Stop Train Stop!

This post is inspired by a little book I read to Jackie.  It couldn't have come at a better time.

Thomas was tired of having to make stops throughout his day, and thought it would be easier if he could just go from beginning to end without stopping.

After completing the journey, something was wrong because the passengers weren't happy and neither was Thomas.  He missed out on the boy who always waved in Knapford, the friendly cow that mooed in Elsbridge, and the people getting on and off the train cars in beautiful Hackenbeck.

From then on, Thomas traveled not too fast and not too slow, and stopped at every station.

I know this book is an early reader intended to give children a fun and predictable plot with simple vocabulary, but of course, I had to read into it a little further.

Some days things feel really hard going from station to station, and we search for ways to make it easier.  We look for shortcuts or sympathy.  There are days we wanna scream, "My name is Wes and I'm not in this mess!!" (sorry to any actual Weses out there)

But Thomas reminded me that the journey is living for each moment, whether exciting or ordinary, pleasurable or painful.  I needed this little inspiration today, and I will try and remember that when things get challenging, if we got to bypass it all, it wouldn't be the same ride in the end.

Here are some pictures from Jackie's 3rd birthday celebration.  Have a great day, friends!

Same Teacher, Different Classroom

I've been asked many times before, in years past and even now, and it's always the same question: 

Do you ever miss teaching?  Do you miss being at school? 

Friends, family, former colleagues, you name it.  Anyone who knows me and knows the educational path I pursued wants to know if I ever feel understimulated, bored, or displaced because I am not "practicing my craft."  And do I sense that I'm not doing what I was meant to do? 

This is my answer.

I don't miss teaching because it has never left me.  The classroom I report to every day is my home, my workplace, and my world with my family and my children.  Each day, they are my students and they are also my teachers.  I still make lesson plans and to-do lists--and I still don't finish them.  I am stocked with paper, pencils, books, crayons, grilled cheese sandwiches, and anything else that could ever be classified as an instrument of learning. 

I teach music and dance as we sing If You're Happy and You Know It and Head Shoulders Knees and Toes for the 11th time in one morning. 

I coach P.E. as we run outside chasing balls and butterflies, or swing upside down on a bar.  And then again in the afternoon while we're picking up knocked over trash cans and building obstacle courses out of family room furniture. 

I teach art while we color pictures of Mickey Mouse, and then patiently exhale and agree that yes--blue crayon on a yellow table does, in fact, make green. 

Fine motor skills are practiced when we construct itsy bitsy spiders out of paper plates, or when we make Patty the Pig puppets out of felt. 

I teach math as we count the blocks we stack.  And as we eat each Goldfish cracker, we practice our numbers backwards.  We count kisses, add laughter, multiply messes, divide laundry, and subtract vanilla wafers from the box.  It's a unique order of operations over here.

I teach reading and language almost every waking moment of our day.  And it is the cornerstone of how we say and show each other that we love one another.  While reading books together, we laugh and we also cry (I'm sure you're familiar with this gosh darn tear jerker.)

Seriously, every. single. time.

I teach science when we observe water boiling or demonstrate the effects of helium on the human voice.  I teach about changes in matter, like the solid food I served him for dinner greeting me again at the end of its digestive journey.  And then once more when day surrenders to night and our sky is freckled with a million stars.  One of which is named after our son, thank you Aunt Michele and Uncle Rik!

I teach social studies wherever we go, as we learn about people who are like us and those who are different.  A shopping mall is a perfect place to study culture and societal norms, don't you think?    

The best thing about being a teacher then was that I always benefited from learning myself.  And it's still the same now.  I'm always trying to figure out how to solve some sort of puzzle.  And some days I feel like I'm nailing it, while others have me searching in the Lost and Found for my mind. 

But if there's one thing I'd like to pass on to my own kids, it is that you will always be learning, so learn to be okay with being a perpetual beginner.  For once you are an expert, it's time to move on and find something new to learn again.  Like a Lift-the-Flap book, there's always another surprise ahead of you.  Except if Jackson already tore the flap off, in which case--then you saw it coming.  

The last thing Jackie says in this video is "more."  And that could not make me happier.  I love that he craves knowledge and learning as much as I do.  And every day that I'm able, I will give more.   

I will always be a teacher.  I feel like it's just a part of who I am.  And who knows, maybe one day I'll be back in the classroom.  But for now, I am enjoying this part of my life.  And I cannot think of a better way to utilize my skills, my energy, and my passion than that which comes from being a mom.

Nobody Does it Better. Thank you, Philly.

