Thankful for a lot, deserving of little...

Thanksgiving is right around the corner-- by the time I finish writing this with a 3 year old sitting in my lap, having to clean, cook and do laundry (ha--just kidding about the latter 3) it may be Christmas. I have so much to be thankful for, and feel like the list is so long, and I am undeserving of any most of it. First, and foremost, I am thankful that I was given another day here on earth. I am thankful that my God still reigns, and lives in me. I am thankful for the parents I had, and the home I was raised in, and the lessons I learned growing up (even the hard ones). I am thankful that my parents instilled values in me, that are so important today. That they taught me how to love, and what it felt like to be loved. I am thankful, that they showed me that they loved each other. My mom and dad are both hard workers, and growing up, I probably didn't appreciate all of their hard work, but I fully get it now, and for that I am thankful. I am thankful that my mom is still here, and fought and won her battle with breast cancer, and is a fabulous example of the word- strong. I am thankful for the relationship that my sister and I had growing up, it has made us stronger now. I appreciate her, and love her more, because of that. I am not thankful that she moved away and left me :( But I am thankful for being able to Skype her! She married a great guy, and I am thankful for him, that they found each other, and he fits in perfectly. I am thankful for my extended family. I am lucky to have grown up with the most amazing grandparents a girl could ask for, they wrote the definition for "selfless". I miss my grandfather O'neal Emory, so much sometimes that it hurts, but am so thankful for the 23 years, I was blessed to have with him. My aunt is amazing in herself, and I am blessed to have formed close relationships with my cousins, that are still strong today. My family, from top to bottom, I am thankful for. From each of them, I have learned something. I am thankful for my in-laws, for raising the guy that I am lucky enough to do life with. For instilling in him, everything I was looking for and more. That they love me, as their own, and I can feel it, every time I am with them. I am thankful that Chad, chose me. That he works so hard each and everyday to provide for us, and to make Owen's future easier. I am thankful that I got to meet Horace Turner, Chad's grandfather. He taught me how to shoot skeet (even though it was a difficult task at first), and had the biggest, most giving heart. There are times I can still hear his laugh, and see that smile. I am thankful that God chose me to be a mommy. That he gave me Owen, who blesses me daily, and makes me thankful for life itself. The sweet and funny personality that he has, and his ability to make me laugh, nonstop. I am thankful for the grandparent's that Owen has, I don't know what I would do without them, and never want to find out. I am thankful for my job, and getting to spend each day, with the most precious kids, who are sponges, and soak it all up. My coworkers, who are caring, dependable, and prayer warriors. I am thankful for my friends. Old and new, who I know I can depend on in a skinny minute, if needed. They make me laugh, put me in place, and I couldn't make it some days without them. Even my oldest, true blue friend who lives almost 2 hours away, that I haven't seen in ages-- I am thankful that true friendships never die. Lastly, I am thankful for all of the setbacks that I encountered throughout the years. I am thankful for the hard times, that I didn't understand. For the "why me's?" and the "not again's". From those I learned the most, and feel that they made me a stronger woman. I am thankful that I don't already know everything (don't tell Chad--I've still got him fooled), it gives me the opportunity to continuously learn new things.

I am thankful for (in no particular order)

• my passion for things I believe in
• sense of humor
• reasoning skills
• my laugh
• health
• my home
• my faith
• my mistakes (even though I never make any) :)
• my strength
• food
• hot showers
• sight
• hearing
• clothes (I know you are thankful I have them too!)
• love
• that I know when to quit
• being free and an American
• the seasons
• hooded sweatshirts
• the little things
• being sensitive
• bonfires
• being me (I am imperfect...but I know it, and like me anyway!)

You are bored, I get it...but I can still go on (probably for days). This isn't all of them....so don't send me a message, saying "what about..." :)  I began this blog by thinking of all I have, or have enjoyed, and am amazed at the amount of blessings I have, and am so undeserving of most of them. I am so thankful for life itself, and everything that it has brought me. I often get so caught up in "life" that I fail to stop to think about it all, or tell those I love that I am truly thankful for them. I am ashamed of that. I knew I couldn't do the "thankful for" face book posts, because I am busy, and absent minded, you would have had days 1-15 on one post, by the time I realized I had forgotten...again. So I thought I would just do it all here. I hope you each have a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you find the time to stop and ponder all you are thankful for, and how blessed each of you are. If you are reading this, I am thankful for you!

"Teachers just teach..."

If I had a dollar quarter for every time, in my short career, that I have heard "Oh, you're a teacher", "you just teach kids all day", "you're off all summer, must be nice", etc...then I would have my retirement already laid out. And, in defense of these uninformed nice people, I understand their point, I get the fact that the comments come from those who don't know, and who have never been in my shoes. But, guess what...I didn't choose this profession, it chose me. And, for that I am grateful. It isn't all rainbows and butterflies, it's hard work. My fellow educators and I work hard, and do things "behind the scenes" that often go unnoticed and unappreciated, but we keep doing it....because we LOVE it. We love the children, we love watching them learn, we love seeing the light bulbs go off, we love helping them solve problems, and watching them explain it to a classmate, we love seeing how proud they are of their work, we love it when they want (did you catch that, WANT) to do better the next time, we love the challenges that some kids come with, and we love to watch them overcome those challenges. I could go on, as a matter of fact, could fill up the whole page with things that we love to do, but will spare you.

