Tis the season....

Well we have made it 30 school days in the B. home and the dreaded STREP has hit!! 3 out of 4 of us have it and the only reason #4 (dear Mr B.) isn't included in the mix is he did not get tested. This is not going to happen this year. IS.NOt. Weird thing is only Kenzie had symptoms! They were not going test Marshall but they did and here we are!! SO we 3 sickies are staying home tomorrow in spite of recent policy changes in my district. My number 1 job is mom. Although I love being Mrs. B I love being mom more and all too soon I won't get to stay home with my babies when they need me. So there. No attendance points for me when this is all done. Anyone who faults me for it can stick it!! Seems we are going backwards in the workplace as far as accommodating working moms. Just plain silly. OH Well... here is to a day filled with snuggles, movies, gatorade, NAPS, and reading!

Where has time gone??

Last week I put my baby girl on the bus for the first time. I rode to work alone for the first time in years (except those days when everyone is sick and home but I am sick and on my way to work! lol) And she didn't even cry. But I did a little. I cannot believe she is in school, she is 4 years old, and she does not miss me once during the day. This is the same little peanut who would FIGHT to get to me the second she heard my voice. She is attached to me always and just seems very content about it. BUT in school... now... she is queen bee! I love it and loathe it at the same time! I am so happy she is happy and smart and healthy but I just wish I could keep her small a while longer.
Same goes for her big brother! He seems to outgrow me faster and faster everyday! He is such a big boy but really needs to defined my boundaries a little better for me! He wants me to stop in his class but I cannot talk to or touch him. He wants me to help him or say hi at lunch but I cannot kid with him or his friends. He is so funny!! It is crazy to see them both forming their own social identities and figuring it all out.
So... here I sit on the eve of my birthday... my babies are growing... and in a month I will have my 20th class reunion. RIDICULOUS!! Where did time go? I feel like I have done everything I wanted to... is that sad or what?? Where do I go now?? I am still that crazy chick from college... I am still the cool aunt, and I am still learning a ton everyday in my career... so then why is it that I feel so melacholy when I do the math and realize how much time has passed? That the bag boy at the grocery store calls me ma'am.... that the kids who were in my first Kindergarten class will graduate in 2 years and the first kids I taught have ALREADY GRADUATED!!! what?? Again I say ridiculous!!
This post was not meant to lament about times gone by. I do not wish to go back and change a thing... I do not regret a single moment of my life... I just can't believe how much time has passed... and how many more good times there are to have!!

a little reflection....

Wow!! I am already neglecting my personal blog!! What a slacker huh? It has been WILD busy here now that school/soccer/dance have started!! I never imagined I would be that crazy mom who has her kids in stuff but here I am... planning dinner around practices, and birthdays, and games, oh my!! Speaking of birthdays, my sweet little princess will be 4 on Thursday!! HOW TIME FLIES!! It just does not seem possible that 4 years ago it was a million degrees and I could barely fit in bed with my 3 year old son to read his bedtime story! Time marches on and boy is it a quick pace! My baby girl is now a healthy dancing performing, smiling singing headstrong sweet pea! As for her brother... he is the smartest kid I know (and mind you... I am a teacher!!) He excels at everything he does and hardly even tries!! We are so blessed to have these beautiful little people and I thank God each day for the funny things they do!!

Crazy in the Classroom: Twas the Night before First Grade

Crazy in the Classroom: Twas the Night before First Grade: Ok... I know that is an actual book and I hope I didn't break any great big copywrite laws but well... it is the night before and I am super...