More than two years ago, when Phil and I were blessed with the news that we were expecting a baby, visions of *many things* danced in my head.  But one thing I did not expect was to be staying at home with Jackson for the length of time that I have. I figured I could just "wing it" (HAHAHA!) and sort of cart him around with me oh the places I would go...
Boy did I have a lot to learn about babies, bedtimes, habits, routines, schedules, teething, toddlers, temperaments, and everything!  Children turn your lives upside down.  But in a really really good way.  Most of the days. :) 
 
Just today, we are back home from an unexpected trip to the pediatrician's office.  This is day 3 of Jackie's first time being sick with a cold.  Lucky we are that he has been so healthy for the first year and a half of his life. 

But the reason for this post is to thank someone.  Someone I could not be doing this without.  Someone who drops everything to help me.  Who scratches his plans to go with me to the doctor instead.  Takes me to Walgreen's for tissues, milk, and chocolate medicine.  Comes back to bring me a meal when I'm home with a napping sick one.  Then goes back to work to do all of his tasks, plus the ones I'd be doing if I were there.  He's the one who's often times not seen in the pictures, because while we get to have fun, he's doing the hard part for us.  He's the wheel that makes our car go. 

Dear Philly,

I know you never look for a pat on the back.  You do not need thanks for the things you consider your job.  You are a hard worker.  You are an excellent Dad.  A tremendous husband.  And you are possibly the most giving person I know.  Thank you for working extra hours, learning new responsibilities, hiring an extra employee, all so that I can be here raising our son.  I consider myself such a lucky lady to have you as my partner.  You are always thinking of what's best for our family.  Planning ahead for our future.  I know I tell you thank you each day, but I really want you to know that you have made me not only a happy wife, but a happy mom.  And I so appreciate everything you do, and all that you sacrifice for us.  I love you so much.  Thank you for being the husband, father, and man that you are.  
Love, Karen      

Version 1 

 

Version 2

 

You're one of a kind, thank God you're mine.

Close your eyes
Let me tell you all the reasons why
Think you're one of a kind.
Here's to you
The one that always pulls us through
Always do what you got to do
You’re one of a kind
Thank God you're mine.
-Michael Buble

Pinch Your Dough

I use cooking terms to relate to life.  I don't know, maybe it's because food is always fun to talk about.  Sometimes we find ourselves at a point where we know we have plenty of interesting ingredients in the kitchen, but we just can't seem to figure out something interesting to create out of it all. 

If you're anything like me, you have days where you feel like you can take on the world Emeril style.  And then there are those days where you are just happy that Chef Boyardee decided to put spaghetti in a can.  You got nothin.  But it's okay. 

Have you ever made homemade pizza?  Like with dough you rolled out yourself?  I love the feeling of dough in my hands.  The cool and squishy feeling of a very forgiving slab of flour, yeast, and water.  It moves with your pressure.  If you spread it too thin, you can always reshape it.  If you accidentally make a hole, all you have to do is pinch it together and it disappears from sight.  That's what's so cool about it.  There's really no way to mess it up.  Anyone can do it.  Even when you struggle with confidence in your ability, if you want an instant surge of empowerment, just roll out some dough and experience the therapy.

So here we are in a brand new year.  A counter top full of fresh ingredients.  A pantry of possibilities if you will.  The first few days of 2014 have already come and gone.  Maybe yours started really exciting.  Maybe not.  Perhaps grief struck you.  Or maybe you're still stuck up to your ears in snow and Christmas boxes that are staring at you, waiting to be put away. 

Whatever you're marinating in right now, I hope you are finding yourself well and ready to take on the journey of a new year's promises with hope, energy, and optimism.  You may want to play it safe for awhile.  Or you can kick it up a notch with something spicy or herb-infused.  But wherever you are, there you stand with a brand new fistful of dough.  It's ready to turn into something you create with your two hands.  What will you make with it?

Do your best.  Take a risk.  And if you fail?  Just pinch your dough.

Instructional Video: Easy Homemade Pizza Dough in 30 minutes

 

P.S. I have made several phone calls to the Kraft headquarters just this morning, begging them to please get it together with this "Velveeta Shortage" we're hearing about in the news.  For the love of nachos, Super Bowl is less than a month away, people! 

 

The 15 Most Successful Celebrity Chefs

Thanksgiving Miracle

I thought you all should know that something wonderful happened yesterday afternoon.  And by 'wonderful,' I mean, nothing short of a miracle. 

I received a call from my local library from an employee who'd been contacted by a pet store near the Target where my wallet had gone missing Saturday night. 

It turns out, someone had found it and turned it in!  I must have dropped it or it must have fallen out of my purse either on our walk back to the car, or as we were getting into the car.  I cannot even tell you how elated I was!

When Jackie woke up from his nap, we headed straight to Pet Smart.  When the manager named Danica handed it to me, I was so happy, but also terrified to look inside it, for fear of what may be missing.  "It's okay if there's no money," I kept saying to myself.  "I'm okay with it." 

