Snow Day #2...

Here we are with another snow day and no snow!  Just another typical North Carolina winter....strange, and apparently, unpredictable.  We had a snow day a couple of weeks ago and I forgot to post pics of Levi's first snow.  His high chair is by the window and that morning, while eating his oatmeal, he kept looking outside and talking about the snow.  After breakfast, I kept finding him straining to look out of the window at all of the strange white stuff on the ground.  I decided to bundle him up and take him for a ride in the snow on "Toot-Toot."  As you will see in the pictures below, he is a pretty laid back boy and didn't get as thrilled with the snow as I had hoped.  Oh, well, at least he's cute, right?  As ridiculous as it is that I'm home from work today, I am thankful to be spending it with Levi instead of 50 other kids.  I would never want the responsibility of calling snow days, so, whoever you are, thanks for the day off (even though i'll have to make it up eventually...)!!!

Levi and "Toot-Toot"

warming up at Monkeez Brew and checking out my boots...

rollin' down the alley...

after mom stuck my hand in the snow...

spaghetti...my favorite part of the day!

Everything

One year ago today I was in a hospital bed holding a part of me, a stranger that I knew I would fall in love with every day for the rest of my life.  Honestly, life couldn't be any sweeter.  Levi brightens my life with every smile, giggle, kiss, and, believe it or not, every diaper.  Last year, I lay in that bed trying to imagine why God decided to entrust me with with such a special little package.  My life has continued to be blessed ever since.  

This afternoon, I was flipping through his baby book and feeling pressured to fill in every blank and answer every question.  Silly, huh?  One question in particular prompted me to write this post..."What have I learned this past year?"  I'm not really sure how to answer this question.  How do you sum up a life altering change in just a few blank lines.  As those blank lines stared at me, taunting me to write some fluff, I opted to shut the book, take advantage of Levi's nap time, and snooze a little myself.  

I'm not quite sure what I've learned this year...I feel like I've had to learn EVERYTHING.  Those of you who haven't experienced it yet, after becoming a mother, I'm convinced you are issued a new brain.  Most mothers will testify that they lost brain cells after giving birth.  I definitely believe I'm more confused and forgetful than ever before, just ask my mother.  However, maybe it isn't because I lost brain cells, maybe it is just because I was given a new brain, a mother's brain.  The reason my answer to the question in Levi's baby book is "everything" is because I feel like I, with my new brain, have had to learn everything new...everything a mother needs to know.  I've learned how to tell time based off of Levi's cry...time to eat, time to nap, time for a diaper change.  I've learned that you don't actually need 8 hours of sleep to function during the day...5-6 hours will do (although this isn't my preference!).  I've learned which silly children's songs are perfect for the occasion...whether it is bathtime, bedtime, or diaper time.  I've learned how to be creative to distract a wandering, curious boy or simply to cure boredom in places that are not child friendly.  I've learned that banging your head repeatedly on a hard surface (wood floors, brick walls, or mama's head) does not always cause pain or need for worry...it is just a way to cope with the day to day stresses of being a little baby boy.  I have also learned how a smile from a bright, blue-eyed boy won't only melt the heart of his parents, but also those hurting from the pains of a sinful world.  I've learned that the giggles, screams, and silly games of an infant will wash away the stresses of work and any other complaints I selfishly dwell on.  I have found a new love for my husband as he assumes the role of father, one of the most important examples and relationships Levi will ever have.  I have found a strength in myself I never knew I had.  A strength to say "no" to temptations that may prevent me from being the best I can be for Levi.  A strength to fight against this world, our media, and all of the things I'm terrified will harm and corrupt my child.  I have discovered a growing desire in myself to not settle for mediocrity.  I want and need to be the best I can be for Levi.  I have also gained a greater appreciation and love for our Savior and the sacrifice God made for his children.  

Through much trial and error, I'm sure my new brain will continue to develop.  I just hope I won't continue to be so forgetful, absent minded, and confused.  Sometimes I just want to slap myself because I do and say some of the most ridiculous things.  Maybe all of that has to happen in order push out whatever clouds my mind and keeps me from being "on my game" for Levi.  I just can't imagine how much crazier I could get!

All that aside, I just want to wish my growing boy a happy birthday and thank God for knowing exactly what I needed when He blessed us with Levi Allen.  My heart has never been so full.  I love you baby and thank you for all you've taught me this year.

A New Grinch in Town...

I will begin this post by quoting a letter that was placed in our mailboxes at school last Friday.  I assure you, these are not my words...