Trial Morning Run..... ugh

This is the last official week of summer for the Brightmans. Which means it is a week filled with working in the classroom, rushing in the morning, and getting distracted by a million different things.... Today was supposed to be the trial run. We were going to get up and moving at a relaxed yet focused pace.  No video games, no phone calls, and definitely no computer for momma!  WELL..... it was an epic fail all the way around!!  First I was up WAY too late putting together my new little blog Crazy in the Classroom.  As a result I slept way too late, and was distracted by a million phone calls.  (actually it was 3 calls but they were important people I just HAD to speak with!!) lol  Top that off with a battle about opening new cereal boxes, some wardrobe malfunctions for little Mack, a counter filled with raspberry juice, and a demanding set of pets and you have one frustrated momma!
SO!!  I decided to let Marshall play some video games (I KNOW!!! TERRIBLE MOM!!) while I enjoyed my coffee and vented to the blogosphere!  Now the house is calm and quiet.... and as soon as I am finished with this giant cup of cafeinated heaven I can load the family up without the yelling anxiety we can so often find ourselves stuck in.  Thank God I have the opportunity for trial runs and can make some attempts at keeping myself and my kids sane!!

The last days of summer.....

Well.... one more full week of sweet sweet summertime and it is back to my second favorite job!  This summer has REALLY flown by and each year it is more bitter than sweet to see it go.  I guess it is because with the end of summer 3 of the 4 Brightmans ring in another birthday, and although they are WONDERFUL to celebrate.... it means everyone is growing up and growing older.  I guess the marching of time has always made me melancholy.  That and the thought of losing our lazy days of time spent together!  On the bright side (cause there always is a bright side!!) I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fall and changing of the seasons!!
I am getting excited to start a new year.  Last year was one of the most emotionally exhausting years of my teaching career.  There were MAJOR cuts in programs, we lost some AMAZING teachers, and I had one of the most challenging classes I have ever seen.  I mean.... there were some babies with SERIOUS emotional damage.   It took me most of the summer to get over those pumpkins and the challenges they faced.  Add to that the PITA parents who always just challenge my more outspoken side.... I do have to rein it in from 8-4! LOL The political state of public education grows more uncertain and dark each year, but regardless of what happens at the capital, there are still Firsties and their families who are depending on us to lead them through another year.  Thanks to a lot of rest and these BLOGS I have stalked all summer, I think I have a fresh perspective and some wonderful ideas for this year.  I am anxious about class size, schedules, cuts,  and getting it all done with fewer resources.  I am going to miss my friends and the programs we had in place.  But,  the show must go on! So.... I am going to end this last summer blog to enjoy the outdoors one last time with my own punkins and try to make some more memories!!

The perfect parent

Once upon a time.... I was a perfect mother.  I started out as the perfect aunt.  I watched my siblings have kids and raise them.  I helped them with many of the daily tasks of caring for a child and thought I knew it all.  I had advice and ideas coming out of my ears!!  Not only had I learned what to do from family and friends who had forged ahead of me, but I also read books!!  That was the key!  All the answers to parenting were in those pages and I was ready!!!  I would eat the best foods during my pregnancies.... I would be glowing and energetic and wear the cutest clothes.... I would be bohemian and trendy in all things, and my kids would thrive!!  I would not yell.... I would read to them daily....they would never watch tv... We would eat healthy dinners and never have fast food.... we would talk openly and be best friends. I would expose them to different foods and cultures and ideas and oh my!! I would be utterly splendid and go down in history!!  I. Had. It. Figured. Out.  And then..... I took the pregnancy test.  The very second before that stick said "pregnant"  I was at the TOP of my game.  The very next second... I started to ever so slowly "forget" the mother I imagined myself to be and became something quite different.... I did not exercise daily.  I didn't do yoga (which, by the way,  I had never done previous to being pregnant) I drank pop.  And I cried. All. The. Time.   Now, almost 8 years after that first stick changed my life, we have every video Disney has made.   I am still not doing yoga.  And yes.  I yell!  I even.... dare I say??  I have spanked on occasion!  But there are a few things I did hold on to.  Dinners at the table (even if it does come in a box once in a while).  Some form of exercise for us.  Reading MOST days. Fantastic and LONG road trips to far reaches of the country.  Prayers at night.  And most of all.... wonderful conversations about the things that happened that day.... whether they were good or bad. Our kids are healthy, safe, and they are happy.  Do I have this figured out?  No!  Am I an expert?  ABSOLUTELY NOT! But I don't think anyone ever does... do they??