Danica said she had no idea who turned it in, but it was sitting on her desk and they called the library because they figured my account would be linked with my phone number.  How smart, Pet Smart!  I probably cut off her circulation from squeezing her so hard, then we thanked her 25 times, and skipped back to the car.

When we got home, I opened it slowly and peered inside.  Everything was there.  All my cards, my license, and ALL of the cash.  Every penny.  After almost 4 DAYS of being gone! 

Needless to say, I am feeling so blessed and completely grateful for the extremely kind and honest person out there who turned it in, for the employees at Pet Smart and Target, for Kate at the Mesa Public Library, and for my friends and family who have been praying.

This was such a big deal to me and restored my confidence in the true good that is in people.  This Thanksgiving, I know I am truly blessed.

Thank you Jesus! 

Guest Post: Kayleigh Rinella

Hacking Alert: This particular post was composed, edited, and published by Kayleigh Rinella. There's no need for the police to get involved, though; this was made as an honor and tribute to my lovely parents on their fifth anniversary.

For five years, your days have been filled with joy and bliss;

the two of you became one with a couple of words and a kiss.

You are a groom and a bride,

and in each other, you willingly and graciously confide.

From comrades to husband and wife,

you have majorly impacted the other's life.

You've made your spouse scream and cry,

but on the other's side, you'll always stand by.

Through massive amounts of thick and thin,

you've always managed to pull a figurative win.

An endless love took flight,

all with one simple sight.

Happy Fifth Anniversary!

Love, Kayleigh

Where Does It Go?

When leaving the house for a date night,
or some other "red carpet" event,
But you're used to wearing garments that fit
somewhat more like a Coleman tent,
And you need to get into that dress--
the one you know is 3 sizes too tight,
So you grab your best friend Mr. Spanx
to at least try and put up a fight.
You pop a vein from holding your breath,
you can't squeeze in even one more ounce
You feel like a sausage, but your dress zips up!
(just barely, but yeah, it counts)
And you wonder as you step out the front door,
looking sharp for a night on the town,
Just where does it go, I can't feel my butt,
will I be able to sit down??

The dinner hour is looming,
and you can tell that the children are ready,
For the meal you've just spent 2 hours on,
homemade bread and baked spaghetti,
There are dishes in every gosh darn place,
but the house smells divine so no matter,
You're on your first bite when you close your eyes,
cause you just heard the sound of a shatter.
One place setting down--hey, no big deal,
then you spy from your peripheral vision,
Your toddler with red sauce, a meatball,
and a full head-on-bowl collision.
No worries, you think, just enjoy this meal,
as you pour some more sips of Merlot,
And you say to yourself, I just filled that glass up,
now seriously, where does it go?

Now it's time to clean up the tornado,
there are books, games, and toys everywhere,
Picking up stuff you didn't know that you owned,
And where it came from, right now you don't care.
Cootie is missing 6 legs and an eye,
Thomas the Train is out 4 traffic stops,
And Mr. Elephant that spits out those colorful balls,
Yep, I thought I just heard something POP.
I KNOW I've put this dang puzzle together
About three hundred eighty-nine times,
So SURE, what's 1 more-good thing life's not a bore
(See, Mommy can write nursery rhymes.)
Stray Potato Head parts by the back door,
SOS!, we need to find Elmo!
Lord, please send over an ENTIRE preschool class,
So they can all show me where does it go?

You're attempting a day of spring cleaning,
even though it's sometime in November,
Then--distraction, you find an old album,
the pictures you can scarcely remember.
The hospital room and the flowers,
shots of family and friends while they visit,
And the sweet little baby you held in your arms,
a feeling only described as exquisite,
You smile and wipe an unexpected tear,
in awe of the tiny one you're holding
Cause the pages whip by like a flip book,
with a story so quickly unfolding,
Love that grows stronger each passing day,
and the truth every mother comes to know
Hold on for the ride, cause we can't slow down time,
yet we still wonder, just where does it go?

Keep the Change

Pocket Change

As a little girl at nine years old,
I loved the candy store. 
With a handful of nickels for chores well done,
I'd fly right through that door.
You sometimes see change coming,
but it's unexpected too,
And when it's just right, ready or not,
a change will come to you.

Key Change
All of my life I've loved music,
and I knew that I needed to sing.
At church, at school, on car trips,
and our best friends' weddings.
You sometimes see change coming,
but it's unexpected too.
And when it's just right, ready or not,
a change will come to you.

Lane Change
Then ensued the teenage years, the dances, the makeup, and friends.
New freedoms, a license, and road trips that we never wanted to end.
You sometimes see change coming, but it's unexpected too,
And when it's just right, ready or not, a change will come to you.

