3rd Grade Tybee Island Trip

Last Friday I had the "honor" of chaperoning the third grade class to their trip to Savannah... it was a WONDERFUL  experience... I loved it!  Seeing children see the ocean and sand for the first times in their lives was something I will never forget....

I took pictures of the children I was with... forgive me if my child shows up more than any other... I am only tagging the teachers on the trip.  If you want to tag your children, just add your name to the comments section. My favorite pictures are the ones on the way home!!!

Hang out with Smart People!

     This blog is for my children... I have said it time and time again I want them to always have my thoughts written down so they can come back to what I think about certain things.... My advice for them tonight is HANG OUT WITH SMART PEOPLE!  I decided to latch on to a smart person a few years ago... and look where she got me! 
     When I moved back to Lincolnton in 2007, I took a job as a special education teacher.  I had no background in the strategies, the techniques, the laws.... but once I got in the classroom with the special education students I realized they are just like everyone else.  More than once I have shared with parents that the special needs children are just like the "normal" kids in so many ways... it's my job to find their strengths and improve their weaknesses using those strengths. It's no different with any child.  I loved being with them... I loved seeing those light bulbs come on... I loved pushing them and making them see that they could do anything!  In 2010, I had a visit from Marie and she praised me for doing a great job.... she was very specific... she said I had tried to complete IEPs correctly, she told me I was organized, and she told me that I should apply for the job that she was about to vacate.  I was taken by complete surprise because I had never been given such a compliment in all my years of teaching.  After talking with her during my planning period, I let her talk me into applying for the job.  I hung on her sweet comments to me and hoped for the best.  She gave me a confidence that I had lacked.  Not hearing that anyone believes in you, or thinks you are doing a good job, or that you are making a difference...is anything but easy.  I had worked in four school systems and nothing had ever made me feel as good as her words to me.  They were genuine, they were honest, and they were from her heart.  I took the job when it was offered to me... and she left me high and dry for another place! 
     The next year was one of learning for me professionally and personally.  She was not with me, but she had given me the confidence to do something that I would have never even considered.  I often wanted to hurt her that year for putting me through that, but I survived and counted down the days to be back in the classroom...swearing I would never leave again.  The next year I was back in the classroom and loved it more than I ever had before.  And then.... I had a message to come "look at" some reading materials to use for an intervention. As I sat on the floor and looked through materials she came and sat down.  I immediately got tears in my eyes because I knew what was coming... I knew that I was being let go due to funding.  She smiled that big smile and told me that wasn't why I was there.  The next few months were  a whirlwind, but she helped me gain the confidence to apply for a job that I would have never, ever considered in a million years.
     Marie pushed me... she did just what good teachers do... they see something in a student and they push... many times I have said she was trying to get blood out of  a turnip.  I could never thank her enough for suggesting  to me to apply for the job I have now... and I could never have made it these two years without her advice, her knowledge, and her experiences to share with me.  I write all this to say that my children will forever be able to thank her for the impact she made on their mama's life. 
     Professionally, I have grown.... I have learned and gained a confidence with her standing by me through every thought, idea (sometimes crazy), and situation I have had to deal with.  That says a lot... but I want to share what she has done for me personally.  She probably knows more about the past two years of my life more than anyone else except Mark.  We have had talks about being mothers, our children and their accomplishments and needs, and our beliefs.   She amazes me weekly with her thought process and knowledge.  She ranks up there with the top five smartest people I know!  She has perspectives that I would never think of and she has a precious gift of delivering those thoughts in a way that makes one feel like they are more special than anyone else in the world to her.  KB and Ben... you owe so much to her....
     It had been a hard day.... I went to her office with the stress of cheerleading, teaching, going back to school, and the new job of special education director.  I knew I could talk to her... I knew she would make me feel better... I shared that I was overwhelmed... something had to go... my children never saw me... I was living day by day and struggling with every aspect of my life.  I told her I wanted to give something up... I thought she would be so disappointed in me for not being able to do it all.... She did it all... she was a working mother with lots of responsibilities... people do it all the time.  But as I sat there that day, she gave me a peace like I had never felt about a situation.  She told me the story of Merritt and how she ended up graduating early.  My chest got tight as I thought about KB and how she might do the same thing.  Marie's words to me have impacted my life tremendously.  She told me that this time is precious with my children and I can't ever get it back.  I came home that day and knew I would give it all up.  It's the best decision I have ever made in my career. 
     Marie constantly compliments me on KB and tells me how beautiful she is... how sweet she is... and shows she has a genuine love for my child.  Many times our conversations lead to tears in our eyes, and for that, I will always love her.  Last year around Christmas I was struggling with a gift for Ben... she smiled as she talked about Taylor and Blaine and suggested I get some art supplies.  She also thought building airplanes would be fun for him.  She doesn't really know my children, but she has listened to me talk about them and comes up with perfect ideas for them.  Her idea of me staying home part time is the best, but her Christmas ideas are good too!
     I sit here tonight with hundreds of stories that I could tell with advice, care, and concern by her for so many people in our community.   I feel like I am losing my foundation at work.  She is leaving me without all the knowledge she has... her advice... her viewpoints.... I'm sure we need to replace the carpet between our offices because I have worn it out asking her questions.  Marie, thank you for giving me confidence, having great ideas for me to try,  giving me more time with my children, and most of all for being a friend who I can trust with my deepest fears and secrets!  No eligibility meeting will ever be the same without your descriptions of the children that prove your love for the them immediately... you care for them like no other educator I have ever met.  And even though you haven't been in the classroom in years... I want you to know that I was your last student and while I may not be the valedictorian... you did a good job because you have pushed me, made me think, and given me an opportunity at a career that I never would have dreamed of!  Thanks for everything! 
     I wish you the best and hope you and Steve put more miles on the bikes than the car!  Just teasing... enjoy the grandbaby, the retirement, and keep your phone on!!!! 