The Traveling Brightmans: The Final Chapter

We finally got on the road at about noon and boy was it hard to leave!!! The only thing that made it bearable was the temperature climbing to 111 before we left Phoenix!!!  We took our time through AZ and stopped at a few little shops on our way north.  Sedona could be seen from I-17 and it was so hard not to turn and take a detour through that awesome place!  We kept on course and sooner than we thought... we were in New Mexico!!  Subway sounded  like the perfect thing for dinner so we stopped for gas and a sub.  As we were waiting in line there was a FIGHT between a customer and the Subway staff.... over a sub.  It was sort of random and a whole lot awkward so we scooted out.  I mean they were ready to get physical!!  The drive was easy and scenic, especially coming into Albuquerque at night!!   We had a few adventures in Amarillo Texas as... we saw someone back into a poll at a gas station, we saw another "fight" in a parking lot, and managed to stop at every McDonalds that was closed along the highway!!  Other than those few issues it was smooth sailing until Oklahoma.... Now... I do not want to offend any of my dear friends... but I have to say Oklahoma is the HARDEST state to drive through.... or at least along the 40.  It is long, hot, and there are no rest stops on the turnpike.  Also... don't pay too much attention to the billboards on a roadtrip... especially when you are driving and sleep deprived!!!  Just after sunrise I noticed a sign that said "see Clinton..."and I thought... "I didn't think Bill Clinton was from Oklahoma! Let me read further....." I continued to squint at the sign and then all of a sudden I hear rumble strips and I am almost off the road!!!  SCARY!!  After that I gladly gave the wheel over and shut my eyes a bit!!  (BTW... Clinton is a TOWN in Oklahoma!!)
Once we were FINALLY out of Oklahoma (I tell ya... it was hard driving folks!) We were renewed and ready to reach St. Louis! Another tip... and most of you probably know this.... but when going through St Louis... the trick is to GO AROUND!!  We followed my Dear Daddy's advice and cruised right through with no troubles!!  Once we finally found a hotel with a pool and decent rate (props Sleep Inn!!) we took a quick swim, relaxed and slept until 9:30am!!!  The rest of the trip was uneventful, quick, and easy!  All in all, definitely a trip I would do again... but not until the cramps are gone in my legs!!

The Traveling Brightmans Part 3

The last leg of our trip was much anticipated by the kids and us.  We finally arrived at the home of Grandma" Zona"  (short for AriZONA)... aka James' mom!!  As soon as we walked in the kids just went about the business of getting spoiled.  Things were much slower on this part of the trip but we were still all over the place.  As soon as we arrived it seemed we were leaving for a drive to Maricopa to see our dear friend (the person who introduced us and the best man in our wedding) Mike.  It was a drive but the kids loved playing video games with Uncle Mike and getting their pic taken by Grandma Debbie (Mike's Mom)   Sadly we could only stay a short while and we were back at Grandmas!!  We also got to enjoy some more family time at Grandma's and we got to see some of our California cousins at Steve and Mary's.  We ended our vacation with an eventful day at a water park with all the Brightman cousins!! If I had to give advice.... make sure there is one adult for every child under the age of 10 because they always need your attention!  I had a 3 year old in the wading pool and a 6 year old eager to brave the big slides... needless to say, momma was hopping!!

I can actually say I have eaten and drank more than I ever thought I could and I am surprised I did not weigh 800 pounds when I lived here. Between the amazing Mexican foods, the parties with friends and family, and the Native New Yorker Buffalo wings we are stuffed to the gills and ready for home.

Departure is always bitter sweet.  I have always loved the anonymity of a larger community, the new and growing areas, and the mystery of the desert.  I made some amazing friends here and feel younger when I come back.  I am torn between these things and the roots of my Midwest home.  The clean fresh air, the green surroundings, the relaxed and neighborly attitude of the midwest,  and of course the water!

