A cold week...

Last week everyone was either at the pool or inside-it was, for some, unbearable.  But, I being one that loves to swim and anything to do with summer, loved it!  In typical Michigan style, we are now back into the weather of spring-showery, cool and yuck!  Benny and I had plans with the Beattys yesterday and we tried to squeeze in one more beach day before the weather bottomed out.  We were too late-but we had fun anyway!

Two more Stars in the Sky....

It was bad enough yesterday when I learned that Farrah Fawcett had lost her battle with cancer. But the double whammy blow came when we also learned the fate of Michael Jackson.  (and for a unconfirmed minute, Jeff Goldblum-found not to be true-phew!) TWO MORE STARS IN THE SKY!

Farrah was our generations Marilyn Monroe.  All the boys lusted after her; all the girls wanted her "feathered hair".  She will be forever ingrained in our memories.  

Ben kind of snickered when he heard about MJ.  Afterall, MJ did become the subject of many jokes with his awkward behavior.  Ben had never really heard the wonderful music this odd superstar had created.  We quickly schooled him on it via YouTube and Itunes.  His favorite was "Beat It". 

Rest in peace, both of you!  You left your mark on this world, that is for sure

Writing it off my chest

This letter is a one that I would never send but should-

Dear David:

What the hell is wrong with you and your wife?  Since the day you said your vows, she has had it in for the whole lot of us-Mom, Dad, Judy, Jay, Al, all of your nieces and nephew and the list continues from there.  She is rude, hateful, insulting and not at all gracious.  Little by little she has managed to alienate every one in your family.  Are we all such terrible people?  

For a long time, I blamed her.  But you allowed her to treat us like the scum underneath pond scum so now the blame has shifted to you.  What have we ever done to deserve this treatment?  It is sooo very sad for me when I see Jake-all of 4 times a year for a mere 30 minutes/session.  He has no idea who I am.  Jen tails him like bees on honey and never gives us a chance to even touch him.  Do you remember when she explained to Mom not to touch his hair because it becomes greasy?  Do you even know the hurt she inflicted on Mom?  Mom-who has been the best grandmother to all 4 of her grandchildren.  Notice that I didn't include Jake-you won't let her grandmother him.  Only Maryann is allowed any real time with him.  SHAME ON YOU! 

David, he is missing out on cousin closeness.  Have you ever looked into your nephew Ben's eyes when you come for your "visits"?  He won't even acknowledge you.  That is sad.  Ben use to worship the ground you walked on.    And I am sorry but Lanie's kids are not related to you and Jake.  Yes, I heard Jen introduce them to your "friends" as Jake's cousins.  We all-including Jake's real cousins-heard it.  Why do you think my family high-tailed it out of your house so fast at Jake's birthday party?  

You should be ashamed of the person you have become.  To dismiss a whole side of a family is a reflection of who you are now.  Someday you will be sorry.  Mom and Dad will not be around forever and neither will their sad attempts to gain entrance into your life.    What will you tell your children when they ask about us?  Or will you let your wife explain it to them?

So.... it is with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes that I must disown you as my brother.  I never, ever thought I would say that to you.  But I am sick of the insults and ill-treatment of my family-Jay, Ben, Mom, Dad, Judy, Alan, my nieces and my inlaws.   I am just so tired of being treated like dirt.  

Signed-Your former sister,

Carol

Summer!

School is officially out and I am on summer vacation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  No facebook status updates for the week so please read my blog!

Time flying by...

This week has been filled with shock waves for me....

.... Ben left the 4th grade and will be entering 5th grade at Meadowbrook.  He will "rule the school"

.... The out-going 5th graders were clapped out by their peers and teachers.  I was not there to witness this but Ben told me that he felt really sad when they walked pasted.  We know so many of these kids-off they go to 6th grade and middle school.  

.... Michelle, my 15 year old niece, got behind the wheel of my sister's car.  She is in the midst of taking drivers training and is now practicing!  I use to change her diapers.

.... A good friend of mine noticed that her ten-year-old girl had grown some under arm hair.  We both commiserated and said that it was time to start that awkward talk with them.  I will let you know how that goes

.... As my students were saying goodbye to me, tears were streaming down some of their faces.  For such a large class that I have taught this year, I have grown quite fond of them and apparently the feeling was mutual.  Off you go little ones-you will be fine.

.... Tomorrow is the 1 year anniversary of the day Maxi was put down.  I miss you dear sweet canine friend.  

.... My other niece who just turned 12 has a "boyfriend"  Ben must have girls on his mind-he said that maybe when he is in 5th grade he will find a girlfriend-Mommy says "yikes"

Time marches on and we need to enjoy every minute of it, don't we?

Almost there....

Wow! Is it just me or did the school year go by so fast? Ben's year was a very challenging one to put it lightly. The expectations in 4th grade are so much higher then the early grades. He received his first real letter grades this year. His bench mark assessments were more like final exams. He did quite well on most of these exams with quite a few As and Bs on them. He made some definite gains in reading and writing and really seemed to enjoy most of the social studies and science units. He was able to experience all the 4th grade teacher's distinct teaching styles realizing that his teacher had the best one. His behavior and compassion has continued to win the hearts of of all his teachers. That's my boy!

My school year was an interesting one as well. I have had extrememly high numbers of children this year with the highest being at 33. That is way too many Kindergartners for 1 person to handle. I will be ending the year with only 31 students. Still way too many. My parent support has been minimal but I have had 2 wonderful volunteers helping me thru the very long days. In fact, Ms. Crystal was actually hired to work with me as a lunch assistant. I feel that my teaching and humanity abilities have been tested this year. I have dealt with custody battles, homelessness, immature geniuses, a fall break-in, an ineffective principal, professional disappointments, mice, ants, lack of custodial care in my classroom, and that is just the half of it.

So.... little boos and 1 big boo-Luv ya-spread your wings and soar. I am packing it up as we speak...