Gracie and I had fun playing inside today (another cold, rainy day!). She was very silly this evening when her daddy came home. He kept coming after her to get some kisses and she would go diving into the pillows on the floor!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Day 77...
This little face has the potential to get whatever it wants all on its own...but, I thought I would share Gracie's newest word: Please! It actually comes out sounding more like "tease", but it works and I am proud of her for being so polite! Haha! :)
Smiling at the Past...
A few days ago, I was reminded of what I think is a funny story. Does my husband find this story as amusing as I do? Definitely not. Let me begin with a little background information...
In high school, my favorite class was always English. I loved the opportunity to write, whether it be poems, short stories, or journals describing our future plans for life after high school. I liked sharing what I had to say with my teachers and appreciated their feedback. While I did enjoy completing these assignments, they were just that, assignments. I always kept the real stuff to myself.
My 9th grade English class was my favorite. My teacher, an intimidating woman full of attitude and sarcasm, was super quick to call you out by name, then humiliate you when you sat there in stunned silence. Of course, the 25 sets of eyes that were burning into the back of your head didn't help (I swear I knew the answer until I heard my name...). How could this class have possibly been my favorite, when my shy, reserved self was so clearly traumatized? This teacher gave us complete freedom to be creative and always accepted every attempt. Anyway, I was so inspired by all of this flowing creativity and acceptance, that I sat down one evening and wrote a special poem for my best friend/boyfriend/current husband, Sean. I presented it to him with pride and was satisfied that he now knew just how I felt about him.
One afternoon, while roaming the halls in between classes with a girlfriend of mine, a newly designed bulletin board on the wall caught my eye. It was a collection of poetry from the 9th grade English classes and I was interested to see who's poetry had made the cut. I scanned over the names of about a dozen classmates, and felt both relief and disappointment that my latest work wasn't on display. But, something did catch my attention...
My first thought was that some very clever student and I shared a very similar writing style. No such luck. I kept reading and realized...it was actually my poem. Now, it wasn't the carefully "edited-for-school-purposes" poem I had turned in to be graded, oh no, I wouldn't be so lucky. Instead, I stood reading over my "pour-your-heart-out-to-your-first-boyfriend" poem I had written for Sean. I was momentarily horrified until I realized I had no real ties to this poem (my name was no where to be seen), and besides, how many high school kids are going to stop their gossiping/flirting/harassing to read poetry? Still, how clever of him to turn in my poem as his own, and not only receive an A, but a spot on the poetry board....
Basically, what I realize now is, if I had been less concerned with "editing" my true thoughts, feelings, and writing style, and if I had been a little more confident and a little less focused on presenting what I thought the teacher wanted to read, I would have possibly had two poems on that board, and for me, that would have been pretty cool. Instead, I have this story that takes me back and makes me smile, and honestly, memories like these are way cooler. ;)
In high school, my favorite class was always English. I loved the opportunity to write, whether it be poems, short stories, or journals describing our future plans for life after high school. I liked sharing what I had to say with my teachers and appreciated their feedback. While I did enjoy completing these assignments, they were just that, assignments. I always kept the real stuff to myself.
My 9th grade English class was my favorite. My teacher, an intimidating woman full of attitude and sarcasm, was super quick to call you out by name, then humiliate you when you sat there in stunned silence. Of course, the 25 sets of eyes that were burning into the back of your head didn't help (I swear I knew the answer until I heard my name...). How could this class have possibly been my favorite, when my shy, reserved self was so clearly traumatized? This teacher gave us complete freedom to be creative and always accepted every attempt. Anyway, I was so inspired by all of this flowing creativity and acceptance, that I sat down one evening and wrote a special poem for my best friend/boyfriend/current husband, Sean. I presented it to him with pride and was satisfied that he now knew just how I felt about him.
One afternoon, while roaming the halls in between classes with a girlfriend of mine, a newly designed bulletin board on the wall caught my eye. It was a collection of poetry from the 9th grade English classes and I was interested to see who's poetry had made the cut. I scanned over the names of about a dozen classmates, and felt both relief and disappointment that my latest work wasn't on display. But, something did catch my attention...
My first thought was that some very clever student and I shared a very similar writing style. No such luck. I kept reading and realized...it was actually my poem. Now, it wasn't the carefully "edited-for-school-purposes" poem I had turned in to be graded, oh no, I wouldn't be so lucky. Instead, I stood reading over my "pour-your-heart-out-to-your-first-boyfriend" poem I had written for Sean. I was momentarily horrified until I realized I had no real ties to this poem (my name was no where to be seen), and besides, how many high school kids are going to stop their gossiping/flirting/harassing to read poetry? Still, how clever of him to turn in my poem as his own, and not only receive an A, but a spot on the poetry board....
Basically, what I realize now is, if I had been less concerned with "editing" my true thoughts, feelings, and writing style, and if I had been a little more confident and a little less focused on presenting what I thought the teacher wanted to read, I would have possibly had two poems on that board, and for me, that would have been pretty cool. Instead, I have this story that takes me back and makes me smile, and honestly, memories like these are way cooler. ;)
Monday, October 12, 2009
Day 76...
Rainy days mean getting creative and keeping my little one entertained inside. This morning Gracie went through her closet and brought out some of her stuffed animals. We discovered that "Belkie" Bear fit perfectly in her stroller, but she didn't want to stop there! She insisted that Cuddles, Curious George, Belkie, and Mr. Polar Bear go into the stroller together...
When Mr. Polar Bear wouldn't stay at the top of the pile, Gracie got frustrated...
She then marched over to her toy crate, picked up her miniature version of Mr. Polar Bear, and with satisfaction, placed him on top of the pile.
Then, they were off. :) I love rainy days.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Day 74...
Gracie will stop whatever she's doing when she hears an airplane. Then, we'll all look up in the sky to find it. Gracie is showing Mommy and Daddy where the airplane is. :)
Friday, October 9, 2009
Day 73...
Dixie Classic Fair
Gracie had a wonderful time at the fair this evening! She had the opportunity to "meet" lots of animals that we only see in her books, she rode baby-friendly rides with Mommy and Daddy, and enjoyed her first taste of funnel cake (those little powdered sugar covered fingers were precious!). We joined some of our friends and it was so much fun watching the little ones take it all in!
Daddy and Gracie on the Merry-Go-Round.
Mommy and Gracie took a train ride!
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