Mother's Day.... a little early....

     Tomorrow I am spending the day in Savannah with Ben's third grade class and I have so many things on my calendar for the weekend.... I may not have time to even take a shower... So tonight... I need to write about mothers....

     We are just getting home from an awards ceremony in Augusta at Georgia Regents University Augusta... I don't think they have changed the name again.... I was recognized as the Outstanding Graduate for the 2013-2014 school year in Educational Leadership... The past two years I completed the program to get an add on Masters and an Educational Specialist degree in Ed. Leadership.... While I have some new letters that I can add at the end of my name, I'm not really sure I was the one who deserved the award.  When I found out in February that I was nominated and then later chosen, I was somewhat embarrassed and only told my closest peeps because I have complained so much about having to go back to school.  The state of Georgia really has teachers in a bind about furthering their education because unless you have the position... you can't enter the program... and neither can you be paid for it if someone did let you in.  The state gave me five years to complete the program... I only took two.  And that... is where mothers come in... specifically my own....
     Tonight... Mama should have gotten an award.  Let's see.... the past two years have been filled with her taking KB to tumbling, dance, and the orthodonist.... Ben has had ball practices and games.... I have had to be out of town and numerous other things that she has had to do to help us survive.  Her short order kitchen, her washing machine, her taxi services, and her smiling face no matter what time I pick up my children is always available.  She is simply amazing... she runs all week... and then she fixes lunch for no less than fourteen of us on Sundays.  We all enjoy going to her house two to three times a week for ice cream.  Just last night Ben asked one of his friends if he wanted to go to Jane's and get ice cream.... his friend said, "I don't know where that is!".  Ben quickly responded that she had an ice cream refrigerator.... I really think the child thought we were going to a store! 
     My entire life I have heard Mama say that she wasn't leaving us anything when she died... she was going to use the money to educate us while she was alive.  I think she forget to give me any money for the Masters and six year, but I learned a lot more when I had to pay for it myself.  Often when I ask her what her biggest regret is... she says she wished she had finished college... with all the help she has given Jim and me... she deserves a diploma.  I can't thank her enough for making me finish... making me do things that I didn't enjoy .... and making me do things that I didn't like.... she taught me the value of doing the right thing even though it wasn't what I really wanted at the time . 
     I can hear her sometimes when I am talking to KB and Ben... I sound just like her... I know I will never be able to fill her shoes... I was truly a princess growing up... I still think I just got on the wrong track at some point and I have a crown somewhere waiting on me.... She fed me breakfast in bed until I got married, picked up the three outfits off the floor that I decided not to wear for the day, and packed my lunch.... boy did I miss her immediately when I moved to Greenville.  I have never once called and asked her to keep my children that she didn't say yes.... She does so much for me... she has my back 100 percent of the time... and the older I get... I realize just how right she is.... I get my non-filter statements from her and daddy, but I like to think that I got just enough of her southern charm to throw in a "Bless Your Heart" to cover up my true thoughts of you! 
     This Mother's Day is special to me because I am beyond thrilled to be finished with school... and I know I could have never done this without her support. My gift that I have for this year is time.... my heart hurts to think that KB will be going to high school next year.  She has made it through the middle school years coming out on top in even the worst situations.... I can't wait to see what is in store for her the next four years.... It saddens me to think that in four years I will be preparing for her graduation from high school... These last fourteen years have flown by and I don't want to miss a second of her life.  I want to be the support for her like Mama was for me.... except maybe the breakfast in bed part.   Ben hugged my neck tonight and told me he was proud of me.... I'd like to think that he knew to say that because I try to tell him as often as I can.... Thanks "Jane" for being here for us... we couldn't survive without you!  Happy Mother's Day! 