We do more than "just teach". The list is enormous, and I won't go in to all of those things that we do, everyday, all day, without thinking about it, we just do it. But, this week, one of those things slapped me in the face. Remember I said, we do a lot of these things without thinking about it...

This week, a former student broke her glasses on the playground. She was devastated. They fell off, and before she could snatch them up, another student came running by and trampled on them. it wasn't his fault, and it wasn't hers. It happens. Life happens, right? She came up, crying, holding her mangled glasses, and even though I taught her two years ago, my heart broke. I knew her story, I knew that those glasses were important, and I knew that I needed to do something. But, like I said, life happens...it slipped my mind, once I got back inside, and was bombarded by 3rd grade recess drama, packing up, and end of the day routines. I never thought about it until later that night, and then vowed to remember to do something the next day. (my mom works at this little girls eye doctor...that is what I am thinking I could do) The next day comes, I run into a sweet friend, my next door teacher, and she starts to talk to me about this little girls glasses (she taught her last year). Immediately I remembered what I was going to do, so my friend and I, drop everything and call my mom, and after a conversation, find out that her glasses were under warranty! Long story short, her new glasses will be here on Monday!!

After that back and forth, and letting her mom know that her glasses are still covered under warranty, we didn't think another thing about it. We were happy it ended that way, but I honestly never thought more on it. But, she did. The next morning, I felt like a 250 pound football player had tackled me from behind, as I was walking in to school, but it was a petite little girl, running to hug me, and tell me "thank you, thank you, thank you, Mrs. Painter". She was smiling from ear to ear, and my heart melted. Her aunt thought about it, and sent us a card of thanks, telling us how much it meant, for us to have done that for her niece. And her mom thought about it, by specifically finding me after school, with a card, and a small angel...because we were her child's angels at school. We did it because we wanted to...not for the fanfare, not because it was in our job description (because it isn't), not for me, but because we knew it was the right thing. I made a phone call. That is all. But, this one single, 5 minute phone call, meant the world to this little girl and her family. And, because of that phone call, I was blessed. Nothing that transpired over the last few days, had anything to do with "just teaching". It didn't involve a book, a test, or data collection. Sure she remembers things I taught her in the 2nd grade, sure she remembers things that my friend taught her in the 3rd grade, sure she is learning things this year in the 4th grade, but I promise you, this will be remembered far longer than those things in a book and longer than anything I could teach in a year.

As teachers, we do more than "just teach" we do more than what is related to education, we are encourager's, we love, we inspire, we celebrate, we pray, we care, we encourage, we fix problems, we counsel, we cry, we worry, we slip food in book bags for those we know won't eat again until they return to school, we wipe tears, we instill values, and we love.

I'm glad that I was lucky enough to have "just taught" her.

Talkin' Trash....

Many of you already know, but in case you don't, my husband and his cousin are in business together. They have their hands in several different things; port-a-johns, roll-off dumpsters, and a household trash company. I know what you're thinking--shew. And, that's about right, but to these guys, it "smells like money" :) Chad's cousin and his family have gone out of town, for a much needed vacation. SO, that means, I, being the supportive wife I am, stepped up to the plate and graciously volunteered to help out this week in the office. I basically just answer phones, write up new orders, take payments, etc...you get it. (did I mention VOLUNTEERED)


This week, has been quite eventful to say the least. I am not sure if there is a full moon coming, or if the crazies are just out in full force, but to be honest, I have enjoyed the free entertainment. I have taken all types of calls, and below I will give you some of the memorable lines from the week, ...I am however including my thoughts during these conversations in ( ). Feel free to imagine what you would have said if put in the same place. Or, feel free to tell me I am overreacting, and these are legit things to ask or say.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Caller: Well, I am not even sure you all are my trash company, but I want to pay my bill. But again, I am not sure you are who picks my trash up.
Me: (well...1-look at your bill, who is it from? 2-what name is on the side of your trash cart? 3-do you just call random trash companies, and hope they take your payment?)


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Caller: I'm not sure when you pick my trash up, it's either Monday, Tuesday or Thursday.
Me: (1-what do you mean you don't know when they pick it up, do you not put your trash out? 2-well good thing it isn't Wednesday)


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Caller: I just need some information on your trash service.
Me: {I explain everything}
Caller: Do I need to separate my trash?
Me: I'm sorry, I don't understand the question.
Caller: Like, do I need to put paper in one bag, food in another,etc...
Me: No ma'am, just throw your trash away like you normally (?????) do.
Caller: Oh really.
Me: (huh?????? what in the world)


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Caller: When you come to pick up my trash, do I just sit the bags on the curb?
Me: (huh?????????) No sir, you place the bag in the cart, that we provide, and once a week take it to the end of your driveway, and we will pick it up, on your trash day.
Caller: Oh, ok.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Caller: Yes, my trash hasn't been picked up in several weeks.
Me: Oh my, let me look up your account, and see what is going on.
Caller: Ok
Me: It looks like each time they have come by, your cart hasn't been out.
Caller: It stays outside of my garage.
Me: You need to take it to the end of your driveway the night before pickup.
Caller: Oh, I have to take my trash cart to the end of my drive for you to get it?
Me: (no...please, leave the cart wherever you please, and we will gladly come and get it each week. no problem. Better yet, let's turn it into a game of hide and seek.)