It is now time to get the kids loaded up and head out. Daddy is already on his way to the airport and we are just getting some odds and ends together.  Mild anxiety has set in but for the most part we are all rested and geared up for some more adventures on the road.... lets just hope they are fun ones!! ;-)

The Traveling Brightmans part 2

It has occurred to me that blogging each individual day would not only be difficult but kinda boring... plus we have just been too stinking busy for me to sit and write!!   It has been a wonderful whirlwind of family, fun and LOTS of sun!!  Our first Arizona stop was at the home of my college roomie and dear friend Kristy and her hubby Carl.  It was wonderful to see her and spend some time with her hubby.  What a beautiful home they have!  The kids had a ball getting spoiled by them and we got a good start on our tans in their pool!  The best part of the stay (aside from chatting late at night and laughing nonstop) was the AMAZING food!  Mr. Carl is quite a cook and the authentic Mexican food was just what we had been hungry for!  James arrived Friday night and it took him no time to get into the groove of the Mexican food and drink he missed so much!  After packing up and leaving Kristy's house, we headed out to spend some time with James' dad.  When you think of the desert the last thing you would consider is the lakes that have formed from dams and canal systems.  Well, we were lucky enough to spend a beautiful day on Lake Pleasant with James' dad and Step mom, as well as Kristy and Carl!  Great food, a wonderful swim, floating at the dock, and amazing mountain views made for some great photo ops and some memories!  After a day at the lake, followed by a day at the pool, we headed to the beautiful Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale AZ.  We spent two luxurious nights with James' brother, sister in law, and nieces and nephews!  Again... more memories made and a great addition to our tans!!  Thank you Steve and Mary for a great opportunity!
Stay tuned for the final leg of our journey.... There is still SO MUCH to do!!  I don't know about you but I am beat already and may just need a vacation from my vacation! LOL

The Traveling Brightmans- Days 1 and 2

WOW What a crazy week this has been!!   Last Tuesday, July 5th, I set out in the Momma Mini Van with my 2 little Brightmans, my Aunt Pam, and my niece Shaunee, headed for the great southwest!!  We drove the WHOLE NIGHT and let me tell ya.... by morning I didn't think I could go any farther and definitely thought I should NEVER do it again!  I got a cup of the worst. Coffee. Ever. and life was sad and hopeless.... BUT after a few hours of tossing and turning, I finally got a good iced coffee and my perspective changed!  Lesson #1?  Do not trust your caffeine intake to a random roadside gas station!  Once the check engine light turned off (my engine light.... not the van!) and caffeine levels were at an optimum level we were on the road and smiling!!!  My two co captains were awesome navigators and we switched the driving roles effortlessly!  My two littlest crew members were amazing and really took in every sight they could find!  We played the Alphabet game, scavenger hunted for cows, cacti, etc.  and Kenzie learned the fine art of making truckers beep their horns!! :)  TOO CUTE!
We drove with ease until we neared Tucumcari NM. Calling ahead to hotels was a great idea and we found one with a pool, great rates, and FREE BREAKFAST!!  (Score!)  The swim was a perfect way to end a long day in the van.  After a hearty meal of pizza and beverage we slept like babies and woke with new perspective.  Breakfast at Roadway Inn was perfect and we were on the road by 10am.  The rest of the trip was perfectly uneventful and each time we stopped it was warmer and more beautiful.  I missed the desert and absolutely love New Mexico. The only sad thing was a dear friend lives in Albequerque and we were unable to stop for a cold beverage.... hopefully on the way back we can at least say hello....
We all enjoyed NM but the WELCOME TO ARIZONA sign was the best sight of all!!  We stopped in Winslow and got our pictures on a corner (hee hee) and hopped back in for the last leg of our trip.  Everyone was amazed at how quickly we arrived in Queen Creek to drop off Aunt Pam and then for a much needed stay with my dear friend and college roommate Kristy!!  Her beautiful home, perfect pool and backyard were a great way to end the first two days of our family excursion..... now we all cannot wait to get daddy from the airport tomorrow!!

winning at dinner!!