I'm Done, It's Over, Finally Finished

    Dear Katie Britt and Ben,
          Two years ago I accepted a job that required me to go back to school.  I feel like I have missed two years of your lives.... I have missed ballgames, events, practices, suppertime, and even bedtimes.  I hope that you won't look back on these two years and think of the times I wasn't there... but you will look back and see that I committed to something and I followed through with it.  I can't thank you enough for being good students that don't require a lot of time at home dealing with homework.  I can't thank you enough for letting Jane and Mimi stand in for me when I can't be there.  I can't thank you enough for knowing that if you didn't have anything for lunch in the refrigerator you liked... you would make do with something until I could get to the grocery store. 
          I have learned many things in my experience, but most importantly, I learned that spending time with each of you makes me love you more.  I love our suppertime game of "what did you do" and how it's grown from one word/one sentence to needing a time limit because of the details.  I love our nights of giggling watching "Andy Grif" and "Survivor".  I love our goodbye kisses in the morning that sometimes were the first and last time I would see you all day. Thanks to both of you for being understanding and sacrificing for me to go back to school.  I hope you look back one day and know how much I love you! 
         I'm so proud of both of you.  You have both blessed me this year with your hearts and actions.  We learned that sometimes making mistakes helps us grow... makes us better... makes us human!   KB - you amaze me everyday and I hope you will continue to strive in reaching your goals.  Ben- I can't think of anything that makes me happier than to see you be rough and tough on a court or field and then come to hold my hand and tell me you love me.  Sweet words to my ears make my heart melt. 
         I know both of you are excited that I can finally do something besides "finish a paper" or "read" when you ask to go somewhere.... Look out world cause here we come!  I promised each of you that this would be it and I wouldn't go back to school and leave you anymore.... I have been finished for a few days now... and I don't miss it, but I am now considering heading to Clemson in a few years to get my doctorate.... KB... can I room with you?  I know you need me to be there with you!  :)  I'll just wait until you go to start on that!  

          Get ready for wheels on your butts and keep your bags packed.... we are going to be in the road and away from this computer to celebrate NO MORE SCHOOL FOR ME!!!! 

Love,

Mama

"Coarch Campbell" Only Boo-ma could say it like that!

