give ripe juicy tomatoes though vines yellow and wilt
348. cricket song
349. old photos and the reminiscing that comes from them
350. foot rub from husband-feeling so loved
351. ice cream cake for daughter's birthday. Orange everywhere!
352. tiny new nephew brought safely into the world
353. cold medicine that makes the symptoms better
...more to come
333. tear-talk with sister
334. Adam's self-portrait
335. the smell of scotch tape
336. sunny September play date of baked apples and new friends. Seeing the Lord working His miracle of connecting new lives.
337. a tidy house at the end of a full day. Ready for another dawn.
338. Gorgeous sunlight on a day that called for rain
339. the fun of trying new recipes
340. discovering new blogs that encourage and inspire-kindred spirits across the expanse
341. finding a rhythm for the new school year, settling into new routines
342. homemade French Onion soup to chase away the sniffles
343. sweet precious daughter turning 2
344. 3 year old son's sudden and unexpected interest in learning to read!
345. daughter's pronunciation of "mohhh-key" (monkey) and "puuuhhh-kin" (pumpkin)-so hilarious and adorable
346. husband's second interview for new job!
347. tomato plants continuing to give ripe juicy tomatoes though vines yellow and wilt
348. cricket song
349. old photos and the reminiscing that comes from them
350. foot rub from husband-feeling so loved
351. ice cream cake for daughter's birthday. Orange everywhere!
352. tiny new nephew brought safely into the world
353. cold medicine that makes the symptoms better
...more to come
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