Most of my adult life I have been less than a domestic goddess.  I have muddled my way through boxed meals, calling my mom ( miss her much!!) , my cousins (thanks Bob and Amy) and just guessing about everything from measurements to the status of various spoiled foods... I even asked my dear cousin Bob to come SMELL the burger I was thinking of cooking!!  He was smart enough to decline and I am pretty sure I threw it out! Anyway, over the last few years I have been slowly working my way up to actually being able to cook.  It all really started when I was on maternity leave with my daughter Mackenzie.  I would watch Rachel Ray and Food Network.  Rachel gave me the epiphany that I DID NOT HAVE TO MEASURE STUFF!!!!  Now I can bring a dish to pass (I used to bring ice or cottage cheese....I think I even brought a bowl of corn to a function once!!.... seriously!) and we rarely eat anything from a box.  Well last night and tonight I totally "winged it" and I think I WON!!!  It was a kinda complicated hodge podge of chicken and fresh veggies but it rocked and even the kids ate it!!  I am hoping that I can get to the point where I can record a basic idea of what my random recipes are and can share them with my Blog friends!

play date etiquette

Who knew that there was such a thing as 'play date" etiquette?  Well, I guess there is but I think the world needs a refresher course.... I am new to this whole play date thing since my oldest is only 6 and is just getting into the groove.... so.... here is what I think all moms/dads/ caregivers should know about play dates.....
1.  if you call and initiate the date.... you host it.  Don't call and set up a date and then drop your kid off unless the other mom prefers it. Ask. Don't assume.
2.  front load your kid on a few things like they will have to clean up a bit before they leave and they cannot swear at other people's houses.  OH!  And keep your clothes on!!
3. Be sensible about the time.  2 hours is a play date.  3 hours is a long play date.  4 or more hours is babysitting and requires a fee.
4. remind your kid that the adult who is hosting the date is the one in charge.  Period.

Very simple and I am sure there are more but given my experience this week, those are just the ones that pop out at me.

‘Too School For Cool’ week, Part II

So in case you didn't know I am a first grade teacher and a mom! This little snippet from a friend's blog really "hit the spot" on my teacher bone!! (and my mom one too!)

‘Too School For Cool’ week, Part II

well.... here it goes!!

Here goes nothing friends!  I have thought about this for a few months now.... I just recently found the joy of reading blogs... and as I read them I thought "I could do this!" But then I got hung up on the whole title, and what to say, etc etc etc.  If there is one thing you will learn about me, it is I am RANDOM.... and more than a little ADD in my thought process.... so I couldn't choose a title about one topic.... I just can't stay focused on one thing that long!  SO I thought I should start a "practice blog" and see where that takes me....anyway... I guess the best way to start this whole blog thing is to introduce myself.....
I love to laugh and make people laugh. I don't like people who don't get my jokes or find me funny. I have an amazing husband and two incredible children. My husband is my true soul mate and he holds my heart in his hand. He is a true gentleman and makes me laugh always. My husband and children have provided me the strength I needed in recent hardships. The loss of my mother was the most painful and devastating experience of my life. There will always be a void in my soul and some bitterness from the events that followed that sad event. I am doing all I can to fill that void and heal from the bitterness I have a huge family and with that comes a lot of love and heart ache. I have a lot of nieces and nephews who I love fiercely. I would do anything for each and every one of them. I think I am a bit overbearing to them and I know I have high expectations, but I hope they see in themselves what I see. I know I don't see or talk to all of them as much as I would like to but I hope they know how important they are to me. My friends are my second family and my life line. I have so many I could easily call my best friend, and again, I have learned a few lessons on loyalty from them. All in all, I am a very lucky woman and I thank God for the love and laughter in my life.  I look forward to sharing my thoughts, hearing your thoughts, and just enjoying the experience ahead of me!