Short Change
Through twists and turns and difficult choices, pain will meet your heart.
But debts of love are always repaid, giving more than you had to start.
You sometimes see change coming, but it's unexpected too,
And when it's just right, ready or not, a change will come to you.

Climate change
My soul would crave a new home--with new faces, sights, and sounds.
I went looking for the rest of my life, and that's exactly what I found.
You sometimes see change coming, but it's unexpected too,
And when it's just right, ready or not, a change will come to you.

Diaper Change
And the best things in life aren't things at all, but the small miracles that stir.
That awaken your eyes and provide understanding where you may not have been sure.
You sometimes see change coming, but it's unexpected too,
And when it's just right, ready or not, a change will come to you.

Change can creep in quietly, or can storm right through your door.
When you think you have all you could ever desire, then you suddenly realize there's more.
We may not always be asking, and our permission it doesn't require.
But through good times and bad, in all that we've had, we need change for life to transpire.

-Karen Rinella 2013

"Things always work out the way they are meant to be." 

I have been living by this motto for as long as I can remember.  Every choice, chance, meeting, and experience of my past has led me to my present.  And that's just what it is, a present.  And today, I am so happy to wish my beautiful, wise, and wonderful stepdaughter, Kayleigh, a very special and happy 13th birthday.  Kayleigh, I can't believe you're a teenager!  We have been through LOTS of changes together, and I will always be here for you, no matter what other changes and exciting things lay ahead for you!  I am so proud of you, Kayleigh, and will always be grateful for all of the ways in which you've blessed me! 

 

 

The Mystery in a Masterpiece

Little girl in your daughter's dance class. 
Brown eyes and angelic face. 
A confidence that upstages your darling.
A prodigy in lace. 
Sure she's cute, perfect smile,
her poise should be a crime. 
But does the instructor have to choose her to lead
every single time?

Young boy in a crowded arena
leaning forward on the cracked seat back.
In front of him, his idols glide,
he's hypnotized by the hungry pack.
Back and forth, ice shavings fly,
The thrill, the scores, the flight.
A future star athlete's dreams
any second will ignite.

The child who makes up stories.
The one who draws funny faces.
The kid who steals his lunch money
from the kid with the freckles and braces.
The child who cries at surprises.
The one who stutters when speaking.
The girl who quietly writes in her diary,
and the curious boy who's peaking.

A future president, a doctor
A world renown chef, a lawyer
A CEO, an artist
A business owner and employer.
No one knew as unproven novices
the champions they'd grow up to be.
But no matter how small or great their roles,
would we have treated them differently?

When nurturing our beloved children,
great minds are being inspired.
Small hopes become big dreams,
so may your patience never grow tired.
For you're swiftly creating the future--
what they'll attempt, how they'll believe.
Listen, awaken, and years from now,
we'll all live what they achieve.

-Karen Rinella 2013

Educational TV: A 1st Birthday Message

mustloveleftovers.com

The AMAZING RACE of time took off,
and just in this last year,
THREE'S COMPANY became a FULL HOUSE 
as we welcomed a new one with CHEERS!
BROTHERS AND SISTERS, now one of each 
in a MODERN FAMILY tree,
And our HAPPY DAYS are blessed with BIG LOVE
and 7TH HEAVENly GLEE.
We took on DIRTY JOBS and witnessed many
DAMAGES to our CASTLE.
But we learned to take it ONE DAY AT A TIME
and GET SMART with all the hassle.
Morning comes quickly, I hear THE VOICE,
and I know my "extended nap" is through.
Cause my ANGEL is up and the HOUSE is his turf
I'll soon be calling NYPD BLUE.
With no TOP CHEF nor THE NANNY
we realized HOME IMPROVEMENT can wait,
We're BREAKING BAD habits and teaching our kids
and we're trying so GIMME A BREAK.
Through LOST brain cells and KITCHEN NIGHTMARES,
over this PROJECT RUNWAY we made it across,
And ALL IN THE FAMILY found out the FACTS OF LIFE
(that MAMA is the one WHO'S THE BOSS!)
This AMERICAN DAD and this WONDER WOMAN
had their fair share of GROWING PAINS,
But thankfully, there were no ER trips,
and the LAW AND ORDER still remains.
It's hard to believe it's been a year
since the day our BOY MEETS WORLD,
And when his sister and I take him out for a trip, 
we're left with TWO BROKE GIRLS.
There are days I'm BEWITCHED and bewildered
cause 24 hours just simply won't do it
But THE CLOSER I get to bedtime,
30 ROCKs and he's out, nothing to it.
Don't CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM yet, FRIENDS
because the WONDER YEARS are just beginning,
And though sometimes the CHIPS will fall where they may,
most days it still feels like we're "winning."

Written with love,
Your Mama

Happy First Birthday

to our little Jack of Hearts.

Thank you for "educating" us

each and every day.

We love you, baby boy!