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
These are just a few samples of what I have dealt with this week. It has kept me laughing, made the days a little shorter, and some have given me a headache. Overall, it was an interesting week. To think that when I started this week, I was more concerned about Chad and I spending ALL day EVERY day together, and that we may have ended up divorced by Friday, more than I ever thought of the interesting questions I would answer, or the stories I would be told. I think I will add one more job title to all of the others, and that is whatever title Dr. Phil has.....I did just as much relationship, and family counseling over the phone this week, as I did signing people up for trash service.


I also realized, that maybe I do have more patience for kids than I do for adults, making my current profession a perfect match. I had Chad giving me looks, and shhh'ing me when he could tell I was about to cross a line with a customer. For example; when I was waiting on my computer to pull up a customer account, and was asked 3 times in a matter of 30 seconds, "are you sure you know what you are doing"--I got the big bad Chad look when I answered her. {Ooopsie} I even got a shhh, and "the look" as I told a guy what I thought, when he said "my wife obviously doesn't have the mental capacity to remember to put our trash out" BUT I won't apologize for that one, NEVER. {Sorry Chad ;)} PLUS, I believe the guy learned a lesson, and probably won't do that again.


With all of this said, if you need trash service, let me know, or call the office....I promise I won't be there next week to write a blog about you, and the guys won't know any better! :)

Lessons from Linda...

**Side Note**I know it has been a while, but, the truth is, I have been busy very busy. Busy being a mom, wife, teacher, etc...so blogging has been the last thing on my mind. Until today...


Today, was a typical Monday in my classroom. We only have 32 days left of school, so we are busy, busy working on filling our minds with everything a 2nd grader should know, before the end of the year. Today was also the last day of the book fair at school. Any of you familiar with the book fair, know that it is a BIG deal to the kids, especially the younger ones. They get to come to school with money, and buy things without their parent being there to tell them no, or you don't need that. Before lunch today, Linda asked if she could go down to the book fair. She was so excited, she had $5, and couldn't wait to spend it. We were working on finishing up something in Reading, and she had already finished, so I sent her on down. She came back about 10 minutes later with a poster. We continued on with our day, nothing was ever said about the poster, she just quietly placed it in her cubby and sat back down at her desk. (I need to note that the poster cost $4.77, so Linda spent all of her money on the poster.) At the end of the day, I was passing things out to go home, and as I got to Linda's desk, she was holding her poster, and smiling brightly. I assumed she was excited to get home, to hang her poster in her room. I placed her weekly newsletter on her desk, asked if she was excited about her poster, to which she nodded yes, and I was getting ready to move on to the next desk, when this conversation took place...


Linda: Mrs. Painter, do you have any brothers or sisters?
Me: Yes, I have a younger sister.
Linda: When is the last time you did something nice for her?
--I was taken aback by this question from a 7 year old--
Me: I don't remember Linda. It has probably been a while. (as I really thought about her question)
Linda: Well, Mrs. Painter, we should do nice things for people, all of the time, without having to think about it. Sometimes people need to know we care. Like this poster for example. I took all of my money, and bought this poster for my older sister, because she likes USC. I don't like USC, but I used all of my book fair money to buy her something, because I wanted to do something nice for her.


I honestly have no clue how I responded to her, because I was in shock (and almost tears) as I thought about a lesson that Linda had just taught me. I spend 5 days a week, doing my best to teach Linda, and her 21 classmates lessons. Curricular lessons, and life lessons. But, today, Linda taught me a lesson. Linda taught me that no matter how busy we are, how much money we have, or what our crazy, busy lives are throwing our way, we should take time to do something nice for someone. It doesn't have to be in the form of a monetary item, but something as simple as a card, phone call, or in our technologically savvy lives, an email or text message. Sometimes it is the simplest things, that mean the most to others. This wasn't something that I had never thought of, or done, and to be honest I used to be good at it. But to be honest, if you are like me, we are busy, living life, and often forget, although not on purpose, those who mean so much to us. And we don't forget them, as in completely out of thought, but we forget to tell them, or show them how much they mean to us. I could tell by Linda's smile, as she told me about spending all of her money on a poster for her sister, that she was getting just as much out of giving it, as her sister was going to get out of receiving it.

Such a BIG lesson, from such a small girl. One lesson, that we all need to remember every now and then.

Give credit where credit is due...

I will always give credit, where credit is due....and, well. This is one of those times. This blog is for all of you single moms, single dads, etc...How do you do it?? I give you all major props, for doing it all alone. I'm not sure I could do it....I guess if I had no other choice, I would, but MY WORD, it is a lot of hard work.


Chad was sick, in the bed, with the flu for 5 days. So, I was a single mom, for 5 WHOLE days :) Let's just say, if it were a test, then I didn't pass failed! Owen was clean, and fed each day. He was happy. I managed to get him and myself to school on time each day. BUT, laundry was sky high, we ate out every meal, and my house looked like those tornadoes last week, had made a detour and tore through the Painter casa. How do you do it?? How in this world, do you manage to work full time, clean, cook, do laundry, keep up with the latest Chuggington episodes (Owen won the TV battle), and still sleep and bathe? Did I mention I slept for 5 nights in a twin bed, with a 2 year old, who likes to do somersaults in his sleep??


