Why does everyone I went to high school with look so old??

Ok, last night Alex and I went to the 2008 CNE alumni basketball game. Although I get to see lots of people I went to school with living and teaching here in the district, a few showed up who I haven't seen since high school. I am always amazed at how old they look. How is that possible when I look exactly the same?!? Seriously, a few of those dreamy guys DID NOT AGE WELL!! And don't get me started on the noises that were made when the old guys hit the court! Luckily they had 2 paramedics already there on the sideline.

I think next year they should think about something less strenuous like Texas Hold 'Em. Then we all can play and no one has to go to the hospital!

We've come a long way...

Today I started a novel unit in class on The Watson's Go To Birmingham-1963. Anyone who knows me knows it is one of my favorites. It centers around an African-American family in 1963 who decided to escape the cold of winter in Michigan to visit family in Alabama. The book is funny and has lots of references to the civil rights events of the time. Our kids have been learning about Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks since preschool so I assumed they had some kind times.

Today in the story they reference the "Colored Only" restrooms in the south. After watching the student's reaction during the chapter, I asked them later what they thought it meant. They really thought about it. They had that look like they had some kind of idea of what it meant. Finally, my student who happens to be biracial raised her hand. I thought to myself that if anyone knew she would. Her answer was, "That means they painted the bathroom a different color." The funny thing is that everyone in class agreed with her.

I think back to that famous speech of Dr. King where he mentions the dream of his children being judged by the strength of their character rather than the color of their skin. I have thought all day and wondered if it is progress or pathetic that our children have no idea about such recent history. I am going with progress. I went to the library tonight and got a few picture books on the civil rights. I am not sure kids can begin to understand what happened in the 60's before 4th grade. I am 37 and just now getting it. As I looked as those pictures I wonder if I would have had the courage to march, sit, and speak out. I think about the Little Rock 9 and wonder if could have sent my sons and daughters to school in such hatred. I honestly don't know. I hope I would.

Thank you to all those who made it possible for my children to have no idea what all this is about!

Seriously....

How cute is this!?!?!?!?!

For those who love snow days...

I think I might have found someone who likes snow days more than me!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sUL0KCIc48

Green for Good!!

Through the misfortune of a dear friend I was able to go and see Wicked last night. It was so very, very, very, very, very good!!! I am a huge fan of musicals and this one was wonderful! It had something for everyone. It took great story of Gregory Maguire's book and changed the sad, depressing stuff. It is a great story about friendship. I loved it! Thank you Mr. Y. for okaying me to go right away!!!

Pick your candidate

A friend sent me this website. You answer 28 questions and it gives you the presidential candidates that best match your beliefs. Accurate or not, it is a great conversation starter. Try it out and see what you think...

http://www.votehelp.org

That's my kid!!

Today was a quite a "Mom" day for me. I went from completely embarrassed to completely proud, all in about an hours time. Let's start with the embarrassing moment...

This was week 2 of rehearsals for The Music Man. The kids put in a good hour and 1/2 of practice. Next week they begin practicing with the "big kids" at 11:00 on Saturdays instead of the 1:00 practices they have had this last 2 weeks. Abby, who hasn't said 2 words at rehearsals, raises her hand when they announced the change in times and says, "Ummm, I don't think I can make it on time next week, I sleep until 11:00 on Saturdays." Needless to say she'll be getting up early from now on.

Then we move to Alex. He had a big game against a big rival, Western Brown. This was the most aggressive team we have played this year. They were all over the place. They were also screamers and would yell in our guys face every time we would try and make a shot. Alex scored 2 baskets and 2 foul shots and played in the game even though he was hurt. We were very happy to beat them by 29 points! Everyone was looking for Alex at the end of the game to congratulate him on his great game. After being with the same team for three years, we have become quite the family. The other parents were just as proud of Alex as we were.

It was a fun day!!