"Let's take a look at the Christmas issue first.  Many of you feel that not allowing our students to celebrate Christmas by doing "fun" things at school is wrong or prison-like.  I want you to put yourself in MY shoes.  I too stress over eliminating holiday fun from school.  However, as an instructional leader, I know that education has changed dramatically.  School today is about growing students academically; rigor and accountability.  We often discuss how many of our students struggle to read, write or do mathematics.  How can making a gingerbread house, creating a Christmas tree or reindeer, watching a Christmas movie, or making Christmas crafts or ornaments resolve those issues?  They can't!  If you Google "Christmas" or look it up in the dictionary, you will find that Christmas is an annual holiday celebrated on December 25 that marks and honors the birth of Jesus.  Christmas is NOT Santa Claus, Christmas trees, stockings, reindeer, ornaments, etc.  Those are only symbols or mythological characters created for the holiday.  So where does the North Carolina Standard Course of Study address the birth of Jesus---it DOESN'T.  And although "Christmas" cannot be taught or symbolized in school, due to the religious context, it can be shown and offered in many ways throughout our school within your own HEART of those you touch on a daily basis.  We SHOULD bring the "spirit of Christmas" into our classrooms and school EVERYDAY; not just this time of year."

Can't you just picture the devious, green, furry Grinch stuffing all of Christmas into his large bag and preparing to drive his sleigh off the cliff? 

Let me begin by stating that I do agree that one of our main focuses in education is obviously the academic growth of our students, hasn't that always been the purpose of education?   I also agree that we should never force our beliefs onto our students.  However, how do we ignore Christmas?  How do we prevent our children from sharing in the joy of this season?  This is our culture here in America.  Failure to share these "symbols" with our students is failure to teach them about our culture.  Is that not educational?  Part of the curriculum of some grade levels include teaching about Christmas around the world.  To this, we were told to "teach 'HOLIDAYS' around the world and to leave America out because we already know how we celebrate here."  Are you kidding me?  So, let me get this straight...we can teach about Kwanzaa, Hanukah, and the beliefs of other cultures, but not our own?  Not only has our school refrained from doing any holiday related crafts, they have completely wiped Christmas from our school.   We were lead to believe that this is coming down from the state and federal government; however, every other elementary school, that I'm aware of, still have signs of Christmas in their school.  In fact, I've been told that even the county office is decorated in twinkling lights.  If it is good enough for us, why isn't it good enough for the children we teach? At my school, the decorations from previous years were boxed up and sent home.  I no longer work at a school, I am the employee of an institution.  Just take a stroll down my hallway.  No more Christmas books, trees, wreaths, or even snowmen.  These educators are allowed to teach and discuss Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and any other culture celebrating during this season; however, our traditional teachings are not allowed.  Hmmm...shameful, isn't it?  

Many of you are probably not even aware that this is taking place.  Take the time to ask questions, raise awareness, stand firm in what you believe should be taught, shared, and enjoyed in your schools.  These decisions should never be left up to a panel of scrooges who enjoyed the smells, sights, and sounds of this magical time of year in their "good 'ol days." Many of our students do not have the resources and/or devoted parents to make gingerbread cookies, sprinkle some glitter on Christmas ornaments, watch a Christmas movie or read a Christmas book.  Should they not experience these privileges at school?  What fond memories do you relive about your childhood this time of year?  Is it what you scored on the end of year tests, what reading strategies you learned in the 2nd grade, or perhaps the 1st time you memorized your multiplication tables?  I'm sure it is safe to me to bet that it was probably none of these.  I remember singing the "Drummer Boy" and trying to roll my tongue just like my teacher...."ba rumbababummm."  I remember standing on the stage with my friends as we depicted the nativity in front of the flashing cameras of many supportive parents.  I have fond memories of making ornaments of oranges, cloves, and cinnamon.  To this day, when I smell cloves, it takes me back to the innocence of childhood and the joy of Christmas.  Ahhhh, I'm so thankful for those memories.  

I am not going to be responsible for taking Christmas out of the schools and the hearts of our children.  Will you? 

Musings on Motherhood

I realize it has been a while since I've posted pics of my 'lil bundle.  He's already almost 10 months old and I can hardly imagine how much faster time will fly.  I find myself often torn between getting excited about his next phase and wanting to hit the pause button and let time stand still.  My baby is almost finished being a baby...this part of motherhood is so hard!  

I've recently been realizing the challenge of raising Levi and instilling in him what God calls me to as his mother.  I want so much for him.  I think mostly of his character and the values he will possess.  I pray he always clings to Christ and does not back down when he's challenged because of his beliefs.  I want him to realize what is important in life and how to spend his time and I pray, pray, pray he IGNORES what today's media depicts as acceptable.  A lot of these thoughts of mine have been building in anticipation of Christmas.  As new parents, it is tempting to dive into all the hoop-la of Christmas, but I want to be very careful as to how Matt and I begin our traditions with Levi.  I don't want him to ever question the true meaning of Christmas.  Most of these thoughts are the result of a recent staff meeting at the school where I work.  I won't even get started on what that's all about....that is another blog in itself...stay tuned!

Here's some recent pics of Levi Buttonfly.  Enjoy and have a Happy THANKSgiving!