I guess I have been taking advantage of the fact that Chad does 90% of our laundry, and is usually able to sidetrack Owen, while I cook or clean. So Chad, thank you for doing life with me...obviously my single mom skills are a HOT MESS!


So, to all of you single parents...KUDOS. You are beasts, I never knew how hard it was. Whew. Now...excuse me. I think I will go take advantage of the fact that Chad is well, and can now get out of quarantine. I think I will disappear in a bubble bath, for a few days :)

When I get where I'm going...

I feel like Owen has been robbed. I can't help but think that way. I knew two precious men, that he will not have the honor and privilege of knowing, here on Earth. For the past two years, this same topic has been on my mind, heavily. I know it isn't a topic that I would normally blog about, nor are these things, anything that I spend my days discussing over coffee, but I do think about it often, and the birth of Owen, only heightened my awareness.

November 12, 2009. Owen was born. Everyone was ecstatic, and he was perfect. It was one of the most perfect and happy days of my life. (as perfect as 26 hours of labor can be) We stayed in  the hospital for 3 days, due to an unexpected C-section, and visitors came and went. During the quiet times one day, I was holding Owen, and I teared up, and looked at Chad, and said "I wish Papa and Grandpa, were here to meet him, they would both be in love." Papa, is my mom's dad, and Grandpa, is Chad's mom's dad, both of who have passed away in recent years. We miss them, both of us. They were strong influences in both of our lives, and there isn't a day that goes by, that I don't think of them. Especially since Owen, was born. Everyday. There is rarely a week that goes by, that I don't make that same exact comment. It's true, I wish they were here. They would LOVE Owen, and I can guarantee, that he would LOVE them too. My Papa, had tractors, and was a farmer....Owen would never want to leave his house, ever. Chad's Grandpa, was the "child whisperer" that man loved kids, and they loved him. I know that Owen would have loved him. He was a gentle giant with kids.

Chad and I both had the privilege of knowing each other's grandfathers. So we know how special each one, was to the other. My grandfather passed away about 2 weeks before Chad and I got engaged, and I found out, after the fact, that Chad had gone in to see my Papa, in ICU. Papa had not been responsive for a few days, but Chad went in anyway, alone, to talk to him. We didn't know how much time we had left with him, so we were all going in to talk, thinking that maybe these were our goodbyes. Chad went in, and told my Papa, that he was going to ask me to marry him, and wanted his blessings. My Papa, opened his eyes, and made eye contact with Chad. He wasn't speaking, but that was all Chad needed, and that was all I needed. Chad's Grandpa, and I had an instant connection, we joked around constantly, and I miss that. I miss his hugs, and his kind heart. I never had the "privilege" of getting a "talking to" from him, that they all talk about, but after some stories I have heard, for that, I am grateful! I can still hear both of their voices, and his laughs. I know over time, both of those things will probably fade from me, but I hope not.

I can only hope, that I could teach Owen about them, the way I knew them. I know that he will not fully appreciate them, like I did, but he will know them. I just hate that he won't know them, like I did. He would have loved them, I know, and there is no doubt that they would have been in love with him!

I understand that death, is inevitable. My parents have never tried to shelter me from understanding that death is a part of life. I remember death close to me, as early as 8 years old. My great grandmother, Grandma Ginny, died. I remember things from that time, vividly. I remember this was the first time that I saw my dad cry, and I also remember her vegetable soup (to which I will rarely eat now, because nobody can top hers). I can still see her face, even though I was only 8 when she died. Growing up, I remember losing people. I can remember losing a close friend, in high school. Cliff Jones, I can still hear his laugh, and corny jokes. I still vividly remember that phone call, after he died. Throughout the years, death has and continues to rear its ugly head. I remember one of my best friends, losing her dad to cancer. I can remember being at the hospital with them, and I still remember that morning, in which he went on to his heavenly home. I remember how crushed she was, and how helpless I felt. I can remember bits and pieces of every death, that I have experienced. And, I think it is because death, is something that we cannot prepare ourselves for. No matter how much time we may have to prepare, you are never really ready to accept it. It leaves its mark, but causes you to reflect.

The other day, as I was on my way home from school, this song was on the radio. It was the day that a sweet girl, who I had student taught, had passed away, and the week, that a good friend had lost a loved one. I felt like everywhere I turned that week, someone had lost another family member, and they were hurting. This song reminded me of them, hurting, and it immediately reminded me of those two special men, I had lost. But, this song, also made me smile. What are you going to do, when you get where you are going? I have a few ideas...

I told you, that this was a strange one. But, I had to get it off of my mind, and get it out. Maybe some of you can relate, and that will make me "not so crazy". :) 

I will leave you with this...life is too short, family means too much, and friends are too valuable to waste any of your time here!

Out of the mouths of babes...

