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.  

Captured

Three years ago tomorrow, on a perfect October afternoon, the kind that makes you long for this time of year, I walked down a grassy aisle, in a white dress, and married my best friend.  I'm not really sure that I've ever fallen for the whole "love at first sight" spill, or any mushy, gushy stuff for that matter, but there's something about my Matt that has made my life so complete, even when we were "just friends."  He is a part of me...all of the parts that were missing, God has made whole through Matt.  I guess that's how it should be when you choose to love someone.  It should be someone who, pardon the overused movie line, but someone "who completes" you....and for me, that has always been Matt.  For our anniversary, I'm staying with my parents and Matt is lying awake (at 4 a.m.) in his hotel room in an Italian vineyard...perfect, huh?  I won't bore you all with our love story, I just wanted to send Matt my love from across the miles.  Love you babe and thank you for choosing to spend the last 3 years, and your life, with me.  You have always been my soulmate.

"You are mine beloved and I am yours to keep.  

Take my heart forever, you have captured me.  

God is singing over us, we hear it in the wind.  

Tonight our life begins."

JJ Heller, Tonight

Our Weekend...Full of Goodness!

I think Matt would agree with me in saying this was one of the best weekends we've had in a while, and as strange as it may sound, we spent most of our weekend apart.  Matt spent some much needed time in solitude in Sparta where, I believe, he was refreshed and renewed in a way only Christ can bring about.  I'm hoping he'll blog on his experiences...both dangerous and life changing (hint, hint...)!  I spent some quality time with Levi and family.  Levi had a great week last week (he slept through the night twice!!) and although he was sick this weekend, it was just a continuation of such a great week.  It could only have been more perfect if Matt would have been here.  Levi and I slept in, played, rode "Toot-Toot" (as you'll see below), visited with family at Monkeez Brew, and snuggled, snuggled, snuggled!  I am aware of how quickly baby boys learn that it isn't cool to snuggle with their mommies, so I took every opportunity to get my fix!!!  He is doing so much...he is waving "bye, bye" and imitating "mama, dada, and bye-bye."  I'm now trying to teach him to sign "more" during dinner time.  He thinks this is pretty funny and we mostly end up giggling the rest of the meal.  His personality is so precious...I believe we love him more and more every day.  I can't wait to fall in love with him all over again tomorrow...        

The morning after my first full night of sleep!

Look how rested he looks!  

Levi loves to flip around while I'm trying to change him or dress him....he apparently finds this game hilarious.

Riding "Toot-Toot" around Koko's town

Dinner with Grandma at Monkeez Brew

Napping (and drooling) on Pa-Paw after hard core playing (hims doesn't feel good)