Teaching isn't for the faint of heart.

Another one of my kids died. They found him in the back of his truck dead. As of right now, I don't know what happened, etc.

Dave has this happen frequently. You could say that he is used to it and, to some degree, has unfortunately come to see it as normal. Not me. I worked with inner-city kids and NEVER had anything like this happen. I had to come to suburbia. A lot of people think that teaching in the burbs is easier...less headaches, trouble, better kids, yada-yada-yada. They are wrong. I exchanged weed for pills, absentee parents (because of working) for absentee parents (because of drinking, etc.), gangs (actually identified) for cliques (similar characterstics only not viewed as negatively).

This is the second kid I have had die in the past six months. I don't know what to say. It hurts me. I love my kids like they were my own and to know that one day they are here and the next they aren't bothers me. Then I see teachers who don't care. Who are indifferent about things like this. I can't even imagine. I keep replaying interactions with this kid. Was I nice to him? Did he feel welcome in my classroom? Comfortable? Did he learn? Was he happy? You get the point.

I guess I needed to get this off of my chest.

That's how she rolls!

Gracyn had been rolling onto her side since we brought her home. She gets her legs going and launches herself onto one side or the other. Yesterday morning, however, she got onto her left side and then kept kicking and got herself onto her tummy!

My understanding is that that is early to be doing that! We are so proud of her!

Hot Hubby

Is it just me or is it hot to see your husband with the baby carrier?! With the baby?!

Last night, Dave had Gracyn sitting up in his lap and they were watching t.v. and I thought to myself, "Damn he is hot!"

Daddy & Gracie

Mommy & Gracie

Wisdom from a 17 y.o. boy

(While looking at Gracyn in the McDonald's parking lot) "That is a true testament to the fact the women can do anything...you know like squeezing a football out of their asses."

Dave and I were getting an iced coffee and saw two of our kids eating on their break so we stopped to show them the baby. Above was what the boy, my kid, said regarding her. It makes me happy :)

This is what life is all about

Introducing Gracyn Paige

Gracyn Paige Chamberlain, or Gracie, was born on Monday July 14, 2008 at 6:29 PM. She weighed 5 lbs and 5 oz and was 18 inches long.

New Wheels

After having vowed to never own a mini van, I willing walked onto a lot, test drove one, haggled them on the price, and drove off in one. Call me a poser :) I loved my Torrent, but once you get a ten year old, a baby, a stroller, etc in there there was ZERO room. So, I bought the bullet.

2008 Honda Odyssey LX

Quote of the Day

Fiction reveals truths that reality obscures.
-Jessamyn West