The past few weeks, have been busy in the Painter household. We have gone to the "monsta twucks", we have seen the "cuurrrcus", and Auntie Em, Uncle D, dodo, and bell-bell, have been to visit. So, blogging has been in the back of my mind, I have focused more on staying sane, instead.


I have to say, I think I have one of the funniest kids, ever. He is hilarious, and I find myself, just laughing at him constantly. It's nice to see, he got his momma's personality ;) He has many sayings, that are just as funny the 1,000th time, as they were the 1st time, and it never gets old. The only things that get old, are things that he insists on doing or saying in public. Here are two, that stick out from recent outings (I really need to keep a journal, in my purse, because by the time I walk out of a public place with my head hidden, I can't remember everything...)

• Recently, we were in Target. We were going along minding our own business, and a girl (mid 20's) comes walking our way. She is dressed in a short black skirt, hot pink silky blouse, black sandals, and her bleached blonde hair in a messy bun on top of her head. I didn't say a word of what I was thinking, but as soon as she got right beside us....my precious son exclaims LOUDLY..."she wooks sillwy". REALLY Owen!?!?! I don't think Target buggy's have ever been pushed so fast, nor have I ever had such a short trip in Target. {embarrassed, would be an understatement}

• We went to Pizza Inn to eat dinner one night. We are there during dinner, so it is semi-busy, and there were people all around us. After Owen finished eating, he was playing with his trucks (yes, at the dinner table). After a minute, he exclaims LOUDLY (again) "I got gas, I got gas. Mommy, mommy, I got gas" I heard him the first time, but honestly I was in shock by this point, because we don't say that, so I am not sure I am hearing him right, nor can I figure out where he has heard that....I don't really know what happened after that, I just know we left. Quickly. Later on, at home he said it again, and then I realized, he MEANT "he got gas" AS IN, gas in his truck! My word...why couldn't I have figured that out sooner. So, I could have had 1 more piece of pizza :)

I know, this was a short one...but I currently have a child running around in a diaper and a hard hat. {NEVER a dull moment}

Cannon Balls in the Bathtub

Tonight, while giving Owen a bath, I learned a lot of things, that I didn't know until now... Every night at bath time, is an adventure, so I didn't expect anything different tonight. Nor, did I expect to learn so much.

• Cannon balls are possible in a garden tub.
• When you do cannon balls in the tub, you can go all the way under, just like in the pool!
• Snot, doesn't dissolve...it stays the same. Even when you fish it out.
• Poop, does dissolve, and it puts a whole delay on the bath giving.
• Little rubber balls, that are fun little bath toys....can get stuck in the faucet, and when a 2 year old turns the water on to dislodge it, water squirts everywhere!
• Don't drain the tub, thinking when all the water is gone, the subject of the bath, will want out...it doesn't work.

Our bath nights are always full of laughter, but tonight was a totally different experience. I will start with the cannon ball incident. I put Owen in the bath, while the water was running. He likes to play with the water as it comes out of the faucet, so I was trying to be smart on time. Normally he does this at the end, and never wants to get out, so I was killing 2 birds with one stone (so I thought). The playing went on, and the water got deeper. Hence, cannon balls. I didn't think he knew how to do those, but once again, I was wrong. As he continued with cannon balls, I began to notice he got braver and braver, and began going under. He got choked up once, and snot was coming out...this is how I know snot does not dissolve. A few minutes later, after I had fished the snot out, and he was continuing with his water acrobatics, he got choked on water again, and was coughing to get it all out. This is how I know, that poop DOES dissolve, and fast! I had to jerk him out, and completely disinfect the tub and him, before completing bath time. By this time, I had more water on my walls and floor, than in the tub, and I was exhausted! We continued on with the bath. --Note, I have yet to wash his hair, or body (other than the above mentioned incident)-- I realized that I was not going to get him out of the bath, any time soon tonight, so I pulled up a stool and my kindle, and settled in. The next thing I heard was "I can't get it", and I heard the water turn on. I looked up, and water was squirting every direction, but down into the tub, and this is how I know that bath toys can get lodged in the faucet. And lastly, I learned that even if you think bath time is over, it isn't over until "Owen says it's over!" I thought if I drained the water while he was playing, then when it was all gone, he would want out. Not so fast. He is capable of sitting in an empty tub, and playing for at least another 15 minutes...until he begins shivering.

I'm sitting here blogging, while I obviously should be accepting the "Mom of the Year" award. He is grilling play dough burgers on his grill, and shoving them so far in his trucks, that a surgeon won't be able to remove them. Not to mention, the dog has gone into hiding, because she has ate more than her share of burgers tonight. Did I mention that he is doing all of this grilling, while standing on an upside down clothes basket?!

Here's to hoping that tomorrow night isn't AS exciting as tonight.

A thousand miles from home...

I am not the type to normally obsess over issues. I normally can read about a sad story  or a story that would make you mad, and let it go. Check up on it again later on (if I remember), but it doesn't really stay on my mind. Until this one. You may or may not have heard of the story of "Veronica Capobianco" out of Charleston, South Carolina. This is a heart wrenching story of a little girl, who had been living with her potential adoptive parents in Charleston, for the past 2 years, and on January 31, 2012, she was put into a truck and driven 1100 miles away from the only parents she has ever known, by her biological father. I encourage you to go here and read the full story. It is one that will stick with you. Or maybe not.