     From the time we moved back to Lincolnton, "Coarch Campbell" was a part of my family's life.  My granddaddy used to play setback in the winter months on Monday nights.... and as Boo-ma would say, "Coarch Campbell" was coming to play.  He was half the age of all the men, but they loved having him be a part of their group.  When Har died, my daddy replaced him and became part of the "Setback Club".  Several times a year, these men would come to the house and play cards.... but mostly, they would eat and talk.  That is when I learned that men gossip way more than women.  I wasn't allowed around the table, but I could come into the kitchen and snack.  Each of these men held a special place in my heart. 
     Jim and Guille were a part of the Red Devil teams when they were in high school.  Neither of them were outstanding, but both of them learned discipline under this hard-core coach.  They never gave up, they never quit, and they never felt like they weren't the best.  They stood on the sidelines just as proud as if they were the star running back or quarterback.  They didn't get much playing time, but they learned a lot from the experience.  I don't think either of them would have changed the way things were done back then. 
     As I grew older and got to high school, my dream was to cheer for the Red Devils.  I was fortunate enough to cheer for three state championship teams.  Even though we were not good my senior year, none of the games were as memorable as the first lost to Washington in fourteen years.  I remember standing outside the locker room crying and Coach Campbell came up to me and said, "I'm sorry Monkey! It's my fault".  And that  is who he is.... he always blamed himself. 
     My favorite class my senior year was being his aide 6th period.  I am sure each week when I typed up the play card to be laminated he would get a chuckle at the misspelled letters and plays.  I remember him leaning over me at my desk telling me that is supposed to be an L meaning go left... he was trying to teach me the game... I still don't know it!  Back in the "good ole days"... all the 6th period aides would run to the drugstore and get a snack, play spades in his office, and hide out from our real duties.  We all loved coming to his office.  The morning after the athletic banquet when I was crushed I didn't get an award, he called me to his office and sat me on the couch.  He looked me in the eye and said, " I know you are hurt, but I want you to realize this isn't everything.  You are going to be rewarded one day for your hardwork.  I want you to think about what is important.  Look at my situation right now and think about how hard it is.  This really isn't that important and you are going to be much better because of this."  Coach Campbell's family had just been through a tragic event.  His nephew was paralyzed in a car accident and the other one was killed.  He taught me perspective that morning.  He taught me that I needed to focus on other things.  He taught me that I needed to get back up after being punched in the gut.  I chuckle now to think about that night.  Everything happens for a reason, and I have been rewarded tenfold in my life.  While it hurt then, I know that the experience has made me a fighter for what I want.  It also taught me perspective.
     After graduating college and working for two years, Mark decided we needed to move to Greenville.  The week after I found out, it just so happened that Coach Campbell was sitting at the table playing cards when I told him.  As soon as he went on break, he picked up the phone and started calling all his South Carolina buddies to find me a job.  His heart is bigger than most, and I think the older he has gotten... his heart has grown more and more.  Some may see that as a fault.... that he wants everyone to be happy.... but I see it as love.  It's true... when you talk to him... he listens, he understands, and he cares.  But... he will always take the opportunity to hear the other side as well.  I have seen it many times with the kids.  Some that I thought should be hung up by their toes... he always knows more to the story.  I have especially learned this the past two years.  He doesn't write people off.... he gives chances... he gives learning opportunities...and he gives them a chance to do right.  His heart is big! 
     I feel blessed to have been his student, his co-worker, and his friend.  He has supported me when no one else has.  I will miss his five minute voice messages, his scribble-scrabble writing of notes on folders and envelopes, his twenty minute conversations to tell me a one minute thing.... but most importantly, I will miss his guidance.  I feel sure I will still have to call him to ask if this is right or wrong in a situation, but I'll try my best to keep those limited to my own children. 
     Thank you Coach Campbell for being special to my family while I was growing up, to my family now... and for being a "hero" to my children.  I am not sure who will replace you, but I feel sure that they will never be able to pick up a cell phone, swerve all over the high school parking lot missing cars, and drive like you do while trying to answer.  I will keep check on them out of my window at the board office... they will never be as good as you doing it though! 

#Springbreak2014

Who has time to write a blog?  Not me... Who has time for pictures?  Not me....  A few hashtags to remember Spring Break 2014 by....

#ClemsonBaseball
#BravesGame
#Bensdrvisit
#Mastersforallofus
#CharlesTutt
#dogsintheback
#visitsfromfriends
#nonapsthisweek
#mamasalmostdonewithschooldance
#cleaningout
#nomorelinesonthecarpet
#icecreamatbutchandjanes
#familytime
#survivor
#blessed

Amen... Thank you God for a beautiful week!  I'm so excited it's the end of the school year!  I'm so excited that stupid test the children have to take is almost here and will be over with... I'm thrilled that spring is here.... I love the fun of the next five weeks!  So many good things to look forward to for us!