before I was a Mom...

Before I was a Mom...

I ate made and ate hot meals.
I had unstained clothing.
I had quiet conversations on the phone.

Before I was a mom...

I slept as late as I wanted.
And never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a mom...

I cleaned my house everyday.
I never tripped over toys or
forgot words to lullabies.

Before I was a mom...

I didn't worry whether or not my
plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a mom...

I had never been
pooped on,
spat on,
chewed on,
peed on,
or pinched by tiny fingers.

Before I was a mom...

I had complete control of my mind,
my thoughts,
my body,
and my time.
I slept through the night.

Before I was a mom...

I never held down a screaming child,
so that the doctors could do tests
or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy
over a simple grin.

Before I was a mom...

I never sat up late hours at night
watching a sleeping baby.

Before I was a mom...

I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put it down,
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.

Before I was a mom...

I never knew I could love someone so much.
I never knew how I would love being a mom.

Before I was a mom...

I didn't know the feeling of having my heart
outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that the bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important.

Before I was a mom...

I didn't wake up in the middle of the night
to make sure everything was o.k.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the heartache,
the love,
the wonderment,
or the satisfaction
of being a Mom.

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms in my life
(including my own!)

**You could win something from The Rusted Chain for Mother's Day...click HERE!

fingerprint friday- 35

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says: I can see the fingerprints of god. When I look at you, I can see the fingerprints of god. And I know its true. You're a masterpiece, that all creation quietly applauds. And you're covered with the fingerprints of god.

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints.

Wednesday was my 35th birthday.
I celebrated with my perfect little family at my favorite restaurant.
I spend the day going through over 60 emails, or facebook messages wishing me a happy day.
I am thankful for all I have been given over the past 35 years.
May the next 35 years be filled with LOTS more fingerprints!


Beki has more inspiration here!

wordy wednesday

For my birthday today, I am posting a journal from January.
Jack's writing has improved so much since then.
I choose this one for today because it is extra special.
It has 2 "p.s." messages.

"dedicated"

So, I admit, I got emotional over reading this post on Shalimar's blog. As I read, I thought about how many "letters" I get from my students. Mostly, because of their age, they consist of " I love you" or cute pictures of rainbows etc. I was excited for Shalimar because her note was SO meaningful. As teachers, we KNOW we make a difference, but, to have the kids TELL you...it's emotional!
Last week, our principal asked the upper grade kids to "dedicate" their California State Standards test to someone. She asked them to write a letter to that person.
Today, I found these in my mailbox at work.
They took my breath away.
And then, I cried.

"And I still love you as much as you loved us"...really? from a third grader?

There are so many reasons why I teach...but, really, this is why.

happy

So, I gave a little hint to what my birthday gift is from Ken this year.
On my latest Wordy Wednesday, I mentioned NOT having to copy and trace Jack's letters.
The reason is...my new camera is so good, I don't need to!!
Hooray!
I played today with my new toy, while the kids explored a new park.





While we were walking to the second playground, Jack commented...
"Mom, everyone here looks so happy!"

It was the perfect park evening. We stayed late...till almost 7:00!




I am anxious to really "learn" how to use my new camera.
In the meantime, though, I love that I can take the kind of pictures I always wanted to take.
Like these two, my favorites from tonight:

Fingerprint Friday (finally!)

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says: I can see the fingerprints of god. When I look at you, I can see the fingerprints of god. And I know its true. You're a masterpiece, that all creation quietly applauds. And you're covered with the fingerprints of god.

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints.

A few Jackisms for my Friday.
Just because.

- Jack thought he wasn't feeling good on Tuesday when we got to school. I had him "tough it out". He came in after school and declared:
"Mom. I survived the day. With regular, non-hurting stomach, no fever, and normal breathing."

- In the car, I was telling him that Mrs. Licona would be having her baby soon.
And he asked the dreaded question, "How do you get babies?"
I told him, "Jack. It's REALLY complicated. I don't want to talk about it today".
And he replied, "Why? Do you think I will over react?"

- When we left the classroom yesterday, he told me he forgot something...so, I watched him run back to my desk and whisper to my classroom caterpillars. When he got back, I asked him what he had to do. "I told them to have a nice rest, and to grow a little. And that I would see them in the morning."

- At the re-release of Captain EO, they show a "behind the scenes" movie while you wait.
Jack asked me, "Do they show us this video to remind us how lame the 80's were?"

- A few weeks ago, we went to the Natural Science Museum. Jack picked out a stuffed red blood cell from the gift shop. He's very interested in blood and cells, and that kind of stuff right now.
Anyway, on the tag, it has some facts about blood cells. For example, that it takes your body a whole week to grow ONE cell....Last weekend, he was happy it was Saturday. Not because of no school, but because it meant he had "one more blood cell in my body".

Just a few Jackims for my Friday.
Just because he's awesome.

For more inspiration, check out: The Rusted Chain.

Wordy Wednesday

Wordy Wednesday. Number 3.
Spring is here!

Did you notice...no tracing with a black marker? Hmmm...do you know why?

:) I am so happy about it! Will post more later!