I keep wondering to myself, why this story won't  leave me, and perhaps it is because Owen and Veronica are the same age. They are probably reaching the same milestones, etc. And, I know how he is developmentally--emotional and physical. So I can't help but think of her.

When I first read this story, I got sick. Physically sick, I couldn't stop thinking about this little girl, being stripped away from the ONLY family she has ever known, and put into a truck with complete strangers. I thought about her. What is going through her mind? Did she cry from SC to OK? My mind was flooded with questions, and I was sick to my stomach. I then stepped back, and decided that I would approach this with an open mind. Because, every story has 2 sides, right?! So, I "liked" the Save Veronica Rose Facebook page, I read up on things there, I read the ICWA of 1978 law, I conducted some brief research. I  then found a Keep Veronica Home Facebook page. I began to look at them both, for answers. Comparing sides. Of course at this point on Facebook, it is a he said/she said battle. But one thing rings true. Those who are fighting to get Veronica back to South Carolina, are more genuine. They care, for her. They are truly working to correct this outdated law, and especially working to get Veronica back home. Home, as in the only place that she has ever lived, with the only people she has ever known to love her. Where as the "supporters" of the biological dad, are angry, revengeful, and just hurtful. And, I cannot imagine Veronica being raised in that type of environment. 

I don't have a professional opinion about this case other than my educational background, and what I can for a fact state in the early childhood development scope of things but, this is what I DO know...

• Last weekend, I took Owen (my 2 year old) to Savannah to visit my sister. (4 hours away) As we approached Columbia (2 hours in the drive) he had already asked for his daddy 15 times. At this point in the drive he meant it. By the time we reached Walterboro (3 hours in the drive) he was screaming and crying in the back seat, for his dad. He wanted to go home. In his words "I go home mommy, I want my daddy". And, he knows me, I have raised him (along with my husband) from his first breath.  But, he still wanted to go home, and see his daddy. So, imagine being Veronica, and put into a truck within 30 minutes of meeting her biological father, a stranger, and driven 1100 miles away! My heart breaks.
• Bonds are made early. And, at this age, they are beginning to trust. So imagine being forced to leave the home you have been raised in since birth, with NO explanation. Who/How do you trust now?
• Regardless of your opinion of who is right, and who is wrong....there was no transition period. There was no time to let her "get to know" him. There was no time, for him to "get to know" her. She is as much as a stranger to him, as he is to her. She doesn't know him from Adam, and he doesn't know her favorite food, favorite book, or how she likes to fall asleep at night. SAD.
• The ICWA was abused in this case. It might have been perfect for the time it was written, 1978. But, in this particular case, it was abused and misused.

I'm not going to sit and write about everything I am thinking about this case. I feel like everyone has a right to form their own opinions in cases like these, but I can assure you, no matter how much you sugar coat it, no matter how often his supporters chant "she's doing fine, she's playing with her sister, etc..."  She is not fine. She is hurting. And, she will have issues later in life, if her sense of normalcy isn't returned to her soon. And, IN MY OPINION her sense of normalcy is in Charleston, SC, with Matt and Melanie Capobianco.

Like I said at the start of this post. I don't normally think much about cases like these, and I definitely don't blog about them. But, this one has struck a chord with me. If you want more information, please check out the website Save Veronica or if you are on Facebook, then look up Save Veronica Rose (for the side of the adoptive parents) and Keep Veronica Home (for those in Support of Mr. Brown). I encourage you to look at both sides, and form your own opinion. I also encourage you to sign the petition, so that lawmakers will revisit the ICWA law of 1978, and make the necessary changes to prevent this heartache from happening to any other families.

I have faith. Faith, that she will be back home soon. The SC Supreme Court has decided to hear the case, I just hope it is sooner than later. I just have to keep telling myself, that she will come home. And, as a parent, I cannot imagine what her PARENTS--the ones who have been there since birth-- are going through.

In the meantime, pray :)

Looking back, and looking forward.

I have been MIA, already. :) I haven't really blogged about anything in a few days, because there really hasn't been anything "newsworthy" happening here at the Painter house. I mean, we have had our normal dysfunctional times here, just nothing to share...nothing out of the ordinary.

I love to write. I have loved to write for as long as I can remember. Not that I am good at it, but just because I like it...I have journals that go back to elementary school, notebooks from college, random sheets of paper with my thoughts, typed up short stories, etc....I write whenever I get the urge, when I need to get something off of my mind, or just to jot things down to remember later. This weekend, as I was looking for something, I ran across a letter, that I had written to myself, the day before I graduated college, with my undergrad degree...I will share it here.

Dear Future Me,
It hasn’t been an easy road to get where you are right now. There’s been a lot of ups and downs, lefts and rights, even some crazy moments where you could have sworn that the world turned you upside down. If someone tells you that everything is going to make sense in the end, they’re probably right. If there’s one thing that I hope you look back on and remember, it’s those moments that take your breath away. Hold onto those moments no matter how tough things get and you’ll always find a reason to move forward. You’re the best person you can be, really, as long as you’re always trying, and never give up. Always remember, you have to be happy with yourself, before you can make anyone else happy. It doesn’t matter what other's think of you, it is what you think of yourself. Never let someone tell you, you can't do it...you are proving today, that you can.