Dear "Anonymous"...

This post is the result of some interesting comments I received on my last post.  I never imagined one brief collection of my thoughts after the election would spark so many comments from anonymous readers.  Let me begin by apologizing for any offense I caused to any of you who frequent my blog...that was not my intention.  I was preparing to sit down tonight and respond to the first anonymous comment and then saw that there were several more...some attacking me and one siding with me...I'm not sure what I should respond to first. 

I will begin by clearing up some misunderstanding...I never stated that our President Elect was "immoral."  I was referring to the "change" that he has promised us....I believe his ideals are "immoral."  I know nothing about him as a person, as none of us do, and would not be bold enough to judge him and the way he lives his life.  I can assure you I am not without sin and I certainly will not be casting any stones.  If I came across as "judgmental," I again apologize.  I was also accused of being "close-minded."  If by close-minded you mean believing in ONE truth and ONE way and not tolerating anything other than that truth, then maybe I am.  As a Christian, I believe that the Word of God, the Bible, is full of truths, promises, and instructions on how we should live on this Earth and, fail as I many times do, I try to live my life according to these truths.  When I referred to Obama's administration as being "immoral" and "radical," I was mainly referring to his stance on abortion.  His stance on abortion conflicts entirely with what God teaches us in the Bible and what He commands of us....it is immoral and is unacceptable, not by my standards, but by God's.  When I claimed that "my heart was sick as I imagined the immoral "change" that would soon darken the doors of the White House," I was referring to our nation's unborn children that would lose their right to live because our new president views unwanted pregnancies as "punishment."  

As an American, despite my disagreements with our nation's choice, I can assure you I will support him and his administration....and, as I stated in my previous post, I will continue to pray for him and his family.  I am not a sore loser....I never have been.  I know God is in control and if it wasn't His will for our country to elect Mr. Obama, then it wouldn't be so.  

"Change"

For those of you who are in mourning, as I most certainly am, hold tight to what I keep reminding myself...God is in control and He has always been.  My heart is sick as I imagine the immoral and unpatriotic "change" that will soon darken the doors of the White House.  Thankfully, my Creator is not elected into office and will always prevail, despite how crafty His opponent is.  Stand with me and commit to be in prayer for our country, the men and women who serve so passionately, our nation's children (born and unborn), and for the radicals that will soon be taking their places in our nation's capital.  I know that God has a plan and it is perfect in every way.  He, without question, is the "change" we need and nobody, liberal or conservative, can bring about a change that is greater than what He has in store for us.  

Rollins 1st Annual Halloween Bash

If any of you read Matt's blog you are well aware of the fog fiasco at our Halloween party on Friday night.  My version of the story is somewhat different...

As most parties go, the men stayed outside with their smokes and stories, humoring each other in the freezing cold, while their much more sensible halves stayed inside listening out for the sleeping babies.  Sometime late in the night, while we were helping ourselves to heaping scoops of Lindy's bean dip, the men decided to come inside and with them came "the fog."  Now, I, like Matt, was shamefully excited about having a fog machine at our party.  Unlike him, I care very little for Halloween, but I'm all for setting the mood, and I thought the fog machine would do the trick.  I soon forgot about the fog machine and the creepy entrance it was supposed to provide because it hadn't worked all night...until the boys decided to come into our world.  They, with the least of concern, brought "the fog" into the apartment.  Now us ladies, thinking of the sleeping babes, were concerned about the effect the smokiness would have on the little ones.  While we where sitting aroundasking the inevitable questions, "the fog" filled the room like a blanket and our eyes started to burn.  We were told there was nothing toxic in the fog and not to worry...even when the question was asked about "the fog" setting off the fire alarm, once again, we were told not to worry.  Shortly after the men (among them was the Joker, Ron Burgundy, the Big Bad Wolf, and Billy Ray Cyrus) went back outside to entertain themselves, I started towards the door to investigate this problem they left with us.  About halfway down the hall, it happened.  The fire alarm was screaming and so was Levi.  I was fanning "the fog" with a broom under the alarm, which did nothing, and I kept turning off the alarm, which also did nothing.  After all of our effort, and unplugging the cursed fog machine, the sound of sirens coming down main street caught our attention.  Before I could make it to the windows, which were now open with "the fog" escaping, the trucks were pulling up and the people at Monkeez Brew, including my concerned parents, were crowding the sidewalk.  I tried to shout out to the firemen before Matt made it to the window, because I knew if they were not already angry about being called out to handle our fog problem, they really would be hot when they saw the Joker hanging out the window.  Despite my effort, the Joker made it to the window and his shouting now accompanied mine which I'm sure was very confusing to our rescuers below.  I just gave up and joined our guests inside as we laughed hysterically at the situation and at the creepy face the firemen were conversing with.  Hopefully next year's Halloween party will not be as eventful.  I do agree with Matt, I think next year, we take the chaos to someone else's house.