Now, let me back up and say. I took the scenic route through college. I went to SMC, played ball. Loved every minute of continuing my athletic career, but honestly wasted time in the academic department. Transferred to Upstate, and hated every minute on that campus...just went through the motions, working towards a Sports Medicine degree, but never truly happy, where I was. In July 2001, my world was shook upside down and turned inside out (I will share more about that journey,in another post) but, my mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I took the next semester at Upstate off, and spent time with her. I then, up and decided to transfer to North Greenville, where I changed my major completely--to education, and nothing had ever felt so right before. So, when I sat down, and wrote myself this letter, the night before graduation--the end of an era, I had been through a lot. I had been the butt of jokes, in the family for taking so long, and felt like I had to keep telling my whole story, so people would understand, what did take so long.

Looking back now, and finding this letter, 6 years later, is refreshing--I needed that reminder! I think, I will start writing more letters to the future me...I encourage you to do the same. If you decide to write one, share it with me :)

Have Mercy.

I am exhausted, already. THREE days of work, and I am pooped. It probably doesn't help that I decided to take some night time cough medicine at about midnight last night, either. It is funny how being out of work for 2 weeks, can cause you to forget things so easily. For example, I forgot that it doesn't matter, that all 22 eyes are on you, and you say it 100 times....it does not mean that anyone is actually listening!! Hence, the hoarse voice at the end of the day. I also forgot how serious 2nd graders can be, so serious, that I try and not laugh out loud. In this next example, this precious little one was serious in their answer to me, and it made me want to laugh, BUT also cry, scream, and pull my hair out! 


I spent a good part of the afternoon, teaching about continents, countries, and states. I taught about the difference in each one, and we did a fun little visual activity, so they would understand the difference in each. We also spent a decent amount of time telling each one. Example- We live on the CONTINENT of North America, we live in the COUNTRY of The United States of America, we live in the STATE of South Carolina, and the CITY of Greer. We went over this sooooo many times, that I felt like a broken record. And, I even had them do another activity, where they had to share each of those with a partner. It was wonderful, everyone got it, they were having fun, and it genuinely seemed like they could tell me again tomorrow, or any other day, the answer to any of those questions. It was a very pleasing teacher moment. I sent them off, to do an activity alone, where they had to write each of the above mentioned things, as well as draw them. All was well with the world...here is the point, where I wanted to cry, scream, and pull my hair out. As they were working, alone, a precious one came up to me, and  it went a little something like this: 
Student: Mrs. Painter what is my country? 
Me: Well, what continent do you live on? (thinking I could lead said student, up to it)
Student: North America.
Me: Great, now, what country do you live in, within North America?
Student: Ummmm, Greer??
Me: No, that is the city. You live in Greer, South Carolina, in North America. So what country do you live in? (thinking by this point, he just needed a little push--a reminder--a hint...)
Student: Oh yeah! I remember, thanks Mrs. Painter!
Me: I smiled (thinking, my job was done. I encouraged him to come up with the answer, and didn't just tell him the answer). Ok, then what country do you live in?
Student: JORDAN ROAD!!!! The country is Jordan Road, Mrs. Painter!!(with waaaayyyyy too much excitement)
Me: {shaking my head, beating it on the desk, eyes welling up with tears, holding back a scream} I lost control....NO, that is the road you live on! You LIVE in the USA!! You LIVE on the continent of North America, in the country of the USA, in the state of South Carolina, in the town/city of Greer!!! We never mentioned Jordan Road, ever!


Have Mercy!! These are the moments that make me question my career choice, but they are also the same moments, that make it ALL worthwhile!! I wouldn't trade what I do, for any other career. I love the innocence of a young thinker, and this was definitely one for the books!  :)  

Just a Tuesday.

I will preface this post, by saying; 1- You will not laugh as much as you did yesterday, and 2- This post is really a few random things...no rhyme or reason.

Took Owen to the doctor again....we went almost 2 weeks ago, and were told that it was viral and needed to just run its course. Well, it isn't a very fast runner. So, we went back this afternoon. Whatever needed to run its course, picked up a few friends for the journey. He now has a slight upper respiratory infection, a sinus infection, and a slight ear infection. So, praise the Lord, we have an antibiotic, AND he is not contagious, which means nobody we have been in contact with has been in harms way, and he can continue to go to daycare, so mommy and daddy can work. Don't get me wrong, I would gladly take some days off for him, but I prefer my days off when the sun is shining and it is above 30 degrees ;)

Last night we got to Skype Emmy and Daniel. Yesterday was their first day in their new state, town, home...They were good. They were attempting to cook dinner, and hadn't quite unpacked everything, so it was very entertaining. They seemed to be in good spirits, which made it a little easier to swallow. I am going down, next Thursday evening to spend a long weekend, and am very much looking forward to it.

The second day of being back at work, was a little less eventful. I didn't want to get up this morning, and was in super slow motion as I got ready. I did however take my time doing my makeup, and applied everything completely :) I decided to wear a dress, with leggings and boots. I figured it was a good day, to do so. If you know me...in the years that I have been teaching, I have worn a dress to school, maybe 4 times. It was cold out, I didn't want to be out of the warm bed, and this outfit is very comfortable, so I tricked my mind into thinking I was wearing my pajamas. I would like to end it there, with just a boring rundown of my outfit for the day, but of course, if I'm honest, I can't. I left in a hurry after school, so I could get Owen to the doctor on time. As I walked down the hall, I felt a slight draft...yep, my jacket had pulled my dress up, with every step I took. So, there ya go...my wardrobe malfunction of the day! If they were your normal cotton leggings, not so bad. But, they were more like footless tights. (not as thick as a pair of leggings.) I don't think it is as funny as yesterday, but definitely as embarrassing. Kids are probably talking about Mrs. Painter's rear at the dinner table tonight :)

The One Eyed Cat...

For those of  you, who have sat in waiting, to see how my day went...wait no more. I am typing this, therefore I SURVIVED!! And, if you are wondering about my hair and shoes, well, my shoes matched, and I actually fixed my hair, so I would have considered today a success...UNTIL-- you know, today was a really good day. My students were good excellent. I got up on time, I got everything accomplished that should have been, I got to school on time, and I even remembered how to teach. The day was perfect, UNTIL... On Monday's my students go out to recess with another class, and as they are gone, I usually take that time to make my copies, check my box, use the restroom, etc...We go to recess around 1:15 each day, so keep in mind, I had been gallivanting around Skyland, with a big ole smile on my face, talking to everyone I know, just excited about being back in a routine, happy to see everyone. Do you get the picture??? SO, at 1:30,  I took myself to the restroom. As I was washing my hands (at 1:30 in the afternoon--AFTER I had been happily walking around since 7:00) I realized, that I only had eyeliner on one eye! ONE EYE!! I don't wear my eyeliner thick, but you can tell it's there. So, to look in the mirror, and see this horrific accident....I didn't know how to handle it. I didn't know if I wanted to laugh or cry, send out a bulk email to let EVERYONE, I had come into contact with, know, that I am NOT crazy (well....) but I somehow got sidetracked this morning, and I am very much aware that I only have eyeliner on ONE eye. (OK, now I am laughing) So, I stood and stared and wondered how I could fix it....if I attempt to take the eyeliner off of my one eye, then I risked smearing mascara all down my face. So, I wondered if I could find a black pen, and make the other eye look the same?! Don't worry, I didn't do either...I just continued on the rest of my day, like a one eyed cat. I know it's funny, so laugh.... :) It's even funnier, if you could have seen me greeting everyone--like I am running for president, just as happy as could be. I'm sure they were all wondering what in the world, I had put in my coke this morning for me to; 1-be so dang happy to be back and 2- to forget one eye while applying my eyeliner! I can only hope that nobody except me realized what I had done. And, to think that I had felt so good about how everything had gone this morning, how easy it was to get up and get ready, how well Owen did this morning, how well my students were acting, I mean it was a great day, UNTIL! :) I can't help but think, ONLY me! 


And no, I didn't rush home after school to fix it....I continued on. I picked up Owen, went to Target, and even stood in line at Starbucks. I just acted as normal as possible...tomorrow, I will be careful when applying my  makeup, and hope that I remember underwear, I would hate to have to blog about forgetting that!

It ain't over, till it's over...

And, it's over. Christmas break, that is. I have been in denial and mourning all day long.  Boooo, for us who have to go back to work tomorrow. What a way to start the New Year, huh?! I am however thankful very thankful, that I have a job to go back to, and that I have a job that gives me the opportunity to have 2 weeks off, to spend doing whatever I choose. In which I chose to catch up on sleep, and snuggle with my little man. I am sad that it has come to an end. So now, I will look forward to a 4 day weekend in a few weeks, and very much looking forward to Spring Break :)

Tonight we had the "last supper" at my parent's house. Emmy and Daniel will be leaving for Savannah in the morning. It was a great time, and a fantastic meal. I cherish these times, and look forward to going to Savannah in a few weeks to decorate the new place, and learn my way around. Since, it is my new 2nd home. It was a bittersweet time....we all sat around, and installed Skype on our cell phones, in case we wanted to video chat, and we weren't just plopped at home in front of the computer. And, of course the tears flowed, as we said our goodbyes, and I hurried out of the door, before the flood gates absolutely opened up, and we had to swim home.

On a lighter note, Owen refused to take a bath tonight, without his arsenal of dump trucks and tractors, in there with him, so needless to say, a 10 minute bath, turned into 45 minutes, because he had to play. Does he not understand, that we have to actually get up in the morning?? And up, as in up, get ready, put on clothes, and leave the house...not up, as in out of the bed, and into the den, still in pj's until noon (or, if I must confess...later)?! We have definitely gotten out of our routine, and I am realizing that as he sits here beside me at 9:00 pm, eating Doritos. (I am Mom of the Year, in case you missed the memo) I'm sure the morning, will be a disaster at this house. If you see me tomorrow, and my hair is in a whack, and my shoes don't match...just know, that I have lost all control over the past 2 weeks. Smile, and move on...I promise to regain control (at some point).

Say a prayer in the morning for safe travels for Emmy and Daniel, and for all of us pitiful souls who